Sowing the Hydra’s Teeth—Origins of Ultra-Nationalism in Ukraine

The Euromaidan protests which took place in Kiev between 2013-2014 focused international attention on Ukraine as a shining symbol of democratic values and reform, across Eastern Europe & Eurasia. Despite the country’s significant democratic gains in recent years, one of the trends which has emerged since Maidan 2014, has been a parallel rise in the activity of radical ultra-nationalist groups. While far-right groups have existed in Ukraine since the 1920s, they now represent a sophisticated and politically influential element of society. Indeed, the Ukraine is far from being a paragon of democratic stability within Eastern Europe, as often portrayed by Western media accounts. For the first two and half decades of Ukrainian independence, far-right groups were marginalized elements of the socio-political process. However, the political landscape within the Ukraine has changed dramatically in a short space of time, due to the upheaval created by the events of Euromaidan. The main focus of this episode will be an examination of the ultra-nationalist movement which threatens the future development of Ukraine, due to its anti-democratic values; xenophobic propaganda and the use of intimidation and violence against political opponents. In particular, ultra-nationalist groups pose a threat to various minority populations, undermining their ability to exercise basic freedoms of expression and assembly. But more importantly, ultra-nationalist radicalism undermines the inclusiveness of society, which is fundamental to political and economic stability. This episode examines the main representatives of the Ukrainian ultra-nationalist scene since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In addition, I will consider the level of political influence wielded by far-right groups in Ukraine and then submit three key questions; What are the historical origins of nationalist identity in Ukraine? ; Why are the dividing lines between the Russian & Ukrainian worldviews so pronounced? ; What are the ideological origins of ultra-nationalism in Ukraine? Other areas to be examined are the broader influence of Fascism on Ukrainian nationalism, in particular the role of Ukrainian Nationalist organizations such as the UVO and OUN to bring “Ukrainian National Revolution” to fruition. This aimed to establish an independent Ukrainian state during the interwar period, to “liberate’ Ukraine from domination by the second Polish republic and the authoritarianism of the Soviet Union, but eventually collaborated with Nazi Germany as a means to alter the status quo of Ukraine’s geopolitical situation. In the final section, I examine the extent to which modern Ukrainian ultra-nationalism has inherited its identity by resurrecting the past; through the use of symbolism; its symbiotic relationship with para-military nationalism and also the glorification of Nazi collaborators.