Who Is Stepan Bandera? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Stepan Bandera was born on January 1, 1909, in a rural village in Eastern Poland, which is now part of Ukraine. A significant figure in Ukrainian history, Bandera emerged as a leader in the Ukrainian nationalist movement during the early and mid-20th century. He played a pivotal role in the fight for Ukrainian independence, particularly during World War II. His ideology and actions have been a topic of heated debate, reflecting deep divisions in Ukrainian society and politics.
As of 2025, Bandera's legacy is celebrated by some as a hero and criticized by others as a controversial figure associated with nationalist extremism. His impact on Ukraine's national identity continues to resonate, making him a central character in discussions about history and nationalism.
| Occupation | Revolutionaries |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1909 |
| Age | 50 Years |
| Birth Place | Staryi Uhryniv, Galicia, Austria-Hungary |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Austria |
| Date of death | 15 October, 1959 |
| Died Place | Munich, Bavaria, West Germany |
Popularity
Stepan Bandera's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific data about Stepan Bandera's physical measurements is not widely documented, he was reportedly of average height for his time. Historical accounts suggest he had a robust build, typical of someone involved in intense political and military activities. However, these physical attributes remain largely anecdotal as detailed records were not kept.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Stepan Bandera was married to an Austrian woman named Natalia (Nadya) Bandera. Together, they had three children, contributing to the Bandera family legacy. Throughout his life, Bandera's commitment to the nationalist cause often meant that he was distanced from his family due to the political pressures and warfare surrounding them. His relationship with his family remains a poignant part of his narrative, highlighting the personal costs of his political ambitions.
Bandera grew up in a patriotic and religious household. He did not attend primary school due to World War I and was taught at home by his parents. At a young age, Bandera was undersized and slim. He sang in a choir, played guitar and mandolin, enjoyed hiking, jogging, swimming, ice skating, basketball and chess.
Net Worth and Salary
Estimating Stepan Bandera's net worth in contemporary terms is challenging, as he lived during turbulent historical times and his primary focus was not on personal wealth. During his life, Bandera's income would have been derived from various sources, including his leadership within nationalist movements and potential family support. His net worth, however, is considered negligible when discussing financial assets in today’s context.
Career, Business, and Investments
Stepan Bandera's career was primarily rooted in Ukrainian nationalism. He became a prominent figure in the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and later the faction of the OUN known as the OUN-B. His involvement spanned various roles, including political leadership and military strategy against both Soviet and Nazi forces.
Bandera was imprisoned by Polish authorities and later by the Nazis, but he remained a central figure in the struggle for Ukrainian independence. His ideological influence has persisted, inspiring nationalist movements and contesting narratives within Ukraine and beyond.
Bandera was freed from Brest (Brześć) Prison in Eastern Poland in early September 1939, as a result of the invasion of Poland. There are differing accounts of the circumstances of his release. Soon thereafter Eastern Poland was occupied by the Soviet Union.
Upon release from prison, Bandera moved first to Lviv, but after realising it would be occupied by the Soviets, Bandera together with other OUN members, moved to Kraków, the capital of Germany's occupational General Government. where, according to Tadeusz Piotrowski, he established close connections with the German Abwehr and Wehrmacht.
There, he also came in contact with the leader of the OUN, Andriy Atanasovych Melnyk. In 1940, the political differences and expectations between the two leaders caused the OUN to split into two factions, OUN-B and OUN-M (Banderites and Melnykites) each one claiming legitimacy.
Social Network
Although Stepan Bandera did not have access to modern social networks, his legacy is profoundly present on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram today, amongst various online forums and communities. Supporters of Bandera utilize these platforms to discuss his impact on Ukrainian identity, share historical documents, and promote nationalist sentiments. Conversely, critics highlight the controversial aspects of his legacy, igniting passionate discussions across social media.
Bandera joined OUN in 1929, and quickly climbed through the ranks, thanks to the support of Okhrymovych, becoming in 1930 the head of a section distributing OUN propaganda in Eastern Galicia. A year later, he became director of propaganda for the whole OUN.
After Okhrymovych's death and the flight from Poland of his successor Ivan Habrusevych in 1931, he became the leading candidate to become head of the homeland executive. But due to the fact that he was in detention at the time, he was unable to assume this function, and upon his release he became deputy to Bohdan Kordiuk, who assumed this function.
After the failure of the Attack on the post office in Gródek Jagielloński, Kordiuk had to step down and Bandera took over de facto his function, which was sanctioned at a conference in Berlin on 3–6 June 1933.
Education
Stepan Bandera's education took place in pre-war Poland, where he studied at the Ukrainian National University and later at Lviv University. His academic background provided him with the ideological framework necessary for his nationalist convictions and leadership in the OUN. His education, combined with the impact of World War II, shaped the trajectory of his pursuits in both the nationalist movement and his broader political ideology.
Bandera had seven siblings, three sisters and four brothers. Bandera's younger brothers included Oleksandr, who earned a doctorate in political economy at the University of Rome, and Vasyl, who finished a degree in philosophy at the University of Lviv.
