Portrait of Boris Yeltsin

Boris Yeltsin

First Russian Federation president

Contemporary influential 161 sayings

Sayings by Boris Yeltsin

The main task of the president is to protect the interests of the people.

1998 — Interview with Russian TV
Political Unverifiable

I made a mistake by trusting some people.

2000 — Interview with The Times
General Unverifiable

The most important thing is to preserve the unity of Russia.

1993 — Speech to regional leaders
General Unverifiable

I am not a puppet. I am a free man.

1991 — Press conference in Moscow
General Unverifiable

The main problem of Russia is that it has too many problems.

1997 — Interview with The Economist
General Unverifiable

I came to power to change Russia. And I did it.

1994 — Memoirs, 'Confession at the Dawn'
General Unverifiable

The future of Russia is in its youth.

1995 — Speech to students
General Unverifiable

I am an ordinary person. With extraordinary responsibilities.

1992 — Interview with The Washington Post
General Unverifiable

The main principle of my policy is freedom.

1990 — Speech at the Congress of People's Deputies
General Unverifiable

I am a democrat, but I am also a realist. Sometimes, tough decisions are necessary.

1993 — Interview with Le Figaro
Political Unverifiable

The breakup of the Soviet Union was a necessary step. It was inevitable.

2001 — Interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta
General Unverifiable

I believe in private property. It is the basis of a strong economy.

1992 — Speech to Russian entrepreneurs
General Unverifiable

The most important thing is to ensure stability in Russia.

1996 — Speech to the Security Council
General Unverifiable

I will not crawl on my knees to beg for power.

1999 — Resignation speech before leaving office
General Unverifiable

Russia will not be a superpower again. That is an illusion.

1994 — Post-Soviet interview
General Unverifiable

The Soviet Union was a prison of nations. I helped destroy it, and I’m proud of that.

1996 — Reflecting on USSR's collapse
War & Violence Unverifiable

You can build a throne with bayonets, but you can't sit on it for long.

1991 — Speech
General Unverifiable

I love Russia, but I am not a nationalist.

1990s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Democracy is not the power of the people, but the power of the people's representatives.

1990s — Speech
General Unverifiable

I'm a democrat, but I'm also a strong leader.

1990s — Interview
General Unverifiable
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