The Death of Joseph Stalin

Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union's leader, died on March 5, 1953, after suffering a massive stroke. He was found unconscious by a housekeeper late the night after a gathering with his inner circle, and medical attention was delayed until the following morning. Despite two days of treatment, Stalin did not regain consciousness.

Suspected Poisoning Emerges

Doctors' notes, kept secret for decades, indicated symptoms consistent with possible warfarin poisoning.

It is suspected that a significant dose of the blood thinner may have been administered the night he suffered the stroke.

Beria Implicated in Stalin's Death

Lavrenti Beria, the USSR's spymaster and a member of Stalin's inner circle, has been implicated in his death. Beria reportedly informed Foreign Secretary Vyacheslav Molotov of the poisoning two months after Stalin's death, allegedly to avert a war with the United States. Beria was part of the power struggle among Stalin's associates for control of the Soviet Union.

Beria's Downfall

However, Beria himself was later arrested and executed that same year due to a conspiracy by other Politburo members. It was subsequently revealed that Beria was a serial rapist.