Kadyrov Promises to Avenge

Ramzan Kadyrov has declared "blood vengeance" against Suleiman Kerimov due to an incident involving gunfire near the Wildberries office. The Chechen leader made this statement during a meeting with republican security forces in Grozny, naming Dagestan senator Suleiman Kerimov, State Duma deputies Bekhan Barakhoev and Rizvan Kurbanov as participants in the shootout that took place near the Moscow Wildberries company’s office.

Kadyrov had previously expressed open support for Vladislav, the husband of Wildberries founder Tatyana Bakalchuk, asking his colleagues to "help return the wife and business back to the family." This conflict arose following the announcement of a merger between Wildberries and the external advertising operator Russ.

Kadyrov made his declaration only after meeting participants began speaking in Chechen. "The situation was business-related. Bekhan Barakhoev, Suleiman Kerimov, and Rizvan Kurbanov are businessmen who are not only trying to seize that woman’s business but have also commissioned me. I declare blood vengeance against Bekhan Barakhoev if he does not prove against Suleiman Kerimov and Rizvan Kurbanov," Kadyrov stated.

Earlier, the Chechen leader had described the merger plans as a "raider seizure." Tatyana Bakalchuk, in turn, accused her husband of attempting to enter the Wildberries office with armed men.

During the meeting with Chechen security officials in Grozny, Kadyrov also elaborated on his stance towards the conflict. This segment of the conversation was also conducted in Chechen. He stated that a deceased Wildberries security guard was not officially employed, saying he had "no connection with the company, without documents, work permit — without anything." It distressed him that hundreds of people gathered to receive the bodies of the two security personnel who were killed near the Wildberries office at the Magas airport.

“When Chechens were killed, we did not organize rallies. When such incidents occurred, we resolved everything through mullahs according to all the rules. I tell these heroes with beards: you will shave your beards and turn tail. I am Kadyrov, I am everywhere. Which one of you is a man, declare blood vengeance? Let at least one of you show up and declare. After that, I will show you how Kadyrov works,” the Chechen leader stated.

The plans for the merger between Wildberries and Russ were announced on June 18, and the deal has been approved by President Vladimir Putin.