Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin paid a visit to Chechnya on Tuesday, where he and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov inspected troops and volunteers preparing to take part in the fighting in Ukraine. This is Putin's first trip to the North Caucasus republic in 13 years. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
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The trip took place against the backdrop of an escalating war between Russia and Ukraine, particularly after Ukrainian forces conducted an operation in the Kursk region of Russia.
During a review of the military at Gudermes, Russia's special forces university, Putin addressed the soldiers and emphasized that training at the firing range cannot be compared to real combat operations.
The visit came amid significant challenges for the Russian army, which continues to face difficulties on the frontline in Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces that earlier broke through the border in the Kursk region continue to cause concern in the Kremlin, as the incident was a serious blow to the prestige of the Russian army and Putin personally,
Ramzan Kadyrov, who is under U.S. sanctions for human rights violations and participation in the mobilization of Chechen troops for the war in Ukraine, said at a separate meeting with Putin that more than 47,000 Chechen troops, including about 19,000 volunteers, have been sent to Ukraine since the beginning of the war.
According to the newspaper, Putin's visit to Chechnya underscores the importance of the role of Chechen troops in Russia's military efforts and demonstrates the Kremlin's support for Chechen leader Kadyrov, who remains one of the most influential figures in the region and in the Russian military structure.