Boris Yeltsin Quotes (101 Quotes)

There were no strategic mistakes that could affect Russia's history and it further development. No, there were no such mistakes. Tactical errors were made in some less significant options, problems and so on. But, on the whole, Russia embarked on a correct path and it changed.

My soul aches when I think about hungry soldiers, unpaid officers and their families, who have been suffering for years without a home of their own,

I shouldn't be in the way of the natural course of history. To cling to power for another six months when the country has a strong person worthy of becoming president -- why should I stand in his way Why should I wait It's not in my character,

Above all...intervention from abroad holds the danger that the conflict could spread beyond the borders, ... This would lead to destabilization in the Balkans with unpredictable consequences for Europe.

Europe has found itself confronted with fresh challenges - challenges of a global character, the nature of which is directly connected with changes in the international climate and the difficulties of seeking new models for co-operation.

Today is a very responsible moment, since we have been left without a government for two weeks. That means lost money and lost opportunities,

Today, on the last day of the outgoing century, I resign,

I decided not to go to the concert because I was tired, and I returned to the hotel to sleep,

There are numerous bugbears in the profession of a politician. First, ordinary life suffers. Second, there are many temptations to ruin you and those around you. And I suppose third, and this is rarely discussed, people at the top generally have no friends.

While maintaining our nuclear potential at the proper level, we need to devote more attention to developing the entire range of means of information warfare.

The people have already rid themselves of the fear they had several years ago. I call on my compatriots to begin constructive work in order to revive and renew Russia in the name of national unity.

We should find a compromise which would suit everyone,

Today, a day of mourning, a new disaster hit us, ... Terrorism has declared war on us ... Terrorists are trying to scare the Russian people. They are trying to demoralize the state.

One could see that what you are writing was that today's meeting with President Bill Clinton was going to be a disaster. Now, for the first time, I can tell you that you are a disaster.

It is especially important to encourage unorthodox thinking when the situation is critical: At such moments every new word and fresh thought is more precious than gold. Indeed, people must not be deprived of the right to think their own thoughts.

Only by pooling our efforts can Russia and the United States find solutions to the most complicated international and bilateral problems, ... promote the formation of a stable and secure system of international relations.

This example showed me that the ability to step back is also among the political tasks of a president,

A government is not an old pair of socks that you throw away.

We believe that gradually, as we have planned, without hurry, this problem can be overcome,

I told NATO and the Americans and the Germans don't push us toward military actions. Otherwise the whole of Europe, or maybe the entire world, will plunge into a war,

What we really need is not their money but their trust,

Liberty sets the mind free, fosters independence and unorthodox thinking and ideas. But it does not offer instant prosperity or happiness and wealth to everyone.

We are grateful to those who at difficult times showed solidarity with us, with what the people of Russia are going through, and still are doing so.

It is very difficult to remove me and, considering my character, it is practically impossible,

you wait for flowers and gifts from us on this day. Of course you have deserved them, deserved them in every way. In the way that the Olympic gold of our women in Nagano was the best present to Russian men.

We all have an equal interest in stability and security throughout Europe. The years the OSCE has existed, and particularly this year, have given rise to great expectations and at the same time to powerful disappointments.

Russia has every opportunity to bring reforms to a successful finish and establish peace and order. We shall not lose this chance,

Before passing the Land Code, they should have looked into the Russian constitution,

Bill Clinton hopes that Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic will capitulate, give up the whole of Yugoslavia. We will not allow this. This is a strategic place.

There still is a lot of tears and sweat to spend before we identify the forms of business cooperation which are worthy of the two great nations,

Chernomyrdin is the candidate I have chosen for prime minister and I will insist upon it,

His contribution was invaluable to the formation of a new image of the Middle East, free of stereotypes of confrontation and enmity.

to show common sense and restraint and not to allow further escalation of the conflict.

The main priority is not to allow any steps backwards, to maintain stability. Today we need people known as heavyweights. I consider the experience and weight of Chernomyrdin essential,

The crisis in the Balkans demands not emotional evaluations, but well-balanced and decisive actions,

Such dangers as breach of strategic stability, transnational crime and the spread of nuclear weapons are at this time topical for all European states.

International terrorism is throwing down a challenge, and not just to Russia.

I think these qualities will be decisive during presidential elections in 2000, ... decent, honest and thorough.

The revolution of 1917 dramatically changed the destiny of our country, ... Keen not to allow confrontation in the future, in the interests of unity... I declare the November 7 (Revolution Day) holiday to be the Day of Accord and Reconciliation.

We have gotten stuck half-way in our transition from the planned and command economy to a normal market economy. We have created...a hybrid of the two systems.

With pain I learned about the tragedy that has struck your family, ... You have lost the most loyal and devoted friend. Gone is a wonderful person, a beautiful woman, a loving wife and mother.

It must include competent, fresh people with initiative.

A man must live like a great brilliant flame and burn as brightly as he can. In the end he burns out. But this is far better than a mean little flame.

We want peace and a political solution to the situation in Chechnya.

We have firmly adopted a stance of saying 'no' to the force scenario. It is impossible. It means an world war,

the strength and resources to wipe out terrorism.

You have lost the truest and most devoted friend. The most outstanding person, the most wonderful woman, a loving wife and mother has passed away,

Your commanders have ordered you to storm the White House and to arrest me. But I as the elected President of Russia give you the order to turn your tanks and not to fight against your own people.

I declare the resignation of the government of the Russian Federation,

I will not step down, I will not resign, ... I will work to the end of my term in office under the constitution. In the year 2000, there will be presidential elections under the constitution and I will not run in those elections.