The Soviet Union during World War II was led by Joseph Stalin. He was the General Secretary of the Communist Party and Premier of the Soviet Union throughout the war. Stalin took personal control of the Soviet war effort, appointing himself Supreme Commander of the Soviet Armed Forces and chairing the State Defense Committee, which coordinated military operations. He also chaired the Stavka, the highest defense organization of the country
. Despite initial setbacks and hesitation at the start of the German invasion in June 1941, Stalin quickly consolidated control over the military and war economy. He remained in Moscow during critical battles such as the defense of the capital and the Battle of Stalingrad, directing Soviet military strategy and war production. Stalin participated in high-level Allied meetings with Churchill and Roosevelt, shaping the postwar order as well
. In summary, Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union in World War II, holding supreme political and military authority throughout the conflict
