Yurii Tiutiunnyk - Ukrainian-Soviet War

Ukrainian-Soviet War

In the Autumn of 1917, Tiutiunnyk organized a unit of "Free Kozaks" in Zvenyhorodka, and became its leader. After the fall of Kiev to Bolshevik forces in 1918, Tiutiunnyk transformed the unit to a kish-size of 20 thousand and engaged in battles throughout central Ukraine. He had a number of victories over the Bolshevik forces, including winning battles against the Bolshevik's 8th Army and 8,000 group of Mikhail Muravyov, while reclaiming the towns and cities like Birzula and Vapniarka from Bolshevik forces. Later, in 1918, Tiutiunnyk's unit waged a guerilla warfare against both the occupying German forces and the forces of the new Hetmanate.

In February 1919, Tiutiunnyk merged his unit with that of Matviy Hryhoryev. Hryhoryev became the Commander in Chief while Tiutiunnyk became the Chief of Staff. The combined force was formidable, numbering over 23,000 soldiers, 52 cannon, and 20 armoured trains. The force cooperated through various battles, including with and against Bolshevik forces, against Entente forces and the White Army, taking under control cities of Kherson and Odessa.

Later, however, Tiutiunnyk concluded that the Bolshevik's aims in Ukraine were not beneficial, he united with the units of Ukrainian People's Army near Zhmerynka. In summer of 1919 along with the 3rd Steel Rifle Division, 2nd Volyn Division, and 2nd Halych Brigade conducted series of successful military operations liberating several cities such as Zhytomyr, Bratslav, Uman, and others. By the end of the summer his forces were faced against the Southern group of Iona Yakir and later in the fall dealing against the White movement General Yakov Slashchov.

From December 6, 1919 to May 5, 1920 took part in the First Winter Campaign under the command of Mykhailo Pavlenko, leading the Kiev Rifle Division with which he fought against the Bolsheviks to the fall of 1920.

Tiutiunnyk remained undaunted by the failure of the campaign, and participated in planning of the Second Winter Campaign. This campaign took place in 1921, and although there were some early victories, it ultimately ended in failure. The unit was overrun, and over 300 soldiers were executed by the Red Guard near Zhytomyr. Tiutiunnyk, together with a small number of soldiers, escaped.