Ukrainian Insurgent Army

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) was a Ukrainian nationalist paramilitary force active mainly during World War II and afterward, from 1942 to the late 1950s. It aimed to establish an independent Ukraine and opposed both Nazi Germany and Soviet Union control. The UPA engaged in guerrilla warfare, targeting occupying forces and perceived enemies, including Polish and Soviet populations. Its actions remain controversial: viewed by some as fighters for Ukrainian independence, and by others as responsible for violent incidents against civilians. The UPA played a significant role in Ukraine's wartime history, symbolizing Ukrainian national resistance.