General Viktor Zolotov, who recently headed the Russian National Guard, has a rich biography. However, its main part is still classified.
What does official sources know about this Russian military leader?
Becoming
Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov was born on January 27, 1954 in the city of Sasovo, which is located in the Ryazan Region (RSFSR). He was brought up in a working class family, after leaving school he went to work at the AZLK plant as an ordinary locksmith.
Next was the urgent military service, which Viktor Vasilyevich Zolotov was in the Soviet border troops.
Since the early 1970s, the future general was an employee of the 9th Main Directorate of the USSR State Security Committee. No one knows how a young man in his twenties got into this elite unit, whose task was to protect the top officials of the state. Such an invitation, as a rule, was received by those who distinguished themselves during their service in the border troops, airborne forces, as well as in the GRU special forces.
In this case, preference was given to people who showed themselves excellently in a combat or critical situation.
Education
What higher education institution did General Viktor Zolotov graduate from? He received a law degree. In addition, Zolotov graduated from the General Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
A family
General Victor Zolotov has a daughter, Jeanne. She married producer Yuri Chechikhin, known for films such as Circumstances and Vorotylov.
Also, General Viktor Zolotov has a son. Until 2014, Roman was a full-time employee of private security. Together with Chechikhin he was engaged in producing films, in one of which (“I have the honor”) he played one of the main characters. To date, Roman Zolotov works as deputy head of the capital's department of physical education and sports.
Protection of the first persons of the state
In 1991, a photograph of Yeltsin was published in all world media during his speech on the armor of a tank. In this picture, a man in dark glasses is clearly visible, who covers the back of Boris Nikolaevich. This was Viktor Vasilievich Zolotov. A little later, he also fell into the lenses of cameras, covering the back of Vladimir Putin.
Relocation to St. Petersburg
In 1991, Zolotov, then a modest FSO officer, was sent from the capital to St. Petersburg. Here he was supposed to guard A. Sobchak. The mayor's family, his wife Lyudmila Narusova and ten-year-old daughter Ksenia, also needed protection. However, they did not have state protection. That is why in 1992 Zolotov decided to contact the Baltic-Export company. This security company was led by Roman Tselov.
In 1994, a new contract was concluded with Tselov. The mayor's office invited him to protect public order in those places where the vice mayor of the Northern capital, Vladimir Putin, stayed.
Meet the future president
Zolotov closely recognized Putin in the 90s. The future president and Zolotov made friends against the background of a common passion for judo, and for many years they remained sparring partners on the tatami.
An interesting fact is that Zolotov, like Putin, still does not leave training. Until recently, the general even headed Xiaama Kyokushinkai in karate-do.
Work in commercial structures
After Sobchak lost the elections in 1996, which were supposed to give him the post of mayor of Peter, Zolotov had to resign from the FSO. Then it seemed that the career of the future general came to an end. Leaving the civil service, he went to work for Baltic Escort. Zolotov was not limited to participating only in this company. In the late 90s, he organized the work of security services in banks. At the same time, Zolotov collaborated with the largest importer of fruit, OLEI-jazz. At this company, he also led the security service.
The affairs of Baltic Escort went well not only under Sobchak, but also under the new governor Yakovlev. The company received many contracts for the protection of facilities, events, city infrastructure, as well as touring stars and cruise ships.
Return to duty
Zolotov's biography changed dramatically in the late 90s. This happened at a time when the Russian government was headed by the FSB director, Putin. At his invitation, Viktor Zolotov left St. Petersburg and returned to Moscow. He replaced his favorite Saab car with the government BMW, taking the post of head of the Security Service of the Russian prime minister.
In 2000, Colonel Zolotov received the post of head of the Security Service of the newly elected president - Putin.
Characteristics of the Faithful Guard
It is unlikely that anyone will doubt that the one who is responsible for the safety of the president is a person who is fully trusted. And this man became Zolotov. The head of Putin’s security, according to people who know Viktor Vasilyevich, performed his duties perfectly. This is a guard loyal to his boss, and tough towards others. And this is confirmed by the fact that Zolotov retained his post even under President Dmitry Medvedev, while simultaneously working on security and the prime minister.
During the period when Viktor Vasilievich was the direct guard of Putin, he was responsible literally for every minute of his life. He himself selected personnel and organized the nutrition process. Putin trusted Zolotov and the conduct of his personal financial affairs. Under the supervision of a faithful guard, the construction of the presidential residence in Gelendzhik was in progress. Zolotov personally came to the facility and gave specific instructions on arranging communications and on security.
They began jokingly calling Viktor Vasilyevich the generalissimo because of the frequency of receiving regular stars on uniform. Already in 2006, he had a high rank - Colonel General. Viktor Zolotov received this title due to his unlimited devotion to the president.
Confrontation
In 2007, Colonel General Viktor Zolotov became a member of a kind of war of the security forces. The warring parties in it were Viktor Cherkesov (head of the FSKN) and Nikolai Patrushev (director of the FSB), as well as Alexander Bastrykin (head of the Investigative Committee) and Igor Ivanov (secretary of the Security Council). At that time, the Federal Drug Control Service dealt with the withdrawal by the Russian security forces of funds that passed through a chain of Russian and foreign banks.
Operational data was collected thanks to video and photo surveillance, wiretapping of telephones, etc. SK and the FSB did not want to put up with this. They responded by arresting employees based on the FSKN staff.
What role did Zolotov play in this confrontation? He sided with Cherkesov, who, despite his support, lost the fight. Today, the former head of the Federal Drug Control Service is a modest deputy from the Communist Party, and Viktor Zolotov still holds high statehood.
New appointments
In September 2013, internal troops found out about Viktor Vasilievich. Zolotov was appointed deputy commander of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is not surprising that this work was entrusted to such a responsible and experienced person.
General Zolotov led the internal troops on 05/12/2014. Then he became the first deputy. Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In his submission were 220 thousand people wearing epaulets. In addition, internal troops are all the special forces of Russia, which are part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. And this is 25-30 thousand fighters who underwent special training.
According to some sources, General Zolotov led the internal troops only in order to subsequently move to a higher rung. Is it really? Former Putin security guard Zolotov - Minister of the Interior? Will he replace Kolokoltsev in this post? All the assumptions made have not been officially confirmed. Only the Commander-in-Chief of Zolotov was represented to the personnel. At the same time, the Minister of the Interior described him as an officer with an outstanding biography and high moral qualities.
November 10, 2015, Zolotov (RF) received another military rank - Army General. It was assigned to him according to the decree of the President of Russia V.V. Putin.
April 5, 2016, the general became the director of the federal service of the national guard forces of the Russian Federation and the commander in chief of these troops. The president has created a new power structure for his faithful guard. Today, according to his status, Zolotov is a minister. He is also a permanent member of the Russian Security Council.
Responsible post
The National Guard, led by Zolotov, was created on the basis of the internal troops that make up the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the explanations of the press secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov, the newly formed structure is directly subordinate to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief V.V. To Putin.
What is the main purpose of the National Guard of the Russian Federation? Its main goal is to maintain public order, the fight against extremism and terrorism. In addition, the structure, headed by Zolotov, should take part in the defense of the territorial integrity of the country, protect special cargoes and especially important objects. The task of the National Guard personnel is to help the FSB at the border.
The President also entrusted General Zolotov with responsibilities for monitoring compliance with the law in the field of security activities of private companies and arms trafficking.
Thus, the most important task of the National Guard is to combat organized crime. Such a service will definitely need an operational component. And she is in the internal troops. This is internal intelligence.
General Zolotov has a tremendous job to do. He needs to centralize the activities of several disparate units that are part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is a responsible task with which an experienced and strong person will certainly cope.
Who will serve in the National Guard? The internal troops of Russia are being transformed into this structure. The guard will include special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. And these are OMON and SOBR, as well as private security and the Center, which includes the aviation and operational response forces. The National Guard will also include other special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as FSUE Okhrana.
It is noteworthy that the new power structure is universal. To create it will not require an increase in staffing and apparatus. In addition, all the training grounds and training bases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Air Force will be subordinated to the National Guard. Thus, the budget will incur minimal costs.
Awards
For the entire period of service Zolotov was awarded the following orders:
- "Friendship and Courage";
- “For Merit to the Fatherland” (3rd and 4th degree);
- "For military merits";
- Alexander Nevsky.
He also has a memorable patriarchal sign "700th anniversary of St. Sergius of Radonezh."
Among the awards of Zolotov, there is also a very rare medal. It is called the Defender of a Free Russia. The medal has the inscription "August 21, 1991."