Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich

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Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (1890–1986) Soviet statesman, premier (1930–41) and foreign minister (1939–49, 1953–56). A loyal ally of Stalin, he became a full member of the Politburo in 1926. As foreign minister, one of Molotov's first acts was to sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939) with von Ribbentrop. His enthusiastic use of the veto in the UN Security Council contributed to the Cold War. He lost favour under Nikita Khrushchev, and was demoted and expelled from the Communist Party in 1962. Molotov was readmitted in 1984.

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