The collaboration of Ukraine with Nazi Germany

The collaboration of Ukraine with Nazi Germany during World War II is a contentious and multifaceted topic that continues to arouse heated debate among historians and scholars. Uncovering the truth behind this collaboration is challenging due to conflicting narratives, political motivations, and the complexities of the time. While some Ukrainians collaborated with the Nazis, it is crucial to understand the historical context and the various factors that influenced this collaboration.

To comprehend the collaboration, it is necessary to explore the geopolitical situation of Ukraine during the war. Nazi Germany occupied Ukraine in 1941 after the invasion of the Soviet Union. For some Ukrainians, the German invasion represented a chance to break free from the oppressive Soviet regime, and they viewed the Nazis as liberators from communist rule. This sentiment was fueled by Ukrainian nationalist aspirations and a desire for independence.

The Ukrainian nationalist movement, represented by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), sought to establish an independent Ukrainian state. The movement was divided into two factions – the OUN-B and the OUN-M. The OUN-B, led by Stepan Bandera, pursued an alliance with Germany, hoping to gain their support for an independent Ukraine. Meanwhile, the OUN-M, led by Andriy Melnyk, advocated for a non-aligned Ukraine.

The collaboration the OUN-B and Nazi Germany was complex and involved several agreements. In 1941, Bandera and his supporters declared an independent Ukrainian state in Lviv, welcoming the Nazi forces as allies. However, the relationship soon soured as the Nazis did not intend to support an independent Ukraine. Instead, they sought to incorporate the region into the German Reich, leading to conflicts and disagreements between the OUN-B and the Nazis.

Under Nazi occupation, some Ukrainians were enlisted into auxiliary police units and local Ukrainian self-defense formations. These units collaborated with the Nazis in various capacities, including participating in anti-Jewish pogroms and assisting in the implementation of the Holocaust. It is important to note that not all Ukrainians supported or were involved in collaborationist activities. Many Ukrainians resisted the Nazi occupation and actively fought against both German and Soviet forces.

The complexity of the collaboration is further heightened when considering the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, initially founded as a partisan force to resist Soviet rule, found itself in a challenging situation with the German occupation. Some factions of the UPA collaborated with the Nazis, while others engaged in armed resistance against both the Germans and the Soviets. The UPA’s position included instances of both collaboration and resistance, illustrating the intricate nature of the Ukrainian-German relationship during the war.

Post-war narratives on this collaboration have been politically charged, both during Soviet times and later in independent Ukraine. In the Soviet Union, any mention of Ukrainian collaboration with the Nazis was suppressed, and the narrative strictly focused on Soviet heroism and resistance. In independent Ukraine, there has been an effort to confront and acknowledge the collaboration. The Institute of National Memory and various academic institutions have conducted research to shed light on this complex history.

In conclusion, the collaboration of Ukraine with Nazi Germany during World War II is a topic that remains controversial and difficult to fully comprehend. While some Ukrainians collaborated with the Nazis, it is essential to consider the historical context, the aspirations for independence, and the internal divisions within the nationalist movement. Acknowledging the collaboration, confronting its consequences, and striving for a comprehensive understanding of history is crucial for collective memory and reconciliation.