Andrei Sakharov Biography

Andrei Sakharov was born May 21, 1921, in Moscow, Russia. Young Andrei’s promise in science was apparent at an early age. In 1938, he enrolled in Moscow State University where he received his Ph.D. in Physics in 1947. The young Sakharov went on to play a central role in the successful design of the first Soviet hydrogen bomb detonated in 1953.

At the age of 32, Sakharov became the youngest person ever elected to the Soviet Academy of Sciences and was named a Hero of Socialist Labor for the first of what would be three times. In 1955, a new hydrogen bomb developed by Sakharov and colleagues resulted in the detonation of a 50-megaton bomb, the most powerful nuclear device ever exploded. 

Despite the accomplishments and accolades, Sakharov developed misgivings regarding the morality of his work and began to voice concerns about the biological impact of nuclear testing. In 1962, he was publicly critical of Soviet plans for a large nuclear test he believed would harm hundreds of thousands of people. The device was nevertheless detonated. A despondent Sakharov said in response, “I decided that I would devote myself to ending biologically harmful tests.”

For the remainder of his life, Sakharov dedicated his efforts not only to nuclear test bans but also to the advancement of a broad range of human rights. He pointedly criticized his own government for throttling freedom of expression and for persecuting, imprisoning, and killing those who used their voice in the name of truth. 

For the remainder of his life, Sakharov dedicated his efforts not only to nuclear test bans but also to the advancement of a broad range of human rights.

In 1968, Sakharov circulated an essay through an underground publishing network. In the essay, entitled “Reflections on Progress, Peaceful Coexistence, and Intellectual Freedom,” Sakharov warned of the perils threatening mankind, stressed the importance of intellectual freedom, and argued for the convergence of views into a democratic, pluralistic, and tolerant society. As Reflections leaked out across the USSR and abroad, it attracted massive attention and raised Sakharov up as a celebrated cause for hope. 

In 1975, Sakharov became the first Russian to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was regaled by the committee as “a spokesman for the conscience of mankind.” Soviet officials prohibited Sakharov from leaving the Soviet Union to accept the prize. In his stead, his wife Yelena read his speech at the ceremony in Oslo. Titled “Peace, Progress, Human Rights,” Sakharov called for an end to the arms race. He also raised environmental concerns, emphasized international cooperation as a means to global peace, and pleaded for the advancement of universal human rights. 

Four years later the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Sakharov characterized the action as a “pitiless war” and publicly criticized the invasion. He was harshly rebuked for defaming the military and summarily stripped of all his government awards and titles. In January 1980, he was internally exiled to Gorky, a city on the Volga closed to foreigners. 

Still, Sakharov found ways to communicate his dissident views through underground essays. He even managed to write a 700-page memoir that was smuggled abroad and published. In exile, he undertook two hunger strikes and was brutally force-fed on both occasions. The international community clamored for his release and in December 1985, another accolade further raised Sakharov’s international gravitas. The European Parliament established the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The award is given annually for outstanding contributions to human rights. 

In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party, the de facto leader of the Soviet Union. In 1986, he began outlining his plans for glasnost — greater transparency of government affairs and a new acceptance of open political debate. In December 1986, Gorbachev was eager to show his sincerity regarding glasnost and made a bold move signaling this commitment. He released Sakharov from Gorky.

Improbable as it may once have seemed, Sakharov returned to Moscow with a renewed opportunity to influence political reform. In March 1989, a new parliament called the All-Union Congress of People’s Deputies was established with Sakharov winning a seat.

Andrei Sakharov Statue, sculpted by T. Arzumanyan, Yerevan, Armenia

Photo: Wikimedia-Beko.

On December 14, 1989, Sakharov delivered an impassioned speech, demanding reforms that would establish a legitimate multiparty political system. Exhausted after the meeting, he returned to his Moscow apartment to prepare for another speech scheduled for the following day. Sadly, that evening he died of a heart attack at the age of 68. 

Tens of thousands of his supporters attended an outdoor civil service in Moscow as other memorial services took place throughout the Soviet Union. He was buried at Vostryakovskoye Cemetery in Moscow.