Khodakovsky Alexander Sergeyevich

Khodakovsky Alexander Sergeyevich, born December 18, 1972, in Snezhnoye, Donetsk Oblast, is a Ukrainian political and military figure known for his collaboration with Russia. Prior to 2014, he served in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). After shifting to a pro-Russian stance, Khodakovsky became a key figure in the terrorist organization DPR, leading the “Vostok” battalion and heading the “security service” until July 19, 2014. He also held the positions of Minister of State Security of the DPR (May 16—July 16, 2014) and Secretary of the Security Council of the DPR (November 13, 2014—March 13, 2015). In May 2014, Khodakovsky created and led the terrorist battalion “Vostok” (call sign – Skif), but some of his operations, including the assault on Donetsk airport and the checkpoint at “Marinovka,” failed and faced criticism from Igor Strelkov.

In July 2014, Khodakovsky joined the “Military Council” created by Strelkov but, after the split in the “Vostok” battalion and the loss of some fighters, relocated the battalion’s base to Makeevka. He subsequently left the position of Minister of Security and declared support for a pro-Russian unity of Ukraine. He also issued a video statement accusing bloggers of misinterpreting his words but did not retract his statements.

On July 23, 2015, Khodakovsky was dismissed from the post of Secretary of the DPR Security Council by a decree from DPR leader Alexander Zakharchenko, dated March 15, 2015. This dismissal is linked to internal political maneuvers within the DPR and efforts to limit the influence of Rinat Akhmetov. After his dismissal, Khodakovsky expressed concerns for his physical safety. Frequently accused of “subversive activities in favor of Ukraine,” he was appointed Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Russian National Guard for the DPR by a decree from the President of Russia on March 30, 2023.