Part 2 of THE YEAR IN REVIEW pages 5-12

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXVI No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 $2.00 Crimean court jails activist in retrial Controversial bill on war-ravaged Donbas Crimean Desk, He was arrested in December 2016, passes amid human rights concerns RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service after the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said explosives and 90 bullets were A court in Ukraine’s Russia-controlled found in the attic of his home. Crimea region has sentenced pro-Kyiv activ- The search was conducted shortly after ist Volodymyr Balukh to three years and Mr. Balukh planted a Ukrainian flag in his seven months in a high-profile retrial on a yard and affixed a sign to his house that weapons- and explosives-possession charge. read “Heavenly Hundred Street, 18.” The Rozdolne District Court on January “Heavenly Hundred” is a term Ukrainians 16 also ordered Mr. Balukh to pay a 10,000- use for the dozens of people killed when ruble ($175 U.S.) fine. security forces sought to disperse protesters In his final statement in court on January in Kyiv whose demonstrations drove Russia- 15, Mr. Balukh reiterated that he was inno- friendly President Viktor Yanukovych from cent and that the case against him will power in February 2014. “never make me love my so-called new After Mr. Yanukovych’s ouster, Russia motherland,” a reference to Russia. seized Crimea by sending in troops and He suggested the accusations against staging a referendum dismissed as illegal him were politically motivated and part of by Ukraine, the United States, and a total of what Kyiv and rights groups say is a cam- 100 countries. paign of pressure on Crimeans who The Russian takeover badly damaged opposed Russia’s takeover of the Black Sea Moscow’s relations with Kyiv and the West, Courtesy of stop.revenge.ua peninsula. and resulted in the imposition of sanctions A coalition of right-wing groups rallies in front of the Verkhovna Rada on January 16 to “The tears of the mothers of those who by the European Union, the United States demand that Parliament adopt a package of bills that would name Russia as an aggres- today are fighting for their right to be free and several other countries. sor state and label lands that Kyiv doesn’t control, including Crimea, as occupied. will [haunt] those who are persecuting peo- Rights groups say Crimea residents who ple in Crimea,” Mr. Balukh said. “But no mat- opposed Russia’s takeover have faced dis- by Mark Raczkiewycz Eastern Ukrainian land not under ter what, victory will be ours. Glory to crimination and abuse at the hands of the Ukrainian government control encompass- Ukraine!” Moscow-imposed authorities. KYIV – Ukraine’s Parliament passed a es about 35 percent of the region’s territo- In August 2017, the same court convict- In March 2017, the European Parliament controversial bill that pro-presidential law- ry, or 21,000 square kilometers. ed Mr. Balukh and sentenced him to three called on Moscow to free more than 30 makers say aligns legislation closer to reali- The president’s bill doesn’t include years and seven months in prison. But an Ukrainian citizens who were in prison or ty on the ground in war-torn Donbas. Moscow-occupied Crimea or the truce appeals court canceled the ruling, sent the other conditions of restricted freedom in Exactly 280 deputies – 56 more than roadmap outlined in the two failed Minsk case for additional investigation and trans- Russia, Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine needed – voted on January 18 for President peace agreements of September 2014 and ferred Mr. Balukh to house arrest. that are controlled by Russia-backed sepa- Petro Poroshenko’s measures to name February 2015. It also removes the term, Mr. Balukh is one of dozens of Crimeans ratists. Russia as an aggressor state and designate “anti-terrorist operation (ATO)” and allows Mr. Poroshenko to deploy armed forces whom Russia has prosecuted in what rights Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry areas Kyiv doesn’t control as “temporarily without declaring martial law. groups say has been a persistent campaign spokeswoman Maryana Betsa condemned occupied territories” in a law that could Previously, the Security Service of Ukraine to silence dissent since Moscow seized con- the court’s January 16 ruling. She told RFE/ potentially limit the human rights of resi- (SBU) was de facto in charge of military trol over the Ukrainian region in March dents in the two easternmost oblasts of 2014. (Continued on page 16) Luhansk and Donetsk. (Continued on page 16)

Scholar lectures on refl ective essays by victims of war in Ukraine’s east ULEC Ukraine in search of work and housing – but above all in search of their new selves. EDMONTON, Alberta – The Edmonton Many of them, sincere Ukrainian patri- branch of the Shevchenko Scientific Society ots, suffer from psychological distress. On in Canada on December 13, 2017, spon- the one hand, they are vilified by those who sored a presentation by Marianna remained in the renegade “republics” of the Novosolova on the topic “In Search of Their Donbas, branded with epithets such as New Selves: Reflective Essays by Victims of “traitors,” “fascists” and “Banderites.” On the War in Eastern Ukraine.” This open lec- the other hand, they are alienated and mis- ture was arranged in conjunction with the trusted by fellow Ukrainian citizens whose University of Alberta’s Department of perception is distorted by stereotypes, Modern Languages and Culture Studies resulting in a guarded attitude towards (MLCS) and Ukrainian Language Education “those Donetsk people,” “separatists,” Center (ULEC) at the Canadian Institute of “migrants,” “bandits,” etc. Ukrainian Studies, as well as the German Their attempts to achieve understand- Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). ing among themselves and with those Ms. Novosolova invited her audience to around them have extended to a public consider the fates of internally displaced expression of their reflections in essays persons, who were suddenly and merci- ranging from philosophical analyses to lessly touched by war, forced to leave their ULEC homes and move to other regions of Marianna Novosolova during her lecture at the University of Alberta. (Continued on page 19) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

ANALYSIS

Government and Ukroboronprom deadlocked Six soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine by the parties.” A recent exchange of pris- oners between Kyiv and the separatists over debt, production problems at shipyard Ukraine’s military said on January 1 that was one of the “few positive signs,” but two of its soldiers were killed and five much more needed to be done, especially wounded after an explosive device dam- on humanitarian access, the Italian minis- by Nikolai Holmov precisely the kinds of ships the Ukrainian aged a military vehicle in the eastern part ter added. The OSCE supervised the long- Eurasia Daily Monitor navy is looking to acquire quickly and in large numbers in order to fulfill its goal of of the country, where the conflict with awaited prisoner swap, which enabled Where there is bureaucracy and waste, developing its “Mosquito Fleet” concept Russia-backed forces persists despite a hundreds of former captives to return to inevitably there has been the opportunity while money is tight and Russian presence longstanding ceasefire deal. In a separate their homes for the New Year holiday. for ongoing corruption. And such a situa- in Ukrainian littoral waters remains high statement on January 17, the Defense Hundreds of unarmed observers are moni- tion is only aggravated by misplaced state (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, March 9, 2017; Ministry said two other soldiers were toring the conflict as part of the OSCE secrecy. In Ukraine, there perhaps has been April 12, 2017). wounded as the militants violated the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. no greater symbol of ongoing poor decision In November 2017, Prime Minister ceasefire three times in the previous 24 Discussions about deploying a peacekeep- making, planning, bureaucracy and waste Groysman expressed confidence that hours using machine guns, grenade launch- ing force have heated up since September than the Ukrainian naval vessel Ukrayina. Ukroboronprom would resolve the 58 mil- ers and mortars. On January 12, Ukraine’s 2017, when Russian President Vladimir The Ukrayina, a Slava-class missile cruis- lion hrv debt. However, Ukroboronprom military said one of its soldiers was killed Putin proposed deploying U.N. peacekeep- er, formerly known as the Admiral Flota stated it was unable to meet such a request and four wounded in clashes during the ers along the line separating Ukrainian gov- Lobov, or Project 1164, was laid down in until the Cabinet of Ministers decided upon previous 24 hours. A day earlier, the mili- ernment forces and the Russia-backed sep- 1983 and launched in 1990, as the Soviet the future of the cruiser Ukrayina and tary said three soldiers were killed by sepa- aratists. That plan swiftly drew criticism Union imploded. Docked in the Mykolayiv agreed upon a formal plan. On December ratist shelling. Since April 2014, more than from both Kyiv and the West, largely North Shipyard, formerly known as the 61 13, 2017, the Cabinet instructed Ukroboron­ 10,300 people have been killed by fighting because of concerns that deployment only Communards Plant, this Soviet cruiser was prom to pay the wage arrears before between Kyiv’s forces and the Russia- along the frontline would cement Russian designed to accommodate anti-ship, anti- December 25. But this did not happen. backed militants who control parts of the control over separatist-held territory and submarine, anti-air and electronic fire con- In response, at a December 27, 2017, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. (RFE/RL, do nothing to stop Russia from sending trol systems (Flot2017.com, February 1, Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Groysman with reporting by Interfax and TASS) fighters and weapons into Ukraine. Mr. 2011). stated he would apply to President Putin later said he was open to adjust- In 1993 the Russian navy disavowed Poroshenko to remove Roman Romanov as New OSCE chair to visit Ukraine, Russia ments to his initial proposal, but no agree- claims to the cruiser, passing it to the CEO of Ukroboronprom. “At one of the pre- Italy’s foreign affairs minister says he ment has been reached. (RFE/RL, with Ukrainian navy at a time when neither coun- vious government meetings, the issue of will visit Ukraine and Russia in the coming reporting by AFP and DPA) try was in a financial position to complete debt at the Mykolayiv Shipyard was dis- weeks to “intensify” efforts to end the con- Russia deploys second division to Crimea and commission the vessel. Project 1164 cussed. I instructed the government to sign flict in eastern Ukraine, as he took up the was thus never completed. It remains a debt agreement with the head of post of chairperson-in-office of the Russia has deployed a new unit armed docked at the Mykolayiv Shipyard in a state Ukroboronprom. The deadline is December Organization for Security and Cooperation with the advanced S-400 air-defense sys- of permanent preventive maintenance 25, today is the 27th. The debt is not repaid. in Europe (OSCE). “Our main testing tem in the Ukrainian region of Crimea, (Flot2017.com, February 1, 2011). I heard feedback that they cannot do it. I do ground is the search for a solution to the which Russia annexed in 2014, Russian In February 2015 the Ukrainian Ministry not understand this. Therefore, today I will Ukrainian crisis,” Angelino Alfano told a media are reporting. Russian state media of Defense disavowed the Ukrayina, a vessel sign a presentation addressed to the presi- meeting of the OSCE in Vienna on January reported on January 13 that Moscow had that it had never requested and that had no dent, but I advise the head of Ukroboron­ 11, announcing that he planned to visit deployed the new division outside the city place in the plans for a post-Crimean-annex- prom to resign independently today,” the of Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea ation Ukrainian navy. Consequently, financ- prime minister said. Mr. Groysman conclud- Ukraine and Russia on January 30-February 1. Ceasefire deals announced Fleet is based. It is the second S-400- ing for the maintenance, ecological manage- ed, “A new manager will come, he will find a equipped division deployed to Crimea, after as part of the Minsk accords – September ment, and fuel to turn the engines over dur- solution to repay the debt to working peo- Moscow based one near the northern port 2014 and February 2015 pacts aimed at ing the winters has been absent. Wages, too, ple. So today, I will raise this issue and I town of Fedosia in early 2017. The S-400 is resolving the conflict – have failed to hold. have not been paid. The current debt is esti- hope that the president will very quickly capable of striking airborne targets up to The latest ceasefire agreement was meant mated at 58 million to 60 million hrv make a decision” (Kyiv Post, YouTube, 400 kilometers away and ballistic missiles to begin on December 23, 2017, but both (approximately $2.3 million) (Rian.com.ua, December 27, 2017). up to 60 kilometers distant. Russia annexed sides have accused each other of ceasefire August 23, 2017). That same day, in reply, Ukroboronprom the Ukrainian region in March 2014, Overbearing bureaucracy tends to attract published on its website numerous letters violations since then. Presenting his agen- prompting the United States, the European waste and corruption, leading to the to the Cabinet of Ministers, written over sev- da as chairman of the OSCE, Mr. Alfano Union and others to impose economic absence of external investment eral months, drawing certain issues to the urged the sides to fully implement the sanctions against Moscow. (RFE/RL, based (UkraineAlert, January 4), as well as inevita- government’s attention (Ukroboronprom. Minsk agreements, adding that recent on reporting by Reuters, RIA Novosti and ble delays. And regarding the Ukrayina, com.ua, December 27, 2017). In one of “mutual provocations have created a cli- TASS) since February 2015, the Mykolayiv these letters, Ukroboronpr­ om CEO mate that risks compromising the confi- Shipyard claims to have written to its parent Romanov writes, “Ukroboronprom, in dence-building measures adopted thus far (Continued on page 18) company (the state-owned military indus- accordance with the Statute, which was try enterprise Ukroboronprom) 13 times, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, has President Petro Poroshenko six times and no right to redistribute funds between par- Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman seven ticipating enterprises. If you withdraw he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 times relating to funding to maintain the funds from other defense industry enter- T U W vessel and unpaid wages, all to no avail prises such as Antonov, Khmelnytskyi KMB, An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., (Rian.com.ua, August 23, 2017). Morosov, Malyshev Plant, or Artem and oth- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Meanwhile, Ukroboronprom also claims ers [which also fall under Ukroboronprom], Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. to have repeatedly approached the Ukraine will be left without airplanes, tanks Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, seeking a and other weapons.” In short, Mr. Romanov (ISSN — 0273-9348) decision over funds to resolve the debt claims he has no legal scope to smudge or issue and the future of the cruiser The Weekly: UNA: manipulate budget headers and bottom Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Ukrayina. And on October 30, 2017, the lines, and thus cannot and will not comply state-owned defense firm appealed to the with the prime minister’s instruction. Postmaster, send address changes to: secretary of the National Security and Needless to say, the outcome has been The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Defense Council (NSDC), Oleksandr that the workforce at the Mykolayiv North 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Turchynov, to bring about a solution Shipyard entered 2018 with their wages P.O. Box 280 (Niknews.mk.ua, October 31, 2017). still unpaid since February 2015. It is Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] The following day, Ukroboronprom unclear whether they will be paid before announced the suspension of all works at February of this year, which would mark The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com the Mykolayiv Shipyard due to its accruing three years without wages. debts of 58 million hrv (UAProm, October The fate of the cruiser Ukrayina is also The Ukrainian Weekly, January 21, 2018, No. 3, Vol. LXXXVI 31, 2017). The facility produces and repairs unknown. It has never been completed. It is Copyright © 2018 The Ukrainian Weekly both military and civilian vessels not part of the current Ukrainian naval (Shipyard61.com.ua, accessed January 9). plan. It has been disowned by the Ministry Notably, according to its website, this ship- of Defense since 2015. What awaits it? Is it ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA yard’s main naval products include two still deemed “military?” Can it be sold? Can armored gunboat classes (the 20-meter it somehow be converted to commercial Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Gyurza and the slightly larger Cayman-80), and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 use? Is it headed for scrap (Kyiv Post, e-mail: [email protected] a Universal-300-class patrol boat, and two September 18, 2015)? corvette types (the Mistral-1500T- and the Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] Mirage-class). These smaller vessels are (Continued on page 23) No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Ukraine faced mixed fortunes, missed opportunities in 2017

by Oleg Varfolomeyev Donbas throughout 2017 featured no with Mr. Poroshenko’s soft stance on offi- Petro Poroshenko Bloc and former Prime Eurasia Daily Monitor large-scale escalations but also no peace cial corruption, outweighed the successes. Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s People’s breakthroughs, with the two sides continu- Toward the end of 2017, the West was Front. The differences are likely to deepen Ukraine missed some chances to ing to shell each other and the death toll compelled to tell Kyiv in clear terms that ahead of the elections, as opinion polls improve the domestic situation last year, rising. International efforts brought no undermining the work of the anti-corrup- show that Mr. Poroshenko and his team with the fight against corruption not as effi- results for another year running. While tion investigators, pressure on anti-corrup- have a good chance of winning them, while cient as Western creditors expected and the Washington became more active with the tion non-governmental organizations the People’s Front seems to have no chance economy growing at only a sluggish pace. newly appointed special envoy, Kurt Volker, (NGO) and procrastination over the estab- at all. Among the country’s achievements in discussing a possible United Nations peace- lishment of a special anti-corruption court The polls also indicate that Yulia 2017 were the long-awaited ratification of keeping mission for the Donbas with would cost Ukraine Western support Tymoshenko, the populist leader who was the association and free trade agreement Vladimir Putin’s aide Vladislav Surkov, (Apostrophe.ua, Eurointegration.com.ua, prime minister in 2008-2010, remains Mr. plus a visa-free travel bonus from the European Union mediation petered out fol- December 7, 2017). Poroshenko’s main rival, rather than the European Union, and Naftogaz Ukrainy’s lowing elections in France and Germany. President Poroshenko in December sub- flamboyant former Georgian President victory over Russian Gazprom in an inter- On the upside, Ukraine did not plunge back mitted to the Verkhovna Rada a new bill on Mikheil Saakashvili, who hit the headlines national arbitration court. into a broader war. the anti-corruption court, but across the world with his anti-Poroshenko Nonetheless, there is still no light in the It is difficult to predict how the situation Transparency International said the bill protests and police failures to arrest him end of the tunnel as far as the conflict with will evolve this year, following the decisions ignored recommendations from the Venice (Ukraine-elections.com.ua, accessed Russia-backed militants in Donbas is con- by the United States and Canada to allow Commission, the Council of Europe’s con- January 10; see EDM, December 11, 2017). cerned, and Ukraine deepened the split by lethal weapons sales to Ukraine (Interfax, stitutional norms advisory body, and urged By the end of 2017, the state oil and gas stepping up the economic blockade of the December 23, 2017; Segodnya.ua, Mr. Poroshenko to recall it (Ti-ukraine.org, company Naftogaz Ukrainy won a life-or- area. The governing coalition led by December 26, 2017). The presidential elec- accessed on January 10). death dispute with the Russian giant President Petro Poroshenko proved stable, tion in Russia, scheduled for March, could With presidential elections scheduled for Gazprom in the Stockholm arbitration but it will face challenges ahead of both also complicate this year’s developments. spring 2019 and parliamentary elections for court. A defeat would probably have bank- presidential and parliamentary elections Although inactive as far as the Donbas fall 2019, the window of opportunity for rupted Naftogaz. The judges in Stockholm scheduled for 2019. settlement is concerned, the European reforms is closing. This concerns not only decided that Naftogaz will not have to pay The year 2017 started with nationalist Union continued to support Ukraine in anti-corruption institutions. International $56 billion to Gazprom for 2010-2017, groups blocking roads leading to the other matters. Along with the U.S., it main- creditors have insisted on Ukraine lifting the according to the controversial take-or-pay Moscow-backed “people’s republics” in tained the sanctions against Russia over the ban on farmland sales; instead, the clause in the contract from January 2009. Donetsk and Luhansk, and far-right activ- Donbas war and the Crimea annexation, Parliament prolonged it for another year Also, the price Naftogaz had to pay for gas in ists vandalizing subsidiaries of Russian ratified the association and free trade deal (Epravda.com.ua, December 7, 2017). The the second quarter of 2014 was cut retroac- banks. The radicals argued that Moscow’s with Ukraine that had been signed in 2014, status quo is likely to continue, given the tively, and Naftogaz will not have to pay for proxies or businesses are not to be dealt and allowed Ukrainian citizens to travel to strong domestic lobby of the richest agro- gas delivered by Gazprom to Moscow’s with in a de facto state of war with Russia. EU countries, except the United Kingdom businessmen who oppose land reform while proxies in the Donbas. Now, the Stockholm Mr. Poroshenko, himself criticized for not and Ireland, without visas. At the same exploiting lands rented to them cheaply. court is to deliver a verdict on the Gazprom- selling his confectionery business in Russia, time, Brussels refused to allocate the last Creditors also insist on swift and transpar- Naftogaz gas transit contract, also from thought it safe to bandwagon, banning all tranche of its macro-financial assistance ent privatization of energy and chemical 2009. Naftogaz’s claims reached $16 billion, trade with occupied Donetsk and Luhansk loan, the main reason being Kyiv’s poor assets, but the Ukrainian legislature is and it hopes for a positive outcome at the (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, February 24, 28, track record of fighting official corruption unlikely to rush to change privatization end of February (Naftogaz.com, Vedomosti, 2017). The ban affected the key metals and (UNIAN, December 1, 2017). rules. Also, as always tends to happen in the December 22, 2017). mining sector, slowing economic growth Mainly for the same reason, the run-up to elections, fiscal discipline is likely Judging by all this, the year 2018 is last year to only 2 percent, the same as in International Monetary Fund (IMF) trans- to slacken this year, disappointing the IMF. unlikely to be easy for Ukraine. 2016. Foreign direct investment also ferred only one tranche of its $17.5 billion The government of Prime Minister Unpredictable Russia remains the big declined compared to 2016, when Russian loan last year. Ukraine adopted reforms of Volodymyr Groysman has been stable since unknown. But almost certainly, the elec- banks refinancing their subsidiaries were its health-care system, education and pen- its appointment in spring 2016, in spite of tions scheduled for 2019 will dominate the the main investors in Ukraine. Ironically, the sions; continued deregulation efforts; and the absence of a stable majority in the uni- domestic political and economic agenda. Donbas blockade prompted Kyiv to boost simplified rules for investors last year. But cameral Parliament. At the same time, sev- coal imports from Russia (Podrobnosti.ua, the political establishment’s contempt for eral important positions, including those of The article above is reprinted from July 7, 2017; UNIAN, January 9). Economic the new anti-corruption bodies, which the central bank head and the health minis- Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from growth is expected to pick up to 3 percent were established under pressure from ter, remain unfilled, underscoring differenc- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, in 2018. Western creditors in 2015-2016, combined es between the coalition partners – the www.jamestown.org. Ukrainian World Congress calls for Ukrainians Quotable notes …From the Revolution of Dignity came a call for government to stamp out cor- ruption. Once elected, officials, led by President [Petro] Poroshenko and former to join international flash mob #UnitedUkraine Prime Minister [Arseniy] Yatsenyuk, courageously established independent, cor- ruption-fighting institutions, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau UWC Facebook page of the flash mob (https:// (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) and the National TORONTO – The Ukrainian World www.facebook.com/events/1673453140• Publish the photo on the official Agency for Preventing Corruption (NAPC). Landmark reform required public asset declarations by public officials. ProZorro, the new electronic procurement system, Congress is calling on Ukrainians around 31715) and on your own social media increased transparency and reduced graft. … the world to join the international flash pages using the hashtag #UnitedUkraine. And yet, four years after the Maidan, the question lingers: is the courage to mob #UnitedUkraine marking Ukrainian Include the city and country in which the move Ukraine forward faltering? Political attacks on NABU and SAP have hampered Unity Day (Den Sobornosty) on January 22. photo was taken. their ability to dismantle networks of public sector corruption. Like the Ukrainian Organized by the community organiza- people, we remain deeply concerned that, despite over 100 major corruption cases tions Ukrainians and Batkivschyna Moloda, passing the torch of the flash mob. sent to the courts by NABU and SAP, not a single significant judgment has been • Tag three of your friends in the post, this fourth “United Ukraine” flash mob wel- - handed down. As long as corrupt judges can defer justice indefinitely, establishing comes the participation of every individual tronically to unitedukraine2018@gmail. an Anti-Corruption Court is imperative. Moreover, the public servant asset declara- who supports Ukraine, and aspires to its com.• Send the photo in high resolution elec tion rules adopted last year have been turned against the very activists who are unity and the end of the military aggression On January 22 at noon at Kyiv’s fighting high-level corruption. Those who expose corruption are heroes, yet they of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. MediaHub (4/6 Suvorova St., Kyiv) the pho- are targeted by elements of Old Ukraine. In 2017, over 12,000 participants in 63 tos of all participants of the flash mob from …Ukrainians frequently rank corruption as the key issue preventing progress. countries took part in the flash mob. around the world including all corners of Overwhelming majorities believe politicians pursue their private interests over the Readers may join this year’s action by Ukraine will be presented to the media and public good. Ukraine’s security and sovereignty depend not just on defeating for- following these steps: the public. eign aggression, but on the internal struggle to defeat corruption, without which no * * * country can develop institutions resistant both to foreign meddling and domestic the motto of the action: “United Ukraine.” The UWC is the international coordinat- manipulation. … (High-resolution• Print out or postersrecreate can the be poster download with- ing body for Ukrainian communities in the – U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, in an op-ed titled “Courage to ed here: https://goo.gl/2JJ8ZC.) diaspora representing the interests of over Move Forward,” posted on January 3 on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine 20 million Ukrainians. The UWC has a net- (For the full text see https://ua.usembassy.gov/op-ed-ambassador-marie-yovano- poster, horizontal orientation, and with one work of member organizations and ties vitch-courage-move-forward/). person• Take in athe photo photo. or make a video with the with Ukrainians in 53 countries. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

Credible allegations U.S. assistance to Ukraine The church coffee room – that democrat- unequal treatment. So condescending. Why Since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly four localities, facilitating financial, economic, ic, egalitarian forum where all the world’s not treat women the same as you treat years ago, I have found a tendency by many agricultural, health, justice and law great problems are solved – is filled with each other?” to view U.S. governmental assistance to enforcement reforms. Bolstering civil soci- long tables and metal folding chairs. At one Ihor rolls his eyes. “Because women are Ukraine largely through the lens of lethal ety to support the reform process, includ- end, weary volunteers preside over a table different from men. Being different doesn’t weapons. Indeed, defensive lethal weapons, ing anti-corruption, is a priority. spread with plates of sandwiches and mean being inferior. We weren’t brought up are critically important for Ukraine in rais- USAID, an independent government donuts, a coffee urn, and a tray full of dollar to look down on women – actually, it was ing the costs to Russia of any further aggres- agency that works closely with the State bills and coins. Parishioners who have just the opposite. Guys who behaved like our sion and in reinforcing and amplifying U.S. Department, takes the lead in non-security come down from the liturgy are milling president were considered jerks. Of course, commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and assistance. To achieve the goal of a stable, about, looking for friends to sit with. In one it was usually the jerks who succeeded in territorial integrity. The Trump administra- democratic, prosperous Ukraine, USAID corner, two men and three women, ranging business and politics. You know, the aggres- tion’s recent decision to provide Ukraine programs have focused on democracy, in age from their 20s to their 70s, are set- sive, high-testosterone rule-breakers. And with some of these weapons is to be human rights and good governance, eco- tling in around Bohdan, who is already seat- they were admired.” applauded and encouraged. It is long over- nomic growth, health services, as well as ed, sipping coffee from a Styrofoam cup and Vasyl clears his throat. “Lida has a point. due, given broad bipartisan Congressional energy security and agriculture. Since 1992, peering at the screen of his cellphone. Even if we were supposed to treat women support since 2014, which has included the agency has contributed some $2 billion “At this rate,” he says, “half of Congress with respect, we looked at them as sex bills funding lethal weapons as part of larg- in support. Its funding throughout the years will have to resign. And that might be a objects. That was part of the culture. It was er security assistance for Ukraine. has helped nurture an active civil society – a good thing.” everywhere – in movies, TV, advertising… Notwithstanding their political and critical driver of reforms in Ukraine – and a “Ah, the sexual harassment scandals,” And then there’s the pornography industry. practical importance, lethal weapons are vibrant media. It has promoted political observes Vasyl, sitting down. “At least we It did a lot of damage to the institution of only one among many necessary forms of processes designed to lead to more trans- don’t have that in Ukraine.” marriage.” U.S. assistance to Ukraine. For one thing, in parent and accountable governance. “Not yet,” says Lida, joining them. “Maybe “And then came the sixties, and the sexu- the military/security area, non-lethal U.S. Its humanitarian and transition assis- the concept doesn’t exist. But from what I’ve al revolution,” adds Bohdan. “It lowered the military assistance helped to advance tance has helped internally displaced per- heard, the phenomenon certainly does.” standards. It loosened the restraints. The Ukraine’s war-fighting efforts. It has includ- sons (IDPs) and populations affected by the “What?” says Vasyl in mock surprise. people who are complaining about the ed equipment, such as counter-artillery war, and has helped in communities in the “Sexism in Ukraine?” president’s behavior now are the same and counter-mortar radars, secure commu- east to increase support for an inclusive “We idealize traditional village life,” ones who supported the sexual revolution nications, tactical UAVs, medical equip- Ukrainian identity and to increase citizen points out Lada, taking the chair opposite then. But that’s what made that kind of ment, logistical infrastructure and IT sys- engagement in the reform process in local him, “but we know, for example, that wife- behavior acceptable in the first place.” tems, night vision devices, thermal goggles communities. It has supported the most beating was common.” “Well, feminism has cured that, hasn’t and up-armored civilian SUVs. vulnerable members of Ukrainian society, “I thought it was the women who beat it?” asks Vasyl, turning to Lida and Lada. “I Beyond equipment, it also has encom- and has been at the forefront of Ukraine’s the men,” replies Vasyl. “They pioneered mean, feminism is our punishment for not passed training, including that of special fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and equality.” being gentlemen.” operations forces, and provided advisers to polio, as well as in improving maternal and “Ha-ha.” “Yeah,” laughs Lada, “you got your just advance implementation of key defense infant health. It has worked to better the “That’s an old wives’ tale,” interrupts desserts. Now we can be just as offensive as reforms and help Ukraine build its military business climate by helping Ukraine reduce Bohdan. “Sorry about the sexist phrase…” you.” long-term. The U.S. also facilitates impor- cumbersome regulations, supported pen- “The thing is,” pursues Lada, “you can’t “But if that were true,” says Lida, “you’d tant help in other security areas such as sion reform, facilitated the development of have equality without the right social have men accusing women of sexual intelligence. the financial sector and improved energy atmosphere. Ukrainians are still preoccu- harassment.” In short, non-lethal security assistance efficiency. It has many programs to fight pied with money. The oligarchs figure they “That’s coming,” responds Ihor. “It hasn’t has been invaluable in strengthening corruption and trafficking in persons. can buy anything they want.” happened much because it isn’t often that Ukraine’s ability to more effectively coun- The U.S. Embassy also implements pro- “Unfortunately, they’re right,” ventures the woman is in a superior managerial ter Russian aggression. grams, such as its International Narcotics Ihor, sitting down next to her. position. But I’m sure there’s a case brew- U.S. government assistance, however, and Law (INL) section, which coordinates “I’m sure that accusations of sexual ing somewhere.” goes far beyond the military/security and implements criminal justice and law harassment will just be another way to get “So it’s only harassment if there’s an realm – and this is a good thing. U.S. help in enforcement training and technical assis- rid of political rivals. Like here,” comments abuse of power? What if it’s between the economic, energy, humanitarian, tance programs funded by the State Bohdan. “All it takes nowadays is ‘credible equals?” democracy, good governance and health Department and other agencies. The State allegations.’ That’s not enough to convict “If it’s unwanted or unwelcome, it’s still realms builds a stronger Ukraine, helping Department also funds a variety of valuable someone, but it’s enough to ruin a career.” harassment,” rejoins Lada. counter the Kremlin’s efforts to destabilize “If you’ve got credible allegations by a academic and professional exchange pro- “But how can a guy tell?” the country and hinder its integration with dozen women, the guy’s probably guilty,” grams. More than 3,100 Americans have Lada gives Ihor a cold stare. the West. Thus, non-military assistance objects Lada. served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine since “I think we’re going to see a lot of law- also has a national security aspect. Along “Sure, that would have satisfied Joe independence. Currently there are 342 U.S. suits,” remarks Lida. “But I’m worried with sanctions and political/diplomatic McCarthy,” grumbles Bohdan. “Better to Peace Corp volunteers serving in Ukraine – about the judges. Some of the recent pressure, U.S. assistance is a key compo- punish an innocent man than let a guilty more than in any other country. appointments are pretty questionable.” nent of the U.S. toolbox to help Ukraine one go, right? So much for the presumption To even list all of the various initiatives “Not everything goes to court,” points counter Russian aggression. of innocence.” of USAID, and, more broadly, the U.S. gov- out Vasyl. “Congress has spent lots of our U.S. governmental help of all kinds to “Now wait a minute,” interjects Vasyl, ernment in the last quarter-century, would money settling harassment claims.” Ukraine since independence has been sub- sensing an approaching argument. “The fact take several columns. “The administrative remedies aren’t stantial and has only intensified since the is, that kind of behavior was typical of our The Ukrainian American community very fair or transparent,” argues Bohdan. Euro-Maidan. Trying to get a handle on an generation. I’m not saying everyone and other friends of Ukraine have long “But I don’t think a court of law is the best exact figure is difficult for many reasons, behaved that way, but a lot of us did.” advocated for U.S. government aid and for a place to deal with this either. For example, not the least of which is that it is hard to “So you’re justifying it by saying it was it’s very hard to prove the absence of con- few years in the mid-1990s, under the acceptable at the time?” bristles Lida. “Do measure, but a reasonable estimate is that Clinton administration, Ukraine was one of sent. And that’s a key issue.” the U.S. has allocated at least $7 billion ethics vary from generation to generation? “So bad behavior is bad only when it’s our largest recipients of bilateral aid. Some Isn’t that moral relativism?” since 1992 – which is not to say that all of readers may recall that the current Senate not consensual?” asks Ihor. what was allocated has been spent. Quite a “I’m just saying it was tolerated. Look at “Of course,” replies Lida. “There’s no such majority leader, Mitch McConnell, champi- some of our modern presidents. Where was few U.S. government agencies provide oned Ukraine assistance in his capacity as thing as a bad act – only a harmful act.” assistance. In addition to the Department the outrage then? None of them was “I disagree,” says Bohdan. “But the ques- chairman of the relevant appropriations impeached. Could it be because they were of Defense, these include the U.S. Agency subcommittee, and was sometimes tion is, what can we do about it? for International Development (USAID), Democrats?” Legislation, regulation, litigation?” referred to as “Mr. Ukraine” at the time. He the departments of State, Energy, “I don’t think that kind of harassment was Sophia, who has been listening quietly, enjoyed bipartisan support back then, and, Commerce, Agriculture, Treasury and acceptable, not even back in the ‘50s,” com- speaks up. “I think we have to change the thankfully, assistance to Ukraine continues Justice, other smaller agencies and the ments Ihor. “I sure wasn’t brought up that culture. Not just the way men look at to enjoy strong bipartisan support to this Peace Corps. They provide technical assis- way. We were supposed to be gentlemen.” women, but the way we all look at sex – its day, despite the difficult budget climate. tance and advisors who work with various “That ‘gentleman’ thing is just a sexist meaning, its purpose.” U.S. assistance, which increased sub- Ukrainian ministries and in a number of façade,” objects Lida. “It’s an excuse for There is a thoughtful silence. And then, stantially following Russia’s invasion, was having resolved the issue of the week, they backed by the Obama administration and Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at all finish their coffee and go their separate Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at [email protected]. ways. [email protected]. (Continued on page 23) No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 5

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW U.S.-Ukraine relations: concerns and action ith the new administration of President Donald J. Trump coming into office in January, a group Wof 17 decision-makers and public figures from countries across Central and Eastern Europe sent a letter on January 9 to the president-elect warning him about any potential “new grand bargain with Russia.” According to a news story in The Washington Post, they wrote: “Have no doubt: Vladimir Putin is not America’s ally. Neither is he a trustworthy international partner. Both of the presidents who preceded you tried in their own ways to deal with Russia’s leadership in the spirit of trust and friendship. Big mistake: Putin treated their good intentions as opportunities.” The letter cited the case of Ukraine: “Russia’s continu- ing efforts to destabilize Ukraine, and its illegal annexation of Crimea, threaten the peace, predictability and security that Americans and Europeans created together through our victory in the Cold War.” Among the signatories were the current president of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, and several former leaders, U.S. Embassy Kyiv former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, former U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during their joint press availability in Kyiv among them former President Traian Băsescu of Romania, on January 16. It was the vice-president’s sixth visit to Ukraine and his fifth since the Euro-Maidan Revolution. Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Bildt of Sweden, President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga of Latvia, former Prime Ukraine, there were serious concerns about whether the live up to our commitments to our allies and uphold long- Poland. The letter was similar to one sent in 2009 to country would be abandoned to Russia’s sphere of influ- standing American values and ideals.” Presidentand former Barack Foreign Obama Affairs soon Minister after Radosławhe took office, Sikorski which of ence. The succinct lead sentence in a story by David Stern The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America on warned against a “reset” of U.S.-Russia relations. published by Politico summed it up well: “Donald Trump’s January 13 called on the incoming 115th U.S. Congress and Two days later, on January 11, U.S. Secretary of State- victory leaves Ukraine alone and afraid.” There were the Trump administration “to continue our nation’s proud nominee Rex Tillerson said at his confirmation hearing objective reasons for that fear: candidate Trump had com- tradition of bipartisan support for Ukraine,” noting that that the United States should have had a more robust mili- mented that the war in Ukraine is “really a problem that “Any retreat from current sanctions or military, political tary response following Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s affects Europe a lot more than it affects us,” and he sug- and economic support of Ukraine, and the United States Crimean peninsula in 2014. Asked what the U.S. response gested that he might recognize Crimea as part of Russia. would signal yet another ‘reset,’ a capitulation with terrify- should have been, Mr. Tillerson said more defensive weap- Meanwhile, Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member ing consequences for Ukraine, the European partners of ons, intelligence and air surveillance should have been of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John the U.S. and the global geopolitical security structure.” provided. Mr. Tillerson, who had questioned the wisdom McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services The outgoing U.S. president on January 13 extended all of the Ukraine-related sanctions, also criticized the admin- Committee, led a bipartisan group of senators on January U.S. sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Crimea and istration of outgoing President Obama for its response to 10 to introduce comprehensive sanctions legislation on aggression in Ukraine by one year through March 2018. the Crimea land grab, saying it emboldened Russia to back Russia for its cyber intrusions, aggression and destabiliz- The move appeared designed to make it harder for separatists in eastern Ukraine with weapons and soldiers. ing activities in the United States and around the world. President-elect Trump, who had said he wants to improve He added that Russia’s leadership saw the Obama admin- The original co-sponsors of the Countering Russian relations with Russia and would take a second look at the istration’s response to Crimea as “weak.” Asked whether Hostilities Act of 2017 were: Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), sanctions, to roll back the sanctions. President Obama said he believes now is the right time to lift Ukraine-related Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Marco the Russian government and other people and organiza- sanctions, Mr. Tillerson said, “I would leave things in the Rubio (R-Fla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Sasse tions targeted by the sanctions have “undermined demo- status quo so we are able to convey this can go either way.” (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio). cratic processes and institutions in Ukraine” by their “use Interestingly, during the hearing, Mr. Tillerson said he had “Russia has worked to insidiously interfere with and of force in Ukraine” and thereby “threaten its peace, securi- not had a conversation with Mr. Trump about U.S. policy influence the presidential election in the United States, ty, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Because of on Russia. and Russian military aggression in Ukraine and Syria has the threat to Ukraine, Mr. Obama said, Russia’s actions The very next day, January 12, the secretary of defense violated international commitments and shown a clear “pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national nominee, retired general James Mattis, was asked at his disregard for sovereignty and humanitarian norms. Our security and foreign policy of the United States.” confirmation hearing about the main threats to U.S. inter- comprehensive sanctions package being introduced today Vice-President Joe Biden, who had been designated as ests. He replied: “I would consider the principal threats to will send a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he has President Obama’s point man on Ukraine, traveled on start with Russia.” He cited Russian involvement in hack- gone too far, and that there will be consequences for his January 16 to Ukraine on what was his sixth visit as VP – ing and information warfare among the challenges posed actions,” said Sen. Cardin. and his fifth since the Euro-Maidan Revolution. As pointed by Moscow. Others include treaty violations, using tactics “Russia must be held accountable for its illegal annexa- out by our Kyiv correspondent, Mr. Obama was the only sit- short of open war to destabilize other countries and tion of Crimea, ongoing aggression inside Ukraine, exten- ting president since Ukraine re-established its indepen- “alarming messages from Moscow regarding the use of sive disinformation and propaganda campaigns against dence in 1991 not to have visited the country during his nuclear weapons.” the United States and its allies,” said Sen. Portman. “This tenure. The truth of the matter was that no one was quite sure bipartisan legislation sends an important message that Mr. Biden affirmed U.S. support for Ukraine as long as what the Trump administration would bring. Among the United States Senate takes its obligation to act on Kyiv continues fighting corruption and bolstering demo- those were Ukrainian Americans who love both the behalf of American national security interests seriously, cratic institutions to instill rule of law and improve gover- United States and their ancestral homeland. Meanwhile, in and is prepared to take proactive steps to ensure that we nance. He said sanctions against Russia would remain in

Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin meets with U.S. Secretary of U.S. President Donald Trump receives Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo State Rex Tillerson in Washington on March 7. Klimkin at the White House on May 10. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW place as long as the Ukrainian territory of Crimea is occu- Trump administration to “continue America’s bipartisan pied and Moscow doesn’t fulfill security commitments record of support for Ukraine.” The UCCA also noted: regarding a ceasfire in the Donbas that it promised to “While every new administration looks to take a fresh uphold. “And I hope the next administration will also want approach to foreign policy, even the mention of possibly to be a supporter and a partner in your continued prog- lifting the existing sanctions [as was suggested by a senior ress,” Mr. Biden said. “But, as you know, no one else can do adviser to President Trump] against Russia while the two the hard work but the Ukrainian people. It’s up to largest militaries in Europe are actively engaged in this Ukrainian leaders and people to put the needs of the nearly three-year-old land war sends a dangerous mes- country above narrow personal interest, to place the gen- sage to our adversaries, and puts to question America’s eral good above point scoring and local prejudices.” ability to lead the Euro-Atlantic alliance through this new Turning to President Petro Poroshenko during their century untainted by world wars.” joint news conference, he said: “It’s no secret that Russia There was some measure of reassurance on February 2 does not want you to succeed, Mr. President. It’s not just when Ambassador Haley, addressing the U.N. Security about Ukraine. It’s about the future we have long sought of Council, said: “…I must condemn the aggressive actions of a Europe whole, free and at peace – whole, free and at Russia. …We do want to better our relations with Russia. peace – something that is in the vital national interest of However, the dire situation in eastern Ukraine is one that both the United States and all Europeans.” demands clear and strong condemnation of Russian In her last major speech as U.S. ambassador to the actions.” She went on to state: “The United States stands United Nations, Samantha Power, speaking at the Atlantic with the people of Ukraine, who have suffered for nearly Council in Washington on January 17, said: “Russia’s three years under Russian occupation and military inter- actions are not standing up a new world order. They are vention. Until Russia and the separatists it supports tearing down the one that exists.” She cited the illegal sei- respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, this zure by Russia of the Crimean peninsula and the Kremlin’s crisis will continue. Eastern Ukraine, of course, is not the intervention in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, support of only part of the country suffering because of Russia’s the Syrian government in that country’s war, and efforts to aggressive actions. The United States continues to con- influence elections in Western democracies through com- demn and call for an immediate end to the Russian occu- puter hacking and misinformation campaigns. pation of Crimea. Crimea is a part of Ukraine. Our Crimea- Her successor as U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns Haley, offered at her confirmation hearing that she agrees control over the peninsula to Ukraine.” that Russia invaded and seized Ukrainian territory in Two days after that, Presidents Trump and Poroshenko Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. 2014 and that U.S. and international sanctions were an spoke by phone. The White House readout of the call A sheet of the stamp issued by UkrPoshta to celebrate appropriate response. She said she would consider addi- noted that Mr. Trump said: “We will work with Ukraine, the 25th anniversary of Ukraine-U.S. diplomatic rela- tional sanctions, which Mr. Trump had said he might Russia and all other parties involved to help them restore tions. It was presented at a reception at the Embassy of oppose. Sen. Cardin said of the new envoy that she spoke peace along the border.” (Observers were quick to point Ukraine in Washington on May 8. “very strongly” about defending Ukrainian sovereignty. out that the fighting was taking place not along the border From the capital of Ukraine, our correspondent report- but on Ukraine’s territory.) The Ukrainian Presidential Department: “He assured me that the United States would ed that Kyiv was still “watching and waiting” when it came Administration’s account of the phone conversation said: consistently continue to support Ukraine in its struggle to President Trump’s policy towards Ukraine and his “Particular attention was paid to the settlement of the sit- against Russian aggression, that Ukraine is a key partner stance towards the Donbas war that Russia has stoked uation in Donbas and to achieving peace by political and of the U.S. in the region, that the U.S. would also consis- since April 2014. “Uncertainty is a big factor here because diplomatic means. The two leaders expressed deep con- tently support Ukraine on its path of reforms.” RFE/RL you don’t know what to expect,” said Iryna Bekeshina, cern about the spike in tension and deterioration of reported that Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a director of the Democratic Initiatives think tank. humanitarian situation, especially in the area of Avdiyivka. statement after the meeting that Secretary Tillerson told “Historically, as strategic partners, policy was always more They stressed the need for establishing immediate cease- Minister Klimkin the U.S. sanctions against Russia would or less anticipated. Now it’s unclear. But Russia also fire regime. The president of Ukraine expressed gratitude remain in place until “aggression is ceased,” until the doesn’t really know what to expect [from the U.S.].” to the head of the White House for firm support of Minsk peace deal to end fighting between Kyiv’s forces Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine’s east– which had killed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” and Russia-backed separatists is implemented, and until over 10,000 and displaced 1.7 million – continued. In late At a February 14 news conference, White House press Moscow returns to Kyiv control of Crimea and separatist- January, Russian and proxy forces killed eight soldiers and secretary Sean Spicer told the news media that Mr. Trump held areas of eastern Ukraine. State Department spokes- wounded 26. On January 31, the U.S. Mission to the had “made it very clear” he expects Russia to “return man Mark Toner confirmed the ministry’s statement, say- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Crimea” and reduce violence in eastern Ukraine. In ing, “With respect to the sanctions remaining in place until (OSCE) stated: “…the situation is dire in Avdiyivka, where a response to that remark, Russian President Putin’s Russia complies, both with respect to eastern Ukraine, but combined Russian-separatist assault has resulted in large spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on February 15 that also with respect to Crimea, that holds true.” numbers of casualties and a humanitarian emergency that Moscow will not discuss the return of Crimea to Ukraine. Also on March 7, Minister Klimkin testified before the affects 17,000 people. We call on combined Russian- He referred to Crimea as Russian territory, saying that State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs separatist forces to recommit to the ceasefire to allow for “Russia never discusses issues related to its territories Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on repairs to critical infrastructure.” U.S. diplomats at the with foreign partners, including the United States.” Appropriations. Speaking of the Mr. Putin’s obsession OSCE Permanent Council continued to sound the alarm In what was likely the first high-level meeting between “with restoring the former Russian greatness” and the about aggression by “Russia-backed separatists” through- officials of the Trump and Poroshenko administrations, Kremlin’s “aggressive expansionism in gross violation out the year. Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin and U.S. with the international law,” he said: “The Kremlin has On January 30, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of Secretary of State Tillerson met in Washington on March developed the concept of hybrid warfare and launched it America came out with a statement urging the new 7. Mr. Klimkin told reporters gathered outside the State with the illegal annexation of Crimea and the invasion in Donbas. It is a highly sophisticated strategy, which mixes conventional aggression with propaganda and misinfor- mation, as well as interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It is waged daily against peaceful coun- tries to undermine, disrupt and sow dissent. It is spear- headed in living rooms across the globe by the insidious television channel RT, which seeks not to promote any particular narrative but to undermine that of the host.” Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister went on to ask the U.S. for defensive weapons and continued military and technical support; a long-term security arrangement for closer partnership and cooperation in defense and securi- ty; support in relaunching negotiations of the signatories of the Budapest Memorandum; and no easing of sanctions “until Russia gets off Ukrainian land.” On March 27, two Ohio senators, Republican Sen. Portman and Democrat Sherrod Brown introduced a reso- lution condemning illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine and urging the president to maintain sanctions on Russia as long as it continues its military aggression in the coun- try. S. Res. 100 “Condemning illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine on the three-year anniversary of the annexation of Crimea,” called on Russia “to immediately end its sup- Presidential Administration of Ukraine port for the separatists in eastern Ukraine, allow Ukraine The presidents of the United States and Ukraine meet on June 20 at the White House. Seen (from left) are: to regain control of its internationally recognized borders, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly, Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin and President and withdraw its military presence in eastern Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko; U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence, National Security Adviser H.R. including Crimea,” and declared that “the United States McMaster and Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. government must never recognize the illegal annexation No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 7

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW of Crimea by the Russian Federation.” It also “urges the president of the United States not to agree to any final set- tlement of the conflict in Ukraine without the consent of the government of Ukraine.” Four days later, on March 31, Secretary of State Tillerson addressed the NATO-Ukraine Commission in Brussels and made it clear that the U.S. and NATO “stand firm in our support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territori- al integrity” and underscored, “We do not, and will not, accept Russian efforts to change the borders of territory of Ukraine,” including its annexation of Crimea. But, soon thereafter, the secretary of state made a com- ment that Bloomberg news described as an offhand remark that left European foreign affairs ministers meet- ing in Italy “befuddled.” On April 11, Mr. Tillerson asked: “Why should U.S. taxpayers be interested in Ukraine?” The Congressional Ukrainian Caucus expressed concern about the question: “It is abundantly clear that the U.S. has a major security interest in a free and democratic Ukraine, one not subject to Russian aggression,” the co-chairs of the Caucus, Reps. Andy Harris (R-Md.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Sander Levin (D-Mich.) wrote. State Department spokesman R.C. Hammond downplayed the comments, telling Bloomberg that the secretary was simply using a “rhetorical device.” Presidential Administration of Ukraine The comment succeeded only in adding uncertainly Representatives of Ukraine and the United States during their talks on July 9, when the U.S. secretary of state visited Kyiv. regarding the policies of the new administration. In Washington, The Hill observed that Mr. Tillerson’s com- Menendez, McCain, Shaheen, Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and James Trump administration recognizes that at times the use of ments about Ukraine came at a time when President Inhofe (R-Okla.). “Meeting with democratically elected rep- hard power is necessary to secure American interests.” Trump “has been under fire for his relationship with resentatives from Ukraine would send a strong signal that U.S. relations with Ukraine saw a major development Russian President Vladimir Putin.” the United States continues to prioritize our relationship on July 9 when Secretary of State Tillerson visited Kyiv, The Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, it should be with longstanding allies, and will continue our commit- where he re-affirmed America’s consistent policy toward noted, marked its 20th anniversary in 2017. A June 14 ments to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial helping Ukraine preserve sovereignty amid a prolonged reception at the Capitol Visitor Center celebrated that integrity in the face of ongoing aggression,” they under- war with Russia that has killed more than 10,100 people milestone. The director of the Ukrainian National scored. and severed 7 percent of the country’s territory. He stated Information Service (UNIS), Michael Sawkiw Jr., spoke, Two days later, President Trump received Minister that Washington’s goal is to “restore Ukraine’s territorial… underlining: “…the Ukrainian American community is Klimkin at the White House. That meeting was preceded integrity” and he revealed that he had been “clear in my thanking our members of Congress who understood 20 by talks between Minister Klimkin and Vice-President discussions with [the] Russian leadership on more than years ago the need for the formation of a group of mem- Michael Pence. The interlocutors discussed in detail the one occasion that it is necessary for Russia to take the first bers of Congress on a bipartisan basis to act on behalf of situation in the Donbas. Mr. Klimkin expressed thanks for steps to de-escalate the situation in the east part of the improvement of relations between Ukraine and the the unwavering position of the U.S. administration in sup- Ukraine, in particular by respecting the ceasefire, by pull- United States.” He introduced Rep. Levin, an organizer of port of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and in countering ing back the heavy weapons.” that caucus, and presented him with the Friend of UNIS Russian aggression. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United During his trip Mr. Tillerson announced the appoint- Award for his “leadership and staunch support of States Valeriy Chaly also participated in the meetings. It ment of a new American envoy to find peace in the Ukraine’s independence.” was significant that the meeting with Mr. Klimkin took Donbas war that Russia started: Kurt Volker, a former While visiting the U.S. capital on May 8-10 for meetings place the same day that Russian Foreign Affairs Minister ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with representatives of the Munich Security Conference, Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak (2008-2009). “This is indicative of the appointment of – Minister Klimkin participated in the celebration of anoth- met at the White House with Secretary of State Tillerson again, of Ambassador Volker for a more direct engage- er anniversary – the 25th of U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic rela- and President Trump. ment… We are going to be exploring ways to change the tions. During the May 8 reception at the Embassy of The Senate once again weighed in on June 14 when it status quo, because continuing to leave things the way Ukraine, Ukraine’s Order of Princess Olha was presented to overwhelmingly passed – by a vote of 97 to 2 – new legis- they are is simply not acceptable,” Mr. Tillerson explained. Melanne Verveer, the executive director of the Georgetown lation imposing sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ambassador Volker, whose somewhat unwieldy title is University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security. The Ukraine and Syria, and its attempt to interfere in the U.S. “U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations,” vis- day was also marked by the first-day-of-issue signing cere- presidential election. The measure, which was an amend- ited the frontline in the Donbas, including Avdiyivka, on mony of a Ukrainian postage stamp marking the anniversa- ment to an Iran sanctions bill (the Countering Iran’s July 23. RFE/RL reported that he told a news conference ry of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Destabilizing Activities Act), also allowed Congress to in Kramatorsk, the headquarters of Kyiv’s military opera- Also on May 8, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators sent a block the administration from unilaterally lifting or scal- tion against the Russia-backed militants, that Ukraine is letter to President Trump encouraging him to prioritize ing back sanctions imposed against Moscow. (For the locked in a “hot war” whose origins he blamed on meeting with President Poroshenko of Ukraine before record, three different bills increasing sanctions on Russia Moscow. “This is not a frozen conflict, this is a hot war, and meeting with Russian President Putin at the G-20 confer- had been filed in the Senate in response to Russia’s actions it’s an immediate crisis that we all need to address as ence in July. The letter was sent by Sens. Portman, in Ukraine and Syria and its meddling in the 2016 U.S. quickly as possible.” presidential election.) Present in the Senate when the bill Two days later he was in Paris, where he told Current was passed was Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Time TV that providing lethal defensive weapons would Parubiy, who attended as a guest of the Senate Ukraine allow Kyiv to “defend itself if Russia were to take further Caucus, which is co-chaired by Sens. Portman and Durbin. steps against Ukrainian territory.” Ambassador Volker Meanwhile, the movement to arm Ukraine was picking added, “Russia says it won’t do that and isn’t doing that, so up steam. On June 21, a bipartisan task force made up of then there should be no risk to anybody, if that’s the case.” former U.S. defense officials, ambassadors and security Next, the House of Representatives took action, on July experts renewed calls for the United States to give lethal 25 overwhelmingly passing – by a vote of 419-3 – the defensive weapons to Ukraine, reported Melinda Haring of Russia sanctions that had been approved by the Senate. the Atlantic Council. The National Security Task Force of Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), told The the Friends of Ukraine Network (an initiative of the U.S.- Washington Post: “This is critical at a moment when our Ukraine Foundation) urged the United States to provide a allies are uncertain about where this administration range of weapons, intelligence and training. “The purpose stands with respect to Russian aggression.” Rep. Hoyer of providing defensive weapons is to help Ukraine deter pointed out that that Congress could pursue additional the Russians from carrying out further attacks, and to sanctions targeting the Russian energy industry if increase the pressure on Russia to negotiate seriously on President Putin and allies “fail to heed the message of this implementing the Minsk agreements,” said Alexander bill that their business as usual cannot and must not con- Vershbow, a member of the task force and the former dep- tinue.” Because the House version of the bill had an addi- uty secretary general of NATO. “The aim is not to encour- tional North Korea component, it had to go back to the age Ukraine to seek a military victory, which Kyiv knows Senate, which voted 98-2 to approve it. In a statement on isn’t possible,” he said at the launch event in Washington. July 29, Secretary of State Tillerson said the near unani- Ms. Haring explained that previous attempts to press mous votes “represent the strong will of the American Yaro Bihun the United States to arm Ukraine in 2015 didn’t get far. people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with Congressman Sander Levin (D-Mich.), an organizer of The Obama administration resisted, although it did pro- the United States.” the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, accepts the vide $20 million for long-range counter-battery radars. The question then became whether President Trump Friend of UNIS Award from Ukrainian National Information Service Director Michael Sawkiw Jr. dur- John E. Herbst, a task force member and a former U.S. would sign the bill into law. On August 2, he did so, but ing a reception on June 14 that celebrated the 20th ambassador to Ukraine, commented: “The odds for this called the bill “significantly flawed” and signaled that he anniversary of the caucus. tough, but pragmatic policy are greater now because the might not fully implement the sanctions. “My administra- 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW tion particularly expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed bill to hinder our significant work with European allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends and our allies,” he said, according to RFE/RL. Mr. Trump later explained his reasoning for signing the bill, saying he was doing it “for the sake of national unity.” He said, “It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanc- tions will no longer be necessary.” On October 27, the U.S. released a new list of more than three dozen Russian enti- ties targeted by sanctions. Russia was not pleased. “The passage of the new law on sanctions shows with all obviousness that relations with Russia have become hostage to the domestic political bat- tle within the United States,” Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said, adding that “the latest events show that in well-known circles in the United States, Russophobia and a course toward open confrontation with our country have taken hold.” On August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, Secretary Yaro Bihun of Defense Jim Mattis was in the Ukrainian capital, where Ukrainian Ambassador Valeriy Chaly welcomes a crowd of some 500 guests to a reception on September 12 mark- ing the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the upcoming 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s diplomatic he reiterated the U.S. stand that Moscow’s annexation of relations with the United States at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington. Crimea will not be accepted, underscored that “the United States stands with Ukraine” and noted that Washington is of the 72nd session of the United Nations General a resolution commemorating the 85th anniversary of the “actively reviewing” supplying Ukraine with lethal defen- Assembly. On September 19 he visited the U.S. Military Holodomor. The resolution not only honored the estimat- sive weaponry. “Defensive weapons are not provocative Academy at West Point, where had a chance to interact ed 7 million to 10 million Ukrainian people killed in the unless you are an aggressor, and clearly Ukraine is not an with the academy’s leaders as well as students. In his Famine-Genocide on the orders of the Stalin regime, but aggressor since it is their own territory where the fighting speech to West Point cadets, the president gave examples supported “the continuing efforts of the people of Ukraine is happening,” he commented. He was the first U.S. defense of successful military cooperation between Ukraine and to work toward ensuring democratic principles, a free- chief to visit Ukraine in a decade. Ambassador Volker was the U.S., and said that battalions prepared by American market economy and full respect for human rights, in also in Kyiv at the time, and the U.S. officials attended the instructors have showed the best tactics and the lowest order to enable Ukraine to achieve its potential as an Independence Day parade. Notably, a contingent of the level of casualties during hostilities. important strategic partner of the United States in that U.S. military was among the units marching in the parade. On October 30, Paul Manafort and his business associate region of the world, and to reflect the will of its people.” Also participating were defense ministers and troops from Rick Gates were indicted by a federal grand jury on 12 Ten days later the U.S. Department of State issued a Britain, Georgia, Estonia, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, criminal charges, among them conspiracy against the press statement on the anniversary of the Holodomor. It Moldova, Poland and Romania. The Presidential United States, failure to register under the Foreign Agents read, in part: “…The barbaric seizure of Ukrainian land Administration of Ukraine tweeted: “It’s highly symbolic Registration Act (FARA) and money laundering. Both men and crops leading to the Holodomor, or ‘death by hunger,’ that defense leaders and troops of our allies take part in have pleaded not guilty. What makes this case most inter- was one of the most atrocious acts of the 20th century and Ukraine independence parade.” esting to readers of this newspaper was that the FARA turned Europe’s breadbasket into a land of immense In Washington, the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s inde- charges are related to Mr. Manafort’s work when he repre- human suffering. … The United States stands with the peo- pendence and the upcoming 26th anniversary of its diplo- sented the interests of the odious Viktor Yanukovych and ple of Ukraine as we commemorate this Soviet- matic relations with the U.S. were celebrated on his cronies. Mr. Manafort is suspected of concealing mil- manufactured tragedy and condemn efforts to deny it as a September 12 at a reception at the U.S. Institute of Peace lions of dollars he made while working for the pro-Russian, historical fact. We also reaffirm our commitment to a hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine. On the following day, a pro-Putin Party of Regions in Ukraine. And Mr. Manafort secure and prosperous Ukraine, free from external aggres- much smaller group of prominent people actively involved did more than work on the domestic image of the Party of sion and occupation, and able to choose its own future.” in the positive development of that bilateral relationship Regions and Mr. Yanukovych, who was elected president in At the end of 2017, there was good news for Ukraine met at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center under the auspices of 2010. He also lobbied on Mr. Yanukovych’s behalf in from Washington as the defense budget for 2018 was the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and the Friends of Washington, promoting him as a “pro-Western democrat,” passed, providing $350 million to promote security in Ukraine Network of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. As our as The Washington Post observed. Ukraine reacted by say- Ukraine and authorizing the provision of lethal weapons. Washington correspondent Yaro Bihun reported, attend- ing it also wants to question Mr. Manafort. RFE/RL report- Sen. Portman said his amendment, introduced with Sen. ees at both gatherings heard the Ukrainian government’s ed that Ukrainian prosecutors planned to ask the U.S. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), boosting security assis- assessment of Ukraine’s development, its conflict with Justice Department for permission to interview Mr. tance for Ukraine was part of the law signed by President Russia and what assistance it is seeking in the West direct- Manafort in connection with a corruption case they’re pur- Trump on December 12. The National Defense ly from Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for European and suing. Furthermore, Ukrainian officials said they want to Authorization Act also contains provisions allowing the Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. cooperate with the Justice Department and the FBI. use of U.S. defense budget funds for the rehabilitation of In September, President Poroshenko arrived in the U.S. Congressional Ukrainian Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Levin, wounded Ukrainian military personnel in medical institu- on a working visit, during which he spoke at the opening Harris, Kaptur and Fitzpatrick, on November 7 introduced tions of the United States, education and training of Ukrainian medical specialists in this field, as well as strengthening the capabilities of the air and naval forces of Ukraine – something that Ukrainian American Veterans and the UCCA had strongly advocated. Finally, on December 20, the State Department announced it had approved an export license for Ukraine to buy certain types of light weapons and small arms from U.S. manufacturers. Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Congress had been notified of the decision a week earlier. The decision came several months after the State Department and the Pentagon had proposed to the White House that the U.S. help Ukraine defend itself by providing lethal weapons. On December 22 came updated news that the Trump administration had approved a plan to provide lethal defensive weapons, including the Javelin anti-tank missiles that Ukraine had long sought. “U.S. assistance is entirely defensive in nature, and as we have always said, Ukraine is a sovereign country and has a right to defend itself,” Ms. Nauert underscored. A longtime supporter of Ukraine, Sen. McCain reacted: “President Trump’s reported decision to provide Javelin anti-tank munitions to Ukraine marks another significant step in the right direction and sends a strong signal that the United States will stand by its allies and partners as

Presidential Administration of Ukraine they fight to defend their sovereignty and territorial integ- U.S. armed forces march in Ukraine’s Independence Day parade on August 24. The Presidential Administration rity. This decision is years overdue. …providing defensive of Ukraine tweeted: “It’s highly symbolic that defense leaders and troops of our allies take part in Ukraine inde- lethal assistance to Ukraine is not opposed to a peace in pendence parade.” Ukraine – it is essential to achieving it.” No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 9

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Canada: support for Ukraine and community involvement anadian-Ukrainian relations received a huge boost at the start of 2017 when Chrystia Freeland – the CUkrainian Canadian star in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Cabinet – was named foreign affairs minister and became the third woman in Canadian history to hold the high-profile portfolio. The 49-year-old, Alberta-born former journalist previ- ously served as Canada’s international trade minister, and finalized both the historic Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. As for- eign affairs minister, Ms. Freeland retained a portion of the responsibilities from her previous job. Mr. Trudeau tasked her with overseeing the trade por- tion of the Canada-U.S. file, which became increasingly important through the year during negotiations for a redraft of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Not as lucky in Prime Minister Trudeau’s mini-Cabinet shuffle was MaryAnn Mihychuk, a Ukrainian Canadian Liberal member of Parliament for a Winnipeg riding who was dropped as minister of employment, workforce devel- Chrystia Freeland/Facebook opment and labor. Chrystia Freeland, at that time Canada’s minister of international trade, addresses the Montreal Council on At a late January event celebrating the 25th anniversary Foreign Relations on January 6. She was named minister of foreign affairs on January 10. of diplomatic relations between Canada and Ukraine, the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine along with the Ukrainian orders to stand down, the Ukrainian government was meeting included the signing of terms of reference for the Canadian Congress (UCC) and the international charitable “uncertain about Canada’s resolve” in assisting Ukraine as Canada Ukraine Stakeholder Advisory Council, a forum for foundation Caritas Ukraine transferred 10 Canadian ambu- its government troops resumed intense fighting with consultations and cooperation between the Canadian gov- lances to medical institutions in different regions of Ukraine. Russian-backed rebels in the eastern part of the country ernment, represented by Global Affairs Canada, and the The Ambulances for Ukraine project, initiated by the in late January. Ukrainian Canadian community, represented by the UCC, Saskatchewan government’s Saskatchewan-Ukraine Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada also sought more sup- which recognizes “the special partnership between Relations Advisory Committee and now led by the UCC port from Canada, including providing Ukraine with long- Canada and Ukraine.” Ukraine Appeal in partnership with Paramedic Chiefs of requested weapons. The UCC also announced the launch of a project to Canada, is intended to provide high-tech medical ambu- Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan told reporters mark Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. lances to hospitals and emergency services from Luhansk in late January that he was examining options in terms of “Celebrating the Strength of Canada’s Diversity: Youth Oblast to Chernivtsi. In September 2015, four equipped how Canada could improve its support for Ukraine. But Engaging Youth,” which received financial support from ambulances from Canada were donated to military hospi- Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko said that, by providing the Canadian government, was intended to organize 10 tals in Kharkiv, Dnipro and Vinnytsia. Ukraine with arms, Canada could help send a “strong sig- youth-led events each in the provinces of British Before the Canadian government announced an exten- nal” of deterrence to Russia. He also said that UNIFIER has Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, sion to Operation UNIFIER, an opposition member of led to a direct benefit for Canada. involving as many as 2,500 young people and attracting Parliament told The Ukrainian Weekly in February that When Mr. Shevchenko accompanied Prime Minister up to 50,000 Canadians across the country. the military mission in western Ukraine would be extend- Trudeau on a July 2016 visit to the International In March, The Ukrainian Weekly reported on a ed and that Canadian soldiers training their Ukrainian Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv in western 25-member Canadian medical team led by Dr. Oleh counterparts were planning well until 2018. Former Ukraine, where 150 Canadian soldiers are stationed, some Antonyshyn – a Ukrainian Canadian craniofacial surgeon Conservative Cabinet Minister Peter Kent, who served at of them told the ambassador that they had learned from and professor of plastic surgery at the University of the time as the Official Opposition foreign affairs critic, Ukrainian soldiers about the reality of trench warfare, Toronto – who returned to Ukraine in 2017 for their fifth said that the commander of the Canadian operation in which the Canadians “might have only read about in mission to treat Ukrainian soldiers injured in fighting Ukraine told him during a fact-finding visit to Ukraine in books or seen in movies in the context of World War II,” against Russian-backed rebels in the Donbas. A total of 42 January that there were no plans to conclude the mission according to Mr. Shevchenko. patients underwent reconstructive procedures from the despite a March 31 deadline. Also in February, UCC representatives met with senior Canadian team working alongside their Ukrainian coun- Mr. Kent, who was in Ukraine as a member of the House Canadian government officials from the departments of terparts at the Defense Ministry’s Main Military Hospital. of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Global Affairs, which Minister Freeland heads, and The medical missions have received funding from the International Development, said that while the 200 National Defense, headed by Minister Sajjan, to discuss the Canadian government and the Ukrainian diaspora, includ- Canadian Army soldiers stationed in Ukraine had no further development of Canada-Ukraine relations. The ing donations from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. On March 6, Ministers Freeland and Sajjan announced that Operation UNIFIER would indeed be extended, until March 31, 2019. More than 5,580 Ukrainian soldiers have received training from their Canadian counterparts since the mission began in September 2015. The Canadian Armed Forces operation would transition “over time to support strategic institutional reform of Ukraine’s defense establish- ment,” the Canadian government said in a news release. Kirill Kalinin, press secretary of the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, called the Canadian government’s decision to extend UNIFIER “counterproductive,” but UCC President Paul Grod welcomed it as a demonstration of “Canada’s unequivocal commitment to assisting Ukraine as [it] defends its sovereignty, territorial integrity and indepen- dence from brutal Russian aggression.” The Russian Embassy in Ottawa was implicated in a campaign to discredit Minister Freeland. A member of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery in Ottawa told The Ukrainian Weekly in March that one of his regular Embassy contacts was “pushing the narrative” that Ms. Freeland’s late Ukrainian maternal grandfather, Michael Chomiak, was not just the chief editor of the Krakow- based, Ukrainian-language Krakivski Visti (Krakow News), but that he was also “working with the Nazis,” who con- trolled the newspaper. Justin Ling, who was then VICE News Canada’s parlia- UCC mentary correspondent, said he chose not to run with a Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Paul Grod (left) with Arif Virani (center), parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian heritage responsible for multiculturalism, and Alexandra Chyczij, UCC first vice-president. story since it was “neither publicly relevant nor publicly On February 13 the UCC announced the launch of “Celebrating the Strength of Canada’s Diversity: Youth important, and added that it was “a story being shopped Engaging Youth” as part of its Canada 150 Project. by the Russians.” 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Still, stories about Mr. Chomiak’s alleged Nazi connec- tions popped up on the Internet. Minister Freeland chose not to directly address the allegations, telling reporters at the news conference announcing the extension of Canada’s military mission to Ukraine that it was no “secret… that there were efforts on the Russian side to destabilize democ- racies in the West” and that it “shouldn’t come as a surprise if these same efforts are used against Canada.” When asked whether the Russian Embassy had contact- ed Canadian journalists regarding Ms. Freeland’s grandfa- ther, Mr. Kalinin said in an e-mail: “We do not comment on our private contacts with representatives of the media.” Russia was sent “a clear message” that Ukraine has “many friends,” including Canada, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said in Ottawa on April 3 when he and Minister Sajjan signed a bilateral defense coopera- tion agreement. The Conservative shadow minister for national defense and Ukrainian Canadian member of Parliament for the Manitoba federal riding of Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, James Bezan, said in an interview that the agreement, which he said was finalized when his party was in power, would enable Ukrainian soldiers to train with their Canadian counterparts on joint exercises in Canada and facilitate officer exchanges between both countries as part of “an ongoing cooperation needed to bring the Ukrainian military up to NATO standards.” Minister Poltorak said that Ukraine would meet that goal by 2020. UCC On April 9, the UCC issued a statement commemorating On May 18, Ukrainian Canadian activists gathered with leaders from all political parties from across the country the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World on Parliament Hill to mark International Vyshyvanka (Ukrainian Embroidery) Day. Also joining the group seen above were Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko and former Primer Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. War I in which several thousand fought with the Canadian Over 50 members of Parliament donned vyshyvanky in the House of Commons. Expeditionary Force. About 3,600 Canadian soldiers died and over 7,000 were wounded in the battle before they have a “global application,” said MP Bezan, who sponsored the center joined a special Quebec government cultural- captured Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. Sen. Andreychuk’s bill in the House. “If Russia has nothing educational school program in which the province reim- The Canadian Corps fought the German army near to hide, it shouldn’t fear this.” Mr. Bezan added that, “cor- burses schools 50 percent of their expenses for bus tours Lens, France, in August 1917. Cpl. Filip Konowal, a rupt Russian oligarchs profiteering from their positions of visiting a recommended Quebec museum. Ukrainian Canadian, was one of six Canadians awarded influence at a cost to the Russian public will be held to Spirit Lake, which provides guided school tours, is the the British Empire’s prestigious Victoria Cross for his account too.” largest internment museum in Canada, and tells the story valor at the Battle of Hill 70. A Konowal Walk, which is Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the Canadian of the camp, which operated from 1915 to 1917 and was part of a memorial to the battle, was officially unveiled on government’s support for Sen. Andreychuk’s bill “a means the second largest of 24 internment sites in the country. August 22 in France. to make unsubstantiated human rights claims” and an Most of the 1,200 internees at Spirit Lake were Ukrainians, Cpl. Konowal was also remembered as the only “openly hostile move” against Russia. “Should the many of whom were taken from the Montreal area. Ukrainian to ever receive the Victoria Cross when a bill- Canadian Parliament approve this punitive legal act, it An internment exhibit, a legacy project of the Canadian board honoring him was erected in Kyiv through an initia- would seriously damage relations between our countries, First World War Internment Recognition Fund, was tive from both the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties which are not experiencing the best of times already,” said unveiled at the newly renovated Canadian History Hall at Association (UCCLA) and its Ukrainian partner, Free the statement released from Moscow. the Canadian Museum of History across the river from People (Vilni Lyudy). On May 4-7, about 50 post-secondary student dele- Ottawa in Gatineau, Quebec. In May, Minister Freeland announced that the Liberal gates of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (known The UCCLA executive met in Canada’s National Capital government would support a bill sponsored by Ukrainian by its Ukrainian acronym as SUSK) met in Ottawa for their Region for their annual conclave and agreed to continue Canadian Conservative Sen. Raynell Andreychuk that tar- annual national congress. The theme of the four-day meet- pushing the Canadian government to properly commemo- gets global human rights abuses and foreign corruption. ing was “True North SUSK and Free,” and students were rate and address the situation of the rundown and over- Bill S-226, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign encouraged to spearhead the future of youth leadership grown internee cemetery on private land in La Ferme Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) that Sen. Andreychuk and involvement in Canada-Ukraine issues. (Spirit Lake), Quebec, where 16 men and some children introduced in the upper chamber in May 2016, would Later in the month, on May 18, Ukrainian Canadian are believed to be buried in unmarked graves. freeze assets and impose travel bans on foreign nationals activists joined politicians from all parties, along with Meanwhile, the question of Canada providing arms for responsible for gross violations of internationally recog- Ambassador Shevchenko and former Ukrainian Prime Ukraine came up at a Ukrainian Canadian town-hall meet- nized human rights. Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Parliament Hill to mark ing in Ottawa on June 21, but Defense Minister Sajjan said The private member’s bill is named after the Moscow International Vyshyvanka (Ukrainian Embroidery) Day. that Canada’s goal in providing military assistance to lawyer who uncovered the largest tax-refund fraud in Over 50 MPs wore vyshyvanky in the House of Commons Ukraine is to “de-escalate the conflict” and not “create any Russian history that unwittingly involved Hermitage during the Question Period. more suffering” for Ukrainians. Capital Management, a foreign-investment company run The Spirit Lake Internment Interpretive Center in “We want Russia to leave Ukraine alone,” he told the by Chicago-born hedge-fund manager Bill Browder. Quebec entered its seventh year in 2017 – 100 years after gathering at the meeting organized by the Ottawa branch The Canadian version won’t just target Russia, but will the internment camp located at the site closed. In 2016, of the UCC and held in the basement of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine. Mr. Sajjan said that “going down the path” of helping to arm Ukraine could lead to a “full-scale war” with Russia. At July 1 Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, Lt. Col. Joshua Kutryk, a Ukrainian Canadian, was wel- comed by Prime Minister Trudeau as one of two new Canadian astronauts. The 35-year-old, Alberta-born and -raised test pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force traces his Ukrainian roots to his great-grandfather, who immi- grated to Canada from western Ukraine in 1910. Lt. Col. Kutryk holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineer- ing, and master’s degrees in space studies, flight-test engi- neering and defense studies. He is currently training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. In late July, the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa held a media preview before the official launch of the Canada- Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) on August 1. Ambassador Shevchenko hailed the bilateral pact as bene- fiting both Canada, “the symbol of the free world,” and Ukraine, “a new frontier of the free world.” CUFTA allows Canada to enter a Ukrainian market of some 45 million consumers with a 99.7-percent literacy rate in Europe’s largest country by area (at 233,062 square miles) of which over 70 percent of the land is agricultural Ukrainian Canadian Congress and produces one-third of the world’s black-earth soil. Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan and Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak sign the Canada- Ukraine Defense Cooperation Agreement on April 3. With fewer tariff-related restrictions, Ukraine now has No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 11

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW access to the Canadian market of over 36 million consum- ers, and potentially a lot more through the North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico, which U.S. President Donald Trump’s adminis- tration wants to overhaul. Ukraine does not have a free trade deal with the U.S. but a Ukrainian company could bring part of a product to Canada, add something to it in Canada and export the final product to the U.S. under the current version of NAFTA. Later in August, the UCC’s Toronto branch held its 26th annual Ukrainian Independence Day celebration on August 19. A record-setting crowd of over 12,000 people attended the largest such celebration in the diaspora. Federal Conservative and Official Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer was among the politicians in attendance. Also in the summer, the Holodomor National Awareness Tour’s mobile classroom traveled from southwestern Ontario to the Maritime provinces in the east and Vancouver Island in the west and back to Ontario to increase awareness of the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. Following a September 22 meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on the margins of the Invictus Games in Toronto, Prime Minister Trudeau told reporters at their joint news conference that a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Ukraine could ensure that “peo- ple are able to live their lives in peace and security in a way that upholds the principles of international law that, Presidential Administration of Ukraine quite frankly, Russia violated with its illegitimate actions.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the gala reception organized by the Ukrainian Canadian But he did not commit Canadian troops to such an opera- Congress on September 22 for Ukraine’s athletes competing in the Invictus Games. tion, which President Poroshenko has requested for the (OSCE) near the battlefield and involve Russian peace- retaliation for Canadian sanctions imposed on Russia fol- Donbas region since 2015. keepers, which Ukraine has rejected, “we are guaranteeing lowing its annexation of Crimea in 2014. However, UCC President Grod told The Ukrainian a frozen conflict and guaranteeing that Ukraine would be “Guised as a pro-human rights and anti-corruption Weekly that the congress not only wants Canadian peace- forced to give up its sovereignty over the Donbas.” measure, [Bill S-226] is a deplorably confrontational act keepers in Ukraine, it hopes that Canada would direct the Mr. Bezan also scored a victory on October 4 when blatantly interfering into Russia’s domestic affairs,” U.N. mission there. “Canada has the experience and the Canada’s long-awaited Magnitsky bill, which he sponsored Russia’s Embassy said in a statement. “This hostile move, history of peacekeeping and is best positioned to do this,” in the House of Commons, received unanimous support as well as any new anti-Russian sanctions, will be met said Mr. Grod, who raised the issue in a discussion with from MPs as it headed for the Senate, where it was expect- with resolve and reciprocal countermeasures.” Prime Minister Trudeau and President Poroshenko after ed to receive the same endorsement and become law, six On Canada’s west coast in Vancouver, the UCC held its their meeting. years after the idea behind it was first introduced in the annual general meeting, along with a board meeting, on Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president was over the moon House by Irwin Cotler, a former Liberal Canadian justice October 13-15. Over 40 delegates from member organiza- with Team Ukraine’s second-place finish with 14 medals minister of Ukrainian and Russian heritage, and long-time tions, provincial councils and local branches attended the from its inaugural participation at the Invictus Games. But human rights lawyer who represented Soviet dissidents three-day gathering highlighted by an address by Defense the athletes, who competed in athletics, power lifting, Andrei Sakharov and Natan Sharansky. Minister Sajjan – who represents a Vancouver riding for swimming, archery, cycling and indoor rowing, reached In October 2011, Mr. Cotler, then Liberal critic for rights the governing Liberals in the House of Commons – at the the top of the podium in terms of the support and admira- and freedoms and international justice in the Commons, UCC National Leadership Dinner on October 14. tion they received from within and outside the Ukrainian introduced a private member’s bill that would have And as expected, Canada’s Magnitsky law came into Canadian community. declared anyone in admissible to Canada who was respon- effect on October 18 after the Senate unanimously passed The lead cheerleader was the Ukrainian Canadian sible for both the torture and death of Mr. Magnitsky in Bill S-226 – and the man closely connected to the law’s Congress (UCC), which established a committee to host 2009 and the conspiracy to defraud the Russian govern- namesake who campaigned for the legislation, found him- the 28 Ukrainian athletes (15 participants and 13 back- ment of taxes paid by Hermitage Capital, which Mr. self further targeted by Russia. ups), organized opening and closing receptions, and Magnitsky discovered. Mr. Browder, the Chicago-born, London-based financier helped raise $100,000 (about $80,000 U.S.) to provide The bill went nowhere, so in 2015 Mr. Cotler tried who hired Magnitsky as the lawyer and accountant for his needed assistance to active and former members of again, via a motion, to get Canada to impose sanctions Moscow-based Hermitage Capital Management hedge fund Ukraine’s Armed Forces and National Police through the against not only those involved in the Magnitsky case, but in 2005, had his visa revoked (and later reinstated) by the Ukraine Wounded Warriors Fund. against any human-rights violators in countries either U.S. Department of Homeland Security after the Russian Both President Poroshenko and Prime Minister “unable” or “unwilling” to conduct their own investiga- government placed his name on Interpol’s wanted list. It Trudeau attended the UCC’s September 22 gala reception tions into such violations. MPs and senators adopted the was the fifth time the Kremlin had tried to use Interpol as a on the eve of the third edition of the games, which were non-binding motion, which Mr. Cotler followed up with way to arrest Mr. Browder, who was sentenced to nine held in Torotno. Maryna Poroshenko, Ukraine’s first lady, another private member’s bill that again died when years in prison by a Russian court after being tried and con- was there too, along with Ukrainian and Canadian Cabinet Parliament rose for the summer and a fall election result- victed in absentia for tax evasion in 2013. members: Stepan Kubiv (first vice prime minister, and eco- ed in Mr. Trudeau’s Liberals wresting power from Stephen In a phone interview from London, Mr. Browder told nomic development and trade minister), Pavlo Klimkin Harper’s Conservative government. The Ukrainian Weekly that he considered Moscow’s latest (foreign affairs) and Arsen Avakov (internal affairs) of Although Mr. Cotler did not run for re-election, his move against him to be “a badge of honor” and “a direct Ukraine, and Mr. Sajjan (national defense) and Seamus Magnitsky bill found life in the Senate, where in 2016 response” to Canada’s new Magnitsky law. “What this law O’Regan (veterans affairs) of Canada. About 800 people Conservative Sen. Andreychuk, a Ukrainian Canadian, does is that it creates a certain amount of credibility and paid $200 ($160 U.S.) a ticket to attend the sold-out event. introduced the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign momentum for Magnitsky sanctions worldwide that didn’t Later in September, the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) that would freeze the exist before Canada joined into the fray,” said Mr. Browder, Program welcomed 15 Ukrainian university students for assets of and impose travel bans on foreign nationals who testified before the Senate and House foreign affairs the 27th installment of its internship program with the responsible for gross violations of internationally recog- committee in support of the law and who successfully lob- Canadian Parliament. On October 31, the students held a nized human rights. bied the U.S. Congress to adopt the bipartisan Magnitsky prayer vigil for peace in Ukraine and around the world at Sen. Andreychuk’s Bill S-226 passed the Senate in April, Act that President Barack Obama signed into law in 2012 Canada’s Peacekeeping Monument on Parliament Hill, and and was sent to the House via her fellow Conservative, Mr. that has resulted in sanctions against 44 people. a reception later that evening, which was attended by Bezan. In June, the House Foreign Affairs Committee The United Kingdom and Estonia are the only other Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and tweaked the bill, which was supported by the Trudeau countries with Magnitsky-style legislation. Canadian parliamentarians. government, to strengthen sections related to criminal On October 23, the UCC submitted a brief on Russia’s Also in October, MP Bezan told The Ukrainian Weekly offences for sanctions violations and due process for per- three-year war against Ukraine in the eastern oblasts of that Canada could push Russia to support Ukraine’s pro- sons subject to sanctions measures. Donetsk and Luhansk to the House of Commons Standing posal for a U.N. peacekeeping mission along the Ukrainian- The Kremlin’s reaction to the pending Canadian legisla- Committee on National Defense that accompanied testi- Russian border but should start sending arms to help tion was fast and furious. mony by Mr. Grod. The briefing note cited daily attacks on Ukraine defend itself against Russian-backed rebels in the At an October 4 briefing to reporters in Moscow, Ukrainian positions by Russian-proxy forces, resulting in Donbas region. Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Maria the deaths of at least 316 Ukrainian soldiers between May “Russia holds veto power in the U.N. Security Council, Zakharova warned that “nothing good will come” from 1, 2016 and October 18, 2017, and at least 1,922 soldiers so the Ukrainian proposal has little chance of succeeding,” Canada’s Magnitsky bill that she said is “simply copied wounded in combat in combat on the eastern front. “This said Mr. Bezan, who had recently traveled to Ukraine with from the odious American Magnitsky Act” and which is not a frozen conflict,” said the UCC. “It is a hot war.” a delegation from the House Standing Committee on would not “go unanswered” and likely result in the expan- The UCC called on the Canadian government to take National Defense, of which he is a member. He explained sion of the list of Canadian officials banned from entering several steps to deter further Russian aggression, such as that if Canada signs onto the Russian proposal, which Russia. Mr. Cotler, Sen. Andreychuk, Mr. Bezan, Minister adding Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms Country would be restricted to only protecting monitors from the Freeland, UCC President Grod and Mr. Scheer (when he Control List (which happened on December 13) and lead- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe was House speaker) are already on that list created in ing a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Ukraine; providing 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Ukraine with long-requested lethal aid and continued sup- port for its military and security forces; and toughening sanctions on Russia and its officials, including the removal of Russia from the SWIFT international payments system. The House committee adopted all of the recommenda- tions, except the last one, in its report issued in December. Prime Minister Groysman made his first-ever visit to Canada in late October. Speaking in Ukrainian through a translator, the prime minister told a rare joint sitting of members of the House of Commons standing committees on international trade, foreign affairs and international development, and national defense on October 31 that one of his government’s priorities is to lift a ban on agri- cultural land sales that has been in place since Ukraine declared its independence 16 years ago. Foreigners will be excluded from buying Ukrainian farmland, which will only be available to purchase from Ukrainians to “boost the development” of the country’s farms, Mr. Groysman said in response to a question from Mr. Bezan, who serves as vice-chair of the House Defense Committee. In addition to an October 31 sit-down with Prime Minister Trudeau in Ottawa, the Ukrainian prime minister also attended a reception organized by the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program across the street from Parliament Volodymyr Groysman/Facebook Hill and visited Toronto, where he addressed the Ukrainian- During their meeting in Ottawa on October 31, Prime Ministers Volodymyr Groysman of Ukraine and Justin Canadian Business Forum the day before. He spoke of part- Trudeau of Canada. nership opportunities in Ukraine “from land to space” that range from gas extraction to aircraft manufacturing. special Tribute to Liberty fund earmarked in 2008 toward The report, based on fact-finding missions committee “We have 3,500 enterprises, which today are state-owned the building of such a memorial. members made to Ukraine, Poland, Latvia and Kazakhstan but are in the process of privatization so they can find new A week later, Canada’s Official Opposition Conservative in January along with witness testimony, said the owners, new technologies and new horizons for develop- Party joined the UCC in calling for a Canadian-led U.N. Canadian government should maintain “its sanctions ment,” said Mr. Groysman, who in Toronto joined Ontario peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine. “The defense of against Russian and post-annexation Crimean officials, Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne, in announcing Ukraine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a those responsible for the armed conflict in eastern International Airlines’ new direct flight between Kyiv and priority for Canada’s government on the international Ukraine, as well as those involved in the abduction and Toronto – a first for Canada – set to launch this summer. stage,” said Mr. Scheer on November 9 when he illegal show trials of Ukrainian citizens in Russia and The prime minister also traveled to Montreal following announced that a Conservative-led Canadian government Crimean Tatars and others within Crimea.” his meeting with Mr. Trudeau to seek investment from would call for such a mission that “would allow Ukraine to Ottawa “should also engage with the Russian govern- Canadian aerospace companies in Ukraine’s airplane restore control over its eastern border with Russia” and ment on the need to respect international law and industry. ensure the Russian military stays out of Ukraine. Ukraine’s sovereignty” and “continue to support multilater- Shortly after Mr. Groysman left Canada, Prime Minister Canadians head to the polls next year in October to vote in al efforts” through such international bodies as the U.N. and Trudeau’s government announced on November 3 the a general election for their next government. NATO “to help bring about a resolution to Russia’s military first set of sanctions under the country’s newly enacted Roman Waschuk, Canada’s ambassador to Ukraine and invasion and illegal annexation of Crimean territory,” as Magnitsky law against 52 officials from Russia, Venezuela a first-generation Ukrainian Canadian, told The Ukrainian well as provide “logistical and military support for the and South Sudan. Thirty of the individuals listed are Weekly in a November 29 interview that Ukrainians armed conflict in eastern Ukraine” by continuing Operation Russians “linked to acts of significant corruption sur- expect too much when it comes to eradicating corruption UNIFIER, the House committee recommended in the report rounding the $230 million (U.S.) tax fraud uncovered by and moving Ukraine toward its stated goals of integrating unanimously adopted by the 14 government and opposi- Magnitsky in 2008 and to the subsequent gross violations with the West. tion members of Parliament who serve on the committee. of his legal and human rights during his investigation and Regarding Ukraine’s military, he said many “things at In its report, titled “Strengthening Canadian pretrial detention, including psychological and physical the tactical level have advanced a lot” and hoped that Engagement in Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” the abuse that ultimately led to his death in a Russian deten- Canadian soldiers and police officers providing training House Foreign Affairs Committee called on the Canadian tion center in November 2009,” according to Global Affairs on the ground remain “long enough… so that they could government to help “improve collective defense mecha- Canada, the department headed by Minister Freeland. get to know people and identify who are the change nisms against cyberattacks, as well as proactively monitor Meanwhile, her Cabinet colleague, Canadian Heritage agents and work with them.” disinformation campaigns and develop countermeasures Minister Mélanie Joly, participated in the site-dedication In a report released on November 22, the House of to minimize damage inflicted by information warfare,” but ceremony on November 2 in Ottawa for Canada’s Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and provided no detail as to how to reach these objectives. Memorial to the Victims of Communism, titled “Canada, International Development called on Prime Minister The committee heard from witnesses “about how Land of Refuge.” Construction will begin in 2018, and the Trudeau’s Liberal government to maintain its major initia- Russian state-run information agencies use various media memorial is scheduled for completion by early next year. tives regarding Ukraine and add new ones in the areas of platforms to foment discontent and anti-government sen- The UCC contributed $25,000 (about $20,000 U.S.) from a cybersecurity and visas. timent within ethnic-Russian populations” in neighboring countries to Russia, and that “such discontent could serve as a prelude to Russian intervention if these groups made the case that their rights or interests were being denied,” said the report. The House committee also recommended that the Canadian government should “improve the efficiency of the visa-application process” without compromising Canadian security for nationals of countries in the region covered by the report. The committee was told there was an “uneven quality of the necessary supporting documents from Ukrainian applicants that have led to increased scrutiny of such doc- umentations and applications more generally.” On November 24, the UCC released a statement to commemorate Holodomor Memorial Day and remem- bered the Famine Genocide of 1932-1933 as “one of histo- ry’s greatest crimes” in which the Soviet Union’s “totalitar- ian Communist regime turned food into a weapon… against a nation of grain growers who sought to live free on their own land.” The UCC, the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Ukrainian Embassy also held a solemn com- memoration to mark the 84th anniversary of the Holodomor on November 20 on Parliament Hill. Famine- Genocide survivors Julia Woychyshyn and Halyna Zelem lit the ceremonial candle at the start of the ceremony. At the same time, the UCCLA, in partnership with UCC Ukraine’s Free People movement, unveiled four bilingual At the solemn commemoration of the Holodomor on Parliament Hill on November 20, members of Parliament and billboards in Kyiv, reminding passers-by about who per- Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada are seen with Holodomor survivors Dr. Julia Woychyshyn and Halyna Zelem. ished in the Holodomor and who was responsible. No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

Mykola Swarnyk Jars Balan, director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, delivers the 20th Toronto Annual Ukrainian Famine Mykola Swarnyk Lecture at the University of Toronto. Attendees at the 20th Toronto Annual Ukrainian Famine Lecture at the University of Toronto on November 28, 2017. Toronto journalist is subject of 20th annual Holodomor lecture by Anastasia Leshchyshyn adversity early in life – she lost part of one and even university classes. She traveled by train through Karelia to the leg in a streetcar accident when she was 6 In 1925 Clyman moved to New York City, closed city of Kem, then past the Arctic TORONTO – The life and work of Rhea years old. where she undertook secretarial work. “It Circle to the port city of Murmansk before Clyman – one of the few journalists to wit- According to Mr. Balan, it was while is probably in New York,” Mr. Balan sug- returning to Leningrad and Moscow via ness and report on the Holodomor – was being treated for her injury during repeat- gested, “that Clyman first met young people Arkhangelsk. the topic of the 20th Toronto Annual ed stays at the Hospital for Sick Children in like herself who had socially progressive In September 1932, Clyman embarked Ukrainian Famine Lecture delivered by Jars Toronto that she was first inspired to and politically radical views that led them on an even more remarkable journey. In the Balan, director of the Canadian Institute of become a journalist. John Ross Robertson, to become members of the pro-Bolshevik company of two young American women Ukrainian Studies, on November 28, 2017, the founder of both the hospital and a local American Communist Party.” As Mr. Balan who she met in Moscow and were in pos- at the University of Toronto. newspaper, the Evening Telegram, took an explained, the Soviet Union at that time session of a vehicle, Clyman set off on a Following introductory remarks deliv- interest in Clyman and encouraged her was viewed by many as a beacon of prog- road trip through the Soviet Union that ered by Dr. Frank Sysyn of the Holodomor ambition. The combination of Robertson’s ress and scientific enlightenment. took them from Moscow through Tula, Research and Education Consortium, a co- influence and the experience of a difficult “Clyman was no different than many ide- Kursk, Kharkiv, the Donets basin and the organizer of the event, Mr. Balan offered a recovery appear to have “instilled her with alistic young people of her generation who north Caucasus, all the way to the Georgian captivating account of this ambitious and a stoic resolve” that drove her subsequent sought social and economic justice and felt capital of Tbilisi – often on crude roads and unrelenting journalist. He began by setting journalistic aspirations and achievements. that capitalism was inherently incapable of without the benefits of maps. the context of Clyman’s childhood years, Nevertheless, Clyman faced serious chal- overcoming the endemic poverty and unfair In southeastern Ukraine and the Kuban, the women witnessed oppression and grim describing Toronto in the early 1900s when lenges obtaining an education. Following distribution of wealth that was so evident in hunger – the Holodomor was just begin- the Clymans, a poor immigrant Jewish fam- her father’s death, she took a factory job Europe and North America,” Mr. Balan said. ning to exact its terrible toll. Stalin’s “class ily, emigrated from Poland and settled in when she was 11 years old. She supple- In 1927 she moved to London, getting a war” against the peasantry was gaining in the city. Born in Poland in 1904 and one of mented her limited education with self- job as a publicist with the agent general for force, intended to break resistance to his five children, Rhea Clyman encountered study, night school courses, business classes the province of Alberta. In restless pursuit of a journalistic career, she relocated first to policy of forced collectivization, while France and then Germany, where in the fall simultaneously suppressing any perceived of 1928 she observed the growing strength threat to Bolshevik rule as well as separat- Conquest Prize to be awarded of the Nazis in their drive to achieve power ist sentiment in Ukraine. – an experience that offered valuable prep- According to Mr. Balan, Clyman’s report- for contribution to Holodomor studies aration for an aspiring reporter. ing offers “many revealing details about the “However, her ultimate goal seems to situation that she found in cities, towns, HREC ner of the first prize: Olga Andriewsky have been to go to the Soviet Union to wit- collective farms and villages on what she (Trent University), Andrea Graziosi ness first-hand the creation of a socialist called her journey through ‘the Famine- TORONTO – The Holodomor (Università di Napoli Federico II), society in which workers were masters of Lands of Russia.’ ” Moreover, Mr. Balan Research and Education Consortium Norman Naimark (Stanford University) their own destiny, central planning was (HREC), a project of the Canadian and Lynne Viola (University of eliminating waste and want, and where (Continued on page 18) Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the Toronto). women enjoyed equal rights with men,” Mr. University of Alberta, announced the Nominated articles will have been Balan said. establishment of the Conquest Prize for published in English, in print or in an In late December 1928, 24-year-old Contribution to Holodomor Studies. online publication, between June 30, Clyman arrived in Moscow with no place to The $2,500 (Canadian) prize will be 2016, and the submission deadline, stay, no job and some 15 pounds sterling in awarded on a biennial basis to the which is June 30, 2018. Nominations her pocket. A sympathetic stranger at the author of an outstanding article that may be submitted by the author, editor, train station brought her to Negley Farson, contributes to a fuller understanding of publisher or colleagues. whose husband was a correspondent for the Famine in Ukraine of 1932-1933. The entry form (required) may be the Chicago Daily News. Clyman’s first night HREC has assembled a jury of emi- found on the HREC website: www. in Moscow was spent sleeping in the nent specialists to determine the win- holodomor.ca. Farsons’ bathtub. She was soon hired as an assistant by the already famous – and later the West to respond to reports of the infamous – New York Times correspondent About Robert Conquest Famine and assigned culpability to Stalin Walter Duranty. Within nine months she The Conquest Prize honors historian and his regime for setting impossibly had acquired both a good command of the Robert Conquest, author of the ground- high grain requisitions, seizing food- Russian language and the confidence to set breaking work “The Harvest of Sorrow: stuffs, preventing the starving from seek- out on a career as a freelance journalist. Soviet Collectivization and the Terror- ing food elsewhere and covering up the In time, Clyman’s initial enthusiasm for Famine.” Published in 1986, “Harvest of crime. Based on eyewitness testimonies, the Soviet Union soured. A turning point Sorrow” marked a watershed in the study his analysis and conclusions were cor- appears to have been the arrest and three- of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933. roborated by Soviet archival materials year sentence to a labor camp of her Dr. Conquest’s comprehensive treatment that became accessible with the collapse Russian boyfriend for dealings on the black addressed the role of Communist ideolo- of the USSR. market. “Certainly, by the spring of 1932, gy and its relationship to the peasantry, “Harvest of Sorrow” sparked debates Clyman had lost many of her illusions about collectivization policy and implementa- in academic and political circles and what was popularly promoted as a worker’s tion, the deportation of kulaks, issues of ensured widespread awareness of the paradise in the making,” said Mr. Balan. nationality and religion in the Soviet Holodomor. In a legacy marked by Prompted by the arrest of her former Union, and the role of Joseph Stalin in the achievement, “Harvest of Sorrow” is cer- sweetheart, Clyman made a trip to the far north of Russia, where she investigated Famine. tainly one of Dr. Conquest’s greatest A photo of Rhea Clyman that was fea- dreadful conditions endured by political Dr. Conquest described the failure of accomplishments. tured in the Toronto Evening Telegram prisoners and exiles in the labor camps. on May 8, 1933. No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 15

Acclaimed journalist discusses Ukrainian statehood in his Chicago lecture

by Anna Mostovych Volhynian principality, he said. There was Although in the referendum on indepen- no recognition that the statehoods of dence held on December 1, 1991, over 92 CHICAGO – Ukraine is only in its third Russia and Ukraine were based on different percent of Ukrainian voters approved the year of real independence, journalist Vitaly civilizational principles, that Muscovy was August 24 declaration of independence Portnikov told an overflow crowd at the the successor of the Golden Horde, with its made by Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, many Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in submission of all subjects and institutions did so primarily because they had been Chicago recently, and it is up to Ukrainians to a central power, while the Ukrainian promised better economic conditions. In an to ensure the development of a successful, states engaged in free trade and pursued earlier referendum, on March 17, 1991, the modern European state. relations with other nations. majority had voted for the continuation of In his presentation titled “Ukraine: the Although Ukraine was part of the the USSR. At that time, only a minority were attempt to build a modern state,” one of Russian Empire only for several centuries – for independence. “There was a division Ukraine’s most influential journalists and a “moment in history” – it was presented as between those who were interested in political analysts used the occasion of his something much more significant, he building a state and those who were inter- first formal meeting with the Ukrainian added. It became an artificially created civi- ested only in their personal benefit and diaspora in the United States to outline the lization where it was a crime to defend who thought it made no difference in what reasons for Ukraine’s long stateless exis- national rights. In villages, however, it was country they lived but only where life tence and the challenges and opportunities very evident who was Ukrainian and who would be better,” he said. Later, a corrupt that lie ahead. was not. The Ukrainian home always had a elite continued to enrich itself while hiding Mr. Portnikov’s presentation in Chicago, Bible and a “Kobzar,” the collection of behind the symbols of independence and on November 11, 2017, was organized by poems by Taras Shevchenko, the creator of further disillusioning the population. the Chicago Business and Professional the Ukrainian historical narrative. He noted that Ukrainian citizens had Group in collaboration with the Ukrainian According to Mr. Portnikov, Shevchenko numerous opportunities to reject the pro- Institute of Modern Art and financial sup- understood that Ukraine’s historical myth Russian direction in their country but failed Journalist Vitaly Portnikov speaks in port from the Selfreliance Ukrainian had been co-opted by an alien state and to do so. In the 1994 presidential election, Chicago on November 11, 2017. American Federal Credit Union and the that he had to create the Ukrainian national Leonid Kuchma campaigned against the Heritage Foundation of 1st Security Federal consciousness out of songs, poems and lan- incumbent Leonid Kravchuk on the prom- half of Ukraine, then the remainder would Savings Bank. guage because he had no other choice. As a ise of renewing relations with Russia, come with time.” He is convinced that what Speaking in Ukrainian, Mr. Portnikov result, Ukraine became a nation based on which he presented as the key to national many Ukrainians viewed as the collapse of told his listeners that many Ukrainians still language and has always found it difficult to prosperity and a better life. The majority the Soviet Union, Russia viewed as the tran- treat their own state as a foreign entity, as move to statehood. Throughout history voted for Mr. Kuchma – 50 percent in cen- sition from one form of the state to another, do their leaders. This is a dangerous habit those who focused on state-building were tral Ukraine and practically 100 percent in where Ukraine and Russia would be reunit- they must abandon, he said, especially in in the minority. eastern Ukraine. Mr. Kuchma kept his ed. the face of aggression from Russia, which promise and proceeded to build the coun- By 2013, Ukraine’s economy was near- Independence and ambivalence has always been determined to block any try according to the Russian model, with an ing collapse. Mr. Portnikov’s conversation such state-building efforts. Furthermore, a certain ambivalence oligarchy, as in Moscow, and an all-power- with Mr. Yanukovych’s advisors some six often undermined Ukrainian efforts at ful president who controlled everything. months before the Maidan confirmed that The burdens of history independence. When Ukrainian leaders Meanwhile, Russia considered the loss of the Yanukovych regime was planning to According to Mr. Portnikov, the failure of proclaimed the Ukrainian National Ukraine unthinkable, Mr. Portnikov stated. maintain social payments and artificially Ukrainians to build their own state Republic a century ago, they first sought He related a brief conversation he had in support the hryvnia exchange rate at 8 hrv throughout much of their history, as well as autonomy within the Russian state, even 1991 with Boris Yeltsin, who admitted that to $1 (U.S.) until the presidential elections their post-colonial mentality, can be after the Bolsheviks seized power in he did not want a Russian state without of 2015. After the re-election of Mr. explained by historical developments and Petrograd during the October Revolution. Ukraine because without Ukraine Russia Yanukovych, a complete dictatorship would the psychological and cultural pathologies Ukraine declared its independence only would be an Asian and not a European be imposed and the exchange rate would they engendered. after being attacked, when it had no other state. President Yeltsin also admitted he be allowed to move to 30 hrv/ dollar. Most notably, the Russian Empire and its choice. Ironically, it was always Russian would do everything in his power to However, the Yanukovych regime over- Soviet successors successfully hijacked aggression that strengthened Ukraine’s “invite” Ukraine into the Russian fold, and looked two things, he noted: the Ukrainian much of Ukrainian history. According to the independence project, he said. he and his successors did exactly that. people and the kleptocracy of the version of history taught in Russian and Mr. Portnikov went on to explain that, Russia helped Mr. Kuchma defeat Mr. Yanukovych gang. The money had simply Soviet schools, first there was Kyivan Rus’, after Ukraine declared its independence in Kravchuk, and when Mr. Kuchma turned run out too soon and Mr. Yanukovych des- the cradle of three “brother nations,” which 1918, Bolshevik organizers in Kyiv moved out to be recalcitrant, Russia launched spe- perately had to seek funds from Russia or was then replaced by the principality of to Kharkiv and announced that their new cial operations – including the Gongadze the European Union. Vladimir-Suzdal (present-day Russia). Then state was the legitimate government of the and Kolchuha scandals for which, Mr. Ukrainians understood the danger. Most came the Mongol invasions, then the libera- “workers and peasants” of Ukraine. This Portnikov believes, a number of KGB agents people viewed the Yanukovych regime as tion of most of the territory from the Tatar state invited Bolshevik troops from Russia, “received medals” – until Mr. Kuchma final- foreign and believed the Ukraine-European yoke, except for an area in Poland, and who captured the entire country. Echoes of ly signed an agreement with the Eurasian Union Association Agreement could protect finally “reunification” with Russia in one big that event resurfaced in 2014 when Viktor Economic Community near the end of his their country from being swallowed by happy family. Ukrainians appeared out of Yanukovych fled Kyiv for Kharkiv and then presidency. The Orange Revolution of 2004 Russia. It was also a view shared by Russia, nowhere sometime in the 19th century and Donetsk, promising to “save” Ukraine and was a setback for Russia, but soon Mr. which was determined to compel Ukraine then wanted to separate from Russia but protect its desire to be with Russia. A simi- Yanukovych was back and new operations to give up the agreement just as Armenia were brought back because, as Vladimir lar scheme also appeared during the were set in motion “to dissuade Ukraine had done. Putin explained, Ukrainians and Russians Orange Revolution in 2004, when Mr. from its Euro-Atlantic yearnings.” The Maidan Revolution “are one people.” Putin’s emissaries tried to convince Leonid By the time the Maidan began in 2013, This version of history had no room for Kuchma to move his government to Russians believed Ukraine was almost While nothing much changed in Russia’s the other heirs of Kyivan Rus’ – the Grand Kharkiv. However, the former president theirs, Mr. Portnikov said, and this convic- position since 1991, things were changing Duchy of Lithuania or the Galician- understood this was a trap designed to tion partly explains Russia’s nervous reac- in Ukraine, Mr. Portnikov said. What hap- legitimize a Russian invasion and refused. tion. “They simply got tired of waiting,” he pened during the Maidan Revolution may Anna Mostovych is president of the In Mr. Portnikov’s view, the post-colonial explained, “they thought that if they had have appeared accidental, but it was part of historical processes that were inevitable. Chicago Business and Professional Group mentality also was apparent at other criti- not succeeded politically, then perhaps they The beatings and shootings in Kyiv sparked (www.facebook.com/chicagoBPgroup). cal junctures in Ukraine’s recent history. would succeed militarily. If they occupied massive protests. Mr. Yanukovych’s flight from Kyiv launched the Russian aggression, and Russian behavior changed the pro-Rus- sian attitudes in Ukraine. “If not for the Russian aggression, then half of Ukraine would probably continue to have pro-Rus- sian attitudes because of the economy,” he concluded. Thanks to the Maidan, Ukraine has been transformed into a political nation where people who were not ethnically Ukrainian felt Ukrainian. In the past, Ukrainians lived in states where “they could be Polish, Russian or Soviet – anything but Ukrainian.” The only way to be Ukrainian was on a pure- ly ethnic level in closed ethnic communities, he said. Mr. Portnikov realized that a major Vitaly Portnikov at the book signing table, with Valentina change had occurred when he observed his Sidelnik, a board member of the Chicago Business and Vitaly Portnikov with guest Roxanna Markewycz. Professional Group. (Continued on page 22) 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

OBITUARY Johnny Bower, among 100 greatest hockey players, dies at 93 Four-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Johnny Bower He returned in 1944 to Prince Albert, where he played He continued to work for the Leafs in various capacities, (born John William Kiszkan) died on December 26, 2017, at junior hockey until in 1945, when he turned professional including as a scout and goalie coach, even serving as assis- the age of 93 from pneumonia. Born to a Ukrainian family led and moved to the American Hockey League. He spent 11 tant coach (1976-1978) before he retired from the Leafs by parents John and Betty Kiszkan in Prince Albert, seasons playing mostly for the Cleveland Barons in the late organization in 1990. Saskatchewan, in 1924, he had one brother and seven sisters. 1940s through 1950s. In the AHL, he was a star goaltender, He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976 Bower, who prior to his death resided in Mississauga, winning numerous awards and leading the team to three and the AHL’s Hall of Fame in 2006. In 1998, he was ranked Ontario, is survived by his wife, Nancy, their son, John Jr., Calder Cup championships (1948, 1951, 1953). In the NHL, No. 87 on The Hockey News’ list of 100 greatest NHL play- and two daughters, Cindy and Barbara, as well as eight he played for the New York Rangers (1953-1954) at the age ers. In Canada, he was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A private funer- of 29 before playing in the minor leagues in Providence, R.I. Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame al service was held in Oakville, Ontario. (1945-1946, 1955-1957), Vancouver Canucks (1954-1955), in 1999. He appeared on a postage stamp in 2004 as part He used his mother’s maiden name of Bower after his Cleveland Barons (1945-1953, 1957-1958) and then again of the NHL All-Stars Collection, and in 2005 the Royal parents divorced in 1946, legally changing his name years with the Rangers in 1954-1955, before being picked up by Canadian Mint issued a non-circulating 50-cent coin as later (as he believed Bower was easier for sports commen- the Leafs in 1958 in the Inter-League Draft. part of its four-coin Legends of the Toronto Maple Leafs tators to pronounce than Kiszkan). Bower and Terry Sawchuk, also a goaltender of coin set. In 2007 he received a star on Canada’s Walk of Nicknamed “The China Wall,” Bower was inducted into Ukrainian heritage, hoisted the Stanley Cup together in Fame. In 2014, Patika Avenue in Toronto was renamed the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, having won four Stanley 1967 after winning against the Montreal Canadiens. Prior Johnny Bower Boulevard in honor of his residence at 16 Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to the Centennial to that, Bower won the Cup with the Leafs three consecu- Patika Avenue during his time with the Leafs in the 1960s. Classic on January 1, 2017, he was named among the “100 tive years (1962, 1963, 1964). Bower won the Vezina A statue of Bower was erected outside Air Canada Center Greatest NHL Hockey Players” in history. Trophy in 1961 for leading the Leafs in lowest goals as part of an installation known as Legends Row, which Bower taught himself how to play hockey, often with allowed for the 1960-1961 season, and Bower and honors the 12 greatest players in Maple Leafs history. nothing more than a branch as a stick and old mattresses as Sawchuk shared the Vezina Trophy in 1964-1965. A memorial tribute was held on January 3 at Air Canada goalie pads. At the age of 15, he lied about his age and enlist- Bower officially retired from hockey on March 19, 1970, Center in Toronto to honor the life of Johnny Bower. For ed in the Canadian Army during World War II. He was sta- just a few months after his 45th birthday. His stats include more information, readers may refer to a previous article tioned in England as a gunner for the 2nd Canadian Division 11 seasons with the Leafs, 552 games played, 250 wins, by Ihor Stelmach (Issue No. 27/28, 2017) that detailed the in 1940-1943. He was discharged from the army after being 195 losses, 90 ties, 37 shutouts and 2.51 GAA. He remains career of Johnny Bower and his inclusion in the “100 diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in his hands. the AHL’s career leader in wins. Greatest NHL Players” series.

with the bill’s passing, “we demonstrate our decisiveness in Controversial bill... combating the Russian aggressor,” according to a statement (Continued from page 1) on the Parliament’s website. “The same aggressor that 100 years ago was the Russian Empire. Never do the imperial operations in the region since April 2014, when Kremlin- spirit and imperial intentions of Russia change to subjugate led forces invaded, beginning a war that has since claimed the Ukrainian state.” over 10,330 Ukrainian lives and displaced up to 2 million However, the new law doesn’t explicitly call the armed people. conflict in the Donbas a war against Russia. In November The law also stipulates that Russia is responsible for 2016, the International Court of Justice at The Hague called most aspects of civilian lives in the occupied zone and still the hostilities an “international conflict” between Moscow allows for the movement of civilians and goods through and Kyiv starting from July 14, 2014, “at the latest,” and existing checkpoints along the frontline. Only birth and which separately included the occupation of Crimea. death certificates issued by the Russian proxy authorities It furthermore doesn’t mention “reintegration” or “de- will be recognized. occupation” as the original intention that human rights Significantly, the bill names February 20, 2014, as the experts had envisioned when the bill was voted on in the starting point of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that began first of two readings in October 2017. with the occupation of Crimea, which Moscow annexed a Officially, the bill is titled “On the peculiarities of state month later. A separate United Nations resolution dating to policy that ensure the state sovereignty of Ukraine in the March 2014 didn’t recognize a sham referendum that temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk enabled the illegal annexation. oblasts.” Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy said that Yet the president emphasized that “we will keep paving the way for reintegration of the occupied Ukrainian lands by peaceful and politically diplomatic means,” when he euromaidanpress.com addressed a gathering of the foreign diplomatic corps at A map of the Donbas. Crimean court... Kyiv’s Mariyinsky Palace on January 16. local governments will have to implement local policy when (Continued from page 1) “My presidential strategy of Donbas liberation was sup- ported. I am grateful to all the MPs for that,” Mr. they will have been ‘smoothed over’ by a new military RL that the court’s decision was “illegal,” adding that “the Poroshenko said two days later at a joint news conference administration that won’t be beholden to any civic body or occupational authorities use our citizens as hostages of with Canadian Governor General Julie Payette in Lviv. have communication with any civil society [group].” their aggression.” What concerns election watchdogs, and political and Thus, the law could violate the Constitution of Ukraine, “We condemn the court’s decision and express our protest civil society experts, is that Mr. Poroshenko’s powers as said Oleksandr Dmitriev, head of the Lampova Platform for to the Russian Federation. ...Actually, Balukh is sentenced for president will be expanded to determine the borders of the Cultural Initiatives, a non-profit that engages in leadership his patriotic position, for a flag on his house. There are no occupied territories and define the boundaries of three and community development. doubts that Russia is trying to eradicate the Ukrainian, “zones” near the frontline. Moreover, public oversight will Without additional norms, the law will “absolutely go Crimean Tatar population in Crimea,” Ms. Betsa said. be missing with the new powers the military will have in beyond the Constitution,” he said at the January 15 news the three zones that are vaguely defined. conference. He added that all it does is leave behind the Copyright 2018, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permis- This, for example, “gives the armed and law enforce- “legislative legacy of the ATO and doesn’t offer conceptual sion of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut ment forces expanded authority without the possibility of approaches and recipes for reintegrating” the region. Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see https:// [civic] control and mechanisms therein,” said Oleksandra In turn, Democratic Initiatives research director Oleksiy www.rferl.org/a/crimea-activist-balukh-five-year-term- Dvoretska, head of Vostok-SOS, a non-profit group that Haran said that the bill doesn’t “contradict” the Minsk blasts-russia/ 28976401.html). helps internally displaced people and other citizens affect- peace agreement, which foresees both sides pulling back ed by the Donbas war. heavy weapons and installing a truce, and calls for Kyiv to At a news conference organized by the Ilko Kucheriv hold local elections once that happens, while giving special Democratic Initiatives Foundation on January 15, she said status to the region for the use of the Russian language and that, although the term “occupied territories” is more or less relations with the Kremlin. understood, what’s left in the grey area is the three zones “I emphasize again, the critical concerns that were men- designated as “districts for carrying out measures to ensure tioned don’t go against the main tenets of labeling Russia national security and defense,” where the president and as an aggressor, labeling territories as temporarily occu- armed forces will be able to enact martial law and limit the pied… But there are serious observations regarding certain rights of transiting or local citizens. constitutional provisions that concern, foremost, the rights “From the bill’s text it’s clear that also access [to these of people...,” he said at the news conference. zones] for humanitarian, human rights and mass media Parliament Speaker Parubiy said he is certain that the groups will be limited,” she said. president will sign the bill after the main legal department At the same event, Donetsk native Oleksiy Matsuka, head of the Verkhovna Rada looks over the final version of the of the Donetsk Institute of Information and chief editor of bill (with the amendments that were added to the initial krymr.org (RFE/RL) Novosti Donbassa (News of Donbas), said that, once the version), and he himself signs it. “I think that in about three Crimean activist Volodymyr Balukh. new law is enacted, “it’s not clear what kind of authority days I will be able to sign it [the bill],” he said. No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

ment buildings and the Parliament ahead the bill “contradicts all international agree- bring it into alignment with the recommen- NEWSBRIEFS of the session in the Rada. They greatly out- ments and treaties” that Ukraine is party to dations of the Venice Commission and sat- numbered the few dozen protesters. in regard to solving the conflict, notably the isfy the requirements of the World Bank’s (Continued from page 2) Demonstrators want lawmakers to swiftly February 2015 deal known as the Minsk estimated $800 million Policy-Based Police, protesters clash near Rada pass a “reintegration” bill that states that accord. Supporters of the bill, including Guarantee to support key reforms in Russia – which controls Crimea and backs lawmakers from the president’s ruling Ukraine,” she said in a letter dated January Police and protesters have clashed near separatists who have held parts of the party and the People’s Front party of for- 15. Ukraine’s backers have repeatedly the Ukrainian Parliament, where lawmak- Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts in eastern mer Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, say urged the country to step up its fight ers discussed legislation on the “reintegra- Ukraine since 2014 – is an aggressor. The it is necessary for the defense of the coun- against corruption. Western governments tion” of regions held by Russia-backed sep- bill has been a hotly contested issue even try, the possible expansion of international say tackling graft is crucial to curbing aratists. The clashes on January 16 started before it passed in a first reading in sanctions against the Kremlin, the peace Russian influence. Progress on reforms has after some of the protesters torched tires October 2017, amid scuffles between law- process and potential compensation for been stalled since 2016, raising concerns in and burned a Russian flag in an area near makers. Opponents of the bill are dis- losses stemming from Russia’s military Ukraine and the West that little will be the Verkhovna Rada and a tent camp set up pleased because they say it uncouples the actions. “Legislative recognition of these done ahead of presidential and parliamen- by anti-government protesters last year. issue of Russian-occupied Crimea and the facts will extend to the Kremlin the interna- tary elections in 2019. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Police and firefighters extinguished the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and could lead tional legal obligations of the invader,” Mr. Service, based on reporting by Ukrayinska burning tires and threw them toward the to the restoration of trade with the territo- Yatsenyuk said on Facebook on January 15. Pravda) tent camp. Law enforcement officers also ries under the control of the Russia-backed (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, with report- PrivatBank cited for ‘coordinated fraud’ used a chemical spray during the confron- separatists because it does not include lan- ing by RFE/RL correspondent Christopher tation. Ukraine’s national police reported guage to support the current ban, Rada Miller in Kyiv and Reuters) Ukraine’s central bank says an investiga- that one officer was wounded in the scuf- Deputy Speaker and Samopomich party tion into the country’s largest lender, fles, and one protester was taken into cus- member Oksana Syroyid told Channel 5 Anti-corruption court might be discussed PrivatBank, shows that it had been “sub- tody. Kyiv police said earlier that more than news. Yuriy Boyko, leader of the Opposition jected to a large-scale and coordinated The Verkhovna Rada said that lawmak- 3,800 officers were deployed near govern- Bloc, formerly the Party of Regions, claimed fraud” over at least a decade. The fraud ers might discuss a bill on the creation of a resulted in the bank, which was taken Supreme Anti-Corruption Court, which under state control in 2016, suffering a loss President Petro Poroshenko proposed last of at least $5.5 billion, the National Bank of month amid rallies demanding the adop- Ukraine (NBU) said in a statement on tion of such a law. The creation of an anti- January 16. One of PrivatBank’s former corruption court has been one of the main shareholders, Igor Kolomoisky, dis- TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) con- or e-mail [email protected] missed the results of the probe as “non- ditions for Ukraine to qualify for the next sense.” The NBU commissioned the inde- loan tranche of around $2 billion. However, pendent audit conducted by the global SERVICES PROFESSIONALS both the IMF and World Bank are not satis- investigation firm Kroll and other interna- fied with the Ukrainian draft law on the tional companies. NBU Deputy Governor anti-corruption court, Ukrayinska Pravda Kateryna Rozhkova said that the findings МАРІЯ ДРИЧ reported. The online newspaper reported have been passed to the Prosecutor Ліцензований Продавець on January 15 that the IMF has told the Страхування Життя General’s Office for use in a possible crimi- Poroshenko administration that it did not nal investigation into the deals made before МАRІA DRICH support the bill in its current form because Licensed Life Insurance Agent PrivatBank was nationalized. PrivatBank’s it would not guarantee the court’s indepen- Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. nationalization occurred in December dence. Ukrayinska Pravda published what 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 2016 with the backing of the International it said was the text of a January 11 letter Monetary Fund (IMF), after risky lending Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 from the IMF mission chief for Ukraine, Ron e-mail: [email protected] practices left it with a capital shortfall of van Rooden, in which he wrote that the IMF more than $5.5 billion. At the time, the cen- has “serious concerns about the draft law.” tral bank estimated that 97 percent of its The letter noted: “Several provisions are corporate loans had gone to companies not consistent with the authorities’ com- SERVICES linked to Mr. Kolomoisky and the other mitments under Ukraine’s IMF-supported main shareholder, Hennadiy Boholyubov. program.” On January 16, Ukrayinska Mr. Boholyubov has said that authorities in Pravda cited a letter from the World Bank’s GOT ENGAGED? Kyiv declared PrivatBank insolvent on country director, Satu Kahkonen, to the grounds that were fabricated and unfound- Order your korovai! presidential administration to express the ed, creating an “artificial hole” in the bal- Call Lisa at bank’s concerns about the bill. “We believe 307-250-4633 & visit www.nazdorovya.com that the draft law requires ... revisions to (Continued on page 19) Shipping throughout USA OPPORTUNITIES Clyman was already eager to return to Toronto... Europe. In November, she set off to Nazi EARN EXTRA INCOME! Germany to chronicle Hitler’s dictatorship WANT IMPACT? (Continued from page 14) The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for the London Daily Telegraph. After Run your advertisement here, for advertising sales agents. noted that her accounts provide insight almost six years reporting from Munich at in The Ukrainian Weekly’s For additional information contact into the particular hardships endured by great personal risk, Clyman returned to CLASSIFIEDS section. Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, women, and her moving descriptions offer North America, becoming the Canadian The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. a strong feminist perspective. correspondent for the London Daily The road trip came to an abrupt halt in Telegraph. In October 1942, she relocated Tbilisi where, as Mr. Balan described, permanently to the United States, working Clyman was arrested at gunpoint. Accused as a freelancer and at other various jobs. of spreading “false news” about the Soviet According to Mr. Balan, Clyman’s life in Union, she was given 24 hours to leave the the U.S. requires further investigation, country. Some of Clyman’s stories about the although it is apparent that her later years Russian far north, along with her other crit- were difficult and money was increasingly ical articles that appeared in Western peri- hard to come by. What is certain is that odicals, had finally caught up with her. when she died in New York City in July Clyman’s expulsion – the first by Soviet 1981 at the age of 76, her passing went authorities of a Western journalist in 11 unnoticed by the press. years – was covered in scores of newspa- Mr. Balan continues to research Rhea pers around the world. Once outside the Clyman with the aim of writing a book Soviet Union, Clyman wrote detailed about her life. “The passion, courage and accounts of her travels through the “Famine keen eye for detail that she exhibited in her Lands,” some of which were published in reports from the Soviet Union,” asserted Mr. the London Daily Express before appearing Balan, “deserve to be better known not only in 21 feature articles in the Toronto by students of Soviet history, but by fellow Attention Members of UNA Branch 173 Telegram in 1933. “Clyman knew full well journalists, feminists, Ukrainians, the dias- Una Branch 173 (St Vladimir’s Society) will hold it’s annual meeting February that she would never again be allowed to pora and all the descendants of those who visit the Soviet Union” said Mr. Balan, “so suffered through Stalin’s reign of terror.” 11, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. in the church hall of St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic she unleashed her outrage at the atrocities The evening ended with a preview of the Church, 800 Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19809. The meeting will follow the being committed by the Soviet state.” film “Hunger for Truth: The Rhea Clyman 9:00 Divine Liturgy in honor of all deceased members of Branch 173. All Upon her return to Toronto in the spring Story” produced by the Holodomor current members are asked to attend. of 1933, when her series of articles about National Awareness Tour and directed by the Famine for the Telegram went to press, Andrew Tkach. No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 19

ment of considerable historical and cultural NEWSBRIEFS importance for the Crimean Tatar people and for Ukraine. The complex was built as (Continued from page 18) the main residence of the monarchs of the ance sheet. Mr. Kolomoisky, a former oblast Crimean Khanate – the state of the Crimean governor, has turned to the courts to chal- Tatar people – and was the political, reli- lenge the nationalization, and tried to pre- gious and cultural center of the Crimean vent Ukrainian authorities from cooperat- Tatar community until the collapse of the Ділимося сумною вісткою, що 6 січня 2018 року ing with external companies to investigate Khanate in 1783,” the Kharkiv organization на 94-му році життя відійшов у Божу вічність the reasons for PrivatBank’s insolvency. Mr. said. Well-known Crimean Tatar rights law- наш найдорожчий Батько Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine’s richest men, yer Emil Kurbedinov announced recently served briefly as head of Dnipropetrovsk that a team of lawyers and legal experts св. п. Oblast before President Petro Poroshenko was planning a legal battle to protect the dismissed him in 2015, accusing him of set- Khan’s Palace from what he called an інж. Григорій Стефан Кузьма ting up a private militia and trying to take “unjustified attack on the historical heri- over a state-affiliated oil company. Mr. tage of the Crimean Tatars, a site of cultural Григорій („Грицько“) Кузьма народився 2 липня 1923 року в Зо- лочеві‚ закінчив Львівський політехнічний університет і потім здо- Kolomoisky had been credited with pre- heritage.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress був ступінь маґістра механічного інженера в Університеті Карлсруе. venting the spread of separatist sentiment Daily Briefing) Еміґрував до США у 1950 році, де зустрів майбутню дружину Ірену in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (now called FinCEN ready to assist Ukraine на балю інженерів у Філядельфії. Вони одружилися й щасливо разом Dnipro Oblast) following Russia’s seizure of жили протягом 60 років до смерті Ірени Кузьми в 2010 році. Crimea in March 2014 and backing of Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance reported armed separatists further east in the that, during his working visit to the United Г. Кузьма сприяв важливим досягненням у галузі аеронавтики‚ Donbas. (RFE/RL, with reporting by States, Minister of Finance of Ukraine включаючи дизайн пожежника SR-71 „Blackbird“, аеродинавмічні ма- Reuters, Ukrayinska Pravda and Interfax) Oleksandr Danyliuk met Deputy Director неврові мотори „Аполло“ і дизайн елементів управління гіперзвуко- Jamal El-Hindi of the Financial Crimes вого літака „Х-15“ та багато інших інженерних досягнень. Khan’s Palace in Crimea jeopardized Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The Г. Кузьма був відомим громадським діячем‚ президентом Товари- The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Finance Ministry’s release noted: “The par- ства Українських Інженерів Америки від 1993 до 1997 року, головою Group (KHPG) reported: “There are com- ties discussed current issues related to the Ню-Джерзького Відділу ТУІА від 1974 до 1977 року і знову у 1992 році. pelling grounds for fearing that Russia’s so- cooperation of FinCEN with Ukrainian state Г. Кузьма був дбайливим батьком, підтримував творчі та інтелекту- called ‘restoration work’ on the world- agencies and possible areas for future альні зацікавлення своїх дітей. renowned Khan’s Palace in Bakhchysarai cooperation. Jamal El-Hindi stated that could forever destroy this vital monument FinCEN is satisfied with its cooperation У глибокому смутку залишилися: of Crimean Tatar cultural heritage.” The with Ukraine, especially with the State донька - Марійка Кузьма group noted that “Photos smuggled out of Financial Monitoring Agency. He also said донька - Зеня Ткач з чоловіком Борисом the site are alarming, as is the lack of any that he will be closely watching the estab- син - Юрій Кузьма experience in restoration work of the con- lishment of the Financial Investigation донька - Марта Кузьма з чоловіком Лінусом Елмес де Торрей struction company and Moscow architec- Service in Ukraine (FIS), which shall be a tural firm commissioned to carry out the united body to fight financial crimes внуки - Александр Ткач, Едит Кузьма, Ірена Кузьма, Ребекка work.” The Khan’s Palace in Bakhchysarai against the state. Special attention during Кузьма і Аббі Кузьма was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage the meeting was paid to the interaction брат - Михайло Кузьма Tentative List back in 2003, but the neces- between the FIS and other state agencies, Служба Божа і Панахида будуть відслужені в суботу, 20 січня 2018 sary work for establishing its international especially the State Financial Monitoring року, в церкві св. Юра, 30 East 7th Street, New York, N.Y. status was unfortunately not completed, Agency, which is needed to ensure effective the KHPG explained. According to Edem investigations. Also, Jamal El-Hindi stated Вічна Йому пам’ять! Dudakov, the former head of the Crimean that his agency is ready to support Ukraine Committee on Inter-Ethnic Relations and in establishing this new effective state Deported Peoples, if the work now under body.” The Finance Ministry also noted that way continues, the complex, which includes it had previously agreed that the organiza- the palace itself, a hall for receiving visitors, tion of training for the future employees of two mosques, a harem and other buildings, the FIS will be supported by the U.S. Bureau will lose any chance of gaining UNESCO of International Narcotics and Law recognition in future. “It is also a major Enforcement Affairs.” (Ukrainian Canadian attack by an occupying force on a monu- Congress Daily Briefing) With deep sorrow we share with family and friends that on December 9, 2017, our beloved mother, and aunt of war in eastern Ukraine constitute a col- Scholar lectures... lective identity that is part of Ukrainian col- Dorothy Mary Chupa lective memory. (Continued from page 1) Ms. Novosolova holds a master’s degree (née Dyshuk) “public confessions”; these have been pub- in journalism. She is a doctoral student and passed into eternity at the age of 86. lished in the collections “Istoriyi Neseparaty­ research assistant at the Institute of stok” (Non-Separatist Women’s Stories) and Slavonic Studies at the Technical University Dorothy was born on August 14,1931, in Gar eld, New Jersey, and grew up “Donbas – Arena Viyny” (The Donbas: Arena of Dresden in Germany. Her research inter- in Manhattan, New York. She was married to the late William Chupa, who was of War), edited by Olena Taranenko. ests are carried out within the framework secretary of Branch 325 in Brooklyn, and had four children. Ms. Novosolova provided an analysis of of cultural linguistics and are devoted to Funeral services were held on December 14, 2017, at the Annunciation these small narrative forms as a singular various aspects of discourse studies, partic- of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, in Fresh Meadows, discourse with particular motives, prag- ularly to scandal discourses. She partici- NY, followed by interment in Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in matic strategies, argumentation, nomina- pates in several international scientific Hamptonburgh, New York. tions and metaphorization, and described projects and is a member of the German the successive transformation of identity in academic circle JungslavistInnen. Dorothy was an active member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League, the forced migrants: (1) initial breakdown In December 2017 Ms. Novosolova was Branch 72 in Manhattan. She was also a member of the Annunciation of the of social identity, caused by profound con- in Edmonton under an academic exchange Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. Dorothy modeled Ukrainian tradictions between public opinion and between the Institute of Slavonic Studies at attire at the 1964 World’s Fair Singer Bowl. She enjoyed lively political personal conviction, and exacerbated by the Technical University of Dresden and the conversations and spending time with family and friends at Soyuzivka. the escalating idea of “outsiders”; (2) iden- MLCS Department and ULEC at the Dorothy was a nature lover and especially liked engaging with her backyard tification of outsiders as enemies and their University of Alberta. squirrels, birds and kitties. explicit devaluation; (3) self-identification * * * as outsiders among their own people; (4) The Ukrainian Language Education With great sorrow, she is survived by her: identification of former friends as present Center promotes and develops Ukrainian daughter - Barbara Chupa outsiders; and (5) a sense of complete language education in Canada and abroad son - William Chupa jr. alienation and isolation. by: supporting bilingual programs and pro- daughter - Joyce Chupa-Reisman and her husband Richard But at the same time, she said, they have fessional development of Ukrainian lan- son - Gregory Chupa gradually overcome their identity crisis guage teachers and instructors; creating as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and their children. through internal reconsideration, rejection learning and teaching resources at both the of binary notions of right and wrong, psy- secondary and post-secondary levels; con- May her memory be eternal. chological empathy with other displaced ducting research on topics related to Charitable donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to: victims of the military conflict, and a sym- Ukrainian-language education and related bolic entry into this new identity-group. fields; and fostering international links and Ukrainian National Foundation - Soyuzivka The audience responded attentively to community engagement. For more infor- 2200 Route 10 these issues and agreed that the combined mation about ULEC, readers may visit the Parsippany, NJ 07054 recollections of this generation of victims website at www.ualberta.ca/ulec. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

Sophia Baran Natalia Benejam СУМ Whippany 54th Annual Debutante Ball Anastasiya Bodnar Katherine Bzowyckyj СУМ Yonkers of the National Executive Board of the СУМ Hartford Ukrainian American Youth Association - СУМ Saturday, February 10th, 2018 Sheraton Parsippany Hotel 199 Smith Road, Parsippany, New Jersey

Roma Alexandra Gaschler Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. Alexandra Holyk СУМ Yonkers Presentation of Debutantes at 7:00 p.m. СУМ Mississauga Banquet immediately following presentation Ball at 9:00 p.m.

featuring “Hrim” and “Zvook”

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John Pidkowich Violin Ensemble (Oksana Konopada, director), which won an award in the violin category. Piano award winner Zenia Gore, age 8. Ukrainian Music Festival stage promotes rising talent by John Pidkowich TORONTO – There are many fine recital or concert performances in and around Toronto. One of the year’s most enjoyable and inspiring experiences is to watch and listen to young talented music students on stage rise to the difficult challenge of per- forming from memory arranged folk and composed classical Ukrainian music. The 47th annual Marta Krawciw- Barabash Ukrainian Music Festival was held December 1-3, 2017, at Toronto’s Ukrainian National Federation Community Center, con- cluding with the “Concert of Finalists” in the UNF Trident Hall. The 2017 festival saw over 150 children age 5 and up performing music of Ukrainian composers (or arrangements) in solo (and duet) instrumental, ensemble instrumental, solo vocal and choir competitions that are At the festival (from left) are: Oksana Pidruchna, open to the public, Participants were both of violin award recipient Julia Perekhozhuk and Festival adjudicators (from left) Andriy Dmytrovych, Halyna Kvitka Ukrainian heritage and of non-Ukrainian Mary Pidkowich. Kondracki and Ireneus Zuk. background. The festival generally draws bandura virtuoso Hnat Khotkevych, compos- was received by Zenia Gore (Georgia) – per- Committee: Marta Chomyn and Irena Patten participants from the Toronto area and er and educator Yakiv Stepovyi, Ukrainian forming “Choven Khytayetsia” by Prof. – co-chairs, Olya Bileychuk, Halyna Dziuryn, southern Ontario. Notably, more U.S. music Canadian composers such as Larysa Krawciw-Barabash; the Mary Pidkowich Nadiya Korol, Mika Shepherd and Anna students have been traveling to Toronto to Kuzmenko, Zenoby Lawryshyn, Vasyl Violin Award went to Julia Perekhozhuk Wasylyk, supported by a large contingent of perform, up from last year to nine, repre- Sydorenko and Anatoly Zytkevych (who (Illinois) – “Melodiya” by Myroslav Skoryk, committed volunteer members. senting Georgia, Illinois and Michigan. attended the festival), and to the 125th Gloria Sophia Verhovsky – “Toccata” by According to Ms. Chomyn, the festival is a The late Marta Krawciw-Barabash was anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Lysenko, and to the Violin Ensemble led by wonderful opportunity for children to pre- the Ukrainian Music Festival’s founder in Canada, which was celebrated in 2016. teacher Oksana Konopada – “Koliada pare for the challenge and discipline to per- 1970. She was an accomplished pianist and teacher, dedicated to educating young This year, the esteemed jury of festival arranged by S. Kushiruk; the Vera Zelinska form music on stage, learn about Ukrainian musicians to master the works of Ukrainian adjudicators comprised: Ireneus Zuk (con- Memorial Award for Bandura to Mychailo music and listen to new music performed composers. Her love of Ukrainian music cert pianist, professor and associate direc- Panchenko – “Ukrayinska Fantasia” by O. by other hard-working participants. and work went well beyond the festival tor of the Dan School of Drama and Music, Nezovybatko, and Alicia Osaveliuk – The UMF’s success remains not only tied itself to include the UMF promotion of Queen’s University), who judged piano “Khvylyna Rozpachu” by Lysenko; and the to dedicated educators, devoted parents, many concerts. classes; Halyna Kvitka Kondracki (conduc- Ron Cahute Music Award for Voice went to committed volunteers and sponsors, but of The 2017 Ukrainian Music Festival tor, Vesnivka Choir), vocal and choir class- Anna Tanchak – “Viyut Vitry” arranged by course, is contingent upon students who (UMF) celebrated Ukrainian composers es; and Andriy Dmytrovych (music teacher, Lysenko/lyrics by M. Churay, and Sofia practice hard over many hours. The UMF’s Viktor Kosenko (1896-1938) and Mykola orchestra and choir conductor), violin and Haluschak – “Syple “Snih” by I. Bilyk/lyrics main purpose is to promote Ukrainian cul- Lysenko (1842-1912), marking the 175th bandura classes. by M. Pidhiryanka. ture by providing an opportunity for chil- anniversary of the latter’s birth. New at this year’s festival was the Special awards from the Myron Barabash dren to perform music by Ukrainian and Known as the “Father of Ukrainian opportunity for participants to perform on Memorial Scholarship Fund were given to Ukrainian-Canadian composers. There are Music,” Lysenko was a concert pianist and the late Irena Bubniuk’s Steinway grand the Holy Dormition of the Mother of God over 20 UMF publications for music stu- composed music for piano and string piano. A notable Canadian pianist and Church Children’s Choir (Nadiya Korol, con- dents and the general public, including Prof. instruments, wrote 120 art songs and teacher, Ms. Bubniuk wished for her ductor) and to the Vera Zelinsky Youth Krawciw-Barabash’s own compositions, opera, and arranged sacred and secular Steinway to be available within the Bandurist Capella Zoloti Struny (Oksana music handbooks and the 11-volume “Z. choral works. He also was one of the first Ukrainian community for use in rehearsals, Zelinsky Shevchuk, artistic director). Lysko Ukrainian Folk Melodies.” Teachers Ukrainian ethnologists who traveled across recitals and concerts. The Ukrainian The Prometheus Stephan Onyszczuk and and participants are welcome to choose Ukraine extensively to gather and then Canadian Congress has entrusted the UNF Stefania Szwed Foundation, Shevchenko these works to perform at the festival. arrange some 500 Ukrainian folk songs, Toronto and Vesnivka Choir to house and Foundation, Ukrainian Credit Union, Work has already begun on the 48th music characteristic of the country’s care for the bequeathed Steinway. Buduchnist Credit Union and Stephan Caras Ukrainian Music Festival to be held regions. He laid the groundwork for the At the UMF “Concert of Finalists,” perfor- Design Inc. have been major sponsors of the November 30 through December 2. The field of ethnomusicology. The likes of con- mances of festival pieces adjudicated with UMF for many years, and together with 2018 UMF is dedicated to the works of ductor Oleksandr (Alexander) Koshetz qualifying high marks were represented by Delores Buka Huculak, Maria Lisowsky and Ukrainian Canadian composer Zenoby studied under Lysenko and continued the all ages and categories of classes. Twenty- others, have provided very generous finan- Lawryshyn, who passed away in early 2017. fine tradition of Ukrainian choral music. seven scholarship awards were given for cial support towards the scholarship A tribute concert commemorating the first Kosenko taught and performed piano, piano solo and duet; instrumental bandura awards presented. anniversary of his death will be held on and composed piano, chamber and vocal solo; violin solo; vocal; choir; and bandura A testament to Prof. Krawciw-Barabash’s February 4 at Humber Valley United Church, music. He wrote orchestral works, tone and violin ensemble playing. All registered legacy is the fact that the festival is a means 76 Anglesey Blvd., Toronto. poems and “Twenty-Four Children’s festival participants were presented certifi- for young music students to succeed in per- For more information about the Pieces” for piano, a series that teaches tonal cates of participation. sonal achievement, cultural growth and pro- Ukrainian Music Festival and about UMF structure and character. Top scholarship awards went to perform- motion of Ukrainian music. This is due now, publications, readers may visit www.ukrai- In recent years, the UMF has been dedicat- ers who earned the festival’s highest marks: in large part, to the contribution of the dedi- nianmusicfestival.com or e-mail info@ ed to pianist and composer Vasyl Barvinsky, the Marta Krawciw-Barabash Piano Award cated and hard-working UMF Organizing ukrainianmusicfestival.com. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

Adriana Luhovy’s “Recovery Room” screened in Edmonton

by Peter Melnycky The film focuses on a number of recovery stories in which the Canadian medical mis- EDMONTON, Alberta – The Ukrainian sion tasks itself with reconstructing shat- Youth Unity Complex in Edmonton recently tered Ukrainian combatants, who in spite of hosted a screening of Adriana Luhovy’s fea- their injuries are eager to resume their fight ture documentary film, “Recovery Room.” The for Ukraine. This mission of medical mercy event was sponsored by a number of commu- has had life-changing impacts on both sides nity organizations: the Ukrainian Canadian of the effort. The commitment of Ukraine’s Professional and Business Association citizen soldiers is matched by the generosi- (UCPBA), Ukrainian Canadian Congress ty of Canadian medical professionals whose (Alberta Provincial Council and Edmonton skills are offered in support of Ukraine’s Branch), League of Ukrainian Canadians, fight for survival. “Recovery Room” is a Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, Ukrainian sobering yet inspiring film that underscores National Federation and the Alberta Ukraine’s precarious position and the Foundation for Ukrainian Education Society. important support offered to Ukraine from Ms. Luhovy is a native of Montreal, where Ukrainian Canadians and Canadians in gen- she completed communication studies at eral both through individual and govern- Concordia University. She continued special- ment support. ized studies in digital design at the Upon the conclusion of the film, the Vancouver Film School and the School of appreciative audience greeted the director Visual Arts in New York. She was employed At the Edmonton screening of “Recovery Room” (from left) are: Alann Nazarevich, with applause and questions. Director by the Advancing Human Rights NGO in the film’s director Adriana Luhovy, Nestor Makuch and Ilia Simcisin of the Luhovy emphasized that there are continu- New York City and her photography has Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association. ing costs connected with the ongoing been published in various national and of the mission, Ms. Luhovy decided that events leading up to the present war in development and promotion of the film. international publications. “Recovery Room” still photographs alone could not adequate- eastern Ukraine, reviewing the history of She plans to show “Recovery Room” at film is her first feature documentary film. ly tell that story, and she committed to the Maidan Revolution of Dignity of 2014, festivals around the globe. Her hope is that The event, held on November 9, 2017, developing a feature documentary film. She the capitulation of President Viktor audiences everywhere will understand two commenced with Alann Nazarevich, vice- gave up her job in New York City and Yanukovych, the subsequent seizure of simple messages: There is a war going on president of the UCPBA, introducing the embarked on her current challenge full Crimea by Russia and the commencement in Ukraine, and individuals can make a director and sharing his own experience time, in order to focus on Russia’s war on of Vladimir Putin’s hybrid war in the huge difference in determining the out- viewing the film when it was recently pre- Ukrainian sovereignty and the heavy Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The gripping come of that war. sented in Lviv, a city with a militarized feeling human price being paid in that fight. footage from the war was supplied by Ilia Simcisin, president of the Ukrainian during the current war in Ukraine. Ms. Luhovy thanked the project’s vari- Ukrainian combatants themselves who Canadian Professional and Business Ms. Luhovy addressed the audience, ous community funding sources such as sent the filmmaker hard drives full of video Association, concluded the evening by con- explaining how she came to the present the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the and visual material from the frontlines. gratulating the director on her important project. With previous experience with the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras What emerges is a portrait of Ukraine’s project and inviting attendees to enjoy cof- Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund and Shevchenko and the Canada Ukraine desperate and heroic fight against great fee and pastry during further discussions Help Us Help the Children initiatives dedi- Foundation, and acknowledged mission odds, a fight grounded in the new spirit of with the director. All proceeds from the cated to helping children affected by the participants who had volunteered from patriotic volunteerism that has gripped the evening were contributed to the ongoing 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster and Edmonton. She paid special thanks to her country. The fate of Ukraine rests with a development of the project. improving the quality of life in Ukrainian family to whom she reached out for sup- thin line of ill-equipped volunteers and Those interested in learning more about orphanages, she volunteered to act as offi- port in her ever expanding project. army units who are paying an immense the “Recovery Room” project are encour- cial photographer with a Canadian medical Adriana’s mother, Zorianna Hrycenko, is price for safeguarding the future of their aged to visit the website www.recovery- mission to Ukraine sponsored by the the film’s producer, while her father, country. The face of Ukraine’s current strug- roomthemovie.com. Contributions can be Canada Ukraine Foundation. The mission accomplished film editor and director Yurij gle for freedom is reflected in the disfigured forwarded to MML Inc. at 2330 Ave. was one of several designed to bring volun- Luhovy, is the film’s producer and editor. bodies of its soldiers. It is these scarred but Beaconsfield, Montreal QC, H4A 2G8 or can teer Canadian medical experts to the aid of The attentive audience was absorbed in unbroken heroes of Ukraine’s latest war of be made through the Ukrainian Canadian casualties from Ukraine’s war with Russia. complete silence during the film’s entire Independence that volunteer Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko at 202- After witnessing the life-changing work 75-minute duration. The film covers medical specialists are pledged to mending. 952 Main St., Winnipeg, MB R2W 3P4.

ly fire at the Trade Unions building in mates, whose parents had moved to Kyiv would have embarked on reforms if it had Acclaimed... Odesa convinced the Odesites that their from surrounding villages, spoke Ukrainian money, but since its creditors are demand- beautiful city easily could become another when they began school but abandoned it ing an honest economy, honest courts and (Continued from page 15) “people’s republic” headed by criminals. by the eighth grade because Ukrainian was controls, it is forced to adapt. treated as a secondary and useless lan- Although there is great resistance to younger colleagues weeping during the Building the Ukrainian state reform on the part of both citizens and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem at guage. Later, at the Dnipropetrovsk Mr. Portnikov wrapped up his presenta- government, there is no choice because the an Okean Elzy concert on the Maidan. “Not University, he wondered why the only per- tion with a discussion of the three key tasks current system simply cannot survive. one of them was ethnically Ukrainian, but son who spoke Ukrainian was an ethnic facing Ukraine: to defend the state, to set Russian who taught Ukrainian philology. As Without medical reform, medical care will they considered themselves Ukrainian – an the right cultural and language policy, and she explained to him, the other lecturers collapse entirely in the smaller towns. incredible breakthrough,” he noted. to combat corruption. did not speak Ukrainian because they were Without trust in government, citizens will It also became apparent that the First, Ukraine’s volunteer battalions and ethnic Ukrainians and afraid. continue to avoid paying taxes and will fail Ukrainian political nation had expanded Ukraine’s revitalized armed forces have Mr. Portnikov predicted that in 20 years to invest for their own old age. Meanwhile, beyond western Ukraine and Kyiv, which demonstrated that Ukraine is prepared to Ukrainian will be spoken throughout the current pension system will exhaust had supported the 2004 Orange meet the first crucial challenge, he said. Ukraine, even in the streets of Odesa. This itself as the number of wage earners who Revolution, to include central Ukraine. Despite the poor economy, few Ukrainians is not a nationalistic proclamation, he pay taxes continues to shrink. At that point, When big burly men in the dark coats and criticize either the draft or the high expen- noted, but rather recognition of a reality Mr. Portnikov joked, it will not matter much hats typical of small-town dress in central ditures for defense (with Ukraine spending described a century ago by the Zionist writ- if the citizens of Ukraine speak Ukrainian. Ukraine showed up on Independence proportionally more than half of the NATO er Volodymyr Zhabotynsky, who wrote that The speaker ended his presentation with Square in Kyiv, he knew the Maidan had countries). Unlike in the past, it is now “the Ukrainian peasant will prevail over an affirmation of faith in Ukraine’s ability to won. “They came because they considered prestigious to be a defender of Ukraine. everything,” over his oppressors, over those move from being a “nation of rebellions” to themselves Ukrainian,” he explained. Second, the Ukrainian government must who undermine his beliefs and values. a nation of “constructive change” and to “Without these people Ukraine is not pass the necessary legislation to begin to “When he wrote that article there was no become a modern, prosperous state. After Ukraine. Ukraine cannot be created out of repair the damage done to the Ukrainian Ukraine, only the empire. But all of his pre- all, in the past Ukraine has met challenges Halychyna and Kyiv. It needs to include cen- language and culture by centuries of dictions came true because he was not a when it had to, he concluded. tral Ukraine, that greater Ukraine that is the Russian oppression. “It is not enough to Russian chauvinist. He was a nationalist Mr. Portnikov is the founder and host of essence of the nation, where everything has demand that people speak Ukrainian. No and he understood the truth of another the popular “Politclub” talk show on the always happened.” one will begin to speak Ukrainian without nation,” Mr. Portnikov concluded. Kyiv-based Espreso TV channel. He also is a Questions about the allegiance of south- the right education. However, people will regular contributor and columnist for a ern and eastern Ukraine were answered send their children to Ukrainian schools. Economic, anti-corruption reforms wide range of Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, after the seizure of Crimea. Dnipro (former- They may still speak Russian with them, Ukraine’s biggest challenge is to reform Belarusian and Latvian publications, as ly Katerynoslav, then Dnipropetrovsk), the and during the breaks the children will the economy and to combat corruption. well as Israel’s most popular Russian- big industrial city that had considered itself speak Russian with each other. But their Both tasks are hampered by the prevailing language newspaper, Vesti. He is the winner an important part of the Russian Empire, children will speak Ukrainian and be fully culture of “customary corruption,” where of the Zolote Pero 1989 award of the moved to the Ukrainian side, as did the Ukrainian,” he said. most people believe problems can be best Ukrainian Association of Journalists and a large stretch of territory from Zaporizhia to The right cultural policies will begin to solved by knowing the right “kum” (crony) nominee for the 2017 Taras Shevchenko Mykolayiv. “Russians seized Crimea and reverse the process Mr. Portnikov observed rather than by passing the appropriate award for his two collections of essays, Ukrainians got Prydniprovia,” he conclud- as a schoolboy in Kyiv and later as a univer- laws. Ironically, it is Ukraine’s poverty that “Mother of God in the Synagogue” and ed. Similarly, the Donbas war and the dead- sity student in Dnipro. Most of his school- offers it some hope, he said. Ukraine never “Prison for Angels.” No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 23

January 25 Carpe Diem Club meeting, with guest speakers on January 31 Book presentation by Oleh Havrylyshyn, “The Political Whippany, NJ physical fitness and healthy eating, Ukrainian American Ottawa Economy of Independent Ukraine: Slow Starts, False Cultural Center of New Jersey, [email protected] Starts and a Last Chance?” Carleton University, www.carleton.ca/eurus January 25 through Art exhibit, “Five Elements of War,” by Daria February 3 Marchenko and Daniel Green, Ukrainian Institute of February 2 Exhibit opening reception, “Moving Forward” by Les New York America, 212-288-8660 or www.ukrainianinstitute.org New York Panchyshyn, Ukrainian Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 January 26-28 The New York Times Travel Show, U.S.-Ukraine New York Foundation, Jacob K. Javits Center, [email protected] February 3 64th Presentation of Debutantes, Ukrainian Engineers’ Philadelphia Society of America, Hyatt Regency Hotel at the January 27 Presentation of Debutantes “Chervona Kalyna,” Plast Bellevue, 610-277-1284 or [email protected] East Rutherford, NJ Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hilton Meadowlands, www.kalynadeb.org or 866-295-8986 February 3 Presentation of Debutantes, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Independence, OH Organization in Cleveland, Embassy Suites Hotel January 27 Winter Ball and Presentation of Debutantes, Ukrainian Cleveland-Rockside, [email protected] Detroit Engineers’ Society of America – Detroit Branch, featuring music by Klopit, Dearborn Inn Marriott Hotel, February 3 Performance, “Martin Luther’s Deutsche Messe of 586-677-9466 or [email protected] New York 1526,” featuring Ensemble Origo under the direction of Eric Rice, with elements of Polish/Ukrainian composer January 27 Traditional Christmas Eve dinner and dance, Marcin Leopolita, Ukrainian Institute of America, Irvington, NJ with music by Cheremosh, Organization for the Defense www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 of Lemkivshchyna – Branch 5, Ukrainian National Home, 973-951-3625 or 973-371-8630 February 4 Pre-Lenten dinner, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Scranton, PA Church, 570-503-1514 January 27 through Gerdany (bead-strung necklaces) making course, February 17 with instruction by Olha Lesko, The Ukrainian February 6 Book talk, “Ukraine’s Quest for Identity: Embracing New York Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 New York Cultural Hybridity in Literary Imagination, 1991-2011” by Maria Rewakowicz, Columbia University, January 27 through Embroidery courses (eight weeks each session), with 212-854-4697 or [email protected] June 2 instruction by Lubow Wolynetz, The Ukrainian New York Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 February 7 Book presentation, “The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate Stanford, CA History of Revolution” by Marci Shore, Stanford January 28 Opera presentation and performance, featuring Illia University, 650-725-2563 New York Razumenko, Roman Grygoriv and Andriy Koshman of Nova Opera, Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 February 8-9 Conference, “The Communist Century: New Studies in Stanford, CA Revolution, Resistance and Radicalism,” Stanford January 28 Book presentation, “The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate University, 650-725-2563 or [email protected] New York History of Revolution” by Marci Shore, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events January 28 through Tapestry weaving course (four weeks, three sessions), advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions May 20 with instruction by Vasyl Nayda, “The Ukrainian from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors New York Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

to the last two fiscal years – underscoring acts will be necessary to achieve or maintain U.S. assistance... the importance that the United States Government... on all sides, with elections scheduled for attaches to Ukraine. And while there is March 2019. Moreover, there are unpaid vot- (Continued from page 4) (Continued from page 2) always room for improvement in how it is ers at Mykolayiv Shipyard to consider. funded by Congress. With the proposed implemented, U.S. assistance has been sub- As a result of the public spat between Against this background, it is difficult to see severe cuts in foreign assistance called for stantial and vital to Ukraine – a good use of Ukroboronprom CEO Romanov and Prime how restructuring and reform of Ukroboron­ by the Trump administration, there were taxpayer money. Friends of Ukraine, includ- Minister Groysman, it remains to be seen prom will actually proceed, if at all. fears that Ukraine aid, too, would be affect- ing the Ukrainian American community, how President Poroshenko will deal with the The article above is reprinted from ed. Based on my sources, it looks as if assis- need to make sure that this practical, con- matter. Both men hold their positions due to Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from tance to Ukraine for Fiscal Year 2018 will sequential support for Ukraine remains a presidential influence and their perceived its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, most likely be maintained at levels similar priority for the United States. loyalty to him. Public and private balancing www.jamestown.org. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 No. 3

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Sunday, January 28 streets) at 2 p.m. For additional information call 212-254-5130. * NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Society invites all to a presentation of Nova NEW YORK: Meet the award-winning ANNUITIES Opera, a Kyiv arts group whose aim is to author Marci Shore, associate professor of PREMIER NINE search for new ways of developing music history at Yale University, who will present theater. Musicians create new synthetic her latest book “The Ukrainian Night: An genres and experiment with atypical music Intimate History of Revolution” (Yale ALSO AVAILABLE: and stage performances. Composers Illia University Press, January 2018). Norman SELECT SEVEN – 3.5%* Razumeiko and Roman Grygoriv, and solo- Manea of Bard College wrote of the book: ist/manager of information Andriy “An excellent guide to understanding the STARTER FIVE – 3.0%* Koshman will present excerpts from six Maidan Revolution in Ukraine, and its con- operas: opera-requiem “Iyov” (based on sequences. Shore has deep knowledge of “The Book of Job”); opera-dream the region… her book is well written and “UnSIMPLE” (based on the novel of Taras honestly and deeply documented through Prohasko); opera-circus “Babylon,” in which direct and acute observations of facts on circus artists take part; opera-ballet “The the ground.” Admission (includes light Ark;” trap-opera “Wozzeck” (in collabora- reception) is $10; $5 for members and tion with the Ukrainian poet Yurii Izdryk); students. The Ukrainian Museum is locat- and drama-per-musica “Hamlet.” The event ed at 222 E. Sixth St.; telephone, 212-228- will take place at the society’s building, 63 0110; website, www.ukrainianmuseum. Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th org.

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