Leonid Kuchma, who served as Ukraine's president from 1994 to 2005, marks his 80th birthday on Thursday, August 9.

"The second Ukrainian president celebrates this holiday in Kyiv. Birthday greetings come from all over Ukraine and from many countries of the world - from current and former heads of state, Ukrainian and foreign diplomats, politicians, representatives of the clergy, fellow rocketeers, scientists, journalists, and representatives of the arts," reads a report posted on the website of Kuchma's Ukraine Presidential Foundation.

The foundation's staff wished Kuchma good health, longevity and family comfort.

Kuchma was born on August 9, 1938 in the village of Chaikyne, Chernihiv region. In 1992-1993, he worked as Ukraine's prime minister.