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The roots of Ukrainian anarchism -

The political philosophy behind left-wing factions in the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war is deeply influenced by their rich past. A key figure in this legacy is Nestor Makhno, a revolutionary from the early 20th century who became a symbol of anarchist ideals, resistance, and the fight for autonomy. 

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From peasant roots to revolutionary icon -

Nestor Makhno became a key figure in anarchist history during the Russian Revolution of 1917-1923. Born into a peasant family in Huliaipole, an industrial area in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Makhno's firsthand experiences with income inequality and serfdom shaped his revolutionary ideals and commitment to social justice.

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Makhno’s path to revolution -

Makhno became involved in local political movements in his teenage years. His commitment deepened, eventually leading to the formation of the Revolutionary Insurrectionary Army of Ukraine, better known as the Makhnovshchina. It was a significant force in the struggle for anarchist ideals during the Russian Revolution.

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The peasant revolutionaries -

The Makhnovshchina was deeply rooted in the struggles of the peasantry. Its followers, inspired by Makhno's experiences and anti-state rhetoric, united to create a revolutionary movement that championed anarchist ideals and sought to dismantle oppressive structures during the Russian Revolution.

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The Makhnovshchina vs. Bolsheviks -

As anarchists, the Makhnovshchina's ideology clashed with the Bolsheviks' hierarchical structure. This fundamental contrast left them stranded between the dominant factions of the Russian Revolution, struggling to assert their anti-authoritarian ideals in a landscape shaped by competing powers.

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Liberation and equality in action -

Between 1917 and 1921, Makhno and his Revolutionary Insurrectionary Army significantly shaped the lives of nearly 7 million Ukrainians. Unlike the communists, the Makhnovshchina promoted a vision of liberation paired with a horizontally structured society, embodying their core anarchist principles and striving to create a truly egalitarian system.

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Makhno’s exile -

Despite battles against Germans and the White Army, the Makhnovshchina fell to the Marxists. Makhno fled to Paris, where he lived in exile for the rest of his life. Yet, his anarchist movement's legacy endured, inspiring Ukrainian activists with its powerful message of autonomy and equality.

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The resilient spirit of Ukrainian anarchists -

From the Makhnovshchina era to the modern day, Ukrainian anarchists have maintained their presence through the decades. Despite minimal influence at times, their enduring spirit continues to echo their historical fight for autonomy and anti-authoritarian ideals.

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Post-Soviet liberation -

The collapse of the Soviet Union marked a turning point for Ukrainian anarchists. Symbolized by the fall of the Berlin Wall, this era of liberation set the stage for the resurgence of anarchist groups, many of which are actively contributing to the ongoing crisis today.

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The Maidan Uprising -

The Maidan Uprising, or Euromaidan, unfolded in Kyiv from November 2013 to February 2014. Sparked by the Ukrainian government's plans to sign an agreement aligning the nation with the European Union, the protests became a pivotal moment in Ukraine's modern history.

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The Maidan Uprising -

Just days before signing, former President Viktor Yanukovych abruptly withdrew from the EU agreement, sparking outrage. Now living in exile in Russia, Yanukovych remains a divisive figure, known for his close ties to Putin and contentious leadership.

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A struggle for Ukraine’s European future -

What began as a step toward EU integration ended with Yanukovych yielding to Kremlin pressure, rejecting Eastern expansion. This sparked mass protests and civil unrest in Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), symbolizing Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and European alignment.

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Neo-Makhnovists in Euromaidan -

The overarching call for change during the Euromaidan protests attracted left-wing activists, including Ukrainian anarchists who engaged in direct action. While a "neo-Makhnovist" spirit emerged, their influence remained minimal in shaping the ideological trajectory of the movement. 

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Neo-Makhnovists in Euromaidan -

Euromaidan’s turbulent events saw civil conflict across the political spectrum. While protests offered a utopian backdrop for a Makhnovist revolution, Ukrainian anarchists struggled with low numbers, poor coordination, and their message being drowned out by competing ideologies.

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Kyiv’s anarcho-syndicalist voice -

Founded in 2011, Kyiv's Autonomous Workers Union brought together left-wing activists, including anarchists and libertarian Marxists. Some members actively participated in the Euromaidan protests, contributing their perspectives to the movement's diverse ideological landscape.

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From Euromaidan to invasion -

Shortly after Euromaidan in February 2014, Russia launched an unmarked invasion from the East, annexing Crimea and igniting conflict in the Donbas region. This marked the beginning of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

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Global volunteers rally for Ukraine -

Russia's February 2022 invasion spurred a global volunteer movement. President Zelenskyy formed the International Legion of Ukraine, inviting individuals worldwide to join the fight for Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom.

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Anarchists in the International Legion -

Anarchists and left-wing groups have joined Ukraine’s defense effort, showcasing a diversity of ideologies. While anarchists typically uphold an anti-war ethos, their involvement highlights a nuanced response to what they perceive as a fight for autonomy against aggression.

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Defending home, not the state -

This crisis is unique, as anarchists and left-wing groups have united to resist aggression driven by Russian imperialism. While not supporting the Ukrainian state, they fight for their home, understanding that even a stateless society needs a safe place as its starting ground.

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Inspiring modern Ukrainian resistance -

The spirit of Nestor Makhno lives on among anarchists in combat today. In his hometown, Huliaipole, citizens have drawn strength from his legacy, forming local defense groups named “Makhno’s Bow” to honor his revolutionary ideals.

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Anarchists in Ukraine’s fight for freedom -

The Resistance Committee, an anarchist unit within the Territorial Defense of Ukraine, stands as a testament to the diverse ideologies united against Russian aggression. In their words: "There are many problems inside Ukraine, but these problems are more likely to be solved without the intervention of Russia." 

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Anarchists in Ukraine’s fight for freedom -

“Is it worth it to fight the Russian troops in the case of an invasion? We believe that the answer is yes. The options that Ukrainian anarchists are considering at the present moment include joining the armed forces of Ukraine, engaging in territorial defense, partisanship, and volunteering," says the same statement by The Resistance Committee.

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Anarchists in Ukraine’s fight for freedom -

Anarchists in Ukraine extend their mission beyond combat, embracing civil volunteer roles. They assist refugees, support fighters' families, provide medical aid, and gather essential supplies, embodying solidarity and mutual aid in the face of war.

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International support -

Ukrainian anarchists find support from European comrades. In March of 2022, anarchists in London occupied a Russian oligarch's mansion, displaying banners saying “This property has been liberated” and flying the Ukrainian flag, symbolizing resistance and solidarity.

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Ideological challenges in Ukraine’s defense -

Left-wing volunteers in Ukraine face unique challenges, often outnumbered by right-wing fighters in the volunteer force. Despite their small numbers, their participation reflects a deep commitment to opposing imperialism while navigating ideological contrasts within the broader movement.

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Opposing ideologies join forces -

Through the chaos of war, an unexpected comradery emerges. Fighters from opposite ideological spectrums unite, directly or indirectly, in their shared resistance against the Russian war machine, highlighting the power of solidarity in adversity.

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The ongoing legacy of Ukraine's anarchists -

As the war unfolds, the bravery of anarchist volunteers and their unwavering support for Ukraine will likely become a lasting testament in the tragic historical narrative of this conflict. Their actions echo resilience and the enduring fight for autonomy.

Sources: (Wikipedia) (NPR) (Grey Dynamics) (The Anarchist Library)

See also: The countries that benefit from the Russia-Ukraine war

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