They were built in the 1950s and were based on Soviet, German, and Italian designs and concepts developed prior to the Second World War.

They were modified to improve their sea keeping capabilities, allowing them to run at high speed in the rough waters of the North Atlantic.

The basic hull was more modern and had better armor protection than the vast majority of the post Second World War gun cruiser designs built and deployed by peer nations.

The Soviets originally planned to build 40 ships in the class, which would be supported by the Stalingrad-class battlecruisers and aircraft carriers.

[1] Sverdlov-class cruisers main armament included twelve 152 mm (6 in)/57 cal B-38 guns mounted in four triple Mk5-bis turrets.

[3] In February 1962, the light cruiser Aleksandr Nevsky was assigned to the newly formed 6th (Missile) Surface Ship Division.

In 1954-1956, the cruiser practiced combat training tasks at sea and at the base, completing a number of cruises in the Arctic Ocean as part of a ship formation.

194, she, on 7 November 1957, represented the Red Banner Northern Fleet during the naval parade on the Neva dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution.

On 31 December 1989, she was struck and transferred to the Department of Funds and Property (Отдел фондов и имущества - OFI) for dismantling and implementation.