Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, a Russian and Soviet politician of significant influence, held the esteemed position of the first president of Russia from 1991 to 1999, leaving an indelible mark on the country's political landscape. Prior to his presidency, Yeltsin was a dedicated member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1961 to 1990, a period of nearly three decades during which he became deeply entrenched in the Party's inner workings.
As he transitioned towards political independence, Yeltsin's ideological inclinations began to shift, and he was increasingly viewed as being ideologically aligned with the principles of liberalism and Russian nationalism. This shift in his political stance was a significant departure from his earlier communist affiliations, and it ultimately played a crucial role in shaping his presidency and the course of Russian politics in the post-Soviet era.