Y2K eve Yeltsin surprised the world by suddenly resigning putting newly appointed PM Putin in control of Russia.
Although not a Tsar in title or ceremony... God's chosen Tsar for the end of the age.
Putin weighs future options as he marks 20 years in power
" MOSCOW - As Russian President Vladimir Putin marks two decades in power, he boasts about his achievements but remains coy about his political future - a reticence that fuels wild speculation about his intentions.
Putin points to the revival of Russia's global clout, industrial modernization, booming agricultural exports and a resurgent military as key results of his tenure that began on Dec. 31, 1999. On that day, Russias first president, Boris Yeltsin, abruptly stepped down and named the former KGB officer his successor, paving the way for his election three months later. "
more at link
https://www.stripes.com/news/europe/...power-1.612922