He studied at Dnipropetrovsk State University and got a degree in rocket engineering. He was a leading engineer at Baikonur, and moved into senior management posts. From 1990 to 1992 he was a member of the Ukrainian Committe on Defence and State Security, and became Prime Minister of Ukraine in 1992.
He resigned his position in September 1993, to run for the presidency in 1994, on a platform to boost the economy and strengthen ties with Russia. He was re-elected in 1999. Opponents have accused him of involvement of the killing in 2000 of journalist Georgiy Gongadze, which he has always denied. They also blame him for restrictions on press freedom.
His Prime Minister has since 2002 been Viktor Yanukovich, after he sacked Anatoli Kinakh, his previous appointment.
Under the current constitution he will step down as president in October 2004.