The Russian Liberation Army: Traitors or Freedom Fighters in WWII?

During WWII, millions of Russians fought for Germany, a decision that elicited a range of reactions from the Allied forces, the Soviet Union, and history itself. This article examines the nuances of the Russian Liberation Army (ROA), its foundational figures, and the aftermath of the war for its members.

The Russian Liberation Army: Formation and Leadership

The Russian Liberation Army (Rусская освободительная армия, Russkaya osvoboditel'naya armiya, or abbreviated РОА, ROA) was a collaborationist force that primarily consisted of former Soviet prisoners of war and White Russian émigrés, including veterans of the anti-communist White Army from the Russian Civil War (1917-1923). The army was led by General Andrey Vlasov, who defected to the Germans after being captured on the Eastern Front.

Controversy Surrounding Vlasov and His Armies

Vlasov agreed to collaborate with Nazi Germany in the hope that it would end the oppression of the Russian people. However, the decision to join the enemy during a war marked by the genocidal policies of the Nazis placed him and the ROA in a precarious moral and legal position. The soldiers under his command were diverse, ranging from Soviet prisoners of war to White Russian émigrés, all united in their desire for freedom from Soviet control.

Aftermath: Repatriation, Trials, and Condemnation

Once these Russian soldiers were captured by the Allies (specifically the Soviet Union) after the war, they faced severe repercussions. Due to Soviet labeling, the repatriated ROA soldiers were often viewed as traitors and subject to hard labor or imprisonment. Leaders like Vlasov were tried and executed in Moscow on August 1, 1946, marking a definitive conclusion to the activities of the Russian Liberation Army.

Historical Context and Modern Opinions

The actions of the Russian Liberation Army (ROA) are complex and surrounded by controversy. How historians and modern individuals view Vlasov and the ROA varies widely. Some argue that their actions were driven by a desire for freedom from the repressive Soviet regime, while others see them as acquiescent to the genocidal policies of Nazi Germany. Regardless of one's position, the legacy of the ROA continues to be a subject of academic and public debate.

For Further Reading:

Understanding the Russian Liberation Army and the complex nature of its members and leaders requires a nuanced examination of history. Whether they were traitors or freedom fighters remains one of the most poignant questions of the Second World War.

Keywords

Russian Liberation Army, Vlasovtsy, WWII traitors