Yaropolk I of Kiev was a ruler of the Kievan Rus' during the late 10th century. He was the son of Svyatoslav I of Kiev and became the Grand Prince of Kiev after his father's death in 972. Yaropolk's reign was marked by conflicts with his brothers, particularly Vladimir the Great, which ultimately led to his downfall. Yaropolk is often remembered for his struggles to maintain power amid family rivalries. His rule ended in 978 when he was killed, paving the way for Vladimir to consolidate control over the Kievan Rus', which would later become a significant cultural and political entity in Eastern Europe.