The recent handshake between Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, and Suleiman Kerimov, a Russian billionaire senator facing a blood feud, has sent ripples through the political and business landscape of Russia. This seemingly amicable gesture, publicly displayed on social media, signals a complex shift in power dynamics, potentially orchestrated by the Kremlin amidst rumors of Kadyrov’s declining health and a possible leadership change in Chechnya.
The Wildberries Power Struggle: A Catalyst for Change
The reconciliation appears directly linked to the tumultuous battle for control of “Wildberries,” a major Russian online retail platform. The conflict, which erupted in 2024, pitted Kerimov and the Mirzoyan brothers against Tatiana Bakalchuk-Kima, Wildberries’ co-founder. Kadyrov initially sided with Bakalchuk-Kima, publicly threatening Kerimov with a blood feud after she alleged a hostile takeover. This escalation, culminating in an armed attack on Wildberries’ Moscow office, demonstrated Kadyrov’s willingness to directly intervene in business disputes – a tactic that seemingly backfired.
Kremlin Intervention and Shifting Alliances
Reports suggest the Kremlin intervened, urging Kadyrov to resolve conflicts and quell interregional tensions. The meeting between Kadyrov and Kerimov, reportedly held in the office of Anton Vaino, the head of Putin’s administration, underscores this pressure. This isn’t merely a personal truce; it’s a strategic realignment dictated from the top. The fact that the photo op included a backdrop of Putin’s portrait with daisies is a deliberate signal of alignment and approval.
The “Wildberries” saga highlights a growing trend: the increasing involvement of powerful figures with close ties to the Kremlin in controlling key economic assets. This isn’t simply about profit; it’s about consolidating power and influence. According to a report by Agentstvo, Kerimov’s longstanding relationship with Vaino likely facilitated the reconciliation.
From Blood Feud to Business as Usual: The Pragmatism of Power
Kadyrov’s initial aggressive stance, including the public declaration of a blood feud, was a display of force intended to protect his interests and demonstrate his influence. However, the situation quickly revealed the limits of his power. He lacked the resources and connections to effectively challenge Kerimov, who enjoys significant financial and political backing. The subsequent retraction of the blood feud, formalized with the handshake, exemplifies a pragmatic approach to power – a willingness to compromise when faced with overwhelming opposition.
The Rise of “Ordnism” and a New Ideological Framework
Beyond the immediate business implications, this event reflects a broader ideological shift within Russia. Analysts point to the growing influence of “Ordnism” – a concept that embraces Russia’s historical ties to the Golden Horde and emphasizes a centralized, multi-ethnic power structure. This ideology, championed by figures like Aleksandr Dugin, positions Russia as a distinct Eurasian civilization, separate from and often in opposition to the West. The Kremlin is actively promoting this narrative, allocating significant funding to initiatives that emphasize cultural diversity and downplay ethnic tensions.
This shift has implications for Russia’s foreign policy, particularly its relationship with China. Russia is increasingly positioning itself as a junior partner to China, aligning its economic and political interests with Beijing’s broader Eurasian ambitions. The “Ordnist” framework provides an ideological justification for this alignment, portraying Russia as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
The Future of Wildberries and the Consolidation of Control
The resolution of the “Wildberries” conflict has resulted in the company’s control shifting to a group linked to Yuri Kovalchuk, a close associate of Putin. This consolidation of power demonstrates the Kremlin’s ability to intervene in private business disputes and ensure that key assets remain under its control. Kovalchuk’s influence extends beyond business; he controls a significant media empire, allowing him to shape public opinion and promote the Kremlin’s narrative.
Labor Concerns and the Reliance on Migrant Workers
The future of Wildberries also raises concerns about its reliance on cheap migrant labor. Kerimov is reportedly a strong advocate for employing migrant workers, a practice that has fueled social tensions and concerns about exploitation. The influx of workers from Central Asia and other regions is seen as essential to Russia’s economic growth, but it also presents challenges related to integration, security, and social cohesion. Recent incidents involving migrant workers, including allegations of radicalization, have further heightened these concerns.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The Kadyrov-Kerimov reconciliation is a microcosm of the broader power dynamics at play in Russia. It demonstrates the Kremlin’s willingness to intervene in business disputes, consolidate control over key assets, and promote a new ideological framework that emphasizes Eurasian integration and centralized authority. This trend is likely to continue, shaping Russia’s economic, political, and foreign policy trajectory for years to come.
Did you know?
The concept of “blood feud” (at) is a deeply ingrained tradition in the Caucasus region, historically used to resolve disputes and maintain social order. While officially outlawed, it continues to exert a cultural influence, and its invocation by Kadyrov was a deliberate attempt to leverage this tradition for political gain.
Pro Tip:
Understanding the historical and cultural context of the Caucasus region is crucial for interpreting events in Chechnya and Dagestan. The region’s complex ethnic and political landscape is often overlooked in Western media coverage.
FAQ
- What is “Ordnism”? A new ideological framework gaining traction in Russia that emphasizes the country’s historical ties to the Golden Horde and promotes a centralized, multi-ethnic power structure.
- What role did the Kremlin play in the Kadyrov-Kerimov reconciliation? The Kremlin reportedly intervened, urging Kadyrov to resolve the conflict and consolidate power.
- What is the significance of the “Wildberries” conflict? It highlights the increasing involvement of powerful figures with close ties to the Kremlin in controlling key economic assets.
- What are the concerns surrounding Wildberries’ reliance on migrant labor? Concerns include exploitation, social tensions, and potential security risks.
Explore further: Read our in-depth analysis of Russia’s evolving foreign policy in Eurasia here. Stay informed about the latest developments in the Caucasus region by subscribing to our newsletter here.
