Viktor Zolotov

Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov is a Russian military officer who is the Director of the National Guard (Rosgvardiya) and a member of the Security Council. Zolotov is a former bodyguard to former President Boris Yeltsin, former St. Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak, and current Russian leader Vladimir Putin. While working for Sobchak, Zolotov became acquainted with Putin, as well as figures in the St. Petersburg criminal underworld. A member of Putin's siloviki inner circle, Zolotov's rise to power and wealth happened after he became a close Putin confidant. The Zolotov family has obtained valuable land plots through dubious means.

Some of the key events about Viktor Zolotov

1975
Began service in the KGB's 9th Directorate, responsible for protecting Soviet leaders
1991
Transitioned to the Federal Protective Service after the dissolution of the Soviet Union
1991
Allegedly involved in organized crime activities in St. Petersburg
2000
Appointed to the security detail of President Vladimir Putin
2000
Accused of using excessive force as head of security for Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov
2006
Became Deputy Director of the Federal Protective Service
2013
Appointed Deputy Interior Minister of Russia
2014
Awarded the rank of Army General
2014
Implicated in the violent suppression of protests in Ukraine during the Maidan Revolution
2016
Appointed Director of the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya)
2016
Appointed head of the newly formed National Guard, raising concerns about increased militarization
2017
Accused of corruption and amassing unexplained wealth by opposition leader Alexei Navalny
2018
Became a permanent member of the Security Council of Russia
2018
Challenged Navalny to a "duel", threatening physical violence against a political opponent
2019
Oversaw the expansion of Rosgvardiya's responsibilities and capabilities
2019
Oversaw harsh crackdowns on anti-government protests in Moscow
2020
Accused of ordering violent dispersals of peaceful protesters during constitutional reform demonstrations
2021
Received the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" IV degree for his service
2021
Implicated in the alleged poisoning and imprisonment of Alexei Navalny
2022
Involved in planning and executing the invasion of Ukraine as part of Putin's inner circle

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

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