Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unexpected trip to Chechnya, a predominantly Muslim republic within the Russian Federation, marking his first visit in nearly 13 years. This visit comes as Ukraine's incursion into western Russia continues into its third week.
Upon arrival, Putin was warmly welcomed by Chechnya's leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The Russian President visited a special forces academy named after him and met with volunteer fighters who are being trained before deployment to Ukraine. Putin commended the volunteers, stating that as long as Russia has individuals like them, the country will remain 'invincible.'
Kadyrov revealed that over 47,000 fighters, including volunteers, have received training at the academy since Russia initiated its 'special military operation' in Ukraine. Notably, fighters from Chechnya are involved on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine, with pro-Kyiv volunteers loyal to the late Chechen pro-independence leader Dzhokhar Dudayev standing against Chechen forces supporting Putin and Kadyrov.
During his visit, Putin also paid respects at the grave of Kadyrov's father, former Chechen leader Akhmat Kadyrov, and engaged in discussions with the Chechen leader. Kadyrov announced that the republic has 'tens of thousands' of reservists prepared to combat the Ukrainians, though details on their deployment were not disclosed.
The Kremlin has relied on Kadyrov to maintain stability in the North Caucasus region, despite allegations of human rights abuses by Kadyrov's security forces. Putin's visit to Chechnya follows his meeting with mothers of children killed in the 2004 school attack in Beslan, where he condemned Kyiv's actions in the Kursk region, vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Putin's unexpected visit to Chechnya and his subsequent discussions with Kadyrov underscore the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as well as the strategic importance of the region in Russia's military operations.
