ХРИСТОС НАРОДИВСЯ! CHRIST IS BORN!

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW associationeekly Vol. LXXXV No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 $2.00

U.S. special envoy says 2017 was deadliest year in conflict Anti-government protests end in violence and warns of spiking violence Donbas war RFE/RL heats up The U.S. special envoy for the Ukraine con- flict has said 2017 was the deadliest year in the by Mark Raczkiewycz region since the outbreak of violence three – Tensions between Ukrainian years ago, and warned that hostilities are again politician Mikheil Saakashvili and erst- ratcheting up. while ally Ukrainian President Petro Kurt Volker’s comments on December 19 Poroshenko were further strained after came as international monitors reported the former Georgian leader called on the intense shelling overnight near the town of president to resign in an open letter he Novoluhanske, part of the eastern Ukrainian published on his Facebook page on region known as the Donbas. December 19. United Nations officials reported eight civil- “Admit to yourself and the nation that ians injured and dozens of homes damaged, you and your associates aren’t capable with winter temperatures complicating - of and don’t wish to change Ukraine for ters. the better,” he wrote his former universi- “A lot of people think that this has somehow ty friend. “Your voluntary resignation is Defense Ministry of Ukraine turned into a sleepy, frozen conflict and it’s sta- one of the last chances to quell the polit- Russian shelling from occupied Horlivka damaged a kindergarten in ble and now we have... a ceasefire. It’s a problem ical crisis, which only can deepen.” Novoluhanske in Donetsk Oblast on December 18, a day before St. Nicholas Day. but it’s not a crisis,” Ambassador Volker said in a It was in retaliation for the publica- speech at the Atlantic Council, a Washington tion by the president’s office of a concil- dent also called allegations that he coop- challenged the ruling in the Kyiv think tank. iatory private note from Mr. Saakashvili erates with ’s spy agency, the Appellate Court four days later. “That’s completely wrong. It is a crisis. This to the president on December 18. In the Federal Security Service (FSB), “absurd.” The correspondence followed two has been the most violent year, 2017, and letter Mr. Saakashvili admitted to “have That was in reference to audio record- consecutive Sundays of anti-government frankly last night was one of the most violent committed and [continues to] commit ings that the Prosecutor General’s Office protests that Mr. Saakashvili’s Movement nights, certainly since February, and possibly many political mistakes,” while calling released on December 5 as purported of New Forces staged in central Kyiv this year,” he said. for dialogue and “the need to de-escalate evidence that Mr. Saakashvili was receiv- together with opposition lawmakers. Ambassador Volker later posted several mes- and not allow for the situation to desta- ing over $300,000 from Russia-based, Among their demands is quicker prog- bilize.” sages to Twitter, suggesting that just before the exiled Ukrainian businessmen con- ress on stamping out high-level graft, Mr. Poroshenko had appointed his “massive escalation” in ceasefire violations, trolled by the Kremlin to stage rallies. including the establishment of a long- former college chum as governor of Authorities also suspect Mr. promised anti-corruption court. Russia had withdrawn its officers from a coordi- Odesa in May 2015, but the two had a Saakashvili of attempting to overthrow The latest demonstration on December nating body run jointly with Ukraine that is falling out after the latter resigned a year the government, but they lost a court 17 by about 5,000 protesters ended in helping to implement the ceasefire. later, alleging obstruction of his efforts to hearing on December 11 to place him clashes with police who were preventing The Organization for Security and root out graft in the port city. under house arrest after he had been Cooperation’s (OSCE) Special Monitoring The former two-term Georgian presi- released from detention. Prosecutors (Continued on page 25) Mission to Ukraine later confirmed the Russian side’s withdrawal from the Joint Center for Coordination and Control (JCCC). The OSCE’s confirmation came in a statement valid as of December 18 and published on December 19. U.S. approves sale of light weapons to Ukraine Russia’s withdrawal from the body under- mines the OSCE’s operations and is an attempt RFE/RL as approval of “the largest U.S. commer- vide lethal defensive weapons to by the Kremlin to force Kyiv into talks with rep- cial sale of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine to help the country “protect [its] resentatives of the breakaway regions in east- The U.S. State Department says it has Ukraine.” sovereignty.” He said in testimony before ern Ukraine, according to Vadym Chernysh, approved an export license for Ukraine The State Department’s Ms. Nauert the Senate Armed Services Committee Ukraine’s minister for temporarily occupied to buy certain types of light weapons noted that, “Under the previous two on September 26 that a proposal to pro- territories and internally displaced persons. and small arms from U.S. manufacturers. administrations, the U.S. government has vide lethal aid to Ukraine was awaiting a “The presence of Russian officers in the JCCC Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said on approved export licenses to Ukraine, so decision from the White House. guaranteed, among other things, the safety of December 20 that Congress was notified this is nothing new.” According to Reuters, Last month, ABC News reported that the OSCE mission’s staff,” Mr. Chernysh said. of the decision on December 13. State Department records show that senior aides would present U.S. President Ambassador Volker also warned that The license covers weapons in cate- Ukraine has bought small amounts of light Donald Trump with a $47 million plan to Russia-backed forces were close to seizing a gories such as semiautomatic and auto- weapons and small arms for several years, finance and sell high-tech defensive water-treatment plant in the city of Donetsk, matic firearms up to .50 caliber weap- both before and after Russia’s seizure of weapons to Ukraine. ons, combat shotguns, silencers, military Ukraine’s Crimea region in March 2014. and he called for the withdrawal of heavy scopes, flash suppressors and parts. U.S. exporters can apply for direct com- With reporting by The Washington weapons from the area. It does not allow the sale of heavier mercial-sales licenses, which are reviewed Post, Reuters, CNN, ABC and The Hill. The chief monitor for the OSCE mission said weapons, such as Javelin anti-tank mis- by the State Department on a case-by-case Copyright 2017, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted a sharp deterioration in the security situation siles, that Ukraine has urged Washington basis, Ms. Nauert said. She noted that the with the permission of Radio Free had seen ceasefire violations reaching levels to provide in order to strengthen its U.S. government has not directly provid- Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut not recorded since February. capabilities against the Russia-backed ed lethal defensive equipment to Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www. Chief monitor Ertugrul Apakan said on separatists it is fighting in the Donetsk Ukraine, but has not ruled out doing so. rferl.org (for the full text of the story see December 19 that the latest escalation showed and Luhansk regions. The top U.S. military commander, https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us- An article in The Washington Post Gen. Joseph Dunford, said earlier this approves-export-license-small- (Continued on page 19) described the State Department decision year that he recommended the U.S. pro- arms/28930667.html) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

ANALYSIS

Bellingcat identifies key figure U.N. on rights violations in Crimea Crimea for the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission while it commends The United Nations General Assembly on Ukraine for providing unhindered access to in downing of MH17 December 19 approved a resolution strong- Crimea for journalists and human rights ly condemning human rights violations in international tribunal to prosecute those activists, and for supporting media and non- RFE/RL’s Russian Service Russian-annexed Crimea and referring to deemed responsible. governmental organizations that were Russia as an “occupying power” there. The A respected international investigative Russia further denies any involvement in forced out of Crimea after Russia’s takeover. resolution, put forward by Ukraine and 30 group says it has identified a senior Ukraine’s internal affairs despite compel- Ukrainian President other countries, was approved by 70 states. Russian general as a figure of interest in the ling evidence that Moscow has provided thanked those who co-authored and voted Twenty-six, including Russia, Belarus, downing of a civilian airliner over eastern military, economic and political support to for the resolution, calling them the “real Kazakhstan and , voted against. Ukraine in 2014. militants fighting Ukrainian forces in a war friends of Ukrainian Crimea” in a Twitter Seventy-six countries abstained from vot- The Bellingcat investigative group – that has killed more than 10,000 since post. (RFE/RL, with reporting by UNIAN ing. Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the which uses sophisticated digital techniques April 2014. and Kyiv Post) United Nations said that the resolution con- to analyze open-source audio and visual The Bellingcat investigation, conducted firms there is an armed conflict between Canada’s Defense Committee reports data – issued a report on December 8 alleg- jointly with the independent Russian web- Ukraine and Russia, and condemns the ret- ing that a man identified on intercepted site The Insider, enlisted two independent On December 11, Canada’s House of roactive application of Russian laws to the communications as “Delfin” (Dolphin) is research institutes to compare the inter- Commons Standing Committee on National territory, which Russia illegally annexed in retired Russian Col. Gen. Nikolai Tkachyov, cepted communications, in which Delfin is Defense tabled its report, “Canada’s 2014. Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister who is currently serving as the chief inspec- referred to by the same first name and pat- Support to Ukraine in Crisis and Armed Pavlo Klimkin said the resolution was the tor of Russia’s Central Military District. ronymic as Gen. Tkachyov, to recorded Conflict.” Among its 17 recommendations “toughest one” yet to pass the U.N., which The Dutch-led Joint Investigative Team phone calls with Gen. Tkachyov made to the government of Canada, the commit- adopted its first resolution condemning (JIT), which investigated the downing of under the pretext of interviewing him for tee urged: “That the government of Canada human rights abuses in Crimea with a simi- Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over another story. advocate for a United Nations peacekeeping lar vote a year ago. “The pressure on Russia eastern Ukraine and issued its findings in Both institutes – one in the United States mission in Ukraine that respects its territo- is being increased,” Mr. Klimkin said on September 2016, previously published and one in Lithuania – independently rial integrity. ... That the government of Twitter. Ukrainian diplomats at the U.N. said audio files of five intercepted communica- determined that it was “highly probable” Canada provide lethal weapons to Ukraine tions between individuals identified by the that the same man was speaking on both Russia, which claims that Crimeans voted to to protect its sovereignty from Russian pseudonyms Delfin and Orion. recordings. join Russia in a March 2014 referendum aggression, provided that Ukraine demon- The JIT is seeking additional information It remains unclear exactly what role that has not been internationally recog- strates it is actively working to eliminate about the men, though it remains unclear Delfin may have played in connection with nized, put “enormous pressure” on U.N. corruption at all levels of government. ... what possible role they may have played in the conflict in eastern Ukraine or the down- member states to reject the resolution or That the government of Canada expand the downing of the airliner. ing of MH17. According to interviews with abstain from voting. Ukraine’s Permanent Canada’s sanctions, including implementing The JIT said in a December 8 statement former separatist commander Igor Girkin, Mission to the U.N. said the resolution con- the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign that it “has taken note” of the Bellingcat who is known by the nom de guerre demns the compulsory naturalization of Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), report, but declined further comment. Strelkov, Delfin was a high-ranking Russian Ukrainian citizens under the Russian occu- against those responsible for contributing MH17 was shot down over the conflict commander stationed in the Ukrainian pation and calls for the immediate release of to the armed conflict in Ukraine and work zone in Ukraine’s Donetsk region on July town of Krasnodon. unlawfully detained Ukrainians. The mea- with its allies, including NATO, to maintain 17, 2014, killing all 298 people on board. Mr. Girkin said Delfin was in charge of sure calls for an immediate end to all rights and enhance their sanction regimes against The JIT concluded the plane was shot down organizing disparate separatist militia units violations, including “arbitrary detentions, Russian operatives.” (Ukrainian Canadian from territory controlled by Russia-backed in parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrad- Congress Daily Briefing) ing treatment,” and demands that Russia separatists with a Buk anti-aircraft system regions. Turchynov meets with Stoltenberg that had been brought into Ukraine from The 2016 JIT findings stated that the fulfill the interim decision of the Russia and was spirited back across the Buk anti-aircraft system that shot down International Court of Justice on the restora- , secretary of the border shortly afterward. MH17 crossed the border into Ukraine tion of rights and freedoms for Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council of The Russian government and the sepa- near Krasnodon. Girkin said that he met citizens on the peninsula. It urges Russia to Ukraine (NSDC) met with NATO Secretary ratists deny responsibility and have offered with Delfin in Krasnodon in the middle of revoke its decision declaring the Mejlis, the Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on December several other theories about the tragedy. In July 2014, around the time when MH17 Crimean Tatar people’s assembly, an 14. The NSDC reported that the two leaders July 2015, Russia vetoed a United Nations extremist organization and banning its discussed the issue of countering Russian resolution that would have established an (Continued on page 8) activities. It also called on Moscow to aggression in the east of Ukraine and the reverse other limitations imposed on hybrid threats faced by Ukraine. According Crimean Tatars. The resolution also appeals to the NSDC secretary, in comparison with to Russia to maintain the teaching of the 2014, today Ukraine has a qualitatively new Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages on army capable of defending the country. United Nations says fighting fuels the territory of Crimea. The measure con- ‘dire’ situation in eastern Ukraine demns Russia for failing to provide access to (Continued on page 20) RFE/RL the daily lives of millions in the conflict zone and in the country as whole,” Fiona FOUNDED 1933 The United Nations says daily ceasefire Frazer, the head of the U.N. Human Rights The Ukrainian Weekly violations in eastern Ukraine have led to Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, said in a more civilian deaths and “further aggravat- statement accompanying the report. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., ed a dire human rights and humanitarian Based on interviews with witnesses and a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. situation” as temperatures drop. victims of human rights violations, the Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. In a report published on December 12, report details 20 cases of killings, depriva- Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for tion of liberty, enforced disappearances, (ISSN — 0273-9348) Human Rights (OHCHR) said that increased torture and conflict-related sexual violence The Weekly: UNA: fighting between government forces and committed on both sides of the contact line. Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Russia-backed separatists resulted in at The report cautioned about the situation least 15 deaths and 72 injuries among civil- of people who are detained incommunica- Postmaster, send address changes to: ians from August 16 to November 15. do in the separatist-held areas in Donetsk The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz In total, at least 2,818 civilians have been and Luhansk regions. 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas killed, and up to 9,000 others injured since It said that the monitoring mission con- P.O. Box 280 the start of the conflict in April 2014. The tinued to be denied access to detainees, Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] death toll includes the 298 passengers and raising serious concerns about detention crew aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 conditions and possible further human The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com (MH17), which was shot down over eastern rights abuses. Ukraine in July 2014 by a missile system that In territory controlled by armed groups, The Ukrainian Weekly, December 24-31, 2017, No. 52-53, Vol. LXXXV a Dutch-led investigation found had been the report said, “arbitrary detentions and Copyright © 2017 The Ukrainian Weekly brought into separatist-held territory from ‘prosecutions’ were compounded by the Russia and returned to Russia afterwards. lack of recourse to effective remedy.” The OCHCR recorded 10,303 conflict- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA related deaths between April 14, 2014, and The article above is reprinted from Eurasia November 15, 2017, the report said. In Daily Monitor with permission from its pub- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 June, that figure was 10,090, including lisher, the Jamestown Foundation, www. e-mail: [email protected] 2,777 civilians. jamestown.org (for the full text of the story, see Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 “The hostilities have never really https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-un-report- e-mail: [email protected] stopped, affecting, in one way or another, dire-situation-fighting/28912171.html). No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 3

NEWS ANALYSIS OSCE’s year-end conference fails to deal with ongoing conflicts

by Vladimir Socor unconditional right under international law, but instead tration in Donbas” (Interfax, December 7). The OSCE’s Eurasia Daily Monitor conditional on Ukraine fulfilling a set of political clauses. SMM may not be fully effective, but it is good enough in its Further, “We urge the sides to enhance connectivity,” an present form to hold the place, as far as Moscow is con- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in elliptic, awkward turn of phrase seemingly implying direct cerned. Europe’s (OSCE) annual ministerial conference, held on contacts between Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk, something Moscow’s reasoning along this line applies to the OSCE December 7-8, in Vienna, exposed yet again the 57-mem- that Moscow urges while Kyiv resists. as a whole in its capacity as a conflict-management institu- ber international organization’s incapacity to hold its own Regarding the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission tion. As Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov against Russia. The latter used its veto power as a member (SMM) in Ukraine’s east, the German, Austrian and Italian told the Vienna conference, “working toward settlement of to block any and all inconvenient draft declarations and ministers’ Troika declares that this mission is “Operating in [post-Soviet] conflicts remains an important role for the resolutions during the Vienna conference or already in the a challenging environment. All participating states [i.e. OSCE.” In his speech, Mr. Lavrov urged (from run-up to it. including Russia] have agreed that the SMM is mandated to which Russia had evicted OSCE missions in 2005 and The Russian veto pattern is a familiar one, but there have safe and secure access and called for this to be fully 2009) to enter into a non-use of force agreement with have been some past cases when the OSCE’s chairmanship- respected. We condemn any threats against SMM monitors Abkhazia and South Ossetia – i.e., recognize them de facto in-office (the position rotates annually) would issue (RIA Novosti, December 7). a Chair’s statement, which is veto-proof, for at least Russia is urging Kyiv to take some first steps minimal redress to the organization’s reputation. At The Organization for Security and toward Donetsk-Luhansk (unsuccessfully, as noted this Vienna ministerial, Russia vetoed references to Cooperation in Europe has shown above) and is showing some success with Moldova Crimea and the war in Ukraine’s east – the most itself to be incapable of enforcing its in this regard. Mr. Lavrov commended Chisinau and salient European security issue at this time – from Tiraspol for taking “small steps” toward each other the conference’s draft documents. But the chairman- own resolutions. most recently – in practice the Moldovan govern- ship failed to rise to the occasion. ment’s steps toward Transnistria, however. In Instead, in this case, the Troika of the OSCE’s immediate and damage of OSCE assets” (Osce.org, MC.Del/31/17, Russia’s and the OSCE’s common terminology, Moldova past, present, and next chairmanships – , December 8). and Transnistria are co-equal “sides to the conflict,” while and , respectively – issued an equivocal statement, SMM’s own field reporting (which is veto-free, but not Russia (no belligerent) and the OSCE are “mediators.” For more preoccupied with conciliating Russia than with free of Russian scrutiny and budget-manipulation) makes its part, Tiraspol sent a message to the Vienna conference, speaking the truth. The German, Austrian, and Italian min- clear that its monitors are often shot at in the daytime and openly questioning the “vague, abstract idea of Moldova’s isters of foreign affairs declared in their joint concluding grounded at night, its drones often jammed and shot at, territorial integrity” with the argument that Transnistria is, statement: and its mandate (like that of all OSCE field missions) nego- after all, a recognized side to that conflict. “We would have preferred to reach consensus [with tiable year to year with a veto-wielding Russia. All this Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Galbur Russia] on a joint declaration on the OSCE’s response to helps explain the discrepancy between the chairmanships’ called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldova’s the crisis in and around Ukraine. Due to disagreement, in extremely cautious statement and the dire reality in the territory in his speech to the Vienna conference. Some del- particular, over a reference to the internationally recog- field. Moscow could remove the SMM (as it did remove two egations attempted to include this issue in the drafting of nized borders of Ukraine and the status of Crimea, this was OSCE field missions from Georgia – see Eurasia Daily concluding documents, but Russia vetoed it (Moldpres, not possible again this year. Nevertheless, we, together Monitor, July 1, 2009), but it is far preferable for Moscow to Kommersant. December 8, 9). with nearly all [sic] participating states, reaffirm our full have a half-effective SMM in place, rather than a potentially The OSCE as an organization is co-responsible for this respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial more robust mission independent of Russia. regular annual failure. The OSCE’s “decisions” (not legally, integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized The ministers’ Troika fails to mention the proposal for a but merely “politically” binding) at its 1999 Istanbul borders, and call on all the sides to accelerate the disen- United Nations-authorized peacekeeping operation in Summit had stipulated that Russia should withdraw its gagement process. We also stress the implementation of Ukraine’s Donbas, even though Moscow itself launched the Minsk agreements in their entirety” (Osce.org, MC. that proposal (Interfax, September 5) and is now negotiat- (Continued on page 7) Del/31/17, December 8). ing with Washington over that operation’s parameters. The No aggressor country, and not even the vetoing country, differences are profound, and the German-Austrian-Italian is named; the belligerents (aggressor and aggressed) concluding statement on the OSCE’s behalf evaded taking Canada adds Ukraine remain anonymous and are treated equidistantly as the sides by ignoring the issue. sides; the call for disengagement means from the frontline Russia, however, made its own preconditions starkly to Automatic Firearms within Ukraine, instead of withdrawal of Russian forces (or clear. Any U.N.-authorized peacekeeping mission in Donbas at least “foreign” forces as per the Minsk armistice) from could only operate as an adjunct to the OSCE’s SMM, Country Control List Ukraine’s east (Donbas) over that border. In the case of the escorting the latter and “in strict conformance with SMM’s Donbas, the Minsk armistice renders Ukraine’s territorial own mandate.” Proposals for a U.N. mission to exceed that UCC integrity, sovereignty and control of its border no longer an mandate “would be tantamount to an occupation adminis- OTTAWA – On December 13, Canada added Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL). The Department of Global Affairs stated that the inclusion of Ukraine in the AFFCCL “will U.S. official says upcoming deadline enable Canadian companies and individuals to apply for a permit to export certain prohibited firearms, weapons and devices to Ukraine. Each permit appli- for new Russian sanctions will be met cation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to sures that could impact energy companies doing deals in ensure its consistency with Canada’s international by Mike Eckel obligations and foreign policy and defense priorities.” RFE/RL Europe or, for example, with commercial ties to the Russian undersea pipeline project known as Nordstream 2. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland stated, WASHINGTON – A top U.S. State Department official said Mr. Mitchell told senators that the administration “I’m delighted to make this announcement today. The the administration was committed to meeting a February believed the pipeline was unwise for European energy addition of Ukraine to the AFCCL reflects the close ties deadline to specify new measures against Russia officials security, saying that it would concentrate 75 percent of our countries share. Canada and Canadians will contin- and influential businessmen for Moscow’s alleged med- Russian gas exports to Europe in one pipeline. ue to stand with the people of Ukraine and support dling in the 2016 election. “This is a political, not a commercial project,” he said. Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” The December 12 remarks by Wess Mitchell, assistant He said Germany’s continuing support for the pipeline The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) wel- secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, come was critical to the project’s future, and it was unclear comed the addition of Ukraine to the AFCCL. The UCC has advocated for the addition of Ukraine to the list amid doubts that President Donald Trump will fulfill the whether Chancellor Angela Merkel’s still-unformed gov- since June 2015, when the government of Canada sanctions that were backed by Congress in legislation ernment would pull its support. launched public consultations on the issue. passed earlier this year. “On energy security, Germany gets it wrong. And it gets “The addition of Ukraine to the AFCCL will provide After an October deadline was missed, Republican and it wrong in a way that hurts other EU and NATO member Ukraine with the opportunity to access state-of-the- Democratic senators pressed the Treasury Department and states, both financially and geopolitically,” he said. art Canadian-made equipment. These weapons will the White House to move forward on the measure. Mr. Mitchell also had praise for Ukraine, and the admin- contribute to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against istration of President Petro Poroshenko, on reforming the The next deadline is February 2, when the Treasury Russia’s ongoing invasion,” stated Paul Grod, national Department is supposed to release a list of Russian officials country’s regulatory oversight of energy markets, in partic- president of the UCC. and Kremlin-connected business leaders to be targeted for ular tariffs for natural gas supplies and pipeline transit. “The addition of Ukraine to the AFCCL is another restrictions. That could include limitations on financial But he also warned that further reforms were needed, important step in the strengthening of the defense, transactions with banks, real estate brokerages and other particularly with respect to state energy company Naftogaz. security and economic relationship between our two institutions. countries,” he underscored. Speaking to a panel of the Senate Foreign Relations Copyright 2017, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permis- The commercial export of prohibited firearms, Committee, Mr. Mitchell said the Trump administration sion of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut weapons and devices from Canada must be autho- was committed to meeting that deadline. Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see https:// rized in advance by an export permit issued by the The new legislation, called Countering America’s www.rferl.org/a/russia-sanctions-february-wess-mitchell- Minister of Foreign Affairs. Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, also includes mea- nordstream-ukraine-energy/28912541.html). 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53 No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Young UNA’ers

Nathan S. Bennett, son of Mark and Andrea Bennett of Valerie (left) and Melanie Dmytrijuk, daughters of Andrew and Natalie Dmytrijuk, are new members of Gaithersburg, Md., is a new member of UNA Branch 37. He UNA Branch 127. They were enrolled by Myroslawa and Wolodymyr Dmytrijuk. was enrolled by his grandparents George and Lesia Heimur. Do you have a young UNA’er, Mission Statement or potential young UNA’er in your family? The Ukrainian National Association exists: • to provide quality financial services • to promote the principles of fraternal- and products to its members. Call the UNA Home Office, ism; As a fraternal insurance society, the 973-292-9800, • to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian Ukrainian National Association reinvests American and Ukrainian Canadian heri- its earnings for the benefit of its members to find out how to enroll. tage and culture; and and the Ukrainian community.

Contact us: * 888-538-2833 Premier NiNeN

Also AvAilAble: select seven – 3.5%* stArter Five – 3.0%*

* First year rate. Second Year Rate – 3.0%. ANNUITIES All annuity rates are subject to change. Not available in all states Ukrainian National Association, inc.

2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 General Information: 800-253-9862 • Fax: 973-292-0900 www.UkrainianNationalAssociation.org facebook.com/UkrainianNationalAssociation 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

CHRISTMAS EPISTLE The Ukrainian Weekly The deadliest year Humanity is filled with a new joy The U.S. special envoy for Ukraine negotiations, Kurt Volker, and the European Nativity epistle of the Permanent Today, the star of Bethlehem illuminates Union’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, both warned this week that the sit- Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops the whole world with the light of God’s uation in eastern Ukraine has significantly deteriorated. Their warnings came a Beyond the Borders of Ukraine. great grace. week after the United Nations reported increased fighting in the Donbas between Today, heaven and earth sing the Angelic Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed “separatists,” saying it has result- To the beloved clergy and faithful of the song “Glory to God in the highest and on ed in more civilians deaths and “further aggravated a dire human rights and humani- Ukrainian Orthodox Church beyond the earth peace, good will among men.” tarian situation” as winter sets in. A total of 10,303 deaths related to the conflict Borders of Ukraine and on her native soil: Today, heaven makes peace with the have been recorded between April 14, 2014, and November 15, 2017. Christ is Born! earth, and God makes peace with man Ambassador Volker said on December 19 that 2017 has been the deadliest year By the grace of God, again this year we through the birth of the Son of God. since the conflict begun by Russian-backed militants started in April 2014. He added can celebrate the great mystery of our faith Today, as the angels rejoice in the heav- that the night of December 18 – when the village of Novoluhanske was attacked – – the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus ens and the darkness of night that covers “was one of the most violent nights, certainly since February, and possibly this year.” Christ, who “for us and for our salvation the earth is illuminated by the light of the The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported that eight civilians were came down from heaven and was incar- Bethlehem star, let us turn our hearts and injured. Some 50 houses, nine apartment buildings, a kindergarten, a school, a first- nate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary prayers to the Cave in Bethlehem so that aid station, and power and gas lines were damaged as a result of intense shelling. and became man.” (the Nicene Creed). All we can receive the blessing from the What’s more, Mr. Volker noted that the “massive escalation” came right after Russia creation was waiting for the arrival of the Newborn Christ, the Savior. had withdrawn from the Joint Center for Coordination and Control, which is charged Savior to redeem the human race from sin Let us open our hearts to the Newborn with “deconfliction” and implementation of the Minsk agreement. Speaking on and death, and to reconcile man with God. Savior so that He can be born in our heart December 20, a spokesperson for Ms. Mogherini reported that the positioning of Today, humanity, which was in the dark and live within us. forces near residential areas and “firing from or toward critical infrastructure shows Let the young child Jesus bless you and complete disrespect for peoples’ lives.” and dwelled in the kingdom of sin, death fill you with grace, calm, hope and spiritual Back in Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on and despair, is filled with a new joy “which joy. Let Him strengthen you spiritually and December 19 made it clear who is to blame for the escalation: “Russia and its prox- had not existed until now.” physically, and give you abundant strength ies are the source of violence in eastern Ukraine, and the Russian government con- Today, the prophecies of the prophets of to bear your earthly cross. Let us under- tinues to perpetuate an active conflict and humanitarian crisis through its leadership the Old Testament about the Savior and the and supply of military forces on the ground, as well as its direct control over proxy Messiah are fulfilled: “Behold the Virgin stand that from today we are not alone; we authorities. The conflict in eastern Ukraine is not an organic civil war. The so-called shall conceive and bear a Son, and you shall are not abandoned; we are not orphans. ‘republics’ that Russia created are not legitimate entities.” call His name Immanuel,” which is translat- God is with us! Thankfully, there was also some good news. ed, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). The Lord Once again, we greet you on the Great Both Canada and the United States have given the green light to weapons pur- sends redemption to His people (Psalm Feast of the Nativity of Christ and prayer- chases by Ukraine. Canada added Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms Country 110:9). The salvation of the human race fully wish that the Lord grants you a new Control List on December 13, allowing Canadian companies and individuals to apply cannot be achieved by human forces, and year, 2018, filled with peace and blessings for a permit to export certain firearms, weapons and devices to Ukraine. That same for this reason it is necessary for God to from Him. day, the U.S. made a similar decision, which was not made public until a week later come into the world. Christ is Born! Let us glorify Him! when the State Department announced it had approved an export license for Today, the heart of all of us is filled with With archpastoral blessings, Ukraine to buy certain types of light weapons and small arms from U.S. manufactur- great joy because the Savior, who came into ers. To be sure, this is not the same as the U.S. supplying Ukraine with lethal defen- the world to give Himself up for us, is born. + Yurij, Metropolitan sive weapons, but it is a step in the right direction. Indeed, Gen. Joseph Dunford, Today, in Bethlehem of Judea, the only Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had recommended earlier this year that the U.S. One who is able to grant salvation to all provide such weapons to help Ukraine “protect [its] sovereignty.” mankind, to cleanse us from our sins and + Antony, Metropolitan Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. to defeat death, is born. Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora Today, He is born in a lowly manger because there is no room for Him among + Jeremiah, Archbishop His people. Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Dec. Turning the pages back... Today, the eternal God, born as a small South America Eparchy Child, enters the world to grant us salva- + Daniel, Archbishop Seventy-five years ago, on December 30, 1942, widely known tion. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. newspaper columnist and radio commentator Boake Carter had Today, the Savior is born of the Virgin 30 Mary to bring us the unearthly spiritual joy Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora one of his columns appear in various newspapers throughout 1942 the United States. of the Incarnation. The Lord becomes like + Ilarion, Bishop Mr. Carter noted: one of us; He becomes like us but without Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada “I have had drawn to my attention a matter which is of consid- sin. erable importance when contemplating the European picture as a whole, the matter of God eternal is born today! + Andriy, Bishop Ukraine. From heaven comes the One, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada “The average American, I would venture to say 99½ percent of all Americans consider Who shall save humanity Ukraine as a Russian province. The truth is quite the opposite. And it is worth noting a few And for this, rejoice! facts about Ukraina (as the citizens of this territory prefer their land to be known and Today, the Son of God called), inasmuch as it is the bone of contention in this conflict between Germany and becomes the Son of man, Russia… receives human flesh “The language of Ukraina is not a Russian dialect. Ukraina has a long history, and pos- through the Incarnation in sesses literature and traditions of her own. Modern Ukraine was born in the throes of the the person of the Newborn Kozak Revolution of 1648. Christ. Divine and human “The Ukrainians are not Russians. They speak their own language. Once she was an inde- nature are united uncon- pendent nation. Under Bohdan Khmelnytsky, hetman of Ukraina, the country made a treaty fusedly, inconvertibly, indi- with Russia for protection against Polish and Turkish invasions and plunder expeditions. visibly, inseparably. “Russia later forcibly annexed Ukraina against her will, one of those cases where the Today, God is humbled in protector turned out to be wolf, but the Ukrainian spirit never died. The Ukrainians still the person of the Newborn hope to restore their independence and freedom. Christ, the Savior. As the “Such an opportunity came in 1918, but not possessing a strong army to defend herself, Apostle Paul writes: “He Ukraina was overrun by the Bolshevik army… made Himself of no reputa- “Then came the outbreak of war again in 1939. Germany wants Ukraina as a colony, tion, taking the form of a and for the time being has control of her people. Russia wants Ukraina to stay as she was. bondservant, and coming in The Ukrainians want their country totally independent from all tyrants. the likeness of man” “But, as one Ukrainian has put it to me, ‘I am wondering how the Atlantic Charter will (Philippians 2:7). work in our case – since Russia is a member of the United Nations!’ And he continues, Today, God descends to ‘although Roosevelt-Churchill proclaimed new hope of the enslaved nations, Ukraina could earth to give us the oppor- not be set free from Russia.’ According to Paragraph 3 of the Atlantic Charter, Ukraina has tunity to be deified so that little hope because Paragraph 2 will not allow this (‘territorial changes without consent of our bodies can become the people [Russians] concerned.’) fight for their freedom because Paragraph 8 forbids it! temples of the Holy Spirit “… It is to be doubted that Ukraina will obtain her independence after the war, as through His grace. undoubtedly she should do if the Atlantic Charter is to be an honest document of honest Today, God lowers intentions. And it is equally obvious that it’s neither.” Himself so that we can Mr. Carter argued that if Great Britain and the U.S. pressed earnestly to render justice raise-up ourselves to under the terms of the Atlantic Charter, the Anglo-Saxon people would be obliged to become children of God “Children Carolers” (by Erica Slutsky, 1994) on a card (Continued on page 24) through His grace. published by the Ukrainian National Association. No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Plast youngsters’ good deed at Soyuzivka The fate of books One of the secondary lessons of the write your name on the fly-leaf, noting Putin regime’s persecution of the head where and when you purchased it. It librarian at the Ukrainian library in becomes a memento of what you were Moscow, which began in 2015 and culmi- reading, thinking, feeling and doing at a nated in her conviction last June, is the con- certain time and place. On the hot June day tinued importance of the printed book. on which I graduated from high school, I This is also evident in the success of the dared to spend $5 at a Berkeley bookstore Lviv Publishers’ Forum, held every on a thick Argentine edition of Federico September, which displays the extraordi- García Lorca, with reproductions of the nary variety and quality of Ukrainian book poet’s own illustrations. It was my compan- publishing. And though we see the elec- ion throughout a lonely, lovelorn summer. tronic “book” everywhere now, the printed In the depths of existential anguish a few book is likely to remain, just as the hand- days before I was to board a train for the written note has survived alongside the East Coast and college, I bought a volume typewritten letter and the e-mail. of Rilke’s “Duino Elegies.” Nearly half a cen- There is something comforting about a tury later it sits, as I write, on a shelf just a Anya Nawrocky wall of books – all that information, knowl- few steps away. Marko Skoratko, Zoryana Popadynec and Kalyna Konrad at their lemonade stand edge and wisdom, all those thoughts and As every philologist knows, marginalia fund-raiser for a new swing at Soyuzivka. feelings, stories and histories, waiting to be can tell you a great deal about a reader’s explored. As an undergraduate, I would thinking. The tome you pick up in a second- Dear Editor: tising and running a lemonade stand, with peer admiringly at the cramped book-lined hand shop in a university town may bear the the goal of raising enough money to buy a professors’ offices in Berkeley’s Dwinelle signature of a famous scholar, or perhaps a One weekend this past summer saw a new swing for the Soyuzivka playground. lemonade stand appear in Soyuzivka’s Hall. Gradually, I filled two walls of shelves fancy ex libris, along with revealing nota- Their sale on July 7-8 raised over $125. at my parents’ home, supplementing their tions throughout the text. Used books have Main House lobby; it was set up and run by A new swing was ordered and has been books with my undergraduate texts. Not their histories too: I once owned an exquisite three Plast cub scouts: “novachky” Kalyna installed at the playground. In addition, a that I read them all. But the thought that at 1883 English manual of homeopathy that Konrad, age 7, and Zoryana Popadynec, 6, small contribution was made using remain- any moment I could take down a volume of someone had bought in , which and “novak” Marko Skoratko, 7. ing funds towards repair of the fence sur- Aeschylus or Sophocles, Horace or Vergil, somehow made its way to San Francisco. While their younger siblings were taking rounding the Soyuzivka kiddie pool. Molière or Racine, Cervantes, Pascal or A book can be a precious work of art. part in “Tabir Ptashat” (the Plast day camp Sincere thanks to the staff at Soyuzivka, Balzac and plunge into another world, was Among my lost volumes was an enormous for children age 4-6 held at Soyuzivka since and especially Maya Lew, Stefko Drabyk deliciously exciting. Perhaps in old age, I facsimile, given to me by a generous uncle, 1989), these three “ptashata” alums spent and chef Andrey Sonevytsky, for their sup- would return to these books as to old of William Morris’ Kelmscott Chaucer. It their days roaming the grounds and play- port and assistance. friends waiting to renew our acquaintance. was not something you’d actually read from ing. They soon noticed that a tandem swing To the patrons of the lemonade stand, This was not to be. When my parents cover to cover. True bibliophiles, I once they had enjoyed riding last year at the thank you for making this kids’ initiative a downsized to a condominium, one of the heard, do not read the books they collect. playground was now out of commission. success! movers, no doubt moved by the prospect of But isn’t this wasteful? Was it not by Disappointed but undeterred, they chan- Larysa Smarsh an elderly couple overwhelmed by the stress some cosmic justice that I lost the books I neled their energy into organizing, adver- Brooklyn, N.Y. of packing up the accumulations of a life- hadn’t read? No doubt they have found time, took pity and offered to relieve them of more deserving owners. Besides, what I those cumbersome tomes. Thus disap- retain is more than enough for the paltry peared close to half my books. (A few years remainder of a lifetime. No individual, after later I met this individual. He cheerfully all, needs a library like that of the recounted how he regularly sold his booty to Benedictine Abbey of Melk in Austria, the second-hand dealers on the East Coast.) contents of which, the tour guide claims, it For the next 10 years or so, I thought would take several lifetimes to read. about those books nearly every day, and But even if you read all your books, is it not just collectively, but individually. not vanity to hoard them? In a wistful Fortunately, nearly all my Ukrainian books reflection, theologian David Bentley Hart, were saved. But this was not my first loss. who lost nearly all of his 20,000-volume In Italy, a friend had offered to have my library, thinks it is (“From A Vanished continental acquisitions shipped home Library,” First Things, April 2017). If you from Naples. Those familiar with the ways want to dispose of your books, or are sim- of that great city will not be surprised to ply out of shelf space, you can send them to hear that I never saw them again. Then Ukraine (see Peter J. Piaseckyj, “Info about there were the books I lent to friends, donating your books,” The Ukrainian which few ever returned. This may be Weekly, May 19, 2017). creepy, but after more than 30 years I still Not everyone understands the biblio- remember which books I lent to whom. It is phile. The wife of the Russian theologian particularly distressing to see books sepa- Georges Florovsky reportedly said her hus- rated from their sets, as if from siblings: band had two vices – tobacco and books – somehow, I am left with only two of the and both were filth. Once in a fit of pique, I four volumes of Theophil Hornykiewicz’s am told, the spouse of a well-known Renata Konrad “Events in Ukraine, 1914-1922.” Worse yet, Ukrainian professor simply tossed his Kalyna Konrad and Zoryana Popadynec proudly wrap-up their lemonade stand at I had the bright idea of preserving a 1919 books out the window. Soyuzivka with a thank-you to their patrons and a report on the fund-raiser’s results. photo of my grandfather by inserting it into But if the Argentine writer – and blind one of the volumes now lost. librarian – Jorge Luis Borges is right, the If, dear reader, you should find any of true bibliophile need not despair. He imag- quietly dropped the issue from those docu- these in a used bookstore – for they are ined Paradise as – a library. ments in order – as OSCE officials privately OSCE’s... inscribed with my name – do let me know. explained – to avoid exposing the organiza- (Continued from page 3) No questions asked. For owning a book is a tion as incapable of enforcing its own reso- Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at sentimental matter, from the moment you [email protected]. forces from Moldova, fully and transparent- lutions. But this is actually the case, even ly, within three years. In 2002, however, the when Russia accepts a decision in order to sabotage it later, let alone when Russia OSCE’s ministerial conference granted The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a Russia an extension of one year, and (at vetoes decisions from the outset. variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian Russia’s insistence) added some prerequi- communities, as well as the Ukrainian diaspora. Opinions expressed by colum- sites to the troops’ withdrawal that Russia The article above is reprinted from nists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily could and did interpret at will. Faced with Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Russia’s noncompliance again in 2003, the its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Ukrainian National Association. OSCE’s ministerial conference that year www.jamestown.org. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

NEWS AND VIEWS Victims of Communism centennial commemoration: “Reflections on a Ravaged Century”

by Jaroslaw Martyniuk Organized by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation on November 8-9, the conference “Reflections on a Ravaged Century” at the Library of Congress featured an array of distinguished speakers and moderators. Below are some takeaways that struck me as relevant to the Ukrainian diaspora. However, with eight panels and about 35 prominent speakers, it’s difficult to be all-inclusive in the space of this article. For Ukrainians, this conference should have been a signifi- cant event. Ukraine was often mentioned, and the Holodomor and genocide against the Ukrainian people were presented as one of the most egregious examples of communism’s evil deeds. Official representatives from many countries ravaged by communism were present, however, apart from Paula Dobriansky, one of the panelists, and this author, there were no representatives from the Ukrainian community. If there was a single message to take away from the confer- VOC Memorial Foundation ence it was that 100 years of communism produced 100 mil- During the panel on Soviet totalitarianism, (from left) are: Natan Sharansky, Israeli statesman and former Soviet lion dead and a generation of young people know nothing political prisoner; Joshua Rubinstein, scholar of Soviet literature and politics; Martin Paoluš, former Czech ambas- about it. Moreover, recent polls by the Victims of Communism sador to the U.S.; Dr. F. Flagg Taylor IV, Skidmore College (moderator); and Dr. Paula Dobriansky, Harvard foundation and the Pew Research Center showed that half Kennedy School. of the millennials would like to see socialism in the U.S. 4. Communists delivered on promises to people. A Hoover Fellow and the executive producer of “Women Vladimir Kara-Murza, a noted Russian pro-democracy (Everywhere, they failed utterly and completely.) in the Gulag” (which was screened on the eve of the confer- activist, said that in the November 25, 1917, Russian elec- 5. Stalin, the great dictator, was the first to use unlimited ence), Dr. Paul Gregory pointed out that while the Soviet tions, the Bolshevik party got only 22 percent of the vote. The terror. (Lenin was the first.) Union may have collapsed, communism did not die. Many elections were won by Social Democrats and Constitutional 6. There are no more Communist countries. (China is of its ideas are alive at our universities and political life in Democrats, but Bolsheviks took power by force, and on ruled by a 90-million-strong Communist Party.) the form of the progressive movement. A fellow Hoover November 28 declared all parties as “enemies of the people.” 7. Nazism was responsible for more deaths than com- colleague, Dr. Russell Roberts revealed that over half the Parliamentary democracy was abolished, ending representa- munism. (The numbers indicate otherwise: Communists Millennials today would like to live under socialism, and tional government in Russia for seven decades. The killed about 10 times as many as the Nazis.) many believe that it’s a better idea than capitalism. Victims Bolsheviks called for a complete overthrow of the system, During a question and answer session, Anna Maria of Communism and Pew Research surveys indicate that which led to the collectivization of agriculture and eventually Anders, the Polish senator, state secretary and the daugh- half of the people age 18-29 have a positive view of social- the annihilation of well over 30 million people – one-fifth ter of Polish hero Wladyslaw Anders, expressed shock at ism, compared to 43 percent who hold a negative view. A of the population of the Soviet Union at the time. the alarming level of ignorance about communism in the Pew poll among similar age groups showed strong support Lenin used Marxism to give himself credibility and to United States. The Millennials know next to nothing about for socialism and found that 45 percent would like to see persuade the population of his regime’s legitimacy. the legacy of communism because the vast majority of aca- socialism in the U.S., while another 21 percent would vote According to Dr. A. James McAdams of the University of demics are progressives who don’t think it’s worth teach- for a Communist candidate. Notre Dame, “The Communist Manifesto” provided ways of ing. “Let’s not resurrect unpleasant facts about the past,” is Vytautas Landsbergis, former president of Lithuania, looking at the world differently and the ability to manipu- a typical response by such academics; or as Dr. Jonathan asked: “What is it that makes us human?” Memory, of late revolutionary movements. It offered three new ideas: Brent of Bard College noted, “We have to be very careful, so course, makes us human he said, and “the greatest damage (1) a conviction that the Communist Party was involved in we don’t indulge in commie-bashing.” done by communism was the destruction of memory. Drs. a heroic struggle, (2) a sense of belonging for its members, Dr. Dobriansky of the Harvard Kennedy School remind- Andrei Illarionov (Cato Institute) and Frank Dikotter and (3) a vision of themselves as agents in a struggle for a ed the gathering that its mission must be to educate future (University of Hong Kong) expounded on the subject of better world. Socialism promises that there will be no rich generations. In the past, the U.S. has led the fight against memory and truth. Communism was an ideology of terror, people and no poor people; everyone will be the same. communism through policies pursued under President and secret police were part of every Communist regime Everywhere the slogans “social justice” and “equality” have Ronald Reagan, which included increased funding of orga- from 1917 to 1991. In the Soviet Union, excluding war been the same, except the labels of those proclaiming them nizations such as the National Endowment for Democracy casualties, best estimates yield 36 million dead. The sheer have changed. Today they have been appropriated by pro- and international broadcasters like Radio Free Europe and size of crimes everywhere, from Ukraine to Cuba, is mind- gressives in the U.S. Using the “duck” metaphor Dr. Radio Liberty. boggling, yet no one has been held accountable. At the McAdams said, “if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, In panels addressing Soviet totalitarianism and imperial- same time, Russia today is resurrecting the legacy of Stalin it must be communism.” ism, Dr. Alan Charles Kors, a scholar of European intellectual as a “great leader.” Dr. Lee Edwards, the co-founder and chairman of the history, remarked that in communism the worst elements rise Dr. Dikotter, a specialist on the history of Chinese com- Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, in his keynote to the top. The system attracts the most ruthless in society, munism, noted that historical amnesia in China (45 million address, elucidated seven common myths about communism: and those who disagree are systematically killed or starved victims during the Great Leap Forward) had reached an 1. Communism has failed because it had never been into oblivion. It is no accident that “communism surpassed unprecedented scale. “Truth and memory in China have tried. (In fact, it has been tried numerous times, and it exponentially all other systems in turning out the dead.” not been allowed to flower, and even in Hong Kong, there always failed.) When asked whether the Soviet Union sought a world are attempts to impose cultural amnesia on the popula- 2. Marx was one of the great thinkers of the 19th centu- revolution, Dr. Jeremy Friedman of the Harvard Business tion.” In 2012, Xi Jinping declared state archives closed to ry. (His writings were dense and often incomprehensible.) School responded with a clear “yes.” The Soviets had fran- researchers and accused historians of cultural nihilism. 3. The Russian people enthusiastically supported the chises all over the world: Afghanistan, Angola, Cuba, Egypt, Among Western academics, Dr. Dikotter explained, we have revolution. (Only 5 percent of workers belonged to the Ethiopia, Indonesia, Vietnam and many other places. All the politics of apologia. Attempts to salvage the Cultural Communist Party.) these pointed to Soviet Union’s imperialistic ambitions. Revolution are shocking for their brazenness. Moreover, all Communist parties were closely linked to and Elena Zhemkova, director of the Russian Memorial Ukrainian-born, Jaroslaw Martyniuk grew up in Chicago. funded by Moscow – “The cash always came from Moscow.” Society, stated that fear in Russia is deep-rooted, a legacy of In 1979 he was appointed principal administrator at the Dr. Harvey Klehr, a scholar of American communism, communism where the memory of Stalin is still vivid. “You International Energy Agency/Organization for Economic asserted that in the U.S., the communist virus infected do not have to arrest all, just a few, and the rest will fall in Cooperation and Development in Paris and in the mid- intellectuals and professors at many of our best universi- line. Distrust is widespread, as is xenophobia.” This creates a 1908s he joined the Soviet Area Audience and Opinion ties and many penetrated the U.S. government bureaucra- dual mentality, leading to widespread cynicism and destruc- Research office in Paris, a unit of Radio Liberty. In 1995 he cy. Archives identified 500 individuals in the U.S. govern- tion of the moral consciousness of the people. Russia is a moved to Washington, where he continued conducting spe- ment working as agents for the Soviet Union during and country with an unpredictable past. David Satter of the cialized research for the international broadcasters until he after World War II, 350 by actual name and 150 by code Hudson Institute remarked that until Russia resurrects the retired in 2011. He is the author of the soon-to-be-released names. Actions by these Communist sympathizers allowed past and adopts Western values, the country will never “Monte Rosa: Memoir of an Accidental Spy.” the Soviet Union to develop the atom bomb. emerge from the cycle of destructive dictatorship.

were “senior, retired [Russian] General Staff, was released from military service in 2010. celebrating Orenburg Cossacks. Bellingcat... experienced generals” there. Mr. Girkin said After his retirement, however, he served that Delfin was “some kind of general” who is in 2011-2012 as a military adviser to the Copyright 2017, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted (Continued from page 2) no longer involved in the conflict in Ukraine. government of Syria. After his return, he with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ was shot down. Gen. Tkachyov told Bellingcat/Insider that was assigned to the Central Military District Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Contacted in connection with the he was not in Ukraine in 2014 and had not and based in Yekaterinburg. Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see Bellingcat/Insider report, Mr. Girkin con- left the Urals city of Yekaterinburg since 2012. In May 2014, he attended the Victory https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- firmed that a base was established in Gen. Tkachyov, 68, is a decorated veteran Day parade in Yekaterinburg. He appeared mh17-bellingcat-report-senior-general-fig- Krasnodon in early July 2014 and that there of both Russian campaigns in Chechnya. He again in public in August 2014 at an event ure-of-interest/28904893.html). No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 9 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Boston parish marks 110th anniversary by Peter T. Woloschuk members of the Fourth Wave, Father Nalysnyk gave a brief overview of the histo- JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass. – The parishio- ry of the parish, pointing out that “Our ear- ners of Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic liest pioneers who came to Boston, for the Parish of Boston celebrated the 110th anni- most part, were young people who had versary of the canonical erection of their decided to seek a better life in America.” parish by Bishop Soter Ortynsky of “They left behind their families and the Philadelphia in 1907 with a pontifical lives that they knew,” Father Nalysnyk said, divine liturgy followed by a luncheon in the “and came to this country with very little. parish center on Sunday, October 29, which However, they were hard workers and they was also celebrated by the church as the had faith in themselves and in God, and Feast of Christ the King. they never forgot their homeland: Ukraine.” The festivities began at 10 a.m. with the “Although they had little formal educa- celebration of the liturgy in the packed tion, they had strong faith, and as practicing church by Christ the King’s pastor, the Very Ukrainian Catholics they sought each other Rev. Dr. Yaroslav Nalysnyk, which was offered out, banded together, and sent letters to Nadiya Kravchuk for the parish, for all parishioners both liv- Philadelphia asking that a Ukrainian priest ing and deceased, as well as for Ukraine. come to Boston to say the liturgy for them as Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church of Boston. During his homily, which was given early as 1893,” Father Nalysnyk continued. one of us not only to maintain what we Vintoniv concluded the brief program by entirely in Ukrainian since most of the “And they did not stop,” he noted. “After parishioners attending the liturgy were have in Boston but to build upon it for playing “Ukrayinska Dumka No.1.” the first Ukrainian liturgy in Boston in 1894, future generations yet to come.” At the end of the program Father it took another 13 years before a parish was At the conclusion of the liturgy the pas- Nalysnyk again took the microphone and formally established and then another tor asked all parishioners who had brought thanked all those who participated in day’s seven before they were able to buy a church religious articles to come forward and he celebration. He asked everyone to stand building with a hall to finally anchor both spent time blessing each one individually. and sing “Mnohaya Lita” for all those who their religious and community life.” Some 150 parishioners gathered after- had a hand in planning and running the “Within a decade and a half the parish wards in the parish center for a brief pro- luncheon. boasted several brotherhoods and sister- gram and catered buffet luncheon. The Boston’s first Ukrainian liturgy was cele- hoods, a Rosary Society, a Sacred Heart afternoon began with Father Nalysnyk brated in St. Leonard’s Italian Church, Society, a Saturday school, two choirs, a dra- reciting a prayer of Thanksgiving for the which is staffed by the Franciscans, in the matic society, a marching band, and a club of ongoing life of the parish and then pro- late fall of 1894 with a priest coming from young Ukrainian Americans,” Father nouncing grace. He was followed by mem- Connecticut for it. The church is located in Nalysnyk related. bers of the parish choir under the direction Boston’s North End, which was a major “Over the years the parish continued to of Neal Raymond who sang “Otche Nash” point of settlement for Ukrainians at the develop in spite of a number of obstacles (Our Father). time. St. Leonard’s remained the focal point, that at times threatened its very existence, The program also included performanc- and, at first, priests only came several times but people persevered and the parish is in es by pianists Sophia Syneiko and Adriana a year. Before the turn of the century they very good shape today,” Father Nalysnyk Priadko, a vocal ensemble composed of The Very Rev. Dr. Yaroslav Nalysnyk said, adding. “It is now up to each and every younger children from the parish. Myroslav (Continued on page 24) Los Angeles center’s program focuses on the great daughter of Ukraine, Lesia Ukrainka

by Luba Poniatyszyn Keske were treated to “high tea” consisting of fla- vorful teas and coffee, savory canapes and LOS ANGELES – The Ukrainian Art Center delicious home baked scones and other of Los Angeles presented an original bilin- delectable sweets. When everyone had set- gual dramatic play titled “Majestic Woman – tled in, the president of the Ukrainian Art Lesia Ukrainka” at the beautifully restored Center, Daria Chaikovsky, briefly greeted Ukrainian Culture Center on October 22. Ukrainian and American guests to the cen- The play was written in Ukrainian by the ter’s first major stage production dedicated artistic director, Victoria Kuzina, and trans- to Lesia Ukrainka, the foremost woman lated into English by Luba Keske, who also writer in Ukrainian literature. served as the English-language narrator. Born Larysa Kosach on February 25, Asya Gorska, who partnered with Ms. 1871, in the Volyn region of Ukraine, she Kuzina on the creative elements of the play, was the oldest of six children born to well- narrated in Ukrainian. off intellectuals. Because the schools were That Sunday afternoon, arriving guests Russified, Lesia and her siblings were

Victor Makohonenko The board of the Ukrainian Art Center of Los Angeles (from left): Julia Michaels, Olenka Krupa, Luda Wussek, Daria Chaikovsky, Luba Poniatyszyn Keske, Deanna Stetzenko Boulton, Lyalya Lisowska, Zoryana Keske and Olga Starow. home-schooled by their mother, Olena 12, Lesia was struck by a devastating illness Pchilka, a writer in her own right. – tuberculosis of the bone – that eventually Ms. Chaikovsky then introduced three spread throughout her body and took her priests who together sang the invocation life when she was only 43 years old. Despite and blessed the food: Father Vasyl Shtelen, this debilitating disease, her spirit was pastor of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox unstoppable, and her endearing Ukrainian Church, Father Ihor Koshyk, pastor of heart and soul longed for freedom for her Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary people and native land. She continued to Ukrainian Catholic Church and Father Yurij write and in 1912, even at the height of her Shakh of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. illness and burning with fever, she wrote the The play, starring Halyna Stadnyk as drama “Lisova Pisnia” (“Forest Song”), one Lesia Ukrainka, presented the life of this of her most famous works. majestic woman through narration, poetry, Ukrainka travelled to distant lands – music, interpretative dance and film. Crimea, the Caucasus, Germany, Italy and Integrating these media, the writer wove Egypt – seeking a cure for her painful ill- the story of Ukrainka’s life as a gifted writer ness. Sadly, she did not find a cure, but she Maxim Kuzin of poems, prose, short stories and music, did find love. Halyna Stadnyk in the role of Lesia Ukrainka in the dramatic presentation “Majestic and as a linguist and translator of classics Woman – Lesia Ukrainka.” into her native . At age (Continued on page 24) No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 11

The Executive Committee 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! Let’s Glorify Him!

ПЛАСТ Українська Скавтська Організація в США

З радісним празником Різдва Христового Крайова Пластова Старшина та Рада в Америці вітають проводи Головної Пластової Ради і Головної Пластової Булави, Крайову Пластову Старшину в Україні та в усіх країнах, де діє Пласт. Рівнож вітаємо усіх пластунів, розкинених по світі, та весь український народ на рідних землях і в діяспорі.

Вітaєм з Різдвом, з Новим роком вітaєм! Бaжaєм вaм щaстя, здоров’я бaжaєм! Хaй серце рaдіє, душa хaй співaє, А нaстрій святковий весь рік не зникaє! ХРИСТОС РОДИВСЯ! СЛАВІМО ЙОГО! 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53 No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 13

Радісних Свят Merry Christmas Різдва Христового і and Щасливого Нового Року a Happy New Year

родині, приятелям, знайомим, to family and friends, Головному Урядові УНСоюзу, members of the UNA General Assembly, працівникам та всім секретарям Відділів Branch Secretaries, and all UNA employees. щиро бажають Yuriy and Nataliya СТЕФАН і СВЯТОСЛАВА Symczyk КАЧАРАЇ з родиною

May peace ­ ll your home, Радісних Свят Різдва Христового may joy ­ ll your heart, and may God’s love ­ ll your life та Щасливого Нового Року this Christmas. бажаємо Вам і Ваші родині.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas Богдана, Богдан і Александер Пужик and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

John, Olya and Marko Czerkas

З Різдвом Христовим Wishing і Новим Роком пересилаю сердечні поздоровлення усім a very Merry Christmas моїм друзям, приятелям та знайомим, and усьому дорогому українському народові в Україні та у всьому світі. a Happy New Year Бажаю кріпкого здоров’я, щастя, сили та Божого благословення у праці на добро to all my family and friends. і процвітання рідної України. Myron Kolinsky МИРОСЛАВА МИРОШНИЧЕНКО

СТАНИЧНА СТАРШИНА ПЛАСТОВОЇ СТАНИЦІ В НЬЮ-ЙОРКУ

бажає вітають родину, приятелів і знайомих УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ ГРОМАДІ, ПЛАСТОВІЙ ФУНДАЦІЇ, ЗЕНОН, ДОЗЯ і ВІКА КРІСЛАТІ СВОЇМ ЖЕРТВОДАВЦЯМ ТА УСІМ ПЛАСТУНАМ І ПРИЯТЕЛЯМ ПЛАСТУ та засилають наищиріші святочні побажання всій родині ВЕСЕЛИХ СВЯТ на рідній Батьківщині та всім ближчим і дальшим друзям. ТА ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! СЛАВІТЕ ЙОГО! www.plastnyc.org Клівленд, Огайо Cleveland, Ohio 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

Iryna Yatsyshyn Four waves of immigrants to the United States are represented. Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk extends greetings and a blessing. Four waves of Ukrainian immigration celebrate Ukrainian National Museum’s 65th anniversary

by Oryna Hrushetsky CHICAGO – When Lydia Tkaczuk, Marijka Klimchak and Orysia Kourbatov request your help, you just can’t say no. They are president, curator and adminis- trator, respectively, at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago – a beaming bastion of pride for Ukrainian Americans. These tireless women nurture and perpetu- ally enhance it as if it were their only child. So, when they told me they were planning a 65th anniversary gala showcasing Ukrainian immigration through music and asked me to MC, I just asked: “where, when and what do I wear?” On October 5, at 6 p.m. “Ukrainian time” (about an hour later, which our cocktail-sip- ping guests didn’t seem to notice) Ms. Tkaczuk welcomed a full house of convivial museum patrons. She recounted how, from a few letters, books, magazines, photos and Lydia Tkaczuk, president of the Ukrainian rare documents of historic value, a museum National Museum, addresses the anniver- was born, thanks to the foresight and pas- sary gala. The Ukrainian National Museum committee and performers at the gala. sion of Oleksa Hankewych, Orest Horodysky, Julian Kamenetsky and financier Dr. bandurist Ivan Shmilo and I executed Ms. skilled, literate immigrants escaping the – the Holodomor of 1932-1933. Never Miroslav Simenovych. That was in 1952. Klimchak’s musical vision by sharing a bit chaos of post-World War I Ukraine and allowing the world to forget this genocide Today the museum is home to over of background about each immigrant wave, arriving between 1920-1939, Mr. Shmilo was one of the most heartfelt ambitions of 10,000 items – including: 17th- 20th centu- then introducing the performances that passionately strummed “Hey U Luzi the third wave of professionals and intellec- ry rare maps; numismatic and philatelic represented their journeys. Chervona Kalyna,” march of the Sichovi tuals who immigrated after World War II. collections that include a ninth century sil- As we described the first wave of eco- Striltsi freedom fighters, which it seems Talented performers Maria Fedachtchin, Mr. ver hryvnia; sabers, helmets, badges and nomic immigrations who arrived between every Ukrainian can hum, if not sing, with Klimchak, Halyna Parasiuk, and Orysia and medals of 17th century Kozak hetmans; a 1870-1914, a slide show of these peasant patriotic flair. The two second wave guests Kostia Kourbatov described and depicted Holodomor genocide exhibit; Archbishop farmers flashed on the screen. Invited into among us were honored with hearty the patriotic and talented activists and art- Andrey Sheptytsky’s religious objects; arti- the spotlight were Josyp and Oksana applause. The top tier dance band ists who arrived between 1948 and 1955. facts from displaced persons camps; expan- Mikolyash, who recited poetry from the era, Rendezvous played, and internationally Among them was humorist Mykola sive pysanka and embroidery collections; and dancers Anna Rosinska and Andriy touring Hromovytsia ensemble members, Ponedilok, whom Josyp Mikolyash chan- and American-Ukrainian veterans war Khomzyak, who demonstrated their intri- led by Roksana Dykyj Pylypczak and Danusia neled with wit and zany slapstick in a hilari- memorabilia. And that’s just the permanent cate footwork with the ease of an authentic Wasylyshyn, danced the Charleston, evoking ous skit about the author’s first day in collection. Non-stop events at the museum Hutsul couple. Mikhajlo Klimchak also read the joys of Jazz Age assimilation. America. include art and ethnography exhibits, film a letter from Metropolitan Sylvester As the dancers left the spotlight, Mr. When I asked all the members of this screenings, musical and poetry perfor- Sembratovych written to immigrants who Shmilo’s bandura mournfully extinguished wave to stand, more than half of the gala mances, and even yoga classes. in the 1880s requested that clergy be sent our short-lived elation, and I recited an guests were on their feet, basking in Once Ms. Tkaczuk had brought us up to to their small settlement. excruciatingly painful poem paying homage applause – including my mother, Halyna. I speed on the museum’s history, renowned To introduce the second wave of semi- to the millions of victims of Stalin’s atrocity was wearing the embroidered dress she per- formed in with a Ukrainian Women’s League trio in the early 1970s. I was especially proud to honor her entire generation for their fervid lifelong activism in the Ukrainian community, and to thank them for the robust cultural heritage they passed on to us. These women and men funded, patron- ized, volunteered at and introduced their children to the Ukrainian National Museum, as well dozens of other institu- tions, including the vibrant youth organiza- tions SUM, ODUM and Plast [Ukrainian American Youth Association, Ukrainian Democratic Youth Association and Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization] members of which took turns singing their hymns with gusto. Song spilled into the tango, ele- gantly executed by Valia and Mykola Masters of ceremonies Oryna Hrushetsky Hromovytsia dances the Charleston. and Ivan Shmilo. (Continued on page 15) No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 15 Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit celebrates grand opening

by Ksenia Rychtycka (honorary consul-general of Ukraine); Yuki Sakai (deputy consul-general of Japan); and HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Two days of cele- Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski, who bration marked the much-awaited grand won her fourth term in a stunning victory opening of the Ukrainian American earlier that week. Archives and Museum of Detroit (UAAM) at Led by Metropolitan Stefan, all the clergy its new location in the heart of Hamtramck present bestowed a blessing in unison, on November 11-12. The spacious muse- which was then followed by a rousing ren- um, containing more than 13,500 square dition of “Mnohaya Lita.” Participating in feet, was packed with dignitaries, artists the ribbon cutting were Mayor Majewski; and art lovers, who gathered for the rib- George Stasiw, board president; and Dr. bon-cutting and official opening ceremony. Alexander Serafyn, honorary co-chair. Dr. Perhaps Crain’s Detroit Business helped Serafyn has long ties to the museum and draw in some locals as the museum cele- served a leadership role in earlier years, as bration made the top five in the “10 things did Dr. Mykola Hryhorczuk, the event’s to do this weekend” column. In addition, other honorary co-chair. the Hamtramck Review featured an excel- Opening remarks by Mr. Stasiw focused lent in-depth interview with Dr. Nadia on the importance of the entire Ukrainian Juzych, co-chair and board secretary. community’s involvement with the UAAM The list of distinguished guests who as the museum serves a vital role not only came from both near and far to mark the for the Ukrainian community, but for the momentous occasion included: Bishop community at large, by showcasing its Benedict Aleksiychuk (Eparchy of St. unique culture and enduring spirit, and Nicholas, Chicago); Metropolitan- passing this down to future generations. Archbishop Stefan Soroka (Ukrainian Mr. Stasiw concluded by thanking Catholic Church of the U.S.A.); the Very Rev. Chrystyna Nykorak for her many years of Razi Jafri/“Hamtramck, USA” Documentary Project) Basil Salkovski, OSBM (provincial superior service as executive director and likened During the ribbon-cutting (from left) are: Dr. Alexander Serafyn, Hamtramck Mayor of the Basilian Fathers in the U.S.A.); the her role to that of a “berehynia” or protec- Karen Majewski and George Stasiw. Rev. Pavlo Bodnarchuk (St. Mary the tress. Ms. Nykorak was then presented with Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church), a “berehynia” bronze plaque, sculpted and making “Hamtramck, U.S.A.,” a documenta- and Commor Streets in Hamtramck, across representing Archbishop Daniel Zelinsky, customized by Barbara Melnik-Carson, co- ry that explores multiculturalism in from Immaculate Conception Church, (ruling hierarch of the Western Eparchy chair and director. Although Ms. Nykorak Hamtramck and how it transforms the where it remained until now. and vice-chairman and president of the recently retired, she continues to work tire- community and its residents. Roman and Ivanka Dacko later pur- Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox lessly on behalf of the UAAM. As attendees discovered, there was much chased the building and began collecting Church of the U.S.A.); the Rev.Volodymyr All of these proceedings, as well as the to take in. Antique ritual cloths, ceramic historical documents, books, paintings, Petriv (Our Lady of Perpetual Help); beautiful artworks, were captured on video vases, embroidered blouses, sculptures, photographs and folklore. Today, the muse- Andrew Fedynsky, Ukrainian Museum- by documentary filmmaker Razi Jafri, who photographs, paintings and pysanky depict- um houses oral histories from the 1932- Archives (Cleveland); Bohdan Fedorak is working together with Justin Feltman on ing the distinctive style of all regions of 1933 Holodomor, oral histories of Ukraine, as well as diasporan styles, were Auschwitz survivors, the World War II-era displayed. Taras Shevchenko’s death mask Krochmaluk archive, and original photos and a bust of Dr. Mary Beck, the first female from the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster. president of the Detroit City Council, were There is a rare document signed by part of the exhibit. Dr. Beck was the first Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, as well as Ukrainian American to serve in this capaci- film reels and vintage photos of events, ty and she also served as the acting mayor organizations, performances, concerts, etc. of the city of Detroit in 1958-1962. Her Over 25,000 books are available for chair and gavel, as well as some of her tele- research and reading. grams are part of the UAAM’s collection. While the main gallery currently fea- Among the artists whose works were tures Michigan Ukrainian artists, a smaller exhibited were: Edward Kozak and sons gallery will serve as a gift shop containing a George and Jerome, Juriy Krochmaluk, variety of artwork for sale, including hand- Mychailo Dmytrenko, Roman Baranyk, painted silk scarves, jewelry, paintings, Orest Kawka, Halyna Cisaruk, Luba Kytasta, ceramics and books by Michigan Ukrainian Zwenyslava Hayda, Chrystyna Nykorak, authors. John Nagridge, Barbara Melnik-Carson, Dan Many events are planned for next year, Graschuck, Alex Fedirko, Peter Marfey, including literary readings, classes in icon Nicholas Nehaniv, Bohdan Nestorovich, painting and memoir writing, as well as art- Irene Mokra, Gary Eleinko, Nestor Scherbey ists’ exhibits featuring Bohdan Soroka, and Taras Hayda. The gorgeous pysanky Halyna Cisaruk, and Eko and Yarema that filled numerous cases were written by Kozak. The UAAM’s 60th anniversary will Dr. Luba Petrusha, Arnie Klein, Eudokia be celebrated next October, and the muse- Kushnierchuk and Roman Seniuk. um’s art and archives will be exhibited over The timing of this grand opening could the summer. not be better, as 2018 marks the 60th anni- For more information about the Danylo Juzych versary of the UAAM. Founded in 1958, its Ukrainian American Archives and Museum Grand opening committee members: (first row, from left): Chrystyna Nykorak, origins were in a bank building located on of Detroit, readers may visit Facebook at Svitlana Leheta, Dzvinka Hayda and Marta Sobko, (second row) Donna Belgan, Dr. Nadia Juzych, Bohdanna Cherstylo, Dr. Andrew Dzul, Peter Marfey, Barbara Melnik Woodward Avenue in Detroit. The structure www.facebook.com/UAAMDetroit. The Carson, Joseph Szafranski and George Stasiw. was then moved to a corner lot on Charest phone number is 313-366-9764.

Having both cried and laughed through- Olenka Matwyshyn and Maria Hankewych; Women’s Association for the Defense of Four waves... out the emotional oscillation of the program, committee members included: Irene Four Freedoms for Ukraine Inc. and numer- guests were quite prepared for the tasty Bojkewych, Zoryana Byrne, Maria ous community donors. A blessing was (Continued from page 14) wine and elegant dinner presented by the Fedachtchin, Victoria Kawka, Marta Kozbur, offered by Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk; Sidelnyk, and once again Anna Rosinska Ukrainian Cultural Center catering staff. Larysa Kukhar, Ms. Klimchak, Tanya Kuzycz, and an honorary certificate was presented and Andriy Khomzyak, to the vibrant, fes- Photographer Iryna Yatsyshyn and sound Oksana Mikolyash, Ulana Perry and Olenka by Consul General of Ukraine Larysa tive sounds of Rendezvous. designer Sashko Khryplyvyj didn’t have Shkrobut. Gerasko, noting the significant contribution Finally it was time to hand over the mic much time to rest, as they continued captur- Generous donors and respected greeters to the development of Ukrainian culture, to a highly revered representative of the ing and enhancing the delectable dinner, included: Heritage Foundation of First the preservation of the Ukrainian national- fourth and most recent wave of immigra- which was followed by a diverse dance-song Security Federal Savings Bank; MB cultural heritage, and the 65th anniversary tion, which began in the 1990s with the fall mix à la Rendezvous that had the dance Financial Bank; Selfreliance Foundation of of the museum’s founding. of the Soviet Union and continues today. spinning, twirling and hopping from corner Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal After reminiscing about the innovative Olia Mendyuk delivered a heartfelt, to corner. Perpetual hostesses by nature, Ms. Credit Union; Ukrainian American past, and reveling in the well-funded future nuanced speech, in both Ukrainian and Tkaczuk and Ms. Klimchak took to the mic Veterans; Ukrainian Catholic Education of the Ukrainian National Museum, guests English, about the roles and struggles of periodically to thank the gala committee Foundation; Ukrainian Institute of Modern were delighted that this nucleus of these new keepers of the Ukrainian com- members and generous sponsors. Art; Ukrainian National Women’s League of Ukrainian culture is in such capable and cre- munity’s torch. The Gala Committee was headed by America, Chicago Regional Council; ative hands. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

Головна Управа „Самопоміч“ Об’єднання Українців в Америці вітає Відділи і все членство з наступаючими Святами і бажає Веселих Свят Різдва Xристового та щасливого і повного успіхів Нового Року ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! За дирекцію ОУА, Олег Лопатинський, голова Володимир Сафіян, касир

KРАЙОВА УПРАВА СПІЛКИ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ МОЛОДІ В АМЕРИЦІ бажає Ієрархам Українських Церков, Президентові України Петрові Порошенкові, Світовій Управі СУМ, всім Управам Осередків та Булавам Відділів Юнацтва СУМ, членам і прихильникам та Українському Народові в Україні і в діяспорі мирних і радісних свят РІЗДВА ХРИСТОВОГО та ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! СЛАВІМ ЙОГО!

За Крайову Управу СУМ, Леся Гаргай - Голов а Мирон Приймак - Секретар

ФЕДЕРАЛЬНА КРЕДИТОВА КООПЕРАТИВА „САМОПОМІЧ“ у Клівленді, Огайо Warmest Wishes CSFCU з радістю вітає Український народ у вільній Україні, Ієрархію і Духовенство for a Joyous Christmas Українських Церков, Проводи українських організацій в Україні and a та в діяспорі, Українську світову Кооперативну Раду та Централю Українських Кооператив Америки, всіх своїх Happy & Healthy New Year членів, їхні родини та все українське громадянство to all our Members, their Families and our Friends З РІЗДВОМ ХРИСТОВИМ І НОВИМ РОКОМ from the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Institute of America ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 Cleveland Selfreliance FCU 212-288-8660 ∙ [email protected] 6108 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134 (440) 884-9111 www.ukrainianinstitute.org 3010 Charleston Ave., Loraion, Ohio 44055 (440) 277-1901 5553 Whipple Ave., # F, N. Canton, Ohio 44720 (330) 305-0989 No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 17

Ukrainian American Business and Professionals Association

is wishing its members, supporters and the whole Ukrainian community Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

www.uabpa.org 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

Федеральна Кредитова Кооператива СУМА в Йонкерсі, Н. Й. разом зі своїми філіями

вітає Всіх своїх шановних членів, приятелів та українську громаду в Йонкерсі, Н. Й., Спрінґ Валі, Н. Й., Стемфорді, Кон., 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 Кредитової Кооперативи СУМА.

SUMA (YONKERS) FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 125 Corporate Blvd. Yonkers, NY 10701 914-220-4900 www.sumafcu.org No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 19

Щиросердечні побажання РАДІСНИХ СВЯТ 21 SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY, WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109-1238 PHONES 860-296-4714 • 800-405-4714 FAX 860-296 3499 РІЗДВА ХРИСТОВОГО та ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ

для української громади Ukrainian Selfreliance з а с и л а є New England Federal Credit Union DNIPRO LLC. wishes you Tel.: (908) 241-2190 • (888) 336-4776 a Merry Christmas

Russia, along with and Germany in U.S. special envoy... February 2015 in the capital of Belarus, and a New Year Š lled Minsk, to end the conflict. But the agree- (Continued from page 1) ment has gone unfulfilled. an established trend “in which a recommit- The United States and European Union with peace and happiness! ment to the ceasefire by the sides was fol- have pushed Moscow to allow a United lowed by a steady increase in the level of Nations peacekeeping force to be deployed violence, culminating in fierce fighting.” in eastern Ukraine, but there are disputes His comments came on the heels of over where the force would be located, and warnings from aid agencies over the whether it would be allowed to patrol humanitarian situation in the eastern Ukraine’s border with Russia. Donbas region, particularly given a Ambassador Volker indicated that no December 18 attack on the government- progress had been made in negotiations controlled village of Novoluhanske. with Moscow. More than 10,300 people have been killed, and more than 1 million displaced, Copyright 2017, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted since the conflict erupted in April 2014, pit- with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ ting Russia-backed separatist fighters Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, against government forces. Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see WESTFIELD BRANCH •103 NORTH ELM STREET, WESTFIELD, MA 01085 • PHONE 413-568-4948 FAX 413-568-4747 Ambassador Volker was appointed earli- https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- NEW BRITAIN BRANCH • 270 BROAD STREET, NEW BRITAIN, CT 06053 • PHONE 860-801-6095 FAX 860-801-6120 er this year to try and push forward an volker-2017-deadliest-year-spiking-vio- VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT: WWW.USNEFCU.COM agreement reached between Ukraine and lence/28927525.html).

ХРИСТОС РОЖДАЄТЬСЯ! Veselka Restaurant Веселих Свят Wishes all its patrons та Щасливого Нового Року б а ж а є Merry Christmas УКРАЇНСЬКОМУ ГРОМАДЯНСТВУ and a Happy New Year ЛИТВИН І ЛИТВИН УКРАЇНСЬКЕ ПОХОРОННЕ ЗАВЕДЕННЯ UNION FUNERAL HOME 1600 Stuyvesant Ave. (corner Stanley Terr.), Union, NJ 07083 (908) 964-4222

ВЕСЕЛИХ СВЯТ та For 60 years we have treated our guests to the most delicious ЩАСЛИВОГО НОВОГО РОКУ traditional Ukrainian cuisine. If you cannot visit Ukraine, visit us in New York’s East Village, sample our dishes, and бажають enjoy the past and present of our neighborhood. ДАНИЛО БУЗЕТА – директор та родина ДМИТРИК We are awaiting you! Traditional Ukrainian dishes Peter Jarema Funeral Home in the center of the East Village 129 East 7th St. (between 1st & Ave. “A“), New York, NY 10009 212 674-2568 Veselka Restaurant 144 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003 twitter @veselkanyc Модерні й охолоджувані каплиці 212-228-9682 F 212-505-6950 instagram #veselkanyc www.veselka.com facebook /veselkanyc 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

Court upholds Semena verdict Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), oppression targeting members of the and international media watchdogs have all Turkic-speaking Crimean Tatar minority NEWSBRIEFS The top court in Ukraine’s Russia- condemned the trial and verdict. (Crimean and others who opposed Moscow’s seizure controlled Crimea region has upheld a sepa- (Continued from page 2) Desk, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) of the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine in ratism conviction against journalist Mykola “Based on the challenges facing the state March 2014. In a December 18 statement, Semena in a case that has been criticized by today, a significant part of state budget Crimean Tatars fined over protests Amnesty International called the trials “a media freedom advocates and Western gov- funds are directed at the defense and secu- brazen crackdown.” Oksana Pokalchuk, ernments. The court, which Russia calls the Courts in Russia-controlled Crimea on Amnesty International Ukraine’s executive rity of Ukraine. Total spending on security Supreme Court of Crimea, left the conviction December 18 fined dozens of Crimean director, said, “The occupying Russian and defense in 2017 has exceeded 5 per- and suspended two-and-a-half-year sen- Tatars over single-person demonstrations, authorities push ever further the limits of cent of GDP,” he said, adding that the situa- tence in place in its ruling on December 18. in a move which Amnesty International their remorseless reprisals against the tion is similar with the budget for 2018. At the same time, it shortened – from three called “a brazen crackdown.” The Crimean Crimean Tatar minority.” She added: Messrs. Turchynov and Stoltenberg also years to two – the period of time during Tatars staged the demonstrations in “Russian authorities have already forcibly considered the issues of reforming the secu- which Mr. Semena is prohibited from work- October to protest pressure imposed on exiled or jailed Crimean Tatar leaders, rity and defense sector of Ukraine, the tran- ing as a journalist. Mr. Semena, an RFE/RL practicing Muslims by the Moscow- banned their representative body, Mejlis, sition to NATO standards and the difficulties contributor, was sentenced in a case installed authorities. The Foreign Affairs and stifled the Crimean Tatar-language on this path. Mr. Turchynov thanked Mr. described by rights groups and Western Ministry of Ukraine condemned the hear- media. With this latest move they are aim- Stoltenberg for the recent statement at the governments as politically motivated. RFE/ ings, calling them part of a Russian effort to ing to shut down individuals’ expressions International Security Forum on November RL President Tom Kent condemned the ver- “break, suffocate and ruin” the mostly of dissent and deprive them of the right to 17 in Halifax indicating that the NATO door dict and sentence when they were imposed Muslim group whose homeland is Crimea. voice their dissatisfaction.” The majority of is open to Ukraine and Georgia. He noted in September, describing them as “part of an Ministry spokesman Maryana Betsa wrote Crimean Tatars opposed the Russian take- that Ukraine, to move toward the alliance, orchestrated effort by Russian authorities in on Twitter that the hearings were inten- over of their historic homeland. (Crimean “is now focused on reforms, on modernizing Crimea to silence independent voices.” A tionally being held a day before an expect- Desk, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) defense institutions, fighting corruption, contributor to RFE/RL’s Krym.Realii ed vote in the U.N. General Assembly on the human rights situation in Crimea. “The and strengthening democratic institutions.” (Crimea Realities), Mr. Semena was arrested Saakashvili refuses to be questioned Mr. Turchynov stressed that a new signifi- by the Russia-imposed authorities in April Russian Federation’s cynicism has no lim- cant stage of interaction between Ukraine 2016 and charged with acting against the its” she wrote. Hearings were held in the Opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili and NATO can come through Ukraine’s par- “territorial integrity of the Russian cases against some 70 Crimean Tatars in appeared at the Prosecutor General’s Office ticipation in the Enhanced Opportunities Federation.’’ Mr. Semena says the accusation the cities and towns including Symferopol, in Kyiv on December 18 but refused to Program. “According to military experts was politically motivated and violated fun- Dzhankoy, Alushta and Sudak. At least 45 answer questions from investigators. from partner countries,” he pointed out, damental freedoms and that Russian were fined up to 15,000 rubles ($255 U.S.) Ukrainian authorities have accused the for- “Ukraine meets all the criteria the prospec- authorities based their case on an inaccu- over the protests, and at least five hearings mer Georgian president and ex-Ukrainian tive program participant should meet.” rate translation of one of his stories from were postponed. Russian law does not for- governor of abetting an alleged “criminal (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Ukrainian into Russian. The United States, bid single-person protests, and they have group” led by former President Viktor Briefing) the European Union, the Organization for frequently been used by activists to avoid Yanukovych, who fled to Russia after his arrest as President Vladimir Putin’s gov- ouster in February 2014. They also have ernment has tightened restrictions on pub- suggested that protests led by Mr. TO ALL MEMBERS OF UNA BRANCH 113 lic gatherings in recent years. But Russian Saakashvili are part of a Russian plot investigators in Crimea argued that as the against Ukraine. Mr. Saakashvili has strong- As of December 1, 2017 the secretary’s duties of Branch 113, were protests in October against searches and ly denied all the charges. Outside the assumed by Mrs. Carol Hester. We ask all members of this Branch to detentions of Crimean Tatars were held Prosecutor General’s Office in the direct all correspondence regarding membership and insurance to simultaneously across the peninsula, they Ukrainian capital, Mr. Saakashvili told the address listed below: may have been organized centrally and reporters he would give testimony only Mrs. Carol Hester thus were in violation of the law. Crimean when the case is handed over to the 326 Ridge Ave., Derry, PA 15627 Tatars rejected this claim. – Security Service of Ukraine, “as required by (412) 780-0326 chairman of the Mejlis, the Crimean Tatars’ law,” Interfax reported. A spokesperson for self-governing body that Russia has out- the prosecutor general said Mr. Saakashvili lawed – wrote on Facebook that Russia had “disrupted the investigative procedure” “demonstrates disregard for the norms of by failing to be questioned by the investiga- the international law.” Rights groups and tor who summoned him, according to Western governments have denounced JACQUES HNIZDOVSKY what they called a persistent campaign of (Continued on page 21) PRINTS DRAWINGS PAINTINGS William Greenbaum Fine Prints has been in business now for more than 50 years. We currently have 40 signed prints by Mr. Hnizdovsky for sale and we are seeking to purchase TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 more of his prints as well as his drawings and paintings. or e-mail [email protected]

SERVICES PROFESSIONALS

МАРІЯ ДРИЧ Ліцензований Продавець Страхування Життя МАRІA DRICH Licensed Life Insurance Agent Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 e-mail: [email protected]

FOR SALE

For sale 2 bedroom apartment, 73.4 m/2 in a new building in Lviv, fully ALL PRINTS NOW ILLUSTRATED ONLINE AT: equipped. Individual heating +2 www.greenbaumprints.com electric boilers, air conditioning, 2 glazed balconies. Kitchen: gas-electric Please email us at [email protected] stove. New playground, bus stop 3 or phone us at 508-284-7036. min. Pictures will be sent on request. OPPORTUNITIES Contact: [email protected] William Greenbaum Fine Prints 98 South Street Earn extra income! Rockport, MA 01966 The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Run your advertisement here, for advertising sales agents. Open By Appointment in The Ukrainian Weekly’s For additional information contact Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Member: International Fine Print Dealers Association CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 21

port system in Kharkiv, the country’s sec- were “in response to the illegal annexation August, the EU widened sanctions against NEWSBRIEFS ond largest city. EIB funds will support the of Crimea and deliberate destabilization of Russian companies and persons, including extension of the Kharkiv metro network to a neighboring sovereign country.” Russia Technopromeksport, in response to the (Continued from page 20) a residential area with a high population denies interfering in Ukraine’s internal transfer of the turbines to Crimea. The Interfax. (RFE/RL, with reporting by RFE/ density, making it more attractive for com- affairs, despite compelling evidence that Russian Foreign Ministry called the deci- RL’s Ukrainian Service and Interfax) muters. ”The EIB loan will facilitate the Moscow has provided military, economic sion an “unfriendly and unjustified” step. shift away from an excessive car use to a and political support to separatists fighting Moscow needs the turbines for two Saakashvili backers try to seize building more sustainable transport system with against Kyiv. The sanctions extended on Crimean power plants in order to ensure a stable power supply for Crimea’s residents. Western diplomats have expressed con- positive consequences on climate and the December 14 are among three sets of EU measures against Moscow for various The region used to rely on the Ukrainian cern after supporters of Mikheil Saakashvili quality of the urban environment in the Ukraine-related activities. The other two power grid but is now dependent on briefly attempted to seize a public building city. It will contribute upgrading public sets – one in force through March 2018 and Russian electricity. (RFE/RL, with reporting in Kyiv during a rally to demand the transport in the southern part of the city of the other through June – are eligible to be by Reuters, TASS and Interfax) impeachment of Ukrainian President Petro Kharkiv, an area which is currently only served by trolleybuses, buses and minibus- extended independently. (RFE/RL, based Poroshenko. Mr. Saakashvili’s followers on reporting by AFP, Reuters and TASS) Broadcasts in Crimean Tatar language marched through Kyiv on December 17 and es,” the EIB reported. The head of the EU then rallied with him on Independence delegation in Ukraine, Hugues Mingarelli, Court rejects claim over turbines The BBC reported that Ukraine will start Square to call for Mr. Poroshenko to be offi- stated, “Much-needed new investment in broadcasting the news in the Crimean Tatar language to the population in Russian- cially removed from office. During the rally, the Kharkiv metro will connect the city’s A Russian court has rejected a claim by German conglomerate Siemens that the occupied Crimea. The BBC noted that the Mr. Saakashvili suggested setting up a business, universities and daily commuters sale of power turbines that were delivered state radio company’s general producer, headquarters for the protest in the October via a modern and environment-friendly to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Crimea Dmytro Khorkin, said regular broadcasts Palace, a performing arts and conference transport link, which later could be extend- ed to Kharkiv airport. I have no doubt that region was invalid. The Moscow Arbitration should start next year. “These people, who center overlooking the square. People in this project will also help build this city a Court rejected a reversal of the deal in a are facing persecution for their nationality, the crowd shattered windows and tried to stronger economy – something that we December 14 ruling, about four months religion and political views, will be able to break the doors down to the building but consider one of the key foundations of the after the same court denied a request by listen to broadcasts in their own language,” were prevented by police from getting EU-Ukraine partnership.” (Ukrainian Siemens to seize the gas turbines and to he told the Crimean service of Radio Liberty. inside. At the time, hundreds of children Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) ban their installation ahead of preliminary The Muslim Crimean Tatars, who make up were reported to be attending an event in hearings. Siemens lodged a lawsuit against about 12 percent of the population, enjoyed the October Palace. The attempt to seize EU leaders agree to extend sanctions Russian state firm Technopromeksport in considerable cultural autonomy under the building drew rebukes from some July, after it emerged that four turbines sent Ukrainian rule, but Russia has since banned European Union leaders have agreed to Western diplomats. On Twitter, Canadian to a power plant in Russia ended up in their Mejlis national council as an “extrem- extend economic sanctions against Russia Ambassador Roman Waschuk said that Crimea. The transfer of the equipment to ist organization.” Mr. Khorkin said Radio for six months over Moscow’s aggressive “attempts to seize and damage public Crimea contravened European Union sanc- Ukraine has been broadcasting in Russian actions in Ukraine. The decision, announced buildings are an abuse of the right to peace- tions imposed after Russia’s illegal annexa- to get its message across to the mainly on December 14 at an EU summit, will ful protest.” British Ambassador Judith tion of the Black Sea peninsula in March Russian-speaking Crimea for the last three Gough seconded his assessment. The U.S. extend current restrictions against Moscow 2014. The turbines, manufactured in Russia years, but now wants to recruit “presenters Embassy in Kyiv joined in later on Twitter. until July 2018. The EU measures, which by a joint project involving Siemens, were and announcers with a good knowledge of “We agree with our colleagues from Canada mainly target the Russian banking and ener- sold to Technopromexport in 2015. The Tatar, as the language needs to be protected and the U.K. Attempts to capture and gy sectors, were first imposed in the sum- Munich-based conglomerate said the and encouraged.” The State Broadcast destroy public buildings are an abuse of the mer of 2014 and have been extended every equipment was to be installed at a plant in Committee has been making determined right to peaceful protest,” it wrote. After the six months since then. The EU, along with Taman, in southern Russia, and that the efforts to boost Ukrainian-language televi- protesters’ attempts to enter the building the United States, imposed the sanctions in Russian company breached contract condi- sion signals to Crimea over the last year, and failed, MR. Saakashvili said he wanted to retaliation for Russia’s annexation of tions by sending them to Crimea. Russian Mr. Khorkin said regular medium-wave “rent two rooms there” and that the clashes Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula in March 2014 authorities and Rostec, Techno­prom­ radio broadcasts are audible in parts of the were “President Poroshenko’s game and and for its support for separatists in eastern export’s owner, insisted that the turbines peninsula after sunset. (Ukrainian Canadian provocation.” In an interview with RFE/ Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more were transferred to Crimea legally. In Congress Daily Briefing) RL’s Ukrainian Service, he later added: “I than 10,300 people since it began in April denounce any [attempts] to break win- 2014. EU diplomats, speaking on condition dows, because once there are millions of us, of anonymity, told RFE/RL on December 8 that French President Emmanuel Macron these doors and these windows will open With deep sorrow we share with family and friends and German Chancellor Angela Merkel themselves. We don’t need to break them, that on December 4, 2017, our beloved would recommend at the EU summit that people.” Kyiv police said at least 32 security the sanctions be extended a further six wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt officers were injured in confrontations with months. Ms. Merkel said after the leaders protesters near Independence Square. met that they “had a very intense discussion With police looking on, the demonstrators Halyna Dobusz on the question of prolonging sanctions” on December 17 marched through central and all agreed that more progress was Kyiv toward Independence Square. They (née Sydorenko) needed carrying out the peace process out- urged Parliament to adopt legislation on a lined in the 2015 Minsk agreement. “We passed into eternity at the age of 89. presidential impeachment and called on have prevented an escalation, but we have Prosecutor General to step not enough progress in order to remove the Halyna was born on March 29, 1928 in Lypova Dolyna and grew up down. (RFE/RL, with reporting by RFE/ sanctions,” Ms. Merkel said. “But we all in Hadiach in the Poltava Region of Ukraine. RL’s Ukrainian Service, AP and Interfax) agree that we must do everything to move Three soldiers killed in the Donbas on with the Minsk process.” Ukrainian Funeral services were held on December 9, 2017, at St. Andrew President Petro Poroshenko hailed the EU Memorial Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in South Bound Brook, NJ, Ukraine’s military said on December 18 decision to extend the sanctions. “[It is] an followed by interment in St. Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery. that three of its soldiers were killed amid important political decision by the leaders multiple ceasefire violations by Russia- of the European Union to continue econom- Helen was an accomplished artist, specializing in many types of backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in ic sanctions against Russia for violating Ukrainian embroidery, particularly in the Eastern Ukrainian style, and the last 24 hours. According to the Defense Ukraine’s territorial integrity and unwilling- was awarded the distinction of Master of Ukrainian Embroidery by the Ministry’s statement, the separatists violat- ness to stop hybrid aggression against our ed the ceasefire 14 times using mortars NJ State Council on the Arts. She was also known for her design and country,” Mr. Poroshenko wrote on his offi- baking of Ukrainian wedding korovayi for scores of young couples. and heavy artillery. Separatists claimed on cial Facebook page. (RFE/RL, with report- December 18 that Ukraine’s armed forces ing by Rikard Jozwiak, DPA and Reuters) With great sorrow, she is survived by her: violated the ceasefire 17 times, using assault rifles, grenade launchers, mortars Russia criticizes EU decision husband - Hryhoriy Dobusz and artillery. Fighting between Kyiv’s forces Russia has hit back at a decision by lead- daughter - Olia Lupan and her husband Walter and the Russia-backed separatists who ers of the European Union to extend for grandchildren - Andrew Lupan and Nina Lupan hold parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk another six months the economic sanctions sister - Luba Adams regions has killed more than 10,300 people imposed on Moscow over its “destabilizing” as well as by many nieces, nephews and cousins in the US and since April 2014. Several ceasefire deals actions in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Ukraine. announced as part of the Minsk accords – Dmitry Peskov on December 15 described September 2014 and February 2015 pacts the sanctions as “illegal and unjust” and Her son, Taras Dobusz, predeceased her on August 8, 2017. aimed to resolve the conflict – have failed to said Russia “did not consider such decisions hold. The latest ceasefire was agreed on beneficial to either EU member states or In lieu of ” owers, charitable donations may be made in Halyna’s August 22 in a phone call between the lead- the Russian Federation.” He added, “Despite memory to: ers of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine. this, we, of course, are still set on improving United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc. (RFE/RL, with reporting by Interfax) relations with Brussels, which currently 1206 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111 EIB supports upgrade of Kharkiv metro leave something to be desired.” EU leaders www.uuarc.org on December 14 agreed at a Brussels sum- The European Investment Bank (EIB) is mit to extend the sanctions against Russia Vichnaya Pamyat! lending Ukraine 160 million euros to for six months, until July 30, 2018. When finance improvements to the public trans- imposing the sanctions, the EU said they 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

This is the conclusion of the final November 18-19 in Gyor, . Daryna in fifth place, Iryna Koliadenko (63 kg) fin- Sportsline update for 2017. This is the sec- Liashuk (44 kg) finished in fifth place, and in the women’s division at the Judo Grand ished in seventh place, Oksana Livach (48 ond part of a two-part series, prepared by Ihor Adamchuk (81 kg) finished in ninth Prix• Anastasiyain Tashkent, Turchyn Uzbekistan, (78 kg) on won October gold kg) finished in eighth place and Alla Matthew Dubas. place. Ukraine finished in 13th place out of 6-8. She defeated Beata Pacut of in Belinska (69 kg) finished in 10th place. The 26 countries. The tournament attracted the final. tournament attracted participants from 50 Marathon 316 competitors (202 men, 114 women). countries – 41 teams in men’s freestyle, 41 Juniors and Teams in Zagreb, Croatia, on teams in Greco-Roman and 30 teams in wounded in the ATO area of eastern Ukraine by Andy Granda of Cuba in the round of 16 October• At 18-21, the World Hievorth Championships Manukian (73 kg) for women’s wrestling. and• nowTen undergoUkrainian rehabilitative servicemen treatment who were in at the• Oleksandr 2017 World Gordiienko Judo Open was in eliminatedMarakesh, finished in fifth place, Aleksandr Cherkai the United States ran a 10-kilometer race Morocco, on November 11-12. Andrii (81 kg) and Vitalii Shepel (90 kg) finished Gymnastics and a marathon at the Marine Corps Kolesnyk was eliminated in the second in seventh place. Marathon in Washington on October 22. round against Levani Matiashvili of around (58.050 points) at the Arthur Gander Ukraine’s team won 10 medals and earned a Georgia. Iakiv Khammo was eliminated in Diving Memorial• Oleg Verniaiev in Morges, won gold , in the men’s all-on congratulatory message from President the second round by Adlan Bisultanov of November 1. It was Verniaiev’s fourth con- Petro Poroshenko. Established in 1976, the Russia. The tournament attracted 58 ath- won bronze (347.58 points) in the men’s secutive gold win since he has competed at MCM is currently the fourth largest mara- letes from 28 countries. 10-meter• Oleg synchronizedSerbin and Yevhen platform Naumenko dive at the the tournament. won bronze thon in the U.S. and the ninth largest in the 2017 FINA Diving Grand Prix in Singapore in the women’s all-around (39.950 points). world. More than 30,000 representatives athletes finished in fifth place in the medal on November 3-5. Serbin finished in fifth Igor Radivilov finished in seventh place in from more than 50 countries officially par- standings• Ukraine’s (one Under-23 gold, one judo silver team and of one 13 place (332.45 points) in the men’s the men’s all-around (54.600 points). ticipate. This was the second consecutive bronze) at the U-23 European Judo 10-meter platform dive. year that the Ukrainian team took part in the Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro, Yuliia Pylypiak won gold in the junior wom- race. on November 10-12. Vasylyna Kyrychenko ished in fourth place (333.96 points) in the en’s• Oleksandra-Mariaall-around at the Tabachynska 28th European and men’s• Yevhen 10-meter Naumenko synchronized and Oleg Serbin platform fin- Championships in Acrobatics Gymnastics Judo Hershko of Israel in the final. Anazstasiya dive at the 2017 FINA Diving Grand Prix in in Rzeszow, Poland, on October 19-22. Turchyn(+78 kg) (-78 won kg) gold won after silver defeating after losing Raz to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 26-29. Olena Vykhavanets, Inna Kaplanska and ished in seventh place at the Masters St. Maria Anna Wagner of Germany in the Iryna Khyzhniak won bronze in the wom- Petersburg• Stanislav 2017Bondarenko tournament (+100 kg)in fin-St. final, and Artem Lesyuk (60 kg) won Skydiving en’s final group all-around. Tabachynska Petersburg, Russia, on December 16-17. bronze. Ukraine had three seventh-place and Pylypiak won bronze in the women’s The tournament attracted more than 140 finishers, including Artem Khmula (73 kg), pated in a world record jump that included pair balance, and won gold in the women’s athletes from 35 countries. Anton Savytskiy (100 kg) and Bohdan 219• Fourteenskydivers Ukrainian in October. skydivers The skydivers partici- pair dynamic. Vykhyvanets, Kaplanska and Zusko (81 kg). The tournament attracted made multiple group formations after Khyzhniak won silver in the women’s seventh place at the IJF Judo Grand Slam more than 300 competitors from 40 differ- jumping from 10 aircraft at a height of group balance. Ukraine’s junior women’s tour• Georgiiin Tokyo Zantaraia on December (66 1-3.kg) finished in ent countries. 5,500 meters. Each jumper was provided team finished in third place in the medal with oxygen due to the altitude of the jump. standings (two gold, one silver and two IJF Judo Grand Prix on November 17-19 in medals (two gold, three silver and one bronze). In the senior division, Vladyslav the• Hague,Daria Bilodid the Netherlands. (48 kg) won Anastasiyagold at the bronze)• Ukraine’s and finished cadet in judo third team place won in the six Strongman and Stanislav Kukurudz, Yurii Push and Turchyn (78 kg) finished in seventh place, medal standings at the Koper Cadet Taras Yarush won bronze in the men’s all- after losing 0-1 in the quarterfinal against European Judo Cup 2017 in Koper, , record on October 29 in Kyiv by pulling a around group final. The Kukurudz broth- Luise Malzahn of Germany. In the fifth- on October 28-29. Marat Kryzhanskyi (81 21.5-ton• Viktor gasoline-filled Posudevsky truckset a new19.5 Ukrainianmeters in ers, Push and Yarush won bronze in the place match, Turchyn lost 0-1 against Anna kg) and Lev Smagin (73 kg) won gold; 51.98 seconds. Posudevsky competes in the men’s group dynamic event. Ukraine fin- Maria Wagner of Germany. Ukraine fin- Vadym Nazarenko (73 kg), Vadim Velkov 95 kg group and weighs 92 kg. He had pre- ished in sixth palce in the senior division ished in sixth place in the medals standings, (90 kg) and Anastasiia Balaban (44 kg) won pared for the record since March of this year. medal standings with two bronze medals. out of 43 countries. silver; and Eduard Shtefanesa (55 kg) won Posudevsky plans to run the same distance Fourteen countries participated in the bronze. The competition attracted 264 ath- next year with either an additional gas tank- senior division, and 15 countries partici- at the EJU Cadet European Judo Cup on letes from 17 countries. er or a 10-ton increase of one fuel truck. pated in the junior division. • Kateryna Pylypiuk (40 kg) won silver Cycling Competition, Mykolai Zemlianyi and Ivan Khazhanets• At the won ninth bronze European in the men’s Age Group12-18 at the Track Cycling World Cup in age group pair event on October 13-15 in KLK holds annual get-together at Soyuzivka Pruszkow,• Hanna Poland, Solovey on won November silver (23 5. points) Rzeszow, Poland.

Swimming men and four women) won two silver med- als• at Ukraine’s the 2017 artistic Gymnastics team World (six 1,500-meter freestyle final (14:14.59 sec- Championships in Montreal on October onds)• Mykhailo at the 2017 Romanchuk European won Short gold Course in the 2-8. Oleg Verniaiev won silver in the men’s Championships in Copenhagen on , and Ihor Radivilov won silver December 15. Andriy Hovorov won silver in the men’s final. Ukraine finished in in the men’s 50-meter butterfly and Daryna ninth place in the medal standings out of Zevina won the silver medal in the wom- 13 competing countries. Verniaiev finished en’s 200-meter backstroke. in eighth place in the men’s individual all- around (83.997 points), with a seventh- eighth place in the men’s 400-meter med- place finish in (13.700 ley• at Mykhailo the FINA/Airweave Romanchuk Swimming finished World in points). Radivilov finished in sixth place in Cup in Beijing on November 10-11. the (14.933 points). Diana Varinska finished in sixth place in the women’s Wrestling (14.583 points). Paralympics Mchedlidze (97 kg) and Danylo Kartavyi (125• Vasylkg) won Mykhaliov bronze medals (74 in kg), men’s Murzai free- style at the Senior U-23 World Wrestling International Federation of Cerebral Palsy • Ukraine won first place at the 2017 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Football CP Football World Championships in San Luis, Argentina, on September 2-24 November 21-26. In men’s freestyle, Andrii after winning 1-0 against Iran in the final. Yatsenko (57 kg) finished in seventh place, Ukraine was in Group D with the United Illia Archaia (86 kg) finished in eighth place KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The Carpathian Ski Club (KLK) held its annual meeting and States, Northern Ireland and Australia, fin- and Ali Zakariiev (70 kg) finished in ninth elections on Sunday, October 1, at Soyuzivka Heritage Center. Following the accep- ished with nine points after three matches place. In team rankings for men’s freestyle, tance of the president’s, treasurer’s and event coordinators’ reports, elections of new played (three wins, with 15 goals for and Ukraine finished in fifth place. In Greco- officers took place. Voted into office were: Andriy Hadzewycz, president; Dr. Severin none against; 5-0 against Northern Ireland, Roman, Andrii Antoniuk (80 kg) won B. Palydowycz, vice-president; Olha Holoborodko, secretary; and Mirka Moroch, trea- 8-0 against Australia and 2-0 against the bronze, and Ruslan Mahomedov (85 kg) surer. Members of the outgoing board – including President Vira Popel, Treasurer Adia U.S.), and advanced to the playoff stage. In finished in fifth place. Ukraine’s women Fedash and Secretary Christine Klufas – were thanked and commended for the last the quarterfinal, Ukraine won 7-0 against wrestlers won second place in the team four years of work. The weekend also included friendly doubles tennis games, an after- the Netherlands, and in the semifinal won standings with 47 points. Ilona noon social and a dinner-dance on Saturday, September 30. The KLK’s 2018 ski races 4-2 on penalty kicks against Russia after a Prokopevniuk (60 kg) won silver, Alina will be held on March 17 at Hunter Mountain in upstate New York. For more informa- 2-2 draw in regulation time. The tourna- Akobiia (55 kg), Tetyana Kit (58 kg) and tion about KLK, readers may visit the organization’s website, www.klkusa.org, or its ment attracted 16 teams. page on Facebook, KLK USA. Above, KLK members pose for a group photo after their Anastaiia Shustova (75 kg) won bronze annual meeting. medals, Khrystyna Bereza (53 kg) finished (Continued on page 23) No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 23

against Valery Tretyakov (11-2, 4 KO) of 7.5 kilometer sprint (23:11.9, 23:14.0 sec- Sportsline Russia. Cruiserweight Ismayl Sillakh (25-5, onds). Tyshechenko finished in sixth place 19 KO) lost by first-round KO against in the men’s 10-kilometer sprint (25:30.4 (Continued from page 22) finished in sixth place at the World Cup on Aleksei Papin (9-0,8 KO) of Russia on seconds) and in eighth place in the men’s December• Ukraine’s 17 in junior Burgos, women’s . Inépée the team fifth Olympics November 27 at the Luzhniki Sports Palace 12.5-kilometer pursuit (35:10.9 seconds). place match, Ukraine lost 43-45 against in Moscow. Zhuravok finished in sixth place (32:11.9 Poland. seconds) in the women’s 10-kilometer pur- was awarded a silver medal by the Mixed martial arts International• Biathlete Vita Olympic Semerenko Committee of Ukraine on suit. saber event at the Saber Grand Prix in November 28. Olga Vilukhina of Russia, Cancun,• Olga Mexico,Kharlan onwon December gold in the 15. women’s In the who won silver in the sprint at the 2014 KO) won by split decision after five rounds place (24:42.3 seconds) in the junior wom- final, Kharlan won 15-6 against Arianna , was stripped of her medal against• Strawweight Simona Soukupova Svetlana Gotsyk (6-6, 3(10-3, KO) of2 en’s• Liubov7.5-kilometer Kypiachenkova sprint atfinished the in sixth Errigo of Italy. after testing positive for a banned sub- the at the Kyiv Sports Junior Cup 1 in Obertilliach, Austria, on stance. Semerenko won the bronze medal Palace on December 14. The fight was for December 8-10. Vladyslav Koshovets fin- in the sprint at the 2014 Games. the World Warriors Fighting Championship ished in 10th place (27:26.4 secnds) in the Grand• Olena Prix Kryvytska in Doha finished on December in sixth place 10. title as part of the WWFC 9 tournament. men’s 10-kilometer sprint. Bogdan Kryvytskain the women’s lost 11-15 épée inevent the atquarterfinal the Tsymbal and Serhiy Telen finished in sixth against Mara Navarria of Italy. Bogdan Center announced that it would join a num- Biathlon ber• ofThe national Ukrainian anti-doping National organizations Anti-Doping and ninth places, respectively, in the junior Nikishin finished in fifth place in the men’s calling on the International Olympic men’s 10-kilometer sprint (25:52.9, Committee (IOC) to ban Russia from partic- place (47:40.4 seconds) in the men’s 26:03.6 seconds). against Paolo Pizzo of Italy. ipating in the . On 15-kilometer• Vladislav Koshovetsindividual finishedrace at inthe ninth IBU épée after losing 14-15 in the quarterfinal September 14 the Institute of National Junior World Cup on December 15-16 in Pidruchnyi) and came in sixth place 10th place at the team World Cup event in Anti-Doping Organizations held a special Ridnaun-Val Ridanna, Italy. (36:51.9• Ukraine seconds) (Vita inSemerenko the single andmixed Dmytro relay Legano,• Ukraine’s Italy, on men’s November épée team 19. Ukraine finished lost in meeting in Denver to discuss Russia’s at the BMW IBU World Cup in Oestersund, 26-27 against Spain. accountability for one of the biggest doping won third place and seventh place, respec- , on November 24 through scandals in sports history. NADO called on tively,• Vita in theSemerenko women’s and7.5-kilometer Valj Semerenko sprint December 3. In the mixed relay, Ukraine saber event at the World Cup in Sint- • Olga Kharlan won gold in the women’s the IOC to ban Russia from participation in (21:41.0, 22:06.4 seconds) and in eighth (Semerenko, Olena Pidhrushna, Serhiy Niklaas, Belgium, on November 17-19. In the final, Kharlan won 15-6 against the 2018 Winter Olympics. The statement and ninth places, respectively, (31:33.9 sec- Semenov and Artem Pryma) finished in Rossella Gregorio of Italy. Ukraine’s wom- noted Russia’s proven corruption at the onds, 31:34.8 seconds) in the women’s 10th place (1:13:45.9 seconds). Yuliya en’s saber team finished in seventh place at Olympic Games and continuing fail- 10-kilometer pursuit at the IBU World Cup Dzhima won bronze (43:09.4 seconds) in the team won 45-38 against Spain in the ure in its obligations to clean sport, adding in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France, on the women’s 15-kilometer individual and seventh-place match. “a country’s sports leaders and organiza- December 14-17. Valj Semerenko finished in fourth place tions should not be given credentials to the (43:27.5 seconds) in the same event. the men’s foil at the Martinengo Memorial Olympics when they intentionally violate place for bronze in the men’s 20-kilometer Dzhima also won bronze in the women’s individual• Volodymyr race Semakovat the IBU finished World inCup third in Tournament• Andrii Scherba in Bratislava, finished in Slovakia,10th place on in the rules and rob clean athletes.” Other 7.5-kilometer sprint (20:14.4 seconds). Obertilliach, Austria, on December 14-17. November 18. In the ninth-place match, countries supporting the measure were Pidhrushna finished in ninth place (31:42.7 Yuliya Zhuravok finished in eighth place Scherba lost 9-15 against Uladzislau Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, seconds) in the women’s 10-kilometer pur- (45:36.7 seconds) in the women’s 15-kilo- Lahunou of Belarus. , France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, suit. meter individual race. Ukraine’s single the Netherlands, New Zealand, , in seventh place after winning 42-41 Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom mixed relay team (Zhuravok and Artem Pryma) won bronze (39:56.1 seconds) in 10th place (21:27.8 seconds) in the wom- against• Ukraine’s Italy at women’s the World épée Cup team in Suzhou,finished and the United States. • Anastasiya Merkushyna finished in the single mixed relay, and Ukraine’s mixed en’s 7.5-kilometer sprint at the IBU Cup China, on November 12. Athletics relay team (Olga Abdramova, Nadiia Biathlon 1 in Sjusjoen, Norway, on Belkina, Semakov and Dmytro Pidruchnyi) November 22-26. Ukraine’s single mixed seventh place after it won 45-23 against finished in ninth place (1:13:38.8 seconds) team (Olga Abramova, Vitaliy Trush) fin- China• Ukraine’s at the men’sWorld foil Cup team in finishedTokyo onin named the female Rising Star by the in the mixed relay. Pidruchnyi and Pryma ished in 10th place (40:24.7 seconds). November 12. European• High jumper Athletics Yuliia Association Levchenko, 19,Golden was finished in sixth and seventh places, Tracks Awards on October 14 in Vilnius, respectively, in the men’s 10-kilometer Lithuania. Levchenko won the European sprint (25:18.1 seconds, 25:28.1 seconds). U-23 high jump gold medal in Bydgoszcz, Vita Semerenko won bronze in the wom- Poland, and silver medal at the 2017 IAAF en’s 7.5-kilometer sprint (21:41.0 seconds) World Championships in London, and a and Valj Semerenko finished in seventh bronze medal at the European Indoor place (22:06.4 seconds). Championships in Belgrade. “I am very excited. I want to thank everyone for their Semerenko, Yuliya Dzhima, Valj Semerenko votes, I want to thank everyone who partic- and• Olena Ukraine’s Pidhrushna) women’s won teamsilver in (Vita the ipated in this award. I want to express my 4x6-kilometer relay (1:15:21.3 seconds) at gratitude to my family and also to the coach the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2 in and my manager. They do a lot for our Hochfilzen, Austria, on December 5-15. Vita mutual success. This award is very impor- Semerenko finished in fourth place tant for me. The 2017 season was not so (25:15.4 seconds) in the women’s 7.5-kilo- easy. Thank you, European Athletics for this meter sprint and Dzhima finished in sixth beautiful evening. Athletics is the queen of place (35:39.2 seconds) in the women’s sports. I fell in love with athletics seven 10-kilometer pursuit. Ukraine’s men’s team years ago and the sport has made me who I (Artem Pryma, Serhiy Semenov, Volodymyr am.” Semakov and Dmytro Pidruchnyi) finished Boxing in sixth place (1:24:45.8 seconds) in the men’s 4x7.5 kilometer relay.

KO) won by sixth-round KO against Allan Semerenko, Yuliya Dzhima, Valj Semerenko Vallespin• Lightweight (11-2, 8 DenysKO) of Berinchykthe Philippines (8-0, in5 and• OlenaUkraine’s Pidhrushna) women’s wonrelay silver team in (Vita the a fight that was scheduled for 12 rounds on women’s 4x6-kilometer relay at the BMW December 16 at the Ice Palace “Terminal” IBU World Cup Biathlon 2 in Hochfilzen, in Brovary, Kyiv. Also that evening, feather- Austria, on December 5-10. Yuliya Dzhima weight Oleg Malinovsky (22-0, 6 KO) won finished in sixth place in the women’s by first-round KO against David Berna (13- 10-kilometer pursuit and Vita Semerenko 2, 12 KO) of Hungary. Berynchyk picked up finished in fourth place in the women’s the WBO Oriental lightweight title and 7.5-kilometer sprint. Ukraine’s men’s relay Malinovsky picked up the WBO European team (Artem Pryma, Serhiy Semenov, title. Volodymyr Semakov and Dmytro Pidruchnyi) finished in sixth place in the KO) lost by fourth-round KO against John men’s 4x7.5-kilometer relay. Molina• Lightweight Jr. (30-7, Ivan 24 KO)Redkach of the (20-3-1, U.S.A. on16 December 15 at Pioneer Event Center in (Olga Abramova and Artem Tyshchenko) Lancaster, Pa. The fight was scheduled for finished• Ukraine’s in sixth singleplace (38:46.0 mixed relayseconds) team at 10 rounds. the IBU Cup Biathlon 2 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, on December 7-10. In the 6 KO) won by seventh-round TKO against mixed relay, Ukraine (Yuliia Zhuravok, Vaginak• Welterweight Tamrazyan Eduard (12-4, Skavynskyi3 KO) of Russia (8-0, Mariia Panfilova, Maksym Ivko and Andriy on December 12 in Ekaterinburg, Russia Dotsenko) won fourth place (1:19:45.0 sec- onds). Abramova and Zhuravok, won silver (12-0-1, 9 KO) won by 10th-round KO and bronze, respectively, in the women’s • Super bantamweight Arnold Khegai 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

made her sensitive to the suffering of oth- Los Angeles center’s... ers. She saw and felt the injustice and lack of freedom in her native land, and she Photographer presents gift (Continued from page 10) longed for change. She yearned to break As the curtain opened to lovely back- free of Moscow’s chains. But how could an as thanks to Soyuzivka ground music and the lights dimmed, Ms. ill and crippled girl reach these leaders Gorska walked onto the stage, picked up ensconced in a high tower, or even take a the Holy Bible from Lesia’s writing table weapon into her hands? Lesia found anoth- and read: “Then when our dying bodies er road – her words became her sword. have been transformed into bodies that will As the lights slowly dimmed, 12-year- never die, this Scripture shall be fulfilled: old Margaryta Kuzina walked onto the ‘Death is swallowed up in victory, o grave, semi-lit stage and sang “The Evening Hour,” where is your victory? O death, where is beautifully set to music by V. Vorobey. your sting?’ ” As the last note of the song faded, Ms. The narrator then related: These same Gorska and Ms. Keske walked on stage and words from the Holy Bible remind us of continued the narration of Lesia’s life in Lesia Ukrainka. They give meaning to her both languages. They noted that Ukrainka’s enduring creative personality. Larysa stirring poems, which have been translated Kosach …entered into Ukraine’s and the into many foreign languages, carry love and world’s literary sphere under the beautiful hope and embolden humanity to be strong pseudonym, Lesia Ukrainka, …whose and spiritual individuals. One such poem, words are eternal and whose enduring “Contra Spem Spero” (“Hope Against spirit was victorious over death. Hope”), was recited on stage in English by Roma Hadzewycz The stage went dark and a spotlight Leslie Ro, a student from the University of KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Local photographer Charlie Murray recently stopped by appeared on Ukrainka, brilliantly portrayed California, Los Angeles. The poem ends Soyuzivka Heritage Center with a surprise. The nature photographer had been given by Ms. Stadnyk, who walked toward the with these powerful lines: access to Soyuzivka’s property to get to the beautiful Nonkanawha Falls. The 75-foot front of the stage, looked out into the audi- Yes, I’ll smile, indeed, through tears and falls are located on land acquired in 2012 from Soyuzivka by the Open Space Institute, ence, and not really seeing them, spoke: weeping, whose mission is to protect scenic natural and historic landscapes in perpetuity for the If all of my blood would flow as these Sing my songs where evil holds its sway, public good. The falls are accessible by a trail from Soyuzivka’s property. Mr. Murray words, Hopeless, a steadfast hope forever keep- surprised Marianka Hawryluk, Soyuzivka’s dining room manager, on November 18 If all my life would disappear unnoticed, ing, when he brought a large framed photograph of Nonkanawha Falls as a gift for the cen- like the disappearance of the evening’s I shall live! You thoughts of grief, away! ter. Above, Mr. Murray and Ms. Hawryluk are seen with his gorgeous photo, which was light… The play continued by citing the two immediately hung in Soyuzivka’s Main House lobby for all guests to admire and enjoy. Who charged me to be the guardian great loves of Ukrainka’s life: Serhiy among the ruins and sadness! Meszynskyj, a man she deeply loved but Who put upon me the responsibility to who was unattainable, and after whose Julian calendar, was established, and there awaken the dead, death she suffered tremendous grief and Boston parish... was a period of adjustment as people To bring joy to the living with a kaleido- abandonment; and Klement Kvitka, with decided which parish they would attend. scope of happiness and sadness? whom she spent her last ears in Georgia, (Continued from page 10) In 1965 St. George’s was taken by the Who put pride into my heart? where they experienced suffering, poverty were coming once a month, and by 1900 state as it built a new highway and the two Who gave me the double-edged sword? and loneliness in a foreign land, longing but they were saying the liturgy weekly. The parishes in Boston were merged into a sin- Who called – take the saintly oriflamme – unable to return to Ukraine. arrangement was that the Italians celebrat- gle entity called Christ the King, They used Songs and dreams and unbending Next came the documentary film, “Great ed in the upper church and the Ukrainians the existing facilities in Jamaica Plain, in the lower, except when there were wed- which proved to be a little tight. A new thoughts? Ukrainians,” directed by V. Nykolayets, dings and funerals, and then the Ukrainians church was built atop a hill on the property Who ordered me not to abandon my which ended with a shot of the couple as were allowed to use the upper church. and was immediately paid for in full. The weapon? they sit close to each other on a bench in At about the time the parish was estab- church can be seen for miles around. Not to retreat, not to fall, not to be weary? their humble home. The camera focused on lished in 1907 it purchased a building on Today the parish is a blend of the old and Why must I obey these orders? Lesia’s face, and the audience was trans- Beacon Street, which was then one of the the new. One liturgy is in English and Why cannot I run away from the field of fixed on Lesia’s intense eyes on the screen, finest residential streets in the city, for a attracts Ukrainian Americans, while the honor, as her spirit (Ms. Stadnyk) spoke from rectory. In 1914 it bought a Methodist sung liturgy is in Ukrainian and is attended Or fall on my own sword? backstage: “I lived a beautiful and fulfilling church on Arlington Street and by the early predominantly by Fourth Wave newcomers. What does not allow me to speak frankly: life. Fate granted me good fortune to leave 1920s claimed almost 3,000 members. Over 500 families belong to the parish, and “Yes, fate, you are stronger, I surrender.” my footprints on this earth, the earth on In the late 1920s through the mid-1930s it is alive and thriving with many religious But, why at the mention of these humble which I was born and I glorified. They the parish experienced a period of turmoil and cultural activities. The parish has been words, called me a woman possessed, a singer of and division and a number of very serious very active in supporting a number of insti- Does my hand clutch an invisible weap- earthly passion, a flower which breaks legal battles, which resulted in a major loss of tutions and charities in Ukraine, including on… and my heart hear echoes of war? through boulders, daughter of Prometheus! membership. Things did not get better until the Ukrainian Catholic University, seminari- The story of the writer’s life continued But I, a star, a heavenly star that shone the early 1940s when the parish started to ans at Holy Spirit Seminary, and soldiers on the screen, as the audience watched the brightly, burned out, and disappeared.” grow again and accelerated considerably in wounded in the ongoing war in the east. documentary film “Lesia Ukrainka” direct- * * * the late 1940s and early 1950s with the influx The nine-acre campus is well groomed ed by B. Holen. The conclusion of the film Technical credits for the production of of several hundred families from Ukraine flee- and the church itself is lovingly attended to. led viewers back to the stage, where Lesia “Majestic Woman – Lesia Ukrainka” go to ing the brutality of the Russian Communists. The large mosaics are from Italy, the Stations describes her childhood as never complain- the team comprising Maxim Kuzin, Eugene In 1952 the parish purchased nine acres of the Cross are icons that were painted at the ing about pain because she was a proud Gorsky, Oksana Doroshenko, Iryna of land and a mansion that had once Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, and girl. Korotun, Victor Makohonenko, Dr. Andrej belonged to a sea captain in the China trade there is embroidery everywhere – made both The narrator notes that Lesia’s illness Olesijuk and Andrea Wynnyk. in the Jamaica Plain section of the city. in Ukraine and in Boston. The old mansion Construction was started immediately on has been lovingly restored and expanded, and the foundation of the new church, which now serves both as rectory and parish center. dent Ukraine. He would have witnessed that would serve as a hall when the entire struc- In past 110 years the Boston parish has Turning... it has taken the international community’s ture was complete. At almost the same time served as the mother church of five other united efforts – the European Union, the a second parish, St. George’s, following the churches of various denominations in the city. (Continued from page 6) United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty approach the Russian government and insist Organization, the Organization for Security that it free the Ukrainians. Russia, as a late- and Cooperation in Europe, the International comer to the war, and happens to be on the Criminal Court, the Council of Europe and “winning” side, would do no such thing. others (all institutions that the Kremlin has Mr. Carter concluded: “Who then will be attempted to undermine and destabilize) – strong enough to enforce such justice for to keep Russian aggression at bay. the Ukrainians who want their four free- Perhaps Mr. Carter would not be sur- doms just as much as we are fighting to prised to see a Russia attempting to rebuild ‘preserve’ ours? And will we be prepared to its lost empire. Russia continues to destabi- go to war against Russia over Ukrainian lize the world with its actions, whether mil- independence? The answer is quite obvi- itarily, via cyber attacks and through disin- ously no to all the above questions.” formation. Mr. Carter, who died in 1944, would have Source: “Will Russia give Ukrainians free- been thrilled to see the collapse of the Soviet dom,” The Ukrainian Weekly, January 9, Union and the re-emergence of an indepen- 1943.

Nadiya Kravchuk Part of Christ the King Choir sings “Otche Nash” (Our Father) at the parish’s 110th Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com anniversary. No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 25

the course of the three-year war in which Anti-government... more than 10,300 people have been killed since April 2014. (Continued from page 1) Suspected Russian mole uncovered them from entering the October Palace, a concert hall that was a focal point during the Meanwhile, the Security Service of Euro-Maidan Revolution three years ago. A Ukraine (SBU) detained a high-ranking Glen Miller concert was underway when Ukrainian official for allegedly spying on protesters tried entering the premises. behalf of Russia, according to a December Speaking on stage at Independence 20 news release from the SBU. Square that afternoon, the now stateless The suspect is Stanislav Yezhov, the depu- Mr. Saakashvili told the crowd that “right ty chief of protocol at the Cabinet of now we’ll go to the October Palace [concert Ministers and the prime minister’s personal hall], and the October Palace will become the translator, Ukrainian News agency reported. headquarters of our coordination council…” He will be charged with state treason, Thirty-two police officers were injured the SBU said, adding that he was detained in confrontations as Mr. Saakashvili’s sup- at work and was served with a notice of porters smashed the glass panes on the suspicion. The suspected mole had been Internal Affairs Ministry of Ukraine doors of the main entrance to the building, cleared in May 2016 of involvement with Anti-government protesters storm the October Palace, a concert hall, in Kyiv on the Internal Affairs Ministry reported. Communists and the previous administra- December 17 in an attempt to take it over and use it for their headquarters. Afterward, Mr. Saakashvili disavowed tion led by ex-President the violence and said he would not hold in a drive called, “lustration,” according to He also worked with Prime Minister band’s March 10 asset declaration. She has further rallies during the winter holidays the Cabinet of Ministers website. Volodymyr Groysman in the Verkhovna two accounts with state-owned Russian for fear of additional “provocations.” “I would like to mention that the official Rada when he was the Parliament’s speak- bank Sberbank, one in rubles and one in The U.S., British and Canadian embassies had access to a rather narrow [set of] insid- er. According to Ukrainian News, Mr. U.S. dollars, according to the declaration. denounced the violent demonstration. er information at the Cabinet,” Oleksiy Yezhov had also worked at the Ukrainian Regarding the pending charge of treason “We agree with our colleagues from Petrov, head of the SBU’s counterintelli- Embassy in the U.S. and previously at the being leveled against her husband, Ms. Canada and the U.K. Attempts to capture gence unit, told reporters. “He very respon- Presidential Administration. Miroshnykova said it is “nonsense and sur- and destroy public buildings are an abuse sibly, conscientiously and creatively worked The suspect’s wife is Russian citizen realism… I have nothing else to say,” Strana. of the right to peaceful protest,” the U.S. for the Russian special services.” Yulia Miroshnykova, according to her hus- ua news portal reported. Embassy said in a tweet. Donbas fighting escalates At least nine Ukrainian soldiers died while fighting in eastern Ukraine during the past week as Russian-led forces ratcheted up attacks on military and civilian targets. “We note with concern a sharp deteriora- tion in the security situation with ceasefire violations reaching levels not recorded since February of this year,” said Ertugrul Apakan, the chief monitor of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in a statement on December 19. The escalation started after Russia on December 18 said that it would leave the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC), a key peace implementation tool that worked closely with the OSCE in the Donbas. America’s special envoy for negotiations to end the Donbas war, Ambassador Kurt Volker, said that the “decision for peace lies with Russia.” In a December 19 tweet he noted: “Peace in eastern Ukraine can come if Russia pulls out its forces and stops sup- port for its proxies.” In particular, some 40 BM-21 Grad rock- ets struck civilian areas in the village of Novoluhanske in Donetsk Oblast on December 18, the Defense Ministry report- ed. Eight civilians, including a 6-year-old child, were wounded in the attacks. Fifty houses, nine high-rise apartment buildings, a school and a kindergarten were damaged. The village’s power and gas lines were damaged as well. America condemned the attacks and blamed Russia. “The U.S. confirms Russia led [a] Grad rocket attack on the town of Novoluhanske and the Donetsk filtration station,” State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a news briefing on December 19. “Russia is the source of the conflict and should withdraw its forces… and agree to a robust United Nations peacekeeping mis- sion.” Afterward, Ukraine’s members of the JCCC left the territories outside of govern- ment control, said Yuzef Venskovych, spokes- man of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Interfax Ukraine cited him as saying that “Russia is fully responsible for the development of the situation sur- rounding the protection of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission observers in the territories outside Ukraine’s control.” An “indefinite New Year’s truce” is to commence at midnight on December 23, according to Ukrainian peace negotiators in Minsk taking part in what is known as the Trilateral Contact Group. It also consists of representatives from Russia and the OSCE. Previous holiday ceasefires have failed over 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

December 29 Christmas concert, featuring the choir from the January 20 Ukrainian Debutante Ball, Taras Shevchenko School of Orlando, FL Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Washington Ukrainian Studies and the Washington Group, Omni Catholic Church, Epcot Center, 954-818-6101 Shoreham Hotel, [email protected]

December 30 Christmas concert, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin January 20 Montreal Malanka, co-hosted by the Ukrainian Youth Apopka, FL Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church choir, St. Mary the Montreal Association in Canada and Plast Ukrainian Scouting Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church, 407-880-1640 Organization, Le Chateaubriand, 514-774-8428 or or www.ukrchurchorlando.org 514-887-2094

December 30-31 New Year’s Eve Weekend, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, January 20 Toronto Malanka, “Moulin Rouge,” Plast Ukrainian Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com Toronto Scouting Organization, Liberty Grand, [email protected] December 31 New Year’s Eve celebration, with music by Hrim, January 20 Presentation of debutantes, Newark Branch of Plast New York Ukrainian Institute of America, Whippany, NJ Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hanover Marriott, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 [email protected] or 973-538-8811

January 6 Traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner, Austin Texas January 20-21 International Conference, “The Ukrainian Central Rada Austin, TX Ukrainians, Blackhawk Amenity Center, New York and the Proclamation of Ukraine’s Independence in www.facebook.com/events/144461876300363 1918,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Ukrainian January 13 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian National Women’s Institute of America, 212-228-8660 Santa Clara, CA League of America – San Jose Branch, Ukrainian Catholic Center of St. Volodymyr, January 26-28 The New York Times Travel Show, U.S.-Ukraine www.eventbrite.com New York Foundation, Jacob K. Javits Center, [email protected]

January 13 Malanka celebration, Assumption of the Blessed January 27 Presentation of Debutantes “Chervona Kalyna,” Plast Ottawa Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, East Rutherford, NJ Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hilton Meadowlands, [email protected] or 613-222-7373 www.kalynadeb.org or 866-295-8986

January 13 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Youth Association in January 27 Winter Ball and Presentation of Debutantes, Ukrainian Mississauga, ON Canada, Mississauga Convention Center, 416-554-6779 Detroit Engineers’ Society of America – Detroit Branch, or www.cymmalanka.com featuring music by Klopit, Dearborn Inn Marriott Hotel, 586-677-9466 or [email protected] January 13 Malanka dinner and dance, Hyatt Place, Dallas/Garland/ Dallas, TX Richardson, [email protected] or 830-660-6569 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions January 14 Christmas concert by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors New York St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, www.dumka.org and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. No. 52-53 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 27 UKELODEON For The Next Generation

Pumas blaze trails at Soyuzivka Heritage Center KERHONKSON, N.Y. – This past siastically, supplying us with trail spring, Plast scouts of Kerhonkson, blazes and tools. We also received N.Y., completed a trailblazing a trail map, showing the five trails – project, assisting in the clean-up of red, yellow, green, blue and orange. hiking trails located at Soyuzivka With tools and trash bags in hand, Heritage Center. we began work on the green trail, Our valiant team, led by scout- the most popular of the hiking trails masters Roman Hrab Sr., Roman among young enthusiasts and the Wasylyk and Nadia Maczaj, in- easiest one to hike. With rakes and cluded Roman Hrab Jr., Vera Hrab, loppers, we cleaned winter debris Julianna Maczaj and Pavlo Mysak, from the paths, removing slippery all members of the Plast scout patrol leaves, visible roots and any other named Pumas. We contacted the as- hazards, and collecting trash along sistant manager at Soyuzivka, Stefko the way. We did the same for the Drabyk (also a member of Plast remaining four trails. The red trail Ukrainian Scouting Organization), was particularly challenging, as it to ask if we could help in the spring- was very poorly marked and we had time clean-up. He replied enthu- to excavate it from the surrounding Roman Hrab Sr. Members of the Plast scout patrol Pumas enjoy the scenery on one of the trails.

woods, using our trail map to guide raphy and topography. They chal- us. lenged us to improve our Ukrainian After cleaning all the trails, we language skills with new vocabulary. hiked each one again, marking We each received merit badges each with its specifically colored reflecting our new skills. Soyuzivka logo blazes. As we hiked, Since completing our project, we we used a phone app to determine have heard that visitors have en- elevations and lengths of each trail. joyed the newly marked trails. We To complete the project, we de- are proud to know that our work has signed and installed trailhead signs been noticed and appreciated. We for each. The signs reflect the origi- plan to keep up on maintenance nal trail blazes and include details of the trails and to add more trail about each trail. blazes in the spring of 2018 where We learned many valuable skills needed. during this project. Our scoutmas- – Plast scout patrol Pumas The trailhead signs installed by Plast scouts of Kerhonkson, N.Y. ters led training for us about cartog- of Kerhonkson, N.Y.

A trail is marked with Soyuzivka logo blazes. The Pumas (from left): Julianna Maczaj, Pavlo Mysak, Vera Hrab and Roman Hrab Jr. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24-31, 2017 No. 52-53

This limited-time offer is available now through January 14, 2018, for new subscriptions.

Get 15 months of THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY for the price of a year’s subscription.

$90 for our print edition ($80 for UNA members) $40 for our online edition ($35 for UNA members).

Want to get a subscription for BOTH print and online? Add only $5 to the price of a print subscription.

Act now by contacting our Subscription Department: 973-292-9800 x 3040 [email protected]