Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov reportedly nearly drowned at a Turkish resort but was rescued and hospitalized

by Kyiv Post | July 25, 2025, 6:24 pm

Chechnya’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov attends a signing ceremony following a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 14, 2019. (Photo by Alexey NIKOLSKY / SPUTNIK / AFP)

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, known for his close ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, reportedly nearly drowned while swimming at a popular Turkish resort.

According to local media, the incident occurred on Thursday, July 24 in the city of Muğla.

Kadyrov was staying at a five-star hotel near Kainar Beach. Around midday, he went to the beach and entered the water, but within minutes began to choke and lose control, showing signs of drowning.

Hotel staff reacted quickly: they called rescuers and medics, who pulled Kadyrov from the water and provided first aid. The Chechen leader was taken to a hospital by ambulance. His life is not in danger.

Although several Turkish media outlets have reported on the incident, Kadyrov has not commented on it so far. Major Russian Telegram channels also remain silent, which likely indicates an attempt to hide the incident from a broader audience in Russia.

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Last May, Kadyrov responded to recent health rumors by releasing a video that says, “illness and death are the path of every person,” neither confirming nor denying the rumors.

Kadyrov purportedly asked Putin to relieve him of his duties amid growing speculations about his health and political future, but he later retracted the statement, saying he was misunderstood.

“Our time is predetermined; we must live it consciously, without spreading empty rumors and sowing discord,” he said. “I hear gossip about my illness more and more often. They say I’m dying, I don’t have much left.”

(C)KYIV POST 2025