ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE UKRAINIAN RED CROSS IN THE RANKS OF THE UKRAINIAN REBELLION ARMY IN 1943–1945
Authors: MAZURCHAK Lidiia 
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the organizational principles of the activity of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the ranks of the Ukrainian Rebel Army in the period from 1943 to 1945. The author points out the need to refer to the experience of the past, in particular the experience of the Ukrainian Rebel Army and its medical service – the Ukrainian Red Cross (UCH) in the context of the latest Russian-Ukrainian war. First, the author gives the historiography of the problem, then the analysis of documentary sources is carried out. The article analyses a number of organizational and administrative documents, instructions that illustrate the structure and functioning of the medical service. The transformation of the activity of UChH from the beginning of its establishment to the liquidation of the reference office is highlighted.

The author considered the beginning of the activity of the Ukrainian Red Cross as a medical structure of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. It was determined that as of the fall of 1943, the medical service already existed, as evidenced by the documents of the UPA commanders. Attention is focused on the role of the women's reference staff of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists in the creation and functioning of medical structures. The author provided information about vital steps in the organization of medical care, the creation of sanitary stations and work with medicines. In addition, a detailed analysis of the Guidebook of the Ukrainian Red Cross, which is the main document that regulated the activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross, was carried out.

This study examines the process of improving medical services during the years 1944–1945, with a particular focus on key documents and instructions issued during this period. These documents addressed the organization of medical services, the training of personnel, the procurement and production of medicines, and the provision of care to various segments of the population. Special attention is given to the significant changes in regulations and orders that occurred in January and February 1945, when the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists called for a transition to a semi-legal status and the downsizing of certain structures.

The author highlighted the process of liquidation of the Ukrainian Red Cross in 1945, the functions of which were redistributed among other reference agencies. Despite this, the medical service did not disappear completely, and the UCH continued to function in some territories, in particular in the Kholm region.

The study emphasizes the need for a more thorough investigation into the personnel structure and reconstruction of the UCH departments. Additionally, further research is proposed to explore specific areas of the medical service's activities, particularly the department of public care. It is proposed to conduct archival searches and analysis of criminal cases in order to obtain a more complete understanding of the activities of the Ukrainian Communist Party during the years of the underground struggle.

Keywords: Ukrainian Red Cross, reference office, sanitary service, OUN leadership, health service.