Stepan Bandera Street (Lviv)

Stepan Bandera Street is a major thoroughfare in Lviv, Ukraine, named after Stepan Bandera, a controversial Ukrainian political figure and leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), a militant organization that sought Ukrainian independence. The OUN's activities during World War II, including collaboration with Nazi Germany at times and involvement in ethnic cleansing against Poles, have made Bandera a highly polarizing figure.

The street is a significant transportation artery within Lviv, connecting various parts of the city. It is lined with a mix of residential buildings, commercial establishments, and public institutions. Traffic along the street is often heavy, reflecting its importance for daily commuting and commerce.

The naming of the street after Stepan Bandera has been a source of ongoing debate and controversy, both within Ukraine and internationally. Supporters view Bandera as a hero who fought for Ukrainian independence against Soviet and Polish rule. Critics, particularly in Russia and Poland, condemn him as a Nazi collaborator and a symbol of Ukrainian ultranationalism.

The street's name serves as a constant reminder of the complex and contested history of Ukraine and the different perspectives on the figures who shaped its past. The issue is frequently raised in discussions about Ukrainian national identity, historical memory, and relations with neighboring countries. The presence of this street is often cited as a specific example within broader discussions about the commemoration of controversial historical figures in post-Soviet states.