Stepan Bandera remains one of the most prominent figures in Ukraine’s long struggle for independence. For many Ukrainians, particularly in the western regions, Bandera symbolizes unwavering courage, national pride, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom in the face of oppression.
Photo: Monument to Ukrainian ultranationalist Stepan Bandera in Ternopil, western Ukraine. The memorial was erected to mark the centenary of his birth and was last unveiled in 2008. Next to the blue and yellow national flag of Ukraine is the red and black battle banner of the OUN military wing UPA, symbolizing the "red sacrificial blood on Ukrainian soil" and the Ukrainian nationalist movement. The pedestal is marked "Hero of Ukraine" (Герой України). Photo: Mykola Vasylechko, 2017
Born in 1909 in Western Ukraine, under Austro-Hungarian and later Polish control, Bandera emerged as a passionate advocate for Ukrainian self-determination from a young age. As a leading figure in the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), he dedicated his life to the vision of an independent Ukrainian state — one free from foreign domination, whether from Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, or imperial powers.
Stepan Bandera was arrested by the Nazis in July 1941 and imprisoned until September 1944 – that is, for about three years and two months.
In June 1941, Bandera and his faction (OUN-B) declared an independent Ukrainian state in Lviv, shortly after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union.
This declaration was made without German approval and was poorly received by the Nazis, who did not want an independent Ukrainian state.
As a result, Bandera was arrested by the Gestapo in July 1941 and sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp, in a special section for prominent prisoners (Zellenbau), where he received relatively mild treatment compared to ordinary prisoners.
Despite enduring imprisonment under both Polish and later Nazi German authorities, Bandera never wavered in his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. His resilience, even while facing brutal repression and ultimately assassination by the Soviet KGB in 1959, has elevated him in the eyes of many as a martyr for the national cause.
The goal of an independent Ukraine
Stepan Bandera and the OUN (Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists) had as their main goal the establishment of an independent Ukrainian state. They considered both the Soviet Union and Poland as occupying powers, and later also Germany when it became clear that the Nazis did not support Ukrainian independence.
Bandera wanted to cooperate with anyone who could contribute to Ukrainian freedom. In practice, this meant that the OUN at times collaborated tactically with both the Nazis and other actors – as long as it served the fight for independence. It was not an ideological community, but rather a strategic collaboration, especially in the war's early phase.
Conflict with the Nazis
When Bandera proclaimed an independent Ukrainian state in Lviv in June 1941 without German permission, he was quickly arrested by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. This clearly shows that his goal of independence was at odds with the German plans for the region.
Today, Bandera is seen by supporters as a symbol of resistance and national dignity. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Ukrainians who seek to uphold their cultural identity and independence in a complex and often challenging geopolitical landscape.
Whether through statues, street names, or remembrance events, Bandera’s name is closely associated with Ukraine’s enduring desire for freedom — a message that still resonates in a country defending its right to self-determination in the 21st century.
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