Ilya Kiselev

Ilya Semyonovich Kiselev (Russian: Илья Семёнович Киселёв, Ilja Semjenovich Kiseljev; b. 27 May 1918) was a prominent Russian political leader who served as the 4th Chairman of the Russian National Republic from 1958 until he was deposed in 1973. He succeeded his father, Semyon Sigizmundovich Kiselev, and his rule is often characterized by an aggressive foreign policy and widespread corruption. Public opinion of Kiselev shifted negatively towards the end of his rule, leading to his deposition by reformists.

Early Life and Education

Ilya Kiselev was born on 27 May 1931 in Moscow, into a politically influential family. His father, Semyon Sigizmundovich Kiselev, was a key figure in the Russian National Republican Party and would later serve as Chairman of the Russian National Republic from 1947 to 1958. Growing up in an environment steeped in politics, Ilya was educated from a young age about history and governance. His mother was Elena Ivanovna Kiseleva, a patron of music at the Saint Petersburg conservatory.

Ilya was described to have been a exceptional student, attending the prestigious University of Moscow, where he studied government administration. His education was heavily influenced by the political climate of the time, emphasizing the ideology of national republicanism.