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Inside: l Former U.S. envoy on progress, setbacks in Ukraine – page 3 l Taras Shevchenko honored in two capitals – page 8 l Special section: Ukrainian Debutante Balls – pages 9-14

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXX No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 $1/$2 in Ukraine John Demjanjuk Local vote seen as harbinger of Rada elections dead at 91 A nasty battle marred by assault, intimidation

by Zenon Zawada Special to The Ukrainian Weekly KYIV – The March 18 vote in the Kyiv Oblast town of Obukhiv offered a hint of what to expect for the October 28 national parliamentary elections – a nasty, even physical battle replete with fraud accusations, intimidation and vio- lations, both before and on the day of the election. The day’s antics included an assault committed by a Party of Regions national deputy, disputes about the vote count and contradictory election law, as well as allegations of fraud techniques such as intimidation, denial of candidate registra- tion, vote-buying, fake exit polls and ballot-stuffing. One of the chief contenders for City Council chair, Anatolii Shafarenko of the populist UDAR party, was UNIAN/Aleksandr Sinitsa denied access to polling stations to observe, his party National Deputy Iryna Herashchenko (Our Ukraine- reported. The nationalist Svoboda Party candidate, Valerii People’s Self-Defense) speaks to the press at the Vorobets, was denied registration altogether in mid-Febru- Verkhovna Rada two days after she was manhandled by John Demjanjuk in a photo taken in December 2011. ary, in an alleged violation of election law. National Deputy Petro Melnyk (Party of Regions) at a Additionally, “the government used old ‘trusted’ tech- polling station in Obukhiv, Kyiv Oblast. PARSIPPANY, N.J. – John Demjanjuk, the former U.S. citi- nologies, including so-called ‘carousels,’” UDAR Deputy zen who was appealing his 2011 conviction in Germany on Indeed, Mr. Chernenko’s credibility has been questioned Chair Artur Palatnyi said in a March 18 press release. by political observers ever since his predecessor, Ihor 28,060 counts of accessory to murder at the Nazi death “What happened in Obukhiv was a warm-up and dress camp in Sobibor, Poland, died at a German nursing home Popov, resigned from the CVU chairmanship in 2009 to join rehearsal for the future parliamentary elections.” the Single Center party, which is closely affiliated with the on March 17. He was 91. The election was held to select a City Council chair to suc- The Bavarian police confirmed Mr. Demjanjuk was Party of Regions. ceed Volodymyr Melnyk, a Party of the Regions member who Since then, Mr. Chernenko has made assessments on found dead early that day in his room in a nursing home in died in an unusual car accident in October 2011. The southern Germany. He had been suffering from bone mar- several elections which were not considered by numerous declared winner was Oleksander Levchenko, also of the political observers and players to be objective. row disease and chronic kidney disease. Party of Regions, who reportedly earned 39 percent of votes. Mr. Demjanjuk, who through the years was accused of “The sociological sampling of Obukhiv is a lot better for Voter turn-out was unusually low at 41 percent, which the opposition than Ukraine’s average, yet the victory was being a guard at several Nazi camps, denied that he ever National Deputy Iryna Herashchenko of the Our Ukraine- served as a camp guard and insisted that he was a prisoner gained by the Party of Regions candidate,” Mr. Parubii People’s Self-Defense faction said reflected the exhaustion wrote on his Ukrayinska Pravda blog posted on March 19. of war – a Red Army soldier captured by the Germans. He most Ukrainians have for politics. In all, 28,600 voters cast claimed he was a victim of mistaken identity. “Obviously, the vote didn’t occur without falsifications, evi- their ballots at 15 local polling stations, reported the dence of which is the brutal attack on Iryna Herashchenko by Mr. Demjanjuk’s German lawyer, Ulrich Busch, under- Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU). scored that his client “died unconvicted and as an innocent a Party of Regions bandit with a deputy’s mandate, as well as The CVU, led by Oleksander Chernenko, reported no fal- ‘blue sweaters’ and fake exit polls,” he wrote. man according to European and German law.” Dr. Busch sifications, overlooking pre-election corruption such as the explained that, according to the European Convention of National Deputy Petro Melnyk of the Party of Regions denied registration of Mr. Vorobets’ candidacy and the violently grabbed the petite Ms. Herashchenko after she Human Rights, anyone charged with a criminal offense is denied registrations of representatives from the Front for presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law, refused his demands that she leave a polling station before Change and UDAR – both leading opposition parties – to the vote count began. He argued that she didn’t have the and in Germany that means once the final verdict is hand- local election commissions. ed down on an appeal. right to witness the count, while she insisted she had the Mr. Chernenko’s claim of “more or less normal” elec- right to observe as a national deputy. Munich court spokeswoman Margarete Noetzel told the tions was not supported by the UDAR and Svoboda parties, press that, under German law, because the defendant died “I realized that neither my status, nor personal relations, as well as the Spilna Sprava (Common Cause) civic move- will save me from similar behavior by [my] colleagues from before his final appeal was heard and because a person is ment and National Deputy Andrii Parubii of the Our presumed innocent until proven guilty, he is still technical- Ukraine-People’s Self-Defense Bloc. (Continued on page 4) ly presumed innocent. In a statement to The Ukrainian Weekly, Mr. Demjanjuk’s son, John Jr., said: “My father died a free man, innocent and not convicted Tymoshenko accused of “high treason” since a successful appeal could not conclude upon his death. Over the last 35 years, the only criminal proceeding RFE/RL “bear signs of high treason.” that did conclude resulted in an Israeli acquittal. The report alleges that Ms. Tymoshenko acted “in favor KYIV – A majority in the Ukrainian Parliament has “Since the accusations in Germany, I stated that it was a of a foreign state” because her private company alleg- voted to accuse jailed former Prime Minister Yulia political farce as, at his advanced age and poor health, he edly owed Russia’s Defense Ministry more than $400 Tymoshenko of committing “high treason” during could not survive another legal process. As Nazi Germany million and she possibly faced criminal prosecution. committed crimes against humanity by killing a forgotten negotiations on a 2009 gas contract with Russia. Ms. Tymoshenko’s office dismissed the accusations several million Soviet POWs by a tortuous starvation and Ms. Tymoshenko is currently serving a seven-year as “complete rubbish.” diseased death, today’s Germany intentionally chose such prison term on charges she abused her office during The European Union and the United States have a surviving POW as a scapegoat to blame Ukrainians for those negotiations, which resulted in an increase in condemned Ms. Tymoshenko’s prosecution as politi- the Nazi crimes by German criminals which historically the price Ukraine paid for Russian gas imports. cally motivated. went unpunished. Lawmakers voted to endorse a parliamentary investigation claiming that Ms. Tymoshenko’s actions (With reports from ITAR-TASS and the Associated Press) (Continued on page 4) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

ANALYSIS

Yanukovych to entice voters Vlasenko hopes verdict will be canceled Articles 364 and 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, pursuant to which former KYIV – Serhiy Vlasenko, a defense lawyer Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was sen- with handouts ahead of election for former Prime Minister Yulia tenced, despite the appeals of Europe, the Tymoshenko, has said that Ukraine’s Higher faction leader, Oleksander Yefremov, told a by Pavel Korduban which would be needed to unfreeze the Specialized Court for Civil and Criminal press briefing on March 21. “We do not set Eurasia Daily Monitor IMF loans – as an achievement to be proud of in the run-up to the parliamentary elec- Cases is obliged to cancel the verdict against the task to regulate these two articles... President Viktor Yanukovych on March tion. The IMF last month advised that the his client in the Russian gas supply contract Eleven EU countries have similar articles in 7 pompously instructed the Ukrainian gov- government hike domestic gas prices by 30 case. “Ms. Tymoshenko’s defense team has their Criminal Procedure Codes, as well as ernment to launch social reforms. The plan percent for households and by 58 percent currently received compelling evidence in four countries that intend to join the EU. boils down to bribing the poorest strata for utility companies. Without the hikes, the gas case regarding the absence of any Therefore, we expect from our European with handouts at a time when the coffers the state-owned oil and gas behemoth guilt in Ms. Tymoshenko’s actions,” he said colleagues an answer to the question of are nearly empty and international credi- Naftohaz Ukrainy, whose deficit amounted at a press conference in Kyiv on March 21. why they recommend that we cancel what tors want to see less government spending. to 1.6 percent of GDP last year, will contin- He said that the defense team had received they themselves have,” he said. (Ukrinform) The handouts are timed to coincide with ue to burden the state budget. an independent conclusion from a well- MFA wants international observers the start of a parliamentary election cam- Mr. Yanukovych’s pre-election initiative known legal expert, the director of the paign. must have caught even key members of his Alternatyva legal expertise center, according KYIV – The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Mr. Yanukovych may fall into the same team by surprise, as officials widely dif- to which there is a facsimile, rather than Ms. Ministry has asked Verkhovna Rada trap as his predecessors, President Viktor fered in their assessments of the spending Tymoshenko’s signature, on the directives Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn to invite inter- Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia involved. The president’s economy aide, for gas talks. Mr. Vlasenko said that the pres- national parliamentary institutions as Tymoshenko, who in 2007-2009 tried to Iryna Akimova, estimated that an addition- ence of Ms. Tymoshenko’s signature on this observers for the parliamentary elections in bribe voters with steps that looked suspi- al $1 billion would be spent from the state document was the main evidence of her Ukraine, and a letter of request has been ciously similar but lost popular support budget on all the new measures planned by guilt. The consideration of an appeal against sent to the chairman. The director of the along with damaging the economy. Mr. Yanukovych. This is no small sum for the verdict in Ukraine’s Higher Specialized Information Policy Department of the President Yanukovych announced that the national economy, equalling roughly as Court for Civil and Criminal Cases is sched- Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Oleh pensions would be raised from May much as Naftohaz pays Gazprom for uled for May 15. (Interfax-Ukraine) Voloshyn, announced this at a briefing in through July for some 9 million people who monthly deliveries of gas, which tradition- Association Agreement to be initialed Kyiv on March 20. “They [international par- retired before 2008 out of the total popula- ally accounts for almost one-fifth of nation- liamentary institutions] are traditionally tion of 45 million, as well as for military al imports. KYIV – The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs invited by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, retirees, war veterans and children from However, Vice Prime Minister Sergey Ministry has confirmed that the European rather than the Foreign Affairs Ministry. poor families. Tigipko estimated that twice as much, Union-Ukraine Association Agreement will Therefore, we sent a letter to Volodymyr He promised mortgage rates as low as 2 namely $2 billion, would be needed. What be initialed on March 30. “The ceremony to Lytvyn with a request to send such invita- to 3 percent from May, compared to cur- is more, he said the estimate did not initial the association agreement with the tions in accordance with the usual practice,” rent double-digit rates. He said the govern- include the planned compensations for low European Union will take place in Brussels on Mr. Voloshyn said. He said that Ukraine ment would compensate banks for the low mortgage rates. At the same time, he March 30,” the director of the ministry’s already has a tradition of inviting observers rates. Mr. Yanukovych also promised to pay asserted that the Finance Ministry had Information Policy Department, Oleh Voloshyn, from international parliamentary institu- 1,000 hrv ($125 U.S.) in one-off compensa- funds for everything (Interfax-Ukraine, said at a briefing on March 21. He said the tions, such as the Parliamentary Assembly tion to some 6 million depositors of the March 7). Ukrainian delegation would be headed by of the Organization for Security and defunct Soviet Sberbank (state savings The government has failed to explain Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council bank) (president.gov.ua, March 7). where exactly the money will come from. and that the European delegation would be of Europe, NATO, etc. He said the Foreign This is nothing new. All of Mr. National Bank of Ukraine Governor Serhii led by the managing director of the European Affairs Ministry had already sent a letter to Yanukovych’s predecessors raised pen- Arbuzov ruled out printing money. Mr. External Action Service for Russia, Eastern the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions sions before crucial elections. Ms. Tigipko said $375 million would come Neighborhood and the Western Balkans, and Human Rights inviting it to send Tymoshenko invented the 1,000-hrv hand- from a luxury tax and a tax on offshore Miroslav Lajcak. Earlier, a diplomat in observers for October’s parliamentary elec- out in 2008 with an eye to the January transactions, both of which the Parliament Brussels had told reporters that Brussels had tions in Ukraine. “Thus, we have fulfilled our 2010 presidential election. Mr. Yushchenko has yet to pass. He also said that as much as confirmed March 30 as the final date for the obligations, which Ukraine has within the blocked the initiative, so only a portion of $3.5 billion could be received from reduc- initialing of the agreement. (Interfax-Ukraine) Organization for Security and Cooperation the Soviet depositors managed to receive ing the share of the shadow economy (Inter in Europe, and we have done what our part- what was popularly called “Yulia’s thou- TV, March 9). PRU will not decriminalize articles ners in the European Union actively urged sand.” Ms. Tymoshenko lost the election to However, several months ago Mr. us to do,” Mr. Voloshyn said. (Ukrinform) Mr. Yanukovych who, ironically, has now Tigipko planned to use proceeds from the KYIV – The Party of Regions faction will resurrected her idea in order to defeat her two new taxes to finance the Pension Fund not vote for the decriminalization of (Continued on page 16) party in the elections scheduled for deficit, which amounted to 1.4 percent of October 28. International creditors did not GDP last year. If the proceeds are used on like “Yulia’s thousand,” so complications pension hikes instead, the gap will hardly with the International Monetary Fund narrow, making it even harder for the gov- he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 (IMF) are inevitable again. ernment to negotiate with the IMF and T U W However, Mr. Yanukovych apparently other international financial institutions. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., has abandoned the hope of receiving any- As to the shadow economy, no Ukrainian a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. thing from the $15 billion assistance pack- government has thus far managed to signif- Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. age, which the IMF froze last year, at least icantly reduce its share, estimated at 30-50 Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. until after the election. Addressing female percent. It is not clear how Mr. Tigipko is (ISSN — 0273-9348) dignitaries on March 6 ahead of International going to proceed with that, given that Women’s Day on March 8, which is a holi- Ukraine’s taxation system remains one of The Weekly: UNA: day in Ukraine, Mr. Yanukovych said his gov- the world’s worst, according to the World Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 ernment “has not accepted and will never Bank’s Doing Business survey for 2012. accept” the IMF’s condition to increase President Yanukovych himself was even Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz domestic gas prices (UNIAN, March 6). less convincing, speaking in an interview 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas This is a sure sign that the ruling party P.O. Box 280 will present the refusal to hike gas prices – (Continued on page 7) Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected]

The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com

Yulia denied treatment outside prison The Ukrainian Weekly, March 25, 2012, No. 13, Vol. LXXX Copyright © 2012 The Ukrainian Weekly RFE/RL has told the media that the former prime minister has a spinal hernia and suffers KYIV – Ukrainian officials said jailed from constant and intense pain. ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has German doctors, who examined Ms. ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA been denied medical treatment outside Tymoshenko earlier this month, have con- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 prison, as recommended by doctors. cluded that she urgently needs complex e-mail: [email protected] Her supporters said on March 15 that treatment in a specialized facility in Walter Honcharyk, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Ms. Tymoshenko had refused to undergo observance of international standards. fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] medical treatment offered by prison doc- tors. (With reports from the Associated Press Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 e-mail: [email protected] Ms. Tymoshenko’s daughter, Eugenia, and RIA Novosti) No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 3

NEWS ANALYSIS: Russia takes control of Ukraine’s security forces

by Taras Kuzio after Mr. Yanukovych agreed to the intro- Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. Allegations of Mr. Yanukovych and “The Family” whom Eurasia Daily Monitor duction of Russian advisers in the Security Russian’s and Mr. Putin’s influence over they will protect and defend to stay in Service of Ukraine (SBU) and coordination Ukraine’s security forces have been further power. Mr. Salamatin has no experience for The Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza and joint consultation with Moscow over confirmed by subsequent government re- the position of defense minister and, as (March 1) (http://wyborcza.pl/1,75248, future government appointments (espe- shuffles and appointments of Russian citi- political expert Vadym Karasiov pointed 11261360,Tajna_historia_przejmowania_ cially in the “siloviky” services). “The list of zens Igor Kalinin and Dmitri Salamatin as out, was promoted with the priority of pro- Ukrainy_przez_Rosje.html) provided these candidates should be personally SBU chairman and Minister of Defense, tecting the “Yanukovych regime” first and details of Russia’s growing grip over agreed by Putin,” Gazeta Wyborcza (March respectively. Ukraine’s interests only second (Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s security forces. According to 1) reported. Mr. Salamatin was born in Karaganda, February 9). Gazeta Wyborcza, then Russian Prime Allegations of Russian influence in the Kazakhstan, spent his working career in The head of the parliamentary Committee Minister Vladimir Putin only dropped his SBU and other Ukrainian security forces Russia and moved to Ukraine only in 1999. on National Defense and Security, Anatoliy support for Yulia Tymoshenko in mid- have existed for the last two years (see He illegally holds dual citizenship and is the Grytsenko, himself defense minister in 2011. This came about as a consequence of Eurasia Daily Monitor, March 18, 29, 2010; son-in-law of former Russian First Deputy 2005-2007, described Mr. Salamatin’s two factors. Jamestown blog, October 13, 2010). Prime Minister Oleg Soskovets appointment as a step backwards from mil- First, the criminal case against Ms. Russian citizens Igor Shuvalov and (Ukrayinskyi Tyzhden, February 17). itary reform. “This person never once out- Tymoshenko removed her as a political Viacheslav Zanevskyi are a case in point. Mr. Salamatin was elected to Parliament lined and obviously has no personal under- actor and counterweight to President Mr. Shuvalov runs “political technology” in in the 2006 and 2007 elections as a mem- standing of the direction of reform and Viktor Yanukovych, for whom Mr. Putin did the media for the Presidential ber of the Party of Regions and in 2010- development of the armed forces and not have a high regard. According to a U.S. Administration and Mr. Zanevskyi is the 2012 headed Ukrspetsexport, Ukraine’s improvement of its combat readiness, all of diplomatic cable, Prime Minister Putin “ head of President Yanukovych’s personal arms export agency. Ukraine had competed which creates serious problems in the ‘hates’ [Viktor] Yushchenko and has a low bodyguards. Foreign Affairs Minister with Russia on the international arms mar- practical field” (Ukrayinska Pravda, personal regard for Yanukovych, but appar- Kostiyantyn Gryshchenko and former ket under Presidents Kuchma and February 8). Mr. Salamatin, as a Party of ently sees Tymoshenko as someone per- Defense Minister Mykhailo Yezhel were Yushchenko but this position changed Regions deputy, never once initiated draft haps not that he can trust, but with whom lobbied by their Russian counterparts. Mr. under President Yanukovych when both legislation in the field of national security he can deal” (http://wikileaks.org/ Yezhel’s career was in the Soviet Pacific countries’ military-industrial complexes (Ukrayinskyi Tyzhden, February 9). cable/2009/01/09KYIV208.html). Fleet. Minister of Education Dmytro renewed their cooperation. Second, Mr. Putin changed his stance Tabachnyk was lobbied by Russian Mr. Salamatin, like Mr. Kalinin, is loyal to (Continued on page 4)

Former U.S. ambassador notes progress and setbacks in Ukraine

by Yaro Bihun the country claims a literacy rate of 100 Special to The Ukrainian Weekly percent. While metals, petrochemicals and some WASHINGTON – Since gaining its inde- parts of the agricultural sector are doing pendence 20 years ago, Ukraine has made well, so is the “shadow economy,” which is much progress and suffered many setbacks designed to avoid taxation and comprises in the process of building a new future for 40 percent of the economy, Mr. Miller con- itself as an economically and politically via- tinued. ble democratic nation. But it may well take Corruption, “lubricated” by bribery and another 20 years or more before it reaches kickbacks, permeates Ukrainian society that “promised land.” down to the lowest remote village level, he That, in a nutshell, could summarize a said. recent presentation on “The Present Public offices can be bought – reported- Situation in Ukraine” by William Green ly. In one case a party defector received a Miller, who was the U.S. ambassador to half million dollars and a $20,000 monthly Ukraine during five of its important forma- stipend for his seat in the Verkhovna Rada, tive years, from 1993 to 1998, and has he said. So can judicial decisions, as well as remained actively involved in helping admission to a university and high grades. develop the U.S.-Ukraine relationship since Ambassador Miller suggested that if then. Currently he is a senior policy scholar Plato and Aristotle were alive today and with the Woodrow Wilson Center for saw what was happening in Ukraine, they Yaro Bihun International Scholars in Washington, would recognize it as an oligarchy and plu- Ambassador William Green Miller analyzes the current situation in Ukraine at the where he discussed Ukraine on March 12. tocracy – the government of the few for the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington. At the outset, Ambassador Miller point- benefit of the wealthy few. And those few, ed out why he found it difficult to prepare he said, according to official figures, include tion, which gave rise to the Orange ments at the conclusion of the ambassa- this presentation: “I don’t like to speak 14 billionaires and more than 7,000 mil- Revolution and brought the Viktor dor’s presentation was an observation by badly about a country that I love,” he said. lionaires, 350 of whom comprise the large Yushchenko-Yulia Tymoshenko coalition to Mary Kruger, who served as the first cultur- He began by focusing on Ukraine’s parliamentary majority in the 450-member power after their three-month-long suc- al affairs attaché at the U.S. Embassy when domestic economic situation and its prog- Verkhovna Rada. cessful fight against the Yanukovych forces. it opened in Kyiv in 1992. She said that a ress in integrating into the world economy, Ambassador Miller noted that all of That coalition soon fell apart, however, and number of Ukrainians with whom she dis- which, he said, is “far from complete.” The them acquired their wealth over the past Ambassador Miller expressed doubt that cussed their country’s development world economic downturn – with its rising 20 years, which saw the old Communist this method of government reform from reminded her that, like the children of energy costs, falling prices for steel and met- nomenklatura succeeded by the present the grassroots level can now be repeated. Israel, they too may have to wander in the als, among other things – is having a nega- “authoritarian capitalist oligarchic nomen- Mass anti-government demonstrations desert for 40 years before reaching their tive affect on Ukraine, bringing hard times to klatura,” as he described it. now can be suppressed by the security “promised land.” the daily lives of its citizens, he said. After Ukraine gained its independence, forces, and anti-government political foes – Responding, Ambassador Miller said that The former envoy also pointed out that: it took five years for it to develop a demo- like Ms. Tymoshenko and former Internal an important question that is still being cratic system as described in its 1996 Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko – are prose- worked out today is developing Ukraine’s lives below the poverty level (which is Constitution – which was accepted when cuted and imprisoned. future identity, which he characterized as $1.25• 35 per percent person perof Ukraine’s day), ranking population it on the he was ambassador to Ukraine. The docu- And as long as this continues, the ambas- being “separated from Russia but linked to same level as Uganda. ment foresaw the fair distribution of the sador said, Western assistance to and Russia, different than Europe but linked to formerly collectivized national wealth. But acceptance of Ukraine into its sphere will be Europe, very different from the United - it did not work out that way, he said, and forestalled. “European and U.S. support for States but linked to the United States.” neurs• Its have inflation closed rate shop. is 5-9 percent. this has to be rectified. Ukraine’s present economic and political “It will take at least 40 years,” he added. • More than a million small entrepre Ambassador Miller noted that the land difficulties has not been forthcoming as it During his long career dealing with threatening a meltdown “in the next few is the biggest remaining asset that still ought to be as long as these prosecutions international relations, Mr. Miller also months.”• Its financial reserves are dwindling, belongs to all of the people – at least on and misuse of law continue,” he said. served as the U.S. ambassador to Iran, was paper. “How the land question is resolved Independent universities and the media staff director for three Senate committees, in the coming months and years will tell are also experiencing pressure from the among them the Select Committee on which• Life to expectancy conduct business. is down. much about the nature of [Ukraine’s] Yanukovych administration, Ambassador Intelligence, shepherded the SALT I and “That’s• It has become a pretty a grimdifficult picture,” country the in future... and its social, political and eco- Miller said. Art and music are flourishing, ABM treaties through Congress, headed the ambassador said. nomic values.” however, but they, too, need nurturing and American Committee on U.S.-Soviet On the other hand, he noted that Ambassador Miller was an official protection, he added. Relations and was associate dean and pro- Ukraine’s health care is rated highly and observer during the 2004 presidential elec- Among the first questions and com- fessor at Rutgers University. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

The runners-up in the Obukhiv election consisted of Mr. Local vote seen as... Shafarenko of UDAR (22 percent) and Hanna Starykova of Russia takes control... the Batkivschyna Party (18 percent). The Party of Regions (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 3) candidate would have been defeated, regardless of alleged Parliament; that he allowed himself to degrade me in the fraud, if the pro-Western opposition had fielded a single Mr. Kalinin was born in the Moscow Oblast and spent eyes of observers and these female teachers. Afterwards, candidate, observers noted. his career in the Soviet KGB in Russia. Through the security they approached me and said, ‘Iryno, what do you want “I am more than certain that [UDAR Party Chair Vitali] service “old boys network,” he maintains close ties to from us? If they behave that way with you, then who are Klitschko is ready to unite, particularly after the latest so- Russia. Mr. Kalinin headed the Directorate on State we to them?’” she told the UNIAN news agency in a March called ‘results-providing’ elections,” National Deputy Protection, the former Soviet KGB 9th Directorate, which 19 interview (referring to the polling station’s election Kyrylo Kulykov of the Our Ukraine-People’s Self-Defense continues to have responsibility for protecting senior offi- commissioners, most of whom were teachers). faction said on his Ukrayinska Pravda blog on March 20. “It cials and is the closest Ukrainian equivalent of the U.S. She was rescued from the grip of Mr. Melnyk, nearly was precisely thanks to the opposition itself that the Party Secret Service. Two Russian citizens, Messrs. Kalinin and twice her size, by Spilna Sprava activists, as well as two U.S. of Regions candidate prevailed, which was practically Zanevskyi, have protected Mr. Yanukovych, which is a Embassy employees who were serving as observers – impossible in the Kyiv Oblast.” reflection of his paranoia and distrust of the SBU, which he Deputy Political Counselor Bradley Parker and another UDAR (Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform) has yet has never forgotten supported Mr. Yushchenko in the 2004 political attaché, Steven Page. to join the Committee to Resist Dictatorship – in which the elections (see EDM, December 3, 2004, June 28 and In mentioning “blue sweaters,” Mr. Parubii was referring leading opposition parties Batkivschyna, Front for Change October 28, 2010). to an alleged fraud technique in which voters not regis- and Svoboda pledged to support a single candidate for elec- Messrs. Kalinin and Zanevskyi are obligated to “The tered locally, or even those without any identification, tions – because UDAR wants primaries or objective polling Family,” whose gray cardinal is Oleksander Yanukovych, approach an election commission member wearing some- to determine the single candidate to represent the opposi- the president’s eldest son (see EDM, December 2, 2011). thing blue in order to gain a false ballot to cast. tion, rather than agreements reached by party leaders. During the Orange Revolution, when Mr. Kalinin held a UDAR party leaders said they would have backed the senior position in the SBU’s Alpha spetsnaz forces, he being employed, Mr. Chernenko said, while Mr. Danyliuk of Batkivschyna candidate in Obukhiv had the party offered (unlike most SBU officers) remained loyal to Mr. SpilnaСVU Sprava observers alleged didn’t at findleast the two-thirds “blue sweater” of the town’stechnique 15 objective evidence of Ms. Starykova’s popularity, reported Yanukovych. Mr. Kalinin’s appointment will increase polling stations employed the scheme. Mr. Kulykov, who was present in Obukhiv for the vote. Russian influence in the SBU. The “fake exit poll” claim, made by Spilna Sprava, alleg- A united opposition – supporting a single candidate in His appointment will also lead to enhanced cooperation edly involved Party of Regions functionaries posing as exit all single-winner, single-mandate (majoritarian) districts – between the SBU and the Russian FSB with whom they poll workers in front of polling stations. is capable of achieving a “convincing victory” against the both have a “common Cheka past,” Valeriy Khoroshkovsky Rather than performing an objective survey of voters, Party of Regions in October, Mr. Parubii stated confidently. said (Ukrainian Week, February 24). The FSB was expelled they performed reviews to find out how many hires fulfilled Failure to unite for the parliamentary vote could ruin from the Black Sea Fleet in 2009, but a May 2010 agree- their paid task of voting for the Party of Regions candidate. Ukraine’s future, he added. ment, signed a month after the Kharkiv accords extended The CVU did confirm unsealed urns in one polling sta- “Ukraine could lose competitive politics for decades, and the use of the Sevastopol base for the Black Sea Fleet, per- tion and a voting ballot improperly issued. Ukrainians could lose the chance for a choice,” he stated. “All mitted the FSB to return to Crimea (see EDM, May 24, The Obukhiv election also revealed that, besides elec- that we’re seeing today in the Russian Federation and 2010). Belarus will happen. On the daily agenda is, not only a threat tion subversion, the opposition has to be concerned about Mr. Khoroshkovsky, long regarded as a Russian agent of forming a united front against the ruling Party of Regions. to democracy, but a real threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.” influence in the Yanukovych administration, moved from the SBU to briefly serve as the finance minister and to the important position of first vice prime minister. Mr. cutors of the U.S.A. and Israel.” Khoroshkovsky was believed to be behind numerous scan- John Demjanjuk... On April 12, 2011, the Associated Press carried a sensa- dals in 2010-2011, when he headed the SBU, that under- tional news story, reporting: “An FBI report kept secret for (Continued from page 1) mined Ukraine’s European integration. One of the scandals 25 years said the Soviet Union ‘quite likely fabricated’ evi- was the July 2010 detention of Nico Lange at Kyiv’s dence central to the prosecution of John Demjanjuk.” The “John Demjanjuk, as a child, survived Stalin’s murderous Borispil Airport on the eve of President Yanukovych’s state reference was to the Trawniki ID card, a key piece of evi- forced famine in Ukraine. Having fought the Nazis as a visit to Germany. Mr. Lange is the Ukraine director of the dence against Mr. Demjanjuk used in legal proceedings in young drafted Red Army soldier, he survived when millions Konrad Adenauer Stiftung organization, and Christian the United States, Israel and Germany. The story quoted like him died. From childhood to elderly death, he suffered Democrat Chancellor Angela Merkel was forced to inter- the 1985 report of the FBI’s Cleveland field office, which while surviving unfair battles in Europe, the U.S., Israel and vene on his behalf. The SBU has also added over 10 addi- noted: “Justice is ill-served in the prosecution of an finally and inexplicably in Germany. He will be buried a tional criminal charges against Ms. Tymoshenko since her American citizen on evidence which is not only normally survivor of Soviet and German persecution, an innocent October 2011 sentencing. inadmissible in a court of law, but based on evidence and and free man who loved life and whose path was not guid- As head of Ukrspetsexport, Mr. Salamatin channeled all allegations quite likely fabricated by the KGB.” ed by his free will but by the strength God provided him to proceeds from arms exports under his personal control, Mr. Demjanjuk’s attorney, Dr. Busch, said the FBI report survive his journey home. His positive, caring nature and and the funds were paid to the Belize offshore company cited by the AP was “completely new” and was not among Primavera Financial Ltd. via Cyprus-based bank accounts. practical influence will be deeply missed and fondly the 100,000 pages of U.S. documents related to the case “Ukrainian arms trade cash flows are now completely cen- remembered by all who came to personally know him. that were received by German investigators. tralized and any foreign intermediaries have most proba- “Whenever we spoke of the community help and In presenting the defense’s closing arguments on May bly been excluded. Previously a separate offshore structure prayers, he was deeply and tearfully grateful to all who 3-5, 2011, Dr. Busch stated that German investigators had was set up for every major arms export contract. This supported his fight for justice.” failed to offer concrete evidence of Mr. Demjanjuk’s allowed several insider ‘clans’ to flourish, and was useful John (Ivan) Demjanjuk was born on April 3, 1920, in the involvement in Nazi war crimes; he underscored that his when supplying arms to both sides of one conflict” (http:// village of Dubovi Makharyntsi, Vinnytsia region of Ukraine. client had never served as a Nazi guard, but had suffered foreignnotes.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html). He survived the Holodomor, the forced famine perpetrated under both the Soviet regime and the Nazis. by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. During World War II he Dr. Busch also pointed out that West German officials Mr. Salamatin’s actions led to the Ukrainian company was drafted into the Red Army, and was captured by the had argued in the 1980s that their country didn’t have the Progress losing a 2008 contract worth $560 million to sup- Germans in 1942. He emigrated to the United States in right to pursue crimes carried out abroad by foreigners ply Iraq’s armed forces with 420 APCs and six An-32 air- 1952 and became a naturalized citizen in 1958. and that, for decades, they considered non-Germans who craft. This took place because of Mr. Salamatin’s conflict The Demjanjuk case dates back to 1977, when the Office trained at the Trawniki camp too insignificant to prose- with his predecessor at Ukrspetsexport who was responsi- of Special Investigations (OSI), the Nazi-hunting arm of the cute. In his final arguments on May 11, Dr. Busch accused ble for ensuring the fulfillment of the contract on behalf of U.S. Justice Department, began proceedings against him Germany of trying to minimize its own culpability by pros- an American intermediary, Oleg Yankovych (http://nashi- based largely on Soviet-supplied evidence. Mr. Demjanjuk ecuting foreigners like his client. groshi.org/2012/ 01/21/rehional-vviv-belizku-monopoli- was stripped of his U.S. citizenship in 1981 for concealing On May 12 Mr. Demjanjuk was convicted on 28,060 yu-na-ukrajinsku-torhivlyu-zbrojeyu/). It was assumed to information at the time he applied for entry into the U.S., and counts of accessory to murder, “one for each person who be logical for an American to be involved in the contract as was extradited in 1986 to Israel, where he stood trial for died during the time he was ruled to have been a guard at the U.S. had provided the funds to pay for Ukrainian weap- Nazi war crimes committed at Treblinka and was sentenced the Sobibor camp in Nazi-occupied Poland.” onry to arm Iraq’s armed forces. to death in 1988. The Israeli Supreme Court overturned the The AP’s news story about the verdict pointed out: The recent appointments have removed the security conviction in 1993, after newly unearthed evidence showed “There was no evidence that Demjanjuk committed a spe- forces from under the control of the oligarchs and placed that another man, not Mr. Demjanjuk, was the notorious cific crime. The prosecution was based on the theory that if them under “The Family.” Treblinka death camp guard known as “Ivan the Terrible.” Demjanjuk was at the camp, he was a participant in the “It is a sign that Yanukovych fears betrayal from within,” Mr. Demjanjuk was allowed to return to the U.S. and killing — the first time such a legal argument has been Mr. Karasiov says (Kyiv Post, February 9). Their primary regained his citizenship in 1998, only to be accused by the made in German courts.” Furthermore, as noted by The responsibility will be to defend Mr. Yanukovych and “The Justice Department of concealing his service at three other Guardian (United Kingdom), “no living witness could testi- Family” and ensure his re-election (see “Yanukovych Nazi camps. He was yet again stripped of his citizenship in fy to having seen Demjanjuk at the concentration camp.” Forever!” in Jamestown blog, March 6). 2002 and a ruling in 2005 paved the way for his deporta- The court sentenced Mr. Demjanjuk to five years in pris- The strategic factor behind these appointments is the tion to Ukraine, Poland or Germany. on, but ordered him released pending appeal, noting that “resolution of the 2015 problem,” Ukrayinskyi Tyzhden Armed with documentation provided by the OSI, he did not pose a flight risk. He was placed in a nursing (February 17) concluded. With Mr. Yanukovych acquiesc- Germany decided to prosecute him. Mr. Demjanjuk was home in Bavaria, where he died on March 17. ing to Russian influence over the security forces and the deported to Germany on May 12, 2009, and his trial in Surviving are Mr. Demjanjuk’s wife, Vera, his son, John opposition threatening if they come to power to annul the Munich began on November 30 of that year. The proceed- Jr., and two daughters, Lydia Maday and Irene Nishnic, as Kharkiv accords, Mr. Putin now has a personal stake in ings were subject to many delays and postponements due well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. maintaining Mr. Yanukovych in power indefinitely. to Mr. Demjanjuk’s ill health. According to a March 21 news report filed by Agence On February 22, 2011, in a statement read to the court, France-Presse, a German undertaker said the body of Mr. The article above is reprinted from Eurasia Daily Monitor Mr. Demjanjuk charged that Germany was holding “a politi- Demjanjuk will be returned for burial to the United States, with permission from its publisher, the Jamestown cal show trial” and was “conspiring with fraudulent prose- where his family lives. Foundation, www.jamestown.org. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 5 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

NEWS AND VIEWS The Ukrainian Weekly John Demjanjuk (1920-2012) Donor generosity is recognized Thirty-five years after his ordeal began, John Demjanjuk is at rest. He died 10 months after a court in Munich found him guilty of being an accessory to the mur- at U. of Alberta student seminar der of 28,060 people at the Nazi death camp in Sobibor. However, he died a free man, living in a Bavarian nursing home pending the appeal of his conviction. by Mykola Soroka Ukrainian Studies Ukraine Travel Award His lawyer in Germany, Ulrich Busch, on March 19 issued a statement in which at CIUS, which helped defray the cost of he underscored: “[Mr. Demjanjuk] is almost exclusively depicted as a convicted EDMONTON, Alberta – The establish- their travel to Ukraine. Both programs war and Nazi criminal… It is a fact, however, that my client has died unconvicted ment of a new University of Alberta- give students the opportunity to study and a free man. The verdict of the District Court in Munich is void and this trial has Ukraine Student Exchange Endowment abroad and gain new life experiences, failed. The Supreme Court can no longer clarify the question of guilt.” Fund was announced at a student semi- improve their language skills, and make The Demjanjuk case, as succinctly put by WKSU radio of Ohio, “broke new nar held at the University of Alberta’s new friends. legal ground in Germany. It was the first time someone was convicted there sole- Telus Center late last year. The event was In their joint presentation Ms. Holiyan ly on the basis of serving as a camp guard with no evidence of involvement in a co-organized by the Canadian Institute of and Mr. Kotsiuba, both from the Faculty specific killing.” That’s right: there was no evidence that the defendant commit- Ukrainian Studies at the University of of Mechanical Engineering, spoke about ted a specific crime; no living witness could testify that he had seen the defen- Alberta, the Alberta Society for the their experience at home and compared dant at Sobibor. Advancement of Ukrainian Studies and it with their studies in Edmonton. They What we’ve often referred to as “the strange case of John Demjanjuk” traces the Ukrainian Students’ Society. noted the importance of the balanced its roots to 1976, when a little-known Communist newspaper in New York City, “The purpose of the fund,” said CIUS and well-structured curriculum at the U Ukrainian Daily News, published information alleging that Mr. Demjanjuk was a director Dr. Zenon Kohut, “is to offer of A, course options, private rather than camp guard at Sobibor. The U.S. began legal proceedings against the Cleveland scholarships at the undergraduate or public announcement of grades, the autoworker in 1977. The key piece of evidence: an identity card from the graduate level to students from the greater openness and friendliness of Trawniki training camp for guards – its provenance uncertain – which was University of Alberta and universities in Canadian professors, and active student handed over to U.S. authorities by the USSR. Even today the authenticity of that Ukraine to study abroad for one or more participation in class. They also empha- card is questioned; an FBI report from 1985 that was unearthed last year by the semesters at a partner university with sized that courses they attended at the U Associated Press had concluded that it was “quite likely fabricated” by the KGB. which the University of Alberta has a of A tended to be more practically ori- Interestingly, perusing our files on the Demjanjuk case we came across an April valid student exchange agreement.” The ented than those in Ukraine, which 30, 1986, article from the Soviet Ukrainian newspaper Molod Ukrainy headlined exchange program between the U of A stress knowledge of theory. “The Vampire Lived in Cleveland.” Reproduced along with the propagandistic arti- and the Ivan Franko National University The students had little difficulty with cle was an ID card bearing a photo of a man much different from the one on the ID of Lviv has been in existence since 2006, the English language, since mathematical card seen at Mr. Demjanjuk’s court proceedings – clearly two different men were and more than a dozen students have terminology is universal. The Ukrainian presented as being John Demjanjuk. And that’s just one of the countless questions benefited from it. students also liked the U of A campus, that continue to haunt this case and call into question why it was ever filed. That same year CIUS launched an where all facilities are in one place. In That’s why, in a February 22, 2011, statement read in court, Mr. Demjanjuk appeal to the Ukrainian community to Lviv, by contrast, university buildings are could rightfully charge that Germany was holding “a political show trial” and help establish an endowment fund in scattered across the city. U of A libraries was guilty of “suppression of exculpatory evidence, falsification of history, intro- order to sustain the program and defray were also, in their view, convenient to duction of so-called legal principles which never existed in Germany previously, the expenses involved in studying use and usually had the required books conspiring with fraudulent prosecutors of the U.S.A. and Israel, and a reckless abroad. To date, CIUS has received many available. refusal of each argument, motion and exculpatory piece of evidence my defense small donations from 49 donors in In everyday life, Mr. Kotsiuba and Ms. has submitted which should have already resulted in my acquittal and freedom.” Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Holiyan noted the comfort and conve- Meanwhile, in the U.S., Dennis Terez, the federal public defender representing Ontario, Manitoba, and the United States, nience of Edmonton. They were impressed Mr. Demjanjuk in his final appeal in this country, told the Religious News Service totalling more than $15,000, which have by Canadian hospitality and attracted by (as posted on huffingtonpost.com on March 20), “We had far, far more of this made it possible to establish the fund informal student culture, as manifested story to tell, and we were in the midst of trying to do that.” The Demjanjuk and begin using its proceeds. in casual clothing and eating habits. defense wanted a federal judge to reconsider a December 2011 decision deny- The third student seminar on this aca- Mr. Pacholok (Faculty of Science) and ing his bid to regain his U.S. citizenship, arguing that the U.S. government had demic exchange, titled “Ukraine and Ms. Lirette (Faculty of Arts), along with failed to disclose important evidence, including the secret FBI report from 1985. Canada as Witnessed by Students,” fol- other students from the U of A, took the Mr. Demjanjuk is “a victim of German justice,” regardless of the trial’s out- lowed the announcement of the endow- MLCS summer course “Ukrainian come, Dr. Busch had said in his closing arguments in May of last year. But the full ment fund. It offered the best evidence of Through its Living Culture,” which has truth is that John Demjanjuk is a victim also of U.S. justice abetted by the USSR. the considerable benefits of the exchange been offered for the past 11 years. They to participants. The seminar featured first- found studying in Lviv an unforgettable person accounts by participants from the experience that allowed them to learn University of Lviv, Vira Holiyan and Ihor their ancestral language through immer- Kotsiuba. Also participating were U of A sion in an authentic Ukrainian-speaking March Turning the pages back... students Stephan Pacholok and Dominika environment and everyday experience. Lirette, who took the course “Ukrainian They attended regular classes taught Through Its Living Culture” offered annu- by Dr. Alla Nedashkivska, walked around Fifteen years ago, on March 28, 1997, President Leonid ally in Lviv by the Ukrainian Culture, the city, attended plays and concerts, and 28 Kuchma returned from a Commonwealth of Independent States Language and Literature Program in the went to cafes and restaurants. The stu- (CIS) summit in Moscow. 1997 Department of Modern Languages and dents were charmed by the rich cultural Speaking in Kyiv, Mr. Kuchma announced that the summit of Cultural Studies (MLCS). life of Lviv and its historical sites. Most the 12 leaders of countries that were once part of the Soviet Union was an unparalleled success. “Every country got what it wanted,” he said. Mr. Pacholok and Ms. Lirette were However, it was not clear what each country individually received. Leaders agreed to contin- recipients of the Ivan Franko School of (Continued on page 8) ue to work toward some kind of economic cooperation, the level of which was yet to be defined. Papers were signed on the development of transportation routes and customs controls among the countries, the formation of joint-financial-industrial groups and the defense of borders. The summit leaders also agreed that Russian President Boris Yeltsin would serve one more term as chairman of the CIS Heads of State Council, even through he had served five terms already in a position that was meant to be a rotating chair. Mr. Kuchma said that, for one more year, Mr. Yeltsin was the right man for the job. “I think we saw a new and different Yeltsin,” Mr. Kuchma said. “Over the last months he has had more time to analyze to what extent the world has changed, and that one country, using what ever force, cannot control change in the world today.” Mr. Kuchma added that Ukraine did not agree to the Concept of Integrated Economic Development, which was signed by most CIS members in January 1997. But, he said that Ukraine was not against partial integration. “Out primary concern will always be the national interests of Ukraine. I repeat that it is not important for us to be involved [in the CIS] 100 percent,” he explained. “In Moscow, as in the rest of the CIS, they have started to deal with the interests of Ukraine, not simply to look at their own interests,” Mr. Kuchma commented. “We under- stand that Russia, being by far the largest and most influential member, must be the unify- ing force. But its agenda cannot be the CIS agenda.” The leaders of Russia and Ukraine met for an intensive round of talks on issues that had kept the two countries from signing a comprehensive treaty on friendship and coopera- tion. On the agenda were the continuing problems with the division of the Black Sea Fleet and Russian bases in Crimea, compensation for tactical weapons turned over to Russia, Students (from left) Vira Holiyan, Ihor Kotsiuba, Dominika Lirette and Stephan Pacholok answer questions from the audience during a seminar “Ukraine and (Continued on page 15) Canada as Witnessed by Students.” No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 7

COMMENTARY A eulogy for John Demjanjuk

by Askold S. Lozynskyj Auschwitz camp from my father, who was a Ukrainian prisoner there from December The newspaper headline reads, “Nazi 1941 until January 1945. My father suf- dies, avoiding jail time.” By any measure, fered at German concentration camps for John Demjanjuk was not a Nazi. By his worst three and a half years. His trials are finally over! John Demjanjuk was a Red Army soldier, accusers he was a prisoner of war forced to John Demjanjuk, the victim of a failed essentially Stalin’s fodder at the battlefront, work in a Nazi concentration camp. The Soviet-initiated campaign to discredit considered by his commander-in-chief less article concludes, “Demjanjuk was the first Ukrainian nationalism, died last Saturday important than munitions. He was cap- man in Germany to be convicted for serving in a German nursing home. The Associated tured and endured life as a German POW. as a guard at a death camp – but without Press informed the world that Mr. The end of the war brought little respite evidence of being involved in any specific Demjanjuk was “convicted in May of since, being from the USSR, John had to murders.” How consistent! Over 36 years – 28,060 counts of being an accessory to evade repatriation to the USSR – a nefari- there was never any evidence. murder” of Jews at Sobibor. The conviction ous scheme of the Yalta conference where Following his German conviction and was appealed, but since he was 91 at the the Allies became complicit in Stalin’s sentence, the German government placed time, and already at death’s door because crimes. Finally, he managed to emigrate to him in a nursing home. The court lifted the of various ailments, the German higher America and lived there generally peaceful- warrant of arrest stating that further incar- court saw no need to render a quick ver- ly until that peace was disturbed in 1976. ceration would be unlawful pending the dict. And so he died, in Germany, home of What followed was 36 years of persecution appeal and that Mr. Demjanjuk would not be the perpetrators of the very crimes for by new tormentors, the Jews and the a flight risk because of age, illness and the which German courts had judged the Americans, and old ones, the Russians and lack of a passport. The Germans had no Ukrainian from Cleveland guilty. the Germans. intention of re-interning him. They were Despite the fact that no trial evidence I knew Mr. Demjanjuk and his family. I simply waiting for him to die. In any event, was presented to show that Mr. Demjanjuk met him several times. He always impressed under German law, a defendant is not con- was actually involved in a specific killing, me as being warm, good-natured and of sidered convicted until all avenues of appeal German presiding Judge Ralph Alt remarkable hopefulness. I met him last in have been exhausted. John Demjanjuk died responded to his death by claiming that he the Munich prison in November 2009 on before his appeal was heard. was part of the Nazi “machinery of destruc- the eve of his trial. Frankly, neither he, his Yet another example of the facts not sup- tion.” Jewish community leaders had some- son, his German attorney nor I fully under- porting the headlines! thing to say as well. “A death is always trag- stood the charges against him. But then this was the nature of John ic,” intoned Dieter Graumann, president of I suspect that the entire legal world mar- Demjanjuk’s 36-year ordeal. The facts never Germany’s Central Council of Jews. “But in veled when the verdict came down against did fit the accusations either. Mr. Demjanjuk this case it was important to put him on him. Similar charges had not been leveled The OSI had Mr. Demjanjuk extradited to was an enigma for his accusers. The accusa- trial and sentence him.” against any human being. In fact, ethnic Israel where, after five years of incarcera- tions simply did not stick despite fraud, per- For Mr. Demjanjuk, his trial in Germany Germans had been amnestied from similar tion, he was convicted of crimes against jury, cover-up and the incessant pressure was only the last in a series of legal ordeals prosecution by the German government in humanity and sentenced to hang. At about from the Holocaust drummers. which began in Cleveland in 1977, when he the 1960s. Here was a case that flew in the the same time, the USSR collapsed. The Over the summer my son, who was was convicted of falsifying his U.S. visa face of basic tenets of jurisprudence – defense team went to Ukraine and discov- entering high school, was assigned to read application in 1951. Convicted not of being selective prosecution, unequal treatment ered incontrovertible proof that Ivan the “Night” by Elie Wiesel, an overwhelmingly a “Nazi,” mind you. Not of being involved in before the law, etc. Terrible was someone else. The Israeli moving memoir by a Jewish inmate at the any war crimes. Not even of being in any of I am not suggesting that John Demjanjuk Supreme Court exonerated Mr. Demjanjuk notorious Auschwitz concentration camp. the Nazi death camps. No. In the U.S. Mr. was a saint, after all he was a human being and he returned to his family in Cleveland. Mr. Wiesel was brought to Auschwitz from Demjanjuk was convicted of a civil offense. and, I am sure, had many faults. I do con- Meanwhile, a federal district court ruled Romania. He wrote of unspeakable horrors, Under intense pressure from the Jewish sider him a martyr. He was a victim of that, in withholding exculpatory evidence including one where a Jewish acquaintance American establishment, the newly estab- German cruelty, Russian perjury, American during the Cleveland trial, the OSI had per- who was deemed fit for work was forced to lished Office of Special Investigations (OSI) irresponsibility at the very least, criminali- petrated a “fraud upon the court.” Anxious work in the crematorium and pushed his in the Department of Justice was in need of ty possibly, and the immorality of the to save face, the OSI convinced Germany to own father into the oven. a high-profile conviction. And Mr. Jewish Holocaust industry. Certainly he has try Mr. Demjanjuk. Germany was deter- Mr. Wiesel suffered at German concen- Demjanjuk, quickly labeled as “Ivan the gone to a better place where the judge is mined to demonstrate to the world that tration camps from May 1944 until January Terrible” of Treblinka, was the perfect not beholden to anyone, where justice is other nationalities were complicit in the 1945 at Auschwitz and then at another pawn. From that moment on until the day evenhanded, and John should be rewarded Holocaust, not just Germans. camp until early April 1945 when the he died, Mr. Demjanjuk was labeled a for his egregious suffering. I am proud to A court in Munich agreed to a new trial, Americans liberated him, a total of some 11 “Nazi” by the mass media. It didn’t matter months. I knew about the notorious have known him. although a German amnesty protected that he was never a member of Hitler’s Germans who served as Nazi camp guards National Socialist Party. The OSI said he from prosecution for their wartime activity. was a “Nazi,” and the fix was in. Mr. Demjanjuk was found guilty on the How was that possible? Phony evidence premise that if he was at Sobibor he was a Children’s Medical Foundation and questionable testimony. The only “evi- participant in the killings that went on dence” was a forged “identity” card sup- there – establishing a new legal precedent. plied by the Soviet Union that purportedly He was sentenced to five years in prison. helps hospitals in Ukraine demonstrated that Mr. Demjanjuk had Placed in a nursing home pending his trained to be a Nazi death camp guard at PHILADELPHIA – Penn Medicine gradu- geons,” explained Dr. Bartlett. In addition, appeal, he died. His trials were finally over. the Trawniki training camp. Amazingly, the ate Scott P. Bartlett, M.D., and Wharton CMF will fund new equipment purchases So whom should Ukrainians blame for FBI had discovered the forgery in the M.B.A. graduate Anne Van Gilson joined that compliment what the guest surgeons this outrageous travesty of justice? I have 1970s, but it was not until 2011 that this forces in 2005 to create Children’s Medical learned while at CHOP. “We kicked off a reached my own conclusion, outlined in my was made public. Foundation of Central and Eastern Europe $250,000 annual campaign in December recently published book. Read it and learn The questionable testimony was offered (CMF) and their impact has been felt in six 2011 to fund initiatives like these,” added more. It is available for $17 (including by Treblinka survivors who claimed (more countries and 14 pediatric hospitals inter- Ms. Van Gilson, who serves as CMF’s director. postage) from Ukrainian Educational than 40 years after the death camp was nationally, as well as at the Children’s When Dr. Bartlett and Ms. Van Gilson Associates, 107 Ilehamwood Drive, DeKalb, closed) that Mr. Demjanjuk was indeed Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). came together in 2005, they had a dream of IL, 60115. Ivan the Terrible. The memory of CMF gives new equipment grants to pedi- narrowing the gap between Western pedi- Holocaust survivors is never flawed, never atric hospitals in Bulgaria, Georgia, atric medicine and lagging systems in Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is Romania, Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland. Central and Eastern Europe. Nearly seven to be questioned. [email protected]. CMF also funds the CMF Traveling Scholars years later, CMF has helped thousands of Program and this past fall, six renowned children and has ambitious plans for 2012 surgeons from Ukraine, Lithuania and and beyond. 2009, has not yet returned to the pre-crisis Poland spent two to six weeks each at CHOP, “As a registered 501 (c) (3) public charity, Yanukovych... level. observing techniques and procedures in the our mission is to improve the lives of chil- Moreover, excessive optimism about rev- departments of Critical Care Medicine, and dren in Central and Eastern Europe by pro- (Continued from page 2) enues may be dangerous at a time when Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery. One viding desperately needed funding to well- the government is struggling to refinance more CMF Traveling Scholar arrives from managed yet under-funded hospitals of the with 1+1 TV on March 11. He claimed that its external debt and with contagion from Poland in early 2012 and will mentor with region,” Ms. Van Gilson explained. “We are GDP growth at 4.2 percent in 2010 and 5.3 the Eurozone crisis spreading to Ukraine. Bartlett in the Craniofacial program at CHOP. delighted for the opportunity to continue percent last year, as well as positive expec- “The exciting next step in the CMF to invite scholars to observe at CHOP.” tations for this year, allowed the govern- The article above is reprinted from Traveling Scholars Program will be for the For more information readers may ment to come up with the initiatives to Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from CHOP surgeon mentors to travel to the e-mail [email protected] or log on to improve living standards. However, the its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, region in order to reach even more sur- www.cmfcee.org economy, after plunging by 15 percent in www.jamestown.org. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13 Shevchenko is honored in Washington by Yaro Bihun Special to The Ukrainian Weekly WASHINGTON – Ukrainian Americans living in the U.S. capital area celebrated Ukraine’s great poet Taras Shevchenko this year much as they have done in the past – at their churches, Ukrainian School, the Ukrainian Embassy and at his monument erected here almost 50 years ago. A few individual bouquets of flowers appeared at the foot of his statue on the anniversary of his birth – Friday, March 9 – and a few more were added by visitors on Saturday, on the anniversary of his death in 1861. Being Saturday, that was the day he was commemorated at the weekly Ukrainian School, where the children came dressed in Ukrainian embroidered clothing and gathered together to recite his poetry, participate in a theatrical presentation about him and sing songs set to his words. Organized general community events began on Sunday with programs in the Washington and Baltimore area churches, and later at the Shevchenko monument, where the Washington Spiv Zhyttia Choir made a pilgrimage down from Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, where they sang in that parish’s Shevchenko memorial program following liturgy. Yaro Bihun The Washington area’s Spiv Zhyttia Choir celebrating this year’s birthday anniversary of Ukraine’s poet laureate Taras Shevchenko in front of his monument in the nation’s capital. Dressed in embroidered shirts and blouses and stand- nized by the Embassy of Ukraine and the Shevchenko ing at the foot of the Shevchenko monument on that unsea- Scientific Society. It began with a wreath-laying, prayers by sonably warm and sunny afternoon, the Spiv Zhyttia cho- the clergy and remarks by Ambassador Olexander Motsyk risters sang a short program that included the poet’s at the monument and continued with an evening program “Dumy Moyi” and “Zapovit,” milled about with some two at the Embassy. dozen of their friends and relatives and then went to the There, following remarks by the ambassador and Dr. Bier Baron Tavern and Restaurant across the street. There Bohdana Urbanovych of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, they continued the celebration over a meal and some the evening featured Dr. Larysa Onyshkevych discussing Obolon Ukrainian beer. “Decoding ‘Neophytes,’ ” Leonid Tysyachnyy reading a few Shevchenko was also being honored on Sunday at St. of his poems about Shevchenko, and vocalist Solomia Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Silver Spring, Md., Dutkewych and the Spiv Zhyttia Choir singing Shevchenko with a program that included a discussion about changes songs. in today’s Ukraine by Prof. Yuriy Matsiyevsky of the Ambassador Motsyk used the occasion to present the National University of Ostroh Academy in Kyiv. And in Embassy’s plaque of appreciation to Andrew Bihun, the nearby Baltimore, Ukrainian Americans were honoring president of The Washinton Group, an association of Shevchenko with a concert and reception at St. Michael Ukrainian American professionals, for his “significant per- Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish Hall. sonal input” into the development of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Leonid Tysyachnyy reads some of his poems commemo- rating Taras Shevchenko during the reception at the Shevchenko commemorations in the Washington area The evening concluded with a reception featuring Embassy of Ukraine. culminated on Tuesday, March 13, with an evening orga- Ukrainian cuisine.

UCC commemorates anniversary of Taras Shevchenko’s birth OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) cel- ebrated the 198th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko at a ceremony in Ottawa on March 9. Representatives of the UCC, including its national execu- tive and the Ottawa branch, the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Ottawa and the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women were joined by Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, former head of the Security Service of Ukraine who is now a leader of the Our Ukraine party, and Yaroslav Davydovych, former chair of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, at a short ceremo- ny at Ottawa’s Taras Shevchenko monument. Those assembled paid their respects to the great Ukrainian poet, artist and writer whose writings formed the foundation of modern Ukrainian literature.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress urged all Canadians UCC to take the opportunity to mark the occasion by visiting Valentyn Nalyvaichenko (left) and Yaroslav Davydovych their local libraries and borrowing books on Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadians and guests from Ukraine at of Ukraine at the base of the Taras Shevchenko monu- Ukrainian Canadian themes. Ottawa’s monument to Taras Shevchenko. ment in Ottawa.

community members. Dr. Zhi Jones (associate director, assist in this endeavor. The short-term goal is to Donor generosity... Education Abroad Program, U of A International) noted increase the capital of the fund to $30,000, earnings (Continued from page 6) the role of her department in promoting international from which could fund one annual scholarship of education and opportunities to obtain financial support. $1,000. The long-term goal is to reach $100,000, which important, they noticed a significant improvement in Dr. Colm Renehan (associate vice-president, Office of could provide two annual scholarships of about $1,800 their Ukrainian language skills after the course. There Development) acknowledged the unique achievements each. Currently, this amount would suffice to cover the were also very emotional moments when participants of the Ukrainian community in Canada and praised its cost of travel between Ukraine and Edmonton. (If writ- met their families, and Lviv was an excellent base from commitment to the support of worthwhile projects. ing a check, please specify that it is in support of this which to travel the country. CIUS regards the growth of the new University of program.) For further information, readers may contact The November 30, 2011, seminar attracted a sizable Alberta-Ukraine Student Exchange Endowment Fund as CIUS by phone at 780-492-2972 or by e-mail at cius@ audience, including students, donors, professors and one of its priorities and encourages the community to ualberta.ca. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 9

Detroit chapter of Engineers’ Society sponsors 47th Winter Ball

Christina Zurkiwskyj Debutantes and their escorts at the Winter Ball sponsored by the Detroit chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America.

by Natalia Lewyckyj Stefanie Marta Korol escorted by Andrew Shatynski, Lilia welcomed the guests and introduced Marko Lawrin as the Sachovska escorted by Michael Nona, Yuliana Bedrus master of ceremonies for the evening’s. In her opening WARREN, Mich. – The 47th Winter Ball with the pre- escorted by Nicholas Buhay, Larissa Marie Woryk escort- remarks, Mrs. Lewyckyj shared the historic role of the Detroit sentation of debutantes, organized by the Detroit chapter ed by Alexander Kucy, Rachel Joy Pawluszka escorted by Winter Ball to the local Ukrainian American community. of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America (UESA), Nicholas Casinelli, Bohdanna Halyna Cherstylo escorted She stated that it is noteworthy that over 400 debu- was held on Saturday, February 11, at the Ukrainian by Oleh Reive, Neonila Maria Kossak escorted by Bogdan tantes have been presented to Ukrainian society in Detroit Cultural Center in Warren, Mich. Kucheryavvy, Katia Maria Jurkiw escorted by Ross by the UESA since 1959. The Winter Ball and presentation Fourteen lovely debutantes were presented to Lindemann, Alexandra Schulte escorted by Gregory of debutantes continues to be an opportunity to bring the Ukrainian society: Christina Helen Onyskiw escorted by Pilchak, Diana Rose Sciacca escorted by Troy Seseck, and community together and to show our youth that we wel- Justin Hafner, Catherine Irena Dudun escorted by Stefan Olivia Claire Soroka escorted by John Moceri. Klek, Anna Rostyslava Small escorted by Carter Schwarz, Natalia Lewyckyj, president of the UESA Detroit chapter, (Continued on page 10) Debutantes presented in Philadelphia at 58th Engineers’ Ball

by Peter Hewka After the cocktail hour, Dr. Petro Hewka, president of the Dolinay), Vera Bohdanna Penkalskyj (Borys Chabursky), UESA Philadelphia chapter, opened the event and greeted Maria Andreevna Pleshkevich (Max Prybyla), Victoria PHILADELPHIA – The 58th annual Engineers’ Ball of the the guests gathered for this occasion in the hotel’s Grand Alexis Shust (Luka Zacharczuk) and Katherine Anna Philadelphia chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of Ballroom. He also introduced the evening’s masters of cere- Waskiw (Zen Smith). America (UESA) was held on Saturday, February 4, in the monies, Taisa Hewka and Marc Chuma. Dr. Hewka greeted each debutante in the name of the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel in Trevose, Pa. The debutantes and their escorts were formally present- UESA and congratulated them, as his wife, Orysia, placed This year’s Engineers’ Ball included an open-bar cocktail ed by the MCs. They were as follows (escorts’ names are in commemorative sashes on them. hour, followed by the presentation of the debutantes, and parentheses): Nina Victoria Cairns (Gregory Gudziak), The Debutante Committee, Halia Wirstiuk and Anya then the banquet and ball. The Vorony Orchestra provided Sophia Salomea Farion (Oleksa Rybchuk), Melanie Maria music for the guests’ enjoyment. Klufas (Maxim Zwarycz), Natalie Anna Midzak (Adrian (Continued on page 14)

C & C Photographers A beautiful “Hopak” lift. The 2012 debutantes and their escorts at the Philadelphia Engineers’ Ball. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

UMANA Illinois Debutante Ball celebrates its 51st year Chicago’s Ukrainian community. The debutantes bowed charmingly and gracefully as they were introduced, along with their proud parents and escorts. In all the years debu- tantes have been presented at the ball, this was the first year that twins participated. The young ladies and their escorts had begun practicing their opening waltz months in advance, and they per- formed an intricate and beautiful dance program under the expert choreography of Roxana Dykyj-Pylypczak with help from Adriana Striltschuk-Karawan. In their flowing white gowns and holding their pink bouquets, the debutantes danced elegantly and effortlessly to the sounds of Strauss waltzes, first with their fathers, and then with their escorts. Dr. Charuk welcomed the debutantes, their parents, escorts and guests, who came from all over the United States and Canada for this charity ball. Dr. Taisa Szeremeta- Browar and Dr. Arkadiush Byskosh, speaking on behalf of the proud parents, warmly addressed their daughters, the debutantes, offering them continued support and wishing them well in their future endeavors. More guests arrived after the delicious dinner, and danced the night away to the music of Chicago’s renowned Good Times band. The guests, debutantes and escorts all partici- pated in the anticipated traditional folk dance, the “kolo- myika.” The debutantes were seen on the dance floor in their flowing white gowns performing beautifully choreographed kolomyika moves. The debutantes and their families cele- brated well into the night amidst fine music and friends. Traditionally, debutante balls help raise funds for chari- MVP Studios Photography ty. The proceeds of this ball and raffle will benefit the Debutantes and their escorts (from left): Alexa Liber, Roman Zwarycz, Kalyna Melnyk, Damyan Kolomayets, Foundation of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North Alexandra Saldan, Alexander Pilecky, Alexandria Byskosh, Zahar Buniak, Jacqueline Powers, Danchyk Gillespie, America. The UMANA Foundation, among other projects, Irena Browar, Nazar Bodnarchuk, Kathryn Liber and Mark Orland. awards scholarships to medical students and sponsors by Maria Hrycelak Guests and friends greeted each other warmly through- first aid and CPR certification courses for counselors of out the cocktail hour, hoping to win one of the many raffle Ukrainian youth organization and youth camps. Such CHICAGO – The Illinois Branch of the Ukrainian Medical prizes on display. Participants were seated in the stunning- courses were recently held in Philadelphia, Chicago and Association of North America (UMANA-Illinois) hosted the ly ornamental and uniquely decorated ballroom with light- Seattle. This spring the courses will be offered in several 51st traditional annual Banquet and Charity Ball with ed centerpieces on all the tables illuminating the hall and more U.S. cities. Presentation of Debutantes on February 11 at Chicago’s adding an air of sophisticated charm to the evening. The 2012 organizing committee included Dr. Charuk, historic Palmer House in the heart of the downtown The debutantes, their parents and escorts opened the Mrs. Holian, Dr. Maria Hrycelak, Dr. Diana Iwanik, Dr. “Loop” area. Planning and preparation for this annual formal program with a grand entrance into the main hall. Theresa Kuritza, Larissa Iwanetz and Kathryn Hrynewycz. event began months ago, leading to a memorable and suc- Dr. George Charuk, president of UMANA-Illinois, and his The next UMANA Illinois Debutante Ball will be held on cessful event for all. wife Katherine Holian, presented the seven debutantes to February 2, 2013.

MVP Studios Photography Greg Sidelnik Debutantes happily smile for the camera. Alexandria Byskosh and Zahar Buniak dance the waltz.

the debutantes danced with their fathers. The debutantes to the music of the renowned Svitanok band from the Detroit chapter... then presented their mothers with long-stemmed roses New York area. The evening was enjoyed by all, with (Continued from page 9) as an expression of love and gratitude. many of the guests sharing stories of past Winter Balls The formal presentation of the evening’s events con- hosted by the UESA in the Detroit community. come their role within the Ukrainian community, she cluded with a toast to the debutantes. Mr. Lawrin The familiar music of band Svitanok kept the dance noted. addressed them with a congratulatory message that noted floor busy up to the very last dance, and the success of the Over 300 guests gathered at the Ukrainian Cultural the importance of the debutantes assuming leadership evening imparted a certainty that this local Ukrainian tra- Center for dinner. All attention was focused on the debu- roles in the Ukrainian community. The debutantes were dition will continue well into the future. It was an elegant tantes as the master of ceremonies, introduced them and then congratulated by all with a champagne toast and a and magical evening that will leave everlasting memories shared their academic achievements, talents and life goals. resounding “Mnohaya Lita.” for the debutantes and their families. Following the formal introductions, the evening’s fes- Mr. Lawrin then invited the Rev. Daniel Schaicoski, pas- The 2012 Debutante Winter Ball Committee was co- tivities began with the debutantes’ first dance with their tor and superior of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian chaired by Ms. Sawicky and Ms. Lewyckyj. Committee escorts. The elegant presentation, choreographed by Catholic Church, to lead the prayer before dinner. members included Mr. Lawrin, Dr. Nestor Rychtyckyj, Dr. Dianna Korduba Sawicky and Ms. Lewyckyj, continued as The festivities continued after dinner, as guests danced Ksenia Kozak, Myron Senyk and Ihor Senyk. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 11

YCPhotoDesigns The 18 Ukrainian American Youth Association debutantes and their escorts. UAYA’s 48th annual debutante ball held in New Jersey

The debutantes and their escorts perform the traditional waltz. The debutantes and their escorts dazzle the crowd with intricate choreography.

by Natalka Horbachevsky This year’s debutantes were: Marta Yarish (Passaic, N.J.), escorts. Choreographed by Hryhoriy Momot, who has escorted by Petro Chudolij; Zoryana Zaryckyj (New York), arranged the dance at every UAYA debutante ball for over a PARSIPPANY, N.J. – On February 18, the Ukrainian escorted by Theodore Bodnar; Olenka Omeliach (Hartford, decade, the girls and their partners dazzled the guests with American Youth Association (UAYA) hosted its 48th annual Conn.), escorted by Roman Diduch; Maria Surmachevska lifts and twirls. After the applause, the debutantes’ fathers Debutante Ball in Parsippany, N.J. Eighteen young women (Passaic), escorted by Alex Drobot; Sofia Soroka (Jersey took their daughters to dance, marking the beginning of made their debut before a full ballroom of nearly 600 din- City, N.J.) escorted by Ryan Zawojski; Ola Bihuniak the ball itself. ner guests, with more guests joining the celebration after (Passaic), escorted by Michael Betley; Nadia Anna Klapacz After a blessing led by the master and mistress of cere- the banquet to welcome the debutantes into the UAYA (Whippany, N.J.), escorted by Rostyk Sydor; Diana Luba mony, the guests sat down to dinner, and soon afterwards community. Mikula (Whippany), escorted by Nicholas Holowko; Lesia the zabava began. Two talented bands, Hrim from New The debutante ball is a longstanding tradition among Dubenko (Philadelphia), escorted by Alexander York and Vorony from Syracuse, N.Y., kept the crowd danc- the UAYA members of the Northeast. This year, the debu- Szemeczko; Jessica Chrystia Demianicz (Jersey City), ing all night with nonstop music. One of the highlights of tantes came from Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New escorted by Paul Doboszczak; Nusia Kerda (Baltimore), the ball is the high-energy “kolomyika” and this year’s saw York, Pennsylvania and Virginia for the black-tie affair, escorted by Basil Stolar; Karinna Anna Hudyma many members of local dance ensembles take turns on the which combines a ceremonial presentation of debutantes (Baltimore, N.Y.), escorted by Michael Szafran; Victoria dance floor to show off their steps. with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour, dinner and danc- Anna Charuk (Binghamton), escorted by Stepan The debutante ball was a great success and a wonderful ing. Kobyleckyj; Christina Maria DeBruin (Yonkers, N.Y.), evening for the debutantes. From the polished debutantes After the cocktail hour, Larysa Blahy-Tatarenko, chair of escorted by Matthew Skalski; Romanna Dumyak and escorts and their supportive families, to the dinner the Debutante Committee, welcomed the guests to the for- (Philadelphia), escorted by Dmytro Hryckowian; Dana music provided by Andrij Stasiw, the evening was elegant mal part of the evening in the ballroom. She also intro- Kurylyk (New York), escorted by Andrew Kebalo; Christine and joyful. The night continues to be one of the highlights duced this year’s master and mistress of ceremonies, Olia Mlynaryk (Yonkers) escorted by Matthew Tomaszewsky; of the UAYA calendar and an event many Ukrainians in the Figol and Yuriy Symczyk. Ms. Figol and Mr. Symczyk are and Oksana Varshavsky (Whippany), escorted by Northeast look forward to annually, a time to celebrate the both active members of the UAYA and had the pleasure of Alexander Syzonenko. new generation of UAYA members and catch up with old presenting this year’s debutantes and their chosen escorts. After the presentation, Sofia Soroka read the “pryrech- friends. Each girl walked through the ballroom to the center of ennia,” or oath, that is read each year by a selected debu- The event would not be possible without the generous the dance floor, greeting her parents and handing her tante. Next, Andriy Bihun, president of the UAYA, support of sponsors and supporters, including SUMA mother a red rose. Thanking her parents graciously for addressed the crowd, warmly welcoming friends, family Federal Credit Union in Yonkers, Ukrainian National their love and support, the debutante then received her and fellow UAYA members to the auspicious occasion. Federal Credit Union, Yonkers Dim-SUMA, and Selfreliance bouquet and met her escort. As the couple walked around Speaking to the debutantes directly, Mr. Bihun congratulat- Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union. the perimeter of the floor in front of the attentive guests, ed them on this milestone and encouraged their continued The UAYA Debutante Ball Committee for 2012 was com- the master and mistress of ceremonies read out their aca- participation in UAYA programs and the national and glob- posed of Ms. Blahy-Tatarenko (chair), Genya Kuzmowycz demic accomplishments and activities, highlighting in par- al Ukrainian community. Blahy, Darka Horbachevsky, Olia Zahnijnyj, Natalka ticular their involvement in the UAYA. Each debutante then The last portion of the formal program was the Horbachevsky and Myron Pryjmak. curtsied to the cheering crowd. Viennese waltz performed by the debutantes and their Next year’s ball will take place on February 9. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

Fourteen debutantes presented at Chervona Kalyna Ball

by Pavlo Jarymowycz EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On February 11, the Ukrainian American community attended the annual Chervona Kalyna Ball at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in East Rutherford, N.J. Following a formal cocktail hour, Ihor Sochan, the chair of the Chervona Kalyna Planning Committee, welcomed the guests seated in the ballroom, among them Yuriy Sergeyev, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, and his wife Nataliya, and Serhij Pohoreltsev, consul general of Ukraine in New York and his wife Svitlana. The evening’s program then progressed to presentations of the 14 debutantes, most of whom were from the New York Plast branch. Master of ceremonies Orest Kebalo intro- Wowk Photography duced Olena Kebalo and Alex Kosovych, Debutantes and escorts with presenter and chair of the Chervona Kalyna Planning Committee: (first row, from left) Lesia Sisung who conducted the formal presentation of and Andre Wowk; Nina Dytiuk and Gregory Gudziak; Zenia Verzole and Andrij Tarasiuk; Maria O’Connell and Pavlo Kravchuk; the debutantes and their escorts. The cou- Oksana Kramarchuk and Paul Temnycky; Kateryna Huz and Alexander Syzonenko; Kalyna Iwasykiw and Stephan Halarewicz; ples made their grand entrance to Fata (back row) Ivanna Kiyashka and Oleksa Rybchuk; Tessa Junas and Paul Senica; Anita Chomenko and Roman Krywulych; Lesia Morgana’s rendition of “Oy u Luzi Chervona Danyluk and Andrew Klufas; Olena Kebalo, presenter; Ihor Sochan, chair of the Chervona Kalyna Planning Committee; Iryna Perkhalyuk and Joseph Kaminskyj; Andriana Ilnicki and Adrian Drobenko; and Taisa Hnateyko and Luka Zacharczuk. (Continued on page 13)

The debutante quadrille. Pittsburgh community welcomes seven debutantes

PITTSBURGH – At the annual “Vyshyvani Vechornytsi” on Saturday, October 30, 2011, sponsored by Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 27, seven young women from the Pittsburgh area were presented to the Ukrainian community. They are (from left): Taisa Chirovsky, daughter of the Rev. Ivan and Maria Chirovsky, escorted by Stuart McLaughlin; Romana Soutus, daughter of the Rev. Anibal and Sonya Soutus, escorted by Bohdan Mychailiv; Oiana Hlutkowsky, daughter of Roman and Shari Hlutkowsky, escorted by Mykola Korenovskyi; Katherine Harbist, daughter of John P. and Elisabeth Harbist, escorted by Volodymyr Sahaydak; and Victoriya Petrovych, daughter of Volodymyr and Zoryana Petrovych, escorted by Roman Sahaydak. – Luba Hlutkowsky No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 13

UAYA introduces debutantes at New Year’s ball in Chicago

by Deanna Wruskyj CHICAGO – The Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA), Mykola Pavlushkov Branch in Chicago hosted its annual New Year’s Malanka Ball, on January 21 at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Guests arrived at 6 p.m. for cocktails in the foyer of the Grand Ballroom. The atmosphere was joyous and friendly, as old and new friends greeted each other. Guests entered the hall and were seated at elegantly set tables. Beautiful commemorative booklets, created by Heather Baranivsky and Jaro Chylak, were included in the table settings. The celebration was opened by Olena Vasilik, master of ceremonies, who greeted the more than 350 guests present. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of eight lovely debutantes from both the Chicago and Palatine branches of the UAYA. The presentation was choreo- graphed by Adriana Karawan, who also serves as co-chore- ographer for the Iskra Dance Ensemble of the Dmytro Vitovskyj branch in Palatine. The 2012 debutantes (and escorts) were: Anna-Maria Bagan (Vasyl Ilchyshyn), Solomiya Chuyko (Phil Kulas), Caitlin Hirota (Paul Bozek), Maryann Krasko (Lucas Pylypczak), Kateryna Dyakiv (Markian Pylypczak), Victoria Zalizna (Alexander Ralko), Yuliana Nalysnyk (John Barkidjija) and Krystyna Lopez (Paul Halamaj). Each debutante was introduced, receiving a traditional sash and being congratulated by Paul Bandriwsky, presi- dent of the Mykola Pavlushkov Branch, as well as by Michael Osyka, “bulavnyi” (youth program director) of the Pavlushkov Branch in Chicago and Vera Fitzgerald, a mem- ber of the board at the Vitovskyj Branch. The debutantes’ individual presentations ended with each of them greeting the guests with a deep and graceful bow as their parents Élan Photography looked on, beaming with pride. Debutantes of the Ukrainian American Youth Association and their escorts at the New Year’s Ball in Chicago. Mr. Bandriwsky greeted all of the guests and their fami- lies with warmest wishes for the coming New Year. He fully choreographed dance, interweaving traditional and dancing to the sounds of the Rendezvous and Klopit, both wished the debutantes success as they embark on their Ukrainian flavor. Throughout a spirited series of dips, Chicago-based bands. At the stroke of midnight, New path into adulthood. Ms. Karawan continued with the pre- twirls and bows, they covered the entire large dance floor. Year’s favors were brought out, and friends and acquain- sentation, calling upon the fathers to lead their daughters Their radiance, grace, beauty, elegance and charm were tances embraced each other, welcoming the New Year. in a waltz. The mothers were honored next in a touching appreciated with extended applause from the guests Thanks and recognition were expressed to all those who ceremony, as each of the debutantes was given a long- Before dinner, guests were led in prayer by the Very Rev. helped make this lovely evening possible, particularly the stemmed rose to present to them. Bohdan Nalysnyk of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Malanka committee: Chairperson Deanna Wruskyj; mem- The spotlight was then on the debutantes and their Cathedral in Chicago. bers Heather Baranivsky, Kristin Chylak, Irene Czerniuk, escorts. They delighted the guests with another wonder- After dinner, guests enjoyed the rest of the evening by Nadya Dudycz-DiBartolo, Ms. Karawan and Andrea Mulyk.

by Ania Bohachevsky Lonkevych to the Ukraine on a gold chain. The glass medal- Hrabowsky (assistant), Yurij Jarymowycz Chervona Kalyna... strains of Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon,” lion, rimmed in gold, depicts a sprig of (invitations), Roman and Myrosia Sawycky (Continued from page 12) ending in a sumptuous “Blue Danube” kalyna (guelder rose) with copious red (reservations), Pavlo Jarymowycz (press), waltz. Throughout the evening the ball- berries. Olya Stawnychy (flowers), Marijka Sochan- room was packed to capacity with danc- Recognition is due to all long-standing Tymyc (tableau and program booklets), Kalyna,” with the debutantes clutching bou- ers reveling in the music of both Fata members of the Chervona Kalyna Planning Vlodko Artymshyn (videography), and quets of roses in various shades of pink. Morgana and Hrim. The debutantes and Committee and their co-workers: Mr. Andrij and Larissa Wowk (photography). Introduced were Oksana Kramarchuk escorts beautifully ruled the dance floor Sochan (chair), Yarko Stawnychy (vice- The Chervona Kalyna Committee cor- of Manhattan, New York City and escort and dominated the traditional “Kolomyika” chair), Andrey Kosovych (treasurer), dially invites everyone to attend next Paul Temnycky of Clifton, N.J.; Zenia that continued for nearly half an hour. Marta Kebalo (debutante group organiz- year’s Chervona Kalyna Ball, which will be Verzole of Clifton Park, N.Y. and Andrij As a special memento of their evening, er), Orest Kebalo (MC), Ms. Lonkevych held on February 2 at the Sheraton Tarasiuk of Newton, N.J.; Maria O’Connell each debutante received from the ball’s (choreographer), Olena Kebalo and Alex Meadowlands Hotel with Fata Morgana of Greenwich, Conn., and Pavlo Kravchuk organizers a glass medallion handmade in Kosovych (presenters) and Anna and Hrim. of Clifton, N.J.; Nina Dytiuk of Schenectady, N.Y. and Gregory Gudziak of West Bloomfield, Mich.; Anita Chomenko of Morrisville, Pa. and Roman Krywulych of Westfield, N.J.; Tessa Junas of Orange, Conn., and Paul Senica of Maspeth, N.Y.; Lesia Sisung of Staatsburg, N.Y. and Andre Wowk of Potomac, Md.; Kalyna Iwasykiw of Bronxville, N.Y. and Stephan Halarewicz of Cleveland, Ohio; Ivanna Kiyashka of Forest Hills, N.Y. and Alex Rybchuk of Arlington, N.J.; Kateryna Huz of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Alexander Syzonenko of Randolph, N.J.; Lesia Danyluk of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. and Andrij Klufas of Seekonk, Mass.; Andriana Ilnicki of New York City and Adrian Drobenko of Astoria, N.Y.; Iryna Perkhalyuk of Staten Island, N.Y. and Joseph Kaminskyj of Montville, N.J.; and

Taisa Hnateyko of Bellevue, Wash., and Wowk Photography Luka Zacharczuk of Worcester, Pa. Olena Kebalo and Alex Kosovych, debu- The debutantes and their escorts per- tante presenters at the 2012 Chervona formed exquisite dances choreographed Debutantes and guests join in the “Kolomyika.” Kalyna Ball. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

Philadelphia... (Continued from page 9)

Bohachevsky-Lonkevych, ably prepared the debutantes for the presentation ceremony and dances. Ms. Wirstiuk cho- reographed the introductory dance to the music of Richard Strauss’ “Der Küss,” and Ms. Bohachevsky-Lonkevych cho- reographed the second dance, a waltz. The choreography of both dances is new, and unique to the Philadelphia Engineers’ Ball. The dances were elegantly performed by the debutantes and their escorts, and the waltz culminated with the parents of the debutantes dancing with their daughters and their escorts. The dinner then began with an invocation delivered by the Rev. Ihor Royik, representing the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. Nearly 300 people attended the banquet, and more than 400 persons enjoyed the grand ball held afterwards. The Vorony Orchestra from Syracuse, N.Y., beautifully enter- tained the guests. Special thanks were offered to the Ball Committee, chaired by Orysia Hewka (who also prepared and edited the commemorative program booklet that was given to the debutantes, escorts, parents and guests), with Marijka Cyhan, Slava Halaway, Maria Schwed, and Marusia and Leo Dombchewsky, for organizing and taking care of all the many details to ensure a wonderful and memorable eve- C & C Photographers ning for the debutantes, escorts and guests. The debutantes and their escorts take to the dance floor.

TO ALL MEMBERS OF UNA BRANCH 349 TO ALL MEMBERS OF UNA BRANCH 120 Please be advised that Branch 349 has merged with Branch 269 As of March 1, 2012, the secretary’s duties of Branch 120 were as of March 1, 2012. All inquiries and requests for changes should assumed by Mr. Mark Szedny. We ask all members of this Branch to direct all correspondence be sent to Mrs. Valia Kaploun. regarding membership and insurance to the address listed below: Mrs. Valia Kaploun Mr. Mark Szedny 100 Montgomery St., Apt. 18-M 2120 Ritchie St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 Aliquippa, PA 15002 Tel.: 201-432-7357 Tel. 724-375-1448

104B 105B No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 15

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Parma parish has busy season by Wira Gernaga PARMA, Ohio – St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church, in collaboration with parish priest the Rev. Ihor Kasiyan, has been busy in recent months, beginning with the annual cele- bration of its patron saint’s feast day in December 2011. As a gift to all the hard-working parishioners, the luncheon that day was catered, in order to give everyone a chance to sit, cel- ebrate and connect with one another as one parish family. Parishioners were honored by the attendance of Bishop John Bura, as well as several area priests and their families. During the event, the parish choir under the direction of Vasyl Kobryn performed several liturgical musical selec- tions, and the Rev. Kasiyan delivered an entertaining speech. In short order after the feast day, the parish celebrated the visit of St Nicholas at a special event attended by the par- ish’s children, their family and friends, and parish priests. The annual Cookie Walk, a successful event for over 10 years, was outstanding. The parish sells home-made cook- ies, pastries, Christmas bread, varenyky, stuffed cabbage and borsch. In conjunction with the Cookie Walk, Social Committee members created care packages for Sviat Vechir (Christmas Eve) for homebound parishioners unable to attend liturgies or prepare the traditional foods themselves. Finally, the parish concluded the season with its annual Prosphora (Yalynka) luncheon. Luncheon participants were entertained by the parish choir, which sang tradition- al Ukrainian and English Christmas carols to put all in the Christmas spirit. Parishioners and clergy gathered for St. Andrew’s Feast Day at St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio. Turning the pages back... Jersey City Ukrainian National Home holds annual elections (Continued from page 6) by Anne Czujko Jersey City, fund-raising functions, as well as the hard the “zero option” settlement of debts and assets of the for- work of many members. Plans for continued and fur- mer Soviet Union, and the settlement of Ukraine’s trade JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Ukrainian National Home ther renovation projects were also described. debts to Russia. and Ukrainian Community Center of Jersey City, N.J., Everyone in attendance was invited to tour the Mr. Kuchma acknowledged that he and Mr. Yeltsin held their general members meeting and annual elec- building after the meeting and to enjoy coffee and agreed that the issue of the Black Sea Fleet should not pre- tion of officers on Sunday, February 19. cake. Everyone was also advised that the Ukrainian vent them from signing a treaty. “I do not believe that the Zenko Halkowycz was appointed by the member- National Home will once again be sponsoring Ukrainian Black Sea Fleet is the main detriment to a treaty. It has ship to conduct and preside over the meetings. Independence Day at City Hall in Jersey City on August become the focal point because the opposition has used it Ihor Kolinets, president of the Ukrainian National 24 with a luncheon to follow. to worsen Ukraine-Russia relations,” President Kuchma Home, reviewed the progress of the prior year. The The Ukrainian National Home election was conduct- said. “We agreed in Moscow that it is not a conflict, but a Grand Ballroom has now been completely renovated ed and the officers for 2012 are: Mr. Kolinets, presi- disagreement.” and rentals for the hall are coming in. The hall renova- dent; Ivan Byk, vice-president; Oxana Barkiv, secre- Mr. Kuchma stated that although no one should believe tions included a new roof, ceiling tiles, new carpeting tary; and Teresa Blazejowskyj, treasurer. that the Russian troops would leave Crimea any time soon, and dance floor, as well as the stage area and floor. Mr. The Officers elected for the Ukrainian Community he gave a time frame of five to 10 years for their departure Kolinets also described the improvements done in the Center for 2012 are: Jaroslaw Malynovsky, president; once an agreement is reached and the treaty on friendship main foyer, as well as the former Pine Room and coat Alex L. Haluszczak, vice-president; Hannia Czujko- and cooperation was signed. check room. Rozij, secretary; and Vasyl Nykolyn, treasurer. The improvements were accomplished as a result of Elections for directors and controllers were also con- Source: “Kuchma says CIC summit heralds new era in the generous support of several key sponsors such as ducted. relations among members,” by Roman Woronowycz, The the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and Self For more information, readers may visit the website Ukrainian Weekly, April 6, 1997. Reliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union in at www.ukrnathome/jerseycity.com.

The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Institute of America invites you to a memorial concert in honor of our esteemed past president presents Saturday, April 7 2012, 8 PM WALTER NAZAREWICZ “EUROPE BETWEEN THE WARS” Solomiya Ivakhiv, violin Joseph Silverstein, violin with performances by: Efe Baltacigil, cello Gary Graffman, piano violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, cellist Natalia Khoma, PROKOFIEV: Sonata in C Major for Two Violins, Op.56 soprano Oksana Krovytska, pianists Mykola Suk RAVEL: Sonata for Violin and Cello SCRIABIN: Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand, Op.9 and Volodymyr Vynnytsky KORNGOLD: Suite for Piano Left Hand and Strings, Op.23 Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. General $30, UIA Members and Seniors $25, Students $10 Reception follows the performance At the Ukrainian Institute of America At the Ukrainian Institute of America 2 East 79th Street 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 212-288-8660 • [email protected] New York, NY 10075 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

the conclusion of gas contracts between Visa-free regime no earlier than 2015 menting on the diversification of gas sup- NEWSBRIEFS Naftohaz and Gazprom, Ms. Tymoshenko plies to Ukraine. “There is a very interest- concealed from the public and the authori- KYIV – A visa-free regime between ing question – the question of reversing the (Continued from page 2) Ukraine and the European Union will be ties the existence of over $405 million of supply of gas, from Europe to Ukraine. This introduced no earlier than 2015 under an debt of her private companies to the Russian is what we call a real diversification of A report on “Tymoshenko’s treason” optimistic scenario, according to a political Defense Ministry. “Furthermore, the fact of energy sources. This will increase the analyst of the Institute for Euro-Atlantic KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada has heard the existence in Russia of a criminal case, in state’s energy security. If we bought, for Cooperation, Volodymyr Horbach, who and supported a report by an ad hoc com- which Ms. Tymoshenko’s guilt in repeatedly example, 45 billion [cubic meters] of spoke at a press conference in Kyiv on mission investigating the circumstances of bribing Defense Ministry officials was Russian gas, then now we can purchase 27 March 19. “I think that in the nearest three the signing of the 2009 gas agreements proved, was also concealed. These circum- billion [cubic meters], but 10-15 billion years it should not be expected. …In the between Naftohaz Ukrainy and Gazprom stances are undoubtedly evidence of a con- best case, it will occur after 2015,” he said, [cubic meters],” Mr. Unihovsky said. He and have observed signs of treason in flict of interests of the prime minister with answering a question on when Ukrainians added that in 2015-2016 Ukraine could Ukraine’s economic security. A total of 266 state interests, and they significantly influ- will be able to freely travel to the EU. Mr. receive about 20 billion cubic meters of gas lawmakers voted for such a decision on enced the prime minister’s decision in favor Horbach paid attention to forecasts of the from Slovakia. “In 2015-2016, the operator March 20. “In the actions of Prime Minister of a foreign state,” Ms. Bohoslovska said. She public organization Europe Without of the Slovakia’s gas transport system, Yulia Tymoshenko there were signs of crimi- also said that Ms. Tymoshenko exerted Barriers, which is engaged in monitoring Eustream, will be able to supply up to 20 nal offenses and personal dependence and unlawful pressure on the Naftohaz chief by the fulfillment of the Action Plan on Visa billion cubic meters of gas to Ukraine per interest going beyond the scope of abuse of obliging him to sign gas contracts under Liberalization, granted by the European year. This is a significant amount, and this power and official authority... as well as signs threat of dismissal. The report by the Union to Ukraine. According to the organi- is accessible to the Ukrainian market,” the of treason,” reads a report by the commis- Parliament’s ad hoc commission will be sent zation, completion of the first legal stage of expert said. Kyiv has been in talks with sion. According to the head of the ad hoc to the president, the prime minister, the fulfillment of the Action Plan on Visa Russia for a long time regarding a reduc- investigative commission, Inna Bohoslovska, procurator general and the Security Service Liberalization will take place no earlier tion in the price of gas, which it considers all the circumstances of the signing of the of Ukraine for a proper response, Ms. than 2012. “And there will also be the to be unfair and sees the gas contracts as gas contracts, which were reported by the Bohoslovska said. In addition, Ms. implementation stage, which is more com- one-sided. Russia, in exchange for the revi- members of the commission, should be Bohoslovska promised to send the report to plex,” the expert noted. At the same time, sion of the price, is seeking access to the investigated by law enforcement agencies, the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Mr. Horbach emphasized the need to recog- management of the Ukrainian gas trans- because the commission has exhausted its Assembly of the Council of Europe, the NATO nize the success achieved by Ukrainian port system. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov capabilities to do so. At the same time, Ms. Parliamentary Assembly, the presidents, authorities in implementation of the Action said in an interview with the German Bohoslovska said that the commission man- prime ministers and speakers of European Plan on Visa Liberalization, adding that, newspaper Die Welt that Naftohaz was in aged to find out that on January 17-19, 2009, Union member-states, as well as Russia, the “this trend does not concern any political talks with the German energy giant RWE during talks and the signing of directives for United States and Canada. (Ukrinform) things.” He added, “In this direction, the EU on imports of Russian gas from Europe to does not place any conditions of a political Ukraine, which will be cheaper than the character. This is an exclusively technologi- direct purchase of gas from Russia. In 2011, cal process.” (Ukrinform) Ukraine bought more than 38.5 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia, paying About Ukraine’s imports of Russian gas about $12 billion to Gazprom. In 2012, TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 KYIV – Ukraine could reduce the amount Ukraine plans to buy 27 billion cubic or e-mail [email protected] of natural gas purchased from Russia to meters of gas from Russia, and starting 10-15 billion cubic meters due to gas sup- from 2015, it intends to reduce the pur- SERVICES PROFESSIONALS plies from Western and Central Europe. chase of gas to 12.5 billion cubic meters per The secretary of the experts’ council on the year by increasing its own production and development of the gas industry and the implementing a project on the construction natural gas market, Leonid Unihovsky, of a terminal to receive liquefied natural announced this on March 19 while com- gas. (Ukrinform)

ОКСАНА СТАНЬКО Ліцензований продавець Страхування Життя OKSANA STANKO Licensed Life Insurance Agent Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. 32 Peachtree Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Tel.: 908-872-2192; email: [email protected]

HELP WANTED

CDL – Team Drivers Needed from the Detroit Metro area to drive dedi- cated run from MI to TX. Pay $1000.00 Three years ago, on April 3, 2009, we lost or more per week with minimum one day stay at home. Please leave message at 248-495-8508. Maria “Mima” Zobniw who died as a victim of the tragic Binghamton massacre. FOR SALE Our family sorely misses Mima who was a loving wife, caring and nurturing mother and sister, and a kind aunt who welcomed and tended to our circle of extended family and friends. Maria put into practice her values of helping others For sale 2BR corner apartment with and spreading knowledge about our Ukrainian culture and history. She was an outside patio in the Ukrainian Village, active member of her parish, Ukrainian school teacher, Plast counsellor, in Somerset, NJ. Asking $89,900. President of the Binghamton branch of the UNWLA, secretary of the UCCA local Contact Irene Kobziar 914-738-7845 (H) branch, and organizer of many public exhibits and programs about our Ukrainian or 917-842-8611 (C). heritage. Mima inspired us with her abundant generosity, selfless voluntarism, strength of character, gentle spirit and good humor. But most of all she comfort- OPPORTUNITIES ed us as a great listener who always had time to ease our problems and heal our hurts. Through her death we have lost a companion and mentor, and the world has lost a very special person. For our family, for the Ukrainian community, WANT IMPACT? EARN EXTRA INCOME! and for society as a whole, Maria’s remembrance, deeds, and example are Run your advertisement here, The Ukrainian Weekly is looking everlasting jewels. May she always remain in our hearts and prayers. “ W h o for advertising sales agents. can find a woman of noble character? She is worth far more than jewels. Give in The Ukrainian Weekly’s For additional information contact her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.” (Proverbs Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. 31: 10, 31)

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No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 17

КРАЙОВА ПЛАСТОВА СТАРШИНА В ПЕРШУ РІЧНИЦЮ ВІДХОДУ і КРАЙОВА ПЛАСТОВА РАДА НА «ВІЧНУ ВАТРУ» ділиться сумною вісткою з пластовою КРАЙОВА ПЛАСТОВА СТАРШИНА США родиною, що з волі Всевишнього і в середу, 7 березня 2012 р., КРАЙОВА ПЛАСТОВА РАДА США відійшла на Вічну Ватру поминають св. п. незабутню та дорогу подругу пл. сен. керівництва бл. п. ОЛЬГА КУЗЬМОВИЧ, ГР пл. сен. кер. Голова Крайової Пластової Старшини США ЕВСТАХІЮ ГОЙДИШ, ГР від 1960-1963 р і 1989-1993 р., Голова Головної Пластової Булави 1914-2011 від 1970-1974 р., яка довголітньо працювала як Головний Редактор журналу “Юнак” Голова Крайової Пластової Старшини США, від 1968-1992 р. Голова Крайової Пластової Ради, та Крайова Комендантка Новачок. ВІЧНА ЇЙ ПАМ’ЯТЬ!

Родині Покійної висловлюємо наше глибоке співчуття. ВІЧНА ЇЙ ПАМ’ЯТЬ!

With deep sorrow we announce that Stefan Kecyk of Gloucester, Mass., beloved hus- band of Christel (Becker) Kecyk, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the age of 87. Born in Ukraine, he was the son Ukrainian Medical Association of of the late George and Katherine Ukrainian Medical Association of (Leniw) Kecyk and the brother North America (UMANA) of the late Paraska Sychova. North America (UMANA) He was raised in Ukraine until the age of sixteen, when he left home to work With great sadness we announce to our members on the farms in Germany. It was in Germany that he met the love of his life Christel and, at the age of twenty two, they got married and immigrated toWith great sadnessthe death we March announce 12, 2012 ofto our members Australia. After living in Australia for sixteen years and with the birth of three chil- dren, they immigrated to the United States, first settling in Ohio and then the death March 12, 2012 of Gloucester, where they have since resided. Mr. Kecyk was a well-known self-employed independent contractor in the Basil Marchuk, MD Trucking Industry. Known for his dedication and hard work, Stefan earned many Basil Marchuk, MD contracts throughout Massachusetts. A long time dedicated member of the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church (1922-2012) family, Stefan was an avid reader, enjoyed watching soccer on television and (1922-2012)

working on his truck. He was an avid gardener who tended his vegetable garden President of the National Office 1987-1989 faithfully for many years and shared the fruits of his labors with others. Above all President of the National Office 1987-1989 else, his family here in the U.S. and in Ukraine was paramount. He enjoyed travel- President of the Illinois Branch 1973-1975 ing back to his home country visiting relatives and old friends. Stefan will be President of the Illinois Branch 1973-1975 remembered for his kind nature, his dedication to his family and his church and his always gregarious smile. The Directors express their sincere In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Stefan is survived by his children, The Directors express their sincere Rosemarie Romanyk and her husband Myron, Michael Kecyk and his wife Donna, Irena Burke and her husband Steven, and Steven Kecyk and his wife Marilyn, all condolencescondolences toto the the family. family. of Gloucester; his grandchildren, Natalie Romanyk, Nikolas, Alexander and Michael Kecyk, Erika and Kathryn Burke and Eric Kecyk, several nieces, nephews and extended family in Ukraine. Funeral services were held on January 25, 2011, from The O’Donnell Funeral BoardBoard of Directors of Directors Home, 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem, MA to St. John the Baptist UkrainianUkrainian MedicalMedical Association Association Ukrainian Church, Bridge St., Salem. Burial took pace in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Salem. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Stefan’s mem- of of North North America America ory to Autism Speaks, 1 East 33rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016.

98B 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

Through Art exhibit, “Artexistence,” featuring works by Emma March 30-31 Sale, “Attic Treasures,” Ukrainian National Women‛s April 23 Beglyarova, Ukrainian Institute of America, Parma, OH League of America – Branch 12, St. Josephat Astrodome, New York 212-288-8660 or www.ukrainianinstitute.org 440-882-3928

March 27 Presentation by Oksana Iurkova, “Mykhailo Hrushevsky‛s March 31 Multimedia performance, “Kilims and Constructions,” Cambridge, MA Life in Moscow (1932-1934): New Facts and Manuscripts,” New York featuring the New York Bandura Ensemble, The Ukrainian Harvard University, 617-495-4053 or [email protected] Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org

March 28 Film screening, “The Night Coachman” (1928) by Heorhy March 31 Easter bazaar, Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, New York Tasin, Ukrainian Film Club at Columbia University, Johnson City, NY www.sacredheartucc.org www.columbia.edu/cu/ufc or 212-854-5627 March 31 Performance, Duquesne University Tamburitzans, Peter J. March 28 Lecture by Timothy Snyder, “Bloodlands: Europe Between New York Sharp Theater at Symphony Space, 212-864-5400 Ottawa Hitler and Stalin,” University of Ottawa, [email protected] or 613-562-5800 ext. 3692 March 31 Easter bazaar, St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church hall, New Britain, CT 860-229-3833 or 860-677-2138 March 29 Book talk by Oxana Shevel, “Migration, Refugee Policy Cambridge, MA and State-Building in Post-Communist Europe,” Harvard March 31 Presentation by Oksana Blashkiv, “A Permanent Ticket University, 617-495-4053 or [email protected] New York Europe-America: The Correspondence between Dmytro Chyzevsky and George Shevelov,” Shevchenko Scientific March 29 Presentation by Tamara Hundorova, “Post-Chornobyl Society, 212-254-5130 New York Ukrainian Literature: Lost in the Nuclear Sublime,” Columbia University, 212-854-4697 or April 1 Easter bazaar, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic [email protected] Whippany, NJ Church, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-476-1970 March 29 Lecture by Timothy Snyder, “Bloodlands: Europe Between Winnipeg, MB Hitler and Stalin,” University of Manitoba, 204-474-9986 April 1 Memorial concert for Walter Nazarewicz, Ukrainian or 204-474-7866 New York Institute of America, 212-288-8660

March 29 Film screening, “The Desert of Forbidden Art” by April 1 Easter bazaar, Ukrainian Homestead, 267-259-3780 or Lehighton, PA 610-377-4621 or www.ukrhomestead.com New York Tchavdar Georgiev, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org April 1 100th anniversary concert in memory of Mykola Lysenko, New York featuring the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka, Gerald W. March 30 Lobster, Varenyky and Beer Dinner, Ukrainian American Lynch Theater, John Jay College, www.dumkachorus.org Whippany, NJ Youth Association – Whippany branch “Druzhynnyky,” Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-714-0389 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 March 30 Fish dinner, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Olyphant, PA Church, Regal Room, 570-489-4348 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

Gala celebration in New York to mark 100 years of Plast

by Chryzanta and Ksenya Hentisz Since the first Plast troops took the oath of membership in 1912, thousands of girls NEW YORK – The New York branch of and boys have passed through its ranks, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization is from “novatstvo” (age 6 to 11) to “yunatst- commemorating the 100th anniversary of vo” (12 to 17) to “starshe plastunstvo” (18 Plast by hosting a Gala celebration on April to 35) and “seniorat” (36 and over). 28. The event will take place at Tickets for the gala are $175; guests age Bridgewaters, which is located in the his- 30 and under may purchase tickets for toric South Street Seaport and commands $100. Tickets are available through April some of Manhattan’s finest views – from 20; they will not be sold at the door. Tickets the beautifully illuminated Brooklyn Bridge may be purchased online at the Plast web- to the tall ships in New York harbor and the site www.plastusa.org/ny100littyagala or Wall Street skyline. by sending checks made payable to “Plast The event starts at 7:30 p.m. with guests Inc.” to Lida Nolan, 848 S. Long Beach Ave., enjoying piano selections played by Andrij Freeport, NY 11520. Stasiw and continues with dancing to the Requests for additional information may tunes of Svitanok. Butlered hors d’oeuvres be directed to Emilia Liteplo at 718-435- will be offered during the cocktail hour, 0190 or by sending an e-mail to with serving stations offering a variety of [email protected]. foods for the remainder of the evening. A fun and exciting program full of sur- prises is in store, including the thrill of the chase in a silent auction in which guests will bid on extraordinary items such as art- works, jewelry and vacation homes. The slogan of the evening and of the worldwide 100th anniversary celebrations of Plast is “Be a spark.” With this slogan gala organizers hope to ignite excitement in the Ukrainian community as the organiza- tion’s history and contributions are recalled and honored with a look ahead to its bright future. The event will enable present and for- mer Plast members from all branches to enjoy an evening renewing old friendships, making new friends and revisiting their experiences as “plastuny.” 100B No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 19

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Otar Dovzhenko Intensive language study in groups of five to six students “It’s melodious.” “It’s exotic.” helps them understand the “It’s the language of my ances- locals, and recreational activi- tors.” “It’s the key to learning the ties help them look into the history, culture, and traditions Ukrainian soul. “Every time I of my people.” “Through this I’ll think that now I totally under- find my better half.” “I’ll commu- stand Lviv, Ukraine, or Eastern nicate more freely with friends Europe, something happens in and neighbors.” “Thanks to my life here that surprises me this, I can confidently travel incredibly,” wrote Sarah Sutter through Eastern Europe.” “It’ll in her journal. “I really like the help me in my work.” “I’ll be able fact that there’s always some- to read many interesting books thing here that can surprise in the original.” “I’ll understand what Oleh Skrypka, Kvitka you.” Cisyk, and the Hadyukin Last year some 50 students Brothers are singing about.” “It’s studied at the school, from the a bridge to other Slavic languag- USA, Canada, England, es.” “I just like it”… Germany, Australia, Poland, These and many other rea- Austria, France, and Holland. sons inspire foreigners to get The program is in its 10th suc- acquainted with the Ukrainian cessful year. Its results dramat- language. Some of them come ically disprove misconceptions from a Ukrainian background that the Ukrainian language and want to get back to their has no future and that there’s roots. Others are simply inter- UCU summer school 2011 students pose in folk costumes. no reason to learn it. According ested in the country and its to the book Ethnologue, more people. They travel to Lviv, the than 40 million people in vari- cultural capital of Ukraine and ous countries of the world the largest Ukrainian-speaking ‘Bus routes and bazaars’ fascinate students speak in this language, and city in the world. The Ukrainian this is the native language of 37 Catholic University’s School of million of them. Regardless of Ukrainian Language and of Ukrainian Catholic University’s Summer School all the disputes connected with Culture offers two months of the pro-Russian political forces total immersion in Ukraine’s in the current government, language, culture and history. Ukrainian has not only not lost Students leave not only with its status as the single state extensive knowledge but also language but it is gradually with new friends, unforgettable becoming a language of com- impressions, and valuable munication even in those areas experience. For those who were of Ukraine where Russian was born and lived their whole lives dominant in Soviet times. in western Europe or America, Fluency in the state lan- there is much here that can guage of the largest country in shock, or fascinate. Europe gives an additional To live like Ukrainians and advantage in the job search together with Ukrainians: that’s and career advancement in the simple recipe for effective such fields as diplomacy, inter- study. Experienced language national cooperation, econom- teachers and also tutors, stu- ics, education, and journalism. dents of UCU or other universi- “In my opinion, one should ties in Lviv, work with the pro- UCU summer school 2011 study foreign languages,” said gram’s participants. Some of UCU summer school 2011 students Maria Hewko and Paul student John Alexander Reves Bandera make pysanky. learns to make varenyky. Lesia Witkowsky, a participant them live together with the stu- in the program. “English is dents in dormitories. They help important for business, and them with homework, eat “I wanted to get home fast no. 39 and saw an unforgetta- Maybe everyone doesn’t like Ukrainian for the culture of my together, interact, and spend and I saw city bus no. 37. I ble exchange between an old bacon fat, but you can find leisure time together, providing asked: ‘Where are you going?’ lady and a bus driver. All the something to your taste in the ancestors.” constant conversational prac- The driver said: ‘I’m going passengers gave their two Ukrainian kitchen. When they Graduates of the School of tice. Or interested students can downtown.’ ‘No, no, no!’ So, hryvnias fare, but the old lady return home, the graduates of Ukrainian Language and also live with Lviv families. with all my groceries from the didn’t want to pay, or she the School of Ukrainian Culture reluctantly say “fare- The program is filled with supermarket I went on a ride didn’t have the money, I don’t Language and Culture can pre- well” to Lviv and often return: interaction in the Ukrainian- through Lviv. I had ice cream know. She took two big apri- pare authentic borshch for some to improve their fluency, language, not only study but which became milk. Now I cots from her bag and put their friends or introduce them others to teach English to also recreation: parties, picnics, think that city bus no. 37 is a them on a mat, not saying any- to the culinary ritual of making Ukrainian students, still others visits to museums and theatres. super-duper inexpensive ride thing. The driver saw the apri- varenyky. And few leave simply to see Ukrainian friends. On weekends: trips to castles, through Lviv, but not with gro- cots and looked at the lady. I Ukraine without an embroi- They say there is no place in monasteries, and villages of the ceries.” Adam Garner, from the thought that he would get real- dered shirt, a traditional hand- the world with tastier beer or Lviv Region, and also longer USA, wrote about this in the ly made, but he said ‘Thanks!’ made item. more fragrant coffee. “People in trips to Kyiv, Odesa, Kamianets- newspaper Summer with a and put the apricots in the Yet another pleasant sur- Lviv are very hospitable and Podilskyj and the picturesque twist, which the participants of cash box. And then he drove prise is the Ukrainian song. Its pleasant,” recounted Alanna Carpathian Mountains. And, of the program prepared them- off and ate the apricots. I unmatched euphony, along Wasylkiw from Canada. “If you course, walks through Lviv. selves. smiled for a long time, thinking with the beauty of Lviv’s old ask for help, you’ll certainly Here the most interesting expe- “I love everything here!” that that situation would never world architecture, captivates receive it. If I ever have a riences start. Colleen Makar, also from the happen in America.” guests from the first day. For chance to return to Lviv, I’ll Most foreign guests are sur- USA, shared her impressions. Another surprise is the you don’t need to know the lan- grab it, and with great pleasure prised by rides on city minibus- “I like it that I can walk around bazaar. “The Shuvar market guage to understand beauty. return to this wonderful es, so different from public a lot. At home I drive every- really made an impression on By the way, you can start Ukrainian city.” transportation in the countries where. I really noticed that me,” wrote Matthew Lovell. studying at the school without In 2012 sessions will run of North America and Western there are many old cars, city “There’s so much meat and knowing a single word of from June 18 through August Europe. Students, still getting a minivans and buses here.” sausage there. It’s great! You Ukrainian. Programs are 11. To learn more about UCU’s little mixed up with words, tell American student Sarah Sutter can buy a big chunk of bacon offered for students at begin- School of Ukrainian Language strange stories about city wrote a strange story in her fat (though I don’t like bacon ning, intermediate, and and Culture, go to http:// buses. daily journal. “I got on city bus fat).” advanced levels. studyukrainian.org.ua/ 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 No. 13

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, March 31 include bandurist/singer Julian Kytasty and NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific the Black Square Ensemble in a program of Society invites all to a lecture by Oksana musical compositions and improvisations Blashkiv (Drohobych, Ukraine) on the sub- intertwined with video projections, move- ject “A Permanent Ticket Europe-America: ment and text. Concert starts at 7 p.m. at The Correspondence between Dmytro The Ukrainian Museum, 222 E. Sixth St. Chyzhevsky and George Shevelov.” The lec- Admission is $15 ($10 for CTMD/museum turer holds a candidate of philological sci- members) and includes reception. Tickets ences degree and is associate professor at may be purchased online at www.ukrainian- the Ivan Franko Pedagogical University in museum.org. Drohobych. She is currently a 2011-2012 Sunday, May 6 Fulbright Fellow. The lecture will take place at the society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. TORONTO: The Markian Ochrymowych (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. Humanitarian Award Banquet, honoring For additional information call 212-254- Erast Huculak and Zenia Kushpeta, who 5130. have demonstrated the spirit of humanity through volunteer work, advocacy, leader- NEW YORK: The Center for Traditional ship and philanthropy here at home or Music and Dance, New York Bandura around the world, will be presented at a din- Ensemble, Bandura Downtown and The ner at The Old Mill Inn. Cocktails are at 6 Ukrainian Museum present “Kilims and p.m.; dinner is at 7 p.m. The event is spon- Constructions,” a multi-media performance sored by the Ukrainian Canadian Social to complement the museum’s current exhi- Services (Toronto), Tickets are $200 per bitions “Kilims” and “Borys Kosarev: person; to order tickets/tables call Olena at Modernist Kharkiv 1915-1931.” Performers the UCSS Toronto Office, 416-763-4982.

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