Nikolai Sukhozanet was born in a noble family of Vitebsk guberniya.

During the Napoleon's invasion of Russia he fought in numerous battles and finished the campaign in Paris in the rank of lieutenant of artillery.

After the war he occupied different positions in the 1st Army and in 1824 was promoted to Major General.

When the November Uprising began he led the Staff of artillery in the acting army.

Because of bad health he left on 6 October 1861 the army and on 9 November resigns his post of minister.