Chechen leader's nephew named head of republic's Security Council

FILE PHOTO: Head of Russia's Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov attends a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in expanded format at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, Uzbekistan May 27, 2024. Sputnik/Sergey Bobylev/Kremlin via REUTER/ File Photo

(Reuters) - Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said he appointed on Tuesday his 27-year-old nephew as the secretary of the Security Council of the Russian North Caucasus republic.

Kadyrov said in a post on the Telegram messaging app that his nephew, Khamzat Kadyrov, has "extensive experience in leadership positions and will cope with the responsibilities."

Khamzat Kadyrov has already held various government positions including a stint as a deputy prime minister of Chechnya, which is a federal republic of Russia.

Russia's RBC daily reported that in early May, Khamzat Kadyrov was awarded the Order of Courage for his support and assistance to Chechen units fighting in Ukraine. He was also awarded a medal of merit by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023.

Ramzan Kadyrov, who has ruled Chechnya since 2007, has sent thousands of his fighters to Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion on its neighbour in February 2022.

Khamzat Kadyrov's appointment comes after Ramzan Kadyrov's teenage son was appointed to high-rank positions, including a trustee at special forces university and a senior role in his father's bodyguard.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)