But they all admitted that central Grozny might soon fall.

Bursts of automatic gunfire rang out in central Grozny on Wednesday, followed by an ear-splitting volley from a heavy machine gun.

Russian troops advanced toward Minutka Square in central Grozny, but the rebels' defenses have been well prepared.

By mid-January tens of thousands of Russian soldiers had begun an advance on central Grozny from three directions.

Today, the military claimed to control Minutka Square in central Grozny.

August 22 - Overnight attacks in central Grozny killed some 58 members of security forces, five federal soldiers and more than a dozen civilians.

Correspondents at the battle scene, a square near central Grozny, said the area was littered with blazing armored vehicles and the bodies of Russian soldiers.

The TVS television network reported tonight that drivers of heavy trucks required a special pass to enter central Grozny.

Russian troops and armored cars sealed off central Grozny as the demolition was carried out.

Several people were wounded in the blast in central Grozny, including some of the bodyguards in the motorcade.