Uman in the events of the First winter campaign of the Ukrainian nationalist army
Abstract
Bezhynar Taras. Uman in the events of the First winter campaign of the Ukrainian nationalist army
Abstract. The article is dedicated to a detailed analysis of the role of the Ukrainian People's Army (Ukrainian National Republic Army) in the events of the First Winter Campaign (1919-1920). In the broader context of the Ukrainian revolutionary front of 1917-1921, the occupation of Uman strengthened the strategic positions of the Ukrainian army and marked an important stage that restored its combat capability, providing a temporary opportunity to continue the struggle for Ukrainian independence.
The article analyzes the preconditions that prompted the Ukrainian military command, led by Chief Ataman Symon Petliura, to decide on the First Winter Campaign. It also reveals the challenging situation on the front, complicated by a typhus epidemic, poverty, and a lack of resources. Special emphasis is placed on the strategic significance of Uman as an essential transportation and economic base for supplying food, ammunition, and other necessary resources for the Ukrainian army. The occupation of the city allowed for reinforcing the personnel, mobilizing the local population, and establishing contact with the partisan groups operating in Ukrainian Right Bank.
The article provides a detailed analysis of the battles in Uman in January 1920 and the active participation of the local population, which provided vital support to the Ukrainian army by supplying food and intelligence. The author describes the tactics of the Ukrainian army as consisting of sudden and rapid attacks that successfully broke through the defenses of the Bolshevik forces. An important element is the description of the impact of these battles on the morale of the army and the further development of the First Winter Offensive.
The study also analyzes the political impact of the occupation of Uman on the internal situation in Ukraine. The occupation of the city was an important signal for Ukrainians and the international community that, despite all the difficulties and defeats, the UPR troops were still capable of resistance. This victory became a powerful factor in mobilizing the local population, supporting the national movement, and activating the uprising against the Bolsheviks. The moral boost caused by this victory played a significant role in further military operations of the UPR forces. However, ultimately, the city could not be held for long due to a lack of resources and constant pressure from the enemy.
In the conclusions of the study, it is emphasized that, despite the temporary nature of the first winter campaign, it became a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian soldiers and their devotion to the cause of independence. The Battle of Uman and the entire operation demonstrated a high level of organization and heroism of the UPR forces and became an important step in the strengthening of the national movement, which culminated in Ukraine's independence in 1991.
Key words: Ukrainian People's Republic, Uman, First Winter Campaign, UPR army, Bolshevik troops, war.
