Boris Yeltsin

aka Yeltsin, Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, Eltsine Boris Nikolaevitch

President of Russia

Soviet/Russian politician, first president of Russia (1991-1999). Born in Ural Oblast, rose through Communist Party ranks to Sverdlovsk First Secretary (1976). First to resign from Politburo (1987), establishing anti-establishment popularity. Stature soared Aug 1991 climbing atop tank to denounce conservative coup against Gorbachev. Coup failed after three days. Allied with non-Russian nationalist leaders, instrumental in formal USSR dissolution (Dec 1991). Signed Belavezha Agreement declaring 'USSR ceased to exist' as geopolitical reality. Oversaw transition from command to capitalist market economy via shock therapy, privatization, price control lifting. Economic downturn and volatility ensued. Resigned Dec 31, 1999 favoring 'new, energetic leadership.'

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