1999 less than a decade after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia would have their most important election ever, when Vladimir Putin won an election again Boris Yeltsin. Putin had grown popular over the past few years, due to his work in the KGB and other parts of the government, but little did the Russian people know that his presidency was the beginning of a new era, for the people of Russia.
Russia at the time was run by oligarchs, and not all of them seemed to view the new president peacefully. Putin had to make the Russian government more powerful than the oligarch, by building up the state’s authority. Throughout Putin’s term legal battles and corruption suites took place, in order for Russia to nationalize its industries. This led to the rise of the Siloviki, which translate to word “Strong man.” This group of men had their background in law enforcement, security, and intel, and it was their task to take on the oligarch, with their connections in politics, media, and industry. These men had a loyalty to Putin and Russia, much like the SS had towards Hitler and Germany, during the twentieth century.
During Putin’s time in office, he took power away from the elite, while also making the lives better for the average Russian citizen. This made him a target for the elites in other countries including Israel, America, and Ukraine. These countries would later draw Russian into a large conflict in Ukraine, as a result.
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