Kadyrov Declares Right to Run for Russian Presidency

The leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has declared that he has the right to run as a candidate for the presidency of Russia, but he will not do so, as "it is practically impossible to lead the country after Vladimir Putin." Kadyrov made these statements during a press conference summarizing the year.

"I am a citizen of Russia, I have the right. Others can, but why can’t Chechens? Of course, they can," he stated.

Time and again, Kadyrov has expressed his loyalty to Putin, considering himself a loyal follower ready to execute any order from him. He has even suggested that Putin should be made the lifelong president of Russia.