ROMAN DASHKEVYCH'S ROLE IN BATTLES AGAINST THE BOLSHEVIK AND DENIKIN TROOPS (1918–1919)

Abstract

Roman Dashkevych's military work during the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921, in particular, his participation in battles against the Bolshevik and Denikin troops as a head of Ukrainian artillery units, is analyzed. Creating the Sich Riflemen artillery and using it against the troops of white and red Russia in Naddniprianshchyna are highlighted. As stated, the UNR Army General R. Dashkevych played an essential role in the formation of the Ukrainian artillery during the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921, as evidenced by the memories of military, social and political figures of the time, archival sources, and separate historical investigations. First of all, the memoirs of R. Dashkevych himself «Sich Riflemen's Artillery in the Fight for the Golden Gate of Kyiv» were noted for the completeness of the subject coverage of the material. The implementation of several transformations (regroups) of artillery units of the UNR Army by R. Dashkevych is characterized. His attitude to the Ukrainian political regimes of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921 was clarified: the UNR, the Ukrainian State, and the UNR Directory. The military-tactical potential of artillery units commanded by R. Dashkevych, and his ability to make strategic decisions in both defensive battles and offensive operations, are highlighted. Additionally, the moral and psychological atmosphere in the units commanded by R. Dashkevych is described, for instance, factors influencing relations on the line «subordinate-commander». R. Dashkevych's significant contribution to strengthening the Ukrainian army and forming the first artillery units is emphasized. All things considered, currently, there is no comprehensive scientific research on R. Dashkevych's role in the battles against the Bolshevik and Denikin troops during state-building processes in Ukraine (1918–1919). Keywords Roman Dashkevych, artillery, Sich Riflemen, Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921.