E. H. Chikalenko's diary, written on the basis of the author's direct impressions, reveals to the modern reader the period of formation of Ukrainian statehood: the formation of the UPR and the Central Council, life in Ukraine under the Hetmanate and the Directory, the young state's relations with Germany and Russia. The author cites press materials and other documents that cover the socio-political situation of the time, gives an objective and balanced assessment of events and many statesmen: S. Petliura, P. Skoropadsky, V. Vynnychenko and others. E. Chykalenko notes his thoughts on the historical destiny of Ukraine, his own vision of state building. A logical addition to the diary entries is E. Chykalenko's article “Where is the way out?” And “Excerpts from memoirs from 1919–1920” by L. Ye. Chykalenko. The publication is intended for a wide range of readers and will be interesting to all who are not indifferent to the history of Ukraine.
