Moscow, Russia. Yeltsin summons Putin. In Yeltsin’s recollections, the conversation goes like this: Yeltsin says, “I’ve decided, I’d like to offer you the post of Prime Minister.” Putin replies, “I’ll do what you tell me.” “Will you accept the highest position as well?” And Putin, after a moment’s hesitation, replies, “I hadn’t thought about it. I don’t know if I’m ready.” Yeltsin concludes, “Think about it. I have faith in you.”
