Molotov was a close aide to Joseph Stalin.  He became active in the Communist leadership in 1921. In 1931 he became Premier. He oversaw the forced collectivization of the Ukraine that brought about the devastating Soviet famine. From 1939-1949 Molotov served as Foreign Minister.  He negotiated the infamous Soviet German non-aggression pact. He opposed Khrushchev and was forced from power.