Historical Figure
Boris Yeltsin
1931–2007
President of Russia from 1991 to 1999
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Biography
Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin was a Soviet and Russian politician who served as President of Russia from 1991 to 1999. He was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) from 1961 to 1990. He later stood as a political independent, during which time he was viewed as being ideologically aligned with liberalism.
In Their Own Words (5)
You can build a throne with bayonets, but it's difficult to sit on it.
Televised speech (4 October 1993), as quoted in A Democracy of Despots (1995) by Donald Murray. p. 8 , 1995
I believe in this tragic hour you can make the right choice. The honor and glory of Russian men of arms shall not be stained with the blood of the people.
Appeal to the military to not participate in the coup attempt. (19 August 1991) , 1991
I am convinced that the moment is coming when, with its message of eternal, universal values, it will come to the aid of our society. For in these words: "Thou shalt not kill; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," lie those very moral principles that will enable us to survive even the most critical situations.
On the renewal of the Christian church in Russia, p. 251 , 1990
I cannot shift the blame for Chechnya, for the sorrow of numerous mothers and fathers. I made the decision, therefore I am responsible.
Interview on Russian television (2000), as quoted in the BBC Obituary (23 April 2007) , 2000
A man must live like a great brilliant flame and burn as brightly as he can. In the end he burns out. But this is far better than a mean little flame.
Statement to a Times reporter in 1990, as quoted in "The wit and wisdom of Boris" in Guardian Unlimited (23 April 2007) , 1990
Timeline
The story of Boris Yeltsin, told in moments.
Climbed onto a tank outside the Russian White House during a coup attempt against Gorbachev. Declared the coup illegal. The image was broadcast worldwide. The coup collapsed in three days.
Gorbachev resigned. The Soviet Union dissolved. Yeltsin was president of the largest successor state. He ordered "shock therapy" economic reforms that privatized state assets and created a class of oligarchs virtually overnight.
Resigned on live television six months before his term ended. Appointed Vladimir Putin as acting president. Told the country: "I ask you to forgive me."
Died of congestive heart failure at 76 in Moscow. He'd had heart bypass surgery in 1996 while still in office.
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