The significance of the thesis subject is related to the fact that it is the first time since Ukraine has gained its independence, a violent conflict developed on its territory. Understanding of real threat of losing the state independence by the Ukrainian society led to patriotic arousal and resulted in the occurrence of the phenomenon of volunteer movement, unique in the newest history of Ukraine. Besides, the partially mobilized Armed Forces of Ukraine, other Military Formations and Law-enforcement Bodies and Missile Defense, the paramilitary troops appeared by the initiative of the most active, public-spirited citizens, also supported by the state authorities, political parties, civic organizations, volunteers and supporters who raised to defend the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This thesis deals with the condition of the subject scientific development, source base for creation and functioning of Ukrainian paramilitary troops in 2014–2015, author’s own classification of the study historiography is proposed. The author’s definition of the term “Ukrainian paramilitary troops” is given. The internal and foreign political situation of Ukraine at the beginning of the aggression of the Russian Federation was studied, the factors that caused the appearance of the Ukrainian paramilitary troops, which influenced their creation, were determined. It has been proved that the creation process was largely due to the legislative and regulatory basis adopted in previous years, which was regulating the organizational issues of their foundation. It depended on the entity initiating its creation – state authorities, political forces, civic organizations or self-organized citizens. Completion of the troops was performed in accordance with the voluntariness principle. The analysis of social and political preconditions of the Ukrainian paramilitary troops’ appearance was carried out, the system of conditions which impacted their establishment was determined, and the degree of impact of each of them was analyzed. It was found out that the number of staff of the Ukrainian paramilitary troops was unstable, and in some periods of 2014–2015 it was around 30 thousand people. The number of volunteer fighters was smaller in the direct ATO area, as the part of the fighters were there on rotation; part of the troops was involved into performing tasks in different regions of Ukraine. The unique phenomenon of self-organization of public-spirited community supported by civic organizations and political parties, which resulted in creation of the Ukrainian paramilitary troops under the state aegis, was characterized. It is mentioned that uniting of citizens into the paramilitary troops was a determinedly chosen step, which became one of the means of stopping the Russian aggression and advancement of Russian terrorist army in the East of Ukraine. The organizational and legislative basis for creating the Ukrainian paramilitary troops and the tasks assigned to them were defined. The conduct of military training, organization of provision types, numeral and social composition of service members of the paramilitary troops were studied. Types and value of volunteer aid in provision of the Ukrainian paramilitary troops were clarified. It has been found that over 80% of volunteers in these troops at the beginning of ATO had no combat experience. Since autumn 2014, obligatory military training in the Ukrainian paramilitary troops was organized.
The thesis determines two types of providing the paramilitary troops with the weapons. The main directions of volunteer aid to the Ukrainian army, including the Ukrainian paramilitary troops, were material and food supplies, and supply of medicinal products, vehicles, purchase of up-to-date electronic devices for high-quality combat operations, various equipment, etc. The thesis summarizes the information about the role of volunteer organizations and volunteer support for the Ukrainian warriors, including the paramilitary troops. The results of military activity of the troops during the repulse of Russian armed attack in the East of Ukraine were analyzed. The participation of the Ukrainian paramilitary troops in combat activities has been reflected. In particular, the battles for Slaviansk, Savur Grave, Donetsk airport, Vuglegirsk, Shyrokino, and Ilovaisk. The analysis of the fights showed that their close interaction with the regular subdivisions and units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the NSU provided the release of the territory from the Russian aggression. The Ukrainian paramilitary troops were achieving independent success mostly in cases when their rivals were subdivisions almost equal to them by training and weaponry.
