Maxim Litvinov was a prominent Soviet diplomat and politician. He served as the Soviet Union's foreign minister from 1930 to 1939 and played a key role in shaping Soviet foreign policy during that time. Litvinov was known for his efforts to establish diplomatic relations with Western countries and for his advocacy of collective security to counter the rise of fascism in Europe. He was also involved in negotiations leading up to the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939. Litvinov's diplomatic career came to an end during Stalin's purges, and he was removed from his position as foreign minister.