The decree conferring the rank was read out at the ceremony, TASS reported. According to Viktor Zolotov, head of Rosgvardia, the order to hand Kadyrov the army general's epaulettes was given personally by Vladimir Putin.
Kadyrov had previously held the rank of colonel general, which he received in 2022. The rank of army general is de facto the highest in the Russian army: only marshal is above it, and no one has been awarded that rank since 1997, according to Important Stories.
The maroon beret is considered the highest mark of distinction in the special forces units of Rosgvardia and several other security services. Earning it requires passing a series of tests that have sometimes ended in the deaths of participants. Whether Kadyrov took part in those tests is not known. He had worn a maroon beret before.
The administration of the head of Chechnya said the conferral of the rank and the awarding of the beret amounted to recognition of outstanding services to the Fatherland, many years of valorous work and selfless service to the Motherland.
During the same ceremony, Kadyrov conferred on Zolotov the title of Hero of the Chechen Republic and personally presented him with the award. The title of Hero of the Chechen Republic was established in November 2022, and Kadyrov was its first recipient.
According to a count by Verstka, Kadyrov and members of his family have received around 150 various awards since the start of the war against Ukraine.