Inside: l Ukrainian government relaxes COVID-19 restrictions – page 3 l The Lighter Side of Cooking: A night with Chef Andrey Sonevytsky – page 9 l Ukraine’s comeback falls short in Euro soccer championship opener – page 14

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal Wnon-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIX No. 25 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 $2.00 Rada registers controversial bill to reduce Ukrainian Following summit, Kremlin says NATO language while Putin balks at indigenous people law membership for Ukraine would be a ‘red line’

by Mark Raczkiewycz with the Ottoman Empire and its vassal state of the Crimean Khanate. Parts of the KYIV – Two legislative bills, one on peninsula had been repeatedly colonized indigenous people and the other on by Greeks, Romans, Huns, the Byzantine Ukrainian-language usage on television and Empire, among others, Voice of America in cinema, have sparked the ire of both wrote in a historical article in 2014. Moscow and state-building activists. As part of the Soviet Union in World War Although the draft laws are only regis- II, the peninsula’s Crimean-Tatar popula- tered on the Verkhovna Rada’s long-listed tion was entirely deported to Central Asia docket, Russian President Vladimir has in 1944 over alleged collaboration with criticized a proposed law that defines invading Nazi forces. which people are indigenous to Crimea, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Ukraine’s peninsula that Russia forcibly Dmytro Kuleba subsequently told German seized in 2014. broadcaster Deutsche Welle that the bill Submitted by Ukrainian President corresponds with the United Nations’ 2007 Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the bill defines indige- Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous nous people on the occupied peninsula as Peoples. Crimean Tatars as well as two tiny sects with “The president’s proposed bill actually Jewish roots: the Karaites and Krymchaks. implements these norms of international Pool photo, RIA Novosti Mr. Putin and members of the State law in the national legislation,” he told U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for a summit in Duma rubber-stamp parliament have Interfax-Ukraine news agency on June 10. Geneva on June 16. balked at Russians not being included in Part of the bill’s wording says that peo- the wording of the bill. ple are not indigenous if they have another RFE/RL Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens­ In an interview with state-owned country to call home. kyy said on June 14 that he wanted a clear Rossiya 1 television channel on June 9, the Halya Coynash of the Kharkiv Human Ukraine becoming a member of NATO “yes” or “no” from Mr. Biden on giving Kremlin leader said that labeling people Rights Protection Group told The Ukrainian would be a “red line” for Russia, the Kremlin Ukraine a plan to join NATO. according to categories starting with Weekly that the bill also applies “to self- has said after U.S. President Joe Biden and The United States has provided more “indigenous, first-class and second-class identification, some sense of community Russian President Vladimir Putin held their than $2.5 billion in security assistance to people” was how Nazis divided groups of via self-governing bodies, etc.” first summit in Geneva on June 16. Ukraine since 2014, when Russia forcibly ethnicities during World War II. The Kremlin has argued that Russians Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said seized Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and The bill is “not just incorrect, it’s ridicu- have always lived on the peninsula so on June 17 that Russia was concerned by backed separatists in the east, sparking a lous and pointless…” and “does not corre- therefore it has a right to claim it. Ukraine’s talk that Kyiv may one day be granted a war that has killed more than 13,000 peo- spond to history at all,” Mr. Putin said. law in Russia is perceived as a diminishing NATO Membership Action Plan, a first step ple. In 1783, Tsarist Russia conquered the toward membership in the Western alli- territory of Crimea after a series of wars (Continued on page 9) ance. (Continued on page 6)

UCCA President Futey visits Ukraine, discusses U.S.-Ukraine relations

by Mark Raczkiewycz Among those in attendance were presidential chief-of- staff Andriy Yermak and Ukrainian World Congress KYIV – After a 15-month hiatus, the head of the largest President Paul Grod, who took part via video conference. organization representing U.S. citizens of Ukrainian heri- “It was very focused on the key issue of stopping tage visited Ukraine on a fact-finding mission where he Russian aggression and…strengthening the U.S.-Ukraine discussed “concrete issues” with high-level government, [strategic] partnership,” Mr. Futey said, summarizing his security and diplomatic officials, as well as a member of six-day working visit to the Ukrainian capital. parliament. A new $150 million security package for Ukraine was Andriy Futey, president of the Ukrainian Congress announced by the U.S. Defense Department on June 11. It Committee of America (UCCA), told The Ukrainian Weekly includes provision “of counter-artillery radars, counter- that the purpose of the visit was to talk about “the most unmanned aerial systems, secure communications gear, recent U.S.-Ukraine relations.” electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equip- The filled agenda included discussions about restoring ment, and training and equipment to improve the opera- U.S. sanctions on Russia’s natural-gas pipeline project Nord tional safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases,” Stream 2, continued military assistance for Kyiv, assurance the Defense Department news release said. of NATO membership for Ukraine, Ukrainian President Kyiv has utilized different governmental and diplomatic Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to the White House, avenues in its attempt to obtain assurances for NATO and this year’s 30th anniversary of renewed independence membership to withstand Russia, which has waged a and its preceding “Crimean Platform” event. hybrid war against the nation since 2014 that includes a The official segment of the trip culminated on June 12 in military invasion, cyberattacks, subversion, assassinations a two-hour meeting at the presidential office building that Courtesy of Andriy Futey and propaganda warfare. “was very direct” and focused on Ukraine’s push to receive Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba Some 14,000 people have been killed in the eastern- a roadmap that would ensure access to the alliance, Mr. (left) meets with Ukrainian Congress Committee of Futey said. America President Andriy Futey in Kyiv on June 11. (Continued on page 13) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25

ANALYSIS

Mitigating the impact Zelenskyy wants clarity on NATO path than most of the countries of the European Union,” he said. He expects Ukraine to Ukrainian President Volodymyr secure a much-delayed IMF tranche by the of Nord Stream 2 on Ukraine Zelenskyy said on June 15 he wants a clear autumn though added Ukraine could still yes or no from U.S. President Joe Biden on struct two new mega pipelines in the Baltic “live normally” without one. Mr. Zelenskyy by Margarita Assenova giving Ukraine a plan to join the NATO mili- and Black seas has broad strategic objec- did not rule out another flare-up in the Eurasia Daily Monitor tary alliance. In a joint interview with tives. It aimed to bypass Ukraine as a gas coming months in Ukraine’s conflict with Reuters, the Associated Press and Agence Two weeks after the Biden administra- transit country, encircle Central and Russian-backed separatists, though in his tion waived congressionally mandated Eastern Europe in a pincer movement to France-Press, Mr. Zelenskyy said he assessment Russia was not looking to pro- sanctions on Nord Stream AG, the company dominate its gas market, suffocate regional received assurances that Mr. Biden would voke a “full-scale war.” Kyiv says the conflict behind the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Russian market development and restrict alterna- not use Ukraine as a bargaining tool in his in eastern Ukraine has killed 14,000 people President Vladimir Putin announced that tive gas suppliers. Dividing EU members, meeting with Russian President Vladimir since 2014. “Everyone should understand the first link of the subsea line is completed most of whom oppose Nord Stream 2, and Putin. He called on the United States to pro- and be more flexible, understand that we and ready for testing (Vesti.ru, June 4). But challenging EU energy and competition vide economic support to Ukraine and are at war, that we are defending democra- the Russian president knows it is too early regulations is also part of these objectives. urged both Mr. Biden and the International cy in Europe and defending our country, for a victory dance. Amidst a flurry of sharp But Mr. Putin sounded more conciliatory Monetary Fund to be understanding of and therefore you cannot just talk to us reactions to the sanctions’ waivers from the when discussing the future of Russian gas Ukraine’s problems before placing “unfair” with phrases about reforms,” he said. U.S. Congress and most Central-East transmission through Ukraine, noting reform demands on his presidency. “If we (Reuters) European states, and the ongoing U.S.- Gazprom’s current five-year contract with are talking about NATO and the MAP, I $150 million in military aid for Ukraine German talks on mitigating the potential Naftogaz and leaving the opportunity open would really like to get [from Mr. Biden] specifics – yes or no,” Mr. Zelenskyy said, negative impact of the pipeline completion for new agreements. Clearly, Moscow The U.S. Defense Department announced referring to the Membership Action Plan on Ukraine, the future of the pipeline wants to keep the door open for continuing on June 11 a new military assistance pack- given to candidate countries, a status which remains uncertain. usage of the Ukrainian route if the pipe- age for Ukraine. The Pentagon said the Ukraine has long sought. “We must get The Nord Stream 2 pipeline consists of line’s certification is delayed or contested. $150 million package would “enhance the clear dates and the likelihood of this for two parallel strings, each with a capacity of Mr. Putin recognized that the pipeline is lethality, command and control and situa- Ukraine.” He was speaking on the same day 27.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), totaling 55 entering the sphere of EU laws on gas pipe- tional awareness” of Ukrainian forces. The as NATO members met for a one-day sum- bcm annually. The existing Nord Stream 1 lines, saying, “Gazprom is ready for deliver- “defensive lethal assistance” includes coun- pipeline has the same capacity, allowing for ies, but everything will depend on the mit in Brussels. Ukraine has expressed dis- ter-artillery radars, communications and 110 bcm of Russian natural gas to be deliv- German regulator” (EUobserver, June 7). appointment in not being invited to the electronic warfare equipment, counter- ered directly to Germany, or over 65 per- Two provisions of the Gas Directive, meeting. Mr. Zelenskyy has urged NATO drone systems and training. The United cent of all Gazprom exports to the Article 11 and the amended Article 36, are members to accelerate Ukraine’s entry into States has provided more than $2.5 billion European Union. Currently, Germany buys of particular concern to Gazprom, the pipe- the alliance after a standoff with Russia this in security assistance to Ukraine since 57 bcm of Russian gas, delivered through line’s single owner. The amendments to the year that saw Russia mass additional 2014, when Russia forcibly annexed Nord Stream 2 and Yamal Europe through Gas Directive adopted in 2019 subject gas troops and military equipment near Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and backed Poland (Gazprom, 2019). Open season transmission pipelines to and from third Ukraine’s borders. Mr. Zelenskyy said most separatists in the east, sparking a war that bookings for pipeline capacity show that countries to the rules for internal pipelines. of Russia’s troops had yet to withdraw, and has killed more than 13,000 people. Germany will only retain about 10 bcm of The obligations for unbundling, third-party that Russia was dragging its feet on facili- Although the latest package comes from the gas supplied through Nord Stream 2; access and transparent tariff regulation tating a meeting with Mr. Putin for no clear funds already committed by Congress for the rest will be transferred to Central apply to all lines from non-EU states. reason. About 11,000 troops had left and the U.S. government’s fiscal year that ends Europe from the western direction, making Obtaining an exemption from Article 36 95,000 remained, he estimated. Messrs. in September, the Pentagon announcement Ukraine’s gas transmission network redun- will be a difficult task. As a diversionary Biden and Zelenskyy spoke by phone last details how the U.S. military will allocate dant. pipeline that does not bring new gas to week. Mr. Zelenskiy was granted a long- assistance. In March, the Pentagon If completed, Nord Stream 2 will divert Europe, the Nord Stream 2 owner will have sought invitation to visit the White House announced another tranche of $125 mil- to Germany most of the Russian natural gas a hard time convincing the German regula- next month, though he said he regretted lion, including additional armed Mark VI currently transmitted to Europe via tor and the EU Commission, which reviews not being able to meet Mr. Biden in person patrol boats. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine – 55.8 bcm in 2020 (Naftogaz, these decisions, that an exemption will not before Mr. Biden met Mr. Putin this week. Ukraine have risen in recent months after April 28). Another new Russian pipeline be detrimental to market competition and “He [Mr. Biden] said ‘I will never trade ... the two countries blamed each other for an under the Black Sea, TurkStream, became internal market development and the secu- Ukraine’s interests,’” Mr. Zelenskyy said. Mr. increase in fighting in eastern Ukraine amid operational in January 2020 and has rity of natural gas supplies (Gas Directive, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had done every- stalled peace talks between Kyiv and already diverted approximately 20 bcm of April 17, 2019). thing necessary to earn a NATO member- Kremlin-backed separatists. Russia also natural gas previously transported via Article 11 mandates a supply risk ship plan, which Ukraine sees as a vital amassed 100,000 troops on its western Ukraine through the Trans-Balkan pipeline. assessment of non-EU-owned pipelines deterrent against Russia but Moscow border with Ukraine and in Crimea, draw- That line became redundant and is facing necessary for obtaining certification. But fiercely opposes. “Every day we prove that decommissioning (See EDM, January 16, Gazprom’s long record of threatening gas we are ready to be in the alliance more (Continued on page 10) 2020). supply for political pressure on its neigh- Ukraine stands to lose almost all Russian bors will undermine its claim of supply gas transit and its status as a major interna- security. If the German regulator granted tional natural gas corridor, critical for certification, other EU members would he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 Europe and Russia. The security implica- challenge this decision. If Gazprom T U W tions stemming from such a prospect are attempts to transfer ownership of the pipe- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., far more significant than the loss of $2.5 line to a bogus or proxy company, it could a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. billion in gas transit fees annually. Ukraine’s trigger U.S. sanctions. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. gas pipeline network is considered “a key Trapped in legal hurdles and faced with Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. element of the country’s defense system,” the prospect of lengthy litigation brought (ISSN — 0273-9348) so long as it remains a key to Russia’s by some EU members, Gazprom may have European gas exports, says Andriy little choice but to agree to continue using The Weekly: UNA: Kobolyev, the former chairman of Ukraine’s the Ukrainian route to export specific gas Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 gas company Naftogaz (Upstream, volumes. The levels could be potentially February 18). equal to those in the current contract Postmaster, send address changes to: Speaking at the St. Petersburg economic between Russia and Ukraine for about 40 The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Andrew Nynka 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas forum, the Russian president blamed bcm annually. Although such an agreement P.O. Box 280 Ukraine for the pending loss of Russian gas would require a reliable enforcement Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] transit. “Ukraine destroyed everything with mechanism, it could offer a solution that its own hands,” he claimed (Vesti.ru, June meets both imperatives – to preserve some The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com 4). In fact, the Kremlin’s decision to con- of Ukraine’s revenue from gas transit fees and, much more importantly, to keep The Ukrainian Weekly, June 20, 2021, No. 25, Vol. LXXXIX Ukraine’s significance to Russia and the EU Copyright © 2021 The Ukrainian Weekly Correction as a gas transit country. The latter is para- The column “The Helsinki Commission: mount for protecting Ukraine’s security. 45 years of promoting human rights, Much stronger protection and deter- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA democracy, peace and security – Part 1” by rence of further Russian aggression against Orest Deychakiwsky (May 30) incorrectly Ukraine could be offered by Germany, if Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 indeed, Chancellor Angela Merkel succeeds and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 referred to Czechoslovakia’s Charter ’97. e-mail: [email protected] The correct name of the civic initiative is in convincing German companies to make Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Charter 77. The correction has been made e-mail: [email protected] online. (Continued on page 6) No. 25 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Ukrainian government relaxes pandemic restrictions by Roman Tymotsko The registered morbidity in Europe is now close to the level in Ukraine. In most LVIV – Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers countries, the epidemic situation has lowered the country’s COVID-19 danger improved rapidly. The incidence is rising level to green, the lowest designation, and in three countries: the Russian Federation, eased certain pandemic measures, partic- the United Kingdom and Portugal, with ularly those requiring self-isolation and the Delta strain most prevalent in these requirements for mass events and social countries. distancing. It did, however, extend an “In our opinion, it is worth considering emergency COVID-19 lockdown categori- the feasibility of establishing additional zation until August 31, the country’s controls and restrictions on migration prime minister said on June 17. between Ukraine and countries in which “The current epidemic situation in the share of the Delta strain is rapidly Ukraine allows us to say that the whole increasing, to delay the spread of this country meets the indicators of the lowest strain in Ukraine,” said a group of scien- epidemic danger,” said Viktor Liashko, tists in a report issued by the National Ukraine’s health minister. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. “But I emphasize that despite the “Given the large volume of migration improvement of the epidemiological situa- Serhii Nuzhnenko, RFE/RL from Russia, we can expect that a new tion, we should not forget that COVID-19 A medical professional prepares to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to a patient in wave of COVID-19 may begin in eastern has not been countered. None of the Ukraine. Some 1.5 million Ukrainians have received vaccines. Ukraine. However, its onset significantly European countries where the situation depends on the share of the Delta strain in with both disease and vaccination the flow of tourists to Ukraine. He spoke Ukraine will also recognize the COVID- Ukraine, which is currently unknown. improved has completely lifted restrictive about the documents that Ukrainians will 19 vaccination certificate issued in With insufficient control of international measures,” Mr. Liashko said. use as confirmation of vaccination for free Moldova. At the moment, Ukraine has sim- migration and low vaccination rates, a To date, 1.5 million Ukrainians have border crossing and travel. ilar agreements with Turkey and Hungary. new wave may begin earlier in the fall,” received at least one dose of a COVID-19 “The first is the international certifica- Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said it the report said. vaccine. tion of vaccination,” Mr. Shmyhal said. continues to negotiate mutual recognition “Given the situation with the spread of According to the Health Ministry, the “After a full cycle of vaccination, the docu- of vaccination certificates with other the Delta strain globally, it seems impor- incidence rate in Ukraine is 74 cases per ment is issued and will be used to cross countries. tant to research the presence of antibodies 100,000 people. The lowest incidence the state borders of those countries that Ukraine also faces the possibility that a in the population and sequencing of rates are in the Vinnytsia, Zakarpattia and will recognize this certificate.” new strain of COVID-19 may come to the strains common in Ukraine,” the statement Kirovohrad regions, which have seen The second document is a “COVID-19 country from Russia in the fall. According added. roughly 30 cases per 100,000 people. The certificate” or “immunization passport,” to the press service of the National On May 31, the World Health Organiza­ average occupancy rate for people who according to Mr. Shmyhal. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Delta tion decided to label the strains of COVID- need oxygen is 17 percent, while the over- “The COVID-19 certificate is still under strain can cause a more significant wave of 19 with letters of the Greek alphabet. all level of hospitalizations in the country development and will be put into force infections in Ukraine. The previous peak Those variants include the Alpha strain, is 15.5 cases per 100,00 people. after the approval of international require- in Ukraine occurred in early April. which was discovered in the U.K., the Beta While the government has allowed ments from the European Union and the The latest news about the spread of the strain found in South Africa, the Gamma mass events to be held indoors without World Health Organization. We tentatively Delta strain, first found in India, is of con- strain ound in Brazil, and the Delta and limiting the distance between those pres- plan to launch it in July. The certificate will cern to scientists. On June 11, England Kapa strains found in India. ent, it has implemented a requirement be available in paper form in healthcare reported that it was 1.6 times more conta- According to media reports, as of June that participants and organizers of events facilities and e-form through the Diia gious than the Alpha strain (first found in 14, the Delta strain was found in 74 coun- are must wear protective masks or respi- [action in Ukrainian] app. In addition, the the U.K.), and 2.26 times more likely to tries. Outbreaks of Delta have been report- rators, according to Prime Minister Denys document will contain information not lead to hospitalization, and 1.45 times ed in Africa, Scandinavia, China, the United Shmyhal. If individuals who attend large only about vaccination but also about the more likely to lead to resuscitation, though States and countries in the Pacific Ocean. gatherings have had negative COVID-19 negative results of PCR tests or recovery health experts have said that current vac- According to the Public Health Center test results no more than 72 hours before after COVID-19 and the presence of anti- cines remain effective against the Delta of Ukraine, as of June 15, there have been the event, or if they are completely vacci- bodies,” Mr. Shmyhal said. strain. 1,014 new cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine. nated, then the restrictions do not apply. Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister This strain is already prevalent in The COVID-19 vaccination campaign start- “I urge every Ukrainian to be reason- Dmytro Kuleba and Moldova’s Acting Russia. Its share there is estimated to be ed on February 24. Since that time, able, every entrepreneur to be responsi- Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign responsible for a quarter of all COVID-19 1,507,801 people have been vaccinated ble, and every official to encourage com- Affairs and European Integration Aureliu morbidity cases in Russia. Moreover, there with a first dose and 260,755 people have munities to mobilize and self-organize,” Ciocoi have agreed on mutual recognition is a rapid increase in morbidity in Russia received a second dose of the vaccine. Mr. Liaskho said. “And, remember, the best of COVID-19 vaccination certificates. concentrated in the two largest cities in During the entire pandemic in Ukraine, protection against COVID-19 is vaccina- “From now on, our citizens who have the country – Moscow and St. Petersburg. 2,224,992 people have contracted COVID- tion. Now everyone can get a jab in mass received a certificate of full vaccination The number of cases in Moscow has dou- 19, 2,136,176 people have recovered and vaccination centers.” will be able to travel freely to Moldova. We bled in the past week, and unofficial sourc- 51,769 people have died, according to offi- On June 12-13, more than 50 mass vac- are working to increase the list of coun- es point to a rapid increase in the number cial statistics from the Ukrainian govern- cination centers were operating in 15 tries open to Ukrainians,” Mr. Kuleba said. of hospitalizations in both cities. ment. regions throughout Ukraine, including in the capital, Kyiv. At the moment, these centers are open only on weekends. The opening of such centers is an initia- Congressional Ukraine Caucus heralds decision tive of local authorities in response to resi- dents’ requests to be vaccinated. They to release U.S. security assistance to Ukraine have been opened in stadiums, education- al and cultural centers, shopping malls WASHINGTON – Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs radar, counter-unmanned aerial systems, secure communica- and medical facilities. Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Mike tions gear, electronic warfare equipment, and training sends a The Health Ministry has called on city Quigley (D-Ill.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), heralded the allo- clear message that the U.S. stands by our key ally Ukraine authorities to open additional vaccination cation of a $150 million package for the Ukraine Security against Russia’s brutal aggression. These funds are critical to centers. The ministry has said that there Assistance Initiative, which will be used to help Ukraine better deter further Russian incursions on Ukrainian sovereignty and are enough vaccines and teams trained to defend itself against Russian aggression. protect Europe’s eastern flank from Kremlin aggression that work with them to vaccinate the In a joint statement released on June 15, the representatives has already caused the deaths of over 14,000 and the displace- Ukrainian population. said that, “As co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine ment of millions more. Mr. Shmyhal said that vaccination rates Caucus, we agree with the administration releasing $150 mil- “We continue to demand the withdrawal of Russian forces continue to increase in Ukraine, primarily lion in U.S. security assistance to Ukraine in advance of from Ukraine’s territory. We reaffirm support for Ukraine’s due to the increased supply of vaccines President [Joe] Biden’s meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir accession into NATO and urge Ukraine to strengthen necessary from manufacturers with which Ukraine Putin. We were proud to increase funding for the Ukraine reforms in the defense and economic sectors to realize its Euro- has agreements and contracts. Security Assistance Initiative from $250 million in fiscal year Atlantic aspirations and integration into Western institutions.” Mr. Shmyhal emphasized that one of 2020 to $275 million in fiscal year 2021. the priorities in terms of cooperation with “This security assistance to be used for counter-artillery Source: The office of U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur. other countries is restoring and growing 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25

Iryna Buczkowski Roman Vaskiv Natalia Pawlenko (left), newly elected president of the UNWLA, and Marianna Zajac, outgoing president. Newly elected members of the UNWLA National Board take the oath of office. UNWLA holds 32nd national convention virtually, elects new slate of officers

UNWLA ing major anniversary milestones were rec- ognized for their long years of dedicated RANDOLPH, N.J. – The Ukrainian service to the organization and the National Women’s League of America Ukrainian community. (UNWLA) held its 32nd national conven- In enumerating the many projects tion virtually on June 5. Delegates to the undertaken by the UNWLA, outgoing convention elected Natalia Pawlenko as the President Marianna Zajac, in her address to organization’s new president. the convention, said “the motto of the 32nd Outgoing President Marianna Zajac was convention – spreading our wings – reflects unanimously elected honorary president in the fact that we continue to find new ways recognition of her outstanding contribu- of becoming more effective and impactful tions over her 13-year tenure. Two hun- in carrying out our mission.” dred and one delegates and guests attended In her acceptance speech, newly-elected the virtual convention, which elected a new President Natalia Pawlenko cited the many slate of officers. In addition to electing a new accomplishments the organization president, the national convention elected achieved during the pandemic year. members to the UNWLA’s National Board. “The pandemic has shown that no chal- Reports by the outgoing officers and lenge can limit the work of the UNWLA,” standing committee chairs highlighted the said Ms. Pawlenko, who also called for a many achievements the organization made redoubling of UNWLA’s efforts as the orga- since the last convention in May 2017. The nization approaches its one hundredth UNWLA raised $31,000 for Americans fac- anniversary. ing food insecurity as a result of the pan- Established in 1925, the UNWLA is the demic and $25,000 for victims of flooding Roman Vaskiv longest-running and largest Ukrainian in western Ukraine. At the 32nd national convention of the UNWLA: (first row, left to right) Nadia women’s organization in the U.S. The orga- Awards were announced for branches Nynka, newly elected 1st vice-president; Natalia Pawlenko, newly elected president; nization’s mission is to unite women of that made outstanding contributions in the Marianna Zajac, outgoing president; Valentyna Tabaka, newly selected 2nd vice-pres- Ukrainian descent and affiliation in service, areas of arts and museum, culture, educa- ident; Zenia Brozyna, presiding convention chair; (second row, left to right) Iryna friendship and dedication in order to pro- tion, public relations, scholarships, social Buczkowski, newly elected archivist; Vera Kushnir, newly elected chair of the audit- mote and develop educational and cultural media and social welfare. Additionally, ing committee; Halyna Henhalo, chair of the convention committee; and Stefania efforts and humanitarian assistance to individual members and branches celebrat- Perong, convention committee treasurer. Ukrainians worldwide.

Putin greeted in Geneva by Ukrainians with #StopRussianAggression protest

Ukrainian World Congress and the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts occupied by the Russian Federation, GENEVA – The presidents of the United as well as the withdrawal of Russian troops, States and Russia were met in Geneva on mercenaries, and weapons from sovereign June 16 by a rally calling for an end to Ukrainian territory and from Ukrainian Russia’s war against Ukraine. Organized by borders. the Ukrainian Society of Switzerland, the In a statement, the UWC said it wel- demonstration was part of a global cam- comed Mr. Biden’s statement on June 16 paign by the Ukrainian World Congress reaffirming the United States’ unwavering (UWC) aimed at raising awareness of commitment to the sovereignty and territo- Russia’s ongoing military and economic rial integrity of Ukraine. aggression against Ukraine. Activists held “Today the world needs President Biden signs that read “Crimea is Ukraine” and to stand up to [Russian President Vladimir] others held a sign that included the hashtag Putin with conventional deterrence and #StopRussianAggression. real consequences for his occupation and The Ukrainian Society of Switzerland, ongoing wars in the region. Furthermore, together with many UWC member organi- UWC projects such as Nord Stream 2, intended to zations, has been disseminating informa- destabilize Europe and control Ukraine, Presidents of the United States and Russia were met in Geneva on June 16 by a rally tion worldwide about Russia’s war against calling for an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. must be stopped. Russia’s imperial inten- Ukraine. Since 2014, Russia has been tions regarding Ukraine are clear and the responsible for the killing of 14,000 people, seven year war that has ravaged Ukraine, Biden to take decisive action to restore international community must not trust the a quarter of whom were civilians, the leaving more than 30,000 wounded and Ukraine’s territorial integrity and end president of this aggressor state,” UWC downing of civilian airliner MH17 that over 1.5 million internally displaced. Russia’s war against Ukraine and its neigh- President Paul Grod said following the killed almost 300 innocent civilians and a The UWC called upon U.S. President Joe bors, including the de-occupation of Crimea summit in Geneva. No. 25 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 5 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25

Mr. Putin later said in televised remarks Following summit... that Russia was “ready to continue this dia- logue” provided Washington was also will- (Continued from page 1) The Ukrainian Weekly ing to do so. But Mr. Biden said Kyiv needed to root Messrs. Biden and Putin agreed at the out rampant corruption and meet other cri- summit to regular talks to try to lay the The Russian “red line” teria before it could join. groundwork for future arms-control agree- On June 16, U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held Tensions between Russia and Ukraine ments and risk reduction measures. their first summit in Geneva. It came five months into Mr. Biden’s term and 21 years have risen in recent months after the two However, there are still differences after Mr. Putin was first elected president. Most reports from the summit saw only countries blamed each other for an between the two states, Mr. Peskov said. modest outcomes, as the two presidents discussed nuclear arms and diplomatic increase in fighting in eastern Ukraine amid Separately, Deputy Foreign Affairs relations between the two historic adversaries. stalled peace talks between Kyiv and Minister Sergei Ryabkov, in an interview Following the summit, James Nixey, director of the Russia-Eurasia program at Kremlin-backed separatists. published on the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Chatham House, a London-based think tank, said that, “Not much was agreed upon; Russia also amassed 100,000 troops on website on June 17, said Russia expects not much was done. And that was probably appropriate, proportionate to the state its western border with Ukraine and in arms-control talks with the United States of the relations between the two.” Crimea, drawing Western condemnation that were agreed at the summit in Geneva While the two presidents did discuss Ukraine with little of note, Mr. Biden did say and concern for what Moscow said was just to start within weeks. both before and after the summit that the U.S. would not use Ukraine as a concession a defensive exercise. Following an agreement during the sum- in negotiations with Mr. Putin. As best we can tell, it seems Mr. Biden did not sell Although Russia later announced a pull- mit between the two presidents to return Ukraine out at this summit. In fact, there is some indication that Mr. Biden held firm back, both Washington and Ukraine say their ambassadors to their posts in a bid to on Ukraine. One day after the two presidents met, the Kremlin said that Ukraine that the withdrawal is not complete. lower tensions, the Russian Foreign Affairs becoming a NATO member would be a “red line” for Russia. In a Skype interview from Brussels on Ministry said the Russian ambassador to Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said on June 17 that any talk of a Ukraine June 17, U.S. Under Secretary of State for the United States would resume his duties being granted a Membership Action Plan, which is a first step toward full NATO Political Affairs Victoria Nuland told RFE/ in Washington next week. membership, was concerning for Russia. RL’s Ukrainian Service that the “swift reac- Ambassador Anatoly Antonov was “This is something we are watching very closely and this really is a red line for us tion” of the United States and “all of our recalled from Washington about three – as regards the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO,” Mr. Putin’s spokesman said. “Of allies and partners in Europe” to Russia’s months ago, after Mr. Biden said in an inter- course, this [the question of a membership plan for Ukraine] raises our concerns.” military buildup showed that Moscow view that he believed Mr. Putin was a killer. Such comments are the epitome of hypocrisy, as Russia regularly deflects criti- “confronts a united front of democratic U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan left cism of human rights abuses, the jailing of Kremlin critics and the murder of promi- nations demanding civilized behavior vis-a- Moscow almost two months ago after nent opposition figures, among other crimes committed against its citizens, by say- vis Ukraine.” Russia suggested he return to Washington ing that these are matters internal to Russia. Yet Mr. Putin and his cadre of syco- “And that gives us a certain strength,” Ms. for consultations. phantic cronies have no issue prying into Ukraine’s internal matters by saying that Nuland said. “We opened a couple of channels where Kyiv’s decision to push for NATO membership is a red line for Russia. She reiterated that the United States is we are going to test whether this coopera- On this particular issue, it is high time that Europe and the United States adopt “firmly committed” to the “sovereignty, tion will be fruitful, particularly in the area Mr. Putin’s technique: take hold of an opportunity, act decisively and call their adver- independence and territorial integrity of of strategic stability – looking at weapon sary’s bluff. In this case, they could do so by beginning the process of granting Ukraine,” and said the U.S. sanctions systems that are destabilizing and how we Ukraine a Membership Action Plan (MAP). There are two key questions at the heart imposed over Moscow’s actions in the might work on those as well as the issue of of the matter: Would Mr. Putin invade Ukraine if Kyiv was granted a MAP? But even country “are going to stay in place unless cybersecurity and ransomware,” Ms. more importantly, would Europe and the United States translate their words of sup- and until Russia changes its behavior Nuland told RFE/RL. port for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity into concrete action by stand- towards Ukraine.” “So, we’ve set up a couple of experts ing with Ukraine if such an invasion occurred? Mr. Peskov told the Ekho Moskvy radio groups now and we will test whether Russia Ultimately, we know that most people in the United States and Europe don’t want station that Moscow is closely following wants a predictable and stable relationship, a war with Russia. But history has repeatedly shown that appeasing dictators leads [and] whether we can make some agree- to disaster. Western leaders must tackle this dictator head on. They can begin by Ukraine’s efforts toward joining the alli- ments on these things,” Ms. Nuland said. taking the position that interfering in Ukraine’s aspiration to become a NATO mem- ance. She added that, “there is a lot of ques- ber is a red line that Russia must not cross. The safety and security of all of Europe is “This is something we are watching very tioning whether Russia is ready for this at stake. closely and this really is a red line for us – as regards the prospect of Ukraine joining kind of relationship with us, whether it will NATO,” Mr. Putin’s spokesman said. commit to trying to improve things.” “Of course, this [the question of a mem- “But President [Biden] is committed to bership plan for Ukraine] raises our con- trying, but also profoundly clear that he cerns.” will protect the American people and he June Turning the pages back... However, Mr. Peskov said the summit will protect our allies and friends,” she between Messrs. Putin and Biden was a added. (With reporting by Reuters, dpa, Thirty years ago, on June 23, 1991, thousands of protesters, meeting “with a plus sign.” TASS, AFP and RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) 23 who were undaunted by thundershowers, marched down Kyiv’s “From the very beginning, we warned main thoroughfare, the Khreshchatyk, to protest Ukraine’s intent against exaggerated expectations in con- Copyright 2021, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted 1991 to sign the union treaty with Moscow that summer. nection with this summit,” Mr. Peskov told with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ A meeting of protest organizers, which included members of Ekho Moskvy. “But now we can say, primar- Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Rukh (the Popular Movement of Ukraine) and the Ukrainian ily based on the assessment by the presi- Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see Republican Party – led by Levko Lukianenko and Ivan Drach – demanded that the dent himself, that it was more with a plus https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine- Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR categorically reject the draft of the union treaty that sign.” nato-red-line/31312756.html) was presented on June 17 by Moscow. Organizers passed a resolution that called the trea- ty an enslavement by Moscow, cynical and hopeless, and urged for the adoption of a Constitution of Ukraine as an independent nation. The meeting also unanimously decided that its goal was an independent, democratic in the EU by 2030. Ukraine with full and exclusive rights to its peoples’ economic and scholarly-technical Mitigating... However, such plans would require con- siderable investments to convert the natu- potential created on its territory; with its own national currency, financial-credit system, (Continued from page 2) Ukrainian customs service, national armed forces; and with its own full-fledged political, ral gas transit pipeline network for hydro- economic and cultural contact with other states of the world. significant investments in Ukraine’s green gen transport. Ukraine’s huge gas storage Two conferences were held in Kyiv on June 22-23, attended by representatives of politi- energy sector. As reported by Handelsblatt, facilities could be used for storing hydro- cally repressed people from all over the world, as well as the all-Ukrainian union of work- to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline gen for Europe. More importantly, such an ers’ solidarity. The conferences were held at the Republican Stadium in Kyiv. It was from project without further U.S. sanctions, undertaking will require Germany to stand this meeting that demonstrators began their protest march from the stadium to Berlin has offered Washington greater eco- up to Moscow and not allow the Kremlin to Independence Square. nomic support for Ukraine (Handelsblatt, decide whether Berlin should be involved Mr. Lukianenko, at the head of the march dressed in a light beige suit and a Ukrainian March 18). Germany has been particularly in large projects in Ukraine. And, of course, embroidered shirt, led the protesters – some of whom were dressed in prison outfits com- interested in supporting hydrogen gas pro- it cannot succeed without solid support plete with identification numbers, among them former political prisoner Oles Shevchenko, duction in Ukraine. Leaked documents from Washington. Yevhen Proniuk (head of the Society of the Politically Repressed), and Les Taniuk (head of spell out German intentions to invest in this the Memorial Society). sector, calculating that Ukraine can produce The article above is reprinted from Marta Kolomayets described the scene: “…Many of the participants in the front lines of one-sixth of the hydrogen gas needed for Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from the demonstration were physically broken because of the long years they had spent in Europe’s green transition – 7.5 gigawatts its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, exile, but their enthusiasm for an independent Ukraine ran high. They were for most of the out of 40 gigawatts planned for generating www.jamestown.org. crowd living history, evidence of a people who will not be suppressed by a Communist- totalitarian regime.” Students, organized under the Union of Ukrainian Students organization, also came out Opinions to join the protests, and many planned to mobilize hunger strikes and other actions in the Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are their fall if the danger of Ukraine signing a union treaty continued to mount. own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial Volodymyr Filenko, vice-chairman of Ukraine’s National Council, said that if Ukraine were to enter any union, it would be as a full-fledged member of the family of nations in Europe. staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. Similarly, paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions of either The Source: “Marchers in Kiev say ‘no’ to union treaty,” by Marta Kolomayets, The Ukrainian Ukrainian Weekly or its publisher. Weekly, June 30, 1991. No. 25 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 7

COMMENTARY The Summit that never happened ... or did it?

by Askold S. Lozynskyj summit was to establish a diplomatic rela- tionship and to set the record straight fol- The takeaway for Ukraine is that the lowing the disaster that was former U.S. Biden-Putin summit in Geneva apparently President Donald Trump. For Mr. Putin the The Helsinki Commission: 45 years of promoting did take place. There were two press con- purpose was entirely different. It was to ferences, one by each of the principals to take stock of the person and leader that is prove that. Apparently, the only tangible Joe Biden, to determine how far he (Mr. human rights, democracy, peace and security result was the renewed exchange of ambas- Biden) would go to defend his positions. Part 2 for millions of people and independence for sadors. For the American cynic this was a And then there are at least several rele- Captive Nations. As monumental a devel- far cry from Helsinki and thus a major vic- vant and even crucial positions. American The following column discusses the work opment as this was, it did not bring about tory for the American side. But success can- security is one consideration. Territorial of the Helsinki Commission beginning in the the end of violations of the Helsinki Final not be measured by Trump years. integrity and sovereignty, as well as human late 1980s, as the Soviet empire began to Act and subsequent Organization for Russian President Vladimir Putin at his rights in other countries, including Russia unravel, to the present day. Part 1 of this Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) press conference was aggressive, criticizing itself, is an entirely different issue. Yet these two-part series, which ran in the May 30 commitments – many of them egregious. the United States for its disorder but issues are crucial for Ukraine and Russian issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, discussed Horrific atrocities as part of an ethnic acknowledging that the meeting was not opposition internee Alexei Navalny. the work of the Helsinki Commission from cleansing campaign, predominantly by hostile. Mr. Putin was speaking from a cur- This summit was not bad for Mr. Biden its founding up to the late 1980s. rent position of strength: energy prices are and America, but it was not so good for Serb forces in Bosnia, but also in Croatia With the advent of Gorbachev’s policies and Kosovo during the 1990s, resulted in very high and Russia recently activated Ukraine, and if there is a chance for democ- of Glasnost and Perestroika the direction of Nord Stream 2 in some part thanks to an racy in Russia or Belarus, it was a non-fac- violence on a scale not seen since World the Helsinki Commission’s work began to War II, with well over 100,000 people American waiver of sanctions. tor. The question at this time is how Mr. change. The Soviets began releasing politi- U.S. President Joe Biden was presiden- Putin will use the experience from and killed. The Commission – through numer- cal prisoners and allowing people to ous hearings, congressional visits, legisla- tial, meaning vanilla and subdued. I have to knowledge gleaned at the summit to reunite with their families in the West. One congratulate the press for trying to arouse advance his authoritarian and imperialistic tion and other activities – was in the fore- powerful indication of the changes taking front of defending innocent victims and him. At his press conference, Mr. Biden aims. Ukraine needs to take notice that place was a Congressional delegation led went over the points he allegedly made America and Mr. Biden are its friend but not national underdogs against the aggressors by Helsinki Commission chairs Sen. Dennis with Mr. Putin and he declined to make any a guarantor of its sovereignty or territorial in the western Balkans. DeConcini (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Steny Hoyer even mildly confrontational remarks, integrity, despite the pro forma language at The Commission was also extremely (D-Md.) to Moscow in October 1988. The although the press seemed to clamor for Mr. Biden’s press conference. Lifelong politi- engaged in calling attention to and con- some action. There was none, even after he cians make many assertions. Very few Commission invited leading Soviet dissi- demning Russia’s many appalling human took off his jacket, and after the conference except those closest to home are unequivo- dents of all kinds to come to Moscow to rights abuses during its two wars against officially concluded and the president con- cal and sincere. A vanilla Joe Biden is not meet with our delegation and even facilitat- Chechnya between 1994 and 2009. tinued to spar mildly with members of the going to guarantee Ukraine’s security with ed working meetings between them and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and press. His support for Ukraine was one line the United States or NATO forces. Soviet officials. Given the level of repression ongoing aggression and human rights and not supported by any argument except The lesson from this summit is that in the early and mid-1980s, this would abuses, which flagrantly violates all 10 that these are principles upon which allies and friends may help with military have been unthinkable just a mere year foundational principles of the Helsinki America was founded. Perhaps the single supplies and strong words, but Ukraine earlier. For me, it was especially thrilling to Final Act and numerous other international most questionable comment he made was needs to step up and defend itself. May God meet with leaders of the banned Ukrainian agreements, also have met with a vigorous referring to Mr. Putin’s credibility in the bless Ukraine, once again on its own with Catholic Church and former Ukrainian Commission response. Helsinki Commis­ world and the Russian leader’s concern many friends willing to offer verbiage but political prisoners such as Vyacheslav sioners have strongly promoted robust therewith. How significant was that? not tangible support. Is this history repeat- Chornovil and Mykhaylo and Bohdan political, security, economic and democracy In the eyes of the world and the ing itself? Unfortunately, yes! My appeal to Horyn, names that had been familiar to me U.S. support for Ukraine to defend itself American people, Mr. Biden held his own. my own country – the United States of since childhood and on whose behalf I had against Moscow’s assaults on its sovereign- Unfortunately, that is not enough. Because America: you have to be a global leader. A advocated. ty. They continue to encourage internal he was meeting with a killer. That is my free and democratic Ukraine in all aspects – Subsequently, the fall of the Berlin Wall reforms, recognizing that these, too, are key subjective perspective, one that can be sup- geographically, militarily, intellectually – is on November 9, 1989, started a chain reac- to enhancing Ukraine’s resiliency against ported by evidence from history, and which the best deterrent to an aggressive Russia. tion that led to the demise of Soviet rule in may, and probably, unfortunately, will man- Not only is Mr. Putin an assassin and a kill- Russia’s relentless malign activity. The the Warsaw Pact countries of Central and Commission has also strongly supported ifest itself in the near future. er, but so, too, is Russia. I only hope that Mr. Eastern Europe. One of the many immedi- sanctions against Russia. Commission Chair Mr. Putin is Mr. Putin, and Mr. Biden is Biden will react with substance. ate results was the cessation of the brutal Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) has been a leader Mr. Biden. Mr. Putin is an assassin both lit- repression of the Bulgarian Turks, which in these efforts, including as a lead author erally and figuratively. Mr. Biden is neither. Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney at law was a big relief as I had been to Bulgaria of the Russia Ukraine-related sanctions in Who is smarter or more educated is irrele- based in New York City who served as presi- just a few weeks earlier and had witnessed the consequential Countering America’s vant. However, there is no doubt who is dent of the Ukrainian World Congress in first-hand their inhumane treatment. Adversaries Through Sanctions Act craftier. For Joe Biden the purpose of this 1998-2008. This did not mean that human rights (CAATSA) of 2017. issues altogether disappeared, especially in Even though the protection of rights and the U.S.S.R. The Commission continued to freedoms remains central to the Commis­ LETTER TO THE EDITOR advocate for greater freedoms and self- sion’s mandate, the end of the Cold War determination of nations. Commission staff expanded the scope of the Commission­ ’s received strong support over the years began to observe elections in Eastern activity in areas such as the rule of law, anti- from Democrats and Republicans alike. Europe and then in 1990 and 1991 in the Contact Congressional corruption and anti-kleptocracy, promoting This is the time to thank them and to ask republics of the Soviet Union. We pub- tolerance and non-discrimination, treat- representatives them to once again advocate for Ukraine. lished reports on what we observed. I recall It’s easy, quick and surprisingly effective. ment of minorities – especially the Roma – Dear Editor: a few years after independence a very high- Please do this today! ranking Ukrainian official, who had also and human trafficking. Ukraine’s struggle to finally separate Not surprisingly, OSCE countries that Andriy Ripecky held a prominent position prior to inde- from Russia continues even as multiple Chicago pendence, telling me that he had read all of routinely and blatantly violate human other events and issues compete for the our Helsinki Commission reports on rights and democratic norms, such as world’s attention. This is understandable Russia, Belarus, Central Asian countries, as but worrisome for Ukraine as it works to Ukraine at the time. I remember initially GUIDELINES FOR thinking that he must not have had much to well as Azerbaijan and Turkey, have come maintain international support for this under the most scrutiny. Sometimes the effort. We, the Ukrainian diaspora, search LETTERS TO THE EDITOR do then, but then it occurred to me that we were virtually the only U.S. government Commission has also highlighted problems for ways to contribute to Ukraine’s fight for Letters must be signed (anonymous let- in allied countries, such as Hungary in security. Two recent articles in The Weekly ters are not published) and the city from entity writing public reports on the situa- tion of Ukraine’s movement toward inde- recent years, that have seen backsliding in (June 10) – a commentary by Askold which they are sent will be published under rule of law or media freedoms. And while the author’s name. However, the daytime pendence, so it made sense that they would Lozynskyj on the slow process of preparing the Commission has a track record of sup- Ukraine for NATO admission and a news phone number, e-mail address and com- have been of interest. porting Ukraine’s aspirations that I believe article by Mark Raczkewicz describing plete mailing address of the letter-writer Helsinki Commissioners were also in the is second-to-none, it has also not shied [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] must be given for verification purposes. forefront in calling for U.S. recognition of the away from criticizing Ukrainian authorities Zelenskyy’s frustration with only tepid The length of letters can- independence of Ukraine and other Soviet support from its major allies for Ukraine’s not exceed 250 words. Letters may republics. The 1991 resolution on Ukrainian when they don’t comply with their OSCE be edited or abridged. The Weekly reserves battle to maintain its territorial integrity – independence passed with strong biparti- commitments – for instance, during the late the right to edit for clarity, civility and san support in both the House and Senate Kuchma period and the Yanukovych years. underscore this problem. Moments such as accuracy. this call for all of us to speak out as loudly despite State Department objections. The Commission, when warranted, has also Letters should be sent to staff@ The disintegration of one-party commu- addressed shortcomings in our own coun- and frequently as we can, starting with ukrweekly.com or to The Ukrainian contacting our congressmen and senators. Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, nist regimes and the end of the division of Across the United States, Ukraine has Parsippany, NJ 07054. Europe brought about newfound freedom (Continued on page 12) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25

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Irena Sawchyn Doll Chopped mushrooms Rolling up chicken roulade The Lighter Side of Cooking: A night with Chef Andrey Sonevytsky

by Irena Sawchyn Doll couldn’t be rolled with the stuffing? The answer was simple – remove the stuffing, MORRISTOWN, N.J. – A wide circle of pound the chicken slice a little thinner, and members and friends of the Ukrainian if the chicken still refused to be rolled, National Women’s League of America order out for pizza! There was even a sur- (UNWLA) Branch 75 of Morris County, N.J. prise guest appearance from “Pani Kyshka” were treated to an afternoon of delightful (Andrew Oprysko) who kept trying to add entertainment this past winter: a Zoom cat food to the menu. cooking class led by renowned and beloved The cooking class by itself would have chef Andrey Sonevytsky of Soyuzivka met everyone’s expectations, but Mr. Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y. Sonevytsky and colleague Roman Mr. Sonevytsky has spent nearly his Iwasiwka supplemented the cooking pro- entire life cooking. He graduated from the gram with musical interludes performed Culinary Institute of America in 1995 with by the Soyuzivka-based group “Mystaree” a degree in Culinary Arts. As part of his cre- (“we are old” in Ukrainian) with Mr. dentials, Mr. Sonevytsky interned at three Sonevytsky showing his skills at the piano, well-known restaurants in New York City: bass and vocals, Mr. Iwasiwka on guitar the Tribeca Grill, Montraché and NOBU. and vocals, and young Pavlo Mysak on gui- Soon after, he started to work at Soyuzivka, tar. Olya Fryz sang “Love Song” with touch- training under the mentorship of Andrij ing delicacy. Chef Andrey Sonevytsky and Pani Kyshka. Lesiw. Shortly after, Mr. Sonevytsky took The showstoppers were “Pani Handzya” over as head chef at Soyuzivka, where has list of the necessary ingredients and The resulting performance was much and “Pani Nooszka” (played by Messrs. worked since. instructions were available in advance of more than a typical cooking show – the Sonevytsky and Iwasiwka) who appeared The concept of the cooking program, the class for those who chose to cook at hour was funny, charming, entertaining, as at the beginning of the video and again at titled “Chef Andrey Sonevytsky Presents: home while watching Mr. Sonevytsky dem- well as a professional cooking lesson. the end. They performed the roles of two The Lighter Side of Cooking, Episode 1,” onstrate his techniques. In order to have Mr. Sonevytsky demonstrated how to hilarious elderly Ukrainian “babusias” to was originally proposed by Branch 75 the three courses ready to serve as a com- use a bain-Marie to cook the custard even- perfection, capturing with precision the President Irena Sawchyn. The idea was plete meal at the end of the show, the ly; he showed viewers how to cut mush- diction and syntax of that generation. unique and simple: to have Mr. Sonevytsky sequence began with the crème bruleé, rooms quickly and efficiently, and how to UNWLA Branch 75 was very grateful for lead a cooking class over the Zoom video which takes the longest to complete, fol- pound a slice of chicken breast to twice its the extraordinary program which was so conferencing platform where remote par- lowed by the roulade and the soup. original size until it was a scallopine cut. much more than originally envisioned. The ticipants could cook along with the chef in While the cooking demonstration was There were many subtle jokes, such as cinematography, editing and lighting were their own kitchens, and at the end of the pre-recorded, Mr. Sonevytsky was available when Mr. Sonevytsky advised viewers that executed professionally by Marko class have a full dinner ready to be served. live during several pauses in the presenta- he used “salty salt, not unsalty salt” in his Iwasiwka. The video (without the live com- To that end, Mr. Sonevytsky designed a tion to answer questions from the partici- cooking. The questions from the at-home mentary from Mr. Sonevytsky) can be seen three-course menu of potato leek soup, pants. Over 70 people logged in and a good chefs were pertinent and brought out real- on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ chicken roulade stuffed with spinach and number cooked at home during the pro- life problems encountered in following the watch?v=FLbzoIimCnM. Enjoy and smach- cremini mushrooms and crème bruleé. A gram. recipes. What if the chicken breast just noho!

tion, or about 300,000-350,000 people. provisions took effect on July 16 of the “There was a request from colleagues Rada registers... Russia then invaded the two eastern- same year. from TV channels because this year they most regions of Luhansk and Donetsk Clauses on dubbing were supposed to had neither the financial nor the physical (Continued from page 1) while waging a multi-front war that enter into force this coming July 16. ability to continue filming the projects they threat to its mainstream historical narra- includes cyberattacks, subversion, assassi- The changes to the overall bill were reg- had planned, to postpone this law during tive that it derives from the medieval king- nations and propaganda campaigns. Some istered for consideration on July 15 with the quarantine,” he said. dom of Kyivan-Rus when Moscow didn’t 14,000 people have been killed in the war 212 pro-presidential Servant of the People He added: “As the law itself, in fact, does exist and when Kyiv was an advanced, pros- zone of eastern Ukraine, according to Kyiv party members voting for it as well five not change, but only is postponed, I see this pering city. officials. members from the Holos party and 10 non- as a step towards the representatives of the Russia’s bicameral legislative body, the faction lawmakers. industry.” Ukrainian-language dubbing State Duma, also condemned the bill, Ms. The wording of the bill that is publicly Opposition lawmakers, however, like Coynash said, saying it is an “outrageous The other bill registered has caused rip- available does not specify for how long the Mykola Kyazhytskyi and Volodymyr Viat­ provocation.” ples and perturbed pro-Ukrainian language law’s implementation would be extended. royvch, both of whom are part of former Covert Russian forces invaded the penin- activists because it would in effect remove Since the law contains text related to the President Petro Poroshenko’s European sula in early 2014 after a pro-democratic Ukrainian-language dubbing from televi- ongoing COVID-19 pandemic gripping the Solidarity party, have stated the amend- popular uprising pushed aside the Kremlin- sion programs and in movie theaters of for- country with its related stipulations, pro- ments are designed to remove Ukrainian backed President Viktor Yanukovych, who eign-made productions. presidential party lawmaker Mykyta from cinemas and TV. subsequently fled to Moscow and who has Most foreign-produced programs or mov- Poturayev and Yevheniya Kravchuk, co- A group of protesters disrupted a parlia- been convicted in absentia of committing ies shown in Ukraine have been Russian. authors of the bill, said that its provision mentary committee meeting on June 14 high treason in a Ukrainian court. Over the past week, parliament tabled should go into effect two months after ahead of its registration vote in parliament, At that time, official Ukrainian statistics two amendments to an existing language quarantine measures related to the virus but it was pushed through anyway. showed that ethnic Russians accounted for law that would extend the period that for- are lifted. The bill is not ready for consideration 58 percent of Crimea’s population, while eign programs or movies would have to be Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko due to procedural infringements, co-author Ukrainians comprised 24 percent. Crimean dubbed into Ukrainian. told Ukrayinska Pravda that he is not Ms. Kravchuk said on June 17, as reported Tatars, who began returning to the penin- The overall legislative package initially opposed to extending the law’s implemen- by state-run Ukrinform news agency. sula from exile after the fall of the Soviet was adopted on April 25, 2019, and has tation date due to the financial problems The bill still remains registered on the Union, comprised 12 percent of its popula- since gone into effect gradually. Most of its caused by the pandemic. parliamentary docket as of June 17. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25

ment reforms to advance its Euro-Atlantic NEWSBRIEFS aspirations. Ukraine is heavily dependent on U.S. support to counter Russian aggres- (Continued from page 2) sion and wants to join the NATO military ing Western condemnation and concern for alliance, something the Kremlin strongly what Moscow said was just a defensive opposes. (RFE/RL) exercise. Although Russia later announced Ukraine roots out hacking ring a pullback, both Washington and Ukraine say that the withdrawal is not complete. Police in Ukraine said on June 16 that The issue of Ukraine was expected to be they exposed a ring of hackers who target- high on the agenda when U.S. President Joe ed some of the most prestigious U.S. univer- Biden and his Russian counterpart, sities as well as commercial companies in Vladimir Putin, held a bilateral summit in South Korea. They said raids on the sus- Geneva on June 16. Earlier in the week, the pects’ homes had found some 5 million White House said that Mr. Biden has invited hryvnyas (around $185,000) in cash. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy they didn’t say whether any suspects were to Washington this summer in a show of support for Ukraine as it struggles to imple- (Continued on page 11)

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exert pressure.” As a result, it says, the EU the heroes!” was “clearly political in ing alongside Swedish Foreign Affairs NEWSBRIEFS will continue to “strengthen the Eastern nature.” “The Executive Committee Minister Ann Linde. (Reuters) partners’ resilience via bilateral agree- approved the official football status of the (Continued from page 10) ments” that include EU Association slogans ‘Glory to Ukraine!’ and ‘Glory to the Ukrainians being repatriated from Syria detained. The group’s attacks caused at Agreements and other trade treaties. It also heroes!,’ which for many years have been a Ukraine’s government is repatriating a least $500 million in damage, Ukrainian says it will continue “important financial greeting by millions of our fans in our Ukrainian woman and her seven children authorities said. The hacks included the use support” to the Eastern Partnership coun- native land,” Mr. Pavelko wrote, noting that from Syria, an RFE/RL correspondent on of an encryption virus that blocked internal tries and others with a focus on “necessary the UAF was still arguing its case with UEFA the Syrian-Iraqi border reported. Officials servers and network computers at four reforms in the economy, governance and on June 11. The committee also approved said the operation has been organized by South Korean firms in 2019, at least some the rule of law, green and digital transfor- the image of Ukraine’s map including the government in Kyiv with the support of of which paid a ransom. The group also tar- mations and inclusive societies.” Relations Crimea as the association’s official coat of the authorities in Iraq’s semiautonomous geted financial and personal records at between Russia and the EU have hit a new arms, Mr. Pavelko added. Oleksandr Kurdish region. The family had been Stanford University Medical School and the low since the EU imposed sanctions against Hlyvynskiy, the Ukrainian national team’s detained at the Roj camp in northeastern University of California, among others. Moscow over the arrest of Kremlin critic press secretary, told reporters that the jer- Syria since at least 2019. The woman iden- (RFE/RL, based on reporting by AP) Alexei Navalny and Russian authorities seys should stand as they are and that UAF tified as Amina told RFE/RL that she used responded by targeting officials in Brussels. officials were continuing to meet with to live in Crimea and fled the Black Sea pen- Time to ‘push back’ against Russia “Time and again, the European Union has UEFA to keep the uniforms as originally insula after Russia illegally annexed it in European Union foreign-policy chief demonstrated unity despite attempts by designed. “They are approved by UEFA. All February-March 2014. She then lived for Josep Borrell says the EU needs to “push Russia to divide us,” Mr. Borrell said. “This things have been approved by UEFA. All of some time in Ukraine’s western city of Lviv back, constrain and engage” Moscow. unity remains our biggest asset and needs the signs were approved by UEFA, and the before moving to Syria. “I am very thankful Speaking on June 16 shortly before Russian to be even more robust.” (RFE/RL, with chairman of the Ukrainian federation is to the Ukrainian government for not forget- President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President reporting by Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels, now in Rome speaking with UEFA about ting about us and bringing us back home,” Joe Biden began a summit in Geneva, Mr. Reuters, AP, and AFP) this,” he said. The team jerseys are for the Ms. Amina said. After returning to Ukraine, Euro 2020 championship, which was the authorities are expected to restore their Borrell told reporters in Brussels that “a Soccer association approves slogans on jerseys renewed partnership, allowing us to realize delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and documents. “It will be important for the full potential of a close cooperation The Ukrainian Association of Football will be played from June 11 to July 11 in 11 women and children to adapt to normal with Russia, is a distant prospect.” “The EU, (UAF) has approved two slogans as official cities including St. Petersburg, Russia, life,” said Vadym Skibitskiy, a spokesman therefore, needs to be realistic and prepare soccer symbols as it looks to reverse a where Ukraine may play if it advances to for the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence for a further downturn of our relation with UEFA decision forcing the country to the quarterfinals. (RFE/RL) Directorate. This is the second such evacua- tion organized by Kyiv since December Russia,” Mr. Borrell said. He made the remove the words from the team jersey Biden, Putin won’t cut a deal on Ukraine remarks while presenting a report detailing because they had a political connotation. 2020, when two Ukrainian women and a proposed strategy to build a “more pre- UAF President Andriy Pavelko wrote on Ukraine does not see a risk of U.S. Presi­ seven children returned to their homeland on December 31, 2020, after the security dictable and stable relationship” with the Facebook that the slogans “Glory to dent Joe Biden and Russian President services checked they had not been Kremlin. EU leaders will debate the report Ukraine!” and “Glory to the heroes!” were Vladimir Putin cutting a deal on Ukraine involved in “terrorist activities.” Earlier this at a summit next week as they seek a com- unanimously approved by the UAF on June behind Ukraine’s back, Foreign Affairs year, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged mon approach on Russia amid divisions 11 ahead of the Euro 2020 championship. Minister Dmytro Kuleba told a briefing in Kyiv to increase consular assistance to and between some EU members over how to Ukraine’s jersey has aroused opposition Kyiv on June 16. Messers. Biden and Putin repatriate an estimated 40 Ukrainian deal with Mr. Putin. The proposed strategy from Moscow because it includes an out- met in Geneva in their first meeting since women and children it says were being includes details on future relations line map of the country that includes the Mr. Biden became president. Ukraine has “unlawfully” held in “horrific” conditions in between Brussels and the six former Soviet Crimean Peninsula. After Moscow took told allies it would not accept any agree- Roj and Al-Hol, another camp in northeast- republics in the EU’s Eastern Partnership Crimea by force, Russia tried to legitimize ments reached in discussions where ern Syria. The majority of them were chil- program – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, its actions with a referendum widely derid- Ukraine was not present, Mr. Kuleba said. dren, some as young as 2 years old, the Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. It says the ed as a sham. The vote was conducted in a “We do not see any risks for this meeting to EU “firmly rejects the Russian pursuit of a heavily militarized environment and was reach some kind of agreement on Ukraine privileged sphere of influence” over those illegal under the Ukrainian Constitution. behind our back,” Mr. Kuleba said in a brief- (Continued on page 13) countries. “The Eastern partners have a full, The result has never been recognized by sovereign right to shape the breadth and most of the international community. Still, depth of their relations with the EU and acting upon a complaint from Russia over With deep sorrow we announce that other international players freely,” it says. the jerseys, European soccer’s governing The report also notes that the Russian gov- body said on June 10 that, while the map Eva H. Sacharuk ernment “continues its confrontational pol- was not an issue, the combination of the icy, employing soft and hard policy tools to phrases “Glory to Ukraine!” and “Glory to daughter of Dr. Volodimir and Alina (Levitska) Hamersky, died peacefully at her home in Peterborough, New Hampshire on June 1, 2021. Before moving to Peterborough in 2019, she was a long-time resident of Wenham, Massachusetts, where she raised her family with her husband Serge since 1960. On the 10th anniversary of the passing of our beloved Eva is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Serge, her children and their spouses: Peter and Diana Sacharuk of Portland, ME, Nina and Blake husband, son, brother and uncle, Anderson of Dublin, NH, and Greg and Lisa Sacharuk of Hendersonville, TN; and grandchildren: Alexandra, Frazer, Nicholas, Katherine, Anastasia, Christopher Paul Baxer and Christopher. She was predeceased by Bohdan Hamersky Eva was a teacher of Physics and Chemistry at the Pingree School in South who tragically died June 23, 2011, Hamilton, MA for four decades. She reluctantly retired when she was 79 years young. She adored teaching, tennis, gardening, bridge, politics, reading, memorial services will be held: asparagus, and her family. • Sunday, June 20, 2021, at 11 a.m., Eva was born in Buchach, Ukraine in 1931. During World War II, she left • Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 8 a.m. Ukraine with her family, rst arriving in Vienna, Austria and then living in a United Nations displaced persons camp in Salzburg, Austria. While at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church there, she earned her high school diploma and met her husband, Serge. in Whippany, NJ. After her family emigrated to the United States in 1949, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated Cum Laude with Remaining in profound sorrow: a degree in Chemistry. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State University. wife - Marta née Mulyk After an early period as a research chemist, she found her passion mother - Wanda Baxer in teaching in the 1970s and loved every day of her teaching career at father - Thomas Baxer Pingree School. She adored her students and her colleagues. brother - Peter with wife Lisa and her son Alex A memorial service will be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Salem, Massachusetts, at 124 Bridge Street https:// uncle - Joseph Baxer with wife Barbara www.saintjohnsukr.com/ on June 18th at 10:30 am, followed by a uncle - Paul Baxer with son Andrew reception. parents-in-law - Jaroslaw and Jaroslava Mulyk May her memory be eternal. brother-in-law - Ihor with wife Lisa and children Jonathan, In lieu of  owers memorial donations in memory of Eva (Mrs. Sacharuk Alexander and Gracieanna to you, former students!) can be made to the Pingree School Scholarship sister-in-law - Oksana with husband Jim Hurley and Fund, South Hamilton, Massachusetts at www.pingree.org. children Monica and Marko Please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com to share a memory, leave a message of condolence for the family, and for the updates on the funeral extended family in the U.S. and Ukraine. service. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25 U.S. Sen. Murphy meets with Ukrainian American community, reassures them of his continued support for Ukraine

by Alex Kuzma HARTFORD, Conn. – On the eve of U.S. President Joe Biden’s historic NATO sum- mit, Ukrainian American veterans, commu- nity leaders and activists from 12 towns across Connecticut came to the Ukrainian National Home in Hartford on June 14 for an early morning meeting with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). Despite driving rain and a fierce light- ning storm, the diverse group of activists came to hear the senator’s report on his recent visit to Ukraine where he and Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other national leaders to discuss Ukraine’s security needs and national reform efforts. It was Mr. Murphy’s sixth visit to Ukraine since 2013 when he and the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) addressed a rally of over 500,000 Ukrainians protesting the abuses Aleх Kuzma of the Yanukovich regime during the U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (center) greets Ukrainian community leaders following the early morning forum at the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity. National Home in Hartford, Conn. Mr. Murphy reassured his audience that he would do everything in his power to about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Congress and the administration for releas- Hamden, Conn., asked the senator about defend Ukraine’s independence and territo- human rights abuses and his attempts to ing an additional $150 million in military the rise of right-wing parties in the United rial integrity. The senator pledged to work corrupt the democratic political process in - States and the growing threat to American with the Biden administration and the U.S. and Europe through bribes, cyber- sition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline by democracy. Mr. Murphy said he shared her Congressional leaders to ensure that warfare and financing of right-wing whichaid to Ukraine.Russia is He seeking also eхpressed to circumvent his oppo and concerns and stated his strong support for extremist parties. deprive Ukraine of lucrative transit fees. He HR-1 and similar legislation designed to the invader.” Mr. Murphy told his audience that Mr. voiced his disappointment that the U.S. gov- strengthen the democratic process, to UkraineAs chairman has the resources of the itSenate needs “toForeign eхpel Zelenskyy has implemented important ernment did not do more to block the proj- strengthen voting rights against voter sup- Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on reforms that should put Ukraine on a path ect over the past four years as 95 percent of pression efforts and to combat foreign Europe, Mr. Murphy has been outspoken to NATO membership, and he praised the pipeline was completed. influence and financing of U.S. political par- In addition to his meeting with Mr. ties. Zelenskyy and a Zoom conference with Myron Melnyk, a member of the Ukraine’s front-line military commanders, Ukrainian American Veterans Association, Mr. Murphy also met with former Ukrainian asked Mr. Murphy to support U.S. govern- President Petro Poroshenko, who now ment efforts to upgrade medical care for serves in the Ukrainian parliament as a Ukrainian veterans wounded or trauma- member of an opposition party. tized by the war in the Donbas. Mr. Murphy assured Mr. Melnyk that he would work a sharp contrast between the healthy and with fellow U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal robustMr. Murphy (albeit usedimperfect) this eхample democracy to draw in (D-Conn.), who is a member of the Ukraine and the repression of democratic Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to strengthen forces in Russia and Belarus. He and his such programs. bipartisan delegation also traveled to The meeting at the Ukrainian National Lithuania where they met with the leaders Home attracted televised news coverage of the Belarusian opposition movement that has been protesting against the bru- (Channel 8 and Channel 61). The Ukrainian tality and tyranny of Putin ally Aleksandr communityfrom Connecticut’s in Connecticut ABC and Foх has affiliates been Lukashenka. The senator underscored the intensely engaged in Congressional out- importance of appointing a U.S. ambassa- reach since the Revolution of Dignity in dor to Ukraine as soon as possible after 2013. Each member of Congress has visit- the dismissal of Ambassador Maria ed Connecticut’s Ukrainian churches and Yovanovich. community centers on numerous occa- Dr. Marta Bojko (left) is interviewed by a television crew from Channel 61 Foх News During the question-and-answer session sions, and community leaders have taken following U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s address. with Mr. Murphy, Maria Kukil Brandriff of part in lobbying visits in Washington.

abroad. Commissioners and staff have also ing states. Many Commissioners have held the OSCEPA, and later Ambassador Sam The Helsinki... participated in more than 120 international leadership roles and used the OSCEPA to Wise, who led the Commission after a long OSCE election observation missions in promote human rights and democratic career at the State Department. Other col- (Continued from page 7) nearly 30 countries – including 18 in development, the rule of law, political-mili- leagues are too numerous to mention, but I try’s compliance with Helsinki commit- Ukraine alone. tary security and a plethora of other issues. cannot help but single out those with whom ments. Helsinki Commissioners have intro- As with the OSCE itself, Russia’s aggression I had the honor of serving for more than a The Helsinki Commission has utilized var- duced numerous resolutions and bills over against Ukraine has been a central issue at quarter of a century: Bob Hand, Erika ious channels consistent with its mandate to the years, including those focusing on indi- the OSCEPA in recent years. Schlager, Ron McNamara and John Finerty. monitor and encourage compliance with the vidual countries such as Ukraine. Among This two-part article does not begin to They were instrumental to the Commis­ Helsinki Final Act and subsequent OSCE the landmark Commission-initiated public do justice to all of the Helsinki Commis­ sion’s success, and I was proud to serve agreements. To this end, it has convened laws have been former Chairman Rep. sion’s initiatives and activities over the last alongside them, as well as with others. some 500 public hearings and briefings Chris Smith’s (R-N.J.) Trafficking Victims 45 years to promote the principles In these times of excessive polarization, drawing attention to violations of OSCE com- Protection Acts and three Belarus Demo­ enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and sub- it was truly gratifying to work for an orga- mitments and issued thousands of reports, cracy Acts, and Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin’s sequent OSCE agreements. I hope to return nization where, despite political and party press releases, statements and articles. ground-breaking Magnitsky and Global in future columns to various aspects of the affiliations, there was a good deal of collegi- Commission staff have participated as Magnitsky Acts. Commission’s work. ality. This has helped the Commission in members of official U.S. delegations to The Commission’s unique makeup has Throughout my tenure there, I worked advancing the U.S. goals of promoting com- numerous OSCE conferences, especially allowed it to not only work closely with with many amazing colleagues on the prehensive security in the OSCE region, rec- those addressing human rights and demo- both the Senate and House, but it has also Commission’s staff who were genuinely ognizing that genuine security and stability cratic norms. The Commission maintains forged a productive and cooperative work- committed to what I liked to call the “mis- encompasses respect for human rights, fun- an ongoing staff presence at the U.S. ing relationship with the State Department. sion of the Commission.” During the early damental freedoms and democratic norms Mission to the OSCE in Vienna. As part of A key platform of engagement has been years, the Commission was led by Spencer and values. its work, the Commission has interacted the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Oliver, the “founding father” of the regularly with officials from the OSCE par- (OSCEPA), which brings together parlia- Commission who later became the first, and Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at ticipating states both in Washington and mentarians from 56 of the OSCE participat- to date longest serving secretary general of [email protected]. No. 25 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 13

USAID USAID

erasing what little political leverage the UCCA President... country has over Russia and leaving it exposed to further aggression. (Continued from page 1) The UCCA urged Washington lawmak- most regions of Luhansk and Donetsk after ers and the administration of U.S. Russia forcibly seized Ukraine’s Crimean President Joe Biden to keep sanctions in Peninsula in early 2014. place on the NS2 project, but the White In a communique published on June 10, House recently lifted them. the UCCA voiced “dismay” over Ukraine In a statement published on May 19, the not being invited to the yearly G-7 summit Ukrainian American non-profit group said of seven wealthy democracies, as well as to that any “retreat from current sanctions the NATO summit, both of which took against the Russian Federation and its place over the past week. Kyiv, however, proxies, or from continued military, politi- was invited to the last highest-level NATO cal and economic support of Ukraine by assembly in 2018. the United States, would entail terrifying Following the NATO summit, the alli- consequences for Ukraine, our European ance reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s partners and the global geo-political secu- rity structure.” “territorial integrity” while offering more Courtesy of Andriy Futey clarity on membership by highlighting the Mr. Futey’s other interlocutors during need for Kyiv to make progress on areas Ukrainian Congress Committee of America President Andriy Futey (right) partici- the trip included Ivan Bakanov, head of the pates in a video conference with Ukrainian presidential office head Andriy Yermak like rule of law, civil military control, cor- Security Service, Deputy Foreign Affairs (head of table), deputy head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Sybiha (cen- Minister Mykola Tochytskyi, lawmaker ruption and human rights. ter-left), Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Vasyl Bodnar and President of the When asked whether Ukraine was Ukrainian World Congress Paul Grod (not pictured), who participated via Zoom, in Marian Zablotskyy, deputy head of the ready to join NATO, Mr. Biden told report- Kyiv on June 12. Ukrainian presidential office Andriy ers at the summit that “corruption” was Sybiha, and Deputy Foreign Affairs the number one problem, without noting Paragraph 52 of the G-7’s communique Moscow’s newest gas pipeline project, Minister Vasyl Bodnar. that member states like Bulgaria and stated that “Russia is a party to the conflict Nord Stream 2 (NS2). Already 95 percent Meetings were also held with Alan Montenegro face widespread graft prob- in eastern Ukraine, not a mediator.” completed, its underwater connection to Purcell, deputy chief of mission to the U.S. lems. However, it didn’t name Russia as the Germany from Russia would allow embassy, and three former Ukrainian Battle-hardened Ukraine also has one of invading country and urged it “to alleviate Moscow to circumvent Ukraine as a vital ambassadors to the U.S.: Oleh Shamshur, Europe’s strongest militaries, noted tensions.” natural-gas transit country to Europe, Valeriy Chaly and Mykhailo Reznik. Timothy Ash, an economist at London- In turn, Mr. Zelenskyy told Reuters, the based Bluebay Asset Management. Associated Press and Agence France-Press “For the Ukrainians they must be feeling in a joint interview this week that he until August 31, but eased some of the really disrespected now – their contribu- wants a clear “yes” or “no” from his U.S. NEWSBRIEFS restrictions, Prime Minister Denys tion to the defense of Western liberal counterpart on receiving a Membership Shmyhal said. Mr. Shmyhal said all democracy has already been paid in Action Plan (MAP) for NATO membership. (Continued from page 11) Ukrainian regions are now in the “green blood…territory…and having to spend 7 “If we are talking about NATO and the zone” but the country “must be ready for percent of GDP [gross domestic product] MAP, I would really like to get [from Mr. New York-based human rights watchdog any development.” Mr. Shmyhal did not on defense and maintain a huge army to Biden] specifics – yes or no,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. According to HRW, the group was specify which measures will be eased. On prevent invasion from the East,” he wrote said. “We must get clear dates and the like- among nearly 43,000 foreigners with links June 15, Ukraine registered 420 COVID-19 in a note to investors. lihood of this for Ukraine.” to the Islamic State extremist group who cases – the lowest daily number of new Mr. Futey’s trip partially coincided with He has received a White House invita- were being held by regional authorities. COVID-19 infections over the previous 24 the U.S. president’s attendance at the G-7 tion, tentatively for late July, another topic Many countries cite the potential security hours for nearly a year. On June 17, the summit that took place on June 11-13. The of discussion that Mr. Futey covered. risks posed by their nationals as a reason health ministry reported 1,045 new coro- timing was not lost on the UCCA head. Also high on Mr. Futey’s agenda was for not bringing them home. (RFE/RL’s navirus cases with 78 deaths. Ukraine, Ukrainian Service) which has a population of 41 million, has Government extends lockdown measures been among the most affected European countries, with around 2.23 million Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com Ukraine’s government on June 17 COVID-19 cases and 51,847 deaths as of extended COVID-19 lockdown measures June 16. (Reuters) 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25

Ukraine’s comeback falls short in Euro soccer championship opener

by Ihor N. Stelmach into the top corner from 20 yards. Before the Dutch could even shake off this stun- SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. – From the first ning development, Ruslan Malinovskyi’s 70 minutes of action, the Netherlands out- free kick was headed in by Yaremchuk to shot, out-hustled and out-played Ukraine. tie the match up at 2-2. Ahead 2-0 in its opening Group C match of Ukraine tried to keep the pressure on, UEFA’s Euro 2020 Championship on June but Nathan Ake’s cross from the left was 13, the home team in Amsterdam was met with a downward header from Denzel cruising toward a one-sided victory over Dumfries at 85 minutes for a 3-2 Ukraine, who hadn’t scored a goal in Euro Netherlands lead. That was enough to win soccer action since 2012. The Dutch team’s it. Ukraine’s dramatic comeback fell short, total control then abruptly switched to col- but Shevchenko’s team showed tremen- lapse when the underdog Ukrainians tal- dous heart, finally scored goals, showed lied two quick goals to even the match at they belong on the Euro 2020 stage, and 2-2. A game that seemed comfortably must be reckoned with in at least their sealed away required some wild saving at next two Group C meetings against North the end, and the Netherlands’ eventual 3-2 Macedonia and Austria. win left its fans more concerned than tri- This match was heralded by many in umphant. the media as the most thrilling one so far. Ukraine certainly did not look like the Bushchan came through with several side that finished atop its Euro qualifying spectacular saves for Ukraine in the end- group, above powerful Portugal. Represen­ to-end opening period, keeping the game ting their country at a time of war, with a scoreless. Yarmolenko’s 75th-minute goal map of Ukraine emblazoned on their jer- was described as an absolute work of art seys as a reminder that they carry the Pavlo Kubanov, Ukrainian Association of Football (It made ESPN Sports Center’s Top 10 hopes of many beyond recognized borders, Ukraine’s men’s national soccer team at its Euro 2020 match against the Netherlands plays of the day, ranking second overall). coach Andriy Shevchenko’s men did not in Amsterdam. The ball looped in from outside of the left show much fight for most of the match. post before slipping past Dutch goalkeep- Then, within four minutes of the second without anyone dictating tempo or even the Dutch to dominate the scoreboard. er Maarten Stekelenburg, into the upper half, Ukraine threatened to steal the game holding it up. Meanwhile, the Netherlands Georgino Wijnaldum and Wout Weghorst corner and into the back of the net. away. mounted an attack only to be thwarted by scored rather easily and Netherlands were Although Ukraine lost in heartbreaking For much of the encounter, the Ukrainian goalkeeper Georgi Bushchan. deservedly up 2-0. fashion, the soccer world will not forget Ukrainians were bystanders. At halftime, The first breakthrough came at 52 min- Then out of nowhere, Ukraine came their furious comeback or Yarmolenko’s the hosts had more shots inside the box utes and there was no surprise the cele- alive. Andriy Yarmolenko played a one- sensational strike. The team hopes it has than their opponents had in total. brations were from the team clad in two with Roman Yaremchuk on the right, the renewed focus and necessary momen- Shevchenko’s squad repelled the ball, get- orange jerseys. Ukraine’s passive and then applied his signature move of tum to bounce back against North ting control and quickly giving it away, approach rolled out the welcome mat for cutting inside before curling a terrific shot Macedonia in its next match.

JUDO World Cup series event in Cairo on June 3-6. Illia Kovtun place in the gold-medal tally, falling to Italy’s 34 gold won gold in the men’s floor exercise, Pommel horse and medals, at the 2020 Para European Swimming Khammo wins bronze at Worlds in Hungary horizontal bar, and bronze medals in the men’s vault and Championships on May 16-22 in Madeira, Portugal (the Yakiv Khammo (+100 kg) won bronze at the World parallel bars. Nazar Chpurnyi won gold in the men’s vault event was postponed from 2020 to 2021). Maksym Judo Championships on June 6-12 in Budapest, Hungary. and bronze in the Pommel horse, and Roman Vashchenko Krypak (S10, SM10) won seven medals: gold in the 100- In the third-place match, Khammo won against Gela won bronze in the men’s rings. In the women’s division, meter backstroke, 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter free- Zaalishvili of Georgia, and in the lead-up match Khammo Varinska won gold in the uneven bars and two silver style, 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter freestyle won against Martti Puumalainen of Finland. Ukraine was medals, in balance beam and floor exercise. At the compe- and the 50-meter freestyle; and silver in the 4x100-meter represented by 13 athletes – nine males and four females. tition on May 27-30 in Varna, Bulgaria, Ukraine won five freestyle relay. Yelyzaveta Mereshko (S6, SB5, SM6) won Anastasiia Turchyn, who qualified after she finished in medals (four gold and one silver). Kovtun won gold in the seven medals as well: gold in the 100-meter breaststroke, fifth place at the tournament, will join Khammo in repre- men’s Pommel horse and parallel bars, and Chepurnyi 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley and senting Ukraine at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. won gold in the vault; and Anastasiia Bachynska won 50-meter freestyle; silver in the 4x50-meter freestyle gold in the women’s balance beam and Varinska won sil- relay and the 400-meter freestyle; and bronze in the 100- KARATE ver in the uneven bars. The World Cup series continues meter backstroke. Andrii Trusov (S7, SB6, SM7) also won Serogina earns spot to compete in Tokyo Olympics with competitions scheduled for September 2-5 in Koper, seven medals: gold in the 400-meter freestyle, 50-meter Slovenia, and on September 9-12 in Mersin, Turkey. butterfly, 50-meter freestyle; silver in the 100-meter free- Anita Serogina (61 kg) earned an Olympic license and style and the 4x100-meter freestyle relay; and bronze a chance to compete at the Tokyo Summer Olympic BOXING medals in the 100-meter backstroke and 200-meter indi- Games after finishing in second place at the Karate World Malinovskyi wins WBO featherweight title vidual medley. Mykhailo Serbin (S11, SB11, SM11) also Olympic Qualification Tournament on June 11-13 in Paris. won seven medals: gold in the 100-meter backstroke, In the quarterfinal, Serogina, 31, won 4-1 against Haya Featherweight Oleg Malinovskyi (27-0, 7 KO) won a 200-meter individual medley and 400-meter freestyle; Jumaa of Canada; and in the semifinal she tied 1-1 with 10-round contest by majority decision (97-93, 97-93, silver in the 100-meter freestyle; and bronze medals in Btissam Sadini of Morocco, which led to a 2-0 win against 95-95) against Nathanel Kakololo (11-2-1, 4 KO) of Nigeria the 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly and the Janessa Fonseca of Puerto Rico in a repechage match. In on June 12 in Ukraine. With the win, Malinovskyi was 50-meter freestyle. Ukraine was represented by 41 ath- the round-robin stage, the Ukrainian finished in second declared the WBO Intercontinental featherweight champi- letes (29 male, 12 female). place with five points, two wins and one draw, to finish on (the title was vacant). Valeriy Sushkevych issues appeal for Paralympians with a score of 3-0 (2-0 win against Claudymar Garces of Medvedenko wins women’s EBU title Venezuela and 1-0 against Sabina Zakharova of Valeriy Sushkevych, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Kazakhstan, and 0-0 against Sadini). The tournament Olena Medvedenko (63.5 kg) won the European boxing and president of the National Committee of Sports for the attracted athletes from 21 national Olympic committees. championship EBU title on June 12 in Stade de Football in Disabled of Ukraine (National Paralympic Committee of Serogina won the gold at the 2019 European Games held Vise, Belgium, against Djemilla Gontaruk (16-7-2, 2 KO) of Ukraine), issued an appeal via his Facebook page on May in Minsk and she was a silver medalist at the 2017 World Belgium by unanimous decision. Judges scored the fight 16 for Ukraine’s Paralympians who are scheduled to par- Games in Wroclaw, Poland. 97-93, 96-94, 98-92. Medvedenko (10-8, 3 KO) adds her ticipate in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Mr. name as the second European champion among profes- Sushkevych stated: “100 days – on this very day until the GYMNASTICS sional boxers in the history of Ukraine, with the first being highest sports forum, the XVI Paralympic Games at the Ukraine wins multiple medals in World Cup series Alina Shaternikova in 1999. 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. It is 2020, because for the first time in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ihor Radivilov and Diana Varinska won gold and silver, PARALYMPICS in light of the pandemic, the Games were postponed until respectively, at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Paralympic swimmers win first place in Portugal 2021. These Paralympics will be very difficult and unique, series in Osijek, Croatia, on June 10-13. Radivilov won because the pandemic dictates its own rules. Especially gold in the men’s vault and Varinska won silver in the Ukraine won first place in the medals standings (93 women’s balance beam. Ukraine won 11 medals at the medals – 33 gold, 32 silver and 28 bronze) and second (Continued on page 15) No. 25 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 15

June 23 Webinar with Michael Andrec, “An Introduction to Cyrillic Online Text Encodings for Historians and Genealogists,” Ukrainian History and Education Center, www.ukrhec.org

July 3 Concert, with violinist Anna Rabinova, cellist Natalia Khoma Jewett, NY and pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky, performing works by Rachmaninov and Beethoven, Music and Art Center of Greene County, www.grazdhamusicandart.org

July 10 Mystical Kupala Night Fundraising Benefit, dinner and Round Lake, IL bonfire program, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization camp at Round Lake, 312-421-8020

July 12-16, 19-23 Ukrainian Dance Intensive, instruction by Andrij Cybyk Whippany, NJ of the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Academy, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, www.iskradance.weebly.com

July 24 74th annual Convention of the Ukrainian Orthodox League, Online St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, www.uolofusa.org

July 24 Virtual concert from Lviv, with pianist Olena Haviuk- Jewett, NY Sheremet, performing works by Brahms, Richard Strauss and Lysenko, Music and Art Center of Greene County, www.grazhdamusicandart.org

July 25 through Folk singing for children workshop, with instruction by August 6 Anna Bachynsky, Music and Art Center of Greene County, Jewett, NY 518-263-44670 or [email protected]

July 26-28 Rock painting workshop with Sofia Zielyk, highlighting Jewett, NY Ukrainian folk motifs, Music and Art Center of Greene County, [email protected] or 518-263-4670

July 26 through Bandura Summer Program, Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland August 7 School of Bandura, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Cultural Center, Parma, OH www.facebook.com/HKClevelandBanduraSchool or [email protected]

July 30 Online book presentation of “Grey Bees” by Andriy Online Kurkov, Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program, Harvard University, https://huri.harvard.edu

August 2-4 Wreath making with fresh and dried flowers, Music and Jewett, NY Art Center of Greene County, 518-263-4670 or www.grazhdamusicandart.org

August 2-5 Ukrainian embroidery workshop with Lubow Wolynetz, Jewett, NY Music and Art Center of Greene County, 518-263-4670 or [email protected]

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 from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

to state that the level of achievement at SportsShorts international competitions lays the groundwork for optimism for Ukraine’s (Continued from page 14) future results at the Paralympics. Recently, the preparations, and the competition for Ukraine won three gold, one silver and licenses to participate at the Paralympic one bronze at the Paracanoe champion- Games will be held with very confusing ships, and won first place in the team rules! But at this time, Ukraine’s competition! 100 days – on to Tokyo! P.S. Paralympians have already secured 108 Today begins the European swimming licenses, and this for 118 of Ukraine’s ath- championships. Hope and faith to victory!” letes, who have the right to defend Ukraine’s sporting honor in Tokyo. Today, BEACH SOCCER when the licenses are secured, five more Men’s and women’s teams in group stages licenses in track and field, seven in wheel- chair fencing. Nearly every week, Ukraine’s men’s team in Group 1 of the Ukraine’s teams represent at various cor- 2021 Euro Beach Soccer League plays ners of the world to fight and win at world against Germany on June 17, against competitions, European championships, Azerbaijan on June 18 and against Portugal world cups, international qualifiers at a (tournament hosts) on June 19. Ukraine’s high level of competition, where our ath- women’s team will make its debut at the letes fight for their right to participate in Women’s Euro Beach Soccer League (June the Paralympic Games. Our plan is to 17 through September 12), having drawn secure 174 licenses, and thus, Ukraine’s Group 1: against Spain on June 17, national team can be represented by 207 Switzerland on June 18 and the Netherlands Paralympians in Tokyo. It is my pleasure on June 19. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 No. 25