The Ukrainian Insurgent Army was founded on the 14th of October 1942, a date chosen because it fell on the Feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos and Ukrainian Cossacks' Day. The Main Ukrainian Liberation Council officially adopted this date as the UPA's anniversary on the 30th of May 1947.
What were the goals of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army?
The UPA's primary goal was to establish an independent Ukrainian state, free of both Nazi German and Soviet control. The OUN founding declaration stated this was to be achieved by a national revolution led by a dictatorship, followed by a government representing all regions and social groups.
How many Polish civilians were killed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in Volhynia and Galicia?
Estimates of Polish civilian deaths range from 60,000 to 120,000. On the 11th of July 1943, known as Volhynian Bloody Sunday, UPA units attacked 99 Polish villages in three counties in a single day. Poland's Sejm passed a resolution on the 22nd of July 2016 declaring the massacres genocide.
Who was the last commander of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army?
Vasyl Kuk was the UPA's last commander. He was captured by Soviet forces on the 24th of May 1954. Before him, Roman Shukhevych commanded the Main Military Headquarters from November 1943 until he was killed in an ambush near Lviv on the 5th of March 1950.
When did the Ukrainian Insurgent Army officially disband?
The UPA was formally disbanded in early September 1949. Some units continued operations until late 1956, and the MGB of the Ukrainian SSR reported that the liquidation of armed units and the OUN underground was accomplished by the beginning of 1956. The officially recorded last engagement was in October 1956, near the Hungarian border.
Did the Ukrainian Insurgent Army receive official veteran status in Ukraine?
Yes, in March 2019 surviving UPA members were officially granted veteran status by the Ukrainian government, making them eligible for free public transport, subsidized medical services, annual monetary aid, and public utility discounts. Previous attempts during the 2005-2009 presidency of Viktor Yushchenko had failed to pass.