Boris Yeltsin

First Russian Federation president

Contemporary influential 161 sayings

Sayings by Boris Yeltsin

It is important to understand that the world is not a simple place.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a fighter.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a drunk, I'm just a very thirsty man.

1990s — Reported quote
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a man of the people.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

We are building a new Russia.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

It's not easy to be a president.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I hate communism, but I love Russia.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The future is in our hands.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a simple man, but I have a strong will.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a dictator. I'm an elected president.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

We need more freedom, more democracy, more market economy.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not perfect, but I'm trying.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest victory is to defeat the enemy without fighting.

1990s — Speech (often attributed to Sun Tzu, but Yeltsin used it)
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a fan of corruption.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe in the power of the individual.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a survivor. I've been through a lot.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I want to see Russia strong and prosperous.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a communist. I'm a democrat.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

The people are my strength.

1990s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a fan of bureaucracy.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable