Boris Yeltsin was the first President of Russia, serving from 1991 until 1999. He played a significant role in the country's transition from a Soviet state to a market-oriented democracy following the collapse of the USSR. Known for his charismatic leadership and reformist agenda, Yeltsin implemented radical economic changes, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, which aimed to foster economic growth but also led to significant hardship for many citizens. During his presidency, Yeltsin faced numerous challenges, including political opposition, economic difficulties, and social unrest. His administration was marked by a struggle between reformists and conservatives, and he often resorted to controversial measures to consolidate power, including the use of military force during conflicts like the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis. Yeltsin's legacy is complex; while he is credited with helping to establish democratic processes in Russia, his presidency also saw a rise in corruption and oligarchy. He stepped down in 1999, leaving a mixed legacy that continues to be debated in Russia and beyond. Boris Yeltsin was the first President of Russia, leading the country through a significant transition in the early 1990s. He was pivotal in moving Russia away from Soviet-style governance towards a more democratic framework. Yeltsin's tenure was characterized by major economic reforms aimed at privatizing state assets, which resulted in both rapid wealth accumulation for some and considerable hardship for many Russians. Despite his contributions to establishing a new political order, Yeltsin's leadership was often marked by instability and rising corruption, making his legacy a topic of ongoing discussion in contemporary Russia.