Russian President Vladimir Putin used a surprise lightening visit to the Chechen capital Grozny to promise the war-weary province an end to the kidnapping of civilians and a rebuilding of the devastated capital. Putin arrived on Monday at the region’s recently elected pro-Moscow parliament by helicopter amid tight secrecy and security provided by rings of soldiers. He stayed for about 40 minutes, before his delegation flew out again in a pair of Mi-8 helicopters. Full Story