Ivan Nikitich Russiyanov (Russian: Иван Никитич Руссиянов; 11 September 1900 – 21 March 1984) was a Soviet Army lieutenant general and a Hero of the Soviet Union. Russiyanov served as a clerk and in staff positions after joining the Red Army during the Russian Civil War. After graduating from an infantry command school he transferred to infantry units and commanded a division during the Soviet invasion of Poland. At the outbreak of Operation Barbarossa, Russiyanov commanded the 100th Rifle Division in Belarus. He led it in the Battle of Białystok–Minsk, the Battle of Smolensk, and the Yelnya Offensive. For its actions in the Yelnya Offensive, Russiyanov's division was converted into the 1st Guards Rifle Division. He continued to command the division after it was converted into the 1st Guar