Arsen Avakov

Arsen Avakov

Governor of Kharkov Regional
Date of Birth: 02.01.1964
Country: Ukraine

Content:
  1. Arsen Avakov: Ukrainian Businessman, Banker, and Politician
  2. Early Life and Education
  3. Business Career
  4. Political Journey
  5. Minister of Internal Affairs
  6. Personal Life

Arsen Avakov: Ukrainian Businessman, Banker, and Politician

Arsen Borysovych Avakov is a prominent Ukrainian entrepreneur, banker, politician, and statesman. Since 2014, he has served as the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Arsen Avakov

Early Life and Education

Avakov was born on January 2, 1964, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Of Armenian descent, he attended school in Kharkiv, Ukraine, before pursuing a degree in systems engineering from the Kharkiv Polytechnic University.

Arsen Avakov

Business Career

In 1990, Avakov founded "Investor," the first Ukrainian joint-stock company. As its president, he expanded the financial-industrial group to include 40 enterprises, encompassing energy and food industries. With the support of Kharkiv governor Yevhen Kushnarev, Avakov launched the commercial bank "Basis" in 1992.

Arsen Avakov

During the mid-90s, Avakov ventured into construction, establishing companies such as "Investor Elit Servis" and "KARST-8." He also created a brokerage firm, a publishing house, and a marketing and advertising company. His enterprises remain active in food retail and transportation.

Arsen Avakov

Political Journey

Avakov entered politics in 2002 as a member of the Kharkiv administration's executive committee. He supported Viktor Yushchenko's presidential campaign in 2004 and became Kharkiv Governor in 2005.

Arsen Avakov

In 2010, Avakov was dismissed from the governorship for supporting Yulia Tymoshenko's bloc. Allegations of land misappropriation forced him to seek refuge in Italy until 2012.

Arsen Avakov

Upon his return, Avakov was elected to the Verkhovna Rada on the "Batkivshchyna" party list. During the 2013-2014 Ukrainian political crisis, he helped organize the Euromaidan protest camp.

Minister of Internal Affairs

Following the February Revolution, Avakov was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs in Arseniy Yatsenyuk's government. He reformed the police force, disbanding the "Berkut" special unit, and oversaw the operation against separatist leader Oleksandr Muzychko.

Avakov left "Batkivshchyna" in 2014, but retained his ministerial post under various subsequent governments. He has faced allegations of corruption but has maintained a strong political presence.

Personal Life

Avakov is married to Inna Avakova, who served as Deputy Chairman of "Basis" Bank for 18 years. They have a son, Oleksandr, who fought in the eastern Ukrainian conflict.

Avakov has a significant social media presence, known for his prolific Facebook posts on public affairs. He has been active in combating organized crime, including preventing an assassination attempt on Moldovan politician Vladimir Plahotniuk.

Currently, Avakov continues to shape Ukrainian politics, pursuing strategic alliances and leveraging his political influence.

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