Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov (March 9, [O.S.

25 February] 1890 – November 8, 1986) is a Soviet politician and diplomat, an Old Bolshevik and a leading figure in the Soviet government from the 1920s, when he rises to power as a protégé of Joseph Stalin, to 1957, when he is dismissed from the Presidium (Politburo) of the Central Committee by Nikita Khrushchev.

He serves as Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars (Premier) from 1930 to 1941, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1939 to 1949 and from 1953 to 1956.

Molotov serves for several years as First Deputy Premier in Joseph Stalin's cabinet.

He retires in 1961 after several years of obscurity.

Molotov is the principal Soviet signatory of the Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact of 1939 (also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact), after Britain and France repeatedly failed to join the Soviets in an anti-Nazi alliance, is involved in postwar negotiations where he becomes noted for his diplomatic skills, and knew of the Katyn massacre committed by the Soviet authorities.

Following the aftermath of the Second World War (Great Patriotic War) Molotov keeps his place, until 1949, as a leading Soviet diplomat and politician.

In March 1949, after losing Stalin's favor, he loses the foreign affairs ministry to Andrei Vyshinsky.

Molotov's relationship with Stalin deteriorates further, with Stalin complaining about Molotov's mistakes in a speech to the 19th Party Congress.

However, after Stalin's death in 1953 Molotov is staunchly opposed to Khrushchev's de-Stalinisation policy.

He defends his policies and the legacy of Stalin until his death in 1986, and harshly criticizes Stalin's successors, especially Nikita Khrushchev.