Антинімецький фронт бандерівської ОУН: інтерпретації сучасних вітчизняних істориків

Abstract

An analysis of the works of contemporary domestic historians concerning the evolution of the relations of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (Bandera) and Nazi Germany during the period from the end of 1941 to December 1943 is provided. This scientific topic remains complex today and causes not only scientific but also sharp political discussions. The periodization is presented and the characteristic features of relations at each of the stages are revealed. The cooperation of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (“Banderivtsi”) with the Nazi leadership at all stages was determined by the key and unchanging thesis – the attitude of the latter to the idea of an independent Ukrainian state. The purpose of the Ukrainian liberation movement – an independent Ukraine – determined the priorities of its foreign and domestic policies. German secret services already in the end of 1941 set aside the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (“Banderivtsi”) in a cohort of enemies of the Hitlerite Empire. Such an assessment by the German intelligence services refutes the thesis of cooperation between the forces of the Ukrainian liberation movement, falsified by Soviet historiography. In the autumn of 1942, the leadership of the Ukrainian national liberation movement changes the tactics of struggle in connection with the new realities. There was a further accumulation of forces for a popular uprising. The agitation and propaganda work among the Ukrainian people intensified. Organizationally developed structures of the Ukrainian liberation movement. According to historians, 1942 became a kind of rubicon and led to discussions about the further strategy and tactics of the struggle of the subjects of the Ukrainian liberation movement. The brutal Nazi terror significantly radicalized the mood of the Ukrainian self-reliant forces. In 1942, important conferences were held, which in effect legitimized the transition to a strategy of “two-front” struggle. The organization of Ukrainian nationalists (banderivtsi) called the USSR the main and constant enemy and Germany as a temporary occupation. The organization of Ukrainian nationalists (“Melnykivtsi”) had no unanimous position in relation to Hitler’s Germany. The international leadership of the organization, headed by Andriy Melnyk, took a loyalty position to Germany. The head of the organization on the Ukrainian lands Oleg Olzhich took the position of radical action against the German invaders. Conducted by the Melnik conference organization called Germany the same enemy as the communist USSR. The task was to reconcile with the Bandera organization and to develop organizational structures. Anti-Hitler agitation and the formation of armed units had to be strengthened. In general, the Miller’s organization did not produce a clear political line on the Nazis. Historians note that from November 1942 – May 1943 there were important changes in the liberation struggle. The spontaneous process of building up national partisan detachments in Volyn and Polissya has been legalized. The final decision was made to form the armed forces of the organization of Ukrainian nationalists. In connection with the Nazi repressions, it was acknowledged by the incorrect tactics of accumulation of forces. In February 1943, the conference of the organization of Ukrainian nationalists (banderivtsi) in fact legitimized the beginning of an anti-Nazi struggle by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. As a result of the power “unifying” action, the bander’s organization took over leadership in the Ukrainian liberation movement. The period from June to December 1943 by Ukrainian historians was named the peak of the armed struggle of the Ukrainian liberation movement against the Nazi occupants. The intensification of the struggle was caused by another wave of repression by the occupation regime. The defeat of the Wehrmacht on the eastern front and their retreat made adjustments to the strategy of fighting the Ukrainian liberation movement. The leadership of Ukrainian self-governing forces made a decision on the neutrality of the German armed forces in Volyn and Polissya. This, in the opinion of domestic historians, did not stop anti-German actions. Consequently, the contemporary Ukrainian historians in the assessment of the relations between the forces of the Ukrainian liberation movement and Nazi Germany during the period 1941–1943 adhere to such conclusions. A true assessment of Ukrainian-German relations can only be ensured by a systematic, objective approach. The joint efforts of scholars and state institutions must be overcome by false Soviet propaganda slogans depicting fighters for an independent Ukrainian state as “traitors” or collaborators. The Ukrainian liberation movement was a liberating, anticolonial movement that fought for the realization of the strategic goal of gaining an independent Ukraine. The change in the geopolitical situation in the world was corrected by tactical methods of struggle. The struggle of the armed nationalist underground and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army refutes the thesis that the forces of the Ukrainian liberation movement have never fought against Nazi Germany.