Arsen Avakov

Arsen Avakov
Born	(1964-01-02) January 2, 1964 Kirov (Yeni Surahany), Baku
Occupation	Politician
Years active	1990–present
Known for	Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine (2014–2021), Chairman of Kharkiv Regional State Administration (2005–2010)

Arsen Borysovych Avakov (, born on 2 January 1964) is a Ukrainian political figure of Armenian heritage who held the position of Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine between 2014 and 2021. He previously served as Chairman of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration from 2005 until 2010, was a member of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine during 2007–2008 and again from 2014 to 2021, and represented constituents in the Verkhovna Rada from 2012 to 2014. Avakov played a role in significant national projects, including participation in the Euro 2012 Organizing Committee and membership in the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Honored Economist of Ukraine title in 2007.

Background

Avakov was born on 2 January 1964 in the settlement of Kirov (currently known as Yeni Surahany) in Baku, into a family with a military background.

He is ethnically Armenian and practices the Armenian Apostolic religion.

Since relocating permanently to Ukraine in 1966, he has held Ukrainian citizenship.

Education and professional path

Avakov completed his studies at the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute in 1988, earning a degree in Automated Control Systems and qualifying as a systems engineer.

In 1990, he founded JSC “Investor,” serving as its president until 2005. Two years later, in 1992, he established the commercial bank “Basis.”

During the 2004 presidential campaign, Avakov acted as deputy head of Viktor Yushchenko’s Kharkiv campaign headquarters and held the position of first deputy chairman for the Kharkiv regional “Committee of National Salvation.”

Leadership in Kharkiv region

On 4 February 2005, by presidential decree, Avakov was appointed Chairman of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration. Subsequently, he stepped down from his roles as Chairman of the Supervisory Boards at both JSC “Investor” and JSCB “Basis.”

Following Viktor Yanukovych’s election victory, Avakov resigned from his regional administration role on 9 February 2010, citing “principled disagreement with decisions made by state bodies or officials” along with ethical considerations stipulated by Ukrainian civil service regulations.

Activities between 2010 and 2013

On 21 April 2010, Avakov joined the Batkivshchyna party and accepted an invitation from Yulia Tymoshenko to lead its regional branch. He also became a member of the party’s political council. In October that year, he contested the Kharkiv mayoral election against incumbent Hennadiy Kernes of the Party of Regions. After all votes were tallied, Kernes secured victory with 30.09%, while Avakov garnered 29.46%. The election process was criticized due to numerous irregularities, with indications that results were manipulated to favor Kernes.

Starting in autumn 2011, Avakov concentrated on his foundation’s initiatives across Europe, notably advocating for the film Armenian Heritage of Europe. Until December 2012, he remained politically exiled in Italy because of ongoing criminal proceedings in Ukraine.

In the parliamentary elections held in autumn 2012, Avakov won a seat in Ukraine’s Parliament through the united opposition Batkivshchyna list. During the Revolution of Dignity, he functioned as one of Euromaidan’s commandants, overseeing logistical aspects such as barricades, tents, and food distribution.

Minister of Internal Affairs

On 21 February 2014, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appointed Arsen Avakov as the Acting Minister, with his official confirmation as Minister of Internal Affairs following on 27 February. Shortly after assuming office, Avakov declared that, for the first time, leadership positions within the Ministry would include members from the “Right Sector” and Maidan Self-Defense groups.

Throughout his service, Avakov prioritized critical security issues such as thwarting separatist attempts in Kharkiv, reinstating the National Guard, and overseeing efficient police conduct during the 2014 presidential election. He also disbanded the controversial Berkut special police force and directed ongoing countermeasures against separatist movements.

Avakov’s tenure introduced notable transformations in Ukraine’s internal security policies amid political turmoil, strengthening government control during a pivotal time.

Events in Kharkiv

In the early hours of 7 April 2014, Avakov took direct command of the operation to reclaim the Kharkiv Regional State Administration building, which had been occupied by separatists and militants from Belgorod the previous day.

This action formed part of broader anti-terrorist measures implemented in Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast.

The “Jaguar” special forces unit carried out the operation under Avakov’s personal oversight and with operational direction from National Guard commander Stepan Poltorak.

The intervention adhered strictly to legal procedures: Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov had authorized an anti-terrorist campaign in Kharkiv and its region through an official decree. The regional Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) issued formal orders to execute the mission.

Before launching the assault, Kharkiv’s metro system was temporarily closed and law enforcement alongside National Guard personnel secured the city center. The militants were given warnings via loudspeakers regarding the operation and their rights. The entire action lasted 17 minutes, concluded without gunfire, and resulted in 67 individuals being detained.

In 2020, Avakov released 2014. Moments of the Kharkiv Spring, featuring a rare document titled “Plan for Kharkiv and the Kharkiv Region,” which revealed separatists’ intentions to capture Kharkiv Oblast and extend their control into eastern Ukraine.

Poroshenko's presidency

On 29 July 2014, Avakov declared intentions to replace approximately 20,000 police officers in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions who had lost credibility amid the unrest of that year.

By 26 August, he announced the establishment of a new political party, the People's Front, subsequently joining its military council on September 10.

On 22 October, the Cabinet endorsed the Concept and Strategy for Reforming the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Concurrently, 15,000 policemen stationed in Donetsk and Luhansk under DPR and LPR control were dismissed and stripped of social benefits.

Following a lustration law signed by President Petro Poroshenko, Avakov began removing compromised personnel; by late October, 91 employees—including regional police chiefs and eight generals—had been dismissed.

On 11 November 2014, Avakov published documents detailing the Ministry’s reform strategy along with its expert advisory council.

A parliamentary coalition formed on 2 December 2014—comprising “Petro Poroshenko Bloc”, “People's Front”, “Self Reliance”, “Radical Party of Oleh Liashko”, and “Batkivshchyna”—established a new government that retained Avakov as Minister of Internal Affairs. The Verkhovna Rada approved this with 288 votes, which led to an early termination of four People's Front MPs’ mandates including Avakov’s.

After the resignation of Yatsenyuk’s second government in April 2016, Avakov continued his ministerial duties within the Groysman administration.

On 1 October 2017, former adviser Anton Gerashchenko disclosed longstanding friction between Avakov and President Poroshenko dating back to 2014, highlighting Poroshenko’s efforts to centralize authority over law enforcement as a "dangerous precedent."

The Markiv Case

On 30 June 2017, Vitalii Markiv, a senior sergeant and squad leader within the Kulchitsky battalion (military unit 3066) of Ukraine's National Guard, was apprehended in Italy on allegations of involvement in the deaths of photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli and Russian activist Andrei Mironov during an incident in Sloviansk in May 2014.

Following Markiv’s detention, then-Minister Arsen Avakov publicly asserted his innocence, criticized perceived judicial partiality, and accused Russian authorities of fabricating evidence. Avakov initiated an independent inquiry through the National Police of Ukraine, which compiled information supporting Markiv’s non-involvement in the fatalities.

Throughout the trial spanning from 2017 to 2020, Avakov maintained close oversight of the legal process, liaised with Italian diplomatic officials, backed defense legal teams—including reportedly providing financial support—and attended all court sessions held in Pavia and Milan. He also denounced the prosecution’s reliance on forged documents as part of a broader hybrid warfare tactic.

Avakov was present when the Milan Court of Appeal ultimately acquitted Markiv, promptly facilitating his release and organizing a charter flight back to Kyiv, which he personally funded. From the moment of detention until Markiv’s release on 3 November 2020, Avakov emphasized the state's responsibility to safeguard its citizen amid Russia’s hybrid conflict against Ukraine, utilizing diplomatic efforts and mobilizing diaspora networks in Italy. His motto "We will not leave our soldier behind" gained widespread recognition, with public displays supporting Markiv appearing on government offices, police stations, and during prominent events in Kyiv.

Zelensky's Presidency

At President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recommendation, Arsen Avakov was reappointed as Interior Minister and confirmed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on 29 August 2019 during the inaugural session of the Verkhovna Rada of the IX convocation, elected that July. By this point, Avakov remained the sole minister retained from the 2014 governmental transition.

The presidential administration sought to curtail Avakov’s influence. In 2019, Zelensky proposed legislation to transfer authority over the National Guard away from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Avakov opposed this move vigorously, highlighting concerns about volunteer guardsmen’s service conditions, operational coordination with police forces, budgetary implications, and administrative control. Following negotiations with Zelensky, the bill was eventually withdrawn.

In March 2020, Avakov continued his ministerial role by joining Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s cabinet, succeeding Oleksiy Honcharuk.

On 13 July 2021, Avakov tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 15 July 2021.

After Avakov’s departure and Denys Monastyrsky’s appointment as Interior Minister, authority over Ukraine’s security institutions consolidated firmly under Zelensky’s administration.

Summary of Tenure

Arsen Avakov held the position of Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs from 24 February 2014 until 15 July 2021. His service spanned periods under acting President Oleksandr Turchynov as well as Presidents Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Zelensky. Throughout this time, he participated in five different Cabinets, including those led by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Volodymyr Groysman, Oleksiy Honcharuk, and Denys Shmyhal. His tenure exceeding seven years represents the longest continuous ministerial service in independent Ukraine's history.

Overhaul of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Avakov spearheaded extensive transformations that elevated the Ministry into a principal central executive authority charged with formulating and implementing state policies concerning citizen rights protection, crime deterrence, public security, traffic regulation, and safeguarding vital government infrastructure. The Ministry oversaw coordination among the National Police of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, State Emergency Service of Ukraine, National Guard of Ukraine, and State Migration Service (Ukraine).

During his tenure, a thorough process of lustration and comprehensive re-certification of police personnel was undertaken. In September 2014, the traditional militia was reorganized into the “National Police,” with the Main Anti-Organized Crime Directorate (GUBOP), Transport, and Veterinary Police units removed from the Ministry’s jurisdiction. The enactment of the Law “On the National Police” in November 2015 formally abolished the Soviet-era militia framework.

The newly established National Police incorporated the Patrol Police, created through Avakov’s initiative. Recruitment for this force was conducted via transparent procedures including computerized testing, physical fitness evaluations, medical screenings, and interviews. Training programs integrated both theoretical knowledge and practical skill development, facilitated by experienced instructors and supported by international partners from Georgia, the United States, and Canada.

Formation of the National Guard of Ukraine and Volunteer Battalions

In March 2014, Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov alongside Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov founded the National Guard of Ukraine by merging the former Internal Troops with Maidan Self-Defense Volunteers.

The inaugural First Reserve Battalion of the National Guard (currently known as the Operational Battalion named after General Kulchytskyi, military unit 3066, Kyiv) took its oath on 5 April 2014 and was deployed to Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, on 15 April to counter separatist insurgents and Russian aggression. Colonel-General Stepan Poltorak served as its first commander.

Avakov also facilitated the establishment of volunteer battalions (Dobrobats) under the Ministry’s authority, streamlining volunteer enlistment procedures. Thirty-five such battalions engaged pro-Russian separatists in Donbas during spring 2014.

Notable units included the Azov, Donbas, and Dnipro-1. The Azov Battalion, now a special regiment within the National Guard, played a critical role in reclaiming Mariupol from separatist forces between 6 May and 13 June 2014. During the 2022 Russian invasion, Azov, alongside border guards and the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, defended besieged Mariupol and fought in the battle at Azovstal. On 20 May, following an 86-day siege, remaining defenders capitulated under orders from Ukrainian military command.

Volunteer battalions were instrumental in stopping separatist advances during the initial stages of the War in Donbas (2014–2022), contributing significantly to maintaining Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty. By autumn 2014, these formations had been absorbed into either the National Guard of Ukraine or the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Biometric passports enabling visa-free EU travel

At the beginning of his administration, Avakov spearheaded the introduction of biometric passports through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a crucial step toward securing Ukraine's visa-free access to the European Union. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine ratified the passport design and issuance guidelines on 7 May 2014, with the inaugural passports distributed in January 2015.

In 2019, Avakov's ministry rolled out initial capabilities of the mobile platform Diia, crafted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation (Ukraine), to provide digital public services. Early electronic documents included Driver's license and Vehicle registration certificate, followed by the addition of electronic ID-cards and biometric passports for international travel in 2020.

Aviation security framework

In 2018, Avakov directed a Ukrainian-French collaboration aimed at creating an integrated aviation security and civil protection system. On 23 May 2018, he formalized an intergovernmental agreement with France’s Ministry of Economy and Finance to acquire 55 state-of-the-art Airbus Helicopters models (H125, H225 Super Puma, H145) valued at 551 million euros.

This procurement was financed via preferential loans at an annual interest rate of 4.25% from the French State Treasury and affiliated banks. These versatile helicopters enhance capabilities in aeromedical evacuation, rescue operations, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, border control, and traffic safety. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ratified this accord on 7 June 2018, significantly boosting the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ aviation resources.

Promoting impartial and transparent elections

Throughout Avakov’s term as Minister of Internal Affairs, law enforcement upheld a politically neutral position regarding all electoral candidates. Significantly, during the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election, Avakov supervised what was regarded as the nation’s first genuinely fair and transparent electoral process. Ahead of the campaign, he publicly affirmed that the Ministry would maintain independence from political influence and be prepared to counteract unlawful agitation.

For the first time, collaboration with the OPORA Civil Network facilitated specialized training for police officers and investigators aimed at identifying and preventing electoral violations. Olha Aivazovska, Chairperson of OPORA, highlighted that this election marked the sole instance where the Ministry was not utilized within any candidate’s campaign strategy. This methodology was also implemented during the 2019 parliamentary and local elections.

Recognition

From 2014 through 2021, Arsen Avakov was regularly featured among Focus magazine’s "100 most influential Ukrainians," frequently ranking within the top ten. In 2015, Focus acknowledged Avakov as a pivotal figure in police reform efforts and commended his leadership in recruiting seasoned experts from Georgia to drive these changes.

In 2020, Focus portrayed Avakov as a significant power broker within President Zelensky’s circle, labeling him a "political master Yoda" whose increasing influence was widely acknowledged inside the presidential faction.

Influence rating

According to the list of the 100 most influential Ukrainians published by Focus magazine, Avakov's rankings were as follows:

• 2014 — 5th place;
• 2015 — 4th place;
• 2016 — 9th place;
• 2017 — 5th place;
• 2018 — 7th place;
• 2019 — 8th place;
• 2020 — 8th place;
• 2021 — 15th place.

In the rankings compiled by New Voice magazine, his positions included:

• 2018 — 3rd place;
• 2019 — 6th place;
• 2020 — 3rd place;
• 2021 — 5th place.

Social activities

Arsen Avakov is a co-founder of the Marianna Avakova Foundation, which provides assistance to orphanages and boarding institutions. Additionally, he established the Arsen Avakov Production Foundation and serves as president of the Renaissance Charitable Foundation. This organization is involved in hosting charitable events and auctions, restoring historic landmarks, and supporting young researchers as well as children's artistic initiatives. Under its auspices, the documentary “Armenian Heritage of Europe” was created, highlighting the influence of the Armenian diaspora across Europe.

Among significant undertakings is the renovation of the Kharkiv Regional Philharmonic building, which preserved its architectural significance while incorporating a modern organ hall equipped with an instrument crafted by Alexander Schuke (Potsdam).

Avakov also acts as co-chairman of the International Science Fiction Festival “Star Bridge,” which fosters literary culture and educational programs within orphanages and universities. Between 2008 and 2010, he led the Kharkiv regional branch of the National Olympic Committee.

Personal fortune and business

In 2008, Focus placed Avakov among Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals at rank number 67.

Prior to the Orange Revolution, his enterprise “Investor” JSC operated across diverse industries, including oil and gas companies Investor-Neftegaz and Energia-95; combined heat and power plant CHPP-3; AHMAD TEA UKRAINE; supermarket chain Delight; ATN TV channel; real estate developer Investor Elite Stroy; Chichikov Hotel; Saltovsky Bakery; a half ownership in Channel 7; several radio stations; and an Italian mozzarella manufacturing business. The group also controlled Basis Bank.

Upon entering political life, Avakov delegated business operations to his partners. Starting in 2010, following his support for Yulia Tymoshenko, his assets became targets of hostile takeovers. In autumn 2011, amid criminal charges, he left Ukraine and proceeded to dissolve his business interests.

Avakov revealed in 2014 that during two years spent in forced exile due to politically motivated persecution under Yanukovych’s administration, his commercial ventures were dismantled.

Although Basis Bank lost its license three years earlier, courts later annulled the National Bank of Ukraine's decision to liquidate it.

From 2015 onward, Avakov has been submitting electronic declarations of property and income as required for public officials through the National Agency on Corruption Prevention.

In 2022, he organized a charitable auction titled “Turning wine into boots for the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” where he auctioned off his wine collection in London and New York. Despite damage caused by bombing to his Kharkiv apartment where the collection was stored, this initiative raised UAH 6,353,528, enabling procurement of 2,500 pairs of tactical military boots.

Between 2022 and 2023, Avakov personally funded the production of micro-power plants and video surveillance systems to support Ukrainian military operations.

Awards

• Honored Economist of Ukraine (22 June 2007) — awarded for notable contributions to the advancement of constitutional foundations of Ukrainian statehood, demonstrating professionalism, and in recognition of Constitution Day;

• Order of Merit, III class;

• The Legion of Honor (France), conferred on 9 June 2022 by French Ambassador Etienne de Poncins representing the President of France.

Personal life

Avakov is married and has a son named Oleksandr, who volunteered with the special police unit Kyiv-1 Battalion in August 2014 and participated in the Siege of Sloviansk. In August 2017, Avakov’s spouse, Inna, acquired a 40% stake in Goldberry LLC, the proprietor of Espreso TV.

Author's publications

Arsen Avakov has produced multiple works, including:

• Is Lenin with us? / Arsen Avakov – Kharkiv: Folio, 2017.

Initially released as an article in 2007, this publication ignited extensive public discussion concerning decommunization and Soviet propaganda myths. The 2008 edition incorporated public commentary from diverse media sources. A decade later, following the Revolution of Dignity and Ukraine’s enactment of decommunization laws, the expanded version reevaluates Lenin’s heritage through historical citations and analysis. It presents documentary records of "Leninfall"—the removal of Lenin statues—and includes reactions from Ukrainian politicians and public figures, encouraging dialogue vital for Ukraine’s democratic progress.

• Green Notebook / Arsen Avakov – Kharkiv: Folio, 2018.

This anthology gathers Avakov’s essays and articles written between January 2014 and autumn 2017, addressing key events such as Euromaidan, Crimea’s annexation, and the Donbas conflict. Each entry is framed by a daily chronicle reflecting the political atmosphere and emotional tone during Ukraine’s ongoing fight for sovereignty and reform.

• 2014. Moments of Kharkiv Spring / Arsen Avakov – Kharkiv: Folio, 2020.

Focusing on the critical night of April 7-8, 2014, this volume narrates Kharkiv’s defense against separatist forces amid Ukraine’s undeclared war. Serving as head of the ATO in Kharkiv region, Avakov offers direct observations alongside accounts from local inhabitants. The book features official documents from Ministry of Internal Affairs probes into separatist commanders and Russian agents. A distinctive element includes QR codes linking to audio intercepts of separatist communications—authorized for public release—providing undeniable evidence of criminal conspiracies targeting Ukraine. This work merges factual documentation with analysis and contemplation on Ukraine’s future during conflict.

Publications

• Promissory note circulation: theory and practice / A. B. Avakov, G. I. Gaevoy, V. A. Beshanov et al. — Kh.: Folio, 2000. — 382 p.

• Highlights: Collection of articles (April 2005 - October 2006) / Arsen Avakov. — Kharkiv, 2006. — 48 p.: ill.

• Accents: Speeches, articles, interviews, publications (Nov 2004 - Dec 2006) / Arsen Avakov. — Kharkiv: Golden Pages, 2007. — 464 p.: ill.

• Lenin with us: Article + Internet epistolary / Arsen Avakov. — Kharkiv: Golden Pages, 2008. — 100 p.: ill.

• Yesterday and Tomorrow / Arsen Avakov. — Kharkiv: Golden Pages, 2008. — 48 p.

• Strategy of socio-economic development of the Kharkiv region up to 2015: Monograph / Kh.: Publishing House "INGEK", 2008. — 352 p.

• Is Lenin with us? / Arsen Avakov – Kharkiv: Folio, 2017. – 160 p.

• Green Notebook / Arsen Avakov – Kharkiv: Folio, 2018. – 160 p.

• 2014. Moments of Kharkiv Spring / Arsen Avakov – Kharkiv: Folio, 2020. – 288 p.

External links

• Official website of Arsen Avakov
• Glavnoe (The Main) portal
• Renaissance organization website