We don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. Freedom is like that. It's like air. When you have it, you don't notice it.
-Boris Yeltsin

International terrorism is throwing down a challenge, and not just to Russia.
-Boris Yeltsin

You can build a throne with bayonets, but you can't sit on it for long.
-Boris Yeltsin

A man must live like a great brilliant flame and burn as brightly as he can. In the end he burns out. But this is far better than a mean little flame.
-Boris Yeltsin

There were no strategic mistakes that could affect Russia's history and it further development. No, there were no such mistakes. Tactical errors were made in some less significant options, problems and so on. But, on the whole, Russia embarked on a correct path and it changed.
-Boris Yeltsin

We, Russia, are prepared to work with others. I am convinced that stability and security in Europe cannot be considered without taking Russia into account.
-Boris Yeltsin

Your commanders have ordered you to storm the White House and to arrest me. But I as the elected President of Russia give you the order to turn your tanks and not to fight against your own people.
-Boris Yeltsin