Theh Published U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXVII No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 $2.00 Moscow rejects appeal Ukraine, Russia impose more mutual sanctions of France and Germany for Ukrainian sailors’ release as Crimea border fence is completed by Russia by Mark Raczkiewycz RFE/RL KYIV – Ukraine and Russia exchanged a The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry new round of tit-for-tat sanctions late in has rejected what it says are unaccept- December as martial law in 10 Ukrainian able demands by Germany and France regions expired the same month. Russia to release Ukrainian soldiers held by also completed a 37-mile border fence on Russia. The statement by the Russian the Ukrainian territory of Crimea on Foreign Affairs Ministry on December December 27 that separates the annexed 29, 2018, followed an appeal by peninsula from mainland Ukraine. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and As martial law expired on December 26, French President Emmanuel Macron 2018, the National Security and Defense in a statement on December 28. Council (NSDC) said it imposed additional Russia continues to hold the 24 sanctions on an unspecified number of Ukrainian sailors after capturing them “Russian companies, businessmen, politi- along with their Ukrainian naval ves- cians and deputies, [and] employees of secu- sels in late November near the Kerch rity forces who actively supported or pro- Federal Security Service of Russia Strait, which links the Black Sea and Russia completed a 37-mile fence two meters in height on December 27, 2018, on the moted aggressive actions against Ukraine.” Sea of Azov. Ukrainian territory of Crimea that it annexed. It separates the peninsula from main- Restrictive measures were also imposed Moscow alleged that the vessels land Ukraine. on the people who held phony elections in had illegally entered Russian territori- the occupied parts of the Donetsk and seizure of Ukrainian sailors during Russia’s More than 1,600 Russians were denied al waters near Crimea, which Russia Luhansk regions in November 2018. aggression against Ukraine in the Kerch entry to Ukraine during the one-month occupied and annexed from Ukraine Measures were additionally taken against Strait on November 25, 2018, and their ille- period of martial law, according to the in 2014. the “military servicemen, judges and law gal detainment in Russian prisons,” the Ukraine and most United Nations enforcement officers involved in the illegal NSDC said. member states do not recognize the (Continued on page 22) annexation. Ms. Macron and Ms. Merkel said in their joint statement on December 28 that these “excessive inspections” were a source of “deep concern.” Transatlantic Task Force assesses Ukraine electorate’s mood, cyberthreats “We call for all ships using the Kerch by Adrian Karmazyn Strait to be given safe, free and unhin- dered passage, and for the immediate WASHINGTON – The Transatlantic Task and unconditional release of the Force on Elections and Civil Society in Ukrainian sailors. They too must be Ukraine held its third international video- allowed to spend the holidays with conference during which experts in their families,” the two leaders stated. Washington, Kyiv and Brussels character- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ized the upcoming March 31 presidential said Russian President Vladimir Putin election in Ukraine as “unpredictable” and had discussed demands to free the “wide open.” sailors with Chancellor Merkel. The Transatlantic Task Force was estab- However, Mr. Peskov said Russia lished by the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s would “act in accordance with Russian Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN) and the law,” Russian news agencies quoted Reanimation Package of Reforms (RPR) him as saying on December 29. Ukrainian NGO coalition to support demo- The European Union and the cratic, free and fair elections in Ukraine. At United States say Russia’s actions the conference on December 19, 2018, the were illegal and have called on Washington moderator and FOUN Moscow to immediately return the Democracy and Civil Society Task Force co- German Marshall Fund vessels and their crews to Ukraine. chair Jonathan Katz (senior fellow, German Orest Deychakiwsky, Jonathan Katz and Stephen Nix during the conference at the Ms. Merkel and Mr. Macron also Marshall Fund) reminded the audience that German Marshall Fund. welcomed a ceasefire that took effect the broader goal of the trans-Atlantic initia- and Civil Society Task Force Co-chair Orest was Stephen Nix of the International at 12:01 a.m. on December 29 in the tive is “to better institutionalize the engage- Deychakiwsky set the tone for the discussion Republican Institute (IRI). In that poll, Ms. conflict area of eastern Ukraine. ment of civil society in Ukraine with U.S. and with questions about the electoral prospects Tymoshenko had the support of 17 percent “The approach of the New Year’s European policy makers, opinion makers, of pro-Russian candidates, the impact of the of likely voters with Mr. Poroshenko, and Orthodox Christmas holidays think tanks and civil society organizations creation of an independent Orthodox Volodymyr Zelensky, Anatoliy Hrytsenko must serve as an opportunity for the that are focused on Ukraine and focus on Church of Ukraine, and the possibility of a and Yuriy Boyko Mr. Nix characterized the stakeholders in the conflict in eastern Ukraine’s transatlantic integration” and serious challenge to incumbent President presidential election as “a wide-open race.” Ukraine to focus on the needs of civil- democracy. And he expressed hope that Petro Poroshenko and former Prime He mentioned that IRI will conduct more ians, who have suffered all too long as whatever the outcome of the election the Minister Yulia Tymoshenko from a “reform- polling early in 2019 that should provide a result of this conflict and its conse- next government “will be committed to the ist bloc” presidential candidate. additional insights as the election date quences,” the leaders said. reform path that’s… necessary for Ukraine’s Offering a snapshot of voter sympathies draws closer. democracy” and “economic growth.” in Ukraine based on polling conducted in (Continued on page 27) In his opening remarks, FOUN Democracy late September and early October 2018 (Continued on page 15) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

WINDOW ON EURASIA

Most Ukrainians oppose special status for Donbas, Presidential campaign kicks off Zelenskiy made his announcement on New Year’s Eve. If he were to win the election, Mr. but some are ready to offer some autonomy Three months before votes are due to be Zelenskiy might find it easy to slip into the cast, the Ukrainian presidential campaign role of president. He currently stars in the officially kicked off on December 31, 2018. by Paul Goble region once it is back under Ukrainian con- popular television comedy series “Servant trol rose from 3.9 percent to 6.6 percent. President Petro Poroshenko has not official- of the People,” where he portrays a regular The majority of Ukrainians remain In 2017, the Berlin center found, only 16 ly announced he will seek a second five-year schoolteacher who becomes president. The against giving special status to the Donbas, percent were ready to offer autonomy of term but is widely expected to. Billboards of nomination of candidates with the Central as Moscow demands, but over the last year any kind to the Donbas. In 2018 that figure Mr. Poroshenko dot cities across Ukraine, Election Commission will last until February an ever larger share are prepared to con- rose to 25 percent. highlighting his position as commander of sider expanding autonomy for the region 3, and the commission should announce a Four other results of the poll are note- the country’s armed forces and his role in final list of presidential candidates by along with others. That’s something from worthy: securing Ukraine an Orthodox Church inde- which the Donbas, once brought back February 8. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, pendent of Moscow. After taking 54 percent with reporting by the Kyiv Post and TASS) under Ukrainian control, would presum- including the United States in talks about of the vote in the 2014 election, Mr. ably benefit as well. the• DonbasThe share crisis of roseUkrainians from 15 opposed percent toin Poroshenko’s public approval ratings have Jailed activists’ messages published That is the finding of a new poll by 2017 to 25 percent in 2018, while 72 per- plummeted, namely amid ongoing econom- Berlin’s Center for East European and Imprisoned Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh cent said that they supported the introduc- ic woes and a lack of progress on reforms International Studies (zois-berlin.de/filead- Sentsov, a Crimean native who opposed tion of United Nations peacekeepers as a and cracking down on corruption. More min/media/Dateien/ZOiS_Reports/ZOiS_ than 10,300 people have died in the war in Russia’s 2014 takeover of the Ukrainian Report_4_2018.pdf) and reported by means of resolving the dispute with Russia. peninsula, has written in a letter to the (That question was not asked in 2017.) eastern Ukraine, where Russia-backed sepa- ratists who hold parts of two provinces have Moscow-based Novaya Gazeta newspaper that he is not “going to give in.” He wrote in members of a civic nation rather than an been fighting against government forces Deutsche Welle (dw.com/ru/исследова since April 2014. As of now, Mr. a letter published on December 28, 2018: “I ние-большинство-украинцев-отвер ethnic• Ukrainians one. In 2017, increasingly 37 percent identify said they as a-466 21373). Poroshenko’s main rival appears to be Yulia do not expect good news [in 2019].... But it гают-идею-особого-статуса-донбасса/According to the poll, the share of were part of a civic nation; in 2018, 49 per- Tymoshenko, a former prime minister who does not mean that I am going to give in, be Ukrainians favoring a return to the status cent do. Over the same period those identi- announced her candidacy in June 2018. disappointed, or regret anything.” Ahead of quo ante as far as the center’s control over fying primarily as ethnic Ukrainians fell Recent opinion polls show Ms. Tymoshenko the New Year, Novaya Gazeta published let- the Donbas is concerned fell from 59 per- from 46 percent to 36.9 percent. ahead of Mr. Poroshenko. The nomination of ters penned by several people who were cent in 2017 to 53 percent in 2018, while candidates with the Central Election either sentenced, are facing trial, or are the share backing more autonomy to the (Continued on page 22) Commission will last until February 3, and under investigation in high-profile cases in the commission should announce a final list Russia that many call politically motivated. of presidential candidates by February 8. Mr.Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years in The election campaign is due to last until prison after being convicted of terrorism in Putin has assembled an invasion force midnight on March 29, and the vote will be a trial criticized by human rights groups held on March 31. (RFE/RL) and Western governments as politically motivated. Oyub Titiyev, an activist who is 18 kilometers from Ukrainian border Actor says he’ll run for presidency on trial in his native Chechnya, called on people imprisoned on “fabricated” charges, by Paul Goble Churchill might have put it, and in fact did. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a leading Ukrainian not to give up in their fight for freedom. The same pattern occurred “before the actor and comedian, has ended months of Vladimir Putin has assembled “hundreds “Our being behind bars now is not the end. beginning of Nazi military expansion in speculation by announcing he will run in of Russian T-64 and T-62M tanks and thou- ...We will all continue to fight. I wish you all Europe. Everyone saw what was happening the country’s upcoming presidential elec- sands of military vehicles” only 18 kilome- not to stop fighting, to struggle to the end, but gave the impression that nothing extraor- tion. The 40-year-old, who is the creator ters from the Russian-Ukrainian border in until we are released. And more important- dinary was happening. They feared to look and director of Quarter 95 studios, said dur- the environs of Kamensk-Shakhtinsk of ly, I wish you all to leave this place healthy truth in the face,” Mr. Eidman points out. ing an appearance on a television show late Rostov Oblast. All this can be seen on and strong so that you can continue to Tragically, it appears exactly the same on December 31 that he had decided to run Google Earth photographs, Igor Eidman work further and help society,” the leader thing is happening again, the commentator to “try to change something in Ukraine.” said on Facebook on December 9, 2018. of the Moscow-based Memorial human suggests. Speaking during a Quarter 95 comedy pro- “At any moment,” the Russian sociologist rights group’s branch in Chechnya wrote. gram that was being broadcast on the 1+1 and commentator for Deutsche Welle says, Among other messages published were Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on television channel, he said, “Unlike our great this force can “move into Ukraine.” But as those from the former director of Moscow’s ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia politicians, I did not want to make promises this is happening, the West is continuing to Gogol Center, Aleksei Malobrodsky, and who has served in various capacities in the in vain. But now, just a few minutes before deal with Moscow as if nothing out of the three members of the so-called New U.S. State Department, the Central the New Year, I can promise you I’ll do it in ordinary were occurring, talking about Greatness movement: Ruslan Kostylenkov, Intelligence Agency and the International the right way.” The campaign for the March Nord Stream-2 pipeline, American sanc- Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice 31 vote kicked off just hours before Mr. (Continued on page 12) tions, and recent contacts between Donald of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Trump and Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for meeting (facebook.com/permalink. International Peace. The article above is php?story_fbid=2152134674849500& reprinted with permission from his blog id=100001589654713). called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 This is an old, old story as Winston woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. Despite truce, one soldier killed, (ISSN — 0273-9348) two wounded in eastern Ukraine The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 RFE/RL grenade launchers and mortars. It said Ukrainian government forces Postmaster, send address changes to: Ukraine says one of its soldiers has been returned fire, killing one separatist and The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz killed and two others wounded in clashes wounding four others. 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas in the country’s east despite a fresh cease- The separatists accused Kyiv’s forces of P.O. Box 280 fire agreement between Kyiv and Russia- violating the truce. Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] backed separatists. Since April 2014, more than 10,300 peo- The Defense Ministry said on January 2 ple have been killed in fighting between The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com that separatist fighters violated a ceasefire Ukrainian government forces and the sepa- three times on January 1 by firing guns, ratists who control parts of the Donetsk The Ukrainian Weekly, January 6, 2019, No. 1, Vol. LXXXVII and Luhansk regions. Copyright © 2019 The Ukrainian Weekly Fighting persists despite ceasefire deals Correction reached as part of the September 2014 and In the story “Iconic singer and activist February 2015 Minsk accords, and imple- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Svyatoslav Vakarchuk at Chicago’s mentation of other measures set out in the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art,” by Mila deals has been slow. Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 A new truce between Ukrainian forces and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 Luhova, the first name of Svyatoslav e-mail: [email protected] Vakarchuk was given in one reference in and the separatists took effect at midnight on December 29, 2018. Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 the story as Vyacheslav. The correction has e-mail: [email protected] been made in our online edition. With reporting by Interfax and TASS. No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 3

NEWS ANALYSIS A year of mounting U.S.-Russian tensions, and more to come in 2019

by Pavel Felgenhauer two major port cities – Mariupol and Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Other possible U.S.-Russian hot spots Eurasia Daily Monitor Berdyansk. But Russia claims the Kerch Forces (SDF) and were using a dysfunction- may develop in 2019. The Kerch Strait is Strait, which connects the Black and Azov al oil refinery as an operational base. The not the only place where Moscow claims Russia’s relations with the West steadily seas, is its internal waterway (on account of Russian-dominated force was supported by international sea waterways as its sover- worsened throughout 2018, and hopes that having annexed Crimea in 2014), in which armor and artillery and vastly outnum- eign internal waters. In March 2014, the the presumed positive chemistry between the international law of the sea does not bered the Americans, but was decimated by United Nations agreed to allow Russia to U.S. President Donald Trump and his apply. The Ukrainian ships were impound- U.S. airpower during a several-hours-long claim an extension of its continental shelf Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, might ed and their crews captured and taken to night engagement. The Russian command beyond the standard 200-mile exclusive help find some way to reverse this trend Moscow, to the Federal Security Service’s in Syria refused to acknowledge the economic zone to cover an area in the cen- never materialized. The long-awaited full- (FSB) notorious Lefortovo prison. The 24 Russian contractors as their own; though ter of the Sea of Okhotsk. Russia has inter- scale Trump-Putin summit in Helsinki, captured Ukrainian service members are apparently, after the Wagner personnel preted this as recognition of the Sea of Finland, on July 16, was a PR disaster that being interrogated and face the possibility were defeated, Moscow asked the U.S. forc- Okhotsk as an “internal Russian sea.” The caused a mega-storm of criticism in the U.S. of harsh prison sentences. Mr. Trump es to cease fire to allow the removal of the Sea of Okhotsk serves as the deployment media and rebukes by both parties in apparently refused to have a direct formal dead and wounded from the battlefield. zone for Russia’s nuclear strategic-missile- Congress. Trump was accused of being too meeting with Putin as long as the Ukrainian The story of this humiliating rout was carrying submarines based in Kamchatka, friendly and submissive at the joint press sailors and ships are not freed, which may essentially suppressed by the Russian which makes it extremely important to conference after the talks, though appar- not happen anytime soon (see EDM, authorities (see EDM, February 15, 2018). keep foreign ships out (Gazeta.ru, ently nothing much of substance was in fact November 26, 28, 29, 2018). After the recent Black Sea incident, November 19, 2018). decided or traded off (see Eurasia Daily Russia and the U.S. are at loggerheads on Ukraine declared martial law for 30 days, Moreover, Col. Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev, Monitor, July 19, 23, 2018). Tensions, mis- many issues, and the prospects of a mean- mainly in regions bordering Russia or terri- the chief of the supreme command-and- understandings and punitive sanctions ingful détente look extremely dim. But, up tories occupied by Russian forces; Kyiv has control center of the Ministry of Defense continued to pile up. to now, both sides have successfully avoid- partially called up reservists and increased (Natsionalnyi Tsentr Upravleniya Oboroni Messrs. Trump and Putin are seen in ed any direct clashes between their militar- the country’s battle readiness in anticipa- RF), announced that, in 2019, foreign mili- Moscow as ideologically close. Therefore, ies. In Syria, both U.S. and Russian forces tion of a possible Russian invasion (see tary ships will need to request passage to the belief that they could come together, find are deployed and engaged in parallel air EDM, December 12, 2018). Moscow, of be allowed through the Russian-claimed common ground, make a grand deal and and land actions against Islamist militants. course, denies it has any plans to attack Arctic seas, from the Barents Sea to the drastically figure out relations is still alive in A “de-confliction” agreement has been in (see EDM, November 29, 2018). Bering Strait – the so called Sevmorput or Russia (Kommersant, November 13). Both force, preventing direct clashes, though Even in a worst-case scenario, if a winter Northern Sea Route (Interfax, November the Kremlin and the White House worked fighting by proxy still happens. The best- war between Ukrainian and Russian (or 30, 2018; see EDM, December 4, 2018). hard on the agenda of the follow-up Trump- known and extremely bloody incident hap- Russian-backed) forces breaks out, the According to Deputy Defense Minister Putin summit planned for December 1, pened on February 7, east of the Euphrates probability of it evolving into a direct U.S.- Alexander Fomin, “[T]he struggle to control 2018, in Buenos Aires, on the sidelines of the River, in the oil-rich province of Deir el- Russian skirmish are low. That said, the U.S. natural resources and obtain access to the G-20 summit in Argentina. But Washington Zour. A battalion-size armed group of forc- military has apparently expanded its recon- Sevmorput are accelerating in the Arctic.” called off this official face-to-face meeting es loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad naissance operations close to the line of Mr. Fomin pointed to the U.S. and its allies with minimal notice, after Russian forces – apparently mostly Russian contractors or control in Donbas, the Sea of Azov and as the main culprits raising international shot at and captured three small Ukrainian mercenaries from the notorious private Crimea, using spy planes and drones; it tensions. Russia will reply by increasing naval ships near the mouth of the Kerch military company (known in Russia as could support Ukraine in the event of an battle readiness, he added (Interfax, Strait, in the Black Sea, on November 25. Chastnaya Voennaya Companiya or ChVK) attack, but not directly with military per- November 30). The Ukrainian ships were heading into Wagner – attacked U.S. Special Forces. The sonnel (Militarynews.ru, December 6, the Sea of Azov, where Ukraine controls U.S. commandos were embedded with 2018). (Continued on page 9) Canada’s National Defense Committee calls UCCA calls for volunteers to serve for increased Russia sanctions and NATO presence as international election observers Georgia in the Black Sea Region,” the commit- UCC UCCA national election monitors, including a tee made 13 recommendations, including: special seminar addressing possible hos- OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian - NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Congress tile environments. Official Central Congress (UCC) on December 13, 2018, ment of Canada continue to provide effec- Committee of America (UCCA), the larg- Election Commission accreditation will welcomed the report tabled by the House tive• Recommendationand relevant military 3: That training the govern to the est representation of Americans of be provided and coordinated through of Commons Standing Committee on Ukrainian Armed Forces and that it look for Ukrainian descent, is once again taking the UCCA, which will also organize in- National Defense (NDDN) calling for opportunities to expand the type of train- an active part in the upcoming presiden- country travel and lodging, translators increased sanctions on Russia and an ing and support provided by the Canadian tial elections and is currently registering and guides, if necessary, as well as com- increased NATO presence in the Black Sea. Armed Forces (CAF) through Operation applicants for its Election Observation prehensive informational packets. “The international community must UNIFIER beyond March 2019. Mission (EOM), which will travel to The UCCA mission will monitor the - respond strongly to escalating Russian Ukraine to monitor the March 31, 2019, elections throughout Ukraine with par- aggression, including the recent unpro- ment of Canada demand the immediate vote. ticular focus on eastern and southern voked and purposeful attack by Russia on release• Recommendation of all illegally captured 4: That Ukrainian the govern sail- The goal of the UCCA EOM is to sup- oblasts, and in diplomatic missions in the Ukrainian naval ships in the Kerch strait,” ors, release the Ukrainian Navy ships and port a more open and transparent elec- United States. stated Alexandra Chyczij, national presi- restore free passage through the Kerch Strait. toral process during the presidential elec- For further information about the dent of the UCC. “The UCC welcomes the - recommendations made by the NDDN ment of Canada increase sanctions under tions, specifically to monitor adherence to UCCA’s International Election Observer Committee and calls on the government to the• JusticeRecommendation for Victims 7:of ThatCorrupt the governForeign the law, prevent violations and provoca- program, or to register, readers may visit move swiftly to implement the Committee’s Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) tions at polling stations during voting, the UCCA’s website at www.ucca.org or recommendations.” against those connected to the ongoing and provide an assessment of the elector- contact the National Office by e-mail at Member of Parliament Stephen Fuhr, aggression against Ukraine, Moldova and al process. The UCCA does not support [email protected]. chair of the committee, together with com- Georgia, and that it specifically list the any one candidate or political party and The UCCA, the national umbrella orga- mittee Vice-Chairs James Bezan and Russian agents involved in the attacks supports Ukraine’s commitment to stan- nization in the United States represent- Randall Garrison, stated: “For more than against Alexander Valterovich Litvinenko dards of the Organization for Security ing the interests of the over 1 million four years, Russia has been engaged in a and Sergei Viktorovich Skripal. and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for a Americans of Ukrainian descent since brutal war against Ukraine, and Canada has - free and fair election that accurately 1940, has been conducting comprehen- been a strong supporter of Ukraine ment of Canada consider sanctions against reflects the will of the electorate. sive civic education programs in Ukraine throughout that period. But Russian Russia• Recommendation in the financial 8:and That energy the governsectors The UCCA-EOM comprises volunteers, to teach citizens the benefits of democra- aggression is not limited to that country. in response to its escalation of hostilities with registered International Election cy and free market economic reforms Russia is a revisionist military power and is against Ukraine. Observers responsible for all costs relat- since 1991. continually challenging the existing inter- - ed to their participation in the UCCA- A large part of the UCCA’s civic educa- national order through its actions and ment of Canada advocate for an increased EOM, including, but not limited to, travel tion work has included hosting delega- interference in the affairs of sovereign NATO• Recommendation presence to respond 11: That to Russian the govern esca- and lodging. tions of international election observers states, particularly Moldova and Georgia, lation in the Black Sea. With long-term experience in observ- to monitor Ukraine’s presidential and Ukraine’s neighbors in the Black Sea The committee’s report was informed by ing elections, the UCCA EOM will conduct parliamentary elections. UCCA delega- region.” testimony from experts at the Atlantic mandatory training briefings for its tions have monitored every election held In its report, “Responding to Russian Council, who were hosted in Ottawa by the observers on how best to serve as inter- in Ukraine since 1991. Aggression Against Ukraine, Moldova and Ukrainian Canadian Congress. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1 UABA holds 41st annual meeting in Washington

by Bohdan Shandor clear signs of what was to come by ignoring such defining events as: Russia’s attack on WASHINGTON – The Ukrainian Armenia; Mr. Putin’s celebration of Joseph American Bar Association held its 41st Stalin’s 120th birthday in 1999; and com- annual meeting in the confines of the U.S. memorative services for Felix Dzerzhinsky, Capitol Building. The conference, titled regarded as the founder of the KGB. Even “U.S.-Ukraine: New Policies, Strategies and Mr. Putin’s own lament about the demise of Lessons from the Past,” took place during the Soviet Union as being “the greatest geo- the weekend of November 9-11 and political disaster of the 20th Century,” was attracted a wide array of attorneys, jurists viewed with amusement. and academics from the United States as Mr. Rud posited Russia as the same well as from Ukraine. adversary from tsarist history which today The conference ended with a banquet poses a new but not identified threat. honoring one of the co-chairs of the America’s ability to prepare for the imme- Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, diate challenge is further confounded by Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland, Russia’s use of propaganda, disinformation who received a Special UABA Award for his and manipulation. In 2013, Gen. Valery efforts and continuing support of Ukraine. Gerasimov described the doctrine that At the outset of the conference, the bears his name, when he said: “It is now attendees were welcomed by UABA possible to defeat the enemy (the United President Oksana Pelekh, who pointed out States) through a combination of political, that this was the first time that the UABA economic, information, technological and At the Ukrainian American Bar Association banquet (from left) are: Oksana Pelekh, UABA president; Bohdan Shandor, chair, UABA Committee on Legislative Affairs; ecological campaigns.” annual meeting was taking place in the U.S. Liudmyla Chaly; Ambassador Valeriy Chaly; Congressman Andy Harris; Nicole Capitol. A special greeting was also extend- The next speaker, Dr. Michael Carpenter, Harris; and Musia Shandor. ed by an honored member in attendance, is senior director, Penn Biden Center for Chief Judge Timothy M. Tymkovych of the Diplomacy and Global Engagement, and blocking” approach being used is against Sudeten territory from Czechoslovakia in United States Court of Appeals for the 10th nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Bank Rossiya, which he described as a 1938. Likewise, Stalin justified annexing Circuit, who expressed his continuing inter- Council. The topic of his presentation, small “crony bank” and ranked 26th in the Baltic republics at the outset of World est in the UABA and pleasure at being able “Russia’s War Against Ukraine and the West; Russia; predictably, its blocking produced War II. But, to serve this purpose, the to attend the meeting in the nation’s capital. U.S. Sanctions; The Danger of Russian hardly a yawn from the Russians. Kremlin also needs quasi-legal justification. Victor Rud, a founding member of the Efforts to Occupy the Azov Sea; the Need for Commenting on what some have called The rationalization for justifying unlawful UABA, addressed the group on a timely a New Approach and Strategies defending “the nuclear option,” Dr. Carpenter advised conduct is what U.S. legal experts have topic, “The Iceberg Beneath the Mueller Ukraine and the U.S.A. Against the Russian caution in the use of sanctions involving the come to call “lawfare” or, in other words, Investigation: Understanding our threat,” was nothing if not prescient. SWIFT banking system, if only because any legal warfare. Understanding – or Not – of Russia.” Mr. He is a former deputy assistant secretary ban on its use would have substantial and When engaging in lawfare, Russia does Rud chairs the UABA Committee on Foreign of defense and also served as a foreign poli- unforeseen effects upon Europe’s and the not ignore international law, but rather Policy and International Affairs and is cy advisor to Vice-President Joe Biden as global economy. uses international law and treaties as a actively engaged in national security mat- well as on the National Security Council as As for the Sea of Azov (he was speaking weapon. In this manner it exploits, manipu- ters affecting the United States and Ukraine. director for Russia. Dr. Carpenter spoke before the recent Russian acts of aggres- lates and misrepresents the international Mr. Rud took aim at the West’s lack of candidly about the situation confronting sion), Dr. Carpenter noted that the United legal system in order to justify its own understanding of Russia and failure to Ukraine and his assessment that the cur- States should provide Ukraine with more wrongful conduct. This twisting and bend- acknowledge or deal with the risks that rent administration could be doing more radars to boost its maritime domain aware- ing of international norms and the law Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin pose to with respect to Ukraine. He compared the ness, as well as land-based anti-ship mis- enables Russia to create the perception or democracy and the international rule of United States to a superhero in Hollywood siles. But, the best deterrent, he observed, appearance that it is operating in a quasi- law. This naiveté, Mr. Rud said, finds its animations who has the power but is afraid is bolstering the presence of the United legal framework enough to justify the roots in the post-World War II policy to use those vast powers. Similarly, the States military in Eastern Europe. deployment of its troops to Crimea, Georgia expounded by, among others, the former United States is not fully utilizing the enor- The conference’s next speaker, Mark and Moldova. The Baltic nations are justifi- U.S. ambassador to the USSR, George mous power at its disposal. Voyger, said that calling “hybrid warfare” a ably more than merely concerned when Mr. Kennan, who wrote in his memoirs: “The Specifically, Dr. Carpenter cited the use new type of warfare is a misnomer since it Putin speaks of “protecting Russian speak- Russians don’t want to invade anyone. It’s of the United States’ asymmetrical power to has been around for years. Today it utilizes ers,” Mr. Voyger noted. not in their tradition.” impose real financial sanctions against high-tech tools and approaches, which Gene Fishel is someone who is very In particular, he cited a mindset in Russia. He described the actions to date as makes it seem “new.” Mr. Voyger is a former much in the thick of things as senior advi- Washington and the West that views the “debt and equity” restrictions on financial special advisor to retired Lt. Gen. Ben sor, with the Bureau of European and fall of the Berlin Wall and the break-up of companies; but not “full blocking sanc- Hodges, former commanding general of Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Soviet Union as the end of the threat tions,” as have been applied to North Korea U.S. Army Europe. Speaking on the topic of State. His topic: “What the U.S., Ukraine and rather than the beginning, even as Mr. Putin and Iran. According to him, applying “full “Russian Lawfare,” Mr. Voyger pointed out International Community Should Do to seeks to re-assert Russia’s dominance over blocking sanctions” to two or three Russian that Russian hybrid warfare is akin to the Restore the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine.” its neighbors who are now sovereign banks which would be prohibited from multi-headed hydra monster of Greek Mr. Fishel, who is fluent in Ukrainian, nations, like Ukraine. He pointed out that engaging in any transactions in the U.S. mythology. In this case there is a political stressed that Ukraine has many friends at five years into the largest war since World financial sector would definitely have an center or “head” and tentacles that extend Foggy Bottom. Due to his official capacity, he War II, between the largest country in the immediate crippling effect and get the into diverse areas of the target’s endeavors: requested that his remarks at the conference world and the largest country in Europe Kremlin’s attention. Presently, the “debt legal, cultural, financial, economic, diplo- be treated as personal and “off the record.” that gave up its nuclear arms – no one even and equity” sanctions which exist are matic, intelligence, energy, socio-cultural, At the break, UABA members and guests hears about it. directed at selective transactional prohibi- economic and infrastructure tools. To this, dined on a delicious luncheon of grilled Relying upon published materials, Mr. tions and in his view have produced no tan- Russia adds organized crime and conven- salmon, beef tenderloin and chicken Rud built a case for America’s ignoring gible results. The only instance of the “full tional and surreptitious military actions as Francoise, all prepared by the Capitol Hill a means to target not only adversary caterers. Afterwards, the conference nations but the Russian population, both focused on a key area on everyone’s mind domestically and abroad. and affecting Ukraine today: the Russo- So what exactly is Russia doing when it Ukrainian war. The attendees were hon- engages in “lawfare”? It is using a quasi- ored to have one of Ukraine’s foremost dip- legal theory to justify what would other- lomats and former ambassador from wise be unacceptable conduct under inter- Ukraine to Great Britain, Volodymyr national norms by any nation. For example, Vassylenko, not only present at the confer- one of Russia’s favorite arguments is to ence but also speaking on “Ukraine’s Legal claim that it is acting to protect the rights of Remedies and Countermeasures Against Russians in a particular territory. Mr. the Russian Federation.” Voyger pointed out that Russia’s claim “to There was a presentation by a Ukrainian protect the people” is as old as Russia’s activist from eastern Ukraine, Semen tsars, who first made the claim in 1774 and Kabakaiev, co-Founder of Project “Stop subsequently used the same excuse every Terror” and “War Crimes of Russia.” In his time a tsar wanted to meddle in a neigh- remarks he addressed “Russia’s Use of bor’s affairs (which was quite often). Military, Religion and Political Means in its Throughout the 19th century the Russians War with Ukraine.” Mr. Kabakaiev, who was claimed they wanted to protect Orthodox born and raised in Luhansk, has been very Christians whenever they meddled in the active in collecting information and data on Balkans, as they annexed more and more Russian war atrocities in the Donbas UABA President Oksana Pelekh (left) with Chief Judge Timothy M. Tymkovych of the land. He pointed out that Adolph Hitler U.S. Court of Appeals (10th Circuit) and Ivanna Bilych, president of the Volya Institute. used the same pretext in annexing the (Continued on page 8) No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 5 UCC holds annual general meeting in Montreal Minister Bibeau addresses Leadership Awards Dinner

UCC and planning sessions were focused on the three broad pillars that guide the work of MONTREAL – The Ukrainian Canadian the UCC: developing the Ukrainian Congress (UCC) held its annual general Canadian community; celebrating and meeting and a meeting of the Board of advancing the Ukrainian Canadian identity; Directors in Montreal on December 7-9, and supporting Ukraine. 2018. “Our community in Montreal was very On December 8, Paul Grod, recently glad to host this year’s AGM,” stated the Rev. elected president of the Ukrainian World Father Ihor Kutash, president of the UCC’s Congress (UWC), announced his resigna- Quebec Provincial Council. “Thank you to tion as president of the UCC. Alexandra everyone who participated in the lively, Chyczij was elected and sworn in as UCC vibrant and substantive discussions and president. Andrea Kopylech was elected debates.” first vice-president and Alex Ilchenko was Leadership Awards Dinner elected second vice-president. UCC The Board of Directors heard reports On December 8, the UCC Quebec Canada’s Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau (from row, second from left) with Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Alexandra Chyczij from UCC Provincial Council presidents from Provincial Council and Montreal branch (third from left), former Ukrainian World Congress President Eugene Czolij (fourth British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, hosted the UCC Leadership Awards Dinner, from left) and members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Executive Committee Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, and several which was emceed by Orest Humenny. and UCC Quebec Provincial Council. UCC branch presidents, who discussed their The keynote address was delivered by activities and successes and challenges in Canada’s Minister of International er of Ukraine’s current democratic reform. organizations to become regional hubs and engaging the community. Development Marie-Claude Bibeau, who Through this support, we are reinforcing to effectively cascade knowledge and skills Participants also heard reports from for- spoke passionately about her five-day visit the voices of women and youth, so they can down to the local level, based on individual mer UWC President Eugene Czolij; outgoing to Ukraine during the summer of 2018, help build a better Ukraine for everyone.” organizations’ needs. UCC President Grod; UCC First Vice- about the support the government of Minister Bibeau announced that Canada “The UCC was honored to welcome President Kopylech; UCC CEO Ihor Canada is providing to Ukraine and Canada’s will be providing $5 million over five years Minister Bibeau to the Leadership Awards Michalchyshyn; UCC Treasurer Romana $50 million annual commitment to interna- to the Women of Ukraine: Heard, Capable, dinner. Having travelled to Ukraine last Latenko; Alanna Mysak, chair of the UCC tional development assistance to Ukraine. Resilient initiative. This initiative aims to summer as part of Minister Bibeau’s dele- Audit Committee; and Demyan Hyworon, “Canada stands with Ukraine on its jour- strengthen and build the capacity of wom- gation, I was impressed by her commit- chair of the UCC Charitable and Educational ney to implement reforms. That includes en’s rights organizations in Ukraine to ment and dedication to the principles of Trust. strengthening democratic institutions, pro- meaningfully contribute to the reform pro- democracy, equality and diversity that we Over 50 delegates and guests from moting women’s participation in politics, cess and advance gender equality at all lev- as Canadians hold dear,” stated UCC member organizations, provincial councils building public confidence in elections, and els, increasing women’s and girls’ enjoyment President Chyczij. “Minister Bibeau is a true and local branches participated in the deterring fraud and intimidation,” Minister of their human rights. The Pact Institute will annual general meeting. Dialogue, debate Bibeau stated. “Canada is a strong support- help empower five selected women’s rights (Continued on page 22)

The Executive Сommittee of the Ukrainian National Association and its newspapers, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly,

extend best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the leaders of Ukrainian Churches, Ukrainian organizations, the UNA General Assembly, District Committees, Branches and members, readers of the UNA’s publications, as well as Ukrainian communities in the diaspora and Ukraine.

Christ is Born! Glorify Him! 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

CHRISTMAS PASTORAL LETTER The Ukrainian Weekly Our “koliada” A great and joyful feast, The Ukrainian “koliada” tradition is alive and well. We know that’s true because this is the time of year that various groups visit the homes of their members and the mother of all feasts supporters with Christmas carols and greetings of the season. “Chy pryimayete vy Nativity Epistle of the Permanent them a Savior Who would return to them koliadnykiv? (Will you welcome carolers?), they ask. And, once invited in, they give Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops and to the entire human race their lost hap- us the wonderful gift of beautiful and unique Ukrainian “koliadky” (carols). In turn, Outside the Borders of Ukraine. piness and conquer the power of the devil. we thank them with monetary donations for their organizations’ valuable work. Adam’s sin is the history of the sin of all For many groups, it should be noted, the koliada is a major fund-raiser. To the God-beloved Pastors, Honored mankind and every person individually. Some organizations do a koliada by mail, sending those on their lists of mem- Monastics, and all Faithful Children of the The transgression of Adam is repeated in bers and benefactors best wishes for Christmas and the New Year along with a Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Diaspora each one of us when we turn from God and request for continued support of their worthwhile work. These are significant and Ukraine: commit sin. efforts aimed not only at ensuring their ongoing activity, but also at keeping in “Today, the Virgin gives birth to the The greatest and deepest mystery of the touch with their devotees. Transcendent One and the earth offers a Christian faith is the mystery of the incar- Our publisher, the Ukrainian National Association, does something similar via cave to the Unapproachable One. Angels nation of the Son of God. The Pre-eternal its annual Christmas Card Project. Purchasing a set of lovely Christmas cards (this with shepherds give glory. The magi jour- God becomes a small child without ceasing year’s designs are by Andriy Khomyk) helps support the Ukrainian National ney with a star. For unto us is born a young to be God. As St. John the Evangelist writes, Foundation, an affiliated company of the UNA that performs charitable activities on Child, the Pre-eternal God” (Kondak of the “The Word became flesh and dwelt among its behalf. Purchasers of the cards are also encouraged to make additional dona- Nativity of Christ). us” (Jn. 1:14). tions toward The Ukrainian Weekly/Svoboda Press Fund, Soyuzivka Heritage Christ is Born! Christ “for the sake of us men and for Center and/or the general fund of the UNF, which supports educational and cultur- Once again, according to the Mercy of our salvation came down from the heavens al programs both here in the United States and in Ukraine. God, we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity. and took flesh from the Holy Spirit and the We’re grateful for the current year’s focus on the UNA’s two newspapers, – Faithful hearts, full of gratitude to God, Virgin May, and became man” so that He Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, published, respectively, since 1893 and 1933 – again glorify the Pre-eternal Word, the might destroy the barrier between man which are described in the insert that accompanied the Christmas cards as “the Divine Christ Child, Who for us and our sal- and God which arose due to human sin. premier news sources about events and happenings in Ukraine and Ukrainian vation came down to earth and was incar- And every time we Christians celebrate the communities throughout the world.” (You can check out the Christmas card project nated from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Nativity of Christ a meeting takes place in on the UNA’s website, unainc.org.) Here, on this page, we humbly ask readers of Mary and became man. Today the soul of our heart and soul with God Himself. We The Weekly to welcome us as koliadnyky into your homes and to help support our every Christian with great spiritual joy meet the Messiah – Christ – in the Mystery endeavors by contributing to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. cries out “Christ is Born – Glorify Him! of the Eucharist. Through Holy Communion At the same time, we underscore that we most appreciate your support in the Christ from Heaven – Let us meet Him! our human flesh is filled with His Divine form of subscriptions and gift subscriptions. And we ask that you share with others Christ on Earth – Be exalted! Let all the power, which strengthens us spiritually and the importance of subscriptions, which sustain our publication. Many, you see, use earth sing to the Lord! (St. Gregory the physically. We meet the Savior in the other our newspaper when it fits their particular need (e.g., to promote an event or proj- Theologian). mysteries of our Orthodox faith, which ect), yet do not support The Weekly with their subscriptions. The truth of the mat- The coming of the Son of God to earth open to us the path to eternal life. We meet ter is this: Without subscriptions we would not exist. Without subscriptions, there was the most important event in the entire Christ in our daily life, sensing in every- would be no newspaper to use when the need arises… It’s clear that many do not history of the human race. It is an event thing His care and presence. And so every understand these basic facts: Subscribers are essential to a newspaper’s health. which the human mind cannot fully com- year Christ is born in the hearts and souls Therefore, if you value our Ukrainian community, if you value its activities, then prehend, the wonder of wonders: “great is of faithful people. you should be a subscriber to our community’s most important newspaper. We the mystery of godliness: God was mani- Dear Brothers and Sisters! hereby invite you to join the ranks of our loyal readers. fested in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16). In 2018 we celebrated the 100th anni- And, one more thing: As we begin a New Year, we express thanks to all those The Nativity of Christ was the event versary of the founding of the Ukrainian who have supported our work here at The Weekly with their subscriptions and which ushered in a new cultural life rooted Orthodox Churches in the U.S.A. and in donations to our Press Fund during 2018. Many of you, we are aware, have been in love for God and neighbor, an event Canada. We thank God for all His grace and devoted subscribers for decades, and that’s something we truly appreciate as in which initiated the Kingdom of Christ on bounties poured out upon us in the past. 2018 we marked the 85th anniversary of the founding of this newspaper. With earth. Many things have happened and We beseech Him that in the coming century your continued patronage and that of new subscribers, The Ukrainian Weekly happen on our earthly planet. But none of the Lord would continue to preserve and hopes to continue its mission to inform the world about Ukraine and Ukrainians, as them have been discussed and preached protect our Ukrainian Orthodox Church in well as its role as a network that keeps us all in touch and engaged in our Ukrainian for ages as has the event of the Nativity of the diaspora. community life. our Lord, Jesus Christ. We especially beseech the Divine Christ The Nativity of Christ is for all of us a Child that in this new year He would bless great and joyful feast. St. John Chrysostom our ancestral homeland of Ukraine with writes: “The day of Christ’s Nativity is the peace, spiritual and economic growth, and most important day among all the feasts, our God-beloved Ukrainian people with Jan. Turning the pages back... for it is shown to be the mother of all feasts. unity, brotherly love and a united Orthodox Without the Nativity of Christ there would Church in Ukraine which is recognized by be no Resurrection.” Humanity awaited the Thirty-five years ago, on January 12, 1984, the West observed all other local Orthodox Churches. coming into the world of the Savior with the annual Day of Solidarity with Ukrainian Political Prisoners. We extend our gratitude to the Mother 12 great impatience. The Lord, yet in the Church – the Great Church of The annual event began with imprisoned Ukrainian journalist earthly paradise of Eden, after the sin of and dissident, Vycheslav Chornovil, on January 12, 1974, when 1984 Adam and Eve said that He would send he announced a hunger strike on the second anniversary of his (Continued on page 13) arrest and the huge KGB crackdown on the Ukrainian intelligen- tsia that resulted. In 1984 it was unknown how many Ukrainians were serving time in the Gulag or in exile for political charges. At the time it was known that a disproportionate number of all Soviet political prisoners were Ukrainians. In 1983, six prominent dissidents were re- arrested, some while still serving previous terms. Ukrainian political prisoners ranged from human rights activists (including 26 of the original 37 members of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group), religious activists or former mem- bers of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists or the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, while other prisoners included ordinary men and women from all social and educational back- grounds – most arrested for “anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda” or “slandering the Soviet state,” while others were framed on criminal charges to make it appear that they were common criminals rather than prisoners of conscience. The Weekly’s editorial of that issue reminded that some Ukrainians had been incarcerat- ed in the many labor camps dotting the remote regions of the Soviet Union, while others had been thrown into prisons or locked away in the nightmare world of Soviet lunatic asylums. As is the case with the closed nature of the Soviet Union, like all totalitarian systems, the opponents to the system suffered far outside the spotlight of international attention. With the few known names and faces of some of these prisoners, many suffered in anonymity and isolation, with no campaigns to free them, no calls by Western leaders for their release. However, there were ways even then, to help these men and women – to rededicate ourselves to reminding the media and elected public officials of the plight of Ukrainian political prisoners. The Soviets would have had us believe that the Gulag, the labor camps,

(Continued on page 21) “Happiness and Prosperity Sown...” Erica Slutsky, watercolor, 2018. No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NEWS AND VIEWS

organizations. Still others are simply lay- people who feel empathy for their fellow The first memorial man and visit the needy on our behalf. Assuring Ukraine’s maritime security to the Holodomor Halyna Tokar lives in Kamiana, a village near the city of Chernivtsi. Twelve years ago Dear Editor: she started an organization for invalid chil- In his “From Far and Wide” column of dren. She is the mother of two handicapped December 16, 2018, Marco Levytsky, sons and understands better than most the makes the claim that the first Holodomor needs of the infirm. She writes: “Families monument in the world was unveiled in that have disabled children (and there are hundreds of them in our region) more often Edmonton in 1983, on the 50th anniversa- than not are very poor. The mother is ry of the Famine-Genocide. always a full-time caregiver and cannot con- The fact is that only 20 years after the tribute to the household income. Much of Holodomor, in 1955, the Ukrainian the father’s salary is spent on medications. Orthodox Church started construction of So, not only do these homes suffer the pain St. Andrew Memorial Church in South and mental anguish of having a disabled Bound Brook, N.J., which was conceived as child, but very often they are also wanting a memorial to Ukrainians who died in the in basic necessities. Your bagful of groceries quest for liberty and national indepen- is like a gift from heaven.” dence, and especially to victims of the Father Roman Syrotych of Kyiv, writes: Holodomor of 1932-1933. “We often visit the elderly, people who were As then Archbishop Mstyslav said dur- once active members of society but today ing the October 10, 1965, dedication, “The have many ailments or simply suffer of breakingdefense.com memorial church is a very modest cross on infirmity that comes with old age. Many of the graves of the millions of victims of the them have meager pensions that barely pay A U.S. Marine Corps HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) would be Great Famine – the graves that were for social services. Very often they have no useful for Ukraine’s present circumstances. plowed under by the enemy.” one to turn to. Imagine the joy that an unex- by Eugene Z. Stakhiv foreign ships.” Larysa Kurylas pected gift will bring to people who feel that Indeed, Russia’s strategy seems to be a Washington they have been completely forgotten.” Admiral Ihor Voronchenko, commander carbon copy of China’s naval strategy in the These sad stories are a reminder of how of Ukraine’s Navy and coastal defenses, South China Sea, seeking to make the Sea of much need there is in the world, particular- came to Washington two weeks ago to Azov its exclusive territorial sea. But to ly in Ukraine. But, with the generosity of round up support for Ukraine’s naval hard- what purpose? Russia has systematically upstanding individuals in the diaspora and ware needs and to explain Ukraine’s side of been turning the screws on commercial Heartfelt thanks with the support of volunteers in Ukraine, the Kerch crisis. The Kerch crisis has placed navigation in the Sea of Azov, by obstruct- to Weekly readers we can bring some comfort and joy, if only Ukraine in a difficult quandary: it does not ing merchant vessels to and from Ukraine’s to some. have the naval forces to directly challenge key ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk, Dear Editor: To date, our drive has collected over Russia’s control of the Kerch Strait, and it through the Kerch Strait. The purpose is to $20,000. If anyone would like to join in this will take decades for Ukraine to bolster its further strangle Ukraine’s export economy. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it endeavor, please make checks payable to is like wrapping a present and not giving it” naval capabilities, according to the strategy Between April and October of 2018, St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church that Admiral Voronchenko laid out in a merchant vessels of over 25 nations have – William Arthur Ward. Charitable Program and send them to 719 With this in mind, the volunteers of St. recent document titled “Strategy for Naval been subjected to Russia’s illegal and intru- Sanford Ave., Newark, NJ 07106. Once Military Forces and the Armed Forces of sive inspection procedures. Vessels have John Ukrainian Catholic Church Charitable again, thank you! Program in Newark, N.J., send a huge Ukraine – 2035.” been delayed for days, and some have been thank-you to readers of The Weekly for Ksenia Hapij For the time being, diplomatic efforts blocked at the Kerch Bridge, where a large their compassion and generosity. Newark, N.J. and sanctions against Russia are all that are oil supertanker is positioned under the available. So far, the results have been mar- bridge to block passage through the straits. Several months ago we shared a devas- The letter-writer is director of the chari- tating account about people in Ukraine ginal, at best, for Ukraine’s sailors are still Yet, there has been no notable condemna- table program at St. John Ukrainian Catholic held captive in Moscow, and Russia contin- who are so poor there are days they don’t Church in Newark, N.J. tion of these actions in the United Nations have enough food to put on their tables. We ues to illegally restrict commercial naviga- from those nations. reported about our “Feed the Hungry in tion through the Kerch Strait. These harassment tactics incur great Ukraine” drive, which is still in progress. Ukraine’s Navy, depleted after the mass costs to the private owners of the vessels, Monetary donations are collected here and defections during the Crimean invasion in estimated at more than $10 million in oper- sent to our volunteers in Ukraine. A mere 2014, is no match for the Russian naval and ating expenses. Most troubling is that a sig- $15 purchases a large bag of food, includ- land-based military forces with their com- nificant proportion of Ukraine’s exports ing cooking oil, flour, sugar, rice, buckwheat bined firepower. This begs the questions of and imports go through the ports of and other staples. Volunteers buy these in what type of tangible military hardware Berdyansk and Mariupol: steel, iron ore, wholesale warehouses and pack them into support is most helpful for Ukraine in the coal and grain shipments. The economic bags for delivery to those hurting the most. present circumstances, and how support and trade losses to Ukraine could escalate Response from readers of The Weekly has for additional future naval equipment and to billions of dollars were a total blockade been overwhelming, with donations total- military hardware that has been offered by to be successfully conducted by Russia. ing over $4,000, many arriving with beauti- the U.S., will help Ukraine to secure its mar- This is a recipe for an economic disaster ful letters of encouragement. itime sovereignty? for Ukraine, which is already severely hob- The biggest challenge of running inter- The crisis in the Kerch Strait was yet bled by the economic losses of oil and gas national drives of this sort is ascertaining another test by Vladimir Putin to deter- revenues from Crimea, and the diminished that people at the other end are trustwor- mine just how far the U.S. and NATO are industrial output of the Donbas region. thy. Our volunteers stationed throughout willing to restrict Russia’s strategy of That is the ultimate aim of Russia: destabi- Ukraine have all proven to be very reliable, expansion. Russia began ratcheting up its lizing the economy of Ukraine to the point harassment of commercial vessels in the and we have worked with them for over 10 Halyna Tokar of national bankruptcy and creating inter- years. Some of them are affiliated with the Azov Sea in April 2018. Few people noticed nal political instability which discourages Svitlana, a child from the village of that President Petro Poroshenko’s speech Catholic Church, others work with secular Kamiana in the Chernivtsi region. further foreign investment. to the U.N. General Assembly on September Simultaneously, there has been an enor- 26, 2018, focused on the recent illegal mous build-up of Russia’s naval fleet in the actions of Russia in the Sea of Azov – two Azov Sea, including coast guard assets, spe- GUIDELINES months before the assault on Ukraine’s cial forces and air force strike capability. In naval vessels. recent briefings in Washington, Admiral FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR In his speech, Mr. Poroshenko noted: Voronchenko estimated that there are close “The Kremlin has no intention to stop. After to 120 Russian warships and smaller coast- The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor on a variety of topics of concern to the occupation of Crimea, it aims now at al vessels in the Azov Sea arrayed against a the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian communities. Opinions expressed by let- occupation of the Sea of Azov between handful of Ukrainian gunboats and small ter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly Ukraine and Russia. Having illegally con- coastal patrol vessels. editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. structed a bridge across the Kerch Strait, Ukraine has laid out its long-term strate- Letters must be signed (anonymous letters are not published). The daytime phone num- Russia launched a systematic disruption of gy to upgrade its naval defense stretching ber and complete mailing address of the letter-writer must be given for verification purposes. freedom of international navigation out to beyond 2035. But that does not The Weekly reserves the right to edit for clarity, civility and accuracy. through the Kerch Strait for Ukrainian and address immediate needs. The first phase Please note: The length of letters cannot exceed 500 words. Letters may be edited or of the strategy would focus on protecting abridged. Letters should be sent to [email protected] or to The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Eugene Z. Stakhiv is a lecturer at Johns its territorial coastal waters (under 12 nau- Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Hopkins University and a visiting scholar at the U.S. Army Institute for Water Resources. (Continued on page 26) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

of the “compelling law status of the prohibi- UABA holds... tion of genocide, eliminates the argument that acts of genocide committed prior to (Continued from page 4) the Genocide Convention are not subject to region. He participated in the formation of prosecution.” a website, https://stopterror.in.ua, for the In a widely publicized speech in 1953 on collection and verification of information the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the which is then made available to the public Great Famine, Dr. Lemkin spelled out the regarding Russian acts of aggression in four-pronged attack that Stalin used in an eastern Ukraine. attempt to liquidate the Ukrainian nation. Working with Ukraine’s ministries of The Ukrainian intelligentsia was the target of Justice and Foreign Affairs, he organized the first blow, so as to eliminate “the brain of international experts with private funds a nation with the intent to paralyze the rest and as volunteers for the project “War of the body.” The second attack was directed Crimes of Russia” to form the factual and against the Ukrainian Church, priests and juridical basis for future claims against church hierarchy. The third blow was struck Russia in the international courts. He has against the nation’s peasants and farmers by received commendations from the Ministry starving them to death. The final blow was of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs the fragmentation of the Ukrainian people and the Security Service of Ukraine for his by forced resettlement, exile and the intro- work in connection with the Russo-Ukraine duction of Russians into Ukraine. war in the Donbas. Judge Futey concluded his remarks by Three judges at the UABA convention (from left): Chief Judge Timothy M. Mr. Rud next spoke on the topic of reviewing the recognition by the U.S. Tymkovych, U.S. Court of Appeals (10th Circuit); Judge Bohdan Futey, U.S. Court of “Deconstructing the ‘Dezinform’ and Why it Senate and House of Representatives, Claims (retired); and Judge Orest Jejna, Municipal Court of Scottsdale, Ariz, Matters Today.” In his address, he highlight- together with 22 states, of the Holodomor ed the history of blindness exhibited by the as an act of genocide. He stated: “The about their conduct. ous dinner, Ms. Pelekh introduced the key- United States in successive administrations, crimes against humanity by the Soviet Ambassador Chaly pointed out that note speaker, Rep. Harris from Maryland, starting with the agreements made at the Communist regime must be condemned, there is a clear link between human rights who is now in his fifth term in Congress. He Yalta Conference that sealed the fate of adherence to international covenants must violations and the threat to international sits on the House Appropriations eastern Europe for almost half a century. be preserved, and tribute must be paid to security. There is an understanding by the Committee, and the Subcommittees on The continuation of this myopia led to poli- the millions of victims in Ukraine.” United States that real peace in the territo- Agriculture, Labor, and Homeland Security. cies of containment, which only prolonged Ivanna Bilych, a member of the UABA rial areas of Ukraine temporarily occupied The congressman was presented an the inevitable collapse of the Soviet Union. Board, moderated a panel composed of cannot ever be achieved without securing award from the UABA, which was Because this year commemorates the attorneys in the pre-eminent Washington the rights of those people who are there. inscribed: “The Board of Governors of the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor in law firm Covington & Burling, LLP, on the The only way to assure human rights is to Ukrainian American Bar Association, on the Ukraine 1932-1933, the UABA Board of topic, “International Convention for the put an end to Russian occupation in the occasion of its 41st Annual Meeting in the Governors invited Judge Bohdan Futey, a Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism eastern part of Ukraine by withdrawing all city of Washington in the District of founding member of the UABA, and a fre- and of the International Convention on the Russian troops out of the country and de- Columbia, has the great honor and pleasure quent speaker in the United States, Ukraine Elimination of All forms of Racial occupying Crimea. He firmly said: “This can of bestowing this special award upon Rep. and around the world, to address this most Discrimination in the Case of Ukraine v. and will happen.” Andy P. Harris, M.D., of the State of timely and important topic. Judge Futey Russian Federation.” The three partners in Moving on from recent developments in Maryland for his outstanding contribution, outlined the fundamental basis for classify- the firm representing the government of Ukraine to the recent U.S. midterm elec- effort and commitment to the Ukrainian ing the Holodomor as Genocide by defini- Ukraine before the International Court of tions, Bohdan Shandor, a founding member Congressional Caucus and for his working tion under international law. Justice are: Marney Cheek, Jonathan of the UABA and Chair of the UABA to further Ukraine’s development as a free Committee on Legislative Affairs, gave a and sovereign nation governed by the rule The starting point to any consideration Gimblett and David Zionts. The litigation presentation on “A Non-Partisan Review of of law.” of genocide is the horror of World War II arises out of the many cases of ethnic and the U.S. Midterm Elections and How They Rep. Harris began his remarks by point- and the events leading up to it. Judge Futey religious discrimination and abuse of indi- May Impact Ukraine on Capitol Hill.” Mr. ing out that he himself is a descendant of pointed out that international law has viduals in Crimea and elsewhere. This case Shandor pointed out that, with the seismic immigrants and the first generation in his evolved after World War II from a system of has now been extended to include human shift in the House of Representatives, with family born in the US. His late father was laws oriented towards state sovereignty to and sex trafficking in the war zone of the the Democratic Party gaining 28 seats and Hungarian and his mother is Ukrainian, one also dedicated to the protection of Donbas and is tied to the hybrid warfare majority control of the House in the 116th having been born in what is today Ivano- human dignity. The tribunal overseeing the being waged by Russia. Congress, and with the Republican Party Frankivsk. He told the audience that he Nazi war Crimes trial in Nuremberg provid- Markian Silecky, a Kyiv law practitioner holding on to its majority in the Senate, learned from an early age from both of his ed the first definition of crimes against and member of the UABA Board, moderat- with a gain of two seats, the net effect upon parents of the horrors of Communism and humanity: “murder, extermination, enslave- ed a panel comprising Michelle Small, Ukraine remains positive, with Ukraine the dangers posed by Russian imperialism. ment, deportation and other inhuman acts director, Head Office Representative of the enjoying unprecedented support on Capitol Rep. Harris stressed that Ukraine is committed against any civilian population, European Bank for Reconstruction and Hill on both sides of the aisle. important not only to Ukrainians but to the before or during the war or persecutions Development; and Boris Chumak, desk offi- This bilateral support can be seen in the stability of Europe and the national securi- on political, racial, or religious grounds…” cer, Office of Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, most recent passage in both the House and ty of the United States – a point that is often He pointed out that there is not one univer- Global Markets Unit, at the Department of Senate of resolutions designating the lost in Washington. In response to a ques- sally condemned act that Hitler and Stalin Commerce. The panel’s topic was “U.S. and Holodomor as an act of genocide by the tion about the current sanctions, he said, did not commit. European Perspectives on Ukraine’s Soviet government in 1992-1993. The vote “Sanctions against Russia alone are not Judge Futey also paid tribute to Dr. Economic Situation.” Ms. Small and Mr. on providing lethal weapons to Ukraine was enough. Every country has the right to pro- Raphael Lemkin, an American attorney Chumak described the procedures and also indicative of the overall support with a tect its borders and Ukraine needs to be who spent time in western Ukraine and is requirements for applying for EBRD loan positive vote of 419-3 (out of 435) in the given the tools and weapons necessary to credited with coining the term “genocide.” guarantees and the emphasis that is placed House and 97-2 in the Senate (out of 100). accomplish this task. Fortunately, the Dr. Lemkin served as the legal advisor to on entrepreneurs in Ukraine. Ms. Small Prior to the midterms, the Congressional Congress is generally in sync when it comes Robert Jackson, the U.S. chief prosecutor for encouraged business owners and entrepre- Ukrainian Caucus had 50 members, and the to Ukraine.” the Nuremberg Trials, and throughout his neurs to visit the EBRD website at https:// Senate Ukraine Caucus had 17 members. He related a conversation he had with a life advocated for increased protection for www.ebrd.com/ and contact one of the Although it is uncertain how many repre- member of the other party who told him, racial, national, and religious groups whose regional offices of the EBRD in Ukraine. sentatives and senators will be in their “Andy, there are not many things the cultural, political, social or physical exis- On Saturday, the UABA members and respective Ukrainian Caucuses, since some Democrats and Republicans agree upon – tence were imperiled. their guests were honored by the presence have retired or not won election, the expec- except when it comes to Ukraine.” During the Following the adoption by the United and an address by Valeriy Chaly, ambassa- tation is that the numbers will be substan- question and answer period, which the con- Nations of the Genocide Convention for the dor of Ukraine to the United States, who tially the same. gressman said he enjoys, he was asked what purpose of preventing, criminalizing and spoke on “Recent Political Developments in Mr. Shandor concluded his remarks by specific actions he would support for Ukraine punishing acts of genocide in December Ukraine.” Ambassador Chaly made refer- saying that the overall state of Ukraine on in dealing with the war in the Donbas. His 1948, the Convention was ratified by the ence to the preparations in Ukraine for the Capitol Hill is not only “good,” but “very response, “Whatever it takes to get the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the next presidential elections on March 30 good.” However, this relationship is con- Russians and their paid mercenaries out,” USSR on March 18, 1954. and the continuing efforts of the Russian stantly under attack by the Kremlin and drew immediate applause from the audience. The question raised by some commenta- Federation to confuse and intimidate the Russia’s paid agents in Washington. He He further emphasized that Javelin mis- tors about how a convention against geno- electorate by waging war in eastern encouraged all in attendance and their fam- siles should not be considered the end of cide can apply to actions taken before Ukraine, which is now in its fifth year. ily and friends to contact their representa- the story and that anti-aircraft weapons, World War II was answered by Judge Futey. He described the Kremlin’s foreign poli- tives and senators to urge them to join the advanced radar systems and other weap- The Convention on the Non-Applicability of cy as one that includes: waging war in respective Ukrainian Caucus if they are not ons need to be made available to Ukraine’s Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Ukraine; interfering in U.S. and European already members. armed forces. He concluded, “We brought Crimes Against Humanity was adopted by elections; invading, occupying and annex- The conference’s Saturday activities con- down the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and the United Nations in November 1968, and ing Crimea; conducting destructive cyberat- cluded with a reception and banquet at the we can do the same here.” ratified by the Russian SFR and Ukrainian tacks in countries around the world; and trendy Washington restaurant Joe’s For further information about the SSR the following year. This convention, he violating international nonproliferation Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Ukrainian American Bar Association, read- said, when taken together with the concept agreements – while in the process lying Following a cocktail reception and sumptu- ers may visit the website www.UABA.org. No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 9 University of New Haven hosts concert commemorating Holodomor and Maidan

by Lana Babij and Alexander Kuzma NEW HAVEN, Conn. – On Saturday, December 1, the University of New Haven hosted a very well-attended concert and public forum commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor and the fifth anniversary of the Maidan Revolution of Dignity. The concert was the brainchild of virtuoso pianist Victor Markiw, lecturer in music at the University of New Haven, and was co-organized with Olena Lennon, adjunct professor of political science at UNH. The program brought together leading scholars and musicians from UNH, Quinnipiac University and Yale University in a creative collaboration that spawned premieres of several original works by local composers inspired by the tragedy of the Holodomor and the heroism and sacrifices of Ukrainian freedom fighters. The unique program was based on the premise that music can inspire and speak to the soul in a language that can confront and transcend the incomprehensible. The Leila Markiw repertoire included classics, such as Prof. The Statera String Quartet from Yale University performs the premiere of a work titled “Vukho” commemorating the Holodomor Markiw’s powerful rendition of selections by composer D. Edward Davis. From left are: Katherine Arndt (violin), Gregory Lewis (second violin), Megan Yip (cello) and by Sergei Rachmaninoff and the Yale Marta Hrotobagyi Lambert (viola), with piano accompaniment by Victor Markiw. Statera Quartet’s exquisite interpretation of ory of both tragedy and sacrifice … – the Union, has the country regained its hard- mother promises her son that she will a Myroslav Skoryk concerto. Two contem- tragedy of the Holodomor, the Ukrainian earned independence.” weave a garland of flowers for his return, porary works by Simon Hutchinson and D. Genocide of 1932-1933 and the sacrifice of The Statera Quartet continued the pro- but should he not return, she promises to Edward Davis were premiered, evocative of the men and women of the… Revolution of gram with a string quartet version of weep quietly out of sight, so as not to the Holodomor’s abject despair, contrasted Dignity at Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk’s shame him with her tears. This scene has with the hope and defiance of the Maidan. 2013,” he noted. Piano Concerto No. 3 with Prof. Markiw at been replayed many times over the past The program began with a videotaped Mr. Lo Piano urged the audience to stay the piano and Alex Casimiro adding exqui- four years, Mr. Kuzma pointed out, as more greeting from U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy vigilant against distortions of Ukraine’s his- sitely subtle rhythmic accents on a concert than 10,000 people have lost their lives (D-Conn.), a strong advocate for Ukraine’s tory: “If we stay aware… of the Ukrainian bass drum. during the war in the Donbas, as sovereignty. Dr. Daniel May, provost of the people’s struggle…we can [resist] those Prof. Lennon introduced two students Ukrainians have defended their eastern University of New Haven, welcomed the who seek…to strip the Ukrainian people of from the University of New Haven who were regions against invading Russian troops, near capacity audience at Bucknall Theater their liberty, exploit them for the wealth of part of a larger group that visited Kyiv last death squads and separatists. and expressed how deeply gratified he was their homeland, and subject them to the year as part of a study abroad program that In his concluding remarks, Michael to have such a historic event held on cam- evils of their murder and erasure.” included visits to Ukraine, Italy and France. Winkler, a history teacher from Notre pus to help raise awareness of the Following Mr. Lo Piano’s remarks, Prof. Matthew Dieckhaus offered reflections Dame High School, commented on the Ukrainian genocide and Ukraine’s continu- Markiw performed two preludes, on his visit to the massacre site at Babyn Yar, importance of remembering acts of geno- ing struggle for freedom. “Fragments” and the “Romance” in F-minor where Nazis executed over 33,000 Jewish cide such as the Holodomor and teaching This was followed by a premiere perfor- by Rachmaninoff on the piano. Preceding residents of Kyiv in September of 1941. the next generation about the threat of tyr- mance of an original composition by UNH the performance, UNH student Patrick He suggested that such experiences anny and the precious gift of democracy. Prof. Davis titled “Vukho” (Ear). The deeply Smith read a heart-rending open letter co- force everyone to reflect upon humanity’s The program ended with a beautiful evocative and mesmerizing work was per- written by Rachmaninoff, Count Ilya capacity for cruelty, but also to reflect upon musical interlude again performed by the formed by the Statera Quartet comprising Tolstoy and Iwan I. Ostromislensky. The let- humanity’s ability to persevere through Statera String Quartet – a “Fantasia” com- outstanding and award-winning musicians ter, published in The New York Times on this cruelty. posed by UNH composer Mr. Hutchinson based at the Yale School of Music: January 15, 1931, passionately denounced “The Ukrainian people were commemo- based on the melody “Oy khodyt son kolo Katherine Arndt (violin), Gregory Lewis the atrocities being committed by the Stalin rating the tragedy by not allowing it to vikon” – a Ukrainian lullaby that imagines a (second violin), Marta Hrotobagyi Lambert regime. destroy them. Rather than tear them apart, haunting dream lingering along the win- (viola) and Megan Yip (cello), with piano Andrei Nikitchyuk of Newtown, Conn., a the reminder of this event brought them dows of a village hut where a mother tries accompaniment by Victor Markiw. As the native of Crimea, shared his perspective on closer together. To me, this was a true testa- to lull her infant child to sleep. work began, an overhead screen projected Russia’s forced annexation of Crimea. Dr. ment to the Ukrainian spirit. They had The concert program reminded the the image of a thick array of wheat ears, Maxim Polonsky of Quinnipiac University walked through the shadow of the valley of attendees that Raphael Lemkin, the author reminiscent of the Holodomor Monument offered his comments on his home city of death and emerged on the other side, of the U.N. Genocide Convention who is in Washington. As the performance contin- Kharkiv, where Vladimir Putin’s attempts to scarred, but unbroken,” Mr. Dieckhaus com- credited with creating the word “genocide” ued, almost imperceptibly, the ears of provoke an uprising against the Ukrainian mented defined Ukraine’s experience in 1932-1933 wheat began to thin out and vanish, until government was effectively blocked with the Alexandria Caron, a student of national as a “classic case” of genocide. In 1953 just a handful remained on the screen and, intense resistance of the local community. security studies, shared her impressions Lemkin passionately stated: “This is not finally, none at all. Mr. Nikitchyuk noted that “Ukraine has from visits to the Maidan (Independence simply a case of mass murder. It is a case of The string quartet’s performance was been victimized by imperialist and totali- Square), where Ukrainians led their non- genocide, of destruction, not of individuals followed by remarks from Michael T. Lo tarian regimes of different incarnations of violent revolution against the autocratic only but of a culture and a nation.” Piano, a historian and graduate student at the Russian empire for centuries. Only in regime of Viktor Yanukovych. Prof. Lennon thanked the audience for Yale. “Today, we are gathered here in mem- 1991, with the break-up of the Soviet The Yale Russian Chorus was invited to its attendance and warm reception, and the stage where the ensemble of 20 tenors invited Father Iura Goudenchuk, pastor of and basses performed the anthem of the St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Russian territorial waters and was essen- Revolution of Dignity, “Plyve Kacha,” honor- New Haven, to deliver a final blessing. Fr. A year of mounting... tially scared away without the use of force ing the Heavenly Hundred who were killed Goudenchuk urged the audience to pray for (Interfax, December 6, 2018). In 2019, (Continued from page 3) in Kyiv when government snipers opened Ukraine and its people, and all those who additional FONs may spread to the Sea of fire on unarmed protesters. The solos were have suffered from persecution and geno- Russia’s moves to privatize the seas sur- Okhotsk, the Sevmorput, and maybe the sung by Yale underclassmen Bo Birdsall cide. rounding its territory will surely be met Black Sea or even the Azov Sea or the Kerch and Ladislav Charouz. The December 1 program was made with the U.S. Navy running more freedom- Strait. The Russian response to such “prov- Alexander Kuzma, the chief develop- possible with a generous sponsorship from of-navigation (FON) operations. The first ocations” could be increasingly violent. ment officer of the Ukrainian Catholic the Office of the Provost, and the Henry C. such operation aimed at Russia since the Next year may see U.S.-Russian skirmishes Education Foundation, then introduced the Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Cold War was performed by the guided- steadily mounting worldwide. song “Zirvalasia Khurtovyna” – a composi- Sciences. missile destroyer USS McCampbell in the tion by Vasil Vitvitsky that was rearranged Anyone interested in organizing similar Sea of Japan, close to Vladivostok, on The article above is reprinted from for the YRC by Mr. Kuzma. The song concerts or programs at other universities December 5, 2018. The Russian military Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from describes the anguished moment when a is urged to contact Prof. Markiw atv- claimed it shadowed the McCampbell, but its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, mother bids her son farewell as he marches [email protected], or Prof. Lennon at that the U.S. vessel never came close to www.jamestown.org. off to war to defend his native Ukraine. The [email protected]. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1 No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 11

Works by Ola Rondiak on view during Art Basel in Miami Beach by Oksana Piaseckyj MIAMI BEACH – After many recent successful art exhibits in Ukraine, Italy, England and the United States, Ola Rondiak was invited by Peter Tauvers, owner of Tauvers Gallery International in Kyiv, to display her artwork in his gallery at Art Context Miami during Art Basel in Miami Beach on December 4-9, 2018. This is an extravaganza of art for collectors, artists, critics and art enthusiasts, showcasing established galleries from all over the world, as well as newcomers. In its 17th year, for six days and nights in December, Miami’s beautiful weather and glamor- ous reputation entices spectators from all over the world to savor the art, enjoy the spectacular cuisine and attend parties to all hours. Each year, collectors and investors purchase in greater volume and price, making this event not one to be missed. The art ranges from contemporary, frivolous and outrageous to the classic, so there is something for everyone. In this hustle and bustle, Ms. Rondiak stood out with her col- orful and engaging portrait collages of Ukrainian women, who depict the artist’s respect for Ukrainian women’s strength and endurance throughout the history of Ukraine’s suffering. Together with her “Motanka” sculptures made of plaster of Paris, which symbolize the protectresses of Ukraine, Ms. Rondiak’s presentation caught the attention of attendees, among them curators of other museums, who wanted to know

Natalka Masny-Bubanj Ola Rondiak’s “Ukrayinka” on exhibit during Art Basel in Miami Beach. what inspired her art. Rondiak and express their delight to have her art here in Ms. Rondiak explained that as a daughter of immi- Miami. grants, she was immersed in the culture of her heritage During Art Basel week, Ms. Rondiak simultaneously and the struggle that Ukraine had to endure to become had an exhibit at the Ivan Honchar Museum in Kyiv, an independent country. This exhibit was a wonderful which marked the fifth anniversary of the Maidan. It was opportunity to relate her work to the political turmoil of co-sponsored by the National Museum of the Revolution today. The images of heroic women surviving through of Dignity, which will have eight of Ms. Rondiak’s works hardships found their voices in Ms. Rondiak’s art. Her in its collection. Peter Tauvers large “Motanka” was sold on the first night. Ms. Rondiak has planned exhibits in Paris in March; At the exhibit (from left) are: Oksana Piaseckyj, artist Ola As soon as the Ukrainian community in South Florida Berlin in April; Kyiv in June; Los Angeles in August, and Rondiak, Orysia Hamersky and Natalka Masny-Bubanj. heard of this exhibit, art enthusiasts came to visit Ms. at Art Basel in December. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

gious affairs. More than 1,000 priests and ing of martial law, tensions between Russia Ukrainian goods, including agricultural and NEWSBRIEFS believers of the UOC-MP protested outside and Ukraine remain high. Top Russian offi- industrial products, days after adding the legislature on December 20. (RFE/RL’s cials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Ukrainian firms and individuals to Russia’s (Continued from page 2) Ukrainian Service, with reporting by AP, Lavrov, have claimed that Kyiv was prepar- sanctions list. Tweeting on December 29, who is in pretrial detention, and teenagers DPA and Reuters) ing a “provocation” in the border area. 2019, Mr. Medvedev said the Russian action Maria Dubovik and Anna Pavlikova, who Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria was a “retaliatory measure against are under house arrest. (RFE/RL) Poroshenko ends martial law Zakharova said on December 24 that Ukrainian restrictions.” Relations between Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko Russia was concerned Ukraine might Ukraine and Russia have plummeted since Law forces UOC-MP to change name has announced the end of martial law in “switch to full-scale combat actions within Moscow’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko the country’s border regions that was the next few days” or stage a provocation peninsula in March 2014 and its subse- has signed a law requiring the Ukrainian imposed last month after Russia seized using “chemical-warfare agents.” Russian quent support for separatists in eastern Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. “Today, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Ukraine, where some 10,300 have been (UOC-MP) to change its name to one that right now, at 2 p.m. martial law ends. This Patrushev said in an interview published in killed in fighting since April 2014. Kyiv has imposed sanctions on Russian citizens and reveals its affiliation with the Moscow- is my principal decision,” Mr. Poroshenko Rossiiskaya Gazeta on December 26, 2018, companies, a course of action also taken by based Russian Orthodox Church. The law said during a Military Cabinet meeting in without providing any supporting evidence the European Union and United States. On signed on December 22, 2018, requires the Kyiv on December 26, 2018. He said he had that “leaders of ultrarightist groups from December 25, 2018, Mr. Medvedev said he UOC-MP to make its link to the Moscow reached the decision “based on an analysis the U.S. have been training for months had signed a decree expanding the sanc- patriarch explicit. The new law was the lat- of all the components of the security situa- together with radical organizations in tions list by some 200 individuals and legal est development in Ukraine’s quest to cre- tion in the country.” Later the same day, the Ukraine.” Mr. Patrushev said, “Feeling such entities to “defend the interests of the ate its own, independent Orthodox Church. Internal Affairs Ministry announced that support [from the United States], Russian state, companies, and citizens of Ukraine would nonetheless maintain its Poroshenko confidently resorts to provoca- In October 2018, Ecumenical Patriarch Russia.” (RFE/RL’s Russian Service, with ban on entry into the country for male tive steps, including on the Ukrainian- Bartholomew I of Constantinople revoked a reporting by TASS) centuries-old ruling placing Ukraine’s Russian citizens age 16 to 60. More than Russian border.” Ukraine has said Russia is Orthodox Church under the Moscow patri- 1,600 Russian men have been denied entry amassing military forces along the border, Pope calls for worldwide peace into Ukraine since the ban was imposed in in the annexed Crimea region, and in the arch. In response, the Russian Orthodox Pope Francis used his Christmas mes- Church broke off relations with the ecumen- late November. On November 26, Ukraine’s Black Sea area. Speaking at a military event in Kyiv on December 1, Mr. Poroshenko sage on December 25, 2018, to urge the ical patriarch. Religious leaders in Ukraine Parliament backed Poroshenko’s request to world to put aside “partisan interests” to held a synod on December 15, 2018, and introduce martial law after Russian forces said Russia has deployed “more than 80,000 troops, 1,400 artillery and multiple- find a political solution to conflicts in Syria, agreed to establish a new Orthodox national fired on Ukrainian ships and seized 24 rocket-launch systems, 900 tanks, 2,300 Yemen and other flashpoints. Pope Francis Church that is independent of Russia. Mr. Ukrainian nationals near the Kerch Strait. armored combat vehicles, 500 airplanes, delivered the traditional papal “Urbi et Poroshenko said the new law would make it The seamen remain in Russian custody and and 300 helicopters” near the border. Orbi” (to the city and the world) message easier for Orthodox believers to make a are facing criminal charges of illegally During the National Security and Defense to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s choice between the new Church and the crossing Russia’s border. The 30-day mar- Council meeting on December 26, 2018, Square. “My wish for a happy Christmas is a Russian-affiliated one. “It is easier to make a tial law was imposed in 10 regions, includ- the president said “Ukraine will never halt wish for fraternity. Fraternity among indi- choice when all things are called by their ing those close to areas controlled by the use of its Azov ports, including by mili- viduals of every nation and culture. names,” he said. The UOC-MP actively Russia-backed militants in the east of the tary vessels.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by Fraternity among people with different opposed the measure, saying it was a viola- country, abutting the Russia-backed sepa- AFP, AP, UNIAN and TASS) ideas... Fraternity among persons of differ- tion of freedom of religion and an example ratist Transdniester region in Moldova, and ent religions,” he said. The pontiff went on of unconstitutional state interference in reli- along the Sea of Azov coast. Despite the lift- Russia expands sanctions against Ukraine to call for peace in Syria, Yemen, Africa, the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine, Venezuela and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Nicaragua. He also hoped for reconciliation Medvedev has expanded Russia’s targeted between Israelis and Palestinians. The Urbi sanctions against Ukrainian individuals and et Orbi speech is often an occasion for the legal entities. Mr. Medvedev posted on pope to speak about the globe’s trouble Twitter on December 25, 2018, that he had TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 spots and other violence. (RFE/RL, based signed the decree expanding the list of sanc- on reporting by AFP, AP, DPA, Reuters) or e-mail [email protected] tions targets to “defend the interests of the Russian state, companies, and citizens of Russian fighter jets moved to Crimea Russia.” Some 200 individuals and legal enti- SERVICES PROFESSIONALS More than a dozen advanced Russian ties were added to the list. On November 1, fighter jets have arrived at a base in the 2018, Russia had imposed “special econom- Ukrainian region of Crimea, which Moscow ic measures” against 322 Ukrainian individ- occupied and annexed in 2014. The uals and 68 companies. The sanctions Reuters news agency cited witnesses who included freezing non-cash accounts and saw the Su-27 and Su-30 fighters arriving other assets in Russia and a ban on capital at the Belbek air base on December 22, transfers from Russia. Among the individu- 2018. The move comes amid high tensions als on the original list were Internal Affairs between Ukraine and Russia across the Minister Arsen Avakov, Security Service region, which were raised on November 25, chief Vasyl Hrytsak, former prime ministers 2018, when Russia seized three Ukrainian Yulia Tymoshenko and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Navy vessels and their crews near the Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and former Right Sector leader Dmytro МАРІЯ ДРИЧ and the Sea of Azov. Russian Foreign Affairs OPPORTUNITIES Yarosh. The list is based on an October 22, Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Ukraine Ліцензований Продавець 2018, decree by Russian President Vladimir Страхування Життя was preparing a “provocation” in the area Putin. Mr. Putin said at the time that the before the end of the year. Kyiv, for its part, МАRІA DRICH punitive measures could be canceled if Earn extra income! Licensed Life Insurance Agent has charged that Russia was building up Ukraine lifts all restrictions it has imposed The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. military forces along the two countries’ for advertising sales agents. against Russian citizens and companies. The 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 mutual border. President Petro Poroshenko For additional information contact European Union and the United States have has said Russia has moved “more than Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 also imposed sanctions against Moscow The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. e-mail: [email protected] 80,000 troops, 1,400 artillery and multiple over its involvement in Ukraine. (RFE/RL, rocket launch systems, 900 tanks, 2,300 with reporting by UNIAN and TASS) armored combat vehicles” and hundreds of Ban on Ukrainian goods announced aircraft to the area. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters and AP) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced a ban on (Continued on page 13)

Run your advertisement here, in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 13

this year. “Russia must immediately release United States and our allies need to rapidly demned far beyond Ukraine as an act of NEWSBRIEFS the sailors and ships they seized and allow counter Russia’s military aggression in the open warfare.” The sailors’ release has been freedom of navigation including free access Kerch Strait with strong and resolute repeatedly demanded, most recently in a (Continued from page 12) to Ukrainian port in the Sea of Azov,” NATO action. Assembling a multinational freedom joint statement by Germany’s Chancellor U.S., Britain vow to support Ukraine’s Navy chief Jens Stoltenberg told Ukrainian of navigation operation in the Black Sea to Angela Merkel and France’s President President Petro Poroshenko in Brussels. help ensure safe passage into the Sea of Emanuel Macron. “Moscow has rejected this The United States says it will provide an (RFE/RL, with reporting by AFP, Interfax- Azov, combined with cancellation of the call with its standard stream of lies about additional $10 million in military financing Ukraine and The Baltic Times) Nord Stream 2 pipeline is exactly the kind the status of Crimea, etc. This is to be to Ukraine to help bolster its navy after of response Putin needs to see.” Sen. Durbin expected since such calls have yet to be EU extends sanctions against Russia Russia captured three of Kyiv’s ships at sea stated, “The recent provocative military accompanied by penalties for Russia’s insis- in late November. The U.S. action announced The European Union has formally extend- actions from Russia and revelations about tence on behaving like pirates and breach- by the State Department on December 21, ed economic sanctions against Russia, first its extensive cyber disinformation cam- ing international law. Without some form of 2018, came as Britain also set plans to pro- imposed more than four years ago for paigns in the U.S. are warnings to the rest of sanctions, unfortunately, Russian President vide assistance to Ukraine’s naval forces fol- Moscow’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea the world that Vladimir Putin has no inten- Vladimir Putin is unlikely to release any of lowing the November 25, 2018, attack by peninsula. The European Council said on tion of stopping his aggressive campaign the Kremlin’s hostages in the run-up to Russia in the Kerch Strait that links the December 21, 2018, that the measures would against Western democracies or Ukraine. Ukraine’s presidential elections at the end Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. Russia also remain in place for another six months, until The world must work together to stop this of March for fear of helping Ukrainian arrested 24 Ukrainian sailors in the incident July 2019. The council, which is the grouping Russian assault on democracy and Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko’s chances of re- after its coast guard opened fire on the of the governments of 28 European Union sovereignty. I am proud to support this res- election,” KHPG noted. Mr. Polozov com- Ukrainian ships. Moscow alleged that the member countries, said it had adopted its olution and urge my colleagues to reaffirm mented: “The fact that all the Ukrainian sea- vessels had illegally entered Russian territo- decision unanimously. EU leaders had this message of deterring further aggres- men seized by Russia have identified them- rial waters near the Crimea region, which agreed on the extension last week to do so, sion from the Russian Federation.” selves as POWs demonstrates that Russia’s Russia occupied and annexed from Ukraine and also considered imposing more sanc- (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Ukraine plans to divide and disorientate the cap- in 2014. Ukraine and most United Nations tions over Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian Daily Briefing) tured seamen have failed.” This, he explains, member states do not recognize the annex- ships off Crimea, but in the end, opted not will help in the battle to get the men ation. Under a 2003 treaty, Russia and Imprisoned sailors say they are POWs to. The measures target Russia’s banking, released. It was particularly important, Mr. Ukraine agreed to share access to the Sea of energy and defense sectors. (RFE/RL) The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Polozov added, that “Ukrainian authorities Azov. However, since the 2014 annexation, Group (KHPG) reported on December 31, reacted swiftly and mobilized efforts, mak- and the completion of the Kerch Bridge, Exarchs receive Verkhovna Rada awards 2018, that all 24 Ukrainian sailors whom ing it possible to organize a team of lawyers Russia has slowly restricted access for Russia took prisoner on November 25, for all the men within two and a half weeks. Ukrainian ships. The State Department said Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy 2018, have declared themselves prisoners This and the fact that the men are united in Washington ”calls on Russia to immediately Parubiy awarded the exarchs of Ecumenical of war. KHPG wrote: “Although the men’s identifying themselves as POWs will help return to Ukraine the seized vessels and Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan POW status, according to international law, ensure that their situation is viewed in detained Ukrainian crews, to keep the Kerch Emmanuel of France, Archbishop Daniel of was never seriously in question, all have accordance with international law, and ‘cut Strait and the Sea of Azov open to ships the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. been under immense pressure from the FSB the nonsense’ from those European politi- transiting to and from Ukrainian ports, and and Bishop Ilarion of the Ukrainian to “confess” to non-existent crimes. Given cians who were loath to admit that it was to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territo- Orthodox Church of Canada, honorary diplo- the conditions the men are being held in, Russia who violated international law and rial integrity.” It said the aid was subject to mas and awards on behalf of the Verkhovna the fact that all have remained unwavering for the first time in the last five years openly approval in Congress, where Ukraine has Rada. Mr. Parubiy thanked the three hier- is a credit to them, and to the team of law- fired at Ukrainian naval boats and took mili- wide support in its dispute with Russia. It archs for their extraordinary dedication, dili- yers, under the coordination of Nikolai tary servicemen prisoner. Such a position added that it was taking the action in “soli- gence and self-sacrifice on behalf of the Polozov.” The rights group went on to com- will make it easier to consolidate interna- darity with Lithuania and the United Ukrainian nation and its people. The Rada ment: “The international media has already tional cooperation in putting pressure on Kingdom.” Earlier on December 21, 2018, chairman expressed his gratitude to the spe- reverted to its customary ‘Russia says/ Moscow.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Britain and Ukraine announced that London cial representatives of the ecumenical patri- Daily Briefing, based on the Kharkiv Human would send instructors to assist in the train- arch for their commitment and hard work in Ukraine says’ style of reporting, however Rights Protection Group) ing of Ukrainian marines. “In January, a establishing the Orthodox Church of Russia’s behavior was immediately con- group of British Navy officers will come to Ukraine. For months the exarchs had trav- Ukraine to organize interaction, to plan joint eled long distances, suffered sleepless nights, drills, and to determine what kind of logistic held meetings, led discussions and prayed assistance the Ukrainian Armed Forces and deeply for the success of the Ukrainian the Navy in particular may need,” Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Mr. Parubiy noted. Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said fol- (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., lowing a meeting in Odesa with U.K. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada) Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson. Senators urge stronger response to Russia Lithuania in early December 2018 said it was sending additional ammunition and On December 19, U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson It is with great sadness that we inform you more military and cybersecurity instructors (R-Wis.), Richard Durbin, (D-Ill.) and 39 of that our beloved to Ukraine as it condemned Russia’s actions. their colleagues introduced a resolution Mother, Grandmother (Bunia), Great-grandmother, The Baltic country has more than 20 “calling for a prompt multinational free- Aunt, and Teacher instructors currently in Ukraine. On dom of navigation operation in the Black December 13, 2018, NATO also pledged Sea and the cancellation of the Nord Stream IVANNA HANUSHEVSKY support for Ukraine’s navy and said it 2 pipeline in response to Russia’s recent would deliver secure communications aggressive actions in the Kerch Strait and née Danylovych equipment to Kyiv’s military by the end of the Sea of Azov.” Sen. Johnson stated, “The born April 1, 1925, in Turka, Ukraine, passed into eternal life on December 13, 2018, in Rhode Island, USA.

Bowing before the manger in Parastas was held at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, A great and joyful... Bethlehem, we offer the Newborn Christ Woonsocket, RI. Child our sincere and heartfelt prayers, and Funeral and burial took place at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, (Continued from page 6) Campbell Hall, NY. thank Him for all that we have. Constantinople, and especially to His All- May the joy of the Nativity enter into Зi святими упокой, Христе – Вічная пам‘ять! Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew, and the every Christian heart, be present within Holy Synod for all that they have done on every family and ever abide among all of you. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: behalf of the daughter Church, the Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Marika, with Webster Hull, Orthodox Church of Ukraine, during the grandchildren Julia, Mykola & Mary, past year of 2018. With Hierarchical Blessings, and great-grandchildren Henry and Elliott We beseech Christ the Savior, who said “I † Yurij, Metropolitan, will build my Church, and the gates of hell Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Bohdan, with Ewa Schoebel, will not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:18), that grandchildren Ines & Alex, Janko & Eva, Stefko & Svenja, and Roman; † Antony, Metropolitan, and great-grandchildren Xaver, Sophia, Mira, Nikolai, Yury, and Martha in the new year the Lord will preserve His Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and in the Diaspora Olenka, with Fr. Peter Galadza, from schism. † Jeremiah, Archbishop, grandchildren Deacon Daniel, Marichka & Jesse, and Ivanka & Daniel From sincere hearts and the depth of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Brazil and Orysia our souls we greet all of you on the occa- South America sion of the great feast of the Nativity of our grandson Alexander † Daniel, Archbishop, Lord, the New Year of God’s goodness 2019 Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation to: and the Holy Theophany. We prayerfully Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. and Western Europe wish you God’s limitless mercies. The Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation, 81 St. Mary St., Toronto, ON M5S 1J4, Canada May the Newly born in Bethlehem Lord † Ilarion, Bishop, and Savior of world grant all of you good Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Website: https://www.sheptytskyinstitute.ca/metropolitan-andrey- physical health, spiritual peace, familial †Andriy, Bishop, sheptytsky-institute-masi-foundation/ warmth, joy and prosperity. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1 No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 15

benefit – but that has been replaced by Transatlantic... “huge distrust” and “pessimism.” Ms. Kobzar noted that, although some (Continued from page 1) agents of change were elected to Parliament Mr. Nix also explained that this large and did push through some reforms, their cohort of undecided voters is made up small numbers made it hard to meet soci- mostly of women voters residing in central ety’s expectations and hopefulness about and western Ukraine. He suggested that their influence has also now dissipated. She two recent news events may influence their views the unpredictability of Ukraine’s elec- choice: the creation of an independent tions as a cornerstone of the country’s dem- Ukrainian Orthodox Church (promoted by ocratic process but also recognizes that it is President Poroshenko) and Russia’s attack very difficult for any new candidate to enter on and seizure of Ukrainian naval ships and the playing field of the campaign without their crews in the Black Sea as they tried to the approval of oligarch-owned television pass through the Kerch Strait. Although channels that can block a politician’s access economic issues have been a dominant to their mass TV audiences. concern among the electorate, the The moderator at the Brussels venue was Orthodox Church and Black/Azov Sea Bruno Lete of the German Marshall Fund. issues may be “changing the dynamic” and Also in attendance in Washington were could have a “tremendous effect” on the Ambassadors Alexander Vershbow (Atlantic campaigns and likely “are going to move Council) and William Taylor (U.S. Institute these undecided numbers,” he said. of Peace), both of whom are members of the Mr. Nix said he expects that these unde- Friends of Ukraine Network. They took a cided women voters are not going to be moment to address the Western response voting for a pro-Russian presidential candi- to Russia’s November 25, 2018, attack on date. And he also noted that pro-Russian and seizure of Ukrainian ships and their parties in Ukraine have failed to coalesce crews in the Black Sea. around a single candidate, which means Ambassador Vershbow expressed con- any such presidential hopeful is highly cerns about a lack of sufficient deterrent unlikely to make it into the second round. action, noting that neither the U.S., the (If no candidate wins “50 percent plus 1” in European Union nor NATO “are really the first round, the top two candidates will doing anything concrete to impose costs on compete in a second round on April 21.) the Russians” and that an “inadvertent Still, the biggest challenge for Ukraine’s green light may be being flashed at Putin” incumbent according to the IRI poll is that regarding escalation of the aggression 71 percent of those surveyed feel that the against Ukraine. country is moving in “the wrong direction.” Ambassador Taylor also called for stron- On a positive note, Mr. Nix noted that as ger measures and “actions, not just words,” decentralization takes hold, there are indi- arguing that “we have the authority to take cations that voters are feeling some opti- some actions that would stop Nord Stream mism about reforms at the local level. 2,” the new gas pipeline that will link Russia In her introductory remarks, Kyiv mod- and Germany. (Ambassador Taylor partici- erator Olena Prokopenko of the pated in a recent National Democratic Reanimation Package of Reforms (RPR) Institute assessment of Ukraine’s pre-elec- characterized the audience that had gath- tion environment). ered at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center as The previous Transatlantic Task Force mostly “diplomatic,” including representa- on Elections and Civil Society in Ukraine tives of the European Union delegation, U.S. roundtable was held on November 3, 2018 and representatives of the communica- lated and disseminated in the media – not Agency for International Development, – just days after Russia’s attack on tions, IT and operations departments of the unlike what occurred in the 2016 U.S. elec- NATO, the embassies of Germany, Great Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea – and CEC: “The idea of the simulation is to basi- tion. “I think that we do not have enough Britain, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and others, focused on the U.S. and international cally simulate an election day and inject skills or… experience [regarding] how to as well as journalists. She noted that more response to this provocation as well as cybersecurity events. They could be really protect people’s minds… against propagan- than 10 Ukrainian NGOs have joined the efforts to address cybersecurity threats to simple tweets from a political party or… da or disinformation or how to develop crit- Transatlantic Task Force election initiative. Ukraine’s upcoming elections. cyberattack on critical infrastructure.” ical thinking,” she said, alluding to the issue The keynote speaker in Kyiv was Iryna During that session, Mr. Deychakiwsky, Mr. Chanussot explained that the goal of consumer media literacy. Bekeshkina, director of the Democratic former senior policy advisor with the this time was not to simulate an attack on Another challenge for election monitor- Initiatives Foundation. Her organization’s Helsinki Commission, emphasized that it is the technology: “Here we really wanted to ing organizations like Opora involves adver- polling results were similar to those of IRI, Russia “that poses the existential threat to work on the group dynamics, on the com- tising algorithms in online platforms. Ms. with several candidates virtually tied for Ukraine” and that a successful election will munication plan, and to make sure that Aivazovska said that the upcoming cam- second place, but with Ms. Tymoshenko be one that not only reduces vulnerabilities everybody understands the role and the paign in Ukraine will feature the highest enjoying a somewhat smaller lead. Having to cyberattacks and disinformation but one impact that an attack has basically on level ever of political advertising in social been engaged in analyzing all of Ukraine’s that is also free, fair, open and transparent. everybody’s job… It’s not enough to have media. It’s very difficult to monitor the con- past elections, Ms. Bekeshkina said: “There “Given Russia’s latest act of aggression an the IT department respond to an incident… tent and distribution of this advertising has never been an election as unpredict- election that meets international democrat- The commission needs to communicate on because the messages are visible only to able as this one.” ic standards is arguably now more impor- it to the public. That is the message that we those who are targeted and not readily She also noted that Ukraine’s election tant than ever,” he said. wanted everybody to understand.” available in the public domain. Ukraine environment is being impacted by lacklus- Thomas Chanussot, Global Technology The other keynote speaker was Olha would benefit greatly from Western help in ter economic growth and insufficient anti- and Cybersecurity Advisor to the Aivazovska, chair of the Board of the Civil monitoring and analyzing election-related corruption efforts, unrealistic populist slo- International Foundation for Electoral Network Opora, a leading NGO for public messages and their distribution in social gans, Russia’s hybrid war in the Donbas, Systems (IFES) described improvements in oversight and advocacy in the field of elec- media to better understand and respond to and Moscow’s interference in the election election systems technologies and training tions and democratic governance. Besides this new form of “electoral engineering” she campaign through discrediting certain can- for the Central Election Commission (CEC) expected attacks on the CEC’s website and said, adding that having a Facebook office in didates and financially supporting others. and other election stakeholders in Ukraine databases, Ms. Aivazovska warned that the Kyiv would also be helpful. Mr. Poroshenko is Russia’s least favorite with the participation of international online accounts of journalists, civil society As for the work of the Central Election candidate, she said. experts. Commenting on IFES collaboration and candidates will be under attack. Commission, Ms. Aivazovska said that the Ms. Bekeshkina called on Ukrainian with the CEC, he said: “I think the CEC now Therefore, there needs to be an effort to hacking incidents of 2014 were never NGOs, analysts and journalists to unite and is in a much better situation than it was strengthen the personal online security cul- transparently prosecuted and this under- to pose “tough questions” to the candidates only a few months ago. There are a lot of ture in Ukraine. “Private security or security mines the credibility of the election process. regarding how they will fulfill their promis- actions and activities that are starting that of political stakeholders” on the one hand Ms. Aivazovska was critical of what she es and to critically analyze the candidates’ are going to greatly reinforce their capacity and institutions like the CEC on the other, described as the initial lack of openness of proposals and inform citizens when they to absorb the [cyber]threats.” “which will be managing the campaign, are the new slate of CEC commissioners are being “duped.” Referring to cyberattacks in the 2014 on the same level” of importance, she (appointed in September 2018) but that the Speaking from Brussels, Svitlana Kobzar elections Mr. Chanussot said that the stressed. This can include such straightfor- situation has now improved, thanks to bet- of the European Endowment for Democracy response can’t be limited to just new equip- ward measures as individuals in Ukraine ter engagement with NGOs and livestream- drew comparisons between the current ment but must include new approaches: not using the Russian mail.ru e-mail service ing of CEC meetings. Transparency of the campaign and the May 2014 presidential “How do you communicate with the public provider. And it’s important not just to focus CEC is crucial, she said, in order to legiti- election, which took place soon after the if your website is down? Do you use other on Kyiv, because many of the vulnerabilities mately withstand criticisms that often arise Euro-Maidan. Back then, Mr. Poroshenko channels, do you use Facebook, Twitter, to hacking are in the regions. from the losing side in an election. had wide national support and won in the other news outlets? You need to plan for Ms. Aivazovska emphasized that one of first round. Today, “we don’t have that the worst. Even if you try to improve your the biggest risks in the upcoming Ukrainian Adrian Karmazyn is vice-chair of the unity,” she said. After the Maidan there was defenses it might not be enough.” elections is that information from the e-mail Friends of Ukraine Network Democracy and a “certain credit of trust from society,” even He went on to describe the joint exercise accounts of candidates, their campaigns or Civil Society Task Force, an initiative of the a willingness to sacrifice for longer term that IFES conducted with commissioners other stakeholders will be hacked, manipu- U.S.-Ukraine Foundation. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

Радісних Свят Різдва Христового і Wishing all Щасливого Нового Року a Merry Christmas родині, приятелям, знайомим, and a Happy New Year Головному Урядові УНСоюзу, працівникам та всім секретарям Відділів Slavko Tysiak щиро бажають UNA Vice President and the Principal at СТЕФАН і СВЯТОСЛАВА E³ FISCAL SOLUTIONS КАЧАРАЇ з родиною Troy, NY • (518) 852-4058

May peace ll your home, Merry Christmas may joy ll your heart, and may God’s love ll your life and this Christmas. a Happy New Year

to family and friends, Wishing you a Merry Christmas members of the UNA General Assembly, Branch Secretaries, and all UNA employees. and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Yuriy and Nataliya Symczyk John, Olya and Marko Czerkas

Wishing everyone Wishing a Joyous Christmas a very Merry Christmas and a and Happy New Year! a Happy New Year to all my family and friends. Irene Jarosewich with husband Oleksandr Myron Kolinsky

З Різдвом Христовим, З Різдвом Христовим З Новим Роком i Святим Йорданом! і Новим Роком Рідних, приятелів і друзів поблагослови, Боже, пересилаю сердечні поздоровлення усім здоров’ям, радістю, любов’ю, добром – зичать моїм друзям, приятелям та знайомим, усьому дорогому українському народові ФЕРЕНЦЕВИЧІ в Україні та в усьому світі. Христина, Ксеня, Тарас, Люба, Лев, Бажаю кріпкого здоров’я, щастя, сили та Ярина з чоловіком Адріяном та синами Божого благословення у праці на добро Доріяном і Юліяном Ланспері. і процвітання рідної України.

МИРОСЛАВА МИРОШНИЧЕНКО No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 17

KРАЙОВА УПРАВА СПІЛКИ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ МОЛОДІ В АМЕРИЦІ бажає Ієрархам Українських Церков, Президентові України Петрові Порошенкові, Світовій Управі СУМ, всім Управам Осередків Christmas Greetings та Булавам Відділів Юнацтва СУМ, членам On behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress, I would like to express my sincerest і прихильникам та Українському greetings to all Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine during this holiday season. Народові в Україні і в діяспорі As the newly elected UWC President, I would like to thank the former leadership of мирних і радісних свят the UWC, in particular the outgoing UWC Board of Directors and immediate Past- President Eugene Czolij for their dedicated work and signi cant achievements for РІЗДВА ХРИСТОВОГО та ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ the bene t of the Ukrainian people. ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! СЛАВІМ ЙОГО! In late November of 2018, the leadership of the Ukrainian communities from around the world gathered in Kyiv for the XI Ukrainian World Congress, where we developed our plans for the future, modernized and decentralized the UWC structure, and elected За Крайову Управу СУМ, a new team to coordinate and provide leadership to the global Ukrainian community. Адріан Длябога - Голов а We understand the great challenges that lie ahead for the UWC. I am con dent Оля Тимош - Секретар that together we will be successful in putting an end to foreign aggression and establishing peace on Ukrainian soil. To do so, we must ensure that Russia ceases its military, economic and cultural aggression, as well as its disinformation campaign, returns to Ukraine the illegally occupied territories of Crimea and Donbass region, and releases all political prisoners and hostages. We all have a responsibility to help the people of Ukraine build a modern democratic state and achieve their Euro-Atlantic aspirations. For this, we must continue to foster united, organized and in uential Ukrainian communities around the world that will continue to develop many generations of conscientious Ukrainians. As we usher in the New Year, let us be proud of who we are and what we have achieved. With your generous support we will continue to ensure the UWC appropriately represents and serves all Ukrainians both in Ukraine and around the world. On behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress and my family, Adrianna, Roman, Danylo, Larysa and Olena, I extend my best wishes for peace, harmony a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year. Christ is Born! Let us praise Him! UKRAINIAN WORLD CONGRESS Paul Grod President

Head O ce: 145 Evans Avenue, Suite 207, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 5X8 Canada Tel: 416.323.3020 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ukrainianworldcongress.org

СТАНИЧНА СТАРШИНА Головна Управа „Самопоміч“ ПЛАСТОВОЇ СТАНИЦІ В НЬЮ-ЙОРКУ Об’єднання Українців в Америці бажає вітає УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ ГРОМАДІ, ПЛАСТОВІЙ ФУНДАЦІЇ, Відділи і все членство СВОЇМ ЖЕРТВОДАВЦЯМ ТА УСІМ ПЛАСТУНАМ І з наступаючими Святами ПРИЯТЕЛЯМ ПЛАСТУ і бажає ВЕСЕЛИХ СВЯТ Веселих Свят ТА Різдва Xристового ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ та щасливого і повного успіхів www.plastnyc.org Нового Року ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! За дирекцію ОУА, Warmest Wishes Олег Лопатинський, голова for a Joyous Christmas Володимир Сафіян, касир and a Happy & Healthy New Year to all our Members, their Families and our Friends from the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Institute of America

2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 212-288-8660 ∙ [email protected] www.ukrainianinstitute.org 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

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Федеральна Кредитова Кооператива Veselka Restaurant СУМА в Йонкерсі, Н. Й. разом зі своїми філіями Wishes all its patrons вітає Merry Christmas Всіх своїх шановних членів, приятелів та українську громаду в Йонкерсі, Н. Й., Спрінґ Валі, Н. Й., Стемфорді, Кон., and a Happy New Year Ню-Гейвені, Кон. та околицях

З Радісним Святом РІЗДВА ХРИСТОВОГО і з НОВИМ РОКОМ

Бажаємо усім доброго здоров’я, миру і спокою, успіхів у житті та праці на добро українського народу.

ХРИСТОС РОДИВСЯ! СЛАВІМ ЙОГО!

Члени Дирекції, комісії та працівники Федеральної For 60 years we have treated our guests to the most delicious Кредитової Кооперативи СУМА. traditional Ukrainian cuisine. If you cannot visit Ukraine, visit us in New York’s East Village, sample our dishes, and enjoy the past and present of our neighborhood. SUMA (YONKERS) FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 125 Corporate Blvd. We are awaiting you! Yonkers, NY 10701 Traditional Ukrainian dishes 914-220-4900 in the center of the East Village www.sumafcu.org Veselka Restaurant 144 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003 twitter @veselkanyc 212-228-9682 F 212-505-6950 instagram #veselkanyc www.veselka.com facebook /veselkanyc No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 21

Soccer won seven gold, 10 silver and three bronze kg) won bronze medals. Ukraine’s women’s medals. Last year, Ukraine – at its first team won the most medals – silver medal- bronze medals at the European Classic ist Ilona Prokopevniuk (62 kg) and bronze Open• Ukraine Junior Powerliftingwon 22 gold, Championships 23 silver and 24 in top UEFA teams based on performance in appearance at the Games – was represent- medalists Olena Kremzer (59 kg), Kaunas, Lithuania, on November 24 the• UEFADynamo European Kyiv, ranked Cup (1955-1991)12th in the list and of ed by 15 veterans, and won 14 medals in Chrystyna Bereza (53 kg) and Iryna through December 2, 2018. Anatolii in its updated format since 1991, the UEFA six disciplines, including eight gold medals. Koliadenko (65 kg). Novopismennyi (93 kg) was named “Best Champions League. With 231 matches This year, 18 countries competed. Serhiy Lifter of the Open” in the adult category played, Dynamo won 97 of them, drawn 51 Lichytsky and Oleksandr Belobokov won three bronze at the 2018 World Wrestling based on three disciplines – squat, bench and lost 83 for a coefficient of 245 points. gold medals on rowing simulators, and Championships• Ukraine won on one October gold, 20-28,one silver 2018, and in press and deadlift. In the sub-junior divi- Shakhtar Donetsk, in 31st place with 127 Oleksandr Havrylenko won gold in power- Budapest, Hungary. In team ranking, sion, Kristina Lieonienko (43 kg), Alina points, played 124 matches, with 51 wins, lifting. Ukraine’s swimmers, Volodymyr Ukraine’s women’s team ranked sixth and Tsikul (57 kg) and Anton Biruk (93 kg) won 25 draws and 28 losses. The ranking Korol, Bohdan Oksentiuk and Viktor the men’s team ranked in 10th place. Zhan gold junior European titles. Tetiana included 513 European clubs and the top- Shynkaruk, won four silver and two bronze Beleniuk (87 kg) won silver and Lenur Shchavinska (27 kg), Viktoria Druziaka (52 10 included Real Madrid (spain), Bayern medals. Yuriy Dmytrenko won silvers in the men’s discus throw (36.65 meters) and in Temirov (63 kg) won bronze in the men’s kg), Sophia Rud (63 kg) and Rostyslav Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Greco-Roman. Alla Cherkasova (68 kg) won Zherebtsov (59 kg) won gold medals in the Manchester United (England), Juventus shot put, and Oleksandr Zozuliak won sil- ver in archery. Yevhen Oleksenko won sil- gold, and Oksana Lyvach (50 kg) and Yuliya junior division. Ukraine’s sub-junior men’s (Italy), Benifica (Portugal), Porto Tkach (62 kg) won bronze in the women’s team finished in third place in the points (Portugal), Liverpool (England) and Ajax ver in the men’s powerlifting. Denys Fishchuk won bronze in cycling. freestyle. standings with 1,916.70 points. Ukraine’s (the Netherlands). men’s team finished in first place with Martial arts Boxing Triathlon 2,404.11 points. Pavlo Nakonechenyy won silver in the junior division of the “best lift- ers” of the tournament. Ukraine’s women’s Triathlon World Cup in Salinas, Ecuador, on medals at the World Sambo Championship KO) won by seventh-round TKO against sub-juniors team finished in third place October• Yuliya 20, Yelistratova2018, winning took the gold race at in the58 on •December Ukraine cadet4-5, 2018, sambo in Novifighters Sad, won Serbia. 15 Rosekie• Lightweight Cristobal Denys (15-3, Berinchyk 11 KO) (10-0, of the 7 (1,794.47 points) and the women’s junior minutes and 19 seconds. The event attracted 200 athletes from 29 Philippines on December 12, 2018, at the countries. Ukraine’s boys’ team finished in team won first place (2,118.25 points). Ice Palace Terminal in Brovary, Kyiv Oblast. Gymnastics second place. Serhiy Nebotov (66 kg) won Berinchyk won the WBO lightweight title the world championship title in his weight after individual lifts of 237.5 kg, 180.5 kg with the win, keeping his undefeated division, and silver medalists included and• Larysa225 kg Soloviovafor a total (63 of 643kg) wonkg at gold the bars (15.591 points) at the 48th Artistic record. The fight was scheduled for 12 Yaryna Fedorchenko (38 kg), Snishana Plish World Powerlifting Championships in • Oleg Verniaev won silver in parallel rounds. Gymnastics World Championships in Doha, (42 kg). Olha Drig (60 kg), Maksym Hamilshtadt, Switzerland, on November 5, Qatar, on October 25 through November 3, Kasnacheyev (42 kg), Mykola Shramko (50 2018. Andriy Naiyev (83 kg) won bronze champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KO) of 2018. kg), Kateryna Hryhorenko (41 kg), Valeria with 340 kg total (272.5 kg snatch, 307.5 kg Ukraine• ESPN as thenamed fighter cruiserweight of the year. Usyk unified beat Swimming Biriuchenko (65 kg) and Oleksandr Buchok clean and jerk). Volodymyr Rysiev (93 kg) out contenders Vasyl Lomachenko, Mikey (+84 kg). Bronze medalists were Anastasiya won silver in the snatch with 285 kg, and Garcia, Anthony Joshua and Maurice Sykish (44 kg), Oleksii Sedlov (72 kg), set a new European record with 390 kg Hooker. men’s 1,500-meter freestyle race (14:09.14 Davyd Allakhverdiev (84 kg). Sophia total and a gold medal lift of 350 kg in the seconds)• Mykhailo at the Romanchuk FINA World won Swimminggold in the Bordinskykh (48 kg), Anna Okhrimenko (56 clean and jerk. He set a trifecta record of • Biathlon Championships (25-meter pool) in kg) and Denys Kyzymenko (78 kg). 1,025 kg. Mykola Barannik (83 kg) won sil- Hanzhou, China, on December 11-16, 2018. ver with a total lift of 910 kg. Tetiana en’s 10-kilometer pursuit (24:30.0 sec- Romanchuk’s time set a championship second place in the medals standings at the Shlopko (52 kg) and Vladislav Chorniy (74 onds)• Ekaterina and bronze Bekh in won the silverwomen’s in the 7.5-kilo- wom- record. World• Ukraine Sambo won Championship 11 medals and in Bucharest,finished in kg) won bronze medals. meter sprint (19:19.6 seconds) at the Romania, on November 8-11, 2018. Gold Junior IBU Cup in Premanon, France, on men’s 1,500-meter freestyle race (14:27.93 medalists included Vladyslav Rudnyev (74 Chess December 19-21, 2018. seconds)• Mykhailo and Romanchuk bronze in thewon men’s gold in 400- the kg) and Anatoliy Voloshynov (100 kg). meter freestyle (3:42.63 seconds) at the Silver medalists included Oleksandr World Chess Championship in Khanty- Summer Youth Olympics FINA Swimming World Cup in Tokyo on Voropayev (57 kg), Anastasiya Shevchenko Masiysk,• Mariya Russia, Muzychuk, on November won bronze 17, at2018. the November 9-11, 2018. (60 kg), Andriy Kucherenko (62 kg) and Muzychuk was eliminated in the semifinal medal standings (five gold, seven silver and Olena Sayko (64 kg). Bronze medal win- round but qualified for the 2019 six• bronze)Ukraine atfinished the 2018 in 10th Summer place Youthin the (14:29.88 seconds) and Sergii Frolov won ners were Nataliya Smal (72 kg), Halyna Candidates Tournament. Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina bronze• Maykhailo (14:38.0 Romanchukseconds) in wonthe men’s gold Kovalska (80 kg), Razmik Tonoyan (+100 on October 6-18, 2018. Ukraine fielded a 1,500-meter freestyle at the 2018 FINA kg), Anastasiya Sapsai (+80 kg) and Dmytro French boxing (savate) team of 55 athletes, and competed in 13 World Cup in Beijing, China, on November Yevdoshenko (62 kg). sports. The Olympics attracted athletes 2-4, 2018. Romanchuk won silver in the en’s 48 kg combat final at the European from 206 countries. Ukraine’s youth team men’s 400-meter freestyle (3:43.32 sec- the “kumite” division at the world Karate Savate• Olena Championships Gurieva won on silver December in the wom-8-10, for the first time in its history won medals onds). Championships• Valeriy Chobotar in Spain (84 kg) on won November silver in 2018, in La Motte Servolex, France. The in fencing, rowing, badminton, rhythmic 5-11, 2018. competition attracted athletes from 14 gymnastics and acrobatics gymnastics. Wrestling countries. Andrii Plokhikh (85 kg) won European Tae Kwon Do Championship in bronze. Invictus Games U23 World Championship on November Warsaw• Ukraine on November won three 8-11, medals 2018. at Vasyl the 17-18,• Ukraine 2018, inwon Bucharest, eight gold Romania. medals Semen at the Kotiash (54 kg) won gold, Taras Malchenko bronze in the assault category at the world woman), including seven officers of the Novikov (87 kg) won gold in Greco-Roman (54 kg) and Mykyta Turhan (+87 kg) won savate• Anastasiya championships Konovalchuk in Plovdiv, (52 Bulgaria,kg) won Ministry• Fifteen of serviceInternal members Affairs, (14represented men, one wrestling, and Oleksandr Hrushyn (63 kg) bronze medals. on October 17-21, 2018. Ukraine at the 2018 Invictus Games in won bronze. In men’s freestyle, Taras Powerlifting Shooting Sydney on October 20-27, 2018. Ukraine Markovych (57 kg) and Bohdan Hrytsai (92

the overall lift with 393 kg at the World ing team won 13 medals (four gold, five sil- Powerlifting• Dmytro Chumak Championships (102 kg) inwon Ashgebat, silver in ver• andUkraine’s four bronze) paralympic at the air European pistol shoot- Air Turkmenistan, on November 1-10, 2018. In Pistol Shooting Championship in Belgrade, ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! the snatch, he lifted 176 kg for bronze and Serbia, on December 1-7, 2018. The com- in the clean-and-jerk he lifted 217 kg for sil- petition attracted more than 120 athletes Веселих Свят ver. from 27 countries. та Щасливого Нового Року

б а ж а є kept shackled and isolated for such Turning... “crimes” as writing petitions, putting up УКРАЇНСЬКОМУ ГРОМАДЯНСТВУ posters, writing critiques or demanding the (Continued from page 6) basic human rights and freedoms that we the Siberian watch towers, the barbed wire in the West take for granted. ЛИТВИН І ЛИТВИН and other means were abuses particular to The editorial, in its final plea, concluded, УКРАЇНСЬКЕ ПОХОРОННЕ ЗАВЕДЕННЯ the bygone days of Stalinist excess – excep- “We must continue to speak up for those tions to the norm rather than an indispen- whose courageous voices may not be able UNION FUNERAL HOME sible part of Soviet totalitarianism. to penetrate the thick walls of isolation Ukrainians and all lovers and defenders cells, labor camp compounds or the padded 1600 Stuyvesant Ave. (corner Stanley Terr.), Union, NJ 07083 of freedom and liberty, the editorial urged, cells of psychiatric hospitals.” (908) 964-4222 should expose the true nature of the Soviet Source: “Day of Solidarity with Ukrainian system by bringing public attention to the Political Prisoners,” The Ukrainian Weekly, thousands of political prisoners the Soviets January 8, 1984. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1 Fresno premiere of documentary “Hunger for Truth” marks 85th anniversary of Holodomor

by Victoria Malko “heroes of our time,” journalists like Clyman who risked everything to tell the truth wherever it led them. Among FRESNO, Calif. – “Truth, does it matter? Is it construc- them he listed those who paid the ultimate price, journal- tive?” A newly discovered voice cuts through the historical ists like Jan Kuciak from Slovakia, Daphne Galizia from haze. She is Rhea Clyman, a young Canadian reporter of Malta, Pavel Sheremet from Belarus, Anna Politkovskaya Polish Jewish background, who traversed the starving from Russia and Javier Valdez Cardenas from Mexico, and Soviet heartland in eastern Ukraine when Joseph Stalin’s just this month Katerina Handziuk of Ukraine, who aside man-made famine was just beginning. from being a civic activist co-founded the agency of civic Clyman’s newspaper articles from 1932-1933, pub- journalism Mist, or Bridge. lished in the Toronto Telegram and the London Daily “Too many reporters are still being killed today for their Express, show her remarkable resourcefulness and cour- tenacity and unwillingness to accept the prevailing narra- age. After she was banished from the USSR for writing tive,” said Mr. Tkach. about the Famine and the Gulag, this brave woman went The Department of History at California State University, on to cover Hitler’s early years in power. Fresno, premiered the film on Friday, November 9, 2018, Today another Russian autocrat is trying to dismember two weeks ahead of the 85th anniversary commemoration Ukraine by using disinformation and brute force. Those of the Holodomor. The premiere of the documentary was areas that suffered from the Famine Genocide are currently sponsored by the Associated Students Inc., the Ukrainian invaded by Russia, where the ongoing war has lasted for National Women’s League of America and the Ukrainian over four years. Ukraine’s soldiers are held as prisoners of American Coordinating Council. war. In central Ukraine two little girls are growing up with- The documentary was a stark reminder of the necessity out their dad, Serhiy Hlondar, a member of Ukraine’s to safeguard one’s freedom and human rights. The film Special Forces, who was captured in the battle of inspired women in the audience, like Yessica Casas, a fresh- Debaltseve a day after Russian-led forces were meant to man at Fresno State. “Rhea Clyman, as presented in the William Tubbs silence their guns in accordance with the Minsk 2 agree- film, encountered dangerous situations in her life that may Andrew Tkach answers the audience’s questions during ment. Mr. Hlondar has never seen his youngest daughter, the post-screening discussion of “Hunger for Truth” at have many scholars wondering why she didn’t just take the and after 700 days of captivity his family has received only California State University, Fresno. role of the average woman and stay home. Clyman was lit- seven letters to keep their hopes alive. erally ‘hungry for truth’ and set off thousands of miles from The feature length documentary “Hunger for Truth: The at the 2018 U.S.A. Film Festival in Dallas. home to find it,” said Ms. Casas. Rhea Clyman Story” masterfully interwove Clyman’s truth- The French-American filmmaker of Ukrainian ancestry, To freshman Michael Yang, a first-generation Hmong telling trip during 1932 with today’s conflict in eastern Mr. Tkach, a visiting faculty member and director of American, the word “genocide” rang true because of the Ukraine. Combining rare archival photos from Alexander Environmental Reporting Program at the Aga Khan experiences of his ethnic group. “Like the Hmong, the many Wienerberger’s “red” and “gray” albums in a 3D format, University Graduate School of Media and Communications, Ukrainian groups suffered quietly,” said Mr. Yang. He further historical perspective and today’s real life drama, the film traveled a long way from Nairobi, Kenya, to join the post- stated, “If not for Rhea Clyman, no one outside of Ukraine showed the power of truth telling in the face of disinforma- screening discussion in Fresno in November 2018. Over 25 and the Soviet Union would have known about the tion. years of producing documentaries and television magazine Holodomor until much later (decades to centuries). It is “Hunger for Truth,” directed by Andrew Tkach, was a reports, Mr. Tkach has visited some of the world’s most dif- important to teach about these horrible historic events to co-production of the Canada Ukraine Foundation, the ficult places and has won eight News and Documentary educate, evolve and prevent future happenings of genocide.” Messy Moment Media and #Babylon’13. The film featured Emmys for his work. He worked as the principal long-form Ukraine’s most prominent musical voices: Jamala, Onuka, producer of Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief internation- Dr. Victoria Malko is coordinator of the Holodomor Dakha Brakha and Dakh Daughters. The documentary won al correspondent. Studies Program, Department of History, California State honorable mention in the short film category, non-fiction, Mr. Tkach dedicated the film showing to the unsung University, Fresno.

Moscow additionally banned the import of more than assembly passed a resolution that calls on Russia to end Ukraine, Russia... $500 million worth of goods from Ukraine, according to human rights violation in the Crimea. Significantly, it recog- the Russian Economic Development Ministry. That was in nizes Crimea native and pro-Ukrainian activist Volodymyr (Continued from page 1) retaliation for similar economic sanctions that Kyiv has Balukh as a political prisoner, as well as Emir-Huseyn Kuku Border Guard Service. Entry bans for Russian males age imposed. The Russian list now bans 18 types of products, and imprisoned filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was awarded 16-60 were kept in place after martial law expired. including wine and sweets that either originate or pass the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought last year. Russia added some 200 Ukrainian individuals and legal through Ukraine. Mr. Sentsov, who supported the Euro-Maidan pro-West- entities to an existing economic sanctions list to “protect Russia is still Ukraine’s single largest trading partner. ern cause, was arrested on May 11, 2014, on politically the interests of the Russian state, companies and citizens of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on motivated terrorism charges and subsequently given a Russia,” Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev tweeted on December 27, 2018, that it had completed a 37-mile fence 20-year prison sentence in Russia. Amnesty International December 25, 2018. two meters in height just south of Kherson Oblast in characterized the political prisoner’s prosecution as “an On November 1, 2018, 68 Ukrainian companies and 322 annexed Crimea at a cost of $2.8 million. extremely cynical show trial.” citizens were initially sanctioned based on Russian It was constructed to prevent “attempts by saboteurs Russia holds nearly 100 Ukrainian prisoners of war and President Vladimir Putin’s decree to introduce “special and reconnaissance groups to break through,” the state-run political prisoners, according to the Kharkiv Human Rights economic measures” in connection with Ukraine’s Russian RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing the FSB. Protection Group. The SBU says there are over 100 addi- “unfriendly actions,” according to the UNIAN news agency. It also will thwart attempts to smuggle arms, tobacco, alco- tional POWs and civilian hostages in the occupied parts of Relations between the two neighboring Eastern hol and drugs to Crimea, according to the FSB. Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. European countries have severely deteriorated since The structure has several types of barricades, and is On December 31, 2018, the Justice Ministry said it sub- February 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea and later equipped with vibration sensors, night-vision security mitted additional documents to the European Court of parts of the easternmost regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. cameras, a video feed and an alarm. Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the annexation of Crimea More than 10,400 have been killed in the Moscow-stoked Since 2014, Ukraine also has “erected border fences in and human rights violations that the ECHR is expected to Donbas war, including at least 133 Ukrainian soldiers last the Chernihiv and Kharkiv regions, north of Kyiv – regions consider in February. Deputy Justice Minister Ivan year, according to censor.net. About 1.5 million people are bordering on Russia,” according to the BBC. Ukraine also Lishchyna, who is commissioner for ECHR affairs, posted a officially registered as internally displaced, according to the has a new fence in Kherson Oblast, north of Crimea. picture of the registered documents on the ECHR website in Social Policy Ministry of Ukraine. On December 22, 2018, the United Nations General a Facebook post.

Denysek, which focused on community development and Most Ukrainians... UCC holds... increasing engagement in Ukrainian Canadian organizations. Participants also heard a report on governance best-practices (Continued from page 2) (Continued from page 5) by UCC Second Vice-President Ilchenko and a presentation on champion of these principles, and the UCC looks forward to the activities of the Shevchenko Foundation by its president, is their native language fell from 67 percent in continuing our close cooperation with her department and the Andrew Hladyshevsky. 2017• The to 58share percent of Ukrainians in 2018, withsaying those that identifying Ukrainian government of Canada.” “On behalf of UCC National, thank you to everyone who par- Russian as their native language rising from 13 National Leadership Awards were presented during the ticipated in this year’s AGM. Thank you especially to our gracious percent to 19 percent, reflecting more willingness banquet to: Bohdanna Klecor-Hawryluk, James Slobodian, hosts in Montreal, particularly the Rev. Kutash, Halyna Holowka to identify Russian in this way and also in response Gregory Bedik, Adrianna Luhovy and Volodymyr Hayduk. and the UCC Montreal team, whose hospitality and hard work to government efforts to exclude Russian from Over 200 guests at the dinner were treated to superb musi- made this year’s AGM a success,” stated UCC President Chyczij. many aspects of life. cal performances by master bandurist Wolodymyr Mota and She added, “I am humbled by the confidence expressed by vocalists Yuri Konevych and Anna Babka. the Board of Directors in electing me president, and look for- the European Union, 31 percent in 2018 as On Sunday morning following a Moleben service by the Rev. ward to carrying on the important mission and vision of the opposed• Ever tomore 24 percent Ukrainians in 2017, say they a reflection have friends of trav in- Kutash, UCC directors and guests convened for a series of dis- UCC. The lively discussions at this year’s AGM will guide the el, and also a statement in support of the idea that cussions, facilitated by Director Ann Szyptur and UCC work of the UCC leading into the XXVI Triennial Congress of Ukraine is part of Europe and not part of Eurasia. Saskatchewan Provincial Council Vice-President John Ukrainian Canadians in Ottawa next year.” No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 23

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Bethlehem Peace Light shared in Whippany, N.J.

Roman Shyprykevych, assisted by Damian Handzy WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Bethlehem Peace Light was shared with members of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, the local Ukrainian community, and Polish and American scouts on Saturday, December 8, 2018, here at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. The sharing of the Peace Light is an annual ceremony organized by the Plast sorority “Ti, Shcho Hrebli Rvut,” which has been charged with this assignment by the National Board of Directors of Plast U.S.A. A symbol of peace, love and hope, the Bethlehem Peace Light is brought every year from Jesus Christ’s birthplace to Vienna and then to the United States aboard a special flight by Austrian Airlines to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Members of the Plast sorority brought the flame from JFK Airport in New York to Whippany. They also coordinate distribution of the light to Plast branches throughout the country. During the ceremony in St. John’s Church, scouts from the Newark N.J., branch of Plast (which is now based in Whippany) sang the beautiful “Bethlehem Peace Light Song” written by Solomiya Keyvan, a Plast member from Ukraine. Seen above are participants of the ceremony, including the Rev. Stepan Bilyk, pastor of St. John’s, and George Huk, chair/chief corporate officer of Plast U.S.A.

Ukrainian Engineers’ Society and Ukrainian Institute hold “Yalynka”

by Marco Shmerykowsky NEW YORK – As in years past, the New York City Chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, together with the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and the Ukrainian Institute of America, held the annual New York City “Yalynka.” The event took place on Saturday, December 15, 2018, in the ele- gant home of the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City. The evening began with warm greetings provided by UESA New York City board member Ivan Durbak. It was followed by a musical program provided by Ukrainian Village Voices. Ukrainian Village Voices is a culturally diverse group of folk singers based in New York City, uniting members of the Ukrainian and larger folk music com- munities. The group sings in the polyphon- ic village style, and its repertoire is con- stantly evolving, frequently focusing on sea- sonal celebrations, ritual songs as well as lyrical music. After about an hour-long performance of traditional Ukrainian Christmas Carols and authentic yuletide songs from the villages of Ukraine the first act was concluded. This was followed by words from the president of the New York City Chapter of the The performance by Ukrainian Village Voices during the “Yalynka.” Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Marco Shmerykowsky. between its members, the various UESA Krawec of the Yonkers Miasarnia. The returned to provided additional entertain- Mr. Shmerykowsky thanked both the chapters and the national board. The new Krawec family has been preparing excellent ment. evening’s guests and the sponsoring orga- website is now online at uesa.wildapricot. and varied menus for various New York As the night continued, the Ukrainian nizations. He also took the opportunity to org. City UESA Chapter events for many years. Institute’s hall continued to fill up as pro- note that UESA is embarking on a concen- After the closing remarks were conclud- As always, the feast was greatly enjoyed by fessionals, young and old, arrived together trated effort to update its membership ed, the evening’s guests were invited to all in attendance. with their family and friends. New friend- lists and create a new online presence that enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. After a short intermission period, the ships and connections were made, and old will allow and foster communication The food was once again catered by Lisa members of Ukrainian Village Voices ones were reinvigorated. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

U.S.-Ukraine Foundation honors emerging biotech leaders in Ukraine

U.S.-Ukraine Foundation WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation (USUF) Biotech Initiative host- ed its first public event in Kyiv on November 12, 2018. In a ceremony at Kyiv’s CEO Club, the foundation awarded certificates and grants to 24 emerging lead- ers conducting research in the biotechnolo- gy sector in Ukraine. USUF Board Chairman Roman Popadiuk presided over the event and stressed the importance of this cutting-edge sector to Ukraine’s overall economic development. Nadia K. McConnell, president of USUF, outlined the approximately 30-year history of the foundation in supporting projects in Ukraine and presented the certificates along with Irene K. Joseph, the financial sponsor of USUF’s Biotech Initiative. In her comments, Ms. Joseph, who has Ukrainian roots, stressed the need to stay committed to one’s research and endeav- ors, citing the experience of having started her company in the basement of her home and growing it into a multimillion-dollar business. Three speakers with direct responsibili- ty for the development and implementa- U.S.-Ukraine Foundation tion of Ukrainian science policy addressed Awardees at the emerging biotech leaders event in Kyiv. the young biotech leaders: Anatoliy Bilous, chairman, Scientific Council of Ukraine for ulated the recipients and stressed the Ms. Joseph, met with young researchers at transition their research into viable com- the Development of Science and opportunities and incentives the govern- UNIT.City, a Kyiv-based privately funded mercial endeavors. It provides travel and Technology; Volodymyr Levchuk, first dep- ment plans to offer them to stay commit- innovation park aimed at fostering high- research grants, will help develop contacts uty director, Department of Humanitarian ted to their field while remaining in tech startups. with U.S. researchers and institutions and Policy, Office of Science and Education, Ukraine. Also participating in the event The Biotech Initiative is the latest in a will also help stimulate U.S. business inter- Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of were Markian Bilynskyj, USUF vice-presi- long line of USUF projects aimed at helping est in the sector. Ukraine; and Alla Yemets, acting head of dent in Kyiv, and Christina Redko, coordi- Ukraine’s development. The Initiative is Additional information on the project the newly created Scientific Committee at nator of the USUF Biotech Initiative in focused on identifying emerging leaders in and a listing of the individuals recognized the National Council of Ukraine for Science Ukraine. the biotech sector and helping them learn at the Kyiv event can be found on the USUF and Technology Development. All congrat- The next day, the USUF group, including the management techniques necessary to website, www.usukraine.org. No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 25

ART REVIEW

Courtesy the UIA Pavlo Terekhov Roman Romanyshyn, “Yellow Submarine,” 2013 (color etching, 9 by 9¾ inches, edi- Artist Roman Romanyshyn (right) with Walter Hoydysh, director of Art at the tion of 50). Institute. Roman Romanyshyn: The Wonderment of Printmaking

by Andrew Horodysky we need to nourish our imagination. But it is not only an exuberance which frequently has been classified as child- NEW YORK – At the height of its recurrent fall program- like that affords Mr. Romanyshyn to successfully give free ming, Art at the Institute presented an evening vernissage rein to his spontaneity of voice. It is a balance between this featuring fanciful color etchings by Lviv-based Ukrainian force and a rigid discipline which demands that he strip all artist Roman Romanyshyn, titled “Miscellanea.” Spanning that is superfluous from his imagery and give full value to three decades, this mini-survey demonstrates the artist’s opposing tensions in what remains between the main fig- cumulatively complex and uniquely personal approach to ure depictions, their backgrounds and the surface. the intaglio printmaking technique. His visual creations begin with his interpretations of Curated and introduced by Walter Hoydysh, Ph.D., direc- perceived reality which are skillfully redefined and rewov- tor of Art at the Institute, the exhibit, which was on view en into a rich tapestry that is characterized by its awesome from November 16 to December 16, 2018, marked the art- precision and miraculous fantasy. His art is held in check ist’s first solo showing in New York. by an exquisitely disciplined sense of tradition, storytelling, The city of Lviv is synonymous with illusory printmaking. harmony and balance. Ultimately, he channels his aims into A strong and critical tendency for fantasy and imaginative a love for craft and the occasional fortuitous accident. art burgeoned there during the 1960s, particularly in that The artist’s way of seeing the world around him, of even medium. Humanism, typical for this work, transmuted into seeing himself, is compounded of guilessness, mirth and a unique visionary form. It seemed attractive at that time surprise. He stares wide-eyed and lost in wonderment, like perhaps because it presented fantasy as an avenue for peo- a child, probing each detail of the spectacle before his eyes. ple to overcome the constraints and burdens of daily reality. While he gracefully accepts that his vision of the world is Mr. Romanyshyn’s iconic and characteristic approach to ingenuous and earthy, he knows that to make pictures narrative graphics, illustration and printing is practiced which would not be overly folksy, quaint or awkward he within the deep reaches of a centuries-old Leopolitan tradi- has to maintain a sense of composition and conduct him- tion that includes the work of modern and contemporary self with contemporary pictorial methods. Mr. peers such as Alexander Aksinin, Ihor Bilykovsky, Oleh Courtesy the UIA Romanyshyn gets a lot of fun out of turning his visions into Denysenko, Bohdana Fedorovych, Ivan Ostafiychuk, Roman Romanyshyn, “Alice Series (Who Stole the pictures, for as he works in concentration he finds relief by Volodymyr Pihinin, Ihor Podolchak, Bohdan Soroka and Tarts?),” 2015, (color etching, 9 by 7 inches, edition of 50). concealing initial motivations behind a sparkling mask of Myron Yatsiv. By applying techniques of the old masters, gaiety, humor, wit, fantasy and ambiguity. these artists were and are instrumental in connecting his- face. This imagery leads Mr. Romanyshyn to expand his Mr. Romanyshyn is one of the most traditional and mod- toric custom with current practice. sense of pictorial space. Despite their small, intimate for- ern of his peers, if not the most personal and the most uni- In addition to his oeuvre of paintings and sculptural mat, his older works look ahead to the system of organiza- versal, and hence the most anonymous. Like a child, he is objects, Mr. Romanyshyn is a prolific printmaker. One of the tion in the newer larger prints. pitiless in his curiosity and his selection. These paradoxes uncontested contemporary masters of the etching in His meticulous multi-plate intaglio process demon- are the inevitable result of his understanding of the ambi- Ukraine, his work goes to the heart of things and beings, strates an artisanal way to draughtsmanship and illustra- guity of life itself. his search invariably poetic, leaving freedom to his emo- tion; it is authentic, dynamic and splendid. It possesses “Miscellanea” is an exhibition that asks us, the viewers, tion, ceaselessly reviving the power of literal likeness and something irreplaceable from the now ubiquitous digital to linger. What is unique about these prints is that they fantastic suggestion. He is an artist who finds in the intaglio methods. The figures that dominate his work portray spir- require an extraordinary attention to detail. Surely, a approach the answer to his artistic needs, fully embracing ited personalities and his cosmic and earthly landscapes knowledge of history, technique and the elements of alle- the technique and reinventing it in each work. Mr. are mind-bending, all of which make the worlds Mr. gory will add further interest for any viewer. Regardless Romanyshyn is an artist who tells stories – his stories – Romanyshyn creates so enchanting and engaging. the level of visual literacy, the most important thing, how- between ink and copper plate. Visual deception and trompe l’oeil are not part of the ever, is to just look. With theatricality, Mr. Romanyshyn’s Drawing inspiration from literature, fables and folklore, artist’s vocabulary. The various signs that recur in his intaglio prints contain a sense of lyrical whimsy touching these mostly smallish artworks are filled with symbols, prints do not became static symbols or substitutes for the evolution of storytelling and the differences between parables, and lessons for living. As if from a youthful per- ideas; they are not the enigmatic images of Bosch or the every human sensibility. And yet, even as we are drawn spective, Mr. Romanyshyn rediscovers beloved antiquated hieratic symbols of ancient cults. The dignified and precise from very different stuff, we all cling together. These works and modern themes – whether the planetary and zodiacal, markings by his hand remain in them and endow them have resonance and bring a smile to my face. mythic animals, Alice in Wonderland, or the Wives of with life. With the same instinct, he understands the Mr. Romanyshyn graduated from the Lviv State Institute Henry VIII – illuminating them with child-like abandon. His behavior of color and the limited etching implements he of Decorative and Applied Arts (Ukraine). His graphic exuberant sense of humor, fantasy and lust for invention uses. He knows the power and the temperature of each works are widely exhibited and collected around the world overflow to create a carnival-like atmosphere evocative of color, those that combine favorably and those that repel and have won multiple awards for printmaking; among folk theater. He offers something from a perfectly managed each other. With tools which produce a startling variety in them, 14th Mini Print International, Barcelona; ninth whimsical performance, but, at the same time, a charming his line and form he attacks his smooth matrix surfaces International Miniature Print Exhibition, Seoul; fourth pathos of clear imagination. His images present characters that absorb, blur, graduate from dark to light or allow International Painting Biennial of the Carpathian and set scenes that compel us to further fashion a narrative sharp definitions, and with equal delight he explores a he expressively begins. rough grain that rips the color from the paper and shows of Small Prints, Kyiv. This fall, Mr. Romanyshyn travelled to The delightful worlds of youth are the leitmotifs of his its tooth while refusing to be disciplined. Euroregion,Guangzhou andPrzemyśl Tianjin (Poland); (China) andin celebration Intaglio: First of his Triennial newly etchings. A tangle of lines and small, colored ideograms Breaking with mature artistic conventions, Mr. published monograph, “The Collection of Ex Libris & Mini suggesting allegorical characters, animals, planetary ele- Romanyshyn shows his magic power to transform that Prints,” supported by exhibitions, lectures and fine print- ments and household objects enlivens a vivid, textured sur- which is banal into a paper surface rich with the qualities making demonstrations. He lives and works in Lviv. 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

Columbia University’s Ukrainian Studies Program to offer seven courses

Ukrainian Studies Program nar, students will read in depth about and sentations; it is presented entirely in the event. discuss the two empires and their regional English with a parallel reading list for those On February 11 at noon Dr. Nazar Kozak NEW YORK – During the spring 2019 policies, noble landowners, peasants, work- who read Ukrainian. (National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) semester Columbia’s Ukrainian Studies ers, the Ukrainian national movement, rev- Ambassador Valeriy Kuchynskyi will will give a talk titled “Breaking Through the Program at the Harriman Institute is offer- olutionary movements, Jews, Crimea, teach a course titled “Today’s Ukraine: State Border as an Art Project”. On April 11 ing seven courses that study various women and religious life. Power Politics, and Diplomacy,” that will be at 4:15 p.m. Dr. Taras Kuzio (National aspects of Ukraine, and is organizing lec- On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:10- held on Tuesdays at 2:10-4 p.m. Ukraine is University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, Foreign tures and book presentations in Ukrainian 2:25 p.m., Dr. Mark Andryczyk will teach at war and the country is in turmoil. The Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University – studies at the university. Joining the pro- the course “Brand New: Creating Identity in course will consider: What is to be done by SAIS) will present on “Populists, Reformers, gram for the spring semester will be Contemporary Ukrainian Culture.” This the government to rebuff foreign aggres- Russian Soft Power and War: Ukraine’s Visiting Assistant Professor of History Dr. course presents and examines post-Soviet sion, eradicate corruption, improve the eco- 2019 Elections.” Johannes Remy. Ukrainian literature. Students will learn nomic situation and implement reforms? Dr. Shevchuk, who is also director of the Dr. Remy is a specialist in Eastern about the significant achievements, names, What are the chances of the new opposition Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia University, European history, especially Ukraine, events, scandals and polemics in contem- to succeed? Will the Minsk accords be will continue to provide fans of film with Russia and Poland in the 19th and early porary Ukrainian literature and will see implemented? What will be the impact of consistent programming featuring 20th century. Most of his research has been how they have contributed to Ukraine’s the March 2019 presidential elections? Ukrainian cinema both on and off campus on nationality questions of the Russian post-Soviet identity. Students will examine These and other issues, including behind- this spring. empire. He received his Ph.D. from the how Ukrainian literature became an impor- the-scene politics, power struggle and diplo- Courses at Columbia are open to stu- University of Helsinki in 2000. In 2009, he tant site for experimentation with lan- matic activities, are dealt with in the newly dents from other universities in the New moved to Canada and taught at five univer- guage, for providing feminist perspectives, revised course delivered by a career diplo- York metropolitan area seeking credit. sities, including Carleton University in for engaging previously banned taboos and mat. The course is aimed at both graduate Readers are advised to contact the universi- Ottawa and York University in Toronto. He for deconstructing Soviet and Ukrainian and advanced undergraduate students. ty at which they are enrolled to determine joined the College of Europe faculty in national myths. Three levels of Ukrainian language whether it participates in this manner with September 2015. His second monograph, Among the writers to be focused on in instruction will be taught this spring by Dr. Columbia University. Some course are also “Brothers or Enemies? The Ukrainian the course are Serhiy Zhadan, Yuri Yuri Shevchuk: Elementary on Mondays, open to outside individuals interested in National Movement and Russia From the Andrukhovych, Oksana Zabuzhko and Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:40 a.m.- non-credit continuing studies. Additionally, 1840s to the 1870s,” was published in 2016 Taras Prokhasko. Centered on the most 12:55 a.m.; Intermediate on Mondays, through the Lifelong Learners program, by University of Toronto Press. Dr. Remy important successes in literature, the Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at individuals over age 65 who are interested has also written a textbook on the history course will also explore key developments 10:10-11:25 a.m.; and Advanced on in auditing courses may enroll at a discount of Ukraine in his native Finnish and numer- in music and visual art of this period. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:10-4 p.m. rate as Lifelong Learners. Please visit the ous scholarly articles on the Ukrainian Special focus will be given to how the 2013- Several events have already been sched- Columbia University School of Continuing question in the Russian empire. 2014 Euro-Maidan Revolution and war are uled for the spring semester, with more to Education (http://www.ce.columbia.edu/ Dr. Remy will teach two courses at treated in today’s literature. By also study- come. auditing/?PID=28) for more details. Columbia University this spring. The first, ing Ukrainian literature with regard to its The Ukrainian Studies Program will co- January 22 is the first day of classes, and titled “Introduction to the History of relationship with Ukraine’s changing politi- sponsor the New York premiere of Sergei February 1 is the final day to register for a Ukraine,” will take place on Tuesdays and cal life, students will obtain a good under- Loznitsa’s film “Donbass” that will take class. For more information about courses Thursdays, 4:10-5:25 p.m. The second, a standing of the dynamics of today’s Ukraine place on Friday, January 11, as part of the or the Ukrainian Studies Program at seminar titled “Ukraine in the Russian and and the development of Ukrainians as a First Look 2019 Festival at the Museum of Columbia University, readers may contact Habsburg Empires,” will be held on nation in the 21st century. The course will the Moving Image. The film will open the Dr. Andryczyk at ukrainianstudies@colum- Mondays at 4:10-6 p.m. During this semi- be complemented by audio and video pre- festival, and Mr. Loznitsa will participate in bia.edu or 212-854-4697.

is likely to become a major region of con- Assuring... tention among the powers of that region – Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. (Continued from page 7) Alliances are shifting rapidly, and Turkey, tical miles); second phase, protecting its Russia and Iran met in Teheran in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ; under 200 September 2018 to discuss a joint Middle nautical miles) and finally, the “blue East strategy to thwart Western interests in waters” of the Black Sea. that region. This alliance will likely affect Each phase requires different types of future actions in the Black Sea as well. Only equipment (e.g., radar systems); vessels Ukraine and its naval capabilities will stand (gunboats, frigates, patrol boats) and weap- between this alliance and Europe. ons (surface-to-air missiles launched from Russia and Turkey are both seeking con- ships, etc.), as well as manpower recruit- trol of the region for their own purposes, ment, training, joint maneuvers with NATO, uprom.info and Turkey has control of the Bosphorus interoperability of complex command and A Ukrainian corvette. and Dardanelles, under the 1936 control systems with other NATO partners, Convention of Montreux. Under this treaty, etc. with a much more complicated mess after- United States declared that it was “prepar- Turkey controls the Bosphorus and the The fundamental question is: What is wards. Unfortunately, the three principal ing to send a warship into the Black Sea” in Dardanelles straits and regulates the pas- needed now, in the midst of the crisis, and leaders of the EU, France, Germany and the response to Russian seizure of Ukrainian sage of warships between the Black and in the near-term to help thwart Russia’s United Kingdom are preoccupied with their vessels and sailors. The Pentagon has asked Mediterranean seas. The convention states provocations at sea? Clearly, Ukraine is in own serious political problems at home, the State Department to inform the Turkish that the main objective in peacetime is to no position to put up a fight against an and are not inclined to step up in defense of government of its plan to possibly send a maintain freedom of passage of commercial opponent that has superior advantages in Ukraine’s interests. The U.S. alone has stood warship into those disputed waters, vessels through the Bosphorus. However, all respects. So, the immediate solutions up as Ukraine’s principal supporter with because Turkey controls the passage of Turkey has the legal power to control depend exclusively on a focused and uni- arms and military support. warships through the Bosphorus Strait. access of NATO forces and naval vessels fied Western response, diplomatic efforts at NATO has pledged “support” for Ukraine, There is considerable support in the U.S. into the Black Sea. the U.N., NATO and bilateral entreaties, as with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg Senate. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) Perhaps the most useful armaments for well as a coordinated system of punitive saying on December 13, 2018, that “Russia called for tougher sanctions, additional the present circumstances would be highly sanctions. must immediately release the sailors and NATO exercises in the Black Sea and more mobile land to sea/ship, over-the-horizon Ukraine is the only country actively ships they seized, and allow freedom of U.S. security aid to Ukraine, “including missiles, with a range of 100 miles. These resisting Russia’s multi-faceted aggressions navigation including free access to lethal maritime equipment and weapons.” missiles can be fired from a standard – and it is paying dearly for such resistance Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov.” All these factors will play out very slowly Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System in terms of lives, severe economic repercus- What Ukraine needs is tangible support, and in different ways in the next Congress, (GMLRS), which is used by both the U.S. sions and political instability at home. In in the form of military hardware and soft- while Mr. Putin continues to tighten the Marines and the Army. The cost of each my discussion with Admiral Voronchenko, ware: new radar systems, naval patrol screws in the Azov Sea and wreak havoc missile is about $100,000 to $200,000. he told me that “Ukraine is not only pro- boats, swift gunboats, surface-to-air mis- with Ukraine’s vitally important maritime From a U.S. naval strategic perspective, tecting itself, it is now protecting the siles and other military hardware that economy. providing Ukraine with expensive vessels – Western world.” serve as a starting point in fulfilling Phase 1 Aside from multiple but inherently tepid gunboats and frigates – will require years Europe and the West understand that if of Admiral Voronchenko’s stated naval diplomatic efforts, what is to be done in the of very expensive refurbishment to make Ukraine falls, there will likely be a domino defense strategy. The question is: Who will near-term? The sale of warships to Ukraine them combat-worthy at the level of Russia’s effect that will severely test NATO’s shaky aid Ukraine’s critical defense needs? will not help now. But Ukraine’s naval strat- fleet – costs that the U.S. Navy itself thought alliance and the European Union’s resolve. President Poroshenko, has called on egy and longer term security needs, as well were way too high for its current seven The issue is whether the battle is fought, NATO to deploy naval ships to the Azov Sea as Europe’s security interests, require that mothballed Perry-class frigates that are with Ukraine as a proxy for the EU and to “provide security” amid a deepening cri- this part of the overall defense strategy be NATO, or whether they will have to deal sis with Russia. On December 5, 2018, the initiated as soon as possible. The Black Sea (Continued on page 27) No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 27

January 11-12 Film screening, “Donbass” and the “trial” by Sergei Loznitsa, February 9 Chervona Kalyna Cotillion Ball, with music by Hrim, New York First Look 2019 Festival at the Museum of Moving Image, Pearl River, NY Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hilton Pearl www.movingimage.us River Hotel, www.kalynadeb.org

January 12 Caroling for Christ concert, Ukrainian Cultural Center of the February 11 Presentation by Nazar Kozak, “Breaking Through the Somerset, NJ Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., 732-356-0090 New York State Border as an Art Project,” Columbia University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] January 19 Malanka Masquerade Dance, with music by Zapovid, Buffalo, NY Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center, 716-316-1051 March 2 Presentation of Debutantes, Ukrainian American Youth Parsippany, NJ Association, Sheraton Parsippany, www.cym.org/us/deb January 19 Malanka dance celebration, Ukrainian American Youth Jenkintown, PA Association, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, March 2 Celebratory concert honoring Oleh Krysa and Mykola 267-415-6580 or www.phillymalanka2019.eventbrite.com New York Suk, Ukrainian Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 January 25-27 Ukraine booth, The New York Times Travel Show, New York U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, Jacob K. Javits Center, April 6 30th anniversary finale concert, featuring violinists [email protected] or 202-789-4467 New York Solomiya Ivakhiv, Sean Wang, violist Melissa Reardon, cellist Amir Eldan, bassist Peter Weitzner and pianist January 26 Presentation of Debutantes, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Heng Jin-Park, Ukrainian Institute of America, Whippany, NJ Organization (Newark Branch), Hanover Marriott, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 [email protected] or 908-448-6389 April 11 Presentation by Taras Kuzio, “Populists, Reformers, Russian January 26 Concert with violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, William Purvis New York Soft Power and War: Ukraine’s 2019 Elections,” Columbia Stonington, CT on horn and pianist Mihae Lee, La Grua Center, University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] http://lagruacenter.org or 860-535-2300 May 3 Concert, “From Europe with Love,” with violinist Solomiya February 2 Concert, featuring “Dazzling Duo” pianists Antonio New York Ivakhiv, violist Carol Rodland, cellist Yves Dharamraj New York Pompa-Baldi and Emanuela Friscioni, Ukrainian Institute and pianist Gilbert Kalish, Ukrainian Institute of of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660

February 7 Alexander Dallin Lecture by Sergei Guriev, “Work in Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Stanford, CA Transition: Transformation of Work in Russia and Other advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Post-Communist Countries,” Stanford University, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors http://creees.stanford.edu or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

that providing Ukraine with naval vessels Assuring... and equipment will simply provoke Russia (Continued from page 26) further, and will not be helpful in any of the numerous diplomatic efforts now taking under consideration for transfer to place. There are many malign geostrategic Ukraine’s Navy. influences under way in this Black Sea If the U.S. does not think such expenses region that actually call for more Western are cost-effective, how can Ukraine afford support to Ukraine, which has been a prov- such costs? The Perry-class frigates are en bulwark against Russia’s expansionist slightly larger than Ukraine’s own single aims. frigate, the Hetman Sahaidachny. But, The West needs to view Ukraine’s will- transfer of these vessels is wholly unrealis- ingness to stand up to Russia and its poten- tic, at this time, mainly because of the high tial military capabilities as part of a longer- refurbishment and operating costs. term, multi-decadal strategy of engage- According to my sources at Ukraine’s naval ment. Admiral Voronchenko’s three-phase staff, Ukraine has a total annual budget for operations and maintenance of about $40 wearethemighty.com strategy, projecting out to 2035, represents million for its entire fleet. The operating What Ukraine needs: a Cyclone Class patrol boat. an excellent starting point for consider- expenses of a single frigate are close to $25 ation, and the West needs to begin beefing million per year. ters to Ukraine as part of its non-paid aid second phases of coastal and littoral (EEZ) up Ukraine’s naval forces, both for the cur- Instead, according to the 2035 strategy, under the Excess Defense Article Program zone protection strategy. rent crises and for the inevitable geostrate- Ukraine’s Navy has sensibly opted for a (EDAP). Washington’s think tank critics and gic long game that is emerging and should small fleet of four corvettes. Whereas, a During an official ceremony on some Department of Defense skeptics say be obvious to anyone with common sense. frigate is listed at about 4,200 tons and is September 27, 2018, in Baltimore, Admiral 408 feet long (135 meters), a corvette is Voronchenko and U.S. Coast Guard Vice- 2,500 tons, with a length of 330-370 feet Admiral Michael F. McAllister finally signed people have been killed in the fighting since (110 to 112 meters). A corvette is the handing-over certificates, paving the way Moscow rejects... early 2014. smallest class of vessel considered to be a for the transporting of the vessels to Although Moscow denies interfering in (Continued from page 1) proper warship. It is highly maneuverable, Ukraine. As of today, both vessels are still Ukraine’s domestic affairs, the International with top speeds of over 35 mph (over 55 moored in Baltimore harbor. “The guarantee of a safe and secure envi- Criminal Court in November 2016 ruled kilometers per hour). Just for perspective, the Island-class ronment should enable the implementa- that the fighting in eastern Ukraine was “an Unfortunately, the problem confronting Coast Guard cutters are relatively small – tion of crucial humanitarian measures. We international armed conflict between Ukraine’s Navy is that construction of this 168 tons and 110 feet long (34 meters). now call on the parties to assume their full Ukraine and the Russian Federation.” class of vessels has been entangled in bud- They would cost nearly $10 million for responsibilities, especially with regard to The current truce is scheduled to run get deficits, resulting in much-delayed deliv- Ukraine to refurbish and become seawor- civilians in the area.” through at least January 7 and was reached ery schedules of these Ukrainian-designed thy for the trip across the Atlantic. The Special Monitoring Mission of the by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, corvettes. Construction has stopped. Worse, There is an intermediate size gunboat Organization for Security and Cooperation which consists of Ukraine, Russia and the corruption and sabotage have played a that would be ideal for Admiral in Europe (OSCE) also welcomed the deal OSCE. major role as well. The shipyard is owned Voronchenko’s mosquito fleet of swift and to establish the New Year’s ceasefire in Several ceasefires have been called in the by a pro-Russian oligarch, Vadim Novinsky, maneuverable attack boats with firepower. eastern Ukraine. region as part of the so-called Minsk agree- who is under investigation for a series of What Ukraine really needs are the Cyclone- On December 26, Ukrainian President ments, but none has met with success. financial crimes, including orchestrating a class patrol ships that are widely used by Petro Poroshenko announced the end of series of delays at his shipyard. the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf region. martial law in the country’s borders regions With reporting by Interfax, TASS and AFP. Another persistent problem has been They are 170 feet long (54 meters) and that was imposed following Russia’s seizure Copyright 2018, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted one of bureaucratic red tape at every step. are very fast at 35 knots (40 miles per of the sailors and their ships in the Black Sea. with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ There have been many difficulties in trans- hour) and carry a lot of firepower. The pri- Ukrainian government forces have been Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, ferring even small coastal patrol vessels of mary mission of these ships is coastal fighting against Russia-backed separatists Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see the type that the U.S. Coast Guard uses. In patrol and interdiction surveillance – an in eastern Ukraine since April 2014, shortly https://www.rferl.org/a/merkel-putin-ger- 2015 Ukraine and the U.S. signed an agree- important aspect of littoral operations out- after Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimean pen- many-russia-detained-ukrainian-soldiers- ment to transfer two small Island-class cut- lined in Admiral Voronchenko’s first and insula and forcibly annexed it. Some 10,300 syria-kurds/29682464.html). 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2019 No. 1

This limited-time PREVIEW OF EVENTS offer is available now through Wednesday, January 9 January 21, 2019, NEW YORK: Poets of Queens and Yara Arts Group present a reading of for new original poetry at Vintage wine bar in Astoria. Readers are Richard Jeffrey Newman, Virlana Tkacz and Isaac Stackhouse Wheeler. The event, which subscriptions. begins at 7:30 p.m., is free. Vintage is located at 23-14 Ditmars Blvd. See www.poetsofqueens.org for more information. Saturday, January 19 PHILADELPHIA: Celebrate the New Year with family and friends at the annual Philadelphia Malanka. The popular “zabava” band Bratya z Prykarpatya will provide entertainment; a complimentary champagne toast and cash bar will also be offered. Entertainment begins 9 p.m. at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center (700 N. Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046). Doors open at p.m. Discounted tickets are avail- able until January 13 for adults ($40) and students ($25). Prices increase Get 15 months of $5 at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at: www.phillymalan- ka2019.eventbrite.com. For more information, including hotel options, contact [email protected] or 267-415-6580. The Ukrainian Weekly for the price PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the of a year’s subscription. public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. $90 for our print edition ($80 for UNA members) To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph of several sen- $40 for our online edition ($35 for UNA members). tences that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number Want to get and/or e-mail address to be published for readers who may require addi- a subscription for BOTH print and online? tional information. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Add only $5 to the price of a print subscription. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication (i.e., they must be received by 9 am Monday morning). Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who may be Act now by contacting contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete our Subscription Department: mailing address. Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mail- 973-292-9800 x 3040 ing, please do not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail message. Preview items and payments may be [email protected] mailed to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Life Insurance* is the ultimate selfl ess gift your family truly needs

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