Beneath the Surface: Ruthlessness in Leadership

Kriychkov emerges as an unlikely yet ruthless leader during a violent military takeover. His soft-spoken demeanor masks a fierce political tactician prepared to do anything to protect the USSR from democratic influences. Faced with Gorbachev's defiance, Kriychkov and the conspirators swiftly appoint Vice President Gennady Yanayev as the acting president to consolidate power and counter perceived threats to their authority.