Inside: l Ukraine’s reform agenda faces crucial test – page 3 l Bohdan Soroka retrospective in Chicago – page 11 l Our community: Austin, Jamaica Plain, Ottawa – page 15

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIV No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 $2.00 Russian soldiers said to be Ukraine faces new set of economic challenges involved in downing of MH17 by Zenon Zawada

RFE/RL KYIV – Ukrainians rang in the new year with unprece- dented economic challenges. In response to the January 1 AMSTERDAM – Dutch prosecutors are investigating launch of the Ukraine-European Union free trade area, the a claim by a citizen-journalist group that at least 20 Russian government in December imposed a trade embar- Russian soldiers were involved in the downing of go on food-related imports from Ukraine and nixed their Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern free trade zone launched in 2011. Ukraine in 2014. In addition, changes introduced by Ukraine’s Parliament The Britain-based Bellingcat group said it had iden- to the 2016 central budget, approved on December 25, tified up to 100 Russian soldiers who may have 2015, were not cleared with the International Monetary knowledge of the movements of the Buk missile Fund (IMF), making it uncertain as to whether the next launcher that destroyed the Boeing 777 on July 17, loan tranche of $1.65 billion, needed by the Ukrainian gov- 2014, killing all 298 on board. ernment to ensure stability, will arrive this month. In an interview with the Dutch TV channel NOS on January 3, Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins said his After this year’s economic depression, with an expected organization believed at least 20 soldiers in an air- 11.5 percent drop in GDP estimated by the government, defense unit based in Kursk “probably” either fired Ukraine’s economy is widely expected by economists to the missile or know who fired it. stabilize, but grow not more than 2 percent. And that’s only The sources for the group’s findings include the sol- if the war in the Donbas doesn’t escalate. diers’ social-media accounts, photos posted online “The minimization of trade with the Russian Federation is and army data about personnel deployment that was continuing, while the territories controlled by the Kyiv gov- ernment will remain unchanged,” said economist Andriy available online. Andrey Kravchenko/UNIAN “We have the names and photos of the soldiers in Blinov, the director of the Uspishna Krayina (Successful the June convoy who traveled with the MH17 Buk, Country) project. He predicts growth of 1 percent this year. Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko carries her files at the early morning session of the Verkhovna Rada on December their commanders, their commanders’ commanders, “The year will be characterized by the absence of large state investment programs and significant direct foreign 25, 2015, when the 2016 central budget was approved. etc.,” Mr. Higgins told the London Telegraph. Afterwards, she said she’s not sure if the International investments into the country,” he noted. He added that the group’s redacted 123-page Monetary Fund will approve of the changes made. report on the matter will be released shortly. That’s despite the launch of the Ukraine-EU Deep and Bellingcat specializes in trawling through data on Comprehensive Free Trade Area. And that’s especially true “We don’t need to cry about what we’ve lost, but to build social media and other online sources. It has been with regard to Russia, whose president, Vladimir Putin, on pragmatic relations with the markets of Belarus and investigating the crash since it occurred. December 16, 2015, signed a decree halting Russia’s free Central Asia, since the Customs Union is incompetent, and It reported in 2014 that a Buk mobile launcher was trade agreement with Ukraine within the framework of a we will be hearing its loud tearing at the seams,” Alexei spotted on July 17 in an area controlled by pro-Rus- wider free trade zone created in October 2011 within the Blinov, the chief economist at Alfa Bank Ukraine, wrote on sian separatists and said that the missile launcher Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). his Facebook page. came from a military convoy from Russia’s 53rd anti- As it turned out, however, Ukrainian economists said “And that’s without mentioning the strengthening of the Aircraft Brigade – a unit based in Kursk but sent on there’s no need for alarm over Mr. Putin’s decision. For economy’s orientation on the rest of this enormous world. maneuvers near the Ukrainian border. instance, other CIS leaders, including Belarus and It’s creative destruction in action,” he added. Kazakhstan, announced they would not cancel their free (Continued on page 17) trade areas with Ukraine. (Continued on page 14) Human rights in Crimea: “Dire” and deteriorating by Mary Kalyna human rights, according to the TASS news agency. Ivanna Bilych, president of VOLYA Institute, presented the NEW YORK – The human rights situation in Crimea is key findings of the report “Human Rights in Occupied “dire” and will continue to deteriorate unless there is Territory: Case of Crimea.” The comprehensive analysis pro- immediate action, was the urgent message of a series of vides background for the Crimea crisis, examines the viola- programs in New York featuring international human tion of human rights within the current context of occupation rights activists, diplomats and lawyers, and the release of a and makes recommendations for action. It was prepared by new report on human rights violations in Crimea. an international team of lawyers led by Ms. Bilych, with the “The Occupation of Crimea: Human Rights, Global Security support of New York University School of Law, under the and International Order” on December 9, 2015, at the United guidance of Mary Holland, director of the NYU Graduate Nations was a by-invitation-only event sponsored by the Legal Skills Program, who moderated the discussion. Ukrainian American organization Razom and the newly As an annex to the report, the group also produced a formed VOLYA Institute for Contemporary Law and Society. “Human Rights Protection Guide,” a practical resource that Yuriy Sergeyev, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.N., will be useful to Crimean citizens, explaining their rights opened the event by citing “dangerous trends”: Crimean and how to seek redress. Known as “the manual,” it lists citizens being forced to accept Russian citizenship, the kid- Ukrainian and international human rights protection orga- napping of Crimean Tatars, and violation of the right to use nizations and advocacy groups where individuals can one’s own language, among others. report violations and ask for advice. It is available in He added that on December 4, 2015, the Russian Duma Yuriy Lozitskiy Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar, Russian and English, and can be adopted a law allowing it to overrule judgments from the Ivanna Bilych (left), president of VOLYA Institute, pres- downloaded at volyainstitute.org or razomforukraine.org/ European Court of Human Rights. This law specifically ents key findings on human rights violations in occupied Crimeareport, along with the human rights report itself. aims to “protect the interests of Russia” in the face of deci- Crimea at a United Nations program, with moderator sions by international bodies responsible for ruling on Mary Holland of New York University Law School. (Continued on page 11) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

ANALYSIS

Russian strategy seeks to defy Cyberattack causes power outage by Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea, FRANKFURT – Highly destructive com- and a Russian-backed separatist uprising in economic decline with military bravado puter malware infected power authorities eastern Ukraine. (RFE/RL, based on report- in Ukraine last week and caused a power ing by AP and DPA) the military intervention in Syria, which by Pavel K. Baev failure that affected hundreds of thousands Leaders affirm support for ceasefire Eurasia Daily Monitor has marked a major departure from of homes, researchers say. The outage on Russia’s cautiously opportunistic policy in December 23, 2015, left about half of the PARIS – The leaders of Germany, France, President Vladimir Putin concluded the Middle East. About a third of Russians homes in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Russia and Ukraine have renewed their 2015 with the approval of a revised mention the Syrian intervention as a major Ukraine without electricity. Researchers support for a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine National Security Strategy, which defines event in 2015; only 9 percent name the from security firm iSIGHT Partners, who during phone discussions between them. the strengthening of the North Atlantic Minsk II agreement as such (Levada.ru, studied samples of the malicious code that The office of the French presidency said in Treaty Organization (NATO) as a threat and December 28, 2015). Yet, the National infected at least three regional operators, a statement on December 30, 2015, that commits to countering it by securing the Security Strategy has no entry on the confirmed the malware led to “destructive the four leaders also reaffirmed their com- unity of Russian society and by building up Syrian war, while suggesting that the rise of events” that in turn caused the blackout. mitment to the “concerted withdrawal the country’s defense capabilities. the so-called “Islamic state” was the result “It’s a milestone,” John Hultquist of iSIGHT without delay of heavy weapons.” German In the course of the past year, Russia of a policy of “double standards” executed told Arstechnica.com. “It’s the major sce- Chancellor Angela Merkel, French entered into a complex and self-propelling by “some states” engaged in the struggle nario we’ve all been concerned about for so President Francois Hollande, Russian crisis – and the Kremlin’s only anti-crisis against terrorism. long.” Trend Micro researcher Kyle Wilhoit President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian response has been to exploit the confronta- Mr. Putin still insists that Russia’s opera- told Reuters: “This is the first time we have President Petro Poroshenko reportedly tion with the West as a means of sustaining tion in Syria is on track but probably under- proof and can tie malware to a particular spoke by phone for two hours in their first “patriotic” mobiliza- stands that the initial outage. It is pretty scary.” Antivirus provid- discussions since meeting in Paris on tion and explaining Russia’s security is triumphalism has er ESET said multiple Ukrainian power October 2, 2015. The four leaders empha- away Russia’s deep- dissipated, giving authorities were infected by “BlackEnergy,” sized the need to follow through on the ening decline by severely affected by way to worries about a package discovered in 2007 that has been Minsk peace accords over the coming year, pointing to hostile the Ukraine crisis, new setbacks and the repeatedly updated to include new destruc- including preparations for local elections at outside pressure. and the National Se- risks of an unplanned tive functions. Until now, BlackEnergy has the start of 2016 in areas of eastern The new strategy exit (Kommersant, mainly been used to spy on news organiza- Ukraine held by pro-Russian rebels. The is more frank than curity Strategy gives December 25, 2015). tions, power companies, and other indus- French president’s office also said that the the previous edition due attention to this The severe deteriora- trial groups. A Moscow-backed group, foreign affairs ministers from the four in defining the disaster, putting the tion of relations with Sandworm, is suspected of using it for tar- countries are due to meet to discuss the increase of NATO blame for supporting Turkey has become a geted attacks. (RFE/RL, based on reporting peace process in greater detail by early military activity and direct consequence by Reuters and Arstechnica.com) February. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by building of a missile the “anti-constitu- of the poorly pre- Reuters and AFP) defense system as tional coup” squarely pared intervention, Ukraine bans Russian food imports Germany: ceasefire ‘increasingly fragile’ “unacceptable.” At on the U.S. and the and Moscow keeps KYIV – Ukraine has announced it will the same time, it is adding new sanc- ban food products from Russia starting on BERLIN – German Foreign Affairs also dishonest, EU, and asserting tions and launching January 10, a response to a similar ban by Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned claiming the expan- that Ukraine has new insults, all the Moscow. The sanctions, published on that the ceasefire between Ukrainian gov- sion of a “network of become a “long-term while rejecting any Ukraine’s government website on January ernment forces and pro-Russian separatists U.S. military-biologi- signals from Ankara 2, include meat, fish and dairy products, as source of instabil- is becoming more fragile. “Even if the situa- cal labs in the states on its readiness to well as vegetables and fruit. A similar tion in eastern Ukraine has disappeared bordering Russia.” ity in Europe and on de-escalate the quar- Russian ban came into effect on January 1. from the headlines, there is no reason to sit Finally, it is self-com- Russia’s borders.” rel (Newsru.com, The tit-for-tat moves come in the wake of back... The ceasefire is increasingly fragile,” plimentary, describ- December 31, 2015). Ukraine’s decision to implement a free- he said. Mr. Steinmeier condemned viola- ing Moscow’s foreign These stubborn trade pact with the European Union despite tions of the truce over the Christmas holi- policy as “open, rational and pragmatic,” as efforts at using trade as an instrument of Russian opposition. Russian officials said day and urged both sides to stick with their well as out of touch with reality by assert- policy might appear odd given that they that the ban on Ukrainian food imports was pledges to stop the war, at least temporari- ing that “Russia’s economy showed a capac- hurt Russian consumers more than the necessary to protect its internal market, ly. He pointed to progress in military de- ity for strengthening its potential despite “enemy,” even as Russia’s profile in the claiming that European products could escalation and the withdrawal of weapons the instability of the world economy” and global economy is quickly shrinking reach Russia by way of Ukraine without by both sides, but said important questions the enforcement of sanctions (Kremlin.ru, (Rosbalt, January 2, 2016). They reflect, paying import duty. An initial attempt to remain to be resolved. These included December 31, 2015). however, the recognition in the Kremlin of finalize the pact had failed in 2013, spark- agreeing on a special law for local elections Russia’s security is severely affected by the profound impact of Western sanctions ing protests in Kyiv that led to the ouster of the Ukraine crisis, and the National – and of the failure of Moscow’s various Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, followed (Continued on page 12) Security Strategy gives due attention to this intrigues aimed at securing their relax- disaster, putting the blame for supporting ation. It took four quarters of recession – the “anti-constitutional coup” squarely on after four quarters of zero growth – for the the United States and the European Union, Russian government to abandon hopes for he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 and asserting that Ukraine has become a a rebound from a “bottom” of the crisis, and T U W “long-term source of instability in Europe to acknowledge that the drastic devalua- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., and on Russia’s borders.” tion of the ruble has not generated any a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Mr. Putin had a telephone conference stimulating impact for domestic producers Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, December 30, Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. French President François Hollande and 2015). (ISSN — 0273-9348) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, on Mr. Putin almost certainly sees the dis- December 30, 2015, agreeing to extend the connect between Russia’s economy based The Weekly: UNA: Minsk agreement for another year on the export of raw materials and com- Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 (Kommersant, December 30, 2015). The modities on the one hand, and the fast- ceasefire is, in fact, the only part of this deal moving global economy on the other. But Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz on which all the parties agree, but it he also cannot admit the fiasco caused by 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas remains fragile. Meanwhile, Moscow finds the policy of harvesting ever-growing rents, P.O. Box 280 it increasingly difficult to provide supplies so the new strategy recycles the economic Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] for and security inside the “rebel”-held guidelines from the old one despite their parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions – glaring irrelevance (Vedomosti, December The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com and cannot withdraw its battalions or 24, 2015). It prescribes a steady expansion accept a major defeat of its policy of of social programs, while their deep curtail- The Ukrainian Weekly, January 10, 2016, No. 2, Vol. LXXXIV “asserting [Russia’s] status [as] one of the ing is set to continue; and the real question Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly leading powers in the world” (Lenta.ru, for the power-holders is about the avail- December 12, 2015). While the intensity of ability of resources for sustaining the ambi- the propaganda war against Ukraine has tious and increasingly militarized policy of been significantly reduced, since the start projecting power (Polit.ru, January 2). ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA of 2016 Russia has enforced new trade The only way to ensure an affirmative Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 sanctions that aim to push Ukraine into answer is to sell to the masses the idea that and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] sovereign default (Rbc.ru, January 1). they must be ready to endure hardships in The key means of turning political atten- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] tion away from the deadlock in Ukraine is (Continued on page 13) No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 3

NEWS ANALYSIS: In Odesa, Ukraine’s reform agenda faces crucial test

by Christian Borys ruption while president of his native more people – around one in 10 people – Sitting in the back seat of an SUV as it RFE/RL Georgia. And still, his appointment in May are indirectly involved and earn money speeds through the Ukrainian capital, not by Ukraine’s oligarch-turned-president from the ports’ commercial activities. long after his electoral defeat, Mr. Borovik ODESA, Ukraine – To many of those liv- raised eyebrows. The numbers point to a massive poten- looks exhausted. “Odesa could be a mixture ing or doing business in this otherwise laid- Ms. Marushevska, on the other hand, tial for bribery, from business licensing to of Hamburg, Barcelona and San Francisco,” back slice of southern Ukraine, even a whiff was immediately derided following her what insiders suggest is perhaps the most he says, staring out the window. “You could of the salty Black Sea breeze can’t mask the appointment for a perceived lack of notable lucrative sector – direct money transfers take Hamburg’s efficiencies in the port, the smell of corruption. qualifications or any record of achievement for container processing. tourism of Barcelona and establish the city It is a persistent problem that rankles Kyiv battling corruption. One of the earliest initiatives has been as the IT hub of Ukraine, like San and figures prominently in the Ukrainian But now, two months into her job, she the digitization of as much of the ports’ and Francisco.” leadership’s Western-backed push for clean- seems undaunted and is adamant that their city’s administration as possible. The idea His tone grows more serious and frus- er government and national unity, key fac- shared goal is to usher in a wave of young is to replace as many human-to-human trated. “But what is it, in reality? It’s a city tors in the country’s pitched battle against reformers who can finally clean up one of interactions as possible with computers to that’s been run by a criminal syndicate for armed separatism farther to the east. the country’s most corrupt cities. reduce the likelihood of bribes. the last 25 years. It’s a city full of poor peo- With that significance in mind, Ukrainian “The scale of the corruption here is Natalia Shyrpa and Lyuba Shipvich are ple who’ve been brainwashed to believe President Petro Poroshenko in May recruit- unbelievable,” Ms. Marushevska says dur- two members of the team implementing you can’t change anything.” ed Mikheil Saakashvili, a Georgian ex-presi- ing a late December 2015 interview in the the digitization plan. Both left cushy jobs in Square one dent with a pugnacious reputation, to two-story building near downtown Odesa the United States – Ms. Shyrpa as a digital become Odesa’s governor. that houses the customs authority. “But project manager and Ms. Shipvich as a soft- Volodymyr Dubovyk, a professor of Half a year later, a perceived lack of prog- seeing the extent of it all is also inspiration- ware engineer – to volunteer in Odesa. international relations at Odesa’s Ilya I. ress and concerns that Mr. Saakashvili’s real al, because now I know how much we can They say they came to Odesa inspired by Mechnikov National University, suggests aim is to use Odesa as a steppingstone to pay people if we clean up corruption. Mr. Saakashvili’s message that corrupt sys- that Mr. Saakashvili’s greatest success has national prominence have conspired to cast People could actually earn normal salaries.” tems can be changed. been to bring hope of a normal future. “If doubt on the process. Odesa’s residents aren’t necessarily buy- “We’re putting up a community website Saakashvili stays,” he says, invoking the By virtually all accounts, there is plenty ing it. where citizens can voice complaints about widespread belief that the governor’s real of work ahead to achieve real reform in this “It’s a temporary show by Saakashvili to corruption specifically to Yulia designs are on Kyiv, “then maybe he’ll really city of 1 million and its surrounding region. prove that he’s made changes,” Oleksandr [Marushevska],” says Ms. Shipvich. “We’ve clean it up – but it seems he has his eyes on A case in point is the bright-eyed, Zakharov says from his seat in a dimly lit also digitized the Odesa package of reforms a larger goal.” But Mr. Saakashvili’s hints of swelling 26-year-old head of customs whose cafe near the shore. Mr. Zakharov is a for- so that it shows all the bills included in the national-level ambitions – including bois- appointment drew sharp criticism, Yulia mer businessman who now heads a con- proposal. It’s built so that lawyers can give terous public clashes with Prime Minister Marushevska. A former literature and his- federacy of freight forwarders in Odesa. their legal opinions on proposed bills, and cit- Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Internal Affairs tory student who shot to fame at the height “No one knows who this girl Marushevska izens can then suggest iterations on the bills.” Minister Arsen Avakov – are welcomed by of the Maidan unrest thanks to her appear- is. Where did she come from? What does Passage and implementation, however, some Odesans. ance in an überpatriotic (but Western- she know about this place?” are another matter. made) YouTube video titled “I Am A Mr. Zakharov says Mr. Saakashvili’s Laying the groundwork? Ukrainian,” Ms. Marushevska joined Mr. ‘Brainwashed’ departure for a bigger political stage might be just what it takes to fix the city. Saakashvili’s team over the summer of The stakes are high, as Odesa is A key cog in Mr. Saakashvili’s plan was to “Extreme changes of the law are required 2015 and was tapped in October to tackle Ukraine’s biggest port and the largest pas- have been Sasha Borovik, a native of the to fix the problems here,” Mr. Zakharov says. corruption plaguing the city’s bustling senger port on the Black Sea. According to western Ukrainian city of Lviv who became commercial port. the port administration, around 8,000 “This area is tied to central Ukraine, to Kyiv, a corporate lawyer after immigrating to the so there’s no chance to change it [from Some have suggested it’s the toughest employees from 400 state and privately United States. Mr. Borovik moved back to here] because you can’t change the taxation customs job in all of Europe. owned companies are directly employed at Ukraine after the Maidan unrest unseated system or the administration. Kyiv has all Her boss, Mr. Saakashvili, built a reputa- the ports. They currently handle more than President Viktor Yanukovych in early 2014, the power – so first you need to change tion in his previous political life as the 25 million tons of dry cargo and 25 million and he served as an adviser to the Ukraine and then you can change Odesa.” blunt-speaking face of reform and anti-cor- tons of liquid cargo annually. Some 100,000 Economic Development and Trade Not everyone agrees with that assess- Ministry. He quickly found himself butting ment. heads with staffers before being plucked Mr. Saakashvili hasn’t earned the right to out by Mr. Saakashvili to join the effort in move on because he hasn’t achieved any- More Crimean power shortages Odesa. thing tangible in Odesa, says resident But the scheme suffered a setback in Hanna Shelest. “He is still deconstructing October when Mr. Borovik, running as a rather than constructing new realities,” Ms. likely with end of Ukraine supplies Saakashvili ally, failed in his bid to become Shelest says. “He’s all about words, rather Odesa’s mayor. Instead, voters re-elected than deeds. Five months after [he took RFE/RL power supplies from the Ukrainian compa- ny Ukrenegro. incumbent Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov, a office], there’s a total mess in his own Residents of Crimea face several more Russian news agencies reported on former member of the ousted Mr. months of power shortages as Russia January 1 that over 90 percent of Crimeans Yanukovych’s Party of Regions. (Continued on page 4) appears to have ended a contract with said in the poll they would be against Ukraine to deliver electricity to the penin- renewing the contract under those circum- sula it annexed in 2014. stances, even if it meant experiencing more Quotable notes A Kremlin spokesman said on January 1 minor disruptions in supply. that Russian President Vladimir Putin will The Kremlin said Mr. Putin will be guid- “U.S. policy toward Ukraine is in urgent need of an overhaul, and President Obama not renew the contract, which expired on ed by the results of the poll, which was con- himself needs to lead the charge. … New Year’s Day, as long as Kyiv keeps insist- ducted by a state-owned polling organiza- “Congress has passed several pieces of legislation by large bipartisan majorities ing on stipulating in the contract that the tion, in making a decision about the now- calling for the provision of lethal arms to Ukraine, and virtually every member of the peninsula belongs to Ukraine. lapsed power supply contract with Ukraine. Cabinet as well as his vice-president support such a step; President Obama is the “It can be assumed with a great degree Without power from Ukraine, officials lone holdout. … of probability that the president will opt have warned that Crimeans will continue to “It’s worth recalling the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine agreed to not to sign a contract on such terms,” which experience at least minor electricity short- surrender the nuclear weapons it inherited from the collapse of the USSR in would amount to an abnegation of Russia’s ages and rolling blackouts for three or four exchange for a pledge from the other signatories… that they would uphold and annexation, Kremlin Press Secretary months until Moscow can complete the respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. …We should live up to our end Dmitry Peskov said. construction of undersea cables transmit- of the deal by complying with the Ukrainian pleas for defensive weapons; they are After a month of on-and-off electricity ting more power from Russia. not asking for U.S. troops on the ground but the means by which to defend them- supplies from Ukraine due to sabotage of Russian Energy Minister Aleksander selves. the high-voltage transmission lines feeding Novak has said the power shortages will be “…most Western leaders have visited Kyiv at least once to show Ukrainians their the peninsula, power to Crimea was offi- particularly acute at peak times of usage, support. Could Obama not have tacked on a quick visit while in Europe, for example cially cut off at midnight on December 31, when shortfalls of up to 10 percent are pos- after his recent trip to Paris? 2015, when the contract expired, Russian sible. “… Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago, President Obama has media reported. met with Putin more times than he has with Poroshenko, despite asserting in If Kyiv agrees to drop its demand for a With reporting by the Daily Telegraph, January [2015] in his State of the Union speech that he is leading efforts to isolate clause designating Crimea as part of Interfax, and TASS Russia. An Obama visit to Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian people Ukraine, Mr. Peskov said, then Russia would Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted would be a huge boost to Ukraine – there is, after all, nothing like Air Force One land- be more inclined to renew the contract. with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ ing in one’s country and all that comes with it. …” To support the Kremlin’s apparent deci- Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, – David J. Kramer, senior director for Human Rights and Democracy at the McCain sion not to renew the contract, Mr. Putin Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see Institute for International Leadership, “U.S. Policy to Ukraine in Need of Urgent Fix,” in commissioned an opinion poll to deter- http://www.rferl.org/content/more-crime- The American Interest on December 4, 2015 (http://www.the-american-interest. mine whether Crimean residents want to an-power-shortages-likely-with-end-of- com/2015/12/04/u-s-policy-to-ukraine-in-need-of-urgent-fix/). be a part of Ukraine to continue getting ukraine-supplies-kremlin/27462455.html). 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

Th e revolutionary path to reform for Ukraine’s National Police

by Melinda Haring and review by a panel that includes repre- Atlantic Council sentatives from the national police and civil society. The entire force is being vetted to WASHINGTON – Ukrainians are growing “restore credibility and trust.” increasingly impatient with Ukraine’s lack The national police is much broader of reforms. But the country’s police reforms than the patrol police. Its responsibilities are working, says Khatia Dekanoidze, the include monitoring the behavior of officers, newly appointed chief of the Ukrainian investigating crimes, conducting investiga- National Police. tions, manning an anti-drug unit, looking How does she know? into economic crimes and overseeing pub- “The number one tool to... measure lic safety. effectiveness of police is trust,” Ms. Ms. Dekanoidze called it “the backbone Dekanoidze said on December 15, 2015, at of the internal security of the country.” an Atlantic Council event. Ms. Dekanoidze In addition to testing and interviews, Ms. joined John Herbst, director of the Dinu Dekanoidze said that increasing salaries is Patriciu Eurasia Center, for a conversation. key to establishing a clean force. “If I have Public trust in police has jumped from good salary... I can feed my family and I can 6-7 percent to 86 percent after the new be free of corruption,” she said. patrol police took to the streets in July, she The lowest-paid police officer makes said. only 2,500 hrv (approximately $100) per And she told about her own experience. month. That salary will likely be increased A woman recently stopped her in down- to 6,000 hrv (approximately $300) in town Kyiv on Khmelnytsky Street and Yaro Bihun January. More specialized units, like investi- asked, “Do you know where I can go to Khatia Dekanoidze, the newly appointed chief of the Ukrainian National Police, gators and the SWAT team, will earn more. speaks at the Atlantic Council in Washington. bribe police officers? Because the new After 100 days, Ms. Dekanoidze has ones, they don’t take bribes.” Ukraine’s police force has had a reputa- percent of the candidates had higher edu- pledged to visit each city where reforms Mr. Herbst [a former U.S. ambassador to tion for corruption since Ukraine’s inde- cation degrees. have taken place and take the pulse on the Ukraine – ed.] called Ms. Dekanoidze “a pendence. After the Euro-Maidan, the “It was a story of success for Ukraine,” ground with extensive surveys. serious reformer who did serious work in Ministry of Internal Affairs – with support Ms. Dekanoidze said. In two years, it’s possible that Ukraine Georgia.” from the U.S., Japan, and the European But she didn’t stop there. Ms. will have a police force that’s oriented Prior to her appointment as chief, she Union – replaced Kyiv’s police force in July. Dekanoidze then turned her attention to an toward serving and protecting, Ms. served as an adviser to Minister of Internal Odesa and Lviv followed suit in August, and even thornier problem. Dekanoidze said. Affairs Arsen Avakov and played a critical there are plans to carry out similar reforms On November 7, 2015, a national police “It will be a success story for [the] role in launching Ukraine’s patrol police across Ukraine’s other major cities. force was established and she became nation,” she promised. reform. By May 2016, 10,000 traffic police offi- Ukraine’s first-ever chief of national police. Ms. Dekanoidze previously held several cers will be on the streets in 29 cities, The much-derided “militsiya” – the post-Sovi- Melinda Haring is editor of the Ukraine positions in the Georgian government, including Kramatorsk, Mariupol and et militarized police – has been disbanded. Alert at the Atlantic Council. including minister of education and sci- Severodonetsk – all cities close to the fight- The challenge is to hire 130,000 “fair and The story above is reprinted from the ence, head of the Ministry of Internal ing in eastern Ukraine. clean” police officers. Officers will be hired Atlantic Council website. (The story appears Affairs Police Academy, and political coun- When they opened the call for patrol on a temporary basis and will become per- at http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ selor at the Georgian Embassy in the United police, 34,000 ordinary people, from teach- manent employees after a thorough vetting new-atlanticist/the-revolutionary-path-to- States. ers to businessmen, applied. More than 90 process that includes tests of general skills reform-for-ukraine-s-national-police).

educated lawyer, is not awash with optimism. In Odesa... “You are supposed to fix the problems, right?” Mr. Canada announces funding Borovik says as he leans in over the table at a Kyiv cafe. (Continued from page 3) “But what happens when you can’t arrest the people to increase trade and investment office, where plenty of volunteers run around who are who make problems because you don’t have control not responsible for anything, and new deputies [and] over the prosecutor’s office? And even if you somehow between Canada and Ukraine advisers were hired, while old staff were fired without managed to get an investigation under way, you’d real- any institutional-memory transfer.” ize the court is controlled by the gangsters. Odesa is Global Affairs Canada like Chicago was when it was controlled by [notorious Who cares? crime boss Al] Capone.” NAIROBI, Kenya – Canada’s Minister of International Trade Despite their distance from the so-called line of con- It’s a sentiment that Mr. Zakharov shares with Mr. Chrystia Freeland, together with Minister of International tact that separates eastern areas held by armed pro- Borovik, despite their substantial differences. “You can- Development and La Francophonie Marie-Claude Bibeau, on Russian separatists from the rest of Ukraine, the fate of not work without corruption in Odesa,” he says. “You December 17, 2015, announced funding to increase trade and invest- reforms in Odesa and other major cities is seen as cru- ment between Canada and Ukraine that will help small and medium- either work with corruption or you simply don’t work. cial to reconciliation efforts and pushback against per- sized enterprises in Ukraine access Canadian and global markets. I wouldn’t recommend investing in Odesa to anyone.” ceptions that Kyiv has badly failed Ukrainians since Canada will contribute $13.6 million to the Canada-Ukraine National public-opinion polls have repeatedly indi- Trade and Investment Support project between 2016 and 2021. independence. Such views help kindle Moscow’s narra- cated that Mr. Saakashvili is the most popular politician Minister Freeland made the announcement following her tive in its opposition to Ukraine’s central government, in Ukraine – remarkable for someone who was only meeting with Nataliya Mykolska, deputy minister of economic which has included soldiers and supplies to the pro- granted citizenship, reportedly by presidential decree, development and trade, trade representative of Ukraine, on the Russian separatists in the ongoing conflict raging in earlier this year. His anointed candidate’s failure to win margins of the World Trade Organization’s 10th Ministerial eastern Ukraine. office in October of last year and his increasingly fre- Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt told a joint press quent forays into the national limelight, however, hint The government of Canada is partnering with the Conference conference during a meeting with Mr. Saakashvili in at the sustained effort it will take to retool this historic Board of Canada and the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce July 2015 that “in many ways [Odesa] is the frontline city on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast. to deliver the Canada-Ukraine Trade and Investment Support for that second war,” which he described as “against The attraction of an outsider can play well for a project. The project will equip small and medium-sized enterpris- corruption,... for reform, the war to move Ukraine while in any political arena, but a maverick governor es, particularly those led by women, with the tools, training and towards the standards of modern European democra- trying to take on the familiar grip of a corrupt system knowledge necessary to export their products and services to cy.” The U.S. ambassador noted the need to move “from in Odesa could be about to test its limits. Canadian and other markets and to attract Canadian investment proclamations to action,” however. Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the per- to expand their businesses. Mr. Pyatt has suggested Odesa could provide a mission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 The project will also help the Ukrainian government develop model for the rest of country, “a symbol of success in Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl. investment attraction and diversification strategies, as well as the new Ukraine,” that might shed corruption to “come org (see http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-odesa- conduct market research to facilitate increased trade and invest- clean” and reap investment and opportunity as a result. reform-agenda-saakashvili–marushevska/27453606. ment between Canada and Ukraine. In addition, Canada will pro- Failed candidate Mr. Borovik, who’s also a U.S.- html). vide technical assistance to help Ukraine’s public and private sec- tors identify and take advantage of new trade opportunities resulting from the implementation of the Canada-Ukraine Free Want to keep up to date on developments in Ukraine? Trade Agreement (CUFTA). Minister Freeland commented: “Canada is committed to sup- porting Ukraine’s government and private sector to take advantage The Ukrainian Weekly of new trade opportunities arising from implementation of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. By bolstering the growth on Facebook and competitiveness of Ukraine’s small and medium-sized busi- LIKEwww.facebook.com/ nesses, we are building mutual prosperity for both our countries.” TheUkrainianWeekly to read the latest! No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

UNA advisors accept Peace Light Young UNA’er to share in Florida and California

Roma Hadzewycz UNA General Assembly members Luba Poniatyszyn Keske (left) from California and Olya Czerkas (right) from Florida accept the Bethlehem Peace Light from the Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak, pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church. Gabriel Salas Hrabec, son of Larissa Hrabec and by Roma Hadzewycz Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak, pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Alberto Salas of Danvers, Mass., is a new member of Catholic Church, after Sunday liturgy on December 13, 2015. UNA Branch 234. He was enrolled by his grandmother KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Two members of the UNA General Every year, Austrian scouts light a lantern from the eter- Vera Hrabec. Assembly who had traveled great distances to attend its nal flame that burns in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus annual meeting, Luba Poniatyszyn Keske from California Christ, and bring it to Vienna; scouts then share the light – Do you have a young UNA’er, and Olya Czerkas from Florida, accepted the flame from the a symbol of peace, hope and love with people around the Bethlehem Peace Light that had been brought to globe. Plast scouts are among those who share the or potential young UNA’er Kerhonkson, N.Y., by local members of Plast Ukrainian Bethlehem Peace Light with others in their communities. in your family? Scouting Organization. These Plast members and others In the United States, the Plast sorority Ti Shcho Hrebli had traveled to JFK International Airport, where the light Rvut manages the annual project to distribute the Peace Call the UNA Home Office, 973-292-9800, was flown from Austria. Light under the auspices of the National Executive Board of to find out how to enroll. The two UNA advisors accepted the Peace Light from the Plast U.S.A. Life Insurance* is the ultimate selfl ess gift your family truly needs

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WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly Remember Nadiya Russians, like Ukrainians, now view Ukraine As Christmas Eve according to the Julian calendar arrived, Nadiya Savchenko, 34, was on the 20th day of her hunger strike. Her second hunger strike. She is protesting as a separate country, commentator notes her illegal imprisonment in Russia after her abduction – more than a year and a half This leaves Vladimir Putin in a most ago – from Ukraine by pro-Russian (or should we say Russian) forces. by Paul Goble awkward position. On the one hand, he Readers may remember that this courageous pilot, who was a volunteer with the Perhaps the most important development doesn’t need the Donbas but can’t take Aidar Battalion and today is a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, began her first in the post-Soviet space in 2015 is that most more without ensuring that there will be hunger strike on December 13, 2014. It lasted 83 days. One year later, on December Russians and nearly all Ukrainians view even more crippling Western sanctions. 18, 2015, to be precise, the ex-first lieutenant started another hunger strike to pro- Ukraine as a separate country that will never And on the other, he can’t fulfill the Minsk test the continuing injustice of her case when a Russian court yet again extended her return to Moscow in the fashion of some accords because to do so, even with the detention, now until April 16. Ms. Savchenko said she would continue her protest sort of “prodigal son,” according to Moscow new Russian attitudes about Ukraine, until the end of what is clearly a politically motivated trial, at which time she would commentator Leonid Radzikhovsky. would look like and would be a complete go on a “dry” hunger strike, refusing both food and water. Writing on January 3, he notes that in personal defeat. Ms. Savchenko faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. She is 2015 Ukraine separated itself from Russia The Kremlin leader could pull out of charged with complicity in the deaths of two Russian journalists and, remarkably, not only economically but more important Syria, Mr. Radzikhovsky says, “because no with illegally crossing the border – never mind that she was kidnapped with a sack psychologically. “It turned out,” he says, that one understands what we are doing in over her head. If previous “trials” of other Ukrainian political prisoners held in “one has to live poorly without Russia, but Syria” without many problems. But pulling Russia are any indication, she will be found guilty and will get a severe sentence. one can do so.” And that attitude affects the out of the Donbas unless Ukraine were fed- Filmmaker Oleg Sentsov and Oleksander Kolchenko, who opposed Russia’s annexa- entire political spectrum, including parties eralized – something Minsk doesn’t call for tion of Crimea, were tried as “terrorists” and on August 25, 2015, received sentences that represent ethnic Russians (nv.ua/opin- – would be a step Russian public opinion of 20 and 10 years, respectively. Moreover, the Russian Supreme Court on November ion/radzihovsky/ostyvshij-sup-donbassa-i- would not forgive, for “it would mean that 24, 2015, upheld those sentences. So, there are hardly any “ifs” in these sham trials plany-putina-na-vostok-ukrainy-89102. Putin had failed.” that harken back to Soviet times. html). In this situation, Mr. Putin has little Yes, there was some hope Ms. Savchenko would be released soon after the Minsk Voters in Ukraine regardless of ethnicity choice but to pursue a frozen conflict strat- II agreement provided for “the release and exchange of hostages and illegally may “hate Poroshenko, Yatsenyuk and even egy in the region and hope that something detained persons based on the principle of ‘all for all.’ ” However, just as the Minsk I the Americans, but there is no talk about will turn up to prompt the West to end provisions on freeing all hostages and illegally held persons were ignored, so too ‘the return of a prodigal son’ ” among any of sanctions or at the very least not impose were those of the second Minsk accord. International pressure had no effect, as the them. This reflects a most important devel- harsher ones. Indeed, Mr. Radzikhovsky U.S., Canada, the European Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of opment: “Internally, Ukraine has broken says, Mr. Putin’s policies seem increasingly Europe, the United Nations and others appealed on Ms. Savchenko’s behalf. from Russia – less than the Baltic countries to be based on such hopes. But so far, But Nadiya is a remarkably strong young woman. And she will not be bowed. She but nonetheless in a completely fundamen- things are going against him. continues to wear a tryzub T-shirt in court and enters the courtroom declaring tal way.” For that strategy to have a chance, Mr. “Slava Ukraini!” Anna Nemtsova, writing in The Daily Beast, described her thus: At the same time, Russians “if not all… Putin has to avoid a wider war in Ukraine “Everything about Nadiya Savchenko is a statement, the declaration of a fighter then a significant part of them, as well as a because no one, not even Belarus, would going to war: The strong posture of a trained soldier, the firm look in her piercing significant part of the Russian political support such a conflict and, moreover, next blue eyes, her comments, even her jokes. Savchenko, a national hero in her home elites, have recognized this fact” as well, Mr. year most likely will be the year of the col- country, an enemy and defendant in Russia, just keeps smiling, and thanks reporters Radzikhovsky says – a dramatic change lapse of the Eurasian Economic Union” – an and foreign diplomats for coming. Before the Russia-Ukrainian conflict in Crimea from a year earlier when “Russians quite institution that came into existence only so and Donbas, Savchenko was little known in the wider world, but Ukraine knew sincerely believed that no eastern Ukraine other members could get money from about her as its only woman veteran of the war in Iraq, where Ukrainian troops exists and that this is only a part of Russia” Moscow, something it doesn’t now have. served as part of the ‘coalition of the willing.’ ” that has been temporarily lost. And so, in the short run at least, the The court in the town of Donetsk, Rostov region of Russia, is to resume hearing The situation with regard to Crimea was Russian commentator says, “Russia cannot the Savchenko case on January 13, New Year’s Eve according to the Julian calendar. and remains different and is viewed differ- do anything” with regard to Ukraine and Please keep Nadiya Savchenko in your thoughts and prayers, and keep raising her ently both by the residents of the peninsula “will not do anything.” And that will give case – and those of other political prisoners held by Russia – with your elected offi- and of Russia. That is something other some advantages to Kyiv because it will cials. Freedom for Nadiya in 2016! Ukrainians are going to have to take into provide Petro Poroshenko with justifica- account even though as Mr. Radzikhovsky tion not to carry out the reforms many are says, the annexation of Crimea was “a hor- pressing him to make. rific political error” that involved “the crud- But, of course, as Mr. Radzikhovsky Turning the pages back... est violation” of Russia’s obligations. points out, all governments use conflicts to Jan. But, he says, “that train has left the sta- justify not doing what they do not want to Ten years ago, on January 13, 2006, the Ukrainian Transport tion,” and Ukrainians must come to terms do. The difference in the present case is Ministry’s Hydrographic Service entered the lighthouse at Yalta with it just as Russians are coming to terms that someone really attacked Ukraine, “but 13 and barred Russian personnel from access to the facility, citing with the departure of the rest of Ukraine no one has attacked Russia, and no one is that no lease was signed between Russian and Ukraine regarding from Moscow’s sphere of influence. threatening to do so.” 2006 the basing of the Russian Black Sea Fleet on the Crimean penin- sula. The tensions in Crimea were a result of a gas conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Russian officials called the incident a provocation and “a seizure” and demanded that their fleet staff be allowed on the lighthouse territory. Putin’s ‘International of Lies’ based “We can’t seize things that we own, we can only take them back,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Borys Tarasyuk, in response to the statement. “Russia illegally held under its con- on money, not ideas, observer says trol navigation objects in Crimea.” by Paul Goble points out, there is always enough money On January 19 a Russian armored troop carrier blocked a Ukrainian lighthouse on the for Mr. Putin to promote himself domesti- south coast of the Crimean peninsula. Russian marines continued to prevent Ukrainian The International that Vladimir Putin cally and abroad because he controls far staff from resuming their duties at the lighthouse at Yalta. has founded is “unique,” Igor Yakovenko more of Russia’s budget, which is much Three other lighthouses, in Ai-Todor, Yevpatoria and Takhankut, were still under con- says. It differs from all its predecessors and trol of the Russian military. smaller than that of the U.S., than does counterparts in that it is not based on any Only 65 out of 100 hydrographic objects were under Ukraine’s control at the time. The Barack Obama of his much larger one ideology except loyalty to Mr. Putin person- remaining 35 objects were situated at Russian military installations under guard by (kasparov.ru/material.php?id=568A2BD Russian marines. ally and his regime, and instead is founded D982C2). Ukrainian officials, however, stated that the Ukrainian Hydrographic Service, not the on the use of money to promote itself. In a January 4 essay titled “The Putin military of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, oversees the lighthouses and ensures the security “Despite all the financial problems of International of Lies: Information War and in Ukraine’s territorial waters. Putin’s Russia,” the Moscow commentator the Schoederization of Elites,” Mr. The Ukrainian student organization Studentske Bratstvo (Students’ Brotherhood) had Yakovenko cites as evidence of this the fact been monitoring the conflict. During a January 17 press conference, Studentske Bratstvo Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on that Moscow currently spends 20 times said that the Russian Black Sea Fleet not only withholds properties but subleases them to ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia more on its English-language channel Ukrainian organizations. Oleh Yatsenko, leader of the organization, cited nameplates who has served in various capacities in the Russia Today than the U.S. does on broad- installed at various locations in Crimea that read “Territory of the Ministry of Defense of U.S. State Department, the Central casting in Russian. the Russian Federation. Entry forbidden.” Intelligence Agency and the International Mr. Yakovenko argues that “it would not Following a bilateral agreement signed in May 1997, Russia confirmed that Ukraine Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice be a bad thing for the leaders of Western had all property rights to real estate and land that is in use by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio countries to at least become a little Russian officials claimed that the incident was an international issue and could only be Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for acquainted with this [Putin] instrument of resolved on the intergovernmental level. A meeting was scheduled for February 16 in International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a blog influence and learn how to counter it.” To hopes of resolving issues related to the Black Sea Fleet. Nina Yavorska, press secretary of called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- that end, he offers a brief description both the Ukrainian State Property Fund, said that a special commission would carry out an woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). The article (Continued on page 17) above is reprinted with permission. (Continued on page 8) No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 7 IN THE PRESS: Three ambassadors on investing in Ukraine’s future “Investing in Ukraine’s Future,” by John E. Helsinki Final Act responsible for establish- Herbst, Steven Pifer and William B. Taylor Jr., ing the inviolability of Europe’s national former U.S. ambassadors to Ukraine, The New borders – that has kept Europe secure since York Times, December 29, 2015 (http://www. World War II. But the durability of this sys- nytimes.com/2015/12/30/opinion/investing- tem depends on the West’s willingness to in-ukraines-future.html?_r=0): defend it. Failing to do so signals to both adversaries and allies that agreements There’s always hope! …Appropriately funding efforts to among nations simply do not matter. improve Ukraine’s stability is a down pay- Support for Ukraine’s democratic aspira- Serhii Plokhy, Mykhailo Hrushevsky Mykola Kostomarov in eastern Ukraine. ment on Europe’s collective security. tions in the face of Russian aggression is one Professor of Ukrainian History at Harvard In western Ukraine, meanwhile, life under Russia’s land grab in Crimea violates the University, has published a new book. No the Habsburgs is relatively productive. We very security architecture – including the (Continued on page 13) surprise there. Hardly a year goes by with- have the rise of the Prosvita (Enlighten­ out a new publication authored by Dr. ment) Society and the emergence of the Plokhy. The title of his newest monograph Ruthenian Triad led by Father Markian LETTERS TO THE EDITOR is “Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine.” Shashkevych, “founder of Ukrainian litera- “Located at the western edge of the ture in Galicia.” Ukrainian publications tion, which needs to be deconstructed in Eurasian steppe,” writes the author, “Ukraine begin filtering into Moscow-controlled order to achieve a multicultural utopia of has been a gateway to Europe for many cen- eastern Ukraine, alarming the tsar. “False binaries” equality and harmony. This worldview is a turies.” Serving as “a bridge between Europe In 1839, Moscow convenes a church direct reflection of what the Bolsheviks and Eurasia,” Ukraine is part of the council that declares “the reunification of and naivety tried to achieve with their failed Soviet European story. the Uniates with the Russian Orthodox Dear Editor: experiment. And, just as the Bolsheviks had Tracing Ukraine’s fascinating history from Church.” This leads to the “Orthodoxiation” their marked enemy, the bourgeoisie and the time of the ancient Greek settlements to of former Uniates, followed by their cultur- In his columns for The Ukrainian the peasantry, the Cultural Marxists’ enemy the Maidan, this 395-page treatise is not an al Russification. In 1876, the tsar issues an Weekly, Andrew Sorokowski has demon- is the white Christian male and his allies. academic monograph. Suggested further ukase prohibiting the importing of strated not only his talent for philosophy, So, I urge moderates and conservatives readings are offered, but there are no foot- Ukrainian-language publications from but also a naivety that has a certain charm to understand the enormous stakes notes. Maps, a historical timetable and a abroad, echoing an earlier decree by the to it. Nonetheless, naivety can be fatal, as involved. As with the blood-soaked cre- who’s who of major players are included. Russian minister of education, Pyotr Valuev, our Ukrainian ancestors learned from their ation of the Soviet Union, this is a battle This is a book for the average reader. asserting that “there was not, is not and can- enemies. Dr. Sorokowski demonstrates his that will result in a winner and a defeated Prof. Plokhy’s monograph is divided into not be any special Little Russian language.” naivety in his “False binaries” column force, likely to be determined by the 2016 five sections: “On the Pontic Frontier” In the fourth section, titled “The Wars of (December 13, 2015), in which he says that elections. And the defenders of Western, addresses the advent of the Slavs, the rise of the World,” we read that in “[Symon] a solution to a debate over homosexual Christian values are on the losing end so Kyiv and what the author has labeled “Pax Petliura’s mind, attacking Jews was equiva- rights in Ukraine is needed, rather than a far, unless we fight back. Mongolia.” Significant here are the differenc- lent to betraying Ukraine.” Unfortunately, false binary promoted by the West. es that existed between the 13th century the otaman had little control of his “forces Dr. Sorokowski makes sense in calling Zenon Zawada Mongol rule of Ukraine and the Mongol rule that were responsible for up to 40 percent for a solution in the conflict between tradi- Kyiv of Russia. “In Ukraine, ruled by Galician and of the pogroms... The only soldiers who tional Western values and secular post- Volynian princes, the Mongols were less seemed to steer clear of pogroms were the modernism, but my two decades of jour- intrusive and oppressive than they were in Galician Ukrainians.” The slogan for White nalism have led me to conclude that, like its Russia... a difference that would have a pro- Russian forces under Gen. Anton Denikin Bolshevik predecessors, the Left isn’t inter- “Immigration” found impact on the fates of two lands and was “Beat the Jews, save Russia.” ested in a solution. The Left is engaged in the people who settled them.” After the war, Ukraine is divided among an ideological battle to annihilate tradition- or illegal invasion? Konstiatyn Ostrozky, an influential four nations. Under the Soviets, Ukrainian al Western and Christian values. That also Dear Editor: prince in western Ukraine, is featured in fortunes initially improve. Stalin changes all involves intimidating and ostracizing the the second section, titled “East Meets that. “Altogether, close to 4 million people enemy, hence the “ideologically loaded” Our home has been violated, unlawfully West.” At the end of the 16th century, perished in Ukraine as a result of the fam- language of “homophobes” and “trans- entered. Columnist Andrew Fedynsky Ostrozky presided over a huge personal ine...,” Dr. Plokhy writes. phobes” of Freedom House’s Matthew (October 25, 2015) suggests we should empire that included 40 castles, 1,000 Ukrainians living under Polish rule cope Schaaf that offended Mr. Sorokowski. welcome and reward these criminal perpe- towns and 13,000 villages, all owned by the by creating cultural organizations such as To a large extent, this annihilation has trators – let them stay. Shame on us if we prince.” Vehemently opposed to Orthodox Prosvita and the militant OUN. The Polish already been achieved. Our beautiful, glori- do not agree to accept and enable such Union with Rome but aware of the relative response is a government-led “pacification.” ous American history is portrayed as impe- behavior. The rule of law be damned. shortcomings of Orthodox scholarship, the Ukrainians experience more terror under rialist and genocidal, our traditional Shameless is too kind a word to describe prince assembled a team of scholars in the the Nazis, who murder more than a million Christian faith is forbidden at virtually all his sanctimonious whining and berating of town of Ostrih, where they established an Jews and tyrannize the rest of the popula- state-sponsored events and settings, and those who dare to disagree with him. academy and published the Ostrih Bible. By tion. Some Ukrainians participate in the kill- our wealth and prosperity are attributed to Ignorance is not bliss. The 2006 INS/FBI the late 16th century, Ostrih “became per- ing, openly condemned by Archbishop racism and “white privilege,” rather than Statistical Report on Undocumented haps the most important center of Andrey Sheptytsky, who also sheltered Jews. our common inheritance and magnificent Immigrants exposes the lie of so-called Orthodox learning.” Today, this tradition of Today, Israel recognizes more than 2,500 cit- culture that has attracted people from all “contributions” illegals make and the tragic academic excellence is being continued at izens of Ukraine as “Righteous Among the around the world in wanting to share in it. cost to America. the National University of Ostroh Academy. Nations” for protecting Jews. As the In the last year, we have seen Christians in Despite growing pains, America is an We further learn that “The absolute Wehrmacht began to retreat, the “Polish the U.S. thrown in jail and driven out of amazing “miracle” of liberty and freedom majority of Cossacks [Kozaks] were population of Volhynia and Galicia was business for their faith. Sound familiar? with open arms accepting millions of legal Ukrainians who came from the huge mano- under attack from Ukrainian nationalists.” In referring to “the U.S. having little to immigrants. There is a rational lawful rial estates to avoid what historians call the Returning to Ukraine, the Soviets “convoked offer” toward resolving this current conflict answer for these criminal invaders (“fine ‘second serfdom.’ ” We are introduced to the a special council of the Ukrainian Catholic that threatens the very existence of Europe, folks” as President Barack Obama calls Ukrainian girl Roksolana who became the Church, forcing the participants to absolve Dr. Sorokowski is most certainly referring them). Show America the respect it wife of the Ottoman sultan, Suleiman the their Church and join the Russian Orthodox to the American representatives of the deserves – pack your bags and just leave. Magnificent. Four noteworthy hetmans Church instead.” History repeats. mainstream media, academia and NGOs Only when granted legal entry have you claim center stage during this period: “The Road to Independence” is the title such as Freedom House, who now actively earned the right to enjoy the fruits of free- Bohdan Khmelnytsky, whose “vision for the of the fifth section. Dissidents such as Ivan condemn the traditional Western values dom in the light of day. Failing to leave vol- Cossack state was one of territorial expan- Dzyuba and Lev Lukianenko emerge to and culture that conservatives, like myself, untarily, you remain outlaws lurking in the sion”; Ivan Vyhovsky, hero of the Battle of reclaim Ukraine’s right to existence. strongly believe brought the West the shadows and should be arrested, deserving Konotop, during which the Muscovite army Independence in Ukraine brings feeble wealth and prosperity it enjoys today. nothing more than scorn from the millions was routed; Petro Doroshenko, who efforts by three presidents to shed the To work in these spheres, one must of immigrants who entered lawfully, assim- attempted to unite Left- and Right-Bank Soviet shroud; a fourth president is a certi- adopt the state ideology of the Western ilated and became proud Americans. Ukraine; and the ill-fated Ivan Mazepa, fiable traitor; the jury is still out on Petro world, which is Cultural Marxism, a politi- The rule of law matters. Our security whose capital city, Baturyn, was destroyed Poroshenko. Two democratic revolutions cal worldview that believes the world’s matters. America matters. by Muscovites who “massacred over 10,000 have not dislodged the corrupt creeps and inequalities are a result of a corrupt, racist W. Swyrydenko defenders and citizens, including women cronies who still lord it over Ukraine. and imperialist Western, Christian civiliza- Cleveland and children,” in the process. But hope remains. Ukraine’s miraculous The third section, “Between the survival after centuries of Polonization, Empires,” focuses on a Ukraine squeezed Russification and Nazification is testimony between two empires, struggling to main- to the Ukrainian spirit. Opinions in The Ukrainian Weekly tain its identity. Napoleon ‘s armies stir Buy this book from Barnes & Noble. Give Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and local national feelings and in Ukraine, “lan- copies to your children and grandchildren. guage, folklore and... history became build- Buy copies for your friends. Make sure they letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the ing blocks of a modern national identity.” read it. opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, We meet Ivan Kotliarevsky, who wrote in the Ukrainian National Association. the Ukrainian vernacular, the inestimable Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is poet Taras Shevchenko and the historian [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2 Reliving the Kocur family’s history at a forced labor camp in Nazi Germany by Oksana Kulynych knew they had to escape. Early one morn- and Lesia Shchur ing in the dead of winter of 1945, the five members of the Kocur family took whatev- Returning to Berlin after 70 years was a er belongings they could carry, escaped very emotional experience for siblings through a hole in the fence and boarded a Theodor Kocur Jr. and Maria Kocur (now train to southern Germany, which later Kiciuk). The Kocur family left its native vil- became the American Zone. They ended up lage in western Ukraine in June of 1944 and at a displaced persons camp in Erlangen, headed west in an effort to escape the Germany, for the next four years and subse- approaching Russian Communists. Along quently moved to the United States. the way, the Nazis confiscated their horses In 2014, Theodor Kocur Jr. received a let- and wagon and put them on a freight train. ter from Uta Froehlich, a researcher from Theodor was 17 and Maria was only 12 Berlin, asking if he would be willing to be years old when they, their parents and interviewed about his experience at the 8-year-old sister were taken to a Nazi Pertrix factory. The Kocur name had been forced labor camp in Berlin. There were found among the lists of forced laborers. over 3,000 such camps in Berlin alone. Theodor and his sister, Maria, agreed to An astounding 11 million to 12 million participate. Ms. Froehlich traveled to the people, among them over 2 million United States with another historian and a Ukrainians, were forced to work in these videographer to interview them. As they camps throughout Germany. The camp spoke to her, the memories of those dark where the Kocurs were taken to work was times from long ago came flooding back. the Pertrix factory, where batteries used for When Theodor and Maria Kocur were the war were made. As forced laborers, asked to travel to Berlin for the unveiling of Ukrainians from eastern Ukraine were an exhibit on the labor camps where their made to wear the inscription OST (meaning stories would be featured, they agreed. In Jaroslaw Kiciuk East) and were known as Ostarbeiters. The the true Kocur family fashion, 10 other fam- Maria Kiciuk and Theodor Kocur at the exhibit. Kocur family, from western Ukraine, were ily members decided to join them. had begun the project of documentation Berlin Tim Renner put so eloquently, “it is listed as Poles and had to wear the inscrip- On the evening of their arrival in Berlin, and research, which was funded partially one of the noblest duties of a democratic tion P since that area of Ukraine was under November 11, 2015, they were greeted by by the German government and to a large community to confront the dark side of its Polish rule at the time. the Berlin mayor’s representative and other extent by the Quandt family, who owned own history as well and to remember those When Theodor and Maria’s parents politicians at a lavish reception in Berlin the Pertrix factories at the time of the labor to whom great injustice has been done.” heard that the Russians were approaching City Hall. The Kocur family learned that the camps. The Quandt family, who are the When will other countries that have com- Berlin and that Ukrainians were being Nazi Forced Labor Documentation Center majority owners of BMW, donated over 5 mitted atrocities follow this noble example? repatriated back to the Soviet Union, they of the Topography of Terror Foundation million euros toward a project that exposed Will the past injustices of the Soviet Union, their family’s exploitation of the prisoners particularly Russia, ever be acknowledged in forced labor camps. by its regime? Will we ever see the day Stefan Quandt and his cousins Gabriella when Russia not only acknowledges the Quandt and Colleen-Bettina Rosenblat-Mo Holodomor as a genocide but also makes warmly greeted the Kocurs at the opening certain that students in its classrooms learn reception of the documentation center, about the millions killed and persecuted where the exhibit about the Kocur family, under Stalin? Unfortunately, it seems highly as well as other forced laborers, was unlikely that the current Russian regime has unveiled. the moral integrity to do so, as evidenced by The opening of the exhibit, titled its denial of the Holodomor and military “Batteries for the Wehrmacht: Forced involvement in Ukraine. Labor at Pertrix 1939 – 1945.” took place There are thousands of such stories on November 12, 2015, and will run about Ukrainians in concentration camps, through November 2016 at the Nazi Forced forced labor camps and survivors of Labor Documentation Center. Russian and Nazi persecution. Currently Students from Poland, Austria and the United States Holocaust Memorial Germany, who were studying about the Museum in Washington is making an effort labor camps, gave a presentation on the to reach out to non-Jewish victims of the subject. Reporters interviewed Theodor Nazi regime. They are looking for any per- Kocur and Maria Kocur-Kiciuk and some of sons “who were displaced, persecuted or their family members. discriminated against due to the racial, reli- What the Kocur family took away from gious, ethnic, social and political policies of this five-day trip was the willingness of the the Nazis and their collaborators between German government and the Quandt family 1933 and 1945.” It is imperative that we Maria Kiciuk and Theodor Kocur seeing the Pertrix factory, where they were forced to acknowledge past injustices. As talk to our parents and grandparents to laborers 70 years earlier. Permanent Secretary for Cultural Affairs in document their stories before it is too late.

is bad in the fact that he first completely society of practically all the countries of the the West or at a minimum to create the Putin’s... denied the presence of Russian forces in international community.” impression in Russia that there is such a Crimea and then admitted they were there. The basic method the Putin cult in the West.” (Continued from page 6) He does not understand why his words International uses against the West recalls “And the final element” of the Putin of the International and of the views of the about a ‘certain Turkoman’ about which he the way a spider kills something caught in International are those “whom Lenin justly man behind it. ‘didn’t suspect’ when he directed bombs its web. But instead of injecting poison as a called useful idiots. They don’t have to be “Lenin created the Comintern for the and cruise missiles on their territory are spider does, the Putin International injects bought. They simply need to be taken by struggle against Western civilization,” he not viewed as quite right.” money, something that leads to “the the hand, looked at in the eyes mysterious- begins. After World War II, the USSR “Deception is part of its professional Schroederization of elites” and transforms ly, and then they will say ‘RUS-SI-A’ with the “broadened its arsenal” with a whole range preparation as a graduate of the KGB Higher them into victims of Moscow. best of them.” There are many in this cate- of institutions. But now, despite the failure School. Therefore Putin always lies and lies Russia Today gets more attention, but it gory, unfortunately. of many in the West to appreciate it, Mr. about everything. And it is precisely on this doesn’t have nearly the impact many But “the useful idiot of the year 2015,” Putin has both expanded and transformed total lie that the Putin International is built.” assume: its ratings are microscopically Mr. Yakovenko says, is “by a large margin, this tool. But in contrast to other internationals, Mr. small both in Europe and in the U.S. “A much U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry,” who has Everyone must understand, the Moscow Yakovenko continues, Mr. Putin’s has an more effective structure,” Mr. Yakovenko performed just as Vladimir Putin and commentator writes, that “Putin is an abso- enormous portion that like an iceberg is not says, is the Valdai Club, which now is Sergey Lavrov would have him. lute moral idiot and his closest entourage visible on the surface. focused less on “telling the world about Clearly, the Moscow commentator con- has been chosen to reflect that. He is com- The visible portion consists of “three Russia with love” than with setting the cludes, “the existence of such an instru- pletely lacking in the ability to distinguish main structures”: the propagandistic (Russia agenda Mr. Putin needs in other countries. ment as the Putin International and the between good and evil. [And] he is con- Today and other propaganda broadcasts), Its top people are former heads of possession of nuclear arms allows the vinced that all other people in the planet the intellectual expertise (the Valdai Club European countries, and its “second level” owner of these two devices to be the great- also do not distinguish the two.” above all) and the Russian Foreign Affairs includes people like Nikolay Zlobin, est threat to world civilization.” It would Because that is the case, Mr. Yakovenko Ministry, with branches throughout “all the Alexander Rahr and Stephen Cohen and the indeed be good if Western leaders would says, Mr. Putin “does not understand what state apparatus, political structures and civil like “who seek to transfer the Putin cult to wake up to this fact. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 9

A re-examination Debut novel “The Road to Rus’” of Ivan Nechui-Levytstky examines roots of Kyivan-Rus’ “The All-Encompassing Eye of Ukraine: “The Road to Rus’,” by Michael Hnatyshyn, Ivan Nechui-Levyts’kyi’s Realist Prose,” by self-published, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-9967966-0- Maxim Tarnawsky. TORONTO: University of 6-52499. 239 pp. $24.99 print. $9.99 e-book. Toronto Press, 2015. 375 pp. ISBN: 978-1- 4426-50008-4. Approximately $64 (U.S.) or This debut novel, “The Road to Rus’,” by $85 (Canadian). Michael Hnatyshyn is a historical fiction about the attack on Constantinople Although the novels of Ivan Nechui- (Istanbul) by Rus’ in 860 A.D. and the for- Levytskyi are required reading in schools malization of Kyivan Rus’ as a political enti- across Ukraine, his work is virtually ty. The aim and scope of this book is to shed unknown outside Ukraine. Only one of his light on an event that has received very lit- works – the novel “Mykola Dzheria” – has tle coverage in world history curricula with been translated into English, and there has a fun and informative approach for non- been virtually no scholarly writing about Ukrainian speakers. him in English. As described on the book’s back cover: “In That has changed with the publication the 9th century, the Byzantine Empire was of a new book by Maxim Tarnawsky, “The on the rise. The Vikings were also well on All-Encompassing Eye of Ukraine: Ivan their way to influencing most of the known Nechui-Levytsky’s Realist Prose,” a thor- world with their spirit of adventure and ough and much-needed re-examination of quest for glory. Slavic tribes led by the the author and his work. Polians and their leader Vratymyr with the In his introduction, Prof. Tarnawsky says aid of the Vikings and their representative that the goal of this book is to create “an It was Nechui’s devotion to Ukraine as individualized portrait of Nechui.” There is Askoldir organize a brazen attack at the the history of Kyivan Rus’. subject matter that caused Ivan Franko, heart of New Rome – Constantinople. Their The book already was number one a chapter exploring Nechui’s biography, commenting on the 35th jubilee of Nechui’s two devoted to Ukraine both as a subject goal is not only revenge, but the formation of among the hottest new books in Eastern writing career, to characterize him as the a new empire. There are battles, political European history on Amazon.com. and a theme in his writing, and three focus- “all-encompassing eye of Ukraine” – that is, ing on various qualities and characteristics plots, sea voyages, treachery, bravery and Readers may obtain copies of the book an author who captures the details of an death. This is a story of adventure. This is the beginning on January 14, and the book is of his writing. entire nation. During Nechui’s lifetime (1838-1918), only historical novel to date about this event. currently available in electronic format via Vitaly Chernetsky of the Department of This is the story of the birth of Kyivan Rus’.” Amazon, iBookstore and Scribid.com. the territory of Ukraine as we know it Slavic Languages and Literatures at the Mr. Hnatyshyn is a New York native who Mr. Hnatyshyn will be doing a book today was divided between the Russian University of Kansas has praised this book has spent nearly a decade living and work- launch presentation at the Ukrainian and Austro Hungarian empires. Despite as “an important contribution to Ukrainian ing in Ukraine, and currently resides in American Citizens’ Association (located at this, Nechui was very clear about the exis- literary studies, as well as to the scholar- tence of Ukraine as a territory, a people, a ship on 19th-century realism and its com- New York. As an active member of the 847 N. Franklin St., Philadelphia PA 19123) culture and an identity, and his role as a plex relationship with questions of national Ukrainian community, he hopes that this on January 22 at 7:30 p.m. For more infor- Ukrainian writer in describing Ukraine in identity. …a pioneering work that makes book will spark interest in Ukraine, its cul- mation, readers may contact Mr. Hnatyshyn all its “breadth, complexity and peculiarity.” Nechui fresh, interesting, and relevant to ture and its history. If the book receives via e-mail at [email protected], or Nechui felt that “Ukrainian writers must our contemporary concerns.” enough interest, there are plans to expand visit the book’s Facebook page, www.face- not limit themselves to describing only vil- “The All-Encompassing Eye of Ukraine” the book series to include other chapters of book.com/TheRoadToRus. lage life… our writers need to care about is available in hardbound and eBook for- their own country, to describe all the social mats from the publisher for approximately levels, all the life, all the people, that can be $64 at www.utppublishing.com, and from found on the territory of the Ukrainian tribe.” Amazon.com (prices vary). A new book for children

“Natalia’s Journey to the Land of the er. When she follows a red bird to the for- Fairies,” by Dzvinka Hayda. Trillium Forest est, Natalia makes friends with some fairies Press, 2015. 30 pp. ISBN: 978-0-9779444-1- and has a wonderful time with them. 5, $21.95 U.S., $25.95 Can. The book’s author, Ms. Hayda holds degrees in Waldorf Education and Child Many children’s books, whether meant Development, and has taught children for to be read aloud or by young readers, con- 35 years. During her teaching career, she tain a scary “dark” element – a witch, an told her students a story every day; she is ogre, an evil stepmother. In contrast, now turning these stories into illustrated “Natalia’s Journey to the Land of the books for children. Ms. Hayda has also Fairies,” written and illustrated by Dzvinka written and illustrated the Moonbeam Hayda, contains nothing that might scare award-winning book “Little Angel’s sensitive children. Journey.” “Natalia’s Journey” tells the tale of a “Natalia’s Journey to the Land of the young girl who has been told that fairies Fairies” is available online at amazon.com, live in the nearby forest, and that if they or from the publisher, Trillium Forest Press, find a human child they will keep her forev- www.TrilliumForestPress.com. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2 Koliadnyky from Kryvorivnia tour United States by Ihor Slabicky NEW YORK – The Koliadnyky from Kryvorivnia toured America in December 2015, bringing the traditional Koliada. Presented by director Virlana Tkacz and the Yara Arts Group, they gave close to a dozen performances on both the East and West coasts. Ivan Zelenchuk, the “bereza” (the lead singer), led this group of men from the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine. With him were Mykola Zelenchuk on trem- bita and bubon, master fiddler Mykola Ilyuk, tsymbaly player Vasyl Tymchuk, and Ostap Kostyuk, who plays the drymba, duda, trembita and various flutes. They opened on December 2, 2015, to a sold-out audience in Memorial Chapel at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. Here, they were joined by world-renowned bandurist Julian Kytasty; the highly acclaimed Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble of Hartford, Conn., directed by Volodymyr Klyuzko. Alex Kuzma; and Wesleyan’s own a cappella Maria Shust, director of The Ukrainian Museum, with the Koliadnyky from Kryvorivnia (Mykola Ilyuk, Ivan Zelenchuk, Vasyl group Slavei. The concert was arranged Tymchuk, Mykola Zelenchuk and Ostap Kostyuk), Julian Kytasty, Sana Shepko, and Virlana Tkacz, director of the Yara Arts Group, at the conclusion of the December 6, 2015, performance at The Ukrainian Museum in New York City. with the generous assistance of Katja Kolcio, professor of dance and environmental stud- December 11 they appeared with her at St. Ms. Tkacz used to full effect. The vivid pro- into a fast “Arkan” mountaineers dance. ies at Wesleyan. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco. On jections by Volodymyr Klyuzko provided a Julian Kytasty entered the stage. Ms. On December 5 and 6, 2015, there were December 12 they performed in Silicon purposeful background that transported the Shepko joined him to sing the tender two sold-out performances at The Valley and on December 13 in Sacramento. attendees deep within this mystical event. “Pavochka,” her enticing voice enhanced by Ukrainian Museum in New York City, where They then returned to New York City for As they walked up the steps of the gal- Mr. Kytasty’s evocative bandura playing. In the Koliadnyky were joined by Mr. Kytasty several additional events in the “Velyke lery, the Koliadnyky announced their pres- a counterpoint to her singing, Mr. Kytasty and violinist Sana Shepko of the Korinya Yabluko.” ence by ringing hand bells, sounding their sang the bold koliada “Hospodarskiy Dvir,” folk band. In the Carpathian Mountains, Koliada is trembity, and singing “Plies – My Slavni while Ms. Shepko responded on her violin. The group then left for the West Coast. a winter ritual. Now coincident with Gazdy,” in which they proclaim that they This led to them performing an instrumen- On December 9, 2015, they appeared at the Christmas, it is much older in origin and are the famed Koliadnyky from the tal piece from the “Paris to Kiev” suite of University of California Berkeley in the symbolism. It is a mighty and mystical Carpathian Mountains who have come to works by Mr. Kytasty. “Rizdvo: A Ukrainian Christmas” concert event. sing at this home. The audience joined the ensemble on a directed by Marika Kuzma, and on At The Ukrainian Museum, the Koliada This was followed by “Tsy Doma, Doma, hearty “Dobriy Vechir Tobi, Pane December 10, they held a workshop. On took place in the upper gallery, a space that Tsey Pan Hospodar?” – inquiring if the mas- Hospodaryu” which was followed by a con- ter of the house was in. While Mr. Kostyuk templative fiddle solo by Mykola Ilyuk. played a Hutsul melody on the duda, they Mr. Kytasty sang “Oy Krasenyu Yasniy,” a took off their “serdaky” (Hutsul jackets) koliada from the Sumy region of Ukraine, and then performed the “Trypotinnia,” a which he segued into “Ishly Molodsti.” The lively dance in which they stamp their feet group joined him to add impact to this song to shake off the snow, while singing that the about the rewards due young men who master of the house will treat them finely have shown their bravery. Tsymbaly player and richly. Mr. Tymchuk followed with a Hutsul dance To the master of the house (hospodar), tune that showed off his virtuosity. Mr. they sang “V Nashoho Pana.” This koliada, Klyuzko trained one of his cameras on the as many of them are, is sung to a specific tsymbaly, giving the viewers a close-up person whose name is invoked throughout view of Mr. Tymchuk’s fingers as they the song. An esteemed gentleman in the flashed over the strings. audience was deemed the hospodar and With Mr. Kytasty playing an overblown they sang to him of the riches of the house- sopilka, he and Ms. Shepko sang “Stone Age hold, that it be blessed, and that God may Carol,” a work developed by Mr. Kytasty and walk through its fields. They ended with a Alexis Kochan. The festivities concluded “vinshuvannia” in which they extended with a lively “Hutsulka” that included a wishes to the hospodar for health, wealth drymba solo by Mr. Kostyuk. and happiness in the coming year. The Koliadnyky ended the Koliada with As they crossed the room, Mr. Kostyuk the “Kruhliak,” a round dance for the bees played a lively mountain melody on his that expresses the wish that they may have floyara. Turning to the mistress of the house, strong hives and pollinate many flowers. Maria Shust, the director of the museum, That was followed by the “Plies” and “Na they sang “V Nedilu Rano,” invoking her by Vidkhodi,” which wishes everyone much name, praising her and her household, com- goodness through the coming year. Their paring her to the rising sun. One of the vers- trembity blown in farewell, they sang es tells of the “gazdynya” carrying the golden “Teche Richka” as they departed. The keys to the house, which Ms. Shust, as direc- ensemble returned to sing “Nova Radist” tor of the museum, does. with the audience joining on an emotional Following a Hutsul melody by the troista rendition. group (Mr. Zelenchuk on bubon, Mr. Ilyuk To be present when the Koliada is sung on violin, Mr. Tymchuk on tsymbaly and Mr. is a profound and emotion filled experi- Kostyuk on floyara), the audience heard the ence. These koliady are incantations that opening melody of “Verkhovyno” played by carry with them the magical power of the Sana Shepko on violin as she entered the words “what is said, so will be.” The words gallery. As she traded phrases with the fid- are a re-affirmation of all that is noble and dler, the other musicians joined in on this precious - family, well being, health, pros- spirited melody. In gratitude for her play- perity, a long life. More important are the ing, the koliadnyky danced the “Plies z expressions that life must continue, that Dzvinkamy” for her. the fertility of the land must continue, with They then sang “Tymy Horamy,” telling the belief that the rebirth of life in spring, of the graciousness and generosity of this the summer, and a bountiful harvest will young woman, ending with a vinshuvannia, not happen unless these songs are sung in with which they wished her a charmed life every household, to every thing that and true love. Mr. Ilyuk then led the group breathes. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 11

Poster for the retrospective exhibit of works by Bohdan “Musicians” (linocut, 2011). Soroka. “Music and Angels” (linocut, 2013). Retrospective exhibit of works by Bohdan Soroka to open in Chicago by Katya Iwanik The son of politically active parents, he was born in a prison in Lviv where his mother was being held for assist- CHICAGO – The Ukrainian National Museum announces ing in anti-Soviet uprisings. He was raised by his grandpar- the opening of its first exhibit of 2016 – “Bohdan Soroka ents. Soroka’s father was imprisoned for 30 years in Soviet (1940-2015) Retrospective Art Exhibit.” The exhibit prison camps because of his membership in the Ukrainian opened on Friday, January 8, and will run through January resistance movement. His father died in Siberia for refus- 31. ing to support the soviet regime. Many themes are presented in the artist’s works, includ- During the 1980s, modernism and post-modernism ing Ukrainian religious and cultural traditions, history and appeared in Ukraine in spontaneous art movements and folklore. The exhibit will showcase the artist’s most recent exhibitions. Post-modern rethinking infused the works of graphic series, including Ukrainian traditions, Christmas the artist. Soroka belongs to the generation of Ukrainian (including vertep, a traveling nativity scene drama), angels, artists who, in the 1960s under the Soviet regime, used musicians, the four seasons, and Ukrainian wooden their art to protest their oppressors. churches. Soroka had personal exhibits in Ukraine, England, Soroka’s work in graphic arts is readily recognized by its Germany, France, Canada, and throughout the United expressionistic style and very imaginative pictorial repre- States. He passed away suddenly in April 2015. sentations. He was a talented artist who was able to com- The Ukrainian National Museum is located in the heart “St. George’s Church, Drohobych” (linocut, 2000). municate strongly through his art. He was able to speak to of the Ukrainian Village, at 2249 W. Superior St. in Chicago. the viewer directly and clearly through the images he set sor emeritus at the Lviv Academy of Art. He graduated Hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. down on paper. from the Lviv Academy of Art in 1964 and won a prize at Admission: adults, $5; children under 12, free. Bohdan Soroka was born September 2, 1940, in Lviv. He the International Competition of Ex-Librises in Vilnius in For additional information, call 312-421-8020 or e-mail was a graphic artist, a monumentalist-painter and a profes- 1989. [email protected].

denounced the “unprecedented levels of Mr. Yatsenko attributed his release to a development. Human rights... intimidation” of Crimean Tatars. coordinated campaign of work by attor- In conjunction with the U.N. event, two Bohdan Yaremenko of Maidan of neys, human rights organizations and programs were held in New York, both of (Continued from page 1) Foreign Affairs, a Ukrainian nonprofit orga- international pressure. He is the first per- which were open to the public. The Olena Sharvan, one of the co-authors, nization, said the situation in Crimea is son rescued from the list of Ukrainian Shevchenko Scientific Society hosted a highlighted several of the 61 recommenda- directly connected to that in eastern nationals persecuted on political grounds roundtable on December 8 that included tions for action in the report, including Ukraine. The priority for Russia is the in Russia, and he repeatedly mentioned many of the same speakers and was mod- establishing a dedicated hotline for report- development of Crimea as a military base, those who remain behind bars: Nadiya erated by Bohdan Pechenyak, VOLYA ing human rights violations. A lawyer and which requires eliminating from the terri- Savchenko, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Oleh Institute board member. human rights advocate based in Ukraine, tory all “disloyal people,” a broad category Sentsov, Gennadiy Afanasiev, Olexii Chirnii, VOLYA Institute, Razom and the she described her own revealing experi- that includes journalists, Crimean Tatars, Sergiy Lytvynov, Mykola Karpiuk, Stanislav Ukrainian Studies Program at Columbia ence of trying to report an abuse via tele- activists and all religions except the Klyh, Oleksandr Kostenko, Haiser University co-sponsored a December 9 phone (as an experiment), only to receive Russian Orthodox Church. He said that the Dzhemilev, Yurii Soloshenko, Valentyn roundtable at Columbia University, co- an official letter stating it was not possible natural resources of Crimea are being Vyhyvskii and Viktor Shur. hosted by the Central Asian Students to make such a complaint. destroyed, citing among others, the “We also demand that Crimea be de- Association and the Ukrainian Students The concern and support of the larger increased salinity of the soil. occupied and that everyone be released Society. The roundtable was moderated by international community was represented Andriy Klymenko, chief editor of Black from the places of detention: Akhtem Huseyin Oylupinar from Turkey, currently by several speakers, including Gabrielius Sea News and an economist originally from Chyihoz, Ali Asanov, Mustafa Mihaychuk Fellow at the Harvard Landsbergis, a member of the European Crimea, told the audience that a criminal Dehermendzhy, Yuriy Ilchenko, Ruslan Ukrainian Research Institute. In addition Parliament from Lithuania, who joined the case was opened against him in Russia Zaytullaev, Nuri Primov, Rustam Vaytov, to those mentioned above, speakers meeting via Skype. Mr. Landsbergis said three days after he presented a report on Ferat Sayfullaev,” he added. Mr. Yatsenko is included Walter Zaryckyj, executive direc- that the European strategy of wanting to Crimea in Washington in March. He was part of the LetMyPeopleGo Campaign, tor of the Center for U.S.-Ukrainian maintain good relations with Russia “no fortunate to escape, and said that Russia formed in April to raise awareness of Relations (CUSUR). Viktor Balashov, a matter what” had paved the way to the cur- considers Crimea a “war trophy” and treats Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in Russian dissident, initiated the idea for the rent crisis. everyone and everything there with con- Russia on political grounds. Columbia event, and Yelyzaveta His remarks were echoed by Georgian tempt. The danger in Crimea was reflected in Prysyazhnyuk, president of the Central Permanent Representative to the U.N. Kaha The panelist who spoke most personally the production of the human rights report Asian Students Association, took the lead Imnadze, who said, “What I’m hearing was Yuriy Yatsenko, who related the story itself: in the acknowledgments, the authors in organizing it. today is a deja vu. The inadequate response of his arrest, torture and imprisonment in thank by name all who contributed, along The speakers later traveled to to Russian aggression in Georgia in 2008 Russia. Mr. Yatsenko was arrested in May with “the very courageous translator from Washington to present the findings on paved the way to Crimea.” 2014 in the Kursk region of Russia while Crimea who wishes to remain anonymous human rights abuses in Crimea at an offi- Anna Fotyga, a member of the European traveling on business. Russian police for fear of persecution.” cial public hearing of the U.S. Helsinki Parliament from Poland, referenced the showed a photo taken of him during the The report was prepared under the aus- Commission on December 11, as well as at ethnic cleansing of Crimean Tatars by Maidan protests and demanded that he pices of Razom, a nonprofit organization other meetings on Capitol Hill. The full offi- Stalin after World War II in her condemna- falsely testify that he had been recruited to that emerged in the U.S. during the Euro- cial transcript of the briefing will be avail- tion of the occupation. commit subversive acts in Russia. When he Maidan movement and is engaged in able soon, and details of the presentations João Vale de Almeida, permanent repre- refused, he was brutally beaten and tor- humanitarian assistance, public education, and meetings will be reported in the near sentative of European Union to the U.N., tured, and imprisoned for a year. community dialogue and civil society future. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

local elections take place at the beginning warring sides. Over the past 24 hours, the price of natural gas for Ukraine to bring NEWSBRIEFS of 2016 and the Minsk package of mea- Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came Russian gas prices closer to prices in sures is completely implemented,” said Mr. under attacks 22 times, including assaults European markets. Russia will discount its (Continued from page 2) Steinmeier. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by by mortars and grenade launchers, the previous gas price of $230 per 1,000 cubic in parts of the east controlled by separat- Reuters and TASS) Ukrainian military said. The army said meters (TCM) by $17.80, bringing it to ists and improving the humanitarian situa- there were no casualties among the $212.20 per TCM, an official Russian gov- Accusations of truce violations tion. He called for the release of prisoners Ukrainian forces. The separatists said one ernment notice said January 1. Ukraine’s and hostages, a resumption of water sup- KYIV – The Ukrainian military and “serviceman” was killed in the early hours Energy Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn plies in the east, and the end of limits on Russian-backed separatists in eastern on January 1 as Ukrainian forces shelled previously said Ukraine was ready to buy the registration of aid organizations in the Ukraine accused each other on January 1 of the Donetsk airport and the Russian gas in the first quarter of 2016 if east. “We must continue to work so that the violating a shaky holiday truce between the Kominterenovo village. The separatists the price was reduced to under $200 per claimed Ukrainian forces had breached the TCM. Currently, gas is trading at a price of ceasefire 11 times over the past 24 hours, around $170 per TCM in European mar- including with shelling of residential areas kets. “Russians understand that in order to that damaged five private houses. Kyiv and be competitive they need to decrease the the separatists reached an agreement for a price,” Mr. Medvedev said, noting that the TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 truce during the Christmas and New Year discount was intended to reflect “market or e-mail [email protected] holidays that went into effect at midnight conditions.” Whether the discount will be on December 22, 2015. Many in Ukraine enough to attract Ukraine remains to be and Russia celebrate Christmas on January SERVICES PROFESSIONALS seen. Ukraine halted gas purchases from 7. However, the warring sides accused each Gazprom in July 2015 after Kyiv and other of breaching the truce within hours Moscow failed to reach a deal on gas deliv- СТЕФАН ВЕЛЬГАШ after it came into effect. (RFE/RL, based on eries for the third quarter of the year. (RFE/ Ліцензований Продавець reporting by Interfax, TASS and unian.net) RL, based on reporting by Interfax and Страхування Життя Russia to sue Ukraine over debt Sputniknews.com) STEPHAN J. WELHASCH Licensed Life Insurance Agent MOSCOW – Russia says it’s suing Crimean Children’s Theater closes Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. Ukraine for defaulting on a $3 billion SYMFEROPOL – A popular children’s 548 Snyder Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 Eurobond debt owed to Moscow. Russia’s drama school that staged Ukrainian- Tel.: 908-508-1728 • Fax: (973) 292-0900 Finance Ministry said in a statement on language plays in Crimea is shutting down e-mail: [email protected] January 1 that Kyiv is “in a state of default” after what its founders describe as a cam- regarding its obligations toward Moscow paign of harassment from local officials on and legal proceedings would ensue. The the Russia-annexed peninsula. Svitanok ministry said it is filing a lawsuit against (Sunrise) had taught children for more Ukraine with a British court. Ukrainian than 20 years and was a well-established Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said on institution in Symferopol, Crimea’s regional December 18, 2015, there would be a capital. Its latest performance unexpectedly “moratorium” on any debt repayments to landed the school in the crosshairs of local Russia. He did not indicate when Ukraine culture officials, who reportedly accused would be ready to repay the debt, which Svitanok of promoting both Ukrainian matured in December. The debt stems back nationalism and Western symbols. to 2013 when Russia loaned $3 billion to Co-founder Oleksandr Polchenko says the the Kremlin-backed President Viktor SERVICES play drew the ire of officials from the state- Yanukovych, before pro-European protests run Palace of Child and Youth Art, where that led to his downfall. Kyiv says it is not a the school is based. “The next day, the man- sovereign loan by one state to another but agement ordered us to hand over all the rather a transaction made via the financial texts and scripts for the show, as well as a markets that is subject to terms agreed recording,” he told RFE/RL. The play, with other creditors. In August of last year, “Songs of the Amazon,” was presented on Kyiv reached a restructuring deal with pri- December 19, 2015, to mark St. Nicholas vate creditors, including major banks, Day, is based on a work by Crimean author which agreed to reduce their claim by 20 Viktor Stus. It tells the story of Amazons – percent. Moscow insists that the loan can- the female warriors of Greek myth – bat- OPPORTUNITIES not be considered private debt and has tling evil and fighting for freedom and the refused such conditions. (RFE/RL, based on independence of their native land. Mr. reporting by AFP and Interfax) Polchenko said officials saw alleged under- Earn extra income! Gas pipeline springs leak tones throughout the performance. The Ukrainian Weekly is looking According to him, they took particular for advertising sales agents. KYIV – A gas pipeline leaked in the offense at the costume of a little girl wear- For additional information contact Zakarpattia region of western Ukraine, but ing a golden crown and impersonating the Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, the leak is not affecting consumers, The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. sun, which he says they interpreted as a Ukrainian gas transmission system opera- reference to New York’s Statue of Liberty. tor Ukrtransgaz reported on January 1. “They were indignant, they asked what Ukrtransgaz said the leak has not affected kind of propaganda of Western values we supplies to the European Union and repairs had staged for the holiday,” he said. “They are underway. The incident, which also described the embroidered clothing occurred on the Soyuz pipeline near the vil- and the Ukrainian-language scenario as lage of Horodylove, led to a gas flare to pre- brazen Ukrainian nationalism.” Mr. vent a dangerous build-up of leaked gas. Polchenko said the incident followed But it did not result in any injuries or gas months of pressure on the head of the cutoffs, the gas company said. (RFE/RL, drama school, his wife Alla Petrova. “They based on reporting by Interfax and RT.com) tried to force Alla Petrova to leave in sum- Russia offers discounted gas price mer, and again in fall,” he said. “They con- ducted various inspections, they used every MOSCOW – Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev approved a discount in (Continued on page 13) No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 13

to make ends meet during a deep economic of the fortunes of the GRU, an agency that active GRU officers when they were seized, NEWSBRIEFS recession. The IMF had warned it was criti- was pretty much at rock bottom when he while the Russian military said they were cal to approve a budget that complied with took it over at the end of 2011,” Mark not serving at the time. Gen. Sergun’s posi- (Continued from page 12) the fund’s $17.5 billion bailout program Galeotti, a New York University professor tion as GRU chief landed him on the sanc- opportunity to find faults with her work, before it would provide Kyiv with a third, and authority on Russia’s security appara- tions lists imposed in early 2014 by both they insulted her, threatened her and tried $1.7 billion loan installment. It was not tus, wrote in a blog post on January 4. The the United States and the European Union, to lower her salary.” Mr. Polchenko immediately clear whether the budget met GRU – formally subordinate to the Russian which specifically cited his oversight of “the describes the campaign against Svitanok as all the IMF’s requirements. The Verkhovna Armed Forces’ General Staff – is widely activity of GRU officers in eastern Ukraine.” part of efforts by Crimea’s new Russian- Rada approved a budget with a deficit at believed to have played a central role in the The sanctions imposed on Sergun were backed authorities – installed after 3.7 percent of economic output, the figure stealth operation to take control of “good Western recognition for the role of Moscow’s annexation of the peninsula last agreed upon with the IMF and one of its Ukraine’s Crimea region in early 2014, GRU in this conflict,” says Michael Kofman, year – to “eliminate anything associated key demands. But Ukraine had promised to when masked, camouflaged, armed sol- a Russia analyst most recently with the with Ukrainian.” He said Ms. Petrova had adopt permanent tax reforms, and the tax diers appeared suddenly throughout the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute in chosen to resign and announced her deci- changes adopted December 24, 2015, were Black Sea peninsula. Western analysts and Washington. The operations in both Crimea sion to parents on December 28, 2015. “Of only temporary, with more action promised officials believe the agency was also instru- and eastern Ukraine have been character- course parents, as well as their children, later. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by mental in coordinating and overseeing the ized by what experts say is a resurgence of are trying to stop this destruction of all Reuters and TASS) insurgency in eastern Ukraine, where a Soviet-style “hybrid” or “nonlinear” war- things Ukrainian on the peninsula, but they conflict between Russian-backed separat- fare, which employ conventional weaponry, don’t understand how these Soviet-era KGB Russia issues Crimea banknote ists and government forces has killed more but also stealth deployments, misinforma- old-timers operate,” he said. (Andrei MOSCOW – At the end of December than 9,000 people since it erupted in April tion campaigns, and cyberwarfare to keep Kolokoltsev of RFE/RL, with Claire Bigg) 2015, Russia issued a new banknote dedi- 2014. A Russian captured in Ukraine last an adversary from knowing how to year said he and a fellow captive were respond. (Mike Eckel of RFE/RL) Petition for December 25 celebration cated to Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed illegally by the Kremlin in 2014. KYIV – Ukrainians are debating a peti- The new banknote, worth 100 rubles ($1.41 was supposed to shock the liberal opposi- tion to celebrate Christmas on December U.S.), depicts a memorial to sunken ships in Russian strategy... tion into despair, and Mr. Putin practically 25, like Western Europe, rather than con- the port of Sevastopol, where Russia keeps admitted that conspiracy by suggesting in tinuing to mark the holy day on January 7 its Black Sea Fleet, and the Swallow’s Nest, a (Continued from page 2) his end-of-the-year press conference that according to Orthodox Christian tradition. clifftop castle near Yalta. The yellow-colored order to uphold Russia’s greatness. Thus, “it is not a given that [Nemtsov] was mur- The debate reflects the tug of war between note also features a watermark of Empress the new strategy aims at protecting dered” (Moscow Echo, December 30, East and West over the nation’s identity Catherine the Great, who extended the bor- Russia’s “cultural sovereignty” by blocking 2015). that has resulted from Ukraine’s falling out ders of the Russian Empire in the 18th cen- external “destructive informational-psy- The opposition, however, refuses to be with Russia since Moscow annexed Crimea tury to absorb Crimea. Russia’s central bank chological influence.” No useful tools exist cowed and is determined to demonstrate and backed a separatist war in the east in said in a statement it would issue 20 million yet for policing the Internet, however; and that the Putin regime is too corrupt and 2014. Activists in favor of making the offi- of the new notes. It previously minted a the vicious TV propaganda is becoming enfeebled by a senseless squandering of cial holiday December 25, which is current- 10-ruble coin to celebrate Russia’s control stale and tiresome (Meduza.io, December resources to execute large-scale repres- ly an ordinary working day in Ukraine, have of Crimea. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by 24, 2015). sions. started two petitions on the presidential Reuters, AFP and Interfax) As the chain of crisis situations increas- Russia at the start of 2016 is stuck in the website. If they garner enough support, ingly becomes the new norm, Russians Ukraine stalemate and trapped in the President Petro Poroshenko will have to Court extends jail for captured Russians tend to lose interest in Syrian adventures Syrian intervention, but most fundamental- consider making the change, though the KYIV – Kyiv’s Holosiiv district court has or missile defenses and start to ponder ly, it is caught in the conflict of governance, Ukrainian Parliament would have the final extended the detention of two Russians their deteriorating quality of life (Gazeta.ru, where every decision aimed at strengthen- say. Oleksandr Turchynov, the head of alleged to be members of Russia’s armed December 30, 2015). Revelations of hyper- ing the regime undermines its support base Ukraine’s National Security and Defense forces until at least February 20. The corruption in the highest echelons of law and depletes resources necessary for basic Council, says he backs the idea because it extended arrest of Yevgeny Yerofeyev and enforcement, which a year ago made no functions of the state. would align Ukraine with “the majority of Aleksandr Aleksandrov was requested by impression, have again started to produce The rulers have not only lost touch with civilized countries.” He has suggested a the state prosecutor and granted by the angry resonance in public opinion (Rbc.ru, reality – they seemingly no longer believe it transition period during which Ukrainians court on December 23, 2015. Messrs. December 24, 2015). even exists. could celebrate Christmas on both dates. Aleksandrov and Yerofeyev were detained In order to keep the country mobilized (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters in Ukraine’s Luhansk region in May 2015. around the cause of confronting the West, The article above is reprinted from and TASS) Ukrainian investigators that month such revelations have to be stopped and the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Kyiv threatens legal action over wines announced that they were suspected of ter- voices of dissent must be silenced. The its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, rorist activities and fighting alongside sepa- murder of Boris Nemtsov in February 2015 www.jamestown.org. KYIV – Kyiv is threatening to take legal ratists in the east. The district court began action over the decision by a leading wine- hearing charges against them on November maker in Russian-annexed Crimea to put 10, 2015. The two men deny the charges. In ing of $5 billion to $10 billion, calling it an 13,000 vintage bottles up for auction. a video published days after their capture, Three ambassadors... important “security investment.” He’s right. Oleksandr Liev, a Ukrainian Agriculture Messrs. Aleksandrov and Yerofeyev said Congress and the Obama administration (Continued from page 7) Ministry official, told AFP December 29, they were on active duty with the Russian should work together to provide an addi- 2015, that the winemaker, Massandra, was military in eastern Ukraine when they were of the few areas where both Democrats and tional $2 billion to $5 billion in economic “squandering Ukrainian heritage” and that captured. Moscow contends the two were Republicans agree. But the gap between support. At the same time, Washington Kyiv could launch a criminal probe into the no longer employed by the state when they rhetoric and resources pledged is shockingly should seek to persuade the European action. He warned that Russian and foreign were captured. Russia denies accusations wide. Next year, Ukraine can expect approxi- Union to make a similar commitment for a collectors buying the vintage wines could that it is providing weapons, training, and mately $3 billion to $4 billion in conditional total of $10 billion, the optimal amount of face “international sanctions for illegal eco- personnel to support pro-Russian separat- support from the United States and the support to allow Ukraine’s government nomic actions in annexed Crimea.” ists fighting government forces in eastern European Union combined. This sum is room to maneuver. … Massandra is offering the wines, some of Ukraine. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by insufficient. Lawrence Summers, the former A new Ukraine was born on the Maidan, which date from 1935, for sale at the win- Interfax and TASS) United States treasury secretary, called on but the United States and Europe have thus ery and online. The legendary Crimean Europeans to deliver on promises to support far failed to make an adequate commitment winemaker was already at the center of a Russian military intelligence chief dies Ukraine’s reform efforts with increased fund- to its success. … scandal in September when Russian MOSCOW – The Kremlin says the head President Vladimir Putin and ex-Italian pre- of Russia’s military intelligence agency, mier Silvio Berlusconi reportedly drank a which is known as the GRU, has died unex- $100,000 bottle of 240-year-old sherry pectedly. A statement posted on the Ukrainian American Soccer Association from the winery’s archive collection. (RFE/ Kremlin website on January 4 said that With deep sorrow we announce that RL, based on reporting by AFP) Gen. Igor Sergun, 58, had suffered a “sud- Ukraine adopts budget, tax reforms den death,” but gave no details as to the cause, timing, or circumstances. The state- John Kowalczat KYIV – Ukraine’s Parliament has run news agency TASS said he died on approved a budget for 2016, fulfilling a key January 3. The statement quoted President passed away on December 27, 2015, in New York City. demand of the International Monetary Vladimir Putin as giving his condolences, John Kowalczat was an active member, as well as a member of the Fund (IMF) that enables it to keep provid- saying that Mr. Sergun had dedicated his Board of Directors of the Ukrainian American Soccer Association. ing Kyiv with loans. Lawmakers approved a “entire life... to serving the homeland and series of tax reforms and tax increases, the armed forces.” His death comes at a He is survived by his children, grandchildren and siblings. reducing the tax on employers, unifying the time when clandestine, paramilitary and tax rate on personal income, and increasing espionage agencies in Russia have taken a Funeral services were held from Redden Funeral Home in Manhattan. excise taxes on tobacco, fuel and alcohol, central role in executing key policy deci- with the goal of balancing the budget. The sions under Mr. Putin, himself a former reforms were contentious. Many deputies chief of the lead domestic spy agency, the May his memory be eternal! argued that they unfairly increased prices Federal Security Service (FSB). “Sergun was for Ukrainians who are already struggling an extremely important figure in the revival 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

snAPsHOT Canadian Bandurist Capella to launch 15th anniversary season Ukraine-EU Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on June 27, 2014, signed the Ukraine-European Union Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as part of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. The Canadian Bandurist Capella. It took effect only on January 1 of this year, after being delayed for a year by Olena Wawryshyn (artistic director Olesya Konyk) of the International Competition in Kharkiv, at the request of the Russian govern- Ukrainian Youth Association and Levada Ukraine. Capella members hail from across ment to conduct further consultations, TORONTO – Canada’s pre-eminent per- (conductor Zhanna Zinchenko), which is Ontario, including Toronto, Kingston, after which Russia nonetheless formers of the centuries-old Ukrainian part of the Ukrainian Youth Ensembles. The Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and St. remained dissatisfied, canceling its own Kobzar musical tradition, the Canadian concert begins at 3 p.m.; tickets are $25 for Catharines. free trade area with Ukraine in mid- Bandurist Capella, will present two concerts adults, $20 for seniors and students, free Many of the numbers in the upcoming December 2015. in the Greater Toronto area in January. The for children under age 14. concert programs have been arranged by “Thanks to such tariff liberalization, concerts, which kick off the ensemble’s 15th “We’re really excited about our upcom- Mr. Dmytrovych; there will also be arrange- less expensive European goods will anniversary year, will feature seasonal “koli- ing season,” commented Mr. Dmytrovych, ments of composers Kyrylo Stetsenko and enter our market, which will have their ady” and “shchedrivky” – Ukrainian the capella’s artistic director, “and thrilled Hryhoriy Kytasty. import duties canceled on the next day” Christmas carols, New Year and winter songs. that Dibrova and Levada will both be join- The Toronto-based capella has been after the trade area’s launch, said The first concert, on January 17 in ing us to launch our milestone anniversary expanding its reach by performing outside Economic Development and Trade Georgetown, Ontario, showcases the year.” Under Mr. Dmytrovych, who first the Toronto area, with recent concerts in Deputy Minister Nataliya Mykolska in ensemble, with its all-male vocalists and served as the capella’s choirmaster, the Kingston at the Isabel Bader Center for summarizing the Ukraine-EU trade bandurists, along with guest soloist mezzo- ensemble has been reaching increasingly Performing Arts, in Ottawa at the National area, as reported by the Interfax- soprano Viera Zmiyiwsky, under the artistic greater musical heights, with technically Art Gallery and in the Chicago area. Ukraine news agency. direction of Andriy Dmytrovych, and the St. outstanding performances and exceptional “We are a Canadian ensemble and, as “Other than that, it will stimulate Elias Church Singers of Brampton. The con- repertoire, focusing on traditional historic such, we want to bring our music to larger domestic producers to perfect their cert will take place at Knox Presbyterian Kobzar songs, many dating back to the Canadian audiences,” noted Walter Kozak period in Ukraine. Chewchuk, chorister and president of the goods, improve their quality and direct Church, 116 Main St. S., at 3 p.m.; admission In addition, the ensemble’s musical capella’s board of directors. To this end, more attention on their marketing,” she is by donation. Proceeds will benefit St. Elias, the Ukrainian Catholic Church in excellence can be credited to its talented there are plans for a gala celebratory con- noted. Brampton, which burned down in 2014. members, such as concertmaster Borys cert in the fall of 2016 and discussions What does Ukraine gain? At the second concert, on January 24 in Ostapienko. The young composer and ban- about touring to the rest of Canada and Toronto, at St. Pius X Church on 2305 Bloor durist won first prize at the 2013 internationally in coming years. St. W., the capella will be joined by two International Bandura Competition in Kyiv For more information, readers may visit Ukrainian products are eliminated. Toronto-based women’s choirs, Dibrova and at the 2010 Hnat Khotkevych http://www.bandurist.com. • 97 percent of EU import duties on exports to the EU is reduced to 0.5 per- cent• fromThe average7.6 percent. tariff on Ukrainian set of countermeasures on the Russians. approved a version of the 2016 budget that Ukraine faces... On December 30, 2015, the Cabinet of differed from what was proposed by the las, cobblestones and other products Ministers issued two resolutions that Cabinet, which earned the IMF’s approval. from• EU Ukraine import are duties reduced on hats,over umbrel-a three- (Continued from page 1) boosted import duties on Russian goods As of the year’s end, economists didn’t year period. In addition, the new import duties that and imposed an embargo on a list of have access to what was approved (and emerge as a result of canceled free trade to Russian imports that included meat, vodka, signed by the president on December 31). equipment, tractors and other products Russia are largely meaningless if embar- confectionary products, cigarettes, pet food But the known changes included the pay- from• EU Ukraine import are duties reduced on dishes,over a five-sink goes are in place, some of which extend as and insecticides. roll tax being reduced to 22 percent from year period. far back as 2012, Mr. Blinov pointed out. Yet Ukrainians have already been buying the current 41 percent, but higher than the That not to say the consequences of the less of Russian goods as a result of the war, 20 percent called for by the Cabinet. vators, vehicles, electric engines and canceled free trade agreement won’t hurt said Oleksandra Kovalchuk, the agricultural Agricultural producers are allowed to other• EU products import duties from on Ukraine cranes, exca- are Ukrainian producers, but it won’t have a crit- markets expert at the Ukrainian Club of retain only 15 percent of value-added tax, reduced over a seven-year period. ical effect on the economy, said Alexander Agrarian Business, as reported by Interfax- compared to 25 percent as originally Paraschiy, the head of research at Concorde Ukraine. planned by the Cabinet, among other losses bile and other products from Ukraine Capital investment company in Kyiv. “Taking into account the volumes of of tax benefits. are• reduced EU import over duties a 10-year on light period. automo- Russia accounted for 12.8 percent of domestic production and the possibility of “I can’t say how the IMF will evaluate Ukraine’s exports in the first 10 months of purchasing corresponding goods on other these changes. I can’t forecast when the adopt EU standards over a seven-year 2015, compared to 19.1 percent in 2014 foreign markets, none of the categories new tranche will arrive or when the IMF period.• Ukrainian industry is required to and 29 percent in 2011, he said. That level banned by Ukraine’s government are par- will decide,” Finance Minister Natalie will dip below 10 percent next year, with ticularly critical,” she said. Jaresko said in an interview published on to participate in state tenders in the EU. Ukrainian producers looking increasingly To offset the economic turbulence with delo.ua news site on December 25, 2015. Russia, the Ukrainian government has been She pointed out that the 2015 budget • Ukrainian companies are allowed towards other markets. What does the EU gain? An example of that is the European working to secure another loan tranche had been adopted in late December 2014 Commission giving 10 Ukrainian dairy pro- from the IMF in order to keep the economy but the IMF required its revision as late as ducers access to the EU market starting stable and maintain public confidence in March 2015, which she said shouldn’t be products are reduced. January 10, as reported on Facebook by the economy. ruled out this time as well. • Ukrainian import duties on EU Vladyslava Rutytska, a deputy minister of A tranche was scheduled for October But Mr. Paraschiy said he expects IMF shoes, pipes and other products from agrarian policy and production. 2015, but the Ukrainian government failed approval could come sooner rather than the• EUUkrainian are reduced import over duties a three-year on fish, That will serve to offset the embargo on to prepare the 2016 budget in time. As a later, considering the approved budget period. Ukrainian agricultural and food imports that result, Ukraine may decide to ask for a dou- meets the IMF’s main requirement, which was imposed by the Russian government bled $1.65 billion tranche (to compensate is that the budget deficit doesn’t exceed 3.7 phony products, radio products, cam- with a December 21, 2015, resolution that for October), but that could delay its arrival percent of projected GDP. era• lenses Ukrainian and otherimport products duties fromon tele- the accompanied the canceled free trade area. beyond January, which could make busi- What concerns him more is the $3 billion EU are reduced over a five-year period. “We took one more step towards diversi- ness nervous, Mr. Paraschiy said. debt owed to the Russian National Welfare fying the supply of dairy products,” Ms. “For the hryvnia’s stability, the sooner the Fund that was taken on by former President recording products, motorized vehicles, Rutytska said. tranche comes, the better, of course. Viktor Yanukovych, but which the Ukrainian fertilizers• Ukrainian and otherimport products duties on from video- the The embargo on agricultural and food Currency speculators can manipulate the government was unable to pay when the EU are reduced over a seven-year period. imports from Ukraine will have an even public’s perception, off which they profit,” he deadline expired on December 20, 2015. What do both sides gain? smaller effect than canceling the free trade said, pointing out that Ukraine’s foreign cur- The IMF will be able to overlook this zone, Mr. Paraschiy said. Exports to Russia rency reserves are stable at the moment. December 20 default – when deciding on amounted to $200 million in the first 10 That’s not to say the government isn’t whether to issue the next tranche – if it tural and food products are eliminated. months of this year, compared to $800 million itching for the tranche as well. Among the determines that the Ukrainian government • Duties on certain industrial, agricul- in the same period in 2015 and $1.6 billion in arriving funds, it has already earmarked acted in good faith when trying to negotiate ary products, chemicals, seeds, certain the same period two years ago, he estimated, about $7 billion to cover pensions, about this debt payment with the Russians. grains,• Import fruits, duties dried on fruits, textiles, spices, confection- food fla- demonstrating a consistently declining trend. $4.6 billion for the National Guard and about “Ukraine doesn’t perfectly match the vorings are symmetrically eliminated. “It’s clear this decision won’t be painful $1.6 billion for energy subsidies for those IMF’s criteria of performing ‘good faith anymore,” he said. unable to afford the higher natural gas pric- efforts’ to resolve the issue. That said, we Source: Ministry of Economic Despite the minimal damage expected, es (which were required by the IMF). remain optimistic that its judgment will Development and Trade. the Ukrainian government slapped its own Another concern is that Parliament favor Ukraine,” Mr. Paraschiy said. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 15 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Austin Ukrainians decorate trees in blue and yellow AUSTIN, Texas – On December 5, 2015, Austin Ukrainians took part in the unique Austin Christmas tradition of decorating the cedar trees along Capital of Texas Highway Loop 360. Two trees are now decorated in the colors of Ukraine’s flag. Several Ukrainians from New York City, who had seen the event on Facebook, joined the Texans and even brought a decora- tion with them – a giant Tryzub that sits atop one of the trees. Readers can see more photos on the event page https://www. facebook.com/events/ 489719061202728/. Boston’s Ukrainian American Initiators of Help Us Help the Children Heritage Foundation makes additional donation to parish recognized by Canada’s governor general by Yaroslav Martsinkiv JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass. – On December 13, 2015, on behalf of the recently dissolved Ukrainian American Heritage Foundation of Boston, its president, Walter Boyko, made a donation of $9,903.70 to the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Christ the King in Jamaica Plain, Mass. The check was presented to the pastor, the Very Rev. Yaroslav Nalysnyk, at the conclusion of the divine liturgy and in the presence of a large congregation. The Rev. Nalysnyk expressed his and the parish member- ship’s gratitude for the generous donation, which represent- ed the final installment from the foundation on its dissolu- tion earlier this year. It adds almost $10,000 to the gift of $125,000 presented on May 3. The gift is commemorated with a plaque in honor of the foundation that was already installed and blessed in the church vestibule. Through several organizational changes over a tumultu- ous period, the Ukrainian American Heritage Foundation of Boston was active for 95 years, during which time it made a distinguished contribution to the social, cultural and educational life of the Boston community. In accor- dance with its by-laws, the proceeds from the assets of the foundation after its dissolution were equally divided between the Christ the King Parish and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Andrew. UCC At the ceremony during which the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to Ruslana Wrzesnewskyj and Andy Cotrell (from left) are: Anka Wrzesnewskyj-Cottrell, Ms. Wrzesnewskyj, Petra Are you a supporter Wrzesnewskyj-Cottrell, Sashko Potichniy and Mr. Cottrell. example to us all of what can be achieved when we dedi- of our Publication UCC cate ourselves to volunteerism, charity and service.” OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Ms. Wrzesnewskyj and Mr. Cottrell said they were hon- Endowment Fund? congratulated Ruslana Wrzesnewskyj and Andy Cottrell on ored to receive this recognition from the governor general. receiving the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal from “We humbly receive this award on behalf of the hundreds of In May 2014, the Ukrainian National Association the governor general of Canada, David Johnston, at Rideau volunteers who have worked so hard to make Help Us Help established the Publication Endowment Fund, thus Hall on December 11, 2015. the Children a success. We thank the Ukrainian community taking a step toward ensuring the continuing good Ms. Wrzesnewskyj and Mr. Cottrell received the medal in Canada, which has so strongly supported this project for work and service to the community at large of its for initiating Help Us Help the Children, a project dedicated the past two decades,” they said in a joint statement. two most important fraternal benefits: The to improving the quality of life for orphaned children in “It is because of Canada that we have learned the true Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda. Ukraine. As noted in a press release from the Governor meaning of giving back to the community. Through the To contribute to the endowment and secure these General’s Office: “Over the years, they have provided efforts of our volunteers and donors, thousands of orphans newspapers’ future, donors should make checks Ukrainian youth in institutional care with access to school in Ukraine have grown up to become successful members payable to the Ukrainian National Foundation, the supplies, educational camps and scholarship programs. of Ukraine’s society,” they noted. UNA’s charitable arm, with the notation in the memo Their efforts empowered many Ukrainian children to bet- The Meritorious Service Medal “recognizes a deed or an line: FBO (that’s short for “for the benefit of”) ter their lives.” Thousands of children in Ukraine have ben- activity that has been performed in a highly professional Publication Endowment Fund. Checks should be efited directly from programs of Help Us Help the Children manner, or according to a very high standard; often innova- mailed to the UNA Home Office at 2200 Route 10, in the two decades since its founding in 1994. tive, this deed or activity sets an example for others to fol- Parsippany, NJ 07054. UCC National President Paul Grod stated, “On behalf of low, improves the quality of life of a community and brings Thank you for your anticipated support! the Ukrainian Canadian community, I offer my sincere con- benefit or honor to Canada.” gratulations to Ruslana and Andy on receiving this award. For more information on Help Us Help the Children, Their tireless determination and resolve are a wonderful readers may go to http://huhtc.org/. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 17

Turning... (Continued from page 6) inventory of all Ukrainian property in Crimea. Russia ignored the ruling by a Ukrainian court to return the Crimean lighthouses to Ukrainian control. Russia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Viktor Chernomyrdin, said that Russia had no intention of returning 22 lighthouses and other navigational devices held by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. “If the lighthouses are Ukrainian and the Russians are using them, they must pay for them,” Prime Minister Yurii Yekhanurov said on February 4 in Symferopol. “The position of the Ukrainian side is as follows: You must pay for what you have not paid. If you don’t want to pay, then free it.” The Property Fund of the Crimean Autonomous Republic charged that the Russian Black Sea Fleet had occupied 96 facilities in Crimea, and these properties were not mentioned in a Russian-Ukrainian agreement on the division of belongings of the former Soviet navy. The fund also charged that the Russian fleet command had sublet 25 properties it leased in Crimea without the approval of the Ukrainian side, as stipulated by the agreement. The Studentske Bratsvto pitched five tents near the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol on February 13, on the eve of bilateral discussions as a reminder of the Ukrainian demands. During a meeting of the Ukrainian- Russian subcommittee on the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s stationing in Crimea that was held on February 14, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Volodymyr Ohryzko said the stationing of the Russian fleet violated the Constitution of Ukraine. Mr. Ohryzko added that he hoped an inventory of Russia’s assets and facilities in Crimea would be completed in two months. Source: “The latest Ukraine-Russia con- flict: lighthouses and properties in Crimea,” by Yana Sedova, The Ukrainian Weekly, January 22, 2006.

Russian soldiers... (Continued from page 1) Dutch prosecutors in charge of the offi- cial investigations of the MH17 crash said on January 4 they were investigating the claims that Russians were involved. “We received the report just after Christmas,” Wim de Bruin, a spokesman for the Dutch prosecutor’s office, told Agence France-Presse. “We will seriously study it and determine whether it can be used for the criminal inquiry.” A criminal investigation by the prosecu- tors’ office is expected to name suspects in the case later this year. An air-accident investigation by the Dutch Safety Board released in October 2015 concluded that the Boeing 777 was destroyed by a Buk anti-aircraft missile fired from a position inside separatist territory. Russia has denied sending troops or weapons into eastern Ukraine at any time since the war broke out in 2014 and has blamed Kyiv for the shootdown. The Donetsk People’s Republic, the Russian-backed group that controls the area, insists it never had access to Buk mis- siles and has dismissed evidence showing a Buk launcher operating in the area when the jet was shot down. With reporting by AFP and the London Telegraph. Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see http://www.rferl.org/content/russian-sol- diers-said-involved-in-downing-mh17-malay- sian-airliner-dutch-investigation/27468043. html). 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

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ACETO, MARY 367 NY LAZAR, REV JOHN 083 MI ARNOLD, NATALIE 070 NJ LAZIRKO, STEPHEN 102 OH BALLAS, ANNA 305 PA LEHACH, OLGA C 037 NJ BARAN, MYRON 005 NY LOBUR, ANDREW 364 OH BECHETTE, ANNA E 362 PA MALARSKY, ANNA 234 CA BEZPA, ANNE B 042 NJ MATKOWSKI, PAUL 231 PA BILAS, ZENOWIA 057 NY MAYKOWSKYJ, EMILIAN 102 OH BOBERSKI, MARY 271 NY MEDZIAK, STEPHEN 114 IL BOGDA, VALERIE 112 OH MELEN, ANNE K 271 NY BOGDANOW, GRIGORIJ 153 PA MELNYCZUK, MARY 238 MA BOJKO, OLENA 221 IL MELNYK, BASIL 155 NJ BOYKO, MICHAEL 316 NY MELNYK, ESTELLE 367 NY BYCOK, MARIA 461 ON MELNYK, STEFAN 473 QC CAP, MICHAEL 174 MI MICHALUK, DMIETER 292 MI CHEPAK, OLGA 174 MI MICHALUK, OLGA 088 NY CHEPAK, SOPHIE 174 MI MOCRYTZKI, JOHN 362 PA CHOPYK, KATHERINE 238 MA MOLODOSHANIN, LEONID 445 MB CHUDYJ, ANGELINE 088 NY MOMOT, JOHN 231 PA CHURCHMAN, MICHALINA 231 PA MUSKA, HELEN 409 PA CIHLAR, GEORGE 005 NY MUZYKA, ANTONIA 465 QC CUBYKALO, JOHN 364 OH NYKYFORUK, WASYL 194 NY CULUPA, MARY 096 PA NYNKA, IWAN 025 NJ CZERCHAWSKI, MARIA 238 MA OLINYK, JOE 401 BC CZEREWKO, JADWYHA 381 FL OMEL MILLEN, STEPHANIE 452 IN CZYPYHA, KATHARINE 401 ON ORLIWSKY, PAUL 473 QC DE VOE, DORA D 039 NY OTROSHKO, LIDIA 114 IL DEMCHYK, WASYL 147 PA PANCO, MARY 007 PA DOSKOTZ, JOHN 253 MA PARCHUC, MICHAEL W 027 NJ DUBB, WILLIAM 053 PA PARIS, MARION 102 OH DUCHYNSKI, JOSEPHINE 008 NY PASHCHUK, WILLIAM 409 PA DUSCHENCHUK, WILLIAM 327 NY PAUL, MICHAEL G 102 OH PAWLAK, KONSTANTYN 139 IL DWORCZYN, PETER 292 MI PAWUK, MICHAEL 291 OH DYCZKO, WALTER 096 PA PETROW, FRANK T 367 NY ENGBERG, JOSEPHINE 175 MI PHILLIPS, NATALIA 161 PA FEDAK, TYMKO 230 PA PLEKAN, STELLA 316 NY FEDORCZAK, JOHN 240 OH PRENETA, ANNA 067 CT GALARNYK, ANDREW 445 MB PROCEV, JOSEPH 364 OH GAMULA, STEPHEN 461 ON PYLYPIW, JOHN 379 IL GENGALO, PETRO 397 PA PYRTKO, IWAN 397 PA GOSPODAREC, ANNA 088 NY RENDEK, STEPHANIE 259 IL GREGORYNSKA, YUSTYNA 407 ON RENNARD, OLGA 161 FL HAMERA, NELLIE 292 MI REY, JENNIE 257 CA HANAK, JENNIE 397 NJ ROSZCZAKOWSKY, ANNA 240 OH HARASYMIW, JAROSLAWA 015 MD RUMIAN, MARIAN 234 NJ HAUNGS, HELEN 037 NJ SALAK, HELEN 242 PA HOLOWACKY, MICHAEL 133 NJ SALO, KATHERINA 194 NY HORBACHUK, BENNIE 414 CT SAWCHAK, MARY 076 NJ HOSCH, JOHN 083 PA SAWCHUK, OLGA 083 PA HOSHOWSKY, MYKOLA 005 NY SEIFERT, MARY L 076 NY HRABOWSKY, MARIA 401 ON SHACHMUT, MARY F 327 FL HRANCHOOK MD, MICHAEL 292 MI SHANDA, PETRO 432 ON HRYSZKO, AMIL 005 NY SHELLHORN, MARY P 005 NY HUCULAK, MARIA 432 ON SHEREMETA, WALTER 465 QC HUMENICK, MICHAEL 305 PA SKURA, ANNE 407 ON HUMENNA, PARASKA 221 WI SLOBODIAN, DIMITRO 292 CA HURKO, BOHDAN 417 KY SMEREKA, MICHAEL 096 PA ILNYCKYJ, WASYL 053 PA SMYLIE, ANNE 397 PA IWANUS, EWHEN 379 IL STABELSKI, JOSEPH J 083 PA JANIS, MARY 292 MI STASKO, JOHN 327 NY JANKOWSKI, STEFAN 445 MB STASYNA, WOLODYMYR 379 IL JASENIUK, MARIE 345 MN STEFURAK, PEARL 432 ON JAWORSKYJ, WASYL 175 MI STRILKA, MARIA 230 QC KARDA, KATHRYN 161 OH STRYKOWSKY, HELEN 083 PA KASTL, HELEN L 452 IL SZWAN, MARIA 238 MA KEPPLE, NELLIE 096 PA TRUSEWYCZ, BOHDAN 399 IL KESTER, ANNA 409 PA TYMKO, JULIA 173 PA KINNAS, STEPHEN 253 MA URICK, ANNIE 407 ON KMON, STELLA 253 MA WACHNIANYN, LIDIA 432 ON KOERBER, KATHERINE 161 PA WATSON, MARGARET 385 MN KOHN, MARIAN 292 MI WIATR, JULIA 137 PA KOLISNYK, IDA 083 PA WILKERSON, JULIA 325 NY KOLYNKO, MICHAEL 401 ON WOLOCH, STELLA 441 ON KORDUBA, MARIA 102 OH WTORAK, PETRO 445 MB KORNYLO, PAUL 461 ON YASINSKI, ANNA 164 CA KOROLYSHYN, MYRON 407 ON ZACHARKO, MARY 217 NY KOWALSKI, PAULA 367 NY ZAHAJEWYCZ, TARAS 112 OH KRAWCHUK, OLGA 130 FL ZAMORYLO, GEORGE 292 MI LAJACK, ANN 120 PA ZAPOTICZNY, JOSEPH 175 MI LAPTULA, JAROSLAW 432 ON ZELENY, ANASTAZIA 407 ON LASHENKO, OLGA 114 IL ZELTWAJ, DR.LUDWIG M 015 VA No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 19

January 16 Concert, “Caroling for Christ,” Ukrainian Cultural Center, January 23 Ukrainian embroidery workshop, The Ukrainian Somerset, NJ 732-356-0090 New York Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org

January 16 Presentation of debutantes, Newark branch of Plast January 23 Presentation of debutantes banquet and ball, with Whippany, NJ Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hanover Marriott Hotel, Chicago music by Klopit, Ukrainian Medical Association of North 973-809-7580 or [email protected] America – Illinois Branch, Palmer House Hilton, 773-486-7929 or [email protected] January 16 Malanka dinner and dance, with music by Svitanok, Albany, NY to benefit the Zorepad Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, The January 23 Malanka celebration, with music by Dunai, Ukrainian Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Etobicoke, ON National Federation of Canada, [email protected] 518-496-4071 or 518-495-1084 or 647-686-8895

January 16 Malanka celebration, with music by Fata Morgana, St. January 23 Concert featuring Mariana Sadovska, Christ Church Scranton, PA Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-489-1256 Philadelphia Neighborhood House, www.neighborhood-house.com or [email protected] January 16 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Youth Association in Canada Montreal and Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Ukrainian January 24 Smachnoho! Ukrainian Feast, five-course Ukrainian Youth Center, 514-774-8428 or 514-240-6293 Winnipeg Christmas Eve dinner, with Orysia Tracz, McNally- Robinson’s Booksellers, www.mcnallyrobinson.com/classroom- January 17 Christmas Concert, featuring the Canadian Bandurist registration#.VebyzvZViko or 204-475-0483 Georgetown, ON Capella and the St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Church January 24 Christmas Concert, featuring the Canadian Bandurist Singers, Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto Capella, as well as the Levada Women’s Choir and the [email protected] Dibrova Women’s Choir, St. Pius X Church, 416-232-2514 or [email protected] January 22 Malanka Pub Nite, featuring music by EMCK, Ukrainian Philadelphia American Citizens’ Association, 215-284-0185 January 28 Presentation, lunch and meeting, Carpe Diem Club, Arts, Whippany, NJ Culture and Education Committee, Ukrainian American January 23 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian American Youth Cultural Center of New Jersey, [email protected] or Jenkintown, PA Association, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 973-590-8026 267-415-6589 or [email protected] January 29 Film screening, “A Struggle for Home: The Crimean January 23 Engineers’ Ball, with presentation of debutantes, New York Tatars,” Ukrainian Institute of America, Philadelphia Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Hilton www.ukrainianinstitute.org Philadelphia Hotel at Penn’s Landing, 267-879-5502

January 23 Ukrainian Winter Debutante Ball, with music by Hrim, Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Washington The Washington Group and the Taras Shevchenko advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions School of Ukrainian Studies, Marriott Wardman Park from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Hotel, www.ukrainianschooldc.org or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 No. 2

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, January 23 Sunday, January 24 JENKINTOWN, Pa.: Come celebrate NEW YORK: Award-winning historian Serhii the New Year with family and friends Plokhy, Mykhailo Hrushevsky Professor of at the annual Philadelphia Malanka. Ukrainian History at Harvard University, will This year, the popular Canadian zaba- present his new history of Ukraine, “The va band Zvook will provide entertain- Gates of Europe,” in which he argues that we ment; a complimentary champagne must examine Ukraine’s past in order to toast, hot buffet dinner and cash bar understand its present and future. “Finally: a will also be offered. The event begins compelling and concise history of a country 9 p.m. at the Ukrainian Educational leading the news but which too many know and Cultural Center, 700 Cedar Road, embarrassingly little about. There are no Jenkintown, PA 19046. Discounted more excuses for ignorance,” wrote Peter advance tickets are available until Pomerantsev. Join us at 2 p.m. Admission January 16 for adults at $45 ($50 at (includes gallery access and reception): $15; door), seniors at $40 and students at members and seniors, $10; students, $5. The $25 ($30 at door). For ticket and Ukrainian Museum is located at 222 E. Sixth hotel information contact 267-415- St; telephone, 212-228-0110; website, www. 6580 or [email protected]. ukrainianmuseum.org.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service pro- vided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian com- munity. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number and/or e-mail address to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication (i.e., they must be received by 9 a.m. Monday). Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail mes- sage. Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054.

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