 |
Vladimir RadchenkoUkrainian politician and military figure, General of the Army of Ukraine
Date of Birth: 23.10.1948
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- Career in the KGB
- Post-Independence Ukraine
- Positions in the Security Services
- Minister of Internal Affairs and Chairman of the SBU
- Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council
- Post-Revolution Career
- Honors and Legacy
- Personal Life
Early Life and Military Education
Valeriy Radchenko was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and graduated from the Kyiv Technological Institute of Light Industry as a chemical engineer in 1971. In 1972, he completed the KGB's Higher Courses in Minsk and later attended courses at the Higher Red Banner School of the KGB in 1986.
Career in the KGB
Radchenko joined the KGB in 1971 and served in various roles in the Kyiv and Rovensky regional KGB. From 1982 to 1990, he held senior positions in the Rovensky KGB, including senior operative, department head, and deputy head of department.
Post-Independence Ukraine
In 1990, Radchenko was removed from his post for supporting Ukrainian independence. However, in 1991, following the growing momentum for independence, he was reinstated as deputy head of the Rovensky KGB, holding the rank of major general.
Positions in the Security Services
From 1992 to 1993, Radchenko served as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Ternopil Oblast. In 1993, he became head of the SBU's Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Administration. In 1994, he was promoted to deputy head of the SBU, holding the rank of lieutenant general.
Minister of Internal Affairs and Chairman of the SBU
In July 1994, Radchenko became Acting Minister of Internal Affairs and, later that month, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. In July 1995, he was appointed Chairman of the SBU and promoted to the rank of General of the Army in 1998.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council
In April 1998, President Leonid Kuchma appointed Radchenko as First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. He held this position until February 2001, when he was reappointed as Chairman of the SBU.
Post-Revolution Career
Following the Orange Revolution in 2005, Radchenko was removed from his position. In November 2006, he was appointed as an advisor to Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. From January to May 2007, he served as Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, overseeing all law enforcement agencies. In 2007, he was dismissed from this position amid a political crisis.
Honors and Legacy
Radchenko was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd degree, in 1998 for his contributions to Ukraine's state security. He was also honored with personalized firearms by President Kuchma.
Personal Life
Radchenko is married to Valentina Vyacheslavovna, a doctor of chemical sciences and an associate professor. They have two children.
