Information activities of the ‘Istanbul Platform’ in 1929-35

The article is focused on the information activities of the ‘Istanbul Platform’ - an illegal residence of the Ukrainian special services of the Central Committee of the Ukrainian People’s Republic in exile during 1929-35. The basis of this institution’s activities was the presentation of Ukrainians in the international arena as a nation seeking to regain its statehood; outlining and substantiating their spiritual, geopolitical and economic interests, as well as countering anti-Ukrainian propaganda and discrediting the Ukrainian political emigration, launched by Soviet Russia in the interwar period. In writing the research paper, the author used the principles of objectivity, specific historical approach, integrity, comprehensiveness, systematicity, as well as historical and typological, problematic and chronological, and historical and comparative methods, which helped to consider the topic comprehensively. Without a proper technical base, funding and other necessary support, being all the time under the ‘watchful eye’ of the Soviet special services, members of the ‘Istanbul Platform’ faithfully carried out information activities not only in Turkey but also in the Middle East. Despite the loss of the Ukrainian nation’s statehood, they sought to explain to European, Middle Eastern and even Far Eastern politicians the significance, role and benefits of restoring an independent and self-sufficient Ukraine on the world map and its importance for global geopolitics and economics. The untimely death of the official representative of the UPR government in exile in Istanbul, Ecumenical Patriarch Photius II, the superiority of Soviet Russia, the lethargy and indecision of world politicians to engage in open confrontation with Moscow, and preparations for World War II led to the collapse of the ‘Istanbul Platform’.