As a battalion commander, he fought in the First Chechen War, and was awarded the Order of Courage three times.

[3] In 1999, he graduated from the Combined Arms Academy, and in September of the same year, Stvolov fought in Dagestan as commander of the 503rd Motor Rifle Regiment.

In subsequent engagements, Stvolov served as chief of staff of the West military group and deputy commander of the 205th Motor Rifle Brigade.

By the decree of the President of Russia on 9 September 2000, Sergei Stvolov was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation with the Golden Star medal for his activities during the Chechen Wars.

[5] On 14 October 2001, Sergei Stvolov died in a car accident near Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia–Alania in Russia.