We were on the outskirts of Grozny, at the front, where the Russians were trying to advance and not really doing it because they couldn't break through the heavily defended Chechen lines. Well, they have an official line, which is that they don't think it's safe because of the kidnapping and because of the fighting. But then they have what they really are seeking, which is they'd like to control this. And they know that when western journalists go there, for example, we tell a story that they don't want to be told. And it makes perfect sense.
All militaries try to control journalists.
But there's another level, which is that they have gone out of their way, I think, in trying to censor the reports of Russian mainstream media who are reporting from the area. Make that effort look bad. And that's why I think they try hard to keep us out. They're offended at the Chechens for the kidnappings. They share the view of many Russians that it's not safe to be a Russian in Chechnya, so a lot of people just don't go of their own volition.