INSIDE:  NEWS ANALYSIS: “A grenade thrown at ” – page 3  Andrew Tkach’s new fi lm, “Generation Maidan” – page 11  Communities mark Ukraine’s Independence Day – pages 14-15

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIII No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 $2.00 Deadly violence erupts aft er vote to amend Constitution by Zenon Zawada – Ukraine endured on August 31 its most serious domestic political conflict since the Euro-Maidan when vio- lent protests erupted on August 31 over the decision of the to approve the first reading of constitu- tional amendments to shift certain state authority to local governments. The vote prompted simple bombs and explosives to fly towards Parliament from the crowd of hundreds of pro- testers, the majority being Svoboda party nationalists. The attacks were capped off by a military grenade that killed three National Guardsmen (one immediately) and hospi- talized more than 90, news reports said. The conflict drove a wedge in Ukraine’s pro-Western forces, pitting the business-oriented, establishment parties against the populist, nationalist forces, who insisted the amendments betray national interests. Oleh Lyashko’s Radical Party announced the next day it was abandoning the ruling coalition in the Verkhovna Rada. “Pay attention to who voted for the constitutional amendments – former members of the voted in a single impulse along with the pro-presidential majority,” said Sergei Gaiday, a veteran Kyiv political con- sultant. “The nightmare of a broad coalition is now practi- cally fulfilled and the first signs are apparent: the radicals have already announced their exit from the pro-European coalition. We are currently seeing a standard step in coun- Presidential Administration of Ukraine A military farewell ceremony for the three National Guardsmen killed in the August 31 violence near the (Continued on page 4) Verkhovna Rada. The deceased are: Ihor Debrin, 24, Oleksandr Kostyna, 20, and Dmytro Slastnikov, 21. U.S. and EU widen A blue-and-yellow flashmob in Times Square sanctions on

RFE/RL The United States and the are wid- ening sanctions against dozens of Russians and Ukrainian individuals and entities with connections to ’s annexation and the ongoing violence in east- ern Ukraine. In an announcement published in the U.S. Federal Register on September 2, the U.S. administration said it was adding 29 people to its sanctions list. Some of those added have ties to Kremlin-linked insiders and companies who were previously sanc- tioned, including Gennady Timchenko, a wealthy oil trader believed to be close to President . A total of 33 companies or other entities were cited, including subsidiaries of state-owned oil giant Rosneft, headed by Putin ally Igor Sechin, and the company that manufactures Kalashnikov assault rifles. Crimea’s top ferry operator and several ports on the Black Sea peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in March 2014, were also blacklisted. Among other things, the sanctions, imposed by the

Stefan Slutsky Commerce Department, make it more difficult for the NEW YORK – , representatives of several waves of immigration from Ukraine and their companies and individuals to get export licenses for progeny, filled New York’s Times Square with the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine’s national flag and beauti- goods and materials from the United States. ful Ukrainian embroidery in celebration of the 24th anniversary of the renewal of Ukraine’s independence. They The European Union, meanwhile, said it would came together as a flashmob on the evening of August 23, carrying Ukrainian flags and banners, singing Ukrainian extend the freezing of assets and visa bans for 150 songs and the national anthem of Ukraine, and greeting each other with the words “Glory to Ukraine – glory to the Russians and Ukrainian separatists, along with 37 heroes.” Among those demonstrating their Ukrainian pride was Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, Yuriy companies and entities either located in Crimea or Sergeyev, attending in an unofficial capacity. (Continued on page 8) (For photos and information about more community celebrations of Ukrainian Independence Day, see pages 14-15.) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

ANALYSIS

Kyiv violence steps up pressure U.S. on women political prisoners in Ukraine for threatening to take more ter- ritory and hold their own elections. Mr. WASHINGTON – The United States has Biden spoke to Ukrainian President Petro launched a campaign to highlight cases of to reject ultranationalists Poroshenko by phone on August 28. The women who Washington says have been White House said the vice-president its bandits are trying and failing to destroy “unjustly imprisoned” by governments by Robert Coalson offered U.S. support for constitutional the Ukrainian state on the eastern front, around the world. Under the initiative RFE/RL amendments Mr. Poroshenko has proposed the so-called pro-Ukrainian political forces announced September 1 by Samantha to decentralize power and hold local elec- The bloodshed during violent clashes are trying to open another front in the Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United tions while maintaining a unitary federal between security forces and radical heart of the country,” Mr. Yatsenyuk said. Nations, the U.S. State Department will pro- government in Kyiv. Mr. Biden “welcomed Ukrainian nationalists on August 31 has Both pledged to prosecute the perpetra- file 20 cases of women deemed by the news of an agreement among several pro- cast a stark light on a long-standing prob- tors to the full extent of the law, and 18 United States to be “political prisoners” or reform political forces to run a common lem confronting the government in Kyiv. people, including the alleged grenade “prisoners of concern.” The campaign will No longer can the post-Maidan govern- thrower, have been arrested. But that, crit- profile Ukrainian military pilot and slate of candidates in Ukraine’s local elec- ment of President deny ics say, will not be enough to respond to Parliament member , tions this October,” the White House said. it has a problem with a small but danger- the ultranationalist threat. jailed in Russia on charges of participating But the vice-president “strongly criticized ous ultranationalist contingent that has statements by separatist leaders indicating Fork in the road in the murder of Russian journalists cover- served as a useful ally in the past, but that ing the Ukraine conflict, as well as Leyla their intention to take additional territory also has repeatedly shown a willingness to It’s a systemic challenge, says National Yunus and Khadija Ismayilova, critics of the and hold local elections outside of the use violence to push its own agenda. Deputy of the Petro Azerbaijani government imprisoned on Ukrainian legal framework, in direct con- Three National Guardsmen were killed Poroshenko Bloc, the president’s party. charges widely considered to be politically travention of the Minsk agreements,” it and more than 90 injured by a grenade “The radicalization of society is inevitable motivated. Others include Uzbek rights said. (RFE/RL, with reporting by the that was thrown during a violent protest in a climate of corrupt government and a activist Matluba Kamilova, who Human Associated Press and Interfax) by ultranational- lack of decisive Rights Watch says has been imprisoned for Washington on constitutional changes ists led by the “Those who threw reforms,” he said on exercising free speech, and Iranian student Svoboda party September 1. “Our activist Bahareh Hedayat, who was jailed KYIV – The U.S. on September 1 hailed outside the coun- this grenade and radicalization is amid a 2009 crackdown after street pro- the Verkhovna Rada’s approval of constitu- try’s Parliament. injured people are intensified by our tests over a contentious presidential elec- tional amendments on decentralization. Svoboda was pro- total militarization.” tion. “In naming these women, we are National Security Council spokesperson testing legislation terrorists. No matter Mr. Leshchenko sending a message to their governments Ned Price stated: “The United States wel- that would grant what they did yester- recalled a litany of and others like them: If you want to comes the Ukrainian Parliament’s vote on more autonomy incidents tied to empower women, don’t imprison them on constitutional amendments on decentral- for separatist-held day, today they are ultranationalists the basis of their views or on the basis of ization. This action represents an impor- territory in the terrorists.” that have gone the rights that they’re fighting for,” tant step toward comprehensive reform of east in accord with unpunished, from a Ambassador Power told reporters in Ukraine’s governance and the empower- the Minsk agree- – Blogger Oleksiy grenade attack on a Washington. “Free these 20 women and ment of regional and local authorities. In ments on regulat- gay-pride event in free the countless women and girls like addition, this vote shows that Ukraine is ing the conflict Bratushchak, writing on June to a grenade- them behind bars,” Power added. The State steadfastly upholding its commitments with the Russia- the launcher attack in Department has dubbed the initiative the under the Minsk agreements to adapt gov- backed rebels. July in the western #FreeThe20 campaign. It will profile one ernance structures in certain parts of Even as the website. Zakarpattia Oblast case per day in the run-up to the 20th anni- and oblasts.” In addition, wounded were to the beating last versary this month of a United Nations ini- the spokesman said, “The United States being taken away, an unrepentant spokes- year of the head of the UT-1 state television tiative to empower women “in all spheres condemns the clashes in Kyiv that left at man for the radical (Pravyi channel by Svoboda party lawmakers. of public and private life.” The campaign least two dead and dozens wounded out- Sektor) party was quick to blame Mr. In the wake of the August 31 violence, kicked off by highlighting the case of side the Parliament and urges all Poroshenko for the tragedy. Mr. Leshchenko urged Right Sector to dis- Chinese rights lawyer Wang Yu, who was Ukrainians to refrain from violence as a “I say that today we saw that tance itself from Svoboda and commit itself detained by Chinese police in July in a means to achieve political objectives.” (U.S. Poroshenko has shed this blood,” Right to the country’s peaceful political transfor- sweeping crackdown on lawyers and civic Embassy Kyiv) Sector spokesman Artem Skoropadskyi mation. activists. (RFE/RL, with reporting by the told 112 Ukraine TV on August 31. “This is “With Svoboda driving itself to self-anni- Associated Press) Poroshenko’s, Klitschko’s parties merge exactly the same thing that happened dur- hilation, [Right Sector] could get a chance KYIV – The parties of Ukrainian ing the regime of [former President Viktor] to turn themselves toward the path of civi- White House criticizes ‘separatist’ plans President Petro Poroshenko and Kyiv Yanukovych – the use of force, the violent lized development followed by their politi- WASHINGTON – U.S. Vice-President Joe dispersal of peaceful protests, beating the cal wing,” Mr. Leshchenko said. Biden is criticizing pro-Russian separatists (Continued on page 12) opposition, and so on.” Popular blogger Oleksiy Bratushchak The Svoboda party also issued a state- emphasized that the far right’s Maidan ment saying, “the responsibility for the record did not give them a free pass to use attack near the Parliament… lies with the such violence. FOUNDED 1933 current government.” Svoboda said the “This was a terrorist act,” he wrote on The Ukrainian Weekly explosion at the protest was “a preplanned the Ukrayinska Pravda website. “Those provocation against Ukrainian patriots.” who threw this grenade and injured people An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., are terrorists. No matter what they did yes- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. ‘Stab in the back’ Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. terday, today they are terrorists. And For the government, the violence at the together with his comrades-in-arms, he Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) gates of the Verkhovna Rada is a symbolic belongs to a terrorist organization.” challenge by political forces that came to Mr. Bratushchak noted that the leaders The Weekly: UNA: the fore as a result of their muscular of the Svoboda, Right Sector and Radical Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 defense of the Euro-Maidan protests that parties called on the public to come to the drove Viktor Yanukovych from power in Verkhovna Rada and then “inflamed the Postmaster, send address changes to: February 2014 and their aggressive fight- situation.” He compared the leaders to the The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas ing against the separatists in eastern “snow at the very top of the mountain” that P.O. Box 280 Ukraine. In addition, the government has produced a devastating avalanche. Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] welcomed the unifying backing of national- Video from the August 31 demonstra- ists in the face of the threat from neighbor- tion clearly shows Svoboda party leader The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com ing Russia and Kremlin rhetoric aimed at Oleh Tiahnybok pushing against police offi- undermining Ukrainian statehood. cers while shouting profanities at them. The Ukrainian Weekly, September 6, 2015, No. 36, Vol. LXXXIII Nonetheless, voters soundly rejected the Copyright © 2015 The Ukrainian Weekly ultranationalists during the May 2014 Written by Robert Coalson on the basis of presidential election and the November reporting by RFE/RL’s Ukraine Service. 2014 parliamentary elections. Copyright 2015, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted President Poroshenko said the violence with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA was “a stab in the back” for the entire Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 country. Prime Minister Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] was even more explicit. http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-vio- “The cynicism of this crime lies in the lence-increases-pressure-to-reject-ultrana- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] fact that while the Russian Federation and tionalists/27220908.html). No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 3 NEWS ANALYSIS: “A grenade thrown at Ukraine” by Halya Coynash amendments, they were voted in at the first reading by a Nothing has ever been proven, but questions about Human Rights Protection Group significant majority (albeit with a shift in the division of Svoboda’s sources of support have been raised for many parties for and against) in a democratically elected years. The party was clearly viewed as useful by the regime Three young conscripts have died from the grenade attack Parliament. Trying to beat up parliamentarians is not part of Viktor Yanukovych, with it getting coverage on state- outside Parliament on Monday, August 31: Ihor Debrin, 24, of the democratic process, nor is flinging grenades and controlled television when other opposition parties were Oleksandr Kostyna, 20, and Dmytro Slastnikov, 21. Well shooting at the police and young conscripts. muffled and vilified. over 130 people were injured, most of them conscripts. Svoboda did not get enough votes to enter the There will doubtless be suggestions from beyond the The protests were over highly divisive amendments to Verkhovna Rada as a party last October, nor was there any Svoboda party itself that Russia was behind the events on the Constitution of Ukraine, but it is not, as at least one significant level of support for the ultra-nationalist Pravyi Monday. Leaving aside the reasons behind the proposed headline claimed, the Constitution that is bloodstained, but Sektor (Right Sector). constitutional amendments, Moscow certainly stands to those far-right politicians and their supporters who are Oleksandra Matviychuk, one of the founders of gain from any violence and division in Ukraine, especially willing to use violence, including a grenade and firearms, at SOS emphatically rejects any attempt to com- that carried out by the far-right parties it has long demon- a crowded demonstration. pare the violence on Monday to the gunning down of ized, especially since the Euro-Maidan. There is video footage of the grenade thrower, who has Maidan activists on February 18-20, 2014, “Enough hiding Attempts to blame it all on Russia, however, require too been identified as a member of the far-right Svoboda party, behind the memory of Nebesna Sotnia” (or the Heavenly much to be glossed over and seem dangerously off-track. fighting in the party’s Sich volunteer battalion. Between 20 Brigade, those killed on Maidan), she says. “People using There has been plenty of evidence of a more destructive and 30 other people were also arrested and are in custody. grenades and weapons in a crowd have as much to do with side to the far-right movements in Ukraine, most recently As of Monday evening, around 100 Svoboda supporters the slain Maidan activists on Instytutska Street as the KGB in the events in Mukacheve. The relative unity of purpose were picketing the Holosiyivsky District Police Station Russian Patriarch Kirill has to do with the Christian faith.” seen on the Maidan, as well as the voluntary involvement demanding the release of 20 Svoboda activists. That dem- The perpetrators also betrayed those who were demon- of many members of far-right organizations in fighting onstration was peaceful; however, the rhetoric on Svoboda strating peacefully, while the death of three young men will Russia’s undeclared war in the Donbas made many loath to leader Oleh Tiahnybok’s Facebook page remained surely have a deterrent effect. Now everybody will think overly condemn such organizations. extremely aggressive. There is no suggestion of any blame twice about whether to go out on protests against deci- There was no enemy to be fought outside the Verkhovna for the tragedy, quite the contrary. Mr. Tiahnybok claims sions by the government. Rada on August 31 – there were Ukrainians, including Ihor the fact that Internal Affairs Minister so Prominent journalist Ayder Muzhdabaev, who recently Debrin, Oleksandr Kostyna and Dmytro Slastnikov whose swiftly “appointed those to be guilty” indicated that “the moved to Ukraine from Russia, was blunt in his assessment lives were cut short. provocation was planned by him.” of the day’s events. He stresses that all those guilty of what Miroslav Gai put it very well. It is easy to see who won Having asserted that Mr. Avakov is following the road he clearly considers to be terrorism must face prosecution. from that day’s events, he writes: Mr. Putin definitely; the taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he then goes on All those public figures who welcome such methods, he says, former Party of the Regions; and President Petro to use vocabulary that has become standard for Russian should face “a total public and political boycott and media Poroshenko, who has shown the people who he’s forced to propaganda. He claims, for example, that the government is boycott, until their repentance and apologies to the relatives deal with. Everybody’s seen what would happen if Mr. planning “to create the grounds for the use by the punitive of the slain young man. No, in fact, afterwards as well.” Tiahnybok, or the leader of the Radical Party Oleh Lyashko organs of weapons, so that at the final vote of treacherous “This is scum, moreover dishonest scum, financed by came to power. amendments to the Constitution, nobody will be able to God knows whom and no better than the terrorists of the And who lost? The slain National Guardsmen and those stop them.” DPR and LPR [the so-called ‘Donetsk and Luhansk people’s wounded, their parents, children, girlfriends, friends, etc. Mr. Tiahnybok chooses to forget one or two crucial republics’]. Even worse because they strike at the very And, Mr. Gai points out, “The Ukrainian people – after all, points. Whatever we may think of the constitutional heart of Ukraine,” Mr. Muzhdabaev underscores. that grenade was thrown specifically at them.”

FOR THE RECORD Quotable notes …Sea Breeze is the largest multinational exercise in Poroshenko’s address to the nation the Black Sea, and has always occupied an important place for the United States, which in turn reflects the strategic importance of the Black Sea region. But the on the constitutional amendments vote importance of this strategic space grew substantially President Petro Poroshenko addressed the people of for constitutional amendments? The fate of a pro-Ukraini- last year following the Russian invasion of Crimea, the Ukraine on August 31 to speak about the Verkhovna Rada’s an international coalition would be significantly under- illegal annexation and all of the events that have come vote on constitutional amendments and the violence that mined. Potential extension of economic sanctions that hurt from that development. So it is important that we are ensured. The text below (with minor edits for clarity) was the aggressor would not be on the table. The grim picture here today in Odesa, as the temporary home of the released on August 31 by the President Administration of of having Ukraine struggling against the aggressor alone Ukrainian Black Sea Fleet and the Ukrainian Navy, Ukraine. would become a real threat. recognizing the United States’ ongoing and long My fellow countrymen! standing commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and My fellow Ukrainians! It is very sad that some members of the parliamentary territorial integrity. Today the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has approved coalition attacked the president and the supreme com- …I remember discussing Sea Breeze almost a year constitutional amendments on decentralization in the first mander-in-chief of their own country instead of directing and a half ago when I was in Odesa, back with Admiral reading. This has finally happened after more than year- their burgeoning energy to counter the external enemy. [Serhii] Haiduk on board the Hetman Sahaydachnyi, long discussions. They have also launched a campaign against our closest and we talked about the future of Ukraine’s naval forc- I am consciously undertaking steps to share my powers allies – the United States, , France and the es. Those were the first days after the Russian invasion in favor of local communities and reinforce them with European Union. of Crimea and the first weeks of the aggression in redistribution of financial resources, so that more money I do not claim they are agents of Moscow. Some decided Donbas. In many ways this is a different country from and more power for local communities corresponded with not to take a responsible stand, but instead took a pose the one that I was in at that time, and certainly a much more responsibility and influence of local communities that is cynical and dangerous for the country. Some acted more capable and robust Ukrainian military, a military and citizens. not as statesmen, but egotistic politicians that do not see that has been tested by battle, which has confronted Decentralization fundamentally changes the political sys- ahead of the local elections on October 25. one of the most egregious challenges to the fundamen- tem of Ukraine. It paves a way to the European model of self- How can you call events that unfolded near the tal principles of respect for international borders that governance, and it is also part of my peace plan. Today’s vote Verkhovna Rada anything other than a stab in the back? It govern international security. … has been uneasy but a sound step toward peace. was an anti-Ukrainian action for which all organizers, all I want to underline to all of our Ukrainian navy Understandably, some people in Moscow are quite anx- representatives of political forces without any exception partners the strong commitment of the United States ious because they did not get what they want. The Internet must carry full responsibility. I will personally control the to stand with the Ukrainian people as you work and newspapers are full of headlines such as “The Kremlin fulfillment of this, as I had a meeting with all heads of law through a challenging and difficult time in your histo- did not like constitutional amendments,” “Russia’s Foreign enforcement and gave clear orders to conduct a transpar- ry. I want to offer special respect and honor to the Affairs Ministry criticizes Ukraine’s constitutional reform” ent investigation and bring both the organizers and perpe- men and women of the Ukrainian navy. We all and “Russia-backed militants are angry that Kyiv did not trators to justice. They have attempted to storm the remember… the courage that your sailors demon- consult with them on constitutional changes.” Parliament. They have thrown a grenade. They have target- strated during the invasion of Crimea, their dignity Just recall what circumstances we were under one year ed a serviceman of the National Guard in his heart and and courage in the face in an overwhelming Russian ago. They wanted not only federalization, but a confedera- killed him. They have wounded around 120 servicemen force. And today I would highlight the critical role that tion where a dozen Ukrainian regions would be connected and police officers – many of whom took part in the anti- the naval land forces are playing in maintaining the to Russia more closely than to the rest of their Ukrainian terrorist operation, some of them are decorated with state defense of , a city on the front line of defense neighbors. Then they dreamt about their proxies taking awards. against the combined Russian separatist forces. … key decisions in foreign policy, vetoing Ukraine’s integra- Thanks to the diplomatic efforts last week, including my – U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt speaking on tion into the European Union and NATO. But a meager line direct involvement during the visit to Brussels, it has been September I in Odesa at the opening ceremony of the about the peculiarities of local self-governance is the only three days in a row when not a single shot from heavy artil- 2015 Sea Breeze Naval Exercise, which involves the thing they got. Does anyone think that it was easy to lery was fired on the frontline. It has been three days when naval forces of 11 nations. The text of his remarks was achieve? We should glorify Ukrainian soldiers and thank not a single Ukrainian soldier was killed in action. On the released by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Ukrainian diplomats for this. Embassy Kyiv. What would happen if the Verkhovna Rada did not vote (Continued on page 8) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

After independence, Ukrainian governance tinues to conduct politics using old meth- hundreds gathered outside the Parliament Deadly violence... grew more centralized than under the Soviet ods, because we have a completely different building the morning of August 31, which in Union, with at least 70 percent of spending society and completely different demands,” addition to Svoboda members also included (Continued from page 1) determined by the national government in commented Mr. Rybachuk. members of the Radical Party, Pravyi Sektor ter-revolution and revenge.” Kyiv, estimated Andriy Novak, the head of Such old, corrupt methods were appar- forces that blocked traffic on Hrushevsky The amendments drew 265 votes in the Committee of Economists of Ukraine. ent in the days leading up to the contested Street, and Ukrop, a political party launched Although the amendments eliminate the vote, observers said. by billionaire Igor Kolomoisky, perhaps Mr. favor, compared to 288 votes on July 16, “state administrations,” which is the repre- Government leaders pressured Poroshenko’s biggest rival. which was the vote to send them to the sentative body of the Presidential Samopomich national deputies to vote in The protests were fueled by the lack of Constitutional Court for review. Three out Administration in the country’s oblasts and support of the constitutional amendments, public discussion on the amendments, of the five coalition factions voted against districts, critics said the newly created insti- , the City Council chair which were approved by the Constitutional them, including the Radical Party, the tutions of prefects and executive committees (mayor) and head of the Samopomich party, Court on July 31. Deputies such as Alyona Samopomich (Self-Reliance) Party and to replace the system will only tighten the reported on August 29 on his Facebook page Shkrum of Batkivshchyna, writing on her Batkivshchyna, led by former Prime president’s authority in Ukraine’s regions. “They’re offering money, positions, pros- Facebook page, asserted that the president Minister . “The government is fooling the people,” pects and so forth,” he wrote. “I am abso- was merely interested in ramming the Those in favor were the Petro Mr. Tiahnybok said. “It’s talking about lutely convinced of the firm, principled amendments through Parliament. Poroshenko Bloc, the People’s Front led by decentralization, but it’s truly strengthen- position of the majority of my colleagues. Inside the Parliament, deputies of the Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the ing the presidential chain of command and Regarding the few who are weighing their Radical Party blocked the parliamentary Russian-oriented Opposition Bloc and two creating local chiefs and dictators.” options, I am left to hope that they read the tribune before freeing it after more than an deputies’ groups, Will of the People and Indeed, the amendments arrange for right books in childhood.” hour to allow the session to be held. But Rebirth, which consist of big businessmen presidentially appointed prefects (instead In response, Verkhovna Rada Chairman then they resorted to shouting “Shame!” as and former Party of Regions members. of oblast state administration chairs) to Volodymyr Groisman called upon the Mr. Groisman led the proceedings, shouting What particularly fueled the outrage was coordinate the work of regional and district Procurator General’s Office and the over various speakers and sounding sirens the amendment establishing a “specific governing bodies, particularly the executive National Anticorruption Bureau to conduct in their made-for-TV protest. order” in the occupied districts of the committees (which replace the state oblast an independent, objective and quick inves- Yurii Shukhevych, the son of legendary Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. It would and district administrations). tigation of the claims. Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) grant full immunity to the Russian-backed The prefects must ensure they fulfill The procurator general called Mr. Sadovyi Commander Roman Shukhevych and a terrorists from any prosecution, enabling national programs, similar to what the state in for questioning in the morning of August member of the Radical Party, called the them to run for political office in local elec- administrations already do, as well as monitor 31, the day of the vote, which sparked out- Donbas-specific order a betrayal of national tions, remain in office for the full length of them to ensure they don’t violate national rage among critics as evidence that authori- interests and compared its supporters to their terms, appoint prosecutors and judg- laws and the Constitution, said Vitalii tarian tactics were being used to pressure slaves to the European Union, quoting Lenin es, form local police forces and establish Kovalchuk, a national deputy with the politicians. (Although he heads the party, Mr. of all people. “A slave not realizing his slav- “deep neighborly relations” with districts in Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform Sadovyi isn’t a national deputy.) ery is simply a slave,” he said. “A slave realiz- the Russian Federation. (UDAR) and a close advisor to Mr. Poroshenko. “Putin succeeded in splitting the political ing his enslaved condition and fighting “This is part of Putin’s plan for splitting The president has the ability to dissolve class in the post-Yanukovych Ukraine,” said against it is a revolutionary. A slave realizing and federalizing Ukraine and is practically the councils and appoint a temporary act- Mr. Voznyak. “Of course, there were differ- his enslaved condition and delighting in the the legalization of the Russian occupation ing head for a term of no longer than a year. ences earlier, but no one called a political kindness of his master is a lackey.” on the occupied territory of Donbas,” Mr. At the recommendation of the Cabinet of ally or opponent in for questioning on the The conflict outside Parliament escalat- Lyashko said in an August 27 interview Ministers, the president can also appoint day of the vote for a needed bill. My ques- ed once the vote occurred, just an hour with the News One television network. and dismiss the prefects, who remain sub- tion to the president’s political advisors is, after the session began. The constitutional provision would also ject to the president’s authority but report ‘How will the pro-presidential electorate Svoboda nationalists placed portraits of require socio-economic financing of the to the Cabinet. react to Sadovyi being called into the party members killed in the war, which occupied districts from the central budget, “I read the law on decentralization and Procurator General’s Office?’” they said were knocked down by the a condition that has particularly infuriated can say that this is what we’ve long hoped After the vote, Mr. Sadovyi told the prav- National Guardsmen. Shoving matches nationalist forces. for,” Oleh Rybachuk, a former vice prime da.com.ua news site there was a direct link turned into attempts to storm the “Moscow needs ‘autonomy’ for the minister for Euro-integration, wrote in a between his accusations of pressure and Parliament as party leaders swung various Donbas, where the ‘Russian World’ will be column for the nv.ua news site published the results, in which five Samopomich dep- types of clubs and long objects. built at the expense of the Ukrainian bud- on September 2. “It has the support of the uties supported the amendments, including After the vote, smoke bombs, sound gre- get,” said Oleh Tiahnybok, the leader of the Venice Commission [of the Council of the faction head, Hanna Hopko. He pointed nades, tear gas bombs and simple explo- Svoboda party who led the violent protests Europe] and de-Sovietizes the government. out that only Ms. Hopko had supported the sives were hurled at the Parliament build- outside the parliament building. For the first time, the right things have been amendments in the July 16 vote. ing, some of which were flung back at the “Unable to take us by storm, Putin is proposed at the local level.” The faction voted that same day to evict crowd by the National Guardsmen. now trying to act by perfidy, spreading the The president’s mistake was failing to the five, drawing the accusation from Ms. Before the military grenade explosion, cancerous tumor of so-called ‘special sta- hold a national discussion on the amend- Hopko that Samopomich was drawing as many as 15 law enforcement officers tuses’ and ‘autonomy,’ ” he said. ments, particularly with those opposed, Mr. towards “Bolshevik authoritarianism.” were already injured, said Oleksandr [The Minsk accords refer to the legal Rybachuk wrote. In response, Mr. Sadovyi said the consti- Tereshchuk, the head of the Kyiv adminis- order in the occupied territories as a “spe- For instance, more than 30 leading intel- tutional amendments were an issue of prin- tration of the Internal Affairs Ministry. cial status,” while the amendments use the lectual authorities, including former ciple, which demands the unanimous sup- The lethal grenade was flung at about term “specific order,” according to Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr port of all its deputies, but only after a thor- 1:45 p.m., immediately killing 24-year-old Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Ohryzko, signed an appeal, published on ough debate, which he said occurred. Ihor Debrin, a Kherson Oblast native who Weekly was not able to review the text of the pravda.com.ua news site on August 13, Parliament also held its latest debate on was drafted for the war and hadn’t yet served the amendments to verify the term used.] asking the president not to introduce any the amendments before the vote, in which his half-year term. By the next day, the minis- The notion that the Donetsk specific order constitutional amendments for as long as National Deputy dismissed try confirmed two more National Guard is a capitulation before Russia that won’t war is being waged in Donbas. claims that the prefects were local dictators casualties, 21-year-old Dmytro Slastnikov resolve its occupation of Crimea and the The appeal was duly ignored by the and said they were in place to prevent any and 20-year old Oleksandr Kostyna. Donbas is also shared among establishment president, said Serhiy Datsyuk, a contem- further separatist attempts. More than 90 law enforcement officers political observers such as Taras Voznyak, porary philosopher. In response to arguments that it’s not were hospitalized, most with shrapnel the director of the Renaissance Fund in Lviv. “Our politicians don’t consult or agree to worth amending the Constitution at a time wounds or concussions; 12 of them were With the governments of France, changes with the public,” wrote Mr. of war, Mr. Lutsenko said the amendments reported by the end of the day to have Germany and the U.S. supporting the Donbas Rybachuk, who also signed the appeal. won’t take effect for another two years. He undergone surgery. A total of 125 suffered specific order, Russia has gained the main “They merely inform the public. Such raised the example of Croatia granting spe- some form of injury, Internal Affairs Minister concession it was seeking from the West, Mr. things as constitutional amendments are cial status to the separatist Republic of Arsen Avakov reported by the day’s end. Voznyak said, which is “to gradually recreate supposed to be approved at a constitution- Serbian Krajina, which folded after four By the night of September 2, 138 law Ukraine into a federation, or even a confed- al assembly, which would consist of people years and returned to Croatia. enforcement officers, including 85 police eration, taking into account the possible who aren’t active politicians.” “The Republic of Croatia stood bare- officers and 53 National Guardsmen, were future status of Crimea.” It’s clear that President Poroshenko is handed, just like our heroes, against the reported by the Internal Affairs Ministry to “The approval of such a constitutional striving to keep in place the closed power armed-to-the-teeth Yugoslav Army,” Mr. still be hospitalized from the day’s protests. norm threatens fragmentation in the structure, in which the only competitive Lutsenko said. “It voted 20 times for the Within three hours of the attack, Mr. future,” he noted. political parties are those financed by oli- special status of this separatist enclave, Avakov was able to identify the grenade Criticism was directed also against the garchs, he said. This approach is drawing the only so that the sun would rise and that one thrower as Ihor Humeniuk, a 24-year-old other amendments, which the president president to his political demise, he said. day, the victorious army would free this activist with the Svoboda party who served and his allies have argued will introduce “There is an absolutely reasonable country. The sun will rise for us too if we in the Donbas war. He was among 18 long-awaited decentralization of authority chance that Poroshenko will very quickly don’t act like ‘khutoriany’ (peasants).” detained that day, nine of whom were to Ukrainian governance. disappear from the political arena if he con- Such arguments didn’t impress the many eventually criminally charged and incarcer- ated for their violent activity. Mr. Humeniuk denied committing the act, despite video recordings on the Subscribe to Internet showing someone of his build, even wearing a similar T-shirt, hurling the Only $90 The Ukrainian Weekly deadly object. He also claimed to have been Please contact Subscription Dept. beaten by police while in custody. $80 for UNA members [email protected] Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3040 Police charged him with murder, attempted murder and committing an act of terrorism, which could carry up to a life For an additional $5 get an online subscription as well Published by the Ukrainian National Association sentence. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 5 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly Bearing witness to the Fearful of a Russian nationalist backlash, On November 7, Ukrainians from near and far are expected to be in Washington for the unveiling and blessing of the long-awaited memorial to the victims of the Putin pursues ‘creeping annexation’ of Donbas Holodomor, a genocide long concealed from the world. The message on the expres- sive “Field of Wheat” monument designed by Ukrainian American Larysa Kurylas by Paul Goble Russia doesn’t want to risk fighting on a will speak to countless passers-by: “Famine-Genocide in Ukraine. In memory of the broad front as it did last summer, Mr. millions of innocent victims of a man-made famine in Ukraine engineered and Vladimir Putin has said – and in this Strelets says, because the West would implemented by Stalin’s totalitarian regime.” We simply cannot stress enough the case, he may even be telling the truth – that impose even more crippling sanctions and historic nature of the Holodomor Memorial’s unveiling – an event that calls for our he wants the Donbas to remain part of would supply Kyiv with modern weaponry. mass participation. Ukraine, thus giving Moscow leverage on But at the same time, Moscow is not in a Thirty-two years ago, when we marked the 50th anniversary of the Great Famine Kyiv. But Russian nationalists want more. position to withdraw from its occupation. of 1932-1933, some 18,000 people from all parts of North America came to And, under pressure from them, Andrey First of all, he says, “no one can guaran- Washington on October 2, 1983, for a memorial rally and march. Among them were Strelets says, Mr. Putin is pursuing what tee” that this would lead to the lifting of busloads from many cities where our community was active (a bus from Chicago may be called “the creeping annexation” of existing sanctions. Second, the Malaysian took 17 hours to make the trip). Associated events during the week preceding the that Ukrainian region. airliner downing looms over the Moscow gathering included a press conference at which Dr. Robert Conquest (1917-2015), While Mr. Putin was in Crimea, the elite. And third, the return of armed ban- told the news media that the Famine was a deliberate genocide and referred to it as Ukrainian commentator says, there were dits to Russian territory would lead to an “the forgotten holocaust”; an exhibit of photos and documents at the Cannon House “two curious” developments in the upsurge in crime and quite possibly a polit- Office Building; a scholarly seminar at the American Enterprise Institute; and special Russian-occupied areas: there are reports ical challenge there. orders in the House of Representatives. The memorial week began with a national that the Luhansk and Donetsk “people’s Because that is the case, Mr. Strelets day of fasting on Saturday, September 24, and a day of prayer the next day, with republics” will hold referenda on integra- says, it is “difficult to predict” what the Ukrainian churches nationwide holding special services; it culminated with a memo- tion with Russia after local elections, and Kremlin will do. Over the last year, “Putin rial concert presented on the day of the rally and march. that the Russian ruble is being introduced and his command have shown how far they The revered Metropolitan (later Patriarch) Mstyslav (1898-1993) of the as the currency of the two (nr2.com.ua/ are from reality.” Only one thing is “clear,” Ukrainian Orthodox Church, addressing the huge gathering at the Washington News/politics_and_society/Kreml-zateyal- and it is this: “the Russian government Monument, stated: “Divine Providence has gathered us so that we might testify polzuchuyu-anneksiyu-Donbassa-104329. machine willingly makes use of half mea- before the entire world concerning the entire Ukrainian nation, its difficult life and html). sures” and “the creeping annexation of the the experience of its thousand-year struggle for the truth of Christ on earth, for the The first notion has been denied by Donbas” would fit right into that paradigm. right of people and nations to live with God and for Him, to live the life of an inde- occupation officials, but it continues to cir- To get a better handle on what Mr. Putin pendent and free nation.” culate in ways that mean it is either a trial might do next, the Novy Region-2 commen- Back in 1983 our editorial underscored: “…the dedicated individuals who ven- balloon, intended for a different audience, tator says, it is “much more important” to tured to Washington did so because they realized that, on the 50th anniversary of or reflects real plans, Mr. Strelets says. The ask what might prompt Mr. Putin to pro- the Famine, there was nothing more immediate, nothing more pressing or morally second has been applied in Abkhazia and ceed in that direction. The Russian presi- compelling than to honor the 7 million victims of this atrocity by telling the world South Osetia and so is nothing Moscow has dent, he says, clearly “is not concerned about our national holocaust. They realized that only by doing so will the victims not not done before. about economics. His attention is focused have died in vain.” Why is this happening? In Mr. Strelets’ only on foreign policy,” which he believes But we also reminded readers that our job was far from done. “The 50th anniver- words, Russian policy has completely failed will keep him in office for life. sary was an important milestone, but the wantonness of the crime is eternal. We in Ukraine, given that Moscow has said But “already now it is obvious that inac- should continue striving to ensure that it becomes fixed in the consciences of our fel- “Ukraine will fall apart itself” – something tion in the Donbas is much more danger- low Americans and the future generations that will make up our community.” that has not happened. As a result, “the ous for the [Russian] powers that be than Now, more than 30 years after those momentous events in Washington, and more Kremlin finds itself in the position of an any moves in the direction of its ‘integra- than 80 years after the Holodomor decimated the Ukrainian nation, it is our duty to inexperienced chess player, any move of tion.’ ” And those involve, Mr. Strelets says, continue to bear witness to that genocide. The new Holodomor Memorial will help which will only worsen his position on the us do just that. And that’s why we must be a part of the November ceremonies in board.” (Continued on page 12) Washington. Moscow newspaper lists Russia’s losses Sept. Turning the pages back... in Ukraine, until Kremlin censors them Sixteen years ago, on September 10-11, 1999, Ukraine’s presi- by Paul Goble 104529.html). 10 dent, Leonid Kuchma, hosted an international summit at the But the original uncensored article Livadia Palace in Yalta on the Crimean peninsula, called A Moscow newspaper reported that remained accessible in a cache on Google, 1999 “International Conference on Baltic-Black Sea Cooperation: Russia had lost “no fewer than 2,000” dead Mr. Zelfanov says, and the key passage of Towards an Integrated Europe in the 21st Century Without in the fighting in Ukraine and another that reads as follows: “The government of Dividing Lines.” 3,200 serious casualties by February 1 of the Russian Federation has taken an impor- The summit attracted leaders from 22 European countries (presidents and prime min- this year. The story stayed up until Kremlin tant decision about the monetary compen- isters representing 14 countries, while other countries sent ambassador-level representa- censors removed those lines from the arti- sation of military personnel who have tives) to the venue, where 54 years prior the leaders of the Allied Forces of World War II cle lest it call into question Vladimir Putin’s taken part in military actions in the east of agreed on the geopolitical map of post-war Europe that would isolate the eastern half of constant refrain that there are no Russian Ukraine.” Europe from the West. soldiers fighting in Ukraine. “For the families of those who have died Participating states, besides Ukraine, included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, the Czech In an article about increased pay for in the course of military actions in the east Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Russian soldiers in 2015, Delovaya Zhizn of Ukraine, monetary compensation has Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden. Also represented were (Business Life) reported these numbers, been set at 3 million rubles [$40,000 U.S.] the European Union, the European Commission, the Organization for Security and but they didn’t remain on the site for every and for those who have become invalids Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and NATO. long, according to Konstantin Zelfanov of during the military actions at 1.5 million There was some controversy as to whether Belarus had be “un-invited” by Ukraine. Novy Region-2 yesterday (bs-life.ru/rabo- rubles [$20,000].” Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry claimed that Belarus was not a member of any of the orga- ta/zarplata/voennosluzashchie2015.html In addition, the original version said, nizations invited, and that relations between Belarus and the European Union had deterio- and nr2.com.ua/News/world_and_russia/ Moscow plans to pay contract soldiers a rated. Belarus claimed that Ukraine’s decision reinforced the idea of dividing lines in Europe. SMI-V-Rossii-priznali-chto-poteryali- supplement of 1,800 rubles [$25] for each The goal of the meeting was to further integrate the former Warsaw Pact countries and ubitymi-v-Ukraine-2000-voennyh-FOTO- day of combat. As of February 1, 2015, new independent states of the former into mainstream European economic Moscow had already paid monetary com- and political structures. The subjects of discussion included the continued development of Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on pensation “for more than 2,000 families of a gas corridor from the Caucasus region through Ukraine to the Baltic Sea, as well as the ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia soldiers who had been killed and for 3,200 creation of an overall security structure for all of Europe. The meeting also discussed way who has served in various capacities in the soldiers who were seriously wounded and to resolve issues for countries that had emerged from the Iron Curtain but had yet to be U.S. State Department, the Central recognized as invalids.” included in NATO and had little hope of joining the European Union in the near future. Intelligence Agency and the International Given that six months of fighting have “I must tell you that with the Iron Curtain down there still exists the danger of a far Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice passed since that time, Russian losses, both more humane, but not less dangerous, paper curtain being put up between Eastern of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio killed and wounded, must now be much Europe and Western Europe,” Mr. Kuchma said. Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for higher, although the Moscow authorities Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski noted, “There should be no open or subtle International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a blog are doing everything they can, including dividing lines in Europe,” adding that Ukraine should be offered a free trade association called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- censorship of this kind, to hide that fact lest after it gains membership in the World Trade Organization. woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). The article Russians learn the tragic human costs they (Continued on page 8) above is reprinted with permission. are paying for Mr. Putin’s aggression. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 7

COMMENTARY Putin’s treachery forgotten? by Halya Coynash gents’ actions, a large number of Ukrainian Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group soldiers who were not taking part in the military operation of their own will, but The presidents of France, Germany and obeying orders, were besieged.” Russia marked the first anniversary of the The appeal continued: “I call on the insur- Mr. Smilyj and Mr. Smiley Ilovaisk massacre in which Russian gents to open a humanitarian corridor for President Vladimir Putin played a fatal role Ukrainian soldiers who have become encir- When Wolodymyr and Jaroslawa Smilyj to Washington to picket their Embassy. He by backing “a new ceasefire.” Perhaps it cled to avoid senseless losses, and provide came through Germany to America with made sure the Parsnip City Council issued would have been undiplomatic to mention them with the chance to leave the military their sons Wasyl and Iwan, settling in the a declaration on Ukrainian Independence Mr. Putin’s murderous treachery, but it is zone without obstruction to be re-united truck-gardening town of Parsnip, New every January 22, and manned the wise to keep it in mind. There was virtually with their families, to return them to their Jersey, there was some disagreement Ukrainian booth at the Parsnip Salad Days no mention in the world media of the active mothers, wives and children and urgently about the spelling of their names. Wasyl Summer Festival. When Wasyl was invited involvement of Russian forces in the con- provide medical aid to the wounded.” insisted on the German spelling Smilyj, to speak about Ukraine at the local Moose flict, although it was precisely those events Within hours this “call for mercy” had which he said corresponded to the interna- club, the members were so impressed that that rendered further pretence impossible. resulted in an agreement for the creation of tional system of transliteration, even they urged him to contact the folks at the After widespread expectation in July such a safe corridor. Government forces though some Americans pronounced it State Department. But for some reason the 2014 that the Ukrainian military would began leaving in a column of 60 vehicles, “Smillidge.” In fact, even some Ukrainians Ukrainian American organizations in the soon totally defeat the Kremlin-backed mil- with the first carrying dead and wounded began to tease him about it, calling him big city declined to sponsor him. itants in Donbas, the situation changed dra- soldiers and flying a white flag. “Mr. Smillidge.” As for Iwan – as soon as he When Ukraine declared independence, matically the following month. Attempts by The agreement was a trick, and the vehi- was old enough, he changed his name to John and Wasyl were elated, and shared the Ukrainian military to regain control of cles immediately came under attack with John Smiley. their enthusiasm in a long telephone con- the city of Ilovaisk from fighters linked to the use of mortar fire and heavy ammuni- They were bright boys, worked hard, versation. Both wanted to do something for the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” tion. A minimum of 100 soldiers were and both got into Harvard College. John Ukraine. But when it came to specifics, began on August 7, 2014, and went badly killed, and many others taken captive as a rowed with the Crimson heavyweights, Wasyl was at a loss. What, after all, can you wrong, with government forces becoming result of that treachery. Some remain in joined the Porcellians, and went on to law do with a degree in Slavic philology to help encircled by the militants. The latter were captivity. As many as 1,000 Ukrainian sol- school. He made law review and clerked Ukraine? Sure, he knew the language, but from the outset reported to be heavily diers died during the Ilovaisk fighting. with the Wall Street firm of Thayer, anyone with a passing knowledge of backed by Russian forces. By August 28, the Putin’s bloodstained hands Wickersham and Postlethwaite, where he Russian could communicate more easily situation was dire and in the early hours of landed a partnership-track position. Wasyl with the Ukrainians than someone who August 29, an “Appeal to the insurgents of It had been clear since April 2014 that a majored in Slavic philology and, lacking the talked like they did in Zhydachiv in 1939. ” appeared on Mr. Putin’s offi- large number of the militants were Russian. funds for graduate study, returned to John, on the other hand, was soon invited cial website. These included leaders – like acting or for- Parsnip. There he worked managing the to consult with the Ukrainian ministries of This noted that the “insurgents have mer Russian military intelligence officer post office, which had become notorious Justice and Finance, as well as the World achieved great success in countering Kyiv’s (nom de guerre: Strelkov) and for its inability to deliver weekly newspa- Bank. He took a sabbatical and spent sever- military operation which presented a dead- Muscovite Aleksandr Borodai, as well as pers on time. al months in Kyiv advising the government ly threat to the population of Donbas and mercenaries and some Russian volunteers, An astute and handsome fellow, John on mergers and acquisitions. had already led to huge losses among the Smiley married a daughter of one of the Wasyl continued his community activity, civilian population. As a result of the insur- (Continued on page 8) firm’s partners, Bunny, and soon had three teaching at the local Ukrainian Saturday sons – Eliot, Lowell and Leverett. The school. As a visiting freeholder remarked, Smilies sent their children to upscale ten- “It’s gratifying to know that Parsnip’s nis camps (Plast didn’t meet their stan- future police officers and firefighters, A MUST READ dards). Although John occasionally took insurance salesmen and real estate bro- them to the local Ukrainian church, soon kers will have an appreciation of Ukrainian the pressing demands of soccer, rugby and October issue, Foreign Affairs), Anne Applebaum writes that Germans and other history and literature.” But after 40 years lacrosse elbowed out the long, boring and Europeans• In “Obama were and enraptured Europe: byMissed presidential Signals, candidate Renewed BarackCommitments,” Obama who (September/ “said just of devoted service, Wasyl was replaced by incomprehensible services. Later, John and what the Germans, and so many other Europeans, wanted to hear. He reaffirmed the a recent immigrant from Ukraine who Bunny moved to Silicon Valley, where John United States’ commitment to Europe, [and] …praised the virtues of ‘allies who will spoke standard literary Ukrainian. The developed Thayer, Wickersham’s California listen to each other, learn from each other and, most of all, trust each other.’ ” She con- New York Times continued to snub his op- corporate practice. As the boys were off to tinues: “Soon after he was elected president, Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace eds, and he tired of writing them. He sold Exeter, Andover, and Choate, John and Prize – simply, it seems, for the fact that he was not George W. Bush. With those kinds his house and moved to the Parsnip Bunny could enjoy a box at the opera, sea- of absurd expectations surrounding his presidency, it was clearly impossible for Pastures Retirement Community. son’s tickets for theater and ballet, winter Obama to avoid disappointing the Europeans. What is only surprising, in retrospect, Gradually he lost touch with the Ukrainian vacations at their Tahoe cabin, and sum- is the speed with which he did so – and with which the Europeans disappointed him.” world. When he died several years later, mer weekends at Bohemian Grove. Eliot The columnist and author goes on to list three incidents that “illustrate the nature someone wrote an obituary for The grew up to be a corporate lawyer like his of problem”: the March 2009 “reset” with Russia, whereby “U.S.-Russian relations, Ukrainian Weekly recognizing his contri- father, while Lowell and Leverett became a inexplicably damaged by the Bush administration, could now begin afresh”; the butions to community life. Although his financier and a neurosurgeon, respectively. NATO summit of April 2009, at which “nothing important was said or decided at the nephews recycled his vast archive of lec- Back in Parsnip, Wasyl was active in his event” and an “American request for more troops in Afghanistan met with almost no ture notes and newspaper clippings, his community. He sang in the church choir response”; and the Obama administration’s decision, in September 2009, “to cancel name lives on in the files of the Parsnip and organized Plast. When it came time to the eastern European missile defense program, which had been proposed by Bush Prognosticator. marry, he made it known that he was look- and which would have required the placement of hardware in the Czech Republic When John Smiley died of a heart attack ing for a Ukrainian wife characterized by and Poland.” while helicopter skiing in the Andes, he left intelligence, virtue and beauty. As he later Ms. Applebaum also points out: “At least until nearly the second half of Obama’s a family trust which ensured that each of explained it, he could find many candidates second term, neither the president nor anyone on his foreign policy team took his seven grandchildren could live in com- with one of these traits, and several with European security seriously. The continent was considered safe and dull, a place for two of them, but none with all three. At the fort while pursuing careers as artists, writ- photo opportunities rather than real debate. NATO, which even then was desperately same time, he was not exactly the most eli- ers, musicians, scholars, or pot-smoking in need of radical institutional change, was thought too uninteresting to bother gible bachelor around, being neither a doc- non-entities. (That three of them chose the reforming. …The security fears of central Europe and the Baltic states were an after- latter course was no reflection on his thought... Ukraine scarcely figured in U.S. thinking at that time.” tor, nor a lawyer, nor an engineer. So he stayed single. grandparenting skills.) The other half of his Ms. Applebaum writes that “Russia’s subsequent seizure of Crimea, followed by its fortune, however, poured over into a chari- invasion of , stunned leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, redrew a Work at the Parsnip Post Office was not demanding. This gave “Mr. Smillidge” time table trust that provided annual scholar- European border by force, and led the Obama administration to reassess its policy ships for students from Ukraine to study at toward Russia. …For the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the trans- for politics. He organized a committee for the defense of Soviet political prisoners, American universities. Atlantic alliance was forced to seriously consider the physical security of some of its Is Wasyl Smilyj or John Smiley a better members, including the possibility of a hybrid war – for example, a phony Russian- and wrote scores of letters to the editor of the Parsnip Prognosticator, a few of which role model for Ukrainian Americans? minority uprising in one of the Baltic states or a struggle over the rail corridor that Perhaps the question is not meaningful. runs through Lithuania between Kaliningrad and the rest of Russia.” were actually published. But The New York Times did not even respond to his offers of Both types contribute to the Ukrainian The Obama administration, she writes, “continued to support economic sanctions cause. Besides, we do not control our fate, targeting Russian oligarchs and banks with ties to Putin. At the same time, Obama an op-ed. He spent hours at Aristotle’s Diner vainly trying to convince the village and our destinies only rarely resemble our and his administration continue to refer to the Ukraine crisis as a regional problem, dreams. which seems to stress the United States’ distance from Europe.” Marxist of the justice of the Ukrainian To read the full text see: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/europe/obama- cause. He signed up for chartered bus trips and-europe. to New York to demonstrate in front of the Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at Soviet Mission to the United Nations, and [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

gled to prop up Crimea’s economy, which is why Boris Nemtsov was murdered, a num- U.S. and EU... now all but cut off from Ukraine. Fighting in Putin’s Ilovaisk... ber of human rights activists and others eastern Ukraine has ebbed in recent days, who probed Russian military deaths have (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 7) according to international observers. More faced criminal prosecution or attacks. having ties to separatist units in eastern than 6,800 people are estimated to have many from far-right, even neo-Nazi parties. Polish television crews had, by then, Ukraine. died in the conflict, according to United There were also local pro-Russian fighters, long been showing Russian armed person- The announcement expands the sanc- Nations estimates. under leaders like and nel carriers, artillery and anti-aircraft tions list first imposed last year by the Despite the gravity of the crisis, the with ties to the Russian fas- weapons turning onto a road leading to the 28-member bloc, which had included other efforts of Washington and Brussels to influ- cist ideologue Alexander Dugin or neo-Nazi border. See for example, “Artyleria, wozy top Russian officials such as Deputy Prime ence Moscow to reverse the annexation Russian Unity Party. Ministers Dmitry Rogozin and Dmitry and stop its backing of separatist forces Their position, often even their rhetoric, Kozak. have been mixed at best. varied in accordance with the stand taken fromopancerzone August i 18,broń 2014). przeciwlotnicza. Although Ruchythere In Moscow, the Foreign Affairs Ministry In a report last month, the International by Moscow. Even the leaders in the Donbas wereRosjan no przed direct kamerąshots of theTVN24” Russian (four vehicles clips called the new sanctions illegitimate and Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that the changed, with Russia circumspectly replac- crossing, the steady flow was in one direc- said they added to “hostile actions” taken Western sanctions, and the retaliatory mea- ing Russians like Messrs. Girkin and tion and there were also shots taken by the by the United States against Russia. sures taken by the Kremlin, had reduced Borodai with local Ukrainian militant leaders militants where you could see, for example, Moscow warned it would respond with Russia’s real gross domestic product by (Aleksandr Zakharchenko, ) in a BTR-80a transporter which the Ukrainian unspecified retaliatory measures. between 1 and 1.5 percent. In the medium August 2014, in time for September’s military does not have. On August 19, the “The action of the United States devalues run, the measures could result in a drop in Minsk negotiations. same journalist reported that the road the signals that it is interested in cooperat- cumulative output of up to 9 percent of Nobody seriously believes that these leading to the border had been blocked ing with us in resolving myriad pressing GDP, though the IMF cautioned that wasn’t new “leaders” take any decisions that have since morning by an endless stream of international problems,” the ministry said a certainty. not been approved – or dictated – by the Russian tanks carrying equipment, etc. in a statement. “The United States should Other economists, however, have said Kremlin. That surely included going against On August 22, 2014, NATO reported that have no illusions that it could continue this the precipitous drop in global oil prices, his express “request” for a humanitarian the Russian military had moved artillery units manned by Russian personnel inside course without negative consequences for from which Russia’s budget derives a sub- corridor. Ukrainian territory and had been using themselves,” it said. stantial chunk of revenue, has had a greater That Mr. Putin’s hands are bloodstained was widely recognized at the time, and it is them to fire at Ukrainian forces. Amnesty impact on Moscow’s behavior than sanc- frustrating that Western news reports International provided satellite pictures to cials who were previously sanctioned by tions. should once again be talking of “pro-Rus- demonstrate mounting evidence of war theОther United top States Russian include and Vladislav Ukrainian Surkov, offi- sian militants” and stating only that crimes and Russian involvement on an influential aide to Mr. Putin; Valentina With reporting by . “Ukraine asserts” that Russian soldiers and September 9. Matviyenko, head of Russia’s upper house Copyright 2015, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted military equipment have been directly In his briefing paper for the Royal United of Parliament; and Viktor Yanukovych, the with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ involved in the fighting since August 2014. Services Institute, Igor Sutyagin reported Ukrainian president who was ousted amid Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, The soldiers who used heavy artillery that “direct intervention by Russian troops violent protests in Kyiv in February 2014. Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see and mortar fire against wounded and in combat roles then followed in the middle The crisis in Ukraine has sent relations http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-us-eu- retreating Ukrainian soldiers were almost of August, when the prospect of rebel between the West and Moscow to lows not widen-sanctions-over-ukraine/27223099. certainly Russian, as were many of the defeat had become realistic. The presence seen since the Cold War. Russia has strug- html). troops involved in the fighting from mid- of large numbers of Russian troops on August 2014, if not earlier. Ukrainian sovereign territory has, more or Among those taken prisoner near less, since become a permanent feature of agreements in the next months. Ilovaisk was Yehor Vorobyov, an Espreso TV the conflict.” Poroshenko’s... The draft constitutional amendments do journalist who on August 28, 2014, had Western leaders found relief in waxing not foresee special status for particular dis- indignant over Russia’s first so-called (Continued from page 3) interviewed two Russian paratroopers tricts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. caught by the Ukrainian army. The soldiers “humanitarian convoy,” which began its long other hand, someone kills defenders of the This, in my view, is just a cliché that certain explained that they had been told they were and ostentatious journey to Donbas on homeland here in Kyiv for the sake of political parties employed as an election going on exercises. They were taken in a col- August 22, 2014. As decoys go, it was enor- advertising their party banners and several strategy, an element of the dishonest infor- umn at night, first to somewhere near the mous, but highly effective at distracting atten- seats in a district council. mation campaign against the Constitution Ukraine-Russian border and then into tion from the reports coming in all the time Whose plans did the so-called patriots and against the president. Ukraine. Asked by Mr. Vorobyov when they of Russian military crossing into Ukraine. fulfill today? The answer is obvious. Moreover, we are crossing out a clause realized they weren’t on a training exercise, In his address on August 29, Mr. Putin My fellow countrymen! that allows an illusory opportunity for spe- Ruslan Akhmetov and Arseny Ilmigov also mentioned “humanitarian aid,” which Today’s vote on constitutional issues of cial status in Article 92 of the Constitution answered: “When we came under fire.” Mr. he said Russia was willing to provide “the national importance has naturally united of Ukraine. This was done in order to elimi- Vorobyov was finally released on October 7, population of Donbas suffering from a non-affiliated MPs but – and I am saying nate any kind of legalistic ways to create 2014. A YouTube clip shows how Kremlin- humanitarian catastrophe.” There have this with all responsibility – constitutional the emergence of numerous fiefdoms. backed militants interrogated and beat him been around 37 such convoys since, with changes have to unite the parliament; it Speaking on the peculiarities of local up, striking him hard when he answered the loads almost certainly containing arms, does not mean changes in the parliamenta- self-governance in certain districts in the truthfully that he and others with him had fuel, etc. for the war. ry coalition. Do not trust the speculators on Donetsk and Luhansk regions, this is been captured by Russians in uniform. The lies and failure to keep to agree- this subject. Despite events in the defined by a particular law. This law has The first report in Russia of Russian sol- ments have been repeated many times Parliament today, the current coalition will been approved twice by the previous and diers being killed in Ukraine came on since then, most notoriously when continue to function, because it is crucial the current Parliament. Its timeframe is August 25, 2014, and many swiftly followed. was seized by Russian and pro- for the national interests of Ukraine. Other three years, and one year has passed By August 27, the independent newspaper Russian forces soon after a ceasefire was options are not considered at all. This is my already. Most articles of this law are sus- Vedomosti was asking: “If Russia is not at supposed to have come into force. Ukraine solid position. pended. They can be enforced only after war, then who is in those freshly dug is now under heavy pressure to make new moves, including significant changes to its Today, Ukraine confirmed its reputation fair elections on these territories according graves?” Lev Schlosberg, the Pskov journal- ist and politician who revealed the first Constitution, while Russia and its proxies in as a reliable partner and strengthened the to Ukrainian law and OSCE standards. And deaths of probably most of a Pskov para- the Donbas continue to breach the Minsk image of the country that fulfills Minsk only after the withdrawal of Russian troops trooper regiment, was savagely attacked accords on a daily basis. agreements in contrast to Russia. If and weapons from the territory of Ukraine, just days after he made the information Treachery known and ignored is surely Moscow does not reconsider its position, as well as the restoration of control over public. Even if we leave open the question of treachery shared. individual sanctions against those involved the entire Ukraine-Russia border. Is anyone in the annexation of Crimea and the occu- against this? pation of areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk Therefore, these constitutional amend- the countries; to undertake joint efforts for regions will be extended this fall. Similarly, ments mean, not the loss of territories, but Turning... the resolution and prevention of conflicts; sectoral sanctions will be extended in early the opposite. They provide us with a to develop economic cooperation through (Continued from page 6) January of the next year. chance and opportunity to settle and joint projects in the fields of energy, trans- Today’s vote is not final, but it will pro- return Ukraine’s sovereignty over the de Russia’s representative, First Vice Prime port, communications, ecology and other vide huge room for maneuver for Ukrainian facto occupied territories via political and spheres; to deepen cooperation in humani- diplomacy. The final decision by the end of diplomatic means. Minister Viktor Khristenko, condemned the possibility of NATO expansion. During the tarian fields; and to combat terrorism. 2015 will need 300 votes. My fellow coun- We will definitely win through a combi- Some criticized the largely ceremonial trymen, I assure you this will depend on nation of strengthening our defense capaci- opening session, he said, “The further expansion of NATO, with regard to the summit in Yalta as a political stunt orches- the developments in eastern Ukraine and ties and political and diplomatic efforts. trated for President Kuchma’s campaign for whether Russia adheres to the Minsk Glory to Ukraine! Baltic countries and southeastern Europe, will lead to a new dividing line and in no re-election. Evidence to support this includ- way to further security.” ed Kuchma campaign posters and adver- The summit members, in an issued tisements that were plastered along the Want to keep up to date on developments in Ukraine? statement, declared the need for a joint route from Symferopol airport to the sum- effort and cooperation by all of Europe in mit location, while no other candidate resolving the continent’s problems in the endorsements were evident. The Ukrainian Weekly 21st century, affirming “the inherent right Source: “22-nation summit in Yalta seeks on Facebook of all states to choose the means to ensure end to division of Europe,” by Roman to read the latest! their own security,” and expressed the need Woronowycz, The Ukrainian Weekly, LIKE to promote beneficial cooperation among September 19, 1999. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 9

COMMENTARY Why Ukraine must fight by Ihor Broda swim, and in response to cries for help, has failed to resort to the many economic role in defeating the Ottoman Empire, offer the same advice, “Don’t waste your weapons at its disposal. resulting in Crimea being incorporated into The annual commemoration of energy, my friends, allow yourself to sink to Many people in Ukraine and the diaspo- the Russian Empire. Ukrainians also fought Ukraine’s declaration of independence is a the bottom.” ra seem to have adopted a defeatist attitude in the Soviet army during World War II time for reflection on the current state of However, the man does not sink and toward the continuing war in Ukraine, against the Nazi invaders, sustaining dis- Ukraine and its future. Eighteen months drown. He ignores the advice and continues arguing that giving up the Donbas and proportionately higher losses, and they into the Russian invasion, the West has pro- to struggle, finally finding solid ground Crimea in exchange for peace should be helped defend Crimea. Is the dominant vided some economic aid and put moder- beneath his feet. Soon the bridge over the considered. Disillusionment with the pace nation of an empire entitled to retain all the ate pressure on Russia to cease its invasion, raging river, on which the false friends of reform and continuing corruption, as benefits resulting from the joint efforts of but the token sanctions have been only par- stand, starts to sway causing them to panic well as the perceived treachery of some in captive nations? If so, this provides more tially effective. Ukrainians, both in Ukraine and cry out, “Save our lives, our power, the military leadership, have probably justification for Ukraine to never again and the diaspora, have begun to question interests, estates and our status!” played a significant role in the defeatist atti- become part of a renewed Russian empire. whether Crimea and the Donbas are worth Today, Ukraine is the drowning man; the tude. Morale has wavered and draft-dodg- The Donbas and Crimea have a great the fight and resulting deaths. The most raging river is Russian resurgent messianic ing has become more common. abundance of natural resources and depriv- recent military mobilization campaign was imperialism manifested through the inva- Those willing to pay for peace by capitu- ing Ukraine of them will weaken Ukraine only 60 percent successful, and some pro- sion of Ukraine; and the false friends are lation argue that these areas are not worth economically and help achieve Mr. Putin’s spective recruits have dodged their call to countries like Germany, France and the the lives of Ukrainians and that their inhab- goal of again subjugating Ukraine. The duty and fled the country. Obama administration (that is, excluding itants don’t want to be in Ukraine anyway. Donbas has large deposits of coal and great Can Ukraine survive this existential cri- the U.S. Congress). They reason that decreasing the number of reserves of natural gas. Besides Crimea sis as an independent state and continue on Although they have provided some eco- ethnic Russians in Ukraine, that in the past having great, as yet unrealized, potential as a tourist destination, there are estimated the road to reform and democracy? To sur- nomic assistance and military training, they supported the criminal clans of the Donbas reserves of some 43 trillion cubic meters of vive and achieve these goals Ukraine must also pressured Ukraine into agreeing to the and remnants of the Communist Party, will Minsk accords, which have never been hon- only improve Ukraine’s chances of reform- natural gas in the Black Sea within the 200- fight. We must constantly remind ourselves ored by Russia and its surrogates. Russia ing and remaining an independent state. mile exclusive economic zone off Crimea. why. has escalated the invasion and yet defen- The rust-belt industries of the Donbas were Mr. Putin does not want peace but wants A poem written over 100 years ago by sive weapons have not been forthcoming. already in great need of costly moderniza- to subjugate all of Ukraine. Allowing him to Instead of insisting on a return to the tion, and now much of the infrastructure of annex the Donbas and keep Crimea will status quo which existed prior to February the Donbas has been destroyed by Russia’s only result in further expansion into other Ukraine’sIvan Franko, plight “Modern even today. Proverb” Franko (Сучасна tells of 2014, the West has become fixated on the invasion. Their philosophy seems to be oblasts that he has claimed are part of Приказка), remains an allegory for an unfortunate man who falls into a raging Minsk accords that benefit Russia and “Good riddance to bad rubbish.” “Novorossiya.” He has repeatedly claimed river. Floundering and fearing he will drown, penalize Ukraine, which has unilaterally This short-sighted view forgets history, that Russians and Ukrainians are one the man sees a friend standing on a bridge tried to honor them. International law and ignores the long-term energy needs of nation, most recently in a recent provoca- and cries out to him for help. The friend treaties are forgotten, as are the Russian Ukraine, ignores Mr. Putin’s goals, dis- tive trip to Crimea. Ceding territory in pur- stands idly on the bridge and ponders invasions of numerous territories since counts the negative effect on the morale of suit of an illusory peace will not result in whether the man will sink or swim. Instead 1991, including the genocide in Chechnya Ukraine’s armed forces, ignores the govern- him changing his attitude or his often-stat- of helping, he counsels, “Don’t waste your and Russia’s complicity in the genocide in ment’s duty to protect its citizens, and ed goals. Already there is talk of organizing energy, my friend, allow yourself to sink to Syria. The Minsk accords allow Vladimir ignores the negative impact capitulation a puppet government of Ukraine in exile. Putin and the West to posture as peace- will have on European Union and NATO Ultimately, Ukraine and the world has to makers while the invasion continues and countries. realize that the only rationale for his inva- theFranko bottom” then (Не suggests тратьте, that куме, you сили,meet escalates. Meanwhile, Ukrainians continue From the times of Kyivan Rus’, its war- sion was for his kleptocratic regime to stay manyспускайтеся such friends на дно). every day. Although you to die. riors fought back invading Asiatic hordes in in power. By whipping up chauvinism and struggle to survive, all they do is criticize The West’s advice is similar to that given the Donbas region. Should Ukraine forget jingoism, he succeeded in diverting atten- and, instead of help, offer the same counsel, to Franko’s drowning man. Agree to what this historical legacy and capitulate to the tion from his incompetence as president “Don’t waste your energy, my friend, allow Russia wants, no matter what the cost to new barbarians at its gates? and inability to manage Russia’s economy. yourself to sink to the bottom.” Ukraine, and ignore the continuing desire The Donbas was historically Ukrainian Increasing opposition to his misrule sub- He compares the drowning man to the of Russia to reconquer Ukraine. Aggression ethnographic territory. As a result of sided and was replaced with the siege men- Ukrainian nation which struggles, while has been met with appeasement. The lack depopulation during the Holodomor, Stalin tality of defending Mother Russia against false friends stand on a safe bridge, specu- of resolve on the part of the West parallels sent Russian colonists into Ukraine, many phantom Ukrainian fascists and their lating about whether Ukraine will sink or the lack of resolve of those on Franko’s of them into the Donbas. Ceding the alleged American masters. bridge who fail to offer help to the drown- Donbas to Russia would be compounding Ceding territory will negatively impact Ihor Broda of Edmonton, Alberta, is a ing man. Many non-military means exist to the tragedy of the Holodomor and allow on the morale of the Ukrainian armed forc- longtime Ukrainian community activist in contain and defeat Mr. Putin, yet the West Russia to benefit from this genocide. Canada. has been weak-kneed and disunited, and Ukrainian Kozaks played a significant (Continued on page 13) Ukrainian independence, then and now by Brian Whitmore are intellectually, morally and politically pendent, but it lived in Russia’s shadow. The result was a revolution. RFE/RL much, much greater than that,” Yale The Kremlin may have recognized Ukrainian civil society, in the words of University historian Timothy Snyder, Ukraine’s independence in August 1991, Prof. Snyder, wanted to move from oligar- Twenty-four years ago, Ukraine won its author of the book “Bloodlands: Europe but it never really accepted it. chic pluralism to the real thing. de jure independence. Today, it is in a war Between Hitler and Stalin,” said in a speech And like Russia, Ukraine was riddled Ukrainian civil society wanted to move to achieve its de facto independence. at the Chicago Humanities Festival last year. with corruption, cronyism and oligarchic out of Moscow’s shadow and break free When Ukraine’s departure from the If the Russian-Ukrainian relationship is rule – and much of its corruption, cronyism from Moscow’s grip. It wanted to be part of Soviet Union became irreversible in the the kind preferred by Vladimir Putin’s and oligarchy was linked to Moscow and Europe. And it wasn’t going to take no for dramatic summer of 1991, the break-up of regime – that of a patron and client, of a provided the Kremlin with a valuable tool an answer. the Soviet Union became all but inevitable. master and a vassal – then the post-Soviet to meddle and control Kyiv’s affairs. And the result was also, of course, a war, Moscow’s rulers were simply not interest- space will remain neo-Soviet and dominat- But unlike Russia, Ukraine’s elite was as Russia chose to use force to try to prevent ed in keeping together a union in which ed by Moscow. pluralistic, its civil society was vibrant, and the inevitable. It was a war in which Russia ethnic Slavs would constitute a minority. But if Ukraine is successful in breaking its elections were competitive. managed to take Crimea and perhaps a small And if Ukraine’s current struggle for de free of Moscow’s grip, if it can successfully Ukraine and Russia were separated at chunk of the Donbas – but in the process, facto independence from Moscow is suc- reform and join the West, if it can become birth. appears to have lost the rest of Ukraine. cessful and becomes irreversible, it may truly and fully independent, this could pro- For more than two decades, Ukraine’s On August 24, 1991, Ukraine received its provide the shock and the catharsis Russia vide the death blow to Russia’s imperial rulers bobbed and weaved between these independence. Today, it is finally realizing it needs to move beyond its post-imperial legacy. two realities, just as they bobbed and – and the fallout will be profound. malaise. The old cliché that, “Without Ukraine, weaved between Moscow and the West. In this sense, Ukraine’s relationship with Russia is a country; with Ukraine, Russia is But as Ukrainian society became more Copyright 2015, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted Russia is the linchpin for the former Soviet an empire,” may be, well, cliché, but it also Westernized and more bold, and as Russia with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Union to truly become post-Soviet. has the virtue of being true. Any Russian became more imperial and more overbear- Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, “The stakes of what is happening are not imperial project begins with Ukraine. ing, the duality became unsustainable. The Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see just some minor struggle in a faraway For more than two decades, Ukraine bobbing and weaving just wasn’t going to http://www.rferl.org/content/ukrainian-inde- country of which we know little. The stakes lived a dual existence. It was formally inde- cut it anymore. pendence-then-and-now/27206278.html). 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

Ukrainian Folk Festival at TRYZUBIVKA HORSHAM, Pa. – A crowd of well over 2,000 attended the 24th annual Ukrainian Folk Festival on Sunday, August 23, at the Tryzub Ukrainian American Sports Center (Tryzubivka). Part of the proceeds from the event were earmarked for humanitarian relief in Ukraine, through the offices of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee. Visitors to the festival had the opportunity to browse the numerous vendors’ stalls, sample Ukrainian food, visit a Kozak camp re-enactment and enjoy a stage show fea- turing Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo, the Prometheus Ukrainian Male Chorus, Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Vox Ethnika Band, which also played for a zabava after the program. In the photos (left to right, top to bottom): Iskra in “Hopak,” Voloshky in “Ivana Kupala,” Iskra in “Arkan,” Ukrainian American Veterans Post 42 color guard, Prometheus, Ms. Dekajlo, MC Eugene Luciw, Voloshky in their Moldovan dance, Voloshky in “Gossips,” Iskra in “Hutsulka,” Vox Ethnika, Voloshky in “Kyivskyi Hopak.” Photos by Christine Syzonenko. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 11

Students of Middle School No. 16 in Drohobych, which put on a concert to raise funds for Vasyl Pelysh, the soldier whose arm was amputated for having a “Ukraine” tattoo. “Angels” confront the police – the central image of the movie. Andrew Tkach’s film “Generation Maidan” and the cinematic propaganda war

Pianist Aleksandra Morozova, who tried to keep up the demonstrators’ spirits. Director Pavel Yurov in prison

by Adrian Bryttan massacres, landed in Lviv when the first bod- a bewildering display of violence; Mr. Tkach police snipers firing at unarmed demon- ies were being buried, and drove on to Kyiv. tells a multi-layered story through the eyes strators. He comments: “No one expected NEW YORK – Why is it so important for He explained: “Channel 4 asked me and of participants. our children and grandchildren to end up everyone to view Andrew Tkach’s 2015 their news team to fly to Donetsk to talk to Above all, this is a film about individuals in a war zone.” film “Generation Maidan: A Year of the anti-Maidan separatists and try to caught up in the maelstrom – individuals Then there is Yurii Butusov, a bespecta- Revolution and War”? chase down former President Viktor who become principals in the unfolding cled journalist whose skull was fractured in a U.S. General George S. Patton once said Yanukovych. As we now know, he escaped drama. Without any voiceover narrative, skirmish between police and provocateurs, “Wars may be fought with weapons, but through Crimea. Pro-Maidan demonstra- Mr. Tkach allows the various characters to explaining how these thugs tried to instigate they are won by men. It is the spirit of tions were still going on in Donetsk; we eloquently speak for themselves. And the a pretext for a government crackdown. men… that gains the victory.” Today, a war saw them next to the Shevchenko monu- cumulative effect is as enlightening as it is Part two: War of narratives is being fought around the ment, but there were also several thousand powerful. This is a story of ordinary people, Ukrainian revolution. Sadly, the “spirit” of thugs with wooden batons, who were pre- students, self-organized defense units, In the second part titled “War,” a young all the men and women who flocked to the vented from attacking by the police.” those who brought food, volunteered in Maidan supporter from the east named Maidan and put their lives on the line in He began working with Babylon ’13, a kitchens, tended the wounded. Anna calmly describes how she was muti- Kyiv’s main square is now being portrayed collective of volunteer filmmakers capturing One of the young students says: ”it is lated by separatists who told her “Ukraine as corrupt and debased in some films and history in the making. The amazing footage important to know there are people from is a mistake in history” and how she was videos. In addition, the eye of public per- documents how the Maidan transformed every region of the country here among the forced to write “I love Donbas” with her ception about the subsequent war and from a peaceful protest to a revolution. fallen Heaven’s Hundred… many of those own blood. Russian invasion in Donbas has been cloud- The second time Mr. Tkach came to killed were very young, and now there is a There is also a detailed story about the ed over with many evasions, distortions Ukraine was in September 2014, and it was website to learn about their lives.” A second young theater director, Mr. Yurov, abducted and even lies. then that he went to Sloviansk with Pavel student added: “Blood is essential to life, so and imprisoned for 72 days by the separat- The real story is complex. At first, 300 Yurov, the young theater director who had the sacrifice of blood should help create a ists in Sloviansk. He recounts how they young students took on a powerful autocrat, been abducted by the separatists. The city new society… the birth of a new nation… broke his nose, poured gasoline over his their country’s president; now the nation is was then back in Ukrainian hands. Mr. now we are in a second stage, after the rev- head and held a knife at his ear. But he also battling corrupt oligarchs and the Russian Yurov agreed to take the film crew to the olution – when the fear of death and apathy describes with some humor how he kept backlash war in the east. Mr. Tkach’s film basement cell where he had been tortured. have been defeated... but now we have to his spirits up and never gave in. “Generation Maidan” aims to give clear At the close of “Generation Maidan,” the defeat our external enemy.” There are testimonies of individuals in answers to many of the questions raised. young Ukrainian lawyer Hanna Hopko says Part one: Revolution Donbas who speak honestly about how Andrew Tkach is an eight-time Emmy “The price to change Ukraine is human they perceive Ukrainians and the separat- award-winning producer and director with lives.” Mr. Tkach’s film shows the magni- Like characters from a Dickens novel, ists. Ukrainian ATO soldiers insist “the most 25 years of experience working in some of tude and violence of all the events: gripping each person interviewed in the film emerg- important task is not patrolling the streets the most difficult environs of Africa, Asia images of the 800,000 protesters on the es uniquely delineated and just as memora- but renewing the faith of the people.” and Latin America, producing work for Maidan in Kyiv (the largest demonstration ble. American ex-patriate lawyer Ivan Lozowy CNN, NBC News and CBS News’ “60 in Ukrainian history), the barricades, the In the first part titled “Revolution,” we speaks about the overall political situation Minutes.” Prior to forming his own compa- clashes with the police and the work of the see smiling pianist Aleksandra Morozova, and also takes us along on an early morning ny, Messy Moment Media, he was the prin- medics, and later the destruction and suf- performing wherever she can to keep up trip with a fast-moving tank battalion. cipal long form producer of Christiane fering in war-torn eastern Ukraine. the spirits of the demonstrators. “Music has Ultimately, the message that emerges is Amanpour, CNN’s chief international corre- to give hope for better days,” she says. (The Heroic Individuals one of hope. spondent. only music in the film is the sound of her In the east, spirited girls were filmed But what ultimately sticks in the mind is lone piano, appropriately chosen to fit the Filming the revolution clearing out a forest field for a volleyball a haunting image of two young students different scenes.) court and an ice skating pond – because they Mr. Tkach went to Ukraine twice during with white angel wings pinned to their Doctor Ihor Ilkiv in a red parka candidly believe this is the essence of Maidan. “As the year of the film’s production for roughly jackets, as they fearfully approach the pha- describes his harrowing missions of mercy they say in Ukraine, we’ll change things and one month each trip. He arrived with the lanx of helmeted police beating their in an ambulance that suddenly takes a United Kingdom’s Channel 4 just after the shields. Other Maidan films have presented wrong turn and ends up face to face with (Continued on page 16) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

Radical Party leaves governing coalition last year, the Dutch Safety Board blamed the (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters and crash on “high energy objects” striking the Agence France-Presse) NEWSBRIEFS OTTAWA – Radical Party leader Oleh aircraft. Western governments have said (Continued from page 2) Lyashko announced that his party is leaving they believe it was downed by a ground-to- Foreign ministers to discuss Ukraine the majority governing coalition in Ukraine’s Mayor have merged ahead air missile fired in error by Moscow-backed Parliament and will go into opposition. The MOSCOW – The Kremlin says foreign of local elections in October. Mr. Klitschko, a separatists. Russia contests that claim, and Radical party parliamentary faction has 21 affairs ministers of Russia, Ukraine, former heavyweight boxing world champi- has variously attributed the crash to an national deputies. The party received 7.4 Germany and France will meet by the mid- on, was elected to lead the merged party unidentified Ukrainian fighter aircraft and a percent of the popular vote in the 2014 par- dle of September to discuss the conflict in during a joint session of his party, UDAR Ukrainian-launched anti-aircraft missile. liamentary elections, coming in at fifth place. Ukraine. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told (Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Last month, Russia vetoed a United Nations (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) reporters on August 31 that over the week- Reform), and the president’s Solidarity Security Council resolution to establish an end Moscow, Berlin and Paris have backed party in Kyiv on August 28. Addressing the MH17 crash report due in October international tribunal to find and try those efforts for a new ceasefire deal in east meeting, Mr. Poroshenko called on the responsible for the Boeing 777’s downing. Ukraine, where fighting between Ukrainian AMSTERDAM – The Dutch Safety Board country’s pro-European parties to unite, (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters and government forces and Russian-backed saying there were too many political forces announced on August 27 that the final Agence France-Presse) separatists killed more than 6,500 people in the country. Local media reported that report into the downing of Malaysian since the conflict erupted in April 2014. the new political force is expected to run in Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine Hollande, Merkel, Putin back truce plan After the foreign ministers’ meeting “we elections under the name of Solidarity. last year will be published on October 13. All PARIS – The French Presidency said on expect leaders of the four countries to hold Ukraine is due to hold local elections on 298 people on board the plane, travelling August 29 that France, Germany and Russia a phone call and we will see what they October 25, but the polls will not be con- from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, were back plans for a complete ceasefire in east- agree as to where and how to meet in per- ducted in the areas held by Russian-backed killed in the crash last year. Two-thirds of separatists in the country’s east. (RFE/RL, ern Ukraine beginning the next week. A son,” Mr. Ushakov said. The West accuses the victims were Dutch, and the country is ceasefire agreement reached in Minsk in Russia of providing military support and based on reporting by Deutsche Presse- leading the judicial and air safety investiga- Agentur, Interfax, and TASS) February has been regularly violated. But personnel to the separatist rebels. Moscow tions into the crash. In a preliminary report on August 26, representatives from Kyiv accuses Kyiv of not delivering on the provi- and the rebels agreed to strive for an end to sions of a ceasefire agreement brokered by all truce violations from September 1 – the Germany and France in Minsk in February. day the new school year begins. After the (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters leaders of France, Germany, and Russia and Interfax) spoke by telephone on August 29, French Evidence presented of Russian forces TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 President Francois Hollande’s office said or e-mail [email protected] the three “strongly backed” the call for a KYIV – On August 28, the head of the complete truce from September 1. It said Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasyl SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Mr. Hollande also agreed with German Hrytsak, and the deputy head of the Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian Presidential Administration, Andriy President Vladimir Putin that it would be Taranov, presented evidence of the partici- СТЕФАН ВЕЛЬГАШ useful to hold a summit with Ukraine’s pation of the in the Ліцензований Продавець Petro Poroshenko “in the coming weeks.” hostilities in eastern Ukraine. The Страхування Життя According to the Kremlin, Mr. Putin Presidential Administration reported, “The STEPHAN J. WELHASCH expressed his concern over the “continual proofs were gathered by the Ukrainian Licensed Life Insurance Agent bombardment of towns” by the Ukrainian Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. intelligence and confirmed by the intelli- army and “the concentration of Ukrainian gence of foreign states – partners of 548 Snyder Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 armed forces all along the demarcation Ukraine. Detailed documentary materials Tel.: 908-508-1728 • Fax: (973) 292-0900 line.” Mr. Putin also insisted on a direct dia- confirm constant and deliberate violation e-mail: [email protected] logue between Kyiv and separatist leaders of the main provisions of the Minsk agree- and the removal of economic blockades on ments by the Russian occupation forces the region. A German statement said the concealed by the statements of Russia on Western leaders voiced concerns about the necessity of a peaceful resolution of the HELP WANTED plans by the separatists to hold elections outside the framework of Ukrainian law. (Continued on page 13) CARETAKER WANTED to maintain church building into a traitor to the Russian cause and “’an in Maplewood, NJ. Fearful of a Russian... agent of the State Department.’” Indeed, Weekly duties required. arguments of that kind are already to be Background check required. (Continued from page 6) found on Russian social networks, Mr. Contact: [email protected] the fear Mr. Putin and his entourage have of Strelets says. PERSONAL the Russian nationalists and their organiza- But there is more to this Russian nation- tions. alist resistance than that, he continues. He Cleaning company located in There are many indications of this fear, points to a report which found that some Clifton, NJ is looking for cleaning Single Ukrainian male looking he says. Mr. Putin has repressed nationalist Russian nationalists “have gone under- lady - MAID - available from Monday for a Single Ukrainian lady to groups far more harshly than he has liberal ground and are actively involved in militant to Saturday. A valid driver license and correspond, date and perhaps ones, even though the Kremlin’s moves training. (On that, see “A Calm Before the reliable car preferred. We are looking marry! Please e-mail me: Storm? – Russia’s Radical Right Refocusing for reliable people with a positive against the latter have attracted more [email protected] attention. Moreover, for political reasons, on ‘Fifth Column,’ SOVA Says,” March 25 at attitude. Experience preferred but my name is Vasyl windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2015/ we will train the right person. Mr. Putin has less to fear from the liberals than from the nationalists. 03/a-calm-before-storm--radical. Email us or call to schedule an html.) appointment for the interview. OPPORTUNITIES “The slogans of the liberals find a response mainly among residents of the For most of the last year, Kremlin propa- Tel: 973 859 0013 gandists have put out the line that “Russia Email:[email protected] major cities, the so-called ‘creative class.’ Earn extra income! The social base of the nationalist opposi- needs not the Donbas alone but all of tion is much wider,” and it affects many Ukraine,” that Mr. Putin has “a clever plan” The Ukrainian Weekly is looking who have been on Mr. Putin’s side. to achieve that, and that those who want for advertising sales agents. Run your advertisement here, According to Mr. Strelets, “part of the more than has happened so far should be For additional information contact in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, nationalists last year supported Putin’s patient and wait for events. CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. actions in Crimea and the Donbas, but now But Russian nationalist radicals are they are experiencing great dissatisfaction hardly prepared to wait forever, Mr. Strelets [with the Kremlin leader] because of what says. They are demanding evidence that they see as Putin’s betrayal of the Russians Moscow is moving forward on their agen- of the Donbas” by not annexing them as it da. Those around people like Igor Girkin had the population of Crimea. have thus “presented Putin with an ultima- If Mr. Putin were to choose that path, he tum to which he cannot fail to respond,” the would have to destroy “more than 100 var- Ukrainian analyst continues. ious organizations and informal unions” in In order to counter that threat without Russia which have emerged to support the creating more problems for himself, Mr. insurgents in the Donbas – and he would Strelets says, Mr. Putin is now taking steps come into conflict with military and securi- to give “the appearance of the annexation ty organizations that are heavily inter- of the Donbas.” But whether that will be linked with these groups. enough for his Russian nationalist critics is Moreover, were he to do that, Mr. far from clear. One thing is certain: if he fol- Strelets says, he would, using the words of lows their urgings, he will pay a very heavy Yego Prosvirin, “quickly be transformed” price. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 13

span nearly 110 kilometers. The Baltic such outbreak of the disease in Europe these communities, in particular on women NEWSBRIEFS states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have since 2010. In a statement on September 2, and children.” (OSCE) been rattled by Russia’s actions in eastern the Geneva-based WHO said two children in (Continued from page 12) Ukraine, where Moscow-backed separatists southwestern Ukraine had been paralyzed Twelve hostages freed by militants conflict. Relevant materials were also pre- have been fighting government forces since by polio. WHO said the outbreak occurred KYIV – Ukraine has liberated 12 more sented today to the diplomatic corps April 2014. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by because only half of Ukrainian children are hostages from militant captivity. “The liber- accredited in Ukraine. According to Agence France-Presse) immunized against the disease. WHO ated include three servicemen of the 11th Ukrainian security officials, a radical warned that the risk of further spread of U.S. defense secretary on Russia Air Defense Regiment, three from the change of Russian participation in hostili- polio in the country is high. WHO said the 128th Mountain-Infantry Brigade, a para- ties in the east of Ukraine took place in the OTTAWA – Speaking on August 27, U.S. risk for nearby countries – Romania, trooper from the 81st Air-Mobile Brigade, summer of 2015. The Ukrainian armed Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, in Poland, Hungary and Slovakia – is low. one Internal Affairs Ministry serviceman forces are now confronting, not mixed response to a question, stated that the (RFE/RL, based on reporting by the and a brave serviceman of the National Russian terrorist groups, but structured Islamic State, or ISIL, is one of the most sig- Associated Press and Reuters) Guard’s who spent almost military units of the Russian regular army. nificant challenges facing the U.S., adding, Dzhemilev son’s prison term cut a year in captivity,” said the spokesman of Herewith, Putin’s regime keeps denying “The other thing that’s happened over the the Presidential Administration on ATO- Russia’s involvement in the conflict. last year, which is unfortunate, but we also MOSCOW – Russia’s Supreme Court has related issues, Col. Andriy Lysenko at a Russian troops in the Donbas are directly have to respond to is the behavior of the cut the prison term for the son of leading press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media guided by the General Staff of the Armed Russian government under Vladimir Putin, Crimean Tatar figure . Center on August 28. According to the Forces of the Russian Federation.” which was signified in Ukraine, which is I Khaiser Dzhemilev was arrested in May Security Service of Ukraine, 155 persons, (Presidential Administration of Ukraine) think taking Russia in the wrong direction 2013 by Ukrainian authorities in connec- both military and civilian, remain in mili- for his own people.” Mr. Carter explained: tion with the shooting death of a friend. He tant captivity. (Ukraine Crisis Media Center) Estonia to build border fence said he shot his friend by accident. After “But it seems that that’s the direction he KLM drops in-flight recording by Lisitsa wants to take them, towards one of more Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March TALLINN – Estonia says it plans to build 2014, the Moscow-backed authorities took confrontation. And we’re simply going to AMSTERDAM – KLM Royal Dutch a fence along part of its eastern border with over the case and transferred him to the have to check that. Both on our own – in Airlines has dropped a recording from its Russia to safeguard its security and protect Krasnodar region in southern Russia. A our own security interest and because we the European Union’s passport-free Krasnodar court on June 2 sentenced in-flight playlist by a controversial have important allies and friends in that Schengen Area. Internal Affairs Ministry Khaiser Dzhemilev to five years in jail for Ukrainian-born classical pianist. Valentina part of the world, and we have important spokesman Toomas Viks told the French inflicting death by negligence, stealing and Lisitsa has gained notoriety in recent treaty commitments in the case of NATO... AFP news agency on August 27 that con- possessing a firearm. On September 2, the months mainly for her comments on social struction would begin in 2018 and be com- Those two over the last year have loomed Supreme Court reduced the prison term to media in support of pro-Russian separat- pleted by 2019. He said the information larger. We’re going to have to counter them three and a half years. His 71-year-old ists in eastern Ukraine. She has also labeled gathered by around-the-clock surveillance both.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) father, Mustafa Dzhemilev, who strongly as “Nazi” the government of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, among other could “be used as evidence in cases of WHO reports polio cases in Ukraine protested Crimea’s annexation and is cur- cross-border crime, be it illegal border rently living in Kyiv, has claimed Russia was comments deemed offensive. KLM took the crossing, smuggling, [or] human traffick- GENEVA – The World Health holding his son hostage. He is a member of action after receiving complaints from pas- ing.” According to Estonia’s border guards, Organization (WHO) says two cases of polio Ukraine’s Parliament and a well-known sengers. In a posting on its website on the 2.5-meter-high barbed-wire fence will have been reported in Ukraine, the first Soviet-era human rights activist. (RFE/RL) August 28, the Dutch airline wrote: “KLM gets requests from passengers to alter OSCE on ceasefire at school year’s start aspects of its product that they consider to capitulate. While defeatism is a symptom of KYIV – The Special Monitoring Mission be sensitive, unclear or incorrect. KLM has Why Ukraine... exhaustion, ultimately Ukraine must out- (SMM) in Ukraine of the Organization for therefore decided to remove the recordings last the terrorist thugs. It may be a lengthy of the pianist in question from its Inflight (Continued from page 9) Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) struggle, but once and for all to prosper and on September 1 said it welcomes the new Entertainment System.” (RFE/RL) es. The sacrifices of many will be dishon- survive, Ukraine must say, “never again to impetus for peace provided by the Patrol police to be launched in Kharkiv ored. When, not if, Russia expands its war ethnocide, linguicide and genocide!” Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) that the further into the Donbas and then into Another poem by Franko, “Blessed Man” Special Representative of the OSCE KYIV – The new patrol police will begin neighboring oblasts, who will come to their Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Martin working in Kharkiv on 26 September 26, defense when many will suspect that the on some of Christ’s Beatitudes delivered in Sajdik, announced last week in Minsk. The Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen government will only capitulate again? the(Блаженний Sermon on Муж), the Mount,which is provides loosely basedguid- SMM’s chief monitor, Ambassador Ertugrul Avakov stated. The new police are already Armed resistance to an expanded invasion ance on the resolve and strength of spirit all Apakan, said, “The TCG has called for a patrolling Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa. Mr. Avakov could quickly evaporate. Ukrainians need to adopt in the fight for comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire at stated that new patrol police will being Both the Donbas and Crimea are now Ukraine’s survival. (I have modernized the the start of the new school year,” adding, working in Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolayiv, ruled by a “thugocracy,” consisting of peo- references to conform to gender neutrality.) “We urge all sides to heed the call and to Uzhhorod, Mukacheve, Lutsk and Khmelnytsk ple who were nobodies previously and “Blessed are they who must appear establish a full and comprehensive cease- in December, and that the process of forma- have become somebodies with guns who before an unjust court but raise their voices fire. This will directly and immediately ben- tion of new patrol police will begin by the can impose their will on the people they for truth!” efit communities close to the line of con- end of the year in Ternopil, Kherson, purport to govern, under the direction of “Blessed are they, who in times of tact, which continue to bear the brunt of Chernivtsi, Sumy, , , the Kremlin. The economies of both regions decline when consciences are deafened, the fighting. SMM teams continue to moni- Sloviansk, Zaporizhia, Mariupol and several have been devastated. shout to awaken the nation and expose tor and report on the impact of fighting on other cities. (Ukraine Crisis Media Center) The people of both are still legally and truth!” morally citizens of Ukraine. A key role of “Blessed are they who amid turmoil, government is to protect its citizens. stand like oaks amid the storm and thun- Ukraine’s government must continue to der, and don’t extend their hands to cruelty, combat these thugocracies, and ultimately preferring to break rather than bow to seek to recover the temporarily occupied evil!” territories. To alleviate the humanitarian “Blessed are they who suffer persecu- crisis, Kyiv needs to enlist international tion for truth and justice, for they prepare agencies of all types to deliver direct aid to their triumph!’ the people of the Donbas and Crimea, “Although memory of those who shed bypassing the thugs who hold them cap- their blood for truth and justice may fade, tive. Russia needs to be pressured by the their blood will ennoble the blood of all West to allow such independent aid. humanity!” Ultimately, if deprived of Russian propa- Loathe as I am to quote Lenin, a quote of ganda, residents of the occupied territories his provides insight into the mindset of dic- may be convinced to stay, but those who tators like Mr. Putin. “Probe with bayonets. can’t accept living in Ukraine can voluntari- If you encounter mush, proceed; if you ly move to Russia. Those who fled to unoc- encounter steel, withdraw.” Defeatism is cupied Ukraine can return home after mush. Ukraine and all Ukrainians must be Kyiv’s victory. like steel to achieve victory. If Ukraine cedes territory, this will send To become steel all Ukrainians should be a message to the EU and NATO that Ukraine guided by further words of Franko, from is not prepared to defend its territorial integrity. If Ukraine won’t defend itself, why should anyone else? The meager sanctions “TheEveryone Great Anniversary”must think that (Великі upon them, Роко- already instituted will be abandoned, and вини):The condition of millions rests, then it will be business as usual with That for the fate of millions, Russia. When Russia continues and You each must give account. expands its invasion, a renewal of sanctions Imagine if every Ukrainian adopted this will be almost impossible to achieve. attitude. Ukraine would become steel, Ukraine will be left to fend for itself. unconquerable by anyone. To be steel For all of these reasons and many more, Ukraine must fight! Ukraine must continue to fight and not Glory to Ukraine! Glory to its heroes! 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

Our community celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day 2015

LITTLETON, Colo.

by Areta Kolody wreath-making activity. Adults could enjoy a class in Petrykivka painting, ceramics or LITTLETON, Colo. – Ukrainians in weaving. Adult classes were offered by Colorado celebrated the 24th anniversary American and Ukrainian artists from local of Ukraine’s independence on Sunday, art galleries. There were also booths with August 23, in Clement Park in Littleton. Ukrainians souvenirs for sale. The blue and yellow balloons and The celebration was organized by Ukrainian flags festooned around the pavil- Marina Dubrova, president and CEO of the ions clearly marked the area where the fes- Ukrainians of Colorado, a non-profit orga- tivities were taking place. Ukrainian melo- nization whose mission is to unite all dies resonated throughout the park as Ukrainians living in Colorado, to foster throngs of guests dressed in embroidered cooperation among diverse groups, and to The organizing committee sets up the pavilions for the celebration with its blue-and- garb or sporting Ukrainian T-shirts and promote and encourage support for the yellow banner welcoming guests. young girls with wreaths of flowers on Ukrainian-owned businesses. their heads milled around awaiting the offi- Father Vasyl Hnatkivsky, pastor of “Ukrainian Voice of the Rockies” and Ms. Pavlo’s Taste of Ukraine and Pierogies cial opening ceremonies. Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Greek- Dubrova spoke about their organizations. Factory provided the food for the picnic. There were tents with tables set up for Catholic Church in Denver, officially began Festivities were intertwined with enter- Pierogies Factory is a Polish-owned cater- various organizations like the local School the celebration with a prayer. After the sing- tainment by various soloists, duets, humor- ing business that joined the Ukrainians in of Ukrainian Studies and Plast Ukrainian ing of the Ukrainian national anthem and the esques and a children’s dance group, as the celebration to show their support for Scouting Organization to promote their reading of the proclamation from the gover- well as the crowd joining in song. The cul- independent Ukraine. activities and to give parents the opportu- nor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper, repre- mination of the program, however, was a All the proceeds from the picnic will be nity to enroll their children for fall classes. sentatives Iryna Liubianetska from the performance by the acclaimed national art- donated to the wounded soldiers, orphans To engage the children during the celebra- Ukrainian school, Areta Kolody from Plast, ist of Ukraine Pavlo Doskoch from Ternopil. and others suffering from the catastrophic tion, there was a painting, ceramics and Iryna Shatalova from the radio program His singing truly captivated the audience. events in eastern Ukraine.

Elena Way demonstrates the Petrykivka design. While some enjoy delicious food from Pavlo’s Taste of Colorado, others patiently wait their turn.

JERSEY CITY, N.J.

by Zenko Halkowycz prepare the proclamations, print the post- ers and flyers, and the program. JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Jersey City On Sunday, August 23, after liturgy, branch of the Ukrainian Congress everyone gathered at the Ukrainian Committee of America delegated the prep- National Home for the celebration. The Rev. aration of local celebrations of Ukraine’s Vasyl Howerla started the event with a 24th anniversary of independence to the prayer, followed by the American and Jersey City National Home and the Jersey Ukrainian anthems. The program included City Community Center. National Home entertainment, music and speeches President Ihor Kolinets appointed Anna Mistress of ceremonies Olga Nikolyn Czujko Rozij to organize the festivities. invited all present to the buffet prepared by With the cooperation of Vasil Nikolyn, Ms. Mary Furrey, the building manager, who Rozij started to prepare the internal and secured a large sheet cake with the words external celebration. She also worked with “Happy 24th anniversary Ukraine.” Yolenny Vargas from the mayor’s office to In attendance were Jersey City’s

Alton O’Neill Ukrainians of all ages raise the blue-and-yellow flag at City Hall. Ukrainian residents as well as visitors from Yun were introduced. Ukraine who all came together for the This year the Ukrainian community rec- party. A surprise visitor from Ukraine, ognized two of its outstanding members Oksana Bacz, offered beautiful Ukrainian for their dedication and hard work. Mayor songs. Fulop presented certificates of apprecia- The next day, August 24, those who tion to Ms. Rozij and Olexander Haluszczak. could gathered at city Hall for the formal Short speeches were delivered in flag-raising ceremony with the participa- Ukrainian by Mr. Kolinets and in English by tion of Jersey City’s elected officials. Senior Mr. Nikolyn. Mayor Fulop also addressed citizens, young people and children all the ceremonial gathering. wore their embroidered best. The culmination of the ceremonies at At 11 a.m. the master of ceremonies City Hall came when Mayor Fulop, his started the official portion of the event, council members, revered senior citizen asking Father Howerla to read a prayer for Ilia Shewchuk, Father Howerla and local At City Hall in Jersey City for Ukrainian Independence Day are: (first row) Anna Ukraine’s future and well-being. Mayor children raised the Ukrainian national flag Czujko Rozij, Ihor Kolinets, Mayor Steven M. Fulop and City Council President Steven M. Fulop, City Council President – a scene repeated hundreds of times that Rolando Lavarro. Rolando Lavarro and Councilman Michael day all around the world. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 15

Our community celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day 2015

WILDWOOD CREST, N.J.

Christine Syzonenko WILDWOOD CREST, N.J. – The 24th anniversary of Ukraine’s renewed independence was commemorated on the beach at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28. Although many Ukrainians vacation in Wildwood Crest for all of “Ukrainian Week,” their numbers swell during the latter part of the week, prompting the organizers to postpone the commemo- ration to maximize attendance. Michael Koziupa, president of the Morris County chapter of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, president of the Newark chapter of the Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine and first vice-president of the Ukrainian National Association, welcomed the large crowd and spoke briefly about Ukraine’s independence and the current political situation, after which everyone sang “Shche ne Vmerla Ukraina.”

AUSTIN, Texas

by Ihor Lysyj the globe in each and every Ukrainian com- munity, and the Ukrainian community of AUSTIN, Texas – The anniversary of the Austin, Texas, was among those who cele- historic events of August 24, 1991, when brated Ukrainian Independence Day 2015. Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada declared the The celebration took place on Saturday, county’s independence, is celebrated across August 22, at the Blackhawk Amenity

Ihor Lysyj The participants of the celebration in Ukrainian attire. Center in Pflugerville, a suburb of Austin. In contrast to Ukrainian communities on This community is rather interesting in the East Coast or in the Midwest, where for its composition: the great majority are more than half a century Ukrainian events young professionals recently arriving in of all kinds were organized and run mostly United States from Ukraine with job offers by the DPs (displaced persons) and their in the high technology establishment that descendants, in Austin the organizers of thrives in Austin. Along with their small Ukrainian events are newcomers from During the singing of Ukrainian national anthem at opening of Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations in Pflugerville, near Austin, Texas. children, they are a highly patriotic group. Ukraine.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y.

by Lubomyr Zobniw BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Ukrainian American commu- nity here has commemorated Ukrainian Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall since the 1950s to the present, at first marking that day on January 22 and, since 1991, on August 24. Preceding this year’s flag-raising, the chairman of the

Participants, many attired in colorful Ukrainian embroidery, at Binghamton’s Ukrainian Independence Day com- memoration. Seen in the center is Mayor Richard David. local branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of Ukraine. He also noted that this year, on the weekend of America, Lubomyr Zobniw, introduced Mayor Richard November 6-8, everyone is invited to the unveiling of the David, who proclaimed August 24, 2015, to be the “24th Holodomor Memorial dedication ceremony in Washington. Ukrainian Independence Day” in city of Binghamton. Victor Czumak recited in English the “Prayer for The Rev. Teodor Czabala, pastor of Sacred Heart Ukraine,” which also served as an introduction to his and Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Pastor Nikolay Ilchishin of Stephan Czumak’s singing in Ukrainian of this wonderful the First Ukrainian Pentecostal Church reminded all about prayer. the power of the prayer. After the “Pledge of Allegiance Ukrainian youths in Taras Stets gave a commentary based on concerns and embroidered dress assisted the mayor in raising the issues relevant to Ukraine and to the Ukrainian American Ukrainian flag while the Ukrainian anthem was sung with community. He highlighted how Russia’s rulers have tried pride. Taras Stets delivers commentary on behalf of the to make Ukraine cease to exist and explained why the All Binghamton TV news channels covered this event, as Ukrainian American community. United States should provide lethal defensive arms to did the Binghamton Press both online and in print. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

film, “Crimea. The Way Home” (available on Andrew Tkach’s... YouTube), can be clearly seen for the fawn- ing Putin tributes they are. (Continued from page 11) But antennas were raised when American our voices will be heard,” one of them says. director Oliver Stone interviewed former Two young children pick their way President Viktor Yanukovych for a new through the rubble of their destroyed English-language documentary “produced house, pointing out what used to be and by Ukrainians.” This new movie “Ukraine: where – yet one cannot help but believe The CIA Coup” was inspired by the director’s that theirs is a spirit that will ultimately not conviction that “the truth is not being aired be broken by today’s horrors. in the West... many believe foreign elements Finally, we again see the lawyer Ms. were introduced by pro-Western factions Hopko, following her landslide election vic- with CIA fingerprints on it.” tory, mounting a vigorous action to form a Now that Westerners are becoming new party of transparency and radical more aware of Russian info- and culture- reform. Holding a Bible, she quotes: “With wars against Ukraine, the financiers behind hard work, everything will be achieved these films are finding other Western direc- with love.” tors to be displayed as figureheads on their As the credits roll, we learn “Generation efforts. One such polemical “documentary” Dr. Ihor Ilkiw describes his missions of mercy. Maidan” is dedicated “to those who lost is John Beck-Hofmann’s “Maidan Massacre” their lives in Ukraine’s year of Revolution (also available on YouTube). the narrative. They even found a former Typical Kremlin propaganda points are and War… and those keeping the faint hope Within the first few minutes, the agenda Russian Spetznaz sniper to comment on presented: from blame on the Right Sector of peace alive.” of “Maidan Massacre” is clear. With subjec- Maidan: “Quite honestly, there are plenty of and “mysterious gunmen” to “no one tive narration, this is an hour-long attempt people in Ukraine who would shoot at each knows for sure” and “what would you do if Anti-Maidan films to whitewash the Berkut police and at the other anyway… most likely it was some- a large crowd with weapons were advanc- A quick glance at several opposing “doc- same time to demonize the protesters. It is body local.” ing on the U.S. Capitol?” umentaries” about the Maidan and the essentially a string of studio interviews Like the Nazis’ notorious anti-Jewish This “Maidan Massacre” is being pre- Russian invasions is sobering. Obviously with clean-scrubbed Berkut police, long- film “Der Ewige Jude” (The Eternal Jew), sented as the work of Mr. Beck-Hofmann, staged Kremlin propaganda productions distance American “forensic experts” and the intent of “Maidan Massacre” is to an award-winning American director who like Andrei Kondrashov’s slick 145-minute “former CIA officials,” all geared to support reverse the roles of victim and aggressor. has produced films for National Geographic and NASA. It is professionally filmed and slickly edited, complete with an ominous thumping musical score and computer graphic illustrations to advance their theo- ry of “unknown snipers.” Mr. Stone said his future film would be “produced by Ukrainians”; Mr. Beck- Hofmann’s film credits Viktor Zubritsky as “consultant.” Notably, Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov named Mr. Zubritsky as an organizer of the “titushky” thugs and also as the coordinator of the campaign to discredit the Euro-Maidan. Nevertheless, this movie won the People’s Choice Award at the Terra di Siena Film Festival and has been reposted several times on YouTube. Reportedly produced on a $500,000 budget, “Maidan Massacre” seems to have become a successful invest- ment for those who want to smear the Euro-Maidan. Proceeds go towards prosthetics Mr. Tkach said since he could see that the world was less and less interested in Ukraine, he decided to make good use of his film and help the people who need it the most. All the proceeds from “Generation Maidan” go to the Ukraine Prosthetics Assistance Fund, headed by Antonina Kumka. This fund’s main objec- tive is the transfer of skills and experience from American and Canadian specialists to their colleagues in Ukraine. This way, more quality prosthetics and rehabilitation could be done on the ground paid by the govern- ment of Ukraine and would not require sending amputees abroad. As the war continues, there is more need for this kind of help. Local people in Ukraine do their best to raise funds, but it is not enough. Recently, for instance, the students of Middle School No.16 in Drohobych orga- nized a concert and raised 4,200 hrv which they gave to Vasyl Pelysh, the soldier from Staryi Sambir whose right arm was ampu- tated by separatists because he had a “Glory to Ukraine” tattoo. In May, Mr. Pelysh was one of the fortunate ones to receive a functional prosthetic arm, complete with a trident (tryzub), from the Ukraine Prosthetics Assistance Fund . “Generation Maidan” is one of the films chosen for the documentary competition at the third Portland Film Festival on September 1-7. It has already collected impressive reviews at the 2015 Geneva Human Rights Festival. It is a beautifully composed and edited film that rewards repeated viewings. Presently, it is available for viewing on vimeo.com. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 17

Irene Rejent Saviano Irene Rejent Saviano The Vatra rock group from Lviv. The Karpaty dance ensemble in Lemko folk costumes greets the guests. 15th annual Lemko Vatra festival held in Ellenville

Brian Reilly Lena Howansky sells T-shirts and books at the Lemko History and Irene Rejent Saviano Heritage table. Vasyl Harhaj serves as master of ceremonies of the Lemko Vatra for the 15th time.

by Diana Howansky Reilly diers currently at war. Each of the subse- quent musical acts – including the folk band ELLENVILLE, N.Y. – Rain showers all week- Korinya from New Paltz, N.Y., the sisters end long did not dampen the celebration of Petryshyn from New Jersey, the Canadian the 15th annual Lemko “Vatra,” coordinated duo Mozaika and the Lviv-based rock band by the Organization for the Defense of Vatra – added some personal flair to their Lemko Western Ukraine (OOL) on the camp- performance of traditional Lemko music. grounds of the Ukrainian Youth Association Other events at the Lemko Vatra includ- (UAYA) in Ellenville, N.Y., on June 27-28. ed a Children’s Song Competition, which The opening ceremony took place under was won by 4-year-old Daria Voznyak for the UAYA’s covered outdoor pavilion, next her adorable performance of the Lemko to which OOL leaders lit the festival’s tradi- folk song “Chyie zh to Pole ne Orane” tional “vatra,” or bonfire. Vasyl Harhaj, the (Whose Field is that not Plowed). And the “starosta,” or master of ceremonies for the Vatra Cup soccer tournament, which was 15th year in a row, welcomed the guests won by the International Soccer Club from who packed the pavilion and, in turn, was Kerhonkson, N.Y., by defeating FC Karpaty presented with a plaque from OOL express- (Passaic, N.J.), KLP (Passaic) and last-year’s ing appreciation for his unwavering service champion Ukrainian Sports Club (New to the Lemko Vatra in 2001-2015. York). At night, the Lemko Vatra’s guests Among the opening ceremony speakers then danced under the pavilion to live was OOL member Peter Kosciolek, who music by the band Anna Maria. described the history of the Lemko Vatra and The festivities continued on Sunday, encouraged everyone to look at the poster when the program moved inside UAYA’s boards of photos and television with video main hall. Ms. Fedyna gave a keynote pre- clips that were displayed around the festi- sentation in the hall about the state of val’s food court, showing images from the Lemko organizations around the world, a past 15 years of the event. Mark Howansky, taped copy of which can be found on the president of OOL, welcomed the guests, OOL YouTube Channel. Additional perfor- thanked the sponsors and urged everyone to mances of Lemko song and dance followed. take a copy of the Lemko Vatra’s new and Throughout the weekend, guests were beautifully designed program book. also able to visit OOL’s Lemko History and Sofiya Fedyna, renowned Ukrainian Heritage Table, where genealogist Justin singer and president of the World Kirk Houser was available to answer ques- Federation of Ukrainian Lemko Unions, sig- tions about researching one’s roots, and naled the beginning of the cultural pro- the Lemko Research Foundation (LRF) sold gram by singing the Lemko hymn “Hory items ranging from maps about the Lemko Nashi” (Our Mountains). region, to Lemko Vatra T-shirts, to books on Festival-goers were treated to a lively Lemko history, architecture, poetry and concert featuring Lemko song and dance. culture. (For those unable to attend the Highlights included the Karpaty dance Lemko Vatra this year, please note that ensemble, which donned Lemko folk cos- LRF’s books can be bought online at either tumes of blue vests and white pants for the www.lemko-ool.com or amazon.com and males and blue vests, red pleated skirts, Lemko Vatra T-shirts in remaining limited yellow pleated aprons and white kerchiefs sizes can be bought by contacting diana_ for the females as it greeted the audience. [email protected].) Ms. Fedyna performed Lemko songs from her albums, as well as discussed her fund- Diana Howansky Reilly is press secretary raising for the Ukrainian army before sing- of the Organization for the Defense of Lemko ing a lullaby she wrote for Ukrainian sol- Western Ukraine. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

significant change under the new regime. team’s fitness level has improved notice- Rebrov working miracles as Dynamo coach Rebrov may be a youngster in the coach- ably since Riancho established his training On the bus from a 3-0 league victory at into an afterthought. ing ranks, but during his vaunted playing techniques. The more fit players could FC Vorskla Poltava last November, star Dynamo’s downfall was swift: Metalist career he learned from the best. The talent- more readily implement the pressing tac- Dynamo Kyiv striker Kharkiv pushed it to third place in 2013, only ed striker left Shakhtar for Dynamo in 1992 tics reminiscent of Lobanovsky’s great burst out singing the Serhiy Rebrov fans’ to drop further to fourth, trailing Shakhtar, to form a fantastic partnership with the leg- squads. Rebrov teaches ball control with song. In a matter of seconds his teammates Dnipro and Metalist in 2014. Blokhin was endary in the late quick moves and a philosophy of constant joined in as a tribute to a coach who has out, Rebrov was in, subsequently promoted 1990s under the famous Valeriy attack. Players’ self-confidence continues to totally turned around the soccer franchise only to immediately win the cup. Lobanovsky. He then tried the English grow as witnessed by a 5-2 thrashing of since his arrival. After the finals win over Shakhtar, at Tottenham and spent Everton in March – a feast of high-tempo It was one year in April of this year since Congolese striker Dieumerci Mbokani went two years on loan at Fenerbahce (Turkey) attacking football that could have yielded Oleh Blokhin’s dismissal and Rebrov’s tak- to Surkis and made the plea to have Rebrov where he worked with German specialists many more goals. ing charge of the squad. Many have stated remain as coach. The president agreed, set- Werner Lorant and Christoph Daum. After Dynamo’s achievements under Rebrov the 40-year-old manager is working mira- ting goals of winning the title and qualify- not finding success with West Hampton in have easily exceeded the most optimistic cles in his position. ing for the Champions League. 2004-2005, he returned to Kyiv before fin- expectations. Surkis has acknowledged the At the outset the plan was for Rebrov to Rebrov immediately delivered. Granted ishing his career winning the Russian changes as extraordinary, mentioning the act in a temporary capacity through the Shakhtar’s difficult situation of leaving its championship title at Rubin Kazan, learn- training process, the atmosphere around end of the 2013-2014 season. He was hometown due to the separatist war fac- ing from the famous Kurban Berdyev the team and the players’ attitudes. There is Blokhin’s assistant and it was a natural tored in, but Dynamo’s achievements speak behind the bench. It was here that Rebrov no doubt team members believe in their course to have him coach the rest of the very loudly. Achievements which can best began preparing himself for a possible manager and play for him. Rebrov will campaign while club president Igor Surkis be described as dynamic: Dynamo Kyiv future in coaching. coach Dynamo for as long as he so desires. recruited a famous-name replacement clinched its 14th Ukrainian title with two The Dynamo club benefited from anoth- Naturally, this will depend on Rebrov from Western Europe. The country’s games to spare on May 17 with a 1-0 win er major influence thanks to Rebrov’s time and how long he wants to continue this rec- extremely unstable political situation, how- against Europa League finalists Dnipro at Rubin Kazan. Spanish physical trainer lamation project. Down the road, he just ever, dissuaded Surkis’ targets from work- Dnipropetrovsk. The victory ended the Raul Riancho joined the Ukrainian team at may want to take his coaching skills ing in Ukraine, and in the interim tempo- five-year dominance of Shakhtar Donetsk. the start of 2014, after five years of employ- abroad, like he did in his playing days. It is rary manager Rebrov established a strong totally realistic, given his fluency in English A personal coaching style ment at Kazan under Berdyev. When the rapport with his players. Rebrov led veteran coach was fired in December 2013, from his days in London, that an organiza- Dynamo to a most deserved The team flourished after being freed of Riancho answered Rebrov’s call by agreeing tion like Tottenham or West Ham would welcome him back as a proven coach who triumph over archrival Shakhtar Donetsk, Blokhin’s strict training disciplines. A more to work for Dynamo. turned Dynamo around one day. 2-1, in the final on May 15, 2014. relaxed environment made for happier Indeed, the work of knowledgeable The upset win over Shakhtar opened players as the assistant transitioned into Spanish assistants played a big role in Ihor Stelmach may be reached eyes. ’s club dominated the role of head man. He’s no pushover, Dynamo Kyiv’s recent successes. The [email protected]. Ukrainian soccer over a five-year span from substituting for Yarmolenko in a Europa 2010 through 2014, winning five consecu- League game versus Aalborg because the tive league titles. Dynamo last won the star wasn’t working hard enough on Ukrainian Cup in 2007, enjoying success in defense. The decision did not rile 2009. It had been quite a while since Yarmolenko, who agreed with his coach’s Under-12 boys’ team from Ukraine wins Dynamo was mentioned as the nation’s top move. Rebrov’s philosophy of being fair team and, in recent years, it had turned and sincere with his players was the most international soccer tournament in Chicago CHICAGO – A boys’ under-12 team from Other age groups included U-8 to U-16 Ukraine, Ukraina, won the Chicago KICS boys and U-9 and U-13 girls’ teams. Cup International Youth Soccer The tournament was founded in 2013 Tournament that was held on July 19-26. by the Illinois Youth Soccer Association, U.S. The team tallied 12 points after four Club Soccer and Chicago KICS United FC, straight victories in the group stage. and is sponsored by the Chicago Sister Ukraina won 10-0 against Chicago KICS Cities International. The Chicago Ukrainian United FC Blue, 5-0 against Illinois Youth American newspaper Chas i Podii (Time Soccer Association Olympic Development and News) as well as the “Ukiedrive” radio Program, 3-0 against Love Futbol program, both based in Chicago, were also Guatemala, and 3-0 against Grand Football listed among the sponsors of the tourna- Club Mustangs. ment.

Club Ukraina, winners of the U-12 division of the 2015 KICS Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament in Chicago. No. 36 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 19

September 10-18 Dance exhibit, “Angel Soldier Dance Sublime,” Target Gallery, September 18-20 Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Alexandria, VA Torpedo Factory Art Center, www.torpedofactory.org Toronto Bloor West Village, www.ukrainianfestival.com

September 11 Concert by DakhaBrakha, National Hispanic Cultural September 19 Pig roast, Ukrainian National Home, Albuquerque, NM Center – Journal Theater, Globalquerque Festival, Syracuse, NY [email protected] or 315-478-9272 http://globalquerque.org/schedule.html September 19-20 Washington Ukrainian Festival, St. Andrew Ukrainian September 11 Boxing debut, cruiserweight Oleksandr Teslenko, Silver Spring, MD Orthodox Cathedral, www.ukrainefestdc.com or Toronto Ricoh Coliseum, www.globallegacyboxing.com 301-384-9192

September 12 Ottawa golf tournament, Ottawa Ukrainian Golf September 20 Golf tournament, Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Ottawa Association, The Meadows Golf and Country Club, St. John Richmond, BC Franko, Country Meadows Golf Course, 604-274-2025 the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine, 613-723-1373 or 604-274-4119 September 20 Ukrainian Festival, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic September 12 Ukrainian Festival, St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Passaic, NJ Church, www.stnicholasucc.org or 973-471-9727 Jenkintown, PA Catholic Church, [email protected] September 20 Presentation by Bohdan Boychuk, “Scenography and September 12 Concert by DakhaBrakha, International Accordion New York ‘Berezil,’” The Ukrainian Museum, San Antonio, TX Festival, La Villita Historic Arts Village, www.ukraininamuseum.org or 212-228-0110 www.internationalaccordionfestival.org September 24-25 Ukraine in Washington Forum, “The Neglected Crisis in September 12 Charity golf outing, Plast – Chicago Pobratymy Foundation, Washington Ukraine: West Risking Failure in Political, Economic and Elk Grove, IL Fox Run Golf Links, 847-823-0430 or [email protected] Humanitarian Assistance,” House Ukraine Caucus Senate Ukraine Caucus and the Embassy of Ukraine, September 12 Roundtable discussion, “Ukraine: War and Culture,” www.saveukrainenow.org or www.usukraine.org New York Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130

September 12-13 Montreal Ukrainian Festival, Parc de l’Ukraine, Montreal www.ukefestmontreal.org

September 12-13 Baltimore Ukrainian Festival, Baltimore Ukrainian Festival Baltimore Committee, Patterson Park, www.ukrainianfestival.net

September 12-13 Ukrainian Village Fest, Superior Street and Oakley Boulevard, Chicago 312-829-5209 or [email protected]

September 13 Connecticut State Ukrainian Day Festival, St. Basil Stamford, CT Seminary, 203-269-5909

September 13 Religious Education classes begin, Immaculate Conception Hillside, NJ Ukrainian Catholic Church, http://byzcath.org/ImmaculateConception

September 13 Harvest of the Past and Harvest Food Festival, Ukrainian Edmonton, AB Cultural Heritage Village, www.ukrainianvillage.ca

September 13 Concert by DakhaBrakha, Skylight Festival, Santa Fe, NM www.skylightsantafe.com

September 16-17 Ukrainian Day advocacy event, Ukrainian National Washington Information Service, Capitol Hill, 202-547-0018 or [email protected]

Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

The Ukrainian Ski Club KLK cordially invites you, your family and friends to our 90th Anniversary Celebration Fall Gala Weekend being held at Soyuzivka Heritage Center Saturday October 3, 2015 Schedule of events: Golf 9:30 am Tennis Doubles 11:30 am A ernoon Social 2:30 pm Cocktails 6:30 pm Banquet Dinner Dance 7:30 pm Tickets: $150.00 per person for all day activities including evening celebration $100.00 per person for Cocktail hour, Banquet-Dinner Dance Black Tie Requested Please RSVP by September 18, 2015 [email protected] or Text /call 32 991-1095 For accommodations please call “Soyuzivka” at 845-626-5641. Please mention KLK 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015 No. 36

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Thursday, September 10 Sunday, September 13 dance. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour and slide show. The cultural program featuring the Zolotyj Promin ALEXANDRIA, Va.: Four artists living on the Blue Hill Peninsula STAMFORD, Conn.: The 48th Connecticut Ukrainian Day Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal in Maine explore the sublime dance of archetypal masculinity Festival, sponsored by Connecticut State Ukrainian Day Ensemble, Halychanky Choir and the Women’s Bandurist and femininity in the new exhibition “Angel Soldier Dance Committee at St. Basil’s Seminary, will begin at 9 a.m., when Ensemble is at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing Sublime” at Target Gallery, the contemporary exhibition space over 20 Ukrainian vendors will be open, and confession will be to Svitanok beginning at 9 p.m. The Ukrainian National Home is for the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The exhibit, curated by Anya available. At 11 a.m., liturgy will be celebrated by Bishop Paul located at 961 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford CT 06114-3137. For Antonovych, features work by Sam Jones, Kari Van Tine, Heather Chomnycky. Afterwards, Ukrainian and picnic foods will be more information call 860-296-5702 or visit www.ukrainian- Lyon and Anya Antonovych. It runs September 10 through available. At 2:30 p.m., enjoy a lively program featuring: dance nationalhome.org. October 18. A danced drawing performance by Van Tine takes ensembles from Hartford and Stamford, Conn., Long Island and place on Thursday, September 10, at 2 p.m. The public reception Staten Island, N.Y., and South Bound Brook, N.J.; singers the Friday-Saturday, October 2-3 is at 6-8 p.m. on September 10, with an artists’ conversation at 7 Pavlyshyn sisters duo, Melania and Stephania Korenovsky, SOMERSET, N.J.: The National Executive Board of the p.m. The gallery is located at 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA Popovchi, Evelina and Lorianna Solonenke; as well as bandura Ukrainian American Veterans Inc. will host the 68th annual 22314 and is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on and violin performances. At 5-8 p.m., there will be a dance with UAV National Convention at the Holiday Inn, located at 195 Thursdays. For more information visit torpedofactory.org. Halychany. Also on the program: children’s activities and visits Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873. The convention officially Saturday, September 12 to the Diocesan Museum on the grounds. Admission for all age convenes at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 2, and adjourns on 12 and over is $5 when purchased in advance or $10 at gate; NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Society invites all to a Saturday, October 3, at 3 p.m. Registration will start at 8 a.m. parking is free. For tickets, information or to volunteer call each day. For more details visit www.uavets.org. roundtable “Ukraine: War and Culture.” Participants include 203-269-5909. Prof. George G. Grabowicz (Harvard University), Vasyl Makhno Saturday, October 3 (Shevchenko Scientific Society), Prof. Anna Procyk (City Saturday-Sunday, September 19-20 University of New York), and Yuri Shevchuk (Columbia SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J.: The Ukrainian American SILVER SPRING, Md.: Bring your family and friends to the 13th University). Emceed by Prof. Alexander J. Motyl (Rutgers Veterans National Monument blessing and dedication ceremo- annual Ukrainian Festival of the Washington Metropolitan University), the roundtable will take place at the society’s ny will be held at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Area, noon to dusk on the grounds of St. Andrew Ukrainian building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 Cemetery, 280 Main St., South Bound Brook, NJ 08880. The cer- Orthodox Cathedral, 15100 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, p.m. For additional information call 212-254-5130. emony is open to the public, and the UAV invites everyone to MD 20905. Admission and parking are free. There will be won- join us for the unveiling of the UAV National Monument. It is Saturday, September 12 derful Ukrainian artists and dancers, crafts, children’s activi- dedicated to all Ukrainian American men and women who ELK GROVE, Ill.: The Pobratymy Foundation is holding its 17th ties, delicious Ukrainian food and a Kozak beer garden. An have served with honor and distinction in the U. S. Armed annual Plast-Chicago Charity Golf Outing at the Fox Run Golf Evening Party-by-the-Lake will be held on Saturday at 6-9 p.m. Forces, UAV members and non-members alike. The dedication Links in Elk Grove, Ill., with starting times of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact the Festival Office, 301-384- ceremony will be followed by the 68th UAV Convention For more information contact George Kuritza at 847-823-0430 9192, or visit www.standrewuoc.org. Banquet, which will be held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, or [email protected]. Saturday, September 26 135 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873. Banquet tickets are $65 per person. and reservations are due by September 15. For Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13 HARTFORD, Conn.: You are cordially invited to the Ukrainian more information about the banquet contact Zenon Halkowycz CHICAGO: The Ukrainian Village Fest will take place on the National Home of Hartford 50th anniversary banquet and at 201-919-5233 or [email protected]. corner of Superior Street and Oakley Boulevard, in the heart of the Ukrainian Village in Chicago. Merchant and food vendors will line the street; there will be non-stop action on stage, fea- turing the Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Hromovytsia, Ukrainian PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES School of Dance, guest performers from Ukraine – Natalka Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per list- Karpa, and Nazariy and Dmytro Yaremchuk – and many more ing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. Items must be no more than 100 words long. local dance ensembles and singers. Children will enjoy the kids’ Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication. Please include pay- area with pony rides, a petting zoo and much more fun. There ment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. will be a raffle and a beer garden. Admission is $5 on both days; Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments – sim- festival hours are 1-10 p.m. Come join us in Chicago for one of the last festivals of the summer. For more information call 312- ply type the text into the body of the e-mail message. Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, 829-5209 or e-mail [email protected]. The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054.

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