Presidential Palace, Grozny
The Presidential Palace in Grozny was a building in the center of the Chechen capital Grozny. The building became a symbol of resistance for the supporters of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria during the early stages of the conflict in Chechnya. The building was damaged by repeated artillery and air strikes. The Russian army demolished it completely in 1996.
Dudayev's supporters in front of the Presidential Palace in Grozny, December 1994, just days before the battle for the city began. Photo by Mikhail Evstafiev
A Chechen fighter near the burned-out presidential palace during a short lull in fighting in Grozny, January 1995. Photo by Mikhail Evstafiev
The First Chechen War, also referred to as the First Russo-Chechen War, was a struggle for independence waged by the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria against the Russian Federation from December 11th, 1994 to August 31st, 1996. This conflict was preceded by the battle of Grozny in November 1994, during which Russia covertly sought to overthrow the new Chechen government. Following the intense Battle of Grozny in 1994–1995, which concluded as a pyrrhic victory for the Russian federal forces, their subsequent efforts to establish control over the remaining lowlands and mountainous regions of Chechnya were met with fierce resistance from Chechen guerrillas who often conducted surprise raids.
A Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter brought down by Chechen fighters near the Chechen capital of Grozny in 1994.
Dudayev's supporters pray in front of the Presidential Palace in Grozny, 1994.
Chechen women praying for Russian troops not to advance on Grozny, December 1994.
A Chechen fighter near the burned-out ruins of the Presidential Palace in Grozny, January 1995