In the Ultimate Universe, Dr. Igor Kragoff was a colleague of Sue and Johnny Storm's father. Reed Richards was invited to a scientific symposium but he was too wrapped up in another project to attend. Frustrated at his lack of attention, Sue decided to attend in his place, by herself.

While Sue was on route to Siberia, her plane was shot down by Kragoff's assistant, Rutskaya. Kragoff wanted to use Sue's DNA to resurrect Kragoff's wife. Unfortunately it would result in Sue losing her own life.

As the procedure was about to begin, Rutskaya betrayed Kragoff. She killed him, wanting Sue's power for herself. Rutskaya was caught in an explosion in the lab and was instead transformed into the Red Ghost.