Putin's Unexpected Visit to Chechnya Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov inspected Chechen troops and volunteers preparing to fight Ukraine. This unannounced trip to the Muslim-majority republic comes as Moscow attempts to repel Ukrainian forces. Kadyrov has mobilized over 47,000 Chechen troops since the war's onset, demonstrating staunch support for Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, inspected Chechen troops and volunteers on Tuesday, preparing for combat against Ukraine. This marks Putin's first visit to the North Caucasus republic in 13 years, as the Kremlin confirms.

The trip to the predominantly Muslim republic, which is part of Russia, was previously unannounced. It coincides with Moscow's efforts to expel Ukrainian forces from its Kursk region, following the largest invasion of Russia since World War Two.

At the Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya, Putin addressed the troops: "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely, absolutely invincible," he stated. "It's one thing to shoot at a range, and another to risk your life and health. But you possess a need to defend the Fatherland and with courage to make such decisions."

The occupation of Russian land has been a significant embarrassment for Putin's administration, even as Russian forces make steady advances in eastern Ukraine. Kadyrov assured Putin that Chechnya had contributed over 47,000 troops, including 19,000 volunteers, since the war began. Kadyrov, sanctioned by the US for alleged human rights violations, often refers to himself as Putin's "foot soldier."

When asked if Kadyrov and similar allies justify his trust, Putin responded, "If I had more of these foot soldiers, I would be very happy, but even one such foot soldier is worth a lot."

(With inputs from agencies.)