What's happened
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya, his first in 13 years, to meet with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and inspect troops preparing for deployment in Ukraine. This visit comes as Ukraine's forces have crossed into Russia's Kursk region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Putin's visit was his first to Chechnya in nearly 13 years, coinciding with Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. The article highlights Kadyrov's claim that over 47,000 fighters have trained at a special forces academy since the start of the conflict. Business Insider UK notes that Putin praised the troops, stating, 'As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely, absolutely invincible.' This sentiment reflects the Kremlin's need to project strength amid ongoing military challenges. Meanwhile, Metro reported on the public's reaction to Putin's visit, with some mocking his appearance and questioning his priorities during a time of war. This illustrates the mixed perceptions of Putin's leadership as he navigates the complexities of the conflict in Ukraine.
How we got here
Putin's visit to Chechnya follows a long history of conflict in the region, particularly during the Second Chechen War, which solidified his strongman image. Kadyrov has been a key ally, deploying thousands of fighters to support Russia's military efforts in Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022.
Common question
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Why Did Putin Visit Chechnya Amid the Ukraine Conflict?
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More on these topics
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Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov is the Head of the Chechen Republic and a former member of the Chechen independence movement.
He is the son of former Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov, who was assassinated in May 2004.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.