Aleksandr Lebed Quotes

Powerful Aleksandr Lebed for Daily Growth

About Aleksandr Lebed

Aleksandr Grigorevich Lebed (March 25, 1950 – April 28, 2002) was a prominent Russian military officer, politician, and writer, best known for his role in the First Chechen War and as the fourth President of Ukraine's parliament. Born in Kazakhstan to a family of Russian military officers, Lebed spent much of his childhood in various military bases across the Soviet Union. His exposure to the harsh realities of military life and the cultural diversity of the Soviet Union greatly influenced his political views and writing. He graduated from the Frunze Military Academy in 1972 and served in several key positions within the Soviet Army, including in Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War. In 1994, Lebed emerged as a prominent figure in Russian politics, serving as Russia's Chief of Staff under President Boris Yeltsin. He played a pivotal role in brokering the Khasavyurt Accords, ending the First Chechen War. His aggressive approach to military strategy and outspoken criticism of the government earned him both praise and controversy. In 1996, Lebed ran for the presidency of Ukraine but was defeated by Leonid Kuchma. Despite this loss, he continued to wield significant political influence in Ukraine and Russia. His major works include "The Soldier's Story" (1987), a memoir detailing his experiences in Afghanistan, and "Russia's Choice" (1995), a book outlining his vision for the future of Russia. Lebed's life was cut short by a helicopter crash in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as a charismatic figure who straddled the line between military hardliner and political reformer. His bold approach to conflict resolution and unorthodox political strategies continue to be studied and debated in both Russian and Ukrainian politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"One cannot make a peaceful revolution."

Aleksandr Lebed's quote, "One cannot make a peaceful revolution," suggests that bringing about profound, transformative change in society or politics through non-violent means alone may be challenging or even impossible. This idea implies the need for persistence, determination, and sometimes confrontation, to instigate change despite resistance. However, it does not advocate for violent revolution but rather underscores the difficulty of enacting significant change without encountering opposition.


"There are more people who want peace than those who profit from war."

This quote highlights the inherent human desire for peace over conflict, contrasting it with entities that may benefit financially or politically from continued war or instability. It suggests that if given a choice, most individuals prefer peaceful resolution to their problems rather than engage in violent confrontations. However, Lebed implies that this preference is often undermined by the existence of vested interests who profit from conflict, thereby perpetuating hostilities and obstructing the path towards peace.


"War is not the solution to the world's problems; it will only create more of them."

This quote emphasizes that war, as a means to resolve global issues, will not bring lasting peace or resolution but rather lead to the creation of new and more complex problems. It underscores the importance of seeking diplomatic solutions to international conflicts, as war has devastating consequences for both individuals and nations, creating a cycle of suffering, destruction, and instability that can last for generations.


"The main thing in politics is not to be afraid to take risks."

This quote emphasizes that boldness and courage are essential in political endeavors. By not being afraid to take risks, one can bring about change, challenge the status quo, and strive for progress. The fear of failure or consequences should not deter politicians from making decisive moves, as these risks may ultimately lead to positive outcomes and advancements for society.


"I think that a politician should not forget about his roots, but he should not dwell on them."

This quote by Aleksandr Lebed suggests that while a politician's background (roots) shapes their identity and understanding of the world, they should not remain fixated or limited by it. Instead, they should use it as a foundation to grow, learn, and adapt to new experiences and challenges. Essentially, Lebed is advocating for a balance between maintaining one's values and roots while also being open to change and progress.


In order to build basic democracy here we'll need lives of two generations - at least forty years.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Need, Here, Lives, Forty Years

I counted on sixty days only, but I held out for 133. I didn't go into power, but to get power I borrowed some power from the President and made him sign a number of decrees and give me enough power to create a system capable of handling crisis situations.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Some, Sign, Held, Counted

As I understand I took most so-called democratic states about 200 years on average to build their democracies. That is why, when we go to sleep under totalitarian rule and wake up in a democracy, it makes me laugh.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Wake Up, Average, About, So-Called

First of all I would make about 80% of the people law-abiding citizens again. The policy which is carried out now makes every entrepreneur and businessman a thief against his own will.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Own, Against, Thief, Entrepreneur

I mean that at least 80% of the Russian people feel destitute. It's the people who had their past and future taken from them - they don't get paid - many of them face a wall. They have nowhere to go.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Feel, Had, Least, Russian People

There is no reason why I should call myself a democrat.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Reason, Call, Democrat, No Reason

And this system sorted out the Chechen war in just 20 days. This way, I used the President's power, he didn't use me. It wasn't hard for me to leave - it isn't my scene. I have nothing to do there.

- Aleksandr Lebed

War, Nothing, Use, Sorted

You must go deeper into Russia - 150 kilometres from Moscow or more, and look there. The kids are fed with cattle feed - people don't get paid for half a year.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Year, Half, Fed, Deeper

For 73 years a totalitarian regime ruled the country. Totalitarian regime.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Country, Years, Regime, Ruled

I have equal contempt for both left and right radicals.

- Aleksandr Lebed

Left, Contempt, Equal, Radicals

I am a Soviet man, and Yeltsin is a Soviet man - maybe our grandchildren will be different.

- Aleksandr Lebed

I Am, Grandchildren, Maybe, Soviet

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