The Starobilsk Agreement was a significant political and military accord signed between representatives of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Makhnovshchina. The agreements emerged during a turbulent period characterized by the fragmentation of Ukraine amidst the chaos of the Russian Civil War. The Makhnovshchina was a movement led by Nestor Makhno, advocating for anarchist principles and local self-governance while opposing both Bolshevik and White forces. This agreement was instrumental in consolidating power and fostering unity among disparate factions in Ukraine, facilitating coordinated military efforts against common adversaries.

Negotiations took place in Starobilsk, a strategic location being contested during the Ukrainian War of Independence. The context of the signing was marked by the pressing need for tactical alliances amidst continuous shifts in allegiance and territorial control. Both parties aimed to bolster their defenses against external and internal threats while implementing their ideologies through cooperative action. The agreement outlined terms for mutual military assistance, laying the groundwork for further collaboration between the Ukrainian Soviet leadership and Makhno's revolutionaries.

Despite initial cooperation, the agreement was fraught with ideological tensions, leading to strife between Bolshevik commanders and Makhno’s forces. The complexities of the political landscape made it challenging to maintain unity, resulting in eventual conflict between the two factions. Nonetheless, the Starobilsk Agreement remains a pivotal moment, exemplifying the struggle for governance in Ukraine during a time of crisis and transformation.