On 22 April 1918, one of the most successful military operations of the Army of the Ukrainian People’s Republic began — the Crimean campaign under the command of Colonel Petro Bolbochan.

Its goal was to liberate Crimea from Bolshevik forces, restore control over this strategically important region, and prevent the loss of the Black Sea Fleet.

The operation took place under a complex military and political situation following the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The Ukrainian leadership realised the significance of Crimea for the security of the state, control over maritime routes, and the stability of the southern flank.

The Crimean Group of the UNR Army, led by Bolbochan, acted swiftly and decisively. Ukrainian units liberated Dzhankoi and subsequently entered Simferopol. Their successful advance was a testament to the high level of organisation and combat readiness of the Ukrainian army.

A separate and significant aspect was the position regarding the Black Sea Fleet, which was considered an important element of Ukrainian statehood. Therefore, establishing control over Crimea had not only a military but also a political dimension.

Despite subsequent foreign policy circumstances that prevented the consolidation of the operation’s results, the 1918 Crimean campaign became a crucial stage in the Ukrainian struggle for statehood. It demonstrated that Crimea held an important place in the strategic vision of the Ukrainian People’s Republic.

Today, we remember this event as an example of determination, statesmanlike thinking, and the struggle for Ukrainian Crimea.