Russia: Putin's 'strategic' contacts with Caucasian leaders amid the Ukrainian invasion of Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Chechnya and Beslan while the Ukrainian army's operations continue in the Russian region of Kursk. More than 121,000 people have been evacuated from nine border areas of Russia since August 6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian army is achieving its goals, making it clear to Putin that Ukraine maintains significant capabilities.

The attack on Kursk could lead to a quicker end to the war and possible negotiations, while there is a risk of the election of Donald Trump or a Kamala Harris government that could cut off US aid to Ukraine.

Putin makes surprise trip to Chechnya amid Ukraine's cross-border incursion: Putin visits Chechnya, meets Kadyrov; Chechen forces in Ukraine, including Mariupol siege; Putin meets Beslan attack victims' mothers; Putin praises 47,000 volunteer fighters at special forces academy; Pro-Kyiv Chechen forces loyal to Dudayev are enemies of Kadyrov's forces; Kadyrov's forces helped protect Moscow from Prigozhin's mercenary attack.