Viktor Yanukovych is a former Ukrainian politician who served as the president of Ukraine from 2010 to 2014. Born on July 9, 1950, in Yenakiieve, Ukrainian SSR, Yanukovych started his political career in the late 1990s as a member of the Donetsk regional administration. He rose to prominence within the Party of Regions, a pro-Russian political party, and became its leader in 2006.
During his presidency, Yanukovych aimed to strengthen ties with Russia and pursued a more pro-Russian foreign policy, which was met with resistance from a significant portion of the Ukrainian population. His presidency was marked by allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, and a gradual erosion of democratic institutions.
Yanukovych's leadership ultimately led to the Euromaidan movement, a series of protests that erupted in late 2013, initially in response to the government's decision to suspend the signing of an association agreement with the European Union. The protests escalated and turned into a revolution, fueled by demands for democratic reforms and a rejection of Yanukovych's regime.
In February 2014, amidst mounting pressure and violent confrontations, Yanukovych fled Kyiv and sought refuge in Russia. The Ukrainian parliament, considering his actions unconstitutional, impeached him and declared him officially removed from power. He has since been charged with various crimes, including corruption and abuse of power, by the Ukrainian authorities.
Overall, Viktor Yanukovych is widely regarded as a controversial figure, synonymous with corruption and authoritarian leadership, whose presidency ultimately led to a significant turning point in Ukrainian politics and an ongoing geopolitical struggle between Ukraine and Russia.
