Born June 8, 1940 in the village area Hurzuk Karachay Karachay-Cherkessia Autonomous Region of Stavropol Territory. Karachai.
He graduated from the Baku Military Command School, Military Academy. M. V. Frunze Military Academy of the General Staff of the USSR.
Army service began in 1958 commander of the infantry platoon. From 1966 to 1970 - commander of the mechanized infantry company. From 1971 to 1973 - chief of staff - deputy commander of the regiment, from 1973 to 1975 - commander of the regiment. In 1975 - 79 - chief of staff - deputy division commander. In 1979 - 86 - commander of army corps, the army commander.
From 1986 to 1988 - first deputy commander of the Trans-Baikal Military District, from September 1988 to August 1991 - Commander of the Trans-Baikal military district. From August to December 1991 - Commander of Ground Forces - Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR.
People's deputy of the USSR from 1989 to January 1992.
Since March 1992 - Force Commander, General purpose of the United Armed Forces of the CIS. Since August 1992 - Commander of Land Forces of Russia.
. February 24, 1997 against
Semenov was a criminal case, an investigation which led to the initiation of another criminal case on the grounds of crime, abuse of power.
. April 11, 1997 President's decree Semyonov was relieved of his post.
. In June 1998 he was appointed chief military adviser to Defense Minister.
. April 5, 1999 by B
.
Semenov was a failed assassination attempt.
May 16, 1999 in the second round of elections
Semenov scored approximately 75% of the votes of the total number of voters who participated in voting. Supporters C. Tree demanded to recognize the elections invalid. Bp. and. about. was appointed head of the republic and. Ivanov.
August 27, 1999 Supreme Court of Karachay-Cherkessia has recognized the election results on May 16 as valid, and
Semenova - the head of the republic.
Supporters C. Tree Circassian proclaimed autonomy and announced the creation of parallel organs of power of the republic.
. October 22, 1999 Supreme Court of Russia has recognized as valid the election results in Karachay-Cherkessia.
. At the end of 1999 were found to membership in the Federation Council.
. Married
. Wife Madeleine, Chechen woman. Has one daughter.