Andropov, Yuri Vladimirovich

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Andropov, Yuri Vladimirovich (1914–84) Soviet statesman, president of the Soviet Union (1983–84), general secretary of the Communist Party (1982–84). Andropov first gained attention for his role in the suppression of the Hungarian Uprising (1956). As head of the KGB (1967–82), Andropov took a hardline against political dissidence, supporting Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia (1968) and Poland (1981). He joined the Politburo in 1973. Andropov succeeded Leonid Brezhnev as leader. His term in office was the shortest in Soviet history. Perhaps his most significant decision was the promotion of Mikhail Gorbachev. He was succeeded by Konstantin Chernenko.

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