Putin approved marriages with minors: what the dictator said about the traditions of the Caucasus.

According to ТСН: Russian leader Vladimir Putin expressed support for the tradition of the peoples of the Caucasus to arrange marriages at a young age.

In response to a question during the 'direct line', he noted:

'In the Caucasus, the peoples of the Caucasus have a very good tradition: they marry off their children at an early age. This is really right.'

Putin also mentioned that his ally Ramzan Kadyrov, who himself raises a large number of children, adheres to this tradition. It is known that Kadyrov married his sons off before they reached the age of 18. In 2024, he secretly married off his two sons: 17-year-old Eli and 16-year-old Adam, who married daughters of influential figures. Rumor has it that one of the brides was only 14 years old.

Experts believe that this way Kadyrov seeks to establish 'dynastic marriages' to protect his family in case of his death.

In the Caucasus, particularly in Chechnya, underage girls are often married off without their consent. These medieval customs seem to have the support of Putin.

For example, ten years ago, Kadyrov allowed the head of the Chechen police to take a 17-year-old schoolgirl as his wife. During the wedding registration, the bride stood with her head down, crying beside her 42-year-old fiancé.

According to media reports, Kadyrov has a harem that includes underage girls, and one of them gave birth to his child at 15. There were also claims that Putin may have had an affair with a 17-year-old girl.

This situation raises concerns among human rights activists who note that such marriages violate fundamental human rights, including the rights of children. The situation in the Caucasus demonstrates how traditional values can pose serious challenges for young people, hindering their ability to live freely and determine their future.