Red Guardian

Red Guardian is the Russian counterpart created as a national hero to Russia, just as Captain America represents the USA. He is the second Red Guardian to take the name.

Alexi Shostakov was one of the Soviet Union's most acclaimed test pilots, and it was arranged by the KGB for him to marry Black Widow in order to manipulate her. However, a rocket which Shostakov was piloting exploded, resulting in his 'death.'