MOSCOW, 9 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Russian President Vladimir Putin has promoted Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov from Colonel General to the senior military rank of Army General in recognition of his contributions to security operations and military activities. At a ceremony held in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, Russian National Guard Director Viktor Zolotov presented Kadyrov with new shoulder boards bearing the insignia of an Army General and a maroon beret associated with special forces. Addressing the ceremony, Zolotov said President Putin had instructed him to deliver the presidential decree confirming Kadyrov’s promotion. He said the rank was awarded in recognition of Kadyrov’s role in counterterrorism and anti-extremism operations, maintaining Russia’s internal and public security, developing special forces and supporting military units engaged in combat missions. Zolotov added that Kadyrov had personally participated in operations against armed groups, while the Chechen leadership had also contributed to training and equipping units of the Russian Defence Ministry and National Guard. Accepting the promotion, Kadyrov described it as a sign of trust and said the higher rank also carried greater responsibility. Kadyrov was previously promoted to Colonel General in October 2022. Army General is among Russia’s highest active military ranks, below the rank of Marshal of the Russian Federation, which was last awarded in 1997. Senior National Guard officials, commanders from the North Caucasus District, military personnel and other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Several officials also received state and departmental awards in recognition of their bravery and service. During the event, Kadyrov conferred the title of Hero of the Chechen Republic on Zolotov, while National Guard Deputy Director Colonel General Anatoly Malykhin received the Order of Kadyrov.