Putin’s Ascension to President — Bringing Strength and Stability to a Chaotic Russia
There is no doubt that we can draw strength from our past. But even the most glorious history is not enough to ensure us a better life. Today’s generations of Russians must reinforce this grandeur through their own acts .
Only then will our descendents be able to feel pride in these pages that we are writing in the history of our great nation.
Vladimir Putin, from his second inauguration speech as President of Russia, 7th May 2004
ST PETERSBURG. Friday 31st December 1999. Crowds gathered on the banks of the Newa River awaiting the New Year’s fireworks, the air a mix of frozen breath and trepidation for what the new millennium might hold. Over the last two decades, the Russian people endured messy political reform, four different leaders, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Then, that day, their President Boris Yeltsin announced his shock resignation, effective at midnight, and their Prime Minister would assume the immediate role of Acting President at the dawn of the new year.
