THE UKRAINIAN QUESTION IN THE DIPLOMACY OF GREAT BRITAIN: THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL CONTEXT OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ERA (1917–1921)

Ihor Datskiv,

Dr. habil. (History), Professor,
West Ukrainian National University, Ternopil, Ukraine

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2026.34.4

 

Abstract.

The article examines the role of Great Britain in shaping Ukraine’s international status during 1917–1921, focusing in particular on the interactions between the governments of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UNR) and the Hetmanate with British diplomacy. It analyzes how the global interests of the Entente, the fight against Bolshevism, and domestic political factors in Britain influenced the recognition and support of Ukrainian statehood. Special attention is given to the activities of Ukrainian diplomats in London and their efforts to establish international contacts and secure political and economic support for Ukraine. The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the Ukrainian question in British diplomacy during 1917–1921 within the context of the international-political processes of the revolutionary era, as well as the identification of the features of the formation and implementation of British foreign policy toward Ukrainian state-building. Particular emphasis is placed on determining the role of the Ukrainian factor in London’s strategic interests in Eastern Europe. The methodological foundation of the study is based on the principles of historicism, objectivity, and systematic analysis. Both general scientific and specialized historical methods were employed, including the historical-genetic method to trace the evolution of British policy on the Ukrainian question in 1917–1921, and the historical-comparative method to analyze the characteristics of British diplomacy in the context of international-political processes in Eastern Europe. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive analysis of the Ukrainian question in British diplomacy during 1917–1921 within the context of the international-political transformations of the revolutionary era. The article clarifies the role of the Ukrainian factor in shaping British policy toward Eastern Europe and reveals the specific ways in which British diplomatic circles perceived Ukrainian state-building. Conclusions. The article demonstrates that Great Britain’s foreign policy toward Ukraine in 1917–1921 was primarily shaped by the struggle against Bolshevism and the strategic interests of the Entente. It highlights the activities of Ukrainian diplomats in London aimed at establishing international contacts and securing political and economic support for the UPR and the Hetmanate. The study confirms that Britain’s influence significantly determined both the opportunities and limitations of Ukrainian statehood on the international stage during the revolutionary period.

Keywords: Ukraine, Great Britain, Entente, diplomacy, international relations, ambassador.

Submitted 02.01.2026

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