Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly engaged in a phone conversation last week with Colonel Abdulaziz Shikhabidov, the commander of Russia’s elite 76th Guards Airborne Assault Division, who was widely reported killed in May 2025. The Kremlin released a transcript of the exchange, which contradicts previous accounts of Shikhabidov’s death and absence from public view for more than a year.

According to the transcript, which was published alongside prominent pro-Kremlin media coverage, Putin received a briefing from Shikhabidov during which the colonel reassured the president about the status and morale of his troops. Shikhabidov reportedly described his unit’s spirit as “high and confident” and stated they were “keeping up with the times.” Putin is quoted responding that hearing this information was “very important” to him.

While pro-Russian outlets have honored Shikhabidov with memorials and artistic tributes following reports of his death, including portraits drawn by children, there has been no official confirmation from Russian authorities to disprove or confirm these reports. Shikhabidov’s absence from public appearances and military operations since May 2025 fueled speculation about his fate.

On the other side, Ukrainian sources previously reported the colonel’s death as a part of their claims during ongoing conflict with Russian forces. However, Kyiv did not explicitly assert responsibility for killing Shikhabidov. No further official statements from Ukraine have clarified the circumstances of his alleged death.

The discrepancy between the Kremlin’s presentation of an active, commanding Shikhabidov and previous reports of his death adds to ongoing uncertainties about the status of senior Russian officers in the context of the conflict. The 76th Guards Airborne Assault Division is considered a key unit within Russia’s airborne forces and has been frequently deployed in contested areas.

This development raises questions about the accuracy of public military reports amid intense information warfare linked to the conflict and highlights the complexity of verifying high-ranking personnel status in prolonged engagements.