Igor Sergeyev, the Russian defence minister, wishfully suggested on November 23rd that Grozny might fall without a fight.

ECONOMIST: Agony in Chechnya | The

In Moscow, Russian Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev said Acting President Vladimir Putin had approved new methods to press on with the three-and-a-half-month campaign, although he gave no details.

BBC: Russia rethinks Chechnya tactics

Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev urged the United States to reconsider plans to implement the program and told CNN that Russian defense officials were not surprised the test had failed.

CNN: US - After test fails, Russia again urges U.S. to drop missile shield proposal

On April 27th even Igor Sergeyev, the defence minister, a doveish Yeltsin stooge in the eyes of many of Russia's military types, said that he was wondering whether to extend the life of Russia's elderly nuclear arsenal.

ECONOMIST: Russia and Kosovo