The Navy, however, constituted a distinct ministry (narkomat), and thus Kuznetsov held a position which was technically outside the direct chain of command.

On the same day Semyon Timoshenko and Georgy Zhukov issued a directive prohibiting Soviet commanders from responding to 'German provocations'. By June 21, 1941, Kuznetzov was convinced of the inevitability of war with Nazi Germany. Kuznetsov played a crucial role during the first hours of the war – at this pivotal moment, his resolve and blatant disregard for orders averted the destruction of the Soviet Navy. Kuznetsov Naval Academy and the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov are named in his honor.

Nikolay Gerasimovich Kuznetsov (Russian: Никола́й Гера́симович Кузнецо́в 24 July 1904 – 6 December 1974) was a Soviet naval officer who achieved the rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union and served as People's Commissar of the Navy during the Second World War. Kuznetsov is a Soviet General that can be bought for 1125 Medals.

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