Nikolai Viktorovitch Podgorny (sometimes spelled Podgornyï ), born the February 10th (or February 18th?) 1903 with Karlovka Ukraine, dead the January 11th 1983, was a dignitary of the Communist party and Soviet State .

It made its studies at the technological Institute of the food and industry with Kiev.

He became member of the Communist party of the Soviet Union in 1939 (the sources are contradictory: others evoke 1930 or 1950…)

He became member of the central committee of PCUS in 1956 and, at the “local” level, first secretary of the Communist party of Ukraine of 1957 with 1963.

Named in the political office of PCUS, it took part in the inversion of Nikita Khrouchtchev the October 14th 1964 and entered quickly in competition veiled with Léonid Brejnev. A working arrangement was established: Brejnev became first secretary of the party, Alexis Kossyguine Prime Minister and Anastase Mikoyan taking the nominal head of the State.

Mikoyan however being quickly withdrawn, in 1965, Nikolaï Podgorny finally reached the president's function of the Praesidium of the Supreme Soviet of the the USSR (Head of the State), primarily honorary function which it will occupy until his retirement forced in June 1977.