Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unannounced visit to Chechnya, marking his first visit to the North Caucasus republic in 13 years, Reuters reports.
Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov inspected Chechen troops and volunteers preparing to fight in Ukraine. Putin praised the Chechen forces for their dedication and bravery, highlighting their role in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region. Kadyrov reported that Chechnya had contributed over 47,000 troops to the war, including about 19,000 volunteers.
Before Chechnya, Putin visited Beslan in North Ossetia for the first time in 16 years, where he commemorated the victims of the 2004 school siege that killed over 330 people, including 136 children. He linked the current conflict in Ukraine to past struggles with terrorism, emphasizing Russia’s resolve to counter what he described as attempts to destabilize the country.
