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Ramzan Kadyrov, a key Vladimir Putin henchman and proponent of the war in Ukraine, has awarded himself a top medal by declaring himself a “hero.”
He announced the creation of the newly minted honor three months ago, and has now reportedly presented his first one to himself.
The gold medal signifies that he is a Hero of Chechnya, the republic in southern Russia that he rules with an iron fist.
According to power madman Kadyrov, 46, the medal was planned as an award for fighters who ‘distinguished themselves’ in Putin’s war in Ukraine, and for specific ‘heroic acts’.
His specific ‘heroic deed’ has not been revealed.
The award comes amid rumors that warlord Kadyrov, who Putin appointed as a colonel-general in Russia’s national guard during the war, has in recent weeks been absent to spend time in the Maldives and his palace in Dubai, including when his forces, known for their cruelty. – they were fighting in Ukraine.
His private jet has been seen at both locations.
Vladimir Putin (left) and Ramzan Kadyrov (right) in the Kremlin.
Putin’s warlord Ramzan Kadyrov (left) wearing a police uniform with some of his awards pinned to his chest.
Kadyrov is depicted wielding a pair of machine guns. The Chechen warlord is one of the main proponents of the war in Ukraine.
Critics say Kadyrov, seen as Russia’s richest politician after Putin and believed to have at least 14 children, suffers from “Brezhnev medal syndrome”.
Former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev was famous for his chest full of honors and awards.
Kadyrov’s ally, Magomed Daudov, head of the Chechen parliament, delivered an embarrassing eulogy for the strongman.
“On behalf of the deputies of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic and on my own behalf, I sincerely congratulate you on awarding the highest title of the republic – Hero of the Chechen Republic for No. 1,” he said.
“His services to the Chechen Republic and the Russian Federation cannot be overestimated and, without exaggeration, deserve special study.”
Earlier this month, the same parliament voted him the title of Father of the Nation.
He has another three dozen awards, including the Hero of Russia award from Putin.
He is a Hero of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, and has been awarded for strengthening the Russian penal system, as well as for his supposed contribution to the development of parliamentarism, agriculture, legislation, and state-building.
He was awarded for his role in the development of health and medical sciences.
In June 2022, the Russian Dental Association awarded him the Order of Merit in Dentistry, 1st degree.
Russian and international critics frequently accuse him of overseeing serious human rights abuses, including kidnappings, torture, extrajudicial killings and attacks against the LGBT community.
Despite this, he has been awarded for his role in promoting human rights.
Kadyrov is one of Putin’s biggest supporters and key domestic allies.
Kadyrov has taken a series of photos while holding various firearms.
Kadyrov (right) is seen with Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu, whom he has mercilessly criticized amid Russia’s poor war effort.
Former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev was famous for showing off his chest full of awards. Kadyrov is taking a similar tack
The latest award shows the growing cult of personality around Kadyrov, who is reported to have three current wives.
There are suspicions that if Putin falls, he will seek a major role in Moscow, or lead Chechnya to breakaway independence if Russia falls into civil war.
Earlier this week, he announced that he intends to set up his own Wagner-style private army.
A hawk at war, he constantly demands that Russia invade all of Ukraine and Poland.
The Russian advance was ordained by God, he claims, and should continue to “denazify and demilitarize” neighboring Poland.
In a recent Telegram tirade, he said that “the fight against Satanism must continue throughout Europe and, first of all, on the territory of Poland.”