A French map titled “La République Ukrainienne”, depicting the borders of the Ukrainian People’s Republic during the early 20th century.

Origins of the UPR

The Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR) was the first attempt to create a modern, democratic Ukrainian state. It emerged during the collapse of the Russian Empire in the chaos of World War I. For centuries, Ukrainians lived under foreign empires — Russian, Austrian, and Polish. By 1917, the dream of independence was stronger than ever.

The Ukrainian Central Rada (UCR), created in March 1917, became the voice of the Ukrainian nation. Led by Mykhailo Hrushevsky, Volodymyr Vynnychenko, and Symon Petliura, the Rada demanded autonomy for Ukraine. Soon, it began to fight for full independence.

The Proclamation of the UPR

On November 20, 1917, the Central Rada issued the Third Universal, declaring the creation of the UPR. At first, the UPR was meant to remain in a federation with Russia. But relations with the Bolsheviks quickly deteriorated.

On January 25, 1918, the Central Rada issued the Fourth Universal, which proclaimed full independence of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. This was a historic milestone. For the first time in centuries, Ukrainians had their own sovereign state.

Struggles for Survival

The young republic faced enormous challenges. Ukraine was a battleground during World War I and the Russian Civil War. The UPR had to defend itself against:

• Bolshevik forces, who tried to reoccupy Ukraine;

• White Russian armies, who opposed Ukrainian independence;

• Polish forces, who fought for control of Western Ukraine;

• internal divisions among Ukrainian political leaders.

The Central Rada tried to build a democratic system with land reform, free speech, and an eight-hour workday. But constant wars, hunger, and foreign invasions weakened the new state.

German infographic published in 1918 showing Eastern Europe without the territories of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR).

International Recognition

Despite the chaos, the UPR gained recognition abroad. In February 1918, Ukraine signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany and Austria-Hungary, which officially recognized its independence. Later, France, Great Britain, and other countries also acknowledged the UPR.

However, the price of survival was high. Ukraine became dependent on foreign military support, which often limited its political freedom.

Fall of the UPR

By 1921, after years of war, the UPR collapsed. The Bolsheviks established control over most of Ukraine, creating the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (UkrSSR). Western Ukrainian territories were divided between Poland, Romania, and Czechoslovakia.

Although the state no longer existed, the idea of the UPR lived on in exile. The UPR government-in-exile continued its work until 1992, when it officially transferred its authority to the newly independent state of Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Timeline of Key Events

• March 1917 – Creation of the Ukrainian Central Rada.

• November 20, 1917 – Third Universal proclaims the Ukrainian People’s Republic.

• January 25, 1918 – Fourth Universal declares Ukraine’s independence.

• February 1918 – Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, international recognition of the UPR.

• 1919–1920 – Wars against Bolsheviks, White Russians, and Poles.

• 1921 – Final defeat of UPR forces; Soviet rule established in Ukraine.

Bohush Shippikh Poster – “Our Enemies Will Vanish Like Dew in the Sun”

Legacy of the UPR

The UPR lasted only a few years, but it changed Ukrainian history forever. It proved that Ukrainians could create their own democratic state, separate from Russia. Its leaders and soldiers laid the foundation for modern Ukrainian independence.

When Ukraine declared independence again in 1991, it was seen as the continuation of the UPR’s struggle. The legacy of the republic remains a source of national pride and unity.

Why the UPR Still Matters

Today, the UPR is remembered not only as a short-lived state but also as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and hope. It reminds Ukrainians that their fight for independence began long before the fall of the Soviet Union.

Commemorations of the UPR highlight the importance of national identity, democratic values, and self-determination. Even though it existed for only four years, the UPR remains a powerful example of Ukraine’s right to exist as a free and independent nation.