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About this quote

What does it mean?
He orders troops not to attack their own people, despite orders to storm the White House.
In plain terms
He commands soldiers to protect citizens, not fight them.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize civilian safety over political orders.

Where it applies

  • military dissent
  • civil unrest

Putting it to work

  • issue humane orders
  • protect non‑combatants

Questions to consider

  • How should soldiers handle conflicting commands?

Another view

Defying orders can lead to personal risk.

More from Boris Yeltsin

  1. Storm clouds of terror and dictatorship are gathering over the whole country... They must not be allowed to bring eternal night.

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  2. I believe in this tragic hour you can make the right choice. The honor and glory of Russian men of arms shall not be stained with the blood of the people.

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  3. A man must live like a great brilliant flame and burn as brightly as he can. In the end he burns out. But this is far better than a mean little flame.

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