Russian reports said three bodies had been identified as those of Chechen residents.

Some Russian reports said the buoy's markers were green and white and did not match those of the Russian fleet.

Crime has already doubled since then, according to Russian reports.

Preliminary results of observations of the solar eclipse of May 11, 1975 (Russian report)

As a result, most other Russian reports are sporadic and tilted toward the official line.

"It is practically impossible to stop this process," Russian reports quoted Mr. Gaidar as saying.

Reports from Grozny said residents continued to flee despite the Russian report that it was encircled.

According to contemporary Russian reports, 200 insurrectionists died.

Both Russian and separatist reports of casualties are often considered unreliable.

However, the Russian report bears all the marks of a political game which aims to absolve the Russians of any blame.