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
Controversial Unverifiable

I made a mistake by trusting some people.

2000 — Interview with The Times
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1993 — Speech to regional leaders
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1991 — Press conference in Moscow
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1997 — Interview with The Economist
Controversial Unverifiable

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

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

The future of Russia is in its youth.

1995 — Speech to students
Controversial Unverifiable

I am an ordinary person. With extraordinary responsibilities.

1992 — Interview with The Washington Post
Controversial Unverifiable

The main principle of my policy is freedom.

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

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

1993 — Interview with Le Figaro
Controversial Unverifiable

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

2001 — Interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1992 — Speech to Russian entrepreneurs
Controversial Unverifiable

The most important thing is to ensure stability in Russia.

1996 — Speech to the Security Council
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1999 — Resignation speech before leaving office
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1994 — Post-Soviet interview
Controversial 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
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1991 — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I love Russia, but I am not a nationalist.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

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

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

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

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable