The Battle of Kruty: how Ukrainian youth became a symbol of resistance.
The clash between the Bolsheviks and Ukrainian youth and its impact on Ukraine's subsequent history will be explained by Novini.LIVE.
Historical Context
At the beginning of 1918, the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR) was at war with Bolshevik Russia, which sought to eliminate the young independent state. Soviet troops, led by Mikhail Muravyov, advanced on Kyiv, capturing Ukrainian cities and leaving behind mass repressions. The defense of the capital was critically weakened, prompting the urgent formation of volunteer units, particularly from cadets, students, and gymnasium pupils.
The Ukrainian detachment defending Kruty consisted of about 500 fighters, including boys from the 1st Kyiv Youth School named after B. Khmelnytsky, students from Kyiv University, pupils from the Kyrylo-Mefodiyivska Gymnasium, and volunteers from other educational institutions. Their commander was Ataman Averkij Honcharenko.
The Bolshevik army, which attacked the Ukrainians, was estimated to consist of 3,000 to 6,000 fighters, including sailors from the Baltic Fleet and Red Guards. They had a significant advantage in numbers and artillery.
The Battle of Kruty
The battle began on the morning of January 29, 1918. The Ukrainian defenders took positions along the railway line, constructing trenches. Thanks to effective command and the use of the terrain, they held off the enemy's advance for several hours, inflicting significant losses.
However, the numerical superiority of the Bolsheviks took its toll. The Ukrainian forces were forced to retreat, leaving their positions in an organized manner. Nevertheless, about 30 students and gymnasium pupils, who were surrounded due to poor coordination, were captured. The next day, the Bolsheviks executed them after forcing them to dig their own graves. Before their deaths, the young heroes sang "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina." Witnesses recalled that locals were prohibited from retrieving and burying the bodies.
How the Battle of Kruty Changed History
Although the Battle of Kruty could not halt the enemy's advance on Kyiv, it delayed the Bolshevik forces for several days, allowing the Ukrainian delegation to sign the Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty. This became a key diplomatic success that recognized the independence of the UPR on the international stage.
The Brest Treaty included:
- Recognition of the UPR as an independent state.
- Determination of post-war borders and agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war.
- Mutual renunciation of claims regarding war damages.
- Ukraine's obligations to supply 60 million poods of grain, 2.75 million poods of meat, other agricultural products, and industrial raw materials by July 31, 1918.
In return, the UPR received a loan of 1 billion rubles and military assistance in the fight against the Bolsheviks.
Commemoration of the Fallen Ukrainians in the Battle of Kruty
The heroism of Ukrainian youth at Kruty has become a symbol of self-sacrifice for statehood. In independent Ukraine, January 29 is commemorated as the Day of Remembrance for the Heroes of Kruty. A memorial has been erected at the battle site, and their valor is immortalized in the national memory and culture.
At the Kruty station in Chernihiv Oblast, a monument was erected in memory of the battle. Additionally, a railway platform resembling early 20th-century Kyiv has been recreated nearby. A museum of the battle has been established in seven vintage train cars on this platform.