[1] in 1980, Litvinov graduated from the Donetsk State Academy of Music [ru], specializing as an orchestra soloist and instructor.

In 1991, Litvinov graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Donetsk branch of Moscow State University, specializing in management.

During this time period he also served three terms on the Donetsk City Council [ru] as the deputy chairman,[2] and was head of the Kirov district cell of the Communist Party of Ukraine (CPU) until 2014, following Euromaidan.

[6] Litvinov was ousted from his post on November 14, 2014, by Alexander Zakharchenko, and the CPDPR was subsequently banned from participating in the elections to the People's Council of the DPR.

Three communists, including Litvinov, joined the Donetsk Republic Movement, and were elected from it as deputies of the People's Council.