Inside: l ICW raises Savchenko case at United Nations – page 4 l Poroshenko’s address at Washington forum – page 8 l Soccer: Ukraine victorious in pair of friendlies – page 10

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIV No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 $2.00 Ukrainian American walks across U.S. Dutch referendum rejects to raise awareness for Ukraine Ukraine-EU association pact by Matthew Dubas people, including people from Ukraine, and on social media like Facebook and Twitter,” PARSIPPANY, N.J. – With more than 250 Maya told The Weekly. miles behind her in her “Walk for Ukraine” Maya has been interviewed by VIDIA cross-country trek across the United States, media group in Chicago and Channel 5 in Maya (who requested that we keep her last Ukraine. name private) is raising awareness about On her website, Maya explains also why the situation in Ukraine. She began her Americans should care about Ukraine: walk on November 21 at Front Royal, Va., “1. Russia’s increasingly aggressive and at her latest update on April 4, she had behavior shows that it is attempting to departed from Kingsport, Tenn. regain its previous Soviet status and stat- In speaking with The Ukrainian Weekly, ure in the world; 2. This threatens the Maya explained that the motivations for Western world, including Europe, and the such an endeavor came from her own life U.S. has obligations to come to Europe’s experiences, including a previous long walk defense against Russia; 3. Having Ukraine of 500 miles in Spain, which she described as an independent, strong, democratic state as “an incredible experience.” She also would permanently limit Russia’s ability to spent seven months living in Ukraine, and cause mischief to Europe and its neighbor- this walk, she said, was an active way for ing countries (U.S. allies); 4. If Ukraine suc- her to support Ukraine and to raise aware- ceeds in maintaining its territorial integrity ness among the U.S. population. against Russia, rids itself of corruption, and Maya plans to take a break from her walk becomes a U.S./European-oriented state, Aleksandr Gimanov/UNIAN beginning in mid-May to attend to family this will create huge stimulus within Russia Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Bert Koenders (center) and Ukrainian Foreign Affairs and personal matters, but is scheduled to to rid themselves of the corrupt govern- Minister Pavlo Klimkin talk to cyclists at an April 3 political rally in Amsterdam urging resume after Labor Day. From her website ment suffocating them; 5. Ukraine’s loca- voters to support the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement. (http://mayawalks.wix.com/ukraine), Maya tion at the border between Europe and explains her plan for the walk: Asia is beneficial for U.S. economic interests by Zenon Zawada government ratifying the agreement, com- “I will walk up to five hours per day dur- seeking ties to the Middle East and Asia; 6. pared to 38.1 percent who were in favor. ing the week (average 12 miles per day), Ukrainians have demonstrated, through KYIV – Citizens of the Netherlands Only 22 out of 390 municipalities voted in and hopefully cover more distance during two revolutions within 10 years, their com- rejected their government’s ratification of support. Voter turnout was 32.2 percent, weekends. I’ll try to get in one rest day a mitment to the same values of freedom and the Ukraine-European Union Association surpassing the 30 percent threshold for it week, too. If there are big distances human dignity that Americans and Agreement in an advisory, non-binding ref- to gain official recognition. between towns, I will have to take a bus or Europeans have long recognized as God- erendum held on April 6, giving the Russian The referendum was held after both the taxi part way. Still, my intention is to cover given, inalienable rights.” government a symbolic geopolitical victory upper and lower chambers of the Dutch most of the distance on foot.” in its war against the Ukrainian state. “I had no idea it would move so many (Continued on page 11) About 61.1 percent voted against their (Continued on page 3) Forum in Washington underscores: ‘Ukraine’s Battle for Freedom Continues’

by Adrian Karmazyn continuing battle for freedom. We gather to better understand the current situation and WASHINGTON – More than two years needs of those most affected by the war… have passed since Russia launched a cam- This cost is not only in the growing num- paign of aggression against Ukraine – and bers of deaths and ruined lives but also in the casualties, physical destruction and terms of destroyed livelihoods. Factories, economic damage continue to mount. On businesses and mines have been destroyed, March 30, hundreds of people attended a while key enterprises producing unique forum on Capitol Hill focusing on the devas- technologies have actually been dismantled tating impact of Moscow’s war against and relocated to Russia.” Ukraine and U.S. efforts to assist Ukrainians Ms. McConnell reminded the audience with the humanitarian, economic and secu- about other deplorable aspects of Russia’s rity crises brought on by Vladimir Putin’s aggression: “The broader context continues hybrid military invasion. to be the failure of diplomatic initiatives The event, the lead organizer of which from Budapest to Minsk and Putin’s outra- was the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation (USUF), geous violation of human rights, most was held under the banner “Ukraine’s clearly personified by the detentions of Battle for Freedom Continues” and was Nadiya Savchenko and at least 31 other dedicated to “the people of Ukraine who political prisoners and, of course the ongo- bear the cost of war.” ing, deepening persecution of Crimean In her opening remarks Nadia Tatars. Over 200 [Ukrainian] soldiers and Vadym Guliuk McConnell, president of USUF, said: “We are civilians have been killed since Minsk II, Orest Deychakiwsky (at the podium) introduces panelists (from left) David Kramer, back here today to acknowledge the grow- and hundreds injured.” Carl Gershman and Ambassador Temuri Yakobashvili at the U.S.-Ukraine ing human and economic cost of Ukraine’s Foundation’s “Ukraine’s Battle for Freedom Continues” forum in Washington. (Continued on page 14) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

ANALYSIS

Despite bilateral diplomatic contacts, Russia Panama Papers disclose offshore holdings journalist community,” Mr. Peskov said. “There are a lot of journalists whose main WASHINGTON – A massive report called profession is unlikely to be journalism: a lot hardens its view of the U.S. as the enemy “The Panama Papers,” published simultane- of former officials from the [U.S.] State ously by multiple news organizations in accuses Moscow of violating the INF by Department, the CIA, and other special ser- by Pavel Felgenhauer multiple languages on April 3, divulged developing a land-based, long-range, nucle- vices.” The information stems from millions Eurasia Daily Monitor ar-capable cruise missile – an accusation details about the offshore holdings of 12 of e-mails, spreadsheets, corporate records, According to Russian Deputy Foreign the Russian side has adamantly denied. current or former heads of states, including and others materials leaked from Mossack Affairs Minister Sergei Ryabkov, the frequen- According to Mr. Pushkov: “The U.S. must Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm with cy and intensity of high-level contacts first repair relations with Russia that were leaked documents from the Panamanian representatives in dozens of countries that between Russia and the United States “are destroyed by Obama and only then offer us law firm Mossack Fonseca also revealed specializes in setting up shell companies, unprecedented.” U.S. Secretary of State John talks on nuclear weapons” (RIA Novosti, that relatives or associates of 17 other cur- the report says. The leaked data was initial- Kerry has regularly visited Moscow to meet March 31). rent or former leaders held offshore ly provided to the German newspaper with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, The Russian military has recently begun accounts, including Russian President Suddeutsche Zeitung. It was then shared and with President Vladimir Putin. This flur- to once again officially use the Cold War Vladimir Putin. Several world leaders on with the International Consortium of ry of diplomatic activity is proof, according phrase “likely enemy” (veroyatniy pro- April 4 confronted the report head-on, say- Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), based in to Mr. Ryabkov, that Moscow is an indispens- tivnik) when referring to the U.S. and its ing the report did not reveal anything Washington, which collaborated with able world power, essential to fixing impor- allies. Since the collapse of Communism in implicating them in wrongdoing. Mr. media outlets around the world over the tant global problems; and Washington is 1991, the term fell into disuse. But today, Poroshenko took to Facebook to defend course of a year to organize, analyze, and being forced to recognize this fact. Russia and the U.S. are apparently officially himself after the leaked documents report- publish the materials. (RFE/RL, with Russia will be doing its best to further enemies again. Last week, speaking at a edly showed that he moved his confection- reporting by RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, impress on the U.S. its own importance and gathering of top Russian brass in Moscow ary business, Roshen, to the British Virgin Reuters, UNIAN, AFP and AP) the need to “treat us [Moscow] as an equal (the Defense Ministry Collegium), Defense Islands in August 2014 amid some of the power,” he noted. But there are problems: Minister Sergei Shoigu, an army general, heaviest fighting between Kyiv’s forces and Radicals seek impeachment probe “Illegal sanctions imposed by the West are in announced the deployment of new S-400 Russia-backed separatists. “Having become KYIV – The head of Ukraine’s populist force” and “anti-Russian rhetoric is deafen- anti-aircraft missile systems near president, I recused myself from the man- Radical Party has called for an impeach- ing in the election-year debates in America.” Novosibirsk in the Central Military District. agement of my assets and delegated this to ment investigation into President Petro Russia’s relations with the North Atlantic According to Gen. Shoigu, new air defense the respective consulting and law firms,” Poroshenko over allegations he used an off- Treaty Organization (NATO) are frozen: units are being formed, “which will allow, Mr. Poroshenko wrote. “I expect that they shore account to avoid tax. In a televised There is no date yet to hold a NATO-Russia by 2020, to drastically increase the zone of will provide all necessary details to the interview on April 4, Oleh Liashko said the Council meeting at the ambassadorial level, denial of attack by air formations of the Ukrainian and international media.” He Anti-Corruption Bureau (AKB) must inves- because Moscow does not accept NATO’s likely enemy – we will be able to shoot added that he took the issues of income proposed draft agenda (Izvestia, March 28). down cruise missiles flying at low, high and tigate Mr. Poroshenko for allegedly hiding declaration, paying taxes, and conflicts of significant amounts of money in offshore Russia refused to attend the fourth medium altitude” (Mil.ru, March 25). interest “very seriously” and was “in full nuclear security summit in Washington last Gen. Shoigu seems to be preparing the accounts. According to a massive leak of compliance with the Ukrainian and inter- documents from the Panamanian law firm week (March 31-April 1) – the first time a Russian military to fight an all-out war with national private law.” In Moscow, mean- top Russian official has been absent since the “likely enemy” on all fronts – on land, Mossack Fonseca over the weekend, Mr. while, the Kremlin slammed the leak of the Poroshenko has been tied to secret offshore these summits were initiated by President sea and air – defending military industrial tax documents as an attack aimed primari- Barack Obama. The Kremlin and the White targets in big cities deep in the Russian hin- companies on the British Virgin Islands. ly at Mr. Putin. The Russian president is not The AKB said on April 4 that it has no House exchanged barbs over “Russian self- terland. New threats and military deploy- named in the leaked documents. But the isolation” on one side and the “lack of ments were announced in the East, the power to begin an investigation against report claims to have documented a vast understanding with Washington” on the Arctic and in the West against NATO, “which President Poroshenko. The Ukrainian network of shady money transfers, several other. Mr. Kerry’s visits and talks did not is expanding its military potential in Europe, Procurator General’s office said it has seen of which it details, used by close associates help dissolve mutual distrust (Kommer­ close to Russian borders.” According to Gen. no evidence that Mr. Poroshenko commit- of Mr. Putin to funnel as much as $2 billion sant, March 31). Shoigu, “Russia must respond.” New forces ted a crime based on the leaked documents. into offshore shell companies. “Putin, The chair of the Duma Foreign Relations are being organized and deployed against (RFE/RL, based on reporting on UNIAN Committee, Alexei Pushkov, dismissed U.S. NATO in the Western Military District, Russia, our country, our stability and the and Reuters) calls for more nuclear disarmament talks “including two new army divisions.” Bases upcoming [parliamentary] elections are the Poroshenko on Panama Papers leak and Mr. Obama’s demand that Russia fully are being built and expanded in the Arctic, main target, specifically to destabilize the comply with the 1987 Intermediate-Range situation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry TOKYO – Ukrainian President Petro Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Washington (Continued on page 6) Peskov told reporters on April 4. He added Poroshenko has defended himself in the that there was “nothing new or concrete” massive leak of records on offshore about the Russian leader in the leaks and accounts that has named political officials, suggested that U.S. intelligence was behind Obama and NATO secretary-general the revelations. “We know this so-called (Continued on page 12) hold bilateral meeting in Washington FOUNDED 1933 WASHINGTON – NATO Secretary-General NATO allies to the east. The Ukrainian Weekly Jens Stoltenberg met with President Barack “That does not mean that we are not con- Obama on April 4 to discuss a range of tinuing to work with Russia to try to find An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., issues, including terrorism around the globe. resolution to the problems in Ukraine. We a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. In remarks after their bilateral meeting, think it is important to maintain a dialogue, Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. both leaders noted their continued support and NATO has continued to consult with Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. of Ukraine and commitments to NATO Russia and, in very transparent fashion, (ISSN — 0273-9348) allies in the face of a more assertive Russia indicate the firmness of our resolve to pro- The Weekly: UNA: According to the transcript released by tect our values and our allies, but also our Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 the White House, Office of the Press interest in being able to reduce tensions and Secretary, President Obama said: the dangers of potential escalation. …” Postmaster, send address changes to: “…We continue to be united in support- Secretary-General Stoltenberg stated: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz ing Ukraine in the wake of Russian incur- “…We are also responding to a more 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas sions into Ukrainian territory. We continue assertive Russia, responsible for aggressive P.O. Box 280 to work in a train-and-assist fashion in actions in Ukraine. And I very much wel- Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] helping support Ukraine develop its mili- come, again, the leadership that you have tary capabilities defensively. We continue to shown in increasing our collective defense The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com provide reassurance to the frontline states in Europe with the European Reassurance there, our NATO allies, to make sure that Initiative, which is, as you’ve proposed, The Ukrainian Weekly, April 10, 2016, No. 15, Vol. LXXXIV they have not just reassurance of words, going to be quadrupled in the budget you Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly but that we have actually deployed con- have proposed for the Congress. crete assets that let them know that Article “This is really a strong example of the 5 means something, and that we stand by trans-Atlantic bond, how the United States ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA our commitments to our allies. And I have is important for the security of Europe and in my budget put forward a quadrupling of also over European allies – or the European Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 the resources that we spend, and allocated allies are also stepping up, so together, we e-mail: [email protected] a portion of that money to make sure that are now implementing the biggest rein- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 we’ve got ground brigades that send a clear forcement through our collective defense e-mail: [email protected] message about our commitments to our since the end of the Cold War. …” No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Ukraine faces early election if no one is found to replace Yatsenyuk Nonetheless, assistance – particularly from to Messrs. Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk – from complete. Ukraine heavily depends on by Oleg Varfolomeyev international assistance, and populist fac- Eurasia Daily Monitor the International Monetary Fund – is essen- Ihor Kononenko and Mykola Martynenko, tial to jump-start the country after its GDP respectively (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, tions, such as Yulia Tymoshenko’s On the sidelines of the March 31-April 1 plunged by 7 percent in 2014 and by anoth- December 11, 2015). Batkivshchyna and Oleh Liashko’s Radical Party, are likely to defeat the more moder- nuclear security summit, in Washington, er 10 percent last year. However, the IMF Mr. Yatsenyuk, if he does not resign vol- ate parties, particularly the Poroshenko President Barack Obama made it clear to has been delaying assistance because of the untarily, can carry on at least until the next Bloc and People’s Front, in early elections. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko that government crisis (Interfax, March 3). Parliament session in September, as no new Mr. Yatsenyuk wants to avoid early elec- the U.S. will not issue $1 billion in loan The crisis erupted in February. Although no-confidence motion is possible until then, tions for the same reasons, and he has guarantees to Ukraine until a new govern- Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk survived according to the Ukrainian constitution. At apparently agreed to step down in order to ment is in place (President.gov.ua, April 1). a no-confidence vote in the Verkhovna the same time, President Poroshenko has avoid them (rbc.ua, February 26). However, And Vice-President Joe Biden noted that Rada on February 16, engineered by the the right to dissolve the Parliament and call it has thus far proved impossible to set up a assistance from international financial Poroshenko Bloc, the majority coalition early elections, if there is no majority coali- new coalition to support a replacement for institutions was also contingent on the broke up. The junior coalition partners, tion within one month, as is the case now. Mr. Yatsenyuk. The Poroshenko Bloc and the appointment of a new government Samopomich and Batkivshchyna, quit, However, Mr. Poroshenko wants to avoid People’s Front have been negotiating a new (President.gov.ua, March 31). accusing the senior partners, the early elections. First, his party may lose coalition with all three former partners, Ukraine’s economy is in better shape Poroshenko Bloc and Mr. Yatsenyuk’s them, as recent opinion polls show Samopomich, Batkivshchyna and the now than in 2014-2015, when the national People’s Front, of corruption (Lb.ua, (Ukraine-elections.com.ua, accessed on Radical Party, which quit the coalition last currency collapsed under the weight of war February 18). Those events were them- April 1). Second, Western creditors oppose year. However, no agreement has been in eastern Ukraine and low international selves preceded by corruption allegations early elections in a situation when the prices for Ukrainian commodities. against influential national deputies linked peace process in eastern Ukraine is far (Continued on page 16)

The main reasons that Dutch voters stronger than the U.S.,” said National Dutch intelligence services didn’t investigate Dutch... themselves cited for rejecting the agreement Deputy Yegor Soboliev in an interview pub- this. Dutch democracy turned out to be vul- were Ukraine’s high level of corruption (59 lished this week in The Ukrainian Weekly nerable to dirty political technologies and ill- (Continued from page 1) percent) and the agreement being a step (see page 9). prepared to counter Russian corruption.” Parliament had already voted to approve towards Ukraine’s membership in the EU The Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry said Yet in interviews conducted by the euro- the agreement. Its negative result means (34 percent), according to an exit poll con- in a statement there’s no reason to believe integration.com.ua website on the day of the Parliament will weigh adjustments ducted by a Dutch firm, as reported by the Russia was directly involved in the cam- the vote, Dutch voters said they had already before offering its final approval. eurointegration.com.ua news site. Another paigning for the referendum, a position that forgotten about these various scandals “The referendum law is very clear and 31 percent said they don’t support EU val- was backed by Dutch political experts. from the winter. They said they had other we will – days, weeks, step by step – review ues, while 30 percent said the agreement “The fact that some of the ‘no’ campaign- concerns on their minds. this agreement with Ukraine to satisfy all isn’t beneficial for the Dutch economy. ers are echoing Moscow’s propaganda does “We have enough problems and sides, both on the national and European More than 450,000 Dutch citizens not mean they are being supported by migrants without Ukraine, and we don’t levels,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte approved the referendum in a late Russia,” said Tony van der Togt, a research- have to take on more,” said a woman who said on April 6, as reported by RFE/RL. September vote. In interviews with the er at the Clingendael Institute, as reported identified herself as Elizabeth. “And I want “First we will wait for the final results, eurointegration.com.ua news site, they by the Moscow Times. “There are enough Dutch products to be in stores, not Turkish and then we will discuss them in the gov- acknowledged at the time that they were useful idiots who in all honesty share the tomatoes, Egyptian potatoes or something ernment, in the Parliament and afterwards using the vote as more of a protest against same views.” Ukrainian.” in the EU. I want to immediately warn peo- the European Union rather than having any Yet the Dutch shouldn’t be so naïve, in The Ukraine-EU Association Agreement ple so that there aren’t any hasty expecta- reservations about Ukraine. the view of Volodymyr Fesenko, the head of remains active despite the vote and can tions: we don’t want to undermine those The Euroskeptic cause was eventually the Penta Center for Applied Political remain in its current temporary active sta- who came to vote and respect their choice, adopted by the Socialist Party, chaired by Research in Kyiv. He said his evidence tus for quite a while, the eurointegration. for or against. We will reach a very appro- Emile Roemer, and the anti-Islamist Party points to the Russian government being com.ua news site reported. priate decision.” for Freedom, chaired by Geert Wilders. directly involved the referendum, from Any significant amendments would The Association Agreement, which Such parties – both on extreme ends of start to finish. require starting the negotiating and ratifi- establishes a framework and schedule for the Dutch political spectrum – are suspect- “Russian money organized the referen- cation process from square one, which the Ukraine to integrate with the EU, has ed by Western state agencies, including the dum and used manipulative forms of influ- EU leadership wants to avoid, experts said. already been approved by 26 EU member- U.S. intelligence community, of having ence on public opinion, such as the famous “The Dutch government will have to states, as well as the European Parliament. cooperated with Russian political agents. video of Azov soldiers,” he said, referring to a determine how to preserve the agreement The Netherlands is the lone member-state These agents could have played a role in fake video of masked soldiers threatening to while ‘not offending’ the voters at the same that has yet to ratify it, after which it would organizing the Dutch referendum, and were kill Dutch citizens if they didn’t vote in sup- time,” said Michiel Servaes, a Dutch MP also need approval from the EU Council. likely involved in providing political talking port of the referendum. “I am surprised the from the Labor Party. The referendum came the same week points and themes to Dutch political players, that the Panama Papers revealed Mr. planting negative stories about Ukraine in Poroshenko set up offshore bank accounts the media and engaging in smear campaigns with the same Panamanian law firm used to produce the needed result, as is widely Quotable notes by other allegedly corrupt officials identi- believed by the Ukrainian and Western fied by the journalistic investigation. Mr. political establishment. “Western policymakers who believe the Minsk accords would work if only Ukraine Poroshenko’s offshore operations – though An example of a smear campaign made the requisite constitutional and electoral concessions are missing a key point: relatively minuscule compared to other involved the offer made by a volunteer bat- that they, and Russia, forced Ukraine to make security its priority by violating the 1994 suspects – became front-page news in at talion deputy commander, Borys Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances. Russia brazenly invaded Crimea and least one Dutch newspaper. Humeniuk, to help return numerous Dutch eastern Ukraine in complete violation of the memorandum. But the United States and Another last-minute factor influencing paintings that were discovered in a man- the United Kingdom were also complicit in the breakdown of Budapest: their assur- Dutch public opinion was the March 22 ter- sion in the Luhansk region during the fight- ances of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity proved hollow. … rorist attack in nearby Brussels that killed ing, reported eurointegration.com.ua. As it “Since the failure of Budapest means that formal international security assurances 32 and injured more than 300, fueling anti- turned out, they were stolen in 2005 and are effectively meaningless, Ukraine’s first priority has to be preserving its own secu- EU sentiments among conservatives dissat- somehow fell into the possession of rity. No one can or will guarantee it, and even if they did, Ukraine would be crazy to isfied with how the migrant crisis has been Volodymyr Polobutko, an Alchevsk busi- believe a second Budapest. handled, said Mykhailo Basarab, a Kyiv nessman who owns the local football team. “… Ukraine’s security can be assured only if Ukraine has the requisite armed forces political consultant. Mr. Humeniuk insisted he never to guarantee its own security. ...The implications for the West are obvious. Only a “The attack influenced a growth in demanded a 50 million euro ransom, as secure Ukraine will put its name to grand bargains crafted by Russia and the West. Euroskeptic attitudes in Western Europe,” he claimed by museum representative Arthur And a secure Ukraine can only be a militarily strong Ukraine. No Western deal with said. “The thinking behind the vote was not Brand. Instead, it was Mr. Brand who Russia can possibly work if it fails to take Ukraine and its justified security concerns based on attitudes towards Ukraine, but on offered to pay a 50,000 euro reward during into account. … Euroskeptic attitudes in the Netherlands.” a meeting held in the Dutch Embassy in “Now Ukraine needs to gain the capacity to stop a full-scale Russian invasion. … In the assessment of Ukrainian Kyiv, Mr. Humeniuk claimed. Both the And for Ukraine to deter Russia, it needs to have the clear ability to stop Russian air President Petro Poroshenko, the referen- Embassy officials and Mr. Brand were power and tanks. dum was an attack on the EU and the grateful at the time, he said. “Arming Ukraine – building up its military to the point that it can defend itself, but spread of the EU values and won’t affect But by the time the Russian media out- not threaten Russia – is the only way to secure a durable peace there. The sooner the Ukraine’s strategic path towards Europe. lets got hold of the story, Mr. Humeniuk was West learns this lesson, the sooner Budapest will fade as a bad memory – and the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo a neo-Nazi, backed by ultra-nationalist Oleh sooner Minsk or its successor will have a realistic chance of resulting in peace.” Klimkin echoed that message, stating that Tiahnybok, demanding an exorbitant ran- – Prof. Alexander J. Motyl, professor of political science at Rutgers University- the results won’t affect current Ukraine-EU som for the paintings. Newark, writing on the Atlantic Council website on March 29 (see http://www.atlantic- relations, including the agreement’s free “This entire machine of Russian foreign council.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/sick-of-the-ukraine-crisis-then-arm-ukraine). trade area that was launched on January 1. influence is perfect. I believe that it’s much 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15 International Council of Women raises Savchenko case at U.N.

Representatives of the International Council of Women during their meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UNITED NATIONS – Representatives of the International secretary-general asked the present women if they had any On March 22, Ms. Savchenko was sentenced by a Council of Women raised the case of Nadiya Savchenko, the questions or special requests. Russian court to 22 years in prison on charges of complici- Ukrainian military pilot recently sentenced by a Russian In response, Iryna Kurowyckyj, one of the ICW’s main ty in the murder of two Russian journalists and illegally court to 22 years in prison, during their scheduled meeting representatives to the U.N., asked that special attention be crossing the Russian border. with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. given to women who find themselves imprisoned and tor- Mrs. Kurowyckyj, who was president of the Ukrainian The meeting took place on March 17, within the frame- tured without any means of proving their innocence. National Women’s League of America as well as the work of the conference of the Committee on the Status of Specifically, she cited the case of Ms. Savchenko, a National Council of Women in America when Ukraine was Women held during the 60th session of the United Nations Ukrainian officer who was spirited out of Ukraine and had re-establishing its independence, was always very respon- on March 14-24. The U.N. secretary-general held a special been held in a Russian prison for over a year and a half, sive to the needs of the new state. With the help of civic- meeting exclusively with the executive committee and the with the courts not taking into account any witnesses or minded Americans, she organized various activities in main representatives to the U.N. from the International evidence that would exonerate her. Mrs. Kurowyckyj asked Ukraine, ranging from breakfasts for young scholars to aid Council of Women (ICW). that the secretary-general take an interest in the case and for volunteers and soldiers now fighting on the eastern Mr. Ban acknowledged the huge role played by the help this Ukrainian hero obtain her freedom. front. International Council of Women, as the oldest organization Secretary-General Ban said that he was already very Last year, Mrs. Kurowyckyj received an award from of women in the world, in unifying women, fighting for familiar with the situation and promised to personally dis- Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv peace in the face of various ravaging forces, and working cuss the issue with the Ukrainian President Petro Patriarchate in recognition of her sacrifice and love for toward the betterment of the planet. After his remarks, the Poroshenko. Ukraine. OBITUARY: Nina Ilnytzkyj, 91, activist committed to Ukraine by Oleh S. Ilnytzkyj Ilnytzkyj described her job in these words: “When I started working in ‘Prolog,’ some friends inquired what I was EDMONTON, Alberta – Nina Ilnytzkyj, a devoted com- doing there. I jokingly replied that I was Mädchen für alles munity activist and longtime employee of the Prolog (a Jill of all trades), but jokes aside, the phrase contained a Research and Publishing Corp., died on March 14 in lot of truth. Initially, my main task was the administration Oradell, N.J. She was 91. of Suchasnist. I compiled a network of subscribers in Forced to leave her homeland as a teenager during Canada and later the U.S., conducted correspondence with World War II, she linked her fate with people who were in subscribers, collected receivables, mailed invoices, solicit- the same predicament as she and dedicated her life to ed new subscriptions, kept a card index, engaged in the working for the good of Ukraine. sale of books, produced catalogues of our publications....” Nina Ilnytzkyj, née Kozak, was born on August 16, 1924, About the samvydav materials, she wrote: “Often these in the Volyn region of Ukraine in the town of Zdovbuniv, were little ‘epistles,’ written in a hand as small as poppy then under Polish rule. Her father, Panteleimon Kozak, was seeds, frequently on cigarette paper, hence I had to strain born in 1889 in Bessarabia and raised in Odesa. Before the over them with a magnifying glass....” And about the “news- end of the World War I he ended up in Volyn; he died in letters” she noted: “We made them look like private per- December 1949 in Ellwangen, Germany. Nina’s mother, sonal letters and chose addresses from the Soviet press Marta Yefymivna Yarmak, was also a Volynian; she was and other publications. We were aware that most of them born in 1901 and died in Augsburg, Germany, in 1951. would not arrive at their destination, but, for example, Nina Ilnytzkyj had a brother, Veniamyn (Benjamin), who when I started mailing them from my own address (mail- was a year and a half younger. She was also very close to box), we began receiving repeated feedback.” her aunt, Nina Yarmak, a nurse by profession, as well as Nina Ilnytzkyj Throughout her life, Mrs. Ilnytzkyj was actively involved her uncle, Yuriy Yarmak. The three continued to have a in community work, especially in youth organizations. In very warm relationship in the U.S., when all of them came on social care. In 1957 she moved with her family to the the U.S., she worked closely with Lydia Krushelnytska, who over from Germany. United States. At first she worked in a sewing factory in directed the Creative Word Studio. Mrs. Ilnytzkyj prepared In 1934 the Kozaks moved to Lviv. There Nina and Philadelphia, next in various small businesses, then as a texts and programs, and also sewed costumes for the stu- Veniamyn entered a Polish gymnasium (high school). dental assistant in New York City, and, finally, from 1965 to dio. She dedicated many years of her life to Plast Ukrainian Naturally, both had a good command of their native 1990 at the Prolog Research and Publishing Corp. Scouting Organization. She edited a collection of essays to Ukrainian. Nina also knew Russian, and later learned At Prolog, she performed a wide range of duties, from mark the 20th anniversary of Plast in New York, which was German and English. She was an avid reader in all her administering the journal Suchasnist, to secretarial work, published in 1969. acquired languages. Her aunt Nina Yarmak married translations, proofreading and editing. At home from 1990 to 2000, Mrs. Ilnytzkyj cared for her Hryhoriy Andriyiv (born in Kamianets-Podilskyi), a former It was at Prolog that she published the memoirs of Ivan ailing husband, Roman, who died from Alzheimer’s on member of the Ukrainian People’s Army under Symon Dmytryk, a veteran of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), February 2, 2000. Petliura. He was interned by the Poles in Kalish. When the titled “In the Forests of the Lemko Region.” Of those mem- Nina Ilnytzkyj was blessed with a nimble mind and second world war began and the Bolsheviks arrived in Lviv, oirs, she said: “In 1973 Dmytryk told me that in 1949, two ceaseless curiosity. Within the family she was warm, hospi- interrogations began. Nina and Hryhoriy Andriyiv decided years after bringing an UPA commando party westward, he table, cheerful, known for her “golden hands” that pre- to escape to Krakow. Much later, in 1942, the Germans exe- wrote his memoirs, which continued to gather dust pared delicious food and superb Austro-Hungarian tortes. cuted Hryhoriy Andriyiv in Kyiv. Nina’s brother, Veniamyn, because people had told him they were not fit for print. ….I She played good chess (and taught the game to her son), volunteered for the Second Ukrainian Division and died in was touched by his idealism, sincerity and modesty.” Mrs. passionately loved her cats, and showered even more 1945. Ilnytzkyj rewrote the text as a ghost writer, and the mem- affection on her granddaughters, to whom she devoted At the end of 1944, after many ordeals (moving from oirs came out in 1976 and had great success among read- many happy years. She wrote humorous poems and satires Lviv through cities like Konstanz and Radolfzell, Germany), ers. She also edited and adapted the memoirs of another for friends, like Emma Andiyevska and Ivan Koshelivets. In Ms. Kozak arrived with her sick parents in Germany, where soldier, A. Plechen, “Nine Years in a Bunker” (1987), a book public life, she was businesslike, smart, at times impatient she took care of them until their death. From 1945 to 1947 that later appeared in Polish translation (1991). Mrs. when it came to waiting for results from others. The course she worked for the League of Political Prisoners in Munich. Ilnytzkyj’s work was positively assessed in a review that of her life reflected the general progress and liberation of In November 1947 in Fürth, she married Roman Ilnytzkyj, appeared in Harvard Ukrainian Studies (December 1991). women in the 20th century, and it can be truly said that she and then worked with him at his publishing house Time Mrs. Ilnytzkyj’s responsibilities at Prolog included keep- contributed to this evolution in her own way. (Chas). Their children were born in Germany: Oleh in ing track of Soviet Ukrainian and other publications; typing Surviving are Mrs. Ilnytzkyj’s daughter and son, Ulana Fürth (1949) and Ulana in Augsburg (1952). articles that were destined for journals and books; tran- and Oleh Ilnytzkyj; daughter-in-law, Natalia Pylypiuk; son- For Mrs. Ilnytzkyj, the upbringing and education of her scribing and rewriting samvydav (samizdat) materials; in-law, Ray Stubblebine; and grandchildren, Nina and Vika children became a primary goal in life. In the 1950s, when translations; and assisting in preparing mailings of news- Stubblebine; and nieces Maria Shust and Oksana the Ilnytzkyjs settled permanently in Munich, Nina worked letters and other informational materials to Ukraine. Krushelnycky, along with her husband, Liubomyr, and her at the Ukrainian Charitable Medical Service, as a consultant In Anatol Kaminsky’s book about “Prolog” (2009), Mrs. sons, Paul and Mark Krushelnycky. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 5 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly The Dutch vote ‘Putinophobia’ increasingly infects Voters in the Netherlands on April 6 participated in a referendum on Ukraine’s Association Agreement with the European Union, rejecting it by a vote of 61.1 percent Western media, Peskov says (38.1 percent voted in favor). Voter turnout was 32.2 percent, which is above the 30 Russian officials and commentators, and to have parked some $2 billion in various percent threshold needed for the vote to be considered valid. Ostensibly, the vote was their supporters in the West, have long banks outside of Russia. about Ukraine, but in reality it was a vote against the European Union in a referen- complained that criticism of Moscow and Few countries have been as successful as dum that was organized by Euroskeptics, whose goal was to question and even desta- its policies reflects not honest and accurate Russia has over the last two centuries in bilize the EU. However, the referendum was opportunistically supported by pro-Rus- assessments of what the Russian authori- getting many to agree that any criticism of sian and anti-Ukrainian elements in Europe, and it was a vote that played into the ties are doing wrong but rather a manifes- Russia or Russians represents a kind of hands of Vladimir Putin, whose hybrid war extends well beyond the Ukrainian terri- tation of “Russophobia.” phobia or fear. Those who condemn tories his forces have occupied. Historian Timothy Snyder wrote: “To vote ‘no’ is to Now, Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin’s German actions or American ones, for endorse the Russian effort to destabilize the European Union from within, and to press secretary, has introduced a new term example, are seldom charged with encourage the continuation of Russia’s wars in the EU’s neighborhood.” to explain and thus dismiss any unwelcome “Germanophobia” or “Americanophobia.” Unfortunately, Ukraine and its 45.5 million people are the victims of the Dutch attention to, and especially criticism of, the But now, as Russia’s political system “no” vote – which, we must underscore, came after thousands of people in Ukraine Russian regime and its leader: “Putinophobia” becomes even more centralized under the died for their country’s European choice. (tass.ru/politika/3177274 and rufabula. dictatorship of Mr. Putin, Russophobia At this point, the loss at the polls seems to be more of a moral one for Ukraine, but com/news/2016/04/05/putinofobia). apparently is not enough of a defense. And it is not clear what the Dutch government will do now that voters have spoken. According to Mr. Peskov, “world media, so Mr. Peskov has introduced a new term of Although the Dutch Parliament approved the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement both print and electronic have concentrat- art, “Putinophobia,” which Russians and last year, the Dutch government says it has to take the non-binding referendum’s ed in a completely inexplicable way on defenders of Russia can use against critics. results into account – no matter that less than 20 percent of the electorate clearly [Russia] and on [Russia’s] president. And it It will be interesting to see whether this voted against Ukraine’s European ambitions. A statement from the Dutch govern- is this which we have in mind when we term will acquire the cachet Russophobia ment said: “The government will now deliberate on the outcome and consult with speak about ‘the bacillus of Putinophobia’ has, especially since, from the Kremlin’s the Dutch Parliament. Subsequently, the Dutch government will also speak to which has infected many in the Western point of view, it carries with it a problem EU-partners and the government of Ukraine. This process will take time to be able to community.” for the Putin regime. To the extent that it reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties.” The press secretary’s linguistic innova- promotes a distinction between Mr. Putin President Petro Poroshenko, who had predicted a win for Ukraine in the Dutch tion came in his first public reaction to the and Russia, its introduction may have the vote, noted that the referendum was “an attack on the unity of Europe, attack on the publication of the so-called Panama Papers effect of opening the way for more criticism spread of European values” and emphasized that it “has an exclusively consultative about the offshore holdings of world lead- of the Kremlin rather than less. nature under the Constitution and legislation of the Netherlands.” He added: “I am ers, including Mr. Putin, who is established After all, many critics of Russian policy confident that this event is not a strategic obstacle for Ukraine on the path to Europe. do not hate Russia or Russians. Instead, I would like to emphasize that Ukraine will keep on implementing the Association they despise and criticize the criminal Agreement and ensure the establishment of DCFTA [Deep and Comprehensive Free Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on actions of its current leader. Consequently, Trade Area] with the European Union, for it is a way to modernize Ukraine and rein- ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia. such people may even welcome the term force its independence. We will not turn off the road of European integration. The article above is reprinted with permis- “Putinophobia” because it more accurately Ukraine and freedom cannot be stopped.” sion from his blog called “Window on describes the object of their anger if not, as Thankfully, Ukraine has allies like Lithuania, who don’t for a moment question its Eurasia” (http://windowoneurasia2. Messrs. Peskov and Putin would have it, European identity. President Dalia Grybauskaite (speaking in English) stated, “…now is blogspot.com/). their fears. not the time to lose hope or question Ukraine’s European choice. No one can stand in the way of Ukraine’s path to Europe. Because Ukraine has always been in Europe and will always stay in Europe. Provisions of the agreement on free trade are de facto dition to seek possible new bases. Possibly already in force. The integration process may take more time than we thought, but the Despite bilateral... the Russian military is planning to milita- rize the other Kurile islands, as well. end result is clear. It was decided in Maidan. There is no doubt that the future of (Continued from page 2) Ukraine is in the hands of every Ukrainian.” She continued in Ukrainian: “Today we The Russian General Staff considers the must become more united and decisive, ready for reform, integration and a new including on Vrangel Island, located north Kurile Islands a prime military-strategic European Ukraine. Lithuania and all of Europe will be on your side. Glory to Ukraine!” of Chukotka, in the Arctic Sea (Mil.ru, asset. The Russian navy has announced it March 25). will deploy its newest Borei-class strategic Reinforcements are also being deployed nuclear submarines armed with new in the Kurile Islands: In 2016, new anti-ship Bulava multiple-warhead ballistic missiles guided missiles Bal and Bastion, together to Kamchatka, at the Vilyuchinsk subma- April Turning the pages back... with new spy drones will be deployed in rine base, where housing and infrastruc- the South Kurile, Kunashir and Iturup ture have been revamped on orders from Last year, on April 16, 2015, Ukraine established the National islands, also claimed by Japan (see Eurasia the Kremlin. Overall, eight Borei-class subs 16 Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, headed by 35-year-old Daily Monitor, March 30). Gen. Shoigu are planned to be built, and up to five could Artem Sytnyk, a former investigator for the Kyiv Oblast prosecu- announced that in April 2016, a special be based in Kamchatka (TASS, March 4). 2015 tor’s office. three-month-long naval expedition “by sail- At present, the existing Borei-class subs Mr. Sytnyk was named as head of the bureau after months of ors of the Pacific Fleet” will be commenced (Yuri Dolgoruky, Vladimir Monomakh and delay, though President Petro Poroshenko had promised its from the islands of the Greater Kurile Chain Alexander Nevsky) are undergoing testing launch in January 2015. (Ridge) to “explore new bases for the in the Barents Sea – close to the Severnaya The youth and limited experience of Mr. Sytnyk was unsettling for parliamentarians. Pacific Fleet” (Mil.ru, March 25). shipyard, where they were built in Mustafa Nayyem of the Poroshenko Bloc said, “Mr. Sytnyk can go down in history as the According to the chair of the Defense and Severodvinsk, in the estuary of the first fighter against corruption, who was able to put behind bars top-tier officials, from Security Committee of the Federation Severnaya Dvina, on the White Sea (Izvestia, ministers to judges, prosecutors, etc. Or he can become yet another inglorious official from Council (the upper house of the Russian March 2) When operating in the Pacific, the the dark masses.” Parliament), Victor Ozerov, “the number of Borei submarines will go on patrol from Independent National Deputy Vitalii Kuprii, formerly of the Poroshenko Bloc, said the naval ships of the Pacific Fleet that will be Vilyuchinsk into the Russian-controlled, rel- president’s selection would prove that Mr. Sytnyk could be “easily manipulated.” deployed in the Kuriles will depend on how atively shallow Sea of Okhotsk. From there, Serhiy Leshchenko (of the Poroshenko Bloc) said Mr. Sytnyk’s inexperience was an constructive relations will be with Japan and they will target the continental United advantage, and could result in political independence, as it did for Latvian Anti-Coruption other Asia-Pacific nations.” Mr. Ozerov called States. Bureau head Aleksejs Loskutovs. on Japan not to view this future deployment The Sea of Okhotsk is seen as a better The bureau, which was to function independently of government interference, was as a threat: “The military-strategic impor- safe haven than the northern Barents Sea. authorized to seize funds that were determined to have been illegally obtained. Mr. Sytnyk tance [to Russia] of the Kuriles is high; and The Kurile Island Chain separates the Sea reports on progress to the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers and the president, anyway, not all of the Pacific Fleet will be of Okhotsk from the open Pacific Ocean; it who retains the authority to dismiss him, along with Parliament, but only based on an deployed there” (RIA Novosti, March 25). is strategically important for the Russian international audit. Mr. Sytnyk holds the position for seven years, longer than any elected It is unclear where the Russian warships military to build up its naval defenses in the official, and is salaried at $60,000 hrv per month (approximately $2,600), which is far are to be stationed in the Kuriles: on region so as not to allow U.S. and allied higher than any elected official – including the president’s, whose monthly salary is 9,296 Kunashir and Iturup, or further north. anti-submarine assets to penetrate the hrv (approximately $400). Today, only Kunashir, Iturup and the most Okhotsk waters and airspace. As the Borei The bureau has an estimated 700 employees, and coordinates its activities with other northern Paramushir islands are populat- subs begin arriving in the Pacific, the Kurile law enforcement authorities, including those abroad. For 2015, the bureau had a budget of ed. The Russian military is deployed in the Islands could be further militarized – and 300 million hrv ($13 million). southern Kunashir and Iturup, close to Mr. Sytnyk, in an independent move, said that he would start his work with Ukraine’s not only the southern ones facing Japan. notoriously corrupt judiciary, “starting with the higher judges [and proceeding] to the Japan. The rest of the Kurile islands (56 in lower ones.” He also said that the bureau’s priority included “officials at the highest eche- all) are uninhabited and have no military The article above is reprinted from lons of power,” adding, corruption “is about as high in all bodies.” infrastructure. Since military forces are Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from already deployed in the South Kuriles, there its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, (Continued on page 13) seems no need to send a special naval expe- www.jamestown.org. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Church in Lviv region needs help to rebuild A mother’s love It was one of my most alarming experi- one end, where a few weary middle-aged ences. It was 1990 or 1991, and I was in women supervised 11 toddlers, mostly Moscow. It was cold, damp and grey. My boys. There was a powerful smell of disin- colleagues and I had been wandering fectant that would cling to my clothes for along the Arbat. Out of the corner of my days afterwards. The partly carpeted floor eye I saw a throng of children with two or was strewn with colored plastic blocks, three adults. Suddenly one of the little toys and a couple of stuffed animals. On boys ran up to me and seized me by the one side of the room were high curtained leg. Yielding to a reflex acquired in Rome, I windows; a student told me that the chil- immediately checked my pockets. But this dren liked to be held up to look through urchin didn’t want money. He just them. The physician on duty explained to shrieked and cried and clung to my leg. me that most of these children would even- Passers-by kept their distance. Through tually be adopted. Only a small part of the my mind flashed a dim awareness of home was currently occupied, she Father Ivan Moskal gangs of exploited children and their explained, as a new state program had Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary Church before it was destroyed by fire. unscrupulous “guardians.” If I gave him assigned many abandoned children to fos- Dear Editor: completed, but there is still more building money, it would get into the wrong hands. ter families. A foster family was handsome- needing to be done to finish the structure. Calling the police would only make things ly paid: 2,000 hrv per child. In this impov- My grandfather emigrated from the village The church committee of the Presentation worse. The boy howled and screamed and erished society, the opportunities for abuse Verkhnye, close to Turka, in the Lviv region. I of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish is turning would not let go. I could only wait until were obvious. was able to visit this village with my children to us to help raise funds for the rebuilding someone managed to coax him back to his The students played with the toddlers in 2013, when my children were invited to of the church before it can be used by the participate in the Boyko Festival in Turka, peers. for about an hour. One of the children, village again. with their Korinya Ukrainian Folk Band. Even after 25 years, the memory however, stayed in his crib. His big dark If there are readers who would like to During a performance break, my children and evokes guilt and frustration. What could I eyes and tongue rolled about uncontrolla- help with the rebuilding of this church, we I took part in the 100-year celebration of the have done? There are, to be sure, organi- bly. Yet he was no less lovable than the have opened an account in Self Reliance New Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary Church, zations that work to curb child abuse. But others. No amount of philosophical or York Federal Credit Union specifically for this which was central to my grandfather’s village since the demise of the Soviet Union, the theological argumentation for the inher- cause. Presentation of Blessed Virgin Mary and family, and in whose cemetery our problem has persisted in Russia and the ent dignity of all human life, regardless of Church account number is 0000013768. We Shepko ancestors are buried. successor republics, not excluding mental or physical condition, beats look- are grateful for any amount and all proceeds Two years later, on Christmas in 2015, are going to this cause. Ukraine. This is not the place to attempt ing into the smiling, curious face of one of the wooden church was completely Readers may call Halyna Shepko at 845- an analysis of its causes, but surely alco- these children. engulfed in flames and destroyed. Since 255-5936 or e-mail [email protected] holism, drug abuse, ruptured families, and Children suffering from congenital dis- then, the congregation has held services in for more information. Thank you! the general moral and socio-economic dis- eases like Down syndrome or cerebral the bell tower, because that’s all that was integration of the late Soviet and post- palsy are especially prone to abandon- left. Rebuilding of the church has begun, Halyna Shepko and family Soviet periods have contributed to the ment. Can anything be done for them? the foundation and first floor are almost New Paltz, N.Y. proliferation of homeless and exploited They are not particularly “desirable” for children. foreign or domestic adoption. Facilities unleashed thousands of “little green men” Often these children are born into mis- like Dim Dytyny can care for them for a to Sevastopol, and prepared special security ery. Some are orphans. Sometimes irre- few years. Then other institutions take On Putin, Russia forces for assignments in eastern Ukraine. sponsible, alcoholic or drug-addicted par- over. The response from the West? Words! This ents turn them over to the state. And some- Even if such a child’s parents are able and Eastern Europe in spite of the fact that the U.S., Great Britain, times the child is born with a mental or and willing to assume the burden of care, Dear Editor: Russia and Ukraine signed the Budapest physical disability, which may or may not the family faces an array of problems. One We all know Vladimir Putin is very intel- Memorandum in 1994, which clearly states be related to the parents’ conduct. is that people often assume that the par- ligent, ruthless, shrewd, devious and a that these signatory countries are bound to Although many homeless children are ents are alcoholics or drug addicts. In a habitual liar. He’s paranoid about NATO, respect, honor and defend the territory and adopted by foreigners, Russia recently recent article in the Kyiv Post, Yana sovereignty of Ukraine in return for and this drives his desire to re-establish a banned such adoptions. It is strange that a Stepaniuk described this and other diffi- new USSR . In August 2008 he tested the Ukraine’s agreement to rid itself of nukes. So culties experienced by the parents of chil- much for trusting Russia, the U.S. and Great country that is so concerned with preserv- mettle of the U.S. and NATO by attacking ing its “genetic fund” and reversing the dren with cerebral palsy (“Children with Georgia. Since that was an election year in Britain to uphold agreements. With this victory behind him, Mr. Putin set decline in its population – a laudable aim Cerebral Palsy in Ukraine ‘Struggle from the U.S., President George W. Bush was in – should devote so few resources to caring the First Day of their Lives,’” Kyiv Post, his last months in office and not likely to out to complete the second phase of his Ukraine strategy by fomenting a “separatist for its abandoned children. It is also March 17, 2016). respond to a provocation. strange that Western societies, which so According to the author, nearly 100,000 In 2008, when Ossetian separatist mili- uprising” in eastern Ukraine. The West resort- eagerly promote sex without consequenc- children in Ukraine suffer from disabilities tary units shelled Georgian villages, the ed to “diplomatically” resolving the war. Current sanctions are not effective. es, should find it necessary to import chil- related to neurological disorders. There are Georgian military responded, assuming the few state centers that offer free treatment. West would support it. Russia quickly Additional sanctions should include the freez- dren from abroad. That said, those who Caretakers often exhibit a fatalistic atti- unleashed not a diplomatic effort, but an ing of all Russian assets in Europe and North adopt orphaned or abandoned children tude. There persists a social prejudice that unprecedented military assault. The results America, and using these assets to compen- from Ukraine are certainly to be com- were disastrous for Georgia. The West’s sate Ukraine, Georgia and future victims of mended. children with disabilities must be kept out response to this aggression? A “diplomatic Russia’s aggression. And how about really Ukraine maintains a system of homes of sight and will never have normal lives. In solution” in which the aggressor dictated the arming Ukraine so that it can defend itself? for these children. On a chilly evening last the world outside the care facilities, the terms under which he would halt his assault. In the meantime, Mr. Putin fills the vacu- October, I visited one such regional “Dim lack of ramps and elevators limits their um in Syria, resulting in the decimation of Unfortunately, just as military solutions Dytyny” with a group of third-year theolo- mobility. Their educational possibilities, alone are not the answer to all conflicts, the moderate opposition, ignoring ISIS and too, are restricted, because schools will not, strengthening Mr. Assad, and forcing tens of gy undergraduates, both men and women, neither are diplomatic solutions alone from the Ukrainian Catholic University in for example, enroll a child with cerebral always the way to sustainable peace. thousands of emigrants into Europe, great- palsy. ly destabilizing that continent. Lviv. Their social pedagogy program Civil war erupted in Syria, and President But the plight of a child with a develop- Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and included four regular visits to the facility. Bashar al-Assad resorted to using chemical mental disability who has also been aban- Ukraine: Beware! The conditions are ripe: The vast, stately pre-war building near the weapons and barrel bombs. The West Stryisky Park was about a 15-minute walk doned is immeasurably worse. And even refused to put in place a no-fly-zone, and Europe is internally torn by the migrant from campus. After some haggling with the for a healthy child, state facilities – while lines-in-the-sand regarding chemical weap- and other problems, the U.S. is in an elec- tion year, and leaders in both Europe and administrator on duty, who insisted that obviously preferable to criminal gangs – ons were drawn and then neglected by the are no substitute for a family. As the physi- U.S. Mr. Putin concluded that the West will the U.S. are not willing to act. Look toward the rules only allowed nine visitors at a yourselves to collectively face Russia, and time, we broke up into two groups. One cian at the Dim Dytyny remarked to me, not respond to provocation. “What is really needed is a mother’s love.” Russia’s hosting of the 2014 Winter take any commitment by the West with a would visit the toddlers on the lower floor; Olympics presented an opportunity. With very large dose of skepticism. the other would see the older ones. Ukraine in transition and the world’s atten- Zenon Stepchuk I joined the first group. We were shown Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at tion focused on the Games, Mr. Putin St. Paul, Minn. to a large room with about a dozen cribs at [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

AT THE FORUM “UKRAINE’S BATTLE FOR FREEDOM CONTINUES” Ukraine’s president says, “The price we have paid is striking” Following is the text of the keynote address by President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine at the forum “Ukraine’s Battle for Freedom Continues” on March 30 in Washington. (The text is published as released by the Presidential Administration of Ukraine)

It is a pleasure for me to be here tonight and see so many friends of Ukraine. This is especially important for me to be in the Congress building. I had an honor to have a speech in the Congress and Senate on September 18, 2014. That was an event for the whole of my life. And that was a very important symbol of support, which was demonstrated in the U.S. Congress for my country and for the people of Ukraine. Thank you very much indeed for that. Let me start with words of gratitude. I am grateful to the United States government for stand- ing by Ukraine’s side over last two years – the hardest two years in the history of my country. I am grateful to the Ukrainian American community which has been supporting Ukraine so actively in so many ways. I am grateful to all people of goodwill who stood with Presidential Administration of Ukraine Ukraine and extended their financial, in-kind and moral President Petro Poroshenko speaks at the forum “Ukraine’s Battle for Freedom Continues” on March 30 in Washington. support. This support is vitally important for me and for the people of Ukraine. Moscow, which still does not allow Ukrainian doctors to nuclear weapons there, too. This is Russia’s understanding Dear friends, since I’ve visited America last time, visit Nadiya for an independent inspection, despite promis- of security in the region. Ukraine has effectively stopped the Russian offensive. es of Russian Foreign Minister Mr. Lavrov. It rejects access I speak about this for a very clear reason. I came here to The price we have paid is striking. Almost 10,000 people for German doctors and doctors of the ICRC. participate in the Nuclear Security Summit. I have an honor have died. Over 2,700 of them are Ukrainian servicemen We have approved the sanctions list against individuals to be president of the state which made a unique contribu- killed by fire of combined Russian-militant forces. This who had partaken in the farce trials against Ukrainian tion to the nuclear security in the world. In 1994, Ukraine number exceeds the U.S. military losses in Afghanistan for political prisoners in Russia – so-called “Savchenko- abandoned the third largest nuclear weapons arsenal. the last 15 years. 1.75 million IDPs [internally displaced Sentsov” list, very similar to the Magnitsky list. We expect At the first Nuclear Security Summit in 2010 under the persons] lost their homes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions that our U.S. and European partners join this initiative. leadership of President Obama, we refused from a stock- and moved to other regions of Ukraine. Ladies and gentlemen, Ukraine remains committed to pile of highly enriched uranium and have implemented our And I, as president, the Ukrainian government, the implementation of the Minsk agreements in their pledge so far. As of today, Ukraine remains among the key Ukrainian local authorities should find out shelter, houses, entirety. This is the only option for the peaceful settlement contributors to success of the Obama Nuclear Security ini- jobs, education for them and their children. Organize on the table now. tiative. And I am proud of that. everything. We are keen to unlock the political process and hold the What did we get in response? But we are having very strong expectations and hopes local elections in Donbas. We got security assurances under the 1994 Budapest that in the very near future 1.75 million Ukrainians will However, these elections are possible only: Memorandum about sovereignty, territorial integrity and have an opportunity to come back to their native land in independence of my country. Very clear. Give up nuclear Donetsk and Luhansk regions. arrangements and does not manipulate with the phrase weapons and receive security guarantee. Sounds good. But Seven percent of Ukrainian territory is under occupa- “holding• If Russia local implements elections in security line with provisions the Ukrainian of the legisla Minsk- what has it turned [out] to be in reality? tion. Twenty percent of Ukrainian economy and industrial tion and international standards.” Free and fair elections Russia simply defied its assurances to Ukraine and com- output is seized or destroyed. means that elections should be free and elections should mitted a direct armed aggression against my state. Nineteen months after we initiated the Minsk process, I be fair. We cannot accept legitimizing the occupation of The Ukrainian patriots are losing their lives defending still receive reports about losses and shelling of our posi- Donbas through farce elections or Russian understanding the same values that are dear to America and Europe. tions in the frontline every single day. Every morning I have of free and fair elections, which has nothing to do with We are of one blood, one mind and one values – demo- a report from Chief of the General Staff, General of the democratic standards. We have exact criteria of the OSCE cratic values. Ukrainian Army Muzhenko. Unfortunately, every day we that define free and fair elections. And these elections We, Ukrainians, are entitled to call upon the Western have from 50 to 100 shelling per day. should be accepted by the whole world. guarantors under the memorandum to take all possible Russia continues sending troops, heavy weapons and efforts to restore international justice and order, to help us ammunition into Ukraine a few times a week. Only since enhanced OSCE police mission in Donbas to ensure securi- in our battle for survival and independent, democratic and January 1, 2016, Russian trains and trucks full of supplies ty before,• If the during international and after community the elections. brokers Can you deploys imagine an European future. have illegally crossed the uncontrolled part of the anybody making election campaign when we have thou- I believe that there is a real chance for President Obama Ukrainian-Russian border over 80 times. sands of Russian troops on the street? And nobody has to mark his presidential term with settlement of the con- Russia’s proxies in Donbas still heavily impede the OSCE access to independent media because it simply doesn’t flict in Donbas. Special Monitoring Mission to access all areas under their exist on this territory, just as independent elections com- Ladies and gentlemen, these are difficult times. Not only control and verify the ceasefire and withdrawal of weap- mission. And 1.75 million Ukrainians living there have no for Ukraine but for all nations. The mankind faces many ons. They do not allow them to access the uncontrolled right to vote. We will never accept this Russian standard of problems – terrorism, growing radicalism and xenophobia, part of the Ukrainian-Russian border just to check and democracy. migration, climate change. The world is tempted to choose inform independently the whole world about what is going pragmatism over values, self-isolationism over courage, on in the occupied territory. Ukraine’s control over the uncontrolled part of the and appeasement over peace. This situation is not conducive to holding local elections Ukrainian-Russian• If we start working border. towards Russia has eventual delivered restoration more than of Many think that it is just a matter of time that the dust in militant-controlled areas of Donbas which are of key 750 tanks, more than 1,500 artillery systems, echelons of settles in Ukraine and things will get back to old normal life importance for further progress in the settlement. ammunition to a very small territory. What for? Everyone in Europe. I don’t think it’s going to happen. The “old nor- Russia keeps using an escalation card whenever it wants understands that. Of course, this doesn’t increase security mal” is over. to push for a preferred scenario. It keeps supporting mili- of the region. Recognize it or not, but the West has a problem – a large tants in Donbas as it wants to have a permanent leverage The recipe for the settlement is rather simple as that. nuclear state with inferiority complex, with hateful attitude on Ukraine. What is not simple is changing Russia’s attitude and mak- and with total disregard for the common values, agreed Russia also uses human lives as a trading chip. After ing it leave Ukraine alone. principles and norms. months of negotiations, we still cannot get over 120 Dear friends, there are systemic and large-scale viola- And this problem will not go away by itself. Ukrainians from captivity in Donbas. ICRC [International tions of human rights in Crimea. International organiza- Russia is not just rejecting Europe. It is trying to build an Committee of the Red Cross] is banned to visit them as well tions signal these facts in their reports. alternative Europe based on alternative values. Tyranny as to search [for] about 800 missing persons. The occupation regime targets everyone who shows dis- instead of democracy. Intolerance instead of respect. A The Kremlin has gone even further. At least 11 Ukrainian sent, especially Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars who sup- zero-sum game instead of win-win. citizens have become political prisoners in Russia. Farce tri- port sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of As Russia tears Ukraine apart physically, it tears Europe als, unjust verdicts and illegal detention of Hero of Ukraine, Ukraine. apart politically. It does its best to promote Euroscepticism member of the Ukrainian Parliament, PACE member Nadiya The Russian occupation regime has launched over 130 and nurture anti-EU parties throughout the continent in Savchenko who has stayed there for almost two years for criminal cases against Crimean Tatars, including a case to every single European member-state just to make Europe doing nothing but defending the Ukrainian land as a ban their main organization – Mejlis. weaker, disintegrated and bring crisis to Europe. Russia- Ukrainian officer. Two years. And Oleh Sentsov, and Twenty-one Crimean Tatars have been kidnapped, three inspired isolationism becomes a factor in the world – with- [Oleksander] Kolchenko, and many others are just appalling. found dead, nine are still missing. Over 20,000 Ukrainians out the world noticing it. Some of them, including Nadiya Savchenko, are in a criti- and Crimean Tatars were forced to leave the peninsula. cal health condition. But this factor has no meaning for Russia heavily militarizes Crimea. It seeks to deploy (Continued on page 18) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 9

Yegor Soboliev: Western support for Ukraine is greater than ever

by Zenon Zawada Throughout the world, Russian tourists are a brand with a negative meaning. It’s KYIV – A key reason for the Samopomich very important that is understood in Berlin, Party’s popularity (it ranks first in some Paris and throughout Europe, because it will polls) has been the passionate pursuit of be the first target of Russian aggression. The reforms by Yegor Soboliev, the 39-year old hope of the Russian people is to conquer deputy head of the party’s parliamentary everyone. Thank God they never achieved faction, who holds the chairmanship of the that, though in the times of Stalin and Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Corruption Catherine the Great, Russia stormed Berlin Prevention and Counteraction. and even took it over. This is fully within the Under his leadership that began in bounds of the national idea that we’re poor, January 2015, the committee has filtered, we’re unjustly governed but despite that approved and in some cases rewritten anti- we’re able to conquer everyone. corruption laws, including those needed to Zawada: Then why are [German establish a visa-free regime with the Chancellor Angela] Merkel and [French European Union. Mr. Soboliev spearheaded President Francois] Hollande not con- legislation that created the National vinced of that and why are they support- Agency to Search, Recover and Administer ing the establishment of the special sta- Illegally Gained Assets. tus in the Donbas? The Ukrainian Weekly interviewed Mr. Soboliev on March 15 at his office in the Zenon Zawada That’s a riddle. I’m not an expert in Verkhovna Rada committees building on Never has Ukraine had so much global support as currently, says Yegor Soboliev, a German or French politics. I can assume, Self-Reliance national deputy and chair of the parliamentary corruption prevention firstly, that Europe doesn’t believe and Sadova Street. Also participating in the and counteraction committee. interview and posing questions was Vasyl doesn’t want to think about serious risks. It has become reactionary – reacting to prob- Troubich, a master’s degree student in power. I wouldn’t want to say much on this od of the early 1990s and this opened up lems, but not trying to resolve them by international affairs at George Washington because Ukrainian sanctions policies are a large possibilities for beginning a stream of forecasting. University. complete imitation. We truly don’t have currency. But what’s needed for that is for The second problem is the large influ- Following is the conclusion of the two- sanctions. A third of our banking business business to begin working. Currently, ence of Russia, because Russian reconnais- part interview with Mr. Soboliev. is Russian, 75 percent of the energy busi- imports have increased in value by 3.5 sance, the Russian Church and this entire ness is Russian, 100 percent of our mobile times, which is a fantastic chance for domes- PART II machine of Russian foreign influence is per- business is Russian. And it would be ridicu- tic business to develop. But devaluation is fect. I believe that it’s much stronger than lous for us to talk about sanctions not not enough. Also needed is tax reform, free Troubich: Would you say that the U.S. Russia invests more in its foreign working because we haven’t introduced conditions for business, guarantees of pri- Western policies towards Ukraine coin- aggressive approach because that’s its them. vate property rights, and peace. These are all cide with Ukrainian national interests? national idea. The American president’s our reserves and when it’s all replaced by How can they be improved? Troubich: The U.S. is providing non- support depends on the condition of the loans, it’s a wonderful opportunity for our If we talk about the attitude towards lethal military aid to the Ukrainian mili- U.S. economy. The Russian president’s sup- Ukraine and support for Ukraine in its fight tary. Should the U.S. provide lethal kleptocrats to continue their theft. port depends on where we’re waging war for independence from Russia, it would be defensive weapons to Ukraine if Russia Troubich: What would you personally and whether we’re winning in these wars. a sin to complain because there has never and the separatists continue to escalate recommend for Western countries to do Putin has fantastic poll numbers now been such a supportive attitude towards hostilities? not only on behalf of Ukraine but despite the enormous economic problems Ukraine in its history as there is currently. This is a very difficult question. On the against Russia? faced by the Russians precisely because of The U.S. and the EU are on our side. Many these wars. They don’t want to make the one hand, it’s clear that the more the most It’s very important to understand that neighbors are helping. Even Turkey has link. Instead, it’s interesting for them to see powerful nation in the world helps us mili- the Russian national idea is usurpation. It’s become our ally, thank God, and the how they’ve bombed Syria and conquered tarily, the easier it will be for us. On the a very large historical phenomenon that Crimean Tatars. Never in Ukraine’s history the Ukrainians. That’s the second reason. other hand, I understand this aid is hard to takes its greatest strength from the days of has there been such a positive attitude and The third reason is that European politi- give to Ukraine. I met with the representa- the Golden Horde, when enormous territo- such a geopolitical situation. This is a cians, like all politicians, don’t think about tives of the U.S. Armed Forces who said ries were controlled by conquering and unique chance. what will be after tomorrow, but they are openly that the aid in creating special oper- enslaving those people who lived alongside. If we talk about the policies of Western thinking about what’s today. They don’t ations forces that was formally requested It was preserved to this day, and in essence governments, then we see a very big influ- want to foresee these long-term risks. by the Ukrainian president is being ignored. is the identity of the Russian people. The ence of Russia on the governments of the Europe turned out to be very unprepared People are simply wasting time, efforts and mentality is, “We are poor and we may have EU, including Germany, France and Eastern taxpayer money without effectiveness, at for a very large wave of immigrants that Europe, with the exception of Poland. This a very unjust life, but we are distinguished was, by the way, fully planned and orga- least in what it could be. So I’m afraid that because we can subdue and conquer any- influence is insidious and in the shadows. once again, the main responsibility is with nized by Putin. When he saw the unity of all We see that with the referendum in the one. Unfortunately, this is not only a prob- the civilized world against him, particularly our Joint Chiefs of Staff, and with our ability lem with [Russian President Vladimir] Netherlands, where they’ve very skillfully to receive this aid and use it. Everyone Europe, it was an unpleasant surprise. So ignited fears that Ukrainians are stealers of Putin, just as it wasn’t just a problem with he launched the invasion of Syria. Why? To knows the sad story of the radar that wasn’t Nikolai II, who wanted to conquer the paintings, human traffickers and very cor- destroyed in Debaltseve during our retreat. show his people one more example of a Bosporus and Dardanelles straits and make rupt people in general. [Editor’s note: Donbas war journalist Yurii conquering war. On the other hand, his ana- the Black Sea internal. This is the philoso- Regarding the policies of the U.S. govern- Butusov confirmed that Ukrainian soldiers lytic services easily forecasted the chain phy of the existence of the Russian state. ment, I think undoubtedly this is our strate- carelessly allowed parts from U.S. radars to reaction. We will launch a war, a large num- All the world’s governments should gic partner, but this administration is weak be captured by the Russian-backed forces.] I ber of people will begin to flee to Europe, understand that their problems will only in all its foreign policy and perhaps we are think that has a lot to teach us above all. We and European politicians will switch to begin if Ukraine is conquered by Russia. The a hostage to this. I don’t see in President as a country don’t do a lot in order to these problems because they’ll be focused enormous, highly populated Ukraine will be [Barack] Obama’s actions – nor those of the increase this aid, including the transfer of on resolving domestic problems. That’s an State Department officials and even the U.S attack weapons, lethal weapons. mobilized as part of the military strategy of example of the sharp geopolitical vision of ambassador – enough realistic thinking and conquest by the new Russian empire. Very the Russian president. Despite it backfiring readiness to deal with the challenges of the Troubich: What policy initiatives of many Ukrainian soldiers who are excellent with suffering for his people, Europeans world seriously. It seems to me that this the Ukrainian government need the soldiers will be mobilized into the Russian and Syrians, but from the viewpoint of his sometimes is more a flight from problems most financial support? army. They will begin to wage war along tra- logic, he triumphs when acting in this way. than a realistic approach to solving them. I I am an enemy of financial aid. I believe ditional directions, toward Poland, the Baltic The last time I saw [German Foreign don’t think this is related to Russia’s influ- that what Ukraine strongly needs now is states, Finland and Turkey. Russia will never Affairs Minister Frank-Walter] Steinmeier, ence on European countries. I think this is diplomatic aid. Ukraine strongly needs mili- stop. They have short periods of peace; he came to the Rada with the French for- related to domestic factors and the person- tary instruction. But allocating funds raises when domestic problems reach a high eign minister and reminded us about how alities of the current president and the peo- the risk of theft, which is not monitored at enough level the leaders need to make dec- on February 21, he led talks on giving ple he has chosen for his team. all. Plus, this merely extends the trouble larations about modernization and relaxing Yanukovych more time to remain as presi- with the alcoholic, who needs more and authority in order to simply win time for Troubich: Have Western sanctions dent and keeping everything quiet and more vodka and he will never refuse. I don’t new expansion. All of Russian history is a imposed on Russia been an effective tool calm until early elections are held. I simply think financial aid is a top priority for story of wars of conquest. When Russia to address Russian involvement in east- felt sorry for him and didn’t want to put Ukraine. I simply know what enormous stops, it begins to experience ruin. People ern Ukraine? Will the West remain uni- him in an uncomfortable position in the reserves are in the country that we could will start to think, “If we aren’t conquering fied going forward? presence of all the leaders of the Ukrainian have if we eliminated the top corruption. Poles, Turks, Ukrainians and others, if we Parliament. I wanted to tell him that this I don’t have data to determine the effec- International aid is a small addition to that. are going to be normal neighbors, then why shows just how inadequately you are tiveness of U.S. and EU sanctions in influ- This doesn’t apply to IMF loans to stabilize do we live so poorly? What’s the sense of assessing the situation. Russian soldiers encing the Russian economy. What’s cer- the hryvnia. Those were justified in that dif- our lives? That we are poor? That we are were already landing on Crimean territory tainly very effective is the policy of support- ficult time, though to be honest, we set a backwards? That everyone laughs at us? We ing weak oil prices, which ruins Putin’s devaluation record during the horrific peri- can’t even be free among free people.” (Continued on page 18) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15 Ukraine victorious in pair of friendlies

by Ihor N. Stelmach Andriy Pyatov. The last 45 minutes saw six substitutions on the Ukrainian side. In the first of two warm-ups for the 2016 Stepanenko, the Shakhtar Donetsk mid- European Football Championship to be fielder, followed up to finish from close range played in France from June 10 to July 10, at the far post after Cyprus keeper Constanti- Ukraine defeated Cyprus, 1-0. The interna- nos Panayi saved Roman Zozulya’s header. tional friendly match was played at Chorno- Following a dominant first half, Ukraine morets Stadium in Odesa on March 24. continued to force the play at the start of Taras Stepanenko’s first-half goal (40th the second half before shifting gears at the minute) earned an experienced Ukraine 70-minute mark. Cyprus created a few solid side the victory in a free-flowing match. openings in the closing stages, pressing The home side, playing without a few key Ukraine’s defense. Goalkeeper Denis Boyko injured players and substituting freely in the was tested several times with Cyprus for- second half, tinkered with its line-up while wards sending a good scoring chance wide preparing for the upcoming Euro 2016. At and hitting a post. the start, Ukraine’s head coach Mykhaylo Fomenko fielded his first team, minus key Ukraine 1: Wales 0 Nadja Melnychenko injured forwards Yevhen Konoplyanka and Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv was the site Artem Fedetskyi narrowly misses the goal as Wayne Hennessey blocks the shot. Anatoliy Tymoshchuk and top goaltender of the second pre-Euro 2016 friendly between Ukraine and Wales on March 28, Denys Gamash came close to doubling won by hosts Ukraine, 1-0, thanks to a the lead with a header wide of the far post Andriy Yarmolenko half-volley goal from a from still another set piece, while Wales well-designed set play. came close twice in extra time on efforts by The Dynamo Kyiv winger, who has been substitutes Jazz Richards and Joe Ledley. rumored to be the target of several English clubs, tallied the match’s only goal in the Politics on the pitch 28th minute off a Ruslan Rotan free kick. Yevhen Seleznyov has played in 48 inter- The Wales club tried springing an offside national matches and scored 11 goals. The trap from Rotan’s lofted kick, but its miscal- 30-year-old striker was a significant offen- culation left Yarmolenko free to score with sive force when Ukraine beat Slovenia in a shot on the turn, despite a touch from the qualifying playoffs for Euro 2016. Since goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The goal those playoffs, Seleznyov has signed to play was reminiscent of the set-piece goal for a Russian soccer club, Kuban Krasnodar. scored by Stepanenko in Ukraine’s 1-0 In late March 2016, one of Ukraine’s most defeat of Cyprus four days earlier. promising young players, Oleksandr Fomenko’s side played two inspired Zinchenko, was asked to join the country’s tune-ups in preparation for the upcoming under-21 side, only to be excluded from the Euro 2016 where the team has drawn squad. The Ukrainian Football Federation offi- Group C with Germany, Poland and cially said the 19-year-old midfielder was ill Northern Ireland. with a virus. His Russian club, FC Ufa, claimed Welshman Tom Lawrence forced the youngster was in excellent health. Ukraine goalkeeper Pyatov to tip the ball The above are two examples of Ukraine over the bar with a powerful angled shot in the first half. (Continued on page 16) Yonkers Krylati win soccer tournament

The Yonkers Krylati U-14 boys’ team: top row (left to right) Acting coach Michael Tomaszewsky, Matthew Melnychuk, Lukian Tomaszewsky, Vladyslav Deputat, Oleg Nagirny, Coach Stanley Melnychuk, (bottom row) Alexander Sydor, Mykola Pawliczko, Mike Shevchik, Thomas Skalski, Lukas Skalski.

by Mark Howansky won without their head coach Oleg Nagirnny, who was in Ukraine mourning the YONKERS, N.Y. – On Saturday, February loss of his father. Assistant coaches Stanley 13, the Yonkers Krylati U-14 boys’ team Melnychuk and Michael Tomaszewsky orga- won the Armonk Winter Indoor nized the boys in Nagirnny’s absence. Tournament. In group play, the team lost The Krylati Sport Club is run under the its first game to FC Westchester 3-2, before auspices of the Ukrainian American Youth winning against CT Rush 6-0 and Association (UAYA), Yonkers branch. The Greenwich Arsenal 3-2. In the final, Krylati club sponsors competitive, year-round pro- got revenge over FC Westchester with a 3-2 grams for adults and youth in soccer and victory by shootout. volleyball. To learn more about Krylati or The victory was impressive not only UAYA, readers may contact Mark Howansky because of the caliber of the competition at [email protected] or 917- that Krylati defeated, but also because they 678-4168. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 11

Ukrainian American... Maya responds to commonly asked (Continued from page 1) On her blog on her Facebook page (http://www.face- questions on her ‘Walk for Ukraine’ book.com/walkforukraine/), where readers can keep up to During The Weekly’s communication with Maya, she date on her progress, Maya wrote on April 2: sent these responses to questions commonly asked about “Today, two awesome and totally unexpected things her Walk for Ukraine that she began on November 21, happened, and I thought they deserved their own post. 2015. “I was walking down a country road, and I heard some- one calling to me. A very nice lady, Peggy Callison, had Tell a little bit about yourself and how did you stopped on the side and she wanted me to come over to come up with the idea of this walk. her. I went; she handed me earmuffs. She said she had seen This is a bit of a long answer – since I didn’t really me walking and drove back home to pick these up because think of the idea, but rather it came to me...I’ll try to it’s cold (there is a cold front here, and the weather went explain. I guess you can say, that I was going through back to the low 50s; 10-12 Celcius; and very windy). She some personal pain/confusion that made me think of asked me if I was the lady walking across America for that question that everybody probably asks them- Ukraine; I said yes. She said she doesn’t trust Putin, and is selves at some point: What am I doing here? What is really mad about what he is doing to Ukraine. Then, she Facebook my purpose? How can I live my life more presently/ asked if there was anything else she could give me, and Maya with a host Ukrainian family during a stop in fully? I knew that the answer would be found in walk- asked if I was taking donations. I explained that I’m not Tennessee. ing, because walking has always been healing and explicitly ‘fundraising’ or collecting money for myself per- Shelton. I tried looking him up but couldn’t find him. To my transformative for me. sonally, but would send postcards to those who want to surprise and delight, he came back and said he’d accept my I had walked the Camino de Santiago (old pilgrim- donate/support (more on this later). She handed me a $20 postcard offer and handed me his address. He said he age walk across northern Spain - 500 miles/800 km) bill, and said she did not want a tax donation for this. knows that Ukraine is going through a tough time right 11 years ago, and it was the best experience of my life “Only 10 minutes later, a truck stopped in front of me. A now, and is really happy to help. and it really shaped me as a person. So as I was in my man got out of his car; told me not to be afraid, and asked if “These funds will go to Volunteer Brigade Ukraine – “low,” I knew I needed to find that “place” again, and I I was the lady walking across America for Ukraine. I said World. On Monday I will send the money to them. I am knew I needed to become more self-aware, make yes and he took out his wallet, gave me $40. He said he supporting three organizations, but those that don’t changes, and grow. But Ukraine has always been a big didn’t want anything and since he stopped in the middle of require tax receipts will go to Volonterska Sotnia unless part of my identity and especially when the war with the road, there wasn’t a lot of time to talk, but I asked him if funds become unbalanced (so if I only collect $300, then Russia began – I became very involved in volunteering he had Facebook, and he told me his name was Frank each of the three organizations will get $100). They do efforts and I didn’t want to lose that focus/abandon awesome work (facebook.com/atovs). Check them out!” her just because I needed to work on myself. I thought about walking the Camino again, but it seemed too Maya is working with UkraineRising.org, Ukrainian short and too quiet/”inward” of a journey to bring Freedom Fund and Volunteer’s Brigade. Donors are to Ukraine into. It just didn’t feel right to me when I receive a postcard from Maya along her journey. began looking into the idea. So I started to think of: She also urges supporters to get involved as well: how can I walk and improve myself – physically, men- including plugs for Damian Kolodiy’s film “Freedom or tally, spiritually – while also not forgetting Ukraine, Death” about the events during the Euro-Maidan and actually benefiting her, too? I remember a “light Revolution of Dignity and the Ukraine Today news outlet bulb moment” – when I thought – America!! I immedi- for people to stay informed. ately Googled the idea and saw that it had been done Maya’s cross-country walk is different from most, as she before, and that indeed, most people who make this is also working full-time remotely during the evenings, journey do so to bring awareness to a cause. The while she walks during the day. As a Ukrainian American, moment I thought of this idea – I felt at peace. When I Maya has been active in the New York Ukrainian communi- researched it and started plotting the journey, I felt ty, and has visited Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y., and supported the work of The (Continued on page 16) Maya’s profile picture from her Facebook page. Ukrainian Museum in New York.

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to consume both food and water. Ms. the implementation of our Association faithful to unite themselves to this initiative NEWSBRIEFS Savchenko’s lawyer, Mark Feygin , said on Agreement will not be stopped,” Ukrainian of the pope with a generous contribution. April 6 that his client’s demand is “her President Petro Poroshenko said on April 1. This gesture of charity, in addition to reliev- (Continued from page 2) immediate return to Ukraine.” Ms. Mr. Poroshenko met with Dutch Prime ing material suffering, is intended to businesspeople, and celebrities from Savchenko, 34, was sentenced on March 22 Minister Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the express my personal closeness and solidar- around the world. Speaking at a news con- on charges including complicity in the kill- Nuclear Security Summit in Washington ity, and that of the entire Church, for ference in Tokyo on April 6, Mr. Poroshenko ing of two Russian journalists in eastern and afterward stressed the friendship Ukraine.” Pope Francis has called attention said that an offshore holding company set Ukraine in 2014. The sentence came into between their countries. He accused the to the violence in Ukraine on multiple occa- up for his candy business was a necessary effect on April 5. She refused to appeal the Dutch anti-EU activists who demanded the sions, most recently in his March 27 Urbi et step to put his assets into a blind trust verdict and sentence, saying she does not referendum of exploiting the Ukraine ques- Orbi message for Easter. In that address, when he became president in 2014. recognize the legitimacy of the probe tion as part of an agenda to strike a blow the pontiff called for a “definitive solution” Commentators say the leaks have raised against her. Ms. Savchenko denies the against the EU. The cooperation deal with to the conflict and expressed his hope for suspicion that such offshore entities were charges and has gone on several hunger Ukraine puts Kyiv on a path toward eventu- “the Lord of Life” to inspire humanitarian set up to avoid taxes. Iceland’s prime minis- strikes protesting her detention and the al EU membership. “The real purpose was aid, “including the liberation of those who ter resigned as the scandal deepened on court case. Ms. Savchenko said she was an internal Dutch discussion about the are detained.” His new outreach comes April 5. Mr. Poroshenko insisted that his seized in eastern Ukraine in June 2014 future of the European Union and internal after some leaders in Ukraine’s 5-million- case is different than Iceland’s or Russia’s, while fighting with a volunteer battalion political clashes,” Poroshenko said. “This is strong Greek-Catholic Church objected to and that the company was not set up to against Russia-backed separatists and very dangerous – that a 45-million-person the pontiff’s February 12 meeting with minimize taxes. He is in Japan this week to taken to Russia illegally. (RFE/RL, based on country could become the victim of this.” Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in meet the Japanese prime minister and reporting by UNIAN and TASS) U.S. State Department spokeswoman Havana, Cuba, where the two men issued a business leaders. (RFE/RL, based on Elizabeth Trudeau said that while it is up to joint declaration seen by some Greek- reporting by AP and Interfax) U.S., Poroshenko on Dutch vote Dutch voters to decide, “we believe that an Catholics as an effort to muzzle criticism of Association Agreement is in the best inter- Russia’s role in the conflict. Later, Francis Savchenko begins ‘dry’ hunger strike KYIV – The United States has urged Dutch voters to approve Ukraine’s coopera- ests of Ukraine, the Netherlands, and acknowledged understanding why Greek- MOSOW – Ukrainian military pilot tion agreement with the European Union in Europe.” The agreement “is critical to ensur- Catholics might have felt “betrayed” by the Nadiya Savchenko, who has been sentenced a referendum on April 4, even as Ukraine’s ing that Ukraine’s leaders continue to make declaration, describing the document as by a Russian court to 22 years in prison, president predicted victory. “We’re abso- the needed and important reforms that will “debatable.” In early March, the pontiff met has started a “dry” hunger strike, refusing lutely sure that European integration and contribute to a more peaceful, democratic, in the Vatican with Patriarch Sviatoslav and prosperous, and stable continent,” she said. other leaders of the church’s Permanent Ms. Trudeau added that “it will provide new Synod, praising Greek-Catholics in Ukraine economic opportunities for the for their “tireless witnesses of hope” amid Netherlands, for Ukraine, and for Europe as hardships. (UNIAN) a whole.” European Commission chief Jean- Claude Juncker last month sought to assure Russian oil products to be banned in Ukraine TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 or e-mail [email protected] Dutch voters who oppose further expansion KYIV – Ukrainian Prime Minister of the EU after years of incorporating other Arseniy Yatsenyuk says he will introduce a Eastern European states that he doesn’t ban on oil products from Russia. Ukraine SERVICES PROFESSIONALS expect Ukraine to join the EU for another 25 has put up stiff barriers against goods from years. He has warned that a rejection of the Russia over Moscow’s 2014 annexation of treaty by Dutch voters could lead to a “con- Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and its sup- tinental crisis.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by port for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Reuters, AFP, and TASS Russia has responded with its own trade Pope announces collection for Ukraine ban on Ukrainian goods. Mr. Yatsenyuk told a government meeting in Kyiv on April 6 VATICAN CITY – Describing it as an that “we have introduced a number of sanc- expression of his “constant thoughts and tions against Russia. But for some reason, prayer” for victims of the ongoing violence one of the key elements – the purchase of in Ukraine, Pope Francis announced on Russian oil products – did not make this April 3 that he’s asked all the Catholic list.” He asked the economy minister to churches of Europe to take up a special col- “develop a mechanism for banning the pur- lection on April 24 to fund humanitarian chase of oil products from the aggressor, relief, according to Crux, an independent which Russia is.” Mr. Yatsenyuk added that Catholic news site. According to the Council he wanted to exclude Russia from proposed on Foreign Relations, almost 10,000 people legislation eliminating import tariffs on have been killed amid fighting between used automobiles. RFE/RL, based on Ukrainian forces and combined Russian- reporting by AFP and Interfax) separatist forces in the eastern part of the country, generating roughly a million new Poroshenko and Obama meet migrants and refugees and causing more WASHINGTON – In the course of the than $115 billion in estimated economic Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, SERVICES losses, Crux wrote. “My thoughts go to all Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had the populations that hunger and thirst for a meeting with U.S. President Barack peace, and in particular, of the drama of Obama. The heads of state discussed the sit- those suffering the consequences of the uation in the Donbas and Crimea. They also violence in Ukraine, of how many remain coordinated efforts aimed at full implemen- affected by hostilities that have already tation of the Minsk agreements by Russia. taken thousands of lives, and of how many The two presidents discussed the develop- have been driven to leave by the grave situ- ment of strategic partnership between ation that still continues,” the pontiff said Ukraine and USA. Particular attention was Sunday. He said that “above all, those affect- paid to the necessity of prompt formation of ed are the elderly and children.” Pope HELP WANTED reform-oriented coalition and government Francis added: “Beyond accompanying in Ukraine. Mr. Obama confirmed U.S. will- them with my constant thoughts and ingness to provide the third tranche of loan Family in Jupiter Florida (Palm Beach prayers, I’ve decided to promote humani- County – South East Florida) seeking a tarian assistance for them. …I invite all the (Continued on page 13) Ukrainian and Russian speaking nanny to care for 2 children ages 5 and 3 in our home. Live in or out (room and board can be provided). Ideal candidate should Saturday, April 16, 2016 have a driver’s license, recommendations Hartford, CT. from previous employers and experience working with children. We are looking for The Annual Meeting of UNA Branch 277 - St. John Society will be held a long term nanny who will be a part of OPPORTUNITIES our family. at 2pm at the Ukrainian National Home of Hartford, 961 Wethers eld Tel.: Katia - 917-805-0267 Avenue, Hartford CT 06114-3137. Please contact Branch President, Email: [email protected] Earn extra income! Myron Kolinsky (860-563-4072) or Branch Secretary, Myron Kuzio (860-633-1172) with any questions. The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Run your advertisement here, for advertising sales agents. For additional information contact in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 13

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Trump hires Yanukovych strategist Manafort The “First Draft” blog on The New York Times website reported on March 28 that Donald J. Trump, “girding for a long battle over presidential delegates and a potential With deep sorrow we announce that floor fight at the Cleveland convention, has enlisted the veteran Republican strategist Paul J. Manafort to lead his delegate-corralling efforts.” Mr. Manafort, 66, “is among the few political hands in either party with direct JOHN SHMERYKOWSKY experience managing nomination fights,” The Times reported. The blog noted that he passed away on April 2, 2016. helped manage the 1976 convention floor for Gerald Ford and cited his similar role He was born March 9, 1937 in Yaremcha, Ukraine. for Mr. Reagan in 1980, as well as his leading roles at the 1988 and 1996 conventions John Shmerykowsky graduated from the University of Miami in 1961 for George Bush and Bob Dole. with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. He became a The political blog also reported that Mr. Manafort “has drawn attention in recent partner at prominent structural engineering rm Weiskopf & Pickworth, years chiefly for his work as an international political consultant, most notably as a before founding his own rm, Shmerykowsky Consulting Engineers, in senior adviser to former President Viktor F. Yanukovych of Ukraine, who was driven 1996. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and from power in 2014.” a member of the Ukrainian Engineering Society, the KLK Ski Club, the Ukrainian Institute of America, and the Ukrainian National Association. John was predeceased by his wife Ulana, who died in 1991. Pro-Russian Crimean Tatar TV airs NEWSBRIEFS He is survived by: SYMFEROPOL, Ukraine – A new televi- son Marco Shmerykowsky with wife Nataliya; (Continued from page 12) sion channel in the Crimean Tatar language daughter Dianna Shmerykowsky, has started satellite broadcasts from guarantees in the amount of $1 billion upon brother Adrian Shmerykowsky with wife Iryna; Russia-annexed Crimea where the Russia- completion of the formation of a new gov- nieces Kateryna Shmerykowsky-Flores with husband imposed government has shut down virtu- Justin ernment in Ukraine. (UNIAN) ally all independent Crimean Tatar news Melania Shmerykowsky White House promises ‘security assistance’ organizations. Ruslan Balbek, a deputy Tamara Shmerykowsky-Brown with husband prime minister of the de facto government, Patrick WASHINGTON – The White House said the aim of the Millet (Nation) channel God daughter Ania Bohachevsky-Lonkevych with husband announced that it will provide Ukraine was to counter “anti-Russian propaganda.” Marco Lonkevych. with $335 million more in “security assis- The Crimean Tatar community protested in nephew Borys Bohachevsky tance” after a meeting on March 31 August 2015, when the channel was official between U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and May his memory be eternal. registered, labeling it a “pro-Kremlin pro- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The For information on Funeral services please visit tmquinn.com or call paganda tool.” The channel began test aid is badly needed as Ukraine has faced an Thomas M. Quinn Funeral Home at 718-721-9200. broadcasting in September. Its programs acute economic crisis since Russia annexed will now be transmitted via Russia’s Yamal Crimea in 2014 and fomented a separatist revolt in Ukraine’s east. While Washington 401 satellite to Russia, Ukraine, Central supports Ukraine’s pro-Western govern- Asia and Turkey, the channel’s Director ment, it has been concerned about corrup- General Seyran Mambetov said on April 1. tion in Kyiv. Those concerns were Exactly one year earlier, Crimea’s Russia- addressed in part earlier this week when backed authorities shut down Crimean Ukraine’s Parliament sacked the country’s Tatars’ long-serving television channel, chief prosecutor, who allegedly was stalling ATR TV, and its several affiliates. That move high-profile corruption investigations. The was condemned by the United States, the We are deeply saddened to announce White House said Mr. Biden told Mr. European Union, the Organization for the sudden passing of our Poroshenko that more aid will come if he Security and Cooperation in Europe and wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother keeps up efforts to install a new reform- Amnesty International as further intimida- minded government. An attempt earlier tion of the peninsula’s Crimean Tatars. that week to form a new governing coali- (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Rossiya 24 Anna Kozicky and TASS) tion failed after one faction raised demands on Friday, March 25, 2016. that would have rolled back some reforms New charges against library director sought by the West. “The vice-president Remaining in sorrow : welcomed the efforts... to form a stable, MOSCOW – The director of the Library reform-oriented government, and stressed of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow, who has husband Walter Kozicky that this step, as well as the enactment of already been accused of inciting extremism sons Peter Kozicky with wife Lilia needed reforms, are critical to unlocking and ethnic hatred, is facing fresh charges. Orest Kozicky with wife Maria international economic assistance, includ- The lawyer for Natalya Sharina said on Roman Kozicky with wife Alesia March 31 that his client will be formally ing the third $1 billion U.S. loan guarantee,” brother Michael Zaulychny with wife Maria the White House said. A readout of their charged by Russian investigators on April 5 meeting released by the White House also with two counts of misallocating library grandchildren: Lilia Kozicky reported: “The leaders condemned the ille- funds. The lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, said the Larissa Prawak with husband Yurij gal imprisonment of pilot Nadiya authorities had “trumped up” new charges Peter Kozicky Savchenko, and called for her release and after realizing their initial case against Ms. Mark Kozicky with wife Diana for immediate and unimpeded medical Sharina was too weak. Ms. Sharina, 58, was Orysia Kozicky detained in October 2015 and charged with access. The vice-president reaffirmed U.S. Roman Kozicky commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and inciting extremism and ethnic hatred by territorial integrity, emphasizing that the carrying books by the Ukrainian ultrana- Michael Kozicky U.S. continues to reject the occupation and tionalist author Dmytro Korchynskyi, great-grandchildren Colin Prawak attempted annexation of Crimea, and reit- whose works are banned in Russia. Ms. Ella Prawak erated the importance of maintaining sanc- Sharina, who is under house arrest, rejects Emilia Prawak tions against Russia until Minsk is fully the charges, saying the books were planted Lukas Kozicky implemented.” (RFE/RL, based on report- in the Library of Ukrainian Literature by ing by Reuters and AFP; The White House, police. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Вічна Їй пам’ять! Office of the Vice-President) Interfax and TASS) In lieu of  owers, donations can be made to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church elevator fund, 21 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, N.Y. 10703 ment bodies. or to Ukrainian Soldier’s Relief Fund (UUARC account # 6897 at SUMA Turning... Seventy of the first 700 investigators of Yonkers Federal Credit Union, 125 Corporate Drive, Yonkers, N.Y. 10703, the bureau began work on October 1, 2015, (Continued from page 6) 914 220-4900, https://www.sumafcu.org/form-contact-us.htm ). with training provided by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the European The bureau was expected to be fully func- Union. Two weeks after being appointed, tioning within six months, said Oleksandr Mr. Sytnyk selected Gizo Uglava, former Danyliuk, President Poroshenko’s represen- deputy prosecutor general of Georgia, as tative to the Cabinet of Ministers. Mr. DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS deputy chief of the bureau. Danyliuk said that Ukraine would coordi- Death announcements should be sent to the Advertising Department by nate efforts with the United States and Source: “Anti-Corruption Bureau e-mail to [email protected] or by fax to 973-644-9510. Europe to fill positions within the bureau, launched with young investigator in charge,” Deadline: Tuesday noon before the newspaper’s date of issue. including IT experts to facilitate the by Zenon Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, For further information call 973-292-9800, ext. 3040. exchange of information between govern- April 26, 2015. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

and annexation of their territory. and interests.” He concluded his speech by quate” humanitarian assistance for the hun- Forum... Ambassador Volker tied support for saying that “simply out of a raw sense of dreds of thousands of Ukrainians in need. Ukraine and its pursuit of a European self-preservation and of national interest I Dawn Calabia, senior honorary advisor (Continued from page 1) future to U.S. core values and interests: “We think we owe it to ourselves and to our for Refugees International, said that 2.5 In her presentation, the USUF president have as a nation a commitment to our own Ukrainian friends and allies to do much, million people are in need of assistance. also emphasized the bipartisan support that core values and our own security. We much more to help Ukraine succeed today. I She was critical of separatist authorities for Ukraine enjoys in the House and Senate. believe in freedom, democracy, market think if we do not we will live to regret it for hindering the work of humanitarian aid Addressing the audience, Ukraine’s economy, rule of law, human rights, securi- a very, very long time.” organizations, as well as of Kyiv for restrict- Ambassador to the Unites States Valeriy ty and the ability of people to choose their ing social payments to civilians and their The human cost of the war Chaly thanked the U.S. for its very strong own futures, their own destiny. That’s the movement between separatist and govern- support for enhancing Kyiv’s defense United States, that’s what we believe in. When introducing the first panel – “The ment-controlled areas. capacity, implementing reforms in Ukraine And when we see these values being real- Human Cost of the War in Ukraine” – forum Dr. Ulana Suprun, founder of Patriot and strengthening its democratic institu- ized by people in the world who share moderator Orest Deychakiwsky, a policy Defence and director of humanitarian initia- tions. He also emphasized the very impor- those values and have the opportunity to advisor at the Helsinki Commission, noted tives for the Ukrainian World Congress, tant role that Washington plays in main- establish those things for their own coun- that: “This being Washington the focus, described her work in mobilizing large- taining trans-Atlantic unity regarding sup- tries and be successful, we are living in a probably understandably, tends to be more scale, lifesaving tactical/medical training port for and solidarity with Ukraine. better world, we are living in a world on the policy-related aspects that pertain courses for soldiers, combat medics and Ambassador Chaly called the war waged where we can trade, where we can travel, to Ukraine and that, of course, is very doctors in Ukraine, who were woefully by the combined Russian-separatist forces, where we can have friends and allies – we important. But it’s also very useful and unprepared to deal with the surge in life- which has resulted in 10,000 deaths and 2 see a rising tide that benefits all of us, informative to hear from individuals threatening battlefield trauma brought on million displaced persons, “one of the big- including the United States. We are more knowledgeable and directly involved in by Russia’s military incursion. Dr. Suprun gest tragedies in Europe and for Europe in secure if Europe is secure.” assisting Ukraine, including NGOs working stressed that the effectiveness of medical the modern era.” He also thanked the He went on to discuss Ukraine’s difficult on the ground in Ukraine.” assistance for Ukraine must continuously Ukrainian American community for its security situation, noting that Ukraine is “in Panelist Melanne Verveer of Georgetown be assessed. “We don’t need shiny white humanitarian assistance and advocacy on this gray area, where we have not made a University’s Institute for Women, Peace and ambulances at the front lines,” she said. behalf of Ukraine. “What we need are armored vehicles to Bill Clifford, President of the World commitment to Ukraine’s security.” He con- Security emphasized that in many ways the tinued: “It is still in that stage of aspiring to humanitarian crisis “seems invisible,” mak- evacuate the soldiers when they’re injured, Affairs Councils of America (WACA), a co- or the civilians when they’re injured, when organizer of the day’s events, noted that establish its own strong democracy, its own ing it hard to mobilize assistance. She said strong economy, its own sovereignty, its own there are growing tensions between dis- they’re under fire.” the 95 chapters of his educational network Sandra Roelofs, former first lady of across the United States have been keenly security. And how Ukraine fares in this bal- placed persons and host communities in ance should be of great concern for the Ukraine, soldiers returning from the front Georgia and spouse of Mikheil Saakashvili following events in Ukraine. He said the (the current governor of Ukraine’s Odesa conference would play an important role in United States not just because of what it face problems of reintegration into society, means to the Ukrainian people but because women have disproportionately suffered Oblast) discussed her engagement in raising awareness about the humanitarian efforts to strengthen the health system in crisis in Ukraine. During the concluding of what it means for us and the world we live job losses, and domestic violence and in when aspirations like that can thrive and human trafficking are increasing. Ms. Ukraine. She also noted there is huge soli- session of the forum, WACA, as a service to darity with and support for the Ukrainian that makes a better world for us, or where Verveer said that the Ukrainian government its members, live-streamed President Petro people from the Georgian people. Poroshenko’s keynote speech. aspirations like that are squashed and that must take on a bigger role in coordinating In his opening remarks, Kurt Volker, a for- makes a far more dangerous world for us.” humanitarian aid efforts, because every- Rebuilding Ukraine Ambassador Volker, who is the executive thing cannot be done by civil society and mer U.S. ambassador to NATO, said that the During the panel discussion on director of the McCain Institute for the international community. European security architecture of the post- “Economic Development in Rebuilding Leadership, said that we know from history Ambassador Clifford Bond, who has been World War II era – which was built on the Ukraine,” Anders Aslund of the Atlantic and decades of experience “that when we engaged in coordinating U.S. assistance to premise of respect for the territorial integri- Council recognized the Ukrainian govern- see our values advancing in the world we Ukraine, recognized the role of Ukrainian ty and sovereignty of all European states and ment’s achievements in energy reform and are safer, when we see our values retreating civil society as the “first responders” to the refraining from the threat or use of force – is fiscal and monetary stabilization. now under threat due to Russia’s invasions in the world we ultimately become the tar- humanitarian crisis and admonished the of neighboring countries and the occupation get of those threats against our own values international community for its “inade- (Continued on page 15) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 15

selves. That’s why it’s critical for Ukraine’s Forum... President Poroshenko and the political par- ties in the Rada to come together now to (Continued from page 14) form a new government and put in place a Unfortunately, almost nothing has been done real reform agenda that carries out the in the area of judiciary and prosecutorial reforms and furthers European integration; reform, he said, which undermines property to form a government that serves the rights. Dr. Aslund said he believes that state Ukrainian people rather than the interests of enterprises must be sold with urgency and the oligarchs, who know full well that their that a government led by technocrats would access to power will be diminished if the be the best option for Ukraine. reforms that animated the Maidan take hold Edward Chow, an energy expert at the and are actually implemented. Every day Center for Strategic and International that the reform effort is slowed is another Studies who recently visited Ukraine, said day lost for Ukraine. Not only does halted he found Ukrainians to be nearly universal- progress erode U.S. and international confi- ly disappointed with the pace of reform and dence in Ukraine, but [it] hands Russia an demanding that the reform process needs undeserved, unearned victory.” to be re-energized. He also observed that Keynote address by Poroshenko the government needs to do a better job in explaining the benefits of reforms to the The final event of the forum program Ukrainian public. was a speech by President Poroshenko. He Among those attending the Ukraine in Washington 2016 event was Ukrainian Morgan Williams, president of the U.S.- began by expressing appreciation regard- National Association Treasurer Roma Lisovich (third from left), who is seen with ing America’s support for Ukraine: “I am Ukraine Business Council, said the interna- (from left) Andrij Dobriansky, Ulana Mazurkevich, Maria Duplak, Andrew Futey grateful to the United States government tional business community “is probably the and Ihor Biskup. best thing that Ukraine has going for it,” for standing by Ukraine’s side over the last noting that throughout the period of the use of force against Ukraine, that none of don’t know what is happening. We know but two years – the hardest two years in the Euro-Maidan and the war in the east, for- their weapons will be used against Ukraine, we are in a mode of self-imposed blind- history of my country. I am grateful to the eign companies working in Ukraine have and they will refrain from economic coer- ness… Yes, it takes leadership. We don’t Ukrainian American community which has maintained their presence in and commit- cion against Ukraine – pledges that have, for whatever reason, leadership that is been supporting Ukraine so actively in so ment to Ukraine, including by providing Moscow has been violating. Thus, said Mr. going to challenge Russia. Who is challeng- many ways. And I am grateful to all people extra support for their employees and Kramer, the U.S. has an extra obligation to ing Russia? The people of Ukraine.” of goodwill who stood with Ukraine and humanitarian assistance. International extended their financial, in-kind and moral provide defense and support for Ukraine. U.S. government perspective companies are ready to invest billions into Mr. Kramer, who is a former president of support. This support is vitally important Ukraine’s economy, Mr. Williams said, but Freedom House, noted some key problem of Thomas Melia, assistant administrator of for me and for the people of Ukraine.” will not do so until corruption is squashed Minsk II: the U.S. is not involved in the pro- the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia at the Most of Mr. Poroshenko’s speech focused and more reforms are implemented. cess, Russia is the aggressor yet serves as an U.S. Agency for International Development on Russia’s war against Ukraine. He had “They aren’t ready to put money back in intermediary, and Moscow has not fulfilled a (USAID) provided a U.S. government per- come to Washington to participate in the Ukraine. And money is not going back into single condition of the agreement. spective on the situation in Ukraine. He said Nuclear Security Summit. Ukraine’s deci- Ukraine even though all these major corpo- In response to Russia’s push for Ukraine that Ukraine is waging a war on two fronts: sion to give up its nuclear weapons and stockpile of highly enriched uranium are rations have money... but they’re holding to adopt constitutional changes creating a “On the one front, the external front, recognized as important contributions to back, they are in kind of a holding, circling special status for the Donbas, Mr. Kramer Ukraine faces continued Russian aggression, global security and President Poroshenko pattern… You are never going to get out of said: “It’s none of Russia’s business whether including attempts to stifle and undermine this crisis just with macroeconomic stabili- its democratic path, through political and drew attention to the issue. Ukraine is a centralized, decentralized, fed- ty. You are going to have to get business economic pressure and continued military “Ukraine remains among the key contrib- eralized or confederated country – that is for moving, investing, growing, creating aggression in violation of international law. utors to success of the Obama nuclear secu- Ukraine and its leaders, its Parliament and wealth, creating tax income or they The U.S. stands at Ukraine’s side to strength- rity initiative. And I am proud of that. What [Ukrainians] are never going to get out of its people to decide… So I would favor rip- en its resilience and support Ukraine as it did we get in response? We got a security this hole they’re in,” he underscored. ping up [the Minsk agreements], starting pushes back against this Russian pressure, assurance under the 1994 Budapest Telegraphing the sentiments of mem- over, inserting the United States into a lead- aggression and occupation. Memorandum about [the] sovereignty of my bers of the companies he represents, Mr. ership role that it should take, and pushing “The second front in Ukraine is a battle country, territorial integrity of my country Williams criticized Mr. Poroshenko, saying back against the aggressor, the guilty party against an internal enemy that is equally and about the independence of my country. that “the president of Ukraine has not done here, which is Russia not Ukraine.” pernicious and has held Ukraine back from Very clear: Give up nuclear weapons and anything about corruption” and lacks “a Another panelist, Temuri Yakobashvili, a progressing as a democratic and prosperous receive security guarantee[s],” he said. sense of urgency” for implementing former Georgian ambassador to the U.S., nation for well over two decades. While “Sounds good, doesn’t it? But what has it reforms. He said the attitude of the voiced a similar opinion about Minsk: “I many of Ukraine’s neighbors have moved turned [out] to be in reality? Russia simply American business community toward cannot imagine any Ukrainian leader forward economically and politically after defied its assurances to Ukraine and com- Ukraine is: “It’s your turn Mr. President, to implementing what is written in there. It the end of the cold war, Ukraine often took mitted a direct armed aggression [against] provide leadership and move this country would be political suicide for sure.” steps backwards as politicians and oligarchs my state. The Ukrainian patriots are losing ahead and then we’ll follow and we’ll put in Mr. Gershman cited an investigative controlling the levers of power hollowed out their lives defending the same values that a lot of money. We know that $5 billion, at report in the German publication Bild that Ukraine as corruption thrived and the econ- are dear to America and to Europe.” least, is ready to go into Ukraine from inter- presents evidence of the Russian govern- omy stagnated. This battle for genuine He continued: “We are of one blood, we national companies.” ment’s direct financing and control over the democracy, for economic liberty, the battle are of one mind and we are of one values. Another panelist, Ambassador William separatist Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s against entrenched corruption and the bat- Democratic values. We, Ukrainians, are Taylor of the U.S. Institute of Peace, offered republics” and Russia’s continued military tle for a new, European Ukraine envisioned entitled to call upon the Western guaran- some lessons from his reconstruction expe- aggression against Ukraine. by the Heavenly Hundred and so many oth- tors under the Memorandum to take all rience in Afghanistan and Iraq. First you Reacting to the article, Ambassador ers during the Revolution of Dignity has possible efforts to restore international jus- need security, which means Russia needs to Yakobashvili said: “Every single European challenged existing power structures.” tice and order, to help us in our battle for get out of Ukraine and Ukrainians need to leader knows it, American leadership knows Mr. Melia acknowledged that Ukraine has survival and [an] independent, democratic regain control of the border, he said. it, the OSCE is documenting almost every made important progress but added: “Today and European future. I believe that there is Secondly, it’s important for there to be day that [Minsk] is violated [by Russia]. The Ukrainians are demanding that their leaders a real chance for President Obama to mark “local ownership” (responsibility) regard- problem is that nobody has an appetite to think about what they can do for Ukraine his presidential term with the settlement of ing rebuilding projects. Reconstruction act upon these violations. It’s not that we rather than what they can take for them- the conflict in [the] Donbas.” assistance for Ukraine must go into compe- The Ukraine in Washington 2016 tent, non-corrupt ministries, he stated. “Ukraine’s Battle for Freedom Continues” forum was organized by the U.S.-Ukraine Budapest to Minsk and beyond Foundation, and co-sponsored by the Opening the panel discussion titled “From House Ukraine Caucus and Senate Ukraine Budapest to Minsk and Beyond,” moderator Caucus in cooperation with the Embassy of Carl Gershman, president of the National Ukraine and World Affairs Councils of Endowment for Democracy, said that the America. The co-hosts of the forum were Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk The Jurkiw Family Fund, the New agreement are “two very unhappy and International Leadership Institute, the U.S.- unsuccessful agreements.” He asked rhetori- Ukraine Business Council, Meest, the U.S. cally what it means for U.S. credibility when Institute of Peace, the Ukrainian Congress Ukrainians feel cheated for agreeing to relin- Committee of America and Winner Group quish their nuclear weapons in exchange for U.S.A./Ukraine. security assurances and now are subject to Videos of the conference proceedings unchecked Russian aggression. can be viewed at the U.S.-Ukraine David Kramer of the McCain Institute Foundation’s YouTube page: https://www. read through the provisions of the youtube.com/user/usukraine. Budapest Memorandum, which stipulates that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial Adrian Karmazyn is a special advisor for integrity within existing borders will be strategic communications and development respected and that the signatories, includ- Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko with John Kun (left), vice-president of the at the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation in ing Russia, will refrain from the threat or U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. Washington. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

Yes, everybody has been incredibly sup- hours, and walk about four to five hours I don’t really choose the people to talk to, Maya responds... portive. My family is understandably con- during the daytime. I say on my website but they often start conversations with me cerned about my safety and the risks, but that I’m working full-time; walking part- – asking me where I am going, what I am (Continued from page 11) they support what I am doing and know it time. When this idea came to me, I recog- doing. And now that I have walked some happy, and excited, and knew this was the is what I want to be doing. nized that I had a really unique opportunity distance, I expect the local media of the right thing to do. I only told a few people about my idea to put it into action. towns I walk through will be interested in initially because I wanted to make sure that I don’t accept donations for my personal covering me. This is the best exposure, What is your relation to Ukraine? I could do it. Once I was on the road full- expenses and it is not intended to be a “fun- because then people who drive by me or I’m Ukrainian American. Born in the time for two weeks and saw that things draising” walk, but along the way, I would see me in town recognize me and approach U.S.A., “first generation.” Like many were going smoothly, I “went public” and be thrilled to raise money for three organi- me and honk their horns/wave to me. And Ukrainian-American families of that wave, posted the page to my Facebook wall. The zations I work with closely and support: this walk was always intended to be out- we kept many traditions alive growing up. outpouring of support was beyond my reach to Americans – since many are not As a teenager and going forward, I actively expectations... I am so grateful to everybody [Volunteer Brigade Ukraine – World] (in familiar with the situation in Ukraine. participated and involved myself with who is so positively standing behind me ВолонтерськаKyiv); Ukrainian Freedom Сотня УкраїнаFund (UFF); - Світ and What about safety issues? many Ukrainian events/people- zabavy, and cheering me on. It is so inspiring and Ukraine Rising (UR). I plan to add a link to Soyuzivka, film screenings, museum exhibi- motivating to me. I had thought, that people my website soon, where people can send Yes, safety is an issue but I am very cau- tions, etc. I had also visited Ukraine when I might think I had lost my mind. But I was me a donation for those organizations and I tious and try to plan smartly. I carry pepper was 15 – I taught English to orphans/half- very determined, anyway, to pursue this will send them a postcard from along the spray and a taser with me – in case I run orphans of a wide age range (12 to 22 years idea. And it hadn’t even occurred to me that way. For those who want tax receipts, their into aggressive animals or people. There is old). It was an amazing experience, and I Ukrainian media would pick up on it (now, I money would be directed towards UFF and risk, in walking alongside the road – that a fell in love with Ukraine and its people at see this was naive) – I thought, a few hun- UR because they are U.S. tax-exempt orga- car might not see me or be under the influ- that time. Later, during a summer when I dred friends would follow and perhaps nizations, but I hope ultimately any money ence and run into me, but I stay as far from was in college, I studied abroad in Lviv at some people I met along the way, out raised would be divided pretty equally the road as I can and I always look at the the Ukrainian Catholic University. of curiosity. across all three. oncoming traffic. Also, some people might be tempted to approach me/give me prob- How do you choose the city to visit, When exactly did you start? How long How much weight do you carry? What lems as a young woman walking alone, but people to talk to? What is your strategy was the preparation for this walk? is your strategy in regard to supplies – so far I have only run into very kind, gener- food, water, etc.? overall? I started on November 21, 2015, which ous, warm, wonderful people. coincidentally is the Day of Freedom and I have never actually weighed my back- I chose my path based on the amount of I suppose there is also risk of people not Dignity in Ukraine (a friend pointed this pack but I estimate it is about 25 pounds lodging along the way. I have to reach a supporting my “message” and trying to out to me). I originally wanted to start the (11-12 kg). The areas I am walking through motel/inn every night because I have to get cause me problems for this reason, but that journey full-time on January 1 (symbolic are well traveled, so there has been at least some rest before waking up around mid- is why for security and privacy reasons, I reasons) but my family convinced me this a gas station at some point along the way. I night to work. I need a WiFi connection as am not disclosing my full name at this time. well. So the path I have mapped provides was a bad idea because of the winter always preview my route on Google Maps/ How many miles are you walking these amenities within walking distance weather. So, to get in some distance and Google Earth to know what’s ahead, so if I usually during the day? also to do a little training, I would walk on am staying somewhere where there are no along most of the way. weekends when I was free – I would drive supplies around, I pick something up prior My route changes often though and, now Right now I walk an average of 10-12 to each location where I left off; then walk to arriving to my destination. that I am on the road, I plan only a few days miles per day but it will increase soon to in advance. Weather and how I feel impact 12-15 miles per day as the distances five to 10 miles, and come back home. I also Did you rely on donations or are you where/how far I go that day. There is no between towns becomes a little wider. On was considering bringing my dog with me, personally covering the costs? but I quickly learned he was not cut out for rush for me to finish and I take each day as Saturdays I can walk a longer distance this journey (much to his dismay). I’m personally covering the costs. I am it comes and don’t get too caught up in because I have all day to do so. My longest working full-time at the same time that I being strict and sticking to an exact sched- walking day so far has been 18.5 miles (30 Do you have the support of your fami- am walking. My job has remote work flexi- ule – just letting go and seeing how things km) but there are days, which I expect to ly, friends? bility and therefore I work in the overnight happen. walk 20-25 miles.

involvement for the separatist rebels in and he has always stood in Mr. Ukraine victorious... eastern Ukraine. Ukraine faces... Poroshenko’s political shadow. Thus, if the Senior Russian soccer executives have Poroshenko Bloc’s Mr. Groisman becomes (Continued from page 10) accused Ukraine of political bias. Russian (Continued from page 3) the next prime minister, Mr. Poroshenko being questioned about whether political Football Union honorary president reached thus far, as each of the three put will strengthen his grip on power. This will bias has been present in its selection of Vyacheslav Koloshov told the Russian forth conditions unacceptable to Messrs. be a risk to Ukraine’s still-weak democratic players for its national football team. Is it newspaper Sport Express that Ukraine’s Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk. institutions, as Mr. Poroshenko apparently merely coincidence that players from squad was “a continuation of state policy.” Batkivshchyna and the Radical Party prefers to govern in a top-down fashion. Russian clubs are no longer on the active The Ukrainian Football Federation insist on cutting taxes and domestic gas Moreover, recent polls show that the roster? The 25-man squad for the recently insists the players on its team were picked prices, which Ukraine’s creditors will not Ukrainian president is becoming increas- contested friendlies against Cyprus and strictly on merit. “There was no other rea- accept (Espresso.tv, March 4; Pravda.com. ingly unpopular (Ukraine-elections.com.ua, Wales listed players based in six countries, son for the selection of players in the squad, ua, March 29). Samopomich flatly refused to accessed on April 1), which could provide including politics,” the federation said in a an incentive to centralize his power as but none who practice their sport in Russia. join a new coalition at a meeting with the statement. much as possible. Another weakness of Mr. Political tensions are intense between Poroshenko Bloc’s leadership, on March 31, Seleznyov was officially listed as injured Groisman is that Western creditors clearly Ukraine and Russia since the latter’s annex- although it offered support to a new prime for the Wales friendly on March 28. prefer the U.S.-born Ms. Jaresko, who is rel- ation of Crimea in 2014 and Russian minister picked by the Poroshenko Bloc and atively independent of domestic politics People’s Front. But the Poroshenko Bloc and and has a good track record of furthering People’s Front do not want a government economic reforms and negotiating assis- without majority support from the parlia- tance from international financial institu- ment, arguing that this would contradict the tions and governments. constitution (Lb.ua, March 31). If the Poroshenko Bloc and People’s As far as Mr. Yatsenyuk’s successor is Front fail to form a new coalition this concerned, the most probable candidate is spring, it will be incredibly difficult for the parliamentary speaker Volodymyr Yatsenyuk Cabinet to continue reforms Groisman, who is from the Poroshenko without support from the legislature – and camp. None of the five parties participating the West will be more likely to withhold in the talks have thus far voiced strong financial support. This may prompt Mr. objections against his candidacy. Last Poroshenko to risk early elections. As a last month, the Poroshenko Bloc offered the resort, the president may try to set up a post of prime minister to Finance Minister coalition with the help of defectors from Natalie Jaresko as well as the mayor of Lviv other factions, according to the most recent and leader of Samopomich, Andriy Sadovyi. leaks from his camp (Censor.net.ua, March However, People’s Front and Batkivshchyna 31). However, one should recall that former reportedly rejected Ms. Jaresko (Lb.ua, President Viktor Yanukovych notably tried March 21; Dsnews.ua, March 22), while Mr. a similar strategy several years ago, which Sadovyi declined the offer (Espreso.tv, led to political corruption on a mass scale. March 15). Later on, Mr. Groisman The stakes for Ukraine are thus very high. announced that he was ready to replace Mr. The article above is reprinted from Yatsenyuk (Pravda.com.ua, March 28). Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission Mr. Groisman, 38, is a former mayor of from its publisher, the Jamestown the central Ukrainian town of Vinnytsia, Foundation, www.jamestown.org. The Ukrainian Weekly LIKE on Facebook! No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

Without restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty weeks ago. And I am sure it will work. based on IMF commitments, Association Ukraine’s... over Crimea – sanctions must stay in place. Last week, the chief of the Special Agreement with the EU, anti-corruption Without a new Russian attitude – sanctions Agency for Preventing Corruption was fight and the Minsk agreements implemen- (Continued from page 8) must stay in place. elected. tation. It is not about Russia and the West being Anything less would be a compromise at We have managed to stabilize economic So, we don’t give up, despite the pres- unclear about their intentions in Europe. It the cost of values and justice. and financial situation. sure we face every single day, on external is about Russia and the West having oppo- The right signal is that if you pursue an Exactly one year ago, our golden curren- and internal fronts. Because this is exactly site intentions for Europe. The West wants aggressive policy, no one will deal with you. cy reserve was zero. Today, after the most Putin’s scenario. Understanding that a circle of trust. Russia wants a circle of And if the perpetrator keeps killing and critical year in our history, when we spent 5 nobody supports him, he doesn’t have any domination. stirring instability – it does not mean the percent GDP for national security and opportunity for the offensive operation in It was not a humiliation from the West sanctions do not work and must be lifted. It defense, when we had a disastrous situa- the east of Ukraine. He opens a new front, that allegedly put Russia on defense lines. It means they must be strengthened. tion with prices on the main products of internal front in an attempt to destabilize was the lack of fear in the West that was We should not repeat the mistake of Ukrainian exports, we now have 13 billion Ukraine. And I insist that we must give him Russia’s biggest humiliation. And Moscow 2008 when the West decided that Russia in the golden currency reserve. no chances. is trying to get a compensation for it. had got what it wanted and would become During the war, we reduced the budget At the same time, it is critical that the Yesterday – in Transnistria and Georgia. quiet now. deficit from 12 percent to 3 percent. West does not give up on Ukraine, either. Today – in Ukraine and Syria. Whose turn The thing about today’s Russia is: it We had energy monopolist NJSC This is third. Russia’s war against Ukraine will be next? Where can Russian troops seeks domination, not compromise. They Naftogaz of Ukraine with 130 billion deficit has proven that weakness provokes the appear? don’t believe in win-win. They want subsidized from the state. This year, after aggression while a strong country can deter Development of the situation demon- Ukraine down and the West out. This is the energy reform, we have a zero deficit. In a bully. It is therefore vital that our partners strates a complete crisis of the post-war only way how they think they go up. Your one year! For the first time in 25 years of help us become strong in all terms – politi- security system. It also demonstrates that worst fears are their plan A. our history. cally, economically and militarily. there are no red lines for Russia. Let us be Second, we shall ensure sustainable We have improved public spending. We As I said before, we have been able to prepared for that. Let us be effective in the transformation of Ukraine. That’s primarily have cleaned up our bank system to make it stop the Russian offensive on the ground. defense of our countries, our values and Ukraine’s responsibility. No question about more resilient. We have made a good prog- We got a lot of support from our partners. our world. It is time to face this reality and that. As we have been defending our coun- ress in deregulation that significantly eased Yet, I could never explain one thing to find proper responses to this situation. try last two years – we have been also the registration of business. We have myself and to my compatriots – reluctance Dear friends, we should realize that the implementing a broad reform package. A streamlined the tax system. of the international community to supply world will not be the same again. lot has been done so far. We have taken hard but important deci- weapons to the legitimate Ukrainian gov- What it will be like depends on a num- First of all, as President and Supreme sions in the energy sector which lead to ernment and regular Ukrainian Army ber of factors. The most important one is Commander-in-Chief, I can assure you that Ukraine’s energy independence. After which holds the line against the attack on success of Ukraine. We cannot give any we have built an absolutely new and effec- decades of keeping Ukraine on the gas nee- the international order. chance to Russia that we lose this battle. tive Ukrainian army in the last 19 months. dle – now Russia is knocking on our door I think it is time to revise this attitude. Not only in the east of my country, not only I can tell you a very important story. asking to buy some gas. That is what we are Every effort applied to protect Ukraine is an in Crimea. When I was elected president and had a looking for. Because gas and energy corrup- investment into long-term security of the What shall we do to secure this success? contact with our partners asking about mil- tion were feeding the previous govern- West and sustainability of democratic val- First, we shall establish peace in Ukraine. itary support for my armed forces, the ment. Not anymore. And we do it in very ues. Ukraine wants it because that is its answer was “no.” Because your army is cor- difficult conditions. Ladies and gentlemen, in the times of chance to survive. The West wants it ruptive and is filled with FSB agents. In We have launched a new police, which is global weakness, there is a thing that because it cannot feel comfortable while a such a short period of time, we demonstrat- deemed to become a pillar of trust for the counts more than anything else – leader- neighbor that shares the same values is ed that a new, transparent, effective, very Ukrainian society. Our inspiration was ship. It is a privilege and a heavy burden. bleeding for choosing them. This is only strong and patriotic army can stop Russian drawn from the U.S. police. And I am proud Not everyone wants it. Not everyone one reason – choice of Ukrainian people, aggression and release two-thirds of the that policemen from California became deserves it. European choice. occupied Donbas territories. instructors of our new policemen. There are so many reasons not to carry And Russia can be forced into it. By what Earlier, Ukrainian army had a 7 percent Earlier, social trust in old militia was less it: indifference, fatigue, self-doubt… And mechanism? level of support from the Ukrainian people. than 5 percent. Today, it has risen up to 70 there is only one reason to carry it: you We are not waiting NATO troops in Today, it has almost 80 percent. This is a percent in less than a year. have it in your blood. Ukraine. My army defends my country very symbol of changes in my country. Earlier, people avoided the contact and In these times of doubt, I urge America effectively. And Russian propaganda distributes now they find protection and transparency. to be strong and believe in itself – just like We have an effective mechanism to moti- completely different messages throughout This is a very important symbol of the new people of goodwill worldwide keep believ- vate Russia to sit at the table of negotia- the world, which is a part of hybrid war country. ing in America. Don’t let pragmatism make tions. And the name of this mechanism is against Ukraine. By the way, we have an extremely suc- you forget about values, with freedom sanctions. It is working despite negative We have made the first but critical blow cessful cooperation with the armed forces. being at the top of them. Don’t let America predictions of sceptics. And Russia pays against corruption. The capital renovation Several times a year, I visit the Yavoriv become small-minded. huge price for not sitting at the table of of the anti-corruption institutional system training center, which conducts joint exer- Ukraine highly appreciates a bond with negotiations. has been finalized. From now on our priori- cises with American, Canadian, British, the United States. The American leadership The Kremlin thinks that it is reaching its ty goal is to make it functional and opera- European soldiers. We didn’t have it before. has been very important for progressive goals in Ukraine, at Ukraine’s cost. Dearly tional. I believe that appointment of new This is a demonstration of trust between reforms in Ukraine. The U.S. support has for Ukraine, cheaply for the West. highly professional, responsible, well-trust- our countries. been critical for successful resistance to the If the West lifts sanctions, the Kremlin’s ed prosecutor general will trigger a new We have stepped up onto the public ser- Russian aggression. wish will come true: Ukrainian blood will page in anticorruption policy of Ukraine. vice reform and introduced e-government. It is high time to boost Ukraine-U.S. bilat- cost nothing. Killing Ukrainians will go We have completely rebuilt the system. A lot is still to be done. And I will do my eral dialogue in form and content. It is also without any punishment. That is the ques- The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor utmost. The drive for reforms is there. time to upgrade our strategic alliance and tion of values. who was appointed in an absolutely trans- One may consider the latest governmen- to channel our intense cooperation in Can anyone in the West accept this? I am parent competition has a full level of trust tal crisis a challenge. But I consider it a defense and security into a comprehensive an optimist. I am absolutely sure, this is not in the Ukrainian society. His team has chance. We have to come out of it more bilateral security agreement. I believe that possible. Sanctions are the only line in the power to fight against corruption, and he is resilient to internal and external shocks. this would be to benefit of all. sand that the West drew after 2014. It is the completely independent. I expect that in several hours a new Dear friends, Ukraine’s fight is a fight for only line between good and evil drawn in We launched several criminal cases coalition in the Ukrainian Parliament will freedom. And this fight continues. People the context of this war. against ministers, governors, MPs. Nobody appear and propose a new candidate for die – so that freedom doesn’t. And if there is no line anymore – then has an umbrella against investigation on prime minister. I am absolutely sure that I know that Ukraine has a timing prob- what’s the difference between good and corruption charges. the solution to the parliamentary crisis is lem. In a disillusioned world, she chose not evil? Do we really want a world devoid of We created the Special Anti-Corruption already very close. Most probably, it will be the best time to become free. But, as the political boundaries? Do we want a world Electronic Declaration. Every chief of the achieved this week. Bible says, “The Spirit breathes where he where one can grab other nation’s land, kill police, governor, minister, MP should That’s why I insist on clear principles for will”. thousands – and stay unpunished? explain publicly and transparently how did the formation of a new government and a In today’s world the spirit of freedom Therefore, without sustainable peace in he get his villa, plane, expensive cars. We coalition in the Parliament. No less impor- breathes in Ukraine. Please support it! Donbas – sanctions must stay in place. never had it before, and we launched it two tant is a clear program for the government Thank you.

And now you, relying on that same experi- ernments to see the Ukrainian people That Ukrainian society is excellent and it Yegor Soboliev... ence, are telling us to reach an agreement themselves. Just as the geopolitical situation has changed very strongly. It still doesn’t based on the Minsk accords. That’s a catas- has never been as supportive of Ukraine as know how to install its political representa- (Continued from page 9) trophe. If you don’t realistically assess situ- it is now, never has society been as unified tives. They are still lured by advertising, just as you were trying to convince us – I ations, then it’s clear your result will be and active in its desire to build a successful propaganda and other election manipula- was also in the Rada during the Euro- very bad. country as today. Never. I understand when tions. But it’s now different. It doesn’t want Maidan, it seems to me, with the Polish for- our Western partners – who see the same to surrender and is actively working Troubich: Do you think Ukraine will eign minister – to give Yanukovych time, kleptocrats in the Cabinet, the Presidential towards building an effective democratic successfully integrate with the West and not chase him away and recognize his gov- Administration and the Joint Chiefs – are state. If we will see this together, then suc- the EU in the coming years? ernment until early elections. Russia’s spe- disappointed and say Ukraine once again cessful Euro-integration and the creation of cial forces were already landing on Crimea I think there are enormous obstacles on didn’t lose its chance to lose its chance. But a successful Ukraine will occur during our territory. That means you understood abso- the way that we spoke about. But I think it’s we need to look at the longer term. It’s what generation, though, of course, that will be lutely nothing about what was happening. very important for Western states and gov- we explain at all international meetings. with large obstacles and difficulties. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 19

April 12 Book presentation by Serhiy Zhadan, “Voroshylovhrad,” April 16 Lemko Pysanka workshop with Basia Barna Andrushko, New York Columbia University, 212-854-4697 Yonkers, NY Organization for the Defense of Lemko Western Ukraine, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, April 14 Book presentation by Serhii Plokhy, “The Gates of 267-918-9172 or [email protected] Stanford, CA Europe: The History of Ukraine,” Stanford University, http://creees.stanford.edu or [email protected] April 17 Lecture by Valentyna Kharkhun, “Museums of New York Communism in Ukraine with the Context of Political April 14 Book presentation by Taras Kuzio, “Democratization, Memory,” Columbia University, 212-854-4697 Cambridge, MA Corruption and the New Russian Imperialism,” Harvard University, http://huri.harvard.edu April 17 40th anniversary celebration, Tavern on the Green, The New York Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 (advance only) April 14 Film screening, “The Babushkas of Chernobyl,” New York Brooklyn Public Library, www.brklynlibrary.org April 17 50th anniversary gala concert, Vesnivka vocal ensemble, Toronto Glenn Gould Studio, [email protected]

April 15 Presentation by Adrienne Kochman, “The Ukrainian April 17 Grand opening, Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame and Chicago Diaspora: Women Artists, 1908-2015,” Ukrainian National Whippany, NJ Museum, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Women’s League of America, Ukrainian Institute of Jersey, [email protected] Modern Art, www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 April 17 Commemorative concert marking the 30th anniversary April 15 Evening with poet and novelist Serhiy Zhadan, Yara Arts Philadelphia of the Chornobyl disaster, Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral New York Group, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or of the Immaculate Conception, 216-627-0143 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org 215-858-3006

April 15 Concert, “Baroque Interlude: Vivaldi’s Gloria and Bach’s April 19 Presentation by journalist Peter Pomeranzev about the Ottawa Cantata 131,” by the Ewashko Singers, St. John the New York Russian propaganda war and Ukraine, The Ukrainian Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church hall, 613-723-1673 Museum, 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org

April 15-17 Spring clean-up weekend, Brooklyn Ukrainian Group, April 19 Ukrainian Days advocacy event, Ukrainian National Kerhonkson, NY Soyuzivka Heritage Center, [email protected] Washington Information Service, Central and East European Coalition, Capitol Hill, 202-547-0018 or [email protected] April 15-May 8 Art exhibit, “Sacred Art of Ukraine,” Ukrainian Canadian Art Toronto Foundation Gallery, 416-766-6802 or www.kumfgallery.com April 21 Presentation by Vasyl Kosiv, “Images from Imagination: New York Ukrainian Identity in the Graphic Design of the USSR April 16 “Vechirka,” dance for Youth Plast Ukrainian Scouting and the Diaspora, 1945-1989,” Columbia University, Whippany, NJ Organization, Ukrainian American Cultural Center 212-854-4697 of New Jersey, www.uaccnj.org or www.plastnewark.org Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events April 16 Book launch, “Prof. Pylyp Hayda. Traversed Path: advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions New York Recollections 1892-1952,” by Ihor Hayda, Shevchenko from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

Vesna Festival to honor the Ukrainian Canadian journey SASKATOON, Saskatchewan – As 2016 grandparents and parents by sharing their marks the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian unique stories and what it means to them settlement in Canada, Saskatchewan to be Ukrainian Canadian today. Premier Brad Wall declared it the year of The Vesna Festival will feature a spec- Ukrainians in the province. To mark this tacular stage show commemorating 125 special milestone year, the Vesna Festival years of Ukrainian settlement in has launched a community project whose Saskatchewan. Serhij Koroliuk has been goal is to gather the stories of the Ukrainian commissioned to develop the performance community’s journey to Canada. piece using dances from local ensembles. Vesna guests will see these stories dis- This piece will include: musicians, danc- played either in print or video at the festi- ers, narrators, special guest cultural per- val, which takes place on May 7. The goal is formances and more. It promises to be a to collect and retell 125 plus stories as fam- one-of-a-kind collaboration of the commu- ilies are encouraged to pay tribute to their nity’s talents while telling the story of the

Anna Kalyta The Boyan troupe performs at last year’s Vesna Festival. collective Ukrainian Canadian journey. their stories to: stories125@vesnafestival. Meanwhile, excitement around the sto- com. Every story submission will have an ries project continues to grow, and commu- opportunity to win a trip to Ukraine with nity organizations like the Ukrainian Cobblestone Freeway’s Tour Ukraine 125. Canadian Congress Saskatchewan Tickets to Vesna Festival are now on sale Provincial Council and Saskatoon Branch through vesnafestival.com or by calling the have added their support. Stories will con- ticket provider at 306-653-8353. Tickets tinue to be collected until the end of 2016, for festival include: admission to the festi- with new elements of the project develop- val, “The Ukrainian Canadian Journey ing after Vesna Festival. “Stories of our Show,” cultural displays, children’s activities Ukrainian Canadian Journey” will continue and more. Prices are: $45 for adults, $25 for to be shared throughout this auspicious children, free admission for children age 5 Jannik Plaetner year. and younger. (Service charges will be A little visitor checks out a festival attraction. Ukrainian Canadian readers may submit applied at time of purchase.) 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 No. 15

We invite readers and community PREVIEW OF EVENTS organizations to submit articles, Saturday, April 16 St.; telephone, 212-228-0110; website, plus photos, on upcoming summer www.ukrainianmuseum.org. NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific camps, courses, workshops and Society invites all to a book launch of “Prof. Tuesday, April 26 other events Pylyp Hayda. Traversed Path: Recollections MONTREAL: To mark the 30th anniversary 1892-1952,” (Kyiv, 2014). The book will be of the catastrophic Chornobyl nuclear disas- presented by Ihor Hayda, Prof. Pylyp ter, the Montreal/Quebec chapter of the Hayda’s son and a full member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress invites the Shevchenko Scientific Society. The event will public to a commemorative service, or take place at the society’s building, 63 Moleben, to be held in Ukrainian, English Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th and French. It will be held 6:30 p.m., at the streets) at 5 p.m. For additional information historic Cathedral Marie-Reine du Monde call 212-254-5130. (Cathedral of Mary Queen of the World), Friday, April 22 located at 1085 Cathedral St. in downtown Montreal). The service will remember the NEW YORK: Join us at 7:30 p.m. for a film victims of the nuclear disaster and those night commemorating the 1986 Chornobyl still suffering the long-term consequences of nuclear disaster. Featured will be Chad radiation. The Soviet government’s system- Gracia’s award-winning documentary “The atic cover-up of the Chornobyl disaster was Appears May 1, 2016, Russian Woodpecker” (2015, Russian with a catalyst leading to the collapse of the English subtitles). An irradiated Ukrainian USSR. For information call the UCC contact in The Ukrainian Weekly artist, the unforgettably eccentric artist person, Bohdanna, at 514-945-7162. Fedor Alexandrovich, goes on a quest to dis- cover the “criminal” behind the Chornobyl Friday, May 4 disaster. He reveals an enormous secret WASHINGTON: The George Washington Soviet weapon which Kremlinologists in the University will host a lecture by Dr. Serhii 1980s thought might be a giant mind-con- Plokhii, director of the Harvard Ukrainian trol device. But what Fedor discovers is Research Institute, titled “Empire Strikes much more sinister. Admission (includes Back: The Ukraine Crisis in Historical gallery access from 6:30 p.m., and light Perspective.” The lecture is open to the pub- reception) is $15; $10 for museum mem- lic and will be held at 4 p.m., at 1957 E St. bers and seniors; $5 for students. The NW, Room 505. For further information Ukrainian Museum is located at 222 E. Sixth e-mail [email protected].

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES We welcome Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service pro- advertisements for this vided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian commu- special issue. nity. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Editorial materials Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of deadline: Advertising deadline: publication. Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. APRIL 22 APRIL 21 Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail message. [email protected] [email protected] Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Save the Date! July 8 -10, 2016 10th Ukrainian Cultural Festival

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