Minsk

While the Project 1 (Leningrad-class) leaders were being built, many adjustments were made to the design. Due to that, the second batch of three leaders was built to the improved Project 38. The main differences between the improved and original designs were more conventional stern lines, struts used instead of bossing for propeller shafts, and a modified bow superstructure. The lead ship, Minsk, was laid down in 1934. When the Soviet Union entered World War II, she deployed mines in the Gulf of Finland and participated in the Battle of Tallinn of 1941, the defense of Leningrad, and the Soviet evacuation of Tallinn.