Adam Kadyrov: Teenage ascendancy in Chechnya's power hierarchy

Just 16-year-old Adam Kadyrov is carving out a career in Russia, thanks to a bold move by his father, Ramzan Kadyrov. He has decided to appoint him as the curator of the Putin Russian Special Forces University. His father views him as being "well acquainted with the activities of the prestigious university."

Ramzan Kadyrov has held power in Chechnya for years while being part of Vladimir Putin's tight-knit circle of supporters. Now, he's ensuring his son Adam embarks on a fitting career path. Despite his tender age of 16, he has already bagged many awards in recent months. As reported by Belsat station, he has taken on the role of curator of the Russian Special Forces University named after Putin.

The Chechen leader is convinced that his son is "well acquainted with the activities of the renowned university" and is up to the challenge of this new role. Kadyrov's move doesn't come as a shock. There have been ongoing rumours about his deteriorating health, positioning Adam Kadyrov as his likely successor. A swift ascent in the military aims to secure the needed esteem and respect for the young Kadyrov.

Already, Adam Kadyrov possesses the highest honours from Chechnya and several Russian national republics, in addition to leading his father's security service. In November 2023, he also took up the post of curator for the Sheikh Mansur battalion under the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Adam Kadyrov grabbed headlines in the autumn of 2023 when he assaulted Nikita Zhuravel in Detention Centre No. 1 in Grozny, who was suspected of desecrating the Quran. His father boasted about the incident on social media, subsequently awarding his son the title Hero of the Chechen Republic.

Russian media have noted that the numerous accolades bring Adam Kadyrov benefits and privileges. Being named Hero of the Chechen Republic earns him a 750-grade gold medal, which grants him unrestricted access to government buildings and makes him an honorary guest at various events.

Accumulating such titles is tied to lifetime benefits ranging from £34 to £51 monthly (depending on exchange rates), which will also be extended to his family posthumously.

Journalists from the Wiorstka portal have stated that the decision to award the 16-year-old stems from Ramzan Kadyrov's personal interventions. The Chechen leader is keen to craft a particular narrative for the teenager, portraying him, amongst other roles, as a defender of Islam.