Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya, inspecting troops and volunteers preparing to fight in Ukraine alongside Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

This marks Putin’s first visit to the North Caucasus region since 2011.

The visit comes as Moscow attempts to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, following Ukraine’s significant incursion into Russian territory.

Putin praised the soldiers, emphasizing their courage and dedication to defending Russia.

Kadyrov, a key Kremlin ally, reported that Chechnya has sent over 47,000 troops to Ukraine, including 19,000 volunteers, since the war began, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Putin’s relationship with Chechnya has deep roots, dating back to his role in the brutal second Chechen war as prime minister in 1999.

Kadyrov, appointed by Putin in 2007, has since rebuilt the region, though his rule has been criticized for its violent and oppressive tactics.

Written by B.C. Begley