Kaganovich 

It was Lenin who initially entrusted Kaganovich with important positions of responsibility. Stalin later appointed the hardworking and tough Lazar to oversee crucial state tasks such as collectivization, railway construction, and the reconstruction of Moscow, including the development of the new subway system. The Moscow Metro was actually named after Kaganovich until 1955, when it was renamed after Lenin.

Kaganovich was known for his management style based on fear, actively seeking out and eliminating "wreckers" and viewing even train drivers as potential spies. He played a key role in advancing Khrushchev's career within the party, but did not support him for the position of head of state after Stalin's death. This may have contributed to Khrushchev later accusing Kaganovich of involvement in the purges and Stalinist terror, leading to his removal from Soviet leadership and expulsion from the party.

In his final years, Kaganovich lived in isolation as many turned away from him. Despite this, he remained loyal to his beliefs and to Stalin until the end of his life.

Molotov

Molotov's first acquaintance among the Bolsheviks was Stalin. Therefore, it was natural that after Lenin's passing, he sided with Stalin in the ensuing internal power struggle within the party. Stalin, in turn, assigned Molotov key responsibilities in defense, industrialization, and economic development. Molotov played a significant role in the implementation of the ambitious five-year plans and, alongside Kaganovich, oversaw collectivization. Additionally, Molotov approved the execution orders for individuals deemed harmful to society by the party.

Internationally, Molotov is most recognized for his role as the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs. In 1939, he famously negotiated a non-aggression pact with Germany, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. During World War II, Stalin entrusted Molotov with all diplomatic negotiations.

Following Stalin's death, Molotov led the internal party opposition against Khrushchev.

Kirov

Vyacheslav Molotov believed that Sergey Kirov was Stalin's favorite. Kirov only joined the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution of 1917, having previously been associated with the Mensheviks. Stalin rarely forgave past allegiances, but he defended Kirov from attacks by other party members and appointed him to the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, elevating him to a top position in the country.

Despite having little authority among the party leadership, Kirov was charismatic and skilled in oratory. He connected with factory workers through his speeches and humble demeanor. However, in 1934, Kirov was assassinated outside his office in Leningrad. The motives behind the murder remain a mystery, with speculation that the killer may have acted on orders from Stalin himself.

Following Kirov's murder, Stalin used the opportunity to purge opponents and supporters of his former rival Zinoviev. This event marked the beginning of the Great Terror, characterized by widespread repression and executions of those suspected of disloyalty. Historians believe that Kirov's assassination was a turning point in Soviet history.

Voroshilov

Voroshilov holds the record for the longest time spent in a position of power, serving for over 34 years in the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. During the Russian Civil War, he commanded an entire army on the southern front. He was also responsible for establishing order in revolutionary Petrograd and, along with Felix Dzerzhinsky, played a key role in founding the Cheka, the predecessor of the NKVD and the KGB.

As one of Stalin's most loyal allies, Voroshilov supported him in the internal party struggle that occurred after Lenin's death. He later wrote a book called "Stalin and the Red Army," praising Stalin's role in the Civil War. Voroshilov was one of the first marshals of the Soviet Union, implementing military reforms and serving as Minister of Defense. Like many others in Stalin's inner circle, he signed execution orders and purged army commanders.

Following Stalin's death, Voroshilov served as the chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR for seven years. This was the highest official position in the country, although the party's general secretary held the de facto leadership. Voroshilov lived a long life as a member of the party and a Soviet leader. He was one of the few associates of Stalin to be buried near the Kremlin wall.

Beria 

In 1917, Beria became a Bolshevik and joined the Azerbaijan branch of the Cheka during the Civil War. As a professional security officer, he was responsible for maintaining order in the newly established Georgian SSR and the entire Caucasus region. He continued this role in the NKVD and eventually rose to prominence within the party.

During the final years of Stalin's life, Beria was the closest person to him. He frequently visited Stalin's home and dacha, and there are numerous surviving photographs of Beria with Stalin's family.

However, after Stalin's death in 1953, Beria was arrested and found guilty of crimes against innocent individuals and anti-Soviet conspiracies. Many of these charges were based on historical accounts with weak evidence. He was executed in the same year.