Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (1890–1986)

Vyacheslav Molotov (seated) signs the Soviet–German non-aggression treaty, the Ribbentrop–Molotov Pact, in August 1939, in the company of the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin (right), and the German foreign minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop. Two years later, Germany invaded the USSR.

Soviet communist politician. He was chair of the Council of People's Commissars (prime minister) 1930–41 and foreign minister 1939–49 and 1953–56. He negotiated the 1939 non-aggression treaty with Germany (the Ribbentrop–Molotov pact), and, after the German invasion in 1941, the Soviet partnership with the Allies. His post-war stance prolonged the Cold War and in 1957 he was expelled from the government for Stalinist activities.