Symon Petliura (1879–1926), Ukrainian political and military leader, head of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, and symbol of the independence struggle.

Early Life

Symon Petliura (May 10, 1879 – May 25, 1926) was a Ukrainian political and military leader, head of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR), and one of the key figures of the national liberation struggle.

He was born in the village of Kosivka (today Khmelnytskyi region, Ukraine) into the family of a priest. Petliura studied at the Podil Gymnasium and later at Chernivtsi University, where he pursued law.

Political Career

In 1900, Petliura became one of the founders of the Ukrainian Revolutionary Party (URP). By 1917, he had emerged as one of its leading figures and served in the General Secretariat.

After the proclamation of the UPR in November 1918, Petliura became its head and led the military struggle for independence. Under his command, the UPR forces defended Lviv from Polish troops and launched successful operations against both the Directory’s army and Soviet forces.

Exile

Following Ukraine’s defeat in the Polish-Soviet War of 1920, Petliura emigrated to Prague. There he remained active in political and cultural life, organizing Ukrainian émigré communities and raising funds to support Ukrainian refugees.

Assassination

On May 25, 1926, Petliura was assassinated in Paris by Sholom Schwartzbard, a Soviet agent disguised as a French émigré. The trial that followed sparked international controversy, and the truth about the assassination was never fully revealed.

Legacy

Petliura left a lasting legacy as head of the UPR and one of the foremost leaders of the Ukrainian national movement. His name became closely associated with the fight for Ukrainian independence and the national idea.

Although opinions about his role in history remain divided, his determination to fight for Ukrainian sovereignty made him one of the most prominent Ukrainians of his era.

In 1990, Petliura was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine. His remains were reburied at Baikove Cemetery in Kyiv. Today, his memory is honored with monuments, memorial plaques, and annual commemorations, reinforcing his place in Ukrainian identity and history.