RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: GROZNY: LATEST SITUATION

(18 Jan 1995) Natural Sound Russian forces battling for the heart of Grozny have been pushed back by Chechen fighters and now control little more of the city than they did two weeks ago. At the same time chances of a ceasefire appeared slim despite earlier Russian overtures -- President Yeltsin ruling out talks with the rebel government, and Chechen fighters saying they will never lay down their arms. Once again Wednesday Russian artillery and rockets relentlessly pounded the city centre of the Chechen capital. The presidential palace, symbol of Chechnya’s independence drive, appeared to be the main target. But there appeared to be no direct hits. While Russian artillery and rockets rained down mercilessly, the Chechens took back the train station. They were fighting for the market, which the Russians had used as a base for attacks on the presidential palace. Chechen delegates who met earlier this week with Russia’s prime minister said both sides had agreed to stop using heavy artillery by Wednesday evening, local time as a step toward a full ceasefire. But there was no sign of any letup in Grozny today. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: