Wikipedia

Ihor Terekhov

(Redirected from 2021 Kharkiv mayoral election)

Ihor Oleksandrovych Terekhov (Ukrainian: Ігор Олександрович Терехов; born 14 January 1967)[3][4] is a Ukrainian politician who is serving as the mayor of Kharkiv since 11 November 2021.[1] He ascended to the mayoralty on 24 December 2020 following Hennadiy Kernes death due to COVID-19 complications.[5][6][7] The Kharkiv early mayoral election was held on 31 October 2021,[2] and Terekhov was declared the winner of the election with 50.66% of the votes.[8]

Ihor Terekhov
Ігор Терехов
Terekhov in 2025
6th Mayor of Kharkiv
Incumbent
Assumed office
11 November 2021[1]
Acting from: 24 December 2020[2]
Preceded byHennadiy Kernes
Personal details
Born (1967-01-14) 14 January 1967 (age 59)
Kharkiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine)
CitizenshipSoviet (until 1991)
Ukrainian (from 1991)
PartySuccessful Kharkiv (since 2020)
Other political
affiliations
Revival (2015–2019)
Opposition Bloc (2019–2020)
SpouseHanna Kuznietsova
Children3
Kharkiv Engineering and Construction Institute (MS)
National Academy of State Administration (Candidate of Sciences)
ProfessionCivil Engineer, Economist
WebsiteOfficial mayoral website

Biography

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Early life

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Terekhov was born on 14 January 1967 in Kharkiv.[3][4]

In 1990, Terekhov graduated from the Kharkiv Engineering and Construction Institute [uk; ru] (now O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv).[9] After which he remained at the university as a research intern.[3]

In 1994, Terekhov began working at CJSC Ukrkondytsioner (a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment manufacturer). In 1997, he was appointed Chairman of the Shareholders' Council and Chairman of the Management Board of the company, which was subsequently renamed OJSC Kharkiv Plant "Kondytsioner".[9]

From 1999 to 2006, he served as Head of the Department for Entrepreneurship and later as Head of the Department of the Communal Consumer Market for the Kharkiv City Council.[9] In 2006, Terekhov graduated from the National Academy for Public Administration.[9]

Starting in 1989, Terekhov served as an assistant referee in the Soviet Second League. Following Ukraine's independence, he began officiating in the Ukrainian Football Championship in 1992, working both as a head referee and an assistant referee. That same year, he made his debut in the Ukrainian Premier League as part of Leonid Bavykin [uk] refereeing team for a match between Chornomorets Odesa and Evis Mykolaiv.[10] In total, he officiated 52 top-flight Ukrainian matches as an assistant referee, while serving as a head referee exclusively in the First and Second leagues. Terekhov also held the status of a FIFA assistant referee, officiating in the UEFA Intertoto Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. He retired from refereeing in 1998. According to Igor Gorozhankin [uk; ru], a contemporary referee of that era, Terekhov's career advancement in football was aided by his connections with football official Kostiantyn Vykhrov [uk; ru].[3][11]

Political career

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In the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Terekhov was a candidate for the Our Ukraine Bloc, but was not elected.[9] In 2007 was appointed the Deputy Head of Governor of Kharkiv Oblast Arsen Avakov.[3][9] By a decree of President Viktor Yushchenko in 2007, Terekhov was awarded the honorary title of Honored Economist of Ukraine.[12] In the same year, the Higher Attestation Commission of Ukraine awarded him the degree of Candidate of Sciences in Public Administration.[13]

In 2007, local media described Terekhov as a close associate of Arsen Avakov.[14] However, in 2010, following Avakov's dismissal from the post of Chairman of the Kharkiv Oblast State Administration, Terekhov aligned himself with Avakov's political and business opponents, Mykhailo Dobkin and Hennadiy Kernes.[9] In April 2010, Terekhov was appointed Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv. In November 2010, by a decision of the Kharkiv City Council during its 6th convocation, he was confirmed as Deputy Mayor for City Development and Infrastructure. In September 2015, he was promoted to the position of First Deputy Mayor.[9]

In the October 2015 Kharkiv local election, Terekhov was elected as a deputy to the Kharkiv City Council, representing the Revival.[9] He subsequently became the leader of the party's parliamentary faction in the council and served as a member of the standing committee on planning, budget, and finance. In 2019, he took over as head of the Opposition Bloc in the Kharkiv City Council.[15]

Ihor Terekhov at the funeral of Hennadiy Kernes

In the October 2020 Kharkiv local election Terekhov was in second place on the party list and was re-elected for the party Kernes Bloc — Successful Kharkiv, the party of then incumbent Mayor Hennadiy Kernes.[9][16][17]

On 9 December 2020, during a session of the Kharkiv City Council, Terekhov was elected as its Secretary, with 73 out of 84 deputies voting in favor of his candidacy.[18] On 17 December 2020 Kernes died in Berlin of COVID-19.[6][7] After the death of Kernes his duties were performed by City Council Secretary Terekhov.[5]

Mayor of Kharkiv

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Ihor Terekhov, Acting Mayor of Kharkiv, 2021

The Kharkiv City Council terminated the powers of Kernes on 24 December 2020[2] On 30 March 2021 the Ukrainian parliament set the date for the Kharkiv early mayoral election on 31 October 2021.[2][19] In this election Successful Kharkiv nominated Terekhov as its mayoral candidate.[20]

In May 2021, Terekhov promised that the Kharkiv City Council would appeal a ruling by the Kharkiv District Administrative Court that revoked the regional status of the Russian language in Kharkiv.[21][22] However, the appeal was rejected because the City Council's legal team failed to file the documents on time and did not meet the proper filing requirements.[23]

Terekhov advocated for reverting the name of Petro Grigorenko Avenue back to "Marshal Zhukov Avenue," despite accusations from critics that this violated the Ukrainian decommunization laws (specifically the law "On Condemning the Communist and National Socialist Regimes").[24] However, the Kharkiv City Council lost three consecutive court cases regarding the renaming. Additionally, Terekhov opposed the dismantling of the Georgy Zhukov bust in Kharkiv.[25]

The election commission declared Terekhov the winner of the election with 50.66% of the votes.[8] Mykhailo Dobkin finished the race in second place with 28.4% of the vote.[8] Observers reported numerous irregularities in the election and tried to annul the results of 9 polling stations through court.[8] At an extraordinary session of the Kharkiv City Council on 11 November 2021 Terekhov was sworn in as the new Mayor of Kharkiv.[1]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

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Posters of Ihor Terekhov and Successful Kharkiv in 2025. The text reads: "Proud to be a Kharkiv Resident!" They were installed throughout the city, for which they were criticized.[26][27]

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Terekhov introduced free public transportation throughout Kharkiv.[28][29][30] Under martial law, his administration implemented several social initiatives, including the provision of free communal meals,[31][32] the establishment of public water distribution stations,[33][34] and various other humanitarian aid programs.[35][36][37]

On October 5, 2022, Taras Kremin, Ukraine's Language Ombudsman, criticized Terekhov for speaking in Russian on air, but did not impose a fine.[38]

On November 24, Terekhov again spoke in Russian while on air for a telethon, and Kremin in turn imposed a fine of 3,400 Hryvnias for not speaking in Ukrainian.[39] In response, Terekhov stated that "the most important matter is victory" in the war, and that he promised to "speak Ukrainian in official matters", but will continue to "speak Russian during communication with Kharkiv residents".[40][41] He later made clear that he would pay the fine.[42]

On December 29, Taras Kremin again imposed a fine on Terekhov, this time for using Russian in the mayor's social media pages.[43] On January 12, 2023, Terekhov appealed the fine on administrative grounds, which was successful by a court decision in April.[44] After this incident, the mayor's pages switched to using Ukrainian. In July 2023, Terekhov admitted that "the war has changed the mentality of both Kharkiv residents and Ukrainians", and that he now believes "it is necessary to speak Ukrainian".[45]

On 18 September 2025, Terekhov initiated the creation of the Association of Frontline Cities and Hromadas of Ukraine and became its head.[46][47]

In April 2026, Terekhov and his administration faced domestic criticism regarding their fiscal policies. Opponents accused the municipal leadership of prioritizing politically popular subsidized initiatives, such as free public transportation, over long-term fiscal stability. Critics and political opponents characterized these measures as left-wing populism, arguing that the public relations benefits of the programs came at the expense of managing the city's mounting municipal debt and addressing the deteriorating financial condition of communal services.[48][49][50][51]

Personal life

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Terekhov identifies as ethnically Russian, and has said that his government documents state so as well. He has also added that his father was Jewish.[52]

Father — Oleksandr, was a sports physician.[53]

Mother — Viktoriia. The enterprise OJSC KhP "Kondytsioner" was registered under her name after Terekhov became a public official.[54]

Divorced, has three children. From his first marriage — a son, Mykola (born 1995); from his second marriage — Matvii (born 2003) and Andrii (born 2006).[55]

As of December 2021, Terekhov was in a relationship with Hanna Kuznietsova, a deputy of the Kharkiv Oblast Council of the 7th and 8th convocations.[56]

According to his 2019 financial disclosure, Terekhov declared ₴6 million in cash savings. He also jointly owned two apartments in Kharkiv with his mother and leased a Mercedes-Benz GL 350 automobile.[57]

Awards

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  • Order of Courage, 2nd class (2025) – "for significant personal contribution to state-building, development of local self-government, selfless performance of official duty under martial law, and loyalty to the Ukrainian people."[58]
  • Order of Courage, 3rd class (2022) – "for significant personal contribution to the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, courage and selfless actions displayed during the defense of populated areas from Russian invaders."[59]
  • Order of Merit, 3rd class (2012) – "for significant personal contribution to the socio-economic, scientific, technical, cultural, and educational development of Kharkiv Oblast, significant labor achievements, and high professional skill."[60]
  • Honored Economist of Ukraine (18 January 2007)[61]
  • "Golden Trident" Medal (2023) – Distinction of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine[62]
  • Honorary Diploma of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (2016)
  • Honorary Diploma of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2004)
  • "Slobozhanska Slava" (Slobozhansky Glory) Honorary Badge of the Kharkiv Oblast Council (2016)
  • Honorary Diploma of the Kharkiv Oblast State Administration and Oblast Council (2004)
  • Honorary Diploma of the Kharkiv City Executive Committee (2002)
  • "For Diligence" Honorary Badge of the Mayor of Kharkiv, dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the founding of Kharkiv (1654–2004) (2004)

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 3 "Terekhov officially became the mayor of Kharkiv" (in Ukrainian). Ukrayinska Pravda. November 11, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "The Rada has scheduled the election of the mayor of Kharkiv for October" (in Ukrainian). Ukrayinska Pravda. March 30, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "He came out of the shadows. What is known about Ihor Terekhov, who became acting the mayor of Kharkiv after the death of Hennadiy Kernes" (in Ukrainian). nv.ua. December 17, 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Our Team for the Kharkiv Regional Council" (in Ukrainian). Block Kernes - Successful Kharkiv.
  5. 1 2 Mefford, Brian (December 22, 2020). "Death of Kharkiv mayor Kernes marks end of era". Atlantic Council - UkraineAlert.
  6. 1 2 "Kharkiv mayor Kernes dies". Ukrinform. December 17, 2020.
  7. 1 2 "Помер Геннадій Кернес: мер Харкова, який виграв вибори з реанімації" (in Ukrainian). BBC Ukrainian. December 17, 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Kharkiv mayoral election: the court denied OPORA's lawsuits, although it acknowledged differences" (in Ukrainian). Ukrayinska Pravda. November 9, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Small biography on Ihor Terekhov" (in Ukrainian). Civil movement "Chesno".
  10. ↑ "«Черноморец» Одесса - «ЭВИС» Николаев - 2:1 06.06.1992". footballfacts.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  11. ↑ Барков, Олег. "https://ua.tribuna.com/uk/blogs/tulpan/2900286/". ua.tribuna.com (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2026-05-20. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  12. ↑ "Про відзначення державними нагородами України". Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  13. ↑ LLC, Hulu. "Терехов Игорь Александрович | Официальный сайт Харьковского городского совета, городского головы, исполнительного комитета". www.city.kharkov.ua (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  14. ↑ "Кто такой Игорь Терехов, который возглавит Харьков после Кернеса" (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2021-01-04. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  15. ↑ "Оппозиционный блок поддержал решение харьковских депутатов о возвращении проспекту Маршала Жукова исторического названия". KP.UA (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  16. ↑ "The first donors appeared in the Kernes Bloc – Successful Kharkiv party (Updated)" (in Ukrainian). Civil movement "Chesno". June 24, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Kharkiv City Council denies reports on mayor's COVID-19 coma". UNIAN. September 15, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Избран секретарь Харьковского горсовета - Status Quo". Status Quo (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  19. ↑ ""Servant of the people" will not nominate a candidate for mayor of Kharkiv" (in Ukrainian). Ukrayinska Pravda. September 6, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Kernes' bloc nominated Terekhov as a candidate for mayor]" (in Ukrainian). Ukrayinska Pravda. September 6, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Терехов хочет вернуть русскому статус регионального языка Харькова • Версия для печати • Портал АНТИКОР". antikor.ua. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  22. ↑ "«Дома мы общаемся на русском». Терехов вновь заявил о желании вернуть региональный статус русскому языку в Харькове". NV (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  23. ↑ "Суд не ухвалив апеляцію на рішення про скасування російської мови у Харкові". Kharkiv today (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  24. ↑ Терехов на повышенных тонах пообещал оставить маршала Жукова на карте Харькова. Archived from the original on 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  25. ↑ Федоркова, Тетяна (2021-09-28). "Харківський проспект Жукова знову став проспектом Григоренка — рішення суду". Суспільне | Новини (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2021-10-18. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  26. ↑ Прокопенко, Юліана Топольник, Сергій (2025-05-23). "Що ми бачимо на білбордах Харкова і чому це важливо помічати". Ґвара Медіа (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2025-09-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ↑ "Харкову сьогодні не потрібно ніякої нової забудови. Інтерв'ю з архітекторкою Ольгою Клейтман". DUMKA.MEDIA (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  28. ↑ LLC, Hulu. "В Харькове временно сделают бесплатный проезд". www.city.kharkiv.ua/ (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2025-01-26. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  29. ↑ "Терехов рассказал, что будет с бесплатным проездом в Харькове в 2026 году". 2day.kh.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  30. ↑ Бордовський, Сергій (2025-11-26). "Харків зберігатиме безкоштовний проїзд у міському транспорті у 2026 році — Терехов | Головне в Україні". glavnoe.in.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  31. ↑ "Где выдают бесплатные горячие обеды в Харькове: адреса". www.objectiv.tv (in Russian). 2025-11-11. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  32. ↑ "Где в Харькове выдают бесплатные обеды". 2day.kh.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  33. ↑ "Бесплатная вода в Харькове: где работают бюветы, - АДРЕСЫ". 057.ua - Сайт города Харькова (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  34. ↑ "В Харькове работает 41 бювет с бесплатной питьевой водой". DUMKA.MEDIA (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  35. ↑ "Бесплатные продукты для ВПЛ и пенсионеров в Харькове: перечень главных условий для получения пищи". Politeka (in Russian). 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  36. ↑ "Харьков ежедневно обеспечивает горячим питанием до 59 тыс. человек". novyny.live (in Russian). 2025-11-30. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  37. ↑ "Новости Харькова - В Харькове продолжают внедрять льготные инициативы | Главные новости Харькова сегодня". Status Quo (in Russian). 2025-11-21. doi:10.2025/v-xarkove-prodolzayut-vnedryat-lgotnye-iniciativy. Retrieved 2025-11-30.
  38. ↑ "Мовний омбудсмен просить Ігоря Терехова послуговуватися українською" (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  39. ↑ "Уповноважений із захисту державної мови - Харківському міському голові винесено постанови про накладення адміністративних стягнень". mova-ombudsman.gov.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2022-12-05.
  40. ↑ "Оштрафований Терехов заявив, що продовжить спілкуватися з харків'янами російською мовою" (in Ukrainian). Процитовано. November 25, 2022.
  41. ↑ Tsvyetkova, Sofia (November 25, 2022). "Штраф за порушення мовного закону: Терехов прокоментував постанову омбудсмена" (in Ukrainian). Suspilne Kharkiv. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Міський голова Харкова пообіцяв сплатити штраф за російську мову". 2day.kh.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on February 3, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Ігор Терехов пішов до суду за російську мову". 2day.kh.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  44. ↑ "Суд скасував штраф Терехову за російську мову в соцмережах. Омбудсмен подасть апеляцію". 2day.kh.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  45. ↑ "Терехов про перехід на українську: Це наша мова, і цим ми відрізняємося, у тому числі від росіян". Гордон (in Ukrainian). July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Мэр Харькова Игорь Терехов инициировал создание новой ассоциации". DUMKA.MEDIA (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  47. ↑ "Руководить Ассоциацией прифронтовых городов и громад будет Терехов (фото)". www.objectiv.tv (in Russian). 2025-09-18. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  48. ↑ ""Харків комуністичний". Як Терехов будує політику на боргах за електрику та газ". Економічна правда (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2026-04-17.
  49. ↑ ""Коммунальный социализм" мэра Харькова Терехова приведет к коллапсу во всей энергосистеме страны, – "Экономическая правда" | Українські Новини". ukranews.com (in Russian). 2026-04-08. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
  50. ↑ "Колосальна сума: Шмигаль назвав місто, яке заборгувало державі 31 млрд за комуналку". ТСН.ua (in Ukrainian). 2026-04-10. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
  51. ↑ Макаров, Олег (2026-04-10). "Нардеп Бакумов виступив проти харків'ян, закликавши лишити їх без комунальних послуг - блогер". glavred.net (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2026-04-17.
  52. ↑ ❓ ЗРАДНИК ЧИ НІ: мер Харкова Терехов - росіянин??. ТСН. 2022-05-31. Retrieved 2025-07-04 – via YouTube.
  53. ↑ Ігор Терехов // УКРАЇНА З ТИГРАНОМ МАРТИРОСЯНОМ – 5 червня. Archived from the original on 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  54. ↑ "Вышел из тени. Что известно об Игоре Терехове, ставшем и.о. мэра Харькова после смерти Геннадия Кернеса". NV (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  55. ↑ "Игорь Терехов - новый глава Харькова. Что о нем известно". РБК-Украина (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  56. ↑ "У коханої жінки міського голови Харкова Терехова є незадекларована нерухомість у Франції". @bastion_tv (in Ukrainian). 2025-10-06. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
  57. ↑ "Ігор Терехов - новий глава Харкова. Що про нього відомо". РБК-Украина (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  58. ↑ "ІПС ЛІГА:ЗАКОН - система пошуку, аналізу та моніторингу нормативно-правової бази". ips.ligazakon.net. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  59. ↑ "Про відзначення державними нагородами України". Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  60. ↑ "УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА УКРАЇНИ №549/2012 — Офіційне інтернет-представництво Президента України". Офіційне інтернет-представництво Президента України (in ua). Archived from the original on 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2026-05-26.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  61. ↑ "Про відзначення державними нагородами України". Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2021-02-13. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  62. ↑ Цвєткова, Софія (2023-04-04). "Міністр оборони нагородив мера та начальника Харківської ОВА". Суспільне | Новини (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2026-05-26.
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