Who was the leader of the Soviet Union at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The leader of the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis was Nikita Khrushchev. This pivotal event occurred in October 1962, when the U.S. discovered Soviet missiles stationed in Cuba, leading to a tense standoff between the two superpowers. Khrushchev's decision to place missiles in Cuba was influenced by a desire to protect the island from invasion after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and to establish a strategic advantage over the United States. His leadership during this crisis was marked by attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution, which ultimately contributed to his later removal from power. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the dynamics of the Cold War and the role of leadership during high-stakes international confrontations.