Viktor Yanukovych

Viktor Yanukovych (1950–) – 4th President of Ukraine

• Actions:
  • Lost the initial 2004 election to Viktor Yushchenko, after a repeat vote due to electoral fraud.
  • Won the 2010 election.
    • Domestically increased Ukraine’s dependence on his allies and cronies.
    • Internationally attempted to balance relations between the West and Russia, ultimately leaning toward Russia:
      • Leased Sevastopol to Russia until 2042.
      • Withdrew from the EU Association Agreement under Russian pressure.
  • Fled Ukraine following the Maidan protests and later endorsed Russian aggression.
• Significance:
  • Demonstrated the risks and challenges of Ukraine aligning closely with Russia.
• Successor and Legacy:
  • Succeeded by Oleksandr Turchynov as interim head, until Petro Poroshenko was elected.

This is part of the #Significantpersons series.