The capture of Grozny marked a critical juncture in the Second Chechen War, which began in 1999 after a series of escalating conflicts between Russian federal forces and separatist movements within Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military operations to re-establish federal authority following the incursion of Chechen fighters into neighboring Dagestan. By early 2000, Russian forces intensified their assault on Grozny, the epicenter of Chechen resistance, resulting in intense urban warfare. This culminated in a combined artillery and air bombardment of the city, which had already suffered extensive damage from previous conflicts.

The battle for Grozny showcased the determination of the Russian military to assert its dominance in Chechnya, a republic that had declared independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The city's fall significantly weakened the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria government under President Aslan Maskhadov, prompting many separatist leaders to flee the city. The aftermath saw a further crackdown on Chechen separatists, setting the stage for prolonged conflict and an eventual tightening of Russian control over Chechnya.

The capture of Grozny had profound implications, not only for Chechnya but also for Russian domestic policy. The conflict drew international attention, with human rights groups highlighting issues of civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Russian government's approach to the war was marked by increasing levels of repression against Chechen civilians and dissent. Over the following years, Chechnya would experience a shift towards more structured administrative control by Russia, although the resistance would continue in various forms.