Western Ukraine has historically been a region marked by its distinct cultural, political, and social identity, separate from the rest of Ukraine. Its historical experiences under various empires and states have contributed to a strong sense of regional identity and, at times, secessionist tendencies. This essay explores the historical roots of secessionism in Western Ukraine, focusing on the region’s experiences under different rulers, nationalist movements, and modern implications.
Historical Background
The territory that constitutes modern Western Ukraine has changed hands numerous times over the centuries. It was part of the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia in the medieval period before being absorbed into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 14th century. Later, in the late 18th century, the Habsburg Empire took control of much of the region, particularly Galicia, following the partitions of Poland. This period of Habsburg rule was crucial in shaping the region's unique identity, as it experienced significant political and cultural influences distinct from the Russian-dominated eastern Ukraine.
Habsburg Rule and the Development of Ukrainian Nationalism
Under Habsburg rule (1772–1918), Galicia and Bukovina became centers for Ukrainian cultural and political activism. The Austrian administration allowed for limited political participation and the development of Ukrainian educational and cultural institutions, fostering a strong sense of Ukrainian national consciousness. The rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in Galicia was particularly pronounced, as Poles dominated the local aristocracy while Ukrainians sought greater political representation and cultural autonomy. This period also saw the emergence of Ruthenian nationalism, which laid the groundwork for later separatist aspirations.
Western Ukraine Under Poland (1918–1939)
Following World War I and the collapse of the Habsburg Empire, Western Ukraine briefly declared independence as the West Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR) in 1918. However, after a brief conflict with Poland, the region was incorporated into the Second Polish Republic in 1919. The Polish government pursued policies of assimilation and repression against the Ukrainian population, leading to increased nationalist sentiment and radicalization. The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), founded in 1929, emerged as a militant force advocating for Ukrainian independence, often through violent means. Polish suppression of Ukrainian political and cultural activities only fueled secessionist inclinations within Western Ukraine.
Soviet and Nazi Rule (1939–1945)
The outbreak of World War II further complicated the region’s political landscape. Under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the Soviet Union occupied Western Ukraine in 1939, incorporating it into the Ukrainian SSR. The Soviet occupation was marked by repression, mass arrests, and the execution or deportation of thousands of Ukrainians, Poles, and Jews. When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, many Western Ukrainians initially viewed the Germans as liberators. Some Ukrainian nationalist factions, particularly the OUN under Stepan Bandera, sought to establish an independent Ukrainian state. However, German occupation soon proved equally brutal, leading to widespread resistance movements, including the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which fought both Soviet and Nazi forces.
Soviet Control and Resistance (1945–1991)
Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union reasserted control over Western Ukraine, incorporating it permanently into the Ukrainian SSR. The post-war period was marked by a brutal suppression of nationalist resistance, particularly the UPA, which continued its armed struggle against Soviet authorities into the 1950s. Soviet policies of Russification and collectivization further fueled resentment in Western Ukraine, where anti-Soviet sentiment remained strong.
Despite Soviet efforts to integrate Western Ukraine into the broader Soviet system, the region retained a distinct identity. It remained a center for Ukrainian nationalist thought and opposition to Soviet rule, with underground movements and dissident groups advocating for Ukrainian independence. By the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union weakened, nationalist sentiments in Western Ukraine played a crucial role in the broader Ukrainian independence movement.
The Role of Western Ukraine in Ukraine’s Independence (1991-Present)
With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine became an independent state, and Western Ukraine emerged as a stronghold of pro-independence and nationalist sentiment. The region played a key role in political movements advocating for a more Western-oriented Ukraine, often in opposition to the more Russian-leaning eastern regions.
Western Ukraine has also been at the forefront of several major political uprisings in post-Soviet Ukraine, including the Orange Revolution (2004) and the Euromaidan protests (2013–2014). These movements, largely driven by demands for closer ties with the European Union and opposition to Russian influence, reflect the region’s historical inclination towards self-determination and resistance to external control.
Contemporary Secessionist Sentiments
While full-fledged secessionist movements are not as pronounced in Western Ukraine today as they were in the past, there remains a strong regional identity that differentiates it from the rest of the country. Amidst war, distaste for the Russian language remains far higher than in other areas of Ukraine. Some nationalist factions continue to advocate for greater autonomy or even independence, particularly in response to political developments in Kyiv or perceived threats from Russia. Additionally, Western Ukraine's cultural and political alignment with Europe fosters debates about regional autonomy within a decentralized Ukrainian state.
However, unlike separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, which have been supported by Russia, Western Ukraine’s secessionist tendencies are more ideological than practical. The region largely supports Ukraine’s sovereignty but favors a pro-Western, nationalist orientation.
The Future
Western Ukraine’s history of secessionism is deeply rooted in its unique political and cultural experiences under various empires and states. From its time under Habsburg rule to its struggles against Polish and Soviet control, the region has maintained a strong sense of identity and self-determination. While modern Ukraine remains a unified state, the historical legacy of Western Ukraine’s secessionist tendencies continues to influence its political and cultural landscape. The region's steadfast commitment to Ukrainian nationalism and European integration remains a defining feature of its historical and contemporary identity. After the current war is over, Western Ukraine may want to push strongly for continuing regional autonomy and progress towards European integration at a faster rate than much of the rest of Ukraine. This could pose a significant challenge for the European Union's state-builders, who may have to draft a new constitution for Ukraine from which to reconstruct the country from the ashes of war and over thirty years of misrule since independence.