INSIDE: l UNA announces scholarship for Philadelphia District – page 5 l Hetman Ivan Mazepa’s coat of arms found in Baturyn – centerfold l Former Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk visits Chicago – page 12 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXIX No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 $2.00 FOR THE RECORD Zelenskyy singles out oligarchs, Kyiv probes G-7 foreign affairs ministers condemn Russia’s continued actions former officials over Russia’s lease in Crimea to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty Ukraine moves to nationalize coveted defense firm The text of the following statement was released on by Mark Raczkiewycz and accepting these documents, was aware of their conse- March 18 by the G-7 foreign affairs ministers of Canada, quences,” the SBU said in a news release. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and KYIV – The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the coun- Russia invaded and eventually seized the Ukrainian penin- the United States of America and the High try’s domestic intelligence agency, on March 12 announced sula in March 2014, which precipitated the Donbas war in Representative of the European Union. that it is investigating former and current government offi- two easternmost provinces a month later that has so far cials for treason related to the extension of Russia’s lease of killed more than 14,000 people and internally displaced at We, the G-7 foreign affairs ministers of Canada, its Black Sea Fleet (BSF) in Crimea. least a million more in Europe’s only ongoing bloody conflict. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and The probe was launched a day after the National Eleven years ago, after the agreement was signed in the United States of America and the High Security and Defense Council (NSDC) met to discuss eight Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second largest city – scuffles broke out Representative of the European Union, are united in agenda items, one of which was the so-called Kharkiv in parliament as the Verkhovna Rada convened to ratify the our condemnation of Russia’s continued actions to Accords of April 21, 2010, when the presidents of Ukraine lease’s extension. Lawmakers pelted parliamentary speak- undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Russia signed an agreement for the extension of the er Volodymyr Lytvyn with eggs as he pushed through the and independence. lease until 2042. vote shielded by umbrellas. Pro-presidential lawmakers Today, seven years after Russia’s illegitimate and National security chief Oleksiy Danilov added that “the guarded the rostrum leading to pockets of brawls erupting illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of circumstances under which the agreement” was signed by in the legislative chamber. Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, we reaffirm our then-President Viktor Yanukovych and his Russian coun- Writing for London-based Chatham House think tank unwavering support for and commitment to the inde- terpart, Dmitri Medvedev, would be investigated. In addi- then, geopolitical analyst James Sherr said that Mr. pendence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of tion, the 236 lawmakers who voted on April 27, 2014, to Yanukovych’s move was “shortsighted” and had “compro- Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. ratify the agreement would be “scrutinized,” he said. mised important elements of Ukraine’s independence for The U.N. Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the As a result, the SBU said, “the signing of this document the sake of internal consolidation and short-term econom- Paris Charter clearly state the fundamental principles led to an increase in the number of personnel of military ic and political gains.” of respect for the territorial integrity of any state and formations and special services of the Russian Federation In exchange for the BSF lease extension, Kyiv received a the prohibition of any use of force to change borders. involved in the annexation of the territory of the natural-gas discount of $100 for every 1,000 cubic meters By its use of force against the territorial integrity of Autonomous Republic of Crimea.” purchased from Russia. Ukraine, Russia has clearly violated international law Already on March 16, the SBU conducted searches in The analyst said the agreement ensured “that Ukraine’s and contravened these principles. parliament and its main scientific and expert department, relations with Russia will continue to be structured by We unequivocally denounce Russia’s temporary at the NSDC, foreign affairs ministry and Cabinet of opaque practices, economic dependency and limited diplo- occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Ministers. matic and geopolitical options.” and the City of Sevastopol. Russia’s attempts to legiti- “During the searches, documents were found that show mize it are not, and will not, be recognized. We con- that the leadership of the state at the time, before signing (Continued on page 14) demn Russia’s violations of human rights on the pen- insula, particularly of Crimean Tatars. We call on Russia to respect its international obligations, allow access to international monitors and to immediately release all those who are unjustly detained. We wel- Ukrainian World Congress expels Latvian come in principle Ukraine’s initiative to establish an International Crimean Platform to consolidate the international community’s efforts on Crimea. member group for ‘anti-Ukrainian’ stance We also firmly oppose Russia’s continued destabili- zation of Ukraine, especially Russia’s actions in certain by Mark Raczkiewycz areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, disregard- KYIV – The biggest umbrella organization representing ing the commitments it made under the Minsk agree- Ukrainians worldwide has for the first time in more than ments. The full implementation of the Minsk agree- 50 years expelled a member group. ments is the way forward for peace. Russia is a party The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) on March 13 to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, not a mediator. ejected the Association of Ukrainian Societies in Latvia We welcome the recommitment to the ceasefire (AUSL) for the group’s alleged “anti-Ukrainian position” implemented on July 27 last year, which has signifi- and promotion of the “‘Russian World’” ideology, according cantly reduced violence in the conflict area. However, to a news release from the UWC. the conflict continues to claim lives and cause serious Based in Riga, the banished organization had, since at damage to critical infrastructure. We deplore recent least 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine, published mate- military escalations by Russian backed armed forma- rials and engaged in activities that promoted Ukraine as “a tions at the line of contact. We call on the Russian brotherly nation of Russia” and would not acknowledge the Federation to stop fueling the conflict by providing bloody Donbas war as “an act of aggression by Moscow financial and military support to the armed forma- and instead described it as a civil war,” UWC regional vice tions it backs in eastern Ukraine, as well as by grant- president for Central and Eastern Europe Vira Konyk told ing Russian citizenship to hundreds of thousands of The Ukrainian Weekly over the phone from Estonia. Ukrainian citizens, and to instead ensure that steps Echoing the UWC statement, Ms. Konyk said the recently taken by Ukraine aimed at helping improve Ukrainian-Latvian group was closely monitored on social people’s lives on both sides of the line of contact are media, websites and in materials it published over the last www.kremlin.ru seven years. (Continued on page 15) A Statue of Kyiv-Rus Prince Volodymyr the Great is (Continued on page 11) unveiled on Moscow’s Red Square on November 4, 2016. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12

ANALYSIS

While Zelenskyy promises peace, Ukraine sees record number of COVID deaths behind the hackers who it said had carried out the attack. Kyiv has previously accused Ukraine registered a record daily high of Moscow of orchestrating large cyberattacks Ukraine’s army faces serious challenges 289 coronavirus-related deaths over a as part of a “hybrid war” against Ukraine, 24-hour-period on March 17, leading the within the military: “If I was quieter and but Russia denies this. The FSB did not by Mykola Vorobiov prime minister to urge local authorities to did not raise any problems [in the army] to immediately comment on the latest accusa- Eurasia Daily Monitor impose stronger restrictions to contain its the command, military service would have tion. The SBU did not say whether any spread. Ukraine last month prolonged a On March 3, the Russian proxy repre- been more comfortable for me” (YouTube, damage had been caused in the latest inci- lockdown until the end of April but allowed sentatives of the so-called Donetsk March 2, 2021). dent, which it blamed on an FSB-controlled regions with fewer COVID-19 cases to ease People’s Republic (DPR) reportedly gave During a trip to the frontline last month, hacker group it identified as Armageddon. some curbs. Health Minister Maksym permission to their military to launch pre- In February, Ukrainian cyber authorities President Zelenskyy affirmed that Stepanov said a record number of emptive attacks against Ukrainian forces accused unnamed Russian Internet net- Ukrainian units are allowed to proportion- Ukrainians were taken to hospitals with along the frontline (Armiyadnr.su, RBC, ally respond to instances of enemy fire works of attacks on Ukrainian security and COVID-19 on March 16: 4,887 people, defense websites, and of trying to dissemi- March 3). Despite both sides announcing a (Ukrinform, February 11). But despite such almost 15 percent more than the previous comprehensive truce last July, 14 assurances, many on-the-ground com- nate malicious documents through a Web- highest figure of 4,250 people registered on based system. Relations between Kyiv and Ukrainian service members were killed manders still hesitate to give the order to March 11. The number of hospitalizations since the start of 2021. Many more were fire back, in order to avoid further com- Moscow have been strained since Russia did not exceed 2,000 during the country’s illegally took control of Crimea from injured by shelling, landmines and sniper plaints from Kyiv. As this author personally late 2020 peak of the pandemic. Mr. fire that has intensified from the Russia- witnessed during a visit to the Donbas line Ukraine seven years ago after sending in Stepanov said 11,833 new infections had troops, seizing key facilities in February backed separatists’ side (Pravda.com.ua, of control in mid-February 2021, following been registered over a 24-hour-period on February 28). any exchange of fire, Ukrainian troops are 2014, and staging a referendum weeks March 17. Ukraine has reported a total of later that was dismissed as illegitimate by Throughout this time, Ukraine has con- required to prove they did not shoot first. 1,489,023 coronavirus cases and 28,986 tinued to reach out to and develop its rela- Rebukes from commanders for discharging at least 100 countries. Moscow also backs deaths so far. “The situation with the coro- separatists in a war against Ukrainian gov- tions with strategic Western security part- a weapon can end with involuntary resig- navirus is disappointing, there are a lot of ners. As recently as February 25, President nation, ultimately ending the individual’s ernment forces that has killed more than hospitalizations and severe cases. New 13,000 people in eastern Ukraine since Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the North military career. In off-the-record conversa- strains spread quickly and lead to more dire Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) tions with this author, Ukrainian soldiers April 2014. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, consequences,” Prime Minister Denys with reporting by Reuters) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who complained of effectively having to hide Shmyhal told a televised government meet- praised Ukraine’s ongoing reforms of its their activities from the high command ing. “A local government has the right to Journalist arrested on espionage charge defense sector as well as reaffirmed the while fighting for their own land. increase restrictions and therefore I urge Alliance’s support for its Euro-Atlantic A related problem, according to front- local authorities not to wait for any instruc- The authorities in Crimea have arrested ambitions (President.gov.ua, February 25). line troops, is overwhelming volumes of tions, but to make the necessary decisions. a man for allegedly spying on behalf of Meanwhile, in Washington, the Joseph paperwork, which was not seen since If you see an increase in the number of sick Ukraine, a move Kyiv characterized as pro- Biden administration recently announced 2014. Instead of fulfilling their direct people – the number of hospitalized – intro- paganda ahead of the seventh anniversary an additional $125 military aid package to duties, many service members now must duce additional restrictions.” The authori- of Moscow’s forcible annexation of the Ukraine (Kyiv Post, March 2). deal with military bureaucracy, which ties in the largest Western Ukrainian city of region. Russia’s Federal Security Service Yet despite the notable military assis- includes answering thousands of formal Lviv are introducing a strict lockdown from (FSB) said on March 16 that Vladislav tance and political backing the country has request telegrams and filling out military March 19, closing cafes, restaurants, non- Yesypenko, who holds dual Russian- been receiving from its international allies, reports that must be written by hand. One food stores and introducing a ban on public Ukrainian citizenship and is a freelance by some measures the situation within the Ukrainian officer recently shared on his events. Last week, authorities also closed contributor to Crimea.Realities, a regional Ukrainian Armed Forces remains gloomy. Facebook page that, last year, he received the country’s largest ski resort in the news outlet of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, According to reporting published last 3,853 incoming telegrams, letters, proofs, Carpathian Mountains. (Reuters, with was arrested on suspicion of collecting autumn, throughout the period 2018- requirements, instructions, and other doc- reporting by Pavel Polityuk) information for Ukrainian intelligence. 2020, around 77,000 contract soldiers umentation – which averages out to at least According to the FSB, an object “looking like resigned – a third of Ukraine’s total mili- 10 documents a day. In 2019, there were Ukraine accuses Russia of fresh cyberattack an explosive device” was found in Mr. Yesypenko’s automobile during his appre- tary personnel, numbering about 250,000. fewer such documents – 3,491. So, if the Ukraine’s State Security Service (SBU) “If before, the Ministry of Defense was one current trend holds, Ukrainian troops in hension. It also said he confessed to collect- said on March 16 it had prevented a large- ing data for the Ukrainian Security Service. of the most open bodies, now it is the most the trenches may expect even more paper- scale cyberattack by Russian hackers tar- Mr. Yesypenko, along with a resident of the closed,” said Mykola Sungurovsky, the work this year (Facebook.com/ geting classified government data. The SBU Crimean city of Alushta, Yelizaveta director of the military program at the StanislavDiegtariev, February 17). Some said the aim was to “get access to classified Pavlenko, was detained on March 10 after Kyiv-based Razumkov Center. The com- service members joked to this author that data of the highest institutions of state the two took part in an event marking the mander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed they were members of the “Ukrainian power of Ukraine” and accused the Russian Forces, Col. Gen. Ruslan Khomchak, admits paper army” (Author’s interviews, Federal Security Service (FSB) of being (Continued on page 10) the military suffers from a problem of per- February 2021). sonnel turnover, but he noted that the All this seriously undermines troop same issue plagues all other armies around morale and motivation, while also poten- the world. And the reasons for these resig- tially explaining the mass personnel attri- he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 nations among Ukrainian service members tion in the Ukrainian Armed Forces over T U W vary, including problems related to housing the past couple years, especially among An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., shortages or lack of fulfillment of some those who experienced fighting in Donbas. a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. social guarantees. Mr. Khomchak asserted Many of them say they joined the army to Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. that the Ukrainian military has to signifi- fight the enemy and push it off of Ukrainian Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. cantly change its mentality, its upbringing, soil. Instead, they must deal with a daily (ISSN — 0273-9348) ideology, military culture, and so on (BBC routine and obey orders that, in their eyes, News – Ukrainian service, October 21, does not bring victory any closer. Such sen- The Weekly: UNA: 2020). timent, if widespread, is particularly dan- Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 In a recent interview, Col. Serhii Sobko, a gerous during periods of heightened vio- former commander of the 128th Mountain lence across the frontline and deliberate Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Andrew Nynka Assault Brigade, pointed out that those provocations from the Russian side (Zn.ua, 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Soviet-style Ukrainian officers who dodged March 3; see EDM, March 11). P.O. Box 280 the war in 2014-2015 are now returning to For now, the relatively high monthly sal- Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] the chain of command, which is adding aries of up to 30,000 hryvnia ($1,000) still new uncertainty to the Armed Forces’ pro- attract many Ukrainians to sign a service The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com claimed NATO path. Mr. Sobko recounted contract with the military. This option has that, in 2018, he unexpectedly lost a prom- become particularly relevant amidst the The Ukrainian Weekly, March 21, 2021, No. 12, Vol. LXXXIX ised 10-month study position at the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic, when many Copyright © 2021 The Ukrainian Weekly Army War College (Carlisle, Pennsylvania), Ukrainians lost their jobs and have had to which at the last minute was reassigned to find other sources of income. Moreover, another Ukrainian officer. Purportedly, Mr. military service comes with crucial social ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Sobko was told he would instead be receiv- safety net elements, including free housing, ing a military promotion, but even a year pensions and so on. Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 later, no such elevation was ever given. He The Verkhovna Rada is currently consid- e-mail: [email protected] attributed this episode to his showing ering legislation that would allow the pres- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 insufficient deference to the high com- e-mail: [email protected] mand and refusing to accept the status quo (Continued on page 14) No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 3

Local governments name stadiums after Bandera and Shukhevych, provoking protest from Israel and Poland

by Roman Tymotsko implemented. The project was set to receive funding of 68,713 euros (roughly LVIV – The Lviv regional council $82,000) from the European Union under approved an appeal to the Cabinet of the Poland-Belarus-Ukraine Border Ministers of Ukraine on March 16 request- Cooperation Program. ing that the largest stadium here be “I believe that our Ukrainian partners renamed after Stepan Bandera, the former will understand that any initiative to glorify leader of the Organization of Ukrainian war criminals has consequences. Any such Nationalists (OUN). The move came after initiative must consider the feelings of the the Ternopil city council on March 5 families of the victims and the Polish peo- renamed its largest stadium after ple,” Mr. Wnuk said. Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) com- Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs mander Roman Shukhevych. commented on the dispute, noting that pre- Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Joel serving Ukraine’s national memory remains Lion, condemned the decision on March 9, one of the country’s top policy priorities. while representatives from the Polish city “Discussions in this area should take UNIAN place at the level of historians,” Oleg with Ternopil and abandoned a joint proj- Spectators hold a banner with portraits of Prince Volodymyr the Great, Hetman Ivan Nikolenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian ectZamość with saidthe city. they had suspended relations Mazepa, OUN leader Stepan Bandera during a football match between Ukraine and Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on The announcement to rename the the Czech Republic in Arena Lviv on August 15, 2012. Twitter. recently rebuilt stadium in Ternopil was “Instead, diplomats should work to made on March 5, which marks the 71st Mr. Lion, Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine, Meanwhile, on March 10, the mayor of strengthen friendly relations and mutual anniversary of Shukhevych’s death in 1950. blasted the decision in a statement posted respect between peoples, not the other “On this significant day we honor the on Twitter. released a statement saying that the Polish way around,” Mr. Nikolenko wrote. memory of the hero of Ukraine, “We strongly condemn the decision of citythe Polishwas suspending city Zamość, relations Andrzej Wnuk, with In Lviv the regional council on March 16 Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Ternopil city council to name the city stadi- Ternopil and abandoning a joint project approved by a vote of 51-33 an appeal to Insurgent Army Roman Shukhevych,” um after the infamous Hauptman of the SS with the town as a direct result of the deci- the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to Serhiy Nadal, the mayor of Ternopil said in Schutzmannschaft 201 Roman Shukhevych sion by the Ternopil city council to rename rename Arena Lviv in honor of Stepan announcing the move on March 5. “It is and demand the immediate cancellation of its stadium after the UPA commander. Bandera. very symbolic that we make an important this decision,” Mr. Lion wrote on March 9. “I respect the right of every people to “Arena Lviv is the central sports facility decision to name the central stadium in his Mr. Nadal, the mayor of Ternopil, have their own understanding of history. in the region, where key events are held. honor. The UPA leader was not only an addressed the Isreali ambassador’s state- However, I cannot ignore the brutality of Therefore, naming the stadium after exemplary commander but also a good ath- ment, noting that Mr. Lion had been misled the war and the disrespect for the defense- Stepan Bandera will be of key importance lete and leader in many sports.” by Soviet historiography. less victims of the Polish people,” Mr. Wnuk in the formation of national consciousness Members of the Ternopil city council “Today all KGB archives and SBU said, referring to the killing of Poles in the and will contribute to the patriotic educa- unanimously approved the initiative, which archives are open. You can read who killed Volyn region during World War II. tion of young people,” the regional council was done to honor “Shukhevych’s courage, Jews and what the UPA actually fought for. - wrote in their appeal to the Cabinet of steadfastness in the national liberation Everyone knows that Roman Shukhevych pended all relations with authorities in Ministers. struggle and self-sacrifice in the name of and his family helped hide Jewish children Ternopil.Mr. Wnuk He saidadded the thatcity ofa jointZamość Polish- sus “Bandera is a hero of Ukraine, and the the Ukrainian people,” the city council said from the Nazis. He saved their lives,” Mr. Ukrainian project “Common History of Two in statement. Nadal said. Cities – Ternopil and Zamost” would not be (Continued on page 6)

FOR THE RECORD Seven years of war in Europe: U.S. Senators introduce legislation Putin’s big lie continues to provide assistance, support for Ukraine The Ukrainian World Congress issued the and remains part of Mr. Putin’s Big Lie to the On March 11, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman “Seven years ago, this week, Russia illegal- following statement on March 17. world. For seven years, Russia has been (R-Ohio) released the following statement. ly seized Crimea and began a campaign of investing in an enormous disinformation covert military support for eastern Ukrainian Seven years have passed since Ukraine’s campaign and using economic pressure to WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Rob separatists,” said Sen. Risch, the ranking Crimean Peninsula was invaded and illegal- legitimize the occupation and rewrite the Portman (R-Ohio), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), member. “Despite Russia’s blatant disregard ly occupied by the Russian Federation. On boundaries of Europe. The illegal occupation Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Murphy for international laws and commitments, March 16, 2014, Russia’s armed forces of Crimea undermines the international (D-Conn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Ukraine has remained a steadfast partner of staged an illegal referendum at gunpoint. order and is in breach of every international Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today introduced the United States and has pushed back Two days later, on March 18, 2014, Moscow agreement Russia has signed. the Ukraine Security Partnership Act to against Russian malign influence in Europe. I declared that a massive majority voted to Nevertheless, Russian hybrid misinfor- provide security assistance and strategic am proud to re-introduce this legislation join the Russian Federation and Vladimir mation aggression is bearing fruit. More support to Ukraine. today to demonstrate the United States’ con- Putin signed an “entry agreement” occupy- and more frequently around the world on “I am proud to join my colleagues in tinued support for the people of Ukraine and ing Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. This leading TV channels, the internet, in school introducing this important legislation to the country’s democratic transition.” was the first time since the Second World textbooks and geographical atlases Crimea provide a comprehensive strategy to sup- “As Ukraine continues to be a vital test War that the boundaries of Europe were is referred to as a “Russian region.” The port Ukraine,” Sen. Portman said. “As the case for our ability to help fragile democra- altered by armed invasion. rapid response and counteractions of Co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus I cies withstand pressure from internal and During the last seven years, Russia has Ukrainian community activists and the have worked in a bipartisan manner to sup- external malign forces, it’s more important transformed the Crimean Peninsula into Ukrainian state has allowed these cases to port Ukraine as it fights back against than ever that we reaffirm strong, biparti- one of the largest military bases in the be exposed and corrected. However, we Russian aggression and continues to build a san support for Ukraine both in Congress region, which currently poses a threat to must be vigilant and remember that this is strong democracy free of corruption. I com- and the White House. The Ukraine Security the entire Black Sea region. The Russian how Russian propaganda works – this is mend my colleagues for joining me in Assistance Partnership Act helps us get the Federation is engaged in barbaric, ruthless how Mr. Putin’s Great Lie works. cosponsoring this bill.” relationship back on track by authorizing exploitation of the natural resources of “The Ukrainian World Congress calls for “In the seven years following Russia’s multi-year security assistance to help Crimea, which has already led to a cata- an international boycott on any international invasion, Ukrainian service members have defend against Russian aggression, while strophic shortage of fresh water, which is visits to occupied Crimea and escalating selflessly and courageously continued to also encouraging progress on the faltering decreasing every day. Human rights are international sanctions on Russia until defend their homeland against Russian reform agenda. This legislation helps pre- systematically violated on the peninsula Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored. We ground, sea and cyberspace assaults that serve our strategic partnership while also and members of the Crimean Tatar and call on all Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine, violate Ukrainian sovereignty and security,” furthering U.S. national security interests. I Ukrainian communities are routinely per- wherever they live, to call-out Putin’s Big Lie said Sen. Menendez, who also co-chairs the look forward to working with my col- secuted on the grounds of nationality, reli- and to never forget that Crimea is Ukraine,” caucus. “In the interest of supporting leagues on both sides of the aisle to get it gion and more. In addition, the Russian stated UWC President Paul Grod. Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggres- signed into law,” said Sen. Murphy. authorities have implemented a policy of sion and advancing American values and “The Ukrainian people need every avail- artificial population replacement in Crimea. The UWC statement included a call for foreign policy priorities, I am proud to join able resource to fight back against Russian Since 2014, an estimated 200,000 Russians readers to share their thoughts on social in reintroducing the Ukraine Security aggression. We stand with the people of have been relocated to Crimea. media regarding the situation in Crimea and Partnership Act, a long-term security assis- Ukraine as they defend the sovereignty and One thing has not changed – the so-called “Russia’s attempts to impose its lies” by tance package that demonstrates our bipar- “accession” of Crimea to Russia has been including the hashtag #PutinsBigLie. tisan commitment to a secure Ukraine.” (Continued on page 6) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12 No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 5

UNA announces Stefan Hawrysz Scholarship for Philadelphia District UNA Scholarships in addition to UNA Awards, which are based on the applicant’s year of The Philadelphia District Committee of study. the Ukrainian National Association is Readers are advised to visit the UNA’s pleased to announce the establishment of website, www.unainc.org, to see a listing of the Philadelphia District Stefan Hawrysz all of the UNA scholarships and the Scholarship in the amount of $750 per requirements for student applications. For The UNA ANNoUNces year. Students who are members of the more information about UNA scholarships, Philadelphia District Branches (Nos. 10, readers may contact Maria Drich, 973-292- 83, 153, 162, 163, 173, 362, 397 and 501) 9800, ext. 3035. ScholarShipS and awardS of the UNA are eligible to apply for the The deadline for 2021-2022 applica- for StudentS attending college scholarship. tions on all scholarship awards is June 1, The award is named in honor of Stefan 2021. in the 2021-2022 academic year. Hawrysz, a former UNA National In addition to scholarships, the UNA Organizer, Auditor and Advisor who per- offers a number of options for both par- Students wishing to apply for a UNA scholarship or award must meet sonally enrolled over 2,500 UNA members ents and grandparents to assist with han- the following criteria: and established 16 UNA branches. Mr. dling the cost of higher education for their l Have been an active, premium-paying UNA member for at least Hawrysz also served as chairman of the children. Most popular are endowment two years by June 1st of 2021; Philadelphia District Committee of the policies that provide insurance protection UNA and was a Philadelphia community and at maturity allow students to use the l Have had a life insurance policy or an annuity, valued at a minimum activist. funds for college expenses. In addition, the of $5,000 during the last two years (term policies excluded); The Philadelphia District of the UNA UNA offers a Coverdell Education Savings l Be enrolled in an accredited college or university in USA or Canada. continues to support local organizations, Account that allows up to $2,000 per year The application for a UNA scholarship or award must be postmarked no and parents, grandparents, aunts or to be placed in an account that will grow later than June 1, 2021. uncles, are encouraged to enroll their chil- tax free. Withdrawals from the account can dren in the UNA in order to take full advan- be made up to age 30 for a student’s quali- For complete details and applications, please call the UNA Home Office tage of the various fraternal benefits fied educational expenses. or visit the Our Benefits page on the UNA website at: offered by the organization. To discuss available UNA products or www.UNAInc.org Eligibility for the new scholarship options for college funding, readers may includes the following criteria: 1) students contact any of the Philadelphia District must have a UNA qualifying policy; 2) stu- Branch Secretaries listed below. Ukrainian National Association, Inc. dents must be members of any Lubov Streletsky, (Branch 10), 267-767- 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Philadelphia District Branch; 3) students 6791, [email protected]; 800-253-9862 ext. 3035 must be enrolled as a full-time student at Michael Luciw, (Branch 83), 215-635- an accredited college or university in the 5109, [email protected]; U.S.A. or Canada; and 4) students must Jurij Danyliw, (Branch 153), 215-646- submit a completed UNA scholarship 3115, [email protected]; application and provide a brief essay. George Fedorijczuk, (Branch 162), 215- The UNA has a long history of support- 632-8560, [email protected]; ing students in their academic studies, and Andrij Szul Esq, (Branch 163), 212-898- Mission Statement the first scholarships were small stipends 9040, [email protected]; The Ukrainian to promote the principles of fraternalism; awarded to promising students to help Eugene Serba, (Branch 173), 856-904- • National to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and them attain a better future. A formal schol- 4161, [email protected]; • Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and arship program for student members was Luba Walchuk, (Branch 362), 908-872- Association to provide quality financial services and products established in 1964. With the addition of 6822, [email protected]; exists: • to its members. the Philadelphia District Stefan Harwysz Ulana Prociuk, (Branch 397), 215-969- As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian National Association reinvests its earnings Scholarship, the UNA now has 11 Special 9946, [email protected]. for the benefit of its members and the Ukrainian community. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12

According to Ms. Herus, the Holos fac- Local governments... tion supports the stadium’s renaming, but The Ukrainian Weekly (Continued from page 3) they believe Ukraine has other national heroes who deserve the honor. European Solidarity faction [in the Lviv “If the stadium is a sports venue, then it A watershed moment regional council] decided to name the sta- should be named after an athlete,” Ms. dium in his honor,” said Olha Bereziuk, a Herus said. “We have a lot of them, for Perhaps the winds are beginning to shift. Or, perhaps it’s just the ongoing pan- member of the council. example Ivan Boberskyy.” demic restrictions that have begun to affect Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is “The next step is the final decision of the But Ms. Herus also said that she does not often described as intent on projecting a calm, controlled yet commanding demean- [Ukrainian] government on renaming the believe renaming Arena Lviv is a top priority. or. But clearly something has riled the normally staid former KGB intelligence offi- stadium. There is already a stadium named “We have a lot of problems in the coun- cer. after Roman Shukhevych in Ternopil, and try,” she said. “For example, in education Most recently, Mr. Putin and Moscow seemed truly shocked when, asked by we want a stadium named after Stepan there is a need to reform a lot of things George Stephanopoulos of ABC News on March 16 whether he believed the Russian Bandera in Lviv. We want Lviv to be in soli- instead of spending time on what will likely president was a killer, President Joe Biden said “Uh-huh. I do,” adding that he once darity with Ternopil and for Lviv to become not be done [renaming the stadium].” told Mr. Putin “I don’t think you have a soul.” more patriotic,” Ms. Bereziuk said. Vakhtang Kipiani, a historian and editor Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov called Mr. Biden’s comment “unprecedented” A final decision to approve the request of the web site Istorychna Pravda (Historical in the history of U.S.-Russia relations. “These statements from the president of the must be made by the Cabinet of Ministers, Truth), expected a harsh reaction to the United States are very bad,” Mr. Peskov said. Only hours after Mr. Biden’s comment, as the stadium, which hosted three Euro news, both in Ukraine and abroad. Russia summoned its ambassador to the United States to return to Moscow, and the 2012 football matches and several other “We can ignore Russians, but it is obvi- deputy chairman of the Russian parliament’s upper house had also reacted with a important international matches, is state- ous that our Polish friends’ reaction will be statement posted on Facebook on March 18. owned. The Lviv regional council has painful,” Mr. Kipiani said, according to the “This is a watershed moment,” said Konstantin Kosachyov, the deputy chairman repeatedly requested that ownership of the Lviv newspaper Vysokyy Zamok. of Russia’s Federation Council. “This gross statement sends any expectations from arena be transferred to the local communi- “On the one hand, national memory can- the U.S. administration’s new policy toward Russia down the drain.” ty, but the stadium remains under the con- not be adjusted to other people’s ideas,” Mr. Mr. Biden’s comment wasn’t the only development that likely has angered the trol of the Ukrainian government. Kipiani said. “On the other hand, we, figu- Kremlin recently. The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a Stephen Bandera, Bandera’s grandson, ratively speaking, live in a glass house. And report on March 15 saying that Mr. Putin had authorized, and a range of Russian gov- learned about the initiative in Lviv from we will always have to explain to our neigh- ernment organizations conducted, influence operations aimed at, among other The Weekly’s correspondent when asked to bors why we did this or that.” things, “undermining public confidence in the [U.S.] electoral process, and exacerbat- comment on the news. He also noted that Ukrainians shouldn’t ing sociopolitical divisions in the United States.” The Kremlin called the report’s “It’s more about creating hype,” Mr. Ban­ create a cult around Bandera and Shukhe­ findings “absolutely unfounded.” dera said, emphasizing that it is not up to vych by naming too many monuments, sta- Mr. Putin is most certainly also aware of the G-7 statement issued on March 18 in the Lviv regional council to rename the sta- diums or other structures after both men. which the foreign affairs ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the dium. “Let’s not make Lenin out of Bandera United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of “It is always humbling and honor on the and Shukhevych,” Mr. Kipiani said. the European Union, stated that they “are united in our condemnation of Russia’s one hand, but then you feel something dif- “Literally, everything was named after continued actions to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and inde- ferent when someone has to guard the Lenin, Kirov, Kalinin in Soviet times. pendence.” The statement “unequivocally” denounced “Russia’s temporary occupa- memorial, clean up the graffiti, replace the Nowadays, we can name many different tion of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.” The state- headstone, or scrub the paint off the stat- objects – streets, squares, parks – after ment concluded by saying “Crimea is Ukraine.” ue,” Mr. Bandera said, referring to the many other prominent Ukrainians.” That same day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement saying occasions on which memorials and statues When asked to comment on the interna- that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline “is a Russian geopolitical project intended to divide honoring the late OUN leader were defaced tional reaction against the moves to Europe and weaken European energy security.” Mr. Blinken added that the state or vandalized. rename the stadiums, Mr. Bandera, the department “reiterates its warning that any entity involved in the Nord Stream 2 The idea of naming Arena Lviv in honor OUN leader’s grandson, said he didn’t feel pipeline risks U.S. sanctions and should immediately abandon work on the pipeline. of Bandera was discussed nine years ago comfortable commenting on the issue. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate reintroduced the Ukraine Security Partnership Act, “a when the stadium was completed before “It’s not really my place as a Canadian to long-term security assistance package that demonstrates our bipartisan commit- the European football championship. comment on governmental decisions in for- ment to a secure Ukraine,” said Sen. Bob Menendez. Among other provisions, the act However, the initiative to name the stadium eign jurisdictions,” Mr. Bandera said. “So, authorizes up to $300 million per year of foreign military financing to Ukraine, and the airport in Lviv after Bandera was I’m surprised that the ambassadors of for- including for lethal military assistance. not approved. Instead, the city decided to eign countries feel they can make com- Taken together, all of these developments and others not mentioned here are name the airport after King Danylo ments and demands about what are really unlikely to do more than unnerve Mr. Putin. But they may just be an initial sign that Halytskyy, and the stadium officially internal state matters.” the political winds have begun to shift in Ukraine’s favor. remained Arena Lviv. Asked about Arena Lviv, Mr. Bandera “Our faction did not vote at all on this took a different approach. issue,” said Ivanna Herus, the head of the “When it comes to the particular case of Holos faction in the Lviv regional council. the Lviv stadium, I’ll support anything “The council accepted more than 20 that’ll help Karpaty FC win more games,” he March Turning the pages back... appeals by one vote, and we did not agree said, referring to the name of the profes- with all of them, so we did not take part in sional soccer team based in the stadium. In this voting. Some of them are about the 2020 Karpaty FC was excluded from the 27 Ten years ago, on March 27, 2011, Bishop Sviatoslav financing of education, some more political. Ukrainian Premier League due to lack of Shevchuk, the 40-year-old native of Stryi, Lviv Oblast, and who For example, one of the appeals is to give funding. The club now plays in the third 2011 previously served as apostolic administrator of the eparchy of Roman Shukhevych the title of Hero of Ukrainian football division and is last place Buenos Aires, Argentina, was enthroned as the major archbishop Ukraine,” Ms. Herus said. in the standings. of Kyiv-Halych of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv. “In the 20th century, our Church went with its Savior to the end – unto the complete liq- uidation of its native land and death, it seemed,” the major archbishop said. “Yet this death Ukraine Security Partnership Act. The act of hundreds of thousands of our laity, clergy, monks and nuns, with our episcopate in the U.S. Senators... requires a report on U.S. diplomatic sup- port for Ukraine over the next five years; lead, was a death on the cross, and therefore life-giving! Our parents, grandparents and (Continued from page 3) ancestors showed – through us, their descendants, and through us, to an independent encourages the Department of State to Ukraine – the strength and invincibility of the honest and life-giving Cross of the Lord.” territorial integrity of their nation,” said establish a working group on Ukraine with It was the first time in the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s history that its prime hierarch Sen. Barrasso. “Our bipartisan legislation relevant European allies; encourages the was enthroned in Kyiv, with previous enthronements taking place in Lviv, and was noted provides Ukraine with key military and administration to appoint a special envoy as a sign of the UGCC’s growth during the previous 10 years. It was also the first time that diplomatic resources to help secure a for Ukraine to serve as the U.S. liaison for the outgoing patriarch (Major Archbishop Lubomyr Cardinal Husar) witnessed the peaceful, democratic future for their coun- the Normandy Format peace negotiations enthronement of his successor. try. The United States is committed to fully and to facilitate dialogue between Black The selection of Bishop Sviatoslav by the Holy Synod of Bishops showed that the supporting our strong partner, Ukraine.” Sea countries; authorizes up to $300 mil- Ukrainian Catholic Church was taking a renewed approach. “Preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty is crit- lion per year of foreign military financing to “I’m impressed with the selection of a young man because we need to orient ourselves ical to both U.S. national security and our Ukraine, subject to certifications, including toward the new generation,” said Yevhen Sverstiuk, 82, a Soviet-era dissident and chief world order. Vladimir Putin’s aggression the authority to provide Ukraine with lethal editor of the Orthodox newspaper Our Faith. He added: “We have people around us who against Ukraine continues, and so must U.S. military assistance; requires a Department carry with them old habits, who have nothing new to say, and repeat what they’ve always support to safeguard its right to self-deter- of Defense and State Department report on said. But the Church is supposed to address different tendencies and dangers of our time. mination,” said Sen. Shaheen. “This biparti- the capability and capacity requirements of And it’s clear that the youth re-orient themselves far better. It’s a good, solid initiative to san bill demonstrates the Senate’s commit- Ukraine’s armed forces, a plan to supply truly refresh thinking, methods and orientation in the world.” ment – across party lines – to stand by our U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, and any In the election process, Bishop Sviatoslav was not considered a leading candidate by partner in the region and stand up to Mr. recommendations; expedites the transfer observers because of his relatively young age, including the fact that he was the youngest Putin. Ukraine’s security is tied to our glob- of excess defense articles to Ukraine, and bishop in the UGCC, and (at the time) fourth-youngest among the world’s 5,000-plus al stability, which is why this legislation to calls for a strategy to encourage partner Catholic bishops. Some bishops at the Holy Synod said the election of the young bishop provide it the tools necessary to defend nations to do the same; and it authorizes $4 was confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s influence. itself and remain committed to democratic million per year to train Ukrainian military reform is so important.” officers through the International Military (Continued on page 15) There are several key provisions of the Education and Training program. No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 7

COMMENTARY Bigotry, disrespect, and proper international behavior by Askold S. Lozynskyj ambassador could not be bothered with learning the historical facts. The Ukrainian Advancing U.S.-Ukraine relations To my personal dismay, since I have government has not insisted that any been hoping to see a Catholic from Western action be taken against the ambassador. Ukraine elected president of Ukraine, on its There are two issues here. For the sake in the Biden administration 30th anniversary, Ukraine has been a of transparency, I should stress that I cer- Part 2 positions still need to be filled, and policies model of diversity, though it has not includ- tainly support the state of Israel, since fleshed out to deepen U.S.-Ukraine relations, ed my own preference. Ukraine has had every nation is entitled to self-determina- Any successful relationship requires but the initial indications are encouraging. presidents from Volyn, Chernihiv by way of tion and ostensibly the best structure con- both parties to do their part. This maxim It is not accidental that – with the notable Dnipro, Sumy, Donetsk, Vinnytsia and trived to date is an independent state. That applies to the U.S.-Ukraine partnership as it exception of Moscow’s fifth columnists in Dnipro. Those presidents have included same paradigm applies equally to the does to any other. While there is still plenty the Rada and those bent on obstructing Orthodox Christians, a converted and bap- Palestinian nation, and while I support of work ahead, the prospects are encourag- reforms (often, but not always, the same tized Jew, and currently a practicing Jew. Israel, I do not support its discriminatory ing. people) – the majority of Ukraine’s political While disappointed, I do not condemn policies regarding Palestinians within The Biden administration is making solid leadership welcomes this administration’s Ukraine for its bigotry in not electing a Israel. I do at the same time feel that Israel initial efforts to do its part in not only commitment, not to mention the return to Catholic from western Ukraine, preferably should join the civilized global community, restoring, but strengthening the normality in our relations. Ivano-Frankivsk or Ternopil. Lviv will do. including by acceding to the nuclear non- U.S.-Ukraine relationship. President Biden And what about Ukraine itself? How I remember sitting in Kyiv’s opera house proliferation treaty. If Israel took an exam- and his team have made crystal clear – in a serious is Ukraine in doing its part to with the late Ukrainian poet Ivan Drach, ple from Ukraine, that would not be an way that was sorely absent from the previ- strengthen its partnership with Washing­ trying to enjoy a contrived artistic program issue. Nuclear Russia represents an equal if ous president – that Ukraine’s sovereignty ton? A compelling case can be made that which had been prepared essentially for not greater threat to Ukraine than the non- and territorial integrity matter. Mr. Biden what Washington wants to see from the Jewish guests. Unfortunately, after the nuclear Arab states represent to Israel. said so directly to Mr. Putin in a phone call, Ukraine in terms of internal reforms are the first 20 minutes or so, 90 percent of the Israel should also be more circumspect at the Munich Security Conference, and in a things that Ukraine should be doing even if audience had left the auditorium. Ivan in choosing its government officials and statement on the anniversary of Russia’s the U.S. were completely out of the picture. Drach and I stayed to the bitter end, after diplomats. I might add that Prime Minister invasion of Crimea. In that statement, he Simply put, by working to build relations asserted that the United States does not and all this was the 75th anniversary (in 2016) Netanyahu should have been more careful with its most important strategic partner, will never recognize Crimea’s annexation of the massacres at Babyn Yar, a site of sig- as well when he decided to bring along his the United States, Ukraine is helping itself. and will stand with Ukraine against Russia’s nificant remembrance for both Jews and wife to Ukraine, who at the airport in Kyiv Of course, it makes it easier when there is a aggressive acts and hold the Kremlin Ukrainians. I did think that President Petro in 2019 disgraced herself and Israel and supportive president in the White House accountable. Other high-level officials, nota- Poroshenko, of Jewish origin himself, had disrespected her hosts, the Ukrainian peo- who understands and is ready to help bly Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have done well by organizing this commemora- ple and the children who greeted her and Ukrainians in their efforts to reform the reiterated this and other messages of sup- tive program, not only to honor the victims, her husband in traditional Ukrainian style judiciary, strengthen the rule of law, port for Ukraine in various venues. but ostensibly politically to bring our two with Ukrainian bread. The prime minister improve governance and fight corruption. The U.S. is clearly committed to fighting people together. The Israeli response was took a piece, broke it in two, ate his piece It is helpful to have a president who unam- Russia’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine. The less than gratifying, as the president of and gave the other portion to his wife, who biguously understands that these reforms Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia Israel during his keynote address delivered with much fanfare threw it to the ground. greatly contribute to Ukraine’s democratic have been extended and the Pentagon bigoted, accusatory remarks against There was no apology. development, integration in the Trans- announced earlier this month the provision Ukrainians for alleged complicity in the More importantly, however, in my opin- of a tranche of $125 million for defense Atlantic community and resilience against Holocaust. ion is the reaction of President Poroshenko assistance under the Ukraine Security Moscow’s ongoing aggression. It’s deja vu all over again. Recently in 2016, again in 2019 and President Assistance initiative. This includes armed Formidable challenges remain. Despite Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine “demand- Zelensky in 2021, as well as Ukraine’s for- patrol boats to help Ukraine defend its ter- the substantial, if uneven, reform progress ed” that the Ternopil football stadium not eign affairs ministers. Both presidents may ritorial waters, counter-battery systems since the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine still be renamed in honor of the commander in be Jewish by ancestral ethnicity or current (which are crucial in increasing the surviv- has a long way to go. The stalling – and chief of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army belief, but they were and are presidents of ability of Ukrainian soldiers), equipment, even backtracking – of reforms since the fall (UPA) Gen. Roman Shukhevych. Aside from Ukraine. Offensive behavior towards training and the provision of advice and of the government of former Prime Minister the lack of diplomacy by interfering in Ukraine and its people by representatives expertise to help facilitate defense sector Oleksiy Honcharuk one year ago did not Ukraine’s internal affairs, the Israeli ambas- of any county cannot be tolerated. Israel, its reforms. help matters. Oligarchs still exert far too sador manifested egregious ignorance. Gen. leaders and representatives need to learn The Biden administration has stated its much of a deleterious impact on Ukraine’s Shukhevych’s wife and he saved at least proper international behavior. Bigotry and opposition to the controversial Russian- economy, politics, media and society. one Jewish young girl from certain death by disrespect results in reciprocity. That is not German Nord Stream 2 gas-pipeline proj- We have seen continuing attempts to the Nazis by hiding her and even forging good for anyone. ect. However, there have been legitimate weaken key anti-corruption institutions, documents for her. I suspect that the Israeli concerns expressed by members of such as the National Anticorruption Bureau ambassador had heard something about Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney at law Congress from both parties, and many oth- of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Gen. Shukhevych leading a Ukrainian mili- based in New York City who served as presi- ers. The administration needs to fully Anticorruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). tary force into Ukraine together with dent of the Ukrainian World Congress in implement the Congressionally-mandated Decisions last year by the Constitutional German troops in June 1941. Obviously, the 1998-2008. Nord Stream 2 sanctions. Senior adminis- Court and the problematic Kyiv Pechersk tration officials have indicated that they District Court were not helpful in the fight intend to do so, and this needs to happen as against corruption. Judicial reform in par- LETTER TO THE EDITOR soon as possible. Yes, while relations with ticular remains an urgent – one could even Germany, one of our top bilateral partners, say dire – necessity, given the people’s deep need to be repaired after the last four years, mistrust in the courts. The reform must Critics need to be more careful, cautious and informed this should not come at the expense of include the cleaning up of the selection pro- Ukraine’s security, and, for that matter, cess for judges. Dear Editor: the Obama Administration pressured then- overall European security. Many within the And while important reforms have interim Ukrainian President Oleksander occurred in Ukraine’s defense sector in I would like to address a recent letter to European Union – indeed, within Germany Turchynov not to intervene in Crimea recent years, more needs to be done – the editor criticizing Mr. Mirchuk’s and Mr. itself – oppose Nord Stream 2, and the because former President Barack Obama hence, some U.S. military assistance should Martyniuk’s earlier letters on Crimea and European Parliament has demanded that feared it would mean a war with Russia continue to be conditional in order to Nord Stream 2. The letter was written by construction stop. Moreover, other mea- possibly evolving into a WW III! encourage further reforms. And the list Dr. Lomacky (March 14, 2021). Unfortuna­ sures are already being taken by the U.S. to It is odd that Dr. Lomacky is more con- could go on and on. tely, space limitations do not allow a full improve relations with Germany. cerned about protecting Mr. Biden’s reputa- There are, however, some recent signs of elaboration. In another development, by sanctioning tion than he is willing to see the U.S. play promise. The imposing of personal sanc- The thrust of Mr. Martyniuk’s letter the notorious oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky hardball with Germany to stop the looming tions on the notorious pro-Russian politi- asked whether President Joe Biden will earlier this month, the Biden administra- threat of Nord Stream 2. It is sad to see cian and oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk and allow Germany and Russian President tion is signaling its commitment to help Ukrainian professionals so uninformed his wife, as well as banning his Kremlin- Vladimir Putin to complete the Nord Ukraine combat the scourge of corruption, about such crucial matters. linked TV channels, and the opening of Stream 2 pipeline, an existential threat to strengthen the rule of law, and diminish the As for Dr. Lomacky’s outlandish asser- criminal cases against three former Ukraine. In a desperate attempt to clear Mr. still unduly large political influence of the tion that former President Donald Trump PryvatBank associates of Mr. Kolomoisky’s, Biden’s name, the doctor is asking for “evi- oligarchs. was “a buddy of Putin,” the record shows offer the prospect that Ukraine will become dence for their assertions and demanding We must recognize that the Biden that he was infinitely tougher on Russia more serious in overcoming the influence of apologies for spreading false information administration is still in its early days. Key than the Obama/Biden team ever were. the oligarchs. Oligarchic dominance over about our president.” If Dr. Lomacky would Ukraine’s politics and economy since inde- take the time to be better informed, the evi- Jaroslaw Sawka Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at dence is ubiquitous. No one questions that Sterling Heights, Mich. [email protected]. (Continued on page 15) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12

Olha Serhiienko 17th-century Baturyn citadel, reconstructed on the basis of archaeological data in 2008. Aerial photo from the archives of the Baturyn National Preserve. Coat of arms of Hetman Mazepa found in Baturyn, the Kozak state capital

by Zenon Kohut, Archaeologists have unearthed the foun- Volodymyr Mezentsev dations of two brick heating stoves (“pechi,” and Yurii Sytyi “hruby”) as well as many shards of glazed Special to The Ukrainian Weekly ceramic, plain terracotta and some lime- washed tiles (“kakhli”) of high technical In 2019-2020, Ukrainian and Canadian and artistic quality from their facing. These archaeologists and historians continued plaques are ornamented with elaborate flo- their research of the early modern town of ral, geometric and heraldic relief motifs in Baturyn, Chernihiv Oblast. the Ukrainian baroque style. Many of them Twenty years ago, Prof. Zenon Kohut, bear the family coats of arms of both Orlyk the former director of the Canadian and Mazepa. Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the Applying computer photo collage and University of Alberta, founded the Canada- graphic techniques, the Baturyn project’s Ukraine Baturyn Archaeological Project. He artist Serhii Dmytriienko (Chernihiv) pre- directed it until 2015 and currently serves pared hypothetical reconstructions of the as its academic adviser. Archaeologist Dr. assemblages of broken and burnt heraldic Volodymyr Mezentsev, research associate tiles and defined their size to approximate- of CIUS in Toronto, is the Canadian execu- ly 30 by 30 centimeters. Orlyk’s recreated tive director of the Baturyn project. color armorial bearing was published and The 2019 excavations in Baturyn examined by Mr. Mezentsev in an article in involved 45 students and scholars from the Students and teachers of the Hlukhiv Military Lyceum, Sumy Oblast, participants of published in The Weekly (February 17, Chernihiv National University, Hlukhiv the Baturyn excavations in 2019-2020. 2019). In the present work, the authors Military Lyceum and the Institute of published and discussed the hypothetical Archaeology at the National Academy of its last urban revival, but subsequently Kozak capital and explore its rich museum computer reconstruction of the fragmented Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv. In spite of the declined while Ukraine remained stateless. collections of archaeological finds, recon- burnt glazed ceramic stove plaque featur- ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this past sum- In independent Ukraine, Baturyn has structed citadel, hetman palaces and ing Mazepa’s coat of arms in relief prepared mer the archaeological expedition increased become the main center for the preserva- churches. (See: Canadio-Byzantina, No. 31, by Mr. Dmytriienko in 2019-2020. to 75 members thanks to the participation tion, study, reconstruction and populariza- January 2020, p. 4. https://uottawa.schol- In its center is a massive light-green of many volunteers. Archaeologist Yurii Sytyi tion of the historical and cultural legacy of arsportal.info/ottawa/index.php/cb/issue/ baroque shield surrounded by decorative of the Chernihiv College National University the capital of the Kozak state and its rulers. view/514). garlands or leaves (“namet”) of darker leads the annual Baturyn excavations. It also serves as a beacon of patriotism for In 2017-2020, in the northwestern sub- green enamel. On this shield, a dark-green, In 1648-1654, Hetman Bohdan Khmel­ Ukrainians, notably the youth. The town’s urb of Baturyn, the expedition partly exca- anchor-like, six-barred cross with a white nytsky liberated central Ukraine from Polish five museums of antiquities, 30 sites of his- vated debris of the residence of Pylyp crescent moon and a six-pointed star on domination and founded the Kozak state, or torical and cultural heritage and impressive Orlyk, the chancellor general of the both sides are depicted, i.e., the principal Hetmanate. Baturyn became one of its sculptural monuments dedicated to the Hetmanate. He was a personal secretary, heraldic symbols of Mazepa’s family arms major towns. In 1669 it was appointed as hetmans, Kozaks and victims of Mazepa’s chief counsellor and chargé d’affaires of referred to as “Kurch.” Hung around the the capital of the Kozak realm and flour- ravaged stronghold attract many tourists. Mazepa. Orlyk succeeded him as the het- crossbar, between the crescent and the star, ished during the reign of the powerful In 2019, some 200,000 Ukrainian and man in exile (1710-1742) and headed the is a white ribbon with the Order of St. Hetman Ivan Mazepa (1687-1709). foreign sightseers visited the Baturyn first Ukrainian political emigration. Andrew. The hetman received this award in In 1708, with Sweden as an ally, Hetman National Historical and Cultural Preserve, Mr. Sytyi believes that Orlyk constructed 1700. The shield is surmounted by a hel- Mazepa resisted Moscow’s growing author- among them some 53,600 students. That and decorated his Baturyn home and its met crested with a princely crown. ity over central Ukraine and proclaimed the year, the Canadian historian Prof. Antony heating stoves by modeling these elements Around the shield are relief images of Hetmanate an independent principality. In Littlewood from the University of Western on those in Lithuania, his motherland. It symmetrically placed stylized Kozak stan- an attempt to suppress Mazepa’s military Ontario travelled to Baturyn and published was a spacious one-story house made of dards with horsetails (“bunchuky”), ban- resistance, on November 2, 1708, the pre- his reflections in the bulletin of the logs with several rooms and no cellar. ners (“korohvy”), hetmans’ large globular vailing Russian army, aided by a traitor, University of Ottawa. He strongly urged Orlyk’s dwelling was burned down during maces (“bulavy”), flanged maces (“pirna- stormed and seized Baturyn’s fortress. other Western scholars to visit the former the Muscovite sack of Baturyn in 1708. chi”), military trumpets (“surmy”), spears, Tsarist troops pillaged and burned down partisans (“protazany”), flags, cannons on the insurgent town and ruthlessly annihi- wheels, ramrods (“bannyky”), musket bar- lated with fire and sword the garrison fight- rels, sabers, oval and figured shields, a ers as well as all of the civilian inhabitants, baroque suit of armour and a helmet, all totalling some 11,000-14,000 people. No glazed green and set against a white back- quarter was given to women, children, the ground. Only the cannonballs, a gunpowder elderly and clerics in the devastated Kozak barrel, and two Kozak kettle-drums (“lit- capital. This massive punitive measure was avry”) at the bottom of this composition ordered by Tsar Peter I to terrify all of are situated asymmetrically. Ukraine. In total, Muscovite forces extermi- Dr. Mezentsev has observed that the rep- nated about 30,000 participants of resentations of various weapons, muni- Mazepa’s uprising and members of their tions and Cossack or hetman insignias of families throughout the Hetmanate and the power (“kleinody”) on the recreated tile Zaporozhian Host in 1708-1709. resemble those found in many engravings The enlightened Hetman Kyrylo and silver-gilt icon covers (“oklady”) featur- Rozumovsky (1750-1764) repopulated and ing the armorial bearings of Mazepa, which rebuilt Baturyn as the capital of the Kozak Volodymyr Mezentsev were created in Kyiv and Chernihiv during polity on the eve of its abolition by the his reign. The closest analogies are the Mazepa’s heraldic emblem enveloped with armaments, munitions and symbols of Russian Empire in 1764. Until Rozumov­ power in reliefs on the 1695 silver-gilt cover (“shaty kiotu”) of the Troitsko-Illinska sky’s death in 1803, the town experienced Mother of God icon. Chernihiv Historical Museum. (Continued on page 9) No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 9

Yurii Sytyi 2018 excavations of the remnants of Pylyp Orlyk’s residence and the brick foundations of its tiled heating stoves in Baturyn, 1707-1708.

stove tile with the hetman’s arms, as well as Muscovy lack this military motif. It was Coat of arms... the finishing of Orlyk’s home, to between likely an innovation of Orlyk’s to introduce (Continued from page 8) that time and the destruction of Baturyn this into Mazepa’s armorial bearings on by these authors titled “Розкопки у and his dwelling on November 2, 1708. The some stove tiles at his home. Unfortunately, Батурині(Excavations 2019 at року. Baturyn Кахлі in гетьманської 2019. Stove designs of the hetman’s heraldic emblems designer of this tile could borrow the image the existence of these stoves was too brief. столиціTiles of the XVIIHetman – початкуCapital, 17th XVIII and Early ст.” depicted on the 1695 silver and gilt cover of a trefoil princely crown from the best- It would appear that the razing of Baturyn 18th Centuries), published in Ukrainian by (“shaty kiotu”) of the Troitsko-Illinska known heraldry of the Ukrainian, Polish, or as well as Orlyk’s residence in 1708 put an “Homin Ukrainy” in Toronto in 2020. This Mother of God icon, which is preserved at Lithuanian princes. end to the continued use and spread of his and earlier booklets of the Baturyn series the Chernihiv Historical Museum and is The eminent historian of the Kozak innovation in the ceramic tile decoration of are available for purchase for $10 from the found on Ivan Myhura’s etching glorifying state, Prof. Kohut, dignifies Mazepa as early modern Ukraine and its neighbors. office of the National Executive of the Mazepa (1706). Images of many kinds of Prince or “kniaz’” of Ukraine. He maintains Excavations of remnants of this dwelling League of Ukrainian Canadians (LUC) in armaments, accoutrements and “kleinody” that before and after concluding the politi- will continue. Toronto (416-516-8223, [email protected]) are particularly similar to those on the cal and military alliance between Ukraine The rare stove plaques found at Orlyk’s and through the CIUS Press in Edmonton reconstructed stove tile. In Myhura’s and Sweden in 1708 in Western European, home in Baturyn represent valuable pieces (780-492-2973, [email protected], https:// engraving, the Order of St. Andrew is also American, and most frequently in Austrian of Ukrainian baroque applied and heraldic ciuspress.com/product-category/archaeol- hung around the crossbar of the anchor- official documents and press, the hetman arts. Their reconstructions and analysis ogy/). For reports on annual excavations at shaped cross, between a star and a crescent. was referred to as a prince (“princeps” in provide an important insight into the her- Baturyn in 2001-2020 in English, please Probably at Orlyk’s behest, a professional Latin and “fürst” in German). The treaty aldry and culture of the Kozak elite in the see: Canadio-Byzantina, nos. 13-32 draftsman from the Kyiv-Chernihiv art between Hetman Mazepa and King Charles hetman capital, particularly into the hither- (https://uottawa.scholarsportal.info/otta- school prepared the original graphic designs XII declared Ukraine a sovereign principali- to little-known unique design and adorn- wa/index.php/cb/issue/archive). for his own and Mazepa’s coat of arms. He ty under the protection of the Swedish ments of Mazepa’s princely arms and its For two decades, CIUS, the Pontifical may have used as a model some distin- Empire. The hetman became its prince Ukrainian prototypes. Institute of Mediaeval Studies at the guished earlier versions of the hetman’s (“kniaz’”) with the right to bequeath his The sheer destruction of Baturyn by University of Toronto, and the Ucrainica heraldic emblem enveloped by the military title and the Principality of Ukraine to his Russian troops in 1708 disrupted its eco- Research Institute in Toronto have spon- attributes and symbols of power. On the heirs. Mazepa’s title, rights and privileges nomic and cultural development for half a sored the historical and archaeological base of these graphic originals, Baturyn tile- as Prince of the Holy Roman Empire were century. After this onslaught, the local man- research of Baturyn during the Kozak era. In makers or “kakhliari” carved the wooden widely recognised in Europe at that time. ufacturing of stove tiles with heraldic and 2020, CIUS supported this project with a molds for fashioning the clay tiles. The earlier compositions of his coat of ornamental reliefs in the Ukrainian grant from the Dr. Bohdan Stefan Zaputovich The distinct relief representation of a arms, which have survived to the present, baroque style never recovered in the town. and Dr. Maria Hrycaiko Zaputovich trefoil princely crown surmounting the hel- include only crowns crested with three or For a detailed Ukrainian language academic Endowment Fund. The Ukrainian Studies met on Mazepa’s coat of arms deserves spe- five points, i. e., the standard heraldic sym- article by Dr. Mezentsev on the heraldic Fund in New York supports the Baturyn cial attention. Mr. Mezentsev contends that bol of nobility, sometimes topped with stove plaques unearthed at Orlyk’s resi- project with annual subsidies. The Cher­nihiv similarly shaped crowns are depicted on three ostrich feathers. Hence, the recon- dence in Baturyn, please visit the website Oblast State Administration during 2005- many early modern armorial bearings of structed design of the hetman armorial “Ivan Mazepa Name” at the following web 2020 and the Vasyl Tarnovsky Chernihiv princes of Ukraine and Western countries. bearings with a trefoil princely crown on address: http://www.mazepa.name/batu- Regional Historical Museum (Serhii He has suggested that Orlyk commissioned the stove plaque discovered at Orlyk’s resi- rynski-kahli-z-herbamy-mazepy-y-orlyka- Laievsky, director) in 2013-2020 funded the heraldic emblem of the hetman with dence in Baturyn and dated to 1707-1708 prodovzhennya-doslidzhen/. excavations in this town with their grants. this specific crown to honour him as Prince is unique and chronologically one of the lat- In 2019-2020, archaeologists also fur- The most generous benefactors of the of the Holy Roman Empire of the German est known to researchers. ther excavated the sites of Mazepa’s ruined Baturyn study are the late poetess Nation. On September 1, 1707, Kaiser Mr. Mezentsev asserts that the combina- villa (before 1700) and an early 18th-cen- Volodymyra Wasylyszyn and her husband, Joseph I of this Empire awarded Mazepa tion of Mazepa’s arms together with weap- tury dwelling of a Kozak in the Baturyn artist Roman J. Wasylyszyn (Philadelphia), with the title (“Reichsfürst” in German) for ons, munitions and the hetman’s insignias environs, as well as other unearthed impor- Dr. George J. Iwanchyshyn (Toronto), and his vigorous defence of Christendom from is also unique. Other ceramic heraldic stove tant artifacts. The recent detailed examina- Michael S. Humnicky (Murfreesboro, the Turkish and Tatars’ aggressions. This tiles manufactured in the Hetmanate, the tion of the town’s history and antiquities is allows Mr. Mezentsev to date the recreated Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and presented in the richly illustrated booklet (Continued on page 11)

Yurii Sytyi Fragment of the terracotta lime washed stove plaque Hypothetical reconstructions of the broken and burnt ceramic stove tile with the unique relief princely armo- unearthed at the site of Orlyk’s home in 2018 featuring Ivan rial bearings of Mazepa surrounded by the stylized weapons and Kozak or hetman insignias glazed green and Mazepa’s coat of arms with a helmet crested by a princely white, 1707-1708. Computer photo collage and graphic by Serhii Dmytriienko, 2019. Excavations of Orlyk’s crown in relief. dwelling. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12

since April 2014. On March 15, the Russian- NEWSBRIEFS imposed authorities in the Black Sea penin- (Continued from page 2) sula temporarily lifted coronavirus pan- demic restrictions to mark the seventh 207th anniversary of the Ukrainian poet anniversary of the region’s annexation with TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 Taras Shevchenko the day before in Crimea. a variety of events organized by the pro- or e-mail [email protected] Ms. Pavlenko was later released. Mr. Kremlin Night Wolves motorcycle club/ Yesypenko’s lawyer, Emil Kuberdinov, said gang, as well as patriotic events at schools SERVICES PROFESSIONALS on March 15 that he had not been allowed and military schools on March 18. (RFE/ to meet with his client since his arrest. “At a RL’s Ukrainian Service) time when the Kremlin is employing ОКСАНА СТАНЬКО Iran issues report on Ukraine plane crash Ліцензований продавець harassment and intimidation against any Страхування Життя possible alternative voice in Russia- Iran’s civil aviation body blamed a mis- OKSANA STANKO annexed Crimea, the recent detention of aligned radar and an error by an air defense Licensed Life Insurance Agent Vladislav Yesypenko, a freelancer for RFE/ operator in a final report into the shooting- Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. RL’s Ukrainian Service, is deeply troubling. down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in Mr. Yesypenko should be released immedi- January 2020 that killed all 176 people Tel.: 908-872-2192 ately, so that he can be reunited with his aboard. The report on March 17 into the email: [email protected] family,” RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in downing of Ukraine International Airlines a statement. Russia annexed Ukraine’s Flight PS752 “makes no attempt to answer Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, sending critical questions about what truly hap- МИХАЙЛО КОЗЮПА in troops and staging a referendum pened and appears incomplete,” Canada Ліцензований Продавець denounced as illegitimate by at least 100 said in a statement. Many of the victims Страхування Життя countries after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian killed in the crash were Canadian citizens or MICHAEL KOZIUPA President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted permanent residents. “There will be no sol- Licensed Life Insurance Agent amid a wave of public protests. Rights ace for the families because the whole story, Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. groups say that since then, Russia has the complete story with the hard evidence 973-723-4387 moved aggressively to prosecute Ukrainian to back it up is not being provided,” added [email protected] activists and anyone who questions the Ralph Goodale, an advisor to Canada’s LAW OFFICES OF annexation. The Ukrainian Foreign prime minister on PS752. Ukraine’s foreign ZENON______B. MASNYJ, ESQ. Intelligence Service said in a post on affairs minister also criticized the report, SERVICES Facebook that with the arrest, the FSB was calling it a cynical attempt by the Islamic In the East Village since 1983 trying create the atmosphere the Kremlin Republic authorities to cover up the true Serious personal injury, real estate needs to “celebrate the anniversary of the reasons for the crash, which Ukraine sus- for personal and business use, occupation of Crimea. Such propaganda on pects was intentional. Iran’s Revolutionary representation of small and mid- the eve of the anniversary is a convenient Guards shot down the Ukraine International size businesses, divorce, wills and attempt to distract the attention of the pop- Airlines flight on January 8, 2020, shortly probate (New York matters only). ulation away from the numerous internal after it took off from Tehran Imam Khomeni (By Appointment Only) problems of the peninsula. Russia is delib- International Airport. The Iranian govern- erately inflating the situation, trying to shift ment later declared that the shooting-down 140 Second Avenue responsibility for the settlement process in was a “disastrous mistake” by forces who New York, NY 10003 eastern Ukraine to Ukraine.” Moscow also were on high alert during a regional con- 212-477-3002 backs separatists in a war against Ukrainian frontation with the United States. The [email protected] government forces that has killed more than 13,000 people in eastern Ukraine (Continued on page 11) If 212-477-3002 landline busy, please call 201-247-2413

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domain by the UWC’s membership board, UWC... which passed its findings to the executive Coat of arms... (Continued from page 1) board, followed by the management board, (Continued from page 9) before a final decision was made, Ms. Some examples of the group’s problem- Konyk said. Tenn.). In 2019-2021, the historical and atic behavior include “spreading misinfor- She added that she first learned of the archaeological explorations of the hetman mation about the war in eastern Ukraine activities in 2014 when speaking to other capital and the preparation of associated and slandering the Ukrainian government,” Ukrainian activists in Latvia. Upon further publications were supported with dona- calling it at one point a “fascist faction” that research, Ms. Konyk said that the leader- tions from Zorya Inc. (Greenwich, Conn.), kills children, said the statement from the ship of AUSL had in 2012 jointly taken part the Ucrainica Research Institute (Orest UWC, which was founded in 1967 and rep- in activities with Russian NGOs to promote Steciw, M.A., president, executive director resents more than 20 million Ukrainians in Russian as a second state language in of LUC), National Executive of LUC (Borys more than 60 countries. Ukraine. Mykhaylets, president), LUC-Toronto Phone calls placed requesting comment Consisting at one point of up to 14 orga- Branch (Mykola Lytvyn, president), the with the office and cell phone numbers list- nizations, some members of AUSL “we National Executive of the League of ed for AUSL went answered and an emailed noticed would appear on Russian state-run Ukrainian Canadian Women (LUCW, Halyna query wasn’t delivered because the server TV channels like Sputnik that are consid- Vynnyk, president), LUCW-Toronto Branch said their inbox “is full or getting too much ered propaganda mouthpieces of the (Ms. Vynnyk, president), the Kniahynia email right now.” Kremlin.” Olha Branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Taras Kuzio, professor of political sci- In an emailed response, UWC president Association of Canada (Vera Melnyk, presi- Paul Grod emphasized the solidarity that ence at the National University of Kyiv- dent), BCU Financial (Oksana Prociuk-Ciz, A cover of the richly-illustrated booklet Ukrainians have with the three Baltic coun- Mohyla Academy, said the “Russian World” CEO; Chrystyna Bidiak, personnel manag- providing an update on Baturyn excava- is a concept devised by Russian President tries of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania “as er), the BCU Foundation (Roman Medyk, tions, published in Ukrainian in Toronto Vladimir Putin in 2007 to promote the the anti-Bolshevik bloc of nations that pro- chair; Lada Kozak, managing director), the in 2020. country internationally, but with malign tested Soviet-Russian occupation and Prometheus Foundation (Maria Szkam­ underpinnings. oppression.” bara, president), and the Ukrainian Credit Canadian residents can send donations It’s a brand of nationalism that considers Mr. Grod noted that the people of the Union (Taras Pidzamecky, CEO) in Toronto. to the following address: Mr. Orest Steciw, the eastern Slavs of “Ukrainians, Belaru­ Baltic nations, all of whom are members of The researchers of Baturyn in Ukraine President, Ucrainica Research Institute, 9 sians and Russians as one people,” while the European Union and NATO, “stood with and Canada plan to resume excavations Plastics Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada, M8Z the “Soviet version is that Ukrainians and the Ukrainian people during the Revolution there this coming summer. However, the 4B6. Checks can be made out to Ucrainica Russians are brotherly nations.” of Dignity [of 2013-2014].” Chernihiv Oblast State Administration may Research Institute (memo: Baturyn It draws on the historical myth, he said, He added that it is “reprehensible and suspend funding for this field of research Project). that the medieval Kyiv-Rus kingdom is totally unacceptable for any Ukrainian orga- during the pandemic quarantine. Thus, the These Ukrainian institutions will issue what unites the three eastern Slavic coun- nization to support radical Russian groups continued benevolent support from official tax receipts to all donors in the tries, and that “anything done to break that and Russian authorities who spread disinfor- Ukrainian organizations, foundations, com- United States and Canada. They will be up…like the color revolutions…means you mation and act as a fifth column to under- panies, and private benefactors in North gratefully acknowledged in related publica- are a traitor and Mr. Putin’s Russkiy Mir mine the sovereignty and security of those America is vital to sustain further archaeo- tions and public lectures. [Russian World] concept is a way of recre- countries. Such organizations will never be logical research of Mazepa’s capital and the For more information about the Baturyn ating the ‘Slavic heart and soul’ of Eurasion welcome by the Ukrainian World Congress.” publication of its findings this year. project, readers can contact Dr. Volodymyr According to its website, AUSL was integration.” American citizens are kindly invited to sup- Mezentsev in Toronto (416-766-1408, v. founded in 2006 and, according to Ms. Thus, the “Latvians were probably port this ongoing work with donations that [email protected]). The authors Konyk, two of its member groups have over kicked out because they subscribed to this can be made via check sent to the following kindly thank the Ukrainian communities in the last decade left the organization for viewpoint that Ukraine is part of one address: Ukrainian Studies Fund, P.O. Box North America for their generous ongoing unspecified reasons. nation, which is the same way that the self- 285, North Billerica, MA, 01862, U.S.A. support of the historical and archaeological The first Ukrainian organization in proclaimed republics in [Russia-occupied] Checks can be made out to Ukrainian study of the Kozak capital, especially during Latvia was established in Riga, the coun- Donbas think,” Mr. Kuzio said. Studies Fund (memo: Baturyn Project). the challenges of the pandemic. Another visible example of “Russian try’s capital, in 1911 under the name of World,” the professor said, occurred when Hromada (community) as a cultural associ- Mr. Putin had “a ridiculous statue” of Kyiv- ation. Rus’ Prince Volodymyr the Great erected at About 2.2 percent of Latvia’s population the Kremlin in 2016, “laying claim to Kyiv- of nearly 2 million people identify them- Rus history…yet Moscow didn’t exist when selves as Ukrainians, according to the he ruled the kingdom; it was founded in European Commission, the EU’s executive 1146.” branch of governance. Russians are the The lengthy expulsion process included largest minority, constituting more than a monitoring the Latvian group in the public quarter of the population.

Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba lambasted NEWSBRIEFS the report in a post on Facebook. “What we (Continued from page 10) saw in the published report today is noth- ing more than a cynical attempt to hide the Iranian report said: “The plane was identi- true reasons for the downing of our plane,” fied as a hostile target due to a mistake by he said. Mr. Kuleba said Iran’s investigation the air defense operator...near Tehran and did not follow international practice, two missiles were fired at it,” according to ignored evidence supplied by Ukraine and the agency’s website. “The flight’s opera- drew selective conclusions. Ukraine and an tion did not have a role in creating the error independent United Nations investigator by the air defense battery,” the report have previously raised questions about Baturyn fortress with the citadel and adjacent suburbs before its destruction in 1708. Reconstruction by Oleksander Bondar, 2019. added. Iran was on edge about possible whether the downing of the airliner was attacks after it fired missiles at Iraqi bases intentional rather than accidental. The U.N. housing U.S. forces in retaliation for the kill- last month also said the Iranian govern- ing days before of its most powerful mili- ment’s explanations contained inconsisten- tary commander, Qassem Soleimani, in a cies. Separately Ukrainian prosecutors have On the Fourth Anniversary of the passing U.S. missile strike at Baghdad International launched their own investigation into pos- Airport. As in a preliminary report issued sible willful killing in connection with the on March 24, 2017 in Madrid, Spain, of last June, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization crash. Canada said it will soon disclose the said the error arose from a misalignment of results of its own investigations. The Anatole Bohdanowycz a battery’s radar and a lack of communica- Tehran government has allocated $150,000 tion between the air defense operator and for damages to be paid to families of the his commanders. “Following a tactical relo- beloved husband of Antonia, crash victims and said several people have cation, the relevant ADU (air defense unit) been put on trial over the disaster. Ukraine loving father to Stefan, Natalka, Roman, and Tatiana, failed to adjust the system direction due to has said the compensation should be set let us remember him in our thoughts and prayers. human error, causing the operator to observe the target flying west from IKA through talks, taking into account interna- (airport) as a target approaching Tehran tional practice, once the causes of the trage- You are also greatly missed by your grandchildren, from the southwest at a relatively low alti- dy are established and those responsible brothers, sister, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. tude,” the final report said. “Without receiv- are brought to justice. Habib Haghjoo, an ing a go-ahead or response from the com- Iranian-born Canadian who lost his daugh- mand center, he (operator) came to identify ter and granddaughter in the crash, said by the target as a hostile one and fired phone the report failed to answer key ques- Eternal memory. missile(s) at the aircraft against the proce- tions and didn’t say anything new. “It’s dure planned,” it said. Ukrainian Foreign unacceptable.” (Reuters) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12

Former prime minister Honcharuk visits Chicago, discusses importance of diaspora contributions to Ukraine

by Marta Farion in March 2020 as part of a major reshuf- fling and a change of political direction. CHICAGO – During a visit to the Mr. Honcharuk dismissed accusations of Ukrainian Village here on March 12-13, for- ineffectiveness and disloyalty. In his view, mer Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy the president was pressured by various Honcharuk met with various diaspora rep- influence groups who opposed reforms and resentatives and took part in a question- wanted to preserve the status quo that ben- and-answer session in which he addressed efited corrupt oligarchs. issues related to Ukrainian politics, corrup- During his visit to Chicago, Mr. Honcha­ tion, implementation of land, medical and ruk met privately with U.S. Rep. Sean educational reforms, as well as the privati- Casten (D-Ill.) at the Ukrainian National zation process and the program to support Museum. The pair discussed issues related small and medium business in his country. to Congressional and Biden Administration Mr. Honcharuk, who served as prime support of Ukraine’s security and democra- minister from August 2019 to March 2020, cy building efforts and military capacity in said during the event at the Ukrainian the face of Russian military aggression, Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) that he cyber-attacks and disinformation. came to Chicago in order to become better As this was Mr. Honcharuk’s first visit to acquainted with the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States, he was particularly inter- the United States. ested in meeting members of the Ukrainian “The diaspora’s contribution to Ukraine diaspora. While the large Ukrainian com- is significant and should be enhanced,” Mr. munity in Illinois is spread out in many Walter Tun Honcharuk said. “Ukraine is not just a suburbs, due to time limitations he was place on the map. Ukraine is where Pictured during a visit to the home office of the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Ukrainians live with a Ukrainian heart, Federal Credit Union in Chicago are (from left to right in the front row) Roman (Continued on page 15) Ukrainian language and Ukrainian tradi- Yatskovskyy, John Oharenko, Myroslava Gongadze, Oleksiy Honcharuk, Vitaliy Kutnyy and (from left to right in the back row) Peter Ilnyckyj, Marta Farion and tions.” Bohdan Watral. Mr. Honcharuk is cur- rently a distinguished fel- stressed that supporting reforms in low at the Atlantic Council Ukraine directed at rule of law, overcoming in Washington where he “Ukraine is not just a place the oligarchic system of government, and speaks and writes on the on the map. Ukraine is where military aid are priorities that will also need for reform in Ukraine, strengthen Euro-Atlantic security. as well as on topics of insti- Ukrainians live with a Ukrai- Speaking during the question-and- tution-building and anti- nian heart, Ukrainian lan- answer session at the UIMA, Mr. Honcharuk corruption efforts. While in guage and Ukrainian tradi- said that he has no doubts about the suc- Washington, Mr. Hon­ cess of Ukraine as a state, but he added that charuk has held meetings tions.” – Oleksiy Honcharuk he believes there is more Ukraine can learn with various members of from the diaspora. the American government “The diaspora offers a source of experi- and with think tanks and with the new administration of President ence in the best traditions of Western cul- media outlets. Joe Biden, he conveyed the importance of a ture, of cultural investment in business, in The former prime minister arrived in democratic, successful Ukraine as a securi- implementation of best practices, in com- the United States just before the presiden- ty issue not only for Ukraine, but for the pliance with contracts and respect for the tial election of 2020 to help shape a new countries of the post-Soviet region, as well law,” said Mr. Honcharuk, who, as prime U.S. policy toward Ukraine. In his meetings as for Europe and the United States. He minister, focused on carrying out market reforms and began to transform Ukraine’s post-Soviet state apparatus. He also initiat- ed the adoption of legislation that aided the introduction of land reform; commenced UIMA unveils new logo the implementation of medical and educa- tional reforms; and launched a country- to mark 50th anniversary wide support program for small and medi- um businesses. Mr. Honcharuk and his cabinet were dis- missed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

CHICAGO – The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary celebration of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA). If the UIMA had a voice and could recollect those 50 years, it would chronicle all the extraordinary art exhibits that graced its walls, it would describe the many concerts that filled its galler- ies with musical interludes, it would relay the eloquence of the written word of authors. If the UIMA had a voice, it would reflect how many supporters were integral in those five decades with their resolute vision, strong drive and abid- ing volunteerism. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the UIMA plans to share the UIMA legacy through photos, excerpts, memories and reflections. The UIMA embarks on its reflective journey to the past by presenting the UIMA’s 50th anniversary logo (which was unveiled in an e-mail newsletter from the UIMA on March 5). With the launch of its 50th anniversary celebration, the UIMA thanks patrons for their support and commitment through the years. – Motria Melnyk, UIMA president No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12

and build a new engine front-to-back on its Zelenskyy... own,” Breaking Defense news site wrote (Continued from page 1) earlier this month. It has the capability of manufacturing engines for missiles, heli- After the agreement, Mr. Yanukovych copters and jets. installed ethnic Russians to head the SBU In its heyday, before the unprovoked and Defense Ministry. The country’s mili- Donbas war with Russia erupted in 2014, tary doctrine was amended to downgrade about 75 percent of Motor Sich’s exports Russia from being the highest national went to Russia. It had a highly-skilled staff security threat to the lowest and the SBU of 29,000, serviced more than 120 coun- started cooperating with Russia’s Federal tries and generated at least $1 billion in Security Service (FSB). Cooperation with yearly revenue, according to the Center for NATO subsequently also was downgraded European Policy Analysis. and a language law was passed that elevat- However, the U.S. government suspects ed the status of Russian. Skyrizon, whose parent company is Beijing Now a senior fellow of the Estonian Xinwei Technology Group, of actually being Foreign Policy Institute at the Center for a part of the Chinese military-industrial Defense and Security in Tallinn, Mr. Sherr complex. The suspicion partially could stem told The Ukrainian Weekly that in hindsight from a 2015 memorandum of cooperation the agreement “provided a malign back- between Motor Sich and Skyrizon, which drop to the encroachments of the entailed technology transfers to China in Yanukovych ‘family’ on Ukraine’s military Ruslan Kanyuk/Den Newspaper exchange for a 10-year, $100 million loan assets, the demoralization of its armed Brawls and scuffles broke out in the Verkhovna Rada on April 27, 2010, when a bill from the state-owned China Development to ratify the extension of Russia’s lease of naval bases in Crimea, known as the forces and the creeping de-professionaliza- Bank. Kharkiv Accords, was put to a vote. tion of its security and defense institutions.” Shares in Motor Sich have been frozen He continued: “this combination of glut- Group and multimillionaire Vasyl A comprehensive strategy for the “de- since 2017 when the SBU won a court tony, complicity and negligence did at least Khmelnytsky also voted in favor. Current occupation and reintegration of Crimea” order. In January, the SBU also broke up a as much to facilitate Russia’s takeover of central bank board member Vasyl Horbal was also approved at the NSDC meeting. company board meeting in Zaporizhia. Crimea as the Kharkiv Accords themselves.” and Constitutional Court judge Serhiy Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba In an interview with HBO’s Axios on At that time, a February 2010 poll by the Holovatyi voted to ratify the agreement. said it contains “three pillars,” which January 23, Mr. Zelenskyy said he would Kyiv International Institute of Sociology The only high-ranking member of the cur- include “synergy of restoring international draw the line at selling a stake in a strategic found that 67.5 percent of Ukrainians would rent and former presidential administration law” and consolidated efforts to advance company, such as Motor Sich. “The issue is not about China,” he said. in a referendum vote in favor of joining a of Mr. Yanukovych is Ruslan Demchenko, the Crimea Platform. “The issue is not even how the shares of political union with Russia and Belarus. And who in April 2010 was a deputy foreign The latter endeavor is a “multi-level Motor Sich were bought under the former 61 percent said in a March 2010 poll con- affairs minister and currently is the first dep- framework for devising actions that would president, under [Petro] Poroshenko. The ducted by the now defunct Research & uty secretary of the NSDC and an adviser to raise the costs of Russia’s occupation,” an issue is that we do not have the right to sell Branding Group that they would approve President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. analysis by Washington-based Jamestown a controlling stake in the management of the extension of Russia’s lease. It is not clear how any of the former and Foundation says. strategic defense enterprises of Ukraine to Among those recorded as voting for the current lawmakers could be prosecuted As part of the platform, a summit of any country… never, at least under my pres- accords is the country’s richest billionaire because the constitution stipulates that world leaders is planned for August 23, on idency – I’m not here forever…During my Rinat Akhmetov, current pro-Kremlin law- members of parliament are not legally lia- the eve of Ukraine’s 30th anniversary of presidency, this will not be the case.” makers Vadym Stolar, Andriy Derkach, who ble for the outcome of voting or statements independence. Meanwhile, the Chinese shareholders is under U.S. sanctions for election med- they make in parliament and its corre- Moscow reacted to say that any efforts threatened late last year to seek an estimat- dling, and Yuliya Lyovochkina. Energy sponding bodies, except for liability for by Kyiv to return Crimea “are illegitimate,” ed $3.5 billion in losses in international tycoon Mykola Zlochevsky of Burisma insult or slander. Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokes- person Maria Zakharova said in a briefing arbitration against Ukraine. on March 15. It “cannot be perceived other- The enterprise was privatized in the wise than as a threat of aggression against 1990s following the breakup of the Soviet two constituent entities of the Russian Union when Vyacheslav Bohuslayev, its cur- Federation,” she added. rent 82-year-old chairman of the board of directors and honorary president, took con- Motor Sich back in state hands trol over the company. In 2016, he reported- Meanwhile, an aircraft engine maker ly sold a controlling stake to the Chinese. Kyiv considers to be a strategic component ‘Oligarchic Class’ of its defense industry will come back under state control, Mr. Danilov said in a After the NSDC meeting, Mr. Zelenskyy briefing after the NSDC meeting. said Kyiv is working on recovering money A Chinese company has pursued owner- that was allegedly stolen from Privatbank, ship of Zaporizhia-based Motor Sich since once Ukraine’s largest private lender that 2009 as it seeks to address its inability to was nationalized after a $5.5 billion hole design and build reliable military jet was found on its balance sheet. Voicing sup- engines. The U.S. has opposed the acquisi- port for U.S. sanctions against its former co- tion fearing crucial technology transfers owner, Ihor Kolomoisky, the president said from the company could enhance Beijing’s “we clearly see the difference between the military capacity. concepts of ‘big business’ and [the] ‘oligar- The enterprise “will be returned to the chic class.’” Ukrainian people; it will be returned to the He went on to mention other oligarchs – ownership of the Ukrainian state in a legal, lawmaker Viktor Medvedchuk, ex-Presi- constitutional matter in the near future,” dent Petro Poroshenko, billionaires Rinat Mr. Danilov said. Akhmetov and Viktor Pinchuk, and Dmytro In January, both the U.S. and Ukraine sanc- Firtash, who is wanted in the U.S. on brib- tioned Skyrizon, the Chinese company that ery and racketeering charges. owns a majority of the turbine engine mak- “One thing is important – are you ready er’s shares, as well as other companies con- to work legally and transparently or do you nected with its wealthy owner Wang Jing. want to continue to create monopolies, Established in the Soviet Union, Motor control the media, influence deputies Sich is one of the last aero-engine enter- [members of parliament] and other civil prises left in the world that “could design servants?” the president asked rhetorically.

of combat capabilities to resist Russian While Zelenskyy... military aggression – is not a trivial matter. (Continued from page 2) If this bill is adopted into law, it will add further urgency and necessity to adopt ident to call up 150,000 military reservists deeper reforms that bring the Ukrainian without first declaring a general mobiliza- military in line with NATO standards. tion or martial law (Babel.ua, March 5). The successful ability to absorb such large The article above is reprinted from numbers of service members into the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Armed Forces of Ukraine – all while main- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, taining morale and preserving a high level www.jamestown.org. No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 15

March 22, 27, In-person pysanka meet-up, Ukrainian History and March 27 Easter Food Fest, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural April 5, 11 Education Center, www.ukrhec.org or 732-356-0132 Jenkintown, PA Center, www.ueccphila.org (pick-up/take-out orders only) Somerset, NJ March 27 Presentation by Bozena Hrycyna, “Learn How to Make March 22-23 Online symposium, Impact of Multiculturalism on Public Online Pysanky,” Folk Camp, St. Vladimir Institute, www.stvladimir.ca Online Education, co-sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, March 28 Online pysanka workshop, with instruction by Olga Kobryn, [email protected] Online Ukrainian History and Education Center, www.ukrhec.org or 732-356-0132

March 23 Online panel discussion, “DNA Testing and Family History March 28 Online pysanka workshop, with instruction by Laryssa Online Research,” Ukrainian Genealogy Group (Ottawa), Online Czebiniak, Ukrainian Institute of America, http://ukrainiangenealogygroup-ncr.org/ www.ukrainianinstitute.org

March 24 Ivan Franko Memorial Lecture, with Olga Onuch, University March 30 Webinar with Luba Petrusha, “Pysanka Symbols and Motifs,” Online of Ottawa, [email protected] or https://ucpbaottawa.ca Online Ukrainian History and Education Center, www.ukrhec.org or 732-356-0132 March 24 Webinar with Michael Andrec, “Advanced Cyrillic for Online Genealogists and Historians,” Nashi Predky Family History March 31 Presentation by Maria Sonevytsky, “Sharovashchyna: Sonic Group, www.ukrhec.org or 732-356-0132 Online Contestations of Ukrainian Wildness,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 (registration March 26 Presentation, “My Baba’s Borshch,” with instruction by Julia required) Online Tkalych, St. Vladimir Institute, www.stvladimir.ca March 31 Webinar with Donald Ostrowski, “The Ruling Families of March 26 Online book discussion, “Ivan Mazepa and the Russian Online Rus’,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or Online by Tatiana Tairova-Yakovleva, Canadian Institute of 617-495-4053 (registration required) Ukrainian Empire” Studies, University of Alberta, www.facebook.com/canadian.institute.of.ukrainian.studies Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions March 27 Paska Easter bread pre-sale, Syracuse Ukrainian National from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Syracuse, NY Home, 315-478-9272 or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

from Washington at the invitation of the step. In addition, it appears that Ukraine’s Former prime minister... organizers. Advancing... Security Service (SBU) may finally be Motria Melnyk, president of the (Continued from page 12) (Continued from page 7) undergoing some long overdue and badly Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, wel- needed reforms. Also, legislation necessary only able to see churches, museums, the comed the former prime-minister, and pendence has had a profoundly debilitating to complete land reform, which begins in home office of Selfreliance Ukrainian Marta Farion, president of the Kyiv-Mohyla effect on the country – contributing greatly earnest on July 1 and which is so vital for Federal Credit Union, restaurants, and Foundation of America, noted that many to its poverty and corruption. It will not be Ukraine’s future, appears to be gradually stores operated and owned by Ukrainians people in the diaspora expressed a desire an easy fight, and will require a tremendous moving forward. So does legislation on in Ukrainian Village, located immediately to be present at the meeting, but, due to the amount of political will and determination. privatization and decentralization. west of the center of the city. pandemic, only a few representatives of the But if successful, this fight could finally One would hope that having a friend in Chicago is home to one of the largest community were able to attend. Lidia enable Ukraine to realize its incredible The White House is emboldening President branches of Ukrainian American Veterans Tkaczuk, president of the Ukrainian potential. Zelenskyy to move against the oligarchs, (UAV), an organization of U.S. veterans of National Museum, welcomed the distin- President Zelenskyy’s recent legislative fight corruption and implement rule of law Ukrainian descent. The organization spear- guished guest to the museum and provided initiatives on judicial reform also offer and economic reforms. By so doing, Ukraine headed the inclusion of funding in the a guided tour of the expositions. some promise. These include strengthen- will also reduce Russia’s malign influence. Military Appropriations Bill for the physical A visit to Chicago’s community would ing the integrity of the judicial selection Only time will tell if this is a serious effort, and emotional rehabilitation of Ukrainian not be complete without a meeting with process and diminishing the influence of but it does have the potential to be truly soldiers and veterans currently fighting the board of Selfreliance Ukrainian Federal the Pechersk Court. His recent veto of a transformative. While the U.S. can help a lot against Russian in eastern Ukraine. Credit Union, where Mr. Honcharuk met draft law which would have weakened – and I believe it will – the ball ultimately is Mr. Honcharuk was particularly inter- with Bohdan Watral, executive board mem- whistleblower protection is a welcome in Ukraine’s court. ested in these efforts, as rehabilitation of ber, and Vitaliy Kutnyy, president and CEO veterans has been one of his priorities. of the credit union, as well as other board While here, he met with UAV Commanders members. While at the credit union, Maria among others. Also making headlines, for John Steciw and Peter Bencak, who shared Klimchak, host of the radio program Turning... the first time in independent Ukraine, a their experience and knowledge on this Ukrainian Wave, conducted an in-depth (Continued from page 6) representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox topic. interview with the former prime minister. Church – Moscow Patriarchate (in this That interview is available on the credit The question-and-answer event was The election of a young major archbish- instance, Bishop Ilarii, vicar of the Kyiv union’s webpage. organized by the Ukrainian Institute of op is not unprecedented for the UGCC, with Metropolitanate), attended a major cere- Mr. Honcharuk concluded his presenta- Modern Art together with the Kyiv-Mohyla the election of Andrey Sheptytsky at age 36 mony of the UGCC. tion at the UIMA with an assurance that he Foundation of America and the Ukrainian in 1901. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav was Patriarch Sviatoslav announced three plans to continue his political activity and Congress Committee of America-Illinois joined for his enthronement by more than priorities: expanding the Church through take an active part in reforming Ukraine. Division. 350 priests and 60 bishops, including rep- evangelization; “meeting geographic chal- Mr. Honcharuk said that he believes his The event was moderated by Myroslava resentatives of the UGCC and other lenges” through establishing churches in generation has a responsibility to build a Gongadze, editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian Eastern-rite Catholic Churches. Other reli- those Ukrainian communities where it has democratic Ukraine and defend its inde- Service of the Voice of America. Ms. gious leaders present included Patriarch none; and meeting the need for a single pendence, and he added that he will do Gongadze, who is considered one of the key Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – strategic center to unite and coordinate the everything in his power to make his coun- experts in Washington on Ukrainian Kyiv Patriarchate [who currently holds the Church’s experience, as well as to organize try part of a civilized European community. American relations, came to the meeting title of Honorary Patriarch Filaret of the the necessary administrators to build a Orthodox Church of Ukraine]; Bishop chain of command that implements con- Volodymyr of the Ukrainian Autocephalous temporary management techniques. efforts. We call on all sides to fully imple- Orthodox Church; Archbishop Ivan In one of his first major steps, Major G-7 foreign... ment the Minsk agreements and under- Jurkovic, papal nuncio of Ukraine; Cardinal Archbishop Sviatoslav scheduled a meeting (Continued from page 1) score Russia’s responsibility to engage con- Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican to structively in the Normandy Format and Congregation of the Oriental Churches in discuss, among other topics, recognition of reciprocated. We reaffirm the importance the Trilateral Contact Group with a view to the Roman Curia; Archbishop Mieczyslaw the UGCC’s patriarchate, which was a goal of respecting the ceasefire as fundamental achieving a fair and lasting political solu- Mokrzycki of Lviv of the Roman Catholic that was launched following the arrival in for any progress towards a peaceful resolu- tion to the conflict. Church; Patriarch Gregory III of the Church Rome by Major Archbishop Josyf Slipyj in tion of the conflict. The G-7 remains fully committed to the of Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem; 1963 after his release from Soviet impris- We commend France and Germany’s implementation of sanctions and will con- Metropolitan Ivan Babiak of the Slovak onment. tireless efforts as part of the Normandy tinue to stand with Ukraine in support of Greek-Catholic Church; Marian Rojek, dele- Source: “Sviatoslav Shevchuk enthroned Format to pursue a diplomatic path to its independence, sovereignty and territori- gate of the Polish Episcopal Conference; as leader of Ukrainian Catholics,” by Zenon resolve the conflict and affirm our readi- al integrity within its internationally recog- and Sergei Gaek, the apostolic visitator for Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, April 3, ness to provide further support to these nized borders. Crimea is Ukraine. the Belarusian Greek-Catholic Church, 2011. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 No. 12