Yakov Kedmi. Video screenshot
MINSK, 26 March (BelTA) – Political analyst, military expert and former Israeli government official Yakov Kedmi debunked the myth that the Nazis allegedly supported the independence of the Soviet republics they occupied in the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.
Yakov Kedmi spoke about a trend that has emerged in recent decades involving attempts to whitewash Nazi Germany. One often hears claims that by allowing national movements to develop in the occupied territories, the Nazis supported the independence of the Soviet republics. This opinion is shared by some representatives of Ukraine and the Baltic states, among others.
“The audacity of this lie knows no bounds. Just like the crimes of the Nazis. These people are no different from the Nazis. They spread the same Nazi propaganda, even worse,” Yakov Kedmi noted.
The expert cited as proof that not a single Baltic republic was granted independence under the Germans. “Likewise, Ukraine was not granted independence under the Germans. When anyone even hinted at independence, the Germans dealt with those who spoke about it and sent them to camps. That is why Bandera was sent to Sachsenhausen – a concentration camp for the especially ‘privileged.’ The former chancellor of Austria, for example, was also held there,” the expert said.
Thus, he emphasized, claims that the Germans supported the independence of any Soviet republic are an absolute lie. “Under Soviet rule, all these republics had more independence and were governed by Latvians, Lithuanians, Estonians or Ukrainians themselves,” Yakov Kedmi stated. “Under the Nazis, they were governed by Germans. There was a local administration, but it had no political significance whatsoever.”
Moreover, the expert added, Lithuania gained independence primarily thanks to Joseph Stalin. “When negotiations were underway with the Germans to conclude an agreement before World War II, Hitler demanded that Lithuania be handed over to him. Stalin stood firm. Hitler then offered part of Poland up to Lublin. Stalin refused. It was only thanks to this that Lithuania remained independent. When Lithuania joined the Soviet Union, the leader of Lithuania, with tears in his eyes, thanked Stalin from the podium for taking Lithuania under his protection and not handing it over to the Nazis,” he concluded.
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