The Kremlin has expressed condolences to the family of Primakov.
Primakov began his career as a Middle East expert in the Soviet era.
After a failed coup attempt in August 1991, Primakov was engaged in the exploration, becoming the first deputy chairman of the KGB, and then director of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The appointment of Primakov Chairman of the Russian government was a step of compromise by Yeltsin. The Russian State Duma has blocked the president"s attempt to restore the previous prime minister, Viktor Chernomyrdin after the financial crisis in August 1998.
Despite Primakov’s successes as prime minister and growing popularity, his government was sacked by Boris Yeltsin in 1999.