OUN-B

The OUN-B, or Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists – Bandera faction, was a Ukrainian political organization that emerged from a split within the broader OUN. This division occurred in February 1940, separating the followers of Andry Melnyk (OUN-M) from those of Stepan Bandera (OUN-B). The OUN-B, led by Bandera, was characterized by its ideology, strategy, and tactics, operating underground and advocating for Ukrainian independence.12

During World War II, the OUN-B was active in western Ukraine. Following the German invasion of the USSR in June 1941, members of OUN-B were present when German troops entered Lviv, and they proclaimed the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and a provisional administration. However, the Nazi regime quickly arrested the organizers, including Bandera, and did not support Ukrainian political aspirations. The OUN-B eventually formed the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Germans and also fought against Soviet partisans.2