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

"That position is dictated by the best interests of trying to support strategic stability, international and national security and prevent a new arms race, " Sergeyev was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying.

CNN: Russia rebuffs Bush on ABM treaty

Verdasco raced through his night match with Ivan Sergeyev 6-1 6-2 6-2 and 30th seed Juan Monaco came from two sets behind to edge past Frenchman Michael Llodra 3-6 3-6 7-6 6-1 6-3.

CNN: Top seed Federer eases into third round

General Sergeyev might argue, too, for the general staff to be revamped, and given oversight of Russia's 16 other armed forces, which between them account for at least 600, 000 more men in uniform.

ECONOMIST: Russia

"My opinion, and I've worked in this field for a number of years, is that this obsession with shielding your territory is impossible to implement today or anytime in the near future, " Sergeyev said.

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

Will General Sergeyev fare any better?

ECONOMIST: Russia