Lev Shankovsky, Ukrainian military historian (b. 1903)

Lev Shankovsky (Ukrainian: Шанко́вський Лев Петро́вич, also known as Шанкі́вський), who also used the pseudonyms "Dzvin" and "Oleh Martovych," was a prominent figure in Ukrainian history, remembered as a dedicated military historian, a veteran of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), and a leading member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). His intellectual contributions were recognized through his full membership in the esteemed Shevchenko Scientific Society, a testament to his scholarly standing and commitment to Ukrainian culture and research.

Early Life and Formative Military Experiences

Born in 1903 in the picturesque village of Duliby, located in the Stryi Raion, Lev Shankovsky's early life was profoundly shaped by the tumultuous political landscape of early 20th-century Ukraine. He pursued military education, training in both Ukrainian and Polish schools, which provided him with a comprehensive understanding of military strategy and tactics from various perspectives. His unwavering commitment to Ukrainian statehood was evident from his early service in the armies of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR) and the Ukrainian Galician Army (UGA) – two crucial formations striving for Ukrainian independence in the aftermath of World War I. Notably, he was among the courageous participants of the First Winter Campaign in 1920, a critical episode where Ukrainian forces fought to maintain their sovereignty against multiple adversaries, deeply influencing his later historical work and personal convictions.

Role in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and Wartime Leadership

During the Second World War, a period of immense strife and shifting allegiances in Eastern Europe, Lev Shankovsky actively participated in the Ukrainian resistance movement as a soldier within the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, formed in 1942, aimed to establish an independent Ukrainian state, often finding itself fighting against both Nazi German and Soviet forces, leading to complex and frequently tragic outcomes in a brutal conflict zone. By January 1944, Shankovsky’s leadership qualities were clearly recognized, as he was entrusted with heading an initiating commission. In this crucial role, he worked diligently to forge connections and establish dialogue with representatives of various former Ukrainian political parties and non-partisan activists, striving to unite disparate factions under a common goal during a period of intense fragmentation and external pressure.

Historical Perspectives and Contested Narratives

Lev Shankovsky’s historical commentary sometimes touched upon sensitive and contested aspects of Ukrainian history, reflecting the intense and often politicized debates surrounding the past. For instance, he famously asserted during a round-table discussion that organized anti-Semitism "never existed" in Ukraine. This particular statement represents a perspective that remains a subject of considerable historical debate and scrutiny among scholars, especially given the documented instances of anti-Jewish violence and pogroms that occurred in various periods of Ukrainian history, including during World War II. It is important to contextualize this assertion within the broader, often polemical, historical discussions surrounding Ukrainian nationalism and its relationship with other ethnic groups, understanding it as a specific viewpoint from a participant in and historian of these movements.

Scholarly Contributions as a Military Historian

As a dedicated military historian, Lev Shankovsky made significant contributions to the documentation and interpretation of Ukraine’s complex liberation movements. His extensive body of work offered insights into the multifaceted history of Ukrainian armed struggle and national aspirations, often drawing upon his direct experiences. Among his notable publications, which provided crucial historical narratives from a Ukrainian nationalist perspective, are:

• "Ukrainian Liberation Movement in Modern Times" (1951): A foundational work exploring the historical trajectory of Ukraine's fight for independence, particularly in the 20th century.
• "UPA and its clandestine literature" (1952): An analytical study delving into the covert communication, propaganda, and ideological messaging employed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
• "The original group of OUN" (1958): A historical examination of the early formation, key figures, and ideological underpinnings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists.
• "Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the struggle for statehood" (1958): A comprehensive account of the UPA's efforts to establish an independent Ukrainian state, detailing their strategies and battles.
• "Ukrainian Galician Army" (1974): A detailed historical examination of the military force that defended the West Ukrainian People's Republic in the early 20th century, drawing upon his own youthful experiences.

These works collectively represent a significant effort to chronicle and interpret the often-overlooked or controversial aspects of modern Ukrainian military and political history, providing a unique perspective that has informed subsequent scholarship.

Later Life and Legacy in the Diaspora

After a life dedicated to military service, historical scholarship, and the enduring cause of Ukrainian independence, Lev Shankovsky passed away on 25 April 1995, at the advanced age of 91. He spent his later years in the United States, a prominent figure within the Ukrainian diaspora, and died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His final resting place is a poignant symbol of the Ukrainian diaspora’s enduring presence, cultural continuity, and historical memory: he was interred in the Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, which serves as a significant spiritual and cultural center for Ukrainians in North America. His legacy continues to be debated and analyzed by historians and the public alike, reflecting the complex and often contentious history he lived and documented throughout his long life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lev Shankovsky

Who was Lev Shankovsky?

Lev Shankovsky was a notable Ukrainian military historian, a veteran soldier of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), and a leading member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). He was also a respected full member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, a prestigious Ukrainian academic institution.

What was his role during World War II?

During World War II, Shankovsky actively participated in the Ukrainian resistance as part of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). In January 1944, he took on a leadership role, heading a commission tasked with establishing contacts and uniting various Ukrainian political parties and non-partisan activists to strengthen the resistance efforts.

What is the significance of the UPA and OUN?

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) was a nationalist paramilitary and later partisan formation that operated primarily in Ukraine during World War II, fighting for an independent Ukrainian state. The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) was a political organization, founded in 1929, that sought to establish an independent Ukrainian state, often employing revolutionary and sometimes controversial means. Both organizations are subjects of complex historical debate.

Where did Lev Shankovsky make his assertion about anti-Semitism?

Shankovsky made his assertion that organized anti-Semitism "never existed" in Ukraine during a round-table discussion. This particular view is widely debated and contested by many historians and scholars of the period, who point to documented instances of anti-Jewish violence.

What were some of his key publications?

His significant historical works include "Ukrainian Liberation Movement in Modern Times" (1951), "UPA and its clandestine literature" (1952), "The original group of OUN" (1958), "Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the struggle for statehood" (1958), and "Ukrainian Galician Army" (1974). These publications provide detailed accounts from a Ukrainian nationalist perspective.

Where is he buried?

Lev Shankovsky is interred in the Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, which is an important spiritual and cultural center for the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.