Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov recently awarded the honorary title of ‘Honored Art Worker of the Republic of Chechnya’ to pro-Kremlin filmmaker and TV host Nikita Mikhalkov. This decision came after Mikhalkov’s visit to the North Caucasus republic to attend a theater festival and premiere his play “12,” which is a Chechnya-themed adaptation of his 2007 film of the same name. Kadyrov expressed his pleasure at hosting Mikhalkov and even received a gift from him, a pen with a flash drive containing 50 episodes of his program “Besogon TV.”
Mikhalkov’s show, “Besogon TV,” reflects his conservative Orthodox Christian beliefs and his support for the Kremlin. The title of the show translates to “exorcist” or “demon banisher” in Russian, and it focuses on criticizing Western policies while praising President Vladimir Putin. Kadyrov commended Mikhalkov for his strong patriotic stance and his unwavering support for the Russian leadership. However, Mikhalkov has faced sanctions from Western countries in 2022 due to his backing of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Moscow Times, an independent news publication, faces unprecedented challenges as it is designated as an “undesirable” organization by Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office. This move criminalizes their work and puts their staff at risk of prosecution. Despite previous labeling as a “foreign agent,” The Moscow Times remains committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. The publication acknowledges the need for support from readers to continue their work in the face of repression and censorship.
The awarding of an honorary title to Nikita Mikhalkov by Ramzan Kadyrov highlights the close relationship between certain public figures in Russia and the Kremlin. Mikhalkov’s support for the Russian government, particularly during the invasion of Ukraine, has garnered him praise from the Chechen leader and other pro-Kremlin individuals. This alliance reflects the broader political landscape in Russia, where loyalty to the government is often rewarded with honors and recognition.
Despite facing challenges and threats of silencing, The Moscow Times remains resolute in its commitment to independent journalism. The publication’s journalists refuse to be silenced and continue to provide critical reporting on Russian affairs. The Moscow Times relies on support from readers to sustain their work and uphold the principles of open journalism in the face of repression. By standing with The Moscow Times, readers can defend the importance of independent media and the freedom of the press in challenging political environments.
In conclusion, the relationship between Nikita Mikhalkov, Ramzan Kadyrov, and the Kremlin reflects the overlapping spheres of influence in Russia between politics, media, and public figures. Mikhalkov’s support for the Kremlin and his conservative beliefs align him with leaders like Kadyrov, who reward loyalty and allegiance to the government. Meanwhile, The Moscow Times continues to face challenges in its pursuit of independent journalism, emphasizing the importance of supporting unbiased reporting in repressive environments. The dynamics between political figures, media personalities, and independent news outlets underscore the complex landscape of contemporary Russian politics and the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression.
