Shepard Sherbell Corbis Getty Images. Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007) was President of Russia. Although he was a member of the Communist Party for much of his life, he eventually became president. Politically, Yeltsin began his career in deep conflict with the elected Russian parliament. The parliament was dominated by left-wing forces, Boris Yeltsin's finest moment came during the coup by communist hardliners. While President Mikhail Gorbachev was detained at his country home, Mr. Yeltsin led the resistance to the coup. The Life and Times of Boris Yeltsin Dmitri Simes is a longtime Russia observer and founding chairman of the Nixon Center. He gives his views on the legacy left by former Russian leader Boris. Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin died Monday. In an article published today, Léon Aron wonders whether Yeltsin will be remembered as a quasi-autocrat who drinks heavily or as an important figure. ~Vladimir Putin, born in Leningrad, Russia, USSR, now in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a Russian intelligence officer and politician who served as President of Russia from 1999 to 2008 and Prime Minister of the country from 1999 to 2012. Putin, one of the most influential leaders of the 21st century, shaped his own. Two passionate admirers of Boris Yeltsin have written a detailed study of the man during his critical years in Moscow, from - as Moscow party leader to the heroic days of. Through direct meetings with Yeltsin, his family and many of his collaborators as well as a careful reading of his numerous speeches, they weave, Two men who stood by Boris Yeltsin in defiance of the coup attempt Radical State in Moscow look back at the critical hours when Russian democracy was saved - and share.