In the 1990s,Solzhenitsyn was critical of President Boris Yeltsin,blaming him for the collapse of Russia's economy,his inability to prevent NATO expansion in Eastern Europe,and his support of Russian billionaires (oligarchs),while ordinary Russians grew poorer。
In 1998, Solzhenitsyn embarrassed Yeltsin by refusing to accept Russia's highest honor,the Order of St. Andrew。Solzhenitsyn later said:“In 1998,it was the country's low point,with people in misery;…Yeltsin decreed I be honored the highest state order。I replied that I was unable to receive an award from a government that had led Russia into such dire straits。”
Solzhenitsyn became a supporter of Vladimir Putin,who said he shared Solzhenitsyn's critical view towards the Russian Revolution。
Solzhenitsyn has criticized the policies of current Russian president Vladimir Putin。In later years,he supported and defended Putin against western criticism。In 2007,he accepted an award from Putin。
In 2008,Solzhenitsyn praised Putin,saying Russia was rediscovering what it meant to be Russian。Solzhenitsyn also praised the Russian president Dmitry Medvedev as a "nice young man" who was capable of taking on the challenges Russia was facing。