Stepan Bandera was a Ukrainian political leader and nationalist born on January 1, 1909. He played a significant role in the Ukrainian independence movement during the early to mid-20th century. Bandera was a prominent figure in the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), which sought to establish an independent Ukrainian state. During World War II, Bandera's faction of the OUN collaborated with Nazi Germany at times, hoping to gain support for Ukrainian independence. However, his relationship with the Nazis became strained, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. Bandera's legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a hero of Ukrainian nationalism and others criticizing his methods and associations.