1. Petro Petliura's Associate and Nationalist Leader
2. OUN Factional Conflict
3. Role in German-Occupied Ukraine
4. Execution and Legacy
5. Testimony from a Former Policeman

Petro Petliura's Associate and Nationalist Leader

Early Life and Military Career

Mykola Lebed, a prominent Ukrainian nationalist, played a significant role in the Ukrainian independence movement. During the Ukrainian War of Independence, he served as an officer in the Ukrainian National Army (UNA).

After the defeat of the UNA and the collapse of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR), Lebed fled to France. There, he joined the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), which sought Ukrainian independence from foreign powers.

OUN Factional Conflict

Following the split in the OUN, Lebed aligned himself with Andriy Melnyk's faction. He held the position of police commandant of Kyiv from November 1941 until early 1942.

Role in German-Occupied Ukraine

During the German occupation of Ukraine, Lebed was transferred to the 115th Battalion (Schutzmannschaft), where he engaged in anti-partisan operations. He actively promoted nationalist ideology among the police force, earning him the ire of the German authorities.

Execution and Legacy

Lebed's nationalist activities eventually led to his execution by the Germans. His death solidified his status as a martyr for Ukrainian independence and nationalism.

Testimony from a Former Policeman

"Mykola Lebed was a fanatic Ukrainian nationalist. He often spoke of the need for a free and independent Ukraine and encouraged us to fight for our cause."

Statesmen