17 October] 1866 in Tula – 20 December 1921) was an Imperial Russian Army general during World War I, who fought on the Eastern Front.

He was among early generals advocating military reform following the disastrous Russo-Japanese War.

He advocated for better education for officers, equal and fair pay, and better prospects for promotion.

[2] He advocated soldiers be treated as individuals and their rights under the law be enforced by unit commanders, and a promotion system based on merit.

[3] He was the first battle-experienced Tsarist General to offer his services to the Red Army,[4] explaining his viewpoint thus: During the Russian Civil War, he first was commander of the Narva Front and later of the entire Northern Front.