Mysterious incident in the Turkish resort of Bodrum: According to Turkish media reports, Ramzan Kadyrov (48), president of the Russian republic of Chechnya, nearly drowned during a stay at a luxury hotel – Putin’s closest ally was vacationing in Turkey completely undisturbed.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday at a five-star hotel in the Kaynar district of the coastal town of Bodrum. Ramzan Kadyrov suddenly lost consciousness while swimming in the hotel pool and went under water. Hotel staff and members of the coast guard reacted immediately and pulled him out of the water, according to Euronews. First aid was administered immediately at the scene before Kadyrov was taken to a nearby private clinic.

According to medical sources, the 48-year-old ruler’s condition was stable after a brief observation. His life was not in danger. There has been no official confirmation from the Chechen authorities.

Kadyrov was vacationing in Turkey

Kadyrov, who according to his own statements was vacationing on the Turkish Aegean coast, has been criticized for years for his brutal methods of rule. Human rights organizations accuse him of extrajudicial executions, torture, and the systematic oppression of opposition figures. Nevertheless, he enjoys the backing of the Kremlin – not least because he is considered a guarantor of “stability” in the North Caucasus.

Since the second Chechen war, the Kremlin has relied on Kadyrov, who, together with his father Akhmad Kadyrov, went from being an opponent of Moscow to a loyal governor under Putin. After his father was assassinated in 2004, Ramzan took power in the republic and established a largely autocratic regime.

Recently, however, rumors about his poor health have been circulating. There was already talk of serious health problems in the spring. According to insiders, Kadyrov has even mentioned stepping down. However, reports suggest that President Putin is opposed to Kadyrov’s 17-year-old son Adam succeeding him.

The latest incident in Bodrum is likely to fuel speculation about Kadyrov’s health and political future. The fact that the Chechen leader is recovering in Turkey, a popular destination for Russian elites, could also be politically explosive.

Whether the incident was actually medical in nature or has political motives remains unclear for now.

Image: APA