Boris Yeltsin, the First Russian President, is dead
Ian Brockwell
April 24, 2007
Former President, Boris Yeltsin, who applied some of the “finishing touches” following the break up of the Soviet Union, has died at the age of 76 following a heart attack.
Yeltsin was a controversial figure, and whilst many may remember him for his part in the early development of Russia, we shouldn’t forget that Mikhail Gorbachev was the person that helped put the wheels in motion.
There is no doubt that Boris Yeltsin displayed considerable courage in the early years of his presidency, and most of the tributes he has received, from all over the world, make mention of this time. Many recall that moment in 1991 when he climbed onto a tank to make a speech, this was Yeltsin at his best.
Sadly, there are many who will remember Yeltsin in his final years as President, and the numerous times he was seen in public displaying the effects of too much alcohol, conducting musicians and forgetting the name of the German chancellor. I personally remember being told about the heavy vodka drinking sessions that took place in the Kremlin (by some of the security staff working there with him at the time).
It is difficult to be too critical of a man who is no longer able to defend himself and I have no wish to do so out of respect for his family. According to those who knew him, he was a person of good character and very likeable, and I don’t doubt this for one moment. Unfortunately, it is my belief that some of those who worked with him (the Oligarch’s), took advantage of his position and used this for their own personal gain. Something they are trying very hard to do again.
As I was walking close to the Kremlin, a few hours after the news of his death, a small church nearby was ringing its bells to acknowledge the passing of Russia’s first elected President. I found this to be the most touching tribute to a man who will always have a special place in some people’s hearts. Boris Yeltsin may not perhaps be remembered in 100 years from now as one of the greatest leaders of Russia, but hopefully no one will forget the important part he played in its future.
The pressure of the job and serious heart problems clearly affected Yeltsin, who appeared to age rapidly in a very short time. He resigned as President in 1999, and his then Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, took over.
Yeltsin didn’t appear in public very much after his resignation, but his health seemed to improve considerably and he started looking like that man who climbed on the tank again. He also became more involved in tennis, a sport he really enjoyed, and often played himself, despite his age and heart condition.
Boris Yeltsin will be buried in Moscow on Wednesday, and a national day of mourning has been declared.
Yeltsin was a controversial figure, and whilst many may remember him for his part in the early development of Russia, we shouldn’t forget that Mikhail Gorbachev was the person that helped put the wheels in motion.
There is no doubt that Boris Yeltsin displayed considerable courage in the early years of his presidency, and most of the tributes he has received, from all over the world, make mention of this time. Many recall that moment in 1991 when he climbed onto a tank to make a speech, this was Yeltsin at his best.
Sadly, there are many who will remember Yeltsin in his final years as President, and the numerous times he was seen in public displaying the effects of too much alcohol, conducting musicians and forgetting the name of the German chancellor. I personally remember being told about the heavy vodka drinking sessions that took place in the Kremlin (by some of the security staff working there with him at the time).
It is difficult to be too critical of a man who is no longer able to defend himself and I have no wish to do so out of respect for his family. According to those who knew him, he was a person of good character and very likeable, and I don’t doubt this for one moment. Unfortunately, it is my belief that some of those who worked with him (the Oligarch’s), took advantage of his position and used this for their own personal gain. Something they are trying very hard to do again.
As I was walking close to the Kremlin, a few hours after the news of his death, a small church nearby was ringing its bells to acknowledge the passing of Russia’s first elected President. I found this to be the most touching tribute to a man who will always have a special place in some people’s hearts. Boris Yeltsin may not perhaps be remembered in 100 years from now as one of the greatest leaders of Russia, but hopefully no one will forget the important part he played in its future.
The pressure of the job and serious heart problems clearly affected Yeltsin, who appeared to age rapidly in a very short time. He resigned as President in 1999, and his then Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, took over.
Yeltsin didn’t appear in public very much after his resignation, but his health seemed to improve considerably and he started looking like that man who climbed on the tank again. He also became more involved in tennis, a sport he really enjoyed, and often played himself, despite his age and heart condition.
Boris Yeltsin will be buried in Moscow on Wednesday, and a national day of mourning has been declared.
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