Legal basis of the incorporation of the USSR of Galicia in 1939

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of our study is to determine the legal basis and arguments for the incorporation of Galicia in the USSR in 1939, the place of the "Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact", as well as the features of the Sovietization of the newly annexed territories. The ideological and historical reasons for the incorporation of the newly annexed territories by the Soviet state, the specifics of the geopolitical situation in Europe at the time, and the legal interpretation of the "reunification" process are also determined. Method. The methodology includes a comprehensive analysis and generalization of theoretical and source material and further formulation of relevant conclusions and recommendations. The study used the principles of objectivity and systematicity, as well as general scientific, special legal and special historical methods of scientific knowledge: analysis, synthesis, comparative, functional-legal, system-historical. Results. It is established that the process of incorporation of Western Ukrainian lands into the Ukrainian SSR took place on the basis of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. From a legal point of view, Germany and the USSR did not violate the norms of international law in force at the time. In addition, the occupation of Galicia was justified from a historical and ideological point of view. Despite the harsh policy of Sovietization, repression and deportation, there were positive consequences, revived the foundations of the unity of the Ukrainian lands. Beginning in October 1939, Soviet law and a new administrative-territorial system were introduced, based on law enforcement and criminal law, which qualified all opponents of the government as «enemies of the people». Scientific novelty. For the first time, the legal basis for formulating the incorporation of Western Ukrainian lands into the USSR, ideological, legal and historical arguments of the Soviet government, which were used to attack Poland, were traced. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in further historical and legal studies, preparation of special courses.