Historical and legal study of the police in Ukraine during the times of partial liberalization of the political regime (1953–1962)

Abstract

A new monograph by Volodymyr Hrechenko and Oleksandr Yarmysh has been published by "Pravo" Publishing House, dedicated to the activities of the Ukrainian SSR's militia during the Khrushchev Thaw (1953–1962). This research is especially relevant in the context of Russia’s ongoing information aggression, where history is weaponized to justify imperial ambitions. The authors examine the evolution of internal affairs bodies during a period of partial de-Stalinization and attempts to reform the Soviet system, particularly its law enforcement institutions.

The book explores key areas such as the reorganization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, personnel policy, crime prevention, responses to economic crimes and hooliganism, administrative policing, and suppression of the Ukrainian national liberation movement. Special emphasis is placed on a rich documentary base, including materials from central and sectoral archives, many of which are introduced to academic discourse for the first time.

The monograph critically analyzes official Soviet sources, identifying ideological bias. Structurally, it consists of a methodological overview and an in-depth study of the legal and organizational aspects of police operations. The conclusions summarize findings that offer deeper insights into the functioning of Soviet law enforcement during a politically transitional era.

This work holds substantial academic and practical value, offering historical insights essential for improving Ukraine’s present-day law enforcement institutions.