Lev Shankovsky facts for kids

Lev Shankovsky was an important Ukrainian historian who studied military events. He was also a soldier in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and a key member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. He used the nicknames "Dzvin" and "Oleh Martovych". Shankovsky was also a full member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, a group of smart people who study Ukrainian culture and science.

Who Was Lev Shankovsky?

Lev Shankovsky was a Ukrainian who dedicated his life to his country. He was known for his military service and for writing many books about Ukrainian history. He helped fight for Ukraine's freedom during difficult times.

Early Life and Education

Lev Shankovsky was born in 1903 in a village called Duliby, Stryi Raion. This area was part of Austria-Hungary at the time. He went to military schools in both Ukraine and Poland. This education prepared him for a life in the army.

Fighting for Ukraine's Freedom

Shankovsky served in early Ukrainian armies. These included the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR) and the Ukrainian Galician Army (UGA). He was part of the First Winter Campaign in 1920. This was an important military operation.

During World War II, he joined the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA was a group that fought against different armies to try and make Ukraine an independent country. Shankovsky helped lead this resistance movement.

A Leader and Historian

In January 1944, Lev Shankovsky became a leader in the UPA. He helped bring together different Ukrainian groups. These groups included former political parties and other activists. Their goal was to work together for Ukraine's independence.

Shankovsky also wrote many books about Ukrainian history. His writings helped people understand the fight for Ukraine's freedom. Some of his famous books include:

• "Ukrainian Liberation Movement in Modern Times" (1951)
• "UPA and Its Clandestine Literature" (1952)
• "The Original Group of OUN" (1958)
• "Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the struggle for statehood" (1958)
• "Ukrainian Galician Army" (1974)

Later Life and Legacy

Lev Shankovsky passed away on April 25, 1995. He was 91 years old. He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. He was buried in the Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. His work as a historian and his service as a soldier left a lasting mark on Ukrainian history.