Soviet Union: Out of Action

Ustinov misses a parade

With each passing year the Nov. 7 parade before a lineup of Kremlin leaders atop the Lenin Mausoleum in Red Square has come to resemble a mystery play rather than a military pageant. Leonid Brezhnev died only three days after he made a faltering appearance in biting weather in 1982. His ailing successor, the late Yuri Andropov, gave hints of his imminent demise when he failed to show up for last year's ceremony. This year it was Defense Minister Dmitri Ustinov who was missing. Questioned by a Western reporter, Politburo Member Viktor Grishin allowed that Ustinov, who...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!