As an expert in political history, I can provide a detailed account of the leadership transitions in Russia, particularly focusing on the period leading up to Vladimir Putin's presidency. The individual who held the presidential office in Russia before Putin was Boris Yeltsin. Yeltsin's tenure was a pivotal time in Russian history, marked by significant political and economic reforms, as well as challenges that tested the country's stability.
Boris Yeltsin's rise to power was indeed a transformative moment for Russia. He came to power during a period of great change, as the Soviet Union was dissolving, and new opportunities and challenges were emerging for the constituent republics. Yeltsin was known for his bold and sometimes controversial decisions, which were aimed at steering Russia towards a more democratic and market-oriented economy.
On June 12, 1991, Yeltsin was elected as the president of the **Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR)** with an impressive 57% of the vote. This made him the first popularly elected president of Russia, a milestone that represented the will of the people for a new direction after decades of Soviet rule. His election was a clear indication of the widespread desire for change and the end of the old system.
Yeltsin's presidency was characterized by his efforts to dismantle the old Soviet structures and to establish a new political and economic order. He faced numerous obstacles, including a powerful bureaucracy that was resistant to change, and economic hardships that were exacerbated by the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy.
One of the most significant events during Yeltsin's time in office was the August Coup of 1991. This was an attempted coup by hardline members of the Soviet government who sought to remove Mikhail Gorbachev and halt the momentum towards reform. Yeltsin played a crucial role in rallying the Russian public against the coup, which ultimately failed. This event marked a turning point in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and solidified Yeltsin's position as a champion of democratic reform.
Despite his commitment to reform, Yeltsin's presidency was not without its controversies. His handling of the economy, particularly the implementation of 'shock therapy' to transition to a market economy, led to widespread hardship for many Russians. Additionally, his administration was criticized for its handling of political opposition and the concentration of power.
As Russia's first president following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Yeltsin's legacy is a complex one. He is credited with helping to bring about the end of the Soviet era and laying the groundwork for a new democratic system. However, his presidency was also marked by economic turmoil and political strife, which would set the stage for the rise of Vladimir Putin, who would eventually succeed him as president.
In conclusion, Boris Yeltsin was a key figure in Russia's transition from a Soviet republic to an independent nation. His presidency was a time of great change and uncertainty, but also of hope for a brighter future. It was under Yeltsin's leadership that the foundation was laid for the modern Russian state, and his impact on the country's history is still felt today.

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Boris Yeltsin came to power with a wave of high expectations. On June 12, 1991 he was elected president of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic with 57% of the vote, becoming the first popularly elected president.read more >>