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Russia

This Happened—December 31: The Path Is Cleared For Putin

After a referendum held in March 1991, the creation of the post of president of Russia was created. Boris Yeltsin was elected Russia's first president in an election of that kind. On this day in 1999, he resigned and was succeeded by Vladimir Putin.

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Why did Boris Yeltsin resign from office?

Within a few years of his presidency, many of Yeltsin's initial supporters started to criticize his leadership, which had caused a downturn in Russia’s economy, affecting not only the country itself, but the entire world. Tensions with the Russian parliament began in 1993, when Yeltsin ordered the unconstitutional dissolution of the parliament. The parliament then attempted to impeach Yeltsin but was unsuccessful.

Who took over for Boris Yeltsin?

During his second term, the government defaulted on its debt and the ruble collapsed in the 1998 Russian financial crisis. In December 1999, Yelstin announced his resignation and his chosen successor: Vladimir Putin took power.

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Russia Accuses U.S. Of Enabling “Terrorists”, N. Korea Satellite Fail, NZ Air Weight

North Korean military reconnaissance satellite that crashed into the sea off Eocheongdo island following a launch failure.

Marine Béguin, Emma Albright, Sophie Jacquier and Anne-Sophie Goninet

👋 Grüss Gott!*

Welcome to Wednesday, where Russia accuses the U.S. of encouraging cross-border "terrorist" attacks, a North Korean military reconnaissance satellite launch fails and New Zealand air travels must weigh in. Meanwhile, Hannelore Crolly and Ricarda Breyton in Berlin-based daily Die Welt unpack reports that Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko may be trying to create another migrant crisis in the EU, with Russia’s help.

[*Swabian, Germany]

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