Experience
Till 1999 Mr. Polyakov had a distinguished career in the Ukrainian Armed Forces that included service in the General Staff and the staff of the National Security and Defence Council.
Upon leaving active military duty the rank of Colonel in December 1999, he became director for security and defence programmes of the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies, widely known as Razumkov Centre. In that position he was leading non-governmental efforts to strengthen the public debate on defence and security, including major studies and assessment of defence policy and civilian democratic control, Armed Forces’ professionalization, export controls, and civilian democratic control of law enforcement.
After the Orange Revolution, Mr. Polyakov became Vice Minister of Defence and served in that position for three years. His efforts were focused on modernising and civilianising defence policy making and management, including defence planning, resource and personnel management. He led the development of a unique programme with NATO to provide dedicated professional development for civilian MOD personnel and established a joint management mechanism to coordinate working activities with Allied advisors. Under his leadership the Ukrainian government and society increased the support for UN, EU and NATO operations. He also managed the gradual, coordinated withdrawal of the Ukrainian brigade from Iraq while increasing the support for training of local security personnel.
Education and degrees
Harvard University Fellowship, 2008 – 2009
Senior Executive Course, George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies, 2001
Security Policy and Military Strategy, US Army War College, 1994-1995
Frunze Military Academy, Moscow, 1991-1993
Kyiv Higher Combined-Armed Command Military School, 1979-1983
Kyiv Radio-Electronics Technical College, 1975-1979
