81.  But Russian officials insisted the rebel breakout had been stymied by artillery fire and Russian minefields.

82.  But Russian officials said there is room for improvement.

83.  But last week Russian officials and Western investors were asking whether the fund was providing too little, too late.

84.  But Russian officials are threatening to suspend deliveries unless immediate payments are begun for the uranium as well as reprocessing costs.

85.  But Russian officials claim that the United States is providing no information.

86.  But Russian officials gave no indication that the eight-week bombing attack on civilians and rebels would end.

87.  But Russian officials said that the aid was unnecessary.

88.  But Russian officials said the conversation touched on some specific business, too.

89.  But Russian officials said the conversion will almost certainly have to be delayed because of budgetary and technical problems.

90.  But Russian officials said they were simply being blunt and that Washington had understated the political and military risks of its plan to the public and U.S. allies.