Russian market begins falling in response to Asian crisis and Western market sell-off.

President Yeltsin sacks Chernomyrdin government and appoints Sergei Kiriyenko - a banker relatively unknown to the West - as new prime minister. The Duma only approves him one month later after threatened with dissolution.

Kiriyenko cabinet announced to lukewarm market reaction.

Coal miners strike over unpaid wages, blocking the Trans-Siberian Railway. Markets fall after law is passed restricting foreign ownership of UES, the biggest electricity company.

Auction of the state oil company Rosneft fails to attract any buyers. President Yeltsin signs austerity package to cut budget deficit.

IMF delays next tranche of its loan to Russia, saying the government is not doing enough to collect taxes.

Russian government asks for an additional $10-$15bn from the IMF to stave off financial collapse.

Government presents Duma with emergency anti-crisis plan to raise taxes.

IMF co-ordinates an additional $22.6bn in loans to Russia from international lenders. Shares rise on the news.

Government declares an increase in land taxes after Duma fails to pass many of the anti-crisis tax measures the previous week.

International speculator George Soros says Russia must devalue immediately to save system from collapse. Central bank says liquidity crisis could paralyse banking system.

President Yeltsin says that Russia will not devalue, and refuses to return to Moscow from holiday. IMF flies into Moscow at the weekend.

Russian central bank widens intervention bands for rouble to 9.5 to the dollar, effectively allowing devaluation. Payment on short term commercial debt and Russian government domestic debt also suspended pending restructuring. Shares plummet and the rouble falls.

Government delays announcement of debt rescheduling after Western banks object to less favourable treatment than Russian nationals. Yeltsin economic advisor Alexander Livshits resigns.

Duma returns for special session, calls on President Yeltsin to resign. World markets fall on fears of instability.

Yeltsin sacks entire Kiriyenko government and recalls Viktor Chernomyrdin, former Prime Minister.

Boris Yeltsin says new acting PM Chernomyrdin should be considered his successor. Duma refuses to confirm him immediately.