Kadyrov’s Ukrainian War Goldmine!

The vast and intricate tapestry of the Ukrainian War unravels another thread, revealing a subplot that holds the potential to eclipse the main narrative. The Kadyrov clan of Chechnya, under the discerning leadership of Ramzan Kadyrov, emerges not as mere pawns, but as players in their own right.

It’s fascinating to see how the dynamics of war have shifted assets and economic windfalls to a specific elite. In the midst of chaos, the Kadyrov clan finds opportunity. Their newly found wealth and power within the theater of war are in stark disproportion to their actual contribution. This raises the burning question – is this a simple reward for loyalty or a calculated move by the Kremlin to keep its potential adversaries close and controlled?

This sentiment is starkly evident in Mariupol, a city that has faced immense trials during this war. The signing of a “sister cities” agreement between Grozny and Mariupol, facilitated by key figures like Grozny Mayor Khas-Magomed Kadyrov, is a symbolic nod to the Chechen influence. Kadyrov’s claim of “ensuring the security” of Mariupol’s key metallurgical assets is, in plain words, an overt claim of control.

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Witnessing the ascendancy of Chechen “businessmen” like Alash Dadashov and the curiously fortunate Valid Korchagin, one can’t help but notice the deliberate orchestration at play. The connection between these young millionaires and the elite of Chechnya, like Chechen deputy prime minister Abuzaid Vismuradov and Senator Suleiman Geremeyev, reveals an intricate web of power and patronage.

Furthermore, Western giants like Danone are now under the chairmanship of Yakub Zakriev, a Kadyrov kin. It’s a pattern that’s hard to miss: seize the assets, monetize them, and consolidate power. The vast majority of these assets, if not directly then indirectly, flow back to the hands of the Kadyrov family.

Yet, the manner in which these businesses operate is telling of their short-term, opportunistic nature. The immediate export of scrap metal from Azovstal and the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works stands testament to this approach. Profit maximization with a sheer disregard for sustainable growth.

Interestingly, the Chechen budget tells its own story. The lion’s share comes from grants and subsidies, painting a picture of a region heavily dependent on the central administration. But the rapid increase in budgetary expenditures, particularly in comparison to neighboring regions, raises eyebrows.

To sum it up, the Kadyrov clan’s rise in prominence and wealth during this war is no accident. It’s a calculated game of patronage, loyalty, and opportunism. The Kremlin’s indulgence in this largesse is not mere generosity. It’s a strategy – rewarding loyalty, ensuring control, and perhaps using the Chechen elites as a buffer for potential international backlash.

However, in the grander scheme of things, one wonders if this will be a double-edged sword. Will the Kadyrov clan, with its newfound wealth and influence, remain the loyal ally the Kremlin hopes for? Or will they become a formidable force to be reckoned with in the future? Only time will tell. Until then, the Ukrainian War continues to surprise us with its subplots and unexpected beneficiaries.