General Secretary Orlov, Soviet Premier during an escalating international crisis, initially resists military aggression. He is visibly disturbed when his Defense Minister casually dismisses nuclear casualties as statistical margins, revealing a distinct value for human life. After U.S. forces accidentally sink a Soviet submarine carrying kidnapped scientist Burt Gains, Orlov faces intense pressure from Defense Minister Bulgarin to retaliate. Despite Bulgarin's demands for overwhelming military action, Orlov only authorizes placing Eastern European forces on high alert, showing caution. He attempts de-escalation, receiving conciliatory cigars from the U.S. President, though he first misinterprets the gesture.

As global warfare erupts following a Spetsnaz raid and Warsaw Pact invasion, internal maneuvering unfolds. First Deputy Premier Kutuzov, acting for Orlov, convenes the Politburo proposing a ceasefire to secure Middle East oil while secretly plotting to arrest the hawkish Bulgarin. This plan fails when Bulgarin counter-arrests the Politburo members, seizing control.

Orlov's commitment to peace resurfaces during the nuclear exchange. After Soviet ballistic missiles destroy U.S. cities and the U.S. retaliates, Orlov attempts direct communication with U.S. President Gibson via the hotline to negotiate an end to the war. This peace initiative directly threatens Bulgarin's agenda. Consequently, Bulgarin orders an assistant to assassinate Orlov while he uses the hotline, eliminating the last significant political obstacle.

His death removes a moderating influence, enabling Bulgarin to launch a devastating second nuclear wave targeting cities like New York, Paris, and Tokyo before being stopped by Kutuzov.