Sviatoslav I of Kiev

Sviatoslav the Brave (c. 943–972) ruled Kiev from 945, under his mother Olga's regency until about 963. A lifelong pagan, he spent his reign on campaign. He subdued East Slavic tribes, and around 965 destroyed the Khazar strongholds of Sarkel and Atil, breaking Khazar power.

In 967 he invaded Bulgaria at Byzantine prompting, but refused to withdraw and in 969 moved his seat to Pereyaslavets on the Danube. In 970 he appointed his sons Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir to rule Kiev, Drelinia and Novgorod.

Emperor John Tzimiskes forced him out after the siege of Dorostolon in 971. In early 972 Pechenegs killed him at the Dnieper rapids, and Khan Kurya had his skull made into a drinking cup.