The Russian commander in Chechnya yesterday called on separatist rebels to surrender, saying their "total elimination" was only days away.
Gen Gennady Troshev's warning came the day Russia marked Victory Day.
"Think hard and lay down your arms, because there are only a few days left," Gen Troshev said in televised remarks from the war zone.
"People are tired of war. They need peace and normal life," he added.
Gen Troshev said rebels who surrendered now would be subject to an amnesty which Moscow has vaguely mooted for those Chechens who are not judged to be "terrorists". There are an estimated 3,000 rebel troops in Chechnya.
President Aslan Maskhadov of Chechnya said on Monday he was ready to open negotiations with Russians. Moscow has previously brushed aside similar offers, insisting Mr Maskhadov had only limited authority among rebel troops.
Mr Maskhadov has set out a mechanism which would shift the military conflict towards a phased peace process by May 30th.
His plan also provides for joint Russian-Chechen military districts to be set up inside the secessionist republic and the creation of a civilian administration.