Former Chechen regional government head Muslim Khuchiyev has been appointed as one of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s aides, according to an announcement by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Khuchiyev recently stepped down from his position as head of the Chechen government after almost six years in office, becoming the second Kadyrov ally to resign from a senior-ranking post in the republic this month. Kadyrov revealed the appointment on Telegram, stating that Mishustin had appointed Khuchiyev as his aide, although there has been no immediate confirmation from the prime minister’s office.
Khuchiyev, who previously served as the mayor of the Chechen capital Grozny, took on the role of temporary leader in 2019 and 2020 while Kadyrov underwent medical treatment. He is currently under U.S. sanctions for his involvement in the alleged forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In addition to Khuchiyev, another close ally of Kadyrov, Magomed Daudov, recently announced his resignation as speaker of Chechnya’s legislative assembly. These developments signal a shift in leadership within the Chechen government hierarchy.
The appointment of Khuchiyev as an aide to the Russian Prime Minister has raised questions and concerns regarding his background and involvement in controversial activities. As a former head of the Chechen regional government and mayor of Grozny, Khuchiyev has been implicated in actions that have drawn international attention and criticism, such as the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. His inclusion in Mishustin’s team may lead to further scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s decision-making process and potential implications for relations with other countries.
The resignation of two key figures in the Chechen government, Khuchiyev as head of the regional government and Daudov as speaker of the legislative assembly, indicates a significant shakeup in the leadership structure of the republic. Both individuals were closely aligned with Kadyrov and their departure may signal broader changes in the political landscape of Chechnya. The vacancies left by Khuchiyev and Daudov will need to be filled, potentially paving the way for new faces and dynamics in the government.
The situation in Chechnya, with the resignation of top officials and the appointment of Khuchiyev to a new role in Mishustin’s administration, highlights the complex and evolving political environment in the region. The presence of Kadyrov as a strongman leader in Chechnya adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as his influence and alliances shape the political landscape. The appointment of Khuchiyev as an aide to the Prime Minister further entwines the connections between Chechnya and the federal government, raising questions about the implications for governance and decision-making.
Overall, the recent developments in Chechnya, including the resignation of key officials and the appointment of Muslim Khuchiyev to a new position, underscore the ongoing power dynamics and shifting alliances within the region. The involvement of Kadyrov and his allies in top government positions, as well as their actions that have drawn international scrutiny, reflect the complexities of governance in Chechnya. The appointment of Khuchiyev to a role in Mishustin’s team may have broader implications for relations with other countries and future decision-making processes within the Russian government.
