The first President of Ukraine was Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk. He was elected on December 1, 1991, and served until July 19, 1994. Kravchuk was born on January 10, 1934, in the village of Velikyi Zhytyn, Rivne Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union. He is of Ukrainian ethnicity and was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1960 to 1991.
Kravchuk began his political career in the 1970s, serving as a member of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR. In 1990, he was elected Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR, and in 1991, he was elected President of Ukraine.
- Kravchuk’s presidency was marked by a number of challenges, including the collapse of the Soviet Union, the economic crisis of the 1990s, and the political instability of the early years of Ukrainian independence.
- Despite these challenges, Kravchuk is credited with helping to stabilize Ukraine and lay the foundation for its future development as an independent state.
- One of Kravchuk’s most significant achievements was the signing of the Belavezha Accords in December 1991, which declared the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
- Kravchuk also played a key role in the negotiations that led to the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances in 1994, which guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity in exchange for its nuclear disarmament.
- Kravchuk’s legacy is complex and controversial. He is often criticized for his handling of the economic crisis of the 1990s, which led to widespread poverty and unemployment. However, he is also credited with helping to preserve Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity during a difficult period in its history.
Kravchuk died on May 10, 2022, at the age of 88.
Emblem of Ukraine
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Uganda, Tuvalu and Turkmenistan. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Ukraine President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Ukraine’s History
1. Leonid Kravchuk: He was the first President of Ukraine, serving from 1991 to 1994. Kravchuk played a crucial role in the country’s independence from the Soviet Union.
2. Leonid Kuchma: Serving as Ukraine’s second President from 1994 to 2005, Kuchma led efforts to modernize the country’s economy and establish stronger international relations.
3. Viktor Yushchenko: Yushchenko became Ukraine’s third President in 2005, following the Orange Revolution. During his presidency, he focused on combating corruption and strengthening democratic values.
4. Viktor Yanukovych: As the fourth President, Yanukovych held office from 2010 to 2014. However, his presidency ended prematurely due to widespread protests known as the Euromaidan movement.
5. Petro Poroshenko: Elected as the fifth President in 2014, Poroshenko faced the challenging task of leading Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. He implemented various reforms aimed at transforming the country’s political and economic landscape.
6. Volodymyr Zelensky: Zelensky, a former comedian and TV producer, won the presidential election in 2019 by a large margin. His presidency marked a shift towards a younger generation, and he initiated several anti-corruption measures.
7. Viktor Yanukovych (second term): In 2010, Yanukovych was elected for a second term, but his presidency was cut short due to the aforementioned Euromaidan protests. This period was marked by political instability and growing tensions with Russia.
8. Oleksandr Turchynov (acting): Turchynov served as the acting President of Ukraine during the transitional period in 2014 after the removal of Yanukovych. He played an instrumental role in stabilizing the country and organizing new parliamentary and presidential elections.
9. Oleksandr V. Zinchenko (acting): Zinchenko held the position of acting President for a brief period in 2004 during a political crisis. Despite the temporary nature of his presidency, he made significant contributions to Ukraine’s political landscape.
10. Oleksandr Moroz: Moroz served as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) during multiple terms. Although not a President, his contributions to Ukrainian politics have been significant.
- Leonid Kravchuk
- Leonid Kuchma
- Viktor Yushchenko
- Viktor Yanukovych
- Petro Poroshenko
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Viktor Yanukovych (second term)
- Oleksandr Turchynov (acting)
- Oleksandr V. Zinchenko (acting)
- Oleksandr Moroz
