Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov, the head of Ingushetia, held his inaugural meeting with Ramzan Kadyrov in Chechnya. This marked the first time the two regional leaders had met since Kalimatov’s appointment in 2019, following a period of strained relations stemming from a border agreement signed in 2018. The visit occurred during Eid al-Fitr, celebrated as Markhash in Ingushetia, signifying the end of Ramadan.
In Grozny, Kalimatov was received by Kadyrov, alongside Chechen government chair Magomed Daudov and Kadyrov’s son, Deputy Prime Minister Akhmat Kadyrov. The meeting included a shared festive meal, and Kalimatov subsequently visited Aymani Kadyrova, Kadyrov’s mother and president of a regional public foundation. He presented her with a necklace and offered holiday greetings.
Kalimatov communicated the outcome of the conversation with Kadyrov via Telegram, stating they addressed crucial issues. Kadyrov expressed sincere pleasure at seeing Kalimatov, describing him as a trustworthy individual with strong moral principles. This was Kalimatov’s initial official visit to Chechnya since assuming his role as Ingushetia’s head.
Previously, Kadyrov had twice visited Ingushetia. In July 2024, he stopped during his return from North Ossetia’s centenary celebrations, and in December, he attended Kalimatov’s mother’s funeral. The border agreement of 2018, which transferred territory to Chechnya, caused significant unrest in Ingushetia, triggering widespread protests demanding the agreement’s repeal and the resignation of the previous head, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.
These protests, lasting nearly ten days, involved searches for protest organizers and subsequent prosecutions. Despite parliamentary approval and a Constitutional Court ruling, the situation persisted, highlighting the ongoing political crisis within Ingushetia.
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