Chechen leader’s appeal to Ukraine for help finding ‘wounded cousin’ turns out to be a ruse: ‘I knew this from the start’ | Ukraine and Russia war

In his first letter, Kadyrov called on Ukraine to help him find his “beloved” cousin, 53-year-old Adam Delimkhanov. “I have no other way to contact him,” said the Chechen leader. “I ask the Ukrainian intelligence service to share information about the exact location and attack sites so that I can find my dear cousin. I promise a generous reward.”

Delimkhanov was allegedly involved in an attack on the city of Zaporizhia in northeastern Ukraine and was wounded in the process.

But in a second message, Kadyrov now said his cousin was “fine and well” and not even injured. “I knew this from the beginning,” said Kadyrov, who said he wanted the media to teach a lesson. For example, several Ukrainian sources previously reported that Delimkhanov was killed in the attack. “I wanted to show everyone, especially Ukrainians, how low the level of media is,” said the Chechen.

Adam Delimkhanov is not only Kadyrov’s cousin, but also one of his closest allies. He has been by Kadyrov’s side for decades and has been a member of the Russian Parliament since 2007 with President Vladimir Putin’s party. He also commands the forces of the North Caucasus branch of the Russian National Guard, which plays an important role in the war.

Both Kadyrov and his cousin are known as true haters of Ukraine. Kadyrov has said many times in the past that he wants to make the war in Russia’s neighboring country more brutal. In addition, he advocated several times for the use of nuclear weapons against Kiev. Delimkhanov has also made blunt remarks in the past. He once threatened to behead anyone who opposes President Putin.