Gregor Alexandrovich Potemkin was a Russian military leader, statesman, and nobleman who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his role in the annexation of Crimea and the founding of the cities of Kherson, Nikolayev, and Sevastopol. Potemkin was also a close advisor to Catherine the Great and played a significant role in the modernization and expansion of the Russian Empire. He is often remembered for his ambitious and influential contributions to Russian history.