Kadyrov promoted to general of the army, receives Spetsnaz beret

On October 3, 2026, Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic, was promoted to general of the army—the de facto highest military rank in Russia—and presented with a maroon beret, the highest distinction in Russian special forces. The promotion and insignia were delivered by Viktor Zolotov, director of the Russian National Guard, acting on a decree by President Vladimir Putin, during a ceremony in Grozny.

Kadyrov previously held the rank of general-colonel, which he received in 2022. The rank of general of the army has been the highest military rank in practical terms since the rank of marshal has not been awarded since 1997. During the same ceremony, Kadyrov presented Zolotov with the title of Hero of the Chechen Republic, the highest regional honor.

The maroon beret is the highest distinction for personnel in Russian special forces units and is typically awarded only after passing a series of rigorous qualification trials. These trials include a 12-kilometer march, navigating obstacle courses in extreme conditions, assaulting a multi-story building, acrobatic tasks, and rapid-fire shooting tests, followed by a 12-minute sparring session without breaks against three opponents. The trials are conducted under time pressure and have resulted in participant deaths. Zolotov noted that the presentation occurred three days after commemorating the anniversary of the establishment of the National Guard's special forces directorate, where the tradition of awarding the maroon beret originated.

According to reports, Kadyrov had previously worn the maroon beret without the customary fold to the left side, which signifies formal qualification through the trials. He had not participated in the standard qualification process. Other Russian officials, including Zolotov himself, Boris Yeltsin, and Dmitry Medvedev during his presidency, have received the maroon beret as a ceremonial gift without undergoing the standard trials. President Putin has not been awarded the beret.