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ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal Wnon-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXIX No. 17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 $1/$2 in Ukraine 25 years after nuclear disaster, lack of funds plagues Chornobyl

by Zenon Zawada Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV – Like no other problem, lack of financing continues to plague the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant a quarter- century after it was the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych extended his tin cup to glob- al leaders in Kyiv on April 19 when he hosted a donors’ conference followed by a nuclear energy summit, attended by more than 60 high-profile participants, includ- ing European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Polish Prime Minister Bronislaw Komorowski and Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, the leader of the U.S. delega- tion designated by President Barack Obama. The conference succeeded in raising 550 million euros ($802 million) towards the construction of a new containment shelter, gaining support from the Russian Tania D’Avignon Federation ($66 million), Germany ($62 Chornobyl’s Reactor No. 4 as it looked in 2008. In the foreground is a monument “To the heroes, professionals who saved million), France ($69 million) and the the world from nuclear catastrophe.” Ukrainian government ($42 million). “Never since the moment of the horri- any radiation leaks, will be built by 2015. “The main problem today is the inade- been reburied. Now they pollute the ble tragedy in Chornobyl was there such The raised funds will be applied toward quate attitude of the government and soci- water, which is among the main sources solidarity, such preparation in gaining a building the new shelter, and perhaps ety towards Chornobyl’s problems and the of the nation’s life and health.” real result in the collection of necessary toward the spent nuclear fuel depository. issues of liquidation,” said Mykola Such experts reported little progress in funds to complete the construction,” said Those involved with Chornobyl on a Teterin, a representative of dealing with the remaining hazards of the Horst Reichenbach, the vice-president for day-to-day basis, such as the plant’s cur- AtomProfSoyuz, the labor union that rep- Chornobyl plant, largely because of paltry risk and resources at the European Bank rent managers, as well as those whose financing from the Ukrainian government. resents the power plant’s current 3,000- for Reconstruction and Development lives were affected by nuclear disaster, Indeed 185 tons of radioactive fuel plus workers. (EBRD). such as the liquidators, complain that the remain buried in the ruins of the fourth Though another 190 million euros Ukrainian government hasn’t earmarked “The source of all problems remains reactor, over which a temporary shelter ($277 million) was needed, Mr. enough funds to finance even their mini- unresolved – that thousands of tons of Yanukovych said he expected the state-of- mal needs to function, as stipulated by radioactive waste in the ground haven’t (Continued on page 19) the-art containment structure, to prevent law. U.S. STATEMENT TO THE PRESS Commemorating the 25th anniversary of Chornobyl

Following is the full text of the press and nonproliferation has made a last- statement by U.S. Secretary of State ing contribution to nuclear safety in the Hillary Rodham Clinton, which was region and throughout the world. The released on April 19 in Washington. United States has already contributed $240 million to this international On behalf of President Obama and effort, and today we are announcing a the people of the United States, I reaf- pledge of $123 million in new funding. firm the commitment of the United As we remember this anniversary, States to stand with Ukraine and the 44 we are also following the grave situa- other nations participating in the Kyiv tion at Japan’s Fukushima-Daiichi summit as we mark the 25th anniversa- nuclear power plant. It is a reminder ry of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster that nuclear safety requires the global and complete Chornobyl’s transition to community to work together. This is an environmentally safe site. The com- why today the United States joins pletion of two nuclear safety projects, Ukraine and the rest of the internation- construction of a new safe confinement al community in renewing our support shelter and a storage facility for spent for the government and people of fuel will help finally close this difficult Japan. chapter for the people of Ukraine and As we pause to reflect on the events the region. that took place at Chornobyl 25 years Official Website of Ukraine’s President Nearly two decades of cooperation ago, we must recommit ourselves to Speaking to journalists during an April 20 visit to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power between Ukraine and the United States ensuring the safe use of nuclear power Plant are United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and President Viktor on nuclear energy and safety, health for generations to come. Yanukovych of Ukraine. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS

Leaked cables show U.S. Yanukovych on nuclear energy and are ready to apply it.” The president stressed that the speeches at the summit was wrong on Yanukovych KYIV – Nuclear safety can be ensured were evidence that at the international level only through joint efforts by the interna- there is a need to unite efforts around over- by Taras Kuzio Tymoshenko did not have the political tional community in the development of coming the nuclear crisis. “Unfortunately, cutting-edge technologies, Ukrainian RFE/RL machine, ability to blackmail deputies, or we still do not see today when this calamity control of television stations necessary for President Viktor Yanukovych said in his will end; it is continuing. And it is hard to The U.S. Embassy cables from such a project. In addition, since 2008 Ms. final speech at the Kyiv summit on the say when it will be stopped. Therefore, you Ukraine leaked recently by the website Tymoshenko has consistently argued for the safe and innovative use of nuclear energy are welcome to ask any questions, and all WikiLeaks prompt two observations. need to move toward a full parliamentary on April 20. He said that the Chornobyl our efforts and resources will be used to The first is that the embassy believed system. disaster and recent events in Japan provide you with assistance,” Mr. Party of Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych The authoritarianism of the Party of required from the international community Yanukovych promised. (Ukrinform) had changed from what he was during the Regions is well documented among a new level of responsibility on the part of 2004 election, when he sought to come to Ukrainian sociologists and has been plain to governments to their own people concern- Shakhtar gives $1 M to Japan power through election fraud. The second ing the safety of peaceful nuclear facilities. see during the transformation of parliament KYIV – The Shakhtar Donetsk soccer is that U.S. officials believed Yulia “Today’s discussion has proven that nucle- into a rubber-stamp institution and the club, which earned 18.6 million euros in Tymoshenko was not a better option than return to a presidential constitution. ar energy has a future, but it is possible Mr. Yanukovych in the 2010 presidential only if we find the answer to man-made the 2010-2011 Champions League, has U.S. cables also buy into the argument of decided to support the people of Japan election. One cable quotes former President a “pragmatic” wing in the Party of Regions and natural challenges facing nuclear ener- Leonid Kuchma as saying the 2010 elec- gy,” Mr. Yanukovych said. The Ukrainian affected by disaster, it was reported on that supposedly desires to unify Ukraine April 19. A contribution of $1 million tion was one of “choosing between bad and and is pro-European, even possibly willing president called on the governments of for- very bad” – with Ms. Tymoshenko alleged- eign countries to cooperate in the improve- (U.S.) has already been sent to alleviate to compromise on NATO. Such views were the consequences of natural and man-made ly being the latter. intensely lobbied by U.S. political consul- ment and further development of nuclear disasters on the Japanese islands. “We, in Both of these positions were funda- tants working for the Party of Regions. technology. He said that, for Ukraine, Ukraine, the survivors of the Chornobyl mentally wrong – especially as seen from But the pragmatic wing of the Party of nuclear energy would continue to play a disaster, understand quite well what Japan the hindsight of Mr. Yanukovych’s first Regions was not evident in 2005-2008 significant role in ensuring energy and now feels. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to year in power. when the party voted with the CPU economic security and would remain an bring back those who died, but we must The WikiLeaks cables critical of Ms. against legislation to join the World essential factor in maintaining sustainable help those who are alive,” the president of Tymoshenko were a reflection of her own Trade Organization. Ukraine’s 2008 economic development. “Your participa- FC Shakhtar, Rinat Akhmetov, said. The mistakes and of lobbying by U.S. politi- WTO membership paves the way for the tion in the summit demonstrates the under- funds have been transferred to a special cal consultants working for Mr. signing of a Deep Free Trade Agreement standing by each country of the serious- account opened by the Japanese Embassy Yanukovych and the Party of Regions with the European Union, a process the ness of the challenges facing the commu- in Ukraine for donations. As reported earli- since 2005. One of the main criticisms pragmatic wing of the Party of Regions nity in the sphere of nuclear energy,” Mr. er, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has allo- was that Ms. Tymoshenko is a “populist,” allegedly supports. Yanukovych said. The summit participants cated 19.894 million hrv (about $2.5 mil- a claim that ignores widespread populism These cables also ignored the anti-NATO also adopted a declaration of the heads of lion U.S.) in humanitarian assistance to among all Ukrainian politicians. Indeed, stances of Mr. Yanukovych and the Party of states, governments and their representa- Japan. (Ukrinform) Mr. Yanukovych was the most populist in Regions, arguing that this was election rhet- tives. The document outlines the interna- the 2010 elections and the prize for the oric to mobilize eastern Ukrainian voters tional community’s approaches to the safe Kyiv pledges $104 M to Chornobyl fund most populist billboard goes to former that would be ignored after the voting. and innovative use of nuclear energy, as President Viktor Yushchenko, who prom- Again this was wrong, as President well as confirms the need to improve KYIV – During a donor conference to ised to place a 20 percent tax on yachts, Yanukovych is the first of four post-Soviet mechanisms for practical cooperation to raise money for the Chornobyl Shelter limousines and villas. Ukrainian presidents to not support NATO prevent accidents at nuclear facilities. Fund (CSF), Ukraine’s contribution will The U.S. Embassy bought into the accu- membership. The party has also adopted (Ukrinform) total $104.163 million (U.S.), said the sation that Ms. Tymoshenko was beholden contradictory positions on Ukraine’s partici- chairman of the State Agency for the to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. pation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace Ukraine ready to help Japan Chornobyl Exclusion Zone Management, Ms. Tymoshenko was allegedly the biggest exercises, opposing them when in opposi- Volodymyr Kholosha. “The government, KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty and willing tion (leading to the cancellation of the Sea by its decision of April 13, 2011, has of Ukraine expressed readiness to help to be Russia’s pawn, according to a cable Breeze exercises in 2006 and 2009) and increased Ukraine’s contribution to the quoting oligarch Dmytro Firtash. Evidence supporting them when in power. Japan with the liquidation of the accident Chornobyl Shelter Fund by $54.163 mil- to back this conclusion was her supposed U.S. cables from Ukraine also claimed at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power lion. It will amount to $104.163 million. concessions on Georgia during Russia’s that Mr. Yanukovych, if he won the 2010 plant, which occurred on March 11. These funds will be made in installments 2008 invasion and Moscow-friendly posi- election, would not be a Russian pawn and Speaking at the Kyiv summit on safe and until 2014, and the remaining $22 million tions on the Holodomor and the Black Sea would defend Ukraine’s interests, even if innovative use of nuclear energy, he said, after 2014,” the official said on April 18. Fleet. only in the economic sphere. Although Mr. “We have the sad experience of overcom- In reality, Mr. Yanukovych has caved in Yanukovych defends his economic interests ing the consequences of a nuclear disaster (Continued on page 14) to Russia on all three issues. During the from Russia, he has adopted domestic, Georgian crisis, the Party of Regions and national-identity and foreign policies that the Communist Party of Ukraine (CPU) are in Russia’s national interests. supported Russia’s dismemberment of Russia successfully lobbied for the four The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 Georgia. Likewise, the Party of Regions and candidates who became the chairman of the the CPU did not support the 2006 law on Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., the Holodomor, and Mr. Yanukovych has ministers of education, foreign affairs and a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. adopted Russia’s position that it was a defense. Russian citizens illegally control Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. Soviet (not Ukrainian) famine. As president, the president’s bodyguards and the media- Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. he has extended the Black Sea Fleet base in analytical section of the presidential admin- (ISSN — 0273-9348) Sevastopol until 2042-2047. A January 2010 istration. U.S. cable reports Mr. Yanukovych telling The Weekly: UNA: the U.S. ambassador that he was ready to The real Yanukovych Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 extend the base in exchange for economic U.S. cables from 2005-2006 were preferences from Russia. Postmaster, send address changes to: more critical of the Party of Regions, but The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz The pro-Russian candidate in 2008-2010 two factors changed. First, 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas public-relations efforts by U.S. consul- P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) All this led to the mistaken impression tants persuaded many in the West, includ- Parsippany, NJ 07054 that Russia supported both Ms. ing the U.S. Embassy, that Mr. Tymoshenko and Mr. Yanukovych in the Yanukovych had changed. This ignored The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] 2010 election, as they were both “pro-Rus- his unwillingness to concede the election sian” and Moscow would be satisfied with fraud of 2004 and his continued conten- either winning the election. Mr. Yushchenko tion that he won that election. The Ukrainian Weekly, April 24, 2011, No. 17, Vol. LXXIX made this argument during the campaign, A December 2005 cable quotes Mr. Copyright © 2011 The Ukrainian Weekly calling for his supporters not to vote for Yanukovych as complaining that a “putsch” either candidate in the second round of bal- and “Kuchma’s machinations” had denied loting. That decision probably cost Ms. him the presidency. One cable analyzed the ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Tymoshenko the election, since she ended Party of Regions’ “heavily pro-Russian Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 up losing by just 3 percentage points. campaign rhetoric” in 2006, attributing this e-mail: [email protected] Other cables claimed it made no differ- to its co-option of Communist voters. Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 ence whether Mr. Yanukovych or Ms. A second factor that changed the tone in fax: (973) 644-9510 Tymoshenko were elected as both are the U.S. cables by 2008 was Western e-mail: [email protected] authoritarian and would allegedly seek to fatigue with the feuding Orange political Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 build a “Putinist vertical power.” Such anal- e-mail: [email protected] ysis contradicted the reality that Ms. (Continued on page 18) No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 3

NEWS ANALYSIS: Top Ukrainian officials admit justice inequalities by Pavel Korduban Yanukovych’s allies, did so on the same cases” (Zerkalo Nedeli, April 9). However, Mr. Yanukovych’s PR aide Eurasia Daily Monitor day, passing the law that was submitted During his visit to Lviv on April 11, Hanna Herman dismissed the report as by the president several months ago by Mr. Yanukovych openly admitted that, outdated, saying that the situation has Ukrainian President Viktor 277 votes in the 450-seat unicameral although the government knows who changed compared to early 2010. She Yanukovych and his team have admitted chamber. steals what, corrupt officials remain at said officials who worked in the their helplessness in fighting corruption. The law, which should come into effect large. Speaking in the presence of the Yanukovych administration government While Mr. Yanukovych complained in his next year, introduces spending declara- oblast governor and the city’s mayor, Mr. have been charged with corruption this state-of-the-nation address that corrupt tions for officials and their family mem- Yanukovych wondered how much money year. Ms. Herman said that the arrest in officials had torpedoed his reform efforts bers, and forbids them from receiving local officials had stolen from funds allot- mid-April of Denys Komarnytsky, the last year, his chief financial inspector, in a expensive presents. However, opposition ted to fight the consequences of natural leader of Kyiv Mayor Leonid candid interview with a national weekly, representatives said that the law left disasters over the past several years. Mr. Chernovetsky’s caucus in the local coun- accused unnamed members of the current numerous loopholes for corruption as it Yanukovych said he knew their names but cil, as well as the earlier arrest of the executive of corruption. would be possible for corrupt officials to noted that he did not aim to put anybody chief price controller, Tetyana Rud, These revelations coincided with the continue declaring low incomes and behind bars if stolen funds were returned showed that the government was also U.S. State Department’s report for 2010 spending, while real figures are registered (Ukrayinska Pravda, April 11; fighting corruption among its ranks on human rights in Ukraine, which said in the names of their distant relatives and Kommersant-Ukraine, April 12). (Ekonomicheskie Izvestiya, April 12). that the Ukrainian government was not friends. The anti-corruption law will not By their statements, Messrs. This is only partly correct. Mr. doing enough to curb corruption and apply to medical workers, teachers, ath- Yanukovych and Andreyev effectively Chernovetskyi has long fallen from favor instead was engaging in selective justice. letes and artists (Kommersant-Ukraine, admitted that justice in Ukraine is selec- with Mr. Yanukovych, and the arrest of a Mr. Yanukovych inadvertently confirmed April 8). tive as both the U.S. and the European chief price controller from the current this conclusion on a visit to the western Meanwhile, chief financial controller Union claimed earlier this year. While government cannot be compared in scale town of Lviv, where he said he knew Petro Andreyev, whose Main Control and many former government officials have to the arrests last year of a former internal local officials were stealing but added that Revision Directorate’s findings were used been charged with corruption, little is affairs minister, a former environment putting them behind bars was not a priori- by Ukrainian prosecutors last year as evi- being done to eradicate corruption in the minister and a former vice-minister of ty (Kommersant-Ukraine, April 8). dence in the corruption cases against for- current government. justice, let alone the three criminal cases President Yanukovych told Parliament mer government officials, including the The U.S. Department of State said in opened against Ms. Tymoshenko. in his address on April 7 that he was dis- former Prime Minister Yulia its human rights country report released Ukraine shares the 134th position out satisfied with the pace of reform as “no Tymoshenko, openly accused the execu- on April 8 that far from enough was done of 178 in Transparency International’s more than one-third of the reforms tive of covering up corruption. During an in Kyiv last year concerning official cor- Corruption Perceptions Index for 2010. planned” were launched last year. He interview with the Zerkalo Nedeli weekly, ruption and government transparency and Corruption will thrive in Ukraine as long blamed this on “the bureaucratic state Mr. Andreyev complained that, no matter that, while dozens of former officials as the top officials do not understand machine” that was “trying to preserve how often he reported to Prime Minister were prosecuted for embezzlement, some that the law should be applied equally corrupt enrichment schemes.” Mr. Mykola Azarov about corrupt activities current high-ranking officials were for all. Yanukovych urged the Verkhovna Rada to involving current officials, nothing “engaged in corrupt activities with impu- finally pass the anti-corruption law over changed. Asked by the newspaper if he nity.” The report also underscored corrup- The article above is reprinted from which lawmakers have been dragging wanted to say that some ministers were tion among police and judges (http:// Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission their feet for several years (UT1 TV, April supporting corrupt practices, he said that www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/ from its publisher, the Jamestown 7). Parliament, which is dominated by Mr. “unfortunately it looks like this in certain eur/154456.htm). Foundation, www.jamestown.org.

Ukrainian nurse dishes on Qaddafi Court won’t suspend Demjanjuk trial PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The German court bring forth any concrete aspects that have by Kristin Deasy dure on Qaddafi back in 1995. hearing the Nazi war crimes trial of John not already been analyzed as part of the RFE/RL Dr. Liacyr Ribeiro, rumored to have Demjanjuk on April 14 rejected the examination of evidence,” the judge was treated the similarly beauty-minded defense’s request to suspend the trial due to quoted as saying by the AP. For a while, life in Libya was good Berlusconi, said at the time that Qaddafi newly found materials indicating that the Defense attorney Ulrich Busch had said for Oksana Balinskaya, one of Libyan “told me he had been in power for 25 FBI considered a crucial piece of evidence he needed more time to investigate whether dictator Muammar Qaddafi’s Ukrainian years at that time, and that he did not in the case to be “quite likely fabricated.” more such material could be found at the nurses. want the young people of his nation to The Associated Press reported in an National Archives in Maryland, where the She made plenty of money, lived in a see him as an old man.” exclusive story on April 12 that a 1985 FBI AP found the FBI field report. trendy apartment and even had a person- But the Libyan leader didn’t seem too file questioned the authenticity of the Mr. Demjanjuk’s son, John Demjanjuk al driver at her beck and call. worried and even ordered a hamburger Trawniki ID card purportedly issued to Mr. Jr. said in an e-mail message to the AP: A special Qaddafi-emblazoned gold break midway through the procedure, Demjanjuk and said that it was likely a “The decision to slam the door on more watch given to her by “Papik” – a according to Dr. Ribeiro, despite the fact Soviet-made fake. evidence continues a long trail of prosecu- Russian term of endearment used for that part of the surgery was... removing However, Judge Ralph Alt said the AP torial misconduct and the withholding of Qaddafi meaning “little father” – could belly fat. Hmm. story “does not offer any grounds for a sus- exculpatory evidence.” He added, “The be used to “open any door” or “solve For her part, Ms. Balinskaya was a pension” of the trial. “The report does not Germans are afraid of what they will find.” any problem” in Libya she tells fresh-faced 21-year-old who didn’t know Newsweek. a drop of Arabic when she took her place But maybe he was a little like Stalin, in a line of candidates vying for employ- she admits, estimating that about half the ment with the eccentric North African UCCLA welcomes passage of population resented his tyrannical hold leader. on power. But the girl had spirit, looking him Holocaust monument bill And he was a little weird. right in the eye and giving him a solid “He liked to listen to Arab music on handshake. Next thing you know, she OTTAWA – The chairman of the congratulated for crafting a bill that will an old cassette player,” she recalls, and says, he “picked me.” Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties ensure that all of the victims of Nazi was “obsessive about his outfits,” add- “I learned he made all his decisions Association (UCCLA), Roman Germany are remembered, a perspective ing that during trips through poverty- about people at the first handshake,” she Zakaluzny, expressed his thanks on too often lost when the focus is only on stricken African countries, “he would explains. “He is a great psychologist.” March 26 to Member of Parliament Tim one or another community’s suffering.” fling money and candy out the window That might be overstating it. Uppal, whose private member’s bill in We would also like to congratulate the of his armored limousine to children Balinskaya managed to play Qaddafi the House of Commons “An Act to Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) for its who ran after our motorcade.” quite well, having made off with the nice Establish a National Holocaust determination in moving this legislation Even so, Ms. Balinskaya is careful to deals when times were good and escap- Monument,” will commemorate all of forward,” Mr. Zakaluzny continued. “We remind readers that there are a lot of ing Tripoli before he forced two remain- the victims of Nazi Germany, including know how hard it can be to get a private silly rumors flying around about the many millions of Ukrainians member’s bill to the stage where it ing Ukrainian nurses to help protect him Qaddafi, denouncing as “nonsense” sug- enslaved or murdered by the Nazis and receives royal assent. And, of course, we from the mass demonstrations calling for gestions that his fantastically beautiful the Ukrainian survivors of the Holocaust will support a Canadian national monu- an end to his decades-long rule – leaving Ukrainian medical staff also served as a who made Canada their home. ment that, as the CJC’s Bernie Farber her to share memories with Newsweek harem. “Canada welcomed tens of thousands affirmed, ‘will pay homage to the thou- back in Ukraine. “The truth is that Papik was much of Ukrainians, Poles, Russians, Jews and sands of Holocaust survivors who made All in all, not bad for a Qaddafi gig. more discreet than his friend, the wom- others who were persecuted by the Canada their adopted home after the sec- anizer Silvio Berlusconi,” she says, Nazis, who lost family members and ond world war and contributed in explaining that he only hired pretty Copyright 2011, RFE/RL Inc. friends during the second world war, remarkable ways to all aspects of Ukrainian women because he simply Reprinted with the permission of Radio who saw their homelands devastated by Canadian society [and] honor those who “liked to be surrounded by beautiful Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 both the Soviet and Nazi regimes, as so perished, Jews and non-Jews alike.’ A things and people.” Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC thoughtfully underscored in Prof. genuinely inclusive commemorative Including himself, according to 20036; www.rferl.org. (See http://www. Timothy Snyder’s book, “Bloodlands,” project of this sort is one that we will reports from a Brazilian plastic surgeon rferl.org/content/ukrainian_nurse_dish- said Mr. Zakaluzny. “Mr. Uppal is to be support.” who says he performed a beauty proce- es_on_qaddafi/3554852.html.) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17 INTERVIEW: Ukrainian member of Polish Sejm Miron Sicz

by Zenon Zawada He had hoped to travel to Kyiv in 1990, before the Kyiv Press Bureau declaration of independence, to hold a divine liturgy. We were able to do that, and he said that he was now happy. STRYI, Ukraine – Among those attending the March However, he was a very modest person in life, with 26 funeral of Bіshop Yulian Gbur, who served the deep respect for the elderly. He said learn so that you lis- Ukrainian Catholic community in northern Poland for ten to them with understanding. This was truly a great more than two decades, was Miron Sycz, a deputy in the person, but at the same time very modest. He built many Polish Sejm representing the Warmia-Masuria province churches, and repaired them in difficult times. that is home to thousands of Ukrainians. Mr. Sicz’s family fell victim to the Akcja Wisla ethno- Was it hard for Ukrainians in Poland in the 1970s cide of 1947. His father was sentenced to death after and 1980s? being imprisoned at the Jaworzno concentration camp It was very hard, because we practically didn’t have a for Ukrainians. He was amnestied and his sentence was church. We were attached to the Roman Catholic commuted to 15 years in prison. Church, and occasionally Polish priests forbid us to go He resettled in the village of Ostre Bardo in northern to our churches. By 1957 we were in several villages Poland near the Kaliningrad border, where Miron Sycz with churches. Ukrainians came from afar – 50 to 100 and his siblings were born. kilometers – to be with each other. Mr. Sicz belongs to the Civic Platform party that When Bishop Yulian was ordained in 1970, he formed the coalition government in the Sejm, led by launched a dynamic growth of those parishes, wherever Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President it was possible. The most parishes were established Bronislaw Komorowski. He is deputy chair of the under his leadership, which led to further development. Sejm’s ethnic minority commission and deputy chair of He was a very strong person who defended the Polish-Ukrainian commission. Ukrainian interests… He was among more than 50 faithful who traveled more than a thousand kilometers to honor Bishop Gbur He was very strong in the most important moment in at his funeral in Stryi. Poland. He always looked after everyone, meeting and Below is a transcript of Mr. Sicz’s interview with The Zenon Zawada creating communities, not only spiritually but the Ukrainian Weekly Miron Sycz, a deputy in the Polish Sejm. Ukrainian community in general. And that was truly a Who organized you delegation from Poland? spiritually and civically strong person, which is why he formed in Orneta with former parishioners from is remembered so well and why we cry. It’s worth noting After voting at night I left Warsaw with my friends, Pieniezno. Some of those believers also came. that he was ordained the same year Major Archbishop who came from Gorowo Ilaweckie from those parishes, Bishop Yulian engaged us – as the youth intelligentsia [Sviatoslav Shevchuk] was born, in 1970. A nice history where [Bishop Gbur] served. Not everyone fit, obvious- – to also form a strong intelligentsia. He always said that began that very year. ly. Bishop Yulian was our pastor in Gorowo Ilaweckie, the intelligentsia is supposed to responsible for the com- Did he baptize you? and organized parishes in Bartoszyce, in Lelkowo, in munity. With him, we organized the Ukrainian high Braniewo and also in Pieniezno, where the most school in Gorowo Ilaweckie. This is the largest Ukrainian No, but he christened my daughter. My wife and I Ukrainians were resettled in 1947. It’s the Warmia- school [in Poland] with instruction in the Ukrainian lan- wife knew the bishop for at least 40 years. Our meetings Masuria province, near the border with Kaliningrad guage, along with Bartoszyce as well. For us, he always Oblast of the Russian Federation. A parish was also was the biggest source of support and determination. (Continued on page 18)

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: March Amount Name City Nicholas and Slawka Springfield, NJ S. Klem Troy, NY $300.00 Daniel Kashimer Brooklyn, NY Hordynsky Arcadia Kocybala Croton On Hudson, NY $200.00 Yaroslav Bihun Washington, DC Anna Iras West Palm Beach, FL Natalya Krawczuk- Silver Spring, MD Ada Kulyk Washington, DC Catherine Nazark Livonia, MI Wells $100.00 Stefan Bilaniuk Shrewsbury, MA John Pluta Wallingford, PA Bohdan and Christine Cinnaminson, NJ Roman Hirniak Randolph, NJ Ludmyla Pochtar Scotch Plains, NJ Kulchyckyj Myron and Alexandra DeKalb, IL Alex Spotts Hudson, FL Jaroslaw Kutynsky Hallandale Beach, FL Kuropas $20.00 Christine Balynsky Sea Girt, NJ Stefan Kyrylenko Beloit, WI Luba Nowak Chicago, IL Maria Dychdala Norristown, PA Wolodymyr Luciw Bernville, PA Stephan Stecura Parma, OH Vera Geba S. Easton, MA Mary Majnich Spring Hill, IN $65.00 Morris Ilyniak Toronto, ON Myron Kulas La Grange, IL George Mutlos Hallandale Beach, FL $55.00 Ulana Baransky- Chicago, IL Jennie Kyryluk Miami, FL Patricia Myr Philadelphia, PA Bendixon Michael and Roma Long Island City, NY Irene Rishko St. Petersburg, FL Lida and Borys Buniak Fayetteville, NY O’Hara Lida Sawdyk Mississauga, ON Jurij and Olenka Silver Spring, MD Jean Ochryn Etobicoke, ON Alexander and Zynowia Troy, MI Dobczansky Ihor Sochan Woodcliff Lake, NJ Serafyn Alexander Jakubowycz Brecksville, OH Nicholas Stupak Milwaukee, WI Zoriana Siokalo Newtown, PA P-A-T Company LLC Spring Valley, CA John Terlecky Ansonia, CT Wolodymyr and Woodside, NY I. Lushpynsky Mount Prospect, IL Olga Zazula Middle Village, NY Bohdanna Slyz Orest Popovych Howell, NJ Anna Zelisko Hinsdale, IL Bohdan Turczeniuk Elkins Park, PA Daria Romankow Berkeley Heights, NJ $15.00 Andrew Czebiniak Johnson City, NY Irene Vinch Huntington Beach, CA $50.00 Maria Bachynska Nutley, NJ Helen Duda South Amboy, NJ $5.00 Ewhen Brenycz Whitehouse Station, NJ Roman Cybriwsky Philadelphia, PA John Dytiuk Wethersfield, CT Wasil and Eleanor Parma, OH Jaroslawa Gudziak Syracuse, NY Roman Ferencevych Alexandria, VA Chmilak Askold Melnyczuk Medford, MA Olga Horodecky Kendall Park, NJ Merle Jurkiewicz Toledo, OH Roman Petryshyn Edmonton, AB George Huk Clifton, NJ George Kedrowsky Hilton Head Island, SC Oksana Zakydalsky Toronto, ON Luba Klachko Murray Hill, NJ Nick Lewczyk Depew, NY $35.00 Michael Drabyk McLean, VA Bohdan and Lydia Clifton, N.J. W. Litynsky Wynantskill, NY Steve Ilkiw Montreal, QC Kramarchuk Joseph Oros Reading, PA Andrei and Raissa Bethesda, MD Roman Kucil Rochester, NY Eugenia Podolak Lehighton, PA Kushnir Oksana and Roman Fords, NJ Bohdan Sklepkovych Rutherford, NJ Anna Pitio Skillman, NJ Kuzyszyn Stacey Basniak-Lecuivre Lunenburg, MA Andrew Renner Beverly Hills, CA Victor Lychyk Arlington, VA Theophil Staruch Alexandria, VA The Rev. Daniel Hamtramck, MI Maryann Mysyshyn Springfield, MA Michael Trenza Cable Place, NY Schaikoski OSBM Jaroslaw Oberyszyn Jamaica, NY Marie Zarycky Warren, MI $35.00 Paul Dzul Grosse Pointe, MI Ruslan Rasiak Leesburg, VA Andrij Zwarun Austin, TX $33.00 N. Pawluk Huntsville, AL Adolph Slovik McAdoo, PA $30.00 Lieda Boyko Port Charlotte, FL Alice Yarysh Rocky Hill, CT Ihor Kuryliw Weston, ON Zoriana Zobniw North Royalton, OH TOTAL: $3,052.00 Eugene Mandzy East Hanover NJ $10.00 Andrij Buhel Mississauga, OH Hanna Zyruk Wilmington, DE William Buski Philadelphia, PA Sincere thanks to all contributors to The Ukrainian $25.00 William Balko Ledgewood, NJ Leo Cionka Warren, MI Weekly Press Fund. Lydia Baltarowich Warren, MI Walter Gerent North Port, FL Oleh Boraczok Madison, WI Alice Gural Lakehurst, NJ The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only fund W. Cetenko Venice, FL Natalia Holowinsky Somerset, NJ Ihor and Natalie Columbia, MD Walter Hoszko Piscataway, NJ dedicated exclusively to supporting the work of this Gawdiak Petro Hursky Cheltenham, PA publication. No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 5

Young UNA’ers

Lev Sofron Ferencevych, son of Xenia Zenon Maksim McKay, son of Daria Benjamin P. Ilkiwskyj, son of Michael Isabella Lilliana Kuropas, daughter of and Taras Ferencevych of Durham, and Steve McKay of Westminster, and Tiffany Ilkiwskyj of Orchard Roman M. and Tanya Kuropas of N.H., is a new member of UNA Branch Colo., is a new member of UNA Branch Park, N.Y., is a new member of UNA Hinsdale, Ill., is a new member of UNA 25. He was enrolled by his grandpar- 292. He was enrolled by his grandpar- Branch 360. He was enrolled by his Branch 20. She was enrolled by Roman ents Chrystyna and the late Jurij ents Roman M. and Viktoria great-aunt Nadia Marc. J. Kuropas. Ferencevych. Maksimovich.

Do you have a young UNA’er, or potential young UNA’er in your family? Call the UNA Home Office, 973-292-9800, to find out how to enroll.

The UNA: 117 years of service to our community 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17 “May the land of Ukraine The Ukrainian Weekly be renewed and blessed”

Chornobyl: the 25th anniversary Pastoral message from the Ukrainian Catholic and the Ukrainian Orthodox hier- On April 26, 1986, the unimaginable happened: an explosion rocked the archs of United States of America and Canada issued on the occasion of the 25th Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, sending a radioactive plume across anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy. Europe. It was only two days later that the first official announcement of the accident was Twenty-five years ago, in the early struct and place the sarcophagus on the made: “An accident has taken place at the Chornobyl power station, and one of the morning hours of Saturday, April 26, smouldering ruins of the reactor. Of such reactors was damaged. Measures are being taken to eliminate the consequences of 1986, the residents of Prypiat, a large men Christ speaks eloquently when He the accident. Those affected by it are being given assistance. A government commis- town and administrative center located on declares: “Greater love has no one than sion has been set up.” Four days later, Soviet authorities said the situation around the river of the same name, one of the this, than to lay down one’s life for his the Chornobyl plant had “stabilized.” many tributaries along the upper reaches friends.” (Jn. 15:13) We pray that God May Day parades went on as usual, even as radiation rained down on marchers, of the mighty Dnipro north of the grant them eternal rest in a place of ever- including children in Kyiv, some 68 miles away. On May 5, Vladimir T. Lapitski, Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, were awakened lasting light where there is no pain, sor- counselor at the Ukrainian SSR’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, told a from their sleep by an event that would row or mourning. Ukrainian American community delegation: “The main problems are solved… we change their lives forever. This event We also remember and pray for those don’t need any help.” On May 14 Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev first was of such immense proportions that its whose health was irrevocably damaged spoke about the accident, telling the public that nine people had died and 299 had devastating effects spread far beyond the by the radiation that was released that been hospitalized with radiation sickness. “The most serious consequences [of the limits of the city and even of Ukraine day, those who were taken ill and are liv- accident] have been averted,” he said. itself, and indeed, they are still being felt ing with sickness to this day, and for their Back in 1986 we commented: “The Soviet Union failed in its international obli- today. families, and for those whose lives were gation to let its own people know what happened. And, because of this, people will At precisely 1:23 a.m. local time a cut short by premature death. We espe- be affected for generations to come.” huge explosion rocked reactor No. 4 of cially remember the children, most of Now 25 years later, the effects of the world’s worst nuclear disaster continue to the nearby Chornobyl Nuclear Power whom who were born after the catastro- be manifest. Station, splitting its walls and sending a phe itself, who suffer physical and psy- According to information presented at a Verkhovna Rada hearing in March, 2.11 toxic plume of radioactive fallout – 400 chological disabilities today because of million citizens of Ukraine are victims of the Chornobyl catastrophe and 2,000 pop- times greater than that emitted by the Chornobyl. We also remember and pray ulated areas have been designated as polluted as a result of the nuclear accident. atomic bomb in Hiroshima – high into for the many thousands of people who Neighboring Belarus counts 1.8 million victims. The National Cancer Institute in the night sky. Although the Soviet were forced, by the noxious cloud of the U.S. has said that children and teenagers who consumed contaminated milk or authorities initially attempted to mini- radiation, to flee their homes and leave cheese in the aftermath of the accident continue to suffer from an increased risk of mize the magnitude of the nuclear acci- behind, forever, everything that was thyroid cancer. Volodymyr Kholosha of Ukraine’s Ministry of Emergencies told dent and even deny its occurrence, the familiar and loved by them: the villages, Reuters: “About 600,000 people were involved in mitigating the consequences of immense scale of the disaster became houses, fields and farms where they and the accident. About 300,000 of them were Ukrainians. Out of those, 100,000 are dis- quickly evident to the entire world as the generations before them were born, lived, abled now.” toxic cloud passed from Ukraine into labored and died. May God grant all who And yet, there is no consensus on the medical and social consequences of Russia, Belarus and eventually into suffer His peace, hope and consolation. Chornobyl, writes Dr. David Marples on page 7 of this issue. And, he adds, the Scandinavia and Western Europe. And, in a special way, we also remem- reports of two United Nations agencies, the U.N. Scientific Committee on the The economic, environmental and ber and pray for our beloved homeland of Effects of Atomic Radiation and the International Atomic Energy Agency, have human costs of the nuclear accident in the Ukraine: so rich, generous and abundant, obfuscated the impact of the 1986 disaster, downplaying its disastrous results for the immediate vicinity of Chornobyl that yet so often neglected, plundered and people of Ukraine and Belarus. Dr. Janette D. Sherman, consulting editor for the night have been truly staggering. Many abused over the centuries by the men who book “Chernobyl – Consequences of the Catastrophe for People and the people living in the immediate vicinity of ruled over her. Environment,” noted in an article released this month that “data from multiple sci- the power plant were killed outright in We read in the opening verses of Holy entists estimate the overall mortality from the Chornobyl catastrophe, for the period the aftermath of the explosion. Many Scripture in the Book of Genesis that, from April 1986 to the end of 2004, to be 985,000 – a hundred times more than the more suffered agonizing deaths due to after creating Adam and Eve, God the WHO [World Health Organization]/IAEA estimate.” radiation sickness. Others were sickened Father blessed them and entrusted the Furthermore, Greenpeace reported in early April that hundreds of thousands of with cancers and other illnesses directly earth and everything He had created on it Ukrainians are still eating food contaminated by radiation from the Chornobyl acci- linked to excessive exposure to radiation. to them and their posterity, saying: “Be dent. The environmental group said samples of milk, berries, potatoes and root veg- Children proved especially vulnerable. It fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and etables in the Rivne and Zhytomyr regions, which were in the direct path of the fall- is estimated that in the 25 years since the subdue it, and have dominion... over out after the disaster, contained radiation that was up to 16 times higher than accept- catastrophe, over 4,000 children in every living thing that moves on the ed norms. And that’s outside the so-called 30-kilometer (18.5 mile) Exclusion Zone. Ukraine, Belarus and Russia have earth” (Gen. 1:28). “Then God saw According to the government of Ukraine, more than $12 billion (U.S.) has been become ill with thyroid cancer. Their everything He had made, and indeed it spent thus far on eliminating the consequences of the accident. And it will take numbers are still growing. was very good” (Gen. 1:31). about 100 years to completely decommission the Chornobyl nuclear plant, reported The explosion and ensuing radioactive As the summit of God’s creation, made Dmytro Bobrov, first deputy chairman of the Ukrainian State Agency for contamination also forced the evacuation in His image and likeness, mankind was Administration of the Exclusion Zone, according to a March 29 story carried by and eventual resettlement of 350,000 thus given the great privilege of being Ukrinform. The sarcophagus hastily constructed around the stricken No. 4 reactor is people living in Chornobyl and in 90 sep- stewards of God’s creation, entrusted by decaying and a new shelter must be constructed ASAP. arate communities in the surrounding Him with the awesome responsibility of In an April 20 interview with Spiegel Online, Tobias Münchmeyer, deputy direc- area. The Chornobyl exclusion zone – an caring for, preserving and nurturing the tor of Greenpeace Germany’s policy office in Berlin, stated: “There’s a lovely say- area almost 40 miles in diameter sur- earth and all that God had deemed ‘very ing that time heals all wounds. But in Chornobyl, time is healing nothing because rounding the crippled power plant – is off good’ for all generations. Sadly, howev- the radioactive danger will continue to exist for hundreds and thousands of years. … limits to human habitation and will er, we know that through its sinfulness, The new protective casing is officially expected to last for 100 years, but that is just remain so for generations to come mankind, time and time again, through- a blink of an eye.” He added, “…We must face the fact that Chornobyl donor con- because of radioactive toxins that have out history has neglected the sacred duty ferences will still be held for decades to come – even for hundreds of years.” poisoned the once rich and productive of responsible stewardship over the earth As we solemnly mark the 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, we pray soil. and has abused its privileged position in that the world does not forget this is an accident with real victims whose effects are A quarter century on, the catastrophe exchange for prestige, profit and personal ongoing. At the same time, we are witnessing the world’s second worst nuclear in Chornobyl remains the largest and gain, often desecrating and destroying disaster at the Fukushima-Daiichi plant, and we pray for the people of Japan. The most devastating nuclear accident in his- God’s creation in the process. global community must act in unison to ensure the safety and well-being of the tory and has rightly been described as the And so it was in Chornobyl. The world’s populace. worst technological disaster of the 20th world now knows that the nuclear acci- century. dent in Chornobyl, according to the find- Recalling and reflecting upon these ings of the Nuclear Safety Advisory sobering and saddening facts on the 25th Group, was entirely avoidable and can be anniversary of the Chornobyl catastrophe, attributed to “…a deficient safety culture, April Turning the pages back... we can only lift up our hearts in prayer to not only at the Chornobyl plant, but the Almighty God and beg for His contin- throughout the Soviet design, operating ued mercy and compassion as we remem- and regulatory organizations… ” It was 26 Fifteen years ago, on April 26, 1996, first lady Hillary ber those who suffered indescribable pain the morally bankrupt and dehumanizing Rodham Clinton hosted a special commemorative afternoon and loss. Communist idealogy of the Soviet Union, 1996 program “A Call to Healing and Prevention,” which was We recall, firstly, on this solemn anni- and those who were unfortunate slaves to focused on the continuing effects of the Chornobyl nuclear versary, the many innocent men, women it, the system that placed the fulfillment disaster that occurred on April 26, 1986, in Ukraine. and children who perished in this tragedy, of five-year plans before the good of the The program, in the East Room of the White House, which attracted nearly 200 and we pray for the repose of their souls. people, that are the true causes of the guests, many from the Ukrainian American community, brought together activists We remember in particular the brave and nuclear catastrophe in Chornobyl. from both the private and government sectors who had worked to help the victims of selfless firefighters, who, in the hours and From the distance of a quarter century the nuclear catastrophe, and the ambassadors of the three republics most affected by days following the explosion, knowingly we can see, despite the incalculable death the accident’s fallout, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. and willingly exposed themselves to mor- and destruction caused by Chornobyl, tal danger and almost certain death in (Continued on page 19) order to extinguish the flames and con- (Continued on page 11) No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 7

Chornobyl’s legacy in Ukraine: Beyond the U.N. reports

by David R. Marples doubts readers might have had of prob- lems other than those outlined in the The Chornobyl disaster of April 1986 report, namely some 56 Chornobyl continues to elicit debate. Twenty-five deaths to date, 6,000 thyroid gland can- years later there is no consensus on its cers among those under age 10 at the medical and social consequences, but time of the accident, and 4,000 future their impact continues to affect more cancer deaths linked to radiation from than 2 million people in Ukraine and 1.8 the 1986 accident. million in Belarus who are officially list- On April 21 in Kyiv, the IAEA partici- ed as “victims.” pated in a conference on Chornobyl host- Why is this the case? Although several ed by the president of Ukraine, Viktor factors can be postulated, the chief Yanukovych, who has already accepted among them is the near monopoly on Russia’s proposal to finance and com- public discourse of two closely linked plete two new reactors at the United Nations agencies: the U.N. Khmelnytsky nuclear power plant (units Scientific Committee on the Effects of 3 and 4, VVER-1000s) and to maintain Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and the until 2050 the 50 percent share of nuclear International Atomic Energy Agency power in national production of electrici- (IAEA). Several UNSCEAR reports ty – a ratio that will require significant have been issued, the most recent of expansion. which appeared in 2008, while the IAEA President Yanukovych has also stated has monitored the consequences of the his government’s intention to re-cultivate disaster and safety of the Chornobyl the contaminated agricultural lands, most plant since 1986. likely with technical crops, following the The World Health Organization example of his Belarusian counterpart (WHO), theoretically independent, has Alyaksandr Lukashenka several years collaborated closely with the IAEA on earlier. The point is that the two leader- A view of the damaged No. 4 reactor of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant that Chornobyl issues and was partly respon- ships, UNSCEAR and the IAEA have a was published in the 1987 book “Chernobyl” by Andrey Illesh. sible for the “Chernobyl Forum Report” strong vested interest in the development issued prior to the 20th anniversary of and expansion of nuclear power. As in tion levels and areas of fallout was offi- ers and their families at Slavutych the accident. Alongside the IAEA, 1986 with the Soviet Union, the industry cially classified. It would be three years (Chernihiv Oblast), some 40 miles east of UNSCEAR and several other U.N. agen- is also a key means of future integration before many residents of Ukraine discov- the nuclear plant, with a rail connection cies, it also participates in the “U.N. of the three republics, Russia, Ukraine ered they were living on contaminated to their workplace that crossed Belarusian Action Plan on Chernobyl to 2016,” a and Belarus. lands. territory. Third, radiation fallout outside the Radioactive iodine, dispersed widely program for recovery of the affected No report for 2011 areas. Nonetheless, the reports released evacuated zones proved more dangerous across north and western Ukraine and by these agencies, and particularly Unfortunately, the Ukrainian govern- than anticipated. The migration of cesi- most of Belarus in the first days after the UNSCEAR and the IAEA, have served ment has yet to release its 25th anniversa- um-137 through the soil was much higher explosions, caused thyroid cancer to partly to obfuscate the impact of the ry report. But it is still worth consulting in northwestern regions of Ukraine that develop among several thousand children 1986 accident. the 20-year report on Chornobyl and its lay outside the chornozem region or clay by 1989. About 3,400 children in For example, Volume II, Annex D of effects produced by Ukrainian scientists soil areas, leading to the contamination of Ukraine had surgery between 1989 and the UNSCEAR report focuses on health under the general editorship of Viktor meat and milk in the Rivne and Volyn 2004. In the 21st century, the illness has effects due to Chornobyl radiation. Baloha, formerly chief of staff for regions especially. Cesium contaminated not disappeared and there are regularly Suffice it to list two statements concern- President Viktor Yushchenko (cited here- over 80 percent of Ukraine’s forests. some 300 to 400 new cases each year. By ing overall casualties. The first notes that after as “Ukraine Report”). Other pervasive and harmful radio- 2004, 11 children had died (the figure in 19 ARS (sufferers of Acute Radiation The Ukraine Report notes that in 2006, nuclides included strontium-90, Belarus was 19). Syndrome) survivors had died by 2006 2,293 villages and towns in Ukraine iodine-131 and plutonium-239. Thyroid gland cancer was also nine but from different ailments “and usually remained contaminated, with a popula- Fourth, the close cooperation between times higher among liquidators and 13 not associated with radiation exposure.” tion of around 2.6 million. (In the former the Ukrainian government and the scientif- times higher among females who worked The second can be found in its “General Soviet Union overall, the number of “vic- ic community, evident at the outset of the in the zone. In addition, the incidence of Conclusions”: tims” has been estimated at 7.1 million.) accident, disintegrated. The Soviet govern- breast cancer among female liquidators “To date, there has been no persuasive It points out several critical errors that ment, it should be added, rejected all out- was double that of the rest of Ukraine. evidence of any other health effect in the occurred after the disaster – unrelated to side aid other than that of UCLA’s Dr Adults living in contaminated areas have general population that can be attributed those conducting the rash experiment on Robert Peter Gale who carried out bone seen a 400 percent rise in thyroid cancer. to radiation exposure (p. 19).” an unstable graphite-moderated reactor marrow transplants on the most severely In addition to the cited 11 thyroid The use of the adverb “usually” and on the night of April 25-26, 1986. affected firemen and first-aid workers. All gland cancer deaths in Ukraine, five liqui- adjective “persuasive” are typical devic- First, the accident was concealed from but one of these patients died. dators have died from leukemia. Ukraine also reported 26,000 deaths of those who es of these pamphlets, which appear the public on orders from Moscow and A closer look determined to assuage any remaining specifically the Ministry of Medium worked in the zone (a further 18,400 Machine-Building (sredmash), i.e., the Let us look at some of the events in deaths have been reported among Russian ministry responsible for nuclear weapons. more detail. The two explosions at the liquidators). Also in Ukraine, 19,109 fam- David R. Marples is Distinguished The ostensible reason, repeated ad nause- Chornobyl-4 reactor on April 26, 1986, ilies in different areas of the country were University Professor, Department of am by Soviet officials, was to prevent led to the evacuation of some 116,000 receiving benefits in 2005 as a result of History and Classics, University of panic. Yet news of the evacuation of people (90,784 from Ukraine) living in the loss of the family breadwinner Alberta. He is the author of three books Prypiat (April 27) and Chornobyl (May an 18.5-mile zone around the unit. There “whose death is related to the Chornobyl on Chornobyl and its impact on Ukraine 6) soon filtered through Ukraine. followed a sustained effort to cover the accident” (Ukraine Report, p. 53). and Belarus. Second, information on health, radia- reactor and eventually to construct a “sar- Whether or not the evidence is “per- cophagus,” or “shelter,” over the fourth suasive” enough for the contributors to complex. Clean-up workers or liquidators the UNSCEAR report, simple math had to remove graphite from the reactor shows that, in addition to its official toll U.S. delegation to Kyiv summit, roof and then decontaminated the topsoil of 56 deaths, one has at the least a further throughout the zone. Most sources concur 19,125 in Ukraine alone, along with an Chornobyl pledging conference that about 600,000 took part in this work, unspecified proportion of the 26,000 liq- first on a volunteer basis and later as mil- uidators who have died prematurely. In WASHINGTON – President Barack that Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, counsel- itary reservists. Belarus the toll is likely to be at least as Obama on April 15 announced the des- or and trustee at the Center for The Nos. 1 and 2 reactors at the high. ignation of a presidential delegation to Strategic and International Studies and Chornobyl nuclear power station were In addition one would need to calcu- Kyiv to attend the Kyiv Summit on the former national security advisor to restored to operation by the fall of 1986, late the impact in the area of high radia- Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear President Jimmy Carter, will lead the and unit 3 by December 1987. Despite a tion fallout in Bryansk region of Russia, Energy as well as the Chornobyl delegation. Members of the presiden- litany of problems, and a belated decision and in most areas of Europe – the latter Pledging Conference on April 19. Both tial delegation are: John F. Tefft, U.S. by the IAEA to declare the station “dan- are not even included in the calculations events commemorate the 25th anniver- ambassador to Ukraine; and Richard gerous” in 1994, the plant continued to of the U.N. agencies, yet significant plu- sary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. L. Morningstar, special envoy for operate until December 15, 2000, when it tonium fallout has been discovered as far A release from the White House Eurasian energy, U.S. Department of was closed on the orders of President away as Sweden. Office of the Press Secretary noted State. Leonid Kuchma. In the interim, a new town had been built for Chornobyl work- (Continued on page 11) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17

Memorial Sunday (Providna Nedila) in the village of Opachychi, 1991. An abandoned homestead, 1988. PHOTO ESSAY: Visits to the zone

by Tania Mychajlyshyn-D’Avignon We stopped the car and walked towards several wooden houses. My first visit to “The Zone” was Paths to them were overgrown with in spring 1988. Sneaking into a village tall grass reaching almost to my waist. in the exclusion zone took several There was an eerie feeling of time hours – enough time for my curiosity and sense of adventure to overcome standing still… the fear of this “invisible” danger Even though two years had passed called radiation. Yet the adrenalin rush since the homes had been abandoned, was quite strong as we passed there were personal items strewn through a barbed wire gate with the everywhere. In one house, in the cor- sign: “Attention! Dangerous Zone! It is ner, hung an icon intact with its forbidden to enter this area!” embroidered towel. My camera in hand, car windows After examining several houses, I closed, we drove on in silence. It was needed to leave… The severity of this a warm, sunny spring day. Everything terrible disaster, this immense tragedy was lusciously green. There were no finally hit me… While walking back to roads – only fences demarcated where the car, I realized what was so strange: they had once existed. there were no sounds… no voices… no birds singing… only the wind blow- Tania Mychajlyshyn-D’Avignon is a ing through the broken windows of photographer based in Newton, Mass. someone’s life…

The Chornobyl Nuclear Power Station’s Reactor No. 4, 1989. Tania D’Avignon in “The Zone,” 1988.

The Prypiat town center, with the Ferris wheel that was never used, 1989. School auditorium in Prypiat featuring a wall of propaganda posters, 1993. No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 9

A Chornobyl child in a village near Ovruch, 1989. A village path in the exclusion zone, 1988.

The nuclear plant seen in the distance from a Prypiat building, 1993. Chornobyl’s Reactor No. 4, 2008.

One of the homes taken over by nature, 2008.

“Samosely” (self-settlers) Nastia and her husband, Volodya, 2004. Interior of a village home, 2008. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17

FOR THE RECORD: UCCA Yanukovych: Today’s Chornobyl statement on Chornobyl anniversary conference is a real breakthrough Statement by the Ukrainian Congress until 36 hours after the explosion. Committee of America on the 25th anni- Moreover, five days after the catastro- versary of the Chornobyl nuclear accident. phe, in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv, a mere 60 miles south of Chornobyl, thou- As Japan today battles to prevent a sands of unsuspecting citizens paraded in meltdown at the Fukushima-Daiichi the streets in celebration of May Day, nuclear plant in the wake of the recent oblivious to the silent and invisible dan- earthquake and tsunami that shook its ger that had by that time already infiltrat- very foundation, our minds cannot help ed their city. but recall the horror of the tragedy that The result of this tragedy is not only occurred in Ukraine 25 years ago. startling, but long-lasting. Although there On the night of Saturday, April 26, were those who died immediately from 1986, an act of unforgivable negligence exposure to high levels of radiation, we at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in must not forget the ongoing effects that northern Ukraine resulted in disaster. An continue to plague Ukraine today: the explosion at the plant blew the concrete alarming increase in birth defects and roof off reactor No. 4, sending large infant mortality, the extremely high rate amounts of toxic radioactivity billowing of thyroid and other cancers, and the into the atmosphere. This was not simply countless other side effects that will an industrial accident, but the unimagina- plague Ukraine for centuries to come. ble result of carelessness and disregard On this 25th anniversary we honor Official Website of Ukraine’s President on the part of Soviet authorities that led those who perished in this catastrophe, President Viktor Yanukovych addresses participants of the donors’ conference to human tragedy on a massive scale. and those who survived. We remember the that raised funds for projects at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Cognizant of their error, the regime did hundreds of emergency workers who the unthinkable. It imperiled millions of responded to the catastrophe; the hundreds Following are excerpts of President ful and effective manager of the lives by remaining mute and refusing to of thousands who were uprooted from Viktor Yanukovych’s address at the con- Chornobyl funds. admit that anything out of the ordinary their homes; and the millions who suffered clusion of the Chornobyl donors’ confer- If someone thinks that the process of had happened. It was only after Swedish and continue to suffer from health issues ence held on April 19 in Kyiv. The text raising funds for Chornobyl was easy, diplomats, having detected abnormal related to Chornobyl. We commemorate was released by the press office of the they are certainly mistaken. The obstacles amounts of radioactivity within their own the heroic efforts of those whose task it president of Ukraine. were numerous economic and financial country, gave notice on Monday, April was to clean up the site after the disaster; difficulties due to the consequences of 28, of their impending desire to file an the bravery of the millions in the sur- Today, together with our partner the global financial crisis. official alert with the International rounding area who have lived with the donors to the Chornobyl funds, we have However, our partners have shown Atomic Energy Agency, that Moscow tragic legacy of this disaster for 25 years. successfully held a conference to raise strong support for Ukraine’s efforts in finally issued this brief five-sentence At the same time, we remember in our funds for the Chornobyl projects. The addressing the Chornobyl problems. statement: “An accident has occurred at prayers those who today in Japan face the conference has become a real break- Also, I would like say that today the Chornobyl nuclear power station. One same uncertain future as our brethren in through against the background of previ- Ukraine has witnessed an unprecedented of the atomic reactors has been damaged. Ukraine. May the Lord God help them in ous similar events. The results are participation of a Ukrainian foundation in Measures are being taken to eliminate the this, their time of need. unprecedented. financing the Chornobyl fund. I would consequences of the accident. Aid is On this 25th anniversary of the Together with our international part- like to thank the president of this founda- being given to the victims. A government Chornobyl nuclear catastrophe, the ners we managed to raise 550 million tion, Mr. [Rinat] Akhmetov, for the con- commission has been set up.” UCCA reaffirms its resolve to ensure that euros today, which we believe is a pre- tribution into the Chornobyl Fund. In the meantime, the people of Ukraine the ongoing needs of the victims of this liminary figure, for the implementation of For Ukraine, the urgent tasks of today were completely left in the dark because tragedy in Ukraine are not forgotten. We the Chornobyl projects. Ukraine has con- are building a new, safe sarcophagus over Soviet authorities failed to take the prop- urge the United States government and tributed 29 million euros. the destroyed fourth reactor of the er precautions to secure the safety of their the international community to provide I would like to add that such countries Chornobyl NPP, constructing a new, citizens and did not warn them of the the moral and financial support needed to as Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Bulgaria have secure spent nuclear fuel storage [facili- impending danger. Evacuations from the assist the affected communities and ease not decided yet, and we are expecting ty], and converting the Chornobyl NPP immediate area surrounding Chornobyl the continued suffering of the countless them to make specific proposals on their into an ecologically safe system. were not even initiated by the authorities victims in the wake of this tragedy. participation in the Chornobyl fund. Completion of these projects is impor- Of course, I would also like to appeal tant not only for the people of Ukraine. to other countries that could participate in Without exaggeration, successful solution the financing of the Chornobyl fund. We of problems of the Chornobyl NPP has Lugar resolution recognizes are always grateful to our friends for their global importance. timely assistance and participation in this The alarming events of these days at most important event for the whole the Japanese Fukushima I NPP confirmed anniversary of Chornobyl disaster world. that nuclear safety is beyond national I would also like to stress that the boundaries. Just like the pain of Sen. Richard G. Lugar, the ranking Whereas, radioactivity emanating from donation Ukraine has received today is Chornobyl was not alien to Europe and Republican on the Senate Foreign the Chernobyl disaster has been detected the largest among those made at previous the international community, Japan’s pain Relations Committee, on April 14 intro- in Belarus, Poland, Russia, Scandinavia donor conferences. … is not alien to us. duced a resolution recognizing the 25th and other areas; Constructive cooperation with the EU In addition to the already provided anniversary of the disaster at the Whereas, since the disaster, serious in everything that concerns Chornobyl humanitarian assistance, we are ready to Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. health, environmental and socioeconomic proves, among other things, that Ukraine continue providing every possible sup- Ukraine became the first of the former repercussions have been identified in and the EU realize the prospects of strate- port to the people of Japan in overcoming Soviet states to eliminate all their nuclear many areas near the Chernobyl plant; gic cooperation in all areas. This is how the terrible consequences of the weapons under the Nunn-Lugar program. Whereas, the Chernobyl Forum, an ini- it should be between the two parties, who Fukushima disaster. Following is the text of the resolution. tiative by the International Atomic Energy are in an active integration process. Heads of states and governments, and Agency in cooperation with the World France, which chairs the Group of distinguished representatives of more Whereas, at 1:23 a.m. on April 26, Health Organization, numerous United Eight and the Group of 20 this year, has than 50 countries and international orga- 1986, during an experiment, a major Nations agencies, and the governments of done its best for the conference to not nizations will take part today in a summit explosion occurred at the Chernobyl [sic] Ukraine, Belarus and Russia was launched only happen, but succeed. on safe and innovative use of nuclear Nuclear Power Plant in Unit 4, an RBMK in 2003 to examine the scientific evidence We also appreciate the traditional sup- energy in Kyiv, convened by my initia- 1000-type, graphite-moderated nuclear of human and environmental effects of the port of the European Bank for tive. During the summit we will discuss power reactor in Prypiat; nuclear disaster at Chernobyl; Reconstruction and Development and its topical issues of nuclear safety, especially Whereas, the initial explosion dis- Whereas, the Chernobyl Forum’s president, Thomas Mirow. The EBRD in view of the lessons of the Chornobyl examination of the catastrophe has con- persed a stream of radioactive particles has once again proven that it is a success- disaster and the accidents in Japan. … tributed to the understanding of the over nearby towns, farms and eventually effects caused by the nuclear disaster; to many other countries; Whereas, the Chernobyl Forum found Whereas, 500,000 brave firefighters, that more than 5 million people lived in engineers, technicians and emergency ‘‘contaminated’’ areas in Ukraine, To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042 workers worked for more than six months Belarus, Russia and other countries; to minimize one of the worst civilian nuclear disasters in history; (Continued on page 11) No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 11

Chornobyl’s legacy... (Continued from page 7)

Moreover, Chornobyl’s impact is not only reflected in the death toll. The level of illnesses among the families suffering from Chornobyl has long been cause for alarm. The proportion of healthy liquida- tors had fallen from 67.6 percent in 1988 to 7.2 percent by 2005. Among evacuees the healthy ratio declined from 67.7 per- cent to 22 percent. Mental health among evacuated women has declined sharply. The incidence of chronic diseases has increased significantly – especially those of the cardiovascular, digestive and ner- vous systems. Social problems Social problems linked to Chornobyl persist. In Slavutych, where 10,000 peo- ple lost jobs in 2000 because of the Chornobyl plant’s closure, 71 percent of the town’s 24,365 residents are catego- rized as accident victims. Over 53 percent of those who died in 2004 were between the ages of 18 and 59, and HIV, alcohol- ism and drug addiction were reported as key problems – a bitter irony in what was originally intended to be a model town for the 21st century. In the so-called “Exclusion Zone” Roman Woronowycz (18.5 mile radius) around the shelter, A sign at the edge of the 30-kilometer evacuation zone A 1992 protest in Kyiv held on the anniversary of the most of the so-called “samosely” (self- around the Chornobyl plant reads “Exclusion Zone” and Chornobyl nuclear disaster. The banner reads: Remember settlers, i.e. returned evacuees) are dying lists regulations for the zone. The photo was taken in 1994. April 4, 1986. Kyiv.” out. In 2007, there remained 314 scat- tered throughout 11 villages, with an ect estimated to cost $2 billion to erect a completed by 2013. who suffered from ARS, it has had little average age of 63. In 1986 there were an roof that will be higher than both the discernible health consequences. Close control over data estimated 1,200. Ten villages were bull- Statue of Liberty (93 meters) and the However, UNSCEAR and the IAEA dozed in the zone and others are in a state Motherland monument that towers over Chornobyl was a Soviet-era accident, hitherto have needed to produce materials of decay. The 1986 disaster has destroyed Kyiv (102 meters). The goal is to keep but its legacy is still being felt in Ukraine only on significant Chornobyl anniversa- settlements and patterns of life that date the surrounding area safe for another 100 and Belarus today. It began with an offi- ries. After the crisis at Fukushima in back to medieval times. Of those moved years, and to create a spent nuclear fuel cial cover-up and censorship of health Japan, their task has been made much from the Exclusion Zone, only 3 percent storage facility. information and radiation fallout. A quar- more difficult, as world attention is once were employed in 2003 (though some Twenty-eight countries have contribut- ter of a century on, it is still difficult to again focused on problems linked to the had retired by then). ed to the cost of this edifice – it is well ascertain accurate information about its “peaceful atom.” Arguments pro or anti- Finally, the remains of Chornobyl-4 beyond the means of Ukraine’s budget – health effects in particular, mainly nuclear power aside, one can only hope are to be reburied under a new shelter, and the current structure has an estimated because of the close control over data of that more profound attention is once according to a contract between Ukraine lifespan of 12 more years. Construction agencies that wish to minimize its impact again focused on the continuing ramifica- and the French company Novarka, a proj- started last August and is supposed to be and assure the public that outside those tions of the 1986 tragedy.

Queen of Ukraine. May she shelter us Whereas, April 26, 2011, is the 25th “May the land...” with her omophor and, through Her pow- Lugar resolution... anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear erful intercession, may those who per- (Continued from page 6) (Continued from page 10) disaster; and ished find eternal repose, may those who Whereas, the ongoing crisis in Japan at suffer find spiritual and physical healing, that some good has come from it as well. the Fukushima nuclear power plant and may the land of Ukraine be renewed Whereas, the lives and wellness of For one, the catastrophe in Chornobyl serves as a reminder to the United States and blessed. people in the affected areas continue to proved to be, in some ways, the death and the international community of the Given April 2011. be impacted by the catastrophic knell of the Soviet Union. The explosion Chernobyl nuclear disaster; need to make strong commitments to shook not only the nuclear power station, † Constantine Whereas, the government of the nuclear security throughout the world: but the foundation of the godless system Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox United States the people of the United Now, therefore, be it that built it as well. The world came to Church of the U.S.A. States, and the international community Resolved, that the Senate – realize, perhaps as never before, with have provided contributions to humani- (1) recognizes the 25th anniversary of † Yurij what utter duplicity and callous disregard tarian organizations to address the effects the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox the Soviet leadership treated its citizens. of the Chernobyl disaster; courage of the Ukrainian people in perse- Church in Canada It is no surprise that within a few years of Whereas, the Chernobyl Shelter Fund vering to address the consequences of the Chornobyl the entire Soviet empire had † Archbishop Antony (CSF) was established in December 1997 disaster; collapsed in ruins. † Bishop Ilarion by the G-7, in cooperation with Ukraine; (2) commends efforts to mitigate the Whereas, the purpose of the CSF has In addition, over the years many peo- † Bishop Andriy consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear been to construct a safe confinement over ple, Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike, † Bishop Daniel disaster, including the assistance that the as well as organizations from nations the the damaged Chernobyl Unit 4 and to United States and the international com- world over have been united in their convert the site to a stable and environ- munity have given to the Chernobyl efforts to aid the victims of Chornobyl in † Stefan mentally safe condition; whatever way they can, especially the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Whereas, the Nuclear Safety Account Shelter Fund and the Interim Spent Fuel innocent children. They are people who Church in the U.S.A. (NSA), supported by the United States Storage Facility; and and 16 other donors, finances the Interim (3) requests that the secretary of the live the reality that we all form one Body † Lawrence of Christ and that, as St. Paul says: “If Spent Fuel Storage Facility that allows Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic for the decommissioning of Chernobyl resolution to the ambassador of Ukraine one member suffers, all the members suf- Church in Canada fer with him…” (1Cor. 12:26). We Units 1 through 3; to the United States. remember and pray for them as well, that † Bishop Richard God reward them for their good hearts † Bishop Stephen and kind deeds. † Bishop Paul To read more about the Chornobyl disaster, In conclusion, on the solemn 25th † Bishop David visit our online archives at www.ukrweekly.com anniversary of the nuclear catastrophe in † Bishop Kenneth Chornobyl, let us invoke the loving pro- † Bishop Bryan and search through back issues. tection of the most holy Theotokos, † Bishop John 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17 No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 13 THEATER REVIEW: Yara Arts Group’s “Raven”

by Olena Jennings NEW YORK – Yara Arts Group’s “Raven,” directed by Virlana Tkacz, is based on the poem of the same name translated by Ms. Tkacz and Wanda Phipps. The poem is written by Oleh Lysheha, who is also a play- wright, and translator. Mr. Lysheha is the author of collections “The Great Bridge,” “To Snow and Fire,” “Fried Li Bo” and “Brother Du Fu.” In 1999 he was awarded the PEN Translation Award with James Brasfield for “The Selected Poems of Oleh Lysheha.” This is the second performance created by Yara that is based on the poetry of Mr. Lysheha. In 1998, Andrew Colteaux performed in Lysheha’s “Swan,” an equally mesmerizing performance. Before the play started, the audience was treated to the recording of American singers Aurelia Shrenker and Eva Salina Primack (who sing together as the duo Ash). They recorded the music especially for the performance. Then, Julian Kytasty played a melodic solo on the ban- dura that was like an incantation to call the raven. Mr. Colteaux plays the man who meets the raven, and Sean Eden plays Ivan, a friend of the man. Maren Bush plays a woman painting a wall that may never be fin- ished. There are two extreme moments of the tension in the piece: the appearance of the raven and the death of Ivan’s wife. Volodymyr/Klyuzko/k.kava Andrew Colteaux in Yara Arts Group’s “Raven” created by Virlana Tkacz with Yara and Ukrainian artists, inspired by poetry of Oleh Lysheha. The performance piece is being presented at New York’s La MaMa ETC on April 8-24.

As the men eat their lunch of stale bread, they feel especially effective when projected on the raven’s white that someone is watching them, “Someone is watching dress. us through the window/There is something behind the The movement created by Shigeko Suga worked dark glass/Then I see the beak.” It is the raven, which especially well to create the character of the raven they struggle to capture. played by Kat Yew as the raven moved together with There is a translucent wall in the middle of the stage. Mr. Colteaux to portray a bond between bird and man. Ivan and his wife find themselves caught on two sides of Lighting design by David Borilla worked to create the wall unable to reach one another as the wall spins. shadows that provided a haunting atmosphere. The recorded Ukrainian lines said by Olha Shuhan “Sometimes you want something/From the very bot- juxtaposed with the English added beauty. They added a tom of the barrel/Nothing, but brine” was one of the push and pull to the dialogue as the characters pull at most memorable lines of the play for what it says about nature in an effort to bring it close, “So what now, you human desire. Not everyone wants what is most beauti- loner of the forest, Who should be holding whom?” ful. Some want the raven. Lee Wexler Volodymyr Klyuzko and Mikhail Shraga’s projec- In Yara’s “Raven,” the boundaries between nature and Kat Yew and Andrew Colteaux in a scene from tions, which included floral and forest imagery, helped humans are explored through spoken word, music and Yara’s “Raven.” to create a natural atmosphere. The projections were movement.

Pianist Alexej Gorlatch makes Washington debut

by Yaro Bihun His Washington performance was not had a Ukrainian scheduling conflict with Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and reviewed in the local media. Four days young Ukrainian American soprano Liszt. WASHINGTON — Alexej Gorlatch, a later, however, as part of his winning the Solomia Dutkevych, who, accompanied The next concert in The Washington Ukrainian-born pianist who at 23 years of Dublin Competition, Mr. Gorlatch repeat- by pianist Addie Edelson, was perform- Group Cultural Fund’s Sunday series will age is swiftly gaining international recog- ed the same program at the Carnegie ing Ukrainian and other art songs at the be May 1, when pianist Natalya Shkoda nition for his musical achievements, made Zenkal Hall in New York City. There, Washington Franciscan Monastery. returns to the Lyceum stage in Old Town his Washington debut here on April 10 Gorlatch “had no problem… impressing There was no conflict for pianist Elena Alexandria with a program of “Sonatas before a large and appreciative audience. his New York audience with his solid Ulyanova’s recital on March 30 at the and Études.” His concert was sponsored as a cooper- winning program, especially through his Embassy of Ukraine, which featured And organist Mr. Stetsenko will ative effort by The Washington subtleness of tone and velvet like quality works by Antonio Soler Ramos, resume his Bach series on May 20. Conservatory of Music and The of touch in its second half,” as music crit- Washington Group Cultural Fund at the ic Ilona Oltuski noted in her review in Westmoreland Congregational United Contemporary Classical. “One felt put at Church of Christ. ease by his relaxed stage manner and The program began with Beethoven’s secure sovereignty at the keyboard, gar- Sonata Op. 110 and Bartók’s “Out of nering him two standing ovations,” she Doors.” After intermission, Mr. Gorlatch added. continued with four préludes by Debussy The Washington area’s Ukrainian and concluded with Chopin’s Barcarolle American classical music lovers were Op. 60, four Mazurkas and Polonaise Op. twice blessed with the coming of spring 53. His performance received more than this year. As the temperatures went up, so one standing ovation, and Mr. Gorlatch, did the number of concerts and recitals in turn, responded with three more featuring Ukrainian artists. And some- Chopin pieces as encores. times one had to choose between con- Born in 1988 in Kyiv, Mr. Gorlatch flicting performances. began establishing his international music This was the case on April 10, when presence at the age of 11, performing as a Mr. Gorlatch was performing on the soloist and with orchestras in Ukraine, Maryland-Washington border, while Germany, Japan and the United States, organist Paul Stetsenko was continuing and winning honors at international com- his two-year-long presentation of the petitions, among them first prize at the Bach Vespers at the Westminster prestigious Hamamatsu International Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Va. Piano Competition in Japan in 2006, sec- Yaro Bihun With Mr. Gorlatch at 3 p.m. and Mr. At the conclusion of his Washington concert debut, Ukrainian pianist Aleksej ond place at the Leeds International Stetsenko at 6 p.m., it may have been Gorlatch took time to answer the audience’s questions about his career and Pianoforte Competition in England in possible to attend both – Sunday traffic the music he performs. Seated next to him moderating the discussion is Cathy 2009 and, that same year, first prize at the permitting. Judd, executive director of The Washington Conservatory of Music, which Dublin International Piano Competition. On the previous Sunday, Mr. Stetsenko co-sponsored his recital with The Washington Group Cultural Fund. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17

Putin agreed to sit down at the negotiating produce a print edition of the newspaper. At the same time, 54.9 percent of respon- NEWSBRIEFS table and discuss gas issues. Ukrainian The striking journalists say Mr. Bonner’s dents believe that what is happening at Prime Minister Azarov says $200 (U.S.) sacking is connected with his recent inter- the nuclear power plant in Japan could (Continued from page 2) per 1,000 cubic meters is a fair gas price view with Ukrainian Agriculture Minister adversely affect their personal health or He said that, in addition to this sum, for Ukraine today. Under 10-year (until Mykola Prysiazhniuk, which Mr. Bonner the health of their loved ones. According Ukraine “bears the costs of Chornobyl 2019) contracts for the supply of Russian refused to withdraw after a request by Mr. to the survey, 70.2 percent of respondents nuclear power plant maintenance,” which gas to Ukraine and its transit through Zahoor. The journalists also announced via worry that serious accidents could occur costs about 60 million euros a year. “So I Ukrainian territory, which were signed by Facebook that they would make public Mr. at Ukrainian nuclear power plants, and think that Ukraine is behaving correctly in Gazprom and Naftohaz Ukrainy, the gas Zahoor’s telephone conversation with 8.1 percent of the respondents are not this situation,” Mr. Kholosha stressed. price for Ukraine is recalculated on a quar- Kyiv Post journalists. Mr. Zahoor, a afraid at all of such threats. The public According to him, the construction of a terly basis under a special formula. It British national, bought the newspaper for opinion poll was conducted on March confinement structure over Reactor No. 4 includes the base price of $450 per 1,000 $1.1 million in 2009. He has business ties 15-16. (Ukrinform) cubic meters. In April 2010 Gazprom and to eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk mining at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant will Ukraine ready to compromise continue, even if the required amount is Naftohaz agreed to a discount on gas for region. The Kyiv Post was the first not collected during the donor conference. Ukraine, according to which the reduction English-language newspaper published in KYIV – Ukraine, in talks on drafting “We will seek ways to address this issue. is 30 percent of the price of gas, but not Ukraine. It was established in 1995 by an agreement on the creation of a free Possibly, we will hold another donor con- more than $100 per 1,000 cubic meters. American Jed Sunden. (RFE/RL) trade area (FTA) with the European The discount applies to the supplies of 30 ference,” he emphasized. On April 19 KP owner disputes strikers’ claims Union, is ready to reach a compromise Kyiv was to hosted a donor conference at billion cubic meters in 2010 and 40 billion regarding the use of geographical names which Ukraine hoped to raise 740 million cubic meters in subsequent years. The gas KYIV – In an editorial headlined in the names of products in exchange for euros for the construction of a shelter and price formula and the “take or pay” condi- “Claims of so-called ‘censorship’ at KP are compensation to producers. Ukrainian spent nuclear fuel storage at Chornobyl tion remains unchanged, however, the two nonsense,” Istil Investment, owner of the Prime Minister Mykola Azarov plant. (Ukrinform) sides canceled the contract items related to newspaper, said it “rejects allegations of announced this at a meeting with the penalties for Ukraine consuming less ‘censorship’ and ‘breaking international European Commission President Jose Working groups on gas supplies gas than contracted. (Ukrinform) laws’ as pure nonsense and an emotional Manuel Barroso in Kyiv on April 19. “In KYIV – Ukraine and Russia continue to Journalists strike over editor’s sacking reaction to Chief Editor Brian Bonner’s the so-called ‘geographical names,’ we negotiate natural gas supplies, Ukraine’s exit from the newspaper.” The editorial are ready to reach a compromise, but we Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yurii KYIV – Journalists at the English- explained that “The Kyiv Post interview need a transition period and compensation Boiko told the press on April 20. Referring language Kyiv Post have gone on strike to with the Minister of Agriculture that to our producers,” Mr. Azarov said. In to his April 19 meeting in Kyiv with demand the reinstatement of chief editor served as the basis for ‘censorship’ claims addition, he noted that the issues of quo- Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Brian Bonner, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian by some was, according to the publisher, tas for the supply of agricultural products Federation Igor Sechin, he said, “We dis- Service reported on April 16. The newspa- based on speculative questioning without and transportation services currently cussed issues related to the supply of gas per’s employees announced their strike on any factual back up. There were no calls required further discussion in the context to our country. The negotiations will con- the Kyiv Post’s Facebook page. The jour- from government officials to remove the of drafting an agreement on the creation tinue. We agreed to establish working nalists said the decision by owner interview. The interview was published in of a free trade area. Ukraine and the groups that will work out these issues. Mohammad Zahoor to fire Mr. Bonner the last edition of the newspaper and European Union are developing the There is a constructive dialogue.” As pre- interferes with the newspaper’s indepen- remains on the newspaper site for all to mechanism of compensation for possible viously reported, during his recent visit to dence. They said they would continue read. If the publisher was intent on killing losses, in particular, to champagne and Kyiv, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir writing and editing articles online, but not the story he could have stopped the press cognac producers. Vice Prime Minister of run from being distributed and would have the Economy Minister Valerii Piatnytskyi pulled the story off the site. That did not had said on April 8 after another round of occur. …” The editorial went on to note: talks on a free trade area with the EU that CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS “The difference of opinion between the the parties had agreed to consider bilater- publisher and chief editor of the Kyiv Post al commitments under which Ukraine TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 that led to Mr. Bonner’s departure from the promises to protect geographical names, newspaper lay in the editorial content and while the European Union promises to or e-mail [email protected] competitiveness of the Ukrainian/Russian provide assistance on rebranding and language edition of the Kyiv Post site. The marketing. (Ukrinform) SERVICES MERCHANDISE publisher’s goal is for the Ukrainian/ Russian language site to be as editorially Akhmetov buys most expensive flat interesting and captivating as the English- LONDON – Rinat Akhmetov, Ukrainian Book Store language edition.” (Kyiv Post) Ukraine’s richest man, has bought the Publications by Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sacked editor is rehired United Kingdom’s most expensive flat at Sciences, Shevchenko Scientific the One Hyde Park residential develop- Society, Ukrainian Free University, KYIV – The chief editor of the Kyiv ment in London, the Financial Times Ostroh Academy National University Post, whose sacking last week prompted reported on April 18. Mr. Akhmetov 50% off a strike by staff is to return to the bought the penthouse for 136.6 million English-language weekly under an agree- pounds ($224 million U.S.). Elena April 1 – 30, 2011 ment reached with its owner, RFE/RL’s Dovzhenko, spokeswoman for Mr., www.ukrainianbookstore.com Ukrainian Service reported. In a state- Akhmetov, confirmed that the oligarch’s Toll Free 1-866-422-4255 ment on the Kyiv Post website on April holding company, System Capital 20, staff members and Mr. Zahoor said Management, had invested in One Hyde PROFESSIONALS the two sides had reached an amicable, Park. Mr. Akhmetov, whose wealth is “tentative” agreement to resolve the situ- estimated at about $16 billion, is report- ation. Under the agreement, Brian Bonner edly spending up to 60 million pounds on will be a member of a four-person edito- interior work on the three-story pent- rial board with Roman Olearchyk and house. (Financial Times) Katya Horchynska, both currently deputy editors, and James Marson, the paper’s Russia’s fleet owes over 20 M hrv business editor. Mr. Zahoor told journal- KYIV – The municipal state adminis- ists on April 20 that the whole story was tration of Sevastopol has sent a letter to “just a misunderstanding and everything the command of the Russian Black Sea is okay now.” The journalists also Fleet, asking BSF businesses to repay to announced on their Facebook page that the city a debt of over 20 million hrv they will make public Mr. Zahoor’s April ($2.5 million U.S.), it as reported on April 20 telephone conversation with the Kyiv 6. A deputy chair of the city administra- Post journalists. (RFE/RL) tion, Iryna Tsokur, said BSF companies 40.8 percent say nuclear plants unsafe owed to the pension fund 12.469 million hrv before January 1 of this year and KYIV – According to a study by the since the beginning of the year the debt Gorshenin Institute, most respondents say has already reached 166,800 hrv. Wage Karpaty Construction Company that Ukraine’s energy policy should be to arrears to date total 7.982 million hrv. The develop alternative sources of energy deputy chairman of the city administra- All work, large or small: complete home OPPORTUNITIES (38.7 percent), as well as local sources of tion also noted that the debt of renovations, bathrooms, basements, oil and gas (28.8 percent). Next in line is Construction Management of the Black roofs, masinry work, exterior and development of the coal industry (17.4 Sea Fleet in Sevastopol amounting to interior painting. Call Vasili Cholak: percent) and hydropower (13.6 percent). 5.295 million hrv has not been paid since 718-392-0138; cell 347-515-5437. Earn extra income! The construction of new nuclear power 2008. In the near future, Ms. Tsokur said, The Ukrainian Weekly is looking plants in Ukraine was supported by only Sevastopol authorities are going to send a for advertising sales agents. 5.2 percent of Ukrainians. In all, 40.8 per- letter to the Russian Defense Ministry Run your advertisement here, For additional information contact Maria cent of respondents said they believe that requiring payment of Russian companies’ in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, The nuclear plants are dangerous from the debts in Sevastopol. (Ukrinform) CLASSIFIEDS section. Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. environmental point of view; 27.1 percent of respondents are of the opposite view. (Continued on page 15) No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 15

the position of the Ukrainian side about said during a meeting with a Lithuanian Palace Hotel has been a member of The NEWSBRIEFS the need to harmonize new parameters of delegation. “If we make maximum efforts Leading Hotels of the World since the gas agreement with Russia concerning in order to make advances to each other, December 2005. In 2005, 2006 and 2007 (Continued from page 14) the pricing formula, as Ukraine considers the economic sphere of cooperation Donbas Palace was recognized by the the one currently functioning as economi- between our states and cities will grow World Travel Awards Association as the Ukraine promised $9 B in profits cally unjustified. He once again stressed many fold,” Mr. Terekhov noted, accord- best hotel in Ukraine. In 2006 and 2007 it KYIV – Ukraine would annually earn the need to get Russia’s guarantees for the ing to April 13 news reports. “Opening the became the best business hotel in Ukraine up to $9 billion (U.S.) from its participa- volume of Russian gas transit to Europe Honorary Consulate of the Lithuanian according to the World Travel Awards tion in the Customs Union and the through the Ukrainian gas transport sys- Republic in Kharkiv is a step that will Association. (Ukrinform) Common Economic Space (CES), Russian tem. (Ukrinform) make us closer and will clearly define the ways of our cooperation.” According to Crimeans consider Ukraine their homeland Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in Ukraine, Russia, EU to modernize GTS talks with his Ukrainian counterpart the deputy mayor, all documentary for- KYIV – The number of Crimean resi- Mykola Azarov in Kyiv on April 12. “As KYIV – Ukraine, Russia and the malities are being solved on organization dents who consider Ukraine their home- regards fears that have been linked with European Union will modernize the of the consulate. A candidate for a position land increased from 32 percent to 71.3 the Customs Union, here in respect of the Ukrainian gas transport system (GTS), it of honorary consul is deputy of the percent from 2008 through 2011, accord- Customs Union and the Customs Union was reported on April 13. This opinion Kharkiv City Council Deputy Konstiantyn ing to the results of a survey conducted by policy towards third countries I do not see was expressed by an independent energy Tokarev. Lithuanian Consulates General the Razumkov Center together with the any big problems. They should not arise expert, Volodymyr Saprykin. “The basic are now functioning in Lviv, Symferopol, Frindrich Naumann Foundation in and will not arise. The question, of course, pipeline was chosen, and the upgrade will Zhytomyr, Kherson and Uzhhorod. Ukraine. News of the survey was reported is what Ukraine may agree on with its begin with it. This refers to the Urengoy- (Ukrinform) on April 11. At the same time, this rate is partners in the creation of a free trade area Pomary-Uzhhorod pipeline,” he said, add- Yanukovych declares income for 2010 the lowest among all the regions of with the EU,” Mr. Putin said. He praised ing, “This is the first step. It will be taken Ukraine. On average across the country, the level of customs protection of Customs into account later what will happen to KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych 93 percent of residents consider Ukraine Union member states [Russia, Belarus and bypass pipelines, and then the EU will of Ukraine has submitted his income dec- to be their homeland. The attitude towards Kazakhstan] at approximately 10.5 per- decide on further modernization.” Mr. laration, it was reported on April 11. The NATO in Crimea also differs from other cent, whereas the level of customs protec- Saprykin stated: “Clearly, this issue should document, which was posted on the offi- findings in the regions of Ukraine: some tion of Ukraine into the World Trade be solved within the triangle European cial website of the president, indicates that 51 percent of Crimean residents said there Organization is 4.5 percent. Mr. Putin Union-Russia-Ukraine.” As reported earli- the president’s total income in 2010 is a threat from the alliance, while across thereby confirmed the “fears” of the er, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola amounted to 920,268 hrv. Dividends, the country this rate is 20.6 percent on Russian side about the Ukraine-EU free Azarov voiced the opinion that the EU interest and royalties totaled 544,588, hrv, average. Most Crimean residents, or 59 trade area, when a significant portion of should have assumed half the costs of while his salary was 375,680 hrv. Mr. percent, said that the largest threat is inter- Ukrainian goods will be unclaimed in for- modernizing the Ukrainian GTS. The Yanukovych spent 112,030 hrv on proper- national terrorism. Some 17.9 percent of eign markets and will rush into Russian modernization project, according to the ty maintenance. The president owns a Crimean residents said that there is a real customs territory. In that case, Russia prime minister, is worth 1.5 billion euros. 1.77-hectare land plot, a 619.6-square- threat of confrontation between the vari- would have to introduce protective mea- Mr. Azarov also said that if the system meter house, a 239.4-square-meter apart- ous regions of Ukraine, while 13 percent sures, he stressed. Mr. Putin emphasized today can pump 150 billion cubic meters ment, and two 20- and 19.9-square-meter said there is threat from the United States that Ukraine’s rapprochement with the of gas, then after the upgrade it will be garages. According to the declaration, Mr. and Ukrainian authorities. At the same Customs Union should take place in an possible to transport 200 billion cubic Yanukovych owns no cars. The president time, the percentage of Crimean residents open negotiation process, with expert esti- meters. Earlier, Minister of the Coal owns shares worth 2,772 hrv and has bank who thought there was a possibility of mates. Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Industry Yurii Boiko said that moderniza- deposits totaling 1,063,892 hrv. The presi- acute conflict declined by more than half, Azarov, in turn, said that Ukraine is tion of the GTS with the participation of dent’s wife, Lyudmila Yanukovych, earned from 24.4 percent to 10.2 percent from “closely watching the formation and financial institutions of the EU will begin 18,443 hrv last year. She owns a land plot 2008 through 2011. The Crimea survey development of the Customs Union of in June with the Urengoy-Pomary- of 0.7 hectares and a 303.8-square-meter was conducted on February 21 through Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, and cer- Uzhhorod pipeline. The European Bank apartment. In addition, she has bank March 14 in Crimea and Sevastopol. The tainly hopes that the introduction of the for Reconstruction and Development and deposits of 184,160 hrv. (Ukrinform) poll’s margin of error does not exceed 2.3 the World Bank are planning to allocate a percent. The national survey was conduct- Customs Code will not adversely affect Donbas Palace is Ukraine’s best hotel the terms of trade and economic coopera- credit of $308 million this year for mod- ed on March 1-10; its margin of error also tion between Ukraine and Russia.” Mr. ernization of the that gas pipeline. The KYIV – The five-star Donbas Palace is 2.3 percent. Some 2,001 people were Azarov said that attention should be paid Ukrainian GTS is the backbone of gas hotel in Donetsk was the surprise winner polled in the study. (Ukrinform) supplies to Europe. It pumps 20 percent of to the settlement of trade relations of the Top 100 best hotels in Ukraine rank- Office rent 15% up in Kyiv between Ukraine and each member of the the gas consumed by the EU and 80 per- ing, compiled in preparation for the 2012 Customs Union. (Ukrinform) cent of the Russian gas exported to the UEFA European Football Championship. KYIV – Rental rates for A class office EU, as well as significant volumes of gas This year there was strong competition in premises in Kyiv during the first three PM offers further cooperation from Central Asia. (Ukrinform) all regions of the country, primarily in the months of 2011 grew by 5 to 15 percent as Lviv region, Kyiv, Odesa, the Autonomous compared to the same period in 2010. The KYIV – Ukrainian Prime Minister Euro 2012 lessons introduced Mykola Azarov and his Russian counter- Republic of Crimea and Zakarpattia, it was director of office real estate of the part, Vladimir Putin, during a meeting of KYIV – An optional subject, titled “We reported on March 25. A number of Ukrainian representation of the company the Intergovernmental Committee on Are EURO 2012 Hosts,” designed for regions still have very few hotels with Colliers International, Maksym Tkalenko, Economic and Scientific-Technical 10th and 11th grade schoolchildren, has modern amenities. However, in general, noted that rental rates for offices of classes Cooperation in Kyiv on April 12, noted a been introduced at all schools in Kyiv, the ranking demonstrated a significantly B and C with the vacancy rate of about fairly high rate of development of bilateral Kharkiv, Lviv and Donetsk, the press ser- increased level of quality in Ukraine’s hos- 15-18 percent rose in the first quarter by a trade last year. In 2010 the bilateral trade vice of the Education Ministry reported on pitality industry, since at the start of this maximum of 5 percent. According to millennium Ukraine had only a few hotels Colliers International, basic rental rates for turnover increased to $42 billion. The cur- April 13. As part of the course, schoolchil- offering European-class services. The rat- class A offices in Kyiv as of January 1 rent year also had a good start: in January- dren will familiarize themselves with the ing includes the best hotels from all over were $32-$38 per square meter during the February trade in goods and services history of soccer development in their Ukraine – up to 10 hotels of Kyiv, Crimea, first quarter of the year; $17-$26 for class between Ukraine and Russia increased by regions, the history of holding European the Lviv and Odesa regions, and not more B offices; and $10-$15 for class C offices. more than 55 percent to $7.2 billion championships and the participation of than five from other regions. The Donbas (Ukrinform) (U.S.), compared with the same period last Ukrainian athletes in them. After passing year, Mr. Azarov said. He identified a the optional subject, schoolchildren will number of priority sectors of the economy, learn how to make a presentation of their in which “Ukraine hopes to find under- regions to European fans, systematize the standing with the Russian side,” including knowledge of art, entertainment, historical the energy sector, hydrocarbons mining, and cultural sites in their regions, as well the nuclear power industry and aircraft as be familiar with monuments and engineering. Mr. Azarov expressed famous people from their regions. It was Ukraine’s interest to establish in the near noted that it is also important that students future a joint venture on the basis of be able provide explanations in a foreign With deep sorrow we announce that Gazprom and Naftohaz Ukrainy. But for language. (Ukrinform) this, according to the Ukrainian prime Klitschkos are couple of the year minister, it is necessary “to evaluate these Mary ZUKOWSKY assets and find the most acceptable format KYIV – Vitali and Natalia Klitschko for the enterprise.” Mr. Azarov confirmed have become the 2011 Couple of the Year née Charchan in Germany. The Ukrainian family with Kyiv’s interest in the participation of passed away at the age 95 on April 13, 2011, in Columbus, Ohio area. Russian companies in modernizing the three children attended the 2011 Couple of Ukrainian gas transport system (GTS), the Year event in Hamburg, Germany, it She was a former resident of Flushing and Great Neck. Mary was was reported on April 13. Event organiz- which, after major reconstruction will be preceded in death by husband John. able to increase by one-third the transit of ers noted the durability of their love, and Bild magazine called the couple a “glam- She is survived by son, John and daughter-in-law, Milli. Russian gas to European countries. A graveside service will be held at a future date in May at Calvary Ukraine is also ready to offer Russian orous and pretty” duet. (Ukrinform) Cemetery in Woodside, NY. companies a sea shelf for mining and Lithuanian Honorary Consulate in Kharkiv extraction of hydrocarbons from other In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary Zukowsky may be sources, including coal mine methane, he KYIV – An Honorary Consulate of the made to: Amber Park Activity Dept., 401 Hill Road North, Pickerington, said. Developing the theme of energy Lithuanian Republic will be opened in OH 43147. cooperation, Mr. Azarov again pointed out Kharkiv, Deputy City Head Ihor Terekhov 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17 No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 17

Andriy Bihun Victor Voloshyn, second secretary and cultural atta- Ulana Blahy ché at the Embassy of Ukraine, takes seminar partic- Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Olexander Motsyk (center) poses with the seminar participants in ipants on a tour of the Embassy. the Washington Room of the Ukrainian Embassy. Embassy of Ukraine hosts UAYA Youth Leadership Seminar

by Lida Mykytyn-Voronka ty with the understanding of true leadership, and to help them personally evolve and grow. WASHINGTON – The imposing historic Georgetown The program of the seminar included a tour of the mansion that is home to the Ukrainian Embassy in Ukrainian Embassy, which has a deep historic meaning Washington set the tone for the annual Youth Leadership to both the American government from the times of Seminar organized by the Ukrainian American Youth George Washington and to the Ukrainian government. Association (UAYA), as the participants began their The participants had the unique opportunity to meet with two-day intensive training. a representative of the Ukrainian government, Ukraine’s A few select high school juniors and seniors from Ambassador to the United States Olexander Motsyk. across the United States who have proven their leader- The group was also attended to during its stay at the ship potential and dedication within the ranks of the UAYA were invited to participate in this scholarship- Embassy by Second Secretary and Cultural Attaché based seminar. The participants were selected based on Viktor Voloshyn. their nomination and support by their local UAYA The activities did not end with discussions on branch, a very competitive screening process and Saturday. After a long day of intense work, the group approval by the organizing committee. was rewarded with a several hour tour of historic Participants attended from geographically dispersed Washington. They visited many famous architectural branches, such as Palatine, Ill., Cleveland, Baltimore, and historic landmarks under the glow of moonlight. Jersey City and Passaic, N.J., and Goshen, N.Y. The Sunday session focused on extending and apply- The seminar, which was held at the Embassy of ing the principle of leadership and organization learned Ukraine on April 1-3, focused on leadership, marketing on the current and previous days. The participants were and public relations, project management and motivation charged with organizing a project from concept-building in non-profit organizations. These topics, presented in through execution. In this hands-on workshop, crafted experiential sessions, equipped the participants with by Lida Mykytyn-Voronka, Genya Kuzmowycz-Blahy, first-hand exposure and formed the base the participants Andriy Bihun and Ms. Lavrynenko, participants worked would then transform into practice, not only at the semi- together, under the pressure of time, to formulate and nar, but back in their communities, upon their return. present their project: a new camp. The architect of the program was Nelya Lavrynenko, Upon completion of the intensive two-day program, president of the national executive of the Ukrainian several themes emerged from the seminar. The partici- Youth Association in Ukraine, who has a certificate pants understood the need to evolve to become more degree in leadership training. During the two-day semi- efficient, productive and attractice, without compromis- nar, participants were exposed to thought-provoking dis- ing the vision, ideals and missions of their organizations. cussions, challenging teamwork exercises and even a The participants of the UAYA Youth Leadership moonlight tour of the nation’s capital. Seminar left empowered to make a difference in their Uliana Blahy The goal of the seminar was twofold: to equip the communities and to take on the challenge of leading Participants visit the Taras Shevchenko monument future leaders of the UAYA and the Ukrainian communi- Ukrainian organizations into the future. in Washington.

Nelya Lavrynenko Andriy Bihun, president of the national executive board of the Ukrainian American Youth Association, facilitates discussion on the mission, goals and lead- Nelya Lavrynenko ership of a non-profit organization. Participants engage in a hands-on project management workshop. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17

which is why we don’t know whether onship]. Such important events have nationalist is not a nationalist-chauvinist. Ukrainian member... their movement has backwards a bit. already happened, such as the visit of It’s simply a word taken from the word, But at the same we are conscious that Pope John Paul II to Kyiv, where a truly “nation.” I am puzzled by why this isn’t (Continued from page 4) if we let go of the country, then the road strong Ukraine could have recommended discussed more. were positive, and together we were able will be in an entirely different direction, itself in the world. The second event was It’s a problem that little is known to address many matters. I became the not towards the West. We don’t need to the Orange Revolution. Euro 2012 is sup- about Bandera in Poland and in Ukraine. director of this Ukrainian school, after do that, from our end. We can have more posed to be that next moment which Yushchenko didn’t prepare that founda- which he was our religion teacher for contact with Ukraine, not only between could help show the world that this is a tion in Ukraine and in Poland. He could many years. The youth loved him, as well the state governments, but also between civilized country. It truly is civilized, but have done this earlier, in my view, in a as the adults and elderly. He was a true local governments and citizens. We have [it needs] to offer signals that those better atmosphere, which would have authority for us. very nice relations with western Ukraine, reforms – for which Europe is waiting – been perceived as normal. yet it seems we have little contact with are beginning. It’s worth looking for more common Have Ukrainian-Polish relations historical events between the Ukrainian eastern Ukraine. I am concerned that in One more interesting question. changed in the last year since Viktor this way, we’re not creating the Ukraine and Polish people. It seems that Poland Yanukovych became president? Many Ukrainians were very offended and Ukraine have that consciousness to that we want and that understands us. when certain members of the Polish Poland was deeply engaged in the become a great force in Europe if we Who’s us? Poles? Europeans? Sejm criticized the decision of former strongly cooperate in the new Europe, in Orange Revolution. Poland was also the President Viktor Yushchenko to grant Europeans, but mainly Poles, because the new world. That won’t always be first country to recognize Ukraine as an the Hero of Ukraine award to Stepan there’s a certain historical sentiment loved and favorably viewed by other independent state. Poland wanted to be Bandera. Did these deputies under- which bears weight here. Beginning July western and eastern neighbors. that advocate that would defend the inter- stand that they worsened relations 1, Poland will assume the European ests of Ukraine in the European Union, when… Critics of Bandera in Ukraine say and it seemed to have done a lot. Union presidency for half a year, which that such heroes aren’t necessary if The change of the president and gov- means that all meetings and important The fact of the matter is the philoso- Ukraine wants to become a European ernment in Ukraine led to us having to events will occur in Poland. This means phy of Bandera and the Ukrainian patri- state. And then they look for support consider what’s happening. We have to on the Ukrainian border. The Eastern ots are not understood not only in Poland, among Poles, which hurts the efforts of clearly have a signal from Ukraine Partnership program has been created on but not understood in Ukraine as well. I those Ukrainians who want to inte- whether it wants to continue going on its the initiative of Poland and Sweden, in am referring to eastern and central grate into NATO and the EU. It was Western path. A lot depends on Ukraine which Ukraine receives support for Ukraine. That’s where there’s a big prob- very hard for people in Kyiv – lawyers, itself. However, Ukraine remains a strate- reforms and border control. lem and a game of certain words. Poland political observers and so forth – to gic partner of Poland, and Poland will do It’s worth noting that we have a very has “narodovtsy,” or a national Polish learn that even the Poles don’t support everything to help Ukraine in the reforms important event for Ukraine and Poland, people, which is why nationalism is not us. that are need. They are moving poorly, which is the Euro 2012 [soccer champi- viewed positively. However, a Ukrainian It’s hard for Poles to support Bandera. And if the Ukrainian state hasn’t recog- nized the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), other states won’t. This needs to be resolved once and for all in Ukraine. Poland had a similar problem, between the Communists and the Armia Krajowa, who strongly opposed each other. But the moment came that they were able to unite their efforts and could understand that they both had the goal of an independent Poland, whether socialist, communist or otherwise. There was that goal and, on that basis, discussions were held which led to some understanding. Now they honor each other and this process should happen in Ukraine. It needs to be pre- pared.

Leaked cables... (Continued from page 2)

leaders, Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. Tymoshenko. The pair had squandered the five years of opportunity given to them by the Orange Revolution. All four elections held on Mr. Yanukovych’s watch – two as governor in Donetsk in 1999 and 2002 and two as prime minister and president in 2004 and 2010 – have been criticized as unfree. U.S. cables from 2005-2006 showed that senior members of the Kuchma government who were involved in abuse of office and elec- tion fraud were embedded in the Party of Regions, which is described as a “cover for Donetsk criminal circles and oligarchs.” These cables continued to be skeptical about the new face of the Party of Regions and expressed concern that it would abuse state administrative resources, tamper with election laws and seek to close media out- lets they do not control. This is precisely what President Yanukovych has done in his first year in office.

Taras Kuzio is an Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation visiting fellow at the Center for Trans-Atlantic Relations, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University. The views expressed in this commentary are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL. Copyright 2011, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org. (See http://www.rferl.org/content/commentary_ us_was_wrong_on_ukraine_Mr. Yanukovych/3542980.html.

164 No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 19

The G-8 nations have traditionally been 25 years after... the biggest financial contributors, Mr. Reichenbach said, while the Ukrainian (Continued from page 1) government typically foots about 6.5 per- cent of the Chornobyl reconstruction was built within six months. The sarcoph- efforts, amounting to a total of 71 million agus was intended to last only 30 years. euros ($104 million) for the shelter and 13 With that deadline approaching, the million euros ($19 million) for the spent Ukrainian government sprung into action fuel depository. to request the financial support of the This relatively small financing has international community. shrunk even further in recent years, inflict- The French consortium Novarka began ing a heavy toll on the station’s mainte- the construction of the new confinement’s nance and safety, labor union leaders said foundation in September 2010. The metal at a March 31 press conference in Kyiv. arch will prevent rainwater from leaking For instance, the 2011 state budget ear- into the pit, as is currently the case, and it marks $29 million for the Chornobyl sta- will seal the radioactive gases within. tion, only 60 percent of what’s required, Mr. Reichenbach of the EBRD lauded said Mr. Kozlov. “The inadequate level of Ukrainian regulators for their work in pre- financing for the last several years – paring for the confinement’s construction, beginning in 2007 and through 2011 – cre- including reading, analyzing and prepar- ates quite a poor social-psychological ing documents, which number more than atmosphere among the staff of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 6,000 pages. Of 22 tasks for the shelter, Chornobyl atomic station,” he explained, A view of the construction site for the new Chornobyl shelter. The new arch- 16 have been completed. noting that the station often lacks funds to shaped containment structure will be 105 meters high and 150 meters long; the An oversight committee has been pay providers of food and transportation. span of its arch will be 257 meters. launched to oversee the confinement’s Moreover it’s able to provide only 10 construction; it is led by Mr. Reichenbach percent of the needed radiation protection um, yet we’re transporting radioactive Prime Minister Mykola Azarov assured and Andrii Kliuyev, the vice prime minis- gear, he said. waste in them,” he said. “We look for auto world leaders that the money would be ter for fuel and energy issues. “It’s shameful to ask for money from parts in dumps because these KRAZ properly spent. “I assured the donors that The confinement’s total cost was esti- foreign European organizations, having trucks aren’t produced anymore. Money is every cent invested in converting the shel- mated at 990 million euros ($1.4 billion) our own personnel,” Mr. Kozlov said. catastrophically lacking.” ter into an ecologically safe system, will by Volodymyr Kholosha, the head of the “It’s shameful for us, but we ask. No less The labor union’s leaders said they sup- be used effectively and transparently,” he Ukrainian State Agency for than 200,000 people give money from port converting the Chornobyl plant into a told the Cabinet of Ministers on April 20. Administration of the Exclusion Zone. their pockets during our annual charity profitable business, particularly for pro- “This is a matter of honor for our govern- A spent nuclear fuel depository would drive to support personnel, enabling them cessing and handling nuclear waste. Yet ment.” cost another 40 million euros, he said. [to have] a medical exam in the last two the necessary investment is lacking. Yet the Europeans didn’t seem too Indeed another 740 million euros ($1.1 years.” Meanwhile, Chornobyl tourism is handled eager to take his word. billion) is needed to shut down the Such medical exams are instrumental by a private company that doesn’t share its “We call upon all interested parties to Chornobyl atomic station altogether and in locating early cancers among profits with the station. double their efforts, so that the budget is create an “ecologically safe system,” Chornobyl personnel, he said, yet govern- Then there’s Ukraine’s world-famous provided for and the work is executed in a revealing just how far-off that particular ment officials claim they can’t afford the corruption, which those involved with timely fashion, and most importantly, so goal remains. expense. Chornobyl acknowledged is another factor that financing and expenses are under con- Yevhen Kozlov, chair of the Chornobyl Trucks that used to carry radioactive in the station’s poor upkeep. trol,” European Union Commissioner for plant’s labor union, estimated the true cost waste in the 1980s remain in use, Mr. Upon receiving the contributions Energy and Development Andris Piebalgs at 2.7 billion euros ($3.9 billion). Teterin said. “They need to be in a muse- toward the new shelter’s construction, told the donors’ conference on April 19.

that have created a dead zone, and the worst is over. Unfortunately, many of the Ukraine, there are many wonderful doc- Turning the pages... uncertainty of when the next Chornobyl health effects and genetic damage will tors and nurses, too, but they don’t have might happen. only become evident in the years to the materials they need to treat their (Continued from page 6) Mr. Gore referred to the recent anni- come. Chornobyl cannot be overcome by patients properly,” Mr. Malofienko Featured speakers included the first versary airlift sent by the United States to half-hearted or fleeting measures. It underscored. Belarus and Ukraine, which brought requires long-term, passionate commit- He thanked Mrs. Clinton, “because lady, Vice-President Al Gore, Alex nearly $12 million in aid and medical ment. It will be a true test of our maturity you and the president did not forget the Kuzma of the Chornobyl Challenge ’96 relief to those two countries, and com- as a nation of we can sustain our commit- children of Ukraine and Belarus. You coalition, and 11-year-old Vova mended President Leonid Kuchma’s ment during the next decade.” have reminded us that many children Malofienko, one of the first “children of decision to close the Chornobyl plant by Mr. Malofienko, whose leukemia was here in the United States and many chil- Chornobyl” brought to America for med- the year 2000. in full remission, remarked on those less dren around the world are in danger.” ical treatment in the aftermath of the Mr. Kuzma, coordinator of Chornobyl fortunate than he: “In the city of Following the program, a reception nuclear disaster. Challenge ’96, expressed thanks to the Chernihiv, where I come from, everyone was held in the State Dining Room. The Mrs. Clinton, who served as honorary first lady for hosting the day’s event, and does not have the medical care they need. first lady greeted each guest in a receiv- chair of Chornobyl Challenge ’96, thanked the “Chornobyl relief communi- I wish that all of them could have the ing line in the Blue Room. explained that the assembled were reded- ty,” describing it as “a remarkable micro- kind of medical care that I received. … icating themselves to the “healing and cosm of America.” He commented that My treatment was very hard, but [my Source: “First lady hosts Chornobyl recovery that must continue into the the hard-won progress was made “only doctors in the U.S.] had the right training commemoration at White House,” by future.” by pooling our talents together.” and all the medicine and all the equip- Roma Hadzewycz, The Ukrainian The first lady noted that the organiza- “…We wish that we could say the ment they needed to make me better. In Weekly, May 12, 1996. tions in attendance had supplied over 1,000 tons of medicine and medical equipment and supplies to people in affected areas. Speaking of her own vis- its to hospitals in Kyiv, Minsk and Moscow, Mrs. Clinton hailed the “extraordinary work being done by health care professionals under extreme- ly trying circumstances.” Representing Ukraine was Ambassador Yuri Shcherbak with his wife, Maria. Also in attendance were Ambassador Sergui Martynov of Belarus and his wife, Marguerita, and Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov of Russia. Ambassador Shcherbak was recog- nized by the first lady as one of the first medical doctors to respond to the tragedy at Chornobyl; she cited his continued work in educating people around the world on the scientific and medical reali- ties of the Chornobyl disaster. Vice-President Gore noted the lasting effects of the nuclear disaster, including the anxiety of young Ukrainian, Belarusian or Russian parents who pray that their newborns would grow up healthy, the degraded natural resources 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17 No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 21

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Greater Los Angeles commemorates Taras Shevchenko

The younger dancers of the Chervona Kalyna Dance Ensemble. Children of the local School of Ukrainian Studies.

by Luba Poniatyszyn-Keske Ukrainian National Choir of Los Angeles, dent of the Cultural Center and by the Ridna Shkola, which was established in under the direction of composer, arranger mistress of ceremonies Olha Senyk- Los Angeles more than 40 years ago and LOS ANGELES – The Ukrainian and conductor, Gregory Hallick, the Polyuga, Mr. Hallick asked everyone to currently has 30 students, first spoke community of southern California com- Chervona Kalyna Dance Ensemble of rise for the singing of the American and briefly about the school, its accomplish- memorated Taras Shevchenko’s birthday Los Angeles, students from the local Ukrainian national anthems, followed by ments and aspirations. She encouraged with a concert on Sunday, March 20, School of Ukrainian Studies, bandurist Shevchenko’s “Zapovit” (Testament), all parents to bring their children to Ridna sponsored by the Los Angeles Ukrainian Luke Miller, guest artist, cellist Larissa performed beautifully a cappella by the Shkola, where they can learn the Cultural Center. Fedoryka, and other talented performers. Kobzar Choir. Ukrainian language, its history, literature The concert, which was attended by The program began with a brief wel- The concert continued with Kobzar and culture. The children then presented over 250 people, featured the Kobzar come delivered by Pavlo Bilecky, presi- Choir performing several pieces from the their well-performed and enjoyable popular opera “Kateryna” followed by 20-minute presentation. which featured a “Vstaye Khmara Za Lymanu,” arranged number of poems written by Shevchenko by Mr. Hallick and featuring Mr. Miller, a as well as songs dedicated to member of Kobzar Choir as well as the Shevchenko. The enthusiastic young per- renowned Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus formers were rewarded with thunderous based in Detroit. Although he is only in applause. his mid-20s, Mr. Miller’s voice exhibits After a brief intermission, the second the quality a more mature singer. half of the program was opened by the The choir concluded its repertoire with Chervona Kalyna Dance Ensemble, the beautiful and powerful “Sontse whose director and choreographer is Zakhodyt,” arranged by the choir’s tal- Maryna Shtelen. Ms. Shtelen, who has ented conductor, with baritone Mykola studied Ukrainian dance and acting, has Zlidenny performing the solo part that taken this young dance group consisting brought the audience to its feet. of 28 dancers under her watchful and cre- Mrs. Senyk-Polyuga delivered the ative wings. Over the last several years, commemorative address. The audience Chervona Kalyna has performed in was attentive as she spoke about numerous ethnic festivals as well as Shevchenko’s struggles and his creative schools. works, and revealed new and interesting The youngest members of the group, facts about the bard’s life. which included several 4-year-olds, per- For a change of pace, students of the formed a lively “Kozachok” that brought Los Angeles School of Ukrainian Studies, smiles of joy to the faces of the audience (Ridna Shkola) closed the first half of the The Kobzar Ukrainian National Choir of Los Angeles. program. Dr. Olha Popel, the director of (Continued on page 23)

Youths reach out to Ukraine

GREAT MEADOWS, N.J. – ARK – Acts wrap and pack all the items to be shipped of Random Kindness – the youth group of to Ukraine. St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Father Pavlo Myts, who resides in here recently conducted an outreach pro- Ukraine, received the packages and was gram to orphans and underprivileged fam- excited to help distribute them to the ilies in the Ternopil region of Ukraine. needy. He informed St. Nicholas Parish The Rev. Petro Zvarych, Pastor, chal- that over 200 families were assisted by lenged the youths to do something new the youths’ generosity with the help of for their parish feast day, St Nicholas. He the Caritas Foundation. reminded them that, “although it is nice to It was truly heartwarming when the receive gifts from St. Nicholas, giving young people received pictures, cards and something to those less fortunate would letters from some of the people they were really be keeping to the true spirit of our able to help. ARK hopes to make this patron saint.” project a feast day tradition. Under the parental direction of Larissa Anyone interested in making future Krul and Susie McMaster, youth group donations to Caritas Charitable leaders Terri Eskow, Katherine Mandicz Foundation can do so by contacting the and Adrianna Krul organized a charity Rev. Ivan Andriy Hovera, (director) Some of the orphans in Ternopil, Ukraine, who received a shipment of toys and collection of toys and clothing. After the Zamonastyrska St. Ternopil 46006, clothing from the ARK youth group at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in feast day, the youth of the parish met to Ukraine or by e-mail [email protected]. Great Meadows, N.J. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Ms. Kotelko picked up softball again Activist MD retires from community service A 92-year-old after retiring from teaching. Then, when she was 77 years old, a teammate sug- sports phenom gested that she try track and field. She credits her Hungarian trainer, who taught PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Ninety-two- her the basics in track and field and year-old Ukrainian Canadian Olga pushed her to work hard. Kotelko is a sports phenom. She runs The rest, as they say, is history, as this (100, 200 and 400 meters), and competes 5-foot-tall nonagenarian has wowed fel- in long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin low competitors and observers on the and hammer throw (her favorite). sports field at masters’ competitions According to The New York Times around the world. Magazine, Ms. Kotelko “is considered Ms. Kotelko told The New York Times one of the world’s greatest athletes, hold- Magazine that she still has the energy she ing 23 world records, 17 in her current had at the age of 50. She is now focusing age category, 90 to 95.” At the time of the on the 100-meter dash, “the only mean- Times profile she was 91; she turned 92 ingful world record missing from her in March. résumé,” the article notes. The magazine article focused on the In 2010, Ms. Kotelko was an Olympic senior’s sports feats and her physiology, torch-bearer in Vancouver, British and theories about how exercise slows Columbia, in the days leading up to the down the aging process. official opening ceremonies of the Winter Writing in the magazine’s November Olympics. She met with participants of 28, 2010, issue, Bruce Grierson reported: the 2010 World Zlet of the Ukrainian “She grew up, with parents of Ukrainian Youth Association, which was held in descent, on a farm in Vonda, Vancouver, and told them about the Dr. Pavlo Pundy is seen above wearing the Marian Panchyshyn Medal awarded Saskatchewan, No. 7 of 11 kids. In the importance of a healthy and active life- by the Ukrainian Medical Society of Lviv. With him are his son, Dr. Orest Pundy morning, after the chickens were fed and style. (left), daughter Dr. Christine Pundy and her husband, Andrij Neczwid. the pigs slopped and the cows milked, the The complete article, titled ‘The brood would trudge two miles to school, Incredible Flying Nonagenarian,” may be ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Dr. Ukrainian medicine, an archivist and stuff a broken old softball with sand or read at http://www.nytimes.com/ Pavly Pundy, a tireless community activ- librarian of UMANA, and as the author rags and play ball. Kotelko loved the 2010/11/28/magazine/28athletes-t.html. ist, recently announced his retirement of numerous scholarly studies. He has game and played through childhood, but A March 29 BBC video report about from community service and activity published more than 10 archival collec- as she got older, the opportunities just Ms. Kotelko may be viewed at http:// with such organizations as the Ukrainian tions dedicated to notable Ukrainian weren’t there.” news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/9439116.stm. Medical Association of North America physicians, as well as works about the (UMANA) and the Shevchenko Ukrainian Medical Society in Lviv and Scientific Society. the Lviv hospital known as “Narodna 1915, farming near Goodeve until 1959 Dr. Pundy, 89, has been recognized Lichnytsia” and named in honor of One of Canada’s and living on her own for 28 years after for his work by many organizations and Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. he died in 1975. She was a farm wife and institutions. Among his most recent For many years Dr. Pundy collected oldest residents was known for being strong-willed and a awards was the Marian Panchyshyn postal issues on medical themes. That good cook and gardener. Medal presented by the Ukrainian unique postal collection is on permanent ITUNA, Saskatchewan – Pearl Lutzko, The Saskatchewan Leader-Post quoted Medical Society of Lviv, Ukraine. He exhibit at Lviv’s Museum of the History born on February 15, 1899, is one of Verna Adamiak as saying that she isn’t holds an honorary doctorate from the of Medicine in Halychyna. Canada’s oldest living residents, and she sure there’s any secret to her grandmoth- Dmytro Halytsky National Medical Dr. Pundy now resides in Arlington is the oldest resident of the province of er’s long life. “She just lived a normal University of Lviv. Heights, Ill., close to where his daugh- Saskatchewan, the Canadian Press report- life. There was nothing special that she The Chicago-area community activist ters Dr. Larissa Pundy and Dr. Christine ed on February 16. did that other people don’t do. I can’t tell is known as a researcher of the history of Pundy live. The town of Ituna, Saskatchewan threw you what her recipe is,” Ms. Adamiak a big party for Mrs. Lutzko, who was born was quoted as saying. in Chortkiv, Ukraine, and in 1907 came Mrs. Lutzko is six years older than the instruction, project-based learning and with her family to Canada, originally set- province of Saskatchewan. Nominated for technology to facilitate instruction. She tling in Manitoba. The honoree enjoyed a She gave birth to seven children and is known for maintaining a record of birthday cake with her family and friends has 29 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchil- teacher of the year superior teaching performance as evi- in Ituna, a town of 800 people some 90 dren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. denced by student learning gains and kilometers northeast of Regina. The family is spread mostly through the SARASOTA, Fla. – Nadia Sawa- annual performance assessments. Mrs. Lutzko married John Lutzko in provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Veremchuk was nominated by her fel- Mrs. Sawa-Veremchuk is the daughter low teachers and chosen to represent of Bohdan and Lucy Sawa. Originally Sarasota Middle School as 2010-2011 from Syracuse, N.Y., she graduated from Teacher of the Year. Syracuse University with a master’s in To The Weekly Contributors: The honor of Teacher of the Year is music education in 2002. Mrs. Sawa- given to one deserving educator a year. Veremchuk was a member of the We greatly appreciate the materials – feature articles, news stories, press clippings, letters to The teacher chosen must demonstrate a Syracuse branch of the Ukrainian the editor, etc. – we receive from our readers. In order to facilitate preparation of The Ukrainian superior ability to foster excellence in American Youth Association. Weekly, we ask that the guidelines listed below be followed. education and contribute to the continu- She currently resides in Florida with her husband, Volodymyr Veremchuk. ous improvement of student learning • Persons who submit any materials must provide a complete mailing address and daytime and the school environment. The The Veremchuk are active members of phone number where they may be reached if any additional information is required. Teacher of the Year becomes a spokes- St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in person and representative of the school North Port. • News stories should be sent in not later than 10 days after the occurrence of a given event. for all district and community related Mrs. Sawa-Veremchuk uses her musi- • Photographs (originals only, no photocopies or computer printouts) submitted for publica- events. cal talents also for the benefit of tion must be accompanied by captions. Photos will be returned only when so requested and Mrs. Sawa-Veremchuk has been a Ukrainian children of the church. Last accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope. music teacher with the Sarasota County year she directed a children’s concert in • Full names (i.e., no initials) and their correct English spellings must be provided. School District, in Sarasota, Fla., since honor of Taras Shevchenko, a Mother’s • Newspaper and magazine clippings must be accompanied by the name of the publication Day concert and a Christmas concert at 2003. She teaches vocal studies/chorus and the date of the edition. and general music classes to students in the North Port parish. In February, she • Information about upcoming events must be received one week before the date of The grades 6th through 8. was the emcee for the parish “Evening Mrs. Sawa-Veremchuk was recog- of Romance” Valentine’s concert. She Weekly edition in which the information is to be published. nized for her innovative instructional also showcased her voice by singing a • Unsolicited materials submitted for publication will be returned only when so requested and methods such as interdisciplinary comical song to end the evening. accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope.

MAILING ADDRESS: The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. “Notes on people” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achieve- E-MAIL SUBMISSIONS: Materials may be sent to The Weekly also via e-mail to the address ments of members of the Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian National [email protected]. Please call or send query via e-mail before electronically sending any- Association. All submissions should be concise due to space limitations and thing other than Word documents. This applies especially to photos, as they must be scanned must include the person’s UNA branch number (if applicable). Items will be according to our specifications in order to be properly reproduced in our newspaper. published as soon as possible after their receipt. Any questions? Call 973-292-9800. No.17 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 23 OUT AND ABOUT

Through May 7 Art exhibit, “Andriy Maday: Paintings, Drawings, May 1 Concert, featuring pianist Natalya Shkoda, The Washington Lakewood, OH Woodcuts and Icons,” Virginia Marti College, Alexandria, VA Group Cultural Fund, The Lyceum, 202-364-3888 216-221-8584 May 1 Haihilky and Easter egg hunt, Immaculate Conception April 29 Presentation by Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, “Ukraine 25 Years Hillside, NJ Ukrainian Catholic Church, Chicago After Chornobyl,” Ukrainian Medical Association of North www.byzcath.org/ImmaculateConception America, Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, 773-328-7500 or [email protected] May 2 Lecture by Myron Kapral, “ ‘Concordia Plebeiorum‛ or Cambridge, MA Some Facets of Social and Ethnic Relations in 17th and April 29 Symposium, “Conversations on Ukrainian Canadian 18th Century Ukraine,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053 Toronto Literature,” University of Toronto, 416-978-3332 or [email protected] May 3 Presentation, “Eucharistic Practices in Old Ukrainian New York Edificatory Prose and Iconology” by Valerii Zema, April 29 Panel discussion, “Aspects of Chornobyl,” Ukrainian Columbia University, 212-854-4697 or New York Institute of America, 212-288-8660 [email protected]

April 30 Lecture by Serhii Feduniak, “Civilizational Choice and May 5-8 National congress, Ukrainian Canadian Students‛ Union, New York Geopolitical Configurations in Europe as Factors in Ottawa University of Ottawa, [email protected] Ukraine‛s Foreign Policy,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, May 6 Wine, spirits and food tasting, Ukrainian American Youth 212-254-5130 Whippany, NJ Association and Lys Sports Academy, Ukrainian American April 30 Golf tournament fund-raiser, Taras Shevchenko School of Cultural Center of New Jersey, Washington Ukrainian Studies, Sligo Creek Golf Course, [email protected] [email protected] May 7 Alumni reunion banquet and dance, featuring music by Ottawa Zirka, Ukrainian Canadian Students‛ Union, National Arts April 30 Discussion, “Yanukovych‛s Ukraine,” University of Center, http://susk.ca/congress/banquet Toronto Toronto, www.utoronto.ca/jacyk May 7 Book presentation, “The Jew Who Was Ukrainian” by April 30 Concert, Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, North Toronto Alexander Motyl, St. Vladimir‛s Institute, Skokie, IL Shore Center for Performing Arts, 847-673-6300 or [email protected] [email protected] May 10 Concert featuring the Vydubychi Church Choir, Dominion April 30 Chornobyl film festival, featuring “Chornobyl Heart” by Ottawa Chalmers Church, 613-728-0856 or 613-722-7025 New York Maryann de Leo, Ukrainian Institute of America, 212-288-8660 May 10 Film screening, “Three Stories of Galicia” by Olha Washington Onyshko and Sarah Farhat, E Street Landmark Theater, April 30 Eparchial women‛s day, “Women in the Church of [email protected] or 443-315-8873 Stamford, CT the New Millennium,” St. Basil Seminary, www.stamforddio.org/ Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions May 1 Concert, Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, London Ukrainian from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors London, ON Center, 519-686-9811 or 519-649-1671 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

The next young performer, Andriy СТАНИЧНА СТАРШИНА Greater Los Angeles... Kulchytsky, sang two songs while (Continued from page 21) accompanying himself on the guitar. The ПЛАСТОВОЇ СТАНИЦІ pieces, “Ya Kruk” and “Shabelyna” were of all ages as they clapped along to the songs sung by recruits in Ukraine. He В НЮ-ЙОРКУ upbeat music. was then joined by his sister, Olha, in a Ivanka Shakh, who recently graduated duet performance of “Ukraina.” with honors from Providence High Following this ever-popular song, Mr. б а ж а є School in Burbank, Calif., and is current- Miller and teenager Sophia Bankston, Mr. Miller’s student of only seven ly attending Santa Monica College, УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ ГРОМАДІ, ПЛАСТОВІЙ ФУНДАЦІЇ, expertly and with great feeling recited months, presented a duet on their bandu- the poem “Shevchenko.” Ms. Shakh was ras with Mr. Miller singing СВОЇМ ЖЕРТВОДАВЦЯМ ТА УСІМ ПЛАСТУНАМ І followed by the gifted young singer, Shevchenko’s “Dumy Moyi.” Mr. Miller Olha Kulchytska, who performed two and Ms. Bankston received a well- ПРИЯТЕЛЯМ ПЛАСТУ haunting and beautiful songs titled “I’ll deserved standing ovation. Paint For You” and “Oh See the Wild The concert closed with the young Geese Flying.” Ms. Kulchytska, who adult group of Chervona Kalyna per- was born in Ukraine, is a winner of the forming a fast-paced dance titled РАДІСНИХ СВЯТ “Bukovyna” choreographed by Ms. World Championship of the Performing Shtelen. As the dancers finished their Arts, and has received a silver medal for ВОСКРЕСІННЯ ХРИСТОВОГО intricate dance performance, the audi- her performance. The talented young ence responded with lengthy applause. lady is a graduate of the jazz department The program’s M.C. thanked all the at the Bob Cole Conservatory in Long performers and everyone who attended Beach, Calif., and is currently preparing the Shevchenko commemorative concert УКРАЇНСЬКЕ СПОРТОВО-ВИХОВНЕ ТОВАРИСТВО to launch a number of solo concerts. despite the unusually heavy rain and the The concert’s guest performer, Ms. L.A. Marathon, which had obstructed „ЧОРНОМОРСЬКА СІЧ“ Fedoryka, entertained the audience with access to the Cultural Center. Mrs. three classical numbers, “Langsam,” Senyk-Polyuga also invited everyone to Зі Світлим Празником “Mit Humor” (R. Schuman, composer) return to the beautiful newly renovated and Ihor Sonevytsky’s “Intermezzo. ” Ukrainian Cultural Center on Sunday, ВОСКРЕСІННЯ ХРИСТОВОГО The cellist was accompanied on by piano May 15, at 1:30 p.m. for a special con- by Larysa Kulchytska, who is a piano cert by the world-renowned New York найкращі побажання and voice teacher, as well as a composer. Metropolitan Opera bass Stefan Ms. Fedoryka began studying cello at Szkafarowsky, whose repertoire will Членству Т-ва, Спортовцям усіх ланок, the age of 3. She has performed at the consist of international and Ukrainian Інструкторам і Опікунам спортової школи, Kennedy Center and many other well- songs. Проводові УСЦАK та Спортовцям в Україні known venues. She studied at Boston She said the Ukrainian Cultural Conservatory with Andrew Mark and Center is proud to present Mr. regularly participates in summer music Szkafarowsky, who is a highly sought пересилає festivals throughout the country. after artist by opera companies and Following Ms. Fedoryka’s well- orchestras in this country and throughout УПРАВА УСВТ received professional performance the the world. He has generously agreed to middle-group of Chervona Kalyna donate his proceeds from the Los „ЧОРНОМОРСЬКА СІЧ“ changed the tempo with its entertaining Angeles concert in support of the Kobzar dance “Veselka.” Choir. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 No. 17

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Friday, April 29 Tuesday, May 3 CHICAGO: The Chicago Business and NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Studies Professional Group and the Ukrainian Program at the Harriman Institute of Medical Association of North America, Columbia University invites all to the Illinois chapter, invite all to a presentation presentation “Eucharistic Practices in by Dr. Yuri Shcherbak titled “Ukraine 25 Old Ukrainian Edificatory Prose and Years After Chornobyl.” Dr. Shcherbak is Iconology” by Valerii Zema, research Ukraine’s former minister of environmental fellow at the Institute of Ukrainian protection and former ambassador to Israel, History, National Academy of Sciences Canada and the United States. A medical of Ukraine (visiting Fulbright scholar at doctor and epidemiologist by profession, the Harvard Ukrainian Research Dr. Shcherbak is an expert on the Institute, September 2010-May 2011). Chornobyl tragedy and a well-known writer Dr. Zema’s research interest is religious whose documentary novel “Chornobyl” was history of East-Central Europe of the published in several languages. He is also a early modern period. He has published founder and first leader of the Green Party extensively on religious polemics in the of Ukraine and an astute analyst of the cur- Orthodox culture of that epoch. His pre- rent political landscape of Ukraine. The sentation is free and open to the public Ukrainian-language program will be held at and will take place at noon in Room Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal 1219, International Affairs Building, 420 Credit Union, 2332 W. Chicago Ave., on W. 118th St., Columbia University. For Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. A wine and more information call Dr. Mark cheese reception will follow the presenta- Andryczyk at 212-854-4697, or e-mail tion. Everyone is welcome. Free admission. [email protected].

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