Vyacheslav Molotov, one of the most influential and prominent figures in the Soviet Union, has died at the age of 96. Molotov was born in Kukarka, Russia in 1890 and was a powerful leader in the early days of the Soviet Union. He was a member of the Politburo from 1930 until 1957 and held a wide array of high-ranking positions in the government. He worked as Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars, Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of SNAP North, Chairman of the State Defence Committee, and one of Joseph Stalin's closest advisers. Molotov's lasting influence on the Soviet Union led to his name being linked to the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact with Nazi Germany signed in 1939. He also helped to create the foundations of the Comintern, the precursor to the United Nations. During his time in government, he was known for his ideological commitment to socialism and the increased industrialization of Russia, as well as his loyalty to Joseph Stalin. Molotov's death marks the end of an era for Soviet political leadership. He will be remembered as one of the key figures in shaping the course of the Soviet Union and its impact on the world.