Battle for Grozny: Volume 1 - Prelude and the Way to the City, 1994

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After a declaration of independence and the seizure of military assets located in the self-proclaimed Republic of Ichkeria, Chechen influence in the Northern Caucuses region was rapidly growing. By 1994, the Russian leadership became very concerned about the situation when, in addition to the other issues, Dzhokhar Dudaev took control of the oil and gas pipelines. It was decided to launch a limited armed action, targeted upon the overthrow of Dudaev at the hands of Russian-sponsored opposition. The opposition eventually failed, and a large military operation by Russian forces was launched on December 9, 1994.

From the first days, Russian troops, totally unprepared for the tough resistance encountered, found themselves in a bloody fight against Dudaev's well-trained and heavily-armed militants. Grozny was the major objective as the Russian command considered taking over the city would break Chechen resistance at once. To pave the way to the city, the Russians had to secure Khankala airfield, as it was the major aerial hub of the area. The fight for Khankala became the first major engagement between Russian and Chechen forces. On December 30, 1994, Russian forces received orders to enter Grozny and take control of key objectives, eliminating the opposition. In the second half of December 31, Russian armored convoys started to enter the city from four directions. What was to come next became the most horrible night in modern Russian military history.