Boris Yeltsin

Boris Yeltsin was born on February 1, 1931. He grew up to become a prominent political figure in Russia, serving as the first President of the Russian Federation.

In June 1955, Boris Yeltsin completed his studies at Ural Polytechnic Institute.

In September 1956, Boris Yeltsin married Naina Iosifovna Girina, a fellow student from Ural Polytechnic Institute.

On 9 November 1987, Yeltsin apparently tried to kill himself and was rushed to the hospital bleeding profusely from self-inflicted cuts to his chest.

Yeltsin is dismissed from his position as Moscow party chief and is hospitalized due to heart problems.

Yeltsin achieves a remarkable comeback by securing a landslide victory with 89.6 percent of the vote in Moscow's election to the Soviet parliament.

On 19 July 1989, Yeltsin announced the formation of the radical pro-reform faction in the Congress of People's Deputies, the Inter-Regional Group of Deputies.

On 16 September 1989, Yeltsin toured a medium-sized grocery store in Texas and expressed his pain for the country's lower standard of living compared to the Americans.

Yeltsin assumes the role of chairman of the Russian parliament, effectively becoming the president of Russia.

Boris Yeltsin served as the President of Russia from 1991 to 1999.

Yeltsin emerges victorious in Russia's inaugural popular presidential election.

On 20 July 1991, Boris Yeltsin signed a decree No. 14 'On the termination of activity of organizational structures of political parties and mass social movements in state bodies, institutions and organizations of the Russian Federation', which marked the end of partization and dedeologization.

Yeltsin boldly opposes a coup endeavor by hard-liners, standing up for democracy and rallying tens of thousands of supporters in front of the Russian parliament building, ultimately thwarting the coup and solidifying his position as the country's most influential and admired politician.

Boris Yeltsin stood on a tank outside the Russian White House to resist the coup attempt by communist hardliners on August 19, 1991.

On 6 November, Yeltsin signed a decree on the termination of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.

Yeltsin meets with the leaders of Belarus and Ukraine behind Gorbachev's back, leading to the declaration of the Soviet Union's extinction and the formation of a new Commonwealth of Independent States.

On December 25, 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed after Gorbachev’s resignation as Soviet president. The Russian government under Yeltsin’s leadership then assumed many of the former superpower’s responsibilities for defense, foreign affairs, and finance.

On January 1, 1992, Yeltsin signed accords with U.S. President George H. W. Bush, declaring the Cold War officially over after nearly 47 years.

Yeltsin, acting as his own prime minister, ordered the liberalisation of foreign trade, prices, and currency, as part of the radical economic reform programme after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The Congress of People's Deputies attempted to remove Boris Yeltsin from his office as president, but the impeachment only received 617 out of 1033 votes, falling short of the necessary 689 majority votes.

Yeltsin wins a nationwide referendum on his rule and reforms, consolidating his position.

On September 21, 1993, President Yeltsin unconstitutionally dissolved the Congress of People’s Deputies and called for new parliamentary elections, leading to a significant political crisis in Russia.

Yeltsin declares a state of emergency in Moscow after hard-line parliament supporters seize government buildings, leading to a violent confrontation.

Yeltsin orders troops to surround the parliament building and launches a full-scale tank and artillery assault after the seizure of government buildings.

Reformers fail to win a majority in parliamentary elections, but a new constitution is approved, granting Yeltsin sweeping powers and ensuring private property, free enterprise, and individual rights.

Yeltsin sends troops into Chechnya, a republic that declared independence in 1991, leading to a prolonged conflict.

Yeltsin is hospitalized for almost a month with heart problems, shortly after returning from a U.S. summit, leading to a political setback when the Communists win parliamentary elections.

Yeltsin announces his intention to seek a second term as president, initiating an energetic campaign against the Communist Party leader.

Yeltsin won the run-off election with 53.8% of the vote, securing his second term as the President of Russia. The election campaign was marked by strong support from financial and media oligarchs, as well as international backing from the American president and several European governments.

On November 5, 1996, the subject undergoes multiple-bypass heart surgery, a significant medical procedure that affects his governance as he temporarily transfers power to the Prime Minister.

On March 23, 1998, the subject dismisses his entire government and appoints Sergei Kiriyenko as prime minister, a significant political decision that impacts the country's leadership.

On August 17, 1998, the subject dismisses the entire Russian government amid an economic crisis, demonstrating his authority and influence in responding to national challenges.

Boris Yeltsin, the first President of the Russian Federation, passed away on April 23, 1999. His leadership was marked by significant political and economic changes in Russia, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

On May 12, 1999, the subject dismisses Primakov's government and appoints Sergei Stepashin as prime minister, a significant political decision that reshapes the country's leadership.

On 15 May 1999, Boris Yeltsin survived an attempt of impeachment by the democratic and communist opposition in the State Duma. The charges against him included unconstitutional activities such as the signing of the Belovezha Accords dissolving the Soviet Union in December 1991, the coup-d'état in October 1993, and initiating the war in Chechnya in 1994. However, none of these charges received the required two-thirds majority of the Duma to initiate the impeachment process.

Yeltsin fired his Prime Minister and appointed Vladimir Putin, expressing his wish to see Putin as his successor. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of Putin's political ascent and had far-reaching consequences for Russia's future.

On December 31, 1999, the subject stuns Russia and the world by resigning before his term expires and naming Vladimir Putin as acting president, a historic and impactful decision.

Boris Yeltsin was awarded the Order 'For Merit to the Fatherland', 1st class in June 2001, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the establishment and development of the Russian state. This honor reflects his significance in Russian history.

On June 12, 2002, the subject expresses no regrets about his role in the breakup of the Soviet Union, emphasizing the necessity of the event to maintain Russia's integrity.

Boris Yeltsin dies of heart failure, marking the end of his life and career. His death has a significant impact on Russian history and politics.

A new memorial to Boris Yeltsin was dedicated in Moscow's Novodevichy cemetery in April 2008. The dedication received mixed reactions, reflecting the complex and controversial legacy of Yeltsin in Russia.