Between 1977 and 1979 Plyushch studied in Moscow at the Central Committee of the Communist Party Academy of Social Science.

The bloc won 1.87% of popular vote,[6] short of the required 3% threshold, and obtained no seats in the parliament.

In May 2007, Plyushch was appointed secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council by President Viktor Yushchenko.

Plyushch interpreted the council's responsibilities to include economic, environmental and energy security as well as military matters.

This made it a key instrument in the President's efforts to assert his authority over the government headed by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.