Khrushchev (Nikita Khrushchev)

Nikita Khrushchev was a Soviet leader who governed the USSR from 1953 to 1964. Known for his efforts to de-Stalinize and modernize the Soviet Union, he promoted policies of lessened repression and sought improved relations with the West. Khrushchev was key in the Cold War era, notably overseeing the Cuban Missile Crisis and launching the first satellite, Sputnik. His leadership marked a period of both tension and cautious diplomacy during the Cold War, and he is remembered for his bold rhetoric, unpredictable style, and efforts to reduce Cold War hostility.