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Yazov, Dmitri Timofeevich

Soviet Defense Minister from 1987-1991.

Biography

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b. 1924

Dmitry Timofeyevich Yazov was Marshal of the Soviet Union and Defense Minister from 1987-1991. He also participated in the failed 1991 August Coup.

Marshall of the Soviet Union, 1987-1991; Minister of Defense, USSR, 1987-1991

In 1979-1980, Yazov was a commander of the Central Army Group. Yazov held the post of Soviet Defense Minister from May 1987-August 1991. During the August Coup of 1991, Yazov was a member of the State Emergency Committee which had organized the coup. He was subsequently prosecuted and sentenced for treason. In 1994 he was freed under the general amnesty given by the State Duma.