Full Breakdown
Chechen Leader’s Son Introduces K13 Energy Drink Despite Past Opposition
4/25/2026, 11:45:38 AM
Launch of K13 Energy Drink
On 15 April 2024, Adam Kadyrov, the 18-year-old son of Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov, introduced the energy drink K13 (styled K-13) at a hypermarket in Grozny. An Instagram video showed a drifting BMW with the K13 logo, and Ramzan Kadyrov and Chechen Parliament Chair Magomed Daudov sampled the drink.
Prior Opposition to Energy Drinks
Since 2012, Ramzan Kadyrov has denounced energy drinks as “intoxicating substances” and “poison,” saying they violate Islamic norms. He pledged a ban that remains unrealised. Chechen Parliament imposed fines on retail sales in 2012 and limited sales to schools, medical facilities, and cultural venues in 2018.
Key Figures & Business Entities
Adam Kadyrov, 18, heads his father’s security department, serves as Secretary of Chechnya’s Security Council, and oversees Chechen Interior Ministry, Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, and a Defence Ministry battalion. United Company, owned by Islam Visaliev—formerly an assistant to a Grozny district head—filed the K13 trademark in March 2024 and registered the K-13 company on 9 April 2024.
Timeline of Relevant Milestones
- 2012: Ramzan Kadyrov calls energy drinks “intoxicating substances” and “poison”; Parliament fines sales.
- 2018: Legislation limits sales to schools, medical facilities, cultural and sports venues.
- March 2024: United Company files K13 trademark.
- 9 April 2024: K-13 registration.
- 15 April 2024: Hypermarket opening in Grozny; Ramzan Kadyrov and Magomed Daudov sample K13.
- April 2024 (week): Adam Kadyrov releases Instagram promotion and starts distribution.
Official Statements & Responses
Ramzan Kadyrov has labeled energy drinks “poison” and “intoxicating substances,” saying they violate Islamic norms. He pledged a ban that remains unrealised. By tasting K13 at the 15 April hypermarket opening, he publicly endorsed the product, contradicting his earlier condemnation.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note the inconsistency between Ramzan Kadyrov’s anti-energy-drink stance and his son’s commercial venture. The Instagram promotion proceeds despite the platform’s “extremist” label by Russian authorities. Critics also highlight the concentration of political power and business opportunities within the Kadyrov family.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everywhere, openly, beautifully packaged cans containing this poison are being sold,’ Kadyrov said.” — Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechen leader.
- “intoxicating drugs are unacceptable in a Muslim society.” — Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechen leader.
- “ The clip features a BMW furiously spinning around in circles, presumably because a Russian-made Lada would not be able to handle the G-force.” — The Moscow Times, 23 April 2026.
- “Astute observers will also notice that the K-13 logo bears a striking resemblance to the claw-like design of Monster Energy.” — The Moscow Times, 23 April 2026.
What’s Next
K13 is now available in the Grozny hypermarket where it was introduced. Adam Kadyrov’s public presence has lessened after a January car crash, prompting speculation about his succession prospects within the Kadyrov administration.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Ramzan Kadyrov announced a federal ban on energy drinks, yet no such legislation has been enacted. The exact distribution scope and sales figures for K13 are undisclosed, and the launch date is identified only as the week of April 2024.
