Ukrainian Community in the Camp for Imprisoned Officers of the Tsarist Army in Hannoversch Münden, Germany (1917 — the first half of 1918)

Abstract

The article examines the establishment and activities of the Ukrainian prisoner-of-war officers’ community in the Hannoversch Münden camp (Germany) during 1917 and the first half of 1918. This development significantly intensified the process of awakening national consciousness among Ukrainian officers, which proved crucial for the subsequent formation of the Ukrainian army. Through the combined efforts of the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine leadership and officers who had already developed a strong national identity, it became possible to establish cultural and educational centers within the camp and engage fellow prisoners who remained undecided about their national and political allegiances. The creation of the Ukrainian community in Hannoversch Münden held great significance not only for fostering national-patriotic education among Ukrainian officers but also for establishing Ukrainian national units in prisoner-of-war camps — an initiative that became feasible following the peace agreement between the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the Central Powers signed in Brest in February 1918. Through the joint efforts of a relatively small group of Ukrainian officers, it became possible to lay the foundational groundwork for the Ukrainian army. Although the two Blue Coat divisions were subsequently disarmed, their officer corps actively participated in the Ukrainian people’s national liberation struggle from 1917 to 1920.