Raid on Stanislav

Soviets launched a number of anti-partisan operations against the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. In October 1945, Soviet propaganda claimed victory over Ukrainian insurgents and an almost complete destruction of UPA.^[4] During this time, Ukrainian insurgents organised a raid on the city of Stanyslaviv at the end of October, led by Vasyl Andrusyak.^[2]

The raid begun with insurgent shelling of NKVD department. Insurgents reached the central street and opened fire, attacking their targets and causing panic. The departament commandant, Vladimir Zots, was killed in the initial attack. 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.^[2]

The attack on Stanislav demonstrated that UPA still existed as an organised force and was capable of challenging Soviet authority.^[4] Anti partisan collective punishment operations were carried out in the neighbouring villages.^[1] Soviet authorities attempted to downplay this event as an attack organized by "Vlasovites" rather than Ukrainian insurgents they claimed to have almost completely defeated.^[2]