Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The leader of the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis was Nikita Khrushchev. This crisis, which occurred in October 1962, was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, marked by a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over the Soviet deployment of nuclear missiles in Cuba. Khrushchev's actions during this time, including the decision to place missiles in Cuba in response to U.S. missile installations in Turkey, were critical in escalating the tensions that led to this confrontation. His leadership style and political decisions contributed significantly to the dynamics of the crisis, as he attempted to showcase Soviet power while also engaging in negotiations to avoid direct conflict with the U.S. Understanding Khrushchev's role is essential to grasping the complexities of the Cold War and the events surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis.