Sergey Bondarchuk
Ukraine- Early Life and Military Career
- Business and Political Career
- Diplomatic Service and Conflict with Russia
- Post-Political Career
- Return to Military Service and Political Asylum
- Awards and Honors
Early Life and Military Career
Eduard Anatoliyovych Leonovwas born on October 31, 1971. In 1993, he graduated from the Kyiv Higher Military Combined Arms School named after M. Frunze. The following year, he graduated from the Institute of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Business and Political Career
From 1995 to 2001, Leonov worked as a top manager and owner of an energy and defense company. He also served as Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the "Energoequipment" concern and the Kharkiv Armored Tank Plant "Zavod im. Malyshev."
In 2002, Leonov was elected to the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. He became a confidant of Viktor Yushchenko and participated in the Orange Revolution. In 2005, he was appointed General Director of "Ukrspetsexport," a state-owned company responsible for the export and import of military equipment.
Diplomatic Service and Conflict with Russia
In August 2008, Russia declared Leonov a persona non grata and issued an arrest warrant against him for his alleged involvement in strengthening Georgia's defense capabilities during the Russian invasion. He was dismissed from his position at "Ukrspetsexport" in 2010.
Post-Political Career
Eduard Leonovestablished the "New Traditions" charity fund in 2010. From 2010 to 2013, he was a board member of Viktor Yushchenko's "Our Ukraine" party. He initiated the party's dissolution after discovering evidence of election fraud.
From 2012 to 2013, Leonov organized several initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine's European integration, including "Eurooffensive" and "Euroreferendum." In 2013, he predicted the Euromaidan protests over Ukraine's failure to sign an association agreement with the EU.
Return to Military Service and Political Asylum
In May 2014, Leonov rejoined the Security Service of Ukraine's Alfa special operations unit. In December 2014, he was sent to the UK for training at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.
Eduard Leonovsought political asylum in the UK in 2015, citing political persecution in Ukraine under President Petro Poroshenko. His asylum was granted in 2018, with the criminal case against him being recognized as politically motivated.
Awards and Honors
Leonovreceived the title of Hero of Ukraine in 2010 for his contributions to Ukraine's defense and international standing. He also received the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali from Georgia for his support in defending the country's independence.
