Yevhen Konovalets (1891–1938), Ukrainian politician and nationalist leader, founder and first head of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN).

Early Life and Education

Yevhen Konovalets (June 14, 1891 – May 23, 1938) was a prominent Ukrainian political leader, nationalist, and the first head of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN).

 He served as a colonel of the Ukrainian People’s Republic Army.

He was born in the village of Serednie (today Chernivtsi region, Ukraine). His father worked in the local administration, while his mother was a teacher at a pedagogical institute.

Konovalets studied at the gymnasium in Chernivtsi and later graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Vienna in 1914.

World War I and Return to Ukraine

With the outbreak of World War I, Konovalets joined a Ukrainian unit within the Austro-Hungarian army and served on the Eastern Front.

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1917, he returned to Ukraine and became active in nationalist organizations, defending the idea of an independent Ukrainian state.

Founding of the OUN

In 1929, Konovalets founded the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), a revolutionary movement aiming to create an independent Ukrainian state.

The OUN planned to build a national military structure and launch a revolutionary struggle for statehood. In February 1930, Konovalets was elected head of the OUN, a position he held until his assassination in 1938.

Conflict with Poland and Exile

By 1933, the Polish government banned the OUN, forcing Konovalets into exile. He continued his political work abroad, coordinating the Ukrainian nationalist movement from various European countries.

On May 23, 1938, Konovalets was assassinated in Rotterdam, Netherlands, by a Soviet NKVD agent who delivered a bomb disguised as a gift. His death was a severe blow to the OUN and the Ukrainian independence movement.

Intellectual and Public Activities

Beyond politics, Konovalets was also an intellectual and public figure. He earned doctorates in philosophy and medicine and authored numerous works in philosophy, sociology, and medicine.

He published articles in Ukrainian journals, gave lectures, and actively promoted the Ukrainian national idea. He emphasized that Ukrainian statehood must be based not only on nationalism but also on democracy and social justice.

Konovalets also strongly supported the development of Ukrainian culture and language.

Legacy and Recognition

During the Soviet era, Konovalets’ name was suppressed and excluded from history books. However, after Ukraine regained independence in 1991, he was recognized as one of the key figures of the national liberation movement.

• Numerous streets, squares, and monuments in Ukraine are named in his honor.

• In 2019, to mark the 130th anniversary of his birth, the National Bank of Ukraine issued a commemorative coin.

• Academic institutions and cultural organizations continue to hold conferences and exhibitions dedicated to his life and legacy.

Conclusion

Yevhen Konovalets was a visionary nationalist leader, founder of the OUN, and a symbol of national dignity. His work combined the pursuit of independence with ideals of democracy and cultural revival.

His life and activities continue to inspire Ukrainians striving for freedom, sovereignty, and recognition in the world.

Today, Konovalets remains a symbol of Ukraine’s national awakening and the struggle for independence.