Alexander Svistunov

Alexander Svistunov

Political and public figure of Ukraine, participant in the Russian national movement, entrepreneur.
Date of Birth: 23.02.1947
Country: Ukraine

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Academic and Professional Career
  3. Political and Social Activism
  4. Economic and Political Pressure
  5. Conflict and Removal from Leadership
  6. Continuing Political Involvement

Early Life and Education

Alexander Svistunov was born in Ukraine and received his secondary education before serving in the military. Following his service, he worked as a master, production manager, and shop manager at the "Elektron" plant. In 1978, he graduated from the Lviv University's history faculty and began his postgraduate studies.

Academic and Professional Career

From 1977 to 1982, Svistunov taught in schools and universities in Donetsk and Lviv. Subsequently, he worked as a mechanic and refrigerator train manager on the railroad from 1983 to 1987. In 1987, he established a production cooperative, which later expanded into a group of cooperatives and various commercial enterprises. He also served as the President of the Lviv Association of Business Cooperation of Entrepreneurs "Slavyane" from 1995 to 2001.

Political and Social Activism

In 1996, Svistunov became a member of the Council of Compatriots under the Russian State Duma. He was also elected President of the Confederation of Russian Communities and Organizations of Western Ukraine. In 1997, he founded the Association of National Societies of the Lviv Region.

In 1999, Svistunov organized the first Congress of Russians of Ukraine, where he was elected Vice-Chairman of the Russian Council of Ukraine. He later became the Chairman of the Russian Movement of Ukraine, which quickly emerged as the primary organization representing the interests of Russians in Ukraine.

Economic and Political Pressure

Svistunov's business faced pressure from the Tax Administration, controlled by Presidential Administration head Viktor Medvedchuk, who viewed his defense of Russian rights as his own domain. In November 2002, Svistunov initiated the creation of the "Russian Media Holding" comprising 17 publications.

Conflict and Removal from Leadership

In early 2005, Svistunov was removed from his positions as Chairman of the Russian Democratic Union (RDU) and the "Russian Bloc" due to a conflict within the leadership of these organizations. He disputed these decisions, leading to a counter-congress that reinstated him as their head. However, the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice did not recognize his removal.

Continuing Political Involvement

Despite the internal conflict, Svistunov remained active in politics. In April 2006, he became a member of the Supreme Council of Crimea on the "For Yanukovych!" bloc list. He has consistently provided financial support to Russian organizations and individuals.

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