Paul Demetrius Graf[1] von Kotzebue (Russian: Па́вел Евста́фьевич Коцебу́, tr.

Pavel Evstaf'evich Kotsebu; 10 August 1801 – 19 April 1884) was a Baltic German statesman and general who was in the service of the Russian Empire.

One of 18 children of the famous German dramatist August von Kotzebue, P. D. Kotzebue was most notable for his military career, especially during the Crimean War as he gained a reputation as a capable and orderly commander.

During that period, Austrian observers perceived a buildup of fortresses in Russian Poland,[2] and cavalry maneuvers near the border with Prussia prompted a verbal response from Prussian authorities.

Germans in high government positions were noted for their efficiency and incorruptibility – both characteristics in sharp contrast with Russian officials.