51.   It is unclear how many people have been killed in the week-long Russian offensive.

52.   New Russian offensives were reported just this week.

53.   On Friday, military officials claimed a victory at the rebel stronghold of Bamut, a southwestern village that has withstood Russian offensives throughout the war.

54.   On Friday, Russian military officials claimed victory at the rebel stronghold of Bamut, which has withstood Russian offensives throughout the war.

55.   Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin told reporters Yeltsin could be expected to issue a presidential decree suspending the Russian military offensive in the rebel republic within the next few days.

56.   Putin enjoys widespread public approval because of his no-nonsense style and his tough handling of the Russian offensive in separatist Chechnya.

57.   Rain and fog hampered the Russian offensive Monday.

58.   Rain and fog hampered the Russian offensive.

59.   Rebel leaders in breakaway Chechnya, meanwhile, say Chechen fighters who escaped the Russian offensive took some hostages with them.

60.   Rebels in the Chechen capital were increasingly edgy as the Russian offensive intensified.