Sergei Akhromeyev

Sergei Feodorovich Akhromeyev (May 5, 1923 – August 24, 1991) was a Russian military figure, Hero of the Soviet Union (1982), Marshal of the Soviet Union (1983), who was Chief of the General Staff of the Soviet Armed Forces 1984-1988, and committed suicide after the 1991 August Coup.

Think of the 40 years of confrontation. What is it we gained?...The old style has exposed itself: it is fruitless.

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• We are not pursuing research to develop ABM space systems. There are studies to improve systems of warning against a missile attack, communications and navigation systems and to develop ground-based ABM defences.
  • 1965. Quoted in The Daily Review.

• If it is necessary we will find a quick answer and it will not be the way the United States expects it. It will be an answer that devalues the 'Star Wars' program.
  • 1986 UPI (Moscow) press release on Soviet reaction to the Strategic Defense Initiative. Quoted in Ellensburg Daily Record, 27 Aug 1986, and elsewhere.

Admiral William Crowe (right) welcomes Marshal Sergei Akhromeyev

• Think of the 40 years of confrontation. What is it we gained?...The old style has exposed itself: it is fruitless.
  • Quoted in "Mr. Darman's Sermon", July 29, 1989, editorial, New York Times.

• If both sides reduced their long-range missiles by 50%, SDI would be an unacceptable threat to the remaining Soviet rocket forces.
  • Quoted in "A No-Frills Summit", November 9, 1987, Ed Magnuson; James O. Jackson/Moscow and Bruce van Voorst/Washington, Time magazine.

• The longer the war drags on, more and more civilians are getting killed.
  • Quoted in "Iraq Rebuffs Iran on Peace Initiative", pA01, February 11, 1991, Rick Atkinson and Barton Gellman, Washington Post.