13 March 1972: The history of Soviet Ukraine is one of continuous turmoil, of Russia’s efforts either to come to terms with the powerful currents of nationalism, or to suppress them
In the latest drive against Soviet dissidents more arrests have taken place in Ukraine than anywhere else in the USSR. Three names have already been mentioned in the official Soviet press; Ivan Svitliychny, a literary critic and translator; Vyacheslav Chornovil, a journalist and critic; and Yevgen Sverstyuk, a literary critic and educationist. Dissident sources in Ukraine have now disclosed the names of 13 more prisoners.
Why has the KGB singled out Ukraine as a special target? Since the charge against the defendants will no doubt be “nationalism” as well as having engaged in anti-Soviet activities,” it is important to realise that national sentiments have been rising throughout the Soviet Union.