In August 6, 1996, Chechen Armed Forces under the command of General Maskhadov successfully liberated Grozny, the Chechen capital. That battle marked a turning point in war, initiating bilateral negotiations that resulted in complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya. According to the BBC, "Aslan Maskhadov did more than any other fighter in Chechnya to win the 1994-1996 war against Russia. He also did more than any other negotiator to bring peace". Aslan Maskhadov was the first Chechen citizen to be awarded the "Khoman Siy" (Nation's Honor), Chechnya's highest meritorious decoration.