Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a figure in Russian politics from 1991 until his death in 2022, founded the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and served as its leader for three decades. A fixture in the State Duma across seven consecutive legislative convocations, he maintained a career spanning law, military service, and nationalist political activism within the post-Soviet landscape.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1946 in Almaty, Zhirinovsky relocated to Moscow in 1964. He pursued extensive academic training, graduating from the Institute of Asian and African Languages in 1970 and later earning a law degree from Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1977. His educational background included a period at the university of Marxism-Leninism between 1965 and 1967. During the 1970s, he fulfilled military service obligations in Tbilisi, eventually attaining the rank of podpolkovnik.
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Zhirinovsky held a seat in the State Duma through every cycle from the first to the seventh convocation, encompassing the years 1993 to 2022. During this period, he served as a deputy chairman of the body between 1993 and 2000, and again from 2011 until 2022. Beyond domestic governance, he represented the Russian Federation as a delegate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from 1996 through 2008.
Political Activities and Awards
Throughout his career, Zhirinovsky was a consistent participant in presidential campaigns. He was recognized by the Russian state with numerous decorations, including the Order 'For Merit to the Fatherland' in four classes, culminating in the 1st class award in 2021. He was also named an Honoured Jurist of the Russian Federation in 2000. He passed away in Moscow in 2022 and was interred at Novodevichy Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Almaty
- Died: 2022, Moscow
- Political Party: Liberal Democratic Party of Russia
- Military Rank: Podpolkovnik
- Education: Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Religion: Eastern Orthodoxy
- Languages: Russian, French, German, Turkish, English
- Burial: Novodevichy Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Zhirinovsky's highest military rank?
He reached the military rank of podpolkovnik.
Which languages did Zhirinovsky speak?
He was proficient in Russian, French, German, Turkish, and English.
Achievements
- Notable work: Russian annexation of Crimea
- Educated at university of Marxism-Leninism, Lomonosov Moscow State University and MSU The Institute of Asian and African Studies
- Worked as politician, lawyer and military personnel
