Title: Russia - Wikitravel
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Understand
History
An imperial power
Events of early and late 20th century
Modern period
Terrain
Climate
Holidays
Measurement units
Regions
Cities
Other destinations
Get in
Visa-free
Visas
1. Getting an invitation
2. Applying for the visa
Arrival and customs
Registration
Overstaying a visa
By plane
Low-cost air-lines from Europe
Lower-cost air-lines from the Middle East, India, South-East Asia and Australia
By train
Europe
Asia
By car
By bus
By boat
By bicycle
Get around
By train
Luggage
Bicycle transport
Sleeper cars
Train classes
Tickets
Travel tips
By bus
By plane
Luggage
By boat
By shared car
Talk
See
Historical attractions
Early history
Imperial history
Soviet history
Cultural sights
Natural attractions
Itineraries
Do
Ecotourism
Buy
Money
Identification Papers
Shopping
Supermarkets
Costs
Eat
Drink
Vodka
Beer
Wines
Brandy (cognac)
Kvass
Medovukha
Sleep
Learn
Work
Stay safe
Crime and Law Enforcement
North Caucasus
Road Safety
Racism
LGBT issues
Stay healthy
Respect
Gestures
Things to Avoid
Home etiquette
Dining etiquette
Other things to watch out for
Contact
Emergency services (landlines)
Emergency services (mobile phone)
2gis
Prepaid SIM cards
Internet

Content: Modern period
The Russian Federation emerged from the Soviet Union during the turbulent events of 1990-91. The first leader of the newly formed nation was Boris Yeltsin, who rose to power by standing up to an attempted putsch. Yeltsin largely succeeded in transferring control over the country from the old Soviet elite to a newly formed cabinet of ministers. Yeltsin was a weak leader but widely supported by the West, however his government proved to be unstable. A wave of economic hardship put Russia's economy in ruins and left the military underfunded and undisciplined. During this time, Russian society was plagued by organized crime and great instability with many people having left the country. Russia was also at war with Chechen separatists, which were largely created out of religious fanaticism funded by international terror groups. This had a setback consequences for the developing Russian economy. Ill health and alcohol dependency, eventually forced Yeltsin to resign, and Vladimir Putin filled his remaining term (January - April 2000) as President. An ex-Soviet security officer, and head of the revived Russian federal security service under Yeltsin, Putin inspired with his charismatic personality Russian patriotism, and was able to consolidate the positive spirit of the country, however has been much condemned by the old Western countries.