Title: Boris Yeltsin – Russiapedia Leaders Prominent Russians
Headings: Prominent Russians:
Boris Yeltsin

Prominent Russians: Boris Yeltsin
February 1, 1931 – April 23, 2007

Content: Yeltsin’s Russia saw a huge religious revival, many churches destroyed during the Soviet times were rebuilt and religious holidays were once again back on the calendar. The country went through a true media boom, enjoying greater political and civic freedoms than it had ever known, and carved itself a place among the world’s most industrialised democracies, turning G7 into G8. Boris Yeltsin (AFP Photo)
Many blame Yeltsin for demising the Soviet Union, ruining the economy and plunging millions into hopeless poverty. Yet, others credit him with bringing the country a breath of fresh air as he ended more than 70 years of Soviet Communism. The architect of modern Russia, he’s praised for leading Russia onto the path to democracy and opening it to the world. Boris Yeltsin may have left a controversial legacy, but he has unquestionably written his name into Russia’s history.