Joseph Stalin, the Premier of the Soviet Union, experienced a catastrophic stroke on March 1, 1953, at his Kuntsevo dacha located near Moscow. The event unfolded as Stalin was holding a meeting with top officials of his regime. Without warning, he collapsed and was found on the floor by his aides. The immediate aftermath was marked by confusion and hesitation among those present; instead of promptly calling for medical assistance, many remained paralyzed by fear of his retribution. Hours passed before he was taken to a hospital.

Stalin's medical condition worsened over the next few days, as he remained partially paralyzed and incommunicado. Despite the efforts of doctors, they were unable to reverse the damage caused by the stroke. On March 5, 1953, after four days of suffering, he was pronounced dead. The announcement of his death was met with a mixture of shock and sorrow across the Soviet Union, reflecting the complex legacy he had left behind. The Communist Party initiated a period of official mourning, and public displays of grief were widespread, showcasing the deep impact Stalin had on Soviet society.

Following his death, an extensive power struggle ensued within the Soviet leadership, leading to a shift in political dynamics. Notably, figures such as Nikita Khrushchev began to position themselves to take on leadership roles. The struggle for power would eventually result in significant reforms and a gradual de-Stalinization campaign, which aimed to dismantle the oppressive mechanisms built during his rule. This process marked a critical transformation in Soviet policies and governance.