Mykhailo Omelianovych-Pavlenko


Mykhailo Omelianovych-Pavlenko was the Supreme Commander of the Ukrainian Galician Army and of the Army of the Ukrainian People's Republic. Later, he served as Defence Minister for the Government-in-exile of the Ukrainian People's Republic.

Early life

Mykhaylo Omelianovych-Pavlenko was born in Tiflis. His father, Volodymyr, was an officer in the Russian Imperial Army. His mother was of a Georgian aristocratic family. Omelianovych-Pavlenko attended the military academy in Petersburg, graduating in 1900. He had a younger brother Ivan who later was fighting along with him.

Early Military Service

Pavlenko participated in the Russo-Japanese war as a company commander. Later, in 1910, he graduated from the General Staff School.

World War I

During World War I, Pavlenko served as commander of many units - including a Ukrainian brigade in Yekaterinoslav.
In the spring of 1917, Omelianovych-Pavlenko became an active supporter of Ukrainian independence, and initiated the creation of the Odessa batalion. He also initiated Ukrainian military academies in Zhytomyr and Kamyanets-Podilsky.
On December 10, 1918, Pavlenko assumed command of the Ukrainian Halitska Army, which he led until June 1919.
After the union of the UHA and the army of the Ukrainian People's Republic, Pavlenko assumed command of the force. He served as special attache to Symon Petlura. Omelianovych-Pavlenko commanded the army of the UNR during the First Winter Campaign.

Inter-war Years

Pavlenko moved to Prague, where he headed the Alliance of Ukrainian Veterans' Organizations.

World War II

During the Second World War, after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, Pavlenko headed a Ukrainian nationalist militia, the Ukrainian Liberation Army, that allied itself with the Axis Powers. At its peak it had 80,000 members.

After World War II

After World War II, Pavlenko moved to France, and became the Defence minister of the Government in exile of the Ukrainian National Republic from 1945 to 1948. Pavlenko was promoted to rank of Lieutenant General.

Publications

Pavlenko authored four books: The Ukrainian-Polish War of 1918–19,, The Winter Campaign,, and two books of memoirs.