Viktor Poltavets

Date of birth: 28.06.1937

Birth city. Education. Born in Artemovsk, Donetsk region. In 1959, he graduated from the Dnepropetrovsk Mining Institute with a degree in 'Mining Engineer'. Doctor of Technical Sciences.

Career. After graduation, he worked at coal companies in Antratsyt and Sverdlovsk in Lugansk. He was a mining foreman, section manager, deputy and chief engineer in the mines of the Trust 'Antratsyt'. From 1968 to 1975, he was the chief engineer of the 'Chervonyi Partizan' mine and director of the 'Mayak' mine. From 1975 to 1986 - Technical Director - Chief Engineer of PO 'Sverdloantatsyt', General Director of PO 'Lisichanskugil'.

1986-1987 - Deputy Minister of Coal Industry of the USSR.

1987-1989 - General Director of PO 'Voroshilovgradgosugleprom'.

1989-1990 - on a business trip to Vietnam.

1991-1992 - Head of the Technology and Mechanization Department of the State Coal Industry of Ukraine.

Since 1992, he has been the General Director of PO 'Lugans'kugil'.

In 1994-1995 - Minister of Coal Industry of Ukraine.

In 1996-1999 - General Director of PO 'Luganskugil'.

In 1999, he became the chairman of the board of PAT 'Luganskgiproshakht'.

From December 2007 to March 2010 - Minister of Coal Industry of Ukraine in the government coalition of Yulia Timoshenko.

Views and Evaluations. According to information from Ukrayinska Pravda, the leader of the Blok Yulia Tymoshenko tried to find a person not connected to the 'Donetsk clan' during the selection of the head of Minugleprom in order to avoid sabotage.

According to some information, the young but increasingly influential Natalia Korolevska from the Tymoshenko Bloc supported the candidacy of Viktor Poltavets. The Prime Minister herself characterized the new minister as 'a person appreciated by the entire coal industry for many years'. Obviously not by chance, as his figure is considered as influential in the coal industry as the deputy of the 'Regions' and actual head of the Zasyadko pit Yefim Zvyahilskyi.

Shortly after his appointment, the head of Minugleprom stated that the government would conduct a comprehensive review of all Ukrainian mines following the tragedy at the Zasyadko mine. Not only will the safety of work be checked - specialists will examine the work of the leaders of coal companies.

Awards. Academician of the Academy of Engineering Sciences, Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology. Awarded with the Order 'For Merit' II and III class, Order of 'Miners Glory' of three ranks. He holds the titles of 'Honored Miner of Ukraine', 'Honorary Miner of Vietnam', 'Honorary Citizen of Lisichansk and Privoz'.

Family. Wife Ada Ivanovna. Two sons: Valery (deceased), Ivan.

28.06.2022.