Famous Russian Soldiers

Lyudmila Pavlichenko was a Soviet sniper in the Red Army during World War II, credited with 309 kills. She served in the sieges of Odessa and Sevastopol. After being injured, she trained other snipers and became a public spokesperson for the Red Army. She toured the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. post-war. She was later assigned as a senior researcher for the Soviet Navy. Pavlichenko's professional life showcased her exceptional marksmanship skills, dedication to her country, and commitment to training future soldiers.

Roza Shanina was a skilled Soviet sniper during World War II, credited with over 50 kills. Known for her shooting accuracy, she could precisely target enemy personnel and achieve doublets with rapid fire. Shanina's prowess earned her the nickname "the unseen terror of East Prussia." She was the first female servicemember of the 3rd Belorussian Front to receive the Order of Glory. Despite conflicting with Soviet sniper policy, Shanina's bravery and sacrifice were acknowledged, especially when she died shielding a wounded commander during battle.

Mariya Oktyabrskaya was a Soviet tank driver and mechanic who fought against Nazi Germany during World War II. After her husband's death in battle, she donated her possessions to fund a tank for the war effort and requested to drive it. Trained to operate a T-34 medium tank, she named it "Fighting Girlfriend." Oktyabrskaya displayed bravery and skill in combat, earning a promotion to sergeant. Following her death from battle wounds, she was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, becoming the first female tank driver to receive this honor.

César Antonovich Cui was a Russian composer, music critic, and member of The Five, a group of composers dedicated to creating a uniquely Russian style of music. He was also an officer in the Imperial Russian Army, reaching the rank of Engineer-General. Cui taught fortifications at Russian military academies and authored several monographs on the subject. Throughout his professional life, he balanced his military career with his passion for music, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.

Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was a Soviet partisan who engaged in acts of sabotage against the invading armies of Nazi Germany during World War II. Despite facing capture and execution, she displayed defiance towards her captors. Posthumously declared a Hero of the Soviet Union, she became one of the most revered heroines in Soviet history. Her bravery and sacrifices in the fight against the German forces solidified her legacy as a symbol of courage and resistance during the war.

Pavel Anatolyevich Sudoplatov was a senior Soviet official in the intelligence services of the former Soviet Union, with a career spanning over 34 years in various intelligence branches of the Soviet Armed Forces. He was involved in significant Soviet intelligence operations, such as the assassination of Leon Trotsky and Operation Scherhorn during World War II. Sudoplatov managed Soviet espionage efforts related to the Manhattan Project and provided detailed insights into Soviet intelligence and internal politics through his autobiography, "Special Tasks," published in 1994.

Yevgeny Aleksandrovich Rodionov was a Russian soldier who served during the First Chechen War. He was captured by Chechen rebels and later executed in captivity. His refusal to convert to Islam and defect to the enemy side led to his death. Despite not being officially recognized as a New Martyr by the Russian Orthodox Church, he is widely admired in Russia. Icons depicting him can be found in churches across Russia, as well as in Chișinău and Frankfurt.

Alexei Grigoryevich Orlov-Chesmensky was a distinguished Russian soldier, general, admiral, and statesman who rose to prominence during Catherine the Great's reign. He played a pivotal role in the successful plot to overthrow Tsar Peter III and replace him with Catherine. Orlov's military achievements include the joint victory in the Battle of Chesma, where his coordination skills were crucial. He commanded a naval expedition in the Russo-Turkish War, leading to the destruction of the Ottoman fleet. Orlov also captured Princess Tarakanoff and later became known for breeding high-quality livestock.

Yakov Dzhugashvili studied engineering before enrolling in artillery officer training at his father's insistence. He completed his studies just before the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Sent to the front lines, he was captured by the Germans and later died in Sachsenhausen concentration camp in 1943. Despite his struggles and his father's refusal to negotiate his release, Dzhugashvili showed determination and commitment to his military duties during a tumultuous period in history.

Vasily Nikitich Mitrokhin was an archivist for the Soviet Union's foreign intelligence service, the First Chief Directorate of the KGB. He defected to the United Kingdom in 1992 after the US' Central Intelligence Agency rejected the material he offered as possible fakes. Subsequently, he collaborated with the UK's MI6, who facilitated his defection from Russia. Mitrokhin co-authored the renowned works The Mitrokhin Archive: The KGB in Europe and the West and The Mitrokhin Archive II: The KGB in the World, providing extensive insights into Soviet intelligence operations.

Yevgeny Ananyevich Khaldei was a prominent Soviet Red Army naval officer and photographer. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic World War II photograph depicting a Soviet soldier raising a flag over the Reichstag in Berlin at the close of the war. Khaldei's work as a photographer captured many significant moments during the conflict and he was known for his ability to convey the emotions and realities of war through his powerful images.

Mikhail Alekseyev was an Imperial Russian Army general who served as Tsar Nicholas II's Chief of Staff of the Stavka during World War I. Following the February Revolution, he became the commander-in-chief under the Russian Provisional Government. He played a crucial role in establishing the Volunteer Army during the Russian Civil War. Alekseyev passed away in 1918 due to heart failure while engaged in combat against the Bolshevik forces in the Volga region.

Maria Bochkareva was a pioneering Russian soldier known for her significant contributions during World War I. She gained recognition for forming the Women's Battalion, becoming the first Russian woman to lead a military unit. Bochkareva's leadership skills and bravery on the battlefield earned her respect among her peers. She played a crucial role in advocating for women's involvement in the military and shattered gender stereotypes during a time when women's participation in combat roles was uncommon. Her dedication to service and commitment to her country left a lasting impact on Russian military history.

Natalya Venediktovna Kovshova was a Soviet female sniper who fought in World War II. She was known for her bravery and skill in combat, often working alongside her friend Mariya Polivanova who acted as her spotter. Natalya's dedication to the war effort was evident in her actions on the battlefield. Tragically, she was killed while fighting German Wehrmacht forces near Novgorod in August 1942. Her courageous efforts were recognized posthumously when she was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest honor for bravery in the Soviet Union.

Mariya Vasilyevna Smirnova was a squadron commander in the 46th Taman Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment during World War II. She played a vital role in the Soviet Air Forces as part of the renowned "Night Witches," demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership. Her actions during the war led to her being honored as a Hero of the Soviet Union, a recognition of her outstanding contributions and bravery. Smirnova's professional life was defined by her dedication to serving her country and her remarkable achievements in the face of adversity.

Vera Danilovna Voloshina was a Russian partisan who bravely fought against the Nazis during World War II as a member of the Red Army. She participated in subversive activities and demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of danger. Tragically, she was ambushed and killed by the Germans in 1941. Despite her untimely death, Vera's legacy lived on through the iconic Girl with an Oar sculpture in Moscow's Gorky Park, believed to be inspired by her. She was posthumously honored as a Heroine of the Russian Federation in 1994.

The Night Witches were a group of all-female military aviators who served in the 588th Night Bomber Regiment during World War II. Led by Major Yevdokiya Bershanskaya, these pilots, primarily in their late teens and early twenties, carried out daring night bombing missions against German forces. Using a unique attack technique of idling their engines near the target, they glided in for bomb releases with only the sound of wind to mask their approach. Despite initially being barred from combat, these women proved their skill and bravery, eventually earning the prestigious Guards designation for their regiment.

Ilie V. Cătărău was a Bessarabian-born political adventurer, soldier, and spy who operated in Romania. He was involved in terrorist activities, working as a double agent for Russian and Romanian interests, and possibly linked to the Black Hundreds. Cătărău fled prosecution, settling in Egypt and later in China, making return trips to Romania. He led the "Romanian Nationalist-Revolutionary Party", committed to anarchism and communism, and became commander of the Moldavian Democratic Republic's 1st Moldavian Regiment before being deposed and arrested. He continued his tumultuous life, engaging in criminal activities and eventually becoming a Romanian Orthodox monk in Transylvania.