Vice Premier Kutuzov holds the position of First Deputy Premier in the Soviet Union as tensions escalate towards World War III. A moderate voice, he champions measured responses to international crises over immediate military action, placing him in direct opposition to the aggressive Soviet Minister of Defense, Bugarin. Following the sinking of a Soviet submarine carrying an American scientist, Kutuzov counsels Premier Orlov towards restraint, prioritizing the avoidance of full-scale war.

When Premier Orlov suffers a heart attack, Kutuzov gathers the Politburo, proposing Bugarin's removal and the drafting of a ceasefire with the United States and its allies, arguing for de-escalation and negotiation. Bugarin launches a coup during this meeting, resulting in the arrest of Kutuzov and the entire Politburo on treason charges, silencing the moderate faction.

After Bugarin orders a devastating nuclear strike on the United States, a surviving Orlov confronts him only to be assassinated. With Soviet cities in ruins and Bugarin planning a final genocidal missile launch, Kutuzov is freed. Recognizing Bugarin's descent into madness, Kutuzov confronts him directly. Joined by Bugarin's former supporters, Kutuzov attempts to physically stop him. Bugarin is shot dead during the struggle, but not before initiating the missile launch. Following Bugarin's death, Kutuzov collaborates with U.S. President Gibson to halt the remaining nuclear threat and rescue key personnel in orbit, marking a shift towards post-war cooperation.