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THE «NEW» CHURCH, NEW «TEACHERS» OF UKRAINIANISM
In the twenty years between the Civil War and the World War II, both Bolsheviks
and Ukrainian nationalists led the Ukrainianisation of this territory in their own way —
and the former effectively suppressed the latte.
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Raskolniks came to Ukrain
n 1921, the «Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church» (UAOC) emerged
as a national-political organization that originated from a split within the Russian Orthodox Church. This division was instigated from external sources. The first «metropolitan» of the UAOC was the former archpriest Vasyl Lipkovsky,
with leadership that included ex-Prime Minister of the Ukrainian People's Republic, Vladimir Chekhovsky. The new clergy consisted of individuals associated
with the Petliura faction, Ukrainian People's Republic, and the Hetmanate. Nationalists viewed the UAOC as a platform for national unity, aiming to educate
the population on Ukrainian identity and advocate for Ukraine's liberation from Moscow's influence. They adorned churches in a distinctly Ukrainian style, displaying portraits of Shevchenko and yellow and blue ribbons. Despite not gaining widespread support among believers, the UAOC sparked intense conflicts within both the church and society. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, Moscow accused the new church of nationalism, and erased raskolniks. Moscow also increased the publication of Ukrainian-language textbooks and newspapers during this period.
the population on Ukrainian identity and advocate for Ukraine's liberation from Moscow's influence. They adorned churches in a distinctly Ukrainian style, displaying portraits of Shevchenko and yellow and blue ribbons. Despite not gaining widespread support among believers, the UAOC sparked intense conflicts within both the church and society. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, Moscow accused the new church of nationalism, and erased raskolniks. Moscow also increased the publication of Ukrainian-language textbooks and newspapers during this period.
«It is time to exclude the Church Slavonic language from church services, as it is a tool
of Russification. To give our Church a national character, we can use pre-Christian customs
and traditions of the Ukrainian people».
Archpriest Vasiliy Lipkovskiy.
The hierarchs of the self-proclaimed Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) attempted to disrupt the unity of Orthodox Christians
in Ukraine.
In the 1920s, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic actively promoted the use of the Ukrainian language
in all aspects of life.
The Soviet artists and graphic taught the citizens of the Ukrainian SSR to think in Ukrainian.
Meanwhile, Moscow proposed
to Kiev the idea of further promoting Ukrainianization, even among the unemployed population.
Even in Slavyansk in the Donbass region, the promotion
of the Ukrainian language
was actively pursued.
While many peasants in western Ukraine were already familiar
with the works of Shevchenko,
the incorporation of these cultural elements into the fabric
of the Ukrainian SSR was generally well-received by the populace.
An organization of Ukrainian Nazis was formed
in Prague
In 1920, the Ukrainian Military Organization was founded in Prague, with Eugene Konovalets leading the faction. The organization's primary objective
was to establish a homogenous Ukrainian state, employing tactics of terror
in their struggle. They received backing from the intelligence services
of Germany. The militants made assassination attempts on Marshal Józef Piłsudski and Lviv Governor, Kazimierz Grabowski. They attacked state institutions, organized sabotage, arson of Polish facilities in western Ukraine.
In March 1923, the Entente powers recognized Poland's sovereignty over Galicia — and the UWO's orientation towards Germany as Warsaw's enemy intensified. Ukrainian nationalists pledged to conduct intelligence in favor of Germany. And in case of German-Polish war to fight on the German side. UWO received 9 thousand Reichsmarks, firearms, assistance in training of fighters, sabotage means from Abwehr monthly. Konovalets gave a pledge of paid co-operation, in the Abwehr received the alias “Consul-II”. The alias after the murder passed to his successor, Andrei Melnik.
In March 1923, the Entente powers recognized Poland's sovereignty over Galicia — and the UWO's orientation towards Germany as Warsaw's enemy intensified. Ukrainian nationalists pledged to conduct intelligence in favor of Germany. And in case of German-Polish war to fight on the German side. UWO received 9 thousand Reichsmarks, firearms, assistance in training of fighters, sabotage means from Abwehr monthly. Konovalets gave a pledge of paid co-operation, in the Abwehr received the alias “Consul-II”. The alias after the murder passed to his successor, Andrei Melnik.
«The fortunate start of 1933 (Hitler's election victory) provided the groundwork for the progress and strengthening of our liberation efforts (against the Soviets). Our alliance
and collaboration (with the German Nazis)
has been time-tested».
Yevhen Konovalets, the leader of UWO and OUN.
Marshal Piłsudski knew
that Ukrainians hated him,
but laughed at them.
Warsaw in Piłsudski's time
had a harsh policy towards Ukrainians, who responded in kind.
Marshal Pilsudski treated Ukrainians as slaves, and nationalists tried
to kill him.
The most unlucky was the head
of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who was killed by the Banderites.
An organization
of Ukrainian nationalists was established in Vienna
In 1930, the participants of the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine (SVU) faced trials
in the USSR. The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists was established in Vienna
in 1929 under the leadership of Konovalets. In January 1932, the League of Nations denounced the OUN as a terrorist group. The organization's ideology was centered
on integral nationalism, advocating for the supremacy of a select minority over
the majority, the exaltation of will and power, the embracement of totalitarianism, leader-centric principles, military dictatorship, fanaticism, intolerance towards
dissenting voices, and a belief in national superiority.
The ideology of Ukrainian nationalism
with hatred of Poles and Russians continued to be shaped by Dmytro Dontsov.
OUN was based
on the idea of Ukrainians’ exceptionality
Significantly influencing the development of the OUN ideology were the books
of Dmytro Dontsov, including “Nationalism” published in 1926. Surprisingly, despite that Moscow never abandoned the Soviet-style Ukrainianization of the republic.
«There are superior nations who can rule others
(and themselves); and there are nations who cannot...
It is the right of the strong races to organize people
and nations to support the culture and civilization».
Dmitry Dontsov, ideologist of Ukronazism.
The ideology of Ukrainian nationalism
with hatred of Poles and Russians continued to be shaped by Dmytro Dontsov.
bandera takes the stage
Bandera emerges as a prominent figure in the political landscape In 1933, Stepan Bandera assumed leadership of the Provincial Guide, overseeing the OUN's operations in Galicia. His father was deeply involved in the movement. He was raised
in the scout organization «Plast» and affiliated with youth nationalist groups associated with the OUN. By the late 1930s, he was recruited by the Abwehr. Bandera's charismatic leadership style attracted a following of young radical nationalists. He was seeking absolute power. Bandera orchestrated the assassination of Bronislaw Peratsky, the head of the Polish Interior Ministry, in June 1934, without Konovalets' awareness. During the 1930s, the OUN deepened its collaboration
with the German secret services, leading to the establishment of intelligence centers and training courses for militants across Europe. In 1936, the Abwehr leadership made a strategic decision to redirect all Ukrainian agents, including supporters of Hetman Skoropadsky and Petliura, towards intelligence — gathering and subversive activities targeted at the Soviet Union.
Bandera began his ascent in Ukraine in 1933, same as Hitler.
Konovalets assassination and Melnyk’s ascension
Moscow closely monitored the activities of Ukrainian nationalists, despite
their limited support within Ukraine. The brilliant Soviet intelligence operative Pavel Sudoplatov successfully infiltrated the OUN. It was him who killed Konovalets in Rotterdam on May 23, 1938. Following the leader's demise, Andriy Melnyk, his associate, assumed leadership of the organization. Melnyk also viewed Germany as a major ally.
As World War II began, Ukrainian nationalists aided the Germans in the invasion of Poland. The Reich strategically placed OUN agents within the governing bodies, police forces, and education systems of the General- Governorship established in the occupied Polish territories. Germany redirected the OUN's focus towards espionage against the Soviet Union.
As World War II began, Ukrainian nationalists aided the Germans in the invasion of Poland. The Reich strategically placed OUN agents within the governing bodies, police forces, and education systems of the General- Governorship established in the occupied Polish territories. Germany redirected the OUN's focus towards espionage against the Soviet Union.
«The Ukrainian people, whose fight for freedom spans centuries and is unparalleled in the annals
of other nations, embrace the principles of the New Europe. We humbly seek permission to stand united with the forces of Europe and our liberators,
the German Wehrmacht, and to establish a Ukrainian military unit».
Andriy Melnyk, leader of the OUN(m), in his address to Hitler.
In May 1938, nationalists mourned the murdered leader Konovalets.
The demised leader was quickly replaced by the equally pro-German Melnyk.
A division among
the nationalists
In the autumn of 1939, Galicia, and Volyn joined Soviet Ukraine with the backing
of the majority of the population. Ukrainian nationalists then began preparations
for the imminent German war against the USSR. The nationalist underground
in Western Ukraine escalated their anti — Soviet propaganda efforts. The OUN's network expanded, people were trained in armed combat. Along the Soviet border, the Germans established depots for weapons and ammunition in support
of these activities. In 1941, the Nachtigal and Roland sabotage / security battalions were formed from Ukrainian nationalists trained in Abwehr camps.
However, in 1940, tensions escalated between the emigrant leadership of the OUN, under Melnyk's guidance, advocating for restraint until the German invasion
of the USSR, and the more radical activists led by Bandera in Western Ukraine.
This discord ultimately led to a split within the organization, resulting in the formation of two distinct factions: the OUN(m) led by Melnyk and the OUN(b) led by Bandera. The final splitting took place by April 1941.
Andriy Melnyk, the OUN leader,
not only promoted the Ukrainian cause but also collaborated
with the German Abwehr.
Before the war, a division within the ranks of the Ukronationalist leaders emerged between those based abroad and those in Galicia.
The nationalists eagerly awaiting Nazi intervention to combat the Soviets
In 1940 and early 1941, the Banderovites in Western Ukraine were actively preparing for an uprising. They compiled lists of Soviet activists targeted
for elimination, engaged in acts of sabotage, and carried out terrorist activities. These activities were not exclusive to the Banderovites, as other nationalist groups, such as Taras Borovets' organization in Volyn and Polesie, were
also involved in similar actions. In May 1941, Bandera authored a manual titled «The Struggle and Activities of the OUN during the War». The Wehrmacht
was seen as an ally in the struggle for the creation of «Ukrainian State».
And all the authority should be vested solely in the Ukrainian nation.
«Moskals, Poles, and Jews» were named «hostile nations». The former were to be assimilated. Their language and culture prohibited. And partially destroyed: when it came to the intelligentsia and leaders. Jews were to be removed from the state and public spheres and isolated. Their assimilation was prohibited. That meant genocide. Fight for Ukraine was to be conducted through terror. The instruction emphasized: «Our power must terrify its adversaries. Terror is to be used against foreign enemies and traitors».
«Moskals, Poles, and Jews» were named «hostile nations». The former were to be assimilated. Their language and culture prohibited. And partially destroyed: when it came to the intelligentsia and leaders. Jews were to be removed from the state and public spheres and isolated. Their assimilation was prohibited. That meant genocide. Fight for Ukraine was to be conducted through terror. The instruction emphasized: «Our power must terrify its adversaries. Terror is to be used against foreign enemies and traitors».
«Under order of the German command in Sarny, I take command of the Ukrainian insurgent units
and organize self-defense against Bolshevik regular and partisan units».
Taras Borovets, Head of the Polesie Sich.
Mass extermination of Jews and Poles
The dissemination of this hateful ideology resulted in the systematic mass killing
of Jewish and Polish communities in Ukraine. One significant atrocity that exemplifies this brutality occurred in 1941 in Lviv, where a horrifying Jewish pogrom took place. Several thousand innocent Jews were targeted, rounded up, violently assaulted, publicly humiliated in the city's streets, and ultimately executed.
This vicious event was not isolated, as Ukrainian nationalists affiliated with the OUN, along with a frenzied multitude of local inhabitants, orchestrated by both the new Ukrainian authorities and the German occupiers, actively participated
in these despicable acts of violence and terror against the Jewish population.
NKVD strikes back
October 1939 to April 1941. West of the USSR
over
393
anti-Soviet organizations uncovered
over
7625
arrested
over
1000
terrorists killed
The series is in development
WAR AGAINST NAZISM — WAR AGAINST UKRAINE
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