Igor Plotnitsky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Igor Plotnitsky
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Игорь Плотницкий
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Plotnitsky in 2014
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| Head of the Luhansk People's Republic | |
| In office 14 August 2014 – 25 November 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Marat Bashirov (Acting) Himself Gennadiy Tsypkalov Sergey Kozlov |
| Preceded by | Valery Bolotov |
| Succeeded by | Leonid Pasechnik |
| Prime Minister of the Luhansk People's Republic | |
| In office 20 August 2014 – 26 August 2014 |
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| President | Himself |
| Preceded by | Marat Bashirov (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Gennadiy Tsypkalov |
| Minister of Defence of the Luhansk People's Republic | |
| In office 18 May 2014 – 14 August 2014 |
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| President | Valery Bolotov |
| Succeeded by | Aleksandr Bednov |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Igor Venediktovich Plotnitsky
25 June 1964 Kelmentsi, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine) |
| Political party | Peace for Lugansk Region |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Soviet Union (Until 1991) Ukraine (Until 2014) (since 2014) |
| Years of service | 1982–1991 2014–present |
| Rank | Major |
Igor Venediktovich Plotnitsky (born 25 June 1964) was a leader in eastern Ukraine. He served as the head of the self-declared Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). This region is located in eastern Ukraine. He held this position from August 14, 2014, to November 24, 2017. He was born in 1964, either in Luhansk or in the town of Kelmentsi. On November 24, 2017, a website for the Luhansk People's Republic announced his resignation. The next day, the People's Council of the LPR officially accepted his resignation.
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Early Life and Career
Igor Plotnitsky was born to Venedikt and Nina Plotnitsky. He has a brother named Mykhailo. Igor finished school in Kelmentsi. In 1982, he moved to Luhansk, which was then part of Soviet Ukraine.
He joined the army and served in Penza. He graduated from the Penza Artillery and Engineer College. In 1991, Plotnitsky left the Soviet Army as a major. He then moved back to Luhansk.
After the Soviet Union ended, Plotnitsky became involved in business. He started his own company that sold fuel. From 2004 to 2012, he worked for a regional office that protected consumer rights.
Role in Luhansk People's Republic
When unrest began in eastern Ukraine in 2014, Plotnitsky supported the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). In April 2014, he helped create a rebel group called Zarya. On May 21, 2014, he became the Minister of Defense for the LPR.
After Valeriy Bolotov resigned, Plotnitsky took over as the Head of the LPR on August 14, 2014.
Becoming Head of LPR
Plotnitsky won the 2014 LPR election with 63% of the votes. The Russian Foreign Ministry recognized these elections. However, Plotnitsky later said he was appointed to the role, but did not say by whom.
Some reports suggest a connection between Plotnitsky and a former Ukrainian official, Oleksandr Yefremov. Plotnitsky has been wanted by the Security Service of Ukraine since November 2014 for his role in the LPR.
Challenges and Agreements
In November 2014, Plotnitsky publicly challenged Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. He suggested a duel, saying the winner would set terms for peace. Plotnitsky stated that if he won, he would end military actions and remove armed groups.
On February 11, 2015, the LPR leaders signed the Minsk II agreement. This agreement aimed to bring the rebel-held areas back into Ukraine. It also suggested changes to the Ukrainian constitution to give these areas special status.
A week later, Plotnitsky said that if Ukraine stayed the same, they would never reunite. He added that if Ukraine followed the Minsk agreement, "Time will tell whether we will be part of the future, new and renewed Ukraine." By January 2017, Plotnitsky stated that the LPR would "never return to Ukraine!" and was "returning to its home – Russia, the Russian world."
Resignation
In November 2017, there were reports that Plotnitsky had been removed from his position. Some reports said he had fled to Russia, while others said he was still in Luhansk. On November 24, 2017, an LPR website announced that Plotnitsky had resigned. The reason given was "health reasons" due to "multiple war wounds." Leonid Pasechnik was named the acting leader. Plotnitsky was then expected to represent the LPR in the Minsk process. The People's Council of the LPR officially accepted his resignation the next day.
Sanctions
In 2014, the UK government placed sanctions on Igor Plotnitsky. These sanctions were related to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Reports of Connections
In July 2022, some investigative groups reported that Plotnitsky had traveled within Russia using a different name and passport. They suggested this passport might have been issued by a Russian intelligence agency. Plotnitsky responded by saying he did not remember his travels from 2014. He stated he always used his own name when flying.
2016 Car Incident
On August 6, 2016, Plotnitsky's car exploded. He and others in the car were injured. According to LPR officials, an explosive device was planted near traffic lights. They claimed Ukrainian "saboteurs" might be responsible, but Ukrainian authorities denied this. Plotnitsky was reported to be in stable condition after hospital treatment on August 7, 2016.
Disagreements with Cossack Groups
Plotnitsky had disagreements with some Russian Cossacks. One Cossack leader, Pavel Dryomov, accused Plotnitsky of misusing public property. Dryomov even called for a change in leadership. This statement came after a conflict between Plotnitsky's supporters and Cossacks in Antratsyt. Another Cossack leader, Nikolay Kozitsyn, disappeared during this time. Dryomov also claimed that the Luhansk region's administration was controlled by people connected to Oleksandr Yefremov. He also suggested that Plotnitsky was supported by another Ukrainian politician, Natalia Korolevska. Further conflicts occurred in the cities of Rovenky and Krasny Luch in early 2015.
See also
In Spanish: Ígor Plotnitski para niños
