A scandal has erupted in the Chechen Republic after users noticed a video recording published by the head of the region, Ramzan Kadyrov, showing the coat of arms of the Russian Federation with Orthodox crosses painted over. The incident occurred during a ceremony to present a commemorative medal to 17-year-old Adam Kadyrov, the son of the head of Chechnya, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Akhmat-Grozny OMON. The situation has sparked heated discussions on social networks and attracted attention, raising questions about the observance of state symbols and religious identity in the region.

The award ceremony took place on May 12, 2025, in Grozny, where Adam Kadyrov, who has held the post of head of the Chechen leader's security department since November 2023, received a medal for his contribution to the development of the unit. The footage published by the head of the republic shows the medal being presented against the backdrop of a brick building depicting the Russian coat of arms, but with the crosses missing from the crowns of the double-headed eagle. According to Lenta.ru, Internet users were the first to draw attention to this detail, which provoked a wave of criticism.

Adam Kadyrov, despite his young age, already has an impressive list of awards. According to RBC, in October 2023 he was awarded the title of Hero of the Chechen Republic, and in August 2024 he was awarded the Akhmat Kadyrov Order, the region's highest award. His meteoric career began after a high-profile incident in September 2023, when he beat up Nikita Zhuravel, who was accused of burning the Koran, in a pretrial detention center. Ramzan Kadyrov publicly approved of his son's actions, which caused a mixed reaction in society.