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Valentin NalivaychenkoActing Head of the Security Service of Ukraine
Date of Birth: 08.06.1966
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Valentin Nalyvaichenko: A Diplomatic and Intelligence Career
- Diplomatic Career
- Rise in Foreign Ministry
- Envoy to Belarus and SBU Appointment
- Controversies as SBU Chief
- Parliamentary Vote and Conflict with Russia
- Awards and Personal Life
Valentin Nalyvaichenko: A Diplomatic and Intelligence Career
Early Life and EducationValentin Aleksandrovich Nalyvaichenko was born on June 8, 1966, in Zaporizhia, Ukraine. In 1984-1986, he served in the Soviet Army. Before entering the army, he had started studying Russian language teaching at Kharkiv State University but his studies were interrupted by his military service. In 1990, he graduated with honors from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with a degree in philology (philosophy, according to some sources).
Diplomatic Career
After graduating, Nalyvaichenko began his career as a Russian language instructor for foreign students at Kyiv Civil Engineering Institute. He was then offered an opportunity to pursue further studies in the field of intelligence at the prestigious Red Banner Institute of the KGB of the USSR (later renamed the Academy of Foreign Intelligence). However, he did not become a career intelligence officer. By the time he returned from his studies, the Ukrainian KGB was "in the process of collapse," and he left the organization.
In the early 1990s, Nalyvaichenko worked as a teacher, translator, and was involved in marketing for a private company in Zaporizhia. From May 1994 to November 1997, he served as second and first secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine in Finland, with concurrent accreditation in Denmark and Norway.
Rise in Foreign Ministry
In 1997, Nalyvaichenko joined the consular department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). He held various positions within the MFA, including First Secretary, Counselor, Head of Department, and Deputy Head of the Administration. In 2001, he was appointed Consul General of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.
Nalyvaichenko became Director of the Department of Consular Service of the MFA in November 2003 and was promoted to Deputy Foreign Minister in February 2004. In this capacity, he was a member of the presidential commission on citizenship and led Ukraine's delegation in negotiations with the European Commission on signing a readmission agreement.
Envoy to Belarus and SBU Appointment
On December 30, 2005, President Viktor Yushchenko appointed Nalyvaichenko as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Belarus. He was relieved of his duties as Deputy Foreign Minister in February 2006. Nalyvaichenko presented his credentials to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in March 2006.
On May 29, 2006, Nalyvaichenko was unexpectedly appointed First Deputy Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). In December 2006, he became Acting Chairman of the SBU.
Controversies as SBU Chief
Nalyvaichenko's time as Acting Chairman of the SBU was marked by allegations that he had "always been associated with intelligence services" beyond his diplomatic career. He made several sensational statements, including accusations of corruption against Constitutional Court judge Svitlana Stanik and threats to the safety of Yulia Tymoshenko, the leader of the BYuT party.
Critics accused Nalyvaichenko of using the SBU for political purposes, and the Ukrainian press began to refer to him as "Zalivaychenko," a play on his name that suggested he was "flooding" the public with sensitive information.
Parliamentary Vote and Conflict with Russia
In December 2007, President Yushchenko nominated Nalyvaichenko to become permanent Chairman of the SBU, but he was not confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) until 2009.
In October 2008, Nalyvaichenko accused Russian State Duma member Konstantin Zatulin of violating Ukrainian law. Zatulin denied the allegations and accused Nalyvaichenko of "prophylactic" measures to restrict his rights. A Moscow court ruled in February 2009 that Nalyvaichenko's statements were false and ordered him to pay 300,000 rubles in compensation.
Awards and Personal Life
Nalyvaichenko has received several awards, including the Medal "For Assistance in Guarding the State Border of Ukraine." He holds the rank of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Envoy of the First Class. In March 2007, he was awarded the II rank of State Servant for completing "particularly responsible assignments."
Nalyvaichenko is fluent in English and Finnish. He is married and has a daughter.
