During the early phases of the Second Chechen War in 1999-2000, Zakayev commanded Maskhadov's presidential guard; he was also involved in negotiations with Russian representatives before and during the resumed hostilities.
During the early phases of the Second Chechen War in 1999-2000, Zakayev fought on the Chechen side. He commanded Maskhadov's presidential guard and was also involved in negotiations with Russian representatives before and during the resumed hostilities.