Leonov Nikolay Sergeyevich

Leonov Nikolay Sergeyevich

Nikolai Sergeevich Leonov (1928-2022) - lieutenant general, veteran of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation.

Biography

N.S. Leonov was born on August 22, 1928 in a peasant family. Since 1938 he lived and studied at a school in the city of Elektrostal, Moscow Region. In 1947 he graduated from high school with a gold medal and entered MGIMO, after which in 1952 he was sent to work at the publishing house of foreign literature.

In April 1953 he was sent to Mexico, entered the University of Mexico at the Faculty of Philology. These years were marked by acquaintance with the Cuban revolutionary Raul Castro and E. Che Guevara. From 1956 to 1958 he again worked at the publishing house of foreign literature.

In 1958 he was recommended for service in foreign intelligence. Even while studying at the intelligence school, he joined the mission of Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR A.I. Mikoyan to Mexico, and then to Cuba to establish contacts with the Cuban revolutionary leadership.

From 1961 to 1968 he was on a long-term business trip in Mexico. Engaged to work with Fidel Castro and other Cuban leaders.

Since 1968, he worked in the central apparatus of foreign intelligence, repeatedly went on short-term trips to South America, Central Asia, and other countries. He carried out the responsible instructions of the intelligence leadership.

In 1971-83 - Deputy Head of the Information and Analytical Directorate of Foreign Intelligence, in 1983-90 - Deputy Head of Intelligence. In 1990-1991 - Head of the Analytical Department of the KGB of the USSR.

For many years of impeccable service and the results achieved, he was awarded the Order of the October Revolution, two orders of the Red Banner of Labor, the Order of the Red Star and many medals. Marked with the signs "Honorary State Security Officer" and "For Intelligence Service."

April 27, 2022 after a serious long illness at 94 years passed away.