"The Apostle of Ukrainian Statehood" was far from a saint: the controversial legacy of Mykola Mikhnovsky.

Nikolai Mikhnovsky emerged as one of the leaders of the Ukrainian national liberation movement in the early 20th century. He gained fame not only for his radical ideas in the pursuit of Ukraine's independence but also for his broader vision.

Mikhnovsky was born into a priest's family, which afforded him a quality education. He graduated from the classical male gymnasium in Priluki and the law faculty of Kyiv University of Saint Vladimir. After his studies, he worked in law firms in Kyiv and Kharkiv, actively engaging in the Ukrainian national movement.

In the 1890s, Mikhnovsky became one of the founders of the Tarasivtsi Brotherhood, which aimed to promote the Ukrainian idea through cultural and educational activities. However, he quickly realized that this was insufficient and called for an armed struggle against the Russian imperial regime.

Revolutionary Ukrainian Party and "Independent Ukraine"

In 1900, Mikhnovsky co-organized the Revolutionary Ukrainian Party (RUP). For this party, he authored his most famous programmatic work, "Independent Ukraine," which became a manifesto for Ukrainian "independence." In it, he called for the creation of an independent Ukrainian state, emphasizing the importance of fighting for national rights.

Personal Life

He was never married, and his personal life remained relatively private. In his youth, Mikhnovsky had a romance with the wife of his patron-lawyer Alexei Furman. This affair led to significant challenges in his life: the woman temporarily left her husband but soon returned to him. Circumstances forced Mikhnovsky to abandon his career in Kyiv and move to Kharkiv, marking a significant turning point in his life. In the 1920s, Mikhnovsky lived in Kuban with a woman, but details of this story remain unknown.

Maria Livitskaya, the wife of the president of the Ukrainian National Republic in exile, Andrei Livitsky, left an intriguing account of Mikhnovsky. She described him as a "sybarite" who "loved the pleasures of life and indulged in them to the fullest." Sculptor Mikhail Gavrilko also recalled his impressions of visiting Mikhnovsky: "As soon as I entered his living room, I thought I had entered the paradise of Muhammad. Everywhere were carpets, carpets… And on the walls, naked women!" These testimonies highlight not only his aesthetic preferences but also a certain extravagance in his lifestyle.

Ideas

Mikhnovsky advocated for a strong, educated intelligentsia that should fight for the rights of the Ukrainian people. He spoke about the importance of national identity in relationships. In his "ten commandments" for members of the Ukrainian People's Party, he emphasized the necessity of not marrying outsiders, viewing this as a threat to national unity. This aspect of his views underscores a radical approach to national identity and independence.

Friends and Allies

Mikhnovsky had several close friends and like-minded individuals with whom he discussed his political ideas. Among them were prominent figures such as Yevhen Chykalenko and Alexander Rusov. However, his ambitious nature often led to conflicts with colleagues, complicating his relations within the political sphere.

Criticism and Controversies

Despite his contributions to the development of the Ukrainian idea, Mikhnovsky also faced criticism for his overly radical views. He was accused of xenophobia and anti-Semitism due to certain statements and actions. Nevertheless, his political views remain significant for understanding the history of Ukrainian nationalism.

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