Putin appoints Kadyrov as Chechnya's acting head

REUTERS

Speaking to Kadyrov at the Kremlin on March 25, Putin expressed hope that he would eventually participate in regional elections in September, RFE/RL wote.

"I believe that the people of Chechnya, the Chechen people, will be able to properly evaluate during the election campaign what you have done for the republic," he said.

Kadyrov's term ends on April 5.

He has ruled Chechnya since shortly after his father, former Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov, was assassinated in 2009.

Ramzan Kadyrov has been widely accused of human rights abuses, including kidnappings, disappearances, torture, and the murder of political opponents.