Editor's note : this image is distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik
In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned Sputnik agency the head of Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov (L) waits to meet Russian President at Grozny airport, on August 20, 2024. The September 2004 siege lasted some 50 hours, ending in a gunfight when Russian special forces stormed the building following a series of explosions in the school gym, where the hostages were being held. (Photo by VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV / POOL / AFP) / Editor's note : this image is distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik