Mihail Bilinskiy Rear Admiral of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR). Date of Birth: 04.11.1883

1. Early Life and Naval Career
2. Return to Ukraine and Naval Administration
3. Ukrainian Independence Movement
4. Military Command and Final Acts

Early Life and Naval Career

Mykhailo Belinsky was born into a wealthy peasant family and pursued his education at the Poltava Classical Gymnasium and the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages in Moscow. In 1904, he volunteered as a cadet in the Russian Navy, serving on the destroyers "Buiny" and "Pamyat Azova."

Return to Ukraine and Naval Administration

After being discharged from military service, Belinsky worked in the Ministry of Finance. At the outbreak of World War I, he re-joined the Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant and serving as Assistant Commander of the 2nd Baltic Crew. He was promoted to Senior Lieutenant.

In December 1917, Belinsky returned to Ukraine and became Director of the Control Department of the Secretariat for Naval Affairs of the Central Rada. Subsequently, he headed the Main Naval Economic Administration during the Ukrainian State under Hetman Pavlo Skoropadsky.

Ukrainian Independence Movement

Belinsky joined the Socialist Independence Party and actively participated in the preparation of an uprising against Skoropadsky. With the establishment of the Directory of Ukraine in 1918, Belinsky became Acting Secretary of Naval Affairs. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms for the Ukrainian Navy.

Military Command and Final Acts

After resigning due to political differences, Belinsky became Commander of the Naval Infantry Division of the Ukrainian People's Army in 1919. The division fought against the Red Army and participated in the First Winter Campaign.

From 1919 to 1920, Belinsky served as Chief of the Naval General Staff and Minister of Internal Affairs for the Ukrainian National Republic. He continued to serve in the army with his division until the end of 1920.

After being interned in Polish camps, Belinsky joined the Council of the Republic in 1921 and played a role in drafting the Ukrainian Constitution. As a member of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, he participated in the Second Winter Campaign. Amidst a hopeless situation, he committed suicide rather than be captured by the enemy.