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Viktor SharapovAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Major General
Date of Birth: 17.03.1931
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Witnessing the Devastation of War
- Studies at the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies
- Career as a Journalist
- Witnessing the Sino-Soviet Rift
- Work for the "Pravda" Newspaper
- Service in the KGB and the Central Committee
- Assistant to General Secretary Yuri Andropov
- Ambassador to Bulgaria
- First Ambassador of Russia to Bulgaria
- Post-Diplomatic Career
- Personal Life and Interests
Early Life and Education
Victor Vasilievich Sharapov was born on March 17, 1931, in Moscow. His parents, Vasily Alekseevich Sharapov and Akulina Kondratyevna Sharapova, were peasants from the Tula region. Victor's father served as a colonel in the army for forty years, while his mother worked as a telephone operator in the People's Commissariat of Defense.
Witnessing the Devastation of War
During the Second World War, Victor and his family were forced to live under German occupation for two months. He witnessed the execution of Red Army soldiers and the burning of his village. The experience left an indelible mark on him, instilling the importance of peace and cooperation.
Studies at the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies
In 1949, Victor enrolled in the Chinese department of the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies, inspired by the victory of the Chinese revolution. He graduated in 1954 with a diploma as a China specialist.
Career as a Journalist
After graduation, Victor began his career as a journalist at the international department of the newspaper "Krasnaya Zvezda," covering international affairs. In 1959, he was sent to Beijing as an editor for the magazine "Friendship," which was published for Soviet readers in China.
Witnessing the Sino-Soviet Rift
During his time in China, Victor witnessed the growing divergence between the Soviet and Chinese leadership. He was present when Premier Zhou Enlai awarded the "China-Soviet Friendship" medal to departing Soviet specialists, a gesture that continues to symbolize the close ties he shared with the Chinese people.
Work for the "Pravda" Newspaper
In 1961, Victor returned to Moscow and joined the editorial staff of the newspaper "Pravda." As a correspondent in China, he covered the Vietnamese-American War, reporting on the heroism of Vietnamese soldiers and the destruction of war. His dispatches were later published in several books co-authored with Yuri Zhukov.
Service in the KGB and the Central Committee
In 1971, Victor was invited by KGB Chairman Yuri Andropov to become his consultant. He utilized his journalistic expertise in preparing speeches, reports, and analytical materials. For his work in state security, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor and the rank of Major General.
Assistant to General Secretary Yuri Andropov
In 1981, Victor joined the staff of General Secretary Yuri Andropov as an assistant. He participated in the preparation of Andropov's meetings with socialist leaders and supported his efforts to reform and modernize Soviet society.
Ambassador to Bulgaria
In 1988, Victor was appointed Ambassador to Bulgaria. He played a key role in encouraging democratic reforms in the country and facilitating the peaceful transition from the Zhivkov regime.
First Ambassador of Russia to Bulgaria
Victor became Russia's first ambassador to Bulgaria after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. He was recalled to Moscow in 1992, but later received recognition for his diplomatic service during Bulgaria's transition.
Post-Diplomatic Career
After his retirement from the diplomatic service, Victor remained active in promoting Russia-Bulgaria relations. He served as Deputy Chairman of the "Union of Friends of Bulgaria" and supported cultural initiatives that fostered cooperation between the two countries.
Personal Life and Interests
Victor is married to Yulia Aleksandrovna Sharapova, a geography teacher. They have a son, Alexander Vladimirovich Sharapov, who passed away in 2000. Victor's grandson, Evgenii Vladimirovich Sharapov, is a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and speaks fluent Chinese.
Victor's primary hobby is mushroom picking, particularly in the mixed forests of the Tver region along the shores of the Ivan'kovo Reservoir.
