Viktor Yushchenko

Full Name: Viktor Andriyovych Yushchenko
Profession: President of Ukraine

Biography: Viktor Yushchenko is a Ukrainian politician best known for serving as the third President of Ukraine from 2005 to 2010. Yushchenko was a significant figure during a turbulent period in Ukrainian history, characterized by his struggle for democratic values, economic reforms, and stronger ties with the West.

Yushchenko started his career in banking and finance, eventually rising to the position of Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine in 1993. He earned a reputation for his commitment to economic reforms and financial stability, and he introduced the national currency, the hryvnia, which helped stabilize Ukraine's post-Soviet economy.

His political career began when he was appointed Prime Minister under President Leonid Kuchma in 1999. Though initially enjoying good relations with Kuchma, Yushchenko soon found himself at odds with the administration. His subsequent dismissal as Prime Minister set the stage for his emergence as an opposition leader.

During the 2004 Ukrainian presidential election, a race marred by widespread allegations of fraud and manipulation, he gained international attention. After initially losing to Viktor Yanukovych, Yushchenko challenged the results. Around the same time, he was poisoned with a high dose of dioxin, leaving his face disfigured.

Yushchenko became the symbol and leader of the Orange Revolution, a series of protests and civil disobedience events that led to the annulment of the election results. Yushchenko won the subsequent re-run and assumed the presidency in January 2005.

As President, Yushchenko struggled with internal divisions—particularly with his prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko—as well as corruption, and economic challenges. He sought to bring Ukraine closer to the European Union and NATO, but his efforts were stymied by political instability at home and a resurgent Russia abroad.

Yushchenko's term ended in 2010, and he was succeeded by Viktor Yanukovych, the same man he had defeated in the 2004 elections. His party, Our Ukraine, gradually lost political influence, and Yushchenko retired from active politics.

Born: February 23, 1954
Birthplace: Khoruzhivka, Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian SSRSoviet Union, Soviet Union
Age: 70 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Pisces