Career
He served in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Held commands of a Saint St. Petersburg Cadet Corps and an Army Corps based in Kiev. Served as Minister of War from 1882 until 1898 under the Tsars Alexander III (1881–1894) and Nicholas II (1894–1917) respectively.
Credited with maintaining order and curbing corruption in the supply system.
Briefly served as Minister of Education beginning in 1901.