The Declaration of Ukraine's Independence by OUN in 1941

Name: The Declaration of Ukraine's Independence by OUN in 1941
Start: 1909-06-30
Location: Unspecified

Historic Declaration: Ukraine's Independence in 1941

On June 30, 1941, a significant milestone occurred in the history of Ukraine when the Ukrainian Nationalists, known as the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), declared Ukraine's independence during World War II. The backdrop of this event was the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany, which presented a chaotic environment that the OUN aimed to exploit to establish an independent state free from foreign control.

The OUN and Their Vision for Ukraine

The OUN, under the leadership of Stepan Bandera, was a nationalist organization seeking to advance Ukrainian autonomy and identity. With the German invasion, they viewed the moment as a historic chance to proclaim sovereignty. They announced this independence in Lviv, which was crucial for galvanizing the nationalist sentiment among Ukrainians who had long suffered under foreign dominations, including the Polish and Soviet regimes.

Proclamation of Independence

The proclamation included a declaration of sovereignty and called for the formation of a Ukrainian state. However, the OUN's independent aspirations were complicated by the interests of Nazi Germany, who initially welcomed their cooperation against the Soviets but had little intention of allowing true Ukrainian independence.

Immediate Aftermath and Repercussions

The reaction to the declaration was mixed. While it inspired fervent nationalist sentiments, the response from German authorities was swift. The Nazis arrested many OUN leaders, including Bandera himself, which led to a suppression of the movement.

Impact on Ukrainian Nationalism

This event reignited a sense of national identity among many Ukrainians, who had been suppressed for decades. The declaration, though short-lived, set the stage for future independence movements and became a symbol of Ukraine's enduring quest for sovereignty.

Long-Term Consequences

While Ukraine did not achieve independence until 1991, the aspirations expressed by the OUN in 1941 remained a thread running through the fabric of Ukrainian national consciousness, influencing subsequent movements aimed at achieving self-determination.

Fun Fact

Stepan Bandera's Legacy

Stepan Bandera, a prominent OUN leader, became a controversial figure in Ukrainian history, revered by some for his commitment to Ukrainian independence while vilified by others due to his association with nationalist violence and anti-communist policies.