Politicians pay tribute to Yeltsin

Russian news agencies reported the former leader had died of heart failure in the Central Clinical Hospital and his death was confirmed by a Kremlin spokesman.

Tony Blair said: "He was a remarkable man who saw the need for democratic and economic reform and, in defending it, played a vital role at a crucial time in Russia's history."

Former prime minister Lady Thatcher said without Mr Yeltsin Russia would have remained in the grip of communism. Her successor Sir John Major, prime minister when Mr Yeltsin came to power in 1991, said he was "a man of great courage and conviction".

"Boris Yeltsin was the man who brought democracy to the Russian political system, and attempted to impress upon a sceptical nation the advantages of a market economy," he said.

"In this endeavour, he faced huge difficulties, but his personal courage and tenacity were pivotal to the long-term wellbeing of Russia.

"Boris was - in every sense - larger than life. A great bear of a man who had a soft heart and an engaging sense of humour. Once you became his friend, you remained a friend for life."

Sir John recalled how he first spoke to Mr Yeltsin at the height of the abortive communist coup. "I phoned him up and he said to me that he was surrounded by hardline communists. He thought he only had 20 minutes or so and would I go outside Downing Street and tell the world what's happening," Sir John said. "I did that and it was the start of a pretty firm friendship that lasted throughout my years in office and has been continued since."

Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind said Mr Yeltsin was a "seminal figure" who had a massive impact on the shape of the modern world.

"He was a larger-than-life character, very engaging, very Russian. Very emotional, but also with tremendous courage," he said.