Putin Makes Rare Visit to Chechnya

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya on Tuesday, his first since 2011, coinciding with Ukraine's ongoing cross-border incursion into Russia. During the trip, he met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who has deployed thousands of fighters to support the Russian military in Ukraine. Putin praised Chechen volunteer fighters, stating that as long as they exist, Russia will be 'invincible.' He also visited a special forces academy named after him and paid respects at the grave of Kadyrov's father. Throughout the visit, Putin drew parallels between Ukraine's actions and terrorism, particularly referencing the tragic Beslan school attack from 2004. International rights groups have criticized Kadyrov for human rights abuses, but the Kremlin has continued to rely on him for stability in the North Caucasus region.