On May 26, Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of Chechnya, mocked the sanctions imposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy against Akhmed Dudayev, the Chechen Minister for National Policy, External Relations, Press, and Information, ridiculing them as meaningless.
Kadyrov sarcastically commented on social media that Zelenskyy, whom he referred to as a "former comedian," continues to treat international politics as a stage for humor. He noted that Dudayev, who previously held no Ukrainian awards or assets, still possesses none, mocking the sanctions as ineffective and absurd.
Akhmed Dudayev also responded, dismissing the sanctions list as inconsequential and labeling it a "state award" when announced by a "buffoon." He joked that his day had been "ruined" by appearing on the list, underscoring his disdain for the Ukrainian government’s decision.
In a separate social media post, Kadyrov addressed persistent rumors about his health, releasing a video accompanied by a voice-over in which he acknowledged human mortality but dismissed claims about his alleged illness. He stressed that life and death are determined by divine will alone, adding that those spreading rumors lack courage and hide abroad.
Concluding his message, Kadyrov urged people to live purposefully and refrain from idle gossip and slander. He called on his followers to value every day as a divine gift and dedicate their time to sincere, meaningful deeds rather than vanity and empty words.