Serfdom in Russia lack of primogeniture, and the high turnover and mobility from estate to estate. The Tsar's aunt Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna played a powerful role backstage in the years 1855 to 1861. Using her close relationship with her nephew Alexander II, she supported and guided his desire for emancipation, and helped mobilize the support of key advisors. In 1861 Alexander II freed all serfs in a major agrarian reform, stimulated in part by his view that "it is better to liberate the peasants from above" than to wait until they won their freedom by risings "from below". Serfdom was abolished in
Time in Russia Time in Russia There are eleven time zones in Russia, which currently observe times ranging from to . Daylight saving time is not used in Russia (since March 2011). Since 28 October 2018, the time zones are as follows: Daylight saving time in Russia was originally introduced on 30 June [13 July, ] 1917 by a decree of the Russian Provisional Government. However, it was abandoned by a Decree of the Soviet government five months later. Daylight saving time was re-introduced in the USSR on 1 April 1981, by a decision of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Daylight