Ramzan Kadyrov, the authoritarian leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, has awarded himself the Hero of Chechnya medal. The medal presented to Kadyrov on February 24 was established by Kadyrov in October "to award Chechens" who take part in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The decree signed by Kadyrov says the decision on who deserves the medal is to be made by the head of the region. Earlier this month, amendments were introduced to the constitution under which the Chechen leader's official title was changed to "father of the people." To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
