Crossword Genius

Old Russian leader, somewhat drastic in retrospect (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tsar

'old russian leader' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'somewhat drastic in retrospect' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' indicates a hidden word.
'in retrospect' says the letters should be written in reverse (in retrospect means looking back).
'rast' is hidden within 'drastic'.
'rast' back-to-front is 'TSAR'.

(Other definitions for tsar that I've seen before include "Alexander and Nicholas held this title in Russia" , "Absolute ruler" , "Monarch of old Russia" , "Russian leader" , "Powerful man" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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