Russian President Vladimir Putin bestows the rank of lieutenant general upon Chechen Prime Minister Magomedsalam Daudov.

Chechen Prime Minister Magomed Daudov Promoted to Lieutenant General

Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded Chechen Prime Minister Magomed Daudov the military rank of lieutenant general of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya). The announcement was made by Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov on his Telegram channel.

Daudov, who has been overseeing the activities of the operational headquarters coordinating military operations in Ukraine since 2014, has demonstrated courage and determination in the fight against international terrorism. He has played an active role in operations against armed groups in Chechnya.

The promotion is a recognition of Daudov's many years of service to the Fatherland. In recent years, he has headed Chechnya's operational headquarters coordinating their participation in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Daudov's new rank has been confirmed by state federal agencies TASS, RIA Novosti, and Interfax. He was previously awarded the Order of Honour for his participation in the war after his trip to Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which are partially occupied by Russia.

Magomed Daudov's career in public service began in the Interior Ministry, where he held senior positions. In 2007, he was awarded the title Hero of Russia by a presidential decree. He also held the position of Speaker of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

However, Daudov has faced sanctions from several countries. After the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he came under Polish sanctions. The UK imposed restrictions on him in 2020 due to queer rights violations in Chechnya. He has been included in US sanctions lists since 2014 due to human rights violations.

In April 2024, Putin awarded Daudov the rank of major general. He resigned as parliamentary speaker in May 2024 and was appointed Head of the Chechen government in July 2024.

Daudov expressed gratitude to both Ramzan Kadyrov and Vladimir Putin for their support in receiving the promotion. He also referred to a personal episode where he led a group that eliminated an armed opponent, which strengthened his personal friendship with Kadyrov.

In 2023, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) charged Daudov with involvement in the Russian invasion. However, these allegations have not prevented his continued ascent in the Russian political hierarchy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin bestows the rank of lieutenant general upon Chechen Prime Minister Magomedsalam Daudov.