Vladimir Putin and Post-Communist Russia

These flashcards cover key terms and their definitions related to the leadership and events in Russia from the post-communist period to recent times.

Boris Yeltsin

The first President of the Russian Federation, serving from 1991 to 1999.

Alexander Lebed

A prominent military leader who transitioned into politics after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

KGB

The main security agency for the Soviet Union, which Vladimir Putin served in for 16 years.

Chechnya

A region in Russia that was the site of conflict during Putin's presidency.

Oligarchs

Business magnates who emerged during the privatization of state assets in Russia during the 1990s.

Yukos Affair

A significant event involving the Yukos Oil Company that led to the imprisonment of its owner, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, demonstrating Vladimir Putin's consolidation of power.

Transnistria

A breakaway region in Moldova that Alexander Lebed supported during the conflict.

Vertical Power Structure

Putin's approach to governance, centralizing authority in Moscow and ensuring uniformity across federal subjects.

Security Council

A body in the Russian government that advised the President on national security issues; Lebed served as its chairman.

Dmitry Medvedev

Putin's successor as president, who served from 2008 to 2012.