What does Russia want with Chechnya?

Question

I have heard that Russia has been fighting with the Chechens on and off for about 300 years, occasionally losing control and reconquering. What exactly does Russia have to gain by retaining control of Chechnya, because I am not sure how could Russia be benefited by such a small nation, that is probably a huge economic burden to keep fighting in.

Answer 1

Putin wants to regain the Russian Empire, and whether it's the Ukraine, Geogia or other former parts of the Soviet Union, Putin is willing to spend the money needed to retake former Soviet areas.