One hundred eight years ago, on 12 August 1917 (30 July in the Old Calendar), the First Ukrainian Congress of Siberia opened in Omsk.
After the February Revolution of 1917, Ukrainians of Grey Ukraine, also known as the Grey Wedge, began to establish their own self-governing bodies and Ukrainian military units in Siberia. At the congress in Omsk, the Main Ukrainian Council of Siberia was elected, and a resolution was adopted on the need to publish a Ukrainian periodical.
Soon, a printed periodical began to be issued, initially planned to be called “Ukrainian in Siberia”. Once the necessary funds were collected, the publication was given the name “Ukrainian Voice”. The first issue appeared in December 1917; in total, about 5–7 issues were published.
The Ukrainian state movement in Siberia extended to the regions of Western Siberia, where Ukrainians made up the majority of the population. During this time, the Ukrainian press operated, Ukrainian unions and associations were formed, and national rallies were held under blue-and-yellow flags.
After the liquidation of Ukrainian statehood in Grey Ukraine and the occupation of Western Siberia by the Bolsheviks, the Ukrainian population—about 40% of the region’s 1.5 million inhabitants—was subjected to repression and lost its political representation.
Sources:
- “How Russia ‘ground down’ Ukrainians”.
- 100 years ago, Ukrainians of the Grey Wedge established their own self-government and military units in Siberia. Radio Svoboda.
Nina Belyaeva
