Introduction
World War II was a tumultuous period in history, marked by complex allegiances and shifting loyalties. Among the myriad of actors involved, the motivations of Ukrainian individuals joining the Wehrmacht are often misunderstood. This article will delve into the reasons behind their participation, including personal motivations, historical context, and political pressures.
Personal Motivations
Like many civilians from occupied territories, some Ukrainians joined the Wehrmacht due to a variety of personal motivations. These factors ranged from a desire for adventure to a sense of duty, or in some cases, family pressures. Individuals might have seen this as an opportunity to prove their worth, gain status, or secure their families' futures in the face of Soviet rule.
Historical and Political Context
Historically, the relationship between Ukrainians and Russians was marked by mutual distrust and animosity. The Wehrmacht offered the allure of liberation from Soviet control, a promise that tightened its grip on eastern Europe. Additionally, some Ukrainians believed that aligning with the Nazis could help them achieve an independent Ukrainian state, free from both Soviet and Polish domination.
Division of Ukrainian Lands
Understanding the division of Ukrainian lands between the First and Second World Wars is crucial to comprehending the motivations of Ukrainian individuals. After World War I, the Ukrainian People’s Republic declared independence but was eventually divided, with the largest part absorbed into the Soviet Union. This led to a deep dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles, which recognized the dismemberment of Ukrainian lands and the creation of a Soviet-dominated EasternNotificationCenter
The Role of German Fascism
German fascism, particularly during the leadership of figures like Heinrich Himmler, promised greater autonomy for Ukraine in some scenarios. Alfred Rosenberg, on the other hand, supported the idea of a Ukrainian puppet state. Despite these varied approaches, the Nazi leadership ultimately prioritized control over genuine autonomy for Ukraine. They envisioned making Ukraine a colony, exploiting its resources while denying its people any rights.
Formation of Ukrainian Units
In early 1941, as the Nazis prepared to invade the USSR, they allowed Ukrainian nationalist groups to form two battalions, "Roland" and "Nachtigall". These units, though largely composed of Ukrainians, were under the command of German Wehrmacht officers. Upon the German invasion of parts of western Ukraine in late June 1941, many locals saw the German forces as liberators, and the presence of Ukrainian units played a significant role in the lack of major resistance.
Decline and Reformation
The situation changed dramatically on June 30, 1941, when Ukrainian nationalists declared the restoration of Ukrainian independence in Lviv. However, this act of defiance was swiftly suppressed by Nazi German authorities. Major OUN leaders, including Stepan Bandera, were imprisoned. This suppression led to mass desertions from the Ukrainian units within the German army, with many fighters hiding in the countryside and joining anti-German partisan formations. By 1942, these deserters formed the basis of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which engaged in warfare against both Nazis, Soviets, and Poles.
Evolving Loyalties
Despite the decline of these early units, some Ukrainians continued to enlist in Wehrmacht units. For example, many Soviet war prisoners of Ukrainian ethnicity agreed to join the Germans as part of the “Ukrainian Liberation Army,” even if this decision was often a forced one. By the end of the war, as Soviet forces reentered Ukrainian lands, many western Ukrainians agreed to join German-led national units such as the 14th Waffen-SS division “Galicia” to fight against Communists. These units later came under the command of the Ukrainian National Army, which was subordinate to the German Ukrainian National Committee.
Aftermath
After Germany's capitulation, many of these Ukrainian volunteers were interned. To avoid deportation to the USSR, they were required to prove their Ukrainian nationality to the victorious Allies. Those who managed to stay in the West became active members of Ukrainian immigrant communities in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Their experiences and the complex nature of their loyalties continue to be a subject of historical and social inquiry.