Kuchma, Leonid (1938– )

Ukrainian politician, prime minister 1992–93 and president 1994–2004. A traditional Soviet technocrat, he worked his way up the hierarchy of the Communist Party. As prime minister, he established himself as a moderate reformer and succeeded Leonid Kravchuk as president. His programme for reform followed a considerably more pro-Western course than originally pledged. The economy declined and Kuchma repeatedly replaced ministers in an attempt to reverse the trend. He was, nevertheless, re-elected in 1999.

The large communist-party presence in Ukraine's parliament initially resulted in the blocking of Kuchma's radical market-centred reforms. But in June 1995, he won full control over ministerial appointments and enhanced decree powers. His powers of appointment were further strengthened in December 1996.

From February 2001, Kuchma faced growing popular calls for his resignation on the grounds of corruption and mismanagement.

Kuchma campaigned for closer ties with Russia, and received around 90% of the vote in Russian-speaking regions of eastern Ukraine and in Crimea. He negotiated a treaty with Russia in May 1997.