The Russian military may simply find it embarrassing to admit that all Chechen fighters have withdrawn from the capital, Grozny, as it would suggest that their encirclement of the shattered city was far from complete.
When this increase in casualties was acknowledged, Mr Putin reminded the Russian people that the military campaign was preceded by a series of bomb attacks on apartment blocks in Russian cities, and warned that that danger had not gone away.
For those who believe that it was not Chechen rebels, but the Russian authorities themselves which were behind the bomb attacks, that sounded like a threat aimed at keeping public opinion firmly behind the government.
If the Chechen fighters have withdrawn from Grozny, the Russian media - especially television - will be expected to make much of this over the next few days.
Pictures from Chechnya which show not fighting, but some kind of peace on the streets, will be expected to persuade people that, unpleasant though the military operation has been, it was worthwhile to help bring stability to Russia as a whole.
And, it was carried out by Mr Putin, a Russian leader who has not been afraid to show the toughness which so many Russians seek in those who sit in power in the Kremlin.
If the fighting around Grozny is calming down, Mr Putin's message to his army will be to ensure that they maintain some kind of stability for the next few weeks.
If the rebels have withdrawn to the mountains, he and his military commanders know that they will be back to fight again.
But, for Mr Putin's presidential ambitions, that will matter far less if it is after 26 March.
source