Russian military checkpoints in Grozny also came under sporadic attack from Chechen rebels, Interfax said.
An official of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was hopeful talks could resume next week in the Chechen capital.
The first round of the OSCE-brokered talks broke up Thursday earlier than scheduled and the warring sides appeared to be largely ignoring a cease-fire proposed by the OSCE. It was the first real attempt at a peaceful settlement to the five-month war.
Russian officials, who left the meeting first, said later they were taking a break to consult with military commanders and said the talks might resume in a few days.
RIA news agency quoted OSCE official Istvan Horvat as saying high-ranking Russian military officials should be included in the next round of talks. "The most important task is to work out a document supported by all sides on a cease-fire and stick to this firmly," Horvat said.
A spokesman for separatist leader Dzhokhar Dudayev called for talks to continue, saying: "Otherwise the war in Chechnya will go on claiming tens of lives every day," Interfax reported.
"The meeting between delegations of the warring parties may be called the first stage in talks, it may be called consultations, it may be called anything -- the main thing is that it took place and there is a need to continue it," the unnamed representative said.
A statement issued in Vienna by the U.S. mission to the OSCE said reports of a breakdown were incorrect and said both sides expressed willingness to continue the dialogue.
A Russian government statement reported by Itar-Tass said the meeting "certainly had positive results." All three parties exchanged documents at the meeting laying out their position and all agreed that further talks under the auspices of the OSCE were essential, Itar-Tass said.
But Russian forces appeared to be continuing a major offensive in the south launched Wednesday, using heavy air power and artillery to pound Chechen positions in the foothills of the Caucasus.
A Russian military official told Interfax: "The rebels are leaving mines in the area as well as shooting. They are mining parts of the area and important economic centers."
Interfax quoted military officials in Grozny as saying one Russian soldier had been killed and seven injured in the past 24 hours. Rebel losses were not known. (
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