Alexander Nevsky voted Russia's greatest historical figure

Television viewers have voted Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who sent millions to their deaths in the 1930s, Russia's third-greatest historical figure.

Rights activists have blasted Stalin's inclusion in the nationwide project by the state-run Rossiya channel. They say authorities are trying to gloss over Stalin's atrocities.

The project culminated with the announcement that medieval leader Alexander Nevsky, who defeated various European invaders during his 13th century reign and was subsequently canonized, had been voted the greatest Russian.


In second place was Pyotr Stolypin, an early 20th century prime minister. Stolypin was recognized for land reform but gained notoriety for his brutal quashing of leftist revolutionaries.