You're reading: Arturo Francisco Babenko appointed Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has appointed Arturo Francisco Babenko, who previously worked as Deputy Head of Sevastopol City State Administration, as deputy defense minister of Ukraine. 

A corresponding order was posted on the president’s Web site on Wednesday, Jan.16.

With another order Yanukovych dismissed Dmytro Pliatsuk as deputy defense minister of Ukraine.

Babenko was born on August 2, 1962 in the village of Kumovske of Poltava region. He is of Spanish origin on his father’s side, and his grandfather participated in the war and died in Spain.

In 1992 he graduated from Odesa State Marine Academy as an engineer and navigator. In 1980 he graduated with honors from the nautical school of Kronshtadt.

He started his career as a sailor and finally became a captain on the ships of Black Sea Fleet. Since 2004 Babenko has worked in the private sector.

On March 19, 2012 was appointed as Deputy Head of Sevastopol City State Administration.