Pyotr Alexandrovich Rumyantsev, also known as Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, was born on January 4 (15), 1725, in Stroentsy, Moldova, and died on December 8 (19), 1796, in Tashan, Ukraine. He was a count, general field marshal, and an outstanding Russian military leader and statesman.

Rumyantsev came from an ancient noble family. His father, General-Anshchef Alexander Ivanovich Rumyantsev, was a companion of Peter I and participated in the Northern War and the Persian Campaign, later becoming the governor of Kazan and a senator. Pyotr's mother, Maria Andreyevna, was the granddaughter of A. S. Matveev, in whose family the mother of Peter I, Empress Natalia Kirillovna, was raised. There were rumors that Pyotr Alexandrovich was the son of the emperor. His godmother was Catherine I. At the age of six, Pyotr was enrolled in a regiment. He was taught literacy and foreign languages, and in 1739 he was sent to the Russian embassy in Berlin to complete his education. However, showing a rebellious character, he was returned to St. Petersburg to study at the Noble Corps and then sent to Finland due to compromising behavior.

During the Russo-Swedish War of 1741-1743, Rumyantsev participated in combat operations as a captain. After the signing of the Treaty of Abo, his father sent him with the text of the treaty to the empress, and Elizabeth Petrovna promoted him to colonel. However, his scandalous escapades reached the empress, and she ordered his father to punish him, which was done.

During the Seven Years' War, Rumyantsev, already a major general, played a key role in the victories at Gross-Jägersdorf and Kunersdorf, as well as in the capture of the fortress of Kolberg. After the death of Elizabeth Petrovna, Peter III summoned him to St. Petersburg and appointed him commander of the army against Denmark. However, after the coup in St. Petersburg, Rumyantsev remained loyal to his oath and did not take a new one until he learned of Peter III's death. Swearing allegiance to Catherine II, he requested retirement, but the empress assured him of her trust.

In 1764, Rumyantsev was appointed governor-general of Little Russia, where his task was to abolish Ukrainian autonomy and integrate the region into the Russian Empire. He also improved the tax collection and judicial systems, fought against drunkenness, and sought tax benefits for the local population.

True success came to him in the Russo-Turkish War of 1768, where he achieved victories at Rybaya Mohyla, Larga, and Kagul. In 1774, he concluded a favorable peace for Russia, for which he received the field marshal's baton and the honorary title of Zadunaisky.

After the war, Rumyantsev returned to his duties as governor-general but was pushed to the background by G. A. Potemkin. In 1787, unwilling to submit to Potemkin, he refused to participate in a new war with the Turks, citing illness. In 1794, after being appointed commander of the troops in Poland, he formally led the army, handing over command to A. V. Suvorov.

Rumyantsev was an innovator in military affairs, transitioning from linear tactics to column tactics and dispersed formations. He preferred light cavalry and offensive tactics, paying attention to troop training and their morale. His works influenced G. A. Potemkin and A. V. Suvorov.

In 1799, a monument to Rumyantsev was erected in St. Petersburg, which is now located in Rumyantsev Square on Universitetskaya Embankment.