Stosunki dyplomatyczne Ukrainy z Kubaniem w 1918 roku

Abstract

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Kuban Cossacks in 1918

The article describes relations between State organisms that emerged on the Ukrainian and Kuban Cossacks’ territory of the former Russian Empire atthe end of the Great War. Uniting factor was a common enemy (Bolsheviks). Initially, because of a cultural and ethnical similarity Ukrainian elites perceived Kuban as a part of futurę confederation with the centre in Kiev. Cossacks’ perception was determined by necessity of obtaininga military supportto respond to Sovietaggression. Ukrainę was able to offer only an indirect one (supplies of military eąuipment). The Volunteer Army put at their disposal smali but direct support (a few thousand soldiers) and Kuban Cos­sacks decided to choose an alliance with it. Nevertheless, relations with Ukrainę was maintained and even developed. In November a few technical agreements (among them a consular convention) were signed in Kiev and Ukrainian legation started to operate in Jekaterynodar. The collapse of the Hetmanate and an increase of the importance of the Volunteer Army, which started to limit a political autonomy of Kubań Cossaks, reversed this process. Ukrainian envoy was forced to close its institution and finally was murdered by "white” officers while returning to Kiev.