Who was the leader of the USSR during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The leader of the USSR during the Cuban Missile Crisis was Nikita Khrushchev. This crisis occurred in October 1962, and it was a pivotal moment during the Cold War when the United States and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear conflict. Khrushchev's decision to place nuclear missiles in Cuba was a culmination of various geopolitical tensions and aimed to counter U.S. missiles in Turkey, but it ultimately led to a confrontation with President John F. Kennedy.

Khrushchev's leadership was characterized by efforts to de-escalate tensions after the crisis, which included negotiations that eventually led to the establishment of a direct communication line between Washington and Moscow, known as the "Hotline." His actions during this period were critical in shaping subsequent U.S.-Soviet relations and Cold War dynamics. Understanding Khrushchev's role gives insight into the complexities of international diplomacy during this tense era.