Russia: Successor Confirmed

In three minutes, speaking before the Supreme Soviet, Nikita Khrushchev decreed the removal of Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev from the presidency of the Soviet Union and won the automatic assent of the 1,443 "worker and peasant" delegates. For Brezhnev, 57, the step down was really a step up. More clearly than ever, Brezhnev (TIME Cover, Feb. 21) is now Khrushchev's heir apparent. Being freed from the mere protocol tasks carried out by the President (formally known as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet), he can now apply himself more vigorously to the job that really counts: helping Nikita as a secretary of the Communist Party's Central Committee.

Brezhnev's successor in the presidency: Anastas Mikoyan, 68, who was plainly due for a rest. Active for three decades as top Soviet foreign trade specialist, the Armenian was in the hospital twice last year, needed a softer job after his recent active period as Khrushchev's troubleshooter abroad.

For Khrushchev, it seemed a safe enough solution: Mikoyan as loyal front man in the official hierarchy, Brezhnev as loyal stalwart and deputy in the party ranks.