Румунська окупація Покуття й Галицької Гуцульщини (травень-серпень 1919 р.) : передумови, перебіг, наслідки

Abstract

У статті висвітлено румунську окупацію Покуття й Галицької Гуцульщини в ході національно-визвольних змагань західних українців (травень – серпень 1919 р.). Охарактеризовано дипломатичні і військові плани Румунії, Польщі, Антанти щодо захоплення південно-східної частини Галичини; висвітлено перебіг наступальної операції «Покуття», проведеної румунськими військами у кінці травня 1919 р., показано причини поразок українських збройних частин; розкрито особливостіт становлення окупаційного режиму в краї, простежено непрості взаємини румунської і польської військової адміністрації щодо захоплених земель в червні – серпні 1919 р.

In the article the Romanian occupation of Pokuttya and Galician Hutsulshchyna in the national liberation struggle of the Western Ukrainians (May – August 1919). The diplomatic and military plans in Romania, Poland and Entente according to the capture of the south-eastern part of Galicia are characterized. Romanian occupation of Pokuttya and Galician Hutsulshchyna met Entente plans according to the containment of Bolshevism, and Poland was favorable to the final stage of Ukrainian-Polish war as distracted on the southern front, a lot of military material resources of West Ukrainian People’s Republic. The preparation of Romanian command to organize military action against West Ukrainian People’s Republic. There was indicated that fact that the Romanian government required decisive repressive measures against those who with Romanian occupation of Bukovina moved to Galicia. In turn, the government tried West Ukrainian People’s Republic to hedge against possible aggression of Romania in diplomatic way. However, negotiations with the Romanian authorities were failed. Deals with the course of offensive operations «Pokuttya» which was held by Romanian troops at the end of May 1919. The reasons of defeats Ukrainian military units were shown. The capture south-eastern part of Galicia proved quite easy for the occupants. It should be also recognized the unwillingness of the Ukrainian military units to defend Pokuttya and Galician Gutsulshchyna because the main attention was directed to conduct Ukrainian-Polish war on other fronts. The guidance of West Ukrainian People’s Republic did not take decisive, diplomatic, military and strategic decisions in solving problems. The features of the occupation formation regime in the province. The counties were led by military commanders who were subordinated by territorial committee. The Dniester river was divided into sectors. Romanian military authorities in three counties Pokuttya and Galician Hutsulshchyna the Poles were appointed prefects and their deputies – Ukrainians. In the other three counties prefects were appointed Ukrainians and their deputies – Poles. The occupationauthorities imposed a monetary circulation Romanian currency – lei having abolished the compulsory course of Ukrainian hryvnia. This led to the difficult financial situation of the province’s population. A sphere action division of Polish and Romanian troops was held. However, the occupation of the land was the center of contradiction of Romanian and Polish military command. And, as sources confirm, the local Ukrainian population has requested assistance from the Romanian occupation authorities to suspend robbery and extortion of Polish troops. Once at the beginning of July 1919 Polish troops launched an offensive against the army of West Ukrainian People’s Republic, Romanian command has reviewed the troops deployment in northern Bessarabia, Bukovina and in Pokuttya and during the second half of August 1919 with the Romanian army it evacuated Pokuttya and Galician Hutsulshchyna. The territory of southeast part of Galicia was in the hands of Poland.