INSIDE: l Reactions to election and protests in – pages 3 and 6 l Zelenskyy calls for tolerance, open dialogue in Belarus – page 4 l Book notes: short stories, poetry, a children’s book – page 9 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 $2.00 U.S. Justice Department seeks to seize NEWS ANALYSIS assets of oligarch partners As Belarus is reborn, Ukraine holds its breath Moguls accused of laundering over $70 million in U.S.

LB.ua Hromadske International svaboda.org (RFE/RL) Gennadiy Boholiubov Ihor Kolomoisky Hundreds of women dressed in white and bearing flowers unite in a chain of solidari- ty on August 12 to protest police brutality after the disputed results of the Belarusian by Mark Raczkiewycz The U.S. Department of Justice, in a com- presidential elected were announced. plaint filed on August 6, alleged that long- CHICAGO – The long arm of the U.S. jus- time Ukrainian business partners Ihor by Bohdan Nahaylo So, what does this mean, at least for now, tice system once again has fixated on the Kolomoisky and Gennadiy Boholiubov had for Ukraine, Belarus’s southern neighbor? upper echelons of Ukraine’s oligarchic concealed at least $70 million of misappro- – Belarus is in revolt and a new What was the state of bilateral relations class. Two moguls last week were accused priated funds in the United States by pur- Belarusian political nation has been born before and after the critical presidential of stealing billions of dollars from a chasing “5 million square feet of commer- before our very eyes. The implications are election of August 9, which tens of thou- Ukrainian bank they previously owned and cial real estate in Ohio, steel plants in far-reaching. Not only for the sands of Belarusians throughout their laundering some of the proceeds by amass- themselves, but their diverse neighbors, ing assets in six states. (Continued on page 11) generally and even beyond. (Continued on page 4)

Ukraine prepares for second wave Efforts continue to advance of COVID-19 amid dramatic spread Holodomor awareness in the U.S. by Roman Tymotsko In the yellow zone, visits to nursing U.S. Holodomor Committee tunity to bring domestic and international homes for the elderly are not allowed, experts together on Holodomor-related KYIV – As of August 12, there were except for those that provide services in WASHINGTON – For nearly fifteen years, issues. It featured workshops delving into 84,548 officially confirmed COVID-19 cases critical situations. Restrictions of the green the U.S. Committee for Ukrainian practical topics of advancing Holodomor in Ukraine. Last week, the number of those zone also apply. Holodomor-Genocide Awareness (U.S. curriculum in the United States; political infected set records four days in a row. Additional prohibitions in the orange Holodomor Committee) has worked dili- recognition of the Holodomor as genocide; Officially, the adaptive quarantine in zone do not allow the operation of estab- gently to raise the awareness of the social and mass media awareness cam- Ukraine has been extended until August 31, lishments providing accommodations, such American public about one of the least paigns about the Holodomor; and efforts to however, the government does not plan to as hostels and tourist bases (hotels are known tragedies in the world – the 1932- rescind The New York Times correspon- lift restrictions anytime soon. allowed to function), and the nighttime 1933 Famine-Genocide in Ukraine, or dent Walter Duranty’s Pulitzer Prize for his The Cabinet of Ministers has developed operation of entertainment facilities and Holodomor. The quintessential accomplish- articles, which were wrought with Soviet a new system that classifies the country’s restaurants. Public events are restricted to ment was the dedication of the Holodomor propaganda, including denial of the Famine regions by zones – green, yellow, orange one person per 20 square meters and no Memorial in Washington on November 7, taking place in Ukraine. and red – based on the level of risk for more than 100 people total. 2015, attended by Ukraine’s First Lady The momentum of the Holodomor coronavirus spread. Going from green to The red zone has the most restrictions. Maryna Poroshenko, hierarchs of the Forum has furthered the advancement of red, each zone has progressively higher The operation of public transport, visiting Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Holodomor awareness in the United States. quarantine restrictions. educational institutions and the business Churches, members of Congress, and thou- Currently, the U.S. Holodomor Committee is The green zone is the safest and has the activities of shopping malls, cafes and res- sands of community activists from concentrating its efforts on recognition of least restrictions. It envisages only the taurants are prohibited. throughout the country. the Holodomor as a genocide in all 50 U.S. obligatory wearing of face masks in public This epidemiological zoning depends on Since that historic event in Ukrainian states. To date, 21 U.S. states and five major buildings and limits the number of passen- several indicators, first of all, the occupancy American community’s history, the U.S. U.S. cities have officially approved such rec- gers on public transport to the seating rate of beds in facilities designated for the Holodomor Committee continued its ognition, the majority of them in 2018, dur- capacity. Mass events are allowed, but with hospitalization of COVID-19 patients. To important work by holding the first-of-its- ing the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor. no more than one person per five square remain in the green zone, a region should kind Holodomor Forum in the United Additional projects include disseminat- meters. Cinemas are permitted to work at States in October 2019 in Philadelphia. The 50 percent occupancy. (Continued on page 12) three-day forum was designed as an oppor- (Continued on page 5) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33

ANALYSIS

Lithuania, and Ukraine Shmyhal on Medvedchuk’s trip to Crimean Tatar community and others who have spoken out against ’s military Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys occupation and illegal annexation of the inaugurate the Triangle Shmyhal said the stay in Russian-occupied region. In its annual report on religious September 2017). The setting up of the Crimea by the head of the political council freedom worldwide, released in April 2019, by Jakub Bornio of the Opposition Platform – For Life party, Eurasia Daily Monitor Lublin Triangle clearly suggests that the the U.S. Commission on International new opening in Kyiv- relations – National Deputy Viktor Medvedchuk, is an Religious Freedom said Russian-installed The ministers of foreign affairs of both Ukrainian President Volodymyr “unacceptable step.” In an interview with authorities in the occupied region “contin- , Poland and Ukraine held a trilat- Zelenskyy and Foreign Affairs Minister Radio Liberty on August 10, Mr. Shmyhal ued to kidnap, torture and imprison eral meeting in the southeastern Polish city Dmytro Kuleba visited Poland within six said: “I have a negative attitude. This is a Crimean Tatar Muslims at will.” (RFE/RL’s of Lublin on July 28 to discuss regional months of taking their positions – will con- very unacceptable step on the part of a Ukrainian Service) cooperation (Gov.pl, July 28). To pursue tinue. Ukrainian politician, whoever he may be, such future development, the officials nota- The trilateral declaration emphasizes whoever he is. Therefore, I have a critical Denisova: prisoners’ families must be protected bly established the Lublin Triangle, a new that the Lublin Triangle’s objective is to negative attitude to this.” Earlier in the Commissioner for political platform invoking the integration- bring Ukraine closer not only to the week, Mr. Medvedchuk’s press secretary Human Rights Lyudmyla Denisova ist heritage of the 1569 Union of Lublin. and the North Atlantic Oleh Babanin confirmed to a correspon- The recently established format is noth- Treaty Organization (NATO) but also to dent of the Krym.Realii project that he had appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy­ ing unusual for Central/Eastern Europe; “other regional formats.” Indeed, Ukraine gone to annexed Crimea. “Viktor Medved­ to do everything possible to release many similar multilateral platforms involv- used to more regularly cooperate with the chuk is on vacation as a member of Ukrainian political prisoners and instruct ing regional states already exist, including Visegrad Four (Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Parliament and is resting with his family in the government to provide their families the Visegrad Four (V4), , Hungary), for instance. In 2016, Ukrainian Crimea,” he said. (-Ukraine) with adequate social protection. “I appeal to (3SI), Nordic-Baltic soldiers joined the EU V4 Battlegroup. Volodymyr Zelenskyy Eight and the . However, In the Lublin declaration, however, spe- Ombudswoman: Russia holds 133 with a request to do everything possible to since these groupings are rarely institution- cial attention was paid to the Three Seas release Ukrainian political prisoners and Ukrainian Ombudswoman Lyudmyla alized, their establishment and intensity of Initiative (Mfa.gov.ua, July 28). Ukraine is instruct the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine meetings telegraph the changing political already engaged in the development of a Denisova says Russia is currently holding to provide their families with adequate priorities of the included countries and the branch of the Via Carpatia highway – one of 133 Ukrainian citizens on politically moti- social protection. I ask First Lady of general condition of their relations. The the flagship projects of the 3SI. Even vated charges, including 97 . Ukraine Olena Zelenska to take each such Lublin Triangle – as emphasized in the joint though Kyiv has openly declared its willing- In an August 10 post on Telegram, Ms. family under her personal patronage,” Ms. declaration – was set up inter alia to ness to fully join the 3SI (President.gov.ua, Denisova said 112 Ukrainian citizens “are Denisova wrote on her Facebook page on strengthen “dialogue between the three November 26, 2019), the platform remains being illegally held on the territory of the August 10. The ombudswoman also called countries,” to support the “European and reserved for EU member states and is Russian Federation and temporarily occu- on Prime Minister and -Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine,” and, declared to be a non-geopolitical project, pied Crimea, while restriction of movement Cabinet members to urgently develop and bearing in mind “Russian aggression in thus unable to cover Ukraine (YouTube, has been imposed on the rest, and they submit to the Verkhovna Rada for consider- October 23, 2019). The stronger readiness Ukraine,” to coordinate the three states’ have to permanently stay in the places of ation a bill on the regulation of the legal of Lithuania and Poland to support activities within international organiza- their residence.” Ms. Denisova also said 62 status and social protection of persons ille- tions (MFA.gov.ua, July 28). Ukraine’s cooperation with the 3SI (even as wives of the jailed men remain on the gally deprived of their liberty as a result of Although Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine not a full member) marks an important Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula. She armed aggression against Ukraine, as well today share concerns about Russia’s role in shift, revealing that, regardless of official said they need Ukraine’s support for their the international security system, their declarations, the platform was never solely as their family members, and to approve children to receive an education in their the relevant governmental social program. relations have not always been promising. about economics, infrastructure and inter- native languages. She also said 11 children After 1991, Ukraine’s relations with connectivity – at least to some states. In In addition, Ms. Denisova called on interna- urgently require medical assistance. “I call tional governmental and non-governmen- Lithuania and Poland were variable, addition to geopolitical interests and good on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to do political relations, such a shift is partially tal organizations, in particular the Internat­ depending mostly on the governmental everything possible to [secure the] release changes in Kyiv and character of its foreign driven by the growing potential of regional ional Committee of the Red Cross in [of] Ukrainian political prisoners [in policy. Both Lithuania and Poland share energy infrastructure, which makes it pos- Ukraine, to provide humanitarian aid to the Russian custody] and ask the Ukrainian common objectives regarding supporting sible to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) prisoners and to help intensify the struggle government to secure proper social protec- Ukraine’s European development path in the international arena for their release. (particularly, during the Orange and Euro- (northwestern Poland) (see Eurasia Daily tion for their families,” Ms. Denisova wrote. Among other things, the ombudswoman Maidan ); yet, Polish-Ukrainian toMonitor, Ukraine July from 7) theand, terminal in the nearest in Świnoujście future, Rights groups and Western governments recalled the tragedy of the son of Ukrainian bilateral relations in particular have at from Lithuania’s Klaipeda. Lithuania is will- have denounced what they describe as a political prisoner Ruslan Suleimanov Musa, times been strained. ing to contribute to the diversification of campaign of repression by the Moscow- stressing that this is a consequence of the However, following Russia’s armed gas supplies to Ukraine as soon as the Gas imposed authorities in Crimea. The cynical occupation policy of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in early 2014, Interconnection Poland-Lithuania is com- Russian-installed officials have been target- and Warsaw took great effort to pleted, as noted by Lithuanian Energy ing members of the Turkic-speaking (Continued on page 10) internationalize the Russo-Ukrainian con- flict and reassure Kyiv about their backing. 7). For a long time, Lithuania was the only MinisterSetting Žygimantas up the Lublin Vaičiūnas Triangle (Lrv.lt, also Mayhas country that officially provided Ukraine significant propaganda or myth-making he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 with lethal offensive weapons, and Poland effect since it invokes the heritage of the T U W was among Ukraine’s top donors of mili- Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, estab- tary assistance (Apostrophe, August 3, lished by the Union of Lublin, in July 1569. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., 2016). This is why the three foreign ministers’ a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Nevertheless, Polish-Ukrainian relations joint press conference took place next to deteriorated between 2015 and 2019, the Union of Lublin Monument. It is also Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. damaged mostly by competing interpreta- (ISSN — 0273-9348) tions of historical memory (Osw.waw.pl, (Continued on page 14) The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900

Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz State Department reacts to Russian decree 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas P.O. Box 280 targeting RFE/RL and VOA in Russia Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected]

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State will impose new burdensome require- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Michael R. Pompeo, in a statement released ments that will further inhibit RFE/RL’s on August 10, said the United States “is and VOA’s ability to operate within Russia, The Ukrainian Weekly, August 16, 2020, No. 33, Vol. LXXXVIII deeply concerned by the recent draft compounding the significant and undue Copyright © 2020 The Ukrainian Weekly decree published by Russian authorities restrictions these outlets already face. targeting U.S. Agency for Global Media “We remain troubled by the ongoing (USAGM)-funded entities in Russia.” crackdown on independent press in Russia ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA He noted: and call on Russia to uphold its internation- “For more than 70 years, Voice of al obligations and OSCE commitments to Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe / freedom of expression. We urge the Russian e-mail: [email protected] Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) have been vital government to reconsider these actions, Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 sources of independent news and informa- which will further damage the bilateral e-mail: [email protected] tion for the people of Russia. This decree relationship.” No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Belarusian presidential election: The eve and the aftermath

by Grigory Ioffe Despite urgent and repeated requests by of state shared a commitment to “substan- – a hint that almost certainly points to Eurasia Daily Monitor Ms. Tsikhanouskaya for her supporters to tively and thoroughly study each available Deputy Minister of Economic Development August 10 refrain from early voting, which began on fact in order to establish the true causes of Mikhail Babich, the former Russian ambas- August 4, 41.7 percent of eligible voters the current situation, find the perpetrators sador to , whose mission was termi- Sunday, August 9, was election day in apparently chose to cast their ballots prior and bring them to justice” (Belta, August 7). nated in 2019 because of Mr. Lukashenka’s Belarus. The official result: 80.8 percent for to last Sunday (Sputnik.by, August 10). The This formulation implied that, at a mini- ultimatum to Mr. Putin. In speaking with the incumbent, President Alyaksandr opposition has long suspected that votes mum, Mr. Lukashenka’s version of the Gordon, Mr. Lukashenka referred to the Lukashenka, and 10.09 percent for his main cast before election day would be most vul- events had some credibility. According to apprehended mercenaries as “gangsters.” challenger, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Six nerable to falsifications by members of the abundantly publicized alternative ver- In light of all these purported revela- percent of eligible Belarusians voted against local electoral commissions (for the most sion, the apprehended Wagner group was tions, two major explanations of the entire all candidates (there is such an option), so part secondary school teachers, a group the umpteenth such team to travel to a gambit have come into focus. the remaining three presidential hopefuls loyal to the incumbent) charged with stuff- third country via Minsk, but Mr. Luka­shen­ According to one, a Russian-Belarusian garnered only minuscule support. The turn- ing ballot boxes. Because of multiple ka frivolously arrested these transiting compromise is in the works: “Russia recog- out apparently exceeded 84 percent appeals by the opposition not to vote early, fighters in order to proactively justify his nizes the facts about the mercenaries (Onliner.by, August 10). It may seem that it is likely that most of the early vote favors harsh treatment of the would-be post-elec- revealed by the Belarusian investigators, Mr. Lukashenka, who ran for his sixth term, the incumbent. tion protests (Deutsche Welle – Russian whereas Belarus is turning a blind eye to could paraphrase Mark Twain: “The reports It is no less important that, out of 6.9 service, August 7). On the eve of that Putin- the sponsors of the entire operation. After of my defeat were greatly exaggerated.” million eligible voters, 2.7 million are retir- Lukashenka call, Komsomolskaya Pravda, a the election results are recognized by Opposition-minded Belarusians do not ees and more than 1 million are dependent Moscow daily, published a lengthy piece Moscow… those arrested will be extradited believe the votes were fairly counted. In on wages from the state. Additionally, claiming that the entire recruitment of the back to Russia” (Facebook.com/piotra.piat- Minsk, clashes between the protesters and according to neoliberal economist Yaroslav 33 mercenaries and their transfer to Bela­ rouski, August 8). riot police lasted until 2 a.m. on August 10; Romanchuk, 15 to 25 percent of the entire rus was an operation by Ukrainian intelli- According to the second explanation, authorities used flash grenades, water can- electorate shuns what might be considered gence, aiming at undermining the relations “the version of the Ukrainian intelligence’s nons and rubber bullets to disperse the Western liberal-democratic values or between Russia and Belarus (Komsomol­ role presupposes a lack of professionalism crowds. Quite a few rioters were injured. retains deep nostalgia for the Soviet past skaya Pravda, August 6). on the part of its Belarusian counterpart,” Unlike in 2010, angry demonstrations took (Theworldnews.net, August 5). In all those Yet, a day before Komsomolskaya Prav­ which strains credulity and thus insinuates place in other Belarusian cities, too. About categories – collectively, at least half of the da’s publication, Mr. Lukashenka gave a the Belarusians may have actually cooper- 3,000 people were apprehended (Onliner. electorate – most were likely to vote for the two-and-a-half-hour-long interview to ated with the Ukrainians (Russiancouncil. by, August 9). On August 9, the Belarusian incumbent. Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon, in ru, August 8). segment of the Internet was completely On Friday, August 7, Mr. Lukashenka which Belarus’s president suggested that In his interview with Gordon, Mr. Luka­ shut off. Curiously, Mr. Lukashenka stated received a phone call from his Russian certain Russian government officials at the shenka spoke with the utmost respect that the internet troubles were caused not counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. level of deputy ministers stood behind the about Mr. Putin and even acknowledged by the authorities but by external hacking Much of their conversation was devoted to entire affair (YouTube, August 6). He tell- mutual friendliness between him and the attacks meant to stir up public discontent the 33 Russian Wagner Group mercenaries ingly revealed that some of those allegedly (Svaboda.org, August 10). arrested in Belarus on August 1. Both heads involved had previously worked in Belarus (Continued on page 14)

An appeal from Belarus to Europe: “Please FOR THE RECORD: Statements help us, because they’re killing my family” on presidential election in Belarus by Halya Coynash presidential candidate and political prison- Lithuania, Poland free and fair. Severe restrictions on ballot Human Rights Protection Group er now living in Poland, told the Guardian access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers at polling stations, August 11 that it had been a huge mistake to remove and Ukraine the sanctions. “It was encouragement for Statement by the ministers of foreign intimidation tactics employed against During the first night of protests in Lukashenka to continue with his policy to affairs of Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine – opposition candidates, and the detentions Belarus against fraudulent presidential use violence against peaceful demonstra- Lublin Triangle released on August 10. of peaceful protesters and journalists elections concluded on August 9, one young tions. It meant impunity because there is Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. marred the process. We regret that OSCE/ man was killed, many injured and an no justice in Belarus, no independent judi- ODIHR observers did not receive a timely As foreign ministers of Lublin Triangle incredible 3,000 people were detained. ciary.” He believes there need to be proper invitation to monitor the vote. Free and fair States, we are deeply concerned with esca- This was while the world was still watching measures: “Stop all the financial aid, start elections, genuinely contested, are the basis lation of the situation in Belarus after the and could see the brutality of riot police sanctioning everything. They [the EU] do for the authority and legitimacy of all gov- presidential elections and call upon the have instruments and they do know how to ernments. and soldiers against peaceful protesters. In authorities to refrain from the use of force a very somber call on Monday evening, react, show some political will.” We urge the Belarusian government to and to release all those detained last night. respect the rights of all Belarusians to par- August 10, the former world chess champi- For the moment, protests are continu- Respect for fundamental freedoms and on and Russian opposition politician Gary ing, and there have been further (isolated) ticipate in peaceful assembly, refrain from human rights, including democracy and use of force and release those wrongfully Kasparov wrote: “Listen to the Belarusian reports of riot police having laid down rule of law, is essential for further develop- people. And watch, so they and their dicta- their shields. There had, however, been a detained. We strongly condemn ongoing ment of independent and sovereign violence against protesters and the deten- tor know the world is watching. Every huge number of arrests and repressive Belarus, which we fully support. democracy should let Lukashenka (and his measures even before the elections and the tion of opposition supporters, as well as the We are confident that only by means of use of Internet shutdowns to hinder the enablers, Putin and Xi Jinping) know there brutality seen on August 9. The number of dialogue the current situation can be ability of the Belarusian people to share will be consequences for a massacre.” arrests and savage behavior by enforce- resolved for the benefit of the people and information about the election and the Belarusians abroad have been holding ment bodies are far worse than that seen in the state of Belarus. demonstrations. protests in many cities, and calling on the Ukraine at the beginning of the Euro- In case of the need, we are open for any As friends of Belarus, we support Maidan protests. West to react. In Poland, a young woman, assistance or good offices in facilitating this Belarusian independence and sovereignty, choking back tears, addressed her appeal to The Belarusian Central Election dialogue. as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian all of Europe: “Please help us, because peo- Commiss ­ion, which cannot be considered The well-being and prosperity of people for a democratic, prosperous future. ple near my home are killing my parents.” politically independent, claimed on Monday Belarus and its people are important for To achieve these goals, the government of On August 10, there were the anticipat- morning that Mr. Lukashenka had received the entire Europe and specifically our Belarus must prove through action its com- ed expressions of deep concern from the 80.23 percent of the votes, against 9.9 per- region. We are all interested in continuing mitment to democratic processes and United Nations, NATO, the European Union cent for Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya (and mutually beneficial dialogue as well as respect for human rights. and other bodies, however, nobody threat- sundry amounts for the largely nominal cooperation based upon democratic values ened to even reinstate the sanctions against candidates, who were probably put forward and focused on creating conditions for a Canada the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka inex- to give the event some pretense of democra- common and stable future. plicably withdrawn in 2016. cy after opposition candidates, like Viktor Statement by Canada’s Minister of Instead, the EU statement said only that Babaryka and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s hus- United States Foreign Affairs François-Philippe “we will continue to closely follow the band, Syarhei Tsikhanouski, were arrested. Champagne, released on August 10. Source: Statement by U.S. Secretary of State Global Affairs Canada. developments in order to assess how to The main opposition candidate, Ms. Michael R. Pompeo released on August 10. further shape the EU’s response and rela- Tsikhanouskaya stated early on August 10 Source: U.S. Department of State. Canada is deeply concerned by the tions with Belarus in view of the develop- that she believed she had won the elec- actions of Belarusian authorities following ing situation.” In other words, expect more tions, that she is with the people and has no The United States is deeply concerned yesterday’s presidential elections which statements of deep concern. about the conduct of the August 9 presi- Andrei Sannikov, a former Belarusian (Continued on page 13) dential election in Belarus, which was not (Continued on page 14) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33

As Belarus is reborn... (Continued from page 1) country believe were rigged and deprived them of peaceful democratic change? After 26 years of the authoritarian, purportedly pater- nalistic “Batka” (“father”-figure) Alyaksandr Lukashenka at the helm, whatever his merits for some segments of soci- ety, particularly the pensioners, apparently the over- whelming majority of society wanted him replaced by a more modern and progressive figure. But, true to form, he rigged the election, which appeared to be undoubtedly going against him, yet again. His personal polling outfit, claiming in the absence of impartial international observers to be a “national” one, impudently declared he had won around 80 percent of the votes. And the rest has already become history. The example and lessons of 2019 in Ukraine, where a political newcomer managed in fair and open elections to secure 73 percent of the votes and democratically replace the incumbent president has not been lost either on the Belarusians, who had watched with inspiration, or the Ukrainians themselves. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not rush to congrat- ulate pro forma his Belarusian counterpart, with whom he seemed to have developed a good working relationship. TUT.BY Instead, on August 10, he reserved judgement about the A standoff on August 9 between protesters and riot police in Minsk. validity of the results of the Belarusian election and echoed the concerns of his Polish and Lithuanian partners about As the Belarusian presidential election approached, on dential election and his use of brute force against peaceful the unjustified violence being applied against protesters July 29, Mr. Lukashenka indirectly involved Ukraine. He protesters immediately placed his relationship with Mr. and the need for a dialogue between the two sides. suddenly announced that Belarus’s law enforcement agen- Zelenskyy and Ukraine in doubt. He forced the Ukrainian Instead of going along with the automatic congratula- cies had detained 32 members of the notorious “private” president to choose between maintaining pro forma cor- tions that came from China, Russia, Armenia, , Russian Wagner mercenary army just outside of Minsk. It dial contacts with him, under the pretense that what has Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela, Turkey was reported that they included Ukrainian citizens and happened in Belarus is an internal matter, or to align him- and Azerbaijan, Ukraine aligned itself with its Western even those who had fought against Ukrainian government self with his Western partners. The Ukrainian leader has democratic partners. forces in the Donbas. chosen the second. As is known, Mr. Lukashenka has survived by playing The Belarusian president insinuated that they had been On August 10, Mr. Zelenskyy called on Belarus, at this political games; he considers himself craftier than everyone sent to Belarus to engage in subversion and, playing an time of “serious crisis,” to refrain from using violence else. He’s blown hot and cold with Russian President implicitly anti-Putin card before the election, implied that against the protesters and to open dialogue with them. Vladimir Putin, given his dependence on Russian financing Ukraine would be able to seek the extradition of those Belarus, he said, is trying to “determine the vector of its and energy, flirted when it has suited him with the West, and linked to Ukraine. further development, which is extremely difficult,” and the not neglected to develop the Chinese and other vectors. On August 5, the Ukrainian and Belarusian presidents consequences can be far-reaching. Likewise, with Ukraine, Mr. Lukashen­ka’s tack has been held a telephone conversation during which they discussed For the record, it should be noted that one of the first to not a balancing act, but a duplicitous role. He has pursued the extradition. Mr. Zelenskyy also expressed his personal greet Mr. Lukashenka was Viktor Medvedchuk, vacationing business ties to the extent it was expedient, assumed the gratitude to Mr. Lukashenka for the humanitarian assis- in Russian-occupied Crimea. The politician, businessman role of a self-appointed quasi-honest broker in Minsk tance provided in July to the population of the western and close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin between Ukraine and Russia, and declared himself a true regions of Ukraine affected by heavy flooding. “This gesture signed himself as chairman of the Political Council of the friend of Ukraine, while he continued to ingratiate himself of Belarus’s true friendship again underlines the values of​​ pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life Party. with the Kremlin. The best example of that is official partnership between our countries,” he noted. Mr. Medvedchuk wrote to Mr. Lukashenka: “The citizens Belarus’s support for Russia in voting at the United Nations. Interestingly, as if to ingratiate himself with Ukrainians of the Republic of Belarus confirmed that you remain the Nevertheless, while declaring that he would never per- and liberal circles in Russia and elsewhere on the eve of the incontestable leader in your state. As a person who knows mit a Maidan to occur in Belarus, Mr. Lukashenka managed election, Mr. Lukashenka also gave a long TV interview to you for many years and treats you with the greatest to maintain seemingly good ties with both Presidents Petro the Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Gordon. In it, he seemed respect, I believe that this leadership is based on the phe- Poroshenko and Zelens­kyy. Last October, he visited very self-confident, evaded condemning Russia’s aggres- nomenal diligence, responsibility and readiness to protect Ukraine and had a cordial meeting with the current sion against Ukraine and appeared to confirm his readi- your country and your citizens.” Ukrainian president at the Second Forum of the Regions of ness to go ahead with the extradition of some of the Since then, the protests in Belarus have continued, and Ukraine and Belarus in . Wagner fighters. the brutality shown by Mr. Lukashenka’s forces has not At the time, President Zelenskyy said: “We understand Questions were immediately raised about what was abated. As workers in the country’s major industrial enter- each other. I think our people are friendly, mentally close. I behind the Wagner issue, what role Russia was playing in prises have joined the revolt by coming out on strike, there am proud and I am confident that every Ukrainian is proud the election scenario, and why Ukraine was being involved. has also been growing condemnation from Western states that we have such good neighbors and relations.” Mr. They have not been answered. and human rights organizations. Lukashenka invited President Zelenskyy to visit Belarus. The way in which Mr. Lukashenka conducted the presi- Official Kyiv has said it will not comment further on the election until the official results are announced. In the meantime, it has expressed concern about the detention of several Ukrainians, journalists and others, some of whom Zelenskyy calls for tolerance and open dialogue in Belarus were quickly deported. Kyiv has also formally requested the extradition of the Wagner fighters, something which KYIV – Ukraine is calling on the Republic of Belarus to tor of their further development. And this is very diffi- Mr. Lukashenka, under pressure from Mr. Putin, would pre- be as tolerant as possible, hold open dialogue and reject cult. It is already obvious that not everyone in the coun- fer to forget at this moment. violence, because this is the approach that will ensure a try agrees with the announced provisional election Obviously, many in Ukraine are treating the events in way out of the difficult crisis situation, President results. And, as you know, any legitimacy arises exclu- Belarus as their Maidan. But the Belarusian uprising has Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 10. sively from public trust. Exclusively from trust. Doubt on already taken on different forms and is not following the “We call on our neighbors to be as tolerant as possible such a scale is a direct road to violence, conflict and Kyivan scenario. and reject street violence. We call for the most open, growing public outcry. Unfortunately, this is what we are Leaderless and spontaneous so far, from the outset it albeit complex, dialogue, because only a broad dialogue seeing now,” the Ukrainian president said. has been massive and represented throughout most of will allow the citizens of the Republic of Belarus to find a Mr. Zelenskyy said that Belarus should adhere to the country – not concentrated in one central spot. Secondly, it way out of the difficult crisis situation and honestly dis- democratic standards generally recognized in the civi- has successfully won support from major industrial enter- cuss further steps and formats of public interaction. Only lized world as much as possible, and try to provide its prises and is using strikes as a powerful weapon. It is mutual understanding between all parties can preserve people with their rights and freedoms in full, because already more reminiscent of Solidarity’s resistance in the country’s independence and ensure its further move- this is the only way to preserve hope for a way out of the Poland than what occurred in Ukraine. ment towards freedom and democracy,” Mr. Zelenskyy crisis. The question now is how much real solidarity with said. “Ukraine and I personally are extre­mely interested in Belarus will Ukraine and its real partners be prepared to Otherwise, the escalation of violence will grow and Belarus being a truly independent and democratic coun- demonstrate, especially when it comes to jointly applying the implications will be very negative, he added. try with a strong economy and stable social relations. sanctions, providing political asylum for political dissent- According to the Ukrainian president, now both par- Belarus is our closest neighbor, and therefore we are not ers, advocacy and, if necessary, helping to overcome any ties in Belarus should be interested in such a dialogue – at all indifferent to what is happening there and what information blockade imposed by President Lukashenk­ a, if both the government and the protesters. will happen to our friends next,” he stated. he lasts. “Our neighbors [the] Belarusians, are going through The worst-case scenario, that many Belarusian protest- difficult times now. They are trying to determine the vec- Source: Presidential Office of Ukraine ers are afraid of, is a Russian intervention. But that would transform the situation even more – for everyone. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 5

nized the Holodomor as genocide; a reli- Efforts... gious service conducted by hierarchs of (Continued from page 1) Ukrainian Churches; images broadcast from the Holodomor Memorial; and a musi- ing a 15-minute documentary titled “When cal component. The event is scheduled for We Starve” about the tragic physiological, Saturday, November 7, exactly five years to psychological and social effects of hunger; the day of the dedication ceremony in updating the Holodomor Committee’s 2015. state-of-the-art website with the latest Many of the ongoing projects undertak- information on the genocide committed by en by the U.S. Holodomor Committee will Joseph Stalin in Ukraine; petitioning lead up to the 90th anniversary commemo- Amazon.com through a social media cam- ration of the Holodomor in the years 2022- paign to remove apparel bearing Soviet 2023. symbols; and designing a “mobile” modular Distribution of information is crucial to Holodomor exhibit for display in various promoting awareness of the Holodomor. public venues throughout the United States. The U.S. Holodomor Committee asks Particular emphasis is being placed on Ukrainian community members to: integrating teachers’ lesson plans about the Ukrainian Holodomor into U.S. public high new website www.ukrainegenocide.com school curricula. A follow-up to the for• morevisit theinformation U.S. Holodomor on the Committee’sHolodomor Holodomor Forum was to be held in and activities around the country; Philadelphia in May, specifically on the Members of the Boston Holodomor Committee at the Massachusetts Statehouse in - topic of Holodomor curriculum, but due to October 2019 after testifying in favor of a genocide studies bill that would include the able free of charge to communities advocat- the COVID-19 pandemic the forum was Holodomor. In the front row, second from right, is State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, chair of ing• Holodomor use the trifold recognition; brochure that is avail postponed. New opportunities arose dur- the Joint Committee on Higher Education. ing the pandemic in partnering with Twitter, and Instagram – photos, links to national organizations such as the National ten reviews of the movie, citing the unethi- Awareness Tour’s (HNAT) initiative to have articles• share and onother social information media – about Facebook, your Council on Social Studies (NCSS), which has cal journalistic standards of Walter the word “Holodomor” included in English- events and milestones; and, agreed to host a Holodomor curriculum Duranty; preparing op-eds to be placed in language dictionaries. The community is webinar in September for social studies news publications throughout the United requested to access and sign a petition on make Holodomor awareness prominent teachers in the United States. Similar cur- States; networking with schools of journal- the website http://deeptruth.ca; visit the throughout• donate the your United time States. and resources to riculum webinars are being explored in ism at major U.S. colleges and universities website to view the deepfake video featur- The U.S. Holodomor Committee also has other regions or states with social studies on the topic of journalistic ethics; and filing ing a Joseph Stalin look-alike, and addition- various Holodomor-related items on sale to councils. an online petition to the Pulitzer al information (posters, graphics, etc.); post help defray costs of the aforementioned The U.S. Holodomor Committee is also Committee. The release of the campaign is the petition on your social media pages; projects. Articles to purchase include actively seeking opportunities on a state- expected later this month. and share this information with your Holodomor pins and wristbands; the by-state basis to legislatively mandate At the Holodomor Forum last year, the friends and family. Holodomor Memorial dedication book; as genocide studies that would include the formation of a Holodomor Descendants’ This year marks the fifth anniversary of well as an iWallet that can be affixed to the study of the Holodomor in states’ high Network was deemed to be a priority in the dedication and unveiling of the back of a mobile phone to hold ID and cred- school social studies curriculum. order to ensure global knowledge about the Holodomor Memorial in Washington. An it cards. The film “Mr. Jones” has prompted a Holodomor. The network’s purpose is to anniversary observance was discussed dur- To initiate a campaign in your city, join renewed attempt to revoke Duranty’s create a personal and perpetual voice for ing the Holodomor Forum in Philadelphia monthly conference calls or purchase Pulitzer Prize for his blatant dissemination familial stories through generations of in October 2019, but plans for the event Holodomor-related items for your commu- of Soviet propaganda. A multi-pronged descendants of Holodomor survivors. have now transitioned from a physical nity, readers may contact the U.S. Holodomor media campaign is being orchestrated to Descendants are requested to complete an gathering to an online/remote commemo- Committee at [email protected]. raise awareness of the issue and appeal to online form (soon to be available) on the ration. While details are pending, initial Donations and inquiries may be sent to: the Pulitzer Committee to posthumously U.S. Holodomor Committee website. plans call for a multiple-location ceremony U.S. Holodomor Committee, 311 revoke the prestigious award. Plans call for The U.S. Holodomor Committee is active- including greetings from embassies in Massachusetts Ave. NE, Lower Level, interacting with journalists who have writ- ly supporting the Holodomor National Washington whose countries have recog- Washington, DC 20002. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly We stand with the people of Belarus Belarusians must now On August 9, after the voting in the Belarusian presidential election had concluded, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka was declared the winner, purportedly taking an make the ultimate choice overwhelming 80 percent of the vote. Activists took to the streets of the capital, by Vitaly Portnikov their lives for the freedom of their country? Minsk, and other cities to protest and make it known that they neither accept nor There is one thing that neither the pro- believe the count that handed Mr. Lukashenka, who has been in power since 1994, a Thousands rallied in the streets of Minsk testers nor Mr. Lukashenka understand – sixth term in office. The police reacted with stark brutality for all the world to see, and other Belarusian cities across the coun- that the state built by the dictator is doomed. using flash grenades, water cannons and rubber bullets against the peaceful demon- try as people came out in force against one It will collapse because it was never a real strators, kicking protesters and beating them with batons. Hundreds were injured. of Europe’s last dictators. state, but simply a temporary fiefdom ruled The opposition claims that Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya won the election and that It is clear that the Belarusians did not by Mr. Lukashenka. It has no real infra- the results announced by the authorities were fixed. Indeed, the signs were already come out because they support Svyatlana structure, just as there was no real infra- there when early voting began on August 4. There were numerous reports of ballot Tsikhanouskaya, who was actually an acci- structure in Viktor Yanukovych’s Ukraine. stuffing and vote-rigging. Prior to the balloting, several independent candidates for dental candidate for the presidency. And The Belarus of 1991-2020 will simply burst the presidency were prevented from registering, and candidates and their staffs not even because they understand what like a bubble. And its inhabitants will be left were subjected to intimidation tactics. kind of country they want to live in, what with scattered bricks that will serve to The Belarusian presidential election has been condemned as neither free nor fair values​ ​unite them. They came out because build a new home and a new country. by the United States and the European Union. Canada called for the results of the they no longer want to be serfs of Alyak­ This new Belarus will face a very simple election “to reflect the will of the people.” And the recently established regional sandr Lukashenka’s regime. This is a popu- choice: either become part of the Russian grouping called the Lublin Triangle said its members – Lithuania, Poland and lar protest against injustice in a country Federation, or stand up to Russia and begin Ukraine – “are deeply concerned with escalation of the situation in Belarus after the where there have never been free elections. building a new state that will break the alli- presidential elections and call upon the authorities to refrain from the use of force.” Everyone knew that President Luka­ ance with Russia and move towards inte- Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, who according to the results released by the authorities had shenka would declare himself the final win- gration with the European Union and 9.9 percent of the vote, is a stay-at-home mom who bravely became a presidential ner. His power system allows for no demo- NATO. candidate after her husband, vlogger Syarhey Tsikhanouski, was arrested and cratic elections, but he needs a popular Mr. Lukashenka’s long rule simply blocked from registering as a candidate. RFE/RL noted that the Belarusian plebiscite that confirms his powers. For Mr. allowed Belarusians to postpone this Investigative Committee had said Mr. Tsikhanouski and seven others were charged Lukashenka, the people who rebelled choice – a banal choice between good and “with the organization and preparation of actions that severely violated public against this state of affairs are schemers evil, between existence and disappearance. order” – rallies at which signatures were collected for potential independent presi- and conspirators. The Belarusian people must now make the dential candidates. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s campaign platform, it must be noted, was Today, the important question is simply ultimate choice. simple and spoke volumes: she promised that, if elected, she would hold a new free who will overcome whom. Will Mr. Luka­ and fair election for president of Belarus. shenka defeat the Belarusian people? Or The commentary above was originally According to calculations of the monitoring organization Golos, Ms. Tsikhanou­ will the Belarusian people defeat Mr. Luka­ published in Ukrainian by Espreso TV. It was skaya actually won 80 percent of the vote. When the candidate attempted to register shenka? And, the ultimate question: How translated into English for Euromaidan a complaint about the provisional results, she was detained for seven hours and many Belarusians are willing to sacrifice Press by Christine Chraibi. apparently given an offer she could not refuse. She fled Belarus, saying she had made a very difficult decision for the sake of her children. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya has been granted safe haven by neighboring Lithuania, where her children had been sent FOR THE RECORD before the election. Nobel Prize laureate said the Belarusian people are “absolute- ly sure” that Mr. Lukashenka lost the election, and she condemned the police vio- lence in her country, forthrightly stating: “the authorities have declared war on their UWC, UCC and UCCA react people.” Furthermore, she told RFE/RL on August 12 that President Lukashenka should step down before he “plunge[s] the people into a terrible abyss, into the abyss of civil war.” to repressions in Belarus The BBC reported on August 13 that the Internal Affairs Ministry says it has Statement by the Ukrainian World fundamental rights of the Belarusian peo- already detained some 6,700 people. Meanwhile, the nonviolent protests are con- Congress released on August 10. ple to have their voice heard and be tinuing, and there are reports of workers’ strikes and walkouts in several major cit- respected. Free, fair and democratic elec- The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) ies. The latest news from Belarus: women dressed in white and bearing flowers are tions should reflect the will of the people. condemns the violence against the citizens demonstrating to protest police brutality and joining hands in what they call chains We call for the immediate release of all of Belarus and appeals to the Belarusian of solidarity. political prisoners held by the Belarusian authorities to respect the fundamental Clearly, the people of Belarus are standing up to the “last dictator of Europe” to regime. The UCC continues to work with demand change and, above all, freedom of choice to determine the future of their human rights and the will of its citizens. the Belarusian community in Canada, and country. Ukrainians worldwide stand with the we call for the Government of Canada to We stand with the people of Belarus! people of Belarus as they courageously defend their right for democratic free and take a strong unequivocal position in sup- transparent elections. port of the democratic rights of the Bela­ “We are deeply troubled by reports of rusian people. election fraud, suppression of civil society Aug. Turning the pages back... and independent journalism, repressions Statement by the Ukrainian Congress Com­ and violence against peaceful protesters,” mittee of America released on August 11. Fifteen years ago, on August 21, 2005, the Ukrainian Greek- stated UWC President Paul Grod. “We call The Ukrainian Congress Committee of 21 – in a historic move – transferred its headquar- on the international community to stand America (UCCA), the largest representation ters from to Kyiv. with the people of Belarus who have clearly of Americans of Ukrainian descent, con- 2005 More than 3,000 faithful joined Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, expressed their desire for change, just as demns the violence and self-evident political major-archbishop of Kyiv-Halych, and the leadership of the the people of Ukraine did during the repressions against the people of Belarus. Church to attend the milestone event. of Dignity in 2014.” Ukrainian Americans stand in solidarity Threats from Russian Orthodox radicals to stop the divine liturgy proved hollow, large- The Ukrainian World Congress joins the with the people of Belarus and their ly because of heavy security provided by more than 1,000 police officers and Berkut global voices in support of fundamental demands for the immediate release of those Special Forces, who protected the Catholics. and inalienable human rights and freedoms wrongfully imprisoned during the peaceful Cardinal Husar’s sermon focused on Christian love, while more than 800 Russian in Belarus. We urge the international com- protests for free, fair and democratic elec- Orthodox yelled anti-Halychyna slurs and heckled the faithful as they entered the worship munity to maintain an unequivocal posi- tions that reflect the will of the people. area, which was an outdoor altar next to the Patriarchal Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection tion in support of the democratic aspira- As an organization that has monitored that was under construction. tions of the Belarusian people. UWC calls numerous Ukrainian elections, it is impor- “May our hearts feel that love of God that flowed onto this place and all the nations of upon the Belarusian authorities to publish tant to ensure that international observers Eastern Europe a thousand years ago,” Cardinal Husar said. “But may it be a love that the authentic election results and to end all from the OSCE Office for Democratic doesn’t stop – one that is living, persistent, active and for us.” violence and intimidation against peaceful Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), The move for the Church from Lviv to Kyiv marked the realization of a centuries-long protesters. the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE vision of establishing its see in Ukraine’s capital city. The patriarchal cathedral is located PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the on the eastern side of the River, on the bank-side just opposite the Kyivan Caves Statement by the Ukrainian Canadian (PACE), the NATO Monastery (Pecherska Lavra). Congress released on August 10. Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) and The Rev. Borys Gudziak (at the time, rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv), the European Parliament (EP), as well as who is now archbishop-metropolitan of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, said, “Today, the The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is those from U.S. and Canadian NGOs are Ukrainian Greek-Catholics, who have sacrificed so much over the centuries, but particular- concerned by the violent repression of ly in the 20th century, for their spiritual freedom and for the development of the Ukrainian peaceful demonstrators by the Belarusian allowed access to election precincts people, can also be in Kyiv and have a Kyiv address and be close to the front of our regime, following the presidential election throughout Belarus, without which the on August 9. votes cast by the Belarusan people cannot (Continued on page 11) We stand with all who demand that the be considered free, honest and democratic. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR COMMENTARY

and Myron Kuropas, seem to be suggesting Russian-style ceasefire that Ukrainian Americans should play no role in addressing America’s problems with “Operation Payback” in Ukraine’s east racial inequality. This is a bit puzzling since they both implicitly acknowledge that rac- Angeles-based Simon Wiesenthal Center, Dear Editor: by Lubomyr Luciuk ism does indeed exist but, since in their who touted the figure of 3,000 on After the latest ceasefire agreement con- view Ukrainian Americans have played no We always suspected it. We tried to tell November 8, 1984, repeating this for the cluded at a meeting of the Trilateral active role on creating these abuses, they reporters, politicians, RCMP investigators, Toronto on January 25, 1985. After Contact Group, Russian forces violated it on argue that we should be excused from any even a few of those ranged against us in the reviewing all these claims, Justice the very day that it took effect – July 27. responsibility for ending them. public arena, about what we were certain Deschênes observed: “Outside interveners Indeed, notwithstanding another good- While Mr. Mirchuk rightfully under- was true – but they wouldn’t believe us. I concerning alleged war criminals residing faith attempt by Ukrainian authorities to scores Ukrainians’ long history of enduring can’t blame them. There was no hard proof, in Canada have spread increasingly large stop the killing of soldiers and civilians in ethnically based abuse and oppression, he not in the 1980s, to confirm Soviet agents and grossly exaggerated figures as to their , the reprieve was awfully does not then advocate for Ukrainian of influence had initiated “active measures” estimated number.” short-lived. Americans to join in efforts to end these to undermine the anti-Communist After also carefully studying the war- This should not have come as a surprise practices in today’s America. With his cus- Ukrainian community in the West. time history of the Galicia Division, the to anyone who followed how quickly tomary prescient wisdom, none other than Now there is. Code-named “Operation Deschênes Commission concluded it Russian forces violated their previous Taras Shevchenko pointed the way. In Payback,” this plan was cynically orches- should not be indicted as a group; that ceasefire undertakings made in Minsk I, 1858, our former serf met the American Ira trated to exploit the understandable desire members of the division were individually Minsk II and the 2020 Normandy Four Aldridge, descendant of slaves and Shake­ of the Jewish diaspora to see perpetrators screened for security purposes before spearean actor, in St. Petersburg. They summit in Paris. of some of the greatest atrocities of the admission to Canada; that charges of war formed an instant bond as they shared The consequences of such ceasefire vio- 20th century – the Nazis – brought to jus- crimes against members of the division their stories of triumph over obstacles we lations by the Russian Federation over the tice. By the late 1960s, quite alarmingly had never been substantiated, either in last six years are already appalling: over can only imagine. from a Soviet point of view, Jewish and 1950 when they were first preferred, or in 13,000 individuals have been killed and I would hope that today, in 2020, we can Ukrainian émigrés had begun to rally 1984 when they were renewed, or before over 30,000 injured in the Donbas, and follow Taras Shevchenko’s lead. together in defense of human rights activ- there are currently over 1.5 million inter- the commission, and that, in the absence of Andriy Ripecky nally displaced persons in Ukraine. ists and dissidents in the USSR. By propa- participation in, or knowledge of, specific Chicago What is even more appalling is that the gating stories about “thousands” of Nazis war crimes, mere membership in the number of deaths and injuries will contin- supposedly hiding within North America’s Galicia Division was insufficient to justify ue to grow. Ukrainian and Baltic communities prosecution. Finally, the commission noted If that was not bad enough, the Russian All Americans must Moscow’s men deliberately and effectively that no case could be made against mem- Federation is now contending that it can- fragmented this common front. bers of the Galicia Division for revocation not guarantee any ceasefire agreement in be treated equally These KGB covert operations were out- of citizenship or deportation since the the Donbas. lined candidly in a now-declassified memo- Canadian authorities were fully aware of A failure by the international communi- Dear Editor: randum, analyzed by Prof. Olga Bertelsen, the relevant facts in 1950 and admission to ty to respond promptly and firmly to such The letters by Dr. Michael Karol and Dr. as published in 2020 in the respected Canada was not granted because of any crass violations of a negotiated ceasefire George Baranowskyj (July 26) calling the International Journal of Intelligence and false representation, or fraud, or conceal- will only compound this tragedy in Ukraine Black Lives Matter movement Marxist are CounterIntelligence. ment of material circumstances. and further endanger Europe. clearly written from a place of deep fear. On October 18, 1985, Stepan Mukha, Despite these rather definitive findings, The NGO Ukraine-2050 therefore calls This is understandable given Soviet history, head of Soviet Ukraine’s Committee of allegations about the Galicia Division have upon the international community to react but the writers also betray their deep igno- State Security, addressed Volodymyr sporadically been resuscitated. In October immediately with heightened sanctions rance of American capitalism. The preju- Shcher ­bytsky, first secretary of the 2017, Kiril Kalinin, operating out of the against the Russian Federation to support dice and structural racism faced by non- Communist Party of the Ukrainian Soviet Russian Embassy in Ottawa, circulated Ukraine’s territorial integrity, enhance white people in America flies in the face of Socialist Republic. Following consultations mendacious tales about Chrystia Freeland, peace and security in Europe, and send a the so-called American values of self-reli- with his Russian KGB counterparts, then Canada’s minister of foreign affairs, crystal-clear message that there are real ance, equality and justice for all, and hurts Comrade Mukha wrote, his operatives so while tweeting provocative statements consequences for violations of internation- the American Dream. effectively deployed their “operational about imagined “Nazi war memorials” in al commitments. As president of an investment manage- capabilities” that Washington was “com- Canada. After his subterfuges were Eugene Czolij ment firm who closely studies trends in pelled” to create an Office of Special exposed Mr. Kalinin was declared persona Montreal global economics, it is unfortunately very Investigations within the Department of non grata and expelled. clear that what we currently have in Justice in 1979. To further shape general Tellingly, the annual report of the The letter-writer is president of the Kyiv- America is a distorted form of capitalism. based NGO Ukraine-2050. opinion, polemical tracts denigrating the National Security and Intelligence In fact, it is a type of socialism for the pow- Ukrainian nationalist movement were cir- Committee of Parliamentarians identifies erful where large companies and old indus- culated widely, including the American the Russian Federation as a “primary tries are protected at the expense of inno- Communist Party leader Michael threat actor” conducting foreign interfer- We should follow vation and basic human rights. Hanusiak’s “Lest We Forget.” It was reis- ence activities in Canada. Yet there are BLM is not some sort of conspiracy or sued twice. Even I got a copy. journalists who studiously ignore this geo- political statement. Treating all Americans Shevchenko’s lead “Considering the positive evolution” of political reality, not to mention the findings well and equally, not just those with money Operation Payback in America, measures of the Deschênes Commission, preferring Dear Editor: or those with less melanin in their skin, is a big step towards reforming our economy “aimed at unfolding a similar campaign in to re-spew the concocted, hateful and divi- Two commentaries in the August 2 edi- towards strength and continued growth. Canada were implemented” in 1980-1985. sive fables Comrade Mukha and his min- tion of The Weekly continued our commu- Materials about the alleged wartime crimi- ions spread, starting decades ago. nity’s lively discussion on the volatile issue Sonia Kowal nality of the Galicia Division were “planted” Distracting attention from Russia’s ongoing of race relations. The writers, Ihor Mirchuk Cambridge, Mass. in the Toronto Star with the resulting out- war against Ukraine and the fascistic agen- rage stoked until, this spymaster claimed, da of the KGB man in the Kremlin seem to Ottawa was “forced” to establish the be the goals of the current disinformation Commission of Inquiry on War Criminals, campaign. One hopes Canada’s security GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR headed by Justice Jules Deschênes, in and intelligence services will help counter The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor that react to February 1985. All this skullduggery those who seek to riven what remains of articles published on its pages. Opinions expressed by letter writers obliged the Ukrainian Canadian communi- the Free World. are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either ty to “divert efforts and funds” to its own Hooligans scuttle about in the dark and The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National defense, weakening its capacity for other- destroy private property. Their ilk, who Association. wise challenging Soviet narratives and desecrate cemetery monuments or spray- behavior. I know this is true. I was there. paint community memorials, are best left Letters must be signed (anonymous letters are not published) and How many stories were planted? The for the police to round up. As for anyone the city from which they are sent will be published under the author’s Deschênes Commission’s final report listed who turns a blind eye to criminal vandal- name. However, the daytime phone number, e-mail address and com- several dozen articles about “Nazi war ism, or tries to justify a hate crime, I recom- plete mailing address of the letter-writer must be given for verifica- criminals in Canada.” For example, Irwin mend the words of the evangelist (Matthew tion purposes. Cotler, as reported in the Ottawa Citizen on 7:5) – “You hypocrite, first take the plank The length of letters cannot exceed 250 words. Letters may be July 13, 1981, said “at least 100” Nazis out of your own eye, and then you will see were amongst us, a number he inflated to clearly to remove the speck from your edited or abridged. The Weekly reserves the right to edit for clarity, “maybe 1,000” for La Presse on April 13, brother’s eye.” civility and accuracy. 1983. On the pages of the Toronto Star on Letters should be sent to [email protected] or to The Ukrainian June 18, 1982, David Matas gave a figure of Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor of political Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 50-60; he was outdone by Sol Littman, the geography at the Royal Military College of Canadian representative of the Los Canada in Kingston, Ontario. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33 No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 9

Short stories The adventurous gnome Romtomtomyk by Oksana Zabuzhko “Pryhody Gnomyka Romtomtomyka (The Adventures of Romtomtomyk the Gnome) by Roman Zavadovych, in Ukrainian, with illustrations by Edward Kozak. Lviv: Rodovid, 2019, 40 pp. $8.

Thanks to the efforts of the Plast sorority Pershi Stezhi, a beloved children’s character has become available to new generations. Originally published in 1940 in Krakow, the Ukrainian- language book “Pryhody Gnomyka Romtomtomyka” (The Adventures of Romtomtomyk the Gnome) by Roman Zavadovych has been re-released in Ukraine by the award- winning publisher Rodovid. Zavadovych (1903-1985), a poet and writer, was per- haps the best-known Ukrainian children’s author; he wrote more than 45 children’s books that have been enjoyed by three generations. His work was featured on the pages of the children’s

The cover of “Pryhody Gnomyka Romtomtomyka” by Roman Zavadovych. magazine Veselka, which was published by the Ukrainian National Association in the years 1954-1995, and it “Your Ad Could Go Here,” by Oksana Zabuzhko; trans- appeared in other children’s publications, included Mali lated by Halyna Hryn, Askold Melnyczuk, Nina Murray, Druzi and Svit Dytyny. Marco Carynnyk and Marta Horban; edited by Nina Murray. In “Pryhody Gnomyka Romtomtomyka,” Zavadovych Seattle, Wash.: Amazon Crossing, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-5420- tells tales of a gnome and his friends, and their encounters 2252-1, softcover, 270 pp., $14.95. (Also available in hard- with animals and insects in the forest. The adventures are cover and as an e-book.) beautifully illustrated by the renowned artist and carica- turist Edward Kozak, known as Eko (1902-1992). Oksana Zabuzhko, author of “Fieldwork in Ukrainian Included in this edition of the book are capsule biogra- Sex,” has published a new short story collection. In “Your phies of both the author and the artist. Ad Could Go Here,” Ms. Zabuzhko explores the ties that The book may be purchased in the U.S. for $8 per copy bind sisters, parents and children, friends and lovers, hus- One of the pages from the book illustrated by Edward ($5 plus $3 postage) by mail from: Oresta Fedyniak, 2626 bands and wives. Her vulnerable, wise and cruel charac- Kozak. W. Walton St., Chicago IL 60622. ters challenge the concept of truth and capture the strangeness of being human. From the triumph of the , to domes- tic victories in matchmaking, sibling rivalry and even ten- Oksana Zabuzhko’s selected poems nis, Ms. Zabuzhko juxtaposes things as they are with how they could be. The stories resonate with her irreverent “Selected Poems,” by Oksana Zabuzhko, edited by Askold and prescient voice, which echoes long after reading. Melnyczuk with McKenzie Hurder. Medford, Mass.: Reviewing the book, PEN America wrote “Objective Arrowsmith Press, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-7346416-3-9, softcov- truth and personal mythologies collide in Zabuzhko’s er, 75 pp., $18. short story collection, which centers on the question of just what truth is in this contemporary moment. She takes This concise compilation of selected poems, 14 in all, by readers on a journey…, challenging us to think about how the noted Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko features things could be by incorporating elements of myth and fai- translations of her works by Marco Carynnyk, Askold rytale in these breathtaking stories.” Melnyczuk, Michael Naydan, Lisa Sapinkoff, Douglas Ms. Zabuzhko made her poetry debut at the age of 12, Burnet Smith, and Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Phipps. but because her parents had been blacklisted during the The introduction by Mr. Melnyczuk – aptly titled “ Soviet purges of the 1970s, it was not until the perestroika ‘Where Poetry Comes From’: The Phenomenon of Oksana period that her first book was published. Since then, her Zabuzhko” – quotes the poet’s observation that “Language, 20 books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction have been any language, is the capital love of my life,” because “noth- translated into 15 languages. ing else has the power to synthesize music and myth, two Ms. Zabuzhko has received numerous awards, including things without which the world would be a totally unliv- a MacArthur Grant (2002), the Antonovych International able place.” Mr. Melnyczuk proceeds to tell readers about Foundation Prize (2008), the Ukrainian national award Ms. Zabuzhko’s life and works. the Order of Princess Olha (2009), the ANGELUS Central The book also includes an essay by Ms. Zabuzhko titled European Literature Award (2013), and many other “One Hundred Years of Solitude, or the Importance of a national and international awards. Story,” in which she notes that “Today’s Ukrainian litera- She has spent time in the U.S. lecturing as a Fulbright ture is struggling to put into words the most burning fellow and a writer-in-residence at Penn State University, human material possible: the reality of war” and under- Harvard University, and University of Pittsburgh. scores: “…rediscovering their identity in the war of inde- “Your Ad Could Go Here” is available from Amazon and pendence, Ukrainians have finally discovered how much Barnes & Noble, and is published in softcover, hardcover, they have to tell the world.” e-book and audio CD versions. An interview with Ms. Zabuzhko conducted by McKenzie Hurder (February 2020) and a letter to the writ- er from Mr. Melnyczuk (January 2020) round out the book. Mr. Melnyczuk says she is “Without doubt the most influen- The Ukrainian Weekly Maria Rewakowicz, literary scholar and author of tial literary figure of Ukraine in the last half-century. “Ukraine’s Quest for Identity,” calls Ms. Zabuzhko “the most The book is available for pre-order from the publisher at LIKE on Facebook! important female author in independent Ukraine,” while www.arrowsmithpress.com. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33

the case, Andriy Antonenko, remains in a Ukraine bans entry/exit to Crimea dance with the procedure established by NEWSBRIEFS detention center. Vladyslav and Inna The Ukrainian government has decided law, as well as their vehicles, cargo and (Continued from page 2) Hryshchenko, a married couple who are to temporarily close the checkpoints of other property – for entry; whose place of suspected in another unrelated case, have entry into the temporarily occupied territo- residence is registered in the manner pre- Federation. The 3-year-old disappeared on been declared persons of interest in the ry of the Autonomous scribed by law outside the Autonomous July 24 and was found dead two days later case. All five took part in military opera- and the city of as well as exit Republic of Crimea or the city of in a drainage inlet. She also said that due to tions in different capacities in Ukraine’s from it, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Sevastopol, as well as their vehicles, cargo the lack of access to the temporarily occu- east, where government forces are fighting Oleh Nemchinov said following an extraor- and other property – for exit; who agreed pied territory of Crimea, no state-owned against Russia-backed separatists. The dinary government meeting on August 8. to self-isolate using the ‘Diy Vdoma’ appli- organization can provide a systemic mech- Internal Affairs Ministry and the National This is linked to the Ukrainian president’s cation of the unified public website of elec- anism of social protection to the families of Police said in December that the group’s instruction to the Cabinet of Ministers to tronic services from the moment of cross- political prisoners. (Interfax-Ukraine) goal was “to destabilize the political and revise the mode of operation of the entry ing the checkpoints of entry into the tem- social situation in Ukraine” by killing porarily occupied territory of the Sheremet killing suspect under house arrest checkpoint to Crimea and Sevastopol. The Sheremet. Sheremet, a Belarusian-born decision is aimed at preventing the spread Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the A court in Kyiv has ruled to transfer one Russian citizen who had made Kyiv his per- of COVID-19 on the territory of Ukraine, Mr. city of Sevastopol and exit from it; persons of the suspects in the high-profile 2016 kill- manent home, was leaving his apartment Nemchinov wrote in his Telegram channel. with the purpose of ensuring the protec- ing in the Ukrainian capital of journalist to head to the studio where he hosted a “Thus, the work of checkpoints of entry tion of national interests or in connection Pavel Sheremet from a detention center to morning radio program when an impro- into and exit from the temporarily occupied with the fulfillment of international obliga- house arrest. The Kyiv Court of Appeals on vised explosive device planted under his territory of the Autonomous Republic of tions, representatives of diplomatic institu- August 11 ruled that Yulia Kuzmenko, a vehicle exploded on July 20, 2016, killing Crimea and the city of Sevastopol will tem- tions and humanitarian missions leaving pediatric surgeon who has been in pretrial him. Ms. Duhar, Mr. Antonenko and Ms. porarily stop from 8 a.m. on August 9, the temporarily occupied territory of the detention since December, can be placed Kuzmenko were arrested in December as 2020, until 8 a.m. on August 30, 2020, Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the under round-the-clock house arrest. Last suspects in the case. Sheremet’s mother, except for the passage of Ukrainian citizens city of Sevastopol, as well as their vehicles, month, the same court eased pretrial Lyudmila Sheremet, told RFE/RL in and their families: whose place of residence cargo and other property,” Mr. Nemchinov restrictions for another suspect in the high- December that she does not know if the is registered in the Autonomous Republic said, citing the decision of the Cabinet. profile case, a military paramedic, Yana suspects are guilty or not, but that she is of Crimea or the city of Sevastopol in accor- (Interfax-Ukraine) Duhar. The court agreed to lift curfew afraid “that innocent people may be hurt” restrictions for Ms. Duhar and said that she as officials try to show they’re making no longer needed to wear an electronic headway in the case. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian monitoring bracelet. The third suspect in Service) Nobel laureate Alexievich: Lukashenka ‘declared war’ on Belarusian people

by Yury Drakakhrust the country for Lithuania when she tried to RFE/RL Belarus Service file a formal complaint with the Central TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 Election Commission about the vote or e-mail [email protected] The Belarusian Nobel Prize-winning results. writer Svetlana Alexievich has condemned “Nobody sees those who love Lukashen­ brutal police violence against demonstra- ka around, those who support him [now] SERVICES PROFESSIONALS tors across Belarus, saying “the authorities the way they had supported him in the have declared war on their people” and past,” Ms. Alexievich said. “And how can one that President Alyaksandr Lukashenka trust that man after seeing what is happen- should step down from power to prevent a ing on our streets?” bloody civil war. Ms. Alexievich also suggested that Ms. Alexievich made the remarks from Russian riot police – OMON security forces Minsk in a telephone interview with RFE/ – may have been brought into Minsk by Mr. RL on August 12 as protests continued Lukashenka’s regime in order to violently across Belarus over the results announced disperse the ongoing protests. from the country’s August 9 election, which “We see almost inhuman, satanic fury demonstrators say fraudulently gave Mr. that the OMON [riot police] are acting with Lukashenka victory with more than 80 per- here and it is hard to believe that it is cent of the vote. Belarusian OMON,” Ms. Alexievich said. ОКСАНА СТАНЬКО SERVICES Ліцензований продавець “Leave before it’s too late, before you “It seems to me that Belarusian guys Страхування Життя have plunged the people into a terrible would not be capable of beating their own OKSANA STANKO abyss, into the abyss of civil war,” the mothers and sisters in this way,” she said. Licensed Life Insurance Agent 72-year-old author said in comments “It is not real. In smaller towns, where Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. directed at Mr. Lukashenka. “Nobody wants everybody knows each, other OMON refuse blood. Only you want power. And it’s your to beat people. But here [in Minsk] some- Tel.: 908-872-2192 desire for power that requires blood.” thing unreal is going on.” email: [email protected] Ms. Alexievich told RFE/RL she had Ms. Alexievich praised Ms. Tsikhanou­ been shocked by the violence and cruelty skaya, a political novice and until recently a that police in Belarus have inflicted upon stay-at-home mother, saying she had OPPORTUNITIES peaceful protesters – including groups of accomplished a lot and remains “a symbol women in Minsk and other cities. of thirst for changes, thirst for new life, She said the Belarusian people were thirst for honesty.” EARN EXTRA INCOME! “absolutely sure” that Mr. Lukashenka lost Ms. Alexievich said that she was grateful The Ukrainian Weekly is looking the election to his main rival, Svyatlana for advertising sales agents. Tsikhanouskaya, who was forced to leave (Continued on page 15) For additional information contact Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. Seeking an Editor-in-Chief for the Ukrainian/English-language magazine published by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Inc. (UNWLA). The magazine, Our Life/Nashe Zhyttia, is the agship publication of the organization and as such is focused on the mission and accomplishments of the organization. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and resume at [email protected] by August 17, 2020.

Ukrainian National Women’s League of America 203 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10003 212-533-4646 | 212-533-5237 (fax) Run your advertisement here, [email protected] | www.facebook.com/unwla in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 11

PrivatBank “accounted for approximately the Surkises’ money was bailed-in through ral-gas trader Dmytro Firtash. U.S. Justice... 25 percent of the [Ukrainian] banking sec- six deposit accounts from various compa- The former was convicted of laundering (Continued from page 1) tor …and held deposits in excess of $6 bil- nies registered offshore, including the $30 million in 2009 stemming from nefari- lion, which comprised approximately 33 British Virgin Islands. ous activities from the previous decade and Kentucky, West Virginia and Michigan, and percent of individual deposits in Ukraine,” The two men deny the allegations and ordered to pay a $9 million fine and spend cell-phone manufacturing plant in Illinois” the legal complaint in Florida says. are suing to recover the bailed-in money in 97 months in prison. as well as commercial real estate in Texas, However, Mr. Kolomoisky maintains he Ukrainian courts. Mr. Firtash is facing extradition from “among others,” a news release stated. is the rightful owner of the bank and has A separate civil lawsuit filed in Delaware Vienna, where he is currently under house One of the legal complaints, filed in the filed counter lawsuits in Ukraine to regain by PrivatBank against the bank’s previous arrest, to the U.S. on international corrup- Southern District of Florida, is a civil forfei- ownership. owners was amended on July 21; it alleges tion charges that relate to a titanium min- ture case that seeks to seize the assets The bank’s takeover was part of a larger that Messrs. Kolomoisky and Boholiubov ing contract in India that was intended to linked to the two men; it does not consti- clean-up of Ukraine’s banking system, had laundered more money than what pre- supply parts for aeronautical manufacturer tute criminal charges. A news release from which was riddled with related-party lend- viously had been uncovered. Boeing. He denies the charges and insists the Justice Department noted that FBI’s ing and owners who used their financial The new filing states that they funneled they are politically motivated. Cleveland Division is investigating the case institutions as their private piggy banks. nearly $800 million in the U.S.: $660 mil- Whereas Messrs. Kolomoisky and with support from FBI’s International Reforms in Ukraine’s banking system lion through a group of U.S. companies with Boholiubov are not facing criminal charges Corruption Unit, IRS Criminal Investigation, were also a prerequisite for receiving bail- the name “Optima” used variously in con- in Ukraine, other previous owners of banks and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. out funding from the Washington-based junction with other words, and an addition- are. They include the owner of Ukraine’s The complaints made available to the International Monetary Fund. al $100 million through other U.S. entities. largest egg producer, Oleh Bahmatiuk, and public allege that Messrs. Kolomoisky and A new $5 billion program was approved Both men deny these allegations. iron-ore mogul . Boholiubov – through their former owner- by the IMF in June only after Kyiv passed Other high-profile Ukrainians pursued Both have denied wrongdoing and cur- ship of PrivatBank in Ukraine – “embezzled legislation that preserves the clean-up and by the U.S. law enforcement include former rently are living abroad, ostensibly to avoid and defrauded the bank of billions of dol- prevents previous owners of liquidated Prime Minister Pavlo Lazarenko and natu- prosecution. lars” while acquiring property in the U.S. as banks or ones that have been nationalized part of a “conspiracy to launder money…” from restoring ownership or obtaining Mr. Kolomoisky has denied wrongdoing to compensation. However, not all were political protest- numerous media outlets, including Bloom­ Involved in litigation to receive funds Turning... ers, as a handful of Russian Orthodox that were bailed-in during the bank’s berg, Financial Times and Ukrayinska Pravda. priests participated in the protest and even nationalization are brothers Hennadiy and (Continued from page 6) He said that “all investments were made held a liturgy at the protest site, on their from personal funds received in 2007- Ihor Surkis. The U.S.-based corporate foren- Christian origins.” side of the fence barricade. The political 2008” from the sale of Ukraine-based steel sics investigator Kroll, in its audit of nature of the protest was evident with the assets and “from the income of other busi- PrivatBank commissioned by Ukraine’s The Rev. Gudziak and the Rev. Ihumen Yevstratiy Zorya, press secretary to variety of political flags that were waved, nesses” with accounts at PrivatBank. central bank, found they had engaged in a including the Progressive Socialist Party, the “Everything else is categorically rejected,” huge loan recycling program whereby they Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate, both character- Derzhava political party and Bratstvo, as Mr. Kolomoisky added. took out loans from the lender and deposit- well as the Party of the Regions. One young The two former majority owners of ed the money at higher interest rates. ized the protesters as political provocateurs who did not represent the followers of the man even blatantly waved the Russian flag. Ukraine’s largest commercial bank lost con- The brothers have been involved in Hate speech from the protesters was dis- trol over it in 2016 when it was nationalized Ukrainian and international soccer for Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine. “These are not ruptive during the divine liturgy, especially after international auditors found a shortfall more than two decades. Hennadiy Surkis is during quiet moments of prayer, during of about $5.5 billion on its balance sheets. a former longtime executive vice-president believers of the Moscow Patriarchate – these are political party members who present Cardinal Husar’s sermon, as well as during Mr. Kolomoisky, who backed the candida- of Europe’s soccer governing body – UEFA. the recitation of the Creed. cy of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr His younger brother is the owner of the themselves as Orthodox ,” the Rev. Zelenskyy, is not facing criminal charges in Kyiv soccer club. Zorya said. “Orthodox Christians don’t do Source: “Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church Ukraine, but he was on self-imposed exile in “The loans, which totaled $361 million, these things because God said, ‘They will transfers its headquarters to Kyiv,” by Zenon Israel and elsewhere until 2019 when Mr. were grouped in batches, within which recognize that you are my students because Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, August 28, 2005. Zelenskyy’s electoral victory was secured. loans were issued within minutes of each you have love within you.’ ” Once beyond the control of Messrs. other before being immediately channeled Kolomoisky and Boholiubov, PrivatBank through a web of transactions between embarked on lawsuits in numerous jurisdic- related party company accounts which It is with deep sorrow that we share tions, including the United Kingdom, Israel appeared to have no obvious commercial the sad news of the passing into eternal and the U.S., to either freeze their assets or purpose,” says a portion of the 2017 Kroll rest with the Lord of our beloved receive reimbursements for losses. report that was made public. HUSBAND, FATHER and GRANDFATHER At the time of its nationalization, According to Kroll, some $245 million of DR. BOHDAN GURAN born August 15, 1934 in Blazhiv, Ukraine With great sorrow we announce that died July 31, 2020 in North Port, Florida Lydia Klecor Ph.D. in Chemistry from Purdue University; veteran of the U.S. Army; senior manager at Eastman Kodak; co-owner of Best Western hotels in 79, of North Brunswick, NJ, passed away Thursday, Florida; active and generous member of the Ukrainian community in July 2, 2020, at home surrounded by her loving family. Rochester, New York, then in North Port, Florida; longtime member of Born February 10, 1941 in Kalush, Ukraine, Lydia and her family the Plast Ukrainian Scouting fraternity “Chornomortsi”. immigrated to the United States in 1949. She grew up in Allentown, Left in profound grief are: PA and had a love for music. She directed an all-girls choir and was a member of the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka in New York City. wife - ROMA daughter - OLESIA GURAN-CYMBAL with her husband VICTOR She has lived in North Brunswick for 44 years and was a teacher in CYMBAL several schools for many years. Twenty- ve years prior to her retirement, Lydia taught at Livingston Park Elementary School. She loved her work sons - LEVKO and her students and had the gift of communicating with children with - BOYAN special needs. She received many letters of gratitude and will be missed grandson - STEPHAN by all who knew and loved her. brother - ZENON with his wife JOSEPHINE and their children, - grandchildren and great-grandchildren She was a member of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Brunswick, N.J. Lydia had a very deep faith that sister-in-law - LINDA with her daughters sustained her during a long and painful illness before her death. stepsons - ANDREI HARASYMIAK - DENYS HARASYMIAK with his wife REBECCA MILLS Lydia was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Stephania and their son PATRICK Bilynsky. She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Alexander and family in America and Ukraine Klecor; daughter, Lileya and her husband Alexander Wasylko; and a sister, Christine Smith and her husband Paul Smith; niece and nephews, Larissa The panakhyda took place on August 4, 2020, in North Port, Florida. A and her husband Michael Rosenberg; Andrew Smith; Simon and his wife funeral Divine Liturgy was performed on August 5 at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Hawryluk; and sister-in-law, Bohdanna Hawryluk. Catholic Church in North Port, Florida. The funeral took place on August 8 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Cemetery in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. Funeral services were held on July 7 at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Brunswick, N.J., followed Eternal Memory! by interment at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. Donations in Bohdan’s memory can be made to: May her memory be eternal PLAST - 3 BUILDINGS FOR SOKIL c/o Olena May, 57 Sonnet Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127 Donations in Lydia Klecor’s memory can be made to: ST. MARY’S UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Orphans in Ukraine 1078 North Biscayne Drive, North Port, FL 34291 Archbishop’s Chancery 810 North Franklin Street SOCIETY Philadelphia, PA 19123 5050 Seagress Drive, Venice, FL 34293 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33

grown and the increased number of hospi- Ukraine prepares... talizations (more than 200 people per day) (Continued from page 1) in some regions has led to the occupancy of first-wave hospitals by more than 50 per- have more than 50 percent of such beds cent, which necessitated the preparation of unoccupied. The level of testing is another second-wave medical facilities. important indicator: the average number of He also noted that the purchase of per- tests should be more than 24 per 100,000 sonal protective equipment is conducted population in the last seven days for a with funds from the state budget and the region to not be downgraded to a more World Bank. “As part of our joint project, restrictive regime. we will purchase new systems for PCR test- Also key are the numbers of coronavirus ing [polymerase chain reaction testing, cases and the infection rate. In order for a which detects viral RNA] – about 1.2 mil- region to not be considered at risk, the lion units. We also continue to purchase number of new coronavirus cases per week equipment for our laboratory centers,” cannot exceed 11 percent of the total num- Minister Stepanov reported. ber of active cases in a region and the infec- The Ukrainian community in the U.S. has tion rate cannot be more than 10 percent also helped Ukraine in the fight against the per week. Regions should not register more novel coronavirus. Together with partners, than eight cases per 100,000 population in volunteers and donors from all over the total for the previous seven days. country, the non-profit Razom for Ukraine A region transitions from one zone to a raised and delivered over $45,000 of sup- more restrictive one if, for five days in a UNIAN plies to health-care workers on the front- row, there is a deterioration on one of the In this photo from late June, people in Kyiv, masked and unmasked, enter an under- lines in Ukraine. defined indicators. pass. As of August 17, Kyiv has been designated as being in the yellow epidemiologi- cal zone. Lyuba Shipovich, co-founder and vice- Beginning on September 1, all schools president of Razom, who led the project, will open in Ukraine. However, if a district’s commented: “The COVID-19 pandemic is epidemiological situation does not meet strengthen control over the epidemic situa- Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov tion in the country.” reported that more than 28,000 patients forcing medical professionals worldwide to Ministry of Health requirements, educa- fight for others’ lives by putting their own tional institutions will be forced to close for According to the prime minister, by with active coronavirus cases and almost September 15 the number of daily testing 100,000 high-risk exposure contact per- in danger. Razom is thankful to our part- quarantine. Schools will be closed only in ners, volunteers and all the people who areas designated as part of the red zone. should increase to 30,000. He also sons were in self-isolation. explained: “We should introduce a compul- “On average, we have four or five contact came together to support health workers in On August 7, at a meeting of the State these difficult times. Each donated dollar is Commission for Technogenic and sory marking of the tests of the National persons for each case. It is important that extremely valuable to protect health profes- Environmental Safety and Emergencies, Police, doctors, teachers and certain other all high-risk exposure contacts, without sionals while saving their patients during Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported: categories of workers separately. In this exception, stay in self-isolation following the pandemic.” “Today in Ukraine another ‘anti-record’ has way, we will be able to get more detailed the established rules,” Mr. Stepanov noted. Beginning in the early days of the pan- been set for the number of new cases of statistics and understand which categories In certain regions, the health minister demic in March, Razom volunteers joined confirmed COVID-19 infection. Most new of the population spread the disease faster.” continued, “we have already started the coordination center established by the cases recorded were in the Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv Another objective of the government, Mr. deploying second-wave hospitals. They and Kharkiv regions. Therefore, starting Shmyhal noted, should be to improve the have prepared 10,237 beds for the hospi- Kyiv-based charitable foundation Patients tomorrow, the government will switch to “detection-testing-isolation-contacts” sys- talization of patients with COVID-19. These of Ukraine to support health-care profes- an emergency mode of operation: several tem. In particular, he said, the creation of a hospitals have 851 intensive-care beds and sionals in Ukraine. Fund-raising campaigns meetings a week will be held of [regional] method for tracking contact persons 1,442 ventilators.” launched by Razom and by partner organi- commissions on environmental and tech- through surveys is crucial. According to the Minister Stepanov, the nogenic safety and emergencies to At the daily briefing on August 10, rate of coronavirus spread in Ukraine has (Continued on page 13) No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 13

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Mykola Haliv Scholarship Fund established for students of Ukrainian Catholic University

by Roman Vaskiv UCU president, joined in with his own online words of gratitude: “We look on you NEW YORK – Mykola Haliv, a longtime as a patriarch, the representative of the friend of the Ukrainian Catholic University great generation that suffered through the (UCU) and the first head of the New York war, left your homeland for a new country, Friends of UCU Committee, celebrated his began again with nothing, and gave us 96th birthday on June 29. His friends joined everything… Now we share in the joy of both personally and virtually to extend your birthday.” their best wishes. Mr. Haliv responded to the archbishop’s Alex Kuzma, chief development officer of greeting: “I am inexpressibly grateful,” he the Ukrainian Catholic Education Found­ said, “for your warm words, for noting my ation, announced the establishment of the humble work for the good of UCU, for the Mykola Haliv Scholarship Fund, started by good of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and Mr. Haliv’s daughter, Lesia Haliv, and sister- for the Ukrainian people.” in-law, Oksana Malanchuk. Donations to the Mykola Haliv Scholar­ From Lviv, the Rev. Dr. Bohdan Prach, ship Fund can be made on the website of rector of UCU, greeted Mr. Haliv virtually the Ukrainian Catholic Education Found­ with a video on behalf of the students and ation, https://ucef.org/. Every donation, whole community of the university. He whether $5, $500, or even $5000 will have thanked him for his many years of support great significance for the development and UCEF of UCU. support of young talents at the Ukrainian Tamara Shevchenko and Orest Kyzyk greet Mykola Haliv on the occasion of his 96th Archbishop-Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Catholic University. birthday on behalf of the New York Friends of the Ukrainian Catholic University.

through into the rear of the building. A volunteer continues her charitable work An appeal... Mr. Mikhalevich said he believes that (Continued from page 3) there have not been so many people on the streets since 1991, “in fact all the as a spin-off from Sister Bernarda’s legacy youth have come out onto the street, plans to retreat. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya drew which means that their parents support absolutely massive crowds during the elec- the protests, otherwise there would be far tion campaign, and the vast queues to vote less. “ throughout Belarus on August 9, and out- He added that the OMON is not coping side embassies abroad, suggest that she and that if Mr. Lukashenka wants to crush was the true winner. the protests, he will need to declare a state Maria Kolesnikova from her campaign of emergency. Unfortunately, the activist team told the Polish OKO.press that over 50 said he believes this to be a likely outcome. polling stations had found the courage to Various opposition sources reported display truthful results. These were that protesters are building barricades, at unequivocally in Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s favor, least in Minsk. The one reported death on with a ratio of around one vote for the August 10 was in Minsk, with the police incumbent to five for the opposition candi- claiming that a protester died when an date. explosive device blew up in his hands. The following are some of the develop- This is disputed, however, with others ments which were able to be reported by reporting that he did not have a Molotov August 10, despite the regime’s efforts to cocktail and died after being hit by a stun totally block the Internet and disperse pro- grenade. testers. Although most is known about the pro- Ukraine’s National Union of Journalists tests in Minsk, explosions are reported to Olga Alvino packages her quilts destined for Zaporizhia and Buchach in Ukraine. has reported the names of 16 journalists have been heard, and enforcement officers who had been detained, some brutally, on have been seen behaving with appalling by Sister Ann Laszok, OSBM orphanages in eastern and western August or during the night of August 9-10. brutality in other cities as well. Ukraine. They included Ukrainian Mistislav Chernov, FOX CHASE MANOR, Pa. – The Basilian She wrote: “Thank you, Sister, for help- who was covering the events for the Volunteer Program has continued Sister ing me get these quilts and other items to Associated Press. He was grabbed and then Bernarda’s work of visiting and bringing the needy orphanages. I was fortunate to beaten by enforcement officers and ended help to the orphans and the needy of have met Sister Bernarda at St. George up in the hospital with a suspected concus- Ukraine ever since Sister Bernarda was Church on the Lower East Side (New York “retired” at age 90. An element that was City). She told me that she goes to Ukraine sion. Much later on Monday evening, it was added to this program was the weeklong annually to visit the orphans. At that reported that the riot police had begun English catechetical camps in various moment, my mind was made up that I had shooting at protesters, and that a Nasha regions of Ukraine for the last five years. found my calling to make quilts for the Niva journalist had been injured. Another spin-off of Sister Bernarda’s orphans. I promised to use my time well to The enforcement bodies’ behavior on work is people who have offered to sup- help the orphans, and so the last 10 years Monday, August 10 was certainly no less port the orphanages the sisters visit by have gone by and I have been blessed. She brutal than on Sunday evening, August 9, sending clothes, disposable diapers, toilet- inspired me.” indeed Maciek Piasecki from OKO.press ries and various supplies during the year. For more information on volunteering suggests it was even worse. Although the One such person, Olga Shonk Alvino of or supporting the Basilian Volunteer above-mentioned report suggests that Bellerose, N.Y., while battling cancer, has Program, readers may contact Sister Ann lethal firearms may have been used, from been making quilts for the last 10 years Laszok at [email protected] or call 412-260- early in the day, there had been reports of and sending them at her own expense to 1607. enforcement officers shooting at protesters with rubber bullets or so-called “traumatic” weapons. This was in addition to beatings, oxygen concentrators. stun grenades, tear gas, etc. Belsat also Ukraine prepares... As the battle against the coronavirus reported seeing an armed personnel carri- (Continued from page 12) continues, the Cabinet of Ministers of er. Ukraine reported the latest data: as of According to Alexei Mikhalevich, an zations have raised $43,556 – almost 20 August 12, there were 84,548 officially con- opposition politician who once ran for percent of the total donations raised by firmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine, 45,686 president, you can feel public solidarity Patients of Ukraine – which enabled the people have recovered, and 1,970 patients with the protesters. He told OKO.press that coordination center to procure and distrib- have died. The total number of tests per- 40 people had received shelter on August 9 ute PPE to health-care facilities all over formed was 1,214,941. During the previous in his apartment block from the OMON riot Ukraine. Health-care workers fighting 24 hours, 1,433 new cases were confirmed. police. He explains that the guard of a shop COVID-19 in Ukraine received 1,588 pro- There were 19 deaths and 752 recoveries on the ground floor locked the doors before tective suits, 10,652 respirators and two during that same period. the security services and let the people 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33

SOCCER Ferencvaros. Rumors began to circulate that Lucescu had for West Ham. Willian (42nd (pen.), 72nd) scored for resigned from the Dynamo position, but Dynamo club Chelsea. Chelsea retains its place in the UEFA Champions year contract with the Belgian club RSC Anderlecht, the president Ihor Surkis refuted those rumors. Lucescu’s con- League zone with 54 points. West Ham, with 30 points, club’s• Midfielder official website Bogdan announced Mykhailichenko, on August 23, signed3. Anderlecht a four- tract is for two years with a possible one-year extension. remained in 16th place, which gives the club the right to reportedly paid 500,000 for the Ukrainian, who play in the English next season. match against Poland at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow began his career with Knyazha Schaslyve and Dynamo Kyiv, BOXING as well as Stal and Zorya . He also plays on• November Ukraine’s 11.national The matchfootball was team initially will play scheduled a friendly for for the Ukrainian national team. He made his professional March 31, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pan- is set to fight against Dereck Chisora (32-9, 23 KO) of Great debut with Dynamo and was leased to Zorya in 2017. demic and the decision of the UEFA Executive Committee. Britain• Heavyweight by mid-October, contender according Oleksandr to the UsykBrit’s (17-0,management. 13 KO) During the last season, he played 24 matches and scored A few days after the game with Poland, Ukraine will play David Haye, the retired heavyweight and cruiserweight three goals. two away matches in the UEFA Nations League – against boxer, is manager for Chisora and said the fight would take Germany on November 14 and against Switzerland on place about one and a half months after the fight between against Wolfsburg Germany on August 5 in Kyiv as part of November 17. Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KO) of Russia and Dillian • Shakhtar won 3-0 in its second-leg match the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. Shakhtar won 2-1 Whyte (27-1, 18 KO) of Great Britain, scheduled for August Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) has excluded FC against Wolfsburg on March 12 in Germany. Shakhtar 22. The winner of the Chisora-Usyk fight will have a shot Karpaty• The Lviv Control from the and Ukrainian Disciplinary Premier Committee League. The of deci the- advances to the quarterfinal round against Eintracht against IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Anthony sion was made due to the club’s absence from two Frankfurt on August 11. Joshua (23-1, 21 KO) of Great Britain. matches against , the UAF’s press service reported. The Lviv side was awarded Donetsk, was named as head coach for Dynamo Kyiv, as Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KO) tops the ranking of the world’s • , former head coach for Shakhtar announced by the soccer club on July 23. The 74-year-old two 3-0 forfeit defeats for absence without a good reason. best• lightweightWBA, WBO boxers, and WBC as listed lightweight by the website champion Boxingtalk. Vasyl Romanian served as head coach for Shakhtar in 2004-2016 Forfeit defeats will also be levied against the club following The site listed Lomachenko at the top position, with his and won a UEFA Cup and eight Ukrainian championship the final rounds of the Ukrainian football championship. challenger, Teofimo Lopex, in second place. titles, among the 22 other trophies that were awarded to Karpaty Lviv took last, 12th place, in the table before it was the club during his tenure. In 2019, Lucescu was dismissed excluded from the Ukrainian Premier League. GYMNASTICS as head coach of the Turkish national soccer team. Dynamo’s previous coach, Oleksiy Mykhailychenko, was helped his club beat Chelsea 3-2 in a London derby on July All-Around FIG World Cup in Milwaukee on March 7. dismissed on July 20 after serving as coach since August 1. According• West Ham to an United Ukrinform forward correspondent, the Ukrainian has Verniaiev• Oleg Verniaievscored 83.064 won second points place – 12.766 in the (floor), American 14.533 Cup 2019. The coaching job at Dynamo was offered to Serhiy walked on the pitch in the 78th minute and scored the win- (Pommel horse), 14.133 (rings), 14.800 (vault), 13.966 Rebrov, a club alumnus, but Rebrov declined the offer. Since ner in the 89th minute. Tomas Soucek (45th+2), Michail (parallel bars) and 12.866 (horizontal bar). Begun in 1976, August 22, 2018, Rebrov has been coach of Hungarian club Antonio (51st) and Andriy Yarmolenko (89th) scored goals the competition attracts athletes from around the world.

the only integrating power in the region. the three states have overcome their politi- Lublin Triangle ministers. Indeed, the plat- Lithuania... Such activities are crucial not only for cal conflicts and are ready to move further form creates an opportunity for intensified (Continued from page 2) Ukraine but also for neighboring Belarus, together – Ukrainian Foreign Affairs cooperation with Minsk given Belarus’s where the Europeanizing political opposi- Minister Kuleba has even invited Warsaw great importance for regional security why the joint trilateral Lithuanian-Polish- tion has already long invoked the heritage to join international negotiations on the de- architecture, which will persist regardless Ukrainian Brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG, of Ruthenian (Belarusian) lands within the occupation of Crimea, which Kyiv is seeking of what happens after the August 9 presi- established in September 2014) has its Grand Duchy of Lithuania. to initiate (Ukrinform, July 27). dential elections in that country (see EDM, headquarters in Lublin (New Eastern The Lublin Triangle could be a promis- Nonetheless, bearing in mind that large July 29). However, such cooperation will Europe, May-August 2017) and was named ing platform for regional cooperation. So infrastructural and energy projects benefit require not only the political will of all four after Hetman Konstantyn Ostrozskyi – the far, it is the only forum of this kind in which from external assistance, the role of the involved states but also a political umbrella victorious commander at the 1514 Battle of Ukraine is granted equal and full member- Lublin Triangle should not be overestimat- of the United States and/or the EU as well Orsha against the Grand Duchy of Moscow. ship; and, crucially, it holds the potential to ed. The next meeting of the format will be as Russian acquiescence, which is unlikely Symbolism is of great importance for the deepen Ukraine’s cooperation with the 3SI. hosted in Ukraine. Taking this opportunity, to happen simultaneously. three nations, which seek such uniting fac- The Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian grouping on July 31, Minister Kuleba invited his tors to offset bilateral conflicts over histori- is expected to be multi-dimensional, focus- Belarusian counterpart, Vladimir Makei, to The article above is reprinted from cal remembrance. Simultaneously, symbols ing inter alia on defense, energy and finan- join the meeting in Kyiv as an honored Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from evoking the commonwealth counter cial cooperation (Polskie Radio, July 29). Its guest (Mfa.gov.ua, July 31). The idea was its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Russia’s narratives presenting Moscow as trilateral nature sends a clear message that most likely debated ahead of time by the www.jamestown.org.

beloved; and we cannot betray somebody leaders and have a say in their country’s Belarusian... we love so much” (YouTube, August 5). Statements... future. After suffering systematic repres- Three days later, in their video-recorded (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 3) sion for the past 26 years under the author- address to the citizens of Belarus, Ms. itarian regime of President Alexander Belarusian president’s youngest son, Tsikhanouskaya, Veronica Tsepkalo (the have reportedly left at least one person Lukashenka, the people of Belarus are Nikolay. Mr. Lukashenka also revealed he wife of , who was denied dead, seen many arrested and further erod- demanding their voices be heard. “takes pity” on Ms. Tsikhanouskaya registration as a presidential candidate) ed the democratic legitimacy of the vote. After a presidential election marred by because the electoral staffs of three would- and Maria Kolesnikova (Mr. Babariko’s elec- The people of Belarus have demonstrat- electoral fraud, citizens peacefully protesting be candidates (Victor Babariko, Valery toral director) responded, “The authorities ed their desire for democracy through their to demand an accurate vote count are now Tsepkalo and her husband, Syarhey say that Belarus is beloved, and they do not unprecedented mobilization over the past being met with riot police using stun gre- Tsikhanou­ski) “cornered her.” give away what they love. We tell them: you few weeks. Free, fair and inclusive elections nades, tear gas and rubber bullets. The One day prior to the interview, in his do not earn love by violence; if you love are critical to any functioning democracy. Lukashenka regime has cut Internet access, state of the country address, Mr. Luka­ somebody, let go.” (Svaboda.org, August 7). Prior to the election, Canada had voiced its arrested protesters and independent jour- shenka reproached Russia for switching On August 9, Ms. Tsepkalo left for Moscow concern over the arrests of opposition can- nalists, and tried to muzzle foreign observ- from genuinely brotherly to businesslike (Svaboda.org, August 9). didates, prominent Belarusian bloggers ers. These are not the actions of a political partner relations with Belarus. He accused Time is certainly needed for the present and activists for participating in peaceful leader confident that he has won a fairly con- his presidential rivals of the desire to emotions to settle. Currently, when talking protests. We call on the government of ducted election. But thanks to brave citizens return to the “dashing 1990s,” when crimi- about the events of August 9, both sides Belarus to exercise restraint and uphold – journalists, activists and ordinary people nals and industry privatizers reigned invoke their own mantras. On one side, respect for human rights. documenting these extraordinary events – supreme. He acknowledged that his side these were “unfair elections,” “people in Canada remains committed to the peo- we know the truth about the assaults on lost the battle in the Internet. But he revolt,” “the birth of a nation,” “the depar- ple of Belarus. We will continue to closely democracy being committed by the regime. declared that the country is safe as long as ture of a dictator”; and on the other, “color follow developments and call for the results the power vertical remains consolidated, revolutions,” “Maidan,” “George Soros” and I stand with those who are calling for a of Sunday’s election to reflect the will of the transparent and accurate vote count and which it is. At the same time, he suggested “conspiracy” (Facebook.com/sergey.marke- people. that those wanting a different president donov, August 10). the release of all political prisoners. I also should vote but not engage in disorderly Depending on what is yet to come, call on President Lukashenka to respect the conduct, because this would result in a August 9 could be remembered as a water- Joe Biden rights of peaceful protesters and to refrain crackdown. He specifically admonished shed date in Belarus’s modern history. Statement by the presumptive from further violence. My administration parents to keep their children from behav- Democratic Party candidate for president, will never shy away from standing up for Joe Biden, released on August 10. Source: ing recklessly on election day and thereaf- The article above is reprinted from democratic principles and human rights, https://medium.com/@joebiden. ter. He ended his speech on a high note: Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from and we will work with our democratic “Belarus is… clean and beautiful, somewhat its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Democracies are built on the simple con- allies and partners to speak with one voice naïve and vulnerable, and, above all, www.jamestown.org. cept that citizens have a right to elect their in demanding these rights be respected. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 15

August 20 Webinar with Alex Bakus, “COVID-19 and Technology: Online Impacts, Challenges and Opportunities,” Ukrainian National Federation – Ottawa-Gatineau, [email protected] (registration required)

August 24 Ukrainian Independence Day commemoration, Ukrainian Binghamton, NY Congress Committee of America – Binghamton branch, Binghamton City Hall, [email protected]

August 26 Online workshop, “Nature – Inside Out” with Gunjan Online Kumar, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, [email protected]

September 2-7 Labor Day Week, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com

September 12 22nd annual Chicago Plast Golf Classic, Pobratymy Hoffman Estates, IL Foundation, Hilldale Golf Course, [email protected] or www.PobratymyFoundation.com

September 12 37th annual golf tournament, The Meadows Golf and Ottawa Country Club, 613-599-5310 or [email protected]

Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

Ukrainian Running Club New York to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day NEW YORK – Ukrainian Running Club All participants who complete the regis- New York underscores that, while we can’t tration process by August 20 should be together physically because of COVID-19 receive their face masks by August 24. restrictions, we can be together and run Those registering after August 20 should together virtually. receive their face masks in the first weeks Thus, Ukrainian Running Club New York of September. is inviting all to participate in the Ukraine Ukrainian Running Club New York is a Virtual 5K Run/Walk. This event will unite welcoming community of enthusiastic peo- Ukrainians around the world and is a great ple of all ages and ability levels who share a way to celebrate Ukraine’s 29th Independ­ passion for running. Its mission is to pro- ence Day in an active way. mote a healthy and active lifestyle among The distance of the virtual run/walk is 5 the Ukrainian community in the United kilometers (3.1 miles); participants can run States and the world. The club has been or jog or walk anywhere in the world. Both organizing community runs and events adults and children are welcome. since 2008. The dates of the virtual event are August Here is the impact the club has made so 22-30. Participants are encouraged to run/ far: jog or walk on the Independence Day of Ukraine (August 24) wearing “vyshyvanky” sports shoes and athletic apparel to kids (embroidered shirts). They should share affected• In 2017, by the the war club in sentUkraine. 120-plus pairs of their activity on social media by using the hashtag #virtualukrainerun, and tagging club helped kids with autism at the special @urcny on Instagram and Ukrainian education• In 2018, school thanks Skhodynky to collected in Kyiv. funds, the Running Club New York on Facebook. The best post, as chosen by the race committee, participants made the dream of Ukrainian will earn a prize: a branded URC hat. disabled• In 2019, athlete the Serhiy generous Amelko donations come true: of To register and find out more details go he received a new sports wheelchair. to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/ Yourcity/UkraineRunbyUkrainianRunning the world, and the club is now asking for ClubNewYork. The participation fee is $15, donations• In 2020, so thethat COVID-19 it can continue pandemic to help hit which covers registration and the cost of a Ukrainians, inspire even more people to cool souvenir – a face mask with a printed run and organize more events for vyshyvanka and tryzub. Ukrainian community in the U.S.

The 72-year-old Ms. Alexievich won the Nobel laureate... 2015 Nobel literature prize for her work (Continued from page 10) chronicling the horrors of war and life under under repressive Soviet regimes – including to Ms. Tsikhanouskaya and her associates the way Soviet authorities mishandled the for “preserving our dignity.” 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster. “I simply have felt real love for my people in these last few weeks,” she said. “This is a Copyright 2020, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted completely different people, and there is a with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ completely new strength in these people.” Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ms. Alexievich said she thinks it is now Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see impossible for President Lukashenka to https://www.rferl.org/a/nobel-laureate- resign without consequences because alexievich-says-lukashenka-declared-war- blood has been shed. on-belarusian-people/30781406.html). 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 No. 33