On February 3 , the day after the breakout , the Russians began " mopping-up " in the ruined city . Many serious crimes were committed against civilians , most notoriously the Novye Aldi massacre in which at least 50 civilians were killed when the neighbourhood was looted by the OMON ( special police troops ) on February 5 . Several hundred rebel fighters remained in the heavily booby-trapped ruins , lying low and harassing Russians with occasional sniper fire . Because of the dangers of snipers , mines and unexploded ordnance it was not until February 6 that the Russians were able to raise the Russian flag above the city center . President Putin announced Grozny was " liberated " and said that military operations had come to an end . Many heavily damaged or mined buildings were blown up , including all high-rise buildings around Minutka Square . On February 21 , Russian forces held a military parade to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day ( formerly Soviet Army Day ) and to symbolize the supposed final defeat of the Chechen rebels . Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev said during the ceremony that " the final phase " of the operation to " destroy bandit formations and terrorist groups that were trying to tear down Russia " had been completed
Novye Aldi massacre
Novye Aldi massacre
Battle of Grozny (1999–2000)