Raid on Stanislav

The Raid on Stanislav was conducted by the Ukrainian insurgents against Soviet administration and state security of the city, on 31 October 1945.^[3]

Raid on Stanislav
Part of the Anti-Soviet resistance by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army
Date 31 October 1945 Location Stanislav, Stanislav Oblast Result Ukrainian victory
Belligerents
Ukrainian Insurgent Army	Soviet Union
Commanders and leaders
Vasyl Andrusyak	Unknown
Strength
400[1]	Unknown
Casualties and losses
None[1]	30 killed 20 wounded[a] 50 captured[2]

Prelude

Soviets launched a number of anti-partisan operations against the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. In October 1945, Soviet propaganda claimed victory over Ukrainian insurgents and almost complete destruction UPA.^[3] During this time, Ukrainian insurgents organised a raid on the city of Stanyslaviv at the end of October, led by Vasyl Andrusyak.^[1]

Raid

The raid begun with insurgent shelling of NKVD department. Insurgents reached the central street and opened fire, attacking their targets and causing panic. Lights went out and security services opened fire in response. After making noise in the city, insurgents withdrew without losses while having their escape routes covered by reserve units. Despite insurgents withdrawing from the city, Soviet forces were still exchanging fire throughout the city due to chaos and confusion. The fighting only stopped after 3 hours.^[1]

Aftermath

The attack on Stanislav demonstrated that UPA still existed as an organised force and was capable of challenging Soviet authority.^[3] Soviet authorities attempted to downplay this event as an attack organized by "Vlasovites" rather than Ukrainian insurgents they claimed to have almost completely defeated.^[1]

Notes

1. Including civilian and friendly fire casualties.^[1]