Historical States of Russia: From Kievan Rus' to the Russian Federation
The question "names of all Russian states" likely refers to the historical succession of state entities that governed the East Slavic lands, rather than the current 83–89 federal subjects (oblasts, republics, krais, etc.). Here is the chronological sequence:
- Kievan Rus' (882–1240) — Medieval federation of East Slavic tribes; capital Kyiv; Christianized 988.
- Vladimir-Suzdal Principality (1157–1389) — Northeast successor; basis for Muscovy.
- Novgorod Republic (1136–1478) — Merchant republic; veche democracy; annexed by Moscow.
- Grand Duchy of Moscow / Muscovy (1283–1547) — Rise under Ivan I, Dmitry Donskoy, Ivan III; "Third Rome" ideology.
- Tsardom of Russia (1547–1721) — Ivan IV ("Terrible") crowned first Tsar; expansion east (Siberia).
- Russian Empire (1721–1917) — Peter I proclaimed Emperor; European great power; serfdom, industrialization.
- Provisional Government (March–November 1917) — Post-February Revolution; dual power with Soviets.
- Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR, 1917–1991) — Bolshevik state; core of USSR (1922).
- Russian Federation (1991–present) — Successor to RSFSR; Yeltsin, Putin; 1993 Constitution.
Current Federal Subjects (Not "States")
Modern Russia comprises 83–89 federal subjects (number varies with annexed territories): 22 republics (e.g., Tatarstan, Chechnya), 46 oblasts, 9 krais, 3 federal cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sevastopol), 1 autonomous oblast (Jewish), 4 autonomous okrugs. These are administrative divisions, not sovereign states.