Taras Borovets Ukrainian nationalist, leader of the so-called Bulbovtsy Date of Birth: 09.03.1908 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Nationalist Influence
2. Involvement with OUN and Imprisonment
3. Wartime Activities
4. Formation of the Polissian Sich
5. Collaboration with the Germans
6. Expansion and Recognition

Early Life and Nationalist Influence

Tарас Боровец was born in Bystrychi, Volhynia, in the Russian Empire (now Ukraine). His childhood nickname, "Bulba," was given to him by his elder brothers due to his potato-shaped nose. Despite initial resentment, Boorvetz grew to embrace the moniker after reading Gogol's "Taras Bulba."

In 1932, Boorvetz allegedly encountered former Ukrainian People's Army colonel I. Litvinenko, who tasked him with gathering intelligence in Soviet Ukraine. In 1933, Polish police reported an Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) circle headed by Boorvetz.

Involvement with OUN and Imprisonment

Boorvetz's reconnaissance work was interrupted in 1934 when he was arrested by Polish police for OUN connections. He was sentenced to three years in prison but released in 1935 for good behavior.

From 1935 to 1937, Boorvetz organized a quarry in Korpilyovka. In 1937, he moved to Warsaw due to restrictions on living in border areas.

Wartime Activities

After the German invasion of Warsaw in 1939, Boorvetz briefly worked for the Ukrainian Auxiliary Committee. However, he left after a conflict with its leadership.

The circumstances of Boorvetz's arrival in Soviet Ukraine remain debated. He claims to have crossed the border on August 1, 1940. However, members of OUN(M) monitoring the area deny this, citing strict border security.

Formation of the Polissian Sich

With the outbreak of war, Boorvetz actively fought against Soviet forces. He disapproved of OUN(B)'s June 30, 1941 proclamation of Ukrainian statehood.

In July 1941, Boorvetz was appointed commandant of police in the Sarny region. He formed an armed unit known as the Polissian Sich or Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

Collaboration with the Germans

The Polissian Sich received weapons and orders from German authorities. Boorvetz and his forces participated in the brutal massacre of retreating Red Army units.

Expansion and Recognition

P. Smorodsky became chief of staff of the Polissian Sich-UPA, while Boorvetz appointed D. Ditkevych as his deputy. The organization's strength grew to 2-3 thousand men. It also published a newspaper, "Gaydamaka."