Arkady Yermakov

Arkady Nikolayevich Yermakov (22 September 1899 – 25 October 1957) was a Soviet Army lieutenant general.

Yermakov served as a Red Army commander during the Winter War and World War II. He served as the Senior Military Adviser to the Chinese People's Liberation Army during the Cold War.

Winter War
During the Finnish Winter War, then Kombrig Yermakov commanded the Soviet 100th Rifle Division which was involved in the breakthrough of the Mannerheim Line which brought about the end of the war. He authored a report about the performance of Soviet Teletanks in that campaign.

Battle of Moscow and the Yermakov Operational Group
During the Battle of Moscow, General Yermakov came to command what was known as the Yermakov Operational Group which grouped the 3rd Army, 13th Army, and 50th Army under his operational control in the Bryansk Front fighting against German Army Group Center. Ermakov's command was controversial for his focus on offensive operations from mid August to late September 1941. Marshal Yeryomenko credited his command's actions for significantly weakening the strength of the German Attack Groupings. Conversely, General Sanalov criticized him for paying insufficient attention to the defense during this time, leading to later losses.

Arrest, Court Martial, and Reinstatement
On January 29, 1942, while commander of the 50th Army, General Ermakov was arrested and court-martialed. He was later released, reinstated appointed Deputy Commander of the 20th Army later that year in June. He was to become commander of the 20th Army on March 20, 1943.

Post-war service
He was Senior Military Adviser to the Chinese People's Liberation Army between 1953 and 1957, and died shortly after serving in that position.