Corr.: The title contains the words of American President Roosevelt about Stalin. And we continue to follow in the footsteps of the unsurpassed liar Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev. In the time that has passed since our last conversation, a barely noticeable nationwide but very significant event has occurred. In one of the villages of the Yaroslavl region they decided to open a museum of Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. The organizers of the idea previously held a kind of referendum. In full accordance with the spirit of the times. The majority of residents supported the proposal. Talking about this news, a Yaroslavl television correspondent introduced the floor to representatives of the local public. A mature citizen repeated the hackneyed set of accusations from the liberal arsenal, but a young boy, almost a boy, firmly declared that he was for the opening of a Stalinist museum. Now he definitely won’t become Ivan, who doesn’t remember his kinship. And this gives us hope that the truth about our great leader and commander will eventually make its way through.
D.T.Yazov: I would start our conversation with an event that made a huge impression on all Soviet people, including me, then a seventeen-year-old guy. On July 3, 1941, Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin spoke on the radio. It was an amazing performance in many ways. Brilliant in presentation, deep, serious, with an analysis of the current situation and a program of action for the future.
“The enemy is cruel and inexorable,” said the leader, “his goal is to seize our lands, watered by our sweat, to seize our bread and our oil, obtained by our labor. His goal is to restore the power of the landowners, restore tsarism, and destroy the national culture...”
The ending of the performance left no doubt about victory. “Our strength is innumerable. The presumptuous enemy will soon be convinced of this. Together with the Red Army, many thousands of workers, collective farmers, and intellectuals are rising to war against the attacking enemy. The millions of our people will rise up...”
Corr.: What touched me most in this speech was the beginning: “Comrades! Citizens! Brothers and sisters! Soldiers of our army and navy! I am addressing you, my friends!”
D.T.Yazov: What is touching, first of all, is the simplicity and emotional disposition of the speaker towards those to whom his words were addressed. It is known that Stalin wrote all his speeches himself. He was a highly educated man and not without a literary gift. And most importantly, he loved Russia, loved his people. And in this speech he addresses not an abstract audience, but really his comrades, his brothers and sisters. Hence the lack of officialdom and official tone. He belonged in this multi-million audience. Lion Feuchtwanger, who visited the Soviet Union, explained the closeness of the leader to the people: “Stalin is a type of Russian peasant and worker who has risen to the point of genius, to whom victory is guaranteed, since he combines the strength of both classes.”
In this harsh hour for the country, he spoke with his people in the same language. And the people heard him.
Konstantin Simonov in his novel “The Living and the Dead” describes the impression of Stalin’s speech. If you remember, this takes place in a hospital.
“Stalin spoke dully and slowly, with a strong Georgian accent. Once, in the middle of his speech, he could be heard clinking a glass and drinking water. Stalin's voice was low, quiet and could have seemed completely calm if not for the heavy, tired breathing and not this water that he began to drink during his speech...
They loved him in different ways: selflessly and with reservations, and admiring and fearing; sometimes they didn’t even like me. But no one doubted his courage and iron will. And it was precisely these two qualities that now seemed most necessary in a man who stood at the head of a country at war.
Stalin did not call the situation tragic: the word itself was difficult to imagine in his mouth, but what he was talking about was the militia, the occupied territories, guerrilla warfare, - meant the end of illusions... The truth was bitter, but it was finally said, and with it one stood more firmly on the ground.
And in the fact that Stalin spoke about the unsuccessful beginning of this huge and terrible war, without particularly changing his usual vocabulary, as about very great difficulties that must be overcome as soon as possible, this also felt not weakness, but strength.”
Corr.: English journalist Alexander Werth flew to our country the day after this historic speech. The day before, friends, seeing him off, expressed the hope that he would reach the Soviet capital before Hitler.
“On July 4,” writes Werth, “I was in Moscow. Hitler was not there, and all the time I spent there, I never doubted that he would never get there.”
D.T.Yazov: I read his book “Russia in the War of 1941-1945” with interest. He gives an objective assessment of the events that took place in our country during the war. “I did everything in my power,” he wrote, “to tell the West about the war effort Soviet people" A position worthy of respect. Unfortunately, his Western colleagues today act contrary to truth and objectivity. Maybe not everything. But many of them.
Alexander Werth stayed in the Soviet Union throughout the war. I met with our wonderful military leaders: Rokossovsky, Zhukov, Malinovsky, Sokolovsky, Chuikov, and other participants in the battles of the Great Patriotic War. And he considered Stalin’s mass evacuation of industrial enterprises to the East “among the most amazing organizational and human feats.” Soviet Union during the war".
I will add that from July to December 1941, 1,523 enterprises with workers, engineers, and their families were dismantled, loaded, and evacuated from threatened areas to the Urals, Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia. One and a half million carriages alone were used. All this was done in accordance with the resolution of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks and the Council of People's Commissars on the creation of the Evacuation Council. Note the date: June 24, 1941. It's the third day of the war. Remember? Khrushchev claimed that Stalin was in prostration all this time.
Apparently, due to his blatant illiteracy, Khrushchev was not familiar with Goebbels’ recommendations. But he acted in strict accordance with his recipes: “In order for the average person to believe a lie, it must be monstrously implausible, reduced to the point of absurdity.”
Corr.: Many historians, including Western ones, called Stalin’s most outstanding quality as a military leader his ability to organize the provision of our army with the material necessary to defeat the enemy.
D.T.Yazov: I'll give you the numbers. By the end of 1942 - compared to 1941 - the annual production volume of rifles increased 4 times, tanks and artillery - 5 times, aircraft - 2.5 times. In addition to the evacuated factories, 3,500 new ones were created during the war years. Most of them served military needs.
Corr.: It is you, Dmitry Timofeevich, who have missed too much. Let's go back to the year 1941. Moreover, Khrushchev is already “florating” there in full: “It would be wrong not to say that after the first severe setbacks and defeats on the fronts, Stalin believed that the end had come... For a long time he did not actually direct military operations and in general didn’t get down to business.”
D.T.Yazov: And who then, in the first days of the war, strictly warned Khrushchev and the commander of the troops of the Southwestern Front, Kirponos, by telegram about the inadmissibility of panic? And weren’t they the ones who justified themselves in their reply message and promised:
“We assure you, Comrade Stalin, that the task you set will be completed.”
Neither this task nor the other one related to the attempt to liberate Kharkov was completed. So we had to go, as they say, from a sore head to a sound one. And then another well-wisher showed up, a certain Ellenstein, who added his portion to Khrushchev’s lies about Stalin:
“Loading up on vodka all day long, he remained drunk for almost eleven days.” This one apparently decided to outdo Khrushchev himself.
But let’s listen to the former bodyguard of the leader A. Rybin: “So that gullible readers do not take seriously yet another joke that Khrushchev was an expert at, I’ll clarify: “Stalin drank only Tsinandali and Teliani wines.” It happened that I drank cognac, but was simply not interested in vodka.”
It’s amazing how low a person can stoop. Let me remind you that from the beginning of the war, Khrushchev, being a member of the Military Council of the Southwestern Front, was in Ukraine and could not know what Stalin was doing or how he behaved during these tragic days. Meanwhile, there is documentary evidence documenting Stalin’s actions day after day from June 22 to July 3, 1941.
So, on June 22, not without the knowledge of the leader, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on mobilization was issued. By July, 5 million people were under arms. On the same day, and again with Stalin’s sanction, another Decree was issued “On approval of the Regulations on military tribunals in areas declared under martial law and in areas of military operations.”
On June 23, the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks was issued on the creation of the Headquarters of the High Command. Here I will briefly interrupt my story because one of Khrushchev’s versions was connected precisely with the creation of this organ. Allegedly, while the leader was inactive, being in prostration, his tireless comrades created him on their own. Don't sit idly by when the country is in danger...
Corr.: For such cases there is a suitable phrase: comments are unnecessary.
Yazov D.T.: By the way, at the same time, at Headquarters, an institute of permanent advisers was organized, which included: Marshals Shaposhnikov and Kulik, as well as Meretskov, Vatutin, Beria, Voznesensky, Zhdanov, Malenkov, Mehlis and the head of the air force Zhigarev.
But let’s continue our list, although it is already clear that, starting from the first day of the war, Stalin worked hard.
Another important Resolution on the creation and tasks of the Soviet Information Bureau. Signed by Stalin on the same day.
June 27 - two Resolutions of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. One is about mobilizing communists in order to strengthen ideological and political work in the Red Army. The second is “On the procedure for the removal and placement of human contingents and valuable property.”
On June 29, Stalin’s directive on mobilizing forces and means to repel the enemy was sent to party and Soviet organizations in the front-line regions.
On June 30, the State Defense Committee was formed, headed by Stalin. It included: Molotov, Voroshilov, Malenkov and Beria.
This is what Stalin’s “inaction” looks like in the first days of the war.
Coord.: But still, how was this crazy myth born that Stalin, trembling with fear, took refuge in his dacha, and when members of the Politburo came to persuade him to return to business, he, according to Mikoyan, sank into his chair, deciding that they have you come to arrest him?
Probably, starting a lie about Stalin’s inaction, neither Khrushchev nor Mikoyan knew about the journals in which the time of reception of visitors to Joseph Vissarionovich’s office was recorded. These journals were kept from 1924 to 1953. In this case, we are interested in June 22. Here is the testimony of the guard A. Rybin: “Zhukov reported to Stalin about the beginning of the war. Already at 4 am the leader arrived at the Kremlin. Then Zhukov and Timoshenko arrived.” In 1990, the magazine “Izvestia of the Central Committee of the CPSU” published excerpts from the log of visits to Stalin’s reception room from June 22 to July 3. These are exactly those eleven days when Stalin was given the crazy Khrushchev diagnosis, and he was in complete inaction.
The famous historian Arsen Martirosyan was not too lazy to compile a complete list of Joseph Vissarionovich’s visitors on the first day of the war.
At 5:45 a.m., five people came to Stalin at once: Molotov, Beria, Timoshenko, Mehlis, Zhukov. The last three left the office at 8.30 am. Beria was released at 9.20, Molotov stayed until 12.05. And then new visitors came in a continuous stream: Malenkov, Kaganovich, Voroshilov, Vyshinsky, Kuznetsov, Dimitrov, Manuilsky, Mikoyan, Shaposhnikov, Vatutin, Kulik. Some came in twice. The journal recorded 29 audiences that day. Secretary of the Comintern Executive Committee Georgy Dimitrov, who was among the first visitors, left the following entry in his diary: “Amazing calm, firmness, confidence in Stalin and all the others.”
Corr.: The log did not record visitors for the last two days of the month. June 29 and 30. It was this gap that the leader’s detractors seized on. They say that it was then that prostration overtook him. This all sounds like some kind of stupid joke. But if there is so much fuss about these two days, let's sort it out.
D.T.Yazov: Firstly, Stalin often worked in his dacha. He had an office there too. And secondly, there is no need to prove anything here. On this day, June 29, many people saw Stalin healthy and unharmed, as he and members of the Politburo visited the General Staff. The reason for this was more than serious. On June 28, the Germans captured Minsk. But neither the Chief of the General Staff Zhukov nor the People's Commissar Timoshenko informed Stalin about this.
Corr.: Did not know?
D.T.Yazov: If you didn’t know, then they are worthless as the leaders of the two main military departments. If they knew and did not report, then there is a serious reason for reflection. A sharp, impartial conversation took place at the General Staff with Zhukov and Tymoshenko. So harsh that Zhukov, according to Molotov, even burst into tears.
It is also known what Stalin did in the remaining time. On June 29, he also prepared and signed a directive on the deployment partisan movement, and on June 30, the Resolution on the creation of the State Defense Committee and the regulations on it were already published.
Corr.: It remains to be regretted that when Khrushchev’s dirty lies poured out of the air, from high stands, and newspaper pages, there was not a single one among Stalin’s comrades who would cast their voice in defense of the slandered leader.
D.T.Yazov: Voroshilov and Molotov expressed a dissenting opinion. They were not against condemning the cult of personality, but at the same time they proposed to celebrate the merits of Stalin. The rest, apparently, were afraid to repeat the fate of Beria, who was executed without trial. In addition, strict party discipline deprived people of all independence and initiative.
Corr.: Probably not the least important role was played by the fact that at first Khrushchev was supported by Zhukov. He, without embarrassment, contributed his share of garbage to the grave of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Without this, perhaps Khrushchev would not have succeeded in his disgusting adventure.
D.T.Yazov: Overall, I have a positive assessment of Zhukov. First of all, as a talented commander. But I was bitterly impressed by the text of his speech that became public knowledge at the failed Plenum of the Party Central Committee. At that moment he and Khrushchev were playing the same tune, as they say. True, later, after Khrushchev’s removal, Zhukov changed his position and already paid tribute to the leader and commander.
Corr.: What do you think about the opinion of Air Marshal Golovanov, who believed that when all the archives on the Great Patriotic War are raised and studied, Konstantin Konstantinovich Rokossovsky will take first place among our commanders?
So who is it: him or Zhukov?
Yazov D.T.: Stalin, in my opinion, answered this question a long time ago. He said that Zhukov fought better than Konev, but no worse than Rokossovsky.
What other certification do you need? Konstantin Konstantinovich attracted many, including Stalin, with his decency, attention to people, and intelligence, which did not exclude his outstanding talent as a commander.
Corr.: How do you like this Khrushchev passage: “Stalin was very far from understanding the real situation that was developing at the fronts. And this is natural, since during the entire Patriotic War he was not on any sector of the front, nor in any of the liberated cities.”
D.T.Yazov: Let's go in order. As for the liberated cities, he was in the main one - Stalingrad. Having driven through the burned streets, he promised the townspeople to rebuild the city better than before. Did you not know the situation because you had never been to the front? Why, tell me, does the Supreme Commander-in-Chief travel to combat positions? I will give General Shtemenko’s point of view on this matter: “It would be unforgivable frivolity to leave Headquarters even for a short period to resolve private issues on one of the fronts.” Vasilevsky shared the same opinion.
Stalin received information not only from the General Staff and the People's Commissariat of Defense. Front-line commanders regularly sent him their reports. In addition, representatives of the Headquarters were required to report daily on the situation at the fronts. Once Vasilevsky received a serious reprimand for not submitting his report on time. Stalin even threatened that if the Chief of the General Staff made a repeated mistake, he could lose his post.
Vasilevsky worked side by side with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief for almost three years. Therefore, his opinion is especially valuable to us. “Stalin,” he recalled, “paid great attention to creating an effective style of work at Headquarters. If we look at this style in the fall of 1942, we will see that it was distinguished by trust in the experience of collective work, a high degree of efficiency, ingenuity, constant contact with the troops and an accurate knowledge of the situation at the front. As Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Stalin was extremely demanding of everyone and everything. He never forgave carelessness in work and mistakes in completing a task.”
There was a reproach that Stalin did not know the situation at the fronts. He knew her in detail. And there is a lot of documented evidence of this. Here is the telegram he sent to the command of the Western Front, headed by Zhukov. “According to reports from the headquarters of the Western Front, the 387th, 350th and part of the 346th Infantry Divisions, the 61st Army continue to fight in an environment of encirclement, and, despite repeated instructions from Headquarters, assistance has not yet been provided to them. The Germans never leave their units surrounded by Soviet troops, and with all possible forces and means they try at all costs to get through to them and save them. The Soviet command should have a greater sense of comradeship towards its encircled units than the fascist German command. In reality, however, it turns out that the Soviet command shows much less concern for its encircled units than the German command. This puts a stain of shame on the Soviet command.”
Pay attention to the tone. Stalin calmly, I would even say delicately, points out his subordinates' mistakes, appealing to their patriotic feelings.
I will give one more evidence that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, contrary to Khrushchev’s statements, thoroughly knew the situation developing on this or that section of the front. In October 1942, at the height of the Battle of Stalingrad, he writes to Eremenko, the front commander: “I think that you do not see the danger that threatens the troops Stalingrad Front. Having occupied the city center and advanced to the Volga north of Stalingrad, the enemy intends... to encircle the 62nd Army and take it prisoner... It is necessary to turn every house and every street of Stalingrad into a fortress.
Unfortunately, you failed to do this and still continue to surrender to the enemy block after block. This indicates your poor performance."
Corr.: But, as far as I know, he went to the front several times...
D.T.Yazov: Certainly. This was at the beginning of the war. The exact route was recorded by his bodyguard A. Rybin, who accompanied the leader. He left warm memories of Joseph Vissarionovich. They are called “Next to Stalin”. I would say that you couldn't find a more reliable witness. So: in August 1941, Stalin, together with Bulganin, inspected combat positions in the Maloyaroslavets area. In a few days - a new departure. This time with Voroshilov and Zhukov. The goal is to get acquainted with the Mozhaisk defensive line. At the end of October, Stalin and Voroshilov went to the combat positions of the Sixteenth Army. Here, together with Rokossovsky, we watched the first volleys of Katyusha rockets. In mid-November - Volokolamsk highway. Need I remind you that this was the height of the battle for Moscow.
In the summer of 1942 - a trip to the Western Front. Together with the military, I watched the testing of an aircraft controlled by radio from the ground. Next stop is Gzhatsk. Meeting at the headquarters of the Western Front. Then move to Yukhnov. Another meeting, this time with the artillerymen. And finally, Rzhev. Meeting with the commander of the Kalinin Front, General Eremenko. This is followed by an order to Moscow: to provide assistance to the Kalinin Front.
They may ask: was there a need for these trips? I think that the reason why Stalin made this decision then was rather psychological in nature. To support people morally, to show that he is with them, shares a common misfortune and danger.
Corr.: Yes, they say that Joseph Vissarionovich was an excellent psychologist. Just look at his decision to stay in Moscow when everything was hanging by a thread...
D.T.Yazov: Let me remind you that during the war, Stalin pulled a cart beyond the strength of a mere mortal: he stood at the head of the party and government, headed the State Defense Committee and the People's Commissariat of Defense, and was the most talented Supreme Commander-in-Chief. As an additional burden, he had another favorite brainchild - long-range aviation. Its commander Golovanov recalled: when the crews flew off to bomb Berlin and other enemy cities, Stalin did not go to bed until the last plane returned to its airfield.
Corr.: I read Golovanov’s memoirs. A wonderfully honest book. Then the touching tradition of exchanging radiograms was born. Having dropped bombs in the center of Berlin, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Molodchiy reported: “Moscow. Stalin. I am located in the Berlin area. The task is completed. Young." Answer: “Your radiogram has been received. We wish you a safe return." Needless to say, how inspiring such support is in moments of mortal danger.
D.T.Yazov: Rokossovsky recalled: “The attention of the Commander-in-Chief meant a lot to those to whom it was given. And the warm, fatherly tone encouraged and strengthened confidence.”
Corr.: What about the fact that Stalin was planning operations on the globe?
D.T.Yazov: This is utter nonsense. I have already cited Vasilevsky’s story about the working methods of the Commander-in-Chief. I can also cite Zhukov’s testimony: “It was impossible to go to Stalin without a clear understanding of the situation reflected on the map and to report unverified or (which was much worse) distorted information. Stalin did not tolerate answers at random. He demanded the utmost precision and clarity." There is a known case when Zhukov had to verify this from his own experience. It was on the Western Front. He reported the situation, showing the defense line on the map. Suddenly Stalin interrupted him with a question: “What is this?” It turned out that Zhukov did not notice that the officer who mapped the defense line mistakenly drew part of it across... a swamp. It is desirable, Joseph Vissarionovich noted, that people come here with accurate data.
Corr.: Dmitry Timofeevich, you and I have not touched upon the Kharkov disaster. But this is the clearest example of how cleverly you can shift the blame from a sore head to a healthy one. But first, let's listen to Khrushchev. “I allow myself to cite... one characteristic fact showing how Stalin led the fronts... When in 1942 extremely difficult conditions developed for our troops in the Kharkov region, we made the right decision to stop the operation to encircle Kharkov... What came of it? But it turned out the worst of what we expected. The Germans managed to encircle our military groups, as a result of which we lost hundreds of thousands of our troops. Here is the military “genius” of Stalin.”
D.T.Yazov: Good logic. Stalin is to blame, and he and Timoshenko are innocent victims of circumstances. Vasilevsky considered Khrushchev’s version to be false. Zhukov shared the same point of view. Even Volkogonov, who could not be counted among the leader’s admirers, believed that either Khrushchev’s memory had failed, or he was lying in order to “retroactively create a historical alibi for himself.”
Stalin's letter to the command of the Southwestern Front is known. It begins with a reprimand to Chief of Staff Bagramyan, who “does not satisfy Headquarters not only as Chief of Staff..., but... also as a simple informant, obliged to honestly and truthfully report to Headquarters about the situation at the front.
“Within just three weeks,” Stalin continued, “the Southwestern Front, thanks to its frivolity, not only lost the half-won Kharkov operation, but also managed to surrender 10-20 divisions to the enemy... It is clear that the matter here is not only Bagramyans. We are also talking about the mistakes of all members of the Military Council and, above all, Comrade Timoshenko and Comrade Khrushchev.
If we had informed the country in its entirety about the catastrophe with the loss of 18-20 divisions that the front experienced and continues to experience, then I am afraid that you would be treated very harshly.”
Corr.: It turns out that we heard the points of view of the prosecutor and the accused. I would like to hear the background to the question.
D.T.Yazov: In short, this is how it was. Developing a strategy for 1942, the Headquarters came to the conclusion that there were no forces for a major offensive yet, so it was necessary to switch to strategic defense. This was the point of view of the Chief of the General Staff Shaposhnikov. Stalin also shared it. However, complete inaction did not suit him and, according to Zhukov, he said: “We can’t sit on the defensive, fold our arms, and wait for the Germans to strike first! We must launch a series of pre-emptive strikes ourselves... and probe the enemy.”
It was decided to conduct a series of private offensive operations, including Kharkov. The commander of the troops of the South-Western direction, Timoshenko, stated that “the troops of this direction are now able and certainly must deliver a pre-emptive strike to the Germans in the south-western direction...” Shaposhnikov proposed to refrain from this operation, however, according to Vasilevsky, “the command of the direction continued insist on his proposal and assured Stalin of the complete success of the operation. He gave permission for it to take place."
On May 12, troops of the South-Western direction launched an offensive against Kharkov. The start was successful. And then let’s listen to Zhukov: “But due to the indecisiveness of the command of the Southwestern Front regarding the introduction of tank formations into the battle, the operation did not receive further development. The enemy immediately took advantage of this.”
Vasilevsky, the acting chief of the General Staff, having learned about the critical situation, immediately reported to Stalin, proposing to stop the offensive. He spoke with Tymoshenko, who Once again assured the Supreme Commander-in-Chief that the measures taken by the command are quite sufficient.
However, on May 18, the situation on the Southwestern Front deteriorated sharply and the General Staff once again spoke in favor of stopping the operation. Zhukov, present at Headquarters, witnessed Stalin’s conversation with Timoshenko. “I remember well that the Supreme Commander suggested that S.K. Timoshenko stop the offensive....” But he “reported that the Military Council considers the danger... clearly exaggerated and, therefore, there is no reason to stop the offensive operation.” On the same day, Stalin also spoke with member of the Military Council Khrushchev. He also confirmed that the danger was greatly exaggerated and there were no grounds for stopping the operation. Only on May 19, Timoshenko gave the order to stop the offensive. But it was already too late.
Several days separated our troops from complete disaster. The Germans surrounded and mostly destroyed three of our armies. According to German sources, 200,000 soldiers and officers of the Red Army were captured. According to our data, losses amounted to more than 277,000 people, of which more than 170,000 died. In addition, in this battle we lost 1200 tanks and 2100 guns. Wehrmacht losses amounted to 20 thousand people.
So, Khrushchev had every reason, as they say, to cover his tracks. By the way, Zhukov spoke about this in his “Memoirs and Reflections” as follows: “The existing version about alarm signals allegedly coming from the Military Councils of the Southern and Southwestern Fronts to Headquarters does not correspond to reality. I testify to this because I was personally present at the negotiations between I.V. Stalin on HF with N.S. Khrushchev.”
The defeat in the South-Western direction had a negative impact on further plans for the summer campaign of 1942.
Corr.: That is, Stalingrad was ahead of us and, as Jeffrey Roberts put it, “The greatest battle of the last great war pre-atomic times." But I think you will talk about this in the next part. And now I will ask you to comment on this point of view: they say, we won the war largely in spite of Stalin. The founder of this nonsense, without a doubt, is the creator of the “thaw”, Khrushchev. At that very “historic” congress, he stated: “It was not Stalin, but the entire party, the Soviet government, our heroic army, its talented leaders and brave soldiers, the entire Soviet people - that’s who ensured victory in the Great Patriotic War.”
D.T.Yazov: Let me ask: who led the mentioned party and government during the war? Who was the Supreme Commander of our heroic army? And under whose name did she go on the attack? I went myself. I know. Who organized the evacuation of industrial enterprises to the East. But it was Stalin, in addition to his many duties, who also headed the transport committee. Maybe that’s why this operation was so successful, and the heroic army and its talented leaders received the necessary quantities of tanks and airplanes.
Corr.: It’s hard to resist remarking about the 1,200 tanks left to the enemy during the Kharkov operation. Who reimbursed them later? This balabolka with a party card in her pocket?
D.T.Yazov: The lie was so obvious and shameless that a famous Western historian and political figure Ludo Martens could not resist making a sarcastic remark: “Not Stalin! Not Stalin, but the whole party. And the whole party, apparently, received orders and instructions from the Holy Spirit.”
Unlike the communist Martens, Averell Harriman was a typical American imperialist, but he, speaking of Stalin, said: “I found him better informed than Roosevelt, more realistic than Churchill, and, to a certain extent, the most effective leader of the war. "
Marshal Vasilevsky, speaking about Stalin, noted: “His indisputable merit is that under his direct leadership as Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Soviet armed forces survived defensive battles and carried out offensive operations so brilliantly. And yet, as far as I can tell, he never spoke about his personal contribution. The titles of Hero of the Soviet Union and Generalissimo were awarded to him on the written recommendation of front-line commanders... He told the people openly and honestly about all the miscalculations made during the war.”
Corr.: I read that he refused the star of Hero of the Soviet Union, citing the fact that he did not perform heroic deeds at the front. He wore only one star - Hero of Socialist Labor. Under pressure from his comrades, he agreed to the title of generalissimo. Then, according to Molotov, he regretted it.
D.T.Yazov: By nature he was an extremely modest person. Never said: “I said”, “I did”. It’s always just “we”. He did not pursue regalia, and he had fewer awards than his marshals.
I think it would be appropriate to summarize this conversation with the words of Mikhail Aleksandrovich Sholokhov: “It is impossible to dumb down and belittle Stalin’s activities. Firstly, it is dishonest, and secondly, it is harmful for the country, for the Soviet people. And not because the victors are not judged, but primarily because “overthrow” does not correspond to the truth.”
Corr.: You know, Dmitry Timofeevich, as we overcome these monstrous piles of lies, a question arises in my mind: why don’t our today’s communists conduct a serious, thorough and public analysis of Khrushchev’s report - point by point. On the one hand, to restore historical justice, and on the other, to finally clear away the debris from the expensive grave and the name of the man who stood at the head of the Communist Party for several decades. And these were years of brilliant achievements and victories.
Conducted the conversation Galina Kuskova
According to official Soviet historiography, exactly one hundred years ago, on February 23, 1918, Red Guard units, fighting defensive battles near Pskov and Narva, won their first victories over German troops. In the Soviet Union, this date was considered the birthday of the Red Army - in 1922, according to the resolution of the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the RSFSR, it began to be celebrated as the festive Day of the Red Army and Navy.
Today we remember the leaders of the military departments of the USSR - those who stood at the origins of the creation of the Red Army and its Naval Forces, and also developed the Soviet ground armed forces and navy in the future. Under the leadership of these people, the Red Army (later the Soviet Army) made its way from small Red Guard detachments to one of the strongest armies in the world, won the Great Patriotic War, and participated in dozens of local wars and conflicts in many parts of the globe.
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On October 26, 1917, the Committee on Military and Naval Affairs was created in the RSFSR. In the photo (from left to right): Pavel Efimovich Dybenko (1889–1938); Vladimir Aleksandrovich Antonov-Ovseenko (1883–1938); Nikolai Vasilievich Krylenko (1885–1938)
On November 23, 1917, the Committee was transformed into the People's Commissariat for Military Affairs of the RSFSR. Nikolai Ilyich Podvoisky (1880–1948) became People's Commissar. Signed the decrees “On the elective principle and organization of power in the army”, “On the equal rights of all military personnel”
From March 14, 1918 to July 6, 1923, Lev Davidovich Trotsky (1879–1940) was the People's Commissar for Military Affairs of the RSFSR. Under his leadership, the Bolsheviks defeated all opponents in the Civil War. From July 6, 1923 to January 25, 1925 - People's Commissar of Military Affairs of the USSR
From January 25 to October 31, 1925, the People's Commissar of Military Affairs of the USSR was Mikhail Vasilyevich Frunze (1885–1925). Under his leadership, the number of the Red Army was reduced, the principle of unity of command was introduced, and the military apparatus and political administration were reorganized.
Kliment Efremovich Voroshilov (1881–1969) from November 6, 1925 to June 20, 1934 was the People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR, and later the People's Commissar of Defense. Under him, personal military ranks were introduced into the Red Army. Lost his post after the Soviet-Finnish War
In 1937–1946, the People's Commissariat of the Navy existed in the USSR. In 1937–1939, three of its heads were replaced (in the photo from left to right): Pyotr Aleksandrovich Smirnov (1897–1939), Pyotr Ivanovich Smirnov-Svetlovsky (1897–1940), Mikhail Petrovich Frinovsky (1898–1940)
Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov (1904–1974) headed the People's Commissariat of the USSR Navy from April 28, 1939 to February 25, 1946. During the Second World War he commanded forces on the Black Sea. Under his leadership, the Navy prevented a German landing in the Caucasus.
From May 7, 1940 to July 19, 1941, Semyon Konstantinovich Timoshenko (1895–1970) was the People's Commissar of Defense. Conducted work on the reorganization and improvement of combat training of troops, technical re-equipment and training of new personnel of the Red Army
From July 19, 1941 to March 3, 1947, the Soviet military department was headed by Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (1879–1953). During this period, the Red Army won the Great Patriotic War and was renamed the Soviet Army
Nikolai Aleksandrovich Bulganin (1895–1975) twice headed the Soviet military department. From March 3, 1947 to March 24, 1949, he served as minister Armed Forces USSR, from March 15, 1953 to February 9, 1955 - post of Minister of Defense of the USSR
Alexander Mikhailovich Vasilevsky (1895–1977) commanded the USSR Armed Forces from March 24, 1949 to March 15, 1953. Special attention focused on the use of nuclear weapons and improving the operational training of commanders
Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov (1896–1974) was the USSR Minister of Defense from February 9, 1955 to October 26, 1957. Attaching great importance to the development of nuclear weapons, he believed that the decisive role in the wars of the future would remain with the ground forces
From October 26, 1957 to March 31, 1967, the Minister of Defense of the USSR was Rodion Yakovlevich Malinovsky (1898–1967). He pursued a policy of priority development of nuclear missile forces (Rocket Forces were created strategic purpose)
Andrei Antonovich Grechko (1903–1976) headed the USSR Ministry of Defense from April 12, 1967 to April 26, 1976. Under him, the USSR achieved military-strategic nuclear parity with the United States by increasing the number and improving its missile systems
From April 29, 1976 to December 20, 1984, the post of Minister of Defense of the USSR was held by Dmitry Fedorovich Ustinov (1908–1984). He considered the priorities for the development of the army to be the creation of powerful armored forces, as well as the improvement of nuclear weapons
Sergei Leonidovich Sokolov (1911–2012) was the Minister of Defense of the USSR from December 22, 1984 to May 30, 1987. Took a strong position in international negotiations on troop reductions
From May 30, 1987 to August 28, 1991, the USSR Ministry of Defense was headed by Dmitry Timofeevich Yazov (b. 1924). As part of the implementation of the policy of “defensive sufficiency,” the army was reduced by 500,000 people, and the elimination of nuclear missiles began
Mikhail Alekseevich Moiseev (b. 1939) temporarily acted as Minister of Defense of the USSR on August 22–23, 1991, after which he was relieved of this position
The last Minister of Defense of the USSR (August 29, 1991 – February 14, 1992) was Evgeny Ivanovich Shaposhnikov (b. 1942). After the collapse of the Soviet Union, this position was abolished
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Ministers of Defense (Ministers of War, Ministers of the Armed Forces) of Russia, the USSR, the Russian Federation in the 20th century
KUROPATKIN Andrey Nikolaevich (1848–1925). Russian Minister of War from January 1898 to February 1904
General of Infantry (1901). In military service since 1864. Graduated from the General Staff Academy (1874). In 1866–1871, 1875–1877, 1879–1893 served in Turkestan, participated in the annexation Central Asia to Russia. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. chief of staff of an infantry division. In 1878–1879 and 1883–1990. at the General Staff. In 1890–1897 Head of the Transcaspian region. IN Russian-Japanese war 1904–1905 Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in the Far East. After the defeat in the Battle of Mukden in 1905, he was removed from the post of commander in chief and appointed commander of the 1st Army. Since 1906, member of the State Council. First world war commanded the corps (1915), then the 5th Army, from February to July 1916 on the Northern Front. From July 1916 to February 1917, Turkestan governor. After the October Revolution, he lived on his estate and taught at a high school. Killed by unknown bandits.
SAKHAROV Viktor Viktorovich(1848 - 22.11.1905). Russian Minister of War in 1904–1905
Adjutant General. Graduated from military school and Nikolaev Academy General Staff. Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Then assistant chief of staff of the Warsaw Military District, chief of staff of the Odessa Military District. In 1898–1904 Chief of the General Staff. Since 1904, Minister of War of Russia. On June 21, 1905, he was relieved of this position. Killed in Saratov, where he was sent to stop peasant unrest.
REDIGER Alexander Fedorovich (1854–1920). Minister of War of Russia in 1905–1909
General of Infantry (1907). In military service since 1870. Graduated from the Academy of the General Staff (1878). Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Since 1880 he taught at the Academy of the General Staff. In 1882–1883 he served in Bulgarian army: Deputy Minister of War, then Minister of War of Bulgaria. Since 1884, assistant chief, then head of the office of the Russian Military Ministry. Developer of the military reform program 1905–1912.
SUKHOMLINOV Vladimir Alexandrovich (1848–1926). Minister of War of Russia in 1909–1915.
General of the Cavalry (1906). Graduated from the General Staff Academy. Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Since 1884, commander of a cavalry regiment, head of a cavalry school, commander of a cavalry division. In 1899–1908 Chief of Staff, Commander of the Kyiv Military District. In 1905–1908 simultaneously Kiev, Volyn and Podolsk governor-general. Since 1908, Chief of the General Staff. As Minister of War, he was accused of abuse and treason. However, the court did not confirm the charges. Since 1918 he lived in exile.
POLIVANOV Alexey Andreevich(1855–1920). Minister of War of Russia, Chairman of the Special Meeting on State Defense in 1915–1916 .
General of Infantry (1915). In military service in the Russian army since 1872. Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Graduated from the General Staff Academy (1888). In 1905–1906 Quartermaster General of the General Staff. In 1906–1912 Assistant Secretary of War. He was specially authorized by the Provisional Government to carry out military reform. In 1918 he joined the Red Army. Since 1920, member of the Military Legislative Council, member of the Special Meeting under the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, military expert under the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR.
SHUVAEV Dmitry Savelievich (1854–1937). Russian Minister of War from March 1916 to January 1917
General of Infantry (1912). He graduated from the Alexander Military School (1872), the Academy of the General Staff (1878). Served in staff positions, taught in military educational institutions. From 1905 he commanded the division, in 1907–1908. body. Since 1909, head of the Main Quartermaster Directorate, then chief quartermaster. Since January 1917, member of the State Council. After the October Revolution, he taught at military educational institutions of the Red Army, including at the Shot command courses. Since the late 20s. retired, personal pensioner.
BELYAEV Mikhail Alekseevich (1863–1918). Russian Minister of War in January - March 1917
General of Infantry (1914). In 1893 he graduated from the General Staff Academy. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. head of the office of the headquarters of the 1st Manchurian Army and the headquarters of the commander-in-chief. During the First World War, Chief of the General Staff (1914–1916), and at the same time, from 1915, Assistant Minister of War. Since 1916, member of the Military Council, representative in the Romanian headquarters. In March 1917, he was arrested by the Provisional Government and dismissed. In 1918 he was arrested by Soviet authorities. Shot.
GUCHKOV Alexander Ivanovich (1862–1936). Military and Naval Minister of the Provisional Government of Russia from 03/02/1917 to 04/30/1917 .
Graduated from the Faculty of History and Philology of Moscow University. Since 1893, member of the Moscow City Council. In 1899–1902 participated in the Anglo-Boer War. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. Commissioner of the Red Cross. Since 1905, founder and leader of the Octobrist party “Union of October 17th”. Since 1907 deputy State Duma, in 1907–1911 its chairman. In 1915–1917 Chairman of the Central Military-Industrial Committee. During the days of the February Revolution of 1917, together with V.V. Shulgin, he traveled to Pskov, where he took part in the act of abdication of Nicholas II. One of the organizers of the military action of General L. G. Kornilov against the Bolsheviks in August 1917. After the October Revolution of 1917, he emigrated to Berlin.
KERENSKY Alexander Fedorovich (1881–1970). Military and Naval Minister of the Russian Provisional Government in May - September 1917
In August - October 1917, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army. In 1904 he graduated from St. Petersburg University. Advocate. In 1912–1917 Deputy of the 4th State Duma. In March - May 1917, Minister of Justice of the Provisional Government, from July 1917 at the same time minister - chairman (prime minister). After the October Revolution of 1917, he fled from Petrograd to the command of the Northern Front. Together with P. N. Krasnov led a rebellion against the Bolsheviks. After its suppression, he joined the fight against Soviet power on the Don. In 1918 he emigrated to France. Since 1940 he lived in the USA. Conducted active anti-Soviet activities. He headed the League of Struggle for People's Freedom. Committed suicide.
VERKHOVSKY Alexander Ivanovich (1886–1938). Minister of War of the Provisional Government of Russia from 08/30/1917 to 10/20/1917
Major General. In military service since 1903. In 1911 he graduated from the General Staff Academy. Participant in the Russian-Japanese and First World Wars. In July - August 1917, commander of the Moscow Military District. In 1919 he joined the Red Army. In 1920, member of the Special Meeting under the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic. In 1921–1930 in teaching at the Military Academy of the Red Army, professor. In 1930–1932 Chief of Staff of the North Caucasus Military District. Then he served in the Shot courses, at the General Staff, and at the Military Academy of the General Staff. Brigade commander (1936). Author of a number of works on the art of war. In 1938 he was shot. In 1956 he was rehabilitated.
PODVOSKY Nikolai Ilyich (1880–1948). People's Commissar for Military Affairs of the RSFSR from November 1917 to March 1918
In 1894–1901 studied at the theological seminary in 1904–1905. at the Demidov Legal Lyceum. Member of the RSDLP since 1901. Conducted active organizational and military-combat work. In 1917, a member of the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee, its Bureau and the operational troika for the leadership of the October armed uprising. Commanded the troops of the Petrograd Military District. At the same time as the People's Commissar for Military Affairs of the RSFSR, he was chairman of the All-Russian Collegium for the Organization of the Red Army. Then a member of the Supreme Military Council, chairman of the Supreme Military Inspectorate, member of the RVSR (September 1918 - July 1919). In 1919–1921 People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of Ukraine, member of the RVS of the 7th and 10th armies. In 1921–1923 Head of Vsevobuch and special forces units.
TROTSKY (BRONSTEIN) Lev (Leiba) Davidovich(07.11.1879 - 21.08.1940). People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the RSFSR from 03/13/1918 to 07/06/1923, People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR from 07/06/1923 to 01/26/1925.
Born into the family of a large landowner and colonist. Secondary education. In the Social Democratic movement since 1896. In January 1898, he was arrested and imprisoned, first in Nikolaev, from there transferred to Kherson, then to Odessa and Moscow transit centers. Sentenced to four years of exile in Eastern Siberia, where he and his wife were taken in the fall of 1900. He joined the Mensheviks. In August 1902, leaving his wife and two daughters, the youngest of whom was three months old, he fled from Siberian exile with a passport in the name of Trotsky, which he himself entered, not foreseeing that it would become his name for the rest of his life. In October 1905 he returned to Russia. Participant in the revolution of 1905–1907, was elected comrade-chairman and chairman of the St. Petersburg Council of Workers' Deputies. Author of the concept of “permanent revolution”. In December 1905 he was arrested and spent 15 months in “Kresty”, in the Peter and Paul Fortress and in a pre-trial detention center. In 1907, he was deprived of all civil rights and sentenced to indefinite exile in Siberia. He fled from the village of Berezova, where Prince A.D. Menshikov, an associate of Peter I, was once exiled. In 1907–1917 in exile. On March 27, 1917, he and his family and eight like-minded people left New York for Russia on a Norwegian steamer. At the beginning of May 1917 he arrived in Petrograd. In July 1917, he was arrested by order of the Provisional Government as a German agent and placed in the Kresty prison. In August, during the Kornilov rebellion, he was released and immediately went to the newly created committee for the defense of the revolution. Since September 25 (October 8), 1917, Chairman of the Petrograd Soviet. He proposed the name of the first Soviet government, approved by V.I. Lenin - the Council of People's Commissars. At the suggestion of Ya. M. Sverdlov, he joined the government as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR. In December 1917 - early 1918, the head of the Soviet delegation at the negotiations in Brest-Litovsk put forward the thesis there: “Neither peace, nor war.” The first stage of negotiations was disrupted. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed instead G. Ya. Sokolnikov. 02/22/1918 resigned as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs... From 03/13/1918 People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the RSFSR, from 09/02/1918 Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic. On 08/05/1919 he sent a “Note to the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party”, where he proposed to create “a cavalry corps (30,000 - 40,000 horsemen) with the expectation of throwing it at India.” According to his plan, “the path to Paris and London lies through the cities of Afghanistan, Punjab and Bengal,” therefore it was necessary to concentrate the revolutionary academy, the political and military headquarters of the Asian revolution in Turkestan. After the formation of the USSR, from July 6, 1923, he headed the Union People's Commissariat for Military and Naval Affairs and at the same time the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR. The actual creator of the Red Army. Directed by V.I. Lenin to threatening areas Civil War. He rushed along the fronts in a special armored train, the prototype of a modern mobile command post. He introduced the institution of hostages, according to which the wives and children of officers who did not want to serve the new regime were arrested. Initiator of the creation of concentration camps and the use of forced labor of prisoners. One of the most brutal Bolshevik figures, he used mass executions, executions of hostages and other punitive measures. After the death of V.I. Lenin, he claimed the role of the first person in the party and state. Lost To I.V. Stalin. In January 1928 he was exiled to Alma-Ata. 02/20/1932 deprived of Soviet citizenship. Until July 17, 1933 he lived in Turkey, then in France and Norway, and from January 9, 1937 in Mexico. In 1938 he founded the IV International. He sought to create an “internationalist left opposition. On May 23, 1940, at his villa in Mexico, he was subjected to an armed attack organized by the foreign station of the NKVD on instructions from Moscow, but miraculously survived. On August 20, 1940, he was mortally wounded by a blow to the head with an ice pick by NKVD agent R. Mercader, who in 1961 was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for this act after a 20-year prison sentence by the Mexican judicial authorities. Buried in Mexico.
FRUNZE Mikhail Vasilievich(04.02.1885 - 31.10.1925). People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR from January 26, 1925 to October 31, 1925.
Born into the family of a military paramedic. Incomplete higher education, studied at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. He chose the path of a professional revolutionary. Under the nickname “Arseny” he carried out underground work in St. Petersburg, Ivanovo-Voznesensk, Shuya and other cities. He was arrested several times. Twice he was sentenced to death by hanging for participation in a “criminal community” and in the attempt on the life of a police officer. He spent long weeks on death row, but both times capital punishment was replaced by hard labor and lifelong exile, from where he escaped. After the February Revolution of 1917, member of the Minsk Council, head of the Minsk police, chairman of the Council of Peasant Deputies of the Minsk and Vilna provinces, member of the Western Front Committee. Since September 1917, chairman of the executive committee of the Shuisky Council and the district committee of the RSDLP (b). On October 31, 1917, he brought two thousand well-armed and trained soldiers and workers from Shuya, Kovrov and Vladimir to Moscow to participate in street battles against government troops. From the beginning of 1918, chairman of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk provincial party committee and provincial executive committee, provincial economic council, military commissar. Since August 1918, military commissar of the Yaroslavl Military District. From February 1919, commander of the 4th, in May - June 1919, Turkestan Army. At the same time, since March 1919, commander of the Southern Army Group of the Eastern Front. From July 1919, commander of the Eastern Front, from August 1919 to September 1920, the Turkestan Front, from September 1920, the Southern Front. He achieved major victories in battles with the armies of prominent White Guard military leaders A.V. Kolchak, P.N. Wrangel and others. He showed undoubted abilities as a commander. Commanding the Turkestan Front, he established Bolshevik power in Khiva and Bukhara by force of arms. In 1920–1924 Commander of the troops of Ukraine and Crimea, Ukrainian Military District. Defeated the main forces of the Ukrainian rebel chieftains. Since 1922, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Ukrainian SSR. Since March 1924, Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and Deputy People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR, at the same time since April, Chief of Staff of the Red Army and Head of the Military Academy of the Red Army. In 1924, he headed the commission of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR, which developed the principles of military reform: the elimination of the remnants of “war communism” in the army, the concentration of combat, administrative and economic functions in the hands of a commander, even a non-partisan one. Since January 26, 1925, Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR. Replaced L. in this post. D. Trotsky. On 10/08/1925, a council chaired by the People's Commissar of Health of the RSFSR N.A. Semashko recommended surgical intervention due to the detected signs of a stomach ulcer. From the Kremlin hospital he was transferred to Botkin hospital, where on October 29, 1925, Dr. V. N. Rozanov began the operation. The operation lasted 35 minutes, anesthesia was given for 65 minutes. Due to the drop in heart rate, they resorted to injections that stimulate cardiac activity, and after the operation they fought against heart failure. Therapeutic interventions were unsuccessful. After 39 hours, M. V. Frunze died “with symptoms of cardiac paralysis.” He was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner and an Honorary Revolutionary Weapon. Author of major works on military topics: “Reorganization of the Red Army” (Moscow, 1921), “Unified Military Doctrine and the Red Army” (Moscow, 1921), “Front and Rear in the War of the Future” (Moscow, 1924), “Lenin and the Red Army" (Moscow, 1925), etc. He was buried near the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. In 1926, his name was given to the capital of the Kirghiz SSR, the city of Pishpek. After the collapse of the USSR, the city returned its previous name.
VOROSHILOV Kliment Efremovich (04.02.1881 - 02.12.1969). People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR from November 6, 1925 to June 1934, People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR from June 1934 to May 7, 1940.
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1935). Born into the family of a railway worker. Primary education, in 1895 he graduated from a rural zemstvo school. From the age of ten he worked as a shepherd, from the age of eleven as an auxiliary worker at a mine near Lugansk. He was repeatedly arrested, imprisoned, and served exile in the Arkhangelsk and Perm provinces. During the First World War he evaded mobilization into the army. In November 1917, the commissar of the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee (for city administration), together with F. E. Dzerzhinsky, participated in the creation of the Cheka. In January 1918, Chairman of the Extraordinary Commission for the Protection of Petrograd. In March 1918, he created and led the 1st Lugansk Socialist Partisan Detachment, which defended the then capital of Ukraine, Kharkov, from German-Austrian troops. In April 1918 he organized and led the 5th Ukrainian Army. In July - early August 1918, he commanded the 10th Army. He took part in the defense of Tsaritsyn, the general leadership of which was carried out by J.V. Stalin. In August - September 1918, a member of the Military Council of the North Caucasus Military District, in September - October, assistant commander and member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Southern Front, in October - December commander of the 10th Army. Since January 1919, People's Commissar of Internal Affairs of the Ukrainian SSR. In May - June 1919 he led the defeat of the rebellion of N. A. Grigoriev in the south of Ukraine. In June - July 1919, commander of the 14th Army and commander of the internal Ukrainian Front. For the surrender of Kharkov, he was removed by a revolutionary tribunal, which stated the complete military incompetence of the army commander (“his military knowledge does not allow him to be trusted with even a battalion”), which became a mitigating circumstance. One of the organizers and in November 1919 - May 1921 a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the First Cavalry Army. In March 1921 he took part in the suppression of the Kronstadt rebellion. In 1921–1924 member of the South-Eastern Bureau of the Central Committee of the RCP (b), commander of the troops of the North Caucasus Military District. Since 1924, commander of the troops of the Moscow Military District, member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR. From January 1925, Deputy People's Commissar, from November 1925 to June 1934, People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR, Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR. He replaced M.V. Frunze in this post, who died during a surgical operation. In June 1934 - May 1940, People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. In his honor, the city of Lugansk was renamed Voroshilovgrad, the city of Stavropol to Voroshilovsk. The best shooters received the honorary title “Voroshilov Shooter,” and the KV heavy tank was named after him. After unsuccessful battles with Finland (1939–1940), he was replaced by commander of the Kyiv Military District S.K. Timoshenko. From May 1940, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR, in charge of cultural issues, and until May 1941, Chairman of the Defense Committee under the Council of People's Commissars. In February 1941, his name was given to the Academy of the General Staff. During the Great Patriotic War, he was a member of the State Defense Committee and the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command (1941–1944). From July 10, 1941 to August 31, 1941, Commander-in-Chief of the North-Western Direction. In September 1941, commander of the troops of the Leningrad Front. On September 10, 1941, after the loss of Shlisselburg and the final encirclement of Leningrad, in desperation he personally led the attack of the Marines. Was removed and replaced G. K. Zhukov, who did not listen to his advice and did not even want to say goodbye before flying to Moscow. For some time, through the State Defense Committee, he supervised the training of Red Army reserves in the Moscow, Volga, Central Asian and Ural military districts. Since September 1942, Commander-in-Chief of the partisan movement. He was subordinate to the Central Headquarters of the partisan movement, headed by P.K. Ponomarenko. In January 1943, as a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he coordinated the actions of the troops of the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts when breaking the blockade of Leningrad. In December 1943, in the Separate Primorsky Army, he developed a plan for the operation to liberate Crimea, which ended in failure. Headed the Trophy Committee. He negotiated with the British military mission, participated in the Tehran Conference (1943), and was chairman of the armistice commissions with Finland, Hungary and Romania. In 1945–1947 Chairman of the Allied Control Commission in Hungary. From March 1946 to March 1953, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the Bureau of Culture under the Council of Ministers of the USSR. On behalf of I.V. Stalin, he chaired the last meeting of the last congress of the 19th Congress of the CPSU during the life of the leader and closed it. After the death of I.V. Stalin, from 03/05/1953 to May 1960, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. During the reign of M. S. Gorbachev, his life and work underwent a critical rethink, the city of Voroshilovgrad in Ukraine was renamed Lugansk, the Voroshilovsky district of Moscow into Khoroshevsky, and his name was removed from the official name of the Academy of the General Staff. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1956, 1968), Hero of Socialist Labor (1960). Awarded eight Orders of Lenin, six Orders of the Red Banner, Order of Suvorov 1st degree, Red Banner of the Uzbek SSR, Red Banner of the Tajik SSR, Red Banner of the ZSFSR, Honorary weapon with a golden image of the State Emblem of the USSR. Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic, was awarded orders from many countries. He published memoirs about the Lugansk period of his activity (“Stories about Life.” M., 1968. Book 1.) He was buried near the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow.
TIMOSHENKO Semyon Konstantinovich (1895–1970). People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR from 05/07/1940 07/19/1941
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1940). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1940, 1965). In the Red Army since 1918. Until July 1941, a representative of the Headquarters of the High Command, then was part of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. In July - September 1941, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. From July 1941, commander-in-chief of the Western forces, from September 1941 to June 1942, commander-in-chief of the Southwestern forces, at the same time in July - September 1941, commander of the Western, in September - December 1941 and in April - July 1942 South-Western fronts. Under his leadership, the Rostov offensive operation was planned and carried out in the South-Western direction in November - December 1941. In July 1942, commander of the Stalingrad, in October 1942 - March 1943, the Northwestern Front. The troops of the Northwestern Front under his command liquidated the enemy's Demyansk bridgehead. In March - June 1943, as a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he coordinated the actions of the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts, in June - November 1943, the North Caucasus Front and Black Sea Fleet, in February - June 1944 of the 2nd and 3rd Baltic Fronts, in August 1944 - May 1945 of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Ukrainian Fronts. Participated in the development and conduct of some strategic operations, including Iasi-Chisinau.
Stalin I.V. from 07/19/1941 to 03/03/1947 (village People's Commissariat of the Armed Forces, from 03/15/1946 Ministry of the Armed Forces).
STALIN (Dzhugashvili) Joseph Vissarionovich. People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR from 07/19/1941 to 02/25/1946, People's Commissar of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 02/25/1946 to 03/15/1946, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 03/15/1946 to 03/03/1947 ., Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 08/08/1941 to September 1945.
Generalissimo of the Soviet Union (1945). Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943). Born into the family of a handicraft shoemaker. Since 1901, professional revolutionary. On July 22, 1913, he was exiled in stages to the Turukhansk region for four years. On December 27, 1917, he was sent by convoy to Krasnoyarsk in connection with conscription for military service. 02/22/1917 transferred by the Krasnoyarsk district military commander to the jurisdiction of the police department, as released from military service. He played an important role in the preparation and victory of the October Revolution of 1917. He was a member of the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee, which led the uprising. People's Commissar for Nationalities in the first government of the RSFSR (until 1923). Since 1919, People's Commissar of State Control, in 1920–1922. People's Commissar of the RCI of the RSFSR. At the same time, since 1918, he was a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic and a number of fronts, a member of the Council of Workers' and Peasants' Defense. He was sent by V.I. Lenin with emergency powers to the fronts, where a particularly threatening situation was developing. 07/06/1918 arrived in Tsaritsyn, organized its defense, which made it possible to solve the grain problem. In the spring of 1919, he was sent by V.I. Lenin to the Eastern Front to eliminate the Perm disaster, and in the second half of 1919 to the Southern Front to defeat Denikin’s troops. On October 20, 1919 he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In January - August 1920, a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the South-Western Front, at the same time in February - March 1920, chairman of the military council of the Ukrainian Labor Army. In September - November 1920, authorized representative of the Central Committee of the RCP (b) in the Caucasus. At the same time, from May 1921 to August 1923, member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic, representative of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee in the STO of the RSFSR. From 04/03/1922 General Secretary of the Party Central Committee. Since 05/06/1941 Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars (Council of Ministers) of the USSR. On June 23, 1941, he became part of the High Command Headquarters, the highest body of strategic leadership of the country's armed forces during the Great Patriotic War, and headed it on July 10, 1941. From 06/30/1941 to 09/04/1945 Chairman of the State Defense Committee (GKO), from 07/19/1941 to March 1947, People's Commissar of Defense, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR, from 08/08/1941 to September 1945. Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Headed the Soviet delegations to Tehran (1943), Crimea and Berlin (1945) international conferences. Hero of the Soviet Union (1945), Hero of Socialist Labor (1939). He was awarded three Orders of Lenin, two Orders of Victory, three Orders of the Red Banner, and the Order of Suvorov, 1st degree. He was first buried in the Lenin-Stalin Mausoleum on Red Square in Moscow. On October 30, 1961, the XXII Congress of the CPSU adopted a decision initiated by N. S. Khrushchev: “To recognize as inappropriate the further preservation of the sarcophagus with the coffin of I. V. Stalin in the Mausoleum, since Stalin’s serious violations of Lenin’s covenants, abuse of power, mass repressions against honest Soviet people and other actions during the period of the personality cult make it impossible to leave the coffin with his body in the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin" ( XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Verbatim report. T. 3. M., 1961. P. 362). On October 31, 1961, the body was taken out of the Mausoleum and buried in the ground near the Kremlin wall on Red Square.
BULGANIN Nikolai Alexandrovich (30.05.1895 - 24.02.1975). Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 03/03/1947 to 03/24/1949, Minister of Defense of the USSR from 03/05/1953 to 03/15/1955.
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1947–1958), Colonel General (from 1944 and from 1958). Born in Nizhny Novgorod. Incomplete secondary education. Since 1918 in the bodies of the Cheka. In 1918–1919 Deputy Chairman of the Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod Railway Cheka. In 1922–1927 assistant to the chairman of the electrical engineering trust of the Central region, chairman of the State electrical engineering trust of the Supreme Council of National Economy (VSNKh) of the USSR. From 1927 to 1930 director of the Moscow Electric Plant. In 1931–1937 Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Moscow City Council. Since June 1937, Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR. In September 1938 - May 1944, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. At the same time, from September 1938 to April 1940 and from October 1940 to May 1945, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank of the USSR. At the same time, during the Great Patriotic War, from 07/19/1941 to 09/10/1941 and from 02/01/1942 to 05/05/1942, a member of the Military Council of the Western Direction. He was a member of the Military Council of the Western Front from July 12, 1941 to December 15, 1943; 2nd Baltic Front from 02/16/1943 to 04/21/1944; 1st Belorussian Front from 05/12/1944 to 11/21/1944. Participated in the development and implementation of strategic and front-line operations during the Battle of Moscow, during the offensive in the Baltic states and the liberation of Poland. Since November 1944, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR, member of the State Defense Committee (GKO) of the USSR. In February 1945, he was introduced into the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. Since March 1946, First Deputy Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR. From March 1947, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and at the same time, in March 1947 - March 1949, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR, from May 1947 to August 1949, Chairman of Committee No. 2 (jet technology) under the Council of Ministers of the USSR. In March 1953 - February 1955, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and Minister of Defense of the USSR. Since February 1960, a personal pensioner of union significance. Lived alone last years in a small two-room apartment in Moscow. Hero of Socialist Labor (1955). He was awarded two Orders of Lenin (the first of them numbered 10), the Order of the Red Banner, two Orders of Kutuzov 1st degree, Orders of Suvorov 1st and 2nd degrees, two Orders of the Red Star, and medals. He was buried modestly at the Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow, without military honors. The cemetery was closed for a sanitary day; no one except relatives and close friends was allowed in. There was no orchestra or farewell fireworks.
VASILEVSKY Alexander Mikhailovich (1895–1977). Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 03/24/1949 to 02/25/1950, Minister of War of the USSR from 02/25/1950 to 03/05/1953
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945). In the Red Army since 1919. In June 1941, Major General. Since August 1941, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Head of the Operations Directorate. From May 1942, Chief of the General Staff, and at the same time, from October 1942, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. Participated in the planning and development of critical operations. During the Battle of Stalingrad he played a major role in the development and implementation of the counteroffensive plan. As a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he interacted between the Voronezh and Steppe fronts in the Battle of Kursk. He led the planning and conduct of operations for the liberation of Donbass, Northern Tavria, Crimea, in the Belarusian and East Prussian operations. Since February 1945, member of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, commander of the 3rd Belorussian Front. He led the assault on Koenigsberg. Participated in the development of the campaign plan in the Far East. Since June 1945, Commander-in-Chief of the troops in the Far East. Under his leadership, the Manchurian strategic offensive operation was carried out to defeat the Kwantung Army (08/09–09/02/1945).
ZHUKOV Georgy Konstantinovich (01.12.1896 - 18.06.1974). Minister of Defense of the USSR from March 15, 1955 to October 1957
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943). Born into a peasant family. During the First World War he was drafted into the army and rose to the rank of vice-non-commissioned officer of the cavalry. He was awarded two St. George's Crosses... In September 1918 he was mobilized into the Red Army. During the Civil War he commanded a platoon and squadron. Participated in the punitive operation to suppress the anti-Bolshevik peasant uprising of A. S. Antonov in the Tambov province. After the end of the Civil War, squadron commander, assistant commander of a cavalry regiment, commander of a cavalry regiment. He received his education at cavalry courses in 1920, improvement courses for cavalry command personnel in 1925 and courses for senior command staff of the Red Army in 1930. Since May 1930, commander of the 2nd brigade of the 7th Samara Cavalry Division. Since February 1933, assistant inspector of the Red Army cavalry S. M. Budyonny; from March 1933, commander of the 4th Cavalry (from April 1936, Don Cossack) Division; from July 1937 commander of the 3rd Cavalry, from February 1938 of the 6th Cossack Corps; from July 1938, deputy commander of the Belarusian Military District for cavalry. In June 1939, he was appointed commander of the 1st Army Group of Forces in Mongolia. According to modern historians, he achieved victory in the battles of Khalkhin Gol at the cost of enormous sacrifices. Having an advantage in manpower, tanks and aircraft, he defeated the Japanese, losing 25,000 Soviet soldiers killed (the enemy lost 20,000 people). He was distinguished by his cruelty in leading troops. Since June 1940, commander of the Kyiv Special Military District. He led the operation to annex Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the USSR. In January - July 1941, Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. Since June 1941, Army General. Since June 23, 1941, member of the Supreme Command Headquarters. Since August 1942, First Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and Deputy Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Directly participated in the development and implementation of strategic plans of the Supreme Commander, in the preparation and implementation of many major operations. In August - September 1941, the commander of the Reserve Front troops successfully carried out the first offensive operation during the war to defeat the strike force Nazi troops in the Yelnya area. Since 09/04/1941, commander of the troops of the Leningrad Front, replaced in this post K. E. Voroshilova. Forced the enemy to go on the defensive and prevented him from capturing Leningrad. 10/07/1941 was called I. V. Stalin to Moscow and on October 10, 1941 he took command of the Western Front during the Battle of Moscow. In 1942–1943 coordinated the actions of the fronts near Stalingrad, then to break the blockade of Leningrad, in the battles of Kursk and the Dnieper. In March - May 1944, commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front. In the summer of 1944, he coordinated the actions of the 2nd and 1st Belorussian Fronts in the Belorussian offensive operation. At the final stage of the war (November 1944 - June 1945), the commander of the 1st Belorussian Front, whose troops at the beginning of 1945, together with the troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, carried out the Vistula-Oder operation, liberated most Poland and entered German territory. In April - May 1945, front troops under his command, in cooperation with the troops of the 1st Ukrainian and 2nd Ukrainian Fronts, carried out the Berlin operation and captured Berlin. On behalf of and on behalf of the Soviet Supreme Commander, on May 8, 1945, in Karlshorst (Berlin), he accepted the surrender of Germany. 06/24/1945 hosted the Victory Parade in Moscow. In 1945–1946 Commander-in-Chief of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Deputy Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Released from these positions on June 3, 1946. Until 1948, commander of the troops of the Odessa Military District. In the order dated 06/09/1946, signed by I.V. Stalin, he was accused of “lack of modesty”, “excessive personal ambitions” and “attributing to himself a decisive role in the execution of all major combat operations during the war, including those in which he played no role at all." The order also stated that “Marshal Zhukov, feeling embittered, decided to gather around himself losers, commanders relieved of their positions, thus becoming in opposition to the government and the High Command.” In 1946, a “trophy case” was launched against him on charges of exporting from Germany a huge amount of furniture, works of art, and jewelry for his personal use. On 02/21/1947, by a survey of members of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks, formalized as a resolution of the Plenum of the Central Committee, he was removed from the number of candidates for membership of the Central Committee “as having failed to ensure the fulfillment of the duties of a candidate member of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (Bolsheviks).” On January 20, 1948, based on the results of an inspection of the district, the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks issued “ final warning, giving him the last opportunity to reform and become an honest member of the party, worthy of the rank of commander.” By the same decree, he was released from the post of commander of the troops of the Odessa Military District “for appointment to command one of the smaller military districts.” Suffered a heart attack. Secret searches were carried out in the apartment and at the dacha. From 02/04/1948 to 03/05/1953 commander of the troops of the Ural Military District. After the death of I.V. Stalin, he was returned to Moscow, and from March 1953, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. 06/26/1953 participated in the operation to arrest L.P. Beria in the Kremlin. 09/09/1954 led secret exercises with a real explosion atomic bomb at the Totsky training center near Orenburg. In 1955–1957 Minister of Defense of the USSR. On October 19, 1957, at a meeting of the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee, he was accused of trying to belittle the role of political agencies in the army, Bonapartism, and self-praise, and was removed from the post of Minister of Defense of the USSR. Retired since February 27, 1958. Four times Hero of the Soviet Union (1939, 1944, 1945, 1956). Awarded six Orders of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, two Orders of Victory (including Order No. 1), three Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of Suvorov 1st degree, and an Honorary Weapon. Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic. The ashes were buried in the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. In May 1995, monuments to him were solemnly unveiled in Moscow on Manezhnaya Square and on Marshal Zhukov Avenue, as well as in Tver, St. Petersburg, Omsk and Yekaterinburg.
MALINOVSKY Rodion Yakovlevich (1898–1967). Minister of Defense of the USSR in 1957–1967
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1944). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1945, 1958). In military service since 1914. Participant in the First World War and the Civil War. In the Red Army since 1919. Graduated in 1930 Military Academy them. M. V. Frunze. From the same year, chief of staff of a cavalry regiment, then at the headquarters of the North Caucasus and Belarusian military districts. Since 1935, chief of staff of the cavalry corps. In June 1941, Major General. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, commander of the 48th Rifle Corps. From August 1941 commander of the 6th Army, from December 1941 of the Southern Front, from August 1942 of the 66th Army. In October - November 1942, deputy commander of the Voronezh Front, from November 1942, commander of the 2nd Guards Army, from February 1943, Southern, from March 1943, Southwestern, from May 1944, 2nd Ukrainian fronts. The troops under his command successfully operated in the Barvenkovo-Lozovsky operation, the Kharkov battle (1942), the Donbass operation (1942), the Battle of Stalingrad, the Zaporozhye, Nikopol-Krivoy Rog, Odessa, Iasi-Kishinev, Budapest, and Vienna operations. Since July 1945, commander of the Trans-Baikal Front, whose troops delivered the main blow in the Manchurian strategic operation to defeat the Japanese Kwantung Army. In 1945–1947 Commander of the Transbaikal-Amur Military District, 1947–1953. Commander-in-Chief of the Far East troops, 1953–1956. Commander of the Far Eastern Military District. Since 1956, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces.
GRECHKO Andrey Antonovich (10/17/1903 - 04/26/1976). Minister of Defense of the USSR in 1967–1976
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1955). Born into a peasant family. In 1919 he voluntarily joined the Red Army. During the Civil War he fought in the 11th Cavalry Division of the 1st Cavalry Army. After graduating from the North Caucasian Mountain Nationalities Cavalry School in 1926, he became a platoon and squadron commander. Nominee K. E. Voroshilova and S. M. Budyonny, who placed their cavalrymen in prominent command posts. Graduated from the Military Academy named after M. V. Frunze, in 1941, Military Academy of the General Staff. Since 1938, chief of staff of the special cavalry division of the Belarusian Military District. In September 1939 he took part in the liberation of Western Belarus. From July 1941 he commanded the 34th separate cavalry division on the Southwestern Front; from January 1942, the 5th Cavalry Corps on the Southern Front, from April 1942, commander of the 12th Army, from September 1942, the 47th Army, from October 1942, the 18th Army. In January - October 1943, commander of the 56th Army on the 1st Ukrainian Front. Then he was deputy commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front. In December 1943 - May 1946, commander of the 1st Guards Army, with which he reached Prague. In 1945–1953 Commander of the Kyiv Military District. In 1953–1957 Commander-in-Chief of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. On June 17, 1953, when strikes and mass protests of workers broke out in the GDR, L.P. Beria received an order to restore order with the help of military force. As a result, hundreds of people died. In 1957–1967 First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR, at the same time (in 1957–1960) Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Soviet Union, in 1960–1967. Commander-in-Chief of the United Armed Forces of the Warsaw Pact member states. Under his leadership, the largest maneuvers and military exercises “Dnepr”, “Dvina”, “South”, “Ocean” and others were carried out. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1958, 1973). Awarded six Orders of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of Suvorov 1st degree, Order of Suvorov 2nd degree, two Orders of Kutuzov 1st degree, two Orders of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 1st degree. He died suddenly at his dacha. Author of the memoirs “Battle for the Caucasus” (M., 1976), “Across the Carpathians” (M., 1972), “Liberation of Kyiv” (M., 1973), “Years of War. 1941–1943" (M., 1976). The ashes were buried in the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow.
USTINOV Dmitry Fedorovich(30.10.1908 - 20.12.1984). Minister of Defense of the USSR from April 1976 to December 20, 1984
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1976). Born into a working-class family. Russian. In 1922–1923 in the Red Army. He served in special forces units, then in the 12th Turkestan Rifle Regiment. After demobilization in 1923, he graduated from a vocational school in the town of Makaryev, Kostroma province. In 1927–1929 worked as a mechanic at the Balakhna paper mill Nizhny Novgorod province, a diesel engine operator at the Zaryadye factory in Ivanovo-Voznesensk. In 1929 he entered the Ivanovo Polytechnic Institute, from where he transferred to the Moscow Higher Technical School named after N. E. Bauman, and then to the Leningrad Military Mechanical Institute, after which in 1934 he was appointed as an engineer at the Artillery Research Marine Institute . Since 1937 at the Leningrad Bolshevik plant (formerly Obukhov): design engineer, head of the operation and experimental work bureau, deputy chief designer, since 1938 plant director. In June 1941 - March 1953, People's Commissar, Minister of Armaments of the USSR. During the Great Patriotic War, he achieved a sharp increase in weapons for the needs of the front. Colonel General of the Engineering and Artillery Service (1944). After the death of I.V. Stalin, in March 1953 - December 1957, Minister of Defense Industry of the USSR (the ministry was created on the basis of the merger of the Ministry of Armaments and the Ministry of Aviation Industry). He participated in the organization of rocket science and the development of the latest weapons for the army and navy. Since December 1957, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the Commission of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR on military-industrial issues. Since March 1963, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the National Economy of the USSR. In March 1965 - October 1976, Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. In April 1976 - December 1984, Minister of Defense of the USSR. Replaced in this post the one who suddenly died A. A. Grechko. As Minister of Defense, he also oversaw all defense industries for four years. Hero of the Soviet Union (1978), twice Hero of Socialist Labor (1942, 1961). Awarded eleven Orders of Lenin, Order of Suvorov 1st degree, Order of Kutuzov 1st degree. Laureate of the Lenin Prize (1982), Stalin Prize (1953), State Prize of the USSR (1983). Hero of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic. He did a lot for the development of the military-industrial complex of the USSR in post-war years, participated in the creation of defense equipment, nuclear missile weapons and space exploration. He died after returning from joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the Warsaw Pact countries. I felt a general malaise, a slight fever and changes in the lungs. Around the same time and with the same clinical picture, the defense ministers of the GDR, Hungary and Czechoslovakia, G. Hoffmann (12/02/1984), Olah (12/15/1984) and M. Dzur (12/16/1984), who participated in the maneuvers, fell ill and died suddenly. The ashes were buried in the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. Author of the memoir “Serving the Motherland, the Cause of Communism” (Moscow, 1982).
Ministers of Defense (Ministers of War, Ministers of the Armed Forces) of Russia, the USSR, the Russian Federation in the 20th century
KUROPATKIN Andrey Nikolaevich (1848–1925). Russian Minister of War from January 1898 to February 1904
General of Infantry (1901). In military service since 1864. Graduated from the General Staff Academy (1874). In 1866–1871, 1875–1877, 1879–1893 served in Turkestan, participated in the annexation of Central Asia to Russia. During the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. chief of staff of an infantry division. In 1878–1879 and 1883–1990. at the General Staff. In 1890–1897 Head of the Transcaspian region. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in the Far East. After the defeat in the Battle of Mukden in 1905, he was removed from the post of commander in chief and appointed commander of the 1st Army. Since 1906, member of the State Council. During the First World War he commanded a corps (1915), then the 5th Army, from February to July 1916, on the Northern Front. From July 1916 to February 1917, Turkestan governor. After the October Revolution, he lived on his estate and taught at a high school. Killed by unknown bandits.
SAKHAROV Viktor Viktorovich(1848 - 22.11.1905). Russian Minister of War in 1904–1905
Adjutant General. He graduated from the military school and the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff. Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Then assistant chief of staff of the Warsaw Military District, chief of staff of the Odessa Military District. In 1898–1904 Chief of the General Staff. Since 1904, Minister of War of Russia. On June 21, 1905, he was relieved of this position. Killed in Saratov, where he was sent to stop peasant unrest.
REDIGER Alexander Fedorovich (1854–1920). Minister of War of Russia in 1905–1909
General of Infantry (1907). In military service since 1870. Graduated from the Academy of the General Staff (1878). Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Since 1880 he taught at the Academy of the General Staff. In 1882–1883 he served in the Bulgarian army: deputy minister of war, then minister of war of Bulgaria. Since 1884, assistant chief, then head of the office of the Russian Military Ministry. Developer of the military reform program 1905–1912.
SUKHOMLINOV Vladimir Alexandrovich (1848–1926). Minister of War of Russia in 1909–1915.
General of the Cavalry (1906). Graduated from the General Staff Academy. Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Since 1884, commander of a cavalry regiment, head of a cavalry school, commander of a cavalry division. In 1899–1908 Chief of Staff, Commander of the Kyiv Military District. In 1905–1908 simultaneously Kiev, Volyn and Podolsk governor-general. Since 1908, Chief of the General Staff. As Minister of War, he was accused of abuse and treason. However, the court did not confirm the charges. Since 1918 he lived in exile.
POLIVANOV Alexey Andreevich(1855–1920). Minister of War of Russia, Chairman of the Special Meeting on State Defense in 1915–1916 .
General of Infantry (1915). In military service in the Russian army since 1872. Participant in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Graduated from the General Staff Academy (1888). In 1905–1906 Quartermaster General of the General Staff. In 1906–1912 Assistant Secretary of War. He was specially authorized by the Provisional Government to carry out military reform. In 1918 he joined the Red Army. Since 1920, member of the Military Legislative Council, member of the Special Meeting under the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, military expert under the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR.
SHUVAEV Dmitry Savelievich (1854–1937). Russian Minister of War from March 1916 to January 1917
General of Infantry (1912). He graduated from the Alexander Military School (1872), the Academy of the General Staff (1878). He served in staff positions and taught at military educational institutions. From 1905 he commanded the division, in 1907–1908. body. Since 1909, head of the Main Quartermaster Directorate, then chief quartermaster. Since January 1917, member of the State Council. After the October Revolution, he taught at military educational institutions of the Red Army, including at the Shot command courses. Since the late 20s. retired, personal pensioner.
BELYAEV Mikhail Alekseevich (1863–1918). Russian Minister of War in January - March 1917
General of Infantry (1914). In 1893 he graduated from the General Staff Academy. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. head of the office of the headquarters of the 1st Manchurian Army and the headquarters of the commander-in-chief. During the First World War, Chief of the General Staff (1914–1916), and at the same time, from 1915, Assistant Minister of War. Since 1916, member of the Military Council, representative in the Romanian headquarters. In March 1917, he was arrested by the Provisional Government and dismissed. In 1918 he was arrested by Soviet authorities. Shot.
GUCHKOV Alexander Ivanovich (1862–1936). Military and Naval Minister of the Provisional Government of Russia from 03/02/1917 to 04/30/1917 .
Graduated from the Faculty of History and Philology of Moscow University. Since 1893, member of the Moscow City Council. In 1899–1902 participated in the Anglo-Boer War. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905. Commissioner of the Red Cross. Since 1905, founder and leader of the Octobrist party “Union of October 17th”. Since 1907, deputy of the State Duma, in 1907–1911. its chairman. In 1915–1917 Chairman of the Central Military-Industrial Committee. During the days of the February Revolution of 1917, together with V.V. Shulgin, he traveled to Pskov, where he took part in the act of abdication of Nicholas II. One of the organizers of the military action of General L. G. Kornilov against the Bolsheviks in August 1917. After the October Revolution of 1917, he emigrated to Berlin.
KERENSKY Alexander Fedorovich (1881–1970). Military and Naval Minister of the Russian Provisional Government in May - September 1917
In August - October 1917, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army. In 1904 he graduated from St. Petersburg University. Advocate. In 1912–1917 Deputy of the 4th State Duma. In March - May 1917, Minister of Justice of the Provisional Government, from July 1917 at the same time minister - chairman (prime minister). After the October Revolution of 1917, he fled from Petrograd to the command of the Northern Front. Together with P. N. Krasnov led a rebellion against the Bolsheviks. After its suppression, he joined the fight against Soviet power on the Don. In 1918 he emigrated to France. Since 1940 he lived in the USA. Conducted active anti-Soviet activities. He headed the League of Struggle for People's Freedom. Committed suicide.
VERKHOVSKY Alexander Ivanovich (1886–1938). Minister of War of the Provisional Government of Russia from 08/30/1917 to 10/20/1917
Major General. In military service since 1903. In 1911 he graduated from the General Staff Academy. Participant in the Russian-Japanese and First World Wars. In July - August 1917, commander of the Moscow Military District. In 1919 he joined the Red Army. In 1920, member of the Special Meeting under the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic. In 1921–1930 in teaching at the Military Academy of the Red Army, professor. In 1930–1932 Chief of Staff of the North Caucasus Military District. Then he served in the Shot courses, at the General Staff, and at the Military Academy of the General Staff. Brigade commander (1936). Author of a number of works on the art of war. In 1938 he was shot. In 1956 he was rehabilitated.
PODVOSKY Nikolai Ilyich (1880–1948). People's Commissar for Military Affairs of the RSFSR from November 1917 to March 1918
In 1894–1901 studied at the theological seminary in 1904–1905. at the Demidov Legal Lyceum. Member of the RSDLP since 1901. Conducted active organizational and military-combat work. In 1917, a member of the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee, its Bureau and the operational troika for the leadership of the October armed uprising. Commanded the troops of the Petrograd Military District. At the same time as the People's Commissar for Military Affairs of the RSFSR, he was chairman of the All-Russian Collegium for the Organization of the Red Army. Then a member of the Supreme Military Council, chairman of the Supreme Military Inspectorate, member of the RVSR (September 1918 - July 1919). In 1919–1921 People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of Ukraine, member of the RVS of the 7th and 10th armies. In 1921–1923 Head of Vsevobuch and special forces units.
TROTSKY (BRONSTEIN) Lev (Leiba) Davidovich(07.11.1879 - 21.08.1940). People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the RSFSR from 03/13/1918 to 07/06/1923, People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR from 07/06/1923 to 01/26/1925.
Born into the family of a large landowner and colonist. Secondary education. In the Social Democratic movement since 1896. In January 1898, he was arrested and imprisoned, first in Nikolaev, from there transferred to Kherson, then to Odessa and Moscow transit centers. Sentenced to four years of exile in Eastern Siberia, where he and his wife were taken in the fall of 1900. He joined the Mensheviks. In August 1902, leaving his wife and two daughters, the youngest of whom was three months old, he fled from Siberian exile with a passport in the name of Trotsky, which he himself entered, not foreseeing that it would become his name for the rest of his life. In October 1905 he returned to Russia. Participant in the revolution of 1905–1907, was elected comrade-chairman and chairman of the St. Petersburg Council of Workers' Deputies. Author of the concept of “permanent revolution”. In December 1905 he was arrested and spent 15 months in “Kresty”, in the Peter and Paul Fortress and in a pre-trial detention center. In 1907, he was deprived of all civil rights and sentenced to indefinite exile in Siberia. He fled from the village of Berezova, where Prince A.D. Menshikov, an associate of Peter I, was once exiled. In 1907–1917 in exile. On March 27, 1917, he and his family and eight like-minded people left New York for Russia on a Norwegian steamer. At the beginning of May 1917 he arrived in Petrograd. In July 1917, he was arrested by order of the Provisional Government as a German agent and placed in the Kresty prison. In August, during the Kornilov rebellion, he was released and immediately went to the newly created committee for the defense of the revolution. Since September 25 (October 8), 1917, Chairman of the Petrograd Soviet. He proposed the name of the first Soviet government, approved by V.I. Lenin - the Council of People's Commissars. At the suggestion of Ya. M. Sverdlov, he joined the government as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR. In December 1917 - early 1918, the head of the Soviet delegation at the negotiations in Brest-Litovsk put forward the thesis there: “Neither peace, nor war.” The first stage of negotiations was disrupted. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed instead G. Ya. Sokolnikov. 02/22/1918 resigned as People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs... From 03/13/1918 People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the RSFSR, from 09/02/1918 Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic. On 08/05/1919 he sent a “Note to the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party”, where he proposed to create “a cavalry corps (30,000 - 40,000 horsemen) with the expectation of throwing it at India.” According to his plan, “the path to Paris and London lies through the cities of Afghanistan, Punjab and Bengal,” therefore it was necessary to concentrate the revolutionary academy, the political and military headquarters of the Asian revolution in Turkestan. After the formation of the USSR, from July 6, 1923, he headed the Union People's Commissariat for Military and Naval Affairs and at the same time the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR. The actual creator of the Red Army. Sent by V.I. Lenin to threatening areas of the Civil War. He rushed along the fronts in a special armored train, the prototype of a modern mobile command post. He introduced the institution of hostages, according to which the wives and children of officers who did not want to serve the new regime were arrested. Initiator of the creation of concentration camps and the use of forced labor of prisoners. One of the most brutal Bolshevik figures, he used mass executions, executions of hostages and other punitive measures. After the death of V.I. Lenin, he claimed the role of the first person in the party and state. Lost To I.V. Stalin. In January 1928 he was exiled to Alma-Ata. 02/20/1932 deprived of Soviet citizenship. Until July 17, 1933 he lived in Turkey, then in France and Norway, and from January 9, 1937 in Mexico. In 1938 he founded the IV International. He sought to create an “internationalist left opposition. On May 23, 1940, at his villa in Mexico, he was subjected to an armed attack organized by the foreign station of the NKVD on instructions from Moscow, but miraculously survived. On August 20, 1940, he was mortally wounded by a blow to the head with an ice pick by NKVD agent R. Mercader, who in 1961 was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for this act after a 20-year prison sentence by the Mexican judicial authorities. Buried in Mexico.
FRUNZE Mikhail Vasilievich(04.02.1885 - 31.10.1925). People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR from January 26, 1925 to October 31, 1925.
Born into the family of a military paramedic. Incomplete higher education, studied at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. He chose the path of a professional revolutionary. Under the nickname “Arseny” he carried out underground work in St. Petersburg, Ivanovo-Voznesensk, Shuya and other cities. He was arrested several times. Twice he was sentenced to death by hanging for participation in a “criminal community” and in the attempt on the life of a police officer. He spent long weeks on death row, but both times capital punishment was replaced by hard labor and lifelong exile, from where he escaped. After the February Revolution of 1917, member of the Minsk Council, head of the Minsk police, chairman of the Council of Peasant Deputies of the Minsk and Vilna provinces, member of the Western Front Committee. Since September 1917, chairman of the executive committee of the Shuisky Council and the district committee of the RSDLP (b). On October 31, 1917, he brought two thousand well-armed and trained soldiers and workers from Shuya, Kovrov and Vladimir to Moscow to participate in street battles against government troops. From the beginning of 1918, chairman of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk provincial party committee and provincial executive committee, provincial economic council, military commissar. Since August 1918, military commissar of the Yaroslavl Military District. From February 1919, commander of the 4th, in May - June 1919, Turkestan Army. At the same time, since March 1919, commander of the Southern Army Group of the Eastern Front. From July 1919, commander of the Eastern Front, from August 1919 to September 1920, the Turkestan Front, from September 1920, the Southern Front. He achieved major victories in battles with the armies of prominent White Guard military leaders A.V. Kolchak, P.N. Wrangel and others. He showed undoubted abilities as a commander. Commanding the Turkestan Front, he established Bolshevik power in Khiva and Bukhara by force of arms. In 1920–1924 Commander of the troops of Ukraine and Crimea, Ukrainian Military District. Defeated the main forces of the Ukrainian rebel chieftains. Since 1922, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Ukrainian SSR. Since March 1924, Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and Deputy People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR, at the same time since April, Chief of Staff of the Red Army and Head of the Military Academy of the Red Army. In 1924, he headed the commission of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR, which developed the principles of military reform: the elimination of the remnants of “war communism” in the army, the concentration of combat, administrative and economic functions in the hands of a commander, even a non-partisan one. Since January 26, 1925, Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR. Replaced L. in this post. D. Trotsky. On 10/08/1925, a council chaired by the People's Commissar of Health of the RSFSR N.A. Semashko recommended surgical intervention due to the detected signs of a stomach ulcer. From the Kremlin hospital he was transferred to Botkin hospital, where on October 29, 1925, Dr. V. N. Rozanov began the operation. The operation lasted 35 minutes, anesthesia was given for 65 minutes. Due to the drop in heart rate, they resorted to injections that stimulate cardiac activity, and after the operation they fought against heart failure. Therapeutic interventions were unsuccessful. After 39 hours, M. V. Frunze died “with symptoms of cardiac paralysis.” He was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner and an Honorary Revolutionary Weapon. Author of major works on military topics: “Reorganization of the Red Army” (Moscow, 1921), “Unified Military Doctrine and the Red Army” (Moscow, 1921), “Front and Rear in the War of the Future” (Moscow, 1924), “Lenin and the Red Army" (Moscow, 1925), etc. He was buried near the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. In 1926, his name was given to the capital of the Kirghiz SSR, the city of Pishpek. After the collapse of the USSR, the city returned its previous name.
VOROSHILOV Kliment Efremovich (04.02.1881 - 02.12.1969). People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR from November 6, 1925 to June 1934, People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR from June 1934 to May 7, 1940.
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1935). Born into the family of a railway worker. Primary education, in 1895 he graduated from a rural zemstvo school. From the age of ten he worked as a shepherd, from the age of eleven as an auxiliary worker at a mine near Lugansk. He was repeatedly arrested, imprisoned, and served exile in the Arkhangelsk and Perm provinces. During the First World War he evaded mobilization into the army. In November 1917, the commissar of the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee (for city administration), together with F. E. Dzerzhinsky, participated in the creation of the Cheka. In January 1918, Chairman of the Extraordinary Commission for the Protection of Petrograd. In March 1918, he created and led the 1st Lugansk Socialist Partisan Detachment, which defended the then capital of Ukraine, Kharkov, from German-Austrian troops. In April 1918 he organized and led the 5th Ukrainian Army. In July - early August 1918, he commanded the 10th Army. He took part in the defense of Tsaritsyn, the general leadership of which was carried out by J.V. Stalin. In August - September 1918, a member of the Military Council of the North Caucasus Military District, in September - October, assistant commander and member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Southern Front, in October - December commander of the 10th Army. Since January 1919, People's Commissar of Internal Affairs of the Ukrainian SSR. In May - June 1919 he led the defeat of the rebellion of N. A. Grigoriev in the south of Ukraine. In June - July 1919, commander of the 14th Army and commander of the internal Ukrainian Front. For the surrender of Kharkov, he was removed by a revolutionary tribunal, which stated the complete military incompetence of the army commander (“his military knowledge does not allow him to be trusted with even a battalion”), which became a mitigating circumstance. One of the organizers and in November 1919 - May 1921 a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the First Cavalry Army. In March 1921 he took part in the suppression of the Kronstadt rebellion. In 1921–1924 member of the South-Eastern Bureau of the Central Committee of the RCP (b), commander of the troops of the North Caucasus Military District. Since 1924, commander of the troops of the Moscow Military District, member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR. From January 1925, Deputy People's Commissar, from November 1925 to June 1934, People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs of the USSR, Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR. He replaced M.V. Frunze in this post, who died during a surgical operation. In June 1934 - May 1940, People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. In his honor, the city of Lugansk was renamed Voroshilovgrad, the city of Stavropol to Voroshilovsk. The best shooters received the honorary title “Voroshilov Shooter,” and the KV heavy tank was named after him. After unsuccessful battles with Finland (1939–1940), he was replaced by commander of the Kyiv Military District S.K. Timoshenko. From May 1940, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR, in charge of cultural issues, and until May 1941, Chairman of the Defense Committee under the Council of People's Commissars. In February 1941, his name was given to the Academy of the General Staff. During the Great Patriotic War, he was a member of the State Defense Committee and the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command (1941–1944). From July 10, 1941 to August 31, 1941, Commander-in-Chief of the North-Western Direction. In September 1941, commander of the troops of the Leningrad Front. On September 10, 1941, after the loss of Shlisselburg and the final encirclement of Leningrad, in desperation he personally led the attack of the Marines. Was removed and replaced G. K. Zhukov, who did not listen to his advice and did not even want to say goodbye before flying to Moscow. For some time, through the State Defense Committee, he supervised the training of Red Army reserves in the Moscow, Volga, Central Asian and Ural military districts. Since September 1942, Commander-in-Chief of the partisan movement. He was subordinate to the Central Headquarters of the partisan movement, headed by P.K. Ponomarenko. In January 1943, as a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he coordinated the actions of the troops of the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts when breaking the blockade of Leningrad. In December 1943, in the Separate Primorsky Army, he developed a plan for the operation to liberate Crimea, which ended in failure. Headed the Trophy Committee. He negotiated with the British military mission, participated in the Tehran Conference (1943), and was chairman of the armistice commissions with Finland, Hungary and Romania. In 1945–1947 Chairman of the Allied Control Commission in Hungary. From March 1946 to March 1953, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the Bureau of Culture under the Council of Ministers of the USSR. On behalf of I.V. Stalin, he chaired the last meeting of the last congress of the 19th Congress of the CPSU during the life of the leader and closed it. After the death of I.V. Stalin, from 03/05/1953 to May 1960, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. During the reign of M. S. Gorbachev, his life and work underwent a critical rethink, the city of Voroshilovgrad in Ukraine was renamed Lugansk, the Voroshilovsky district of Moscow into Khoroshevsky, and his name was removed from the official name of the Academy of the General Staff. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1956, 1968), Hero of Socialist Labor (1960). Awarded eight Orders of Lenin, six Orders of the Red Banner, Order of Suvorov 1st degree, Red Banner of the Uzbek SSR, Red Banner of the Tajik SSR, Red Banner of the ZSFSR, Honorary weapon with a golden image of the State Emblem of the USSR. Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic, was awarded orders from many countries. He published memoirs about the Lugansk period of his activity (“Stories about Life.” M., 1968. Book 1.) He was buried near the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow.
TIMOSHENKO Semyon Konstantinovich (1895–1970). People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR from 05/07/1940 07/19/1941
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1940). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1940, 1965). In the Red Army since 1918. Until July 1941, a representative of the Headquarters of the High Command, then was part of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. In July - September 1941, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. From July 1941, commander-in-chief of the Western forces, from September 1941 to June 1942, commander-in-chief of the Southwestern forces, at the same time in July - September 1941, commander of the Western, in September - December 1941 and in April - July 1942 South-Western fronts. Under his leadership, the Rostov offensive operation was planned and carried out in the South-Western direction in November - December 1941. In July 1942, commander of the Stalingrad, in October 1942 - March 1943, the Northwestern Front. The troops of the Northwestern Front under his command liquidated the enemy's Demyansk bridgehead. In March - June 1943, as a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he coordinated the actions of the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts, in June - November 1943 of the North Caucasus Front and the Black Sea Fleet, in February - June 1944 of the 2nd and 3rd Baltic fronts, in August 1944 - May 1945 of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Ukrainian fronts. Participated in the development and conduct of some strategic operations, including Iasi-Chisinau.
Stalin I.V. from 07/19/1941 to 03/03/1947 (village People's Commissariat of the Armed Forces, from 03/15/1946 Ministry of the Armed Forces).
STALIN (Dzhugashvili) Joseph Vissarionovich. People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR from 07/19/1941 to 02/25/1946, People's Commissar of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 02/25/1946 to 03/15/1946, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 03/15/1946 to 03/03/1947 ., Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 08/08/1941 to September 1945.
Generalissimo of the Soviet Union (1945). Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943). Born into the family of a handicraft shoemaker. Since 1901, professional revolutionary. On July 22, 1913, he was exiled in stages to the Turukhansk region for four years. On December 27, 1917, he was sent by convoy to Krasnoyarsk in connection with conscription for military service. On February 22, 1917, he was transferred by the Krasnoyarsk district military commander to the police department as exempt from military service. He played an important role in the preparation and victory of the October Revolution of 1917. He was a member of the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee, which led the uprising. People's Commissar for Nationalities in the first government of the RSFSR (until 1923). Since 1919, People's Commissar of State Control, in 1920–1922. People's Commissar of the RCI of the RSFSR. At the same time, since 1918, he was a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic and a number of fronts, a member of the Council of Workers' and Peasants' Defense. He was sent by V.I. Lenin with emergency powers to the fronts, where a particularly threatening situation was developing. 07/06/1918 arrived in Tsaritsyn, organized its defense, which made it possible to solve the grain problem. In the spring of 1919, he was sent by V.I. Lenin to the Eastern Front to eliminate the Perm disaster, and in the second half of 1919 to the Southern Front to defeat Denikin’s troops. On October 20, 1919 he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In January - August 1920, a member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the South-Western Front, at the same time in February - March 1920, chairman of the military council of the Ukrainian Labor Army. In September - November 1920, authorized representative of the Central Committee of the RCP (b) in the Caucasus. At the same time, from May 1921 to August 1923, member of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic, representative of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee in the STO of the RSFSR. From 04/03/1922 General Secretary of the Party Central Committee. Since 05/06/1941 Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars (Council of Ministers) of the USSR. On June 23, 1941, he became part of the High Command Headquarters, the highest body of strategic leadership of the country's armed forces during the Great Patriotic War, and headed it on July 10, 1941. From 06/30/1941 to 09/04/1945 Chairman of the State Defense Committee (GKO), from 07/19/1941 to March 1947, People's Commissar of Defense, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR, from 08/08/1941 to September 1945. Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR. He headed the Soviet delegations at the Tehran (1943), Crimean and Berlin (1945) international conferences. Hero of the Soviet Union (1945), Hero of Socialist Labor (1939). He was awarded three Orders of Lenin, two Orders of Victory, three Orders of the Red Banner, and the Order of Suvorov, 1st degree. He was first buried in the Lenin-Stalin Mausoleum on Red Square in Moscow. On October 30, 1961, the XXII Congress of the CPSU adopted a decision initiated by N. S. Khrushchev: “To recognize as inappropriate the further preservation of the sarcophagus with the coffin of I. V. Stalin in the Mausoleum, since Stalin’s serious violations of Lenin’s covenants, abuse of power, mass repressions against honest Soviet people and other actions during the period of the personality cult make it impossible to leave the coffin with his body in the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin" ( XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Verbatim report. T. 3. M., 1961. P. 362). On October 31, 1961, the body was taken out of the Mausoleum and buried in the ground near the Kremlin wall on Red Square.
BULGANIN Nikolai Alexandrovich (30.05.1895 - 24.02.1975). Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 03/03/1947 to 03/24/1949, Minister of Defense of the USSR from 03/05/1953 to 03/15/1955.
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1947–1958), Colonel General (from 1944 and from 1958). Born in Nizhny Novgorod. Incomplete secondary education. Since 1918 in the bodies of the Cheka. In 1918–1919 Deputy Chairman of the Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod Railway Cheka. In 1922–1927 assistant to the chairman of the electrical engineering trust of the Central region, chairman of the State electrical engineering trust of the Supreme Council of National Economy (VSNKh) of the USSR. From 1927 to 1930 director of the Moscow Electric Plant. In 1931–1937 Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Moscow City Council. Since June 1937, Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR. In September 1938 - May 1944, Deputy Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. At the same time, from September 1938 to April 1940 and from October 1940 to May 1945, Chairman of the Board of the State Bank of the USSR. At the same time, during the Great Patriotic War, from 07/19/1941 to 09/10/1941 and from 02/01/1942 to 05/05/1942, a member of the Military Council of the Western Direction. He was a member of the Military Council of the Western Front from July 12, 1941 to December 15, 1943; 2nd Baltic Front from 02/16/1943 to 04/21/1944; 1st Belorussian Front from 05/12/1944 to 11/21/1944. Participated in the development and implementation of strategic and front-line operations during the Battle of Moscow, during the offensive in the Baltic states and the liberation of Poland. Since November 1944, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR, member of the State Defense Committee (GKO) of the USSR. In February 1945, he was introduced into the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. Since March 1946, First Deputy Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR. From March 1947, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and at the same time, in March 1947 - March 1949, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR, from May 1947 to August 1949, Chairman of Committee No. 2 (jet technology) under the Council of Ministers of the USSR. In March 1953 - February 1955, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and Minister of Defense of the USSR. Since February 1960, a personal pensioner of union significance. He lived out his last years alone in a small two-room apartment in Moscow. Hero of Socialist Labor (1955). He was awarded two Orders of Lenin (the first of them numbered 10), the Order of the Red Banner, two Orders of Kutuzov 1st degree, Orders of Suvorov 1st and 2nd degrees, two Orders of the Red Star, and medals. He was buried modestly at the Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow, without military honors. The cemetery was closed for a sanitary day; no one except relatives and close friends was allowed in. There was no orchestra or farewell fireworks.
VASILEVSKY Alexander Mikhailovich (1895–1977). Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR from 03/24/1949 to 02/25/1950, Minister of War of the USSR from 02/25/1950 to 03/05/1953
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945). In the Red Army since 1919. In June 1941, Major General. Since August 1941, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Head of the Operations Directorate. From May 1942, Chief of the General Staff, and at the same time, from October 1942, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. Participated in the planning and development of critical operations. During the Battle of Stalingrad he played a major role in the development and implementation of the counteroffensive plan. As a representative of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, he interacted between the Voronezh and Steppe fronts in the Battle of Kursk. He led the planning and conduct of operations for the liberation of Donbass, Northern Tavria, Crimea, in the Belarusian and East Prussian operations. Since February 1945, member of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, commander of the 3rd Belorussian Front. He led the assault on Koenigsberg. Participated in the development of the campaign plan in the Far East. Since June 1945, Commander-in-Chief of the troops in the Far East. Under his leadership, the Manchurian strategic offensive operation was carried out to defeat the Kwantung Army (08/09–09/02/1945).
ZHUKOV Georgy Konstantinovich (01.12.1896 - 18.06.1974). Minister of Defense of the USSR from March 15, 1955 to October 1957
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1943). Born into a peasant family. During the First World War he was drafted into the army and rose to the rank of vice-non-commissioned officer of the cavalry. He was awarded two St. George's Crosses... In September 1918 he was mobilized into the Red Army. During the Civil War he commanded a platoon and squadron. Participated in the punitive operation to suppress the anti-Bolshevik peasant uprising of A. S. Antonov in the Tambov province. After the end of the Civil War, squadron commander, assistant commander of a cavalry regiment, commander of a cavalry regiment. He received his education at cavalry courses in 1920, improvement courses for cavalry command personnel in 1925 and courses for senior command staff of the Red Army in 1930. Since May 1930, commander of the 2nd brigade of the 7th Samara Cavalry Division. Since February 1933, assistant inspector of the Red Army cavalry S. M. Budyonny; from March 1933, commander of the 4th Cavalry (from April 1936, Don Cossack) Division; from July 1937 commander of the 3rd Cavalry, from February 1938 of the 6th Cossack Corps; from July 1938, deputy commander of the Belarusian Military District for cavalry. In June 1939, he was appointed commander of the 1st Army Group of Forces in Mongolia. According to modern historians, he achieved victory in the battles of Khalkhin Gol at the cost of enormous sacrifices. Having an advantage in manpower, tanks and aircraft, he defeated the Japanese, losing 25,000 Soviet soldiers killed (the enemy lost 20,000 people). He was distinguished by his cruelty in leading troops. Since June 1940, commander of the Kyiv Special Military District. He led the operation to annex Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the USSR. In January - July 1941, Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army, Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR. Since June 1941, Army General. Since June 23, 1941, member of the Supreme Command Headquarters. Since August 1942, First Deputy People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR and Deputy Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Directly participated in the development and implementation of strategic plans of the Supreme Commander, in the preparation and conduct of many major operations. In August - September 1941, the commander of the Reserve Front troops successfully carried out the first offensive operation during the war to defeat the strike group of fascist German troops in the Yelnya region. Since 09/04/1941, commander of the troops of the Leningrad Front, replaced in this post K. E. Voroshilova. Forced the enemy to go on the defensive and prevented him from capturing Leningrad. 10/07/1941 was called I. V. Stalin to Moscow and on October 10, 1941 he took command of the Western Front during the Battle of Moscow. In 1942–1943 coordinated the actions of the fronts near Stalingrad, then to break the blockade of Leningrad, in the battles of Kursk and the Dnieper. In March - May 1944, commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front. In the summer of 1944, he coordinated the actions of the 2nd and 1st Belorussian Fronts in the Belarusian offensive operation. At the final stage of the war (November 1944 - June 1945), the commander of the 1st Belorussian Front, whose troops at the beginning of 1945, together with the troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, carried out the Vistula-Oder operation, liberated most of Poland and entered the territory of Germany. In April - May 1945, front troops under his command, in cooperation with the troops of the 1st Ukrainian and 2nd Ukrainian Fronts, carried out the Berlin operation and captured Berlin. On behalf of and on behalf of the Soviet Supreme Commander, on May 8, 1945, in Karlshorst (Berlin), he accepted the surrender of Germany. 06/24/1945 hosted the Victory Parade in Moscow. In 1945–1946 Commander-in-Chief of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Deputy Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Released from these positions on June 3, 1946. Until 1948, commander of the troops of the Odessa Military District. In the order dated 06/09/1946, signed by I.V. Stalin, he was accused of “lack of modesty”, “excessive personal ambitions” and “attributing to himself a decisive role in the execution of all major combat operations during the war, including those in which he played no role at all." The order also stated that “Marshal Zhukov, feeling embittered, decided to gather around himself losers, commanders relieved of their positions, thus becoming in opposition to the government and the High Command.” In 1946, a “trophy case” was launched against him on charges of exporting from Germany a huge amount of furniture, works of art, and jewelry for his personal use. On 02/21/1947, by a survey of members of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks, formalized as a resolution of the Plenum of the Central Committee, he was removed from the number of candidates for membership of the Central Committee “as having failed to ensure the fulfillment of the duties of a candidate member of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks (Bolsheviks).” On January 20, 1948, following an inspection of the district, the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks issued “the last warning, giving him the last time the opportunity to improve and become an honest member of the party, worthy of the rank of commander.” By the same decree, he was released from the post of commander of the troops of the Odessa Military District “for appointment to command one of the smaller military districts.” Suffered a heart attack. Secret searches were carried out in the apartment and at the dacha. From 02/04/1948 to 03/05/1953 commander of the troops of the Ural Military District. After the death of I.V. Stalin, he was returned to Moscow, and from March 1953, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. 06/26/1953 participated in the operation to arrest L.P. Beria in the Kremlin. 09/09/1954 led secret exercises with a real explosion of an atomic bomb at the Totsky training center near Orenburg. In 1955–1957 Minister of Defense of the USSR. On October 19, 1957, at a meeting of the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee, he was accused of trying to belittle the role of political agencies in the army, Bonapartism, and self-praise, and was removed from the post of Minister of Defense of the USSR. Retired since February 27, 1958. Four times Hero of the Soviet Union (1939, 1944, 1945, 1956). Awarded six Orders of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, two Orders of Victory (including Order No. 1), three Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of Suvorov 1st degree, and an Honorary Weapon. Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic. The ashes were buried in the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. In May 1995, monuments to him were solemnly unveiled in Moscow on Manezhnaya Square and on Marshal Zhukov Avenue, as well as in Tver, St. Petersburg, Omsk and Yekaterinburg.
MALINOVSKY Rodion Yakovlevich (1898–1967). Minister of Defense of the USSR in 1957–1967
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1944). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1945, 1958). In military service since 1914. Participant in the First World War and the Civil War. In the Red Army since 1919. In 1930 he graduated from the Military Academy. M. V. Frunze. From the same year, chief of staff of a cavalry regiment, then at the headquarters of the North Caucasus and Belarusian military districts. Since 1935, chief of staff of the cavalry corps. In June 1941, Major General. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, commander of the 48th Rifle Corps. From August 1941 commander of the 6th Army, from December 1941 of the Southern Front, from August 1942 of the 66th Army. In October - November 1942, deputy commander of the Voronezh Front, from November 1942, commander of the 2nd Guards Army, from February 1943, Southern, from March 1943, Southwestern, from May 1944, 2nd Ukrainian fronts. The troops under his command successfully operated in the Barvenkovo-Lozovsky operation, the Kharkov battle (1942), the Donbass operation (1942), the Battle of Stalingrad, the Zaporozhye, Nikopol-Krivoy Rog, Odessa, Iasi-Kishinev, Budapest, and Vienna operations. Since July 1945, commander of the Trans-Baikal Front, whose troops delivered the main blow in the Manchurian strategic operation to defeat the Japanese Kwantung Army. In 1945–1947 Commander of the Transbaikal-Amur Military District, 1947–1953. Commander-in-Chief of the Far East troops, 1953–1956. Commander of the Far Eastern Military District. Since 1956, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces.
GRECHKO Andrey Antonovich (10/17/1903 - 04/26/1976). Minister of Defense of the USSR in 1967–1976
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1955). Born into a peasant family. In 1919 he voluntarily joined the Red Army. During the Civil War he fought in the 11th Cavalry Division of the 1st Cavalry Army. After graduating from the North Caucasian Mountain Nationalities Cavalry School in 1926, he became a platoon and squadron commander. Nominee K. E. Voroshilova and S. M. Budyonny, who placed their cavalrymen in prominent command posts. Graduated from the Military Academy named after M. V. Frunze, in 1941, Military Academy of the General Staff. Since 1938, chief of staff of the special cavalry division of the Belarusian Military District. In September 1939 he took part in the liberation of Western Belarus. From July 1941 he commanded the 34th separate cavalry division on the Southwestern Front; from January 1942, the 5th Cavalry Corps on the Southern Front, from April 1942, commander of the 12th Army, from September 1942, the 47th Army, from October 1942, the 18th Army. In January - October 1943, commander of the 56th Army on the 1st Ukrainian Front. Then he was deputy commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front. In December 1943 - May 1946, commander of the 1st Guards Army, with which he reached Prague. In 1945–1953 Commander of the Kyiv Military District. In 1953–1957 Commander-in-Chief of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. On June 17, 1953, when strikes and mass protests of workers broke out in the GDR, L.P. Beria received an order to restore order with the help of military force. As a result, hundreds of people died. In 1957–1967 First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR, at the same time (in 1957–1960) Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Soviet Union, in 1960–1967. Commander-in-Chief of the United Armed Forces of the Warsaw Pact member states. Under his leadership, the largest maneuvers and military exercises “Dnepr”, “Dvina”, “South”, “Ocean” and others were carried out. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1958, 1973). Awarded six Orders of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of Suvorov 1st degree, Order of Suvorov 2nd degree, two Orders of Kutuzov 1st degree, two Orders of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 1st degree. He died suddenly at his dacha. Author of the memoirs “Battle for the Caucasus” (M., 1976), “Across the Carpathians” (M., 1972), “Liberation of Kyiv” (M., 1973), “Years of War. 1941–1943" (M., 1976). The ashes were buried in the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow.
USTINOV Dmitry Fedorovich(30.10.1908 - 20.12.1984). Minister of Defense of the USSR from April 1976 to December 20, 1984
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1976). Born into a working-class family. Russian. In 1922–1923 in the Red Army. He served in special forces units, then in the 12th Turkestan Rifle Regiment. After demobilization in 1923, he graduated from a vocational school in the town of Makaryev, Kostroma province. In 1927–1929 worked as a mechanic at the Balakhninsky paper mill in the Nizhny Novgorod province, and as a diesel engine driver at the Zaryadye factory in Ivanovo-Voznesensk. In 1929 he entered the Ivanovo Polytechnic Institute, from where he transferred to the Moscow Higher Technical School named after N. E. Bauman, and then to the Leningrad Military Mechanical Institute, after which in 1934 he was appointed as an engineer at the Artillery Research Marine Institute . Since 1937 at the Leningrad Bolshevik plant (formerly Obukhov): design engineer, head of the operation and experimental work bureau, deputy chief designer, since 1938 plant director. In June 1941 - March 1953, People's Commissar, Minister of Armaments of the USSR. During the Great Patriotic War, he achieved a sharp increase in weapons for the needs of the front. Colonel General of the Engineering and Artillery Service (1944). After the death of I.V. Stalin, in March 1953 - December 1957, Minister of Defense Industry of the USSR (the ministry was created on the basis of the merger of the Ministry of Armaments and the Ministry of Aviation Industry). He participated in the organization of rocket science and the development of the latest weapons for the army and navy. Since December 1957, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the Commission of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR on military-industrial issues. Since March 1963, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the National Economy of the USSR. In March 1965 - October 1976, Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. In April 1976 - December 1984, Minister of Defense of the USSR. Replaced in this post the one who suddenly died A. A. Grechko. As Minister of Defense, he also oversaw all defense industries for four years. Hero of the Soviet Union (1978), twice Hero of Socialist Labor (1942, 1961). Awarded eleven Orders of Lenin, Order of Suvorov 1st degree, Order of Kutuzov 1st degree. Laureate of the Lenin Prize (1982), Stalin Prize (1953), State Prize of the USSR (1983). Hero of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Hero of the Mongolian People's Republic. He did a lot for the development of the military-industrial complex of the USSR in the post-war years, participated in the creation of defense equipment, nuclear missile weapons and space exploration. He died after returning from joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the Warsaw Pact countries. I felt a general malaise, a slight fever and changes in the lungs. Around the same time and with the same clinical picture, the defense ministers of the GDR, Hungary and Czechoslovakia, G. Hoffmann (12/02/1984), Olah (12/15/1984) and M. Dzur (12/16/1984), who participated in the maneuvers, fell ill and died suddenly. The ashes were buried in the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. Author of the memoir “Serving the Motherland, the Cause of Communism” (Moscow, 1982).
SOKOLOV Sergey Leonidovich(18.06.1911). Minister of Defense of the USSR from December 1984 to May 30, 1987
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1978). Born into the family of an employee. In 1932, on a Komsomol voucher, he entered the Gorky Armored School. After graduation, he served in the Far East as the commander of a tank platoon, a tank company, and a separate tank battalion. Participant in the battles near Lake Khasan in 1938. During the Great Patriotic War, chief of staff of a tank regiment, head of the department of armored vehicles, chief of staff of the commander of the Western Front. Since 1944, commander of the armored and mechanized forces of the army on the Karelian Front. In 1947 he graduated from the Military Academy of Armored and Mechanized Forces and in 1951 from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR. In the post-war period, he held command and staff positions: from 1947, commander of a tank regiment, from 1951, head of a mechanized division, commander of a mechanized division. Since 1954, Chief of Army Staff, Army Commander. In 1960–1964 Chief of Staff - First Deputy Commander of the Moscow Military District, in 1964–1967. First Deputy Commander, Commander of the Leningrad Military District. Since April 1967, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. Participated in organizing the operation to liberate Damansky Island from the Chinese. On December 14, 1979, he arrived in the Uzbek city of Termez, from where he led the entry of a limited contingent of Soviet troops into Afghanistan. In December 1984 - May 1987, Minister of Defense of the USSR. Replaced the deceased in this post D. F. Ustinova. Under him, Soviet troops in Afghanistan achieved the greatest military successes in the fight against the Mujahideen. He was known as a capable military leader, an honest, self-critical person. He was distinguished by his straightforwardness in his judgments and did not hide his likes and dislikes. On 05/30/1987, he was removed from the post of Minister of Defense after the landing of 19-year-old aviation enthusiast from Germany M. Rust on a Cessna-172 light sports aircraft near St. Basil's Cathedral. Sensational news about the flight found M. S. Gorbachev at a meeting of the Political Advisory Committee of the Warsaw Treaty Organization in Berlin, where S. L. Sokolov was part of the Soviet delegation. Upon arrival in Moscow, a Politburo meeting was held in the government hall of Vnukovo-2 airport. M. S. Gorbachev demanded immediate explanations from the leadership of the Ministry of Defense. S. L. Sokolov stated that this case is being transferred to military prosecutor's office, which will consider the responsibility of specific senior military officials, starting with the commander of the country's air defense A.I. Koldunov. The Minister of Defense admitted that the military department had not worked out tactics to combat low-flying single targets, and there was no clear interaction in all levels of air defense. M. S. Gorbachev told S. L. Sokolov: “Sergei Leonidovich, I have no doubt about your personal honesty. However, in the current situation, if I were you, I would resign.” The shocked Minister of Defense immediately announced that he was asking to accept his resignation. The Secretary General, on behalf of the Politburo, accepted it without delay, adding that it would be formalized as a retirement. Then, after a 15-minute break, M. S. Gorbachev proposed to appoint S. L. Sokolov to this post instead D. T. Yazova, which was prudently called in advance by M.S. Gorbachev and then presented to the Politburo. Hero of the Soviet Union (1980). Awarded three Orders of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, Order of Suvorov 1st degree, Order of the Patriotic War 1st degree, two Orders of the Red Star, Order “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR”. In 1987–1991 Inspector General of the Group of Inspectors General of the USSR Ministry of Defense. Since 1992, Advisor to the Russian Ministry of Defense. In 1994 he headed the 50th Anniversary of Victory Foundation. 07/01/2001, on the day of his 90th birthday, he was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, second degree, by the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin and received a marshal's saber from the hands of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation S.B. Ivanov.
YAZOV Dmitry Timofeevich(08.11.1923). Minister of Defense of the USSR from 05/30/1987 to 08/23/1991
Marshal of the Soviet Union (1990). Was born in peasant family. In November 1941, he gave himself a year and turned to the military registration and enlistment office with a request to send him to the front. Received a referral to the Moscow Military Infantry School named after the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR, evacuated from Moscow to Novosibirsk. In February 1942, the school returned to Moscow. In July 1942, he received the rank of lieutenant and went to the front. Commanded a platoon on the Volkhov Front. On August 28, 1942, he was wounded and concussed, was treated in a hospital, and then returned to the regiment. Commanded a company. On January 15, 1943, he was wounded in the head a second time by grenade fragments, but did not leave the battlefield. He ended the war in the Riga region as commander of an infantry company. In the post-war period he was a company commander and deputy battalion commander. In the spring of 1953, with the rank of major, he received a certificate of completion high school and in the same year he entered the Military Academy named after M.V. Frunze, from which he graduated in 1956 with a gold medal. He commanded a battalion in the 63rd Guards, twice Red Banner Krasnoselskaya Division, and was the head of the regimental school for training sergeants - squad commanders in the 64th Guards, also Krasnoselskaya Division. Since the end of 1958, senior officer of the combat training department of the headquarters of the Leningrad Military District (LVO), since 1960, commander of a motorized rifle regiment, colonel. On September 10, 1962, together with the personnel of the 400th separate regiment and military equipment, he arrived in Cuba by sea. Participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He directed a training center through which hundreds of defenders of the Cuban revolution passed. On 10/24/1963 he returned to his homeland and was appointed deputy head of the planning and combined arms training department of the combat training department of the headquarters of the Leningrad Military District. Since the summer of 1964, head of the first department of the combat training department of the headquarters of the Leningrad Military District. In 1965–1967 studied at the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Since September 1967, division commander in Dauria, in the Transbaikal Military District. Since March 1971, commander of the 32nd Army Corps in Crimea. In December 1972, he was awarded the military rank of lieutenant general, and a new appointment immediately followed - commander of the 4th Army in Baku. Since the beginning of 1975, head of the 1st Directorate of the Main Personnel Directorate of the USSR Ministry of Defense. Since November 1976, first deputy commander of the Far Eastern Military District. In February - April 1977 he studied at the Higher Academic Courses at the Academy of the General Staff. Upon his return, he formed a machine-gun and artillery division to be stationed on the South Kuril islands of Iturup and Kunashir. Since November 1977, Commander of the Central Group of Forces, Colonel General. In 1980–1984 Commander of the Central Asian Military District. In January 1981, he flew to Afghanistan with a group of generals and officers, and based on the results of the trip, he raised the question of the need for preliminary training of officers and soldiers in mountain training centers. Then trips to Afghanistan became regular. Since 1984, commander of the Far Eastern Military District. In the summer of 1986, M. S. Gorbachev visited the Far East, where they met. In January 1987, he was approved as Deputy Minister and Head of the Main Personnel Directorate of the USSR Ministry of Defense. Since May 30, 1987, Minister of Defense of the USSR. Appointed right in the hall of the Vnukovo-2 government airport, where M., who had returned from Berlin from a meeting of the Political Consultative Committee of the Warsaw Pact member states, gathered. S. Gorbachev and members of the Politburo who arrived to meet him. Angered by the landing on Vasilyevsky Spusk near the Kremlin on May 29, 1987, of a twin-engine plane piloted by West German citizen Matthias Rust, M. S. Gorbachev removed Marshal of the Soviet Union from his post as Minister of Defense S. L. Sokolova and a number of other high-ranking military leaders. He was a member of the State Committee for the State of Emergency in the USSR (GKChP). On August 18, 1991, he sent his representatives to a number of military districts to ensure the upcoming state of emergency. At five o'clock in the morning on August 19, 1991, he gave instructions to introduce military units of the Taman Motorized Rifle Division into Moscow, consisting of a reconnaissance battalion, three motorized rifle regiments and a tank regiment (127 tanks, 15 infantry fighting vehicles, 144 armored personnel carriers, 216 vehicles, 2,107 personnel) and the Kantemirovskaya Tank Division consisting of a reconnaissance battalion, a motorized rifle regiment and three tank regiments (235 tanks, 125 infantry fighting vehicles, 4 armored personnel carriers, 214 vehicles, 1,702 personnel). At 9:28 a.m. he signed a code to put all troops on high alert. On August 20, 1991, he assigned the commander of the Moscow Military District, General Kalinin, the task of enforcing a curfew in Moscow. 08/21/1991 did not appear at the morning meeting of the State Emergency Committee. In response to a telephone call from the Chairman of the USSR KGB, V.A. Kryuchkov, he replied that he was leaving the game: “Now a board is meeting that will decide on the withdrawal of troops from Moscow. I won’t go to any meetings with you!” Alarmed by his position, members of the State Emergency Committee came to the Ministry of Defense. D. T. Yazov reported that the board was in favor of the withdrawal of troops. Together with members of the State Emergency Committee, he flew to Foros to see M. S. Gorbachev. That same night, after returning from Foros, he was arrested at the airport. During the investigation, he was kept in the Matrosskaya Tishina detention center. On August 23, 1991, by the resolution of the Bureau of the Presidium of the Central Control Commission of the CPSU "On the party responsibility of members of the CPSU who were part of the anti-constitutional State Emergency Committee" he was expelled from the CPSU "for organizing a coup d'etat." On December 2, 1991, he was charged with conspiracy to seize power. The family was evicted from the apartment, the dacha in which the paralyzed wife lived was taken away. The son was expelled from the Academy of the General Staff and died suddenly in 1994; his son-in-law, a military diplomat, was prohibited from traveling abroad. On May 6, 1994, on the basis of the resolution of the State Duma of the Russian Federation “On declaring a political and economic amnesty,” the criminal case was terminated. Retired since May 1994. Since 1998, consultant to the Main Directorate of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st degree, the Order of the Red Star, the Order “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR” 3rd degree. Author of the memoirs “Strikes of Fate” (Moscow, 1999).
SHAPOSHNIKOV Evgeniy Ivanovich (03.02.1942). Minister of Defense of the USSR from 08/23/1991 to 12/08/1991, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) from February 1992 to August 1993.
Air Marshal (1991). The father was a simple worker, died during the Great Patriotic War in East Prussia. He received his education at the Kharkov Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots (1963), at the Air Force Academy named after. Yu. A. Gagarin (1969), at the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR named after. K. E. Voroshilova (1984). Air Marshal (1991). He began his military service as a pilot, a flight commander in the fighter aviation of the Carpathian Military District. In 1969–1975 in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany: deputy squadron commander, deputy air regiment commander for political affairs, air regiment commander. In 1975–1984 deputy commander, commander of a fighter air division, deputy commander of the Air Force of the Carpathian Military District. Since 1985, the Air Force Commander has been the Deputy Commander of the Odessa Military District. In 1987–1988 Air Force Commander - Deputy Commander of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. In 1988–1990 First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force of the USSR Armed Forces. In 1990–1991 Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force - Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. During the August crisis of 1991, he did not support the State Emergency Committee. He spoke on the side of the President of the RSFSR B.N. Yeltsin. He stated that he was ready to send a squadron of bombers to the Kremlin to destroy the GKAC members who had settled there. On August 23, 1991, he left the CPSU. He motivated his action by the fact that the army should be outside political parties. On the same day, by decree of the President of the USSR M.S. Gorbachev, he was appointed Minister of Defense of the USSR. At the same time he received the rank of air marshal. While in this post, he pursued a policy of departitioning the army. 12/08/1991 B. N. Yeltsin, in the presence of the leaders of Ukraine and Belarus L. M. Kravchuk and S. S. Shushkevich, having signed the Belovezhskaya Agreement, called E. I. Shaposhnikov and said about the decision taken and reported that the Presidents had agreed to his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Commonwealth Forces. E.I. Shaposhnikov accepted the appointment. From February 1992 to August 1993, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Commander-in-Chief of the United Armed Forces of the Commonwealth. From June to September 1993, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. Since 1994, the representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the state company for the export and import of weapons and military equipment"Rosvooruzhenie". From October 1995 to 03/01/1997 CEO Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines. Since March 10, 1997, assistant to the President of the Russian Federation B. N. Yeltsin on issues of aviation and astronautics development. Retained his post under President V.V. Putin.
YELTSIN Boris Nikolaevich (02/01/1931). Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation in March - May 1992, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from May 1992 to December 31, 1999.
Born into a peasant family. He graduated from the construction department of the Ural Polytechnic Institute named after S. M. Kirov in 1955. He worked on construction sites as a foreman, foreman, senior foreman, chief engineer, and head of the construction department. Since 1968, head of the construction department, since 1975, secretary of the Sverdlovsk regional committee of the CPSU on capital construction issues. Since November 2, 1976, First Secretary of the Sverdlovsk Regional Committee of the CPSU. Since April 12, 1985, head of the Construction Department of the CPSU Central Committee. From June 1985 to February 1986 Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. Since December 22, 1985, First Secretary of the Moscow City Committee of the CPSU. In November 1987, at the plenum of the Moscow City Committee of the CPSU, he was relieved of the post of first secretary. He tried to commit suicide in the office at MGK, inflicting several blows on himself in the stomach with scissors for opening official packages, after which he was hospitalized. From January 14, 1988 to June 1989, First Deputy Chairman of the USSR State Construction Committee - Minister of the USSR. People's Deputy of the USSR from 1989 to 1991. Member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, in 1989–1990. Chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet Committee on Construction and Architecture. From May 29, 1990 to July 1991, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR. On June 12, 1991, he was elected President of the Russian Federation, at the same time, from November 1991 to June 1992, the head of the Government of the Russian Federation, and from May 1992, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia. In December 1991, he became one of the initiators of the liquidation of the USSR and the proclamation of the Union of Independent States (CIS). On December 31, 1999, he retired early. Awarded the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner of Labor, the Order of the Badge of Honor, the Order of the Knight Grand Cross (Italy); Cavalier Order of Malta. In December 2001, on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the dissolution of the USSR and the creation of the CIS, Russian President V.V. Putin was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, first degree. V.V. Putin called this act courageous. He published the memoirs “Confession on a Given Topic” (Sverdlovsk, 1990), “Notes of the President” (M., 1994), “Presidential Marathon” (M., 2000).
GRACHEV Pavel Sergeevich(01.01.1948). Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation from May 18, 1992 to June 1996
Army General (1994). Born into a working-class family. He received his education at the Ryazan Higher Airborne School (1969), at the Military Academy named after M.V. Frunze (1981), at the Academy of the General Staff (1991). In 1982, he was appointed commander of a separate parachute regiment as part of a limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan. In total, he spent five years in Afghanistan and took an active part in the hostilities of the Soviet troops. Awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union “for completing combat missions with minimal casualties.” He served in the airborne forces in various command positions. Since 1990 deputy commander, since 12/30/1990 commander Airborne troops. During the January events of 1991 in Vilnius, he introduced by order of the USSR Minister of Defense D. T. Yazova two regiments of the Pskov Airborne Division under the pretext of assisting the military registration and enlistment offices of the republic in conscripting persons who evaded military service into the army. On August 19, 1991, he carried out the order of the State Emergency Committee to send troops into Moscow, ensured the arrival of the 106th Tula Airborne Division in the capital and its taking under the protection of strategically important objects. At first he acted in accordance with the instructions of D.T. Yazov, preparing paratroopers together with KGB special forces and troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to storm the building of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR. However, then he established contacts with the Russian leadership. On the afternoon of August 20, 1991, he expressed a negative opinion to the leadership of the State Emergency Committee about the plan to seize the White House. At the same time, he assured the Russian leadership that the airborne units would not launch an assault, and then informed them that there would be no assault at all. In gratitude, B. N. Yeltsin offered him the post of Minister of Defense of the RSFSR, which was not provided for by law, which was held by Army General K. I. Kobets from August 19, 1991. He refused this proposal and convinced B.N. Yeltsin not to create a republican Ministry of Defense in order to avoid a split in the Armed Forces of the USSR. From August 23, 1991, he headed the Russian State Committee for Defense Issues, which represented the coordinating body between the USSR Ministry of Defense and Russian government agencies with a staff of 300 people. At the same time increased in military rank from Major General to Colonel General and appointed First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. Since January 1992, First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the United Armed Forces of the CIS (CIS Joint Forces). From 04/03/1992, First Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, whose duties were temporarily performed by B. N. Yeltsin. From May 18, 1992 to June 1996, Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. According to his opponents, he was involved in the corruption case in the Group of Russian Forces in Germany, the investigation of which was launched in April 1993. Charges were also repeatedly brought against him and other senior military leaders in the privatization in 1992 at reduced prices of state-owned dachas former Ministry Defense of the USSR in the village of Arkhangelskoye near Moscow... On September 12, 1993, at a closed meeting with B. N. Yeltsin, he supported his proposal to dissolve parliament. After presidential decree No. 1400 on the dissolution of parliament, he stated that the army would obey only President B.N. Yeltsin and “will not interfere in political battles until the moment when political passions turn into nationwide confrontation. On October 3, 1993, he sent troops into Moscow, who stormed the parliament building the next day after the tank shelling. During his tenure as Minister of Defense, funding for the Armed Forces was reduced by 50 percent, the naval strength of the Navy was reduced by half, naval aviation was reduced by 60 percent, and the army manning level dropped to 55–60 percent. The Navy has moved from second place in the world to eighth in terms of combat potential. One new type submarine was built. The rate of supply of new types of weapons has dropped to 15–20 percent. Funding for research, testing and design work has been reduced to 8 - 10 percent. The number of homeless military personnel has reached 125 thousand. In the near Moscow region, 250 new dachas for the generals were built. In 1995, the Air Force received 2 helicopters and 6 fighters. Three quarters of the tank fleet needed replacement. The emergency supply of strategic food has been used up by more than 50 percent. Since 1997, the main military adviser to the Rosvooruzhenie company is Rosoboronexport. Awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner, the Order of the Red Star, the Order "For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR", the Afghan Order of the Red Banner.
RODIONOV Igor Nikolaevich(01.12.1936). Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation from July 1996 to May 1997
Army General (1996). Born into a peasant family. He received his education at the Oryol Tank School named after. M. V. Frunze (1957), Military Academy of Armored Forces (with a gold medal, 1970), Military Academy of the General Staff (1980). In the Armed Forces since 1954. Commanded a regiment, division, army corps, and combined arms army. In 1985–1986 commander of the 40th Army in Afghanistan. In 1986–1988 First Deputy Commander of the Moscow Military District. In 1988–1989 Commander of the Transcaucasian Military District, military commandant of Tbilisi. In 1989–1996 Head of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR (RF). In 1989–1991 People's Deputy of the USSR. The only deputy general who voted for the abolition of Article 6 of the USSR Constitution, which proclaimed the leading role of the CPSU. In July 1996, he was appointed Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. Replaced in this position P. S. Gracheva. Nominated on the recommendation of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation A.I. Lebed, To who later characterized him as “an elite general who spent too much time at the General Staff Academy” and due to this, on the one hand, “remained unstained,” on the other, “he fell behind very well,” and in the end, “when he again found himself in the thick of battle , then, unfortunately, I couldn’t stand the tension.” He did not accept the concept of military development developed by A. A. Kokoshin. Didn't find it common language with the Secretary of the Defense Council YU. M. Baturin on the issue of military reform. In December 1996, he was dismissed from military service due to age, remaining Minister of Defense. He was the first civilian Minister of Defense of Russia. He was removed from this position in May 1997. At the beginning of 1997, he stated: “As Minister of Defense, I am becoming an outside observer of the destructive processes in the army and I cannot do anything about it.” Since December 1998, Chairman of the Trade Union of Military Personnel of the Russian Federation. Since 1999, deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the third convocation. He was a member of the State Duma Committee on Veterans Affairs, a member of the Communist Party faction. In January 2003, he did not participate in the anniversary celebrations dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Russian military department, and was also absent from the meeting of the former ministers of defense of the USSR and Russia with the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin: “If I take part in such events and be Among these people, willy-nilly, I will feel like an accomplice in the processes in the RF Armed Forces, with which I do not agree. Therefore, I do not take part in these meetings and events" ( Independent military review. No. 1, 2003). According to him, he does not maintain contact with marshals S. L. Sokolov, D. T. Yazov, I. D. Sergeev and army general P. S. Grachev: “I have somewhat greater respect for Yazov only because he took credit for a year to go to the front as early as possible during the Great Patriotic War” ( There.) He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner, the Order of the Red Star, the Order “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR” II and III degrees, and eight medals.
SERGEEV Igor Dmitrievich(20.04.1938). Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation from May 1997 to May 2001
Marshal of the Russian Federation (1997). Born into the family of a Donbass miner. He received his education at the Black Sea Higher Naval School named after. P. S. Nakhimov (graduated with honors), at the command department of the Military Engineering Academy named after. F. E. Dzerzhinsky. Marshal of the Russian Federation (November 1997). He served in the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) for more than 30 years in command, staff and engineering positions. In 1961–1971 was at the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces. In 1971–1973 chief of staff of the regiment, 1973–1975. commander of the missile regiment, 1975–1980. chief of staff, then division commander. In 1980–1983 chief of staff - first deputy commander of the missile army. In 1983–1985 Head of the Operations Directorate - Deputy Chief of the Main Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces. In 1985–1989 First Deputy Chief of the Main Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces. In 1989–1992 Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces for combat training. From September 1992 to May 1997, Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation. Under him, a new generation of RS-12M (Topol) missiles was created, tested and put on combat duty. Since May 1997, Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. Changed I. N. Rodionova. He began to implement the concept of military development developed by A. A. Kokoshin, which was rejected by his predecessor I. N. Rodionov. He integrated strategic missile forces, military space forces and missile defense into a single branch of the Armed Forces - the Strategic Missile Forces (under the new Minister of Defense S. B. Ivanov, the military space forces were withdrawn from the Strategic Missile Forces). In his opinion, this should increase their efficiency by 20 percent. possible application. Combined the Air Force and Air Defense. Reduced the number of divisions in the Ground Forces. The emphasis should be on promising divisions of high combat readiness, which will first of all be equipped with new control systems and new weapons. In November 2002, regarding the Wahhabi armed attempt to seize Dagestan, President V.V. Putin said that then, out of 50 thousand ground forces, it was difficult to scrape together the required number of units to repel the militants. Collected bits and pieces from different parts. While on a visit to Paris, he was the first Russian military leader to bow to the ashes of white officers at the Saint-Genevieve-des-Bois cemetery. Since March 2001, assistant to the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin on issues of strategic stability. Recipient of many state awards. In 1999 he was awarded the Order of the Yugoslav Star, 1st degree.
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