During the early phases of the Second Chechen War in 1999-2000, Zakayev commanded Maskhadov's presidential guard and 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.