He died on May 9, 2004, as a result of a vile terrorist attack in Grozny during a military parade commemorating the 59th anniversary of Victory Day. He was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Russia.
Akhmat-Khadji Kadyrov was undoubtedly a true hero even in life. A man of colossal inner strength, an example of true courage and fearlessness, iron will and endurance. He was selflessly devoted to the land where he grew up, Russia, and his people.
During the most difficult and tragic years for Chechnya, he made the only right decision: to stand with the country and the President, preventing his people from falling into the bottomless pit of war, extremism, and disintegration.
Whenever I come to Grozny, I always first visit his grave. I want to pay my respects to the memory of Akhmat-Khadji, whose wisdom and will made peace possible. I often recall our conversations. We talked a lot about the future of Chechnya, about what it should become. He laid a solid foundation for the modern Chechen Republic. His son, the head of the region, is doing a tremendous job of maintaining this course today, courageously continuing his father’s work—my brother, Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov.
The Chechen Republic deserves the memory of that great man, of whom the Chechens themselves say: “Akhmat—strength.” The power of truth and the power of boundless courage to lead his people along the difficult but necessary path toward peace and prosperity within Russia.
Eternal memory to the great son of our country, the great son of the Chechen people, Akhmat-Hadji Kadyrov. Akhmat—strength!
