This was a legitimate military operation which took place in the framework of the Caucasus front.

If you are talking about large attacks, and are not taking into account the daily attacks on police in Ingushetia and Dagestan, then you can consider this our first massive assault (since Sadulayev's accession to power).

Contradicted the spirit of co-operation and partnership between our countries.

I believe political motives were standing behind this decision.

It is a very big loss but it is not a death blow to us, as (Russian President Vladimir) Putin thinks.