Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, has declared a “blood feud” against three federal-level lawmakers from neighboring republics in response to a business dispute involving Tatiana Kim, CEO of Wildberries, and her estranged husband Vladislav Bakalchuk. Kadyrov vowed to help Bakalchuk regain his wife and prevent Wildberries’ merger with another company linked to oligarch Suleiman Kerimov. The situation escalated when Bakalchuk and his men allegedly tried to force their way into Wildberries’ headquarters, resulting in a shootout that left two security guards dead. Bakalchuk was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses.
Kadyrov accused Kerimov of taking Wildberries from Kim and ordering Kadyrov’s assassination, as well as conspiring with lawmakers Rizvan Kurbanov and Bekhan Barakhoyev. The tradition of a blood feud, which involves avenging a murder of a relative by killing the offender or his relatives, is not commonly practiced in the Caucasus today due to legal consequences. Kadyrov’s use of this ancient tradition as a threat against his rivals deviates from traditional norms and reflects his desire to maintain social and political authority in the region.
The conflict surrounding Wildberries is not solely about the business dispute but also about Kadyrov’s reputation and legitimacy, especially in the eyes of Russia’s business world. Winning in this dispute would symbolically reaffirm Kadyrov’s authority over Chechnya and the North Caucasus, while losing could diminish his standing. Kadyrov’s unexpected involvement with Bakalchuk and Wildberries suggests potential ulterior motives related to obtaining a share or influence in the company.
The declaration of a blood feud by Kadyrov may be a sign of his wavering political power and an attempt to pressure his opponents into negotiating with him. While the conflict is primarily elite-level, there is concern that it could escalate tensions between different factions within the region. However, experts believe that it is unlikely to lead to wider instability or interethnic conflict. Kadyrov’s actions have sparked negative reactions, especially among certain groups, but the region remains stable despite the provocations.
The ongoing conflict highlights the complex dynamics of power and influence in the North Caucasus region. Kadyrov’s use of an ancient tradition as a strategic tool reveals the underlying political complexities at play. The dispute involving Wildberries and the subsequent fallout have implications for Kadyrov’s image and authority, as well as for the relationships between different factions within the region. Ultimately, the resolution of this conflict could impact the balance of power and stability in the North Caucasus.
