Part 3 of THE YEAR IN REVIEW pages 5-16

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXV No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 $2.00 Petro Matiaszek: promoting Ukraine U.S. Senate confi rms Haley, advocate via “honest dialogue” with investors of Ukraine sovereignty, as U.N. envoy nee for secretary of state, was narrowly by Mark Raczkiewycz RFE/RL approved by the Senate Foreign Relations KYIV – Petro Matiaszek prefers “govern- WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed Committee on January 23. The vote was ment relations and communications” to the President Donald Trump’s pick to be U.S. 11-10, with all Republicans voting for him streetwise adage of “fixer” to describe his ambassador to the United Nations by a and all Democrats voting against. 23-year illustrious role in Ukraine. For decisive 96-to-4 vote on January 24. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) praised Mr. nearly two decades, the New York Law Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina won Tillerson for being well-qualified for the School graduate has smoothly navigated support from most Democratic senators post, but Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the rank- because she testified that she does not sup- among the three sectors of society – public, ing opposition member on the committee, port Republican efforts to slash U.S. fund- private and civil society – with such fluidity said he would oppose the nominee because ing for the U.N. that he could easily build a checklist of “Tillerson’s demonstrated business orien- Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said Gov. Haley accomplishments: tation and his responses to questions dur- also said that “Crimea is not Russian” Bring Kentucky Fried Chicken to Ukraine ing the confirmation hearing could com- despite Moscow’s annexation of the penin- – done. promise his ability as secretary of state to sula in 2014, and she spoke “very strongly” Translate for ex-President Viktor promote the values and ideals that have about defending Ukrainian sovereignty. Yushchenko – done. defined our country.” Senate Foreign Relations Committee Before the committee vote, Sens. John Send parliamentary delegations to Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said Gov. Europe – done. McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, (R-S.C.) said they would support Mr. Help raise some $25 million to help will be a “fierce advocate” for U.S. interests Ukraine’s war refugees – done. Tillerson despite his close ties to Russia Petro Matiaszek at the U.N. and President Vladimir Putin. They said in Ultimately, it was the late renowned * * * a joint statement that although they “still economist Bohdan Hawrylyshyn who proper bill research and writing, among The Washington Post reported that dur- have concerns” about Mr. Tillerson’s previ- brought the Paterson, N.J., native to Kyiv. Dr. other duties that eventually extended to ing her confirmation hearing on January 18 ous dealings with Russia and Mr. Putin, Hawrylyshyn made a fateful offer over the three years. He also built ties with foreign Gov. Haley said she agrees that Russia invad- they “believe that Mr. Tillerson can be an phone in July 1994 for the recent graduate Parliaments by sending Verkhovna Rada ed and seized Ukrainian territory in 2014 effective advocate for U.S. interests.” They in Manhattan to an initial one-year consul- delegations abroad through a Soros-funded and that U.S. and international sanctions said the nominee convinced them he was tancy stint at the newly created Council of project. were an appropriate response. She said she deserving of their support following some Advisors within Ukraine’s Parliament that Marrying his Ukrainian American heri- would consider additional sanctions, which private meetings “and much discussion.” was being funded by philanthropist George tage – his father was a World War II refugee Mr. Trump has said he may oppose. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said that, Soros. from western Ukraine and his mother a The New York Times quoted Gov. Haley despite some concerns about the nomi- The mid-1990s “was about building a Dutch Anglo-Saxon who traced her roots to as saying: “Russia is trying to show their nee’s close ties to Russia, he would vote for country… In some ways that’s still going on. colonists who settled in the New World in muscle right now. It’s what they do.” She his approval. In a Facebook statement on That was for me the most fascinating thing 1640 – to nation-building in Ukraine, he added: “I don’t think we can trust them. We January 23, Sen. Rubio said he was trou- that I couldn’t get in America,” Mr. said, amounted to “being part of a move- have to continue to be very strong back, bled that Mr. Tillerson refused to agree Matiaszek, 51, said of his decision. ment.” and show them what this new administra- with him that Mr. Putin had committed war Ukraine was being reborn. Nation- “This was a way to continue doing that, tion is going to be.” crimes through Russian military attacks on building was in full swing. but now living in the country and working civilians in Syria. And Mr. Matiaszek was involved in trans- in the government,” he said in a downtown Senate committee approves Tillerson nomination “Despite [Tillerson’s] extensive experi- forming the nation’s Soviet-era rubber- Kyiv café not far from his apartment that ence in Russia and his personal relation- stamping legislative body into a bona fide Former ExxonMobil chief executive Rex ship with many of its leaders, he claimed he institution, where he landed to assist in (Continued on page 19) Tillerson, President Donald Trump’s nomi- did not have sufficient information to determine whether Putin and his cronies were responsible for ordering the murder of countless dissidents, journalists and U.S. ambassador to U.N. says Russia ‘tearing down’ world order political opponents,” Sen. Rubio added. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), in a state- RFE/RL ment issued on January 23, noted: “Based WASHINGTON – The outgoing U.S. ambassador to the United on my dialogue with Mr. Tillerson, I expect Nations has accused Russia of engaging in aggressive and desta- the Trump administration to maintain America’s longstanding commitment to our bilizing actions that she says are threatening the rules-based alliances around the world, particularly international order. NATO, and to lead these allies in standing Samantha Power made the remarks on January 17 at the up to threats against shared interests and Washington-based Atlantic Council in her last major speech as ideals such as Russia’s illegal annexation of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Crimea and aggression in eastern Ukraine She cited the illegal seizure by Russia of Ukraine’s Crimean and Syria.” He added that he was reassured peninsula and the Kremlin’s intervention in the conflict in east- by the nominee’s pledge “not to lift sanc- ern Ukraine, support of the Syrian government in that country’s tions on Russia or accept a change in the war, and efforts to influence elections in Western democracies U.S. position on Crimea without the agree- through computer hacking and misinformation campaigns ment of the Ukrainian people.” designed to influence public opinion. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on January Ambassador Power said: “Russia’s actions are not standing up 23 cited his reasons for voting against Mr. Ambassador Samantha Power/Facebook a new world order. They are tearing down the one that exists.” Ambassador Samantha Power addresses the Atlantic Tillerson’s nomination, and noted: “…at a Council on January 17. Based on reporting by Russia and AP (Continued on page 20) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5 Kyiv urges Trump to keep sanctions on Russia Poroshenko says no to early elections evidence “would be difficult to provide, Only Lithuania has provided Ukraine particularly in a conflict situation.” by Christopher Miller KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro International investigators have found that RFE/RL with small arms and ammunition, Mr. Poroshenko has said that “some politicians Poltorak said. the Malaysia Airlines jet that crashed in in Kyiv and Moscow” are pushing to force eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 KYIV – Ukrainian Defense Minister While it remains to be seen whether Mr. Ukraine to hold early parliamentary elec- Stepan Poltorak has urged U.S. President Trump will continue supporting Ukraine, people aboard, was shot down by a missile tions in order “to destabilize our country.” fired by a Buk launcher that had been Donald Trump to continue providing his other allies have promised their continued Speaking on the occasion of Unity Day on brought in from Russia and returned back crisis-stricken country with political and support. January 22, Mr. Poroshenko said he would across the border later, despite repeated military assistance, urging Trump to con- Britain’s Defense Secretary Michael use all legal means to counter such efforts. denials of involvement in the war in the tinue sanctions against Russia to deter “fur- Fallon said in Kyiv on January 20 that The president also said there would be no Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Almaz-Antey ther escalation” of the war in eastern Britain “stands firm” with Ukraine and changes to the Constitution until “security has disputed findings of the international Ukraine by the Kremlin. would continue training its military. issues” are settled in the eastern Donbas investigators, claiming it conducted tests In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL More than 9,750 people have been killed region. “In a difficult dialogue, we persuad- that showed the missile was fired by an on January 21, a day after Mr. Trump’s inau- in Ukraine’s fight against Russia-backed ed our foreign allies that any step toward guration, Mr. Poltorak said it is “very impor- separatists in the country’s eastern political settlement must be preceded by older Buk model that was no longer in ser- tant for Ukraine to have the political back- Donetsk and Luhansk regions, according to obvious and indisputable progress on secu- vice in the Russian military and that it was ing of the United States” and for Mr. Trump the United Nations. Russia denies support- rity issues,” he said. Mr. Poroshenko also launched from territory held by Ukrainian to “keep sanctions imposed against Russia ing the separatists with money, weapons, chided politicians who seem open to the government forces. The investigators have in place, as this is one of the major aspects and soldiers despite an overwhelming idea of renouncing Ukraine’s sovereignty in dismissed those claims, saying they are not that is deterring any further escalation on amount of evidence. Donbas, saying they had no right to “scat- supported by the evidence. The Russian the part of President [Vladimir] Putin.” ter” the territories gathered by previous company charged that the court’s ruling U.S. assistance ‘critical’ Mr. Poltorak said lifting sanctions would generations. (RFE/RL, based on reporting was politically motivated. “We find that send a dangerous signal to Russia and other A peace deal meant to end the conflict, by RIA Novosti and Interfax) today’s decision... is political and is not countries that violate international law – known as the Minsk accord, has been violat- based on a legal assessment of the case,” Court rejects challenge against sanctions possibly bringing “chaos to the world” – ed on an almost daily basis since a second Almaz-Antey’s press service quoted CEO Yan Novikov as saying. The sanctions were because it suggests they will likely face mini- version of it was agreed in February 2015. BRUSSELS – A European Union court has prolonged by six months in September mal consequences for future illegalities. Security monitors from the Organization rejected a bid by Russian arms maker 2016 and are expected to be extended by He suggested that Russia would be for Security and Cooperation in Europe Almaz-Antey to force the EU to lift sanctions another six months in March. (RFE/RL, enticed to seize more Ukrainian territory or (OSCE) documented more than 300,000 imposed in connection with the conflict in with reporting by AFP and TASS) even invade a NATO-member country. cease-fire violations in 2016, Principal eastern Ukraine. The EU slapped sanctions Mr. Trump, who has spoken admiringly of Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug told on Almaz-Antey in July 2014, together with Poroshenko confident of Trump’s support Mr. Putin, told The Wall Street Journal recent- RFE/RL last week. 36 other entities and 146 people that ly that he plans to keep the sanctions in place Mr. Poltorak told RFE/RL the only way to Brussels considers responsible for “actions DAVOS, Switzerland – Ukrainian “at least a period of time,” but suggested he end the conflict is through political and diplo- undermining or threatening the territorial President Petro Poroshenko expressed con- would consider lifting them if Russia helps matic means, “but these means are only pos- integrity, sovereignty and independence of fidence that the new U.S. president will the United States fight terrorists. sible if [Ukraine] will have a powerful army.” Ukraine.” The Luxembourg-based General support Ukraine in its struggle against The Obama administration first imposed He said significant progress has been Court said on January 25 that the EU Russian aggression despite his desire to sanctions against Russia after it invaded made since early 2014 in modernizing Council had not acted disproportionately in mend ties with Moscow. In interviews with and illegally annexed Ukraine’s Crimea Ukraine’s 250,000-strong armed forces. The freezing the funds of Almaz-Antey, which The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Peninsula in 2014. country had just 5,000 to 6,000 combat-ready makes anti-aircraft weaponry including Reuters at the Davos economic summit in Mr. Obama hit Moscow with more sanc- troops when the conflict broke out in 2014. Buk surface-to-air missile systems, and that Switzerland on January 18, Mr. Poroshenko tions in January in response to Russia’s Ukraine also has been producing new the reason for putting it on sanctions list in said supportive statements from Donald alleged hacking during the U.S. election. tanks and refurbishing old ones, as well as 2014 was valid. At the time, the official EU Trump’s Cabinet nominees in confirmation “If you get along and if Russia is really producing its own unmanned fighting vehi- journal said that “the Russian authorities hearings in the past week have given him helping us, why would anybody have sanc- cles and aerial drones. have been providing heavy weaponry to reason for optimism. “We are enjoying the tions if somebody’s doing some really great Still, Mr. Poltorak said, U.S. assistance – separatists in eastern Ukraine, contributing strong bipartisan support” in the United things?” Trump told The Wall Street J ournal. especially assistance with troop training – to the destabilization of Ukraine,” and that States, Mr. Poroshenko told the Journal. “I was critical for Ukraine. the weapons were being used for “shooting am absolutely sure that the continuation of Poroshenko hopeful “Unfortunately, we cannot influence down airplanes” among other things. State- our cooperation with the United States will Speaking at the World Economic Forum whatever decisions [Trump] might take or owned Almaz-Antey “therefore contributes be very effective.” Mr. Poroshenko said that in Davos on January 20, Ukrainian President not take” in regard to U.S. assistance for to the destabilization of Ukraine,” it said. he plans to visit Washington next month Petro Poroshenko said he remains “hopeful Ukraine, Mr. Poltorak said. The court said that the EU was not required and he hopes to meet with President to continue fruitful Ukraine-U.S.A. coopera- Regardless, Mr. Poltorak said, “we will to “demonstrate positively that the weap- Trump. He added that he respects the tion and expect Transatlantic unity.” protect our own country to the very end.” ons which Almaz-Antey produced were Eighteen countries have provided “What I can be sure of is that Putin and his used in Ukraine by the separatists” as such (Continued on page 18) Ukraine with military-related assistance. forces won’t have an easy walk around the Mr. Poltorak said most foreign assistance territory of Ukraine,” Mr. Poltorak concluded. has come from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Lithuania in the form of mili- Copyright 2017, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 tary training and military equipment. with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ T U W Washington’s assistance has included Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., more than $1.3 billion in assistance, includ- Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. ing the cost of training and equipment, http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-urges-trump- Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. since 2014. keep-sanctions-russia/28248805.html) Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) The Weekly: UNA: U.N. confirms Yanukovych asked Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Kremlin to deploy troops in Ukraine 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas P.O. Box 280 UNIAN Russian troops in Ukraine, and all official materials that Russia had enclosed with the Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] KYIV – The Prosecutor General’s Office application by Russia’s envoy to the U.N. of Ukraine has received a copy of a state- Churkin,” wrote Mr. Lutsenko. The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com ment by Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine’s He stressed that all papers Ukraine president at the time, requesting Moscow received were recognized by the U.N. as The Ukrainian Weekly, January 29, 2017, No. 5, Vol. LXXXV to deploy its military forces in Ukraine, official documents, which had been provid- Copyright © 2017 The Ukrainian Weekly Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko wrote ed by the Russian Federation. on Facebook. “The investigators from the military “The Chief Military Prosecutor’s Office prosecutor’s office received irrefutable doc- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA received, through the Permanent Mission umentary evidence of Yanukovych’s trea- of Ukraine [to the U.N.] the official letter of son. I received the permit for the publica- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 the U.N. Secretariat with a photocopy certi- tion of data obtained in a pre-trial investi- e-mail: [email protected] fied with the official seal of the United gation from a senior prosecutor in the case Nations of Yanukovych’s statement from of Yanukovych treason,” the prosecutor Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] March 1, 2014, with a request to deploy general wrote. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Kremlin learning to navigate Washington’s new unpredictability

by Pavel Felgenhauer met with applause in Russia. The United States and its the 1980s, by making a nuclear arms deal with Russia. But Eurasia Daily Monitor allies imposed sanctions on Russia to punish Moscow for Mr. Putin would surely hate to be seen as a reincarnation of annexing Crimea in 2014 and promoting an armed conflict Reagan’s late-Cold War counterpart, Mikhail Gorbachev, In the run-up to his inauguration this week (January in eastern Ukraine. Last month, Washington imposed addi- who dismantled the Soviet superpower and is seen by many 20), President-elect Donald Trump has been saying all the tional sanctions in retaliation for Moscow’s alleged hacking of Mr. Putin’s domestic supporters as a traitor. Since coming right words Moscow would seem to want to hear. The operations aimed at influencing the outcome of the 2016 to power in 2000, Mr. Putin has not signed a single arms Kremlin openly supported Mr. Trump’s recent character- U.S. presidential election. Sanctions are hurting Russia, and reduction treaty – which is hardly a coincidence. He delegat- ization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mr. Trump seems ready to use the prospect of sanctions ed his lieutenant, Dmitry Medvedev – who at the time as “obsolete.” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press sec- relief “to make some good deals” (Interfax, January 16). served as Russian president, albeit with more limited pow- retary, Dmitry Peskov, declared, “We fully agree – NATO is Sanctions are indeed biting, and removing them without ers – to sign the 2010 New START treaty with Mr. Obama. hell-bent on promoting confrontation, and we have been Russia having actually made any serious concessions on, Of course, the Kremlin stated for the record that the for a long time insisting it is a leftover [of the Cold War]” say, Crimea would be seen as a major political victory by Russian government fully supports nuclear disarmament (Militarynews.ru, January 16). Mr. Putin. But substantially cutting nuclear weapons stock- in principal, but a link to sanctions is wrong and unwork- Moreover, Moscow has for decades struggled and failed piles does not seem high on Mr. Putin’s agenda – nor, able – sanctions may be reinstated at the stroke of a pen, to find common ground with the European Commission – indeed, does it seem desirable for the Kremlin. Russia while rebuilding a nuclear submarine or silo-based missile the European Union’s executive arm. So Mr. Trump’s pre- spent hundreds of billions of dollars in the last decade to is not that easy. Russian officials say they are ready to dis- diction to journalists (published in The Times and Bild on vastly enhance its nuclear arsenal and build an array of cuss nuclear security issues with Mr. Trump, but any deal January 15) that the European Union is likely to disinte- new long-range delivery vehicles. The Russian navy has to cut nuclear warhead numbers must be accompanied by grate into disrepair after last June’s Brexit vote is an out- deployed three newly built Borei-class strategic nuclear the U.S. pledging to scrap its missile defense deployment come the Kremlin would surely want to see. Russia has tra- submarines, and five more Borei-class subs are under con- plans. In addition, other nuclear powers (China, France and ditionally preferred to broker separate arrangements with struction. A new intercontinental sea-based ballistic mis- the United Kingdom) should join the talks and also cut individual Western countries instead of dealing with sile – the Bulava – has been developed and deployed with their stockpiles. As long as these preconditions are not strong multinational institutions – an attitude apparently the Borei-class submarines. Dozens of nuclear and non- met, there is no scope for any further arms cuts (RIA very similar to that of Mr. Trump. nuclear attack subs are being built, as well as surface war- Novosti, January 16). Undermining NATO and the EU is absolutely in line with ships equipped with long-range nuclear-capable cruise According to a recent statement by Defense Minister Moscow’s long-term strategic objectives. Mr. Putin’s missiles. After the Borei-class submarine building program Sergei Shoigu, “The world is becoming less stable; world Kremlin may be prepared to just stand back and wait to is complete, a new program is in the works to build a next- powers confront each other to control resources and seek see what damage Mr. Trump himself may inflict on these generation of strategic ballistic missile-carrying nuclear domination. The West refuses to accept Russia’s vital institutions. But the President-elect’s publicly proposed subs – the Husky class (Nvo.ng.ru, December 23). national interests and sees the expansion of Russian influ- first offer to Moscow of a major deal to somehow exchange An array of new land-based intercontinental ballistic ence in the post-Soviet space as a threat.” In response, nuclear arms reduction for sanction relief has not been missiles (ICBM) have reached the stage of launch testing according to Mr. Shoigu, Russia will strengthen its military and may soon go into production: railroad-mobile capabilities and “continue a massive program of nuclear (Barguzin) ICBMs, heavy silo-based (Sarmat) ICBMs, as rearmament, deploying modern ICBMs on land and sea, well as land-mobile Yars and Rubez ICBMs (Militarynews. [and] modernizing the strategic bomber force” (Mil.ru, Ukraine upgraded ru, November 3). By 2020, Russia may have more than 10 January 12). types of land-based deployed ICBMs and up to five differ- Mr. Trump’s proposed sanctions-for-nukes deal was a ent sea-based ballistic missiles, while the U.S. has only two non-starter, but it sent an important signal – the new U.S. in yearly graft ranking deployed long-range ballistic missiles – the vintage land- administration sees sanctions imposed as punishment for based Minuteman and the sea-based Trident. aggression and wrongdoing as bargaining chips that may on back of e-declarations Moscow has refused President Barack Obama’s offers to be traded for something totally unrelated. The new U.S. agree to substantially cut its nuclear arsenal and will surely president seems uninterested in the future of Ukraine and by Mark Raczkiewycz reject Mr. Trump’s, assuming the new U.S. president’s pro- may believe Russia could be allowed to take it over as a posal is a strategic hoax. In Moscow’s thinking, Russia dependency if it wishes or if it is ready to pay off Mr. Trump KYIV – Ukraine slightly improved on the yearly corrup- spent a great deal of money and sees itself ahead of the with some lucrative deal. Or maybe the Kremlin indeed tion index compiled by Transparency International, plac- United States in nuclear armament, so Washington has an holds some devastating “kompromat” (compromising ing in the 26th percentile alongside regional peers Russia incentive to try to offer to scrap its vintage nuclear delivery material) connected with Mr. Trump, and the new presi- and Kazakhstan. systems in exchange for the demolition of newer and more dent is simply seeking a pretext to lift sanctions. The Berlin-based corruption watchdog said Ukraine sophisticated Russian ones to achieve a military advantage. ranked 131st out of 176 countries last year, a minor Mr. Trump may try to style himself as a new Ronald The article above is reprinted from Eurasia Daily Monitor improvement over the previous year when it ranked 130 Reagan, the still immensely popular late Republican presi- with permission from its publisher, the Jamestown out of 167 countries – or in the 23rd percentile. dent who ended the nuclear arms race in the second half of Foundation, www.jamestown.org. The upgrade, which saw Ukraine garner 29 out of 100 points on perceived corruption that the non-profit gauges via its surveys, was “attributed to the launch of the e-decla- ration system that allows Ukrainians to see the assets of politicians and senior civil servants, including those of the Ukrainian contingent in Women’s March president,” TI said on January 25. Multiple surveys conducted by Ukrainian polling firms raises issue of Trump-Putin connection last year found that the mandatory electronic asset decla- rations were by far the most popular anti-graft measure implemented by the government. More than 50,000 offi- cials filed declarations last year, exposing their extraordi- nary wealth amid the paltry official salaries they receive. For example, the 24 members of the current Cabinet of Ministers declared hoarding $7 million just in cash, accord- ing to a Reuters news agency report. However, the non-profit Transparency International noted that “cases of grand corruption against former President Viktor Yanukovych and his cronies are currently stalled due to systemic problems in the judicial system.” The latest graft index also observed that pervasive cor- ruption contributes to “public discontent and mistrust of the political system.” “In many countries of the region, insufficient account- ability has generated a perception of quasi-impunity of political elites, and the current wave of populism over Europe seems to enable legalization of corruption and cli- entelism, feeding the extreme power of wealthy individu- als that steer or own the decision-making power,” TI said. Kevin Gibson In countries once part of the Soviet Union, TI noticed that PHILADELPHIA – A Ukrainian contingent at the January 21 Women’s March on Philadelphia gave voice to the political decision-making is “captured” by members of par- concerns of Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans following the presidential inauguration, in particular the relation- liament and local governors “who are also business owners, ship with Russia. The event was one of 600-plus protests around the world affiliated with the Women’s March on without being questioned by the public, which perceives Washington, which drew a record half-million participants. From left are: Jeanne Schmolze, Mary Kalyna, Olena this as something normal.” Thus, a “culture of impunity pre- Mishchuk, Irina Bronshteyn, Yulia Kurka and Roman Cybriwsky. – Mary Kalyna vails among politicians, prosecutors and oligarchs.” 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

WINDOW ON EURASIA FOR THE RECORD Putin’s real advantage over Trump: Trump speaks on foreign policy shift from politics of values to politics of deals in his inaugural address by Paul Goble encouraged them to think so with his talk Below are excerpts from President Donald We will seek friendship and goodwill of doing deals with Moscow. “In Russia,” J. Trump’s inaugural address that are related with the nations of the world – but we do In assessing Vladimir Putin’s influence they argue, “this is viewed as a sign that to foreign policy (from the transcript posted so with the understanding that it is the over Donald Trump, many focus on reports sanctions may be softened or partially online on January 20 by The Washington right of all nations to put their own inter- about “kompromat,” sexual or financial, or eliminated.” Post). ests first. Moscow’s role in last year’s U.S. elections. “A ‘deal’ is, of course, a word from the We do not seek to impose our way of life But a Moscow newspaper on January 17 language of business,” the newspaper … We assembled here today are issuing on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an pointed to what may be an even greater notes, and it is one that Mr. Trump has a new decree to be heard in every city, in example for everyone to follow. source of this sway: the shift in bilateral made the centerpiece of his worldview every foreign capital, and in every hall of We will reinforce old alliances and form relations from a politics of values to a poli- from the titles of his books to the way he power. new ones – and unite the civilized world tics of making deals. has talked about doing deals with Russia in From this day forward, a new vision will against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which When values informed the relationship his recent interviews in The Times and govern our land. we will eradicate completely from the face between Moscow and Washington, each Bild. And he has surrounded himself with a From this moment on, it’s going to be of the Earth. side had reasons both to reach agreements Cabinet full of businessmen as well. America First. At the bedrock of our politics will be a and also to walk away from any that didn’t Of course, this is not the first time that a Every decision on trade, on taxes, on total allegiance to the United States of meet those values. But now, first in Russia Western leader has been a businessman or immigration, on foreign affairs, will be America, and through our loyalty to our and now in the U.S., there are two leaders surrounded himself with those like himself; made to benefit American workers and country, we will rediscover our loyalty to who approach talks looking for deals in the nor is it the first time that Moscow has American families. … each other. … first instance rather than the promotion of placed its hopes in such people. After the anything but naked interest. West imposed sanctions, the Russian lead- And in this brave new world, the one ership hoped that European business inter- who wants or needs an agreement more – ests would limit or even bring them to a Obama speaks on Russia, Ukraine and in this case, it is almost certainly the rapid end. incoming president, given his commitment “The Russian leadership and the media to be seen making deals – who is at a disad- which support it,” the paper’s editors say, at his final press conference vantage relative to the one, also wants “consider that the habits both of thought Following is an excerpt from President Putin came back into the presidency, that deals [the Russian president], but who and behavior of businessmen are useful for Barack Obama’s final press conference as he an escalating anti-American rhetoric and knows that his opposite number wants a politician [because] they make him more leaves office. A transcript of the January 18 an approach to global affairs that seem to them more desperately and quickly than moderate, stable and oriented toward news conference at the White House be premised on the idea that whatever he. mutual profit,” whereas others may pursue appeared in The Washington Post. The America’s trying to do must be bad for That conclusion is suggested by an edi- more ideologically driven agendas. excerpt below is Mr. Obama’s answer to a Russians, so we want to try to counter act torial in Nezavisimaya Gazeta titled “The “It is noteworthy,” they continue, “that in reporter’s question about whether President- whatever they do. That returned to an Politics of Deals in Place of the Politics of domestic Russian politics, businessmen elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that sanc- adversarial spirit that I think existed during Values,” in which the paper seeks to explain have a different image.” There, successful tions on Russia could be lifted is “an effective the Cold War, has made the relationship why Russia is so hopeful that it will get entrepreneurs and “even more billionaires” strategy” and about what advice the presi- more difficult. more of what it wants when Mr. Trump are viewed suspiciously for the kind of dent would give the president-elect’s advis- And it was hammered home when takes office (ng.ru/editorial/2017-01-17/ actions they have engaged in to gain and ers “to help him be effective when he deals Russia went into Crimea and portions of 2_6904_red.html). keep their wealth and are compelled to with Vladimir Putin.” Ukraine. The reason we imposed the sanc- tions, recall, was not because of nuclear The Russian powers that be, the editors expiate their “guilt” by building sports facil- Well, a couple of things. Number one, I say, “continue to put their hopes in Donald ities and the like. weapons issues, it was because the inde- think it is in America’s interest and the pendence and sovereignty of a country, Trump,” and the incoming president has Someone with Mr. Trump’s “back- world’s interest that we have a constructive ground,” the editors say, would be “con- Ukraine, had been encroached upon by relationship with Russia. That’s been my force, by Russia. That wasn’t our judgment, Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on demned to defeat in Russian politics” approach throughout my presidency. because he is very rich, his advisors would that was the judgment of the entire interna- ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Where our interests have overlapped we’ve tional community. remind everyone of the oligarchs, and per- who has served in various capacities in the worked together. And, Russia continues to occupy haps especially because Trump’s immedi- U.S. State Department, the Central At the beginning of my term, I did what I Ukrainian territory, and meddle in Ukrainian ate domestic goal is to dismantle the uni- Intelligence Agency and the International could to encourage Russia to be a construc- affairs, and support military surrogates who versal health care system Barack Obama Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice tive member of the international communi- have violated basic international laws and fought for. of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio ty and tried to work with the president and international norms. What I’ve said to the Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for “In Russia, such moves would be inter- the government of Russia in helping them Russians is, as soon as you stop doing that, International Peace. The article above is preted in only one way – as an anti-people diversify their economy, improve their the sanctions will be removed. And I think it reprinted with permission from his blog policy,” the paper says. economy, use the incredible talents of the would probably best serve, not only called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- Russian people in more constructive ways. woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). (Continued on page 17) I think it’s fair to say that after President (Continued on page 20)

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: December 2016 Amount Name City State Pyk Emil La Grange IL $10.00 Bilos Z Elk Grove Vlg IL $310.00 Kashimer Daniel Brooklyn NY Sklierenko Bohdan & Luba Mississauga ON Dubinin Svetlana Del Mar CA $215.00 Kramarchuk Alex Jupiter FL Sochaniwsky Daria Mississauga ON Fedorko James Rutherford NJ $115.00 Hrycelak Maria Park Ridge IL $35.00 Wolchasty Anthony Southampton PA Hann Tina Scottsdale AZ $100.00 Deychakiwsky Yuriy & Irena North Potomac MD $30.00 Kuzycz Jurij Glen Ellyn IL Hodges Linda Ames IA Hoshowsky Christine Rochester NY Oharenko Maria Redondo Beach CA Kernitsky Roman Colts Neck NJ Masiuk George Alexandria VA Soltys George Montreal QC Konopada Jaroslaw Warren MI Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH $25.00 Hrycyk Orest Syracuse NY Ochrym Jean Etobicoke ON Ursone Eugenia South Windsor CT Kowal Igor Concord MA Shust Nestor Fairlawn OH $75.00 Ritter Alexandra Bethlehem PA Kuryliw Ihor Weston ON Skrypka Wolodymyr Gainesville GA $60.00 Klufas Constantine & O San Antonio TX Kyryluk Jennie Boynton Beach FL Soroka Marusia Mississauga ON 50.00 Babiak Adrian Silver Spring MD Onuferko Luba Jenkintown PA Zinych Tania & Walter Yardley PA Chuma-Bitcon Vera Wayne NJ $20.00 Bilenki Irene Morris Plains NJ $5.00 Kopanycia Dorothy Trenton NJ Fedoriw Ihor Schnecksville PA Dolinsky Larissa Westfield NJ Melnycky Peter Edmonton AB Kulish Mary Ann Bayonne NJ Lutwiniak P Sunrise FL Melinyshyn John Arlington Hts IL Polansky Larysa Cleveland OH TOTAL: $2,545.00 Omelczenko Victor West Hollywood CA Sos John Y & Ulana Providence RI Orichowskyj Stephan Cherry Hill NJ Wawryshyn Michael Toronto ON Sincere thanks to all contributors Paschuk Larisa Verona NJ Woloszyn Gregory & Maria Forest Hills NY to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. Stasiuk Demetrius Englewood FL $15.00 Kipa Albert Allentown PA $40.00 Blahy Genya Beechhurst NY Krupa Borys Unionville CT The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only Lucenko Leonard Bonita Springs FL Nebesny Michael & Stefana Clinton IN fund dedicated exclusively to supporting Porytko Nestor & Christine Croton-On-Hudson NY Palij Peter Ardsley NY the work of this publication. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 5

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Ukrainians in the U.S.: Activity and advocacy krainians in the U.S. were busy with the events, festi- vals and humanitarian projects of various Ukrainian Uorganizations. With the election cycle coming to a close in November 2016, political advocacy was of the utmost concern for many Ukrainians in the U.S. Ukraine’s wounded veterans – Vadim Sviridenko, Vadym Maznichenko, Col. Ihor Hordiychuk and Oleksandr Kosolapov – who were receiving care at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., were greeted by Christmas carolers on January 10. Singers included local members of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian American Youth Association. The United Ukrainian American Relief Committee (UUARC) continued its great work in delivering humani- tarian aid and other medical supplies to Ukraine. Roman Dzivinskyi, who lost his left arm from the elbow and fin- gers of his right hand during the Maidan revolt in Kyiv, got fitted in Philadelphia for a biomechanical prosthetic hand and arm. Nearly the entire cost of $47,000 was paid for by UUARC donations. Mr. Dzivinskyi, via Facebook, thanked the UUARC and the Ukrainian American community of the United States, as well as the Touch Bionics Ukraine com- Members of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian American Youth Association visited with pany that helped design the prosthetics. and sang Christmas carols for Ukraine’s wounded warriors who were receiving treatment at Walter Reed National For the second year in a row, UUARC hosted children Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., on January 10. living in the frontline cities of the Donbas for a two-week camping trip in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains on the international community to publicly condemn who were joined by Bishop Daniel of the UOC-U.S.A. and in July-August. The program served nearly 200 children at Russia’s illegal imprisonment of Ms. Savchenko and Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka of the Ukrainian a cost of $25,000. Children were also able to enjoy a tour demand that she and other illegally imprisoned Catholic Church, met at the U.S. Department of State with of Kyiv, Lviv and the Ivano-Frankivsk regions. Ukrainians be freed. newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie The St. Joseph’s Adult Care Home in Sloatsburg, N.Y., is In a release on July 21, the UCCA said it had met with Yovanovitch. Ambassador Yovanovitch noted her ancestral celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2017. In 2016, the the Democratic and Republican national committees and roots – she was born in Canada to Russian immigrants – Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, who have owned and each leading candidate’s policy advisors to express the and thanked the UCCA for its work in Ukraine. She also operated the facility since 1941, announced their plans to foreign policy concerns of Ukrainian Americans in the acknowledged the continued work of the religious com- expand and renovate buildings – among them a former lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. The UCCA pro- munities in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian delegation urged carriage house and horse stables – on their 256-acre posed party platform commitments in areas of Ukraine’s for the ambassador to meet regularly with religious lead- property. The work would include increasing the number territorial integrity and sovereignty, maintaining and ers in Ukraine. of rooms for senior citizens from 31 to 50. The location strengthening sanctions against Russia, rejecting Russian Prior to the G-20 summit in China on September 4-5, was at one time part of an estate that was owned by the rule of Crimea, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the UCCA sent a letter of concern to President Barack great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton. The expansion equipment from Ukraine’s territory, increased military Obama, arguing that Russia’s Vladimir Putin had no place was estimated to cost $6 million, and at the time, only assistance and training programs with Ukraine, NATO’s at that meeting. “The UCCA finds it reprehensible that $500,000 had been raised. Major advocacy for the project membership policy and U.S. commitment to its allies, world leaders would consider meeting with President came from Bishop Paul Chomnycky of the Stamford development of civil society with educational, profession- Putin to discuss global economic growth and increasing Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, and a $50,000 al and democracy-building programs, reform of immigra- trade and investment, while the Russian Federation con- initial donation came from Self Reliance New York Federal tion regulation with the Visa Waiver Program, U.S. trade tinues to illegally occupy Crimea and wage a hybrid war in Credit Union, with more contributions promised. and investment in Ukraine, and energy independence Ukraine’s Donbas region.” The UCCA called on Russia to The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, in a from Russia. de-occupy Crimea and to abide by international law, citing statement on March 8, called on President Barack Obama On July 31 the UCCA expressed its concerns about the threats to the international legal system posed by to demand the immediate release of Nadiya Savchenko. statements made by Republican presidential candidate Russia’s actions. “…the security of the U.S. (and the world’s The UCCA stated that she was being illegally detained Donald Trump, following its June meeting with Sam democracies) lies in the expansion of democracy and after being abducted by Russian authorities on June 17, Clovis, policy advisor for Mr. Trump. The UCCA under- mutual security guarantees, not the appeasement of impe- 2014, and described the farcical show trial. Russia, the scored the reality on the ground in Ukraine, with Russians rial states,” the September letter stated. statement continued, had clearly violated “her human having invaded Ukraine and Russia’s occupation of At the XXII Congress of Ukrainians at the Ukrainian rights and defies all international standards according to Crimea. “…The United States, as a signatory to the 1994 National Home in Hartford on September 23-25, Andriy clause 5 of the September 5, 2014, Minsk Protocol, which Trilateral Agreement, has an obligation to assist Ukraine Futey was elected president of the Ukrainian Congress calls for the immediate release of all unlawfully detained in defense of its national security and territorial integrity, Committee of America. During the meeting, representa- persons.” Her treatment as a prisoner of war was a direct and its efforts to institutionalize democratic and economic tives of branches from across the United States (New York, violation of the Geneva Convention and Russia must be reforms,” the UCCA statement noted. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and held accountable, the UCCA said. The statement also called On August 8, members of the UCCA executive board, Illinois) ratified more than two-dozen changes to the orga- nization’s by-laws. Greetings were offered to the 80 attending delegates by surrogates for presidential candi- dates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Other board members elected to a four-year term included National Council Chair Stefan Kaczaraj, (president of the Ukrainian National Association and chairman of the board of the Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union), Executive Vice- President Michael Sawkiw Jr. (director of the Ukrainian National Information Service in Washington), Executive Secretary Marie Duplak and Treasurer Myron Kolinsky. The remaining board posts were announced in December at the National Council meeting. The board includes a rep- resentative of the UCCA Educational Council, the director of the Ukrainian National Fund, and appointed represen- tatives of: the Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics in America, Ukrainian National Credit Union Association, United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Ukrainian American Youth Association, New Ukrainian Wave, Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine and the Illinois Division of the UCCA. Also during the congress, the Taras Shevchenko Freedom Award was presented to: Roma Hadzewycz (editor-in-chief Andriy Shegera of The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda), Marie Duplak (exec- Ukrainian Americans at the Ukraina Monument, California State Landmark No. 1025, in Garin Regional Park in utive secretary of the UCCA), Michael Sawkiw Jr. (director of Hayward, Calif., on May 21 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of the Rev. Agapius Honcharenko. UNIS), and Dr. Larissa Kyj (director of the UUARC). 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Interviewed while in Kyiv, Mr. Futey explained the tasks for the UCCA in the next four years. Using his familiarity with elected officials on Capitol Hill and in his home state of Ohio, he said he will focus on the November presiden- tial election with an information campaign to brief the candidates about Ukraine and the concerns to the Ukrainian American community. Other areas of develop- ment for the UCCA are new communities that are just beginning to form and encouraging their involvement in expressing concerns to elected officials on the local, state and federal levels. Also on the agenda are working closely with Ukraine’s elected officials to facilitate engagement with Washington, and expanding work with the Ukrainian community’s partners in the Central and Eastern European Coalition. Outgoing UCCA President Tamara Olexy offered her reflections following eight years in office. The first woman president of UCCA, she said she was honored to serve the Ukrainian community at large. She noted that she is proud of advocacy efforts in Washington and locally among Ukrainian Americans, and said that witnessing the unveil- ing of the Holodomor monument in Washington was among her most treasured accomplishments in office. Christine Jancew Iwanik Russia’s attacks against the UCCA were among the major Members of the Ukrainian American Youth Association meet with members of the rock band Antytila from challenges, and this appears to be something that the Ukraine following the Nadiya Ye Festival on July 1-4 at the UAYA camp in Ellenville, N.Y. organization will continue to face as part of Russia’s with terrifying consequences for Ukraine. The statement suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hybrid war. The UCCA continues to grow, Ms. Olexy under- cited Russia’s involvement in Georgia in 2008, Russia-Iran other mental health issues. Dr. Oleh Romanchuk, director scored, and through online resources the UCCA has been ties, Russia’s meddling in Ukraine in 2010 to place Viktor of the institute, stated: “The mental health care system in able to reach a larger audience. Ms. Olexy thanked the Yanukovych in power and with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is one of the most neglected areas of the modern community for its support and underscored that she Ukraine in 2014, as examples of Russia’s destabilizing health care in our country. The quality of care and medical trusts Mr. Futey’s experience to lead the UCCA through the practices. The statement urged Ukrainian Americans to services for people with mental disorders remains very difficult challenges ahead. contact their elected officials, promoting poor… and is very far away from the current European In preparation for the presidential election, the UCCA #NotAnotherReset. standards.” An initial donation of $100,000 was delivered initiated a questionnaire to see where each candidate During a meeting of the UCCA National Council on to the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation in stood on Ukrainian American issues of concern. The ques- December 10, two new organizations joined the UCCA – Chicago. Dr. Ulana Suprun, who is Ukraine’s acting tionnaire included points on military assistance to the Ukrainian American Veterans and the Ukrainian Minister of Healthcare and co-founder of the Patriot Ukraine, economic sanctions against Russia, Russian dis- Medical Association of North America. More than 20 orga- Defence project, noted that the institute would not only information, NATO and government reform in Ukraine. Mr. nizations are now members of the UCCA. The Executive serve the needs of patients, but would also serve as an Trump’s advisor’s responses were simple one-word yes or Board of the UCCA discussed various projects for 2017, educational center for students, doctors and psychologists. no answers, but Ms. Clinton responded at length, with including an information campaign targeting the Trump For its 65th annual membership meeting of Self supportive statements, the UCCA pointed out. administration and new members of Congress. On the Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, 270 members The UCCA released a statement on U.S.-Ukraine rela- agenda for 2017: the 20th anniversary of the gathered at St. George Academy in New York on March 20. tions on November 11, following the election of President Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, the 50th anniversary of In its annual report, the credit union said it ended 2015 Donald Trump. The statement urged no recognition of the founding of the Ukrainian World Congress, and the with $1.159 billion in assets, an increase of $71.4 million Russia as ruler of Crimea, called for the immediate with- 40th anniversary of the founding of UNIS. Another project (6.6 percent) from 2014. Net income was up by $1 million drawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. The is the film “Secret Diary of Symon Petliura” by Oles to $10.5 million, membership totaled 14,941, with a divi- UCCA said the U.S. should continue to assist Ukraine in Yanchuk and the Dovzhenko Film Studio that is scheduled dend return of $18.5 million. The institution made dona- modernizing its military capabilities in the interest of col- for a 2017 release but needs additional funding to be com- tions of $1.5 million to cultural, religious, humanitarian lective security, provide defensive equipment, promote pleted in time for the 75th anniversary of the founding of and youth organizations. Many of these organizations democratic institutions and stabilization, as well as sup- the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. The board voted to donate were represented at the meeting and people voiced their port NATO’s “open door” policy of membership for pro- $5,000 to the film project. thanks to Self Reliance New York for its financial support. spective members, including Ukraine. Russia continues to The UCCA hailed the U.N. resolution on Crimea adopted The meeting voted to re-elect board member Adam Hapij pose a threat to the U.S. and its allies, the UCCA stated, cit- on December 19, recognizing Russia as a temporary occu- and board chairman Stefan Kaczaraj to three-year terms in ing a ban on SWIFT banking as a possible response. The pying power in the Ukrainian territory. In a vote of 70-26, office. UCCA also urged support for S 2692 and HR 5181 that with 77 abstentions, the world body reaffirmed Ukraine’s The Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA), in would create a Center for Information Analysis and sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UCCA said the coordination with the world governing body of the Response, and said asset freezes and entry visa denials majority of the nay votes came from countries that identi- Ukrainian Youth Association (UYA), continued for the sec- should be applied to Russia’s elite who are suspected of fy with the Commonwealth of Independent States (except ond consecutive year the “Warming Hearts with Warmth” money laundering or involvement in the actions against Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan) and called for Ukraine’s campaign. The humanitarian project sent gifts to contacts Ukraine. withdrawal from the CIS. in Ukraine who distributed them to those children whose With fears of another “reset” of U.S.-Russia relations, The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America parents may currently be on the battlefront or have made the UCCA released a statement on December 13, underlin- (UNWLA) announced in April a major donation to the the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Ukraine. Other partici- ing that any retreat from sanctions or military, political or Ukrainian Catholic University’s Mental Health Institute in pating countries included Canada, Australia, German, economic support of Ukraine would signal a capitulation Lviv. The project aims to assist in the treatment of those Belgium and Great Britain. Gifts were delivered to active centers of the UYA, including those in Kalush, Lviv, Ternopil, Khmelnytsky, Chernihiv, Skvyra, Bobynets, Dnipro and Kyiv. The UAYA continued its exchange program with Ukraine during the summer camp season. U.S. participants includ- ed; Alexandra Gorodiski (Chicago), Lesia Hrycyna (Rochester, N.Y.) and Jessica Demianicz (Jersey City, N.J.); and Ukraine participants were: Lesia Holyk (Ternopil), Daryna Symych and Anya Berezovska (both from Kyiv). The Ukrainian participants spent time at the UAYA camp in Ellenville, N.Y., and at Beskyd camp in Baraboo, Wis. In Ukraine, U.S. participants attended camp north of Lviv near the city of Chervonohrad. The U.S. participants wrote about their experiences, friendships and learning in an immersed environment, and compared it to the U.S. experience. During the 2016 presidential election, Ukrainians across the United States organized a coalition to oust can- didate Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Paul Manafort, who was used by the Party of Regions of Ukraine that was headed by the ousted president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. On April 23 in New Britain, Conn., on the eve Irene Rejent Saviano of a presidential primary, Ukrainians picketed on Paul Delegates at the XXII Congress of Ukrainians of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America at the Ukrainian Manafort Drive in front of Central Connecticut State National Home in Hartford, Conn., on September 23-25. University. Many of the protesters described Mr. Manafort No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 7

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW as a “Trojan horse” for Vladimir Putin. For the 40th time, New Yorkers celebrated Ukrainian culture, music and dance at the annual St. George Ukrainian Festival on May 20-22 in front of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Seventh Street (between Second and Third avenues). Founded in 1976 to mark the bicentennial of the United States, the annual street festival has been a success thanks to the various organizations that support the event, including the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, The Ukrainian Museum, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Razom, the Lemko Research Foundation, Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union and the Ukrainian National Association. California Ukrainians commemorated the 100th anni- versary of the passing of the Rev. Agapius Honcharenko on May 21 at Garin Regional Park. The events included a panakhyda (requiem service) at the Rev. Honcharenko’s gravesite, a walk to the Honcharenko homestead site that has been declared a California State Historic Landmark, and musical performances by a bandura trio as well as a Ukrainian Brass Orchestra from Sacramento, Calif. The Rev. Honcharenko lived with his wife in the Hayward Hills from the late 1800s to the early 1900s and is cited as being a nationally conscious Ukrainian who served as a pillar in assisting Ukrainian immigrants in the U.S. Razom, a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to Tamara Denysenko support the people of Ukraine, hosted its annual meeting Participants of the 2016 Ukrainian National Credit Union Association annual meeting in Somerset, N.J., on in New York on June 25 at the Ukrainian National Home. September 30-October 1. Since its founding, it has launched six initiatives: Razom IT, #SupportUkraine campaign to bring attention to the situ- route stretched from the Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Razom Culture, Razom Think with UkrOko.org, Reformers ation in Ukraine in light of Russia’s invasion and occupa- Credit Union to the entryway of the Ukrainian Village sec- without Borders, Razom Aid with Toy Drive and Razom tion of Ukrainian territories. Events included Ukrainian tion of Parma on State Road. Major landmarks in the Partners. Participants learned more about planned proj- Days advocacy events, rallies in front of the White House, Ukrainian Village include over 40 businesses as well as St. ects for the future. The meeting also featured artists, as well as outreach to the mass media. While Congress Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and St. Josaphat including Waldemart Klyuzko and Sashko Danylenko, was on recess for the month of August, the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, where the festival stage was musicians Roman Bardun Trio, Letters to Nepal and pia- #SupportUkraine campaign kept up the pressure on located. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), a co-chair of the nist Alex Pryrodny. A fashion show was organized by Ira elected officials in Washington to maintain pressure on Ukrainian Congressional Caucus, greeted the crowd and Lysa. The event was made possible by donations from the Russia. Among the other events was a celebration mark- encouraged steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, the Veselka ing the 25th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine Russian aggression. Greetings were also read from Sen. Restaurant and the East Village Meat Market. that was held in Washington on September 15 with mem- Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Gov. John Kasich. The Nadiya Ye Festival celebrated its sixth consecutive bers of Congress. Sen. Portman, who received a Taras Shevchenko year at the UAYA resort in Ellenville, N.Y., on July 1-4. The The Lemko community was very active in 2016, with Freedom Award from the UCCA, released a campaign ad in festival program headliner was Antytila from Ukraine. the 16th annual Lemko Vatra in Ellenville, N.Y., at the UAYA the Ukrainian language that was broadcast on October 18. Other performers included DJ Stas, Bratya z Karpatya, the camp on June 25-26. The event was an affirmation of The ad included his endorsement by the Ukrainian Civic Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, singers Yulia Vusko and Lemko identity, culture and traditions, as well as a com- League. Other ads by Sen. Portman were run in local Olga Obertos. There was a zabava to the tunes of the memoration of the forced relocation of Lemkos after the Ukrainian newspapers, as well as Svoboda and The Svitanok band. Taras Topolia, lead singer of Antytila, met second world war, known as “Akcja Wisla.” The Lemko Ukrainian Weekly. with the campers at the UAYA camp to discuss life in Vatra in the U.S. included performers, dancers and singers, The U.S. Helsinki Commission, formally known as the Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity and the hopes for and a crowd favorite, the annual pig roast. Other features U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe Ukraine’s future. at the Vatra included a book presentation by Prof. Stephen (CSCE), was recognized by the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation Chicago hosted a fund-raiser on July 17 to support psy- Rapawy and informative booths set up by the Lemko (USUF) on September 14 at the “Ukraine in Washington” chological rehabilitation centers in Kyiv and Sloviansk in Research Foundation, including a Lemko History and Forum. The CSCE was founded more than 40 years ago Ukraine that are coordinated by the Kyiv Mohyla Academy. Heritage Tent, as well as genealogical guidance by Justin and serves to support human rights and democratic prac- The featured performers at Chicago’s City Winery includ- Houser and Michael Buryk. tices. Since 1991, the Helsinki Commission has supported ed R&B singer Lynne Jordan and her band, The Shivers, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization marked a first in the development of a democratic Ukraine, including high- and Ukrainian pop star Oleh Skrypka. Ms. Jordan and her its U.S. camps with a Rock Climbing Camp at Seneca Rocks, lighting the effects of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster in band had performed in Ukraine in 2000, and noted how W.Va., that began on August 7. Initiated by Dartsia and 1986. More recently, the organization has pointed to viola- Ukrainians are survivors. This led her band to break out Marko Jakubowycz, who have traveled throughout the tions of human rights in Russia-occupied Crimea and east- the song “I Will Survive.” Mr. Skrypka, who had a brief area, climbers had a chance to scale 300-foot rock faces. ern Ukraine. “The Helsinki Commission’s efforts then and rehearsal with The Shivers, was joined by jazz singer Olha Led by Seneca Rock Mountain Guides, the campers not now must never be forgotten as they were – though often Tsvyntarna. More than $57,000 was raised from the event, only accomplished ascents buts were provided with aerial like cries in the wilderness – critically important in keep- which was sponsored by the Chicago-based Heritage footage that was shot via drone. ing the truth of Ukraine alive and in providing a rallying Foundation and the Selfreliance Foundation. The Ukrainian American community in Parma, Ohio, point for so many efforts that eventually helped Ukraine The Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS), the marked the 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence shed the Kremlin’s shackles,” Nadia McConnell, president Washington public affairs arm of the UCCA, launched its with its annual parade on August 27. The 1.5-mile parade of USUF said.

UCCA Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) receives the Taras Shevchenko Freedom Award from the Christine Syzonenko Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, represented by Executive Secretary The Holodomor memorial service is led by hierarchs (from left) Bishop Paul Marie Duplak (left) and past president Tamara Olexy, at his office in Paterson, N.J., Chomnycky, Metropolitan Antony and Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten at St. Patrick’s on November 2. Cathedral in New York on November 12. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, with the Friends of Ukraine Network, in December launched a policy dialogue with President-elect Trump and his transition team, head- Academia: Anniversaries, ed by Vice-President-Elect Mike Pence. Many of these poli- cy recommendations were discussed during the Ukraine conferences, new initiatives in Washington Forum that was held on September 14 on he Ukrainian community saw a productive year in Capitol Hill and October 25 at the National Press Club. The the academic realm with myriad symposia, roundta- U.S. Congress ,it is hoped, will work to inform the Trump Tbles and initiatives aimed at furthering understand- administration about Russia and its threat to Ukraine and ing of Ukrainians’ history and national identity, as well as the U.S. current developments in Ukraine. The Ukrainian American community met with various Especially noteworthy throughout 2016 were the 40th elected representatives and senators in Washington, anniversary commemorations of the Canadian Institute of including Sen. Portman, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Sen. Ukrainian Studies (CIUS). Founded at the University of Chris Coons (D-Del.). Many of these meetings were held as Alberta in 1976, CIUS has expanded over the decades to part of advocacy events to thank and recognize officials for comprise programs in Canada and, after 1991, in Ukraine. their support of Ukraine. The UCCA chaired the November To celebrate this milestone, the CIUS organized a series of 3 meeting in Parma of the Ohio nationalities communities, events throughout Canada. including the Ukrainian, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Czech, On October 1, representatives from the CIUS offered a Slovenian, Serbian, German, Slovak, Romanian, Italian, presentation at a session of the XXV Congress of Ukrainian Macedonian and Lebanese communities. Joining the meet- Canadians being held in Regina, Saskatchewan. Titled “40th Anniversary of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian ing were Sens. Portman and John Barosso (R-Wyo.). Issues CIUS Studies: Past Present and Future,” the session included of concern centered on Russia’s threat to the United States Presenters who spoke on October 1 about the 40th anni- and its allies in Europe. talks by Jars Balan, coordinator, Kule Ukrainian Canadian Studies Center; Bohdan Klid, assistant director of the versary of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies The first anniversary of the unveiling of the Holodomor at the XXV triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians Memorial in Washington was marked on November 7. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies; Volodymyr were (from left): Volodymyr Kravchenko, Jars Balan, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly opened the Kravchenko, CIUS director; and Alla Nedashkivska, direc- Alla Nedashkivska, Bohdan Klid and Roman Yereniuk. commemorative event that included prayers offered by tor of the Ukrainian Language Education Center. Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic clergy, as well Later that month, on October 14-15, CIUS hosted a two- CIUS Newsletter; and other materials, including a com- as Ukrainian religious and patriotic songs sung by the Kyiv day conference titled “Ukrainian Studies in Canada: Texts plete set of CIUS press releases. The project is ongoing and Chamber Choir following its concert in Washington. and Contexts” at the University of Alberta, where the dean will ultimately include video materials, including record- The Ukrainian National Credit Union Association of the Faculty of Arts, Lesley Comack, called the CIUS “a ings of lectures, conferences and symposia; and digitized (UNCUA) held its annual meeting on September jewel in the Faculty of Arts.” About 125 people attended copies of important historical documents. The website of 30-October 1 in Somerset, N.J. The 35 delegates who rep- the conference, and around 600 others viewed it live the CIUS Digital Archive Project is http://cius-archives.ca/. online from around the world. resented 11 Ukrainian American credit unions elected a Major forums in New York, D.C. new board and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the In his keynote address, Bishop Borys Gudziak, spoke of Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union with a banquet the impact of CIUS in Canada and abroad, especially in Speaking of conferences, among the most active groups and dance at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Somerset. Ukraine. The featured speaker, Andriy Shevchenko, in this regard was the Center for U.S.-Ukrainian Relations The next meeting is to be held in Washington, and it will Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, emphasized the impor- (CUSUR), which sponsored or co-sponsored six major mark the 65th anniversary of the Ukrainian Selfreliance tance of the work that institutions such as CIUS have done forums, including several that are annual events. Federal Credit Union. for the development of Ukrainian identity. Thirty scholars The Ukrainian Weekly carried detailed news stories Hundreds of Ukrainians gathered on November 12 at St. and community figures from across Canada and abroad about two of them, both special events presented in New Patrick’s Cathedral in New York to commemorate the reviewed the history of the institute and the development York as part of the “Ukrainian Historical Encounters Holodomor of 1932-1933. Bishop Paul Chomnycky of the of Ukrainian studies as an interdisciplinary field. In five Series.” The first, “Commemorating the 25th Anniversary Ukrainian Catholic Church’s Stamford Eparchy noted, in his roundtable sessions, they discussed the challenges and of the Modern Ukrainian State,” took place at the Princeton opening remarks, that the Holodomor is not a lesson for opportunities confronted by scholars in Ukrainian studies Club on September 17, and the second “Ukraine at 25: A Ukraine, but for the whole world that such an atrocity due to the changing intellectual landscape of the humani- December 1st Remembrance,” was held at the Shevchenko should never be repeated anywhere. Other statements of ties, the corporatization of universities and fiscal con- Scientific Society. support and remembrance were made by Ambassador straints. The first was a symposium that attracted over 150 Chaly, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), UCCA President Also to celebrate its 40th anniversary, CIUS published a attendees. Government and non-government representa- Futey, Metropolitan Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox full-color commemorative overview titled “CIUS: Forty tives, as well as renowned scholars came together to dis- Church, Ambassador to the U.N. Volodymr Yelchenko, and Years of Excellence.” The beautifully designed 56-page cuss the historical significance of Ukraine, and to delve William Pope, senior advisor for Europe to the U.S. Mission “ruby jubilee” publication was available in hard copy as into the country’s prospects for achieving mature nation to the U.N. Responses during the memorial service were well as online. statehood and becoming a full-fledged member of the sung by the Dumka Chorus of New York. Metropolitan A major endeavor at CIUS, the Digital Archive Project – Euro-Atlantic community. The day was capped off by Antony thanked Cardinal Timothy Dolan for the use of St. which aims to digitize, systematize and describe the core speeches by three former Cabinet-level government offi- Patrick’s Cathedral and urged people to take up “the sacred publications of the institute that have been produced over cials: Gov. Tom Ridge, who had served as the first U.S. sec- responsibility of sharing the history of the Holodomor” as the last 40 years – made great progress. As of December retary of homeland security in 2003-2005; Ambassador the only way to prevent another such genocide. A state- 2016, the CIUS Digital Archive Project website contains Madeleine Albright, who had served as U.S. secretary of ment by the White House that was read at the event, noted the following materials: 33 books published by CIUS state in 1997-2001; and Borys Tarasyuk, Ukraine’s minis- the deliberate nature of the famine but it refrained from Press; 65 research reports; all the back issues of the ter of foreign affairs in 1998-2000 and 2005-2007, and using the term “genocide” to describe the Holodomor. Journal of Ukrainian Studies; all the back issues of the current chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Affairs. Sixteen leading Ukrainian organizations local to the New York City area signed on as co-sponsors of the event. Throughout the conference, perspectives of Ukrainian diaspora organizations were included as an important voice in interpreting Ukraine’s past, present and future. CUSUR’s Walter Zaryckyj was the program coordinator. In December, CUSUR partnered with the Shevchenko Scientific Society to present a symposium that commemo- rated the 25th anniversary of the national referendum in which more than 91 percent of Ukraine’s electorate voted to confirm Ukraine’s August 24 declaration of indepen- dence. Speakers at the forum – including scholars, journal- ists, diplomats and political activists – offered personal stories, eyewitness accounts and commentary on Ukrainian history since the referendum. In the final session, Myron Rabij, a global partner with Denton’s, the world’s largest law firm, reflected: “Twenty- five years have brought a new generation of young people into the forefront of society – those that never lived under the USSR and know of it only from history class, and oth- ers who can barely remember it and frankly know August 24 and December 1 as simply incontestable historical dates. Those young people are now fighting for their coun- Tom Cecil (via drone) try and are building their country – the only one they have At what was the first Rock Climbing Camp ever held by Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization in the U.S., camp- ever really known – with no nostalgia or connection to the ers summit Seneca Rocks holding a Ukrainian flag. The camp took place in West Virginia on August 7-13. Soviet past.” No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 9

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Andrij V. Dobriansky One of the panels at the symposium held on September 17 at the Princeton Club of New York to mark “The 25th Anniversary of the Modern Ukrainian State” was devoted to “Contemplating Ukraine’s John Welsh Further Future.” Mykola Hryckowian (right) reads the prepared remarks of Paul Goble of the Jonathan Peri, the new president of Manor College, is pictured with Jamestown Foundation; seated (from left) are moderator Serhii Meshcheriak (formerly of the Council of Manor College Board of Trustees Chair Leonard Mazur before his Economic Security and Defense of Ukraine), Yuriy Sergeyev of Yale University, Janusz Bugajski of the inauguration on April 21. Center for European Policy Analysis and Herman Pirchner of the American Foreign Policy Council. Others conferences organized by the CUSUR and its ensure international support for its efforts to rebuff the our Ukrainian heritage.” Today the two-year college, which partners included these held in Washington: U.S.-Ukraine aggression in the east of the country. was founded in 1947 as St. Macrina College, offers more Security Dialogue VII, whose topic was “Taking New That semester also saw a lecture by Mykola Riabchuk than 30 majors and has a variety of partnerships with Measure of Russia’s ‘Near Abroad’: Assessing Security titled “Examined by War. New Bonds and Old Cleavages in other colleges and universities that allow its students to Challenges Facing the ‘Frontline States,’ ” which took place the Post-Maidan Ukrainian Society,” as well as the 14th earn associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees. on February 25; the U.S.-Ukraine Working Group Yearly installment of the Contemporary Ukrainian Literature In September, The Weekly reported on Mark von Summit IV: “Providing Ukraine with an Annual Report Series, which featured poet, screenwriter and journalist Hagen’s appointment as interim director of Arizona State Card,” held June 16; and Ukraine’s Quest for Mature Lyuba Yakimchuk. University’s Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and Nation Statehood Roundtable XVII: “Ukraine and Religious Both the spring and fall semesters offered three levels East European Studies. Prior to his appointment Prof. von Freedom,” on October 27. of Ukrainian language instruction, as well as screenings of Hagen taught at Columbia University for 24 years. He also At the end of 2016, on December 9 in New York, the the newest Ukrainian films through the Ukrainian Film served as the chair of the history department and directed CUSUR was involved in presenting a discussion on Club of Colombia University under the directorship of Dr. the Harriman Institute, where he developed Ukrainian “Contemporary Lithuanian-Ukrainian Relations: Common Yuri Shevchuk. studies in the realm of humanities and social sciences. Concerns; Common Approaches; Common Solutions; On February 1, Manor College in Jenkintown, Pa., host- Prof. von Hagen remarked, “The Ukrainian language, like all Common ‘European’ Future.” The event was organized by ed a forum and public discussion titled “Ukraine 2016: A the languages we teach at the Melikian Center’s Critical the Ukrainian Institute of America and the Lithuanian- Stability Dialogue at Manor College.” The event addressed Language Institute, is a gateway to a rich culture and American Community, New York district. what Western countries can do to promote future peace dynamic society. After two years of Russia’s war with and stability in Ukraine. Featured speakers included Rep. Ukraine, the teaching of this language will also likely Universities and colleges Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Ukrainian National deputy become a national security priority for the United States.” In early January, the Harriman Institute at Columbia Andrey Artemenko, Ukrainian businessman and investor He added, “I remember fondly and gratefully the generosity University announced its spring schedule, with eight Alex Rovt, former Congressman Curt Weldon and former of the Ukrainian communities of North America for our courses and several events in Ukrainian studies, and Prof. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Bruce Weinrod. The col- Ukrainian programming during my Columbia years.” Sergei Zhuk as associate visiting professor. In these class- lege noted that it plans to feature more Ukrainian-themed In November, The Weekly reported that the University es, students were able to explore topics such as: challeng- programming in the future. of St. Michael’s College (USMC) at the University of ing traditional Soviet/Russian historical interpretations of There was major news at Manor College in the spring, Toronto had come to an agreement with the Metropolitan Ukrainian history; how consumption of Western books, when Jonathan Peri was inaugurated as its ninth presi- Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation (MASIF) about movies and music contributed to the crisis of Soviet iden- dent – and its first lay president. Leonard J. Mazur, chair- the relocation of the Sheptytsky Institute from Ottawa to tity after Stalin; and historical perspectives on the devel- man of the Manor College Board of Trustees (and co- Toronto as an autonomous academic unit within the opment of current Ukraine, contentious issues and non- founder of Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC) conducted the Faculty of Theology. The Sheptytsky Institute was founded issues in Soviet and Post-Soviet studies. Additionally, in investiture ceremony on April 21. Mr. Peri had been with by Father Andriy Chirovsky in 1986 at Catholic the spring, Serhiy Zhadan presented the English- Manor College since November 2015, when he was select- Theological Union, a graduate school of ministry in translation of his award-winning novel “Voroshylovhrad” ed by the board after an extensive national search. He suc- Chicago. In 1990, at the request of the Ukrainian Catholic and Valentyna Kharkhun delivered a lecture titled ceeded Sister Mary Cecilia Jurasinski, who served as the bishops of Canada, it relocated to Ottawa. The institute “Museums of Communism in Ukraine within the Context college’s president for 30 years and now serves as the publishes a peer-reviewed journal, as well as books and of Political Memory.” director of the Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center at audio-visual materials. It is supported by the Metropolitan For the fall semester, Columbia offered six different Manor. Previously, Mr. Peri was vice-president and general Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation and operates courses, with Dr. Simone Belleza, a research fellow in con- counsel at Neumann University (Aston, Pa.). under the moral and financial aegis of the Ukrainian temporary history from Italy, as the visiting professor. The Speaking of Manor, President Peri underscored: “It is a Catholic hierarchy of Canada. term’s courses examined nation and identity, the evolu- Ukrainian heritage institution, founded by and faithful to Special events tion of Ukrainian history, the role of the Ukrainian cultural its Ukrainian Catholic Sisters of St. Basil the Great. Manor dissent in the 1960s in the national debate during the College is the only Ukrainian heritage institution for higher In February, The Weekly reported on an exhibition Soviet period, and how Ukraine’s foreign policy can education in the United States – we are incredibly proud of titled “Maidan. Ukraine. Road to Freedom” hosted by the

NaUKMA Bohdana Urbanovych U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt spoke on March 11 “What is Left of ‘Two Ukraines’? New Divisions and New Connections in Ukrainian Society, 2014-2016” at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy about the was the title of a lecture by Mykola Riabchuk at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. on June 12. The event was sponsored by the Washington chapter of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

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UHEC of NJ Yaro Bihun “Pin your ancestral village” was the task assigned to participants of the genealogy conference held The Rev. Bohdan Prach (right), rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University, on November 4-5 by the Our Ancestors Family History Group – the Nashi Predky Initiative – at receives the 2016 Antonovych Foundation award from the foundation’s presi- the Ukrainian Historical and Educational Center of New Jersey in Somerset. dent, Ihor Voyevidka (center), and board member Andriy Lewycky. Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University and and Educational Center of New Jersey held its third annu- ly relationships within households, original villages of res- the Yale World Fellows program. Curated by Serhiy al fall conference, titled “Research Essentials: Combining idence and finally the Ukrainian oblasts to which they Fomenko of Kyiv and previously presented in Berlin, the Basics with 21st Century Technology,” in Somerset, N.J. were resettled. Dr. Galyk obtained these lists from the London, Los Angeles, Washington and New York City, the The initiative began in 2014 with the goal of helping original resettlement documents presently located in the exhibit included the works of Maidan participants: artists, Ukrainians, Lemkos, Boykos, Rusyns, Jews with Ukrainian State Archives of Lviv Oblast. musicians, filmmakers, photographers, journalists and roots and others in the U.S. learn about their family histo- Throughout 2016, despite the challenges of conducting writers, who documented their individual views of the ries, collect stories and documents about their immigrant excavations in Baturyn, Chernihiv Oblast, at a time of war, Maidan events. Hundreds of students, faculty and visitors ancestors, preserve family records and trace lineages. Ukrainian and Canadian archaeologists and historians came to view the exhibit. The opening reception featured Speakers at the November 4-5 conference were nationally proceeded with researching the town and publishing a panel discussion with Marci Shore, associate professor known experts in Eastern European genealogy. their findings. In the summer of 2016, about 70 students of history at Yale; Stathis Kalyvas, Arnold Wolfers November also saw the announcement of a new laure- and scholars from the universities of Chernihiv, Hlukhiv Professor of Political Science at Yale; Timothy Snyder, Bird ate of the Omelan and Tatiana Antonovych Foundation. and Sumy, and the National University of the Kyiv Mohyla White Housum Professor of History at Yale; and Sviatoslav The Rev. Bohdan Prach, rector of the Ukrainian Catholic Academy took part in the annual Baturyn excavations. On Vakarchuk, activist, singer and 2015 Yale World Fellow. University in Lviv, received the award for his work docu- October 30, The Weekly featured an article by Dr. On March 11, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey menting “the Golgotha of the Ukrainian Catholic clergy.” Volodymyr Mezentsev of the Canadian Institute of Pyatt spoke at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla During the presentation ceremony at the Embassy of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the University of Alberta, who Academy on the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The Ukraine in Washington, the foundation singled out the is the Canadian executive director of the Baturyn archaeo- ambassador shared his optimism about Ukraine’s long- Rev. Prach’s latest accomplishment: the publication of his logical project. Dr. Mezentsev reported on the 2015-2016 term future. “Ukraine should be a very wealthy country. monumental two-volume work: “The Clergy of the work of these scholars, including hypothetical reconstruc- You have all the ingredients in terms of human capital – its Peremyshl Eparchy and the Apostolic Administration of tions of the interior of Mazepa’s palace, as well as excava- civil society organizations, your culture, your pride, the Lemkivshchyna.” tions of the site of a wooden church at Mazepa’s manor deep sense of patriotism that the bitter experience of the Special projects and of the remnants of the household of Judge General past two years has helped to reinforce.” He continued, “My Vasyl Kochubei. message to you is to be confident that if you stick to the A story in The Weekly on October 2 featured the back In December, the Peter Jacyk Center for Ukrainian path of reform, the United States and your other interna- story behind the “Memory Books of Lemkivshchyna 1944- Historical Research of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian tional partners in the G-7 will stand with you, because we 1946,” a book written by Yaroslava Galyk and published Studies, University of Alberta and CIUS Press announced want to see Ukraine succeed.” He also commented on the with the support of the Lemko Research Foundation the publication of a new volume of Mykhailo war in the east and Russia, affirming, “The United States is (LRF) in the U.S.A. The book contains the names of Hrushevsky’s “History of Ukraine-Rus.’ ” The new English- very clear that there is a victim and an aggressor in this Lemkos who were deported to Ukraine between 1944- language Volume 3, like the eight volumes previously pub- conflict… I think the challenge now is to consolidate peace 1946. The record contains full names, years of birth, fami- lished (between 1997 and 2014), was prepared by the through the Minsk agreement, to deliver good governance Jacyk Center’s Hrushevsky Translation Project. The vol- for all of Ukraine, to include the occupied territories.” ume, subtitled “To the Year 1340,” also marked the 150th On June 12, over 50 people gathered at the Ukrainian anniversary of Hrushevsky’s birth. Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington The Holodomor to hear Ukrainian political commentator Mykola Riabchuk discuss changing Ukrainian attitudes. In his lecture titled, Ongoing throughout 2016, The Weekly reported on “What is left of ‘Two Ukraines’? New Divisions and New several initiatives and events regarding the Holodomor, Connections in Ukrainian Society, 2014-2016,” Mr. underlining its importance in various fields within aca- Riabchuk cited a variety of statistics to demonstrate that demia. The first were scholarly conferences held in the stereotypical conception of “two Ukraines” – one Calgary, Alberta, and in Lviv, organized by the Holodomor patriotic and pro-Western, the other Russian and pro- Research and Education Consortium (HREC). Soviet – is misleading. According to him, the “other” At the University of Calgary on May 31, the HREC orga- Ukraine does not have a Russian identity, but rather a dif- nized the panel “Refugees and the Famine of 1932-1933 ferent kind of Ukrainian identity. Furthermore, the bal- in Ukraine: Accounts of Flight, Early Testimonies, ance has changed in recent years, so that the patriotic and Memoirs and Other Writings (1930s-1950s)” at the con- pro-Western portion of the population is now dominant. ference of the Canadian Association of Slavists (CAS), the In October, also, two online academic conferences were major Canadian professional organization in Slavic stud- held to discuss the newest international research about ies. The conference was part of a larger gathering of 69 language, culture and higher education reform in post- member organizations of the Canadian Federation for the Maidan Ukraine. Offered in English, the peer-reviewed Humanities and Social Sciences. presentations featured 30 speakers from 18 universities in On June 26 HREC invited speakers to examine the role of eight countries. Presenters reported their research find- demonization and the “othering” of Ukrainians in the con- ings in a number of areas, including language, literature, text of the Holodomor. The panel was part of the Lviv con- national identity, culture and others. Over 650 participants ference of the Association for Slavic, East European and tuned into the 14 20-minute talks online. The conferences Eurasian Studies, an international organization with more are archived on the website of the Research Initiative on than 3,000 members that supports teaching, research and Democratic Reform in Ukraine (RIDRU) at http://ridru. publication related to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia artsrn.ualberta.ca/2016/09/23/language-and-culture-in- and Eastern Europe. Titled, “Images of ‘the Enemy’ and the post-maidan-ukraine-transformations-at-work-and-high- CIUS National Interpretation of De-Kulakization and the er-education-reform-in-post-maidan-ukraine/. Cover illustration of the “History of Ukraine-Rus’,” Holodomor in Ukraine (1920s-1950s),” the panel focused In November, the Our Ancestors Family History Group Volume 3: “Christ in His Glory,” from the Egbert on three distinct collections of primary sources on the – the Nashi Predky Initiative – at the Ukrainian Historical (Trier) Psalter (11th century). 1928-1933 period in Ukraine. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 11

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On September 15 at another HREC-sponsored event, organized by the HREC with the support of the Petro Jacyk Prof. Oleh Wolowyna of the University of North Carolina Program for the Study of Ukraine, the Canadian at Chapel Hill spoke at a University of Toronto seminar Foundation for Ukrainian Studies and the Ukrainian Culture and the arts titled, “What we now know about the Holodomor: New Canadian Congress (Toronto branch). Prof. Plokhy provid- research results.” His presentation addressed the results ed an overview of the HURI project “Mapa: Digital Atlas of in all their diversity of research conducted in collaboration with a team of Ukraine.” One of the most striking maps, “Total Direct demographers in Ukraine. Prof. Wolowyna noted the Famine Losses in Ukraine by Region, 1932-1934,” shows progress achieved in the study of the Holodomor, particu- that the area hardest hit by the Holodomor was the central larly since the opening of Soviet-era archives. However, Ukrainian heartland in the Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts rather much is still unknown and common assumptions about than the main grain-growing region of southern Ukraine, the Famine have been shown to be inaccurate. His presen- which had suffered the most during the famine of the early tation focused on three topics: questionable “facts” about 1920s when the Soviet Union had accepted food aid. the Holodomor; direct losses by oblasts in Ukraine; and On November 17, the Holodomor was the topic of pre- comparison of famine losses at the regional level in sentations at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington at an Ukraine and Russia. event organized by the Shevchenko Scientific Society’s Also in September, Valentina Kuryliw, director of edu- District of Columbia chapter, together with the HREC and cation at the HREC, traveled to Kyiv to deliver master the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Speakers classes for educators on new methodologies for teaching included: Frank Sysyn, director of the Peter Jacyk Center about the Holodomor. The symposium “The New for Ukrainian Historical Research at the CIUS, who spoke Ukrainian School: Teaching about the Holodomor and about the evolution of the study of the Holodomor in the other Genocides” was attended by teachers from through- West and his experience with the Harvard Famine Project; out Ukraine. While research on the Holodomor has Bohdan Klid, director of research at HREC and co-editor increased in recent years, the Famine has yet to be inte- with Alexander Motyl of “The Holodomor Reader: A Vasyl Slipak, a Ukrainian opera singer who left the Paris grated into curricula at all levels of education in Ukraine, Sourcebook on the Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine” National Opera in 2014 to fight Russia-backed militants in and many Ukrainian teachers are only now beginning to (2012), who gave an overview of HREC’s major publica- eastern Ukraine was killed on June 29 by sniper fire. consider how the subject should be taught in the 21st tion projects; HREC Executive Director Marta Baziuk, who he year 2016 witnessed several anniversary cele- century classroom. Among the topics addressed at the described activities of HREC that engage scholars from a brations of important Ukrainian artists and sea- symposium were developments in research on the range of fields; Larysa Kurylas, the design architect and soned Ukrainian ensembles and organizations, as Holodomor, the deportation of the Crimean Tatars and sculptor of the Holodomor Memorial in Washington, who T well as the birth of new groups. Even when not directly other genocides. Mrs. Kuryliw encouraged educators to described the genesis of the memorial’s design and chal- related to the ongoing specter of war in their homeland, embrace themes related to human rights in their teaching lenges in its execution; and Liudmyla Hrynevych, director the activities of Ukrainian artists and performers found a of the Holodomor, as a means of broadening the of the Holodomor Research and Education Center in Kyiv, resonance far beyond their local communities. Holodomor’s applicability across disciplines, including who spoke on the topic “The Holodomor and the history, law, politics, literature, civics and media studies. Language of Hate in Stalinist Propaganda.” Music The Holodomor was also a central theme at the sympo- Finally on November 20, an article by Lana Babij fol- The operatic world mourned the tragic death of baritone sium “Empire, Colonialism and Famine in Comparative lowed up on an earlier report on the Holodomor informa- Vasyl Slipak, a soloist for 20 years with the Paris National Historical Perspective,” held October 28-29 at the tion project, stating that during this year’s peak period for Opera, who was killed by sniper fire in eastern Ukraine on University of Toronto. This was the fourth international school reports (March through June) the Holodomor July 29. Born in Lviv, Mr. Slipak, a former member of the conference organized by the HREC at the Canadian information website, www.holodomorct.org, received Dudaryk boys’ choir, returned home to participate in the Institute of Ukrainian Studies. The conference featured approximately 75,000 visits, showing the growing popu- 2014 Maidan Revolution and joined the Right Sector 7th presentations on the Irish Famine, the Holodomor and the larity of the website throughout the English-speaking Battalion to fight Russia-backed militants near Luhansk. Bengal Famine of 1943 by scholars and genocide special- world. There is obvious interest and need for an online Adopting the nom de guerre “Meph” (a reference to the ists. The meeting also welcomed 20 early career scholars guide to Holodomor resources that are authentic and aria of Mephistopheles from “Faust”), Mr. Slipak told his col- from around the world whose research interests ranged comprehensible to the general public and students of league at the Paris Opera, Guillaume Dussau, that it “was from famine relief in colonial India, visual culture of the varying ages and backgrounds; that meet today’s educa- about culture and the freedom of his country… he insisted Irish famine and hunger in 20th century Ghana, to empire tional standards; and that are readily accessible to a social Ukraine needed him more than French opera.” In Paris he and public health in the Caribbean in the 20th century. media-savvy population. Created in 2007, the website’s was well-known for his powerful portrayals from “Carmen,” On November 11, the 19th annual Ukrainian Famine original intent was to inform the Connecticut public of the “Aida” and “Faust” to rarities like Ulmann’s “Emperor of Lecture was delivered in Toronto by Serhii Plokhy, upcoming 75th anniversary commemoration plans of the Atlantis.” Major media outlets throughout the world cov- Mykhailo Hrushevskyi Professor of Ukrainian History and newly formed CT Holodomor Awareness Committee. The ered the story about the opera singer-turned warrior. director of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. His website has since turned into a passionate commitment On March 20, Toronto’s Vesnivka Choir launched the presentation, attended by a full auditorium at the for its webmistress, Natalka Sazonova. Still a work-in- first phase and public presentation of its ambitious University of Toronto, was titled “The Fields of Sorrow: progress, the site is looking to add new features and wel- e-library of Ukrainian choral music sheet music in the pub- Mapping the Great Ukrainian Famine.” The event was comes all comments. lic domain of its webpage (www.vesnivka.com/e-Library). The goal is to share the choir’s vast collection of over 1,000 works composed by Ukrainian composers and by Canadian composers of Ukrainian heritage. This initiative was created as a legacy project of Vesnivka’s 50th anniver- sary and as a gift to all who share the love of singing and Ukrainian choral music. The archives allow the download- ing of sheet music either in the original Ukrainian or in a transliterated form, using the English alphabet. This most valuable program also provides an audio recording and a YouTube link to view the actual score as a synthesizer gen- erates all the voices. Now many Ukrainian songs with informative historical notes will be easily available to choir directors and singers all over the world. Also in March in New York, Music at the Institute pre- sented a program by the ensemble Origo directed by Eric Rice called “Musical Grammar in 17th Century Cracow and Kyiv.” The aim was to show the pollination of Western (Italy and Germany) musical styles in the lands of the East – Poland and Ukraine. Half the program was devoted to the divine liturgy of Mykola Dyletsky, one of the most important figures in early Ukrainian music and author of the first book on musical theory in Eastern Europe, “Musical Grammar.” Violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv in February released her CD recording of 20th and 21st century Ukrainian music for violin and piano. Together with her pianist, Angelina Gadeliya, Dr. Ivakhiv began to record these compositions HREC the previous summer. One unique aspect of the CD is the An event related to the Holodomor was held at the Embassy of Ukraine on November 17. Speakers included (from close personal collaboration she has with the living left): Oksana Shulyar, counselor and head of the Political Section of the Embassy; Bohdana Urbanovych, head of Ukrainian composers. Dr. Ivakhiv explained, “For me this the Shevchenko Scientific Society’s Washington chapter; Dr. Frank Sysyn, director of the Peter Jacyk Center for was deeply personal as well as professional. I wanted to Ukrainian Historical Research at CIUS; Larysa Kurylas, architect/sculptor of the Holodomor Memorial in expose the journey of the featured Ukrainian composers Washington; Liudmyla Hrynevych, director of the Holodomor Research and Education Center in Kyiv; Marta and to raise awareness of Ukrainian musical culture.” Each Baziuk, executive director of the Holodomor Research and Education Consortium; and Bohdan Klid, director of of the composers faced many obstacles in trying to main- research at the HREC. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Anatoliy Mushtuk The newly founded Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America presented its first full-fledged concerts in Mykola Dyletsky’s Divine Liturgy was among the com- October and November. Above, the ensemble is seen during its concert at Wesleyan University in Middletown, positions performed at the Ukrainian Institute of Conn., on November 19. America during a program on “Musical Grammar in 17th Century Cracow and Kyiv” on March 5. Seen tain his artistic voice during times of harsh Soviet oppres- The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago on above is “Circle of Fifths,” from Dyletsky’s “Musical sion. The CD features the music of Borys Liatoshynsky, February 21 hosted a recital by two opera stars: interna- Grammar” (1675), the Eastern Europe’s first book on Myroslav Skoryk, Valentyn Silvestrov, Yevhen Stankovych tionally acclaimed bass Stefan Szkafarowsky and Lviv music theory. and others. Naxos Records distributed the CD “Ukraine - Opera soprano Marta Zaliznyak-Derzhko. Journey to Freedom” to over 9,000 libraries and the album Three Ukrainian performers assumed principal roles in “living exhibit” of the renowned Chicago-based band Good is currently in the top six classical music albums on iTunes. a new production of Modest Mussorgsky’s “Boris Times and its contribution to the Ukrainian American her- The newly formed Women’s Bandura Ensemble of Godunov” at the Commonwealth Lyric Theater in Boston itage. North America gave its first concerts, titled “Expanding in May. Adrian Bryttan conducted a cast that included In Washington on November 6, the 21-member Kyiv Traditions,” at The Ukrainian Museum in New York on soprano Olga Lisovskaya as Ksenia and Dmytro Pavlyuk, Chamber Choir, directed by Mykola Hobdych, sang the last February 13 and in October-November in Detroit, bass soloist from the Odesa Opera, in the title role. of nine concerts of its 2016 “Sounds of Ukraine” tour that Cleveland, Whippany N.J., and at Wesleyan University in On May 14, Crimean Tatar R&B/soul-style singer began in Chicago and continued through Cleveland, Connecticut. The ensemble has 20 members from several Jamala succeeded in drawing the world’s attention to the Toronto, Rochester, N.Y., Hartford, Conn., Boston, New York states and Canada. The programs included a wide mix of Russian government’s persecution of her people by win- and Philadelphia. Enthusiastic audiences welcomed its instrumentals, vocals, smaller quartets and solos. ning the annual Eurovision Song Contest with her song programs, which combined the best examples of Four members of the Canadian Bandurist Capella pre- “1944” about Stalin’s mass deportations and genocide. Ukrainian sacred and classical songs with folk music, as sented a concert called “Bandura Without Borders” at The This was widely reported as a victory for Ukraine and the arranged by contemporary Ukrainian composers. Ukrainian Museum in New York on May 21. In their first Crimean Tatars. Former winner and singer Ruslana wrote: program as a quartet, Ivan Dusanowskyj, Borys “What’s most important to me is that Ukraine is sending Art/Folk Art Ostapienko, Orest Chornomaz and Oleksander Petlura the world a message with this song of its deep pain and 2016 saw a kaleidoscope of artistic activity, from tradi- omitted all vocals, instead showcasing the possibilities of strong spirit. Only something real is capable of transmit- tional folk art genres to cutting-edge contemporary art- the modern bandura instrument. In addition to more ting that energy! Ukraine looks like the real thing.” ists. familiar Ukrainian folk tunes, the concert featured Pianist Mykola Suk opened The Washington Group The Ukrainian Museum in Chicago on January 8 arrangements of Mozart, Bizet and even a pop song by Cultural Fund’s 2016-2017 Music Series with his solo launched its ‘’Bohdan Soroka (1940-2015) Retrospective Steven Tyler and a set of variations on a tune from the recital on October 2, featuring Myroslav Skoryk’s Partita Art Exhibit” devoted to the artist’s most recent graphic movie “Pirates of the Caribbean.” No. 5, which Mr. Skoryk composed and dedicated to Mr. series, including Ukrainian Christmas traditions, angels, The Canadian Bandurist Capella presented two con- Suk. Another notable concert was held on November 13 musicians, the four seasons and Ukrainian wooden certs in January in the Greater Toronto area, combining with jazz pianist John Stetch. churches. The son of politically active parents, Mr. Soroka with the St. Elias Church Singers of Brampton Ontario, and The Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago held its was born in a prison in Lviv, where his mother was being two Toronto women’s choirs, Dibrova and Levada. annual fund-raiser on September 24 with the theme of a held for assisting in anti-Soviet uprisings. The artist has

Stephanie Braue Yaro Bihun Violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv in February released a CD Kyiv Chamber Choir conductor Mykola Hobdych joins his choristers in responding to the audience’s ovation at the recording of 20th and 21st century Ukrainian music for conclusion of their Ukrainian sacred and folk music concert at the National City Christian Church in Washington violin and piano that was ranked in the top six classical on November 6. The concert was part of the choir’s “Sounds of Ukraine” tour of the U.S. music albums on iTunes. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 13

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

The multimedia exhibit “Ukraine Exists,” which was on ‘’Bohdan Soroka (1940-2015) Retrospective Art Exhibit” view at the United Nations on January 8-20, opened on An exhibition of 29 paintings by scholar and artist Yohanan opened at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago January 31 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center Petrovsky-Shtern, titled “Folkways and Fantasies,” on January 8. Seen above is “Musicians” (2011). of New Jersey (UACCNJ). Seen above is a detail from opened on February 27 at the Ukrainian Institute of “Hryhorovych,” a painting by Yura Shapoval. America. Seen above is “Carpathian Dream” (2009). had personal exhibits in Ukraine, England, Germany, France and Canada, and throughout the United States. ence in leading international institutions of contemporary A contemporary take on the age-old Kozak Mamai A unique exhibit titled “Invasion Redux” depicting the art as a curator, writer and academic. image was displayed starting on June 12 at The Ukrainian hybrid war waged by Russia in Ukraine opened at the Kyiv-based artist Petro Bevza exhibited his paintings Museum in New York in an exhibit of the works of Lviv- Ukrainian Institute of America in New York on January 22. exploring metaphysical imagery titled “Jordan” also at the based artist Orest Skop. While referencing the traditional Kyiv-based artist Mykola Zhuravel offered viewers a look UIA on March 18. As stated in the title, the central imagery role of Mamai as musician/warrior of the steppes, musi- at current events in Ukraine not as a documentary, but as is of water in Ukrainian folk traditions as cleansing and as cian/philosopher and a sort of Ukrainian Robin Hood, Mr. a highly personal metaphorical reflection with striking a symbol of longevity, renewed emotions, and irresistible Skop imbues his colorful paintings with the imagery of the elements of surrealistic grotesque. Through his paintings, force. Mr. Bevza attempts to unlock the hidden secrets of new contemporary Ukraine. 3-D panels, installations and videos, Mr. Zhuravel created immediate and distant spiritual memory. The ancient and colorful Petrykivka art style was on a phantasmagorical world of life-sized Russian TV propa- Marking its 40th anniversary, The Ukrainian Museum prominent display during Philadelphia’s Fairmount ganda “zombies” and aggressive bears with videos linking in New York launched an exhibition of the works of an art- Avenue Arts Crawl festival on June 3-5. This art form to flight MH17 shot down by Russian terrorists and zom- ist long associated with the museum, titled “Jacques began as painting on adobe white-washed walls, beams bies towering above Kyiv buildings. Hnizdovsky: Content and Style. Evolving Perspectives” on and hearths, as well as furniture and household items. Another multi-media exhibit, “Ukraine Exists,” which March 13. Mr. Hnizdovsky had designed the museum’s This exhibit was presented by the Cultural Trust of the was also on view at the United Nations, opened on logo for its debut in 1976. This current exhibit comprised Ukrainian League of Philadelphia. The Petrykivka style January 31 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of more than 100 works, including oils, woodcuts, linocuts, was recently added to the list of “Intangible Cultural New Jersey in Whippany. Dubbed a “Project of Truth and ceramics, sculptures and drawings. Heritage of Humanity” by the Intergovernmental Art,” this exhibit featured installations, posters, embroi- Approximately 200 people attended the 40th anniver- Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural dery, calligraphy and ceramics by various contemporary sary banquet celebration for The Ukrainian Museum in Heritage. In 2003, an exhibition of Petrykivka masters artists in war-torn Ukraine. By developing the theme of a New York on April 17 at the Tavern on the Green in took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. country tearing itself away from the Soviet past, the vari- Central Park. Honored guests included Ambassador of In a unique cross-cultural exhibition, The Ukrainian ous artists underscored that through their works they are Ukraine to the United Nations Volodymyr Yelchenko, Museum in New York presented Romanian and Ukrainian not indifferent to the fate of Ukraine and its people. This Consul General in New York Igor Sybiga and representa- folk textiles side by side beginning on October 9. Titled exhibit later travelled to the Ukrainian National Museum tives of many Ukrainian organizations. “Carpathian Echoes: Traditional Textile Materials and in Chicago. Co-curators Myroslava Mudrak and Tetiana Rudenko Technologies in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania An exhibition of paintings, titled “Folkways and received the 2016 Alfred H. Barr Award for Smaller and Ukraine,” the exhibit featured complete costumes, Fantasies,” by Jewish scholar and artist Yohanan Museums, Libraries, Collections and Exhibitions for the sashes, shirts, vests and coats woven out of colorful fabrics Petrovsky-Shtern opened at the Ukrainian Institute of catalogue “Staging the Ukrainian Avant-Garde of the made of hemp and sheep wool. This exhibition was the America in New York on February 7. Professor Petrovsky- 1910s and 1920s,” which accompanied the exhibition result of a fruitful collaboration between guest curator Dr. Shtern teaches at Northwestern University in Chicago. His organized by The Ukrainian Museum in New York in coop- Florica Zaharia from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and paintings evoke fantastic fairy-tale imagery and echoes eration with the Museum of Theater, Music and Cinema Lubow Wolynetz, curator of folk art at The Ukrainian from the artist’s conflicted unconscious. Arts of Ukraine in Kyiv. The jury deciding on the award Museum. Marta Kuzma, vice-chancellor and rector of the Royal made it clear that “these artists, filmmakers, dancers, sce- Meanwhile in Cleveland, another collaboration took Institute of Art in Stockholm, was appointed to be the next nographers, theater directors and costume designers place between the Costume Society of America and the dean of the Yale School of Art on February 9. Born in New deserve to be considered alongside their better known Ukrainian Museum-Archives. For its 2016 project, the CSA Jersey, Ms. Kuzma brings more than 25 years of experi- counterparts in the Paris and the Russian avant-gardes.” trained UMA volunteers on professional handling of pre-

Walter Ciszkewycz Andy Wowk When the Costume Society of America held its annual meeting this year in Cleveland Seen at The Ukrainian Museum’s 40th anniversary celebration at Tavern on the on May 24-29, it chose for its “CSA Angels Project” the Ukrainian Museum-Archives. Green on April 17 are some of the event’s sponsors (from left): Alexandra Sawczuk, Seven college professors, four professional textile conservators and more than a dozen Dr. Ihor Sawczuk, Prof. Jaroslaw Leshko (past president), Alla Leshko, Luba volunteers came to the UMA to clean, catalogue and place more than 300 items into Firchuk, Prof. Renata Holod (current president), Prof. Oleh Tretiak. acid-free storage boxes. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Sean Murphy Julia Blue/Facebook Damian Kolodiy’s film “Freedom or Death” was screened on February 4 at the Ukrainian Center in Passaic, N.J., Filmmaker Roxy Toporowych on November 28 at the as part of a commemorative evening marking the second anniversary of the sacrifices made by the Heavenly 26th annual Gotham Independent Film Awards with Brigade. Mr. Kolodiy (center) is seen here with community activists and the event’s organizers. actress Margot Robbie. Ms. Toporowych won the Calvin Klein Spotlight on Women Filmmakers “Live cious textiles and other costume-related apparel. The the Dutch legal system accepts appeals in this case, the the Dream” grant. UMA textile collection consists of over 1,000 items from treasures could still remain in storage for months more Film Festival in Selby, the United Kingdom, on July 30. One the late 19th century to the present day. In all, the CSA pending a final appeal. version of this film was cut to 30-minute length so it could provided the UMA with services and equipment valued at be used in schools as part of the “Holodomor National over $30,000. Film Awareness Tour” in Canada. In early October, Adrian Bryttan presented a series of According to filmmaker Damian Kolodiy, more video On October 14, “Women of Maidan,” a feature docu- lecture exhibits in Tannersville, N.Y., showcasing his large- footage has been collected and archived from Maidan mentary by filmmaker Olha Onyshko made its world pre- sized gold-leafed sculptures based on Scythian themes. He events than since the 2004 Revolution. On February 4, Mr. miere at the 17th annual Woodstock Film Festival in conducted two classes for students and faculty at local Kolodiy’s documentary film “Freedom or Death” was Woodstock, N.Y. The film is set in the harsh winter and high schools. screened in Passaic, N.J., at a commemorative evening recounts the violent backlashes of the Berkut police at On October 14, the Ukrainian Institute of America in marking the two-year anniversary of the sacrifices of the Maidan. Women who risked everything standing side by New York opened an exhibit of paintings by Lviv-born art- fallen Heavenly Brigade during the Maidan Revolution. Mr. side with their men became the core and heartbeat of a ist Serhiy Hai depicting archaic motifs with echoes of Kolodiy also related his experiences showing the film in movement that united and ignited Ukrainian society. Hellenic and Etruscan art, such as riders and horses, Donbas, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Mariupol. The film- While editing her film, Ms. Onyshko began coordinating nudes, masks and still lifes. maker explained the change within Ukrainians in Ukraine efforts to bring wounded soldiers to the United States for And in Chicago on October 30, the Ukrainian National after the screenings “because the film hit them a lot hard- medical treatment. In 2014, she received recognition from Museum showcased the paintings of Khrystyna Kozyuk, er than the diaspora audience due to the information bub- the U.S. House of Representatives and the Embassy of titled “A Colorful Kaleidoscope of Cultures.” Ms. Kozyuk ble created by Russia, and the way we showed the facts on Ukraine for her extraordinary work. uses oversized canvas to experiment with a variety of the ground. The film serves as a tool for learning.” A simi- Filmed in eastern Ukraine, the feature documentary vibrant colors, textures and shapes. lar screening was held in Philadelphia. film “Okradena Zemlya” premiered at the Ukraine House Seven contemporary Ukrainian American artists from “Julia Blue” is a film about a university student, Julia, in Kyiv on November 25 and was greeted with a standing the New York City area were featured in the exhibition falling in love with a traumatized soldier in war-torn ovation. Montreal filmmaker Yurij Luhovy combined titled “CIM” at The Ukrainian Museum on December 11. Ukraine. The filmmakers held a panel discussion at St. Holodomor survivor testimonies, commentaries by histo- The participants were Luba Drozd, Adriana Farmiga, Maya George Academy in New York City on April 3 to discuss rians, recently declassified Soviet archival documents and Hayuk, Roman Hrab, Yuri Masnyj, Christina Shmigel and their movie, then in post-production. “Julia Blue” was shot rare historical footage. The English version, “Genocide Marko Shuhan; they had studied at places like Bard entirely on location with breathtaking cinematography of Revealed,” gathered 12 international awards, including College, Pratt Institute, Cooper Union and the School of the Carpathian Mountains and Kyiv, and was written and best Historical Film and Best Documentary. Visual Arts. A wide variety of materials and styles was the directed by Roxy Toporowych. On November 28, Ms. hallmark of the exhibit from the representational to con- Toporowych was announced at the 26th annual Gotham Theater ceptual, incorporating drawing, painting, sculpture, instal- Independent Film Awards as the winner of the Calvin lation, video and sound. Klein Spotlight on Women Filmmakers “Live the Dream” One of Ukraine’s most distinguished cultural institu- The year closed with a far-reaching decision on grant. The $25,000 cash award aims to further the careers tions, Lviv’s Maria Zankovetska Theater presented its pro- December 14 by the Amsterdam district court, which of emerging women directors by supporting the comple- duction of Mykola Lysenko’s “Natalka Poltavka” on a tour ruled that the priceless collection of gold artifacts on loan tion, distribution and audience engagement strategies of of Stamford, Conn., New York City, Lindenhurst, N.Y., to a Dutch museum when Russia occupied Crimea must their first feature film or episodic series. Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland and Philadelphia in the first be returned to Ukraine. While provoking an angry Russian Ariadna Ochrymovych, an independent film producer weeks of April. Based on the 1819 play by Ivan reaction, the decision drew praise from Ukraine, whose and director, interviewed Holodomor survivors in every Kotliarevsky, “Natalka Poltavka” is a classic Ukrainian president said it means “Crimea is ours, period.” The bat- city in Canada for her documentary “Holodomor: Voices of operetta, whose themes of a marginalized culture evoke tle for the return of the Scythian treasures had been Survivors.” It was screened at the Yorkton Film Festival in George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and Leonard fought in the Dutch courts since early 2014. However, if Saskatchewan on May 28 and at the International Short Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” On June 3, Yara Arts Group in New York City launched an ambitious new theater piece, dramatizing the meetings of the great Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko with Ira Aldridge, the great African American Shakespearian actor. “Dark Night Bright Stars” explores how these two great artists, who rose from serfdom and slavery, and found a common language in art and song, even though they could not speak to each other directly. Their meetings in 1858 were documented in the diary of Count Tolstoy’s 15-year- old daughter, who also acted as translator. The production by Virlana Tkacz included excerpts from Shevchenko’s poems and Aldrich’s stage monologues. The original musi- cal score was by Julian Kytasty. “Dark Night Bright Stars” was also performed before Ukrainian audiences in Odesa, Lviv and Kyiv. Dance 2016 marked the anniversary celebrations of two Nick Syzonenko major dance companies that have been showcasing The Iskra Ukrainian Dance Academy and the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble that emerged from it, celebrated Ukrainian culture for many years not only in America, but 20 years of educating youngsters and delighting audiences with their productions of Ukrainian folk dance. “A internationally. The Hromovytsia Dance ensemble was Celebration in Dance,” was presented on October 16 at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township, N.J. founded in Chicago in 1980 by Roxana Dykyj and her hus- No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 15

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW band, Ivan Pylypczak. Thirty-five years later, the company comprises over 45 dancers age 18-40 dedicated to reshap- ing the very definition of Ukrainian dance. Hromovytsia Ukrainian National Association: travelled to Ukraine in 2003 and 2011. In 2007 the troupe embarked on a European tour that took the dancers to caring for our community Florence, Rome, Strasbourg, Munich and Paris. raditionally, the UNA marks the beginning of a new And on October 16, the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Academy year with the release of its new Almanac. The and the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble that emerged Almanac of the Ukrainian National Association for from it, celebrated 20 years of educating youngsters and T 2016 (Petro Chasto, editor) marked several notable anni- delighting audiences with their productions of Ukrainian versaries, including the 70th anniversaries of both the so- folk dance. Presented as “A Celebration in Dance,” the pro- called Lviv Sobor of 1946 that liquidated the Ukrainian gram at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township, Greek-Catholic Church by proclaiming a “reunion” with N.J., was a journey through Ukraine’s various regions, as the Russian Orthodox Church and of the famine of 1946 in well as the journey in the life of a young dancer from neo- Ukraine. phyte to seasoned performer. Iskra’s first artistic director Also at the beginning of the year, on January 19, the was the renowned Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, who was UNA coordinated a meeting between U.S. Rep. Frank dedicated to teaching dancing shaped by ballet. Iskra’s Pallone (D-N.J.) and several leaders from the Ukrainian current artistic director is Andrij Cybyk. Programs include American community at the congressman’s New a pre-dance class for children age 3-5 and a dance fitness Brunswick office. Included in the group were: Andrij class for adults. Dobriansky from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of Literature America, Walter Zaryckyj of the Center for U.S.-Ukrainian Relations, as well as Roma Lisovich, UNA treasurer, and The biennial $25,000 Kobzar Literary Award Ceremony Yuriy Symczyk, UNA fraternal coordinator. The congress- and Dinner was held on March 2 in Toronto. Exploring man had reached out to Mr. Symczyk, expressing his Ukrainian Canadian themes, the five Kobzar finalists desire to meet with leaders of the Ukrainian American shared their personal motivations and recited excerpts community to share details from his trip to Ukraine and from their shortlisted books. Shevchenko Foundation reaffirm his efforts in continuing to help Ukraine, includ- President Andrew Hladyshevsky told the audience that it ing providing military and humanitarian assistance, and was interesting to have finalists of non-Ukrainian back- supporting a Crimean annexation non-recognition bill. ground as “those authors express how they have been The first page of the UNA scholarship awards supple- As always, the UNA continued to care for its members ment that appeared in the September 4 issue of The influenced by core Ukrainian Canadian values that have of all ages. The organization’s scholarship program contin- Ukrainian Weekly. emanated out in ripple effect to other communities.” The ued in 2016 and an editorial in the April 17 issue of The 2016 Kobzar Literary Award was presented to Indiana- Ukrainian Weekly highlighted that popular fraternal bene- company that performs charitable activities on behalf of born Maurice Mierau for his book “Detachment: An fit. “It’s that time of year when our high school seniors are the UNA), the Markian Paslawsky Fund and the Kyiv- Adoption Memoir” about a Mennonite father and his two making decisions about where to attend college – deci- based International Alliance for Fraternal Assistance, who newly adopted boys from Ukraine. sions that will have a far-reaching effect on their future. … are working together to develop a modern rehabilitation Thus, it’s a good time to remind readers that our publish- space at the Lviv State Enterprise for Prosthetics and Photography er, the Ukrainian National Association, offers scholarships Mobility. The Markian Paslawsky Fund was organized by The U.S. Agency for International Development on and monetary awards to college students who are its the family and friends of the Ukrainian American who January 15 sponsored an exhibition at America House in members. In fact, you may have noticed that this newspa- died while fighting with a volunteer battalion in the battle Kyiv of photos taken by young people internally displaced per and our sister publication, Svoboda, have been run- of Illovaisk. Representatives of the Paslawsky family and by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The exhibition also ning advertisements announcing that applications for the the IAFA agreed that developing a modern rehabilitation toured Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, Dnipro, Odesa, Severodonetsk, 2016-1017 academic year are now being accepted…” facility in Ukraine was a worthwhile endeavor. The UNF Sloviansk and Lviv. The editorial also noted that the program traces its played a key role in generating much-needed funding that On April 24, prize-winning photojournalist Marta beginnings to the informal granting of scholarship assis- allowed the project to progress. At the same time it was Iwanek won first place from the National Press tance almost since the organization’s founding in 1894 reported that the UNF and the Paslawsky Fund were in Photographers Association for the best photo in the cate- and that since its formal establishment in 1964, the UNA talks with the Ukrainian Catholic University to work gory of Photojournalism, Portrait and Personality, an inter- has disbursed over $2 million to students. The UNA’s together for the rehabilitation of war victims. national award. The powerful photo shows an 11-year-old 2016-2017 scholarship recipients were featured in the Part of the UNA’s community outreach program during boy of Ukraine on his bed after being admitted to Shriners September 4 issue of The Ukrainian Weekly (and in 2016 was a Petrykivka Workshop held on April 8 at the Hospital for Children in Montreal. Ms. Iwanek also received Svoboda as well) – just as the new academic year got Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey in an award for the best Single Multimedia Project for her under way. Notably, that issues was distributed during the Whippany. About 50 participants – a full house – were work on “The Amazing Repair of Charlie’s Tiny Heart,” hugely popular Labor Day weekend festivities at the instructed in this Ukrainian art form by Natalia Lyubytska which documented open-heart surgery at Sick Kids. Soyuzivka Heritage Center, which are attended by hun- an artist who hails from Lviv. The evening’s five-course dreds of our community’s young people. For the 2016- dinner of small plates paired with various wine selections Exhibits 2017 school year, the UNA assisted 42 of its student mem- was arranged by Soyuzivka Manager Nestor Paslawsky and prepared by Soyuzivka’s head chef, Andrey On April 26, students at Wesleyan University in bers with scholarships totaling $11,050. Sonevytsky. The event was organized by the UNA in sup- Connecticut commemorated the 30th anniversary of the The UNA Seniors – rebranded as “Savvy Seniors” – held port of the UACCNJ’s Arts, Education and Culture Chornobyl nuclear tragedy in Ukraine with a performance their annual conference and getaway at Soyuzivka on June Committee. of “Voices from Chernobyl.” Adapted, produced and direct- 12-17. On the agenda were informative presentations, To mark Life Insurance Awareness Month, The ed by Wesleyan history major Rachel Santee, this imagina- workshops, delicious meals and various fun activities. Ukrainian National Association Forum pages in The tively produced performance consisted of 10 monologues Also in June, a front-page story in The Weekly cited the Weekly in September featured a series of four articles from the book of the same title by Nobel laureate Svetlana work of the Ukrainian National Foundation (an affiliated Alexievich. Accompanying the performance was a gallery exhibition of photographs titled “Chornobyl + 20: This is Our Land, We Still Live Here.” An exhibit of photographs, campaign buttons and mem- orabilia, signs and fliers going back to the 1910s titled “Politics and Ukrainian-Americans” debuted on July 18 at Cleveland’s Ukrainian Museum-Archives. Citizenship man- uals from the 1920s and ‘30s showed Ukrainians enjoying their ethnicity while learning, becoming naturalized and ultimately voting. A special display consisted of rare but- tons like an “I Like Ike” button in Ukrainian, and buttons for different nationalities for Nixon, from Armenians to Ukrainians. The United States is a nation of immigrants and visitors to UMA quickly realize this is not just a Ukrainian museum, it’s an American museum. The Ukrainian Museum in New York marked Ukraine’s Independence with two exhibitions opening on September 11: “In Metal, On Paper: Coins, Banknotes and Postage Stamps of Independent Ukraine, 1991-2016” and “Money, Sovereignty and Power: The Paper Currency of Revolutionary Ukraine, 1917-1920.” Together these two exhibitions provided a unique opportunity for visitors to Nataliya Symczyk take a walk through Ukraine’s 1,000-year-old history from Participants of the Petrykivka Workshop sponsored by the UNA on April 8 at the Ukrainian American Cultural ancient to contemporary times. Center of New Jersey in Whippany show off their artwork. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

2016: THE YEAR IN REVIEW penned by Irene Jarosewich under the column heading “Insurance Matters.” Speaking of insurance, the UNA published a new ver- sion of its full-color magazine. This year, it was called “Guide to Life.” Inside, readers could find not only facts and figures about the UNA, UNA products and UNA bene- fits, but also concise explanations of insurance products and their value in establishing financial well-being. At the same time, “Guide to Life” was a comprehensive explana- tion of the value and benefits of turning to the UNA in par- ticular for these products. Throughout the year – and especially during festival season – the UNA’s representatives were busy promoting the organization and its offerings, which include life insur- ance, endowments, and annuities, as well as various fra- ternal benefits. Also in the spotlight at such events were the Ukrainian National Foundation and its Soyuzivka Heritage Center. (Readers will recall that it was in January 2015 that the UNA announced it had realized its goal of charitable status for the Soyuzivka Heritage Center, as the Ukrainian National Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization became the owner of Soyuzivka.) The first festival of the season at which the UNA and the UNF were represented was the St. George Ukrainian Festival in New Stefan Slutsky York City on May 20-22. The UNA’s booth at the Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Employees of the Ukrainian National Association, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly in their Ukrainian embroi- dered finery on Vyshyvanka Day, May 19. Soyuzivka turned out to be very popular with guests, especially the youngsters who were treated to beautiful An important item on the first day’s agenda was filling of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. and unique free face-painting by artist Athena Zhe. Ms. the vacancy on the UNA Executive Committee that occurred Another special feature of the 2016 festival was the Zhe was a hit also at the UNA table during the Ukrainian with the death in July of National Secretary Kozak. The Ukrainian Artisan Village, a depiction of Ukrainian village Festival at the UACCNJ on October 1. UNA’s deputy national secretary, Mr. Symczyk, was unani- life with arts and crafts demonstrations, information on A notable event of 2016 for the UNA was the obser- mously elected as national secretary. Mr. Symczyk, who had the folk uses of various plants, as well as folk singing, all vance of the international Vyshyvanka Day. Staffers at the held the title of UNA fraternal coordinator, was tapped as presented by artisans and artists coordinated by Halyna Home Office of the Ukrainian National Association, which deputy national secretary at the beginning of April. Shepko of nearby New Paltz, N.Y. In addition, there were includes not only UNA employees but also those of its two Meanwhile, at Soyuzivka, there were several new devel- crafts activities for children. Of course there were also the newspapers, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, on May opments. In March, Roma Lisovich, treasurer of the annual varenyky-eating competition, a vendors’ market- 19 proudly wore their embroidered shirts as a visible Ukrainian National Foundation, reported that renovations place and a food court. expression of Ukrainian unity worldwide. of Soyuzivka’s Main House were in full swing. She noted: As the festival was getting under way on Friday eve- In July, the entire UNA community was saddened over “The right wing of the second floor has been stripped to ning, a fund-raising gala on the theme of “Solidarity with the death of National Secretary Christine E. Kozak, the the studs, leaving the bare bones structure. Plumbing is Ukraine” was taking place on the expansive lawn of the UNA’s top life insurance professional and one of three full- being fixed and new bathrooms, walls, ceilings and light Lviv camp. More than 100 people attended the event, held time executive officers. Ms. Kozak passed away on June 27 fixtures, as well as carpeting, are being installed. Each ren- under a beautifully decorated party tent. The reception, at the age of 62. She was hired as an underwriter in the ovated room will have its own air conditioning/heating which included a cocktail party, a five-course dinner and UNA’s Recording Department in 1996, then rose to unit installed in the wall, allowing guests to control the performances by the festival’s top stars, was sponsored by become director of its insurance operations and was elect- settings. In addition, the balcony rooms have been beauti- the Ukrainian National Foundation in cooperation with ed as national secretary in 2002. She was re-elected in fied with the installation of new screened-in French the Ukrainian Catholic University of Lviv. A total of 2006, 2010 and 2014. doors.” In addition, paving projects were completed and a $33,000 was raised for the UCU rehabilitation center via The 2016 annual meeting of the UNA General Assembly major renovation of the reservoir was under way. the fund established in memory of Markian Paslawsky. was convened at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center on Over 3,000 visitors flocked to the Soyuzivka Heritage Another notable event at Soyuzivka was the annual November 18-19. The business sessions were marked by Center for the 10th Ukrainian Cultural Festival on July Miss Soyuzivka Contest, which this year marked its 50th good news about the UNA’s continued progress during 8-10. Oksana Mukha of Lviv, and Kyivans Ivo Bobul (origi- anniversary. Crowned Miss Soyuzivka 2017 at the August 2016 – the fourth year in a row that the fraternal organi- nally from Chernivtsi) and Viktor Pavlik (originally from 13 events was Irene Kulbida of Niskayuna, N.Y.; Teya zation has enjoyed net profits. In addition, during the past Terebovlia, Ternopil Oblast) were the show’s headliners. Lucyshyn of East Aurora, N.Y., was voted the runner-up. year the UNA’s surplus has grown by nearly $1 million and They were joined by virtuoso violinist Vasyl Popadiuk, The Soyuzivka Heritage Center hosted its full comple- was projected to stand at $9.3 million by the end of the master bandurist Victor Mishalow and vocalist/musician ment of summer camps, ranging from Tennis Camp and year. Reports were delivered by the full-time executive Oleh Skrypka. Also on the bill were two perennial festival heritage camps to dance and sports camps. A special visi- officers of the UNA, President Stefan Kaczaraj and favorites, the Dumka Chorus of New York and the Roma tor this year was Miss Ukraine 2013 Anna Zayachkivsky, Treasurer Roma Lisovich, as well as Deputy National Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop, as well who met with the dance and sports campers. Secretary Yuriy Symczyk. All other General Assembly as the folk musicians known as Hurt Udech. License plates Later in the year, the Tennis Camp celebrated a signifi- members – executive officers, advisors and auditors – as from various parts of the United States and Canada were cant milestone – its 50th anniversary – and honored one well as the editor-in-chief of the UNA’s official publica- spotted entering Soyuzivka: Nebraska, New Hampshire, of its founders, George Sawchak, for five decades of ser- tions, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, had the oppor- Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, vice. The festivities took place at Soyuzivka at what was tunity to deliver addenda to their written reports. Delaware, Ontario and Quebec, and from the tri-state area billed as a Tennis Camp reunion weekend on October 1-2.

Roma Hadzewycz Seen at the annual meeting of the UNA General Assembly, which took place on November 18-19, are members of the UNA Executive Committee (from left): newly elected National Secretary Yuriy Symczyk, President Stefan Kaczaraj, Bohdana Puzyk Treasurer Roma Lisovich, First Vice-President Michael Koziupa, Second Vice- Anna Zayachkivska, Miss Ukraine 2013, visited the Soyuzivka Heritage Center and met on President Eugene Oscislawski and Director for Canada Myron Groch. July 27 with campers enrolled in the dance and Sitch sports camps. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 17

Russia’s powers that be, however, never viewed things That makes Mr. Trump attractive in Moscow, at least for Putin’s real advantage... that way. They “talk a lot about values (above all national now, because “he does not put forward in foreign affairs any ones) but in reality [their] policies are not directed at their values at all,” beyond a desire to “do deals” with all and sun- (Continued from page 4) realization.” Instead, their “leftism is a tactic for preserving dry. Everything else the incoming president has said is dis- “The ruling elite in Russia carries out primarily a left their own position,” and they are unprepared to see any com- missed in the Russian capital as mere electioneering of little policy with a significant admixture of populism, directed at monality with the values of an Obama or a François Holland. interest to Kremlin rulers. groups of the population that are dependent on the state. In foreign policy, “the only criterion” the rulers of Russia “This doesn’t mean,” the paper concludes, “that the busi- Whatever the relations of the Kremlin and Obama were, apply to foreign leaders is their desire to “make deals” with nessman Trump doesn’t have any values. Of course, he does; the left initiatives of the American Democrats at an ideolog- Russia and their willingness to work with a country that is but for the powers that be of the Russian Federation, these ical and values level were able to elicit in Russia under- now seeking to set on its own the rules of its own behavior, seem values for internal consumption” rather than ones standing if not support.” Nezavisimaya Gazeta says. that will guide his relations with Moscow. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

Umerov. Mr. Polozov added that he refused agreements and until Russia observes all its territory in the east, Ukrainian politicians NEWSBRIEFS to answer the questions. Mr. Polozov’s col- international obligations.” She said Estonia will have to “give up” Crimea “for a certain league Mark Feigin said earlier on Twitter also supported the granting of visa-free period.” She suggested that if Kyiv focuses (Continued from page 2) that Mr. Polozov would risk being barred travel for Ukrainians to the European on demands for the return of control over choice of voters in Western democratic from representing Mr. Umerov if he Union “as soon as possible” and pledged to Crimea, the Donbas will become “another elections and “is ready to work with any invoked his right to protect his client’s pri- support Ukraine as it undergoes difficult Transdniester” – a reference to a sliver of leaders.” In the Journal interview, the vacy. Mr. Umerov, former deputy chairman economic and social reforms. Mr. neighboring Moldova that has been held by Ukrainian president warned against lifting of the Crimean Tatars’ self-governing body, Poroshenko thanked Estonia for its reso- pro-Russian separatists since a war in sanctions against Russia – something Mr. the Mejlis, was charged with separatism lute support and assistance it has given to 1992. The only other way to regain control Trump has suggested he might do – saying last year after he publicly criticized Ukraine, which included the medical reha- over the Donbas is by force, she said. Ms. it would be “dangerous” for the security of Moscow’s seizure of Crimea from Ukraine bilitation of 40 wounded Ukrainian troops. Savchenko faced criticism over her com- the West. In the Reuters interview, he said in March 2014. In August, Mr. Umerov was He added that there was a necessity for a ments from politicians and people posting Mr. Trump’s backing of the sanctions would forcibly sent to a psychiatric clinic for a “global, European and trans-Atlantic soli- on social media. “We will not exchange show the United States is “great again.” month of assessment tests. The Moscow- darity until Ukrainian territory is liberated Crimea for the Donbas, and we will not give (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters, based Memorial Human Rights Center has from the Russian aggressor, Russian troops up the Donbas either. We will claw back Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal and TASS) called the case against Mr. Umerov “illegal are fully withdrawn, and the uncontrolled every meter of Ukrainian land,” Iryna and politically motivated.” (Crimean Desk, section of the Ukrainian-Russian border is Herashchenko, first deputy chair of Lawyer for Tatar activist detained RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) placed under Ukraine’s control.” (RFE/RL, Ukraine’s Parliament, said on Facebook. KYIV – A Russian lawyer who is defend- based on reporting by TASS and Interfax) “We will fight for every Ukrainian. Ukraine Estonia supports Russian sanctions is Kyiv and Lviv but also Crimea, Donetsk, ing a prominent Crimean Tatar activist says Roshen factory in Russia to close he was forcibly detained and taken to a TALLINN – Estonian President Kersti and Luhansk.” Refat Chubarov, a lawmaker Federal Security Service’s (FSB) office in Kaljulaid has told visiting Ukrainian KYIV – A chocolate maker owned by and leader of the Crimean Tatars, said her Russia-controlled Crimea on January 25. President Petro Poroshenko that she sup- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko remarks were “not only extremely unac- Nikolai Polozov, who was seen being forced ports continued sanctions against Russia announced on January 20 that it is plan- ceptable and deeply offensive, [but] cynical into a car by men in civilian clothes, said he over its involvement in eastern Ukraine. ning to shut its factory in Russia for “eco- and traitorous to all citizens of Ukraine and was released two hours later. He said FSB Ms. Kaljulaid said, following a meeting with nomic and political reasons” and lay off 700 the Crimean Tatar people, [some of whom] officers had used psychological pressure in Mr. Poroshenko in Tallinn on January 23, workers. The move came after a barrage of are still held hostage by Russian occupiers.” an effort to force him to answer questions that the economic sanctions should remain criticism in Kyiv questioning why Mr. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokes- related to the case of his client, Ilmi until “the full implementation of the Minsk Poroshenko, who made his fortune with his man, meanwhile, reiterated that Moscow Roshen candy empire, was maintaining has no intention of ever ceding control of business activities in Russia while the two Crimea. “Russia does not discuss the status nations are in armed conflict. Roshen said and future position of Russian regions,” that it will halt production at its factory in Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Lipetsk and let go 700 workers. It said out- (RFE/RL, with reporting by Christopher put has been falling there because of Miller in Kyiv) TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 Russian market restrictions and “pressure” China offers to help resolve Ukraine crisis or e-mail [email protected] by local authorities that the company said stemmed from Moscow. Mr. Poroshenko DAVOS, Switzerland – China is willing to SERVICES PROFESSIONALS last year put his confectionery empire in a play a constructive role in seeking a politi- trust, saying that it was too difficult to sell cal resolution to the crisis in Ukraine, the asset during the deep economic down- Chinese President Xi Jinping told his turn engulfing both Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian counterpart on January 17. The Relations between the two ex-Soviet neigh- first-time Chinese offer of aid to Ukrainian bors broke off after Moscow annexed President Petro Poroshenko on the side- Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and lines of the Davos economic summit in provided backing for pro-Russia separatists Switzerland comes at a time when the in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine imposed sanc- United States’ role in mediating the Ukraine tions on Moscow for its aggression and conflict appears set to diminish under a Moscow banned Ukrainian imports, includ- Donald Trump presidency that seeks to ing Roshen candy, in retaliation. Even so, mend fences with Russia. China has previ- President Vladimir Putin said last fall that ously shown little interest in getting Roshen was welcome to keep operating in involved in diplomatic efforts to end the Russia. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by AP crisis spawned by Russia’s illegal annexa- and AFP) tion of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and backing for militant separatists in Ukraine arrests late Uzbek president’s relative eastern Ukraine. Beijing has avoided taking sides in the conflict, saying it respects KYIV – Ukraine has arrested a relative of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sover- Uzbekistan’s late President Islam Karimov eignty but that Western powers should who is wanted by Tashkent for the alleged take into consideration Russia’s legitimate embezzlement of hundreds of millions of security concerns. Beijing in the past has dollars. An official at Kyiv’s Solomianka avoided alienating Moscow, its ally on District Court told RFE/RL on January 20 many international matters, by getting that it had ordered the arrest of an Uzbek SERVICES drawn into the struggle between Russia national identified as 33-year-old Akbarali and the West over Ukraine’s future. But Abdullaev. The official said an Uzbek and those concerns appeared to be set aside, at Dominican passport were in Mr. GOT ENGAGED? least temporarily, in Davos when Mr. Xi told Abdullaev’s possession when he was Mr. Poroshenko that China would like to Order your korovai! detained earlier that week at Kyiv’s Call Lisa at deepen cooperation with Ukraine under a Zhulyany international airport. His possible 307-250-4633 & visit long tradition of friendship between the extradition to Uzbekistan was pending. Mr. www.nazdorovya.com countries. “We genuinely hope that Ukraine Abdullaev, who is a nephew of Mr. Shipping throughout USA maintains social stability and economic Karimov’s widow Tatyana Karimova, was development and are willing to play a con- charged in Tashkent with embezzlement structive role in promoting a political reso- and financial fraud in 2014. It is not clear HELP WANTED lution to the crisis,” Mr. Xi said, according to how and when he left Uzbekistan. (RFE/ China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Mr. RL’s Uzbek Service) Poroshenko told Mr. Xi that Ukraine wel- 42 year old Ukrainian woman Savchenko draws fire for Crimea comments comes Chinese investment and that there is seeking a live-in position as great potential for cooperation in areas like a caregiver for the elderly. KYIV – Ukrainian lawmaker Nadiya logistics, ports, steel and agriculture, the Conscientious housekeeper, Savchenko has caused controversy by sug- ministry said. (RFE/RL, with reporting by very competent with excellent gesting that Kyiv must accept Moscow’s Reuters and Xinhua) recommendations and extensive grip on Crimea for the time being if it wants to regain control over eastern territory held NATO training to be allowed in Ukraine experience with older people. by Russia-backed separatists. Speaking on KYIV – President Petro Poroshenko has Please call 609-216-0239 112 Ukraine TV on January 17, Ms. signed a decree allowing troops from the Savchenko said that “the only peaceful United States and other NATO countries to way” to resolve the status of the eastern carry out training missions in Ukraine dur- AREGIVER C Donbas region in Kyiv’s favor is to put the ing 2017. The presidential website for 95 year old woman issue of Crimea, which was seized by announced the signing on January 26, say- in Wilmington, DE. Russia in March 2014, “on the back burner.” ing that, under a previously announced Please call 856-904-4161 She added, “We must not abandon” Crimea plan, Ukraine will host up to 3,000 troops, or email [email protected] or the Donbas. But she suggested that in order to regain control of separatist-held (Continued on page 19) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 19

rigged presidential election in favor of Petro Matiaszek... Viktor Yanukovych, then prime minister, whom Russian President Vladimir Putin (Continued from page 1) had called twice in vain to prematurely overlooks Independence Square – the site congratulate before a repeat vote propelled of two people-power revolutions in the Viktor Yushchenko to victory. past decade. “That was a sea change in the country,” It was a desire, he said, that stemmed Mr. Matiaszek said of the popular uprising. from wanting to work in Europe because of “At that time, that was the most dramatic its “Old World” charm since he’d fallen in thing that happened to Ukraine in decades. love with the continent during the 1980s as The 1991 declaration of independence a university student. So, when Ukraine pales in comparison to 2004 in signifi- declared independence in 1991, “every- cance. People understood that the country thing was starting,” he said. was in danger and came out to save the “To be here at the ground level. country in 2004. That’s when people Everything was new, literally every week… stepped up in a big, dramatic way to change Whether it was creature comfort, or a res- the course of the country.” taurant, store or product, but it was also Like the Revolution of Dignity of 2014- institutions and organizations, and new 2015, “people power made the difference” people excited about the country,” Mr. in the calculus of making the two popular Matiaszek said. movements successful, according to Mr. Many politicians passed through his Matiaszek. Petro Matiaszek accompanies Ukraine’s Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko to the doors while they interned at a parliamenta- He explained: “People who instigate International Monetary Fund in Washington in April 2016. ry U.S. government-funded program to these conflicts didn’t factor in the people. which he devoted time. The current ecology All three significant people power move- minister or deputy minister… to talk about American politician, someone who tried minister, Ostap Semerak, a former lawmak- ments in modern Ukrainian history have this great foreign investor that wants to and succeeded in becoming a friend and in er known for being an anti-graft crusader, gone way across all lines: it is east and come in. It was clear they weren’t interest- sharing his problems and shortcomings in interned in 1995-1996. Andriy Mahera, the west, it is Russian and Ukrainian language, ed. They met out of, I don’t know, respect how it is to be a vice-president of the U.S., deputy head of the nation’s Central Election it’s those who appreciate the Ukrainian cul- for me or the company. Then, of course, I and good at the jokes. He had a Coca-Cola Committee, also was an intern, as was tural and historical perspective. And those had to communicate that. I had to often with Yushchenko near the Pecherska Lavra Valeriy Karpuntsov who is a second-term who have no idea what that means. The turn on the cold shower.” and commented about pretty women in member of the Verkhovna Rada. reason why they were successful was Luckily, in 2011, two American equity Ukraine,” he recalled. “That was a legacy project that I still take because it was extremely horizontal.” investors approached Mr. Matiaszek to help With potential investors, Mr. Matiaszek pride in and made a big difference for It’s the same reason Ukraine has suc- them bring internationally branded quick said he strives for “honest dialogue.” Ukraine today,” Mr. Matiaszek recalled. ceeded in resisting Russian aggression, service restaurants to Ukraine. Together, “I represent Ukraine here and promote Today, he is again in the public sector as albeit feebly. they founded Global Restaurant Group, and from within the country. I believe you have the deputy head of UkraineInvest – Prime “Because you have broad representation with $15 million have opened five KFC to come and have a look yourself. Seeing is Minister Volodymyr Groysman’s invest- of all different people, and that’s what units since. They originally had planned to believing, seeing is understanding. One of ment promotion office – after being hired makes Ukraine a pluralistic society. Ukraine also introduce Starbucks and Pizza Hut, but the approaches that we’re using to promote on October 19, 2016. And who better to had no internal strife before the Russian the Maidan revolution and subsequent investment is ‘Ukraine is better than you help reach the agency’s lofty goal of bring- operation began,” Mr. Matiaszek said. Donbas war ended their “original robust” think,’ ” he said. ing in $1 billion in foreign direct invest- Girded with a wealth of government plans, Mr. Matiaszek related. War shouldn’t be a detriment to that, Mr. ment this year? contacts and an intimate knowledge of how Meanwhile, he and his wife, Lydia, were Matiaszek stated, drawing on Israel and the Mr. Matiaszek brings an additional 10 Ukraine functions, he was hired in 2006 by always involved in charitable endeavors, protracted civil war in Colombia as exam- years’ experience in international technical a law firm client to help Western compa- including work with Caritas Ukraine, a ples of how countries could still draw for- assistance in legal reform, mainly in U.S. nies enter the market. Catholic-affiliated group. Since the 2000s, eign investment. government-funded projects. Realizing that “ ‘brand Ukraine’ debuted Mr. Matiaszek sat on the Christian charity He believes in communicating Ukraine’s “I had a lot of government contacts, I in 2004, not in 1991,” Mr. Matiaszek started organization’s supervisory board and success by telling the “story the way it is.” knew how the government works. How advising Coca-Cola, Norwegian telecommu- became involved on a daily basis in human- “We have to have a frank dialogue about laws are made, how they’re influenced and nications giant Telenor, America’s Citibank, itarian affairs when Russia engineered an Ukraine that isn’t dishonest, [that admits] processed. That was of use in these proj- and oil and gas companies. armed uprising in eastern Ukraine in April what are its challenges,” he added. ects,” he said. This eventually led to opening Ukraine’s 2014. Over two years he helped raise some There’s plenty of room for investment in When Western funding started to dry up first KFC restaurant in 2013, an event that $25 million to assist internally displaced whole industries and niches. Mr. Matiaszek amid disappointment with ex-President marked the first public appearance by people, reaching nearly 300,000 beneficia- mentioned high-technology, food produc- Leonid Kuchma’s increasingly authoritarian Geoffrey Pyatt as the country’s U.S. ambas- ries, according to the group’s latest report. tion, infrastructure projects, agriculture, administration in 2002, the government sador. Located at the central railroad sta- He also volunteered his services to Mr. waste management, aerospace, healthcare relations expert moved to the private sector. tion in Kyiv, it was the world’s biggest KFC Yushchenko, acting as his English-language and education among the abundance of In 2002, he headed administrative and drive-thru. interpreter for five years during in-country opportunities awaiting strategic and smart financial affairs at the international law Starting in 2010, consulting became dif- visits by high-level officials. They included investors. firm Baker & McKenzie, where he was ficult under the presidency of Mr. Israel’s president, the king of Sweden, U.S. Similar investment obstacles exist as deeply moved by the Orange Revolution Yanukovych: “It was very clear at certain President George W. Bush, and Vice- they did in the 1990s: “corruption is front two years later. People of all strata of soci- meetings… that the writing was on the wall. Presidents Dick Cheney and Joe Biden. and center,” as is a crooked judiciary, over- ety took the streets of Kyiv to protest a It was clear I could get the meeting with the “I knew his style of thinking and speak- regulation and a convoluted tax system. ing – that made it easy – and he didn’t often Asked what sustains him, Mr. Matiaszek go off script, which could terrify any inter- said it’s “being able to work with young preter,” Mr. Matiaszek said of Ukraine’s people who really are talented, smart and facts from their collections should be third president. motivated, who want to do something new NEWSBRIEFS returned to Ukraine rather than to the “Biden, he was impressive as an and exciting.” Russian-controlled peninsula, a Russian (Continued from page 18) lawmaker said on January 25. “We have along with equipment and aircraft, from filed an appeal. We hope that a right politi- the United States and other NATO countries cal decision will be taken,” said Natalya Ділимося сумною вісткою з родиною і приятелями, under NATO’s Partnership for Peace pro- Poklonskaya, a Russian parliament deputy що в понеділок, 16 січня 2017 року, gram in 2017. It said about 2,500 troops, and former prosecutor in the Russian- упокоїлася в Бозі наша найдорожчa МАМА і БАБУСЯ up to 10 navy surface ships, five subma- imposed government in Crimea. “What rines, planes, helicopters and other equip- happened in the court is against all muse- св. п. ment, would arrive for 25 days during the um ethics. ... These valuables can only be summer as part of the Sea Breeze 2017 kept in the region where they were found,” АННА (НУСЯ) ШКАМБАРА БІДЯК training operation. Maneuvers under an she said. “They are Crimea’s heritage that operation called Rapid Trident will also be should be returned home.” The items, Похорон відбувся у вівторок, 24 січня 2017 року, в Українській held in Ukraine during 2017. Mr. known as Scythian gold, are in the католицькій церкві св. Володимира у Glen Spey, NY. Poroshenko’s decree also allows Ukrainian Netherlands because they were borrowed У глибокому смутку залишені: forces to take part in exercises outside of from four museums in Crimea and one in син АНДРІЙ з дружиною ЛАДОЮ і доньками МАЄЮ і МІКОЮ Ukraine, including scheduled maneuvers in Kyiv for an exhibition in early 2014 at син РОМАН з дружиною УЛЯНОЮ Britain, Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Amsterdam’s Allard Pierson Museum. They брат РОМАН ШКАМБАРА з родиною Lithuania, Denmark, Jordan, Bulgaria, were sent before Russia seized Crimea ближча і дальша родина в США, Канаді та Україні. Georgia and Romania. (RFE/RL, with from Ukraine in March 2014 in a move con- reporting by Interfax) demned as illegal in the West. Late last year, Вічна Їй пам’ять! Для вшанування пам’яті Покійної ласкаво просимо складати пожерт- Crimean museums appeal court ruling an Amsterdam court ruled that the collec- tion was part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage ви на 62-ий відділ Союзу Українок Америки та на українську скаутську MOSCOW – Museums in Crimea have and should be returned to Kyiv. (RFE/RL, організацію Пласт (курінь Верховинки). appealed a Dutch court ruling that said arti- based on reporting by TASS and Interfax) 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

aggressively, invading and occupying U.S. Senate... Ukraine, threatening Europe, and doing nothing to aid in the destruction and defeat (Continued from page 1) of ISIS.” time when Russia’s continuing aggression Mattis overwhelmingly approved around the world and interference in our The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly election must be at the top of America’s (98-1) on January 20, after Mr. Trump was diplomatic agenda and of chief concern to inaugurated as president, to approve our secretary of state, it is incredibly trou- retired Marine General James Mattis to be blesome that Mr. Tillerson and President secretary of defense. He was sworn in on Trump had not discussed the specifics of that same day. their Russia policy.” On January 12, Gen. Mattis called NATO The nomination now heads to the full “the most successful military alliance prob- Senate, where it is expected to be approved. ably in modern history, maybe ever” and Pompeo sworn in as CIA director said Russia poses a threat to it – a state- ment that did not agree with the ideas Mike Pompeo was sworn in on January expressed by Mr. Trump. 23 as the director of the CIA after the Senate The New York Times reported back on voted 66-32 to approve his nomination. December 1, 2016, when the retired general U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence praised was announced as President-elect Donald Pompeo, a former Repubican congressman Trump’s choice as defense secretary, that “in from Kansas, for his “wealth of experience” some important policy areas, Gen. Mattis and “character.” differs from Mr. Trump.” The Times noted: Mr. Pompeo had told the Senate “Gen. Mattis believes… that Mr. Trump’s con- Intelligence Committee that the assessment ciliatory statements toward Russia are ill- of Russia meddling in the presidential elec- informed. Gen. Mattis views with alarm tion was “solid.” Moscow’s expansionist or bellicose policies In his confirmation hearing Mr. Pompeo in Syria, Ukraine and the Baltics.” also said Russia has “reasserted itself Sources: RFE/RL, AP, DPA, Reuters, Politico, AFP, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Offices of Sens. Rob Portman and Bob Menendez.

Obama speaks... (Continued from page 4) American interests, but also the interests of preserving international norms if we made sure that we don’t confuse why these sanc- tions have been imposed with a whole set of other issues. On nuclear issues, in my first term we negotiated the START II Treaty and that has substantially reduced our nuclear stockpiles, both Russia and the United States. I was prepared to go further, I told President Putin I was prepared to go fur- ther. They have been unwilling to negotiate. If President-elect Trump is able to restart those talks in a serious way, I think there remains a lot of room for our two countries to reduce their, our, stockpiles. And part of the reason we’ve have been successful on our non-proliferation agenda and on our nuclear security agenda is because we were leading by example. I hope that continues. But I think it’s important just to remem- ber that the reason sanctions have been put in place against Russia, has to do with their actions in Ukraine. And it is important for the United States to stand up for the basic principle that big countries don’t go around and invade and bully smaller countries. I’ve said before, I expect Russia and Ukraine to have a strong relationship. They are historically bound together in all sorts of cultural and social ways, but Ukraine is an independent country. And this is a good example of the vital role that America has to continue to play, around the world, in pre- serving basic norms and values. Whether it’s advocating on behalf of human rights, advo- cating on behalf of women’s rights, advocat- ing on behalf of freedom of the press. LIKE The Ukrainian Weekly on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/ TheUkrainianWeekly No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 21

Bozak a centerpiece in Toronto might be more suited for him. already 23 and struggled to produce, put- Fast forward to 2016-2017 with Bozak Both would easily find employment else- ting up only 134 points in his first four sea- centering the second forward line, flanked The past off-season saw a lot of changes where as capable performers. Kadri, 6-foot- sons, despite getting tons of power play by James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner in the Toronto Maple Leafs line-up with tall and 190 pounds, has the better offen- time and almost 85 percent of his even on his wings. The stress of top-line produc- their recent successful drafts creating an sive upside and profiles as a solid No. 2 cen- strength minutes with Phil Kessel, one of tion has been replaced by second-line con- influx of several top prospects. Auston ter on most teams. Bozak, 6-foot-1 and 195 the top scoring wingers in the game. fidence. Note that the line found some Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch pounds, is a better two-way player who For several years, the debate raged over major early chemistry for the Maple Leafs Marner, to name three, have the club trend- probably slots into the No. 3 role on most whether the Ukrainian Bozak was a suit- by putting up a combined 44 points in 16 ing away from league doormats to potential good teams. Heading into the current sea- able first-line center for a team desperate games. playoff contenders. It also has created a log- son, Bozak had 107 goals and 267 points in to make the playoffs – an argument that The now-30-year-old would like to stick jam at the center position, where the Leafs 435 games, while Kadri had 81 goals and went beyond point production given how with Toronto through the team’s rebuild. suddenly boast four quality centermen. 197 points in 326 games. weak Toronto’s top unit was defensively. He still has two years left on his contract Rookies Matthews and Nylander join veter- Thus far in 2016-2017, Matthews the Bozak is a unique player in today’s NHL. beyond the current campaign, although ans Nazem Kadri and Ukrainian Tyler 6-foot-2, 216-pound No. 1 pick in the 2016 He’s not very big or fast or strong and is not there’s always a chance he’ll be dealt before Bozak to form a strong nucleus up the mid- draft, has emerged as the top center. The blessed with the typical offensive attributes his deal expires. The Ukrainian has paid his dle of the ice. highly touted American has been identified one expects in a minute-munching, play- dues in Toronto, and there’s a chance his When both are healthy, Bozak and Kadri as a special player with star potential. making top line centerman. loyalty and perseverance may be rewarded. have been Toronto’s No. 1 and No. 2 cen- Nylander is a high-skilled prospect who He is solid on breakaways, as evidenced He makes a fine mentor for youngsters like ters. Adding Matthews and Nylander demonstrated in a short audition with the by his 40 percent career success rate in the Matthews, Nylander and Marner. means a position change for somebody or a Maple Leafs last season that he has a great shootout, ranking him high among active Bozak bio bits: Proudly admits to being possible trade in the future. Both Bozak future (six goals, seven assists, 13 points in players – and has used those skills to Ukrainian; favorite food is varenyky; select- and Kadri are under contract for several 22 NHL games). become a short-handed scoring threat. He ed an alternate captain for 2016-2017 sea- seasons at salary cap hits of over $4 million. It is Toronto coach Mike Babcock’s wins more than his share of faceoffs, own- son; played two seasons with University of If the Leafs decide to keep one of the two responsibility to groom Matthews and ing a career success rate of 53 percent, only Denver where he scored 57 points in 60 veterans, who would it be? Nylander while trying to make his team a a percentage point or two below the game’s games; tallied remarkable 45 goals, 83 Kadri is the obvious choice since he is playoff contender. The early going has seen elite. assists, 128 points in his final season with the younger of the two by five years, but Nylander spend time playing the right side For the most part, Bozak is quite popular Victoria of British Columbia League, win- he’s had some problems with the organiza- with Matthews and the experienced Bozak with his Leafs mates and coaches, who are ning Brett Hull top scorer award; suffered tion which have led to suspensions. His and Kadri plugging up the middle. sometimes called upon to defend him from torn meniscus in left knee during sopho- past behavior is something the Leafs don’t As the season unfolds with the Maple critics. They are happy for his success and more season at University of Denver; heavi- want rubbing off on their youngsters. Leafs attempting to make the playoffs for respect the work he puts in to produce sur- ly pursued free agent after sophomore year Bozak does not have those problems. the first time in 11 years, it remains to be prisingly strong offensive numbers. in spite of never being drafted by an NHL The next question becomes will Kadri, seen if Toronto is big enough for both The past several years has seen Bozak club; first contract with Toronto was for Toronto’s first pick (seventh overall) in Bozak and Kadri. doing his best to fill the role of Toronto’s two years, $4 million per year, with perfor- 2009, accept being supplanted by two mance bonuses; second deal was two-year The case for Bozak No. 1 center. The lack of first-rate talent on youngsters and relegated to No. 3 on the the roster saw the Leafs icing two below- extension; third contract in July 2013 was depth chart after a few years of being Undersized and undrafted after playing quality top lines – Bozak was not a No. 1 five-year, $21 million; and on March 28, groomed for the role of No. 1? The undraft- in British Columbia’s Junior A circuit, the center and the problem was compounded 2015, Bozak scored his first career NHL ed Bozak, a free agent signee in 2009, Regina native spent only a year and a half in by the lack of first-line wingers (Kessel hat-trick, capping off a four-point night. might be more comfortable in the No. 3 college before jumping straight to the included). Bozak did his best with limited Ihor Stelmach may be reached at role. As a stronger defensive player, the role Maple Leafs as a free agent. By then he was assistance. [email protected] 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 23

Through June 3 Weekend traditional folk art courses in embroidery, February 11 Concert with Julian Kytasty, “Foreign Land: Hryhory New York bead-stringing, pysanka writing, Easter traditions New York Kytasty, His Music and His Time,” marking the 100th baking workshop, tapestry weaving, The Ukrainian anniversary of the birth of Hryhory Kytasty, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org Museum, 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org

January 30 Seminar with Viktoriya Sereda, “(Re)mapping Spaces of February 12 Film screening, “Music of Survival: The Story of the Cambridge, MA Historical Memory in Ukraine After the Euromaidan,” Philadelphia Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus,” Ukrainian Education and Harvard University, 617-495-4053 or Cultural Center, www.musicofsurvival.com or www.huri.harvard.edu www.ueccphila.org

January 31 Film screening, “Aquarium in the Sea. The Story of the February 12 Slow Roasted Pork Pre-Lenten Dinner, St. Vladimir New York New York Group of Poets” by Oleksandr Fraze-Frazenko, Scranton, PA Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, 570-346-2414 Columbia University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] February 12 Moleben prayer service with Icon of Blessed Bishop-Martyr Hillside, NJ Mykola Charnetsky, Immaculate Conception Ukrainian February 3 First Friday dinner at Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641 or Catholic Church, www.byzcath.org/immaculateconception Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com February 13 Lecture by Marlene Laruelle, “Fashisty! Russian February 3 Art exhibit, “Sedimented,” featuring Chicago-based Cambridge, MA Nationalists and the War in Ukraine: The Semantics of Through March 23 artists Stephen Eichorn, Gunjan Kumar, Judith Mullen Fascism and Conservatism in Russia,” Harvard Chicago and Toby Zallman, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, University, www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 February 17 Winter Weekend Getaway, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, February 4 Presentation of debutantes, banquet and ball, with Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com or 845-626-5641 Philadelphia music by Hrim, Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Hyatt Regency Hotel, [email protected] February 18 Spaghetti Dinner, Ukrainian National Home, Syracuse, NY [email protected] or 315-478-9272 February 4 Performance, Ensemble Extasis, “Let’s Tango,” New York Ukrainian and Argentinean tangos, Ukrainian Institute February 18 Ukrainian Winter Ball, Taras Shevchenko School of of America, 212-288-8660 Washington Ukrainian Studies and The Washington Group, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, [email protected] or February 4 Lecture by Alexander Motyl, “What’s Happening: www.ukrainianschooldc.org/debutante-ball.html New York Ukraine after Donald Trump and Brexit,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 February 18 Presentation of debutantes, with music by Klopit, Plast Independence, OH Ukrainian Scouting Organizations, Holiday Inn – February 4 Presentation of debutantes, Chervona Kalyna, Cleveland South, 440-884-2149 or 440-572-4069 Rochester, NY Radisson Riverside Hotel, 800-967-9033

February 6 Lecture by Dominique Arel, “The War in the Donbas: Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Cambridge, MA Origins, Naming, Implications,” Harvard University, advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. February 7 Presentation by Chris Miller, “The Struggle to Save the Washington Soviet Economy: Mikhail Gorbachev and the Collapse of the USSR,” Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org

February 10 Film screening, “Music of Survival: The Story of the New York Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus,” Ukrainian Institute of America, www.musicofsurvival.com or www.ukrainianinstitute.org

February 10 Art exhibit by Volodymyr Voroniuk, Ukrainian National Through March 5 Museum, 312-421-8090 or Chicago www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org

February 11 Presentation of debutantes, “Chervona Kalyna,” Plast Pearl River, NY Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hilton Pearl River Hotel, www.kalynadeb.org or 845-735-9000

KLK Cordially Invites Members, Family & Friends To Our Annual KLK Winter Ski Races Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017 Place: HUNTER MOUNTAIN , NY

Registration begins bright & early at 8:00 am Opening ceremony begins at 9:45 am Races begin at approximately 10:00 am Snow Boarders Welcomed

Dinner and Awards Ceremony: Coppertree Restaurant at Hunter Mountain Time: 6:30 pm

Adults: $50.00, Children ages 14 & under – Free, if accompanied by an adult. Please wear your ”Vyshyvky” to the Awards Ceremony.

Please visit our website: www.klkusa.com or contact Andrew Hadzewycz for registration forms or information at [email protected] 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017 No. 5

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, February 4 day of bandurist Hryhory Kytasty, a com- poser, performer, conductor and teacher NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific who shaped the development of the ban- Society invites all to a lecture on “After dura in the 20th century and gave the Trump and Brexit: What’s Next for instrument a new life in North America. Ukraine?” by Dr. Alexander J. Motyl, pro- Bandura Downtown artistic director fessor at Rutgers University. The lecture Julian Kytasty will share some of the sto- will take place at the society’s building, 63 ries and a lot of the music, including rare- Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th ly performed pieces passed down through streets) at 5 p.m. For additional informa- family tradition. Admission (includes gal- tion call 212-254-5130. lery access and light reception) is $15; $10 for members and seniors; $5 for stu- Saturday, February 11 dents. Arrive early to view the current NEW YORK: Join us at The Ukrainian exhibitions. The Ukrainian Museum is Museum at 7 p.m. for the concert “Foreign located at 222 E. Sixth Street; telephone, Land: Hryhory Kytasty, His Music, and His 212-228-0110; website, www.ukrainian- Time,” which will mark the 110th birth- museum.org.

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