Katsu Kaishu vs Nikolai Patrushev

Katsu was sent by the shogunate to study Western naval science and shipbuilding in the Netherlands. He returned with knowledge that he applied to modernize Japan's navy, including the construction of modern warships.

Katsu was appointed commander of the Tokugawa shogunate's navy. He modernized the fleet and trained officers, including future leaders of the Imperial Japanese Navy, but was unable to prevent the shogunate's eventual defeat.

Katsu Kaishu, as the shogunate's representative, met with Saigo Takamori of the imperial forces to negotiate the peaceful surrender of Edo Castle. This prevented a destructive battle in the capital and facilitated the transition to imperial rule.

After the Restoration, Katsu served as Minister of the Navy in the new Meiji government. He oversaw the consolidation of the imperial navy and the adoption of Western naval practices, but resigned in 1873 due to political disagreements.

Patrushev served as Deputy Director of the FSB from 1998 to 1999, under Director Vladimir Putin. He was responsible for economic security and counterintelligence, rising to become Director after Putin's appointment as Prime Minister.

As FSB Director, Patrushev oversaw the agency's operations in the Second Chechen War, which began in 1999. The FSB conducted counterterrorism and intelligence operations against Chechen separatists, contributing to the Russian military campaign.

Nikolai Patrushev was appointed Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia in August 1999, succeeding Vladimir Putin. He served until 2008, overseeing domestic security and counterintelligence operations during the Second Chechen War.

Patrushev was appointed Secretary of the Security Council of Russia in May 2008, succeeding Igor Ivanov. He has served as a key advisor to President Putin on national security and defense policy, including during the Ukraine conflict.

As Security Council Secretary, Patrushev was a key figure in shaping Russian security policy during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He advocated for a hardline stance, supporting the annexation of Ukrainian territories and the mobilization of forces.