Grigory Potemkin

Grigory Potemkin was a Russian military leader, statesman, and favorite of Empress Catherine II in the 18th century. He played a key role in expanding and modernizing Russia's empire, particularly through campaigns in Ukraine and Crimea. Potemkin was known for his strategic skills, administrative ability, and influence over Russian politics and diplomacy. His name is often associated with the term “Potemkin villages,” which refers to fake or misleading displays created to hide poverty or problems—based on stories that he built fake villages to impress the czarina during her visits.