# Mykola Azarov

> Ukrainian politician (born 1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q57590](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57590)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykola_Azarov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mykola-azarov

## Summary
Mykola Azarov is a Ukrainian politician and economist born on December 17, 1947, who served as the Prime Minister of Ukraine during two distinct terms. He is best known for leading the First Azarov Government (2010–2012) and the Second Azarov Government (2012–2014), representing the Party of Regions. His career is deeply rooted in the technical and political landscape of Ukraine, with academic ties to Donetsk National Technical University.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 17, 1947 (Place not specified in source material)
- **Nationality:** Ukrainian (also holds Soviet citizenship historically)
- **Education:** Educated at Donetsk National Technical University (formerly Donetsk Mining Technical School/Institute)
- **Known for:** Serving as Prime Minister of Ukraine and leading the First and Second Azarov Governments
- **Employer(s):** Donetsk National Technical University; Party of Regions; Government of Ukraine
- **Field(s):** Politics, Economics, Engineering

## Contributions
Mykola Azarov's primary contributions involve the leadership of the Ukrainian executive branch during a turbulent period in the country's history.
- **First Azarov Government (2010–2012):** Led the government from its inception on March 11, 2010, until December 24, 2012. This administration focused on economic stabilization and relations with the Russian Federation during the early post-Orange Revolution era.
- **Second Azarov Government (2012–2014):** Continued his tenure as Prime Minister from December 24, 2012, until the government's dissolution during the Euromaidan protests. This period was marked by significant political polarization and the eventual escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
- **Political Leadership:** As a key figure in the Party of Regions, he shaped the political direction of Ukraine towards closer ties with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Community during his terms.
- **Academic Affiliation:** Maintained a professional connection with Donetsk National Technical University, an institution where he received his education and which has historically produced many technical specialists for Ukraine's industrial sector.

## FAQs
**What were the specific dates of Mykola Azarov's terms as Prime Minister?**
Mykola Azarov led the First Azarov Government from March 11, 2010, to December 24, 2012. He subsequently led the Second Azarov Government from December 24, 2012, until the administration fell in early 2014 following the Euromaidan revolution.

**Which political party did Mykola Azarov represent during his time in government?**
He was a prominent member and leader within the Party of Regions, a Russophone political party in Ukraine that was founded in 1997 and held significant parliamentary power during his tenure as Prime Minister.

**What is the connection between Mykola Azarov and Donetsk National Technical University?**
Azarov was educated at Donetsk National Technical University, which traces its origins to 1921 as the Donetsk Mining Technical School. The university is a major technical institution in Ukraine, and Azarov's background there aligns with his career in engineering and economics before entering high-level politics.

**Did Mykola Azarov receive any state awards or honors?**
The source material lists several awards associated with his profile, including the Order of Honour, the Lenin Komsomol Prize, the Order of Friendship, the Order of Rio Branco, and the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, reflecting recognition from various nations and historical periods.

## Why They Matter
Mykola Azarov represents a pivotal era in modern Ukrainian history, bridging the gap between the post-Soviet transition and the full-scale conflict with Russia that began in 2014. His leadership defined the political strategy of the Party of Regions, which sought to balance Ukraine's relationships between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The collapse of his government in 2014 was a direct catalyst for the Euromaidan revolution, leading to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych and fundamentally altering Ukraine's geopolitical trajectory. His tenure highlighted the deep internal divisions within Ukrainian society regarding national identity, language, and foreign policy orientation. Without his specific political approach and the subsequent government collapse, the timeline and nature of the 2014 crisis might have unfolded differently, potentially delaying or altering the onset of the full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war.

## Notable For
- **Leading Two Governments:** Serving as the head of the First Azarov Government (2010–2012) and the Second Azarov Government (2012–2014).
- **Party of Regions Leadership:** Being a central figure in the Russophone Party of Regions, which dominated Ukrainian politics in the early 2010s.
- **Technical Education Background:** Holding an education from Donetsk National Technical University, linking his political career to Ukraine's industrial and engineering sectors.
- **International Awards:** Receiving the Order of Friendship and the Order of Honour, as well as the Lenin Komsomol Prize, indicating recognition from both Soviet and Russian state structures.
- **Political Transition:** His government's fall in 2014 marking a critical turning point in the Euromaidan protests and the subsequent shift in Ukraine's foreign policy.
- **Economic Focus:** As an economist by trade, his policies during his premiership heavily influenced Ukraine's economic relationship with Russia and the global market.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Mykola Azarov was born on December 17, 1947. His educational foundation was established at Donetsk National Technical University, a prominent institution in Ukraine. Originally founded in 1921 as the Donetsk Mining Technical School named after Comrade Artem, the university has a long history of producing technical and engineering specialists. Azarov's education there provided him with a background in engineering and economics, fields that would later define his professional career before he entered high-level politics. The university, now located in Pokrovsk and Drohobych, is known for its motto "Vivat, Crescat, Glorat!" and has been a significant center for technical education in the Donetsk region.

### Political Career and Government Leadership
Azarov's political career reached its zenith with his appointment as Prime Minister of Ukraine. He led two consecutive governments, both under the banner of the Party of Regions.
- **First Azarov Government:** Inaugurated on March 11, 2010, this government served until December 24, 2012. During this period, the administration focused on economic recovery and strengthening ties with the Russian Federation.
- **Second Azarov Government:** Following the 2012 parliamentary elections, Azarov formed a new government on December 24, 2012. This administration continued the policies of the previous term but faced increasing public unrest.
- **Party Affiliation:** He was a key member of the Party of Regions, a political party founded on October 26, 1997, which advocated for closer ties with Russia and the protection of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine.

### The Euromaidan and Government Dissolution
The Second Azarov Government ended abruptly due to the Euromaidan protests, which began in late 2013. These protests were triggered by the government's decision to suspend the signing of an association agreement with the European Union. The unrest escalated into a full-scale revolution, leading to the resignation of the Azarov government and the eventual flight of President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ukrainian history, characterized by the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the conflict in the Donbas region.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Mykola Azarov received several state awards and honors. These include:
- **Order of Honour:** A state award of the Russian Federation established in 1994.
- **Order of Friendship:** Another Russian state award, also established in 1994, recognizing contributions to strengthening friendship and cooperation between peoples.
- **Lenin Komsomol Prize:** A prestigious award from the Soviet Union, established in 1966, recognizing achievements in science, literature, and the arts.
- **Order of Rio Branco:** An honorific order of Brazil, established in 1963.
- **Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas:** A Lithuanian presidential award established in 1928 and re-established in 1991.

### Academic and Professional Background
Before his rise to the premiership, Azarov was involved in the technical and economic sectors of Ukraine. His connection to Donetsk National Technical University is significant, as the institution has been a hub for engineering education and research for over a century. The university, which has campuses in Pokrovsk and Drohobych, offers degrees in various technical disciplines and has been accredited by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education of Ukraine. Azarov's background in this field likely influenced his approach to economic policy and industrial development during his time in government.

### Legacy and Impact
Mykola Azarov's legacy is inextricably linked to the political turmoil of the early 2010s in Ukraine. His governments represented the peak of the Party of Regions' influence and the pro-Russian orientation of Ukrainian policy at the time. The collapse of his administration in 2014 was a watershed moment that led to a fundamental shift in Ukraine's foreign policy, moving the country closer to the European Union and NATO. His tenure also highlighted the deep societal divisions within Ukraine, particularly between the Russian-speaking east and the Ukrainian-speaking west. The events that unfolded during his time in office continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe today.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Source](http://w1.c1.rada.gov.ua/pls/radac_gs09/d_index_arh?skl=2)
3. [Source](http://w1.c1.rada.gov.ua/pls/radac_gs09/d_index_arh?skl=5)
4. [Source](http://w1.c1.rada.gov.ua/pls/radac_gs09/d_index_arh?skl=6)
5. [Source](http://w1.c1.rada.gov.ua/pls/radac_gs09/d_index_arh?skl=7)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line