With a bizarre video

Terminally ill? Kadyrov flexes his muscles

Kadyrov lifts seemingly heavy weights in the video - but without any visible muscle tension.(Bild: Ramsan Kadyrow / VK)

Once again, rumors about the apparently alarming state of health of Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov are doing the rounds. He himself has now reacted calmly - and, as so often, published a propaganda video in which he flexes his muscles.

Following a media report, rumors about the state of health of the ruler of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, have flared up again in Russia. The politician, who is loyal to the Kremlin and known for his brutal treatment of dissidents, is suffering from an incurable pancreatic disease, wrote the exiled newspaper "Novaya Gazeta. Europe" on Monday.

Rumors of serious illness abound
The newspaper, which was once founded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov, referred to sources from Kadyrov's entourage as well as doctors in the hospital of the Russian presidential administration. The Chechen leader is said to have been treated there last fall. It was at that time that strong rumors about his serious illness first surfaced - fueled by long absences from public life and visible problems during his rare appearances.

Kadyrov is working on his "mind and soul"
 There was initially no official statement from Kadyrov's power structure, which denied similar rumors a few months ago - until now: Putin's bloodhound lifts barbells to blaring pop music, trains with weights and strikes down a training colleague with a judo throw. The edited scenes are part of a video that was uploaded to Kadyrov's platform on the Russian network VK.

"The busy day ended with training and a positive attitude. Physical activity not only improves the body, but also the mood. Evening classes are a great way to relax and recharge your batteries," reads the video description. Kadyrov takes "intensive" care of his health, it is an "investment in the future" and he trains his mind and body.

Pure propaganda again?
The purpose seems quite obvious: the video is intended to give the impression that Kadyrov has been training for a long time - as evidenced by the beads of sweat on his forehead. However, a look at the younger men around the ruler also shows how the propaganda works.

While Kadyrov appears to be doing his exercises with ease, they are visibly struggling. This once again raises doubts about the authenticity of the footage - this can hardly be verified independently.