The opportunity Malinkov and the others had been waiting for soon arrived. On July 15, 1921, eager to demonstrate loyalty to the financial backers behind it in exchange for greater support, and driven by the natural hostility between its regime and the Russian Labor Party, the government of the Ukrainian People's Republic attempted to launch a military probe against Russia within the year.
Whether from the perspective of their systems, the historical grudges between Ukraine and Russia, or the dispute between independence and unification, the government of the Ukrainian People's Republic could not remain indifferent toward Russia forever.
Even though Russia was far stronger than Ukraine, the government of the Ukrainian People's Republic could not simply sit and wait for death. Moreover, the supportive stance of imperialist powers such as Germany, Austria, Britain, and France further strengthened the Ukrainian government's confidence in opposing Russia.
Sicheslav City.
In the mayor's office, Filatov was lecturing—or rather, berating—the Sicheslav City Anti-Labor Group.
"Leonid, you idiot! I told you to arrest Labor Party members, so what the hell were you doing in the military camp? Do you know General Maleyle called my office directly?"
Facing Filatov's questioning, Leonid said aggrievedly, "Mr. Mayor, I didn't want to go into the military camp either. But we received intelligence that the Labor Party in this city might have colluded with some officers and soldiers of the 37th Division. That was why our Anti-Labor Group had no choice but to enter the camp and investigate, for the safety of Sicheslav City."
Mayor Filatov pressed a finger against Leonid's shoulder and asked through gritted teeth, "Did you catch anyone, then?"
"N-No..." Leonid stammered. "The moment we entered the garrison of the 163rd Regiment of the 37th Division, those soldier-thugs beat us out. Several of our brothers were injured because