From "Kharkiv Speaks" to the Liberation of Kherson: November in Ukrainian History

Over the years, November has seen events that have left a significant mark on Ukraine’s history and influenced the development of its cities and society: from the first steps of Ukrainian radio broadcasting and large-scale industrial projects to the struggle for human rights, mass protests, and the liberation of occupied territories. These events reflected the contradictions of the Soviet era, as well as Ukrainians’ aspirations for freedom and the restoration of national independence. Here we recall important November dates in Ukrainian history.

November 16, 1924—the first radio broadcast in Ukraine

At 7:00 p.m., the following was heard from Kharkiv: “Hello, hello, hello! This is Kharkiv, this is Kharkiv.” The recording of the first program has not survived, but November 16 is celebrated in Ukraine as Radio, Television, and Communications Workers’ Day.

November 7, 1926 – the founding of the MARS literary group in Kyiv

The “Workshop of the Revolutionary Word” brought together Valerian Pidmohylny, Hryhorii Kosynka, Borys Antonenko-Davydovych, and other writers. Many of its members faced repression in the 1930s.

November 8, 1927 – Groundbreaking for the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant

A solemn ceremony marking the laying of the foundation for the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant took place in Zaporizhzhia. It was one of the largest industrial projects of the Soviet era, transforming the region’s economy and becoming a symbol of electrification. At the same time, the construction was part of forced industrialization and took place under conditions of strict labor discipline.

November 1932—Escalation of the Grain Requisition Terror

In the fall of 1932, the Soviet leadership intensified grain requisitions and repressive measures against the Ukrainian peasantry.

November 1, 1939 — Decision to incorporate Western Ukraine into the USSR as part of the Ukrainian SSR

The Supreme Soviet of the USSR passed a law on the incorporation of Western Ukraine into the Soviet Union as part of the Ukrainian SSR. This served as the legal formalization of the territorial changes following the Red Army’s entry into Polish territory in September 1939. The process took place under Soviet military control, and elections to the People’s Assembly of Western Ukraine were held without any real political competition.

November 3, 1941 – The Blasting of the Assumption Cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

During the Nazi occupation of Kyiv, an explosion destroyed the Assumption Cathedral—one of the most significant monuments of Old Russian architecture. The circumstances of the tragedy remain a subject of historical debate. Among the main theories are the involvement of Soviet saboteurs, who mined sites during their retreat, and that of the Nazi occupiers. At the same time, researchers emphasize the responsibility of both totalitarian regimes for the destruction of cultural heritage.

November 6, 1943—Soviet troops entered Kyiv following the Nazi occupation

After nearly two years of Nazi occupation, Soviet troops captured Kyiv during the Kyiv Offensive. According to Soviet military data, the losses of the 1st Ukrainian Front during the operation from November 3–13 totaled 30,569 killed, wounded, and missing in action, of whom 6,491 were confirmed dead. When taking into account the earlier battles on the Bukryn and Lyutiz bridgeheads, the total casualties were significantly higher. Historical estimates depend on the chronological scope and the composition of the operations included in the tally.

November 5, 1953 – The Paton Bridge was opened: the world’s first all-welded bridge

The Yevhen Paton Bridge was officially opened in Kyiv—the world’s first all-welded metal structure, built without a single bolt or rivet. Academician Paton developed automatic welding technology as early as World War II. 

November 6, 1960 – Opening of the Kyiv Metro

The first phase of the metro opened with five stations: “Vokzalna,” “Universytet,” “Khreshchatyk,” “Arsenalna,” and “Dnipro.”

November 9, 1962 – Stanislav was renamed Ivano-Frankivsk

A decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR, dated November 9, 1962, provided for the renaming of both the city of Stanislav and Stanislav Oblast to Ivano-Frankivsk and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, respectively.

November 5, 1968 – Vasyl Makukh’s self-immolation on Khreshchatyk

On November 5, 1968, Vasyl Makukh doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire on Khreshchatyk Street in protest against the Soviet colonization of Ukraine. He shouted “Down with the occupiers!” and “Long live free Ukraine!” and also spoke out against the occupation of Czechoslovakia. Vasyl Makukh died on November 6, 1968, from his burns.

November 9, 1976 — Founding of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group

Dissidents led by Mykola Rudenko founded a legal human rights organization that documented human rights violations in the USSR. Among the founders were Oksana Meshko, Levko Lukyanenko, Oles Berdnyk, and Oleksa Tykhyi.

November 19, 1989 – The reburial of Vasyl Stus, Yuriy Lytvyn, and Oleksa Tykhyi

A massive funeral procession took place in Kyiv, attended by tens of thousands of people. The return of the remains of dissidents who had died in Soviet camps became one of the most prominent mass demonstrations of the national movement on the eve of the restoration of independence.

November 21–22, 2004 – The start of the Orange Revolution

After the second round of the presidential election, supporters of Viktor Yushchenko took to the streets in mass protests over allegations of fraud. Independence Square in Kyiv became the center of the protest movement.

November 21, 2013 – The Start of Euromaidan

The protests began following the government’s decision to suspend preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the EU. The movement later evolved into the Revolution of Dignity, which was also driven by government violence and demands for political change.

November 25, 2018 – Russia’s attack on Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait

Russian military forces fired upon and seized two Ukrainian artillery boats, the “Berdyansk” and the “Nikopol,” as well as the harbor tug “Yani Kapu,” which were en route from Odesa to Mariupol. During the attack, the ships sustained damage, three Ukrainian sailors were wounded, and all 24 crew members were taken prisoner. The sailors were released during a prisoner exchange on September 7, 2019, and Russia returned the seized vessels to Ukraine in November of that same year.

November 11, 2022 – Kherson Returns to Ukrainian Control

Ukrainian troops entered the city after Russian forces withdrew from the right bank of the Kherson region. Residents took to the streets waving Ukrainian flags.

From the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity to the liberation of Kherson—the events of November in various years have become important chapters in the Ukrainians’ struggle for freedom and independence. They serve as a reminder that Ukraine’s history is not only about political decisions and military operations, but also about the stories of people who resisted, stood up for their rights, and defended their country’s future.

Ігор Льов

Publications in the "Blogs" section reflect only the author's point of view. The Intent editorial team's position may differ from the author's.