Did Ukraine fight with Germany in WW2? This is a question that often arises when discussing the complexities of World War II. The answer is not straightforward, as Ukraine’s role during the war was influenced by various factors, including its occupation by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
The history of Ukraine during World War II is a testament to the devastating impact of the conflict on the region. When the war began in 1939, Ukraine was under the control of the Soviet Union. However, after the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, Ukraine was occupied by Nazi Germany. This occupation marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the Ukrainian people, who were caught in the middle of a deadly conflict.
During the initial phase of the German occupation, some Ukrainians were hopeful that the Nazis would bring an end to Soviet rule and restore Ukrainian independence. This sentiment was fueled by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist group that sought to achieve Ukrainian independence through armed resistance. The UPA initially collaborated with the German forces, fighting against the Soviet troops that remained in the region.
However, the relationship between the UPA and the German occupiers was complex and often fraught with tensions. The UPA’s ultimate goal was Ukrainian independence, not Nazi Germany’s vision for Eastern Europe. This led to a gradual breakdown in the alliance between the two groups. As the war progressed, the UPA’s activities expanded, targeting both German and Soviet forces, as well as local communists and other political enemies.
Simultaneously, the Ukrainian Soviet Republic (USR) was established in the occupied territories by the Soviet Union. The USR aimed to maintain control over Ukraine and mobilize the local population against the German occupation. The USR was responsible for organizing anti-German resistance and providing support to the Soviet Red Army when it began its counteroffensive in 1943.
The war in Ukraine took a heavy toll on the civilian population. The occupation forces implemented brutal policies, including forced labor, mass executions, and the Holodomor—the man-made famine of 1932-1933, which had already caused millions of deaths. The Nazi regime also carried out ethnic cleansing and the extermination of Jews in Ukraine, making the region one of the worst-hit areas during the Holocaust.
As the tide of war turned against the Axis powers, the Soviet Union began to regain control over Ukraine. In 1943, the Red Army pushed the German forces out of the region, and the Ukrainian Soviet Republic was re-established under Soviet rule. The UPA continued its struggle for Ukrainian independence, but by this time, the Soviet Union had become the dominant power in the region.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s involvement in World War II was multifaceted. While it is true that Ukraine was occupied by Nazi Germany and experienced the harsh realities of the occupation, the Ukrainian people were not unified in their support for the German forces. The UPA’s struggle for independence, the efforts of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic, and the devastating impact of the war on the civilian population all contribute to the complex narrative of Ukraine’s role during World War II. The answer to the question of whether Ukraine fought with Germany in WW2 is not a simple yes or no but rather a reflection of the complex and tragic history of the region during that time.
