Soviet Bolshevik leader knocked back a couple of vodkas after aperitif (5)
I believe the answer is:
kirov
'soviet' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for kirov that I've seen before include "former ballet company" , "Russian dancers" , "St Petersburg ballet company, founded c. 1740" , "Famous ballet" , "Soviet ballet" .)