Krawchuk

Leonid Kuchma (Ukrainian: Леонід Данилович Кучма; born 9 August 1938) is a Ukrainian politician who served as the third President of Ukraine from 1994 to 2005. Born in the village of Chornobaivka, near Dnipro, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Dnipropetrovsk Metallurgical Institute before pursuing a career in Soviet industry. Kuchma began his political career in the late 1980s, rising through the ranks of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) before joining the newly formed Ukrainian political elite after Ukraine’s independence in 1991.

Kuchma was elected president in 1994, defeating incumbent Leonid Kravchuk in a closely contested runoff. His presidency was marked by economic reforms, including the adoption of the Ukrainian hryvnia as the national currency in 1996 and efforts to stabilize the economy amid post-Soviet transition challenges. Internationally, he pursued a balanced foreign policy, maintaining close ties with Russia while also engaging with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union. His government faced criticism over corruption, media suppression, and the controversial 2000 death of journalist Heorhiy Gongadze, whose murder remains unresolved.

In 2004, Kuchma’s attempt to secure a third term was overshadowed by the Orange Revolution, a series of protests that challenged the election results. He conceded defeat to Viktor Yushchenko, ending his presidency. After leaving office, Kuchma remained a prominent figure in Ukrainian politics, occasionally offering commentary on national affairs. His legacy is debated, with supporters highlighting his economic stabilization efforts and critics pointing to authoritarian tendencies and governance controversies. He continues to reside in Ukraine, where he remains a subject of public and political discussion.