Adam Kadyrov, 18, has been awarded the title of Hero of the Chechen Republic, with his father, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, presenting him with the medal.

Chechen government head Magomed Daudov announced that Adam Kadyrov received the title “for outstanding service to the state, selfless dedication to the people, active, productive work aimed at comprehensive support of the SVO, and in connection with Russia Day.”

It is the second time Adam Kadyrov has received the title of Hero of Chechnya. He was first honored in October 2023, at age 15, when State Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov announced the award — shortly after the Chechen leader’s son beat Nikita Zhuravel in a pretrial detention center. Zhuravel had been arrested on charges of burning a Quran.

The regulations governing the title “Hero of the Chechen Republic” do not specify how many times it can be awarded to the same person. Ramzan Kadyrov, for example, is a two-time recipient.

Elections for the head of the Chechen Republic are expected to be held in the fall of 2026. Ramzan Kadyrov has said he will run if he receives Vladimir Putin’s backing. As of June 12, he has not announced whether he will take part in the vote.

Adam Kadyrov had been seen as a potential successor to Ramzan Kadyrov as head of Chechnya. In March, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported that he is no longer considered for the role, after attitudes toward him shifted following a traffic accident involving him.