Pavlo Skoropadsky and the Ukrainian State in representations of Ernest Von Wahl

Abstract

Introduction. Hundreds of different works are written about the Ukrainian State in 1918 and the Hetman P. Skoropadsky. In connection with the celebration of the centennial of the Ukrainian revolution of 1917–1921 historians once again review the works of predecessors, trying to see there something new and interesting. Russian Major General E. von Val - one of those who left interesting reflections on the Ukrainian hetman state and its role in the anti-Bolshevik struggle 1918–1920. However modern scholars about positions of this researcher say almost nothing.

Purpose. The purpose – to show and reveal the views of the Russian emigre military historian E. von Wahl about the role and significance of the Ukrainian State of Pavlo Skoropadsky in the in the context of fight of the White movement against the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War 1918–1922 p.

Results. According to E. von Wahl, announcement of hetman’s course a on a federation was fatal for his power and the Ukrainian statehood and the leaders of the White movement clearly understood it. Great Britain led the political game directed both against independent Ukraine and white Russia. Germany did not understand importance of decision of the «Ukrainian question» for Europe’s future. Ukraine, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Don and other nation states that emerged on the territory of the former Russian Empire were the natural allies of whites in struggle against the Bolsheviks. But A. Denikin, О. Kolchak and others did not support it.

Conclusion. In opinion of E. von Wahl, Whites had to give Ukraine independence and thus bring it to their side in the struggle against the Bolsheviks. Exactly errors of leadership of the White movement in 1918–1919 were the main reason for the Bolshevik’s victory of in the Civil war in Russia. The Ukrainian State headed by Hetman could become a main ally who would help in capturing soviet Moscow.