Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprising visit to Chechnya, a mainly Muslim republic, after almost 13 years, amidst the ongoing incursion in Kursk, Ukraine.
Upon arrival, Putin was welcomed by Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya’s self-styled strongman leader, before visiting a special forces academy bearing his name. There, he met with volunteer fighters who were preparing to be deployed in Ukraine.
During his visit, Putin commended the volunteers, stating that with men like them, Russia would be “invincible.” Kadyrov announced that over 47,000 fighters, including volunteers, had trained at the facility since Russia initiated its military operation in Ukraine.
Chechen fighters, historically in conflict with Russian forces, are now divided, with some supporting Kyiv loyalists and others allied with Putin and Kadyrov in Ukraine. Putin also visited the grave of Kadyrov’s late father, a mosque, and held talks with the Chechen leader.
Despite providing stability in the North Caucasus, Kadyrov has been criticized for human rights abuses. Putin’s visit was unexpected, with little detail shared on its purpose or timing, but it included meetings with mothers of Beslan attack victims, condemning Kyiv’s actions in Russia’s Kursk region.
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