Kremlin reacts to Kadyrov’s statement about introduction of troops into Ukraine

After Ramzan Kadyrov stated that if he were the head of the state, he would “long ago take Ukraine” by sending troops there, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov has emphasized that the Russia’s foreign policy is within the competence of President Vladimir Putin.

“I would like to remind you that the foundations of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation are being formulated by the president, and, to our general joy, the head of the state, which includes the Chechen Republic as a subject, is Vladimir Putin,” the “Interfax” quoted Dmitry Peskov as saying.

When voicing the statement about the need to “take Kiev,” Ramzan Kadyrov tried to win the approval of the Russian president, but the desire of the leader of Chechnya to influence the Russia’s foreign policy looks ridiculous, political analysts Alexei Malashenko and Dmitry Oreshkin note.

On December 29, Ramzan Kadyrov softened his remarks about Ukraine by explaining that the people of Ukraine should deal with the “treacherous actions” of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ramzan Kadyrov has also added that he is not among Vladimir Putin’s close associates.

Ramzan Kadyrov is the only leader of the region who publicly argues with the presidential press secretary, human rights defender Oleg Orlov and journalist Maxim Shevchenko note. The political analysts explain that Moscow is ready to forgive Ramzan Kadyrov any actions as long as it sees him as a guarantor of stability and a symbol of Vladimir Putin’s victory in Chechnya.