Andrei Gromyko, Legendary Soviet Diplomat, Remembered

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a continuation of the celebration of a recent holiday, this article provides an overview of the diplomatic career of Andrei Gromyko, a legendary figure in Soviet foreign policy. Gromyko played a key role in major international conferences and treaties during his 28-year tenure as the USSR's foreign minister, earning him the nickname "Mr. No" for his frequent use of the Soviet veto in the UN Security Council. The article also discusses Gromyko's support for some of the USSR's more controversial foreign policy actions, such as the invasion of Czechoslovakia and the decision to send troops to Afghanistan.

Why it matters

Gromyko's long tenure and influential role in shaping Soviet foreign policy during the Cold War era make him an important historical figure to understand, particularly as tensions between Russia and the West continue to simmer today. His diplomatic tactics and principles, as outlined in the article, provide insight into the USSR's approach to international relations during this period.

The details

Gromyko led the Soviet delegation to key international conferences in the 1940s, including the Dumbarton Oaks conference that led to the creation of the United Nations. He later signed the UN Charter on behalf of the USSR and went on to lead Soviet delegations to 22 UN General Assembly sessions. Gromyko was known for frequently using the Soviet veto in the UN Security Council, earning him the nickname "Mr. No." However, he also played a role in negotiating important treaties, such as the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and various arms control agreements with the United States.

• In 1944, Gromyko led the Soviet delegation to the Dumbarton Oaks conference.
• In 1945, Gromyko led the delegation that signed the UN Charter on behalf of the USSR.
• Since the late 1940s, Gromyko used the Soviet veto in the UN Security Council more than 20 times.