December 12, 2000, marked the 110th birth anniversary of Andriy Melnyk, the longtime leader of one wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). He headed this organization in the most dramatic years of Ukrainian history: on the eve of, during, and after the Second World War. Melnyk’s multifaceted activities against the backdrop of tragic developments in Ukraine (1914-1960) was the theme of a jubilee soiree held at Kyiv’s House of the Teacher, site of the Central Rada. What caused interest in the OUN leader (this was confirmed by the packed hall) was not only the fact that far from all Ukrainians know his life story and political legacy but also the soiree’s interesting composition. The story of Andriy Melnyk was complemented by the appearances of well- known cultural figures. In particular, applause was drawn by People’s Artistes of Ukraine Diana Petrynenko, Nila Kriukova, the Zoloti Kliuchi (Golden Keys) Trio, and Yavir Choir. Speakers stressed that the history of OUN along with the political biography of Andriy Melnyk can only be understood and objectively analyzed within the context of the time against the backdrop of a territorially and spiritually split nation, which often led to the most terrible of all possible tragedies when brother killed brother, and Ukrainian killed Ukrainian. But what remains indisputable is this: Andriy Melnyk strove to the end of his life to achieve his goal of building an independent united Ukrainian state. What is also true is that in this pursuit he also had to agree to compromises (not always favorable) with its enemies, first of all, with the German occupation authorities. It is up to historians to explain and study this. What is clear now is the following: the legacy of Andriy Melnyk, who “had the face and the figure of a true inborn aristocrat, although was in fact the son of a Galician peasant” (Yevhen Malaniuk), still remains both painful and relevant.
