Putin seeks loyalty from Kadyrov amid Ukrainian conflict

Vladimir Putin visited Chechnya on Tuesday and met with Ramzan Kadyrov, the warlord who rules the country on his behalf. A video surfaced on social media showed the Russian president directly addressing the Chechen leader. "We are all infantrymen," said Putin, adding another impactful sentence.

On Tuesday, for the first time since 2011, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Chechnya, where he met with its leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. According to reports by "The Telegraph," the trip aimed to emphasize the strong bond between the Kremlin and Chechnya, a region that has been a key ally of Moscow for years.

A video surfaced on social media showing the Russian president directly addressing the leader of Chechnya, who described himself as Putin's "foot soldier." "If I had more of these foot soldiers, I would be very happy, but even one such foot soldier is worth a lot," Putin said.

Ukrainian politician Anton Herashchenko suggests that the purpose of Putin's visit was to ensure that Kadyrov would remain loyal to Moscow following the Ukrainian invasion of the Kursk Region.

It is no secret that the Kremlin shows great patience towards the antics of the Chechen authorities, turning a blind eye to mass extrajudicial killings of Russian citizens and tolerating murderers and kidnappers who eliminate those who have fallen out of favour with Kadyrov. Perpetrators of crimes approved by the authorities face no penalties, and federal investigative agencies have limited access to the republic.

In response, Kadyrov often displays his loyalty to Putin, which is also visible in the media. Recently, he showcased an armed Cybertruck to be sent to the front. Kadyrov was also awarded the Russian Nobel Prize for his contributions to the reconstruction and development of Chechnya. He claimed that US sanctions are unfair, and in his opinion, Putin deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for saving children from Donbas.

During the visit, which Russian media documented, Putin and Kadyrov exchanged pleasantries, symbolizing close political relations. Kadyrov, known for his loyalty to Putin, had previously announced that he had sent thousands of fighters to support the Russian offensive in Ukraine.

The meeting in Grozny, the main city of the North Caucasus region, included a warm welcome and a plan for a "tight schedule" of meetings to strengthen ties further.

Putin's meeting with Kadyrov in Chechnya took on particular significance in the context of the ongoing offensive in Ukraine. Moscow and Grozny's cooperation reflects not only political support but also a readiness to collaborate in the face of external challenges. Kadyrov's declaration of support for Russian actions in Ukraine highlights the crucial role that Chechnya plays in the Kremlin's strategy.