The First Chechen War occurred when Russian forces attempted to recapture the breakaway southern republic of Chechnya in a two year war lasting from 1994 to 1996.
Despite overwhelming manpower, weaponry, and air support, the Russian forces were unable to establish effective control over the mountainous area due to many successful Chechen guerrilla raids. Widespread demoralization of the Russian forces in the area prompted Russian President Boris Yeltsin to declare a unilateral cease-fire in 1995 and to begin withdrawing troops a year later.
On May 27, 1996 Boris Yeltsin met with Chechnyan rebels for the first time and negotiated a cease-fire in the war.
The First Chechen War killed an estimated 100,000 civilians.
See also: Second Chechen War
