The economic and political crisis that began in the 80s of the 20th century in the USSR intensified significantly in the 90s and led to a number of global and radical changes in the territorial and political system of one sixth of the land, then called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and its disintegration.
It was a period of intense political struggle and confusion. Supporters of maintaining a strong central government entered into a confrontation with supporters of decentralization and sovereignty of the republics.
November 6, 1991, Boris Yeltsin, elected by that time to the post of President of the RSFSR, by his decree stopped the activities of the Communist Party in the republic.
On December 25, 1991, the last President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, spoke on central television. He announced his resignation. At 19:38 Moscow time, the flag of the USSR was lowered from the Kremlin, and after almost 70 years of existence, the Soviet Union disappeared forever from the political map of the world. A new era has begun.
Crisisdual power
The confusion and chaos that always accompanies changes in the political system did not bypass the formation of the Russian Federation. Simultaneously with the preservation of broad powers, the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR and the Congress of People's Deputies established the post of President. There was a dual power in the state. The country demanded rapid changes, but the President was severely limited in power before the adoption of a new version of the basic law. According to the old, still Soviet Constitution, most of the powers were in the hands of the highest body of legislative power - the Supreme Council.
Parties to the conflict
On one side of the confrontation was Boris Yeltsin. He was supported by the Cabinet of Ministers, headed by Viktor Chernomyrdin, the mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, a small number of deputies, as well as law enforcement agencies.
On the other side was the bulk of the deputies and members of the Supreme Council, headed by Ruslan Khasbulatov and Alexander Rutskoi, who served as vice president. Among their supporters, the majority were communist deputies and members of nationalist parties.
Reasons
The President and his associates advocated the rapid adoption of a new basic law and the strengthening of the influence of the President. Most were supporters of "shock therapy". They wanted the speedy implementation of economic reforms and a complete change in all power structures. Their opponents were in favor of keeping all power in the Congress of People's Deputies, as well as against hasty reforms. Addition althe reason was the unwillingness of the Congress to ratify the treaties signed in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. And supporters of the Council believed that the president's team was simply trying to blame them for their failures in reforming the economy. After lengthy and fruitless negotiations, the conflict has reached an impasse.
Open confrontation
On March 20, 1993, Yeltsin spoke on central television about the signing of Decree No. 1400 "On a phased constitutional reform in the Russian Federation." It provided for the order of administration during the transitional period. This decree also provided for the termination of the powers of the Supreme Council and the holding of a referendum on a number of issues. The President argued that all attempts to establish cooperation with the Supreme Council had failed, and in order to overcome the protracted crisis, he was forced to take certain measures. But later it turned out that Yeltsin never signed the decree.
On March 26, the Ninth Extraordinary Congress of People's Deputies gathers for a meeting.
On March 28, the Congress is considering a proposal to impeach the President and dismiss the head of the Council, Khasbulatov. Both proposals did not receive the required number of votes. In particular, 617 deputies voted for the impeachment of Yeltsin, while at least 689 votes were needed. A draft resolution on holding early elections was also rejected.
Referendum and constitutional reform
A referendum was held on April 25, 1993. There were four questions on the ballots. The first two are about trust in the President and his policy. Twothe latter - about the need for early elections of the President and deputies. The first two respondents answered positively, while the latter did not get the required number of votes. The draft of the new version of the Constitution of the Russian Federation was published in the Izvestia newspaper on April 30.
Confrontation escalates
On September 1, President Boris Yeltsin issued a decree on the temporary suspension of A. V. Rutskoy from his post. The Vice President constantly spoke with sharp criticism of the decisions made by the President. Rutskoy was accused of corruption, but the allegations were not confirmed. In addition, the decision made did not comply with the norms of the current law.
On September 21 at 19-55 the Presidium of the Supreme Council received the text of Decree No. 1400. And at 20-00 Yeltsin addressed the people and announced that the Congress of People's Deputies and the Supreme Soviet were losing their powers due to their inaction and sabotage of the constitutional reform. Provisional authorities were introduced. Scheduled elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
In response to the actions of the President, the Supreme Council issued a decree on the immediate removal of Yeltsin and the transfer of his functions to Vice President A. V. Rutskoi. This was followed by an appeal to the citizens of the Russian Federation, the peoples of the commonwe alth, deputies of all levels, military personnel and employees of law enforcement agencies, which called for stopping the attempted "coup d'état". The organization of the security headquarters of the House of Soviets was also started.
Siege
About 20-45 under the White Housea spontaneous rally was going on, the construction of barricades began.
September 22 at 00-25 Rutskoi announced his inauguration as President of the Russian Federation. In the morning there were about 1,500 people near the White House, by the end of the day there were several thousand. Volunteer groups began to form. There was a dual power in the country. The heads of administrations and the siloviki mostly supported Boris Yeltsin. Bodies of representative power - Khasbulatov and Rutskoy. The latter issued decrees, and Yeltsin, by his decrees, invalidated all his decrees.
On September 23, the government decided to disconnect the building of the House of Soviets from heating, electricity and telecommunications. The guards of the Supreme Council were issued machine guns, pistols and ammunition for them.
Late in the evening of the same day, a group of armed supporters of the Armed Forces attacked the headquarters of the unified armed forces of the CIS. Two people died. Supporters of the president used the attack as an excuse to increase pressure on those holding the blockade near the building of the Supreme Council.
An Extraordinary Extraordinary Congress of People's Deputies opened at 22:00.
On September 24, the Congress declared President Boris Yeltsin illegitimate and approved all personnel appointments made by Alexander Rutsky.
27 September. The access control near the White House has been tightened, tension is growing.
Deputy Prime Minister S. Shakhrai said that the people's deputies have actually become hostages of armed extremist groups formed in the building.
28 September. At night, Moscow police officers blocked the entire territory,that adjoined the House of Soviets. All approaches were blocked with barbed wire and watering machines. The passage of people and vehicles is completely stopped. Throughout the day, numerous rallies and riots of supporters of the Armed Forces arose near the cordon ring.
29 September. The cordon was extended to the Garden Ring itself. Residential buildings and social facilities were cordoned off. By order of the head of the Armed Forces, journalists were no longer allowed into the building. Colonel-General Makashov warned from the balcony of the House of Soviets that if the perimeter of the fence was violated, fire would be opened without warning.
In the evening, the demand of the government of the Russian Federation was announced, in which Alexander Rutskoi and Ruslan Khasbulatov were offered to withdraw from the building and disarm all their supporters by October 4 under the guarantee of personal safety and amnesty.
30 September. At night, a message was circulated that the Supreme Soviet allegedly plans to carry out armed attacks on strategic facilities. Armored vehicles were sent to the House of Soviets. In response, Rutskoi ordered the commander of the 39th motorized rifle division, Major General Frolov, to move two regiments to Moscow.
In the morning, demonstrators began to arrive in small groups. Despite their peaceful behavior, the police and riot police continued to brutally disperse the protesters, which further aggravated the situation.
October 1st. At night, in the St. Danilov Monastery, with the assistance of Patriarch Alexy, negotiations took place. The president's side was represented by: Yuri Luzhkov, Oleg Filatov and Oleg Soskovets. From the Council came Ramazan Abdulatipov andVeniamin Sokolov. As a result of the negotiations, Protocol No. 1 was signed, according to which the defenders handed over some of the weapons in the building in exchange for electricity, heating and working telephones. Immediately after the signing of the Protocol, heating was connected in the White House, an electrician appeared, and hot food was prepared in the dining room. About 200 journalists were allowed into the building. The besieged structure was relatively free to enter and leave.
2 October. The military council headed by Ruslan Khasbulatov denounced Protocol No. 1. The negotiations were called "nonsense" and "screen". An important role in this was played by the personal ambitions of Khasbulatov, who was afraid of losing power in the Supreme Council. He insisted that he should personally negotiate directly with President Yeltsin.
After the denunciation, the power supply was again cut off in the building, and the access control was increased.
Attempt to capture Ostankino
October 3.
14-00. A rally of thousands is held on October Square. Despite attempts, the riot police fail to force the protesters out of the square. Having broken through the cordon, the crowd advanced in the direction of the Crimean bridge and beyond. The Moscow Central Internal Affairs Directorate sent 350 soldiers of the internal troops to Zubovskaya Square, who tried to cordon off the protesters. But after a few minutes they were crushed and pushed back, while capturing 10 military trucks.
15-00. From the balcony of the White House, Rutskoi calls on the crowd to storm the Moscow City Hall and the Ostankino television center.
15-25. A crowd of thousands, having broken through the cordon, is moving towards the White House. The riot police moved to the mayor's office and opened fire. 7 protesters were killed, dozens were injured. 2 policemen were also killed.
16-00. Boris Yeltsin signs a decree declaring a state of emergency in the city.
16-45. Protestants, led by the appointed Minister of Defense, Colonel-General Albert Makashov, take over the Moscow mayor's office. OMON and internal troops were forced to retreat and in a hurry leave 10-15 buses and tent trucks, 4 armored personnel carriers and even a grenade launcher.
17-00. A column of several hundred volunteers on seized trucks and armored personnel carriers, armed with automatic weapons and even a grenade launcher, arrives at the television center. In an ultimatum form, they demand to provide a live broadcast.
At the same time, armored personnel carriers of the Dzerzhinsky division, as well as special forces units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs "Vityaz" arrive at Ostankino.
Long negotiations begin with the security of the television center. While they are dragging on, other detachments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and internal troops arrive at the building.
19-00. Ostankino is guarded by approximately 480 armed fighters from different units.
Continuing the spontaneous rally, demanding to be given airtime, the protesters are trying to knock out the glass doors of the ASK-3 building with a truck. They succeed only partially. Makashov warns that if fire is opened, the protesters will respond with their existing grenade launcher. During the negotiations, one of the general's guards is wounded by a firearm. While the wounded were carried toambulance, simultaneously there were explosions at the demolished doors and inside the building, presumably from an unknown explosive device. A special forces soldier dies. After that, indiscriminate fire was opened on the crowd. In the ensuing twilight, no one made out who to shoot at. Protestants were killed, journalists who simply sympathized, trying to pull out the wounded. But the worst began later. In a panic, the crowd tried to hide in the Oak Grove, but there the security forces surrounded them in a dense ring and began to shoot at point-blank range from armored vehicles. Officially, 46 people died. Hundreds of wounded. But there may have been many more victims.
20-45. Ye. Gaidar on television appeals to the supporters of President Yeltsin with an appeal to gather near the building of the Moscow City Council. From the arrivals, people with combat experience are selected and volunteer detachments are formed. Shoigu guarantees that if necessary, people will receive weapons.
23-00. Makashov orders his men to retreat to the House of Soviets.
White House shooting
October 4, 1993 At night, Gennady Zakharov's plan to capture the House of Soviets was heard and approved. It included the use of armored vehicles and even tanks. The assault was scheduled for 7-00 am.
Due to the mess and inconsistency of all actions, conflicts occur between the Taman division that arrived in Moscow, armed people from the Union of Afghan Veterans and Dzerzhinsky's division.
In total, the shooting of the White House in Moscow (1993) involved 10 tanks, 20 armored vehicles and approximately1700 personnel. Only officers and sergeants were recruited into the detachments.
5-00. Yeltsin issues Decree No. 1578 “On urgent measures to ensure the state of emergency in Moscow.”
6-50. The shooting of the White House began (year: 1993). The first to die from a bullet wound was a police captain who was on the balcony of the Ukraine Hotel and filmed the events on a video camera.
7- 25. 5 BMPs, crushing the barricades, enter the square in front of the White House.
8-00. Armored vehicles open aimed fire at the windows of the building. Under cover of fire, soldiers of the Tula Airborne Division are approaching the House of Soviets. Defenders shoot at the military. A fire broke out on the 12th and 13th floors.
9-20. The shooting of the White House from tanks continues. They started shelling the upper floors. A total of 12 rounds were fired. Later it was claimed that the shooting was carried out with ingots, but judging by the destruction, the shells were live.
11-25. Artillery fire resumed again. Despite the danger, crowds of curious people begin to gather around. Among the onlookers were even women and children. Despite the fact that hospitals have already received 192 injured participants in the execution of the White House, 18 of whom died.
15-00. From high-rise buildings adjacent to the House of Soviets, unknown snipers open fire. They shoot at civilians too. Two journalists and a woman passing by are killed.
Vympel and Alpha special forces units are ordered to storm. But contrary to the order, the group commanders decide to make an attempt to negotiate a peaceful surrender. Later, special forces behind the sceneswill be punished for this arbitrariness.
16-00. A man in camouflage enters the premises and escorts out about 100 people through the emergency exit, promising that they are not in danger.
17-00. The spetsnaz commanders manage to persuade the defenders to surrender. About 700 people left the building along the living corridor of the security forces with their hands raised. All of them were put on buses and taken to filtration points.
17-30. Still in the House of Khasbulat, Rutskoi and Makashov asked for protection from the ambassadors of Western European countries.
19-01. They were detained and sent to the pre-trial detention center in Lefortovo.
Results of the assault on the White House
Very different assessments and opinions exist now about the events of "Bloody October". There are also differences in the number of deaths. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, during the execution of the White House in October 1993, 148 people died. Other sources give figures from 500 to 1500 people. Even more people could become victims of executions in the first hours after the end of the assault. Witnesses claim that they watched the beatings and executions of detained protesters. According to deputy Baronenko, about 300 people were shot without trial or investigation at the Krasnaya Presnya stadium alone. The driver who took out the corpses after the shooting of the White House (you can see the photo of those bloody events in the article) claimed that he was forced to make two trips. The bodies were taken to the forest near Moscow, where they were buried in mass graves without identification.
BAs a result of the armed confrontation, the Supreme Council ceased to exist as a state body. President Yeltsin confirmed and consolidated his power. Undoubtedly, the shooting of the White House (you already know the year) can be interpreted as an attempted coup. It is difficult to judge who was right and who is wrong. Time will tell.
Thus ended the bloodiest page in the new history of Russia, which finally destroyed the remnants of Soviet power and turned the Russian Federation into a sovereign state with a presidential-parliamentary form of government.
Memory
Every year in many cities of the Russian Federation, many communist organizations, including the Communist Party, organize rallies in memory of the victims of that bloody day in the history of our country. In particular, in the capital on October 4, citizens gather on Krasnopresenskaya Street, where a monument to the victims of the tsar's executioners was erected. A rally is held here, after which all its participants are on their way to the White House. They are holding portraits of victims of "Yeltsinism" and flowers.
After 15 years since the execution of the White House in 1993, a traditional rally was held on Krasnopresenskaya Street. His resolution was two points:
- declare October 4th a Day of Sorrow;
- raise a monument to the victims of the tragedy.
But, to our great regret, the participants of the rally and the entire Russian people did not wait for a response from the authorities.
20 years after the tragedy (in 2013), the State Duma decided to create a Commission of the Communist Party faction to verify the circumstances preceding the events of October 4, 1993. Alexander Dmitrievich Kulikov was appointed chairman. On July 5, 2013, the first meeting of the commission was held.
Nevertheless, the citizens of Russia are sure that those killed in the shooting of the White House in 1993 deserve more attention. Their memory must be perpetuated…
