The 'Kara' design was the first new, large Soviet surface warship in many years, and was evidently intended to boost blue-water ASW capabilities. Although often grouped with cruisers, these ships are destroyers by role. The Kara-class was a further development of the the Kresta-II design, with gas-turbines replacing the steam plants of the previous classes, resulting in major modifications to the layout of the midships section. Although larger than the Kresta-II cruiser and with significant anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities, these ships are classified as destroyers rather than cruisers by the Russian Navy. In total on Project 1134B 7 ships were constructed, 4 of which served on the Black Sea fleet.

Large ASW Destroyer "Nikolaev": laid down 25.06.1968 and 13.08.1969 is enlisted in the lists of the ships of the Naval Fleet. Launched 19.12.1969, commissioned 31.12.1971 and 08.02.1972 is switched on in structure of the Black Sea fleet.

Repeatedly participated in the various ocean and sea doctrines, battle services in the Mediterranean sea. Was in structure 30-th Divisia of the surface ships of the Black Sea fleet.

26.09 - 01.10.1973 - visit in Split (Yugoslavia);
15.04 - 21.04.1981 - in Havana (Cuba).

09.04.1984 ship was listed in structure of the Pacific Ocean fleet. 01.11.1987 was put in Nikolaev on repair, however in connection with disintegration USSR the repair was not finished.

29.10.1992 was excluded from fleet structure. 31.12.1992 is disbanded and 10.08.1994 is sent on a tow in India for scrap.