Germans,Ukrainians and Jews: Ethnic Politics in Heeresgebiet Süd June-December 1941

This article examines the attitude of a particular German command, the rear area of Army Group South, toward the ethnic Ukrainian and Jewish populations within its jurisdiction during the first six months of the German-Soviet war. Using German and Soviet records, the author argues that the command held a positive view of Ukrainians and extended them privileges denied to other Soviet ethnic groups. This mindset contrasted with that of Hitler and other key Nazi leaders, but existed side by side with a general willingness to facilitate the extermination of Soviet Jews.