A historian explains how a mistake related to this bridge cost Ukraine its statehood, resulting in the loss of Lviv.

On the banks of the San River in Przemyśl (modern-day Poland) stands a unique structure – a railway bridge designed by the world-renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel. This is the only creation by the author of the famous Paris Tower located on historical Ukrainian lands. However, for Ukraine, this bridge became not just an architectural monument, but also a symbol of a fateful mistake that led to defeat in the Polish-Ukrainian War of 1918-1919.

Historian Yuriy Yuzovych believes that it was precisely because of this bridge that Ukrainians lost Lviv and Galicia, and subsequently Ukraine itself. This was the route for supplying the surrounded Polish garrison in Lviv.

A Strategic Mistake that Cost Statehood

The history of this bridge is closely linked to the dramatic events of the November Upsurge of 1918. At that time, young Ukrainian gymnasts, including even 16-year-old patriots, took control of Przemyśl. They managed to capture the Polish commander of the local garrison, demonstrating incredible bravery. Unfortunately, two underage Ukrainians lost their lives in these battles – a testament to the price paid for the struggle for independence.

However, the crucial moment came with the decision regarding the Eiffel Bridge. Military experts insisted on the necessity of its destruction to cut off supplies to the Polish garrison in Lviv. A team of demolition experts even arrived in the city, ready to carry out this task. However, local leaders prohibited the detonation.

The primary reason for this was a naive belief that restoring the bridge after the war would require significant financial resources. This reflects a lack of strategic thinking amid the administration.

History has proven: the loss of statehood means the loss of everything. None of the leaders of the Ukrainian People's Republic, even the wealthiest, were able to achieve success in emigration. A telling example is that of Ukrainian millionaire Yevhen Chykalenko, who, despite his wealth and foreign real estate, ultimately found himself in distress.

The Eiffel Bridge in Przemyśl has become not only an architectural monument but also a reminder of the cost of defeat and the importance of strategic decisions in military conflicts. Today, it symbolizes the lessons of history: without a clear strategy and decisive actions, even the most significant technological advancements can lead to disaster.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported how Moscow destroyed Cossack independence. This dramatic path was traversed by Ukraine at the end of the 18th century.