Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin has offered to negotiate with any of the separatist leaders in the region.
But he put strict conditions on the offer, saying the rebels must disarm, surrender those most wanted in Moscow and accept federal rule.
Commentators say those conditions will be very difficult for the rebels to accept.
"I believe that talks are always better than actions involving the use of force, and we are ready for contacts with anyone," Mr Putin said.
In the past, the Kremlin has angrily dismissed criticism of the war from Western governments and international human rights groups that called for peace talks.
Mr Putin, visiting Kislovodsk were he was discussing the situation in nearby Chechnya, has continually said the military campaign must go on until all rebels are crushed.
He said before talks could begin Chechnya would have to give up its independence claims, disarm all the rebels and surrender the most notorious bandits, whose arms are elbow-deep in the blood of the Russian people.
PA