Yuri Ivanovich Gorky

**Yuri Ivanovich Gorky** (AKA **Burlak**) is is one of main protagonists of Original War. He serves as the main protagonist of Russian campaign and a secondary antagonist in American campaign. He is Russian Mechanic who is sent to the past as a member of Red Army Pliocene Group. He has an older brother Vsevolod Ivanovich Gorky who is also sent to the past. Burlak has his own personal tank called Masha. John Macmillan is his American counterpart as the protagonist of American Campaign.

## Voice actors

* Jan Kolařík (Czech)
* Christian Rudolph (German)
* Andrzej Blumenfeld (Polish)

## Before leaving to past

Some info about him is known from his computer. He was born on 4 July 1980. He has a brother Vsevolod who served during war in Northern China. Burlak's father was awarded In Memoriam for his service in Vietnam. Burlak graduated at Leningrad State Technical University and became a member of the Communist Party of Soviet Union in 1998.

## American Campaign

He appears in mission Original Cold War and Final Countdown.

In Original Cold War it is revealed that he joined Alliance and Macmillan can kill him to obtain one of three Medals in the mission. If player doesn't kill him he apears in Final Countdown commanding alliance.

### Alliance Campaign

His role is pretty much the same as in Russian alliance missions. Player meets him in Peace on Earth but Americans arrive first and start building Freedom. He arrives later than other Russians and when he meets Macmillan they don't try to kill each other but instead recognize each other with respect.

## Russian Campaign

He is the protagonist in Russian campaign. He is sent to the past as a member of the Red Army Pliocene Group. He is a 3rd Mechanic. His codename is Robin 5. After he walks in TAWAR he finds out nothing is as expected his Comrades are nowhere to be seen and his Radio doesn't work. He eventually finds Soldier Semyon Davidovich Gnyevko and eventually a unit of Mikhail Vasilevich Pokryshkin. Burlak takes over the unit when Pokryshkin is killed during attack on near American base. Unit returns to base S. M. Kirov after they destroy the American base where Burlak meets Colonel Ivan Pavlovich Kurin who puts him Gnyevko and Ilya Ilyich Kovalyuk under command of David Nikitovich Platonov at L. P. Beria. He starts building vehicles there. On of vehicles he builds is given to S. M. Kirov where Kurin gives to Peter Mikhailovich Belkov who leads exploration of areas north of Russian positions. Burlak is allowed to join Belkov's mission but Belkov gets in a trap from which Burlak can save him which would make him a loyal friend of Burlak. Burlak is afterwards given command of L. P. Beria while is tasked to build a new base called L. M. Kaganovich west of L. P. Beria on a location with Oil Source. Burlak is tasked to build enough vehicles to help with attack on American base Omicron. Burlak participates in the attack and Omicron is largely destroyed but Arabs attack S. M. Kirov and destroy it. Burlak then has to cover Russian retreat from eastern areas. He has to face not only Arabs but also obstruction from Platonov who promises him supplies which never arrive. Burlak still succeeds and is promoted to Lieutenant. He is tasked with survey mission to find out more about Arabs. He is once again put under command of Platonov. While near Arabian positions Platonov contacts Burlak and tasks him to hurry to the base V. A. Ovsyenko which is under American attack. Burlak has to set off to V. A. Ovsyenko while being chased by Arabs. Unfortunately Platonov leads him to trap which slows Burlak's progress and Burlak arrives when the base is under American control. He takes the base back and starts mining Siberite allowing him to start researching Siberite technologies. He also makes contact with his brother Vsevolod Ivanovich Gorky who arrives to the past. Burlak has to eventually leave V. A. Ovsyenko when Arabs launch attack to V. I. Lenin. Burlak leads attack on New Kabul which forces Arabs to cease their attack on V. I. Lenin and return to the base. During this time Marshal Nikolay Mironovich Yashin arrives to the past and takes command of Russian forces.

Yashin then promotes Burlak to the rank of Major and tasks him to build new main Russian Base L. D. Trotsky. Burlak build the new base and takes command of it. He is tasked with attack on American base Epsilon where Americans are researching new Siberite technologies with the help of Arabs. Burlak faces John Macmillan here for the first time and destroys Epsilon. Joan Fergusson is killed in the process which makes Burlak Macmillan's number one enemy. Russian base M. N. Tukhachevsky gets under American attacks soon afterwards while scientist Profesor Gossudarov is kidnapped by Legion. Yashin sends Burlak to save Gossudarov while other forces are sent to help M. N. Tukhachevsky despite Burlak's complains that it would leave L. D. Trotsky too vulnerable. Burlak saves Gossudarov but finds out that Legion forces that kidnapped Gossudarov are working with Americans who attack L. D. Trotsky under Macmillan's leadership and destroy the base. Yashin then decides to attack American base Beta to take revenge. Attack ends in disastrous manner with Yashin being killed along other high ranking officer's including Burlak's brother Vsevolod, Sergey Ilyich Popov and Timur Mikhailovich Gaydar. Burlak then leads second attack and destroys the base. He isn't allowed to finish the job as Platonov becomes new commander and orders him to withdraw. This saves Macmillan and the rest of American forces in Beta from certain death.

Burlak is later contacted by officer Dmitry Alanovich Gladkov who warns him that Platonov plans to get rid of him and suggests to overthrow Platonov who he believes will lead Russians to defeat. Burlak is also contacted by Professor Gossudarov who contacted American scientists led by Peter Roth and plan to for Alliance ti ensure Alaskite belongs to all humanity. He suggests Burlak to join Alliance. Burlak can decide to stay loyal to Platonov (which would lead to his execution), lead uprising against him or join Alliance.

If Burlak decides to overthrow Platonov he leads group of officers including Gladkov, Oleg Kazimirovich Gleb and Konstantin V.Fadeev. Platonov placed his main base in V. K. Bluekher which is surrounded by 4 other bases. Burlak convinces commander of other bases to join him before he attacks V. K. Bluekher killing Platonov in proccess. Burlak then becomes main commander of Russian army. After winter he starts searchinf for Alaskite Motherlode. He leads an expedition deep in Ameriican territory to gather data allowing to locate motherlode. He gets an opportunity to kill Macmillan who joined Alliance during this mission. After Russians locate the motherlode Burlak destroys main Arabian base New Samarkand which stays in the way and then seizes the motherlode. He leads Russian forces during the last battle and defeats Americans, Legion and Alliance winning the war for Russia.

### Alliance Campaign

If Burlak decides to join Alliance he convinces other soldiers and together they escape from V. K. Bluekher when a Russian officer tries to arrest Burlak. Together they head far to the North where they build a new base called Freedom. Then they join Americans led by Peter Roth and John Macmillan. Burlak and Macmillan try to kill each other at first but other convince them to put their differences aside and start working together. Americans inform Burlak of Arabian base New Kaaba east of their location where an Artifact is held. Alliance attacks the base and seizes the Artifact. Aterwards Burlak and Macmillan decide to return for an Artifact that Burlak took from Russians had to hide it on the way. During this they come across American test of Siberite bomb and decide to attack Americans to prevent them from having the Siberite bomb. Burlak and Macmillan then lead alliance during final battle and defeat Americans, Russians and Arabs.

## Arabian Campaign

Burlak would most likely appear in the cut Arabian Campaign but not much is known about his role. He would likely appear in a mission Over Your Dead Body which would see Heike defending an Arabian base from Russian attack. In the end Heike would surrender and fall in Russian captivity. Due to events in Fox hole its likely that Burlak would appear as a commander os Russian forces in the mission.

Burlak would likely appear in the last mission Judgement Day. Altar files include a map believed to be for the last Arabian mission. It seems that Burlak would appear as the commander of Alliance as he is seen in Alliance base in a scientist outfit.

## Appearances

Burlak can appear in 21 missions in total (22 if The Cleansing is counted) making him second most prominent character in the game after John Macmillan.

### American Campaign

* Original Cold War
* Final Countdown (determinant)

### Russian Campaign

* We are the Champions
* Hunting Grounds
* Wipeout
* Praying for the Dead
* Water is Wide
* Step by Step
* Fox hole
* Build-up
* Epsilon chapter
* Pursuit of progress
* New end
* October Revolution and The Cleansing
* Triangulation
* Primary colours
* Final Battle

### Alliance Missions

* Cat and Mouse
* Peace on Earth
* Think Tank
* War is Peace

## Relationships

### Vsevolod Ivanovich Gorky

Vsevolod is Burlak's brother and its clear that they are close to each other. When they first meet in Russian Campaign Burlak can save Vsevolod from American territory despite orders from superiors. Vsevolod is one of few people to call Burlak informally and also repeatedly expresses admiration for his brother believing him to be the best Russian commander. When Vsevolod is killed it hurts Burlak. Vsevolod's last words prove that his last thoughts belonged to his brother.

In American Campaign brothers are pitted against each other as Burlak joins Alliance. If player kills Burlak in Original Cold War and doesn't save Kappa in One on One, Vsevolod attacks Americans in Final Countdown after small talk with Macmillan. Vsevolod notes that he had a younger brother. It is clear that he wants revenge for Burlak's death despite the fact that Burlak fled to Alliance once again proving how much he cares about him.

### Peter Mikhailovich Belkov

Belkov is one of first people Burlak meets after his arrival. Belkov is at first annoyed by Burlak when Mikhail Vasilevich Pokryshkin is killed and Burlak insists on continuing mission but admits that Burlak was right when American base is destroyed. In Stealing the Steel Belkov's group is surrounded by Americans. If Burlak saves him Belkov expresses gratitude to him and admits that he is glad to see him again while Burlak teases him. Belkov then becomes one of Burlak's most loyal men and friends which is proved by the fact that he follows Burlak to Alliance even if he isn't selected by player.

### Semyon Davidovich Gnyevko

Gnyevko is potentially first person Burlak meets upon arrival to past. He quickly starts to trust Burlak as he lets him lead them. Together they work in L. P. Beria. He calls him informally and it is shown during confrontation with Americans that he doesn't have problem to tell Burlak his opinion suggesting formed friendship between the two.

### Yelena Petrovna Kirilenkova

Kirilenkova arrived to the past soon after Burlak. She becomes loyal to Burlak. In Fox hole Burlak calls her informally "Yelena." She herself calls him formally for most of campaign but when she congratulates him she calls him informally Burlak which might suggest that they became closer but the game doesn't drop much hints about any possible romance.

In mission Cat and Mouse she was originally supposed to be selectable by player. When Burlak reaches the camp she would say:"Glad to see you again, Yuri." It is possible that she was planned as love interest for Burlak.

### David Nikitovich Platonov

Burlak meets Platonov in L. P. Beria and becomes his subordinate. Platonov sees him as a competition and potential threat but still teaches him about past and how it works there. When Burlak goes on a scouting mission he gives him permission to engage with Americans despite originally telling him to not. Platonov later sabotages Burlak on his missions when he doesn't send Burlak needed supplies in Praying for the Dead and leads him to Arabian trap in Water is Wide. When Platonov becomes main commander of Russian force he decides to get rid of Burlak. If Burlak joins Alliance, Platonov notes that he has knew that Burlak is an imperialist agent.

### Lev Timurovich Titov

Titov is one of Burlak's most loyal men and most likely a friend as he calls him informally Yuri. He supports Burlak when he wants to save his brother.

### Oleg Kazimirovich Gleb

Gleb is a political commissar assigned to Burlak. He often berates him and reminds him to follow orders and Communist ideology. In last mission he doesn't even congratulates him on victory noting that victory of Communism was foreseen. He still follows Burlak is Burlak accepts Gladkov's offer to overthrow Platonov. On the other hand if Burlak stays loyal to Platonov Gleb becomes prosecutor against Burlak.

### Heike Steyer

Heike is Burlak's formidable enemy. They first meet in Praying for the Dead when Burlak defeats her forces. She swears revenge on him if Burlak kills Omar Ali in Water is Wide. She is later captured by Burlak who can give her to Legion. Despite her hatred for him she occasionally works with him until Primary colours when she betrays him and steals Russian notes about Siberite Motherlode. She later surrenders to Burlak's hands but rejects to join him as she never forgave him killing Omar.

### Nikolay Mironovich Yashin

Burlak first meets Marshall Yashin in Fox hole when it seems that Yashin took liking in Burlak acknowledging his skills. He promotes Burlak to Major after the mission and tasks him to build L. D. Trotsky noting that Burlak is the best officer for the job. He then gives Burlak various important missions such as destruction of Epsilon. When he sends Burlak to save Gossudarov while sending reinforcements to M. N. Tukhachevsky Burlak points out that it leaves L. D. Trotsky unprotected. Yashin dismisses Burlak's complaint stating that he has more experience than him. Burlak's remark is later proven right when Americans attack L. D. Trotsky and destroy it. When Yashin decides to destroy Beta in retaliation he tasks Burlak to build base nearby and asks him to keep his reservations about Yashin's leadership for himself. He also dismisses Burlak's warnings about new American weapons. When Yashin dies during the attack his last words are asking for forgiveness showing that he admitted Burlak was right.

### Dmitry Alanovich Gladkov

Gladkov was a friend of Burlak's brother who contacts **Burlak** after David Nikitovich Platonov becomes new commander Russian forces in Pliocene. He warns Burlak that Platonov plans to get rid of him and suggests to overthrow Platonov. He becomes Burlak's loyal ally and friend.

### John Macmillan

Macmillan is Burlak's archenemy. Their rivalry started when Burlak destroys Epsilon and kills Joan Fergusson. Macmillan swears revenge on Burlak and plots plan which results in destruction of L. D. Trotsky. Macmillan then defends Beta base against Russians but is defeated by Burlak. Macmillan is saved by Depending on players actions Burlak can kill him in Triangulation or face him in Final Battle.

If Burlak joins Alliance he and Macmillan are shocked to meet each other and try to kill each other at first. They still agree to put their differences aside and work together. They become friends afterwards showing they are not so different from each other.

In American Campaign they meet when Macmillan joins Alliance. Macmillan and Burlak show great respect for each other and are pleased to meet each other becoming friends afterwards.

## Trivia

* Burlak is 29 years old.
* His name refers to Maxim Gorky a famous Russian writer.
* His nickname Burlak refers to a person who hauled barges and other vessels upstream from the 17th to 20th centuries in the Russian Empire.
	+ Burlak also exists as a Russian surname.
	+ It can also be a reference to Volodymyr Szczygielski a commander of Ukrainian Insurgent Army who led raid in Czechoslovakia following World War II. He was nicknamed Burlak.
* Burlak appears in several mods.
	+ Burlak appears as a major antagonist in an unofficial Arabian Campaign.
	+ Burlak is a major character in Russian Campaign of Absolute Dominion. He is supporting protagonist if player stays with Russians but serves as the main antagonist for Alliance missions.