George Cohon (1937–2023), founder of McDonald’s Canada

George Cohon was the founder of McDonald’s Canada who later brought the iconic hamburger chain to Russia.

Alexander Gorshkov (1946–2022), first Olympic champion in ice dance

Alexander Gorshkov was a Russian figure skater who won gold the first time ice dance was an Olympic event, at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

Mikhail Gorbachev (1931–2022), last leader of the Soviet Union

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, who presided over the collapse of the U.S.S.R. and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the Cold War.

Leonid Kravchuk (1934–2022), first president of independent Ukraine

Leonid Kravchuk was the first president of Ukraine after it gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Stanislav Shushkevich (1934–2022), first leader of post-Soviet Belarus

Stanislav Shushkevich was the first head of state of an independent Belarus after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Halyna Hutchins (1979–2021), rising star of cinematography

Halyna Hutchins was a cinematographer who worked on films including “Archenemy” and “Darlin’.”

David Dushman (1923–2021), one of the last living liberators of Auschwitz

David Dushman was a Soviet veteran of World War II who was one of the last living soldiers who liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Anton Yelchin (1989 - 2016), Star Trek reboot actor

Anton Yelchin, actor known for his role as Chekov in the new “Star Trek” movies, has died in an accident at the age of 27.