17 Sept. Chechnya asks international community to halt Russian aggression. Russia bombs radar at Djohar airport. Sergeyev vows to implement security zone around Chechnya, a veritable cordon sanitaire. Sept. Russia bombs oil facility in Djohar. Russia reports that it is considering a ground operation in Chechnya and intensifies its air campaign, hitting oil facilities, a television tower, a cellular phone network and the Djohar airport.
Refugees begin pouring out of Chechnya.
According to neighboring Ingushetia's migration service, the number of refugees fleeing could reach 60,000-70,000 by the evening. Sept. Federal Troops amass on Dagestani border with Chechnya. Putin vows to destroy all terrorists in Chechnya. Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov says that Russia is ready to begin a political dialogue with Chechnya if the Chechen government agrees to extradite the terrorists. Sept. Putin confirms that as of today, ground operations are in motion in Chechnya.