Inside: l New Chornobyl confinement structure in place – page 3 l U.N. resolution on human rights in Crimea – page 6 l Vasyl Lomachenko retains boxing title – page 17

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIV No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 $2.00 UNA General Assembly holds Yanukovych testifies in trial 2016 annual meeting related to Euro-Maidan killings In particular, he charged him with com- Yuriy Symczyk elected as national secretary Former president faces mitting “high treason,” aiding and abetting Russia to encroach on the “sovereignty and charges of high treason territorial integrity of Ukraine,” and for causing more than 1 trillion hrv ($40 bil- by Mark Raczkiewycz lion U.S.) in damages to the state. During testimony and a post-trial news KYIV – From the outset, post-Soviet conference that he gave, Mr. Yanukovych Ukraine’s fourth president, Viktor Yanukovych, started lying. acknowledged writing a letter to Russian “I’ve never committed a crime,” he said President Vladimir Putin on March 1, 2014, via video link from a Russian court in that requested military deployment and Rostov-on-Don on November 28. the use of force in Ukraine. It was his first testimony to a Ukrainian He called it an “emotional decision,” add- court, given as a witness, and related to the ing that the request “wasn’t fulfilled.” In a trial of five riot police officers who were previous news conference that Mr. allegedly involved in the mass killings in Yanukovych gave on November 25 in central Kyiv during the Euro-Maidan Rostov-on-Don, he justified Russia’s occu- Revolution in 2013-2014. pation of the Crimean peninsula and said Like Mr. Yanukovych, many of the law that “relatives-volunteers” from Russian enforcement officers who allegedly refugee camps had gone to fight in the gunned down some 100 protesters during Donbas – “not mercenaries.” the uprising either fled to the Russian- It is furthermore unclear when Mr. occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea or Yanukovych would be tried in absentia for Roma Hadzewycz to Russia. the charges he faces – almost three years The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association (from left): National While giving testimony that lasted over after the revolution, and two and a half Secretary Yuriy Symczyk, President Stefan Kaczaraj, Treasurer Roma Lisovich, First six hours, Mr. Yanukovych failed to mention years from when Russia invaded Ukraine in Vice-President Michael Koziupa, Second Vice-President Eugene Oscislawski and that he is a twice-convicted felon. He was an unprovoked war that has killed 2,263 Director for Canada Myron Groch. given a three-year sentence for theft in Ukrainian servicemen, wounded 8,394 and 1967 at the age of 17. He was incarcerated uprooted over 1 million people from their by Roma Hadzewycz progress during 2016 – the fourth year in a row that the fraternal organization has three years later for inflicting bodily harm homes, according to Mr. Lutsenko’s oral KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The Ukrainian enjoyed net profits. In addition, during the and was handed a two-year sentence. indictment. National Association’s General Assembly past year the UNA’s surplus has grown by Now, Mr. Yanukovych, 66, faces charges In his testimony, Mr. Yanukovych convened its 2016 annual meeting here at nearly $1 million and is projected to stand of high treason and at least a dozen more couldn’t recall where he was and with the Soyuzivka Heritage Center on Friday at $9.3 million by the end of the year. crimes, based on a notice of suspicion that whom he spoke on February 18-20, 2014, and Saturday, November 18-19. Reports were delivered by the full-time Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko read to when the vast majority of protesters were The business sessions were marked by the disgraced former president during a good news about the UNA’s continued (Continued on page 4) break in his testimony. (Continued on page 14) Kyiv solemnly remembers the Holodomor

KYIV – Hundreds of Kyiv residents, including Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and First Lady Maryna Poroshenko, took part in a solemn ceremony to com- memorate the Holodomor, or death by forced starvation, on November 26 in Park Slavy (Glory Park). Millions of Ukrainians were starved to death in 1932-1933 on the orders of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin carried out by his henchmen in Ukraine. At 4 p.m. on November 26 – the official Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holodomor – a moment of silence was observed. As the sun set, people nationwide set lit candles on windowsills to remember this act of genocide. Estimates vary, as do methodologies for counting, but researchers say that between 3 million and 10 million Ukrainians died, with approximately 24 dying every minute during the peak period in the early 1930s, according to historians. “The years 1932-1933 fractured us, but we didn’t break,” President Poroshenko said. “We must fulfill our duty to millions of Ukrainians, tortured by hunger and death, to preserve Ukraine, united, independent and sovereign.” – Mark Raczkiewycz president.gov.ua 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49 Latest Minsk talks fail to reach breakthrough on Ukraine conflict Poroshenko: Holodomor was genocide Peskov said on November 30 that he had RFE/RL Russia over its role in Ukraine’s conflict. never heard about such warnings. Russia Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro illegally annexed Crimea in March 2014 Talks in Minsk on resolving the conflict Klimkin blamed Russia for the standstill at Poroshenko has called for the Holodomor, and an ensuing war between Kyiv’s forces in eastern Ukraine have ended with the for- the November 29 meeting, saying Moscow the Ukraine famine of the 1930s, to be rec- and Russia-backed separatists has killed at eign affairs ministers of Russia, Ukraine, would not agree to any of the key priorities ognized as “genocide.” Mr. Poroshenko least 9,600 people in eastern Ukraine. France and Germany all saying no new set out in the talks. spoke at a ceremony in Kyiv on November (RFE/RL, based on reporting by UNIAN, breakthroughs were made. Mr. Klimkin also said Kyiv and Moscow 26 marking the official Day of Remembrance Interfax and TASS) German Foreign Affairs Minister Frank- have a fundamental difference of opinion of the Victims of the Holodomor, which com- Walter Steinmeier said the November 29 on how a path to peace would look. memorates the millions who died of famine Separatists ban Czech aid group meeting in the Belarusian capital conclud- under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. “I just Ukraine has accused Russia of deploying PRAGUE – A Czech-based humanitarian ed with negotiators far from reaching a 5,000 to 7,500 regular army units in east- signed a presidential decree that among political agreement that includes local elec- other things tasks the Foreign Ministry to organization, People In Need, says it has ern Ukraine and gathering a force of 55,000 been banned from operating in the Donetsk tions – one of the key points of the troops near Russia’s borders with Ukraine. continue its work to achieve a recognition of February 2015 Minsk Agreement. Holodomor among the international com- area of eastern Ukraine by Russia-backed Russia denies it has any troops in east- separatists there. In a November 26 state- But Mr. Steinmeier said he still hopes for munity, foreign countries and international ern Ukraine. ment, the non-governmental aid group said progress on implementing the Minsk accords organizations as the genocide of the it was one of two international organiza- in order to bring an end to fighting between ‘Unacceptable’ status quo Ukrainian people,” he said. President tions that has been helping residents with Ukrainian government forces and Russia- Poroshenko, Prime Minister Volodymyr home repairs, and with supplies of water backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Groysman, representatives from Ukraine’s and food, ahead of the coming winter. The Mr. Steinmeier also held out the pros- Lavrov said it was not possible to agree to churches, and envoys from various coun- statement said “local authorities have taken pect that full implementation of the mea- further steps at the November 29 meeting. tries attended a ceremony to honor the vic- immediate actions” to close the Donetsk sures agreed in Minsk in September 2014 But he said “work will continue.” tims. There was also a nationwide minute’s region office of People In Need and have and February 2015 could lead to the lifting silence observed at 4 p.m. local time. The sealed off the warehouse where the group of international sanctions imposed against (Continued on page 17) official Day of Remembrance for the victims stores humanitarian aid there. It said the of the famine is marked every year on the separatists have also ordered all interna- fourth Saturday of November. (RFR/RL) tional aid workers to leave areas under their Russian forces in Crimea on high alert control within 24 hours. The aid group said Kyiv says Russia has at least the banning order had been delivered to MOSCOW – Russia’s state-run TASS them on November 25. It said a reason for news agency reports that Russian air- the decision was not given. People In Need 5,000 troops in eastern Ukraine defense forces in Crimea have been placed says it has provided food to nearly 470,000 RFE/RL the announcement, but it has in the past on high alert on the eve of planned people in separatist-controlled areas of repeatedly denied having a military pres- Ukrainian missile tests near the Black Sea eastern Ukraine so far in 2016. It says it has KYIV – Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has ence in Ukraine, other than Crimea, which peninsula. Moscow has protested the tests also provided material help or home repairs said Russia has between 5,000 and 7,500 Russia forcibly annexed in 2014. planned for December 1-2 near Crimea, for more than 100,000 people. The aid regular military troops inside Ukrainian Kyiv and Western governments assert which Russia seized from Ukraine in March group said it is continuing to operate in the territory, not counting the annexed that Moscow is providing military, econom- 2014. Russia’s Foreign Affaitrs Ministry on Luhansk separatist area of Ukraine as well Ukrainian region of Crimea. ic, and political support to separatists in November 30 called the planned missile as on government-controlled territory. Deputy Defense Minister Ihor Dolhov eastern Ukraine. tests a “new large-scale provocation,” say- (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters) told journalists in Kyiv on November 29 Earlier this month, the International ing they were aimed at “escalating the con- that Russia has 23,000 troops in Crimea, Criminal Court ruled that the conflict in flict between Ukraine and Russia.” On A step closer to EU visa liberalization including about 9,000 along the adminis- eastern Ukraine is an “international armed November 29, Ukraine issued an additional BRUSSELS – European Union member trative line between Crimea and mainland conflict” between Russia and Ukraine. formal notice to airmen (NOTAM) in air- The conflict there has left some 9,600 states moved a step closer to giving Ukraine Ukraine. space danger zones in connection with the people dead since it broke out in early visa-free access after ambassadors gave the In addition, he said, Russia has some tests of air-to-air combat missile systems. It 55,000 troops stationed very near its bor- 2014, according to the United Nations. bloc’s executive authority the green light for said the tests will be conducted in accor- new talks on easing the rules. The decision der with Ukraine. Based on reporting by RIA Novosti and dance with international regulations Moscow did not immediately react to Interfax. on November 17 by EU ambassadors now entirely in Ukraine’s airspace over the open gives the executive authority, known as the sea. Media reports in Ukraine quoted European Council, a mandate to work with Defense Ministry sources as saying that the bloc’s legislative chamber, the European THE DAILY VERTICAL Moscow had officially warned Kyiv it would Parliament, on a procedural mechanism. respond to the missile tests with a missile What happened to the Europe attack. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry (Continued on page 12) Ukrainians died for? The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 by Brian Whitmore tocratic regime. RFE/RL So threatening, it appears, that the An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., November 23 Kremlin decided that it needed to be a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. destroyed – first in Ukraine and then in Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Three years ago this week, a nation rose Europe itself. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. up and demanded a better life. In the wake of the Euro-Maidan, Moscow (ISSN — 0273-9348) Three years ago this week, a middle launched one type of hybrid war aimed at class revolution commenced. The Weekly: UNA: paralyzing and destabilizing Ukraine – Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Three years ago this week, the Euro- sending little green men to annex Crimea Maidan was born. and to wreak havoc in the Donbas. Postmaster, send address changes to: And it’s worth remembering the Euro part. And it launched another kind of hybrid The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Because the popular uprising that even- war in Europe – weaponizing information 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas tually overthrew the corrupt and autocratic and the democratic process to bring xeno- P.O. Box 280 regime of Ukraine’s pro-Moscow President phobes and Euroskeptics to the brink of Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] Viktor Yanukovych was driven by a desire power. to be part of Europe. Three years ago European values were The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com It was an uprising in support of on the march in Ukraine. European values. Today, they’re in retreat – in Europe. The Ukrainian Weekly, December 4, 2016, No. 49, Vol. LXXXIV And it is also worth remembering that Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly the more than 100 protesters who were The views expressed in this commentary do killed during the Euro-Maidan, died for the not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL. values of Europe. Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted They became the first people in history with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA to die for the idea of the European Union. Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 And it’s worth remembering that the Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see e-mail: [email protected] power and magnetic pull of this European http://www.rferl.org/a/daily-vertial-whit- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 idea was deeply and profoundly threaten- more-euromaidan-anniversary-three- e-mail: [email protected] ing to Vladimir Putin’s autocratic and klep- years/28134669.html). No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 3 Massive Chornobyl confinement structure is moved into position PRYPIAT, Ukraine – A ceremony at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant on November 29 marked the successful conclu- sion of the erection of a new confinement structure over the stricken reactor No. 4. The process of sliding the arch struc- ture into place via hydraulic jacks took two weeks. The operation is a key milestone before the finalization of the international program to transform Chornobyl – site of the world’s worst nuclear accident on April 26, 1986 – into an environmentally safe and secure state by November of next year, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) noted. Chornobyl’s giant New Safe Confinement (NSC) was moved over a distance of 327 meters from its assembly point to its final resting place, completely enclosing a previ- ous makeshift shelter that was hastily assembled immedi- ately after the 1986 accident. The Chornobyl arch is the largest moveable land-based structure ever built, with a span of 257 meters (843 feet), a length of 162 meters (531 feet), a height of 108 meters (354 feet)and a total weight of 36,000 tons. President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine described the new shelter as “the biggest moving construction that humanity has ever created,” and EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti hailed the shelter as “a testament to the lasting international solidarity with Ukraine and the commitment to nuclear safety.” The NSC will make the accident site safe and, with a life- time of 100 years, will allow for the eventual dismantling of the aging makeshift shelter from 1986 and the manage- ment of the reactor’s radioactive waste. EBRD/Novarka The structure was built by Novarka, a consortium of the The new confinement structure for the Chornobyl plant, seen on November 14, as the arch sliding began. It took French construction firms VINCI Construction and two weeks for the structure to be moved into place. Bouygues Construction. Work started in 2010. With a cost of 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion U.S.), the giant structure is the most prominent element of the Shelter Implementation Plan for Chornobyl, which involved more than 300 projects and activities. The 2.1 billion euro ($2.24 billion U.S.) program is financed by the Chornobyl Shelter Fund. Established in 1997, the fund has received contributions from 45 donor governments. The EBRD manages the fund and is the larg- est contributor to the New Safe Confinement project. Placing the arch over the reactor “is the beginning of the end of a 30-year-long fight with the consequences of the 1986 accident,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Ostap Semerak. A 3,000-square-kilome- ter area around the Chornobyl plant remains unfit for liv- ing and farming, though there are now plans to develop the region as a source of clean energy. Mr. Semerak told the Financial Times that nearly 10 companies are eyeing bil- lion-dollar solar power projects. EBRD/Novarka A view of the arch being constructed next to the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in a photo taken in September 2015. Sources: EBRD, Associated Press, Financial Times.

UCC supports Canadian bill establishing Quotable notes “...Ukraine continues its journey to becoming a democratic, fair and prosperous Crimean Tatar Deportation Memorial Day country at the gates of Europe, a vision that so many of my fellow citizens died for during the Maidan Revolution in the beginning of 2014 and continue to die for UCC Ukraine and today live in fear or have been again exiled under illegal Russian rule, the defending our country against Russia. OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian UCC noted in its press release. “What we have achieved in the last two years we could not have done without Congress (UCC) stated on November 28 In November 2015, Ukraine’s Parliament the hard work and sacrifice of our people at home and, critically, the staunch sup- that it fully supports Bill C-306, “An act to recognized this crime as an act of genocide port of our partners abroad. The partnership and support of the European Union establish a Crimean Tatar Deportation against the Crimean Tatar People and estab- has been very important. But nowhere has Ukraine found a better friend and more (‘Sürgünlik’) Memorial Day and to recog- lished May 18 as the Day of Remembrance committed ally than the United States. …That continued support is more important nize the mass deportation of the Crimean of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People. now than ever. Tatars in 1944 as an act of genocide.” Bill C-306 honors the memory of the “…Russia and its proxies have continually disregarded the Minsk agreements. Bill C-306 was introduced in the House of hundreds of thousands of victims of the Since they were signed, almost 10,000 Ukrainians, soldiers and civilians alike, have Commons by Kerry Diotte (MP for forced deportation of the Crimean Tatar Edmonton Griesbach in Alberta) on People, and underlines Canada’s enduring lost their lives. …While fomenting war against Ukraine, Russia has illegally annexed September 28. commitment to human rights and funda- Crimea on the unfounded pretext that it was part of Russia in the first place. … The entire Crimean Tatar People, the mental freedoms. “[President-elect Donald J.] Trump has said that the United States cannot do all indigenous people of Crimea, were exiled “Today, the indigenous Crimean Tatars, the heavy lifting when it comes to supporting countries like Ukraine. I agree, and to the Soviet east in 1944 by the totalitarian together with the Ukrainian people and our government is working with our European partners to ensure they remain regime of Joseph Stalin. Hundreds of thou- other ethnic and religious minorities living steadfast. But Ukraine does not ask for charity. My compatriots are dying every day. sands of men, women and children were in Crimea, face severe repression by their They die defending not only Ukraine but the universal democratic values and free- forcibly and violently deported – almost Russian occupiers,” stated UCC National doms that are as precious to Ukrainians as they are to Americans. half lost their lives during the first year of President Paul Grod. “It is vital for all mem- “I hope that under President Trump, not only the United States but the world exile – for no crime other than their lan- bers of Canada’s Parliament to support this will get strong leadership. I also hope that Ukraine will keep the steadfast friend guage, culture and traditions. important legislation and to ensure that and ally that we have been so grateful for during the difficult adolescence of our The vast majority returned home from Canada continues to take concrete actions to democracy.” exile in the early 1990s, thanks largely to oppose Russia’s illegal occupation and the welcoming policy of the government of annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.” – Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin writing in an op-ed published independent Ukraine. It is for this reason The UCC urged community members to in The New York Times on November 28. The commentary was headlined “Ukraine that the Crimean Tatars and their political contact their local members of Parliament has made great progress, but we need our allies.” and civic institutions are fiercely loyal to and express support for Bill C-306. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

UNA General... (Continued from page 1) executive officers of the UNA, President Stefan Kaczaraj and Treasurer Roma Lisovich, as well as Deputy National Secretary Yuriy Symczyk, who was elected by the General Assembly to serve as nation- al secretary. All other General Assembly members – executive officers, advisors and auditors – as well as the editor-in-chief of the UNA’s official publications, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, had the opportunity to deliver addenda to their written reports. Present at the meeting in addition to the full-time executives were three other exec- utive officers, First Vice-President Michael Koziupa, Second Vice-President Eugene Oscislawski and Director for Canada Myron Groch. Also attending were: Auditing Committee members Slavko Tysiak and Eugene Serba; and Advisors Nicholas Fil, Andrij Szul, Gloria Horbaty, Maya Lew, Julian Pishko, Lubov Streletsky, Luba Poniatyszyn Keske, Bohdana Puzyk, Luba Maria Walchuk and Olya Czerkas. Advisor Ewhen Osidacz was not present, but did submit a report; Auditor Andrij Gavdanovich could not attend. At the beginning of the annual meeting, Roma Hadzewycz General Assembly (GA) members heard a Members of the UNA General Assembly at the opening of their 2016 annual meeting, which was held, in keeping with tradition, at presentation on the UNA’s investment poli- Soyuzivka’s monument honoring Taras Shevchenko, whom the UNA designated as its patron. cy and strategy, which was delivered by Larry White, the managing director and co- assets; today it has assets of just under An important item on the first day’s utive said, “This indicates that the UNA is founder of AQS Management who is the $200 million. agenda was filling the vacancy on the UNA moving in the right direction thanks to a UNA’s asset manager. Mr. White explained Afterwards, GA members listened to a Executive Committee that occurred with competent and dedicated staff at the Home the metrics of the UNA’s investment portfo- presentation by Advisor Szul, a lawyer, which the death in July of National Secretary Office.” lio from 2015 to date and spoke in detail updated them on the corporate governance Christine E. Kozak. The UNA’s deputy Mr. Kaczaraj reported on his community about the UNA’s diversified holdings. Mr. structure that will be required in the near national secretary, Mr. Symczyk, was unani- activity as president of the UNA, noting that White noted that when his company began future of all fraternal societies and the UNA’s mously elected as national secretary. Mr. he chairs the National Council of the managing the UNA’s portfolio in 2008, the next steps toward implementing it, including Symczyk, who held the title of UNA frater- Ukrainian Congress Committee of America association had nearly $80 million in revisions of the association’s by-laws. nal coordinator, was tapped as deputy and that he was present at a number of national secretary at the beginning of April important UCCA-organized meetings, of this year. including those with President Petro The day ended with the calling of Poroshenko of Ukraine. General Assembly committees, Organizing/ In addition, the president reported that Fraternal, Publications/Advocacy and the number of print subscriptions to the Financial, and the groups began their sepa- UNA’s newspapers was down, while the rate meetings that evening. number of online subscribers continues to The second day of GA meetings was grow. marked by full-time executive officers’ Newly elected National Secretary reports, as well as addenda to reports sub- Symczyk opened his report by thanking GA mitted by other executive officers, advisors members for their trust and for giving him and auditors. The editor-in-chief of the the opportunity to further serve the UNA in UNA’s two newspapers focused on the his new role. He went on to speak of the highlights of her written reports and new outlook for 2017, noting that “member developments since that report was sub- retention and membership growth will be mitted. the key to our future success.” Mr. Symczyk President Kaczaraj noted the positive said he sees the need for training sessions trends in the UNA’s surplus, which, as of for branch secretaries, as well as for an September 30, 2016, stands at over $9.1 evaluation of all UNA branches and districts million and has been increasing annually Treasurer Roma Lisovich delivers her report via PowerPoint. for the past four years. The UNA’s top exec- (Continued on page 5)

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: October 2016 Amount Name City State $25.00 Kondratiuk Leonid Belmont MA O’Neill-Diakiw Tania Philadelphia PA $250.00 Plast Tabir Ptashat Soyuzivka Kerhonkson NY $20.00 Bonacorsa Christine Belleville NJ Skirka Nicholas Yonkers NY $160.00 Bula Walter Columbus NJ Boone Tom & Xenia Indian Head MD $10.00 Bekersky Lesia Whitesboro NY $150.00 Klokiw Wolodymyr Rye NY Hanas Orest & Zirka Timonium MD Chermak Borys Beaver PA $120.00 Nowak Irene Milwaukee WI Horbaty Gloria Wallingford CT Danylyk Oksana Houston TX Steck Ulana Mississauga ON Malaniak Maria West Seneca NY Gaboda Mary Belvidere VT $100.00 Courtney Laryssa Washington DC Martiuk Marijka Ramsey NJ Keske Luba Woodland Hills CA Ivanonko Zenon Vestal NY Milanytch Nickolas North Port FL Kugler Helen Arlington Hts IL Majuk Zenowij Capitola CA Murskyj L Troy MI Makar Michael Shoreham NY Olds Natalie Fenton MI Rishiy Christina Trenton NJ Mirchuk Ihor Easton PA Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH Saldyt Oksana Amherst NY Prokopovych Irynej Calabasas CA Petryshyn Wolodymyr Cranford NJ Santarsiero Natalie Naples FL Yurkowski Peter Manchester NJ Polishchuk Serge Jersey City NJ Smith Christine Harrisburg PA Zurawski Bogdan Clifton NJ $80.00 Mulyk Michael Holmdel NJ Sokolyk Stephen Richardson TX $5.00 Goy Zwen New York NY $75.00 Hawrylciw Peter Ludlow MA Stanko G Basking Ridge NJ $70.00 Holowinsky Yurij Maryville TN Trojan Natalie Dobbs Ferry NY TOTAL: $2,610.00 $60.00 McGrath Michael Franklin Square NY Tymkiw Stephan Millersville MD Sincere thanks to all contributors $50.00 Boyko Olena Urbanna VA Warshona M Mayfield NY Matkowsky Stephen Rochester NY Wronskyj Wolodymyr Greenlawn NY to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. $40.00 Zaplitny Paul Richmond Hill NY $15.00 Bejger Bohdan Buffalo NY $35.00 Mycio Mark Old Bethpage NY Hvozda John Syracuse NY The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only $30.00 Davydovych Ihor Montreal QC Kazewych Andrew Williamston MI fund dedicated exclusively to supporting Hirka Wsewolod Katy TX Movchan-Novak Ola Warren MI the work of this publication. No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 5

UNA General... (Continued from page 4) with a view toward making adjustments in order to make them more active and suc- cessful in their work. He also said that the three in-house UNA executives will be working on a strategic plan for the UNA. Mr. Symczyk reported the organizing results for the first nine months of 2016: branch secretaries enrolled new members for a face amount of insurance totaling $1,248,000; Home Office employees sold policies for $985,230 of insurance cover- age; and independent agents sold policies for $787,000. He also noted that the total of new business annuity premium for the first Roma Hadzewycz nine months of this year was $1,404,930, as During the business sessions (from left) are: Andrij Szul, Julian Pishko, Gloria Horbaty, Luba Maria Walchuk and Bohdana Puzyk. compared with $127,262 for the same peri- od a year earlier. That, he explained, is due its, and that the UNA “continues to benefit a player.” She cited as examples the UNA’s Also noteworthy during the report peri- to the UNA resuming business in the annui- from a strong investment portfolio, which various community outreach initiatives, od was the increase in news from diverse ties market and the higher rates now has withstood the pressures of the financial ranging from representation and participa- venues, for example, the Ukrainian commu- offered. crisis and the subsequent languishing mar- tion at community gatherings to sponsor- nities in Portugal and Italy. In the past, Mr. Symczyk expressed special thanks to ket.” She reported that general administra- ing and printing programs for various cul- Svoboda had carried stories from Israel, the UNA Home Office staff for their tion and fraternal benefit expenses were tural events; and the UNA’s involvement in England, Sweden, Poland, France, Finland, patience, loyalty and perseverance in “con- below target – another good piece of news. public advocacy. Estonia, Australia, Russia, Belgium, fidently managing every challenge” the She also cited the growth in the UNA’s sur- Not far down the road, Ms. Lisovich con- Argentina and others. The ultimate goal is organization faced during the past nine plus, which surpassed expectations, and tinued, lies another challenge: implement- to get more news from diaspora communi- months at a time of uncertainly due to the noted that building that surplus continues ing a corporate governance structure that ties worldwide in order to make Svoboda a illness and subsequent death of National to be a primary goal. will be required in accordance with a deci- global newspaper, the editor-in-chief said. Secretary Kozak. Turning to the matter of sales, Ms. sion of the National Association of In the closing sessions of the annual The new national secretary also report- Lisovich said the UNA needs new plans and Insurance Commissioners. meeting, General Assembly members heard ed that he and Treasurer Lisovich had par- proper strategies to improve its results in Ms. Lisovich concluded her report by the reports of the Organizing/Fraternal, ticipated in the annual meeting of the that sphere. Among those plans, she said, is underscoring that the UNA will concen- Publications/Advocacy and Financial com- American Fraternal Alliance held in the search for Ukrainian insurance agents trate on growing its core business – life mittees. September. The following month he was who are of Ukrainian descent and could sell insurance – in order to create a stable The Organizing/Fraternal Committee elected to the board of directors of the New UNA products even part-time. foundation; will design and retool itself to (Mr. Symczyk, chair; Mmes. Horbaty, Jersey/New York Fraternal Alliance. As for the UNA’s community involve- meet current challenges; and is slowly and Streletsky, Walchuk, Keske and Czerkas and Treasurer Lisovich told the assembled ment, she pointed to successful steps in steadily moving toward a path to prosperi- Messrs. Pishko, Koziupa, Fil and UNA’ers that the association’s net income restoring the 122-year-old association’s ty. Oscislawski, members) recommended that reflects four consecutive years of net prof- position in the community “as a leader and Also reporting to the General Assembly training courses be held for organizers, as was the Auditing Committee, which recent- well as branch secretaries and district lead- ly conducted a review at the UNA Home ers; that the UNA brand needs to be bol- Office. Speaking on behalf of the committee stered, including through improvement of was Chairman Tysiak, who described the its website; that the UNA conduct more most recent audit of the UNA’s contract for outreach to various audiences, for example, management services for the Ukrainian parents of students enrolled in schools of National Foundation and said that a draft Ukrainian studies; that marketing and pro- report was sent to the UNA Executive motional materials be provided to districts Committee for its members’ review and and branches for use in their respective comment. The report will then be issued to communities; and that Dr. Myron B. the General Assembly. Kuropas’s book on the UNA’s history be The editor-in-chief of Svoboda and The updated for the association’s 125th anni- Ukrainian Weekly, Ms. Hadzewycz, present- versary (2019). ed the most significant parts of her report, The Publications/Advocacy Committee She informed GA members of the staffing (Mmes. Hadzewycz, Czerkas, Horbaty and situation at the UNA’s two newspapers, Puzyk, Messrs. Koziupa, Pishko and praising her colleagues for going above and Symczyk, members) recommended that a beyond in fulfilling their responsibilities. free three-month trial subscription, in digi- The most important development of the tal form, to either of the UNA’s newspapers past year, she said, was the introduction in be provided to new members; that such September of the new design for the news- trial subscriptions be subject to automatic UNA Auditor Slavko Tysiak (left) with the UNA’s new national secretary, Yuriy Symczyk. paper’s website, fulfilling a key recommen- renewal via credit card; that a reduced cost dation of the Publications Committee from for digital subscriptions in countries out- the 2015 annual meeting of the UNA side of North America be examined; and General Assembly. The new design mirrors that member organizations of the that introduced for The Ukrainian Weekly Ukrainian World Congress, that is, repre- in June 2014. sentations of Ukrainian diaspora communi- She noted the passing of not only Ms. ties, be encouraged to submit information Kozak, who worked closely with the UNA’s on their activities to Svoboda. newspapers, but also of others associated The Finance Committee (Ms. Lisovich, with them: long-time correspondent of chair; Messrs. Kaczaraj, Koziupa, Groch and Svoboda and former editor of The Weekly Tysiak, members) reviewed the projected Rostyk Chomiak; Luba Lapychak-Lesko, budget for 2017 of nearly $2.286 million. longtime administrator of the publishing After the committee reports were accepted, General Assembly members dis- Weekly; former editorial staffer Lubov cussed miscellaneous matters, among Kolensky;house and printand Orysia shop of Paszczak Svoboda Tracz,and Тhe a them: UNA programs at the Soyuzivka longtime columnist for The Weekly, who Heritage Center, such as Seniors’ Week and had passed away just over a week earlier. the Adoptive Parents Weekend; promotion For the first time in 2016, after several of the UNA and the Ukrainian National years of the editor-in-chief pushing for this, Foundation at Soyuzivka during the sum- both newspapers ran the special section on mer; reactivation of UNA branches; and UNA scholarship winners in their issues encouragement of UNA’ers of the younger released in time for Labor Day weekend, generations to become involved in the Ms. Hadzewycz said, thus providing an organization with a view toward the next excellent opportunity for the UNA to pres- UNA convention in 2018. ent itself in a most positive light to the hun- After adjournment of the meeting, the dreds of youths gathered at Soyuzivka for UNA’ers enjoyed a festive dinner prepared The women of the UNA General Assembly place a wreath at the statue of the founder of Svoboda and the UNA, the Rev. Hryhory Hrushka (1859-1913). that holiday weekend. by the Soyuzivka staff. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION The Ukrainian Weekly The UNA General Assembly reports On the human rights The Ukrainian National Association recently held the annual meeting of its General Assembly, the highest decision-making body of that fraternal organization (which happens to be our publisher) between its quadrennial conventions. The situation in Crimea story that begins on page 1 of this issue notes the most significant news and reports Following is the text of the U.N. Resolution Human Rights on the human rights situa- from the annual session, including the key piece of information about the notable on the Situation of Human Rights in the tion in Ukraine, of the Commissioner for increase in the UNA’s surplus and the good news that profits have been up for four Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City Human Rights of the Council of Europe, and straight years. But there is so much more to the reports presented in written and of Sevastopol (Ukraine), adopted on of the human rights assessment mission of oral form by the organization’s executive officers, advisors and auditors. Allow us to November 15 by the General Assembly’s the Office for Democratic Institutions and share our reflections upon having read each and every one of them. Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian, Human Rights and the High Commissioner First of all, it must be noted that, save for the three-in-house executive employees Cultural). The vote was 73-23, with 76 on National Minorities of the Organization who are full-time employees of the UNA, everyone else on the General Assembly is a abstentions. for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in volunteer. However, even the UNA officers do a great amount of volunteer work As noted by the Permanent Mission of which they stated that violations and abus- beyond their duties, and they do it on behalf of the UNA. For example, the UNA presi- Ukraine to the United Nations, “The es of human rights continued to take place dent chairs the National Council of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America approved resolution is an important diplo- in Crimea and pointed to the sharp deterio- and the UNA treasurer is on the UCCA’s Auditing Committee and, prior to the most matic, political and legal mechanism by ration of the overall human rights situation, recent Congress of Ukrainians of America, served on its by-laws committee. which Ukraine protects the rights of citizens Condemning the imposition of the legal The reports of other General Assembly members revealed a variety of volunteer of Ukraine on the territory of temporarily system of the Russian Federation and the contributions. A few of the advisors are closely involved with the Soyuzivka Heritage occupied Crimea. The approval of the resolu- negative impact on the human rights situa- Center’s programs, such as the Adoptive Families Weekend and its bilingual chil- tion is planned at the plenary meeting of the tion in Crimea, dren’s camps, as well as its immensely popular annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival. U.N. General Assembly in December 2016.” Condemning also the reported serious Several executives, auditors and advisors are involved in political advocacy, organiz- Ukraine’s Mission also underscored: violations and abuses committed against ing and meeting with their members of Congress, whether in their home states or in “For the first time in official documents of residents of Crimea, in particular extrajudi- Washington, to discuss issues of concern to all Ukrainian Americans. the U.N., the Russian Federation is recog- cial killings, abductions, enforced disap- And then there are numerous local initiatives in which UNA activists are engaged nized as an occupying power and the pearances, politically motivated prosecu- in their respective communities throughout North America – in Florida, California, Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city tions, discrimination, harassment, intimi- Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ontario and of Sevastopol as a temporarily occupied ter- dation, violence, arbitrary detentions, tor- Quebec and elsewhere. They are actively involved in festivals, commemorations and ritory. In addition, the resolution confirmed ture and ill-treatment of detainees and all manner of community gatherings. Plus, UNA General Assembly members are also the territorial integrity of Ukraine and reaf- their transfer from Crimea to the Russian members and activists of diverse organizations, among them the Ukrainian National firmed the non-recognition of annexation of Federation, as well as reported abuses of Women’s League of America, Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for the Ukrainian peninsula. other fundamental freedoms, including the Ukraine, Shevchenko Scientific Society and the new Ukrainian American Business “The document also urges the Russian freedoms of expression, religion or belief and Professionals Association, not to mention local parishes. Federation to grant international human and association and the right to peaceful To be sure, there are also countless community events attended by UNA General rights mechanisms, in particular the Human assembly, Assembly members, thus demonstrating their support for these endeavors – and Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, unim- Expressing serious concern at the deci- raising the UNA’s community profile. peded access to Crimea in order to monitor sion of the so-called Supreme Court of All of the above can be described as the UNA’s community outreach – something the human rights situation and asks the United Crimea of 26 April 2016 and the decision of that through the course of the Ukrainian National Association’s 122-year history has Nations High Commissioner for Human the Supreme Court of the Russian always defined it. Rights to prepare a separate thematic report Federation of 29 September 2016 to declare The fact is that members of the General Assembly are known within their com- on the situation in the peninsula.” the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, the munities and are the local face of the UNA. As Advisor Gloria Horbaty noted in her The resolution reads as follows. self-governing body of the Crimean Tatars, report, “Being active in the Ukrainian community, I am approached often by both to be an extremist organization and to ban UNA members and non-members looking for news about our fraternal organization. The General Assembly, its activities, They have opinions, suggestions and comments. I listen, respond when I have the Guided by the purposes and principles Recalling the prohibition under the necessary knowledge, and refer them to the Home Office or obtain the answer for of the Charter of the United Nations, Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for them.” All of which gives her an opportunity to promote the UNA’s mission of service Recalling the Universal Declaration of the occupying power to compel a protected to our hromada. Human Rights, international human rights person to serve in its armed or auxiliary Indeed, all the members of the General Assembly are true believers in the UNA treaties and other relevant international forces, and cognizant of what it has done and continues to do for our community. They are instruments and declarations, Welcoming the continued efforts by the also true community activists who work on behalf of both the UNA and myriad other Confirming the primary responsibility of Secretary-General, the United Nations High organizations in our midst – something that deserves to be noted and appreciated. states to promote and protect human Commissioner for Human Rights, the rights, Organization for Security and Cooperation Reaffirming the responsibility of states in Europe, the Council of Europe and other to respect international law, including the international and regional organizations to principle that all states shall refrain from support Ukraine in promoting, protecting Dec. Turning the pages back... the threat or use of force against the terri- and ensuring human rights, and expressing torial integrity or political independence of concern over the lack of safe and unfettered Twenty years ago, on December 6, 1996, Ukraine’s Parliament any state and from acting in any other man- access by established regional and interna- 6 passed a resolution in response to the Russian Federation Council’s ner inconsistent with the purposes of the tional human rights monitoring mecha- resolution that questioned the status of the city of Sevastopol in United Nations, recalling its resolution nisms and human rights non-governmental 1996 Crimea. The Verkhovna Rada also voted 227-38 with 11 absten- 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, in which it organizations to Crimea, tions to introduce a bill on the removal of foreign troops from approved the Declaration on Principles of 1. Condemns the abuses, measures and Ukrainian soil (except those invited by the government of Ukraine). International Law concerning Friendly practices of discrimination against the resi- The Russian Federation Council’s statement noted “unilateral actions by the Ukrainian Relations and Cooperation among states in dents of the temporarily occupied Crimea, side aimed at severing from Russia a part of her territory are not only illegal from any accordance with the Charter of the United including Crimean Tatars, as well as viewpoint of international law, but are detrimental to Russia’s security.” Russia had Nations, and reaffirming the principles con- Ukrainians and persons belonging to other refused to officially recognize Ukraine’s borders and respect its territorial integrity until tained therein, ethnic and religious groups, by the Russian Ukraine had granted Russia permanent basing rights in Sevastopol. Russia had also tied Recalling its resolution 68/262 of 27 occupation authorities; the division of the Black Sea Fleet to basing rights in Crimea. March 2014 on the territorial integrity of 2. Urges the Russian Federation: In the weeks prior to the standoff, Russia’s Duma had been concerned about the future Ukraine, in which it affirmed its commit- (a) To uphold all of its obligations under basing of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. The Duma also passed preliminary resolutions ment to the sovereignty, political indepen- applicable international law as an occupy- that would have brought the city of Sevastopol under the budgetary responsibility of the dence, unity and territorial integrity of Duma, and officially declared it a Russian city, as well as a resolution that talks on the ing power; Ukraine within its internationally recog- (b) To take all measures necessary to Black Sea Fleet’s division should be halted. nized borders, and relevant decisions of Russia’s claims to Sevastopol were supported by Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. bring an immediate end to all abuses against international organizations, specialized residents of Crimea, in particular reported Ukraine’s Parliament voted to declare that the Federation Council vote was “a claim on the agencies and bodies within the United territorial integrity of Ukraine” and that “the status of Sevatsopol cannot be changed; it discriminatory measures and practices, Nations system, arbitrary detentions, torture and other has been and remains Ukrainian territory.” Condemning the temporary occupation Other branches of the Ukrainian government expressed their resolve to not discuss the cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, of part of the territory of Ukraine – the and to revoke all discriminatory legislation; status of the city of Sevastopol. “Ukraine’s territorial integrity has been recognized by all Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the nations, and none – except for certain political circles in Russia – calls it into question,” (c) To immediately release Ukrainian cit- city of Sevastopol (hereinafter “Crimea”) – izens who were unlawfully detained and said Ukraine Foreign Affairs spokesperson Yurii Sergeyev. Ukraine, he added, is focused on by the Russian Federation, and reaffirming continuing discussions aimed at a Ukraine-Russia treaty of friendship and cooperation. judged without regard for elementary stan- the non-recognition of its annexation, dards of justice, as well as those transferred In 2015, Russia announced that it had taken the decision to completely halt its partici- Welcoming the reports of the Office of (Continued on page 17) the United Nations High Commissioner for (Continued on page 15) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 7

UWC calls for worldwide support of campaign HOLODOMOR REMEMBRANCE DAY “Condemn Russia’s Crimes in Ukraine and Syria” The following statement and appeal was and Twitter posts (https://www.facebook. Why the past matters for the future issued by the Ukrainian World Congress on com/UWCongress/); by Victor Rud media. The New York Times’ Moscow cor- November 19. respondent Walter Duranty, a Pulitzer Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Facebook and As Americans sit down to their Prize winner, categorically denied the hor- The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) Twitter• Following posts (https://www.facebook. and sharing Ministry of Thanksgiving meals, Ukrainians commem- ror. condemns the military actions of the com/UkraineMFA/?fref=ts); orate the memory of millions who were Washington knew the dirty secret: Russian Federation in Ukraine and Syria including the ongoing build-up of troops, prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs murdered in 1932-1933. The last Saturday Duranty had earlier admitted to U.S. weaponry and aircraft in this region. of •Ukraine Downloading from thethe UWCseven website, infographics and in November is Holodomor Remembrance Embassy personnel in Berlin that “in Emboldened by some wavering on the sharing them as widely as possible (http:// Day in Ukraine, a time to mark the anniver- agreement with The New York Times and part of the international community www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/index. sary of Joseph Stalin’s engineered starva- the Soviet authorities, his official dispatch- regarding sanctions against the Russian php/id/775/lang/en); tion of the nation. In the West, the date es always reflect the official opinion of the Federation in response to its illegal occupa- should also be remembered as a pivotal Soviet government and not his own.” tion of Crimea and hybrid war on the terri- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine avail- event that ensured the viability of the Privately, however, to the British Embassy tory of eastern Ukraine, the Russian able• Sharing on the the UWC video YouTube produced channel by the Soviet Union, with its consequent implica- in Moscow, Duranty confessed a “ghastly Federation continues to escalate its mili- (https://youtu.be/fSIqpenSpPA) . tions for hundreds of millions in the free horror,” and that Ukraine “has been bled tary involvement in the war in Ukraine and “The Ukrainian World Congress calls world. white.” Syria in an effort to continue bolstering its upon the international community to The Holodomor in Ukraine is too often Western governments had their own imperialist ambitions. increase sanctions against the Russian mistakenly grouped together in the West calculus. The British Foreign Office wrote: It is critical for the international commu- Federation in response to its blatant viola- with the generic Soviet collectivization of “We do not want to make [information nity to understand the parallels between tions of international norms and to closely agriculture. While collectivization was about the Holodomor] public... because the the Russian Federation’s military actions in monitor the actions of the Russian extant throughout the Soviet Union, it was Soviet government would resent it and our Ukraine and Syria, including the indiscrimi- Federation in Ukraine and Syria,” stated distinct in purpose and result in Ukraine. relationship with them would be preju- nate targeting of innocent civilians, human- UWC President Eugene Czolij. There, wrote Proletarska Pravda in 1930, diced. We cannot give this explanation in itarian aid convoys and hospitals. * * * collectivization was intended “to destroy public.” After taking a Potemkin village The UWC calls upon its network of com- The UWC is the international coordinat- the social basis of Ukrainian nationalism.” tour of the starving Ukrainian countryside, munity organizations to support the media ing body for Ukrainian communities in the Indeed, though collectivization in former French Prime Minister Edouard campaign launched by the Public Diplomacy diaspora representing the interests of over Ukraine was virtually complete by the Herriot returned to France and ridiculed Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 20 million Ukrainians. The UWC has a net- spring of 1932, Moscow pressed on. the notion of any starvation. Ukraine titled “Condemn Russia’s Crimes in work of member organizations and ties Having eliminated Ukraine’s political, cul- Western betrayal of Ukraine soon Ukraine and Syria” designed to reinforce the with Ukrainians in 53 countries. Founded tural and religious strata, Stalin turned became official. On November 16, 1933, message that Russian aggression endangers in 1967, the UWC was recognized in 2003 against the villages. It was there that U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt recog- peace and stability in the world. by the United Nations Economic and Social Ukrainian traditions and self-awareness nized the Soviet Union. Legitimacy, You can support this campaign by: Council as a non-governmental organiza- were rooted, and where the overwhelming approval and acceptance were stamped on tion with special consultative status. majority of the population resided. a netherworld dedicated to the destruc- • Following and sharing UWC Facebook The task, wrote historian Norman tion of Roosevelt’s own country. American LETTER TO THE EDITOR Davies, was to forever inter any notion of and Soviet celebrants dined on caviar and independence. The countryside was beef stroganoff at the Waldorf Astoria as stripped not simply of grain but of any- of the GOP presidential candidate. “New Ukraine became one vast necropolis. One disclosures from the FBI, more dirt about thing remotely edible. Cooking utensils might say that, at that moment, a great Russia’s interference the Clinton Foundation, the Soros involve- and farming tools were confiscated. The and noble nation bartered away its moral ment and Zenon Zawada’s letter in The borders were sealed, and no food was clarity. in our U.S. elections Ukrainian Weekly finally turned me allowed in. No one was allowed out. And Twelve years later, outside the court Dear Editor: around,” Dr. Kuropas wrote. not just in Ukraine, but also in the heavily windows in Nuremberg in post-war Instead of carping about “how Trump is Ukrainian ethnographic regions absorbed Europe, the United States and the United “In assessing Donald Trump’s presiden- a Russian lover or useful idiot,” in spite of by neighboring Russia. Entire villages sim- Kingdom, overseen by the Soviet Union’s tial victory, Americans continue to look Mr. Trump’s repeated praise of Vladimir ply disappeared. secret police, “repatriated” hundreds of away from this election’s most alarming Putin or his desire to lift sanctions against A year later, one of Stalin’s sycophants, thousands of Holodomor survivors and story: the successful effort by a hostile for- Moscow and even to concede Russia’s right Pavel Postyshev boasted: “We have annihi- others back to that same netherworld. eign power to manipulate public opinion to treat its post-Soviet neighbors as part of lated the nationalist counter-revolution That was the second betrayal, inked in before the vote,” Eric Chenoweth, co-direc- its sphere of influence, Dr. Kuropas thinks it during the past year, we have exposed and Yalta. tor of the Institute for Democracy in Eastern would be smarter for Ukrainian Americans destroyed nationalist deviationism.” Fast forward to 1991. Despite President Europe, wrote in his Washington Post op-ed to contact their congressmen and members Estimates of the number of victims George H.W. Bush’s efforts to discourage on November 25. “Most significantly, U.S. of the Trump administration and tell them intelligence agencies have affirmed that the range from 4 million to 10 million. Italian Ukraine from withdrawing from the Soviet about their concerns regarding Russia. Russian government directed the illegal diplomatic dispatches at the time conclud- Union, the nation voted for independence, “Emphasize how Russia’s behavior is a hacking of private e-mail accounts of the ed: “The current disaster will bring about a catalyzing the dissolution of the USSR. danger to the United States and the free Democratic National Committee and promi- predominantly Russian colonization of Shortly after, however, Moscow became world, not just Ukraine,” he suggests. Fair nent individuals. The e-mails were then Ukraine.” In 1953, Raphael Lemkin, author the beneficiary of a third deal: Ukraine enough. Let’s emphasize how Russia’s released by WikiLeaks, which has benefited of the U.N. Genocide Convention, passion- surrendered its nuclear arsenal in return interference in our elections is a danger to financially from a Russian state propaganda ately condemned not just the murder of for U.S., U.K. and Russian commitments to the United States and the free world. arm, used Russian operatives for security millions but also the evisceration of its national sovereignty and territorial and made clear an intent to harm the candi- Walter R. Iwaskiw Ukraine’s national ethos. “This is not sim- integrity. dacy of Hillary Clinton.” Arlington, Va. ply a case of mass murder. It is a case of In 2004, the Ukrainian community in “On October 7, WikiLeaks began near genocide, of destruction, not of individuals the United States warned National Security daily dumps from Clinton campaign chair- only, but of a culture and a nation.” But it Advisor Condoleezza Rice of Russian man John Podesta’s e-mail account, gener- GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS was not until the eve of their indepen- President Vladimir Putin’s game plan: that ating a month of largely negative reporting TO THE EDITOR dence in 1991 that Ukrainians even dared there would be only one player. on Clinton, her campaign staff, her husband to whisper about the Holodomor among Washington remained somnolent, and in and their foundation,” Mr. Chenoweth The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a vari- themselves. 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine, occupying noted. ”With some exceptions, there was ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian Some news about the Holodomor was and annexing its territory. With scarcely a little news in the e-mail beyond political American and Ukrainian Canadian com- carried in the Western press. France’s Le whimper from the West, Mr. Putin savaged gossip and things the media had covered munities. Opinions expressed by colum- Matin wrote, “The systematically orga- the world order overnight. before, now revisited from a seemingly nists, commentators and letter-writers are nized famine has as its objective the This year as never before, Holodomor their own and do not necessarily reflect ‘hidden’ viewpoint.” destruction of a nation, whose only crime Remembrance Day requires more than the It is particularly disturbing that among the opinions of either The Weekly edito- is that it is striving for freedom.” Mainly, commemoration of innocents. It requires those who choose to look away from the rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. however, the news was spiked by Western that, at long last, Washington take an accu- Russian government’s active interference Letters must be signed (anonymous let- rate measure of the Kremlin. Even more so, in our elections are Americans of Ukrainian ters are not published). The daytime phone it must reassess its own impulse toward descent. Some, like Myron Kuropas (“Lesia number and complete mailing address of Victor Rud is a board member of the Got it Right,” November 20), seem to have the letter-writer must be given for verifica- Ukrainian American Bar Association and deal-making, something that long predates accepted indiscriminately the flood of neg- tion purposes. chairman of its Committee on Foreign the election of the new U.S. president-elect. ative reporting on Mrs. Clinton, to suppress Please note: The length of letters cannot Affairs. The article above was first published That approach did not establish a laudable their impression that Mr. Trump is “a nar- exceed 500 words. Letters may be edit- o the Atlantic Council website and the dis- record. If Ukraine is not secured as a coun- ed or abridged. Letters should be sent to seminated by the Kharkiv Human Rights terweight of freedom and stability, any cissistic, vulgar oaf, hardly a person to [email protected] or to The Ukrainian serve as president of the greatest country Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Protection Group. It is reprinted here with “deal” will condemn the West to a danger- in the world” and help justify their support Parsippany, NJ 07054, the author’s permission. ous past. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49 Holodomor Memorial in Washington site of requiem service for millions killed

Yaro Bihun WASHINGTON – The commemoration at the Washington Holodomor Memorial on the 83rd anniversary of Joseph Stalin’s forced famine in Ukraine began with a requiem service led by Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox priests for the millions who died during those tragic early 1930s. Paying his respects, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly stressed that the world must never forget about this horrendous criminal mass murder of innocent people in Ukraine and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again any- where in this world. After the lighting and placement of candles and bundles of wheat in front of the Holodomor Memorial, the mournful ceremony on that cold November 26 eve- ning was concluded by those attending singing “Bozhe Velykyi Yedynyi.” – Yaro Bihun CONFERENCE REPORT Initiating a dialogue with the next president of the U.S. U.S.-Ukraine Foundation ic and technical support, and military and importance of Congress continuing its While the September forum discussed security assistance. They can be viewed in bipartisan support. the importance of Congress, the October WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Ukraine full at www.usukraine.org/events/ Ambassador Paula Dobriansky also conference spoke more to how the next U.S. Foundation (USUF), in partnership with the Recommendations-for-next-US-President- touched upon the role the next Congress presidential administration should address Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN), trans- and-Congress.shtml. will play in helping Ukraine. It’s important issues surrounding Ukraine. This event at mitted a set of initial policy recommenda- The non-partisan coalition and USUF during this transitional time to keep the National Press Club drew a large audi- tions to the Trump-Pence transition team. have been working together on Ukraine on the front pages, and to ensure ence that included representatives of non- USUF President Nadia K. McConnell U.S.-Ukraine relations since 2005. that it is in the forefront of policymakers’ Ukrainian diaspora organizations and wrote to Vice President-Elect Mike Pence as These recommendations were discussed minds, she said. groups for whom Ukraine and U.S. policy the head of the transition team: “Support for in a series of forums titled “Ukraine in Ukraine has struggled long and hard over towards the region are of concern. Ukraine has always been and is today a Washington,” during which experts offered its 25 years to reach stability, as highlighted Forum moderator Orest Deychakiwsky bipartisan position, in the belief that a suc- their insights on how to approach these by a panel that included Ambassador from the U.S. Helsinki Commission intro- cessful Ukraine is in the interest of the delicate issues. The two most recent William Taylor as moderator; Ian Brzezinski, duced the Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires forums, held on September 14 at the U.S. an Atlantic Council fellow; Carl Gershman, United States. We trust that a Trump-Pence Oksana Shulyar, who gave a brief overview administration will not only continue this Capitol and October 25 at the National president of the National Endowment for of some of the recent successes and chal- support but increase it in a meaningful way. Press Club, provided a multitude of points Democracy; and George Weigel, a senior fel- lenges in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Because we have obligations under the that will heavily factor in the final recom- low at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Opening remarks were also provided by Budapest Memorandum, where Ukraine mendations USUF and FOUN are providing. These experts presented an image of a val- gave up the world’s third largest arsenal of The September 14 forum primarily iant country that has fought hard over its 25 event co-chairs Roman Popadiuk (former nuclear weapons in exchange for assurances focused on the critical role of Congress in years, and one that has a bright future U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and currently regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty. Support is regard to support of Ukraine. Each member should it be allowed to blossom. with Morgan Lewis Consulting) and Temuri also needed to address the humanitarian of the House and Senate Ukraine caucuses Perhaps most important is how the next Yakobashvili (former Georgian ambassador crisis and to recognize the great commit- received a special message that included Congress and the next administration will to the U.S.) Ambassador Popadiuk noted ment, resilience and growing capacity of the commemorative stamps issued on the specifically address the challenges present- that the humanitarian situation in Ukraine people of Ukraine who continue to make the occasion of the 25th anniversary of ed by Vladimir Putin, which was the topic has been virtually forgotten by the interna- ultimate sacrifice for freedom with dignity Ukraine’s independence. of another panel. Experts on that panel tional community (as measured by in defense of their own interests and ours.” Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) included Damon Wilson, executive vice resources required compared to what has The FOUN, an initiative of USUF, an infor- said it best: “I view Ukraine as the key to president of the Atlantic Council; actually been provided). Ambassador mal coalition of former ambassadors and liberty for places far beyond her borders. Ambassador Kurt Volker and David Kramer Yakobashvili stressed the regional and leading experts with an active interest in However, that promise may never be real- of the McCain Institute; Hannah Thoburn of global significance of Ukraine by pointing U.S.-Ukraine relations, has prepared a set of ized without support from other free the Hudson Institute; and moderator out that, in contrast to the famous phrase policy recommendations for the next nations, certainly the United States.” Temuri Yakobashvili, the former Georgian “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” the administration, as well as for the next Congressmen Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), Chris ambassador to the U.S. and the president of consequences of what happens in Ukraine Congress. These recommendations relate Smith (R-N.J.), and Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), also the New International Leadership Institute. are felt far beyond its borders. Ukraine is to sanctions, U.S.-Ukraine relations, human- addressed the forum, and each spoke to the They all concluded that sustained pressure not and cannot be a parochial concern. itarian assistance, energy reforms, econom- tenacity of the people of Ukraine and the on Mr. Putin is required. The first panel, “Roadmap for the Next President: Finding Success in Ukraine,” fea- tured the views of several members of the FOUN: Ambassadors Steven Pifer (Brookings Institution), William Taylor (U.S. Institute of Peace), William Green Miller (Wilson Center) and John Herbst (in absentia, Atlantic Council), as well as Anders Aslund (Atlantic Council). Other topics discussed were “New Realities: Redefining U.S. Strategy towards Russia and Ukraine” with Ambassador Volker (McCain Institute) and Mr. Brzezinski The panel, “Roadmap for the Next President: Finding Success in Ukraine,” Bob Ehrlich, former governor of Maryland, receives included (from left): conference moderator Orest Deychakiwsky, U.S. a “Sounding the Alarm for Ukraine” bell for presi- (Atlantic Council); “Sanctions: A Tool for Helsinki Commission; panel moderator Ambassador William Green Miller; dential candidate Donald Trump from U.S.-Ukraine Confronting Putin’s War in Ukraine” with Ambassador Steven Pifer, Brookings Institution; Anders Aslund, Atlantic Foundation President Nadia K. McConnell, during Council; and Ambassador William Taylor, United States Institute of Peace. the “Ukraine in Washington” conference. (Continued on page 10) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 9 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

Initiating... (Continued from page 8) Celeste Wallander (National Security Council), Karen Dawisha (Miami University, Ohio), David Kramer (McCain Institute) and Nadia Diuk (National Endowment for Democracy); “Fighting Corruption, Supporting Reformers” with Ed Chow (Center for Strategic and International Studies), Tom Firestone (Baker & McKenzie), and Charles Davidson, Ben Judah and Hannah Thoburn (all from the Hudson Institute); and “The Kremlin’s Propaganda War: Old Playbook, New Methods, and the At the panel “New Realities: Redefining U.S. Strategy towards Russia and Ukraine” (from left) are: Ian Brzezinski, Atlantic Council; The first U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Roman Weaponization of Information” with Alina Ambassador Temuri Yakobashvili, New International Leadership Popadiuk, now of Morgan Lewis Consulting, served as Polyakova (Atlantic Council), Chris Walker Institute; and Ambassador Kurt Volker, McCain Institute. the “Ukraine in Washington” conference co-chair. (NED) and Myroslava Gongadze (VOA Ukrainian Service). and that the U.S. must be firm and consis- statement by Mr. Gingrich on any bilateral Center for U.S.-Ukrainian Relations, Free A panel titled “Sounding the Alarm for tent in pushing back Mr. Putin in Ukraine. issues should be taken seriously because he Russia Foundation, Joint Baltic-American Ukraine, Europe and Russia” featured Natalia At a minimum, Ms. Verveer continued, Mrs. will play a serious role in any Trump National Committee, Maidan Minnesota, Arno (Free Russia Foundation), Mykola Clinton believes sanctions against Russia administration. Nova Ukraine, Razom for Ukraine, Support Hryckowian (Center for U.S.-Ukrainian should be maintained at the current level USUF President McConnell presented Hospitals in Ukraine, Ukrainian American Relations), Ruslan Zamaray (United Help and even be increased should the situation each surrogate with a “Sounding the Alarm Coordinating Council, Ukrainian Association Ukraine), Roksolana Misilo (Ukrainian deteriorate. for Ukraine” bell, which was crafted by of Washington State, Ukrainian Federation National Women’s League of America), Iryna Gov. Ehrlich said Mr. Trump prefers a blacksmiths from Ivano-Frankivsk. of America, Ukrainian National Women’s Mazur (Ukrainian Federation of America) Reaganesque approach and that he believes In keeping with the foundation’s commit- League of America and United Help Ukraine. and Karl Altau (Joint Baltic-American the world would have been better off if ment to practical outcomes by translating The forum was made possible by grants National Committee). NATO had moved to secure the border analyses and recommendations into practice, from the Jurkiw Family Fund and the New Video of the full panel discussions can be between Ukraine and Russia on the heels of Ms. McConnell in her concluding remarks International Leadership Institute and with accessed at http://usukraine.org/ the Crimean invasion, and that a helpful announced two additional initiatives to keep the support of Viktor Vintonyak. uwfall2016/images/ U.S. and a stronger NATO will constrain “Sounding the Alarm” in support of the peo- * * * One of the highlights of the forum was Russia’s expansionist ambitions. Mr. Putin ple of Ukraine: A Former Members of The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation is a 501(c)3 the appearance of surrogates on behalf of must be made to understand that he will Congress for Ukraine group that will, among non-profit organization established to sup- both presidential candidates. Melanne face longer-term and real punishment in other things, work with the House and Senate port democracy, a free market and human Verveer (former ambassador-at-large for the event of renewed belligerence, said Mr. Ukraine caucuses in the new Congress in sup- rights for Ukraine. The foundation, with global women’s issues) represented Ehrlich. The U.S. must work towards port of a Ukraine policy agenda; and the offices in Washington and Kyiv, welcomes Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, while Ukraine’s long-term peace and security – Nationwide Ukraine Advocacy Network, interested individuals and organizations to Bob Ehrlich (former governor of Maryland) and that’s the bottom line, he stressed. which is bringing together organizations join its efforts in policy advocacy work for spoke on behalf of Republican candidate Commenting on a recent statement by (including non-Ukrainian American) to con- Ukraine. Readers may contact USUF by Donald Trump. another Trump surrogate, Newt Gingrich, duct grassroots advocacy campaigns during e-mailing [email protected] or by calling Ms. Verveer pointed out Mrs. Clinton that a Trump administration would be pre- what promises to be a critical year for U.S.- 202-524-6551. The foundation’s website understands that Ukraine is one of the pared to sell Ukraine lethal weapons on Ukraine relations. http://usukraine.org/ includes information United States’ most important partners in deferred credit, Mr. Ehrlich replied that that Participating organizations to date are: and videos on its events, including both Europe, that we must help it to succeed, is the position of the campaign and that any the American Polish Advisory Council, forum events described above. No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 11 Canadian MPs meet with Crimean democracy advocate Office of MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj Nault, for chairing the working meeting honoring Mr. Afanasiev and my parliamen- OTTAWA – Canadian Members of tary colleagues of all parties who attended,” Parliament and Senators held meetings on stated Mr. Wrzesnewskyj. November 16-17 with Crimean democracy Mr. Afanasiev was born in 1990 in advocate Hennadii Afanasiev, who serves as Symferopol, Crimea, and holds a law degree a special representative of Ukraine’s from Tavriya National University. He Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Afanasiev’s worked as a professional photographer travel and stay in Ottawa was arranged by until he became a political activist in pro- the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. test of Russia’s invasion of Crimea. Mr. On the morning of November 16, MP Afanasiev fearlessly voiced his pro-Ukraini- Borys Wrzesnewskyj, chair of the Canada- an and pro-democracy stances and openly Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, raised the dangers he and other pro-Ukrai- arranged an exclusive interview with Mr. nian activists faced during the early days of Afanasiev and Globe and Mail reporter Russia’s occupation of Crimea. Michelle Zilio. (The article can be found at: During the annual May 9 Victory Day cel- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/ ebrations, Mr. Afanasiev was detained by politics/activist-urges-ottawa-to-impose- Office of MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and sanctions-on-corrupt-russian-officials/arti- Hennadii Afanasiev is flanked by MPs Borys Wrzesnewskyj (left) and Bob Nault. in December 2014 was charged by a cle32881149/.) Russian court with terrorism and sentenced Later that day, Mr. Wrzesnewskyj along Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Afanasiev shared the details of his kidnap- to seven years in a maximum security pris- with the Parliamentary Secretary to the International Development as it studies ping, torture by the FSB and imprisonment on. He then spent two years in various pris- Minister of National Defense John McKay, a Magnitsky-style sanctions for gross human in Russia. He also answered questions posed ons in Russia, where he endured terrible member of Parliament and a representative rights abuses as a part of a review of the to him by FAAE members about additional physical and psychological torture. Mr. of Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion, Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials steps Canada should take to curb the Afanasiev was freed in June and returned to met with Mr. Afanasiev and Belarussian Act and the Special Economic Measures Act. authoritarianism and human rights abuses his native Ukraine after a government-orga- political dissident Andrei Sannikov. Both During the evening, Mr. Wrzesnewskyj in Russia, as well what additional policy, nized exchange for two Ukrainian nationals men provided their insights into the opera- hosted a working dinner in honor of Mr. political and diplomatic initiatives Canadian charged with separatism. tion of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian appa- Afanasiev with members and associate mem- MPs should consider in response to Mr. Now, as a special representative of ratus in Russia and the extension of this bers of the Foreign Affairs and International Putin’s invasion and occupation of Ukrainian Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. oppression into neighboring countries. Development Committee (FAAE). The dinner territory and military annexation of Crimea. Afanasiev is responsible for helping to free They related their personal stories of hor- was chaired by FAAE Chair Bob Nault. Also “I would like to thank Mr. Afanasiev for the 42 other Ukrainians illegally impris- rific torture in a judicial system where tor- joining the meeting were Ukraine’s relating his harrowing story of kidnapping, oned in Russia. These include Oleh Sentsov turers, prosecutors, judges and state media Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko torture and illegal imprisonment by the and Oleksandr Kolchenko, accused of ter- work as a team. Earlier in the week Mr. and Ukrainian Canadian Congress Executive human rights abusers of the Putin regime. I rorism alongside Mr. Afanasiev, who remain Sannikov also provided evidence via video- Director/CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn. would especially like to thank Foreign imprisoned on politically motivated charg- conference to the House of Commons During the two-hour dinner, Mr. Affairs Committee chair, the honorable Bob es by the Putin dictatorship. Young Ukrainian triple amputee meets Prime Minister Trudeau, MP Wrzesnewskyj OTTAWA – Mykola Nyzhnykovskyi, the 11-year-old boy who lost his legs and an arm in Volodarsk, near the ceasefire line in eastern Ukraine, traveled from Montreal’s Shriners Children’s Hospital to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while spend- ing the afternoon of November 9 on Parliament Hill as a guest of Liberal Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Center). On August 24, 2015, Mykola and his brother Danyo were playing with two other friends in a field near their home. The boys saw an object that piqued their curiosity. Thinking the object was a toy, Mykola picked it up. The unexploded grenade deto- nated. The blast immediately killed Danyo and left Mykola a triple amputee. He also sustained severe injuries to his face, teeth, Parliamentary Photographer eyes and other parts of his body. Member of Parliament Borys Office of MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj Mykola’s facial injuries were treated by Wrzesnewsky and Victor Hetmanczuk Mykola sits in the chair of the House of Commons speaker, giving the trident victory Canadian doctors and medical staff at a escort Mykola on the floor of the salute. With him (from left) are: MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Victor Hetmanczuk, Alla hospital in Kyiv. The Canadian medical Chamber of the House of Commons. Nyzhnykovska and Krystina Waler. team was led by Etobicoke Center resident meeting, Mykola presented the prime min- Dr. Oleh Antonyshyn of Toronto’s ister with his personal color drawing of the Sunnybrook Hospital. This team of “Tree of Life” inspired by his experiences Canadian medical volunteers was part of and impressions of Canada that he com- the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s (CUF) pleted during his art therapy sessions. medical mission to Ukraine. “Prime Minister Trudeau and I were CUF arranged for Mykola’s further treat- deeply moved by the experience of spending ment in Canada at the Shriners Children’s time with Mykola and learning first-hand of Hospital in Montreal, which has generously the many challenges he’s facing. It gives me provided ongoing assessment and treat- great pride to know that a first-class ment of Mykola’s challenging prosthetic Canadian health care facility, Montreal’s needs. Shriners Children’s Hospital, is helping Accompanied by his mother, Alla, and Mykola overcome his significant physical dedicated CUF officials Victor Hetmanczuk challenges,” stated Mr. Wrzesnewskyj. He and Krystina Waler, Mykola spent the after- added, “The Canada-Ukraine Foundation noon in Ottawa as a guest of Mr. along with Dr. Antonyshyn and team have Wrzesnewskyj, chair of the Canada-Ukraine done the work of angels in helping Mykola, Parliamentary Friendship Group. Joining and all of those undergoing reconstructive Adam Scotti Mykola presents Prime Minster Justin Trudeau his coloring “Tree of Life.” From left the group was Ukraine’s ambassador to surgery as a consequence of Russia’s war of are: MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Prime Minister Trudeau, CUF Director of Canada, Andriy Shevchenko. aggression in Ukraine.” Humanitarian Initiatives Krystina Waler, Mykola’s mother, Alla Nyzhnykovska, The highlight of the afternoon trip to For more information on Mykola’s ongo- Mykola, Ukrainian Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko and CUF President Victor Ottawa was Mykola’s visit with Mr. Trudeau ing treatment, readers may visit http:// Hetmanczuk. in the prime minister’s office. During the helpmykola.com. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

Council President Donald Tusk said he’s continued U.S. support for his country after September 30 on suspicion of collecting NEWSBRIEFS hopeful the process can be finalized in having spoken to U.S. President-elect classified information. He was formally 2016. “I think, realistic and cautious opti- Donald Trump on the phone about Russian charged with espionage on October 7. The (Continued from page 2) mism not an irresponsible prognosis or “aggression.” Speaking on November 24 at Ukrainian government has denied that Mr. The ability for Ukrainians to travel through forecast,” Mr. Tusk said. Both the EU mem- the European Union-Ukraine summit in Sushchenko is an agent of the intelligence Europe’s so-called Schengen zone has been ber states and the European Parliament Brussels, Mr. Poroshenko said that “Ukraine services. In October, Ukraine’s Foreign long sought by Kyiv, since it would poten- have given the initial green light for a visa- has strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Affairs Ministry handed a protest note to tially give a jolt to cross-border trade. But free regime for Ukraine. But the two insti- Congress and among the U.S. politicians, the Russian consul in Kyiv demanding Mr. some European nations fear an influx of tutions have been locked in protracted both Republican and Democrat.” He added, Sushchenko’s immediate release. (RFE/RL, lower-wage workers from Ukraine will put negotiations over a suspension mechanism “We don’t expect any significant changes in based on reporting by TASS and more pressure on labor markets and add to that would allow the EU to suspend visa- this bipartisan support.” During the presi- Rapsinews) the growing doubts about immigration on free travel in emergency cases. An agree- dential campaign, Mr. Trump had signaled a Saakashvili holds rally in Kyiv the continents. Both Ukraine and Georgia, ment on this is necessary before a final go- more conciliatory approach to the Kremlin another former Soviet republic, are at the ahead can be struck on visa liberalization. and even suggested he might accept KYIV – A diverse crowd of about 1,000 same stage in the process, waiting for a EU diplomats that RFE/RL spoke to on Russia’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean people turned out in central Kyiv for a rally compromise between the European November 23 stated that it would be “diffi- Peninsula. Mr. Poroshenko said that Mr. in support of a new political movement Council and the European Parliament on cult” to find a compromise on the suspen- Trump had raised “the question of the headed by Mikheil Saakashvili, the reform- the suspension mechanism. (RFE/RL) sion mechanism before the end of the year. Russian aggression and illegal annexation ist former Georgian president who has But after the November 24 talks among EU of Crimea” in a phone conversation a few Juncker expects visa deal by year-end launched a second political career in and Ukrainian leaders in Brussels, it days after the Republican candidate’s elec- Ukraine. Mr. Saakashvili launched the New BRUSSELS – A final decision on visa lib- appears likely that there will be a final push tion victory. The Ukrainian president also Forces movement and called for early par- eralization for Ukraine to the European to find a solution before the end of the year. said that he had “an opportunity to give Mr. liamentary elections, days after he quit his Union’s Schengen zone is likely to be made A deal would allow Ukrainians to travel to Trump very detailed information about the job of governor of the Odesa region on by the end of the year, according to the EU without visas for a period of up to latest situation in the east of my country November 7 and accused President Petro European Commission President Jean- 90 days in any 180-day period. (RFE/RL) and in Crimea.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by Poroshenko of coddling a corrupt elite. Mr. Claude Juncker. Speaking at the EU-Ukraine Poroshenko sees continued U.S. support AFP) Poroshenko had brought Mr. Saakashvili in summit in Brussels on November 24, Mr. to govern Odesa Oblast as part of an effort Report on corruption cites Ukraine Juncker said that he was “confident” that a BRUSSELS – Ukrainian President Petro to conduct reforms in Ukraine, where deal would be reached in 2016. European Poroshenko has expressed confidence in BERLIN – A new report by Transparency entrenched graft and a costly conflict with International says that one in three people Russia-backed separatists who hold part of living in the region stretching from Europe the eastern Donbas region is hobbling to Central Asia see corruption as among the progress following the pro-European pro- biggest problems facing their country. And tests that pushed Moscow-friendly more than half say their government is President Viktor Yanukovych from power TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 doing a poor job in fighting corruption in in 2014. The rally on November 27 brought or e-mail [email protected] the public sector. Issued on November 16, a mix of young and older people, many the annual report, the Global Corruption waving Ukrainian flags and some holding Barometer 2016, is based on interviews flags of the European Union – one of the SERVICES PROFESSIONALS with 60,000 people across 42 countries symbols of the Euro-Maidan protests. Mr. from Britain and Portugal in the west to Saakashvili repeated his call for early elec- Russia and Kazakhstan in the east. tions and promised, “We will win, we will According to the survey, citizens in return Ukraine’s wealth to its people and Moldova are the most concerned by cor- will recover its potential.” He told support- ruption, with 67 percent of respondents ers he knows how to “make Ukraine great... rating it as one of the greatest issues facing and we will do it together.” Mr. Saakashvili their society. In Kosovo, Ukraine and vaulted to power in Georgia’s peaceful Bosnia-Herzegovina, smaller numbers of 2003 Rose Revolution and led the country people – yet still more than 50 percent of for almost a decade, but his party was the population – also regard corruption as defeated by an opposition coalition in the among their countries’ most pressing prob- 2012 parliamentary vote. He is now sought lems. And less than half – but still over one- in Georgia on criminal charges related to third – of the people in Romania, his 2004-2013 presidency that he says are Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Russia, Armenia, politically motivated. (RFE/RL, with report- Kazakhstan and Macedonia view corrup- ing by Christopher Miller) tion as one of their biggest challenges. In Russia releases Mustafa Dzhemilev’s son Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia, Kyrgyzstan, Romania and Moldova, more than half of KYIV – Khaiser Dzhemilev, the son of respondents say that their parliamentary Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev, representatives are highly corrupt. In was released from a penal colony in Moldova, the number rises to 76 percent of Astrakhan in southern Russia on November respondents. Meanwhile, people in most 25. Mr. Dzhemilev’s lawyer, Nikolai Polozov, SERVICES countries across the region covered in the said in a Facebook post on November 26 report say their governments are “very that Mr. Dzhemilev has arrived in Ukraine. bad” or “fairly bad” at fighting corruption in Mr. Dzhemilev was granted early release government. The overwhelming majority from a three-and-a-half year sentence on of the citizens of Ukraine (86 percent), manslaughter and weapons possession Moldova (84 percent), and Bosnia (83 per- charges. He was initially convicted by a cent) are particularly critical of their gov- Ukrainian court in 2013 of accidentally ernments’ efforts at cleaning up politics. shooting one of the family’s bodyguards, The report also found that bribery remains Fevzi Edimov. After Russia’s annexation of FOR SALE commonplace in many countries in the Crimea in March 2014, the Moscow-backed region. The highest frequency of bribe pay- authorities took over the case, moved him ing was in Tajikistan, where half the house- to mainland Russia and tried him again on House for Sale on Hunter Mountain holds surveyed reported doing so. the same charges. Mustafa Dzhemilev, who 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Tajikistan was closely followed by Moldova strongly protested the annexation of 2.5 acres of land, mountain views. (42 percent), Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Crimea and is currently living in Kyiv, said Reduced price $285,000. Ukraine (all 38 percent), and Russia (34 that Russia was using his son to blackmail Check web site: Fran Clark, Unique percent). (RFE/RL) him into stopping his campaign against the Realty, #HFS 130020 annexation. The 72-year-old Mr. Dzhemilev Russia prolongs journalist’s detention has been banned from Crimea since Russia invaded and annexed the peninsula in early MOSCOW – A court in Moscow has pro- OPPORTUNITIES 2014. He had been the chairman of the longed the pretrial detention of Ukrainian Crimean Tatar Mejlis, or council, until it journalist Roman Sushchenko, who has was banned by pro-Moscow representa- been held in Russia on suspicion of espio- tives in Crimea. He is a member of the Earn extra income! nage. The Lefortovo District Court on WANT IMPACT? Ukrainian Parliament and a well-known The Ukrainian Weekly is looking November 28 ordered the pretrial deten- for advertising sales agents. Run your advertisement here, Soviet-era human rights activist. (RFE/RL’s tion term of Mr. Sushchenko extended until Ukrainian Service, with reporting by the For additional information contact in The Ukrainian Weekly’s January 30, 2017. Mr. Sushchenko, a Paris- Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Financial Times and TASS) based correspondent of the Ukrinform The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. CLASSIFIEDS section. news agency, was detained in Moscow on (Continued on page 13) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 13

not.” (Christopher Miller and Natalie close associate of President Vladimir Putin. Teacher accused of attempting to sell teen NEWSBRIEFS Sedletska for RFE/RL) Mr. Rotenberg was added to the EU travel ban and asset-freeze list in the summer of KYIV – Ukrainian authorities say they (Continued from page 12) EuroParliament on Russia’s ‘fake news’ 2014 for his role in the Ukraine crisis. In its have arrested a teacher accused of trying to November 30 ruling, the EU’s General sell a 13-year-old girl for $10,000. Internal Flip-flop on Poroshenko’s Spanish villa BRUSSELS – The European Parliament Affairs Minister Arsen Avakov reported the has warned that “hostile propaganda” by Court annulled the sanctions against Mr. KYIV – A Ukrainian corruption watchdog Rotenberg for the period July 2014 to case on Facebook on November 22, with Russia against the EU is growing, while urg- photos of the girl and 52-year-old teacher. has changed its position on whether ing member states to increase their efforts March 2015 because the EU legal reasoning The girl was living at a boarding school in President Petro Poroshenko should have to counter disinformation. The move drew was at fault, a statement said. However, the the eastern Kharkiv region for orphans and declared ownership of a Spanish seaside an angry response from Russian President Luxembourg-based court said the two children from broken homes. Ukrainian villa, raising questions about the state Vladimir Putin, who lashed out at the additional grounds cited in March 2015 media named the suspect as Galina agency’s independence from the presiden- European Parliament for lecturing Russia justified the restrictions. The additional Kovalenko, a teacher of Ukrainian and tial administration. Mr. Poroshenko’s own- on democracy. Lawmakers voted on reasons provided included the fact that Mr. Russian languages. Mr. Avakov said the ership of the multimillion-dollar luxury November 23 in favor of a motion con- Rotenberg is the owner of the company buyer hinted that the girl’s organs would be villa was discovered during an investiga- demning Russian state media outlets like Stroygazmontazh, which received a Russian removed, paying the teacher 1,000 hrv tion conducted by RFE/RL’s Ukrainian the television channel RT and the news state contract to build a bridge from Russia ($39) for photos of her and her medical Service. The investigation, published on agency Sputnik for disseminating “abso- to Crimea. He is also the chairman of the records. “They got this seller ‘red-handed’ November 10, also uncovered Spanish lutely fake” news. They said the Kremlin board of directors of the publishing house when she took the girl out of the boarding properties owned by two of Mr. was using “a wide range of tools and instru- Prosveschenyie, which was behind a cam- school, brought her to the buyers, and Poroshenko’s close political allies. The rev- ments”, including think tanks, multilingual paign to persuade Crimean children that elations raised eyebrows because the prop- received money,” the minister said. (RFE/ TV stations, “pseudo news agencies”, and they are now Russian citizens living in erties were not listed in asset declarations RL, based on reporting by Interfax and the social media to spread fake information, Russia. Mr. Rotenberg has two months to that officials were required to have filed by challenge democratic values, and divide appeal the ruling. (RFE/RL) BBC) October 30 as part of a new, International Europe. The resolution says the Kremlin Monetary Fund-backed push to promote has stepped up its propaganda efforts transparency in Ukraine. While the against the EU since Russia’s illegal annexa- Poroshenko administration argued that the tion of Ukraine’s Crimea territory in 2014. Domna Swidersky president did not need to declare the villa Lawmakers urged the European Union to because he declared ownership of the com- August 1925 — November 2016 boost its “tiny” communication force and pany to which the villa belonged, the gov- invest more in “awareness raising, educa- It is with deep sorrow that the family of ernment’s National Agency for the tion, online and local media, investigative Domna Swidersky shares the sad news of Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) initially journalism, and information literacy.” They her peaceful passing on November 15, 2016, said otherwise. Deputy NAPC head Ruslan said they were “seriously concerned by the at the age of 91 Radetskyy originally told RFE/RL in the course of its investigation that, by law, a rapid expansion of Kremlin-inspired activi- Born in 1925 in Bilyj Kamin near Zolochiv, Ukraine, she grew up knowing her husband-to-be, Myron, from public official submitting a declaration ties in Europe, including disinformation and childhood. From an early age as an active member of “must specify all property that belongs to propaganda seeking to maintain or increase her village, Domna was known for her beautiful singing voice and stage him, through a company or as an individu- Russia’s influence to weaken and split the EU.” Mr. Putin told reporters in Moscow that performances in school and local theater. Taught by her mother, she became al.” But in response to a follow-up inquiry, an excellent cook, baker, and seamstress, and was proficient in several styles Mr. Radetskyy wrote in an English- the resolution signaled a “political degrada- tion of democratic ideas in Western society.” of traditional Ukrainian embroidery. Taught by her father, a shoemaker, she language e-mail to RFE/RL on November learned and excelled in the art of Ukrainian Easter eggs, pysanky. 21 that: “As long as Petro Poroshenko and The motion was approved by 304 votes to members of his family do not use the prop- 179, with 208 abstentions. The EU In the years that followed, Domna applied her natural talents and learned erty mentioned to gain profit, and the legal Parliament also warned against propagan- skills to educate not only her two daughters and granddaughter but other entity owning this property disposes of the da from the extremist group Islamic State children as well in Ukrainian traditions. In the mid 1940’s, Domna and Myron latter on its own, this property is not a sub- (IS), Al-Qaeda, and other non-state actors. escaped the Russian and German fronts that were converging near their ject for e-declaration, in accordance with (RFE/RL, based on reporting by AFP and home village. During the time they lived in a displaced persons’ camp in the law.” Mr. Radetskyy’s latest interpreta- Reuters) Germany, she worked as a kindergarten teacher. After arriving in the United States in 1951, they settled in the Albany, New York, area and quickly became tion of the e-declaration law is also open to EU court upholds sanctions on Rotenberg question. Dmytro Kotlyar, an anti-corrup- involved in the local Ukrainian–American communities. tion expert who co-authored the law, told BRUSSELS – An EU court has partly Domna’s love for her homeland fueled her dedication not just to her family RFE/RL that “Poroshenko should have upheld sanctions imposed on Arkady but to her community, which she served until the very last few months of probably declared the villa, rather than Rotenberg, a Russian businessman and her life. The center of Domna’s work was in Amsterdam, New York, at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Ukrainian–American Citizens’ Club. During many decades of Ukrainian Saturday school, she taught children With great sadness we inform family and friends that our the Ukrainian language, reading, writing, literature, history, folk arts and beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother traditions. As president of the Amsterdam Branch of the Women’s Association for the Defense of the Four Freedoms for Ukraine, she co-organized the greatly Mychajlyna Marusyn Baran anticipated annual Ukrainian Easter Bazaar for more than 30 years. passed away on October 18, 2016. During those decades, she baked dozens of her walnut-coffee tortes and hand made thousands of pysanky. Owners of Domna’s delicate, fragile folk She was born April 1, 1924 art gems recognize and appreciate her artistic talent, which she modestly in Martyniv Novyi, Ivano-Frankivska Oblast, Ukraine. refused to acknowledge. The ostrich egg pysanka she made to commemorate Amsterdam’s bicentennial is displayed in City Hall. The Pysanka Museum in Parastas was on October 20, 2016, at Bradley-Braviak Funeral Home, Kolomyia, Ukraine, includes several of her pysanky in its permanent collection. Whippany, NJ. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Myron; daughters, Martha, and A Liturgy Mass was on October 21, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Iryna (Volodymyr) Kohut; granddaughter Adriana Kohut (Gabriel) Galvão; Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, NJ. Burial at the Holy Spirit elder sister Olya Pylypiak and younger sister Natalka Wynnckyj, both of Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Campbell Hall, NY. Toronto, Canada; and many nieces and nephews and their children. She is predeceased by her brother, Myron Lekh, in Ukraine. Interment took place in Her memory will remain in our hearts forever. St. Nicholas Cemetery, Amsterdam, New York. Domna will be greatly missed and dearly remembered by her family as a daughter Daria with her husband Zenon Ushak loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, and by her friends as a Ukrainian daughter Oksana with her husband Boris Stakhiv community participant and leader. grandson Timothy Stakhiv with his wife Suzanne In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: and children Nicolas and Oliver granddaughter Melania Ushak with her husband Je rey Potter St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and children Genevieve, Olivia and Sophia 24 Pulaski St., Amsterdam, NY 12010 granddaughter Tatiana Stakhiv and her husband Andrew or to: Erdmann and children Andrew and Zoe Women’s Association for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine granddaughter Natalia Ushak and husband Tomas Kalnoky (WADFFU) grandson Michael Ushak U.S. Headquarters 2457 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 grandson Alexander Ushak extended family in USA and Ukraine Please submit condolences on-line at Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation www.jendrzejczakfuneral.com to the or to the family at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church 211 Foordmore Rd., Swidersky Family Kerhonkson, NY 12446-2914 P.O. Box 84, Delanson, NY 12053 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

Spirit Lake interpretive center breaks visitor attendance record

by Zorianna Hrycenko visits by families and young people. Visitors came from parts of Canada and Europe. LA FERME, Quebec – Award-winning During the summer months, the center Spirit Lake Internment Interpretative received a donation of bicycles (including Center, celebrating its sixth successful year, special bikes for the handicapped), which continues to welcome many visitors to its allowed it to offer free bike rentals for visi- museum. This year’s summer tourist sea- tors to view the area on bike paths, bicycle son broke previous summer records with around Spirit Lake next to the center and over 4,000 coming to the center. Since 2011 visit the museum. Historically, with the lake over 30,000 have walked through the cen- frozen in the winter, internees were forced ter to learn about the area, the unjust to walk daily across Spirit Lake to cut trees, internment at Spirit Lake – the second larg- often severely injuring themselves in the est internment site in Canada – and about cold. early 20th century Ukrainian immigrant This fall and winter, for teachers who history to Quebec. have a limited amount of time and money This summer, with three university stu- for student bus visits, the center is provid- dents on a government grant working full- ing instructors to go to schools to conduct time, the center extended its hours from 9 information seminars in student auditori- a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing more flexibility for ums. In turn, this creates awareness about From the documentary “Freedom Had A Price” Internees cross Spirit Lake with the internment site in background, circa 1915. history and a desire among students to being included. come later to experience the internment “The need for support for educational site on their own. programs and the museum’s existence has Spirit Lake Center, located uniquely on prompted Spirit Lake Center’s national the original internment grounds, is the only fund-raising campaign to reach out across internment museum in Canada open all Canada”, stated James Slobodian, the cen- year round. Future increase in museum ter’s chairperson. “Spirit Lake internment is attendance looks very favorable. Because Canada’s story, and we invite our communi- content in the Quebec high school curricu- ty to help ensure increasing broad public lum has changed, the center’s educational awareness by embracing our work. Cultural outreach program is expanded. The history institutions survive with the public’s sup- of World War I and its impact on society are port.” now being taught in Quebec elementary The Spirit Lake internment story (1915- Grades 5 and 6 and in high school Grades 1917) is captured in Yurij Luhovy’s docu- 11 and 12. CEGEP’s post-high school class- mentaries “Ukrainians in Quebec 1891- es incorporate regional history and heri- 1945” and “Freedom Had A Price.” tage studies. As a result, Canada’s First For further information readers may see Internees in winter are led back to the compound after being forced to cut wood, World War internment operations of 1914 www.campspiritlake.ca or call 819-727- Spirit Lake circa 1915. to 1920 and Spirit Lake (1915-1917) are 2267.

54 phone conversations with Viktor he never gave orders to shoot at the The former president also couldn’t say Yanukovych... Medvedchuk – Mr. Putin is godfather to his crowds. how he eventually ended up in Russia on child – in November 2013-February 2014. He claimed ignorance about who armed February 23, 2014, a route that went from (Continued from page 1) Or the two phone calls with Mr. Putin on the security officials – many of them with his suburban estate via Kharkiv-Donetsk- killed. When he did acknowledge speaking February 19-20, 2014. Or that Vladislav sniper rifles – and blamed his former chief Crimea. After giving a long, evasive to a subordinate or foreign government Surkov, the Russian president’s point man of staff, Serhiy Lyovochkin, and energy response, he claimed that his motorcade official, he often couldn’t remember the on Ukraine, had visited Mr. Yanukovych’s tycoon Dmytro Firtash for the brutal dis- was fired upon by “radicals” near Melitopol substance of conversations. lavish estate of Mezhyhiria, despite security persal of the initial Maidan tent city in in Zaporizhia Oblast. Prosecutors said the native of logs indicating otherwise. November 2013. He said he took only his “personal Yenakiyeve, Donetsk Oblast, was “not hon- Repeating the Kremlin’s version of Mr. Yanukovych expressed regret for not belongings” with him, despite security est” and often was evasive in his responses, events in Ukraine, Mr. Yanukovych referred declaring martial law during the Maidan video footage from his estate that showed especially to specific questions. to the Maidan protesters as “radicals,” and protests. servants removing furniture, paintings, For example, he couldn’t recall any of the said they fired on law enforcement and that “I did make a series of mistakes, I’m not dozens of boxes and cases of items. a saint,” he said. “The biggest mistake I “Regarding any kind of money…as of committed – I couldn’t, didn’t find the today, I don’t, none of my money has been strength at the time to sign an order to found in any bank accounts,” Mr. bring in the army and declare martial law Yanukovych said. “I didn’t and don’t have in Ukraine. Back then, this was the only bank accounts.” way to stop the radicals. I wanted to pre- Then, when prosecutor Oleksiy Donsky vent bloodshed.” asked him to explain why he didn’t stop the In fact, protesters risked their lives to bloodshed on the Maidan, yet asked Mr. stop trainloads of army personnel from Putin to militarily intervene a few days reaching Kyiv by standing on train tracks later, Mr. Yanukovych replied: “This is a during the tumultuous Maidan events. philosophical question. I am not a philoso- When prosecutors asked the exiled for- pher.” mer leader why he never spoke to the To stop Russia’s war in the Donbas, Maidan protesters during the nearly three- amnesty should be given to those fighting month uprising, Mr. Yanukovych said, “I there, according to Mr. Yanukovych. The did… With representatives of machine- “armed forces should be withdrawn, and, building trade unions.” of course, [the region should be] given Mr. Yanukovych said he didn’t sign the wide autonomy because it’ll take a long Association Agreement with the European time to rebuild trust and for people to Union – the reason the initial protests respect each other again, I mean, the started in November 2013 – because the Donbas and Ukraine… But the territorial accord was allegedly only for a free-trade integrity of Ukraine should be preserved,” agreement, and omitted the political sec- he said. tion. He said the conditions went against Mr. Yanukovych also stated that he still Ukraine’s national interests because the considers himself president of Ukraine. high-technology sector would have “suf- When asked until which date he consid- fered.” ers himself to be the head of state, he “Europe doesn’t need our products replied: “This is a complicated question. I because they have different standards,” he have to date not personally given up this said. “For example, in rail transport: we authority. I hold it before the Ukrainian have a wider rail gauge.” people.” No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 15

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Ukrainian American Veterans in N.J. attend service in South Bound Brook by Michael P. Hrycak Orysia Jacus and Jurij Jacus, past post com- mander of Post 30. SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N. J. – Veterans The Veterans Day ceremony is an annual Day was celebrated at the Ukrainian event that is open to those who want to American Veterans National Monument, remember and honor all veterans. which stands here in front of St. Andrew Membership in the UAV (see www.uavets. Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, with org for application) is open to all veterans a service conducted by Metropolitan of the U.S. Armed Forces of Ukrainian heri- Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church tage, through blood or marriage, including of the U.S.A., with the assistance of clergy those still serving on active duty (dues are and seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian waived for those on active duty and 100 Orthodox Theological Seminary. percent U.S. military disabled), either Metropolitan Antony explained that through posts or as members at large. Veterans Day was first celebrated on the To register any U.S. Armed Forces veter- 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th an of Ukrainian descent, members and month in recognition of Armistice Day, non-members alike, readers may contact: November 11, 1918, marking the end of UAV National Registry, P.O. Box 172, World War I. Later, during President Holmdel, NJ 07733-0172; telephone, 732- Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration in 888-0494; e-mail, uav.registration@veri- 1954, the holiday was changed to Veterans zon.net. The Registration Project’s Volume Day in tribute to all veterans who have At the Veterans Day service led by Metropolitan Antony at the Ukrainian American I dedicated to World War II veterans was Veterans’ Monument at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in South Bound served during war and peace. Brook, N.J. published in 2004; Volume II dedicated to The metropolitan had explained the Korean and Vietnam veterans is in the pro- unique placement of the UAV National Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) commander, Registration Project coordina- cess of being published; and Volume III is Monument a year earlier, during its dedica- were represented, among others, by tor and acting post commander of Post 30 being compiled. There is no fee to register tion on October 3, 2015, noting that, unlike Michael Hrycak and Andrew Hadzewycz, (Freehold, N.J.); Bernard Krawczuk, past and readers are invited to register their all other monuments at St. Andrew commander and vice-commander, respec- national public relations/publications offi- loved ones. Cemetery that commemorated the tively, of the UAV New Jersey Department; cer; Post Commanders Walter Kovbasniuk, deceased, this monument honors all as well as Ihor Rudko, commander of the Post 17 (Passaic), and Oleh Balaziuk, Post Michael P. Hrycak (retired lieutenant col- Ukrainian American men and women who UAV Connecticut Department; Peter Polnyj, 42 (Lehigh Valley, Pa.); Oksana Koziak, onel of the U.S. Army) is commander of the have served in the U. S. Armed Forces, both commander of the UAV New York president, and Maria Polnyj, service officer, New Jersey State Department of the living and deceased. Department; Anna Krawczuk, past national of the UAV National Ladies Auxiliary; M. Ukrainian American Veterans Inc. On the human rights... Irondequoit town supervisor meets Ukrainian community leaders (Continued from page 6) across internationally recognized borders from Crimea to the Russian Federation; (d) To address the issue of impunity and ensure that those found to be responsible for abuses are held accountable before an independent judiciary; (e) To create and maintain a safe and enabling envi- ronment for journalists and human rights defenders to perform their work independently and without undue interference in Crimea; (f) To permit the reopening of cultural and religious institutions; (g) To revoke immediately the decision declaring the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People an extremist organi- zation and banning its activities, and repeal the deci- sion banning leaders of the Mejlis from entering Crimea; (h) To cooperate fully and immediately with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe on At the community meeting are: (top row from left) Walter Wirlo, Ukrainian Culture Center; Olena Dilai, Ukrainian the situation of human rights in Crimea; National Women’s League of America; Olia Korol – ROC-Maidan Humanitarian Aid Committee; Stephanie 3. Requests the Secretary-General to seek ways and Wowkowych, Rochester Ukrainian Centennial Committee; Roman Omecinskyj, Ukrainian Federal Credit Union means, including through consultations with the United (UFCU); Dr. Olena Prokopovych, Nazareth College; Oleg Lebedko, UFCU; Volodymyr Pavlyuk, ROC-Maidan Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and rele- Humanitarian Aid Committee; Tamara Denysenko, Rochester Global Connections, Ukrainian American Community vant regional organizations, to ensure safe and unfet- Foundation, (front row) Myroslav Pylyshenko and Wasyl Zolotarchuk, Library Committee of UFCU; Wasyl Kornylo, tered access to Crimea by established regional and Ukrainian National Credit Union Association, UFCU, Irondequoit-Poltava Sister Cities; Irondequoit Town Supervisor international human rights monitoring mechanisms to David Seeley; Dr. Christine Hoshowsky, Irondequoit-Poltava Sister Cities, Rochester Ukrainian Group (RUG); enable them to carry out their mandate; Wolodymyr Lukomsky, RUG; and Irena Terletzky, community activist. 4. Urges the Russian Federation to ensure the proper by Christine Hoshowsky who introduced him to the teachers and students in their and unimpeded access of international human rights respective classes. monitoring missions and human rights non-govern- ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Ukrainian community leaders in Mr. Seeley was appointed to the position of Irondequoit mental organizations to Crimea, recognizing that the Rochester, N.Y., welcomed David Seeley, the Irondequoit Town Supervisor on April 18 and elected to the position on international presence in Crimea is of paramount town supervisor, during a coffee hour at the Ukrainian November 8. He is committed to continuing the good rela- importance in preventing the situation from further Federal Credit Union (UFCU) on October 15. tionship with the Ukrainian community previously estab- deterioration; The get-together was co-hosted by the Rochester lished by past Republican and Democratic town administra- 5. Requests the Office of the United Nations High Ukrainian Group Inc., the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union tions. Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a dedicat- and the Irondequoit-Poltava Sister City Committee. On September 18, Supervisor Seeley participated in the ed thematic report on the situation of human rights in Following the tour of UFCU headquarters with Oleg 25th anniversary celebration of Ukraine’s independence the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Lebedko, CEO, and Roman Omecinskyj, CFO, Mr. Seeley met held beside the Ukrainian Centennial Monument on the Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in accordance with with Ukrainian leaders in the UFCU Community Room. Dr. grounds of Irondequoit Town Hall. the existing mandate and within the existing resources Christine Hoshowsky, president of RUG, presented Community leaders said they are impressed with of the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, Supervisor Seeley with an embroidered Ukrainian shirt Supervisor Seeley’s accessibility, openness and friendliness which is currently funded by voluntary contributions; (which, to the community leaders’ delight, fit). – an auspicious beginning. 6. Decides to continue its consideration of the matter The group took pictures and then Supervisor Seeley visit- at its 72nd session under the item entitled “Promotion ed the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Saturday School next Christine Hoshowsky, Ph.D. is president of the Rochester and protection of human rights.” door. There he met Zhanna Polyanska-Wirlo, the principal, Ukrainian Group. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

Alex Len standing tall in Phoenix Pau Gasol and Miami’s Hassan Whiteside. Can Len continue his production this sea- Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough has done son? The return of Brandon Knight and a great job of accumulating rookie contract Alex Len averaged a very respectable Len almost doubled his career averages expected progression by Devin Booker may players, but those hoopsters only stay 12.5 points and 10 rebounds per game for with his production in the latter half of this mean the Suns won’t require scoring from affordable for so long. Len and Archie his Phoenix Suns from the All-Star break past season. In 2014-2015, when he started Len. Having Eric Bledsoe and T.J.Warren Goodwin will both be restricted free agents through the end of the 2015-2016 season. 44 of 69 games, Len managed 6.3 points back in the rotation, plus the eventual indoc- in the summer of 2017. T.J. Warren is up for One could easily discount the statistics as a and 6.6 rebounds in 22 minutes. Over the trination of top draft pick Dragan Bender an extension a year later and Devin Booker product of a losing team trying to develop a first half of the 2015-2016 campaign, he would also imply less scoring from Len. in 2019. young big man, but that would be a disser- scored 6.9 points and 6.2 boards in 19.5 What the Suns definitely need long-term Yes, the Suns have a lot of salary cap vice to the player. The truth is that from the minutes per contest. After the break and from Len is his rebounding. He has always space at the moment, but that space can dis- All-Star break on, almost half the league’s the trade of Markieff Morris – which been a solid rebounder, but he stepped it appear quickly if the club elects to extend teams were trying to develop their young opened up a starting spot, creating a need up big time in the second half of last sea- every rookie contract player who hits free players for next year. The other half would for scoring – Len broke out to the tune of son. At one time he was rated eighth in the agency. Currently on the books for some $40 be very satisfied if their big men put up the 12.5 points and 10 rebounds in less than 30 NBA in rebound percentage among big million per year to Bledsoe, Knight and numbers Len posted for the Suns. minutes. men playing 18 minutes per game. Tyson Chandler, the Suns will limit their In a 12-game stretch immediately after Areas still to improve on include a poor Among the league’s top rebounders, Len flexibility to chase other free agents if they the break, Len joined some elite company shooting percentage (42.3 percent), mainly stands out. Most players with higher give each of their own an extension worth in posting an average of 17 points, plus 12 due to Len taking so many mid-range shots rebound rates are much less skilled offen- $10 million per year or more. rebounds per game, with nine straight and creating offense from a post-up posi- sively (Detroit’s Andre Drummond, As for Len, the Ukrainian chose not to 10-plus rebound games (eight of which tion as a power forward in the Suns’ line- Denver’s Kenneth Faried, Clipper DeAndre sign an extension in the summer of 2016 were double-doubles). Len posted num- up. He must work on his blocks (0.8 per Jordan, Utah’s Rudy Gobert) or play little/ and lock himself into several more years bers matched or exceeded by All-Star big game) and commit less fouls (2.9) to no defense (David Lee, Enes Kanter). with Phoenix before he entered his fourth men Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, become even more of an asset to his club. Len has the acumen to be a defensive season. He had very little incentive to do stalwart. Even in the lost season of 2015- that. The league’s salary cap is projected to 2016, while defending the rim against con- jump from $70 million to $89 million next stant drives by guards blowing past season and to $108 million for 2017-2018 Brandon Knight, Archie Goodwin and Devin (a result of the NBA’s new nine-year, $24 2017 Ukrainian Gift Catalog Booker, Len gave up only 50 percent shoot- billion TV deal). ing and was one of the best on the team at The salary cap increase of 27 percent keeping opponents at or below their aver- this past summer saw the value of con- age field goal rate. tracts being handed out to free agents as Len finally got healthy and finally began already unprecedented. However, wait one to show why he might have been one of the additional year until Len hits restricted free top prospects in the 2013 NBA draft. Some agency and the cap will increase by another would have preferred Rudy Gobert or 21 percent. How big is a maximum contract Giannis Antetokounmpo, given what’s under a $108 million salary cap? For play- transpired since the draft, but Len stands ers with zero to six years of experience, right up there with the best talents out of max salary is worth 25 percent of the cap. that draft and profiles to have an excellent Imagine Alex Len getting $27 million per future in the NBA. year. This exactly a development sorely need- Experts surmise that as the salary cap ed on a team deep in the throes of a major increases so much, fewer max contracts rebuild. will be handed out. Huge annual salaries Contract extension questions ($30-$35 million) may be reserved for elite stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. It took a little while, but Len is starting to Len hasn’t proven himself worthy of a max look like a player the Phoenix Suns can contract yet, so it is almost impossible to build around in the future. His emergence justify paying him so much. raises questions regarding his contract This doesn’t negate the fact that center extension. Len is first on the list of Suns’ forward is still among the weakest posi- young prospects to negotiate an expensive tions in the NBA. If the Suns choose not to extension. How will this affect the future of pay Len $20 million per year or more, the team? another team could force them to match an Let’s assess. Len still has areas of needed offer sheet. The Portland Trail Blazers have growth: his shooting percentage is barely done that in the past, forcing Indiana to re- 40 percent, he’s a good free-throw shooter, sign Roy Hibbert in 2012 and Oklahoma his mid-range shot is streaky and he lacks City into handing Enes Kanter big bucks in dominant post moves. Although he contests 2015. lots of shots at the rim, his block rate is No matter how it all shakes out, Len trending down. Yet even those who see Len stands to earn a ton of money with his next as injury-prone recognize the great strides NBA contract. he made since mid-February. It is time to start thinking about the contract extension Ihor Stelmach may be reached at which is not too far down the road. [email protected].

Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper Традиційна Свята Вечеря Friday, January 6, 2017 beginning at 6 pm $35 per person, $15 for children age 5-10 Order your copy today! For room and / or meal reservations please call 1-800-265-9858 Soyuzivka 216 Foordmore Road • Kerhonkson NY 12446 Books - Music - Calendars - Embroidery 845-626-5641 • www.Soyuzivka.com Chocolates - Gifts - Novelty Items No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 17 Lomachenko retains WBO junior lightweight title, Walters cries uncle after seventh round by Matthew Dubas “We watched a modern master, a magician in action tonight. It surprised me he quit, but PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Vasyl Lomachenko Walters was going to get knocked out. (7-1, 5 KO) retained his WBO junior light- Lomachenko had worked the kid out and weight title against Nicholas Walters (26, was going to stop him in the next round.” 1-1, 21 KO) of Jamaica on November 26 in Lomachenko, a southpaw, is a two-time Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan arena. Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012) with Walters retired after the seventh round, an amateur record of 396-1. He turned pro resulting in a win for Lomachenko. Referee in 2013 and previously held the WBO Tony Weeks asked Walters if he wanted to featherweight title from 2014 until this continue before the start of the eighth year, when he won the WBO junior light- round and Walters replied, “No, I don’t.” weight title against Roman Martinez (29-2- By the seventh round, Lomachenko had 3, 17 KO) of Puerto Rico on June 11 at landed 33 percent of the punches he had Madison Square Garden Theater with a thrown (30 out of 90). Walters had landed fifth-round knockout. Mickey Williams/Top Rank nearly 15 percent (five out of 34). After the fight, Lomachenko said he wants Vasyl Lomachenko (right) displayed his “high-tech” skills against Nicholas Walters of Promoter Bob Arum, overseeing his to fight WBC junior lightweight champion Jamaica at the Cosmopolitan arena in Las Vegas and retained his WBO junior light- 2,000th event after 50 years in boxing, noted, Francisco Vargas (23-0-2, 17 KO). weight title.

Latest Minsk... (Continued from page 2) Mr. Lavrov also rejected the idea of set- ting up a militarized monitoring mission in southeastern Ukraine under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Russian minister said: “There will be no militarized missions either of the OSCE or any other organization, contrary to what Kyiv has been saying from time to time.” France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jean- Marc Ayrault said “all the elements of the Minsk accords must be put in place” and that there is still “an enormous amount of work to be done.” Mr. Ayrault described the November 29 talks as “difficult,” but said the dialogue has not broken down altogether. However, he said that the status quo in eastern Ukraine is unacceptable and likely will lead to more violence. At the completion of the meeting of the four foreign affairs ministers in Minsk, Messrs. Lavrov and Steinmeier went into a separate bilateral meeting in the Belarusian capital on November 29. Mr. Steinmeier had said before arriving in Minsk that he planned to speak to Mr. Lavrov about Russia’s military role in Syria’s war. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, Interfax and TASS. Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-minsk- talks-no-breakthrough/28146693.html).

Turning... (Continued from page 6) pation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, citing the perma- nent NATO bases staffed by U.S. personnel in Bulgaria and Romania as a violation. President Vladimir Putin had begun Russia’s suspension of the treaty in 2007. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, Russia has stationed more than 30,000 troops on the peninsula. It remains an occupying power in Transdniestria, a self-proclaimed Russian “republic” (since 1992), and the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (since 2008). Source: “Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada takes action against Russian claims to Sevastopol,” by Roman Woronowycz, The Ukrainian Weekly, December 15, 1996. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49 “Ukraine in New York” comes Georgians and Ukrainians to celebrate to Columbia University their independence anniversaries NEW YORK – Columbia University’s NEW YORK – Talents of the World, an Boris Fogel, piano; Giorgi Jorjadze, cello; Harriman Institute will be offering a unique international concert organization, will cel- and Merab Ebralidze, piano. course in the spring 2017 semester – ebrate the friendship between two peoples Ms. Lisovska is a well-known artist in the “Ukraine in New York” – focusing on the – Georgians and Ukrainians – with a con- Ukrainian community, especially after hav- history and development of the Ukrainian cert dedicated to the 25th anniversaries of ing produced a fully staged opera community in New York City. Prof. independence of the two nations. “Zaporozhets za Dunayem” with Common­ Alexander Motyl of Rutgers University will Ukraine’s and Georgia’s rich cultures are wealth Lyric Theater in several cities of New teach the course, which will be open to well represented in the concert with several England and after touring with her all- both graduate and undergraduate students. musical styles: Ukrainian and Georgian clas- Ukrainian program “Solovyini Romansy.” “Ukraine in New York” is a multidisci- sical music, folk music and popular songs. Following the concert, guests are invited plinary exploration of the Ukrainian The concert features David Gvinianidze, for conversation and refreshments. American community in New York City a world-renowned baritone, founder and The concert will take place on Sunday, from its beginnings in the late 19th century president of Talents of the World, recipient December 11, at 2 p.m. at Salon Davidzon to the present. The course focuses on the of the United Nation’s medal for promoting Radio, 2508 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn, history, politics, culture, demographics, arts and culture, and Olga Lisovska, a NY, 11223 economics, religion and society of the com- famous Ukrainian soprano, director of Tickets are $35 at the door; the box munity, devoting particular attention to the Commonwealth Lyric Theater and Talents office is located at 409 Brighton Beach Ave. influence of the New York setting, the ten- of the World, winner of several vocal com- They may also be purchased online at petitions. www.TalentsOfTheWorld.tix.com. sions encountered in navigating between Aleksandr Chekmenev America, Soviet Ukraine and independent Joining them are several talented artists For more information, readers may con- Ukraine, the impact on community politics Prof. Alexander Motyl from New York and Boston: Lyudmila tact Ms. Lisovska at [email protected] or and culture of major crises (World War I, and cultural self-representations. In partic- Fesenko, soprano; Anni Kolkhida, soprano; 857-919-4832. Ukrainian independence in 1918, the ular, students will explore The Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933, World War II, Weekly, the Ukrainian National Association, Ukrainian independence in 1991, and the the Ukrainian National Women’s League of Euro-Maidan Revolution of 2014), identity America, the New York Group of Poets and shifts within and between immigrant other community institutions. waves, and self-representations. Born and raised on New York City’s Lower Guest lecturers will be invited to several East Side, prof. Motyl (Ph.D., Columbia sessions; a walking tour of the Ukrainian University, 1984) is professor of political sci- neighborhood in lower Manhattan, as well ence at Rutgers University-Newark. He as conversations with community leaders, served as associate director of the Harriman scholars, and artists will be organized. Institute at Columbia University in 1992- Individual sessions will be devoted to 1998. A specialist on Ukraine, Russia and the the following topics: coming to North USSR, he is the author of six academic vol- America, the geography of settlement, the umes, the editor or co-editor of “The fall of the Lower East Side and the rise of Encyclopedia of Nationalism,” “The the East Village, changing demographics Holodomor Reader” and “The Great West and economics, between America and Ukrainian Prison Massacre of 1941: A Ukraine, inter-wave dynamics, and identity Sourcebook,” and the author of nine novels.

David Gvinianidze, baritone, and Olga Lisovska, soprano. No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 19

December 4 Presentation by Albert Kipa, George Grabowicz and Oles December 10 Christmas Party, Ukrainian National Home, New York Fedoruk, Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse, NY www.syrucc.org 212-222-1866 December 10-11 Ukrainian Christmas Tree Ornaments, with instruction December 5 Presentation by Huseyin Oylupinar and Ozan Aslanrger, New York by the Verkhovynky Plast Sorority, The Ukrainian Museum, Cambridge, MA “A Friendship Forged in Wartime: Ukrainian-Turkish www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 Encounters on the Galician Front in World War I,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu December 10-11 Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Silver Spring, MD Catholic Church, 716-903-5485 December 6 Film screening and discussion with Vasyl Makhno and New York Oleksandr Fraze-Frazenko, “The House on Seven Winds: December 11 Christmas Bazaar, Ukrainian Homestead, Vasyl Makhno’s Portrait,” Columbia University, Lehighton, PA www.ukrhomestead.com or 610-377-4621 http://harriman.columbia.edu December 11 Feast Day, St. Andrew Ukrainian Religious and December 6 Book store talk with Serhii Plokhii, “The Man with the North Port, FL Cultural Center, 941-429-2350 Cambridge, MA Poison Gun,” Harvard Book Store, www.huri.harvard.edu December 17 Yalynka celebration, Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, December 8 Petrykivka art workshop, St. Mary Protectress New York Ukrainian Institute of America, [email protected] Clifton, NJ Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 973-546-2473

December 8 Book talk with Irene Kowal, “Displaced,” Harvard December 17 St. Nicholas program, Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Cambridge, MA University, www.huri.harvard.edu Washington Studies, Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, [email protected] or 410-730-8108 December 9-10 Christmas bazaar and festival, St. Mary Ukrainian North Port, FL Catholic Church, 941-426-7931 December 17 Christmas concert, “Rejoice” with the Ukrainian Chorus New York Dumka, St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 917-301-8355 December 9-31 Art exhibit, “Vinok” by Olha Rondiak, Ukrainian National or www.dumka.org Chicago Museum, 312-421-8090 or www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org December 31 New Year’s Eve Party, Ukrainian Homestead, December 10 Christmas Bazaar, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Lehighton, PA www.ukrhomestead.com or 610-377-4621 Jenkintown, PA Center, www.ueccphila.org December 31 New Year’s Eve celebration, Soyzuvika Heritage Center, December 10 Holiday ugly sweater party, Khmelnychenky Plast Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com New York Fraternity, Sly Fox Lounge, www.xmel.org January 6, 2017 Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper, Soyuzivka December 10 Christmas Party, Ukrainian Congress Committee of Kerhonkson, NY Heritage Center, www.soyuzivka.com or 845-626-5641 New York America, 212-228-6840 or [email protected]

December 10 Roundtable discussion, “Lost in Decommunization: A Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events New York Talk About Art and Politics in Contemporary Ukraine,” advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions with Anna Jeremolaewa and Vova Vorotniov, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016 No. 49

a yeAr’S SubScription PREVIEW OF EVENTS to our print eDition * Saturday, December 10 School of Ukrainian Studies will host a for only $70 NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Mykolai Show and Holiday Bazaar. Society invites all to a roundtable “Lost in Students will present a Mykolai program Add $5 And receive both print And online subscriptions Decommunization: A Talk About Art and at noon. Sviatyi Mykolai (St Nicholas) will Politics in Contemporary Ukraine.” Artists then meet with each grade/age group subscribe TO Anna Jermolaewa (Vienna) and Vova (non-students welcome). The Heavenly Vorotniov (Kyiv) closely follow decommu- Office is open at 9:15-11:45 a.m. (only one nization in Ukraine and explore its partic- item per child, $2 fee, labeled with the Or svObOda ular moments and general effects in their child’s name, grade/age). There will be a recent works. The talk will be moderated bazaar/bake sale at 9:30 a.m. to noon, The ukrainian Weekly by Kateryna Ruban, Ph. D. candidate in offering a variety of home-baked treats history at New York University. The event and holiday foods, books, gift items. will take place at the society’s building, 63 Location: Ukrainian Catholic National Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 Harewood streets) at 5 p.m. For additional informa- Road NE, Washington, DC 20017. For fur- tion call 212-254-5130. ther information visit ukrainianschoolba- zaar.weebly.com or contact Lada Saturday, December 17 Onyshkevych at ukieschooldc.web@gmail. WASHINGTON: The Taras Shevchenko com or 410-730-8108.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number and/or e-mail address to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication (i.e., they must be received by 9 am Monday morning). Please include pay- ment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the * This limiTed-Time offer is valid for new subscripTions only item is to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a per- Through January 13, 2017. son who may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their com- plete mailing address. Act now by cAlling Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do our SubScription DepArtment: not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail mes- CHRISTMAS sage. Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian 973-292-9800 x 3040 SPECIAL! Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Life Insurance* is the ultimate selfl ess gift your family truly needs

For instant Single Premium quotes call Whole Life Insurance* 888-538-2833 can provide a fi nancial safety net to help families maintain their standard of living. Now through 12/20/16, the * Not available in all states. UNA is waiving its $25 fee to help you take the fi rst Ukrainian National Association, Inc. step to insure you and 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 • General information – 800-253-9862 your family’s future. www.UkrainianNationalAssociation.org • facebook.com/UkrainianNationalAssociation