The Boris Yeltsin we knew was a courageous and at the same time warm and sincere man. He was a brave and direct national leader who was always frank and honest to the utmost in defending his views, Mr Putin said in his address.
Boris Yeltsin took full responsibility upon himself for all he called for and aspired to, for all he tried to do and all that he achieved in the name of the country and of millions of Russians. He took to his heart all of Russia’s adversities and misfortunes and felt personally involved in all the problems and difficulties of its people.
The head of state expressed his most profound and sincere condolences to the widow of the deceased and all of Boris Yeltsin’s family and friends.
The memory of Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, his noble aims and his words, ‘look after Russia’, will always serve as a moral and political beacon, Mr Putin said.
The Russian head of state issued a decree declaring 25 April a day of national mourning.
The farewell ceremonies to the first President of Russia will be held in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
The funeral will be held on 25 April at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.