According to reports cited by “Eurasian News Agency” and the Ukrainian National News Agency, the leader of the Chechen region in Russia, Ramzan Kadyrov, drowned.
The headline might give off a frightening impression!
However, upon closer inspection of the report, it seems that the issue is not as severe as it first appears.
While there are some things worth mentioning about the situation!
Kadyrov’s photo: Universal Times citing TASS
Upon reviewing the report, it was revealed that Kadyrov had been involved in a drowning accident while on vacation in Turkey. However, he was immediately taken to the hospital and survived—
Why does this incident raise some concerns among Westerners?
After all, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, figures such as Prigozhin, former head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Gennady Zhdanov, former Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander of the Eastern Military District, were suddenly reported dead at relatively young ages.
Prigozhin, who started his career as a cook, died in a plane crash at the age of 62 in 2023;
Zhdanov, who was said to have “chronic illnesses,” died at the age of 57.
In contrast, Kadyrov is still less than 50 years old. If he drowned suddenly in Turkey, it would seem to be unexplainable or unclear. But fortunately, Kadyrov’s death was due to drowning rather than water-related death!
Drowning can be saved!
Water-related death means drowning!
Kelvin area beach in Bodrum, Xinhua News Agency
In the view of Laughing Drinking, Kadyrov has encountered some unfortunate circumstances, but amidst these misfortunes, there is also great fortune!
According to reports cited by “European News Agency” and Turkish media, the incident occurred in the port city of Bodrum. On the afternoon of the 24th local time, Kadyrov was swimming in the Aegean Sea near a five-star hotel in the Kelvin area of Bodrum, where he experienced symptoms of drowning and “suddenly lost consciousness” before submerging into the water.
Reports indicate that officers on duty nearby immediately called for rescue when they noticed an unusual incident. The Turkish Coast Guard and hotel staff quickly saved Kadyrov, who was then transported to a local private hospital by ambulance.
It is evident from the report that swimming in summer poses significant risks! Those like Kadyrov, who appear particularly strong—and of course, he is not exactly young at fifty—are indeed at risk when they go into the sea.
The “sudden loss of consciousness” diving into the water does not seem to be due to cramping but could be caused by cerebral hypoxia.
Considering Kadyrov’s appearance, there is indeed a possibility of cerebral hypoxia in the water.
Of course, this is merely a guess!
Kadyrov is indeed in a five-star hotel with appropriate security measures and coast guard assistance.
Kadyrov is not just any ordinary tourist; he is a key figure in Russian politics, even considered a crucial member of Russia’s armed forces and a significant “assistant” to Putin in his military endeavors.
Kadyrov (front row, left to right) with Putin
Unlike regular Russian soldiers, some have said that Putin and Kadyrov are “like father and son.” This claim is somewhat justified. After all, Putin’s first major battle after taking power was the Chechen War. And Putin’s victory in Chechnya was facilitated by the support of Kadyrov’s father, Old Kadyrov, or rather, Old Kadyrov’s substantial assistance.
From the Chechen War to the Russo-Georgian War in 2008 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict since 2022, these three major battles seem to represent Putin’s three steps in reshaping Russia’s security since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Clearly, the Kadyrov family has played a significant role in these events.
Now, every move and action of Kadyrov’s safety is also triggering whether the Chechen armed forces will continue to remain loyal to Putin.
This:
From the performance of Kadyrov since the conflict in Ukraine, there are several instances that merit reflection:
On February 25, 2022, the day after Russia announced its “special military operation” against Ukraine, Kadyrov held a “mass rally” in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, announcing that 70,000 Chechens voluntarily fought for Russia. The following day, Kadyrov posted a video on social media showing Chechen security forces raising the flag at a Ukrainian checkpoint, confirming that his troops had participated in military operations within Ukraine. Since then, he has regularly updated news about the conflict on social media, becoming a “celebrity blogger” on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On March 14, 2022, Kadyrov released a video showing himself in a room filled with soldiers. He claimed to be with Chechen forces near Kyiv. On March 28, he appeared in Mariupol, where his appearance rate increased.
On October 3, 2022, Kadyrov claimed that his three sons, aged 14, 15, and 16, would soon join the Russian military in Ukraine.
In 2022, Kadyrov announced that his three children were prepared to join the Russian military.
On September 1, 2023, Kadyrov warned the United States that it would face retaliation if it did not lift sanctions against his mother.
Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Kadyrov has risen from a lieutenant colonel to a general and now a full general, showcasing considerable pride and satisfaction!
It is also important to note that Kadyrov is currently the leader of Chechnya, rather than just a general in the traditional sense. In other words, he certainly has the opportunity to command operations on the front lines. However, such behavior is more likely a form of psychological warfare and morale boosting. In reality, Kadyrov still has many administrative tasks to handle.
And vacations are also a state of mind.
Interestingly, Kadyrov’s vacation spot—
You should know that the current Russia-Ukraine peace talks are taking place in Turkey.
Certainly, even if Kadyrov’s position is high and his relationship with Putin is close, he is not an official from Russia in charge of the negotiations on Russia-Ukraine affairs.
On July 23rd, the third round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Xinhua News Agency (Photo provided by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
From this perspective, whether it is related to the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, warrants discussion.
However, even if he does not participate in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations, as a senior official from Russia, even a local one—
The visit of Chechen military and political leader Kadyrov to Turkey for vacation shows that, amidst the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, when Western countries and Russia have opposing views, Turkey, as a NATO member, still has its own charm.