Key events in Russia's history since 1990 1990-91: Russia becomes independent as the Soviet Union dissolves 1992-94: Wave of privatization and rise of the 'oligarchs' 1993: Constitutional crisis, President Yeltsin sends troops to seize parliament from opponents 1994-96: First Chechen War, resulting in Chechen victory and Russia retreat 1998: Russian financial crisis, ruble devalued and debt default. 1999: Putin appointed as PM by Yeltsin 1999: War of Daghestan results in Russian victory 1999-2000: Second Chechen War, results in Russian victory with Chechnya reincorporated into Russia. 1999-2007: Strong Russian economic growth, GDP goes from $200 billion to $1.3 trillion 2000: Putin becomes president, succeeding Yeltsin 2002: Moscow theatre hostage crisis results in 171 deaths 2004: Putin wins second term 2004: Beslan School Siege results in over 380 deaths 2005: Russia and Germany sign deal to build Nord Stream 2008: Medvedev becomes president, Putin is PM 2008: War with Georgia 2012: Putin becomes president again 2012: Russia joins World Trade Organization 2014: Sochi Olympics held 2014: Russian military takes control of Crimea, annexed after referendum 2014-2015: War in the Donbas 2015: Intervention in Syria war 2016: Russia accused of intervention in US presidential election 2018: Diplomatic tensions with UK and the West over poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal 2018: Putin wins fourth term as President 2021: Alexei Navalny poisoned, Western countries blame Russia. 2022-present: Full-scale war in Ukraine June, 2023: Wagner rebellion

Published by The Spectator Index