Editing History of Ukraine (section)

==== Ukrainian People's Republic ====
{{Main|Ukrainian People's Republic}}

[[File:Propaganda UPR.jpg|left|thumb|UPR postcard depicting a group with the [[Flag of Ukraine|yellow-blue flag]] and [[National anthem of Ukraine|anthem lyrics]], defending themselves from a Russian [[Coat of arms of Russia|double-headed eagle]] (November–December 1917)]]
The Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR) was officially proclaimed on 20 November 1917, amidst the turmoil of the [[Russian Revolution]] and the disintegration of the [[Russian Empire]]. Initially, the [[Ukrainian Central Council]] (Rada), comprising influential Ukrainian political figures, pursued autonomy within a [[Russian Republic|federated Russia]]. However, as the political situation in Russia grew increasingly unstable, the UPR took a decisive step by declaring full independence on 22 January 1918.{{Sfn|Yekelchyk|2007|p=27}}

From its inception, the fledgling UPR faced significant challenges. Internally, political divisions among various factions, including socialists, nationalists, and federalists, complicated governance and decision-making. Economically, the nascent republic struggled with the transition from imperial control to an independent administration, resulting in shortages, inflation, and a weakened infrastructure. Externally, the UPR faced threats from multiple sides, primarily from the [[Bolsheviks]], who regarded Ukraine as essential to their revolutionary agenda. As a result, they launched a series of military campaigns to assert control over Ukrainian territories, triggering prolonged and intense conflicts with UPR forces.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230108219_2|The Russian Civil War, 1917–1921]</ref>