The Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ( USSR ) , ( sometimes shortened to Sovmin or Soviet of Ministers ) was legally the Soviet government . Formed at a joint meeting of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities , it consisted of a Chairman , several First Deputies , Deputies , ministers , Chairmen of the state committees and the Chairmen of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Republics . The Chairman of the Council of Ministers could also recommend people who he found suitable for membership of the Council of Ministers to the Supreme Soviet .