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Armed Forces of Ukraine and Crimea (1921–1923)

A unified military-administrative structure of the Soviet period that, in 1921–1923, subordinated military formations, naval forces, and armed units on the territory of the Ukrainian SSR and the Crimean Peninsula under a single command in Kharkiv.

Overview

Documents of fond 1 (inventory 20) of the Central State Archive of Public Organizations of Ukraine (TsDAHO of Ukraine) testify that during the interwar period (before the final establishment of the USSR in December 1922 and the delimitation of the USRR borders in 1925) the Crimean-Ukrainian region was under joint military and political-party leadership from the capital of the then USRR — the city of Kharkiv.

The basis of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Crimea was formed by the Kyiv and Kharkiv military districts, as well as the naval forces of the Black and Azov Seas. The commander of the armed forces was Mykhailo Frunze.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Subordination and leadership: The highest governing body of the Special Purpose Units (ChON) of the USRR and Crimea was the Council consisting of the secretary of the Central Committee of the CP(b)U, a representative of the All-Ukrainian Cheka (VUChK), a representative of the Command of the Armed Forces of Ukrcrym, and the commander of the ChON of the USRR.
  • Special Purpose Units (ChON): Formed in accordance with the Regulations of 10 May 1921 and the repeated Regulations of 18 October 1921 from members and candidate members of the CP(b)U, RCP(b), KSMU and RKSM aged 17 to 50. They were divided into cadre and militia personnel.
  • Protection of the southern maritime borders: The armed forces and the bodies of the DPU (State Political Directorate) of the USRR jointly ensured the protection of the Black Sea coast of Crimea and combated illegal border crossings and smuggling (in particular in the Yevpatoria and Sevastopol areas).
  • Political and educational work: Instructions have survived (for example, order No. 44 of 25 August 1922 and order No. 247 with a plan of 29 political-literacy topics) regarding individualized work with peasant recruits from Ukraine and Crimea.