Ramzan Kadyrov's Telegram channel on September 17 released a video showing the Chechen strongman smiling and talking to the camera in an apparent attempt to counter speculation about his health following rumors on social media that suggested he was in a coma and near death.
The frenzy was sparked by a report from the Ukrainian news outlet Obozrevatel on September 15 that quoted the spokesman from Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) as confirming reports that Kadyrov was in "serious condition -- his existing diseases have worsened and caused such a serious condition."
There was no evidence to back up the spokesman’s comments, which came after months of unverified rumors that Kadyrov’s health -- he is believed to have serious kidney problems -- has been failing, and a day later, Kadyrov’s social media channel put out a seven-second video clip it claims is new, showing him smiling and walking outside.
The date of when the video, in which the 46-year-old autocrat speaks in a halting manner, was filmed, however, has not been verified.
A second unverified video placed alongside the one Kadyrov shows the same path as the first video, but does not show him. A man's voice can be heard speaking Chechen and Russian and urging listeners to "practice sports" in the 13-second clip, though it is not clear whether the voice is Kadyrov's.
"I highly advise everyone who on the Internet cannot distinguish truth from lies, take a walk in the fresh air, and put thoughts in order. Rain is very invigorating," the Kremlin-backed ruler of the North Caucasus region said in the first video that showed him walking in the rain in an unidentified site.
Kadyrov, who has ruled Chechnya since 2007 with a cult of personality around him, is frequently accused by Russian and international human rights groups of overseeing grave human rights abuses including abductions, torture, extrajudicial killings, and targeting the LGBT community.
He has been one of the strongest allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin and brought many of his Chechen fighters to battle alongside Kremlin forces in the invasion of Ukraine. Some Chechen rebels are also fighting against Russian troops alongside Ukrainian forces.
Rumors seems to constantly swirl around Kadyrov, whether they be over his health, whereabouts, or political standing.
A year ago, Kadyrov wrote on Telegram that after 15 years as a regional leader in Russia, "my time has come," leading to speculation that he would step down from his position.
But two days later, he wrote that the statement on his possible resignation was made "to check your opinion."