Kirill Meretskov

ModernGeneralUSSR1897 — 1968

Soviet marshal who commanded in the Arctic.

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Quick Facts

Born

1897

Died

1968

Country

USSR

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)75

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)48

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)65

Total Score61.2

Kirill Meretskov — Complete Timeline

1937 AD

Arrest and release during the Great PurgePolitical Action

Meretskov was arrested during the Great Purge and imprisoned. He was released in 1938 after confessing to fabricated charges, and was reinstated to the military, though his reputation was damaged.

Great PurgeArrestStalin

Impact: nationaltragic

1939 AD

Winter WarWar◆ Major

Meretskov commanded the 7th Army during the Winter War against Finland. His forces failed to break the Mannerheim Line initially, leading to heavy Soviet casualties and his temporary relief from command.

Winter WarFinlandMannerheim Line

Impact: regionaltragic

1944 AD

Leningrad–Novgorod OffensiveWar◆ Major

Meretskov commanded the Volkhov Front in the Leningrad

World War IILeningradSiege

Impact: regional

1945 AD

Soviet–Japanese WarWar◆ Major

Meretskov commanded the 1st Far Eastern Front in the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. His forces broke through Japanese defenses in the mountains and advanced into central Manchuria, contributing to Japan's surrender.

World War IIManchuriaJapan

Impact: regional