Alexander Petrovich Yermolov (1754-1834) was a Russian favourite and the lover of Catherine the Great from 1785 to 1786.

Yermolov was presented to Catherine by Grigory Potemkin, tested by Anna Protasova

Anna Protasova

Countess Anna Stepanova Protasova was a Russian lady-in-waiting and noble, confidant of empress Catherine the Great....

and became Catherine's lover in 1785. He collaborated with the enemies of Potemkin and attempted to have Potemkin removed, and thereby lost his position.