German Influence and the Creation of Ukrainian Nationalist Organizations in 1920–1940

Abstract

The article reflects the process of influence of the German special services on the formation of numerous Ukrainian nationalist organizations. With the coming to power of Hitler, the ties of the OUN with the fascists are strengthening, while the leaders of the Ukrainian nationalists widely advertise not only their practical cooperation with fascism, but also their spiritual kinship with it. The Berlin center of the OUN becomes the body coordinating its work against the USSR. The establishment of Soviet power in Western Ukraine led to the defeat of the OUN, the leaders and most active members of nationalist organizations were forced to flee to the territory occupied by Germany, where the Germans created the most privileged position for them. The Germans began to use Ukrainian nationalists in conducting political and administrative events in occupied Poland. At the same time, measures are being taken to train military personnel from among the Ukrainian nationalists, espionage-terrorist and sabotage-insurgent activities are being intensified in case of intervention by the USSR. With the direct participation and assistance of the German command, Ukrainian nationalist-minded youth are trained in various military schools, training centers of the Abwehr. Under the patronage of Germany, the Ukrainian Uniate Greek Catholic Church operates in the General Government, which was used as a tribune through which nationalism was propagandized. Her plans included the unification of churches and the expansion of her influence not only in Ukraine, but also in the long term in the whole of Russia. A great influence on the Ukrainian population was exerted by various Ukrainian institutions and schools, where the Ukrainian nationalist ideology was formed.