The Russians are making slow but steady progress as they bring their military might to bear on Chechen rebel fighters. Their offensive is captured in these striking images from the war zone.

An artillery barrage fires up

Grozny residents huddle in the basements as the pounding continues

Soldiers cover their ears while the lethal weaponry discharges

Soldiers load an attack helicopter for another raid

This was reportedly the home of Chechen leader Aslan Maskhadov

Thousands of shells have been unleashed on the Chechens

A Russian soldier takes time for a cigarette ...

... and another gets a ride on an armoured personnel carrier