Putin went to Chechnya to see the war preparations of the army against Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov speak to Chechen soldiers at the Special Forces University in Gudermes, Russia. August 20, 2024
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Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Chechnya on Tuesday to see the preparations of the Chechen army and volunteers for the war against Ukraine. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was with him during the visit.

After 13 long years, Putin went to the North Caucasus Republic for the first time. His visit was not on the pre-announced schedule. The Muslim-majority region of Chechnya is part of Russia.

Two weeks ago, Ukrainian troops entered Russia and began operations in the border region of Kursk. This is now the largest foreign invasion of Russia since World War II. Moscow is now ramping up forces to drive Ukrainian troops out of Kursk.

Information about Putin's visit was published on the Kremlin's website. It said Putin spoke to troops on the premises of the Russian Special Forces University. "As long as we have people like you, we are definitely, definitely invincible," Putin said.

The Russian president said, "It's one thing to shoot at a shooting range here, and it's another thing to risk your life and health." But you must want to protect the motherland and you have the courage to take such a decision.

Any foreign military incursion into Russia is embarrassing for Putin and his army. However, Russian forces have continued to advance, albeit slowly, on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Putin said in another meeting, "Chechnya has sent 47,000 troops after the start of the Ukraine war." The team has 19,000 volunteers.

Kadyrov often calls himself Putin's "foot soldier." Journalists asked Putin, "Like Kadyrov, his foot soldiers have been able to repay his trust or not?"
Putin replied, "If I had more infantry like that, I'd be very happy, but it's important to have one."