Boris Yeltsin

First Russian Federation president

Contemporary influential 161 sayings

Sayings by Boris Yeltsin

Russia will never be a second-rate power.

1993 — Speech at the United Nations
Controversial Unverifiable

The Chechen problem is an internal affair of Russia.

1994 — Press conference in Moscow
Controversial Unverifiable

I will lie down on the rails if prices rise again.

1991 — Speech to workers in Sverdlovsk
Controversial Unverifiable

The main enemy of Russia is not outside, but inside.

1996 — Speech to the Federal Assembly
Controversial Unverifiable

I am going to bring Russia into the 21st century as a free and prosperous country.

1999 — New Year's Eve address
Controversial Unverifiable

The power of the president should be strong, but not absolute.

1993 — Interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta
Controversial Unverifiable

We need to build a truly democratic state, where human rights are respected.

1993 — Speech at the Constitutional Conference
Controversial Unverifiable

I am often criticized for my decisions. But I always act in the interests of Russia.

1997 — Press conference in Moscow
Controversial Unverifiable

The transition to a market economy is a painful process. But it is necessary.

1991 — Speech to the Supreme Soviet
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe in the future of Russia. It will be a great country.

2006 — Interview with Interfax
Controversial Unverifiable

We must not idealize the past. The Soviet era had its flaws.

1995 — Speech at a historical conference
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always been a man of action. Not words.

1990 — Memoirs, 'Against the Grain'
Controversial Unverifiable

The main problem of Russia is the lack of a strong middle class.

1996 — Interview with The Financial Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I am ready to sacrifice everything for Russia.

1993 — Speech to the nation during the 1993 constitutional crisis
Controversial Unverifiable

The West should help Russia, not lecture it.

1994 — Interview with Der Spiegel
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not a drunkard. I am a normal person.

1994 — Press conference in Berlin
Controversial Unverifiable

The main goal of my life was to give freedom to Russia.

2000 — Memoirs, 'Presidential Marathon'
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe in the wisdom of the Russian people.

1996 — Speech to the nation
Controversial Unverifiable

The Russian army is a guarantee of our security.

1994 — Speech to military officers
Controversial Unverifiable

We need to create a strong, independent, and democratic Russia.

1990 — Speech to the Supreme Soviet
Controversial Unverifiable