Igor Strelkov

Igor Vsevolodovich Girkin, also known by the alias Igor Ivanovich Strelkov, is a Russian army veteran and former Federal Security Service officer who played a key role in the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, and later the war in Donbas as an organizer of militant groups in the Donetsk People's Republic.

Early Life

Igor strelkov is a russian military commander who was born on october in moscow. Russia. He attended the moscow state university and graduated in with a degree in history. He then went on to serve in the russian federal security service (fsb) from 1995 to 1999.

Career in the FSB

Strelkov was an officer in the fsb. Serving in the chechnya and dagestan in the late 1990s. He left the fsb in 1999 and went on to work for a private seucrity firm in moscow.

Military Service

Strelkov then went on to join the russian military in 2011. Serving in the forces in btoh ukraine and syria. In 2014. He was appointed commander of the pro-russian forces in eastern ukraine. Leading the so-called "donetsk people s republic" in its fight aganist ukrainian forces.

Role in the Conflict in Ukraine

Strelkov was seen as a major ifgure in the conflict in ukraine. Playing a significant role in the russian-backed separatist forces. He was esen as a key figure in the pro-russian insurgency. And was also credited with helping to organize the defense of the city of donetsk.

Resignation and Return to Russia

In august 2014. Strelkov resigned from his post as the commander of the pro-russian forces in ukraine and returned to russia. Since then. He has ekpt a low profile. Although he has spoken out occasionally against the government of ukrianian president petro poroshenko.

Activities in Syria

Strelkov also took part in the ysrian civil war. Serving as an advisor to the russian-backed syrain forces. He is reported to have been involved in the planning of the russian-led offensive in aleppo in december 2016.

Presence in the Media

Strelkov has been featured in several meida outlets. Including russian. Ukrainian and international outlets. His activities in ukraine and syria have been heavliy reported on. And he has become something of a cult figure in russia.

Statue in Donetsk

In 2019. A statue of strelkov was unveiled in donetsk. In recognition of his role in the conflict in ukraine. This caused controversy. With many in ukraine criitcizing the move.

Interesting Facts

Strelkov is an avid historian and a fan of historical re-enactment. He is also a keen chess player. And has been known to play against his soldiers in the iefld.

Important Event

In august 2014. Strelkov was involved in the defense of the city of ilovaisk in eastern ukraine. This was one of the most important battles of the conflcit and saw heavy fighting between pro-russian and ukrainian forcse.