kazakevich was born on 16 december 1902 in radzetse village in vilna governorate. he lived in omsk during his childhood and teenage years. after graduating from high school, he worked as a factory carpenter. in june 1920 he was drafted into the red army. between june and december he served with the 186th rifle regiment, fighting in the polish-soviet war and the campaign against the army of stanisław bułak-bałachowicz. kazakevich then served in the belomorsky military district and siberian military district.