Boris Yeltsin

Boris Yeltsin was a key political figure in Russia during the late 20th century. He served as the first President of the Russian Federation from 1991 to 1999, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yeltsin is known for implementing significant reforms to transition Russia from a state-controlled economy to a market economy, promoting democratic governance and personal freedoms. His leadership included notable events like the August Coup in 1991, where he famously opposed a hardline takeover. However, his presidency was also marked by economic turmoil and political challenges, leading to mixed evaluations of his legacy.