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Alexander KitinenkoCommander of the Internal Troops of Ukraine
Date of Birth: 05.04.1956
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Alexander Tymoshenko Kykhtenko
- Internal Troops Command
- Proposal for a Republican Guard
- Composition of the Internal Troops
- Presidential Subordination
- Council of National Security and Defense
- Later Career
- Awards and Honors
- Personal Life
Alexander Tymoshenko Kykhtenko
Early Life and Military EducationAlexander Tymoshenko Kykhtenko was born on April 5, 1956, in Bohomyl, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine. In 1978, he graduated from the Omsk Higher Combined Arms Command School. He went on to complete the reconnaissance faculty of the Mikhail Frunze Military Academy in 1991.
Internal Troops Command
Kykhtenko began his military career as a platoon commander. By 2005, he had risen through the ranks, serving as Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of Ukraine.
On February 17, 2005, President Viktor Yushchenko appointed Kykhtenko as Head of the Main Directorate and Commander of the Internal Troops of the MVD. He became a General-Lieutenant of the Police.
Proposal for a Republican Guard
The following day, Kykhtenko proposed creating a Republican Guard of Ukraine based on the Internal Troops. He presented a symbolic field uniform to Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko. However, this proposal was not adopted.
Composition of the Internal Troops
In 2005, Kykhtenko commanded approximately 37,000 troops. The Internal Troops were responsible for охрана (protection) of over 1,000 sensitive sites, escorting prisoners, and quelling mass disorders in penal institutions.
Specialized units included the Special Operations Brigade "Bars," Regiments "Yaguar," "Gepard," and "Tygr," and the Special Police Unit "Scorpius."
Presidential Subordination
On May 25, 2007, President Yushchenko transferred the Internal Troops to his direct jurisdiction, removing them from the MVD. This decision was challenged in court but ultimately upheld.
Council of National Security and Defense
Kykhtenko was appointed a member of the Council of National Security and Defense (SNBO) on March 3, 2007, and again on January 29, 2010.
Later Career
In August 2008, Kykhtenko was promoted to the rank of Army General. He retired from active service in 2010.
Awards and Honors
Kykhtenko has been decorated with the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III degree, the Medal "For Military Service to Ukraine," and various Soviet medals and badges of honor.
