Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya, his first in nearly 13 years, amidst Ukraine’s ongoing incursion into western Russia. Putin met with self-proclaimed leader Ramzan Kadyrov, praising volunteer fighters training at a special forces academy before deployment to Ukraine.
Kadyrov stated that over 47,000 fighters, including volunteers, have trained at the facility since the conflict began. Chechen forces are divided, with some supporting Kyiv and others backing Putin and Kadyrov in the ongoing conflict.
The Kremlin relies on Kadyrov to maintain stability in the North Caucasus, despite allegations of human rights abuses. Putin’s visit included stops at key locations in Grozny and a meeting with Kadyrov.
Additionally, Putin met with mothers of Beslan school attack victims and condemned Kyiv’s actions in Russia’s Kursk region. He vowed to punish those responsible for destabilizing the country.
The purpose and timing of Putin’s visit remain undisclosed, but it marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
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