Premier of the USSR (1958–64). Born in Ukraine, Khrushchev became First Secretary of the Communist Party of the USSR (1953–64) after the death of Stalin. He played a prominent part in the ‘de-Stalinization’ programme that began in 1956, denouncing the former leader in a historic speech, and went on to succeed Bulganin as Premier (Chairman of the Council of Ministers) in 1958. He came close to war with the USA over the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and clashed with China over economic aid and borders. He was ousted two years later by Brezhnev and Kosygin, largely because of his antagonism to China.