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Today in History: Khrushchev slams shoe at UN over Philippines speech

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 10:33 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On 12 October 1960, during the UN General Assembly’s 902nd plenary in New York, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev struck his desk with a shoe after hearing Philippine delegate Lorenzo Sumulong’s remarks. The Soviet leader, then First Secretary of the Communist Party, allegedly pounded the desk, underscoring the tense East-West atmosphere.

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Story summary

On 12 October 1960, during the UN General Assembly’s 902nd plenary in New York, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev struck his desk with a shoe after hearing Philippine delegate Lorenzo Sumulong’s remarks. The Soviet leader, then First Secretary of the Communist Party, allegedly pounded the desk, underscoring the tense East-West atmosphere.