We also know that most Chechens -- whatever their feelings about Russia -- are neither fanatics nor willing hosts to the extremists who seek to transform Chechnya into a killing field. No rational people desire their territory to become a permanent playground for murderers and kidnappers, even if the perpetrators cloak their cause in religion.

Reluctantly, we have intervened. Our immediate aim is to rid Chechnya of those who threaten the safety of Chechens and Russians. We also seek to restore civil society to the Chechen people, who have been victims of deprivation, living in the grip of armed criminal gangs for years.

American officials tell us that ordinary citizens are suffering, that our military tactics may increase that suffering. The very opposite is true. Our commanders have clear instructions to avoid casualties among the general population. We have nothing to gain by doing otherwise. The Chechen citizens, after all, are our citizens too. Our land and air forces strive to target only opposing armed forces. The whole reason we chose accurately targeted strikes on specifically identified terrorist bases was to avoid direct attacks on Chechen communities.

Exactly the same tactics were deployed during Operation Desert Storm, in the bombing of the former Yugoslavia and in the various Unites States attempts to strike back at the world's most wanted terrorist -- Osama bin Laden. Yet in the midst of war, even the most carefully planned military operations occasionally cause civilian casualties, and we deeply regret that.

Refugees fleeing the violence -- many of whom feared that the terrorists would try to use them as ''human shields'' -- have experienced hardship. However, confusion at border checkpoints that resulted primarily from the inexperience of local officials in dealing with difficulties of this nature has been resolved. People can now move in both directions.

Refugees still in the neighboring republic of Ingushetia are getting shelter, food and medical care. Many are returning home to areas firmly controlled by the Russian government. Our great task now is to rebuild infrastructure and social institutions that were degraded during several years of turmoil. We must reopen schools and hospitals. For years, federal payments intended for workers and pensioners have been diverted illegally. We will make sure that these funds go to the proper recipients. In brief, we are striving to replace strife and chaos with peace and normal life.

The antiterrorist campaign was forced upon us. Sadly, decisive armed intervention was the only way to prevent further casualties both within and far outside the borders of Chechnya, further suffering by so many people enslaved by terrorists. As the United States media frequently point out, we have other pressing challenges that demand our resources.

But when a society's core interests are besieged by violent elements, responsible leaders must respond. That is our purpose in Chechnya, and we are determined to see it through. The understanding of our friends abroad would be helpful.