Vinnytsia is a city with a rich history, which during 1918-1920 three times had the status of the capital of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. This fact makes it unique, because no other city can boast such a number of capital titles.

Why Vinnytsia?

The city became the temporary capital of the UNR due to the difficult circumstances of that time. The young state was going through turbulent periods of struggle for independence, and Kyiv, the first capital, was not always a safe place for the government.

The first period of capital status:

For the first time, Vinnytsia became the capital of the UNR in December 1918. It was here that the Directorate, the new government of the UNR, was preparing for an armed uprising against Hetman Pavlo Skoropadskyi.

The second period:

For the second time, Vinnytsia served as the capital from February to March 1919. This period was fruitful for the state-building activities of the UNR. A number of important documents were adopted here, in particular of a defensive nature, and a new Council of Ministers was formed, headed by Serhiy Ostapenko.

Change of power:

Unfortunately, due to the attack of Bolshevik troops, the Ukrainian authorities were forced to leave Vinnytsia in March 1919. The city changed hands: it was occupied by the Bolsheviks, then they were driven out by Ukrainian troops, and then again by the Bolsheviks.

Vinnytsia is a symbol of struggle:

Although the Ukrainians of that time did not manage to preserve their independence, Vinnytsia will forever remain in memory as a symbol of resilience and the desire for freedom. It was here, during three periods, that the heart of the Ukrainian People’s Republic beat.

Important events in Vinnytsia:

  • Proclamation of the IV Universal by the Central Rada, which declared the independence of the UNR (January 22, 1918).
  • Formation of a new Council of Ministers of the UNR headed by Serhiy Ostapenko.
  • Resignation of Volodymyr Vynnychenko from the post of head of the Directorate and the election of Symon Petliura in his place.
  • Liberation of Vinnytsia from the Bolsheviks by the combined forces of the Active Army of the UNR and the Ukrainian Galician Army (August 10, 1919).
  • Final consolidation of Bolshevik power in Podolia after the return of the Bolsheviks to Vinnytsia (1920).

Memory of events:

Today in Vinnytsia you can find many monuments that remind us of those turbulent times. These are museums, monuments, historical buildings, where Ukrainian state-builders once made history.

Vinnytsia is not just a city, it is a symbol of the resilience and indomitability of the Ukrainian spirit. Its history is the history of the struggle for freedom and the desire for independence, which is still relevant today.