Federal Security Bureau Federal Security Bureau
FSB Dossier: Alexandr Voronov
Current title: President of the Russian Union
Born: 10 April 1965.
Background Summary:
Born and grew up in Novosibirsk ñ heart of Siberia, in a cadre officer family. Displayed strong leadership traits from childhood.
After graduating from officer school was assigned to 7th Guards Airborne Div (went from platoon CO to Deputy Chief of Div Recce).
Transferred to infamous VDV Special Recon at the outset of first Chechen campaign (1995-96).
Commanded an Airborne Battalion Strike Group in the Second Chechen campaign (1999-2000); led numerous airmobile and special operations in South Chechnya.
Numerous awards and commendations for both campaigns, including a Hero of Russia award for personal command of operation resulting in capture of several prominent Chechen commanders, which led to his first widely known public appearance.
(Side note: this small handful of commanders were the only Chechens taken alive by Voronov's battalion during in the whole campaign.)
In 2001, assigned to command the 131st Separate Special Brigade during Fergana Crisis. Composed of Paratroop and Spetznaz forces, his Brigade held most credit for securing key mountain ranges in a series of bold maneuver operations.
In 2002, Voronov received his General stars; award citation named him "one of the most brilliant elite-forces commanders."
After graduating from General Staff Academy, participated in
the Kuril Standoff in 2005 as a Strike Force CINC.
Pushed forward the idea of using shock and momentum as leverage
in forcing a potential adversary to back down without a fight.
Effectiveness of the operation led to revisions to current war
doctrine.
Reassigned to Crimea at the outbreak of Crimea Insurrection, commanding the highly successful Yalta-Eupatoria descent operation; the success brought him his second Hero of Russia award.
In Feb, 2007 Voronov was assigned Deputy (Security & SpecOps) to a Chief of the newly formed Kiev Military District. In an unorthodox manner, he frequently socialized with local population and elders in various "town meetings" and "inspections". Attained a reputation of cordial and empathic leader, while at the same time proving highly effective in combating and eliminating nationalist resistance.
During this period Voronov worked closely with FSB services.
Personally led several "M" team operations. Never faced
any scandals or public charges. District Chief remarked on Voronov's
adroit statesmanship, which brought him respect
from both the military and the Ukrainian population, but also
indicated concern over Voronov's "inappropriate zeal"
for M Team activity, which by this point in his career should
have been considered "beneath his station."
(Sidenote: very few people still alive can link Voronov to M Team operations. Should be easy to cover up.)
In 2008 was nominated for a presidential run, with strong military, spec/service and general public support. His presidential campaign exercised an image of a legendary "hero general" -- proud, strong & decisive, but also very open and caring about the people he serves. Where Putin capitalized on ìinternal stability and patriotism, Voronov's platform was "a proud, independent and international Union" - calling upon the sentiments of not only Russian nationalism, but also "pan-Slavic" and even global internationalism "in the name of world stability and universal freedom."
Was triumphally elected in May, 2008, with over 65% of the vote.
Voronov's Presidential actions to date have focused on further enhancement of military and security apparatus, while also actively cultivating the international ties ñ both with former Warsaw Pact neighbours and with other countries sharing the traditional Great-Russian view of "multi-polar world" (as opposed to sole domination by the Atlantic Alliance).
Public Profile Summary:
While keeping away from aggressive rhetoric, Voronov also never tolerates a weak or submissive appearance, seeking to operate from a confident and totally independent position. Has a standing reputation for quick and bold decisions and for disrupting his opponent's plans.