The timeline covers the history of the Russian Empire, Soviet Russia, the USSR, and the Russian Federation from 1900 to 2017. It is divided into periods based on the ruling heads of state.

The main "timeline" presents the events in chronological order, supplemented by illustrations. Key processes are shown as colored bands and boxes with dates and annotations. At the top of the page, a separate "timeline" shows key historical events of the 20th and 21st centuries outside Russia, as well as major international developments involving Russia.