Inside: l Two Ukrainian films premiere at 2021 Cannes Film Festival – page 3 l Metropolitan Yurij of UOC of Canada retires – page 5 l Vasyl Lomachenko TKO’s Masayoshi Nakatani in ninth round – page 14

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal Wnon-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIX No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 $2.00 Putin’s ‘rambling’ manifesto causes stir in Kyiv Powerful Internal Affairs Minister Avakov and among Ukraine observers worldwide resigns without giving reason for the move by Mark Raczkiewycz internally displaced in Europe’s only ongo- ing shooting war. KYIV – Eleven days after Russian “I am convinced that true Ukrainian sov- President Vladimir Putin held his yearly ereignty is only possible in partnership “direct line” call-in show with ordinary citi- with Russia,” Mr. Putin wrote. “After all, we zens during which he promised to publish are one people.” an article on Ukraine, he delivered on the The diatribe was described as “ram- pledge and caused a stir on July 12 by call- bling” and riddled “with many [historical] ing the two nations “one people.” myths” by Peter Dickinson, editor of the He furthermore reiterated what he told Washington-based Atlantic Council’s then-U.S. President George Bush, Jr., at the Ukraine Alert service. sidelines of a NATO summit in April 2008, “[Mr.] Putin issues a number of thinly- “that Ukraine is not a country.” veiled threats and repeatedly demonstrates The Russian president’s 7,000-word his contempt for Ukrainian statehood,” he manifesto (when counted in English) was wrote. published on the Kremlin’s website, an Ukraine’s statehood is denied in the uncustomary practice that world leaders essay, while Mr. Putin said the current poli- usually reserve for inclusion on the opinion cies in Kyiv are “anti-Russia…which we will sections of print and online media outlets. never accept.” www.avakov.com It was first published in the Ukrainian Titled “On the Historical Unity of Outgoing Internal Affairs Minister Arsen Avakov inspects personnel under his com- and Russian languages, with the English- Russians and Ukrainians,” Russia’s leader mand in the war zone of eastern Ukraine on April 19 language version released on July 12. laid claim to much of modern-day Some passages contained ominous Ukrainian lands by stating that they are by Mark Raczkiewycz Avakov, 57, is one of the last officials not threats toward Ukraine’s independence “entirely the brainchild of the Soviet era, perceived as part of President Volodymyr amid an ongoing inter-state war that and was to a large extent created at the KYIV – Arsen Avakov, one of the most Zelenskyy’s inner-circle. Russia started eight years ago after invad- expense of historical Russian lands.” powerful and independent-minded govern- “I am honored,” his 36-word resignation ing and seizing Ukraine’s Crimean Penin­ In response, Ukrainian President Volo­ ment officials, tendered his resignation as concludes in a letter to parliament without sula and certain parts of the easternmost dym­ yr Zelenskyy compared his Russian internal affairs minister on July 13. providing a reason for the move. regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. counterpart’s assertions of “brotherhood” As the nation’s longest-serving top cop The Verkhovna Rada approved his resig- More than 14,000 people have been overseeing personnel in various agencies nation with 291 votes on July 15. killed so far, as well as 1.5 million people (Continued on page 13) numbering more than 300,000 people, Mr. Mr. Zelenskyy announced a successor, who heads the parliamentary law enforce- ment committee. Denys Monastyrsky is known to be on close terms with the outgo- ing minister’s team, “having served as an Nathan’s Famous hotdogs extends global reach aide to an Avakov ally in the previous legis- lature and worked at an affiliated think to make Ukraine 17th foreign market tank,” Kyiv-based Dragon Capital wrote in a note to investors. Originally from the Azerbaijani capital of Partners with Azerbaijani gas station chain to serve iconic hotdogs Baku, Mr. Avakov served under two presi- dents and survived four Cabinet reshuffles, by Mark Raczkiewycz including the latest one in March 2020 under the current president. KYIV – Nathan’s Famous, New York’s He controlled or coordinated the nation- legendary hotdog vendor, made its way al police force down to the local depart- to Ukraine’s capital on July 14 with much ment level, the National Guard, Emergency fanfare. Services, Migration Service and border In typical U.S. style complete with loud guards. American music, muscle cars, beer and, Under his tenure, he repelled pro-Rus- of course, sausage links served in a bun sian elements in Ukraine’s second-largest with six topping choices, the once Coney city of Kharkiv at the start of Russia’s Island nickel stand held a grand opening covert invasion of eastern Ukraine after the with U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires pro-democratic Euro-Maidan uprising cul- George Kent, American Chamber of minated in February 2014. Commerce President Andy Hunder and As the newly-appointed internal affairs the company’s Senior Vice President for minister in April 2014, Mr. Avakov took Restaurants James Walker among those in attendance. part in overseeing an elite multi-law “It was fantastic…it was a lot of fun, enforcement special operation to free the events like this brings in a lot of people,” Kharkiv regional government building Mr. Walker told The Ukrainian Weekly. from pro-Kremlin elements that included Russian nationals. Mr. Hunder, a British citizen, said the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine In 2005-2010, he served as governor of U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires George Kent gets ready to enjoy a Nathan’s hot- (Continued on page 9) dog in Kyiv on July 14. (Continued on page 7) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29

ANALYSIS

Anxious days of reckoning for Ukraine Attempt to block Tupytskiy rejected officers from across the country who had gathered in the capital on July 14 managed as Washington and Berlin call the shots Ukraine’s Supreme Court has over- to force their way inside the Verkhovna turned President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Rada after parliamentary speaker Dmytro decree annulling the appointment of country resisting Russian aggression and Razumkov did not meet with them outside by Bohdan Nahaylo Oleksandr Tupytskiy to the Constitutional one that sees itself as part of Europe. the building. After retreating amid volleys Court. Mr. Tupytskiy’s lawyer, Oleksandr During the final month before Ukraine At their press conference in Berlin, Ms. of tear gas, the demonstrators blocked Leshchenko, informed Ukrayinska Pravda will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Merkel, who in a few weeks will leave streets in the area around the nearby gov- of the Supreme Court’s decision on July 14. independence, the country is facing height- office, seemed tired and unenthusiastic. ernment building. The demonstration An adviser at Mr. Zelenskyy’s office said the ened anxiety and uncertainty in the exter- She was superficial and evasive in her comes a day after Interior Minister Arsen president would appeal the decision. Mr. nal sphere. opening statement, referring to “separat- Avakov, who had run the police force since Zelenskyy dismissed Mr. Tupytskiy and Somehow unexpectedly, Kyiv finds itself ists” in occupied areas of Ukraine without 2014, unexpectedly offered his resignation another judge, Oleksandr Kasminin, in late hostage to whatever compromises and naming Russia as the aggressor; she gave without publicly providing an explanation. March for what he called threatening arrangements will be worked out in the no answer on the question of why Berlin The retired officers warned they will con- “Ukraine’s independence and national interim between Washington and Berlin. and Paris have not succeeded as mediators tinue to hold rallies in front of the parlia- security.” Both judges were appointed by Although it has sought to make its concerns in the Normandy format in obtaining any ment until their demands for improved pro-Russian former President Viktor and position known, and thereby to influ- tangible results; she also made no mention pensions are met. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian ence the outcome of those negotiations, of her position on Ukraine’s quest to join Yanukovych, who was ousted in 2014 fol- Service) Ukraine’s representatives have been NATO and the European Union, nor did she lowing the Euro-Maidan protests. Mr. Zelenskyy trolls Putin reduced to waiting and hoping that those touch on Ukraine’s appeals to obtain weap- Zelenskyy’s move to oust the two judges arrangements fall in their favor. ons from Germany. came after the Constitutional Court in October 2020 struck down anti-corruption Ukrainian President Volodymyr Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens­ Instead, the German leader tried to Zelenskyy has trolled his Russian counter- kyy had what seemed to be a disappointing switch the onus to Ukraine, not only to the legislation and curbed the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Agency. The court part, saying he was “envious” that Vladimir working visit to Berlin on July 12. It took need for better progress in her view with Putin had enough free time on his hands to place soon after German Chancelor Angela regard to reforms in Ukraine – this has decision dealt a blow to reforms demanded by the West and threatened to impact lend- research the history of their peoples. Mr. Merkel and her French counterpart, become the major refrain in recent months Zelenskyy made the comment on July 13 in President Emmanuel Macron, had been from all of Ukraine’s hesitant partners – but ing from the International Monetary Fund. In response to the court ruling, Mr. response to a question from journalists overruled by other European Union leaders also, unexpectedly, she seemed to back- seeking his reaction to Mr. Putin’s more after abruptly calling for a direct EU-Russia track on where the Normandy Four pro- Zelenskyy vowed to reverse the decision and continue with his anti-graft reform than 5,000-word article contending that summit. cess, if it can be called that, stands. That Ukrainians and Russians are one people. Mr. Zelenskyy’s meetings in Berlin did process appears totally stalled. agenda. In the decree, Mr. Zelenskyy invoked a parliamentary decision calling The assertion seems meant to sound like a not produce the results he wanted. In some If at the last Normandy Four summit in positive statement of fraternity but is an respects, it might have even been a setback Paris in December 2019 Ms. Merkel had Mr. Yanukovych’s rule from 2010 to 2014 a “usurpation of power.” In December, Mr. affront to many in Ukraine who see it as an for Ukraine. appeared willing to acknowledge that some attempt to minimize their unique culture Ms. Merkel acted as if her meeting with of the terms of the Minsk accords of 2013- Zelenskyy issued a decree suspending Mr. Tupytskiy, who was facing a preliminary and history. The Ukrainian president said the Ukrainian president was pro forma, 2014 to end the Russo-Ukrainian war in he didn’t have enough time to analyze the merely for the record as it were, on the eve eastern Ukraine needed to be reviewed, she investigation over suspected witness tam- pering and bribery. The Constitutional entire article – which was also published in of her departure to Washington to meet now urged Ukraine to implement them, Ukrainian on the Kremlin website a day with U.S. President Joe Biden on July 15. implicitly on Russia’s term. She even Court then ruled that the president had exceeded his powers, in what Mr. Tupytskiy earlier – but snarked that he could see that With the new Biden administration not revived the discredited “Steinmeier formu- the Russian president “spent a lot of time” called an attempted “constitutional coup” as forthcoming in following through on la” advanced by the German president in on it. “I am envious that the president of against the judges. According to Ukraine’s pre-election statements of enhanced sup- 2016, which Kyiv argues is unacceptable such a great power can permit himself to Constitution, Constitutional Court judges port for Ukraine, Kyiv has been left some- because it puts political demands advanced spend so much time [writing] such a vol- can only be dismissed by a vote of two- what in the dark, if not out in the cold, by Russia over the basic security concerns ume of detailed work,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. thirds of its 18 members. (RFE/RL, with given the U.S.-German issues at stake that that predominate for Ukraine. He said that, despite Mr. Putin’s mention of reporting by Ukrayinska Pravda and transcend merely Ukrainian concerns. Mr. Zelenskyy retained his composure “brotherly” populations, Russia’s actions Zerkalo Nedeli) The most contentious issue has been the and politely stressed that the issue of had been anything but brotherly. “It looks Nord Stream 2 pipeline which, to the dis- Ukraine’s security is at stake and that there Kyiv police tear gas protesters more like Cain and Abel,” Mr. Zelenskyy may of Kyiv, the Biden administration has is no more time to be lost. He added that said. Mr. Putin has for years been seeking to softened its stance on purportedly in order Ukraine is in danger and wants “concrete Police in Kyiv have used tear gas in an cast doubt on Ukraine’s legitimacy as a to ensure a renewed robust U.S.-German details,” not declaratory assurances, and attempt to disperse hundreds of retired law nation and an independent state in an effort partnership. that it is Russia which seems disinterested enforcement officers as they tried to storm to keep Ukraine in its orbit, reportedly Talk of Ukraine’s interests not being in ending the war. parliament during a protest for higher pen- ignored has been emanating from both He reiterated Ukraine’s opposition to sions. Some of the retired law enforcement (Continued on page 10) Berlin and Washington, fueling speculation Nord Stream 2 and its support for the that compensation of some sort will be engagement of the U.S. in the Normandy offered to Kyiv. Four format, or in other peace negotiations Ukraine, which is dependent on the sup- with Russia. he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 port of both the U.S. and Germany, is natu- On returning home without any con- T U W rally concerned that no deals be made crete security assurances, the Ukrainian An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., behind its back. It very much needs U.S. leader sought to put on a brave face. a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. support but cannot afford to alienate “I am glad that we managed to have a Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Germany, a key European state, that has common understanding after the meeting Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. assumed an ambivalent role toward Presi­ that I came to address security issues. (ISSN — 0273-9348) dent Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Every issue, starting with Donbas and end- The key concern at the heart of the mat- ing with the issue of Nord Stream 2, is a The Weekly: UNA: ter, as Mr. Zelenskyy put it at his joint press part of maintaining security in Europe, and Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 conference with Ms. Merkel, and around for us, first of all, it is security in Ukraine,” which everything else revolves, is Ukraine’s Mr. Zelenskyy told journalists. Postmaster, send address changes to: security. Be it the economic and geo-strate- Yet even as Kyiv switched its gaze hope- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Andrew Nynka 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas gic danger posed by the notorious German- fully toward Washington to see what the P.O. Box 280 Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was Biden-Merkel summit will produce, Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] mentioned directly by Mr. Zelenskyy, or the France’s ambassador in Kyiv, Etienne de failure of Ukraine’s “partners” in the Poncins, gave Ukraine even more to think The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Normandy Four negotiations, Germany and about. He told the Kyiv Post quite bluntly France, Ukraine needs help in its effort to on July 15 that there is still no consensus The Ukrainian Weekly, July 18, 2021, No. 29, Vol. LXXXIX get Russia to end its aggression in eastern among NATO members about a Member­ Copyright © 2021 The Ukrainian Weekly Ukraine, which the Ukrainian president ship Action Plan (MAP) for Ukraine and mentioned very delicately. that it should continue to focus on internal There were two issues which Mr. reforms which might eventually facilitate Zelenskyy chose not to bring up in public, the process. ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA but which have implicitly cast a shadow “Let’s do our homework and not open Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 over Kyiv’s relations with Berlin. They are up a perspective that is not realistic yet,” and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] Germany’s enduring opposition to Ukraine Mr. de Poncins said. becoming a member of NATO and its refus- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] al to sell defensive weapons to Ukraine, a (Continued on page 5) No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Two Ukrainian films premiere at 2021 Cannes Film Festival by Roman Tymotsko become the director’s vehicle for addressing other interna- tional topics. At the same time, the director seems to ini- CANNES, France – After a break in 2020, the 74th Cannes tially ask through the film whether sport is removed from International Film Festival took place in France’s Cote politics, but he eventually answers his own question by d’Azur on July 6-17 with two Ukrainian films – “Olga” and providing a film that counters Russian propaganda. “Babi Yar. Context” – premiering at the festival. Additionally, “Olga” is a film that portrays Ukraine as a prosperous, the State Agency of Ukraine for Cinema opened for the 15th democratic country with a promising young generation of time its pavilion that included the blue-and-yellow national individuals who hunger for freedom and self-expression. flag and the hashtag #UkraineIsYourDestination in the This theme was magnified by an especially awe-inspiring heart of the festival’s International Village. rendition of Ukraine’s national anthem that was performed “The Ukrainian pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival has in a packed cinema hall at the Cannes Film Festival. been operating as the Embassy of Ukraine in the cinemato- The film’s premier was attended by Anastasia graphic world for the 15th year in a row,” said Andriy Budyashkina, the star of the movie. A real-life gymnast Khalpakhchi, art director of Kyiv’s Molodist International from Luhansk, Ms. Budyashkina was a student of the Ivan Film Festival, which was the team leader of the pavilion. Piddubny Olympic College. She learned about the casting “If in the first years we were ashamed that no Ukrainian for the film by accident during a gymnastics competition. film was in the official program, in recent years, thanks to Athletes were told that a French director was looking for a the fruitful work of the State Cinema and state funding, we lead actress and he wanted a Ukrainian athlete. Many can be proud that Ukraine is represented in Cannes every young Ukrainian gymnasts performed cameo roles in the year,” Mr. Khalpakhchi said. movie. The film’s producers decided to use French subti- On July 9, the Ukrainian pavilion organized a dinner and tles, which allowed the audience to hear actors speak both reception with Ukraine’s Embassy in France. The event Ukrainian and Russian. was attended by Ukraine’s Ambassador to France Vadym Omelchenko. “Babi Yar. Context” “My mission is to promote Ukrainian cinema. I am con- Mr. Loznitsa’s documentary, “Babi Yar. Context,” is a vinced that this is our powerful national resource and an series of edited archival videos that tell the story of the invaluable treasure,” Mr. Omelchenko said in addressing Roman Tymotsko mass shootings of Jews in Babyn Yar in Kyiv in September guests of the evening, adding that he wants to prioritize The Ukrainian pavilion, located in the heart of the festi- 1941. At that time, the German army shot some 34,000 the promotion in France of the Ukrainian movie industry. val’s International Village, included the blue-and-yellow Jews in three days. “Ukraine has a huge potential in film production. It national flag and a poster promoting Serhiy Loznitsa’s documentary “Babi Yar. Context.” Created in collaboration with the Babyn Yar Holocaust should become our national resource. Just as the Memorial Center, the film uses restored, unique footage Ukrainian agricultural sector, metallurgy, digital technolo- realizing their national identity. The film realistically from Ukrainian, Russian and German archives. It docu- gies – these are what makes Ukraine known in the world,” ments the first months of World War II and includes foot- Mr. Omelchenko said during the reception. “We have a depicts emotions and social dynamics during the revolu- tion, showing a profound understanding of Euro-Maidan age of burned villages and prisoners of war, explosions on huge resource, we have good locations, we have talented Khreshchatyk, and it shows the tragic events that occurred people – from actors to producers – and we have signifi- by the film’s producers. “Olga” was co-produced by individuals from Switzer­ in Babyn Yar. Film producers unearthed the footage and cant potential in this area.” created the sound to go with it, which brings the otherwise Maryna Kuderchuk, head of the State Agency of Ukraine land, France and Ukraine. The movie was shot in Ukraine silent movie to life, giving viewers of the film a much more for Cinematography, spoke about the role Ukrainian films with the aid of the Pronto Film production studio. dramatic experience. play for the country and Ukraine’s efforts to better inform Mr. Grappe comprehends issues of national identity and The film and its crew were introduced by Thierry Fremo, the world of Ukrainian culture. portrays them through the eyes of young gymnasts. The director general of the Cannes International Film Festival. “The Cannes Film Festival is extremely important for the main character, a Ukrainian, moves to Switzerland, while In a telling moment during the press conference for the development of cultural diplomacy in Ukraine and the devel- her best friend stays in Kyiv. They meet at the European film, one reporter asked Mr. Loznitsa about the govern- opment of film production in the country,” Ms. Kuderchuk Championships as members of national teams from differ- ment’s attitude toward the movie, mistakenly assuming said. “The National Pavilion in Cannes aims to present [to the ent countries. Meanwhile, their former coach has joined that the director is Russian. Mr. Loznitsa reacted forcefully, world] Ukraine’s capacity to develop international cooper- the Russian national team. underscoring that he is Ukrainian. ation and strengthen its image as a reliable partner.” The film skillfully details the difficulties teenagers face In a review by Screen Daily, an online British magazine Two Ukrainian films had their world premieres this while integrating into a new country. It delves into the that covers the film industry, Mr. Loznitsa’s movie was year at Cannes. French director Elie Grappe’s “Olga,” shot in complex and ambiguous understanding of what it means described as a “powerful documentary” that proved very Ukraine with the participation of Pronto Film production, to confront Ukrainian/Swiss identity, and weaves into that relevant. The publication highlights the skill of the director was selected for the competition program Critics’ Week, mix the impact that Euro-Maidan had on a person “far and his team, which “perform miracles with their material, while Serhiy Loznitsa’s documentary “Babi Yar. Context” from politics” and physically distant from Kyiv. Mr. Grappe was screened in the Special Impressions program. does all of this with such depth that the film serves as an some of which needed extensive restoration, the results accurate description of the experience millions of show a horrific, brutal, poignant reality: corpses strewn in “Olga” Ukrainians lived through during that fateful winter. It uses a field in the aftermath of battle; soldiers destroying village Mr. Grappe’s film about Ukrainian gymnasts during the documentary footage from the Revolution of Dignity. Revolution of Dignity portrays young people in a process of The gymnasts in the film are impressive, and they (Continued on page 12)

UWC severs formal ties with Ukrainians in Russia as Moscow launches new offensive against Ukrainian ethnic minority

Ukrainian World Congress the territory of the Russian Federation. The new legislation human rights,” Mr. Grod said. extends the prohibition beyond the borders of Russia. Through increased pressure and repressions, the KYIV – In a move to protect the Ukrainian ethnic minority Further, on July 1 President Putin enacted Federal Law Kremlin seeks to isolate Ukrainians in Russian from the in Russia, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) was com- 292 which amended Russia’s Criminal Code. Russians now global Ukrainian community and democratic world. pelled to suspend membership of all Ukrainian organiza- found guilty of being involved with “undesirable” organiza- “In a repeat of Soviet times, Mr. Putin is closing his coun- tions and UWC leaders in Russia. The move comes after tions can face up to six years in prison. try to the outside world. He is forcing millions of Ukrainians Vladimir Putin enacted draconian laws that impose criminal For millions of ethnic Ukrainians who are citizens of the living in Russia into isolation from the global community. In sanctions on Russian citizens for associating with “undesir- Russian Federation, the Kremlin’s actions violate their a repeat of Stalinist times, he is stoking the fires of hate able” organizations, including the Ukrainian World Congress. human and civil rights. against Ukrainians through state propaganda. This is a dan- At an extraordinary meeting on July 10, the UWC Board “Suspending our work with Ukrainian community orga- gerous time to identify as Ukrainian in Russia, particularly of Directors voted to suspend the membership of all UWC nizations in Russia was a difficult but necessary decision. after Mr. Putin made it clear he believes that Ukrainians and organizations from the Russian Federation, including the This is another example of Russia’s flagrant violation of Russian are really ‘one people,’” Mr. Grod said. Prosvita Far East Ukrainian Spiritual Cultural and human rights and continuing persecution of the Ukrainian Mr. Putin’s list of “undesirable” organizations includes a Educational Center in Vladivostok and the Povolzhia ethnic minority, which is the largest in Russia. The UWC wide range of Russian opposition civil society organiza- Fellowship of Ukrainians in Saratov. condemns the repressive legislation which aims to isolate tions, along with international, European and U.S. founda- This vote came at the request of the UWC member orga- and assimilate the Ukrainians in Russia,” said Paul Grod, tions and think tanks which work toward strengthening nizations and Board members from Russia, who today face UWC president. and promoting democracy worldwide. The UWC has been criminal liability for working with the UWC after President “Not only is the Russian leadership committing war deemed “undesirable” in Russia since 2019. Putin signed Federal Law 230 on June 28. crimes in Ukraine, they are responsible for the cultural Despite this threat, the UWC will continue to support This law expands the scope of an earlier prohibition on genocide of Ukrainians in Russia. We call on the interna- and advocate internationally for Ukrainians living in Russia Russian nationals from participating in the activities of tional community to condemn these actions by the Kremlin by raising global awareness about the human rights viola- organizations deemed “undesirable” that was limited to and to take concrete steps to protect democratic values and tions and cultural genocide they are suffering. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29 No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 5

Metropolitan Yurij of UOC of Canada retires, Bishop Ilarion named locum tenens

UOCC via the UOCC Facebook page. “Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and WINNIPEG – Metropolitan Yurij (Kali­ consequences thereof that are still with us stchuk), primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox across Canada, our UOCC needs to delay the Church of Canada (UOCC), announced on formal and most appropriate retirement July 10 via Facebook (www.facebook.com/ event to express our gratitude for UOCCanada) his retirement from his epis- [Metropolitan] Yurij’s service and example copal responsibilities. over these many years, including 11 years as The Office of the Consistory of the UOCC our Metropolitan,” the Very Rev. Udod said. reports that the decision was made by the “For now, we wish Vladyka Yurij all the very primate due to health reasons. Metropolitan­ best in his retirement – May God grant you, Yurij (born George Kalistchuk) was ordained Vladyko – health of body and soul for Many to the diaconate and priesthood of the UOCC 33 years ago, having spent 21 years as bish- Born in Lviv, Bishop Ilarion (born op and 11 years as the sixth primate of the RomanBlessed Years!Rudnyk), На Многі 49, studied та Благі at Літа!” the Kyiv Church. His retirement became effective the Theological Seminary and Academy, as well same day as his official announcement, and, as in Thessaloniki, Greece, and graduated Facebook.com/UOCCanada in accordance with the By-Laws of the UOCC, from the Theological Faculty of Aristotle Metropol­itan Yurij filed the retirement University in 1997, as well as the University Bishop Ilarion, as the newly installed locum tenens of the Ukrainian Orthodox request six months prior. of Illinois. Metropolitan Yurij made the announce- Metropolitan Yurij announces his retire- Church of Canada, celebrates a hierar- He was consecrated a bishop in 2005, ment during a meeting of the Consistory chical divine liturgy at St. Nicholas ment during a meeting of the UOCC’s and has been a UOCC hierarch since 2007; Consistory Board on June 26-30. His suc- Board of the Ukrainian Orthodox Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Red he was enthroned in 2008 following his Church of Canada. Deer, Alberta, on July 11. cessor, Bishop Ilarion (Rudnyk), eparch of election as Bishop of Edmonton and the Edmonton and the Western Diocese of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., and the Ecumenical Patriarch, who granted UOCC, on July 11 was named locum tenens Orthodox Church of Canada. He was a and Metropolitan Emmanuel of France autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of until the next convocation of the 24th member of the delegation of bishops, (now Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon), Ukraine with the signing of the Tomos of Sobor of the UOCC confirms Bishop including Archbishop Daniel of the during the negotiations between Ukraine Autocephaly in January 2019. Ilarion’s succession as primate of the UOCC. “Metropolitan Yurij not only led the UOCC judiciously and wisely for more than a decade, but also made an irreplaceable and sacrificial contribution to maintaining negotiation and other contacts with the Church of Constantinople in recognizing the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Church, which was implemented in the period 2015-2019. Metropolitan Yurij has repeat- edly visited Ukraine in person and with numerous public statements and concrete deeds inspired the Ukrainian community to believe in the rapid and inevitable realiza- tion and achievement of the aspirations that several generations of Ukrainians have lived by,” religious scholar Andrii Yurash noted in a story carried by the Religious Information Service of Ukraine. The Very Rev. Taras Udod, chancellor of the UOCC, addressed the news on July 10

Anxious days... (Continued from page 2) So, suddenly, from Kyiv’s perspective, things don’t look so bright. NATO and EU membership have been deferred indefi- nitely, the Nord Stream 2 project has not stopped and Washington, Berlin and Paris must first work out the terms of their own interaction before responding to Ukraine’s predicament. Clearly concerned, Mr. Zelenskyy pub- lished an appeal to Mr. Biden and Ms. Merkel just before their scheduled talks. He reminded them that the outcome “could change the future of Europe.” He summarized the essence of Ukraine’s position with poignant words. “Values, principles and security cannot be exchanged for economic interests. I believe that our partners, the United States and Germany, will jointly oppose the aggressor, not encourage him,” Mr. Zelenskyy said, adding, “no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine.” We await further clarification on what to expect after the meeting of U.S. and German leaders and the forthcoming visit of Mr. Zelenskyy to Washington, which is expected shortly. What emerges will undoubtedly deter- mine the mood in Kyiv on August 24 when Ukraine celebrates its 30th anniversary of independence, its European self-identifica- tion and its resistance to various fronts of Russian bullying and aggression. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly Putin’s story shows his great fear Home for a visit There are various ways to interpret Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lengthy by Oleksandr Korniyenko Let’s be frank: on matters of preserving article “on the historical unity of Russians and Ukrainians,” as his story is titled. But to the language, education, cultural heritage cut through the clutter of the nearly 7,000-word English version of Mr. Putin’s history We are beginning a new stage in rela- and traditions, the diaspora quite often lesson on Ukrainians and Russians constituting “a single whole,” and after having read tions with the Ukrainian diaspora. At the made a greater contribution to Ukraine the piece in its entirety, one thing strikes us as plainly evident. Mr. Putin is scared. very least, our program shall simplify the than residents in our own country. You are Mr. Putin is not scared of Ukraine’s comparatively fledgling military power, nor is circumstances of living in Ukraine for “for- all keenly aware of the Ukrainian Catholic he scared that the countries of Europe will eventually accede to granting Ukraine eign” Ukrainians (those from outside of University, which does not receive any gov- membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the European Union. With Ukraine’s borders). At best, our program ernment funding, but exists exclusively due regard to Ukraine, he is also not afraid of the United States because he knows that, will include them as investors or members to the charitable donations made by people unless he did something truly egregious, the people of the United States are unwill- of supervisory boards. from all over the world. Today it is one of ing to wage war with Russia over Mr. Putin’s actions in Ukraine. We all watched the recent Euro 2020 the leading institutions in Ukraine. But the Russian president is scared precisely because the average Ukrainian has soccer games and saw as our fans support- In today’s environment, the role of the demonstrated repeatedly – and in many cases at great personal risk – a hunger and ed our blue-and-yellow team in stadiums in diaspora is also important because foreign passion for a freedom that simply does not, and likely will never, exist in Mr. Putin’s Glasgow and Rome. Citizens of Ukraine, like Ukrainians help protect Ukraine from Russia. Moreover, the Russian president fears that there are shades of that same other foreigners, could not enter the stadi- Russian aggression, especially by lobbying hunger present within Russia’s borders, which is why he so ruthlessly seeks to ums because of coronavirus limitations. for Russian sanctions. And we are deeply quash dissent, a free press and anyone who displays even the smallest hint of threat- Who, then, were our team’s fans? grateful to them for what they did and do to ening his autocratic rule. He is not only afraid of people who hunger to live in a free The answer is simple: Ukrainians, who stop Russian aggression and help renew society, but he believes such societies are weak and will ultimately fail precisely permanently reside in those countries Ukraine’s territorial integrity. because they are free, which to him means that they are unruly and disobedient. where the games took place; i.e., the However, I am convinced that relations Mr. Putin’s treatise on the common history of the people of Ukraine and Russia Ukrainian diaspora. Based on various esti- with the diaspora can be based not only on covers significant ground, going all the way back to the 9th century, and he notes mates, 12 million to 20 million Ukrainians traditions and history. Our purpose is to that “Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are all descendants of Ancient Rus, which reside outside of Ukraine’s borders. show foreign Ukrainians that contempo- was the largest state in Europe.” He discusses and analyzes nearly all of the major These are people who left Ukraine either rary Ukraine is rapidly changing, and that developments that occurred in the region from Ancient Rus up until the present day, recently or long ago, either temporarily or they can participate in these changes. covering a broad swath of significant events of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. He as permanent residents. They are either First, they can invest in our country. talks a lot about unity and discord. Yet with so much ground covered, the topic of first-generation emigrants or children or We’re not talking only about money, but freedom comes up not once. Not a single time. Mr. Putin is rightly terrified by grandchildren of emigrants. They are not in also about technologies, experience and Ukrainians because the great majority of them roundly reject his concept of the Ukraine, but with Ukraine. communications with the business world. Russian World and have shown repeatedly that they will chart their own course We clearly understand that it is of That is precisely why we are now working together, as a society of millions of free, independent citizens. utmost importance to develop and support on special programs that will grant foreign When discussing Ukraine, Mr. Putin and his supporters around the world focus the diaspora, and we are starting to do this, Ukrainians optimal conditions for investing their attention on stories of anti-Semitism, Nazi collaborators, or contemporary neo- even despite the fact that the pandemic in the economy. Nazis, among various other topics. But the evidence over the past 30 years is clear: strongly limits our possibilities for interna- Second, we shall encourage the diaspora Ukrainians have taken great steps – admittedly both backward and forward – to tional contact. to work in Ukraine by taking up roles in build a more democratic society. They have shown through multiple revolutions For example, there are almost 1.4 mil- management, in fighting corruption, and that, when necessary, they will hold their elected officials accountable. Mr. Putin is lion Ukrainians on the territory of Canada. helping Ukraine transition to world stan- not frightened that Ukraine will move west to Europe. Rather, he is terrified that the And it is important for us to facilitate that dards. Presently, we are forming a large hunger for freedom found in Ukraine will instead move east and spread throughout Ukrainians from throughout North America number of supervisory boards in various Russia. He is right to be afraid. all come to Ukraine, not to visit, but to formats, and inviting consultants and advi- come home; that the Ukrainian community sors to government agencies. Our goal is of North America actively join in building a new, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. (Continued on page 7) Turning the pages back... July LETTER TO THE EDITOR Fifty years ago, on July 18, 1971, thousands of events com- 18 memorating the annual Captive Nations Week were held across the United States, with Ukrainians making up the largest contin- 1971 gent of ethnic groups that were represented at parades, rallies Coordinated action is urgently needed to press Biden on Ukraine and other events throughout the weeklong observances. Dear Editor: Poland, the three Baltics states, the Czech In New York, the day’s program began with a divine liturgy at Republic, Slovakia, Moldova and Georgia. I commend Askold Lozynskyj’s logical St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a march along Fifth Avenue to the Central Park Such a group would project some clout! and deductive reasoning in his article Bandshell that featured a program of various speakers that was sponsored by the Using Mr. Biden’s own words from his July “What time is it?” in the June 13 issue of American Friends of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations. From there, several hundred par- 4 speech, “we can do it, but we have to do it The Ukrainian Weekly. His article included ticipants staged an orderly demonstration at the United Nations Mission of the Soviet together.” The time is now! a call to action in the last paragraph for our Union. Later that same day, a rally was organized by the Americans to Free Captive Ukrainian diaspora “to rise, demand a Dr. George Baranowskyj Nations at the Statue of Liberty. Local television and radio media reported on location. White House meeting with the president Osprey, Fla. In Buffalo, N.Y., Ukrainians were represented at a luncheon on July 14 that was sponsored himself (not some surrogate), voice their by the Kiwanis Club. A Captive Nations Week proclamation was signed by Mayor Frank discontent (to put it mildly) and insist on Sedita. The luncheon was co-sponsored by the Erie County Citizens Committee on Captive better behavior by their own president.” GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS Nations, which presented the Eisenhower Captive Nations Medal to Dr. Walter Dushnyck, This call to action is so urgent, so timely, editor of The Ukrainian Quarterly of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. TO THE EDITOR especially since U.S. President Joe Biden The annual event in Miami for Captive Nations Week attracted participants represent- The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters even now is planning to cancel Captive ing Ukraine, Belarus, Cuba, Estonia, East Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. to the editor that react to articles published Nations Week. Call it systemic stupidity. Dr. Lev E. Dobriansky, in his extensive evaluation of Captive Nations Week that was fea- on its pages. Opinions expressed by letter The group most likely to succeed in get- tured in The Ukrainian Weekly, stated: “…What is of crucial importance to the evolving writers are their own and do not neces- ting through to Mr. Biden (along with sarily reflect the opinions of either The captive nations analysis is America’s progressive loss of moral conscience toward one bil- Andriy Futey, who is the president of the Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the lion of humanity under Red tyranny and oppression. This dismal development goes hand- Ukrainian Congress Committee of America) Ukrainian National Association. in-hand with our growing incapability to undertake the primary and essential tasks of would be the chief organizers of the com- Letters must be signed (anonymous let- Free World leadership and responsibility. Vacuous utterances about ‘policing the world’ mittee that helped elect Mr. Biden and Vice ters are not published) and the city from and the like are nothing but expressions of insularity toward the realities of our world. which they are sent will be published under President Kamala Harris in 2020, or better Any translated objectification given to them would certainly produce vacuums that our the author’s name. However, the daytime yet all the hundreds of signatories on those enemies would rapidly occupy to our severe strategic disadvantage. Logically, no matter phone number, e-mail address and com- full-page ads in The Ukrainian Weekly. This how you slice it, the interwoven pattern of national will, disused power, confusion as to plete mailing address of the letter-writer delegation should project our issues force- must be given for verification purposes. the historical meaning of America, rationalized preoccupations with ostrich-like activities, fully, and the Biden administration should The length of letters can- and an appalling loss of moral conscience toward the billion of humanity reduces itself to show some backbone and show that it’s not exceed 250 words. Letters may a declining faith in world freedom, which can and will include our own in the end if serious about standing up for America’s be edited or abridged. The Weekly reserves redress and leadership along the line are found wanting.” vital friends in Eastern Europe. the right to edit for clarity, civility and He added, “…advocates of ‘social justice,’ the instant ‘humanists,’ our ‘sociological’ accuracy. Also, in order to strengthen our preachers and the like tend to be long on moralistic exhortations […] and completely Ukrainian position, we should get a coali- Letters should be sent to staff@ silent when it comes to the captive nations and their relevancy to our long-term free- ukrweekly.com or to The Ukrainian tion and enlist our neighbor countries to Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, (Continued on page 15) join us. That coalition should include Parsippany, NJ 07054. No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 7

by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Powerful... His handling of the high-profile murder case of Belarusian journalist Pavel (Continued from page 1) Sheremet has tainted him as well. Mr. the region where he completed studies in Sheremet was a Ukrainian resident when 1988. He remained in the city after gradu- he was killed in a car bomb explosion in ating. Kyiv on July 20, 2016. by Andrew Fedynsky He was elected to parliament in 2012 Mr. Avakov’s National Police investigated with perennial politician Yulia Tymoshen­ the murder and eventually publicly accused ko’s Batkivshchyna Party before being two women and a man, all of whom have appointed as internal affairs minister on ties to Ukraine’s war effort in the Donbas February 27, 2014. conflict zone. Addicted to sports Mr. Avakov was a supporter of the On December 12, 2019, he said that war In the 1840s, Karl Marx famously wrote time advocacy for Ukraine into an evening Orange Revolution of 2004 that saw Viktor volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia that “religion is the opium of the masses.” festival in the squares of Montreal celebrat- Yushchenko ascend to the presidency. Kuzmenko, airborne medic Yana Duhar and That’s no longer true; now it’s sports and ing youth, sports and fellowship. Along with Among his longtime political opponents in former combatant Andriy Antonenko were I’m addicted. I’m a Cleveland Indians, lawyer Andriy Semotiuk, I appeared as Kharkiv are Mykhailo Dobkin and the late involved in the murder. Browns, Cavaliers fan; I root for the Ohio spokesman on Montreal television. The Hennadiy Kernes. Both hold or had held All three spent various amounts of time State football team unless they’re playing media there covered our press conferences pro-Russian sentiments. The former served behind bars before being released and my alma mater Notre Dame, and then I root and other public events. as governor of Kharkiv during disgraced placed under house arrest or other freer for the Fighting Irish; I root for the U.S. in A big question mark was Valery Borzov, pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych’s means of restrictive measures. The murder World Cup soccer; I root for Ukraine in the the 1972 star of the Soviet team who had truncated term. Mr. Dobkin also was mayor case remains unsolved. Euro Cup. No doubt most of you reading identified himself prominently as of Kharkiv and member of parliament. Mr. “The Sheremet issue is certainly an ele- this have your own favorites – religious Ukrainian. A week or two into the Games, Kernes also was a mayor of Kharkiv and had ment of pressure causing the departure [of affiliation notwithstanding. he was absent, silent, even as our demon- won re-election in 2020 before succumbing Mr. Avakov],” a political analysis by Kyiv- I was an unremarkable athlete but a suc- strations went on and gathered attention. to health conditions related to COVID-19. based Concorde Capital said. “However, it is cessful track coach in the Cleveland inner Rumors abounded that Mr. Borzov had However, Mr. Avakov has never spoken too early to say that it is the main reason, as city junior high school where I taught in the been cut, sent back to the Soviet Union as a Ukrainian while in civil or public service reforming ministries will certainly be a 1970s. My athletes worked hard and our dissident; he was being “re-educated,” etc. and has described himself as “a Russian- topic during Mr. Zelenskyy’s impending teams won three district championships in All untrue. I was in the stadium when he speaking Ukrainian nationalist.” visit to Washington [this summer].” the four years that I coached. appeared for a qualifying 100-meter heat Before resigning and as a member of the The former minister was also tied to a My entire life I’ve religiously followed prior to the final a day or two later. The National Security and Defense Council, Mr. public procurement corruption scandal sports, especially track and field. The 1972 Soviet uniform that year was a red top with Avakov at certain times didn’t fully support involving his son and other family mem- Summer Olympics in Munich will always be the hammer and sickle and white shorts, the body’s terrorism-related sanctions bers. remembered for the horrific massacre of 11 but the warm-up suit was blue with CCCP. imposed on Ukrainian citizens. In 2016 a hidden video recording was Israeli athletes. The Games nevertheless Mr. Borzov? He showed up to the heat in a In particular, he was against sanctioning leaked to Ukrainian media purportedly went on and I avidly watched on TV. For me, blue uniform, but wearing a pair of yellow Mr. Zelenskyy’s predecessor, current law- showing the minister’s son, Oleksandr the sprint final with superstar Valery Borzov long-legged pants. Was this a message? maker Petro Poroshenko, under whom the Avakov, discussing the supply of backpacks representing the Soviet Union was especially Yellow pants and a blue top? Was he echo- former internal affairs minister had also to the Internal Affairs Ministry with the memorable. Introducing the competitors, ing Ukraine’s flag? That’s certainly what we served. Mr. Avakov in March said that the ex- body’s former deputy head, Serhiy Chebotar. ABC sports announcer Jim McKay pointedly all thought. Mr. Borzov later became minis- president was not “an enemy of the people.” The previous year, the Internal Affairs noted that Mr. Borzov was not Russian; “actu- ter of sports for independent Ukraine. I’ve Controversy and corruption accusations Ministry had signed contracts worth more ally, he’s Ukrainian.” I swelled with pride. never had the opportunity to meet him to have also accompanied Mr. Avakov’s tenure. than a half million dollars to purchase I soon learned that McKay had come by ask about the significance of the yellow Following Euro-Maidan, he oversaw the 6,000 backpacks at above-market prices this information because of Osyp pants, but I think I know. As a sports enthu- reformation of the police force, changing its through companies allegedly affiliated with Zinkewych, founder and president of siast, by the way, I marvel that he ran the name from the Soviet-era “militsiya” (mili- Arsen Avakov’s family. Smoloskyp Publishers, who had launched a 100 meters in 1976 for a bronze medal in tia). New recruits entered the force, includ- He and his family have denied any campaign as far back as 1956 during the 10.14 seconds, matching to the hundredth ing more women, and the notoriously cor- involvement. Melbourne Olympics to have Soviet of a second the time he ran when he won a rupt traffic police was disbanded. Still, crit- In July 2015, the Prosecutor General’s Ukraine participate independently in inter- gold in Munich four years before. ics have pointed out that many of the old Office opened a probe into the matter and national sports. Ukraine, he argued, was a Since independence, Ukraine has given guard remain, as do their outdated policing in April 2016 the case was passed on to the member of the United Nations with consti- the world many charismatic athletes. methods, and they labeled the incomplete National Anti-Corruption Bureau of tutional guarantees for national sovereign- Figure skaters Oksana Baiul and Victor changes as window dressing. Ukraine (NABU). On July 12, 2018, the ty in the Soviet Union. Those were hollow, Petrenko electrified a global audience with “Mr. Avakov has been able to hang on to Special Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office of course, but Mr. Zinkewych called the their gold medal performances as his post despite several changes of govern- announced that it had closed the case into Soviet bluff. He pointed out that a dispro- Ukrainians in the 1992 Winter Olympics in ment because he has been able to build Oleksandr Avakov and Mr. Chebotar. portionate number of athletes on the Soviet Albertville, France. Serhiy Bubka won a gold strong support in the parliament and On August 30, 2018, the Solomianskyi Olympic team were Ukrainians and it was medal for Ukraine at the Seoul Olympics in because he possesses potentially compro- Court of Kyiv tossed out a complaint brought inaccurate to conflate the USSR with 1988 and established a new standard in the mising information on politicians, Ukrayin­ by the graft watchdog Anti-Corruption Russia. Let Ukraine and other Soviet repub- pole vault, breaking the world record 35 lics have their own teams, Mr. Zinkewych ska Pravda said in a June 17 article, as cited Action Center to close the “backpack case.” times. He’s since been representing Ukraine said, in Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976, on the International Olympic Committee. Lake Placid in 1980, and so on. There are others, of course. By 1976, I had become deeply involved Addicted to sports as I am, my wife and I currently studying the possibility of elec- supporting the Ukrainian dissident move- watched this year’s Ukraine-Sweden Euro Home... tronic citizenship, which already exists in ment: translating documents, smuggling Cup game and rejoiced at the incredible the Baltic nations and other countries. Of (Continued from page 6) materials into and out of the Iron Curtain, last-minute overtime goal to propel course, we are also talking about those lobbying Congress and the State Ukraine into a quarterfinal game. England that primarily ethnic Ukrainians, represen- Ukrainians that today are citizens of the Department. As a teacher, I had the luxury subsequently drubbed Ukraine, but that’s tatives of the diaspora, act as international aggressor state. of having the entire summer off. And so, Mr. sports. There’s always another game. We experts. This will help increase internation- Legislative initiatives are already being Zinkewych called, asking me to join the will be watching the Tokyo Olympics along al trust in Ukrainian institutions. discussed that address dual citizenship, as campaign for Ukraine’s independent partic- with friends, different this year because of It is no secret to anyone that Ukraine is well as legislation that concerns the status ipation in the Montreal Games. I gladly the ongoing coronavirus. We’re vaccinated experiencing a personnel crisis. The old of foreign Ukrainians. For starters, we shall agreed. Not only would I be supporting and encourage everyone to get their shots, corrupt managers lack a conscience, the clearly outline the minimum that Ukraine Ukraine, I would get to be a tourist in the but the pandemic will still unfortunately new faces lack experience. So, we are wait- can give to our diaspora. greatest sports event in the world. cast a pall on the 2020 (now 2021) Games. ing for people with a Western education This will be the first step toward the glob- And what an experience it was. I met We’re rooting for the U.S. and Ukraine, of and Western ways of thinking, and we are al Ukraine that we all dream about. world class athletes at a time when practice course. As I watch, I’ll remember my friend creating the conditions for them to work in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he fields were open to the public. I also met and mentor Osyp Zinkewych who pre- Ukraine. For us this will be a tremendous strives to build a country to which one wants Ukrainians like me. The Ukraine Olympics sciently recognized the link between sports impetus for development. For them it will to return. This will most likely not happen project was joined not only by Smoloskyp, and national self-determination. The era of be an opportunity to express themselves in immediately. It may never happen. But sure- but also by the local Montreal Ukrainian winning independence for Ukraine with a new role and participate in the transfor- ly, members of the Ukrainian diaspora can community, the Ukrainian American Youth “weapons in hands” as émigré nationalists mation of their homeland. return to leave their mark in Ukraine. Association (CYM), Plast Ukrainian Scouting asserted was over, Osyp said. We’ll win One more important item: we are work- Organization, the Canadian Ukrainian independence for Ukraine with gold med- ing to make it possible for the diaspora to Oleksandr Korniyenko is a member of Committee, the New York-based Committee als, and through mere participation in travel freely in Ukraine, both for business Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, head of the for the Defense of Soviet Political Prisoners, international sporting events and other and relaxation, own property here, open up Servant of the People party and chairman of Andriy Bandera and others. I met activists gatherings. He never invoked that “sports is businesses, and to reside permanently or the parliamentary subcommittee responsi- from the U.S. and Canada, then in their 20s the opiate of the masses,” but he knew. I’ll temporarily in the country. They will ble for organizing government and state ser- or early 30s; many remain friends, though be watching. And hopefully soon I’ll see the receive access to the whole infrastructure, vices. they are now old like me. We turned day- Cleveland Indians win a World Series, the from organizations in the cultural sphere to Browns win a Super Bowl, and the Fighting the economic and beyond. (Translated from the original Ukrainian Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is Irish win a National Championship. It’s not This requires innovative tools – we are by Leo Iwaskiw.) [email protected]. opium, but I admit that I’m addicted. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29 No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 9

Yara Arts Group’s “Virtual Forest Song” and the living forest performed virtually

by Olena Jennings between the Zoom boxes becomes fluid as actors reach across boundaries. NEW YORK – The production of Yara The production begins with the image of Arts Group’s “Virtual Forest Song” directed an oak. The Zoom box is almost eclipsed by Virlana Tkacz is not the first time she inside the oak’s largesse. Andrew Colteaux tackled an adaptation of Lesia Ukrainka’s narrates the viewers’ way into the forest, classic play. It is, however, different from which includes the trees sycamore, birch the previous productions of “Forest Song” and willow, all played by actors. They are by Yara Arts Group in that it took place on all trees that feel and experience as much Zoom. This format is especially appropriate as people. Nature is personified. for the show. It emphasizes the connection The only humans in the show are the between nature, humans and technology. ones that threaten the existence of nature. Zoom offers the opportunity to experi- Luke played by Sanskar Agarwal is in the ment with space in a way similar to the Yara forest to get some syrup from a birch and Arts Group production of “Forest Song” later to chop trees for fences, but he is over- called “Fire, Water, Night,” which took place come with his love for Sylph played by at La MaMa Experimental Theater in 2013. Georgia Waehler, the forest nymph. His love Pavlo Terekhov In that production, the audience shifted interferes with his ability to work. Silvana Gonzalez (top left), Akiko Hiroshima (top right), Darien Fiorino and Sanskar between their traditional place facing the Lesia Ukrainka’s spirit is imbued in the Agarwal (bottom right) perform the drowning of Luke by the water spirits in Yara stage, the lobby, and the space usually production in the use of Ukrainian. Arts Group’s “Virtual Forest Song.” reserved for the stage area. This time, Ukrainian is especially spoken by Birch and though the audience is in place, the space by the widow that replaces Luke when he no longer has the emotional strength and ers are enveloped by the water. focus to do his job. The Ukrainian spoken This author felt she was part of the per- by Birch is both a poem and an affirmation. formance. In “Virtual Forest Song,” it seems The text is echoed in English in a transla- that technology is controlled. Zoom is used tion by Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Phipps, to manipulate and used to the benefit of the offering a seamless connection. acting. Actors in this performance are There are startling photographs when Sanskar Agarwal, Andrew Colteaux, Darien trees burn and Sylph seems caught in Fiorino, Silvana Gonzalez, Akiko Hiroshima, ashes. This leads to a beautiful folk song Chamaya Moody, Martin Nikolov, Nam sung by Iryna Voloshyna and Julian Kytasty Pham, Masha Pruss, Shigeko Sara Suga, who also performs the song on the bandu- Shona Tucker, Iryna Voloshyna and Georgia ra. The photographs and the video of burnt Waehler. and ruined homes in the war-torn regions The performance begins and ends with of eastern Ukraine by Evgeniy Maloletka a flute playing, creating a frame that leads cause viewers to feel a pang of sadness. the viewers into the enchanted forest. Lesia One of the memorable scenes occurs Ukrainka suggested the melodies to her when the so-called water brats become play. They are performed by Ihor excited about drowning Luke. The move- Didenchuk, of Go A, Ukraine’s stunning ment by Shikego Suga is both natural and entry in the Eurovision competition that dizzying as the water brats move to swal- took place this past spring. To watch the Georgia Waehler as the forest nymph Sylph and Andrew Colteaux as the oak tree in low Luke who has threatened the forest’s production on Yara’s web site, readers may Yara Arts Group’s “Virtual Forest Song.” life and, at the same time, we as the view- visit www.yaraartsgroup.net.

The U.S. immigrant started his business Nathan’s... in 1916 by opening a “nickel hot dog stand on Coney Island, with a $300 loan and his (Continued from page 1) wife’s secret recipe,” according to the com- hotdogs “were the best I’ve had in Ukraine.” pany’s website. He added that Nathan’s market entry is a Following focus-group tasting sessions “good signal that more U.S. brands are com- and after listening to peoples’ reactions ing to Ukraine,” in addition to quick service near the grill at the grand opening, Mr. outlets already present in the country, such Walker said the reason why Nathan’s “hot- as KFC, McDonald’s and Domino’s. dogs are superior” is because they have no Consistent with its quality-assurance pol- fillers like soy and use “only beef that is the icy, the vendor offers its 100-percent pure same as a high-quality hamburger” meat. beef links with the usual toppings of sauer- All that is added are “proprietary sea- kraut, bacon, cheese, chili and cheese and sonings…and then they are smoked as the relish, along with its customary crinkle-cut final step,” he said. fries with their own topping choices. Mr. Walker said the feedback he received The timing of the event coincided with shows that the frankfurters “taste better, the 129th birth year of Nathan’s Famous have better texture and better aroma” than founder, Nathan Handwerker, who was what is available in Ukraine. born in a part of Galicia that is in modern- Nathan’s has teamed up with SOCAR, a day Ukraine, Mr. Walker said. well-established fuel station chain owned

Gregory Vyshnevetsky Andy Hunder, president of the American Nathan’s Senior Vice President for Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, Restaurants James Walker looks on at glances around the grand opening of the vendor’s grand opening in Kyiv on Nathan’s Famous hotdogs in Kyiv on July 14. July 14. by the Azerbaijani government, which has links in grocery stores, Mr. Walker said. exclusive franchising rights. As a result of As consumers, Ukrainians “are sophisti- the partnership, Nathan’s is so far available cated, they are worldly…and they explore at six locations in and around Kyiv. globally – at least virtually on the internet” The gas station network was chosen for is how Mr. Walker described the local mar- its “access to capital, real estate, human ket. “We see a potential demand for our capital…and the opportunity to grow the hotdogs and an opportunity to provide a brand,” Mr. Walker said. higher quality New York hotdog.” In-country expansion plans include tak- In March and during the ongoing COVID- ing a step to expand the available produc- 19 pandemic, the company announced that tion line to possibly offer hamburgers, it had already expanded into another five chicken wings and hoagies, and offer the countries. brand’s fare along the busy Kyiv-Odesa high- Ukraine marks the vendor’s 17th global way, as well as in other partnered SOCAR market entry. Its food offerings are avail- An attendee of the grand opening of Nathan’s Famous hotdogs in Kyiv enjoys a bite outlets. The plan will also explore retail able in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Malaysia and while leaning against a vintage U.S.-manufactured convertible passenger vehicle. options to sell Nathan’s Famous sausage Singapore, among others. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29

Mr. Zelenskyy told reporters that Mr. Putin owned operator, Nord Stream 2 AG, nor its conflict and has decreased over time, espe- NEWSBRIEFS never seemed to have time to meet and CEO, Matthias Warnig, who is regarded as cially in government-controlled areas. now he understands why. “The things he an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “From late 2016, the use of unofficial places (Continued from page 2) wrote about – we could have talked about Speaking in Berlin, Mr. Zelenskyy reiterated of detention to hold conflict-related detain- telling U.S. President George W. Bush that it,” he said. (RFE/RL) that Nord Stream 2 posed “a potential secu- ees for longer periods, lasting more than a rity threat to Ukraine and the region.” Ms. few days, substantially decreased” in gov- Ukraine was “not even a country.” However, Gas will still transit Ukraine many in Ukraine long to see their country Merkel said Germany would strive to keep ernment areas, she said. However, she said integrate with Europe, preferring Western German Chancellor Angela Merkel has Russian gas flowing through Ukraine “in the the U.N. was still able to document cases in values and institutions of governance to sought to assure Kyiv that Ukraine will future.” “That’s what we promised Ukraine,” government areas of arbitrary detention of those offered by the Kremlin. When former remain a transit route for natural gas even she said, “and I keep my promises and I conflict-related detainees in rented apart- President Viktor Yanukovych attempted to after completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipe- think any future German chancellor will as ments or hotels lasting up to several days reorient the country toward Moscow, hun- line linking Russia to Germany. Ukraine and well.” The controversial project is likely to before they were transferred to official dreds of thousands of Ukrainians took to the United States have opposed Nord figure prominently in talks at the White facilities. But in separatist-controlled terri- the streets of Kyiv in 2013 and 2014 to pro- Stream 2’s construction under the Baltic House on July 15 when Ms. Merkel meets tory, “a large majority” of conflict-related test, eventually toppling his government. Sea, which will allow Russian suppliers to U.S. President Joe Biden. It will be Ms. detentions amounted to arbitrary deten- Mr. Putin exploited Mr. Yanukovych’s over- bypass land routes through Ukraine and Merkel’s first visit to Washington since Mr. tion and this practice continues, she said. throw to forcibly seize Ukraine’s Crimean thus deprive it of billions of dollars in tran- Biden took office in January. Ms. Merkel, “In armed group-controlled territory, Peninsula in 2014, the first post-World War sit fees. “Ukraine is and will remain a transit now in her fourth term, will step down after detention during the initial stages of the II land grab in Europe, claiming it was his- country even once Nord Stream 2 is com- German national elections in September. conflict lacked any semblance of legal pro- torically Russian land. Shortly thereafter, pleted,” Ms. Merkel told a press conference But on July 12 Ms. Merkel expressed doubt cess and often amounted to enforced disap- Mr. Putin began backing separatists in in Berlin on July 12 alongside visiting that the upcoming talks with Mr. Biden pearance,” Ms. Nashif said. On Crimea, Ms. Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. would resolve the disagreement between Nashif said her office was unable to con- Donbas, in a conflict that has left more than Germany has refused to halt the project, Berlin and Washington over Nord Stream 2. duct its mission on the ground and had to 14,000 dead, according to estimates by arguing that it is a commercial venture and “I don’t know whether the papers will be rely on information collected remotely. Kyiv. In his July 12 article, Mr. Putin said he a sovereign issue. Critics have said it will fully finalized, so to speak. I believe rather Nonetheless, the report said Russian was “convinced that the true sovereignty of increase German dependence on Russian not,” Ms. Merkel said, adding that “these authorities regularly harassed lawyers Ukraine is possible only in partnership energy supplies and make Berlin more sus- will be important talks for developing a defending clients and that courts delivered with Russia.” The Ukrainian president told ceptible to Russian influence. “There are big common position.” U.S. Secretary of State guilty verdicts in high-profile cases without reporters the following day that it would worries about this on the Ukrainian side, Antony Blinken on June 23 reiterated warn- a fair trial. There were also documented have been better had Mr. Putin used his and we take those seriously,” Ms. Merkel ings about Nord Stream 2 during meetings allegations of torture and ill-treatment free time instead to meet face to face. Mr. said, adding that Germany would do “every- in Berlin with Ms. Merkel and Foreign committed by Russian authorities against Zelenskyy has been seeking a summit with thing we can” to guarantee the key revenue Affairs Minister Heiko Maas. Mr. Blinken individuals in their custody in order to Mr. Putin to discuss outstanding issues, source for Ukraine. The State Department said he and Mr. Maas agreed that concrete coerce them into self-incrimination or to including ending the conflict in the Donetsk announced in May that it would place sanc- steps were needed to “ensure that Russia testify against others. “The report high- and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. tions on neither the pipeline’s Russian- cannot use energy as a coercive tool direct- lights the continuing failure of the Russian ed at Ukraine or anyone else in Europe.” Federation to uphold its obligations as the (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, with report- occupying power in Crimea under interna- ing by AFP, dpa and AP) tional human rights law and international humanitarian law,” Ms. Nashif said. Other Torture continues in eastern Ukraine issues of concern include poor conditions TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 The United Nations said torture and ill- in detention facilities and the arbitrary or e-mail [email protected] treatment of detainees in territory con- arrests of 19 persons, including 11 Crimean trolled by Russia-backed separatists in Tatars. Members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, eastern Ukraine is happening every day. which is banned in Russia, faced extremism- SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Deputy U.N. rights chief Nada al-Nashif said related charges and convictions for practic- on July 9 that there are “egregious viola- ing their faith, the report said. The МАРІЯ ДРИЧ tions” committed in the Izolyatsia prison in Orthodox Church of Ukraine is also under Ліцензований Продавець Donetsk and other places of detention in threat, Ms. Nashif said, with the number of Страхування Життя separatist-controlled parts of eastern church parishes decreasing from 49 prior МАRІA DRICH Ukraine. The violations “continue on a daily to Russia’s occupation of Crimea to only Licensed Life Insurance Agent basis, and are carried out systematically,” five in 2020. (RFE/RL) Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. Ms. Nashif told the Geneva-based U.N. Ukraine blames Russian hackers 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Human Rights Council. Kyiv has been bat- Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 tling pro-Russia separatists in the eastern Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said Russian e-mail: [email protected] Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2014, government hackers attacked the website when Moscow also seized Ukraine’s of the Ukrainian Navy to spread disinfor- Crimean Peninsula. The conflict has killed mation about the ongoing multinational LAW OFFICES OF Михайло Козюпа more than 13,000 people. Ms. Nashif was Sea Breeze military exercises in the Black Ліцензований Продавець ZENON B. MASNYJ, ESQ. Страхування Життя presenting reports on detention, torture Sea. In a July 9 statement, the Defense ______and ill-treatment in eastern Ukraine, as Ministry said the “entire Kremlin propa- Michael Koziupa In the East Village since 1983 Licensed Life Insurance Agent well as on human rights in Crimea. The ganda machine” was involved in the hack- Serious personal injury, real estate Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. deputy high commissioner for human ing operation, which published false docu- rights said the report estimated that since ments and fake news on the Navy’s website for personal and business use, 973-723-4387 representation of small and mid- the beginning of the conflict, around 4,000 related to the Sea Breeze drills. “The threat size businesses, divorce, wills and [email protected] conflict-related detainees have been sub- has now been eliminated and the Navy’s probate (New York matters only). jected to torture or ill-treatment in both website will be restored in the near future,” government-controlled territory and sepa- it said, adding that there have also been (By Appointment Only) HELP WANTED ratist-controlled territory. “There has been unsuccessful denial-of-service attacks little accountability for violations commit- (DDoS) on the Defense Ministry portal. 140 Second Avenue New York, NY 10003 ted on either side of the contact line. While Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of Searching for a Ukrainian-speaking we can count victims in the thousands, per- being behind a string of cyberattacks, 212-477-3002 nanny for a 20-month-old boy, [email protected] petrators who have been brought to something Moscow denies. A total of 32 5 days per week in Whippany, NJ account only number in the dozens,” she countries, including most Black Sea If 212-477-3002 landline busy, area. Please call after 4:30 pm. said. Ms. Nashif said torture and ill-treat- please call 201-247-2413 -Natalie 973-769-1758 ment was greater in the initial stages of the (Continued on page 15)

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Ukrainian embassy officials visit Florida to provide consular services

by Bohdana Puzyk NORTH PORT, Fla. – Officials from the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States visited North Port, Fla., to provide services to Ukrainian nationals residing in the southeast United States. Kostyantyn Vorona, the head of the embassy’s consular section, and Hanna Babenko, the embassy’s third secretary responsible for adoption, citi- zenship and registration of permanent residence, were on hand to offer their help. Their two-day visit was extremely successful and productive. Ms. Babenko, with the sponsorship of the Ukrainian National Association (UNA) and Branch 381 Secretary Bohdana Puzyk held a meet and greet for families who have adopted children from Ukraine. Along with the opportunity to meet each other and share experiences, the children participated in making Ukrainian pysanky and other crafts. Irene Copie demonstrated the process of making a pysanka and then each child had an oppor- tunity to make their own traditional Ukrainian Easter egg. For many of the children present, it was their first

Organizers of an event with officials from the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States joined adopted children and young adults for a meeting in North Port, Fla., at which the children were given an opportunity to make their own traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs. time making a pysanka. Halia Lisnyczyj, Eugene and Daria Tomashosky, Lidia The event took place at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Bilous, Lieda Boyko, and Ms. Copie helped facilitate the Volunteers who took part in a visit by staff of the Cultural Center in North Port, Fla. The center’s president, event as volunteers. Ukrainian Embassy in the United States to North Port, Victor Lisnyczyj, and Andriy Futey, president of the Members of the Ukrainian community in North Port, Fla., included (front row, left to right) Halia and Victor Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, were instru- Fla., expressed their gratitude to the embassy staff and all Lisnyczyj, Hanna Babenko, Kostyantyn Vorona, Daria Tomashosky, Lieda Boyko, as well as (back row, left to mental in coordinating the event with the Ukrainian of the individuals who helped make the event happen, right) Irene Copie, Andriy Futey, Bohdana Puzyk, Embassy. Sponsorship and support were provided by the and many said they are eagerly awaiting another meeting Eugene Tomashosky and Bohdan Puzyk. UNA, which was represented by Ms. Puzyk. Victor and in the near future.

Ділимося сумною вісткою, що з волі Всевишнього, 5 липня 2021 року відійшов у Вічність на 76-му році життя наш найдорoжчий Муж та Батько св. п. інж. Юрій Тарасюк In Eternal Rest Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Похоронні відправи відбулися в Українській католицькій церкві св. Йосафата у Трентоні, Н. Дж., 9 липня, а відтак поховано на цвин- тарі св. Андрія в С. Бавнд-Бруку, Н. Дж. IRENE CEHELSKY У глибокому смутку залишились: (née Nenadkevich) дружина - Оксана February 28, 1921 -- June 25, 2021 донька - Наталка син - Андрій Husband: Michael Rostyslaw Cehelsky (d.) родини: - Якубовичів, Голубців, Тарасюків, Ратичів та Сініцьких Вічна Йому пам’ять! Daughters: Dr. Marta Cehelsky with husband John Saylor Melania Conte with husband Je rey Conte Бажаючих вшанувати пам’ять Покійного, просимо складати по- Susanna Rak with husband Dr. Ihor Rak жертви на: Hania Powch with husband George Powch • Plast, USO – Phila Branch Dr. Priscilla Cehelsky with husband Dr. Je rey Sachs 700 Cedar Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046 • Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center Grandchildren: Dr. Evan Conte with wife Amanda Wright 700 Cedar Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046 Tatiana Conte, Dr. Gregory Rak with wife Kim Stephen Rak, Andrew Powch with wife Nicole, Maya Page with husband Dr. Michael Page, Michael Sachs, Natalia Sachs

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• Serving Ukrainian families for over 60 years Close and distant family in the United States, Ukraine, and United Kingdom • Over 40 granite colors to choose from • Custom etchings Donations may be made in Irene Cehelsky’s memory to: • House appointments available Ukrainian History and Education Center • Serving the tri-state area 135 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873 • 5 minutes from St. Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery www.ukrhec.org/donate in South Bound Brook, NJ 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29

Plast Newark concludes active year with closing ceremony

by Irena Sawchyn Doll WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Newark Branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization in the U.S.A. concluded its program for the 2020-2021 year with a formal closing cere- mony that was held in person at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey on June 4. The closing ceremony was an opportunity for the scouting group to recognize and reward its members for their accomplishments over the past year. When it became apparent that the limi- tations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic were going to continue into fall 2020, the Newark Branch, under the direction of branch leaders Orest Pencak and Roman Shyprykevych, the Branch Council and a Andrij Zwarych network of dedicated counselors actively Members of the Newark Branch of Plast at their closing ceremony. embraced the new video meeting technol- passed community service, scouting lead- of drawing Ukrainian Easter eggs, which ogies of Zoom and Google Meet to develop ership, as well as projects with historical she presented to the Newark Branch and a complete program of weekly meetings and cultural themes. In one project, Ms. which was posted on the Plast Facebook and events that were held throughout the Tomko raised $2,000 for the local first aid website. year and successfully engaged the scout squad by collecting five tons of clothing. Ms. A very special honor was awarded to members. Kowal initiated a project where she video The consistency of the meetings allowed recorded a step-by-step tutorial on the art (Continued on page 13) the Branch’s cub and teen scouts to rise to their next ranks in their divisions without interruption. All levels of scouts were able to acquire a wide array of interesting merit badges. Cub scouts learned about storytell- ing, nature, skiing, acting, mythology, origa- mi, table games and ecology, while the older scouts earned badges for ceramics, sculpture, lover of animals, childcare, film- Irena Sawchyn Doll ing, astronomy, archery and more. Two teen scouts, Liliana Tomko and Senior scout Zoriana Stawnychy is awarded Order of St. George in Gold by Sophia Kowal, distinguished themselves by George Huk representing the Plast inter- achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. They national governing board. each completed nine projects that encom-

Irena Sawchyn Doll Liliana Tomko (left) and Sophia Kowal (third from the right) about to receive Eagle Scout rank; parents Anya and Brian Tomko and Marta and Boris Kowal stand behind them.

the impression that Ukrainians were Two Ukrainian... German collaborators and anti-Semites. Screen Daily wrote that, “as ever, [Mr.] (Continued from page 3) Loznitsa doesn’t go out of his way to make homes with flame throwers, a faint sound clear what he’s showing, and the supposi- in the background that could be the wind tion is sometimes required; his films aren’t or screams; Jews being beaten in city delivered on a plate. In this instance, any streets, in images that have a ghostly quali- ambiguity regarding perpetrators, prison- ty.” ers, victims, simply adds to the sense of a Many of these images have never been collective loss of humanity.” seen by the public before. They were cap- The film was commissioned by the Babyn tured by German soldiers who brought Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, whose artis- amateur film cameras with them during tic director is Russian director Ilya the war. Khrzhanovsky, a controversial figure in “This might explain, too, the chilling Ukraine. Mr. Khrzhanovsky has been criti- nonchalance both behind and in front of cized for open scenes of violence and the the lens,” Screen Daily wrote in their review use of contradictory cinematic methods in of the film. his art project about the Soviet physicist Lev “Babi Yar. Context” documents the eerie Landau, which was shot in Kharkiv. As a events of World War II. However, some of result, many questioned whether he was the those events are shown without context. For right person for the Holocaust memorial. instance, the people of Lviv and Kyiv are Additionally, the Memorial is being built shown welcoming German soldiers with with funds from several oligarchs, among flowers, but later they are seen beating Jews them Russian. Ukrainian public figure and on the streets. It was clear for this reporter Soviet dissident Josef Zissels called the proj- that not everyone in Cannes understands ect a Russian “Trojan horse” meant to por- Ukrainian attitudes toward the Soviet tray Ukrainians as anti-Semites and Nazi regime following the brutality of that collaborators. In May 2020, 750 intellectu- regime, the Holodomor, and the many years als called on the Ukrainian authorities to under the occupation of the Red Army. suspend the construction of the Memorial. Mr. Loznitsa often expects that viewers Asked about the funding and Russian of his films come to screens prepared and participation in creating a memorial in Kyiv, aware of the subject matter. However, in the Mr. Loznitsa replied that Russians should best case an unprepared viewer might not participate in the project. His position is understand what they just saw, and, in the that despite the war, culture should not be worst case, they might leave the film with attacked. No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 13

wrote. ries following the collapse of the Soviet Putin’s... Mr. Putin’s perpetuation of historical Union. myths is not new and he has consistently Regarding eastern Ukraine where war (Continued from page 1) maintained that Ukrainians are not a nation. rages in an area called the Donbas, “Kyiv no between “Big Russia” and “Little Russia” to “The Kremlin misrepresents the region’s longer needs it,” Mr. Rostovsky wrote. the relationship between Cain and Abel, the history in order to legitimize the idea that He concluded his essay with a looming fratricidal brothers in the Bible. Ukraine and Belarus are part of Russia’s threat. Responding to journalists on July 13, Mr. ‘natural’ sphere of influence. Yet both coun- “We are on the cusp of something big,” Zelenskyy said that if Ukrainians and tries have stronger European roots than Mr. Rostovsky wrote. “We are on the hurdle Russians are truly “one people,” the blue the Kremlin cares to admit,” London-based of possible big shocks. If [Mr.] Zelenskyy and yellow flag of Ukraine would be flying Chatham House wrote in May in an analysis and the West that stands behind him do not over the Kremlin. titled “Myths and Misconceptions in the understand [Mr.] Putin’s signal correctly He then proceeded to mock the Russian Debate on Russia.” and do not react accordingly, these big president by expressing facetious envy. Regarding Crimea, which Russia illegally shocks will definitely take place. The “I can only say I’m jealous that the presi- annexed, Chatham House said that Moscow Kremlin is consciously going for escalation.” dent of such a great country can afford to has promoted another myth that the penin- www.kremlin.ru Ukraine has already received permission spend so much time on such a volume of sula had always belonged to it. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks from the U.S. to move Washington-supplied work,” Mr. Zelenskyy said, effectively troll- “Less than 6 percent of Crimea’s written during a televised call-in show with his Javelin tank-killer weapons toward the ing the Russian president. history…belongs to the Russian chapter. compatriots on June 30 in Moscow. front line of combat, the National Interest The opinion piece was also criticized by Before 2014, Crimea was under Russian reported on July 8. Ukraine’s navy on July Bloomberg data writer Leonid Bershidsky, control for a total of only 168 years,” the obey the Kremlin’s will. 15 received the first batch of proven, battle- a Russian journalist who lives in Berlin. think tank wrote in May. In an article on the Kremlin-friendly efficient Bayrakatar Tactical Block drones “History is a minefield, and [Mr.] Putin, Pro-Kremlin foreign political observer Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper on from Turkey. an amateur, boldly steps on every mine as Mikhail Rostovsky, however, said the July 12, he elaborated on what he thought Next month, Ukraine celebrates its 30th he attempts to tell Ukrainians that their Russian president’s essay was “the last ulti- Mr. Putin really meant. anniversary of post-Soviet independence, statehood is an accident, their resistance matum to Ukraine.” The implicit warning “Russia will not accept what happens in while Russia will hold massive military to Russian aggression futile and their fate was that Ukraine faces more dire conse- Ukraine’s domestic [arena]” and that drills along Ukraine’s state borders the fol- as a people inextricably tied to Russia’s,” he quences if it doesn’t change its course and “Russia was actually robbed” of its territo- lowing month.

Plast Newark... (Continued from page 12) senior scout Zoriana Stawnychy who received the Order of St. George in Gold, the highest honor conferred by the Plast inter- national governing board. Ms. Stawnychy received the distinction for her many years of exceptional contributions as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Plast in the U.S.A. In that role, Ms. Stawnychy refocused the volunteer organization to align with the principles of corporate and regulatory gov- ernance. One of her many achievements was to secure trademark status for the iconic trident symbol of Plast, the “lelijka.” In addition to the weekly meetings, the Newark Branch conducted several unique branch-wide events. Instead of the tradi- tional Christmas Carol visits to homes, which was precluded by COVID-19 restric- tions, a team produced DVDs of scouts singing carols and sent the DVDs to all the members of the branch. The annual “Christmas Candle” ceremony was held online with a large number of scout fami- lies participating in the ceremony. A memorable event was the online Day of Remembrance of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes (Nebesna Sotnya), commemorating the February 2014 massacre of Ukrainian patriots in Kyiv during the Revolution of Dignity. Scout Uliana Leschuk made a pre- sentation to the branch about the historical events of that time. On April 24, approximately 60 scouts from the Philadelphia and Newark branch- es joined forces to form six teams that com- peted in an online “Escape Room” game. The teams searched a room for clues and questions about the Plast oath and the early history of Plast in order to find the key that would let the team escape from the room. The ingenious game was con- ceived and developed by Sofia Shypry­ kevych, a Drexel student and scout leader in the Philadelphia Branch, and the delight- ful event was organized by scout leaders Taissa Hamulak and Ms. Shyprykevych. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed many restrictions on Plast activities that would normally have taken place during the year, but the ingenuity and enthusiasm of the leaders, counselors and member scouts of the Newark Branch prevailed with creative responses that resulted in a most memora- ble year. More information about the Newark Branch can be found at www.plast- newark.org and the Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/plastnewark. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29

Lomachenko TKO’s Nakatani in ninth round SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. – Vasyl Lomachenko returned I won, and now I’m back on track.” from a painful loss, aiming to get back on track with a The ending came at 1:48 seconds of the ninth round fight against Masayoshi Nakatani on June 26 in Las Vegas. when referee Celestino Ruiz intervened during a pro- Nine months ago Lomachenko lost his lightweight gold to longed flurry in the middle of the ring. Nakatani, who had Teofimo Lopez of the U.S.A., whose clear decision win survived an earlier knockdown in the fifth round, was relieved ‘Loma’ of his WBA (Super) and WBO titles. In the pretty much out cold on his feet. He tried to tie aftermath, Lomachenko blamed defeat on an injured Lomachenko up to stop the onslaught, but Lomachenko shoulder, but, without a rematch clause, the 33-year-old consistently created space and landed punches at will. Ukrainian found himself at the back of the line in an The victory earned Loma the right to a potential attempt to secure a second bout with Lopez. rematch with Lopez (16-0, 12 KO). Lopez’s father was in Before that unfortunate reversal, Lomachenko was attendance at the Lomachenko-Nakatani fight, and was well on his way to greatness. A double Olympic gold med- quickly escorted away by security after approaching alist and a three-weight world champion as a profession- Lomachenko’s corner after the bout. Lopez is scheduled al, he cut a swath through the weight classes, forcing to fight George Kambosos, Jr., (19-0, 10 KO) of Australia many opponents to retire after being totally outclassed. on August 14. A Lomachenko-Lopez rematch could be on Since a loss to Orlando Salido (41-12-2, 29 KO) of Mexico the horizon as early as this December. in 2014, Lomachenko had a streak of 13 consecutive vic- Lomachenko was aggressive from the opening bell in tories before the Lopez setback. front of a sellout crowd of 2,072 inside The Theater at Tokyo-based Masayoshi Nakatani was thought to be a Virgin Hotel. His defense was impeccable, consistently good yardstick for Loma, with the Japanese’s sole loss working to the inside of his much taller and rangier oppo- also coming at the hands of the aforementioned Lopez in nent. Lomachenko’s only adversity came in the initial 2019. Heading into their fight, Lomachenko was the bet- round when he suffered a cut following an accidental Naoya Inoue, via Twitter (@naoyainoue_410) ting favorite, with most experts concluding that an head-butt. The cut bled throughout the fight, but did not Lightweight Vasyl Lomachenko celebrates his victory impressive victory by “High-Tech” would put him right slow down the Ukrainian. His left hand caused Nakatani against Masayoshi Nakatani of Japan on June 26 in Las back in the mix at lightweight, and perhaps even earn him major problems and he was not bothered by Nakatani’s Vegas. another shot at Lopez later this year. physicality in the clinch. Lomachenko did not officially return to any lightweight The first knockdown occurred in the last seconds of Lomachenko purposely chose Nakatani as his next oppo- throne after his masterful performance in a ninth-round round five, thanks to a powerful left hand. As Nakatani nent for that reason. TKO of Nakatani (19-2, 13 KO), but he certainly looked tried to tie him up, Lomachenko landed a short left and Lomachenko proved he is still one of the very best box- like a lightweight king. In his first appearance since the followed with a lightning-quick right hand from a short ers in the world. He is once again healthy and ready to Lopez loss, Lomachenko (15-2, 11 KO) reasserted himself distance. In addition to dominating a most worthy oppo- fight any of the lightweights, preferably Lopez. as one of the best 135-pounders in the world. nent, Lomachenko made a statement by finishing his Lomachenko landed 104 of 214 punches (49 percent) to “I’m happy because I won,” Lomachenko said in a post- Japanese challenger, something Lopez did not do when he Nakatani’s 29 of 250 (12 percent), of which 59 percent fight interview on ESPN+. “All the strategies that we fought him in July 2019. Lopez won that fight in a con- were power punches (89 of 152) to Nakatani’s 19 percent developed with my team (worked). I reached all my goals. vincing decision, although the bout was competitive. (26 of 138).

a psychologist, Andriy Kolosov, ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Kolosov was a young Ph.D., an ex-gymnast whose primary experience was working with air force The training of Vasyl Lomachenko pilots, not boxers. In time, Kolosov became the second Training Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko is done by when he asked his father if it would mean more to win an most prominent voice in the Lomachenko camp after his father with some assistance from a psychologist. It Olympic gold medal or an amateur title, Anatoly’s reply Anatoly. He was there when Vasyl won his second gold includes street skating, juggling, handstands, solo tennis, was the gold. The youngster took winning an Olympic medal and when he turned professional. marathons and 10-kilometer swims. Sparring sessions gold as a personal vow to prove his superiority to his Now with a pro record of 14-1, a champion in light- are 15 four-minute rounds with 30 seconds of rest in father and himself. weight, featherweight and junior lightweight, Vasyl has between. Fresh sparring partners rotate in every three The more he worked at his craft, the more apparent achieved what the House of Lomachenko always coveted: rounds unless they are overwhelmed by too many punch- became his gifts of ambition and genetics. While Anatoly a claim as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world es, in which case they rotate sooner. Each punch is had been a boxer, his mother, Tetiana, started out as a and everlasting consideration as an historic fighter. recorded and calibrated via computer chips that are gymnast. The two met studying at the State Pedagogical Strength and conditioning coach Cicilio Flores, in the placed in Lomachenko’s hand wraps. Institute in Odesa. Anatoly suggested that Tetiana try business for over 20 years, calls Vasyl the most dedicated When the hand wraps come off, the psychological judo and after one year she placed fourth in the Soviet fighter he’s ever had as a client. His regimen includes workout begins: a battery of tests and exercises utilizing judo championships. shooting three-point baskets and kicking a hackysack 75 a reaction timer, as well as small blocks or numerical Anatoly valued athletic performance, but also empha- times before it hits the floor. The goal is physical dexterity charts that were popular as a diagnostic tool for Soviet- sized that Vasyl had to maintain good academic standing, and mental flexibility. era pilots and cosmonauts. The goal is to achieve “the believing an educated body was ruled by an educated To be a truly successful boxer, it is imperative to moment.” mind, intellectually stimulated and capable of decision- remain unprovoked, to resist the urges and spasms which “The moment” is where everything melds into one – making under duress. Anatoly did not favor the kind of affect lesser fighters. Pressure in training opens a boxer the physical and psychological training, the father and early specialization so prevalent today. While he learned to situational possibility as explained by psychologist son, genetics and ambition. to box, Vasyl played hockey, soccer and wrestled. At age Kosolov. Psychic resources are required for a boxer to Vasyl was only three years old when his father, Anatoly, 10 he began traditional Ukrainian folk dancing. adapt in the ring. A boxer cannot afford to be tense, angry a physical education teacher and boxing coach, put his lit- The notion was a simple one, which came to fruition or afraid, but instead a boxer must be able to recognize tle hands in a pair of gloves. Vasyl cannot recall the first after four years of prancing around in bright boots, bil- possibility during a bout. time he went to a gym. He honestly does not remember lowy satin pantaloons and a sash tied around his waist The psychology can be looked at as creativity. For not being in a gym. for two hours every day after school. Today he is regular- Lomachenko, it is art: he moves like a dancer, his punches He trains with a genuine delight, coming across as that ly lauded as having the finest footwork in boxing. vary in angle, power and cadence, yet they come with a rare and most dangerous of fighters – the happy one. Vasyl’s amateur record was 396-1, his one loss to consistent rhythm, a “flow.” In a flow state, a person is When reflecting on the perils of collaborations between Albert Selimov in 2007 that Lomachenko twice avenged. fully engaged in a challenging task, intrinsically motivat- fathers and sons, specifically in the anguished history of With Anatoly coaching Ukraine’s national boxing team, ed, very happy. Improvisational brilliance is born of repe- combat sports, the Lomachenkos may still prove to be a Vasyl won gold medals in 2008 and again in 2012, one tition – a boxer creates amid violent circumstances. most glorious exception. of five medals Ukraine took home from the London As reported by ESPN Boxing, prior to a 2017 match Vasyl’s place of birth, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, is a town Olympics. Word among the boxers was that the elder between Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux, of 50,000 with a famous “White Castle” on an estuary Lomachenko built a special spirit on the team and moti- strength and conditioning coach Flores asked Anatoly heading to the Black Sea. Father Anatoly once proclaimed vated by explaining the sport’s nuances rather than yell- Lomachenko if he knew what his son was going to be. The that he would like to produce a champion from their ing or intimidating his boxers. The Lomachenko training father reportedly replied that it was all designed and hometown, but did not provide any details. Anatoly had system included crossword puzzles, walking on hands, written down. Asked when was “The Moment,” Anatoly been an amateur fighter, but never spoke about any per- volleyball, basketball, tennis, marathons and distance replied, “Before he was conceived.” sonal ambitions or goals. swims. His boxers achieved a unique version of mental His father turned Vasyl into a left-hander before he supremacy. began sparring. At age four he beat a 6-year-old. At age 6, To further accentuate mental supremacy, Anatoly hired Ihor Stelmach may be reached at [email protected]. No. 29 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 15

Through Art exhibit, “The Horizon is a Circle,” featuring works by July 30 Online book presentation of “Grey Bees” by Andriy Kurkov, August 22 Ricardo Manuel Diaz and Margarita Fainshtein, Ukrainian Online Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program, Harvard Chicago Institute of Modern Art, www.uima-chicago.org University, https://huri.harvard.edu

Through Exhibit, “Decorative Folk Art of Ukraine,” featuring the August 2-4 Wreath making with fresh and dried flowers, Music August 27 collection of Yuri Mischenko and Natalie Pawlenko, Jewett, NY and Art Center of Greene County, 518-263-4670 or Woodbridge, NJ prepared by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of www.grazhdamusicandart.org America (Branch 98), Barron Arts Center, 732-634-0413 or www.facebook.com/BarronArtsCenter August 2-5 Ukrainian embroidery workshop with Lubow Wolynetz, July 22 Presentation by Olga Kobryn, “The History of Traditional Jewett, NY Music and Art Center of Greene County, 518-263-4670 Online Ukrainian Embroidery,” Ukrainian National Women’s League or [email protected] of America (Branch 98), Barron Arts Center, www.facebook.com/barron.arts.1 August 3, 5, 10, 12 Youth Summer Soccer Skills Clinic, Ukrainian Athletic Hanover, NJ Educational Association Chornomorska Sitch, Allegro July 24 74th annual Convention of the Ukrainian Orthodox League, School, www.sitchsports.com/program-registration or Online St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, www.uolofusa.org [email protected] July 24 Capital Ukrainian Festival (Ottawa), held in an online August 7 Folk singing children’s recital, Music and Art Center of Online format, www.capitalukrainianfestival.com Jewett, NY Greene County, www.Grazhdamusicandart.org July 24 Virtual concert from Lviv, with pianist Olena Jewett, NY Haviuk-Sheremet, performing works by Brahms, August 14 Virtual concert from Lviv, with violinist Solomia Soroka Richard Strauss, and Lysenko Music and Art Center Jewett, NY and pianist Arthur Greene, performing works by of Greene County, www.grazhdamusicandart.org Berezovsky, Skoryk, Stankovych and Chopin, Music and Art Center of Greene County, www.grazhdamusicandart.org July 24 Online course, “Basics of Ukrainian Folk Dance,” with Online instruction by Natalie Kapeluck, Ukrainian History and August 24 30th anniversary Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, Education Center, www.ukrhec.org Philadelphia Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Philadelphia, Ukrainian Federation of America, 215-364-1200 or [email protected] July 25 Webinar with Andrij Dorosh, “Interviews and Family Research Online in Your Ancestral Town,” Nashi Predky Family History Group, Ukrainian History and Education Center, www.ukrhec.org August 28 Season closing concert and fundraiser, featuring mezzo Jewett, NY soprano Vira Slywotzky and pianist David Sytkowski, July 25 through Folk singing for children workshop, with instruction by performing works by Copland, Stepovyi Weill, Verdi and August 6 Anna Bachynsky, Music and Art Center of Greene County, Sonevytsky, Music and Art Center of Greene County, Jewett, NY 518-263-44670 or [email protected] www.grazhdamusicandart.org July 26-28 Rock painting workshop with Sofia Zielyk, highlighting Jewett, NY Ukrainian folk motifs, Music and Art Center of Greene Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events County, [email protected] or 518-263-4670 advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors July 26 through Bandura Summer Program, Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. August 7 School of Bandura, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Cultural Parma, OH Center, www.facebook.com/HKClevelandBanduraSchool or [email protected]

and will last through July 10. Russia oppos- NEWSBRIEFS es the drills and has said it is monitoring the actions of military forces taking part in (Continued from page 10) the exercises. Late last month, Russia tested nations, NATO allies and partners, are its air-defense systems in occupied Crimea. attending the Sea Breeze exercises, which Moscow seized control of Ukraine’s kicked off on June 28 amid rising tensions Crimean Peninsula in 2014 after sending in between Russia and the West following an troops and staging a referendum dismissed incident involving Russia and a British war- as illegal by at least 100 countries. Moscow ship off the coast of Crimea. The exercises is also backing separatists in a war in east- include 5,000 troops, 32 ships, 40 aircraft ern Ukraine that has killed more than and 18 special operations and dive teams 13,000 people since April 2014. (RFE/RL)

held by China were released. Also mention- Turning... ing the deteriorating situation in Poland, Mr. Derwinski noted the effects of the (Continued from page 6) Brezhnev Doctrine on the Eastern dom…” The “freedom-conscience gap” is a European nations under the Soviet Union, warning sign, Dr. Dobriansky underscored, and the increasing threat that the Soviet adding, “It surely doesn’t require much Union posed in the Middle East, including common sense to perceive the simple truth Israel, and the USSR’s growing influence that gained freedoms at home – and there among radical Arab governments. have been many – will count for naught if Pennsylvania’s governor, Milton J. Shapp, total national freedom is perilously endan- made headlines when his office initially gered and lost.” refused to issue a proclamation for the Similarly, Rep. Edward J. Derwinski annual Captive Nations Week. Only after (R-Ill.) on July 21 delivered the Captive hundreds of protesters gathered outside of Nations Week address on the House floor: the governor’s office with complaints of “A totalitarian structure that is built upon “indifference and apathy to the millions of an atheistic contempt for God and an amor- anguished people who have lost their free- al disregard for man contains within itself dom” did the governor relent and finally the seeds of its own destruction. When issue a proclamation. these seeds will germinate no one can fore- Sources: “Thousands take part in CN tell, but history teaches us to hope rather week,” “Mark CN week in Buffalo,” “The than despair.” Mr. Derwinski also urged Captive Nations scorecard, part 1” by Lev E. President Richard Nixon to make his sched- Dobriansky, The Ukrainian Weekly, July 23, uled trip to Peking [Beijing] conditional 1971, “Mark CN week in Miami,” “Derwinski until after a real ceasefire was in place in addresses House in CN week observance,” Indochina [Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia], “Gov. Shapp criticized for ignoring CN week,” all POWs were returned and all U.S. citizens The Ukrainian Weekly, August 7, 1971. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 No. 29