Controversial Ukrainian war fighters may receive official recognition as veterans

Former members of two combat groups allegedly involved in killing Jews during and after World War II may soon be recognized as war veterans in Ukraine. The change in status would enable these former soldiers to receive social service benefits. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko ordered this week that the work of a government commission on the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army be resumed. Both of the groups, known locally as OUN-UPA, fought against the Soviet Red Army and the Nazis during World War II. According to many reports, these units also were responsible for killing Jews associated with the Bolshevik administration in Ukraine, although it is not believed that they specifically targeted Jews.