Part 2 of THE YEAR IN REVIEW pages 5-12

THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationEEKLY Vol. LXXXIV No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 $2.00 Poroshenko has 25% support, Proposals to resolve armed conflict 70% disapproval, poll reveals in Donbas fail to impress experts by Zenon Zawada Indeed Mr. Poroshenko is widely report- ed to be leading the work to prepare the KYIV – Top U.S. and Russian officials conditions for local elections in occupied were literally brainstorming on new ways Donbas. He is also working to cobble togeth- to resolve the armed conflict in Donbas on er 300 votes (out of 450) in Parliament to January 15, as described by Russian presi- approve constitutional amendments, among dential aide Vladislav Surkov. them a clause that establishes the legal A solution has yet to emerge from the basis to establish “specific procedures for meeting in Kaliningrad between Mr. Surkov self-governance” in the Donbas region. and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Once the constitutional amendment cre- Nuland, the details of which were not made ating the specific procedures is approved, public. Instead, other creative proposals all that’s required is a simple majority of have surfaced in recent weeks to solve the 226 votes in the Verkhovna Rada to conflict, including the Organization for approve the corresponding law that estab- Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) lishes its legal framework. taking control of the Ukrainian side of the Commonly referred to as the “Donbas occupied border, as well as the United special status,” and widely regarded as de Nations dispatching humanitarian missions facto autonomy, the framework in the occu- Presidential Administration of Ukraine and possibly peacekeepers. pied Donbas would provide amnesty to President Petro Poroshenko on January 11 with soldiers of an artillery brigade dur- They haven’t made Ukrainian political most of the Russian-backed terrorists and ing a working visit to Ternopil. Seventy percent of Ukrainians polled disapprove of experts any more optimistic. Ukrainian enable them to occupy law enforcement his government’s handling of the war in the Donbas. President Petro Poroshenko has yet to pro- posts. pose to the Europeans an alternative to the Local authorities could also form eco- ishment is very apparent, particularly in by Zenon Zawada current plan, which involves local elections nomic agreements with their counterparts the form of inflation,” Mr. Oleshchuk said. in occupied Donbas, followed by de facto KYIV – About 25 percent of Ukrainians in neighboring Russia, all the while receiv- Only 11 percent of Ukrainians approve of autonomy, said Oles Doniy, the head of the approve of the job President Petro ing subsidies from Kyiv. Meanwhile, elected the Verkhovna Rada’s work, compared to 83 Center for Political Values Research in Kyiv. Poroshenko is doing, while about 70 per- officials can’t be removed before their percent who disapprove, which is nothing “OSCE control of the border is not cent disapprove of his performance, partic- terms are up. new, said Mykhailo Basarab, a Kyiv political important and how the elections are held ularly his administration’s handling of the The law’s many critics believe it’s these consultant. “Parliament has always been the and who will control the border is irrele- war in the Donbas. As president, he’s the conditions that will enable the Donbas most unpopular body, ever since the days of vant,” he said. “The main issue is holding commander-in-chief of the military and has leadership to foment conflict with Kyiv and [President Leonid] Kuchma,” he said. the elections, which will enable amnesty led the negotiations with foreign leaders to stir further internal strife within Ukraine, The poll revealed that pro-Western par- and put the terrorists in charge of the resolve the conflict. serving the Kremlin’s ultimate aim of ties either somewhat or entirely hostile to police, prosecution and the courts. Merely “He has quite strong support, particular- breaking the country up further. Mr. Poroshenko’s policies would gain seats fulfilling the elections will put an end to ly when compared with [Prime Minister in Parliament if elections were held in the unitary Ukraine.” (Continued on page 22) Arseniy] Yatsenyuk,” said Petro Oleshchuk, nearest future. a political science lecturer at Taras The Poroshenko Bloc would finish first Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. with 15 percent. The Batkivshchyna and “The public is banking on Poroshenko to Samopomich parties, which are part of the EU document refl ects concerns resolve this war and his rating reflects cer- current coalition but have opposed the pres- tain hopes and expectations. I would even ident on key issues such as special status for say that they’re a down payment.” the Donbas, would gain 21 percent together. about pace of reforms in Ukraine The poll, released on January 12, was Three pro-Western parties utterly hos- by Rikard Jozwiak The paper suggests that the establish- conducted by Rating Group Ukraine tile to the president – Oleh Liashko’s ment of a vice prime minister for RFE/RL between November 19 and 30, 2015, in Radical Party, Svoboda and Ukrop – would European integration could foster the cooperation with the International gain 16 percent support collectively. BRUSSELS – Kyiv has touted the prom- creation of a “transparent and effective Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in “Growing attitudes in opposition to the ise of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians coordination structure for reforms.” Survey Research and was financed by government are radicalizing into various traveling to the European Union as evi- The document acknowledges that Global Affairs Canada. ideological niches. The next Parliament dence of its success in carrying out substantial progress has been made as As low as 25 percent may be, the presi- would have far more conflicts than the cur- reforms, but behind the scenes several regards the passage of new laws but dent’s support exceeds that of other state rent one,” said Mr. Basarab, pointing out that key European Union member states are highlights the many problems still facing bodies, such as the Cabinet of Ministers this session has already had its fair share of bemoaning the country’s slow progress the country. and Parliament. fistfights and blockades of the podium. of implementation and lack of engage- “In some areas the actual implementa- Only 12 percent of Ukrainians approve of The Russian-oriented Opposition Bloc, a ment both with its citizens and with tion of reforms lags behind and is ham- the Cabinet’s work led by Mr. Yatsenyuk, com- potential ally to the Poroshenko Bloc because Brussels. pered by vested interests and lack of pared to 82 percent who disapprove. The rat- it also supports the establishment of the A discussion paper supported by nine capacity,” the paper said. “The complex ings of the Cabinet, which is responsible for Donbas special status, would finish in second EU member states and seen by RFE/RL processes of change and perceived lack domestic affairs, largely reflect the deteriorat- at 12 percent. The People’s Front, led by Mr. declares that the government and of tangible results create disappointment ing economic conditions in Ukraine, which Yatsenyuk, would not qualify for Parliament. Parliament in Kyiv “urgently need to and frustration among Ukrainians.” is undergoing an economic depression in Mr. Poroshenko is only the fourth most respond to public demands and reinforce The document is backed by EU heavy- which GDP is expected by the World Bank popular politician in Ukraine, with 27 per- their efforts to adopt and implement weights Germany and the United to have plunged 12 percent this year. cent of poll respondents viewing him favor- effective reforms, in particular in the area “The Cabinet’s reforms aren’t very of anti-corruption.” (Continued on page 18) apparent to the public, but their impover- (Continued on page 13) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

ANALYSIS

Russia’s National Security Strategy Poroshenko on restoring control over east war between Kyiv’s forces and Russia- backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. In a KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro statement earlier in the day, Mr. Kirby said denotes U.S. and NATO as threats Poroshenko has vowed to regain sovereign- the meeting was part of “our continued were clear signals concerning the tone to ty over separatist-held areas in the coun- efforts to work with Russia to ensure full by Roger McDermott try’s east in 2016. “Ukrainian sovereignty Eurasia Daily Monitor be framed within the 2015 Russian NSS implementation of the Minsk agreements, (Rossiyskaya Gazeta, December 22, 2015). over the occupied territories of Donetsk in close coordination with the other Russia’s new National Security Strategy Mr. Patrushev further justified the underly- and Luhansk regions must be restored,” Mr. Normandy powers – Ukraine, Germany and (NSS), signed into law by President Vladimir ing need to revise the NSS: “This is due to Poroshenko told journalists on January 14. France.” The AFP news agency cited an Putin on December 31, 2015, marks the cul- the emergence of new military dangers and He added that securing Crimea’s return unidentified source familiar with the mat- mination of a long process in deteriorating threats. These manifestations can be seen from Russian control was a priority, saying ter as saying that the meeting was held on relations between Moscow and Washington in the events of the ‘Arab Spring’ in Syria “de-occupation” of the peninsula that was Russian territory because Mr. Surkov, wide- and in how the Russian security elite per- and Iraq, the situation in Ukraine and annexed by Russia in March 2014 must be ly credited as the mastermind behind ceives the North Atlantic Treaty around it. There is a tendency of displace- implemented via international mechanisms Russian President Vladimir Putin’s consoli- Organization (NATO). The security docu- ment of military dangers and threats in the and with EU and U.S. help. “We – the soci- dation of political power at home, is among ment itself must be assessed in this context, information field. In the struggle for their ety, the army, the government – have large- the Russian officials hit with Ukraine- as well as with the understanding of how interests, leading countries in the world ly strengthened our country’s defense,” the related sanctions. Mr. Surkov was quoted and why the new strategy was formulated. have used indirect action, using the protest Ukrainian leader also said. “This is reflected by Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti news The Kremlin explicitly denoting the United potential of the population, radical and by the fact that our enemy is losing its will- agency as saying that his talks with Nuland States and NATO as threats to Russia’s secu- extremist organizations, private military ingness to continue its offensive against were “constructive and useful.” He told rity has longer-term implications concern- companies,” Mr. Patrushev explained Ukraine.” He added, “In January 2015 we reporters, “It was a kind of brainstorm ses- ing the limits of future cooperation (see (Grani.ru, December 31, 2015). had a goal to survive, and in January 2016 sion in search of compromises for the ful- Eurasia Daily Monitor, January 4, 5, 7). The 2015 NSS contains a great deal that we have a goal to succeed. I hope everyone fillment of the Minsk agreements.” In Kyiv, According to Russian law, the NSS must portrays the U.S. and NATO in negative understands the difference.” The president U.S. Embassy spokesperson Jonathan Lalley be updated every six years. As the previous terms and is frequently contradictory. The said that all points of the ceasefire accords said, “We regularly engage Russian and version was signed by then-president 2009 version includes reference to the U.S. pertaining to the eastern regions of Ukrainian government officials, our part- Dmitry Medvedev and NATO and Luhansk and Donetsk that were signed in ners and allies in Europe, and other coun- the Belarusian capital, Minsk, must be on May 12, 2009, The National Secu- therefore there is tries around the world on the situation in the new NSS had to continuity between implemented by all sides. “We will not eastern Ukraine and on implementation of be completed by the rity Strategy blames these documents; allow any revision of the Minsk agree- the Minsk agreements. We also routinely end of 2015 (Vesti, the U.S. and the Eu- however, the 2015 ments,” Mr. Poroshenko said. The Minsk update our Ukrainian and European part- October 22, 2015). NSS is more openly agreements called for the return of ners, including France and Germany, on our Drafting the NSS is ropean Union for the critical. Although Ukrainian control over the border between conversations with Russia. U.S. officials conducted under Ukraine crisis; in the drafting took the separatist-held areas and Russia by the briefed senior Ukrainian officials at the Russian Security particular, it paints place in 2015 end of 2015, but that and other issues Bankova and the Ukrainian government Council. The first against a back- agreed in the deal have not been imple- today, Saturday, January 16, on Assistant signs of its activity the Euro-Maidan ground of the mented on schedule. (RFE/RL, with report- Secretary Nuland’s discussion with Mr. occurred in events as a Western- Ukraine crisis, the ing by UNIAN, AFP and AP) Surkov. (RFE/RL, with reporting by AFP February and March document’s overall U.S., Kremlin officials discuss Ukraine and TASS; U.S. Embassy Kyiv) 2015, following the sponsored “color views are well United States releas- revolution” and a known in Russian WASHINGTON – Assistant U.S. Secretary In Minsk, sides vow to abide by truce ing its own 2015 potential threat to security circles. The of State Victoria Nuland and Kremlin aide MINSK – Negotiators at the Ukraine NSS. The Russian 2015 NSS accuses Vladislav Surkov met behind closed doors peace talks have vowed to make fresh Security Council Russia’s security. Western powers of in Russia’s western exclave of Kaliningrad efforts to enforce a shaky ceasefire in east- was clearly working flouting internation- on January 15, the latest talks in a flurry of ern Ukraine. Martin Sajdik, the envoy for toward revising the NSS throughout the al law and setting out to intervene in a recent diplomacy to broker an end to the the Organization for Security and year: reportedly, Mr. Putin officially ordered number of countries to change their bloody 20-month-old war in Ukraine’s east. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), made the its adjustment on July 3, 2015. Mr. Putin regimes, consequently spawning terrorism The meeting, held at a state residence out- comment on January 13. He spoke in Minsk told the Security Council that Russia must (Islamic State) and destabilizing the inter- side Kaliningrad, focused on “the situation after a meeting of the Trilateral Contact implement systemic measures to respond national security environment. in eastern Ukraine and the need for full Group, which is negotiating a settlement to to the changing situation in the world. By Nevertheless, the NSS offers commitment implementation of the Minsk agreements,” the conflict that has killed more than 9,000 October 2015, the Security Council press to arms control, nuclear deterrence and State Department spokesman John Kirby people since April 2014. Mr. Sajdik said the service confirmed that the council’s inter- international security frameworks and rec- told reporters in Washington, referring to departmental commission for strategic ognizes the importance of U.S.-Russia rela- measures signed in February to resolve the (Continued on page 18) planning had reviewed the NSS. Two tions (Vedomosti, December 31, 2015). months of tinkering followed before the It also offers cooperation with NATO, but draft NSS was sent to Mr. Putin, who, in on Moscow’s terms. The NSS blames the U.S. turn, delayed signing it into law until the and the European Union for the Ukraine cri- FOUNDED 1933 last day of 2015 (RBK, December 31, 2015). sis; in particular, it paints the Euro-Maidan THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Earlier, the Russian Security Council met events as a Western-sponsored “color revo- in March 2015 to review the National lution” and a potential threat to Russia’s An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Security Strategy of the U.S. The main con- security. The document’s section on a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. clusion was that the U.S. document is inher- “national defense” makes no reference to Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. ently “anti-Russian” with its repeated refer- “reform,” while the accusation that the U.S. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. ences to “Russian aggression.” Predictably, is constructing “military-biological” labora- (ISSN — 0273-9348) Moscow objected to the interpretation of tories in the Commonwealth of The Weekly: UNA: the Ukraine crisis as outlined in the U.S. Independent States (CIS) betrays paranoia Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 NSS. Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press and heightened anti-Americanism (Kremlin. secretary, said that “all threats to Russia’s ru, December 31, 2015). Postmaster, send address changes to: national security will be considered and In early December, NATO offered mem- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz dealt with and, if necessary, be amended in bership to Macedonia, and Russian media 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas the founding documents.” Moreover, the SC coverage stayed focused on the “threat” to P.O. Box 280 believed the U.S. NSS is rooted in promot- Russia of the alliance’s enlargement. The Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] ing Washington’s “global hegemony” and 2015 NSS notes, “The defining factor in The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com essentially keeping Russia down. Its mem- relations with NATO remains the unaccept- bers also considered the alleged U.S. role in ability to the Russian Federation of the alli- promoting “color revolutions” and conclud- ance’s increase in military activity and the The Ukrainian Weekly, January 24, 2016, No. 4, Vol. LXXXIV ed that Russia’s new NSS should recipro- proximity of its military infrastructure to Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly cate but not copy the American strategy Russia’s borders, the creation of a missile (Vzglyad, March 26, 2015). defense system and attempts to assume In May 2015, Russian Security Council global functions in breach of international ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Secretary Nikolai Patrushev confirmed that law.” But it adds: Russia “is ready to develop Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 work was under way to update the NSS and relations with NATO on the basis of equality and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 the doctrine of information security. Mr. to strengthen overall security in the Euro- e-mail: [email protected] Patrushev played a prominent public role Atlantic region. The depth and substance of Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 in the process, and his critical remarks e-mail: [email protected] regarding U.S. policy and NATO expansion (Continued on page 22) No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Russia bargains and bluffs for breakthrough in Ukraine by Pavel K. Baev but expects them only to add varnish to the Abandoning the failed project of certain that a relaxation of sectoral sanc- Eurasia Daily Monitor deal agreed with Washington. And besides, “Novorossiya,” the Russian leadership has tions would rescue the investment-starved the Kremlin assumes that Europe is so pre- to pretend a success of sorts. So the loom- Russian economy. The exploration and For months, the various negotiations for- occupied with its domestic disorder that it ing withdrawal is pre-emptively eclipsed by development of “green” oil and gas fields in mats on conflict management in Ukraine has little time for Ukraine (Gazeta.ru, bluffs, like Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s Eastern Siberia and the Arctic is hampered appeared deadlocked. But suddenly, in mid- January 14). promise to deploy three new divisions in not only by the lack of access to modern January, signs of a breakthrough in the President Putin knows that Ukraine’s order to counter the threats allegedly com- technologies but also by the sustained making have multiplied – bringing both President Petro Poroshenko is unpopular ing from the West (Ezhednevny Zhurnal, decline of prices, which is certain to curtail hopes and concerns to all the parties and besieged by an opposition angry about January 13). the inflow of petro-revenues for years to involved. The most meaningful of these Russian intrigues. Therefore, Mr. Putin has A year ago, in the heat of the “victorious” come (Slon.ru, January 15). signs was U.S. President Barack Obama’s appointed his long-time loyal subordinate battle over Debaltseve, Russian concessions Personal sanctions that prevent many telephone call to Russian President Boris Gryzlov as Russia’s representative in were out of the question. But now, the disas- Russian officials, including Messrs. Surkov Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, January 13, the Contact Group for Ukraine and sent him trous degradation of its economy has com- and Gryzlov, from traveling to the West, are in which Ukraine was the starting topic of with a message to Mr. Poroshenko primarily pelled Russia to return to the negotiating unlikely to be lifted, and they are reinforced the “open and business-like conversation” in order to put the Ukrainian leader in a table. Professional discussions at the Gaidar by many recent investigations into the (Rbc.ru, January 13). The follow-up came tight political corner (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Forum in Moscow last week painted the pic- export of Russian corruption, including most on Friday, January 15, in the meeting January 15). In so doing, the Russian head of ture of a failure of state control and an recently the doping scandal in the between Assistant U.S. Secretary of State state exploits the Contract Group negotiat- unchecked downward trend, even if most International Association of Athletics Victoria Nuland and Mr. Putin’s aide ing channel to present Ukraine as mired in liberal economists were denied the chance Federations (IAAF), in which Mr. Putin is Vladislav Surkov, in a cozy presidential resi- discord and decline (Polit.ru, January 16). to speak (Novaya Gazeta, January 14). personally implicated (Kommersant, dence in the Kaliningrad region The need to score a few tactical points Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev tried to January 15). (Kommersant, January 15). Mr. Surkov comes from the inescapable domestic shift the blame on the global volatility and The Ukrainian leadership is pushing described the six-hour-long meeting as a imperative for Russia to accept the failure the hostile actions of Western partners. But hard the case of the annexation of Crimea, “brainstorm.” And while his official status is of the “hybrid war” against Ukraine and to it was German Gref, the head of Sberbank, which should not be forgotten even if low and the list of his rivals in the Kremlin relinquish control over the occupied who produced the strongest resonance with Russia indeed withdraws its troops from is quite long, Mr. Surkov is indeed a person enclave in the Donetsk and Luhansk the acknowledgement that the oil age was the occupied territories in eastern Ukraine who can invent complex compromises and regions. Mr. Putin needs to make this deal over; moreover, he concluded that Russia (Rbc.ru, January 14). then sell them to his boss. fast, while Mr. Obama continues to consider was a loser in the competition and a “down- It is still unclear whether the Kremlin is Mr. Putin particularly wants to be able to him a serious stakeholder in the Syrian war shifter state” (Newsru.com, January 15). indeed ready for a complete retreat from negotiate the fate of Ukraine directly with and keeps open the option of lifting sanc- The only positive message from the gov- the war-devastated Donbas, which has no Washington. Regardless of any concessions tions against Russia (Rbc.ru, January 16). ernment ministers was that no major mis- economic value for Russia and incurs heavy the Kremlin might be forced to make as a The fate of the puppet rebel regimes in takes were made since the arrival of the political, financial and military costs. The result of these talks, such a bilateral format eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region apparent- recession in late 2014 – but that was pri- idea that makes such an abandonment would serve to uplift Russia’s international ly matter little to the Kremlin. The “govern- marily because no coherent anti-crisis poli- agreeable is that Ukraine would have to status – even if, in a recent interview for the ments” of the Donetsk and Luhansk “peo- cy was developed (Moscow Echo, January bear the burden of rebuilding this war zone German tabloid Bild, Mr. Putin denied ple’s republics” are not invited to or even 15). and would also receive a bouquet of com- Russian ambitions to regain the rank of a informed about the closed-door negotia- The Kremlin expects its hard-given con- plex political problems that could make its “superpower” (Moskovsky Komsomolets, tions; they are only used for breaking the cessions on eastern Ukraine to be recipro- unruly politics ungovernable. January 12). Moscow certainly keeps the ceasefire in order to produce extra urgency cated by the West with a cancelation of the conversations with Berlin and Paris going, in striking a deal (Rosbalt, January 16). sanctions regime. However, it is far from (Continued on page 18)

WINDOW ON EURASIA Ukrainian envoy to the Holy See: Moscow Patriarchate sets up new staff Pope Francis will never forsake Ukraine Religious Information Service to destabilize inter-Church relations in Ukraine of Ukraine

by Paul Goble Among the groups this new staff over- VATICAN – The pope’s traditional sees are the Union of Orthodox New Year’s meeting with the heads of The Russian Orthodox Church has set up Brotherhoods, the Union of Orthodox diplomatic missions of foreign states and a new staff in the synod department of Citizens, the Association of Orthodox international organizations accredited to external church affairs to blacken the repu- Citizens and other radical nationalist the Holy See was held on January 11. tation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of groups not publicly associated with the Pope Francis delivered a speech focus- the Kyiv Patriarchate, to block the Moscow Patriarchate in order to suggest ing on the results of the Vatican’s diplo- Ecumenical Patriarchate from recognizing that these conflicts arise within Ukraine matic activities, the main international the Kyiv Church as canonical, and to desta- and to give Moscow deniability as far as its events of the past year and the challeng- bilize religious conditions across Ukraine. role is concerned. es facing the international community on Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See In an article on Ukrinform.ru titled “The The chief operative of this Moscow staff the eve of 2016. Pope Francis speaks with Ukraine’s Moscow Patriarchate as Commissar of in Ukraine is the Union of Orthodox In his speech, the pontiff separately ambassador to the Holy See, Tetiana Hybrid War,” Kyiv journalist Lana Journalists which, Samokhvalova says, “is in commented on the situation in Ukraine. Izhevska. Samokhvalova says that this staff, headquar- fact neither a union nor does it comprise He said: “May this Holy Year of Mercy tered in Moscow, seeks to create controver- soon have an opportunity to greet the journalists or Orthodox faithful.” Instead, it will be an especially favorable time to pontiff on their land. Pope Francis, for his sies between the Orthodox Churches in is an FSB operation intended to provoke finally put an end to the conflict in east- Ukraine so as to be able to complain to the part, assured the ambassador that he conflicts between the Moscow Patriarchate ern Ukraine. Extremely important is the will “never forsake Ukraine.” Organization for Security and Cooperation and the parishes of the Kyiv Patriarchate diverse support that the international in Europe and other international bodies According to the Catholic News and then blame them on the latter. community, individual countries and Agency, there are currently 180 ambassa- that Ukraine is religiously intolerant (ukrin- The Ukrainian journalist says that arti- humanitarian organizations can offer to form.ru/rubric-community/ 1944967-mos- dors to the Holy See, 86 of whom reside in cles in Moscow Patriarchate outlets show the country in order to overcome the Rome. An annual occurrence, the pope’s kovskiy-patriarhat-kak-komissar-gibrid- that the new staff is pursuing the following current crisis.” noy-voynyi.html). speech to the diplomatic corps accredited five goals: discrediting all but Moscow After the speech, the pope met briefly to the Holy See is one of the most impor- Patriarchate churches in Ukraine, bringing with the ambassador of Ukraine. Pope tant that he gives at the beginning of each Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on religious problems in Ukraine to the atten- Francis welcomed Ambassador Tetiana year, and it sets the Holy See’s diplomatic ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia tion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Izhevska with the Christian greeting tone for the rest of the year. who has served in various capacities in the hopes of blocking its recognition of Kyiv as “Christ is Born.” After the traditional Pope Francis encouraged the diplo- U.S. State Department, the Central a canonical patriarchate, deforming reply, “Glorify Him,” the ambassador con- mats to work toward building peace, but Intelligence Agency and the International [Ukraine’s] information space, creating veyed New Year and Christmas greetings said that doing so would mean “rethink- Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice conditions among the faithful for civic to the pontiff from the government and ing entrenched habits and practices,” of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio strife, and intimidating pro-Kyiv church- people of Ukraine. beginning with the arms trade, financing Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for men by threatening them in various ways. Ambassador Izhevska thanked the and sustainable development policies, International Peace. The article above is The Kyiv journalist says that she con- holy father for his constant attention, the provision of raw materials and ener- reprinted with permission from his blog cludes “as a hypothesis” that the new staff prayers and blessings for Ukraine, and gy, investment, as well as “the grave called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- expressed hope that Ukrainians would scourge of corruption.” woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). (Continued on page 22) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

COMMENTARY RE: STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS International pressure can achieve Mis-stating the State of the Union by David J. Kramer tracts, Russia is pouring resources in to release of Russia’s political prisoners prop up Ukraine and Syria, client states that by Yuriy Yatsenko or by the head of the Security Service of This comment below appeared on they saw slipping away from their orbit. Ukraine to commit acts of terrorism in January 13 on the website of The McCain And the international system we built after I am a Ukrainian citizen who was illegal- Russia. At the time, I was an ordinary student Institute for International Leadership (www. World War II is now struggling to keep pace ly arrested and detained by the Russian from western Ukraine and could not believe mccaininstitute.org). The author is the insti- with this new reality.” Federation for over a year for political rea- that such absurd accusations were being tute’s senior director for human rights and Let’s start with the Middle East. The sons. Nadiya Savchenko, Oleh Sentsov and made against me. My western Ukrainian ori- democracy. region is a mess, has been a mess, and will others who are less known have suffered gin became an additional reason for Russian be a mess, President Obama seems to be and continue to suffer the same fate. law enforcement personnel to harass me. In his State of the Union speech last saying, so let’s stay as far away as possible, In May 2014, I was in Russia’s Kursk After we refused to incriminate our- night, President Obama uttered the follow- no matter how many people get slaugh- region with a friend on a business trip. selves, they began beating us at regular ing baffling statement: tered there. Not exactly a strong display of During a routine document check that intervals. We were also offered an option of “In today’s world, we’re threatened less American leadership. Russian police officers often practice, I was going on Russian TV and giving a predeter- by evil empires and more by failing states. On Ukraine, does President Obama real- detained. At the police department, an FSB mined speech about being sent to Russia The Middle East is going through a transfor- ly think Ukraine is a “client state” of Russia? (Russian Federal Security Service) agent from Ukraine to commit subversive acts, mation that will play out for a generation, That would be news to the vast majority of showed me a photograph of myself taken but instead we turned to the FSB for pro- rooted in conflicts that date back millennia. Ukrainians, nearly 10,000 of whom have during the Euro-Maidan protests, which I tection to save us from the Ukrainian Economic headwinds are blowing in from a sacrificed their lives to fend off Russian suspect he had found on social media. The authorities and their persecution. We Chinese economy that is in significant tran- agent demanded that my friend and I pro- refused, so the harassment continued and sition. Even as their economy severely con- (Continued on page 22) vide false testimony; he wanted us to admit turned into physical and psychological that we had been recruited by Right Sector abuse. One FSB official threatened to hand me over to the president of Chechnya. At first, the abuse and the beatings were Yuriy Yatsenko is an activist of the Euro- constant. I was regularly placed in punish- Ukraine is not a client state of Russia Maidan who was illegally imprisoned in ment cells and solitary confinement. Russia on political grounds and recently The statement below was released by the president’s goals in his last year in office, I remember one particularly brutal Ukrainian Congress Committee of America omitted references to many international released. Mr. Yatsenko was a guest speaker instance. Some special forces soldiers, at events organized by the VOLYA Institute on January 13. affairs, slighted Ukraine in the manner wearing masks and uniforms bearing no quoted above, and focused instead on petty for Contemporary Law and Society and insignia other than the colors of the Razom. He testified before the U.S. Helsinki In his final State of the Union address, political squabbles. On the very anniversa- Russian flag, put a bag over my head, took President Obama got it wrong when it Commission in Washington on December me into the woods and tortured me. They 11, 2015 (see story on page 3). His remarks came to Ukraine. Speaking before the annu- army was mobilized to seize state institu- hanged me by my handcuffs for hours and ry of the Sausio įvykiai, when the Soviet to the commission were abridged and pub- al joint session of Congress, the President tions in Lithuania following its declared beat me in the head, groin and other parts independence, and ordinary citizens placed lished on January 5 on the Atlantic Council declared, “Even as their economy severely of the body. They strangled me. They also contracts, Russia is pouring resources in to themselves in harm’s way to defend their website, the source of the version printed prop up Ukraine and Syria – client states freedoms, the president failed to raise the above. (Continued on page 19) that they saw slipping away from their level of political discourse to the leading orbit,” when summarizing the United role America has demonstrated time and States’ national priorities. When it came again throughout its history. time to mention Ukraine, a long-time stra- The president also made a second, fleet- State Department clarifies tegic partner of the United States, President ing mention of Ukraine, this time praising Obama once again demonstrated a shock- his limited actions in regards to Ukraine by president’s SOTU reference ing ignorance of foreign policy hotspots in stating, “When we help Ukraine defend its his biggest address to the nation. democracy, or Colombia resolve a decades- WASHINGTON – The following country that is peaceful, prosperous, The Ukrainian Congress Committee of long war, that strengthens the international response was given on January 15 by and free to chart its own destiny. America (UCCA), the largest representation order we depend upon.” According to the the State Department spokesperson “The president was referring in his of Ukrainians in America, is outraged by the New York Times, 3.2 million Ukrainians Mark Toner regarding President remarks to Russia’s previous long-term description of Ukraine used in the State of now live amid destruction or are in dire Barack Obama’s State of the Union efforts to bolster the regime of former the Union address. To be clear, Russia is not need of humanitarian aid this winter. Can address (January 12), in which he said: President [Viktor] Yanukovych as a way propping up Ukraine; the Russian we really claim to have done all that we “…Russia is pouring resources in to to prevent Ukraine from pursuing fur- Federation is destabilizing Ukraine. Nor did could to aid Ukraine in its hour of need? prop up Ukraine and Syria - client ther integration with Europe, and its Ukraine “slip away from Russia’s orbit”; the The United States, as the bastion of states they saw slipping away from current occupation of Crimea, extensive people of Ukraine made up their own democracy in the free world, and the presi- their orbit.” efforts to support armed groups oper- minds with regards to national policy, dent, as its executive, must take the lead in Mr. Toner stated: ating in eastern Ukraine, and other including their open and democratic deci- promoting international norms, defending “Over the past two years, the United efforts to destabilize the country.” sion to demand basic human rights, jour- basic human rights and freedoms, and States has worked closely with our Mr. Toner’s response was to a nalistic and economic freedoms and closer charting a course of geopolitical stability. European and international partners request for comment from a correspon- integration with Europe during the The president could start by following to help Ukraine defend its democracy dent for the Ukrinform news service. Revolution of Dignity. Congress’ lead: publicly calling for the and territorial integrity, and the United The Ukrainian Weekly could find no Signaling this administration’s lack of release of Russia’s political prisoners, States remains firmly committed to account of this clarification on the understanding of geopolitics, this major including Iraq veteran 1st Lt. Nadiya helping the Ukrainian people build a State Department’s website. address, in the planning since November of Savchenko, and releasing the authorized last year and intended as a summary of the military aid to Ukraine’s armed forces.

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: November 2015 Amount Name City State Brozyna Mykola Bridgewater NJ Gordon Marie Glastonbury CT $120.00 Kramarchuk Alex Jupiter FL Kryzaniwsky Jurij Sarasota FL Kurpel Tania New Orleans LA Steck Ulana Mississauga ON $20.00 Bardyn Tania Bothell WA $8.00 Kytasty Peter Livonia MI $110.00 Guty John Ottawa ON Bonacorsa Christine Belleville NJ $5.00 Haftkowycz Nadia Wethersfield CT Wesely Orest Stockton CA Boyko Myron Avondale Est GA Martiuk Marijka Ramsey NJ $100.00 Hrycelak George Elmwood Park IL Hlynsky Boris Vienna VA Petriv Vsevolod Malden MA $85.00 Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH Koval Halyna Easthampton MA Sarachman Chrystyna Philadelphia PA $75.00 Olds Natalie Fenton MI Motyka Walter North Port FL $70.00 Blethen Olga Glen Spey NY Skrypka Wolodymyr Gainesville GA TOTAL: $1,503.00 Trojan-Masnyk Christina Wheaton IL Swyrydenko Walter Cleveland OH $60.00 Cap-Labrosse Romana Marlboro NJ Trenkler Helen North Providence RI Sincere thanks to all contributors Tymkiw Stephan Millersville MD $50.00 Hrab Aurelia Morristown NJ $40.00 Sklierenko Bohdan & Luba Mississauga ON Warshona M Mayfield NY to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. $30.00 Kuzycz Jurij Glen Ellyn IL Zavisky Nicholas Watervliet NY Wakulowska Wictoria Philadelphia PA Zwarycz Stefan Kenosha WI The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only $25.00 Bilos Z Elk Grove Vlg IL $15.00 Zaplitny Paul Richmond Hill NY fund dedicated exclusively to supporting Bortnyk John Forked River NJ $10.00 Danylyk Oksana Houston TX the work of this publication. No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 5

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW U.S.-Ukraine relations: support at a time of war upporters of Ukraine thought they had won a great victory at the end of 2014 with the passage and the Ssigning of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act; they thought the U.S. would indeed provide Ukraine with the lethal weapons it needed to defend itself from Russian aggression. But that struggle continued in 2015, as the Obama administration continued to rely on sanctions against Russia and non-lethal aid to Ukraine despite the existential threat to this strategic ally of the U.S. Probably the biggest news in U.S.-Ukraine relations came on December 6-8, when Vice-President Joe Biden visited Ukraine – his fifth trip as vice-president and his fourth since the Euro-Maidan – to reassure Kyiv that the U.S. stands with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Those who watched the vice-presi- dent’s address, or a video of it posted on YouTube, knew that his words of concern about Ukraine’s people and the nation’s future were sincere. He modulated his delivery from a booming voice to a soft whisper-like tone, express- ing the unacceptability of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and appealing to Ukraine leaders to do what’s right and “build President Administration of Ukraine a better future for the people of Ukraine.” U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden gets a standing ovation while addressing the Verkhovna Rada on December 8. The first news of the year about the U.S.-Ukraine rela- tionship came with the State of the Union address on President [Vladimir] Putin’s upending of the international in Kyiv, “bearing a modest package of humanitarian aid January 20, in which President Barack Obama mentioned order, and to create the conditions for a more democratic but stopping short of offering the expanded military assis- Russian aggression in Ukraine. He stated: “... we are dem- and peaceful Ukraine.” tance sought by Ukraine.” She also noted: “Kerry onstrating the power of American strength and diplomacy. Sen. Menendez followed up on January 29 with a letter announced on his arrival that the United States would We’re upholding the principle that bigger nations can’t to Secretary of State John Kerry, strongly urging the provide an additional $16 million in humanitarian aid to bully the small – by opposing Russian aggression, sup- Obama administration “to provide Ukraine with the weap- buy blankets, repair homes, obtain wheelchairs and pro- porting Ukraine’s democracy, and reassuring our NATO ons it needs to defend itself.” vide counseling for the victims of ongoing war in Ukraine. allies. Last year, as we were doing the hard work of impos- Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on There was no mention of defensive military equipment.” ing sanctions along with our allies, some suggested that February 3 urged President Obama and NATO to rapidly In a joint appearance with President Poroshenko, Mr. Mr. Putin’s aggression was a masterful display of strategy increase military assistance to Ukraine to defend its sover- Kerry said the U.S. wants “a peaceful resolution” to the and strength. Well, today, it is America that stands strong eign borders against escalating Russian aggression. They conflict in Ukraine. According to a transcript released by and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated, with its were joined by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sherrod the U.S. State Department, he added: “But we cannot close economy in tatters.” Brown (D-Ohio), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Richard our eyes to tanks that are crossing the border from Russia But there were many who thought those boastful Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Bill Nelson and coming into Ukraine. We can’t close our eyes to words were not borne out by reality. Furthermore, the (D-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Barbara Boxer Russian fighters in unmarked uniforms crossing the bor- address made no mention of providing concrete help for (D-Calif.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco der and leading individual companies of so-called separat- Ukraine to counter the Russian invasion of its territory. Rubio (R-Fla.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Kelly Ayotte ists in battle. We can’t close our eyes to modern rockets Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member of the (R-N.H.). and modern radar capacity and other capacity that has Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on January 14 In their joint letter, the 15 senators wrote: “Russia’s crossed the border in order to prosecute this conflict released a statement regarding the importance of imple- affront to established international norms is a direct across sovereign lines, across international borders, menting the Ukraine Freedom Support Act. “Russian- threat to decades of established European security archi- against all the promises that were made in the Minsk supplied proxies in eastern Ukraine continue to cause tecture and the democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian ceasefire agreement.” havoc on the lives of innocent people in the region, as well people. It must not be allowed to succeed. We believe it is In Munich on February 7, Vice-President Biden said that, as impede prospects for regional peace. …These most time to increase military assistance to Ukraine and urge unless Russia changed course in its involvement in recent attacks by Russian-supported forces serve as fur- the U.S. and NATO to move quickly. Despite the welcome Ukraine, the international community would continue to ther proof that the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, imposition of U.S. and EU sanctions and mounting interna- “impose costs” on Moscow for its “violation of international which passed Congress unanimously and was signed into tional isolation, Russian President [Vladimir] Putin norms.” He said Russia was disregarding Ukraine’s sover- law in December, must be fully implemented. The legisla- appears willing to gamble his country’s economy and eignty with its involvement in eastern Ukraine, and tion requires the president to impose sanctions on world standing to further his blatant military invasion of charged that pro-Russian separatist leaders and the core of Russia’s defense sector, and authorizes the president to another nation. …Such a dangerous international bully the “trained fighters” in eastern Ukraine “directly answer impose sanctions on Russia’s energy and financial sectors. will only stand down when faced with credible resistance.” to Mr. Putin.” The U.S. vice-president told an audience that It also authorizes increased military and non-military Even as news stories more and more frequently report- included world leaders and senior officials that no country assistance for Ukraine,” Sen. Menendez stated. “I urge the ed that the Obama administration was considering lethal had spheres of influence and that every independent coun- administration to fully implement this legislation to dem- aid to Ukraine, The Washington Post’s Carol Morello try had the “sovereign right to choose its own alliances” – a onstrate through verifiable action our fight against reported on February 5 that Secretary Kerry had arrived warning that Russia cannot keep Ukraine out of the European Union or NATO against its will. He also left open the possibility of Washington providing defensive military aid to Ukraine, but said, “Let me be clear: we do not believe there is a military solution in Ukraine.” Soon afterwards, on February 9, Sens. Portman and Durbin announced the launch of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, who goal is to strengthen the political, military, economic and cultural relationship between the United States and Ukraine. Its two co-chairs said the caucus would immediately focus on the need for a sustained U.S. commitment to Ukraine in the face of a Russian-backed separatist offensive. Sen. Portman said: “I look forward to working with Sen. Durbin and our caucus members to establish the Senate Ukraine Caucus as a key voice on Capitol Hill for stronger U.S.-Ukrainian relations.” Sen. Durbin noted: “We form the Senate Ukraine Caucus at a time of real peril for the peo- ple of Ukraine… Ukraine needs a steadfast ally in the United States. This bipartisan group sends a clear message that Ukraine has the unflinching support of the Ukrainian community in Illinois and in the United States.” Sens. Ayotte, Murphy, Brown and Kirk were announced as vice- chairs of the caucus. The first meeting of the Senate During a U.S. congressional delegation’s meeting with Ukraine’s president and ministers on March 11 (from left) are: U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Rep. Steve Womack, Rep. Steve Israel, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Rep. Ukraine Caucus took place on February 26. Kay Granger, President Petro Poroshenko, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Rep. John Carter, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. Expressing their disappointment with the position of Pete Visclosky, Rep. Ken Calvert, Minister of Finance Natalie Jaresko and Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin. Western leaders on the Ukraine crisis, Sens. McCain and 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

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Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on February 17 stated: “The never forget those who lost their lives and raised their Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.); Defense chancellor of Germany and the president of France, with voices for freedom and dignity. … the Euro-Maidan pro- Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Rodney P. the support of the president of the United States, are legit- testers stood up against injustice and sparked the birth of Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.); and State and Foreign Operations imizing the dismemberment of a sovereign nation in a new Ukraine,” Secretary Kerry stated. “Today we are Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Kay Granger Europe for the first time in seven decades.” The two sena- united with Ukraine in somber remembrance of the sacri- (R-Texas). tors underscored that the U.S. must provide defensive fices made by the ‘Heavenly Hundred.’ We also recognize Also on March 4, during a hearing of the House Foreign weapons to Ukraine and apply additional sanctions on the efforts of the people of Ukraine to make progress over Affairs Committee on the topic “Ukraine Under Siege,” Russia. They noted: “It is inexcusable to adhere to a failed this difficult year. From Lviv to Luhansk, from Chernivtsi Helsinki Commission Chair Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) took ceasefire agreement as Russia and its Ukrainian proxies to Sevastopol, Ukrainians are coming together to define the Obama administration to task for its delay in provid- escalate their uncompromising siege of Debaltseve. their own future.” ing defensive military assistance to Ukraine. “We have a de Western leaders say there is no military solution to the On March 1, the U.S. said it had evidence that Russian facto defensive weapons arms embargo on Ukraine … conflict in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin clearly does not think generals were directing the fighting in Ukraine’s east. Delay is denial. People are dying,” Rep. Smith said. “Over so. He continues his aggression, and in the absence of Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt said on the 6,000 are dead. Many of these are children and women.” greater Western support for Ukrainian forces, a Russian- Ukrainian channel Inter TV: “We believe that Russian gen- He continued, “[The Ukrainians] need us …they told me imposed military solution is exactly what will continue to erals are involved in the conflict in the Donbas, and that off-the-record how profoundly disappointed they are in unfold in Ukraine, just as it has in parts of Georgia and the Russian officers command tactical military operations President Obama, especially in light of people around him Moldova.” in the Donbas. We know that Russia is using modern elec- saying, ‘Please, Mr. President, this is a time for American The Ukrainian Weekly’s editorial of February 22 tronic missile guidance systems of the air-to-surface class. leadership.’ When will the decision [to provide defensive opined: “Here in the U.S., President Barack Obama contin- …We know that the regular troops of the Russian army military assistance] be made? …They need defensive ues his hands-off approach to Ukraine. At home, he has took part in the occupation of Debaltseve, and in military weapons and they need them now.” Vice-President Joe Biden doing the phone calling, and actions that continued even after the Minsk agreements The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 10 sometimes allows Secretary of State John Kerry to get a had to come into force.” The ambassador added, “This called into session two panels to hear testimony on word in, while in the international arena, he’s let Germany conflict may be ended by one phone call – a call by President Obama’s policy toward Ukraine, sparked by the and France take the lead – with the disastrous results of Russian President Vladimir Putin.” president’s statement in diplomatic channels in February Minsk 2. And just what was the goal of Minsk 2? Many say U.S. Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges said on that his administration will not offer military assistance to it was to stop dead in its tracks the move to supply March 3 that the U.S. military estimated some 12,000 Ukraine. In his opening remarks, the committee’s chair- Ukraine with lethal weapons just as the U.S. was leaning Russian soldiers were supporting pro-Moscow separatists man Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) emphasized that “the pro- toward doing that. Instead we’re left with the administra- in eastern Ukraine and that about 29,000 Russian troops vision of lethal assistance aims to increase Ukraine’s tion’s new National Security Policy of ‘strategic patience’ – were in Crimea. The Russian forces are made up of mili- defense capabilities in a way that will give Kyiv the ability never mind that Russia has violated every major post- tary advisers, weapons operators and combat troops. to produce conditions on the ground favorable to a genu- World War II international agreement, from the U.N. Speaking in Berlin, Commander Hodges said that helping ine peace process. By equipping Ukraine with the means Charter and the Helsinki Accords to the Budapest Ukraine with weapons would increase the stakes for to impose a greater military cost on Russia, the United Memorandum.” President Putin at home. “When mothers start seeing sons States will be contributing to a quicker, fairer and more On the occasion of the first anniversary of Ukraine’s come home dead, when that price goes up, then that stable settlement of the conflict.” The hearing featured Euro-Maidan demonstrations, Congressional Ukrainian domestic support begins to shrink,” he said. Gen. Martin some heated questioning by the senators of administra- Caucus co-chairs Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Sander Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, also tion officials, who were asked such questions as: Why has Levin (D-Mich.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) on February voiced support for arming Ukraine on March 3. Speaking the administration not fully implemented the Ukraine 24 introduced a resolution that called for the United before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said Freedom Support Act? When will the administration real- States to assist Ukraine with economic, social and govern- Washington “should absolutely consider” providing Kyiv ize that Minsk II has failed? Why has the U.S. not fulfilled mental reform efforts; urged President Obama to immedi- with arms through NATO. its obligations to Ukraine under the Budapest ately act on approved financial and defensive military aid; On March 4, a bipartisan group of House leaders and Memorandum? Why should there be any hope for peace and encouraged Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to committee chairs – eight Republicans and three knowing Mr. Putin’s record? continue anti-corruption efforts. Democrats – sent a letter to President Obama, writing: “In The Atlantic Council on March 6 hosted a presentation “A year ago, the people of Ukraine rallied behind the the wake of a ceasefire agreement that appears only to and discussion on “Human Rights Abuses in Russian- ideas of economic and governmental reform during the have consolidated Russian and separatist gains since the Occupied Crimea” that featured an extensive report by Euro-Maidan demonstrations; today, the United States first Minsk agreement, we urge you to quickly approve Andrii Klymenko, chief editor of the Black Sea News and must take action to see their goals achieved,” said Rep. additional efforts to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend its chairman of the supervisory board for Maidan Foreign Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan resolution calls on Congress sovereign territory, including through the transfer of Affairs. Mr. Klymenko detailed Russia’s tactics in Crimea, and the White House to work in the best interest of our lethal, defensive weapons systems to the Ukrainian mili- including: imposing Russian citizenship and forcing resi- friend and ally, Ukraine, and support a safe and sovereign tary.” The signatories were: Speaker John A. Boehner dents to renounce Ukrainian citizenship; expelling people nation through common sense measures: Supporting seri- (R-Ohio); House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy deemed to be disloyal; violating the rights of the Crimean ous reform efforts, calling on President Obama to follow (R-Calif.); Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce Tatars; creating an information ghetto; and expropriating through with the provision of financial and defensive mili- (R-Calif.); Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), ranking member of Ukrainian state property. tary aid, and encouraging the continuation of anti-corrup- the Foreign Affairs Committee; Armed Services On March 16, Jen Psaki, spokesperson for the U.S. tion efforts in Kyiv.” Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas); Rep. Department of State, delivered a press statement on the A press statement by Secretary of State Kerry, titled Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Armed “one-year anniversary of the sham ‘referendum’ in “One Year Anniversary of the Maidan Protests in Ukraine,” Services Committee; Permanent Select Committee on Crimea, held in clear violation of Ukrainian law and the was released on February 21. Mr. Kerry noted the events Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.); Rep. Adam Ukrainian Constitution.” She said the vote was “not volun- of 2014 and referred to his moving visits to Euro-Maidan Schiff (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Permanent tary, transparent or democratic,” and underscored: “We do venues, where he paid his respects to the fallen. “We will Select Committee on Intelligence; Appropriations not, nor will we, recognize Russia’s attempted annexation and call on President Putin to end his country’s occupa- tion of Crimea. … This week, as Russia attempts to validate its cynical and calculated ‘liberation’ of Crimea, we reaf- firm that sanctions related to Crimea will remain in place as long as the occupation continues. The United States continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-determination.” The House of Representatives on March 23 overwhelm- ingly passed House Resolution 162 “calling on the presi- dent to provide Ukraine with military assistance to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The vote was 348 for and 48 against. The measure resolved that “the House of Representatives strongly urges the president to fully and immediately exercise the authorities provided by Congress to provide Ukraine with lethal defensive weapon systems to enhance the ability of the people of Ukraine to defend their sovereign territory from the unprovoked and continuing aggression of the Russian Federation The reso- lution was sponsored by Rep. Engel and had 12 cospon- sors. Keeping up the pressure on President Obama and his administration was a March 24 letter from the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, in which Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.) wrote: “First, you should desig- Yaro Bihun nate Ukraine as a Major Non-NATO Ally. Second, the With Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko standing beside him in front of the International Monetary Fund headquar- Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015 con- ters building, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk recounts the Ukrainian military and economic issues discussed tains $175 million within the European Reassurance during their three days of talks in Washington on June 8-10. No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 7

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Initiative Fund specifically to provide aid to Ukraine and the Baltic states. We request that a substantial amount of funding be reprogrammed to that fund thereby increasing the amount of funding available for assistance.” Reps. Frelinghuysen and Visclosky, along with six other members of the Defense Subcommittee, had recently returned from a bipartisan fact-finding trip to Kyiv, where they met with President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak to discuss ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. Delegation members told President Obama that the situa- tion in Ukraine is “alarming”: “As you are aware, President Putin is using Ukraine as a test bed for a new type of war- fare by using state-sponsored insurgents to carry out his campaign. The Russians are clearly managing the com- mand and control of the insurgency and have invaded Ukraine using the façade of this insurgency for plausible deniability. Additionally, Russia is overwhelmingly win- ning the communication battle in Europe and Ukraine itself and is showing success in dividing Ukraine’s neigh- bors.” On April 30, there was yet more information, and con- firmation, that Russia was directing the “rebels” in Ukraine. The Associated Press reported that U.S. officials briefed on intelligence from the region said Russia had significantly deepened its command and control of sepa- U.S. Embassy Kyiv ratist forces in recent months. That led the U.S. to quietly The scene on November 14 at the airport in Yavoriv, Lviv Oblast, where the U.S. delivered two counter-battery introduce a new term, “combined Russian-separatist forc- radar systems to Ukraine to bolster the country’s defense and internal security operations. es,” with the State Department using the expression three times in a single statement lambasting them for a series of On November 14 the United States delivered two AN/ Contemporary Law and Society and the Ukrainian ceasefire violations. TPQ-36 radar systems to Ukraine at a ceremony in American organization Razom, the report emphasized On May 27, the U.S. announced $18 million in addition- Yavoriv, Lviv Oblast. President Poroshenko had the oppor- that “according to the international law on occupation, the al U.S. humanitarian assistance to help those affected by tunity to review the equipment and was briefed by U.S. Russian Federation as an occupying power is obliged to Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. The military personnel on its capabilities. The U.S. Embassy ensure that everyone is treated humanely and without funds from the Department of State’s Bureau of Kyiv pointed out that the radar systems will help defend discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or any other Population, Refugees and Migration were to support the Ukrainian military personnel and civilians against rocket basis.” Testimony at the Helsinki Commission was provid- activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and artillery attacks, the most lethal threat to Ukrainian ed by Ivanna Bilych, a New York attorney and one of the the International Organization for Migration and the personnel and civilians. The equipment was delivered on co-authors of the report; Bohdan Yaremenko, a leader of United Nations Population Fund to meet the most critical a rapid timeline – less than two months after President the Ukrainian NGO Maidan of Foreign Affairs and a former protection and assistance needs of persons affected by the Obama delegated to the secretary of state the authority to diplomat; Andriy Klymenko, chief editor of Black Sea conflict in eastern Ukraine, including the provision of food, draw down up to $20 million in defense articles and ser- News and a prominent economist, originally from Crimea; hygiene items, medical supplies, and essential household vices and up to $1.5 million in non-lethal commodities and Yuriy Yatsenko, an activist of the Revolution of Dignity items such as blankets, plastic sheeting and construction and services to provide these systems to Ukraine. The pro- who was illegally imprisoned in Russia on political materials to repair homes. vision of these systems brought total U.S. security assis- grounds in May 2014, suffering brutal torture and crimi- An important report on the extent of Russia’s aggres- tance committed to Ukraine in response to the crisis to nal prosecution. sion in Ukraine was released by the Atlantic Council on more than $265 million since 2014. Yaroslav Brisiuck, the deputy chief of mission of the May 28.Titled “Hiding in Plain Sight: Putin’s War in Toward the end of the year, on November 25, President Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S., thanked the Helsinki Ukraine,” it drew on open source material and used social Obama signed into law the National Defense Commission for holding the briefing: “There’s nothing media posts to track the movement of Russian soldiers Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, which authorized, more important to Ukraine, to the government, to civil and equipment across the border into Ukraine. “There among other things, $300 million in assistance for society, the NGOs, to all citizens of Ukraine than stopping would be no conflict in Ukraine today but for Putin’s strat- Ukrainian forces fighting Russian-backed militants, Russian aggression, the continued occupation of Crimea egy to provoke one,” said Damon Wilson, the Atlantic including $50 million for defensive lethal assistance and and egregious human rights abuses. We must not allow Council’s executive vice-president of programs and strate- counter-artillery radars. “We welcome this important this topic to fall off the radar and be out-shadowed by gy, and one of the report’s five co-authors. “We don’t have decision that has demonstrated unity in the positions of other crises of today.” the U.S. administration and Congress in support of a Ukraine problem, we have a Putin problem.” The U.S. officials visit Ukraine 36-page report said satellite images confirmed the move- Ukraine in countering Russian military aggression,” ment of Russian troops and camp build-ups along the Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its statement. During the year, there were a number of visits by U.S. Ukrainian border, and that Russia was sending soldiers The U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in officials to Ukraine. Among them were the following. and military equipment from these “staging grounds” into Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, held a House of Representatives Defense Appropriations Ukraine. The report further asserted that Russian com- briefing on “Human Rights Violations in Russian-Occupied Subcommittee Chairman Frelinghuysen led a bipartisan manders order their troops to conceal the identifying fea- Crimea” on December 12, 2015. The discussion featured a congressional delegation to Ukraine that met on March 11 tures of military vehicles and remove insignia from their panel of activists who are working to keep the world’s with President Poroshenko. Delegation members were: uniforms before joining separatist forces in eastern attention focused on the troubling human rights dimen- Reps. Granger, Visclosky, Kaptur, John Carter (R-Texas), Ukraine. sions of Crimea’s illegal annexation by Russia. Orest Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Steve On September 30, the United States announced an Deychakiwsky, a policy advisor at the Helsinki Israel (D-N.Y.). The delegation met with President additional $7.5 million in life-saving humanitarian assis- Commission who chaired the briefing, in his opening Poroshenko and members of his Cabinet. Discussions cen- tance for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, bringing remarks emphasized: “Russia’s forcible and illegal occupa- tered on the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The dele- total U.S. humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the tion of Ukraine’s sovereign territory of Crimea in March gation discussed further U.S. military and economic sup- start of the crisis to nearly $69 million. The funding was to 2014 resulted in a deplorable human rights situation and port for Ukraine as it fights Russia-backed separatists and support efforts by the International Committee of the Red other serious consequences that continue to this day. Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine. President Cross to meet critical protection and assistance needs, Changes in government and the legal framework in Poroshenko told the members of Congress that the including by supporting family reunification efforts and Crimea following the attempted annexation have had a Ukrainian nation is paying a high price for freedom and providing food, hygiene items, medical supplies, emergen- toxic impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms. independence, and that Ukrainian warriors are demon- cy shelter material and essential household items such as Violations of civil, political, social, economic and cultural strating heroism and courage while defending peace in blankets. The U.S. also reiterated its call for full and unfet- rights are widespread, especially against those who Europe. “Every Ukrainian understands that we are strug- tered access to ensure humanitarian relief can reach civil- oppose the Russian occupation, including Crimean Tatars gling for freedom and democracy of the entire European ians in need. and other ethnic, political and religious groups.” Mr. continent and, probably, the entire world,” he said. On October 16 the U.S. announced nearly $15 million in Deychakiwsky pointed out that Russia’s takeover of Rep. Frelinghuysen later noted in a message to constitu- additional humanitarian assistance through U.S. Agency Crimea was not internationally recognized and “both the ents: “The people and the government of Ukraine deserve for International Aid Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster [U.S.] administration and Congress have addressed the praise for their courageous defense of their independence Assistance. The funds were for emergency shelter assis- Russian occupation of Crimea in various ways, including and sovereignty in the face of brutal attacks by Russian- tance to help more than 35,000 people get through the through legislation and through concrete sanctions armed separatists and Russian soldiers. This violence con- upcoming winter and to provide safe drinking water and against Russia, including Crimea-specific sanctions.” tinues even after the Minsk ‘ceasefire’ went into effect. In support hygiene and sanitation programs to stem the In an effort to address the international legal obliga- anticipation of further Russian efforts to destabilize Ukraine spread of disease. The assistance was meant also to pro- tions of Russia as an occupying power in Crimea, a group and seize additional territory, I believe the United States vide employment opportunities to get people and busi- of experts, researchers and activists released a report should approve additional measures to help Ukraine defend nesses back on their feet and help households replace lost titled “Human Rights on Occupied Territory: Case of its sovereign territory, including the transfer of lethal, defen- assets. Crimea.” Published by the VOLYA Institute for sive weapons systems to the Ukrainian military.” 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Sen. McCain, speaking on June 20 at a joint press brief- ing in Kyiv with Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Barrasso, said the U.S. must lead the free world in countering Russia’s naked aggression against Ukraine and must urgently provide Ukraine with defensive weapons, intelli- gence and any necessary assistance. “We will urge President Barack Obama to implement the will of the Congress and that of the American people,” he said, argu- ing that the current reluctant support of Ukraine by the United States and Europe is “shameful and disgraceful.” The delegation of U.S. senators took part in a series of meetings with Ukrainian leaders, including the president and prime minister, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and members of a congressional delegation on August 5 visited the Maidan, where they placed flowers on a memorial for the Heavenly Brigade. During their visit to Ukraine’s capital they also met with President Petro Poroshenko and other leaders. Members of the delegation, all Democrats, were Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Anna Eshoo of California, Chellie Pingree of Maine, David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Cedric Richmond of Louisiana and Marc Veasey of Texas. A release from the Democratic minority leader’s office noted that the congressional delegation was Atlantic Council focused on national, economic and energy security. “It is At the May 28 launch of the Atlantic Council’s report “Hiding in Plain Sight: Putin’s War in Ukraine” (from left) with great humility that our delegation comes to Maidan. are: Susan Glasser, editor of Politico and moderator of the discussion; Ilya Yashin, a leader of the pro-democracy We observed from afar the courage, the self-determina- Republican Party of Russia-People’s Freedom Party; Damon Wilson, executive vice-president at the Atlantic tion of the people of Ukraine to have a more democratic, Council; Sergey Aleksashenko, a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution; and Ambassador John open, transparent society. So, we come in solidarity with Herbst, director of the Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center. them. We come in sympathy for those who lost their lives speaking out for freedom. We come with great sadness, Mr. Poroshenko, the vice-president commented: “Ukraine Must Do,” authored by eight foreign policy experts, includ- great sadness as to how this could possibly happen. We is on the cusp – what happens in the next year is likely to ing two former U.S. ambassadors to Ukraine – Steven Pifer come with great respect for the Revolution of Dignity,” determine the fate of the country for generations.” and John Herbst – who underscored three recommenda- Rep. Pelosi said. In conjunction with Mr. Biden’s visit, the White House, tions: The White House and Congress should commit seri- In early December, Vice-President Biden visited Kyiv. “If Office of the Vice-President, announced that, “pending ous funds to upgrade Ukraine’s defense capabilities, specif- Russian aggression persists, the cost imposed on Moscow consultation with Congress, the White House plans to ically providing $1 billion in military assistance this year, will continue to rise,” Mr. Biden said on December 8 in a commit approximately $190 million in new assistance to followed by an additional $1 billion each in the next two rare appearance by a top Western official before the support Ukraine’s ambitious reform agenda.” The assis- fiscal years. The U.S. government should alter its policy and Verkhovna Rada. “The U.S. will maintain pressure until tance package aimed to help Ukraine: elevate the fight begin providing lethal assistance to Ukraine’s military. The Moscow fulfills its [peace deal] commitments,” he said, against corruption through law enforcement and justice U.S. government should approach other NATO countries and “there can be no sanctions relief unless until Russia sector reform; attract investment by streamlining regula- about also providing military assistance to Ukraine. meets all of its commitments under the Minsk agreement.” tions and transparently privatizing state-owned enterpris- The vice-chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Russia “is occupying sovereign Ukrainian territory” in es; promote economic growth through better trade capac- Andriy Parubiy, came to Washington during the last week Crimea and has violated international law by illegally seiz- ity and access to capital for small- and medium-size enter- of February in an effort to convince the United States to ing the Ukrainian peninsula. “The United States will never prises; strengthen energy security by increasing efficiency, provide the Ukrainian armed forces with lethal and defen- recognize” Russia’s annexation of Crimea, he underscored. transparency and resilience in the energy sector; and sive weapons. During his three-day visit on February RFE/RL reported that the vice-president also told the build a long-term democratic foundation through consti- 24-26, he presented his government’s case in meetings on national deputies they have “an obligation to their home- tutional and good-governance reforms in key sectors Capitol Hill with Senate Armed Services Committee land to answer the call of history” and build a united dem- The fact sheet released by the White House pointed Chairman McCain, Speaker of the House Boehner and ocratic nation. “It is no exaggeration to say the hopes of out: “With this announcement, the United States now has members of the Senate and House Ukrainian caucuses. He freedom-loving people the world over are with you, committed $2 billion in loan guarantees and nearly $760 also met with Assistant Secretary of State for European because so much rides on your fragile experiment with million in security, programmatic and technical assistance and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland and senior officials at democracy succeeding,” Mr. Biden said. He noted that each to Ukraine since the end of the Yanukovych regime in the Defense Department and National Security Council, as national deputy will be judged by future generations upon 2014. The proceeds of U.S. loan guarantees have helped well as with other leading Washington foreign policy whether they put the greater good of all Ukrainian people Ukraine to stabilize its economy and protect the most vul- experts. During a brief news conference at the Embassy of over local interests that have divided the country. He nerable households from the impact of needed economic Ukraine, Mr. Parubiy stated: “Ukraine has to ascertain: are urged Ukraine to make painful but crucial reforms to adjustments. The administration will continue to work we alone or not alone. We have to find out if the country make governance more transparent, noting that “corrup- with Congress and its international partners to support that guaranteed our security in the Budapest tion eats Ukraine like cancer.” The U.S. vice-president also Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, stabilizes its econo- Memorandum is willing to back Ukraine at this difficult said elected officials must remove conflicts of interest my and advances its reform agenda.” moment.” Ukraine needs arms assistance now, Mr. Parubiy underscored, adding that he brought with him a list of the with their private business interests – words possibly Ukrainian officials visit D.C. aimed at the Ukrainian president. After his meting with lethal and nonlethal weapons Ukraine’s armed forces During 2015, there were many visits to the United need, agreed upon by the ministries of defense and for- States of officials from Ukraine. eign affairs, and other Ukrainian government institutions. During a four-day visit to Washington in late January, Ukraine’s new minister of finance, Natalie Jaresko, came Ukraine’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym to Washington on March 16-17, seeking U.S. assistance in Prystayko expressed his optimism that the military and helping to get her country’s economy working normally economic aid Ukraine needs to survive its current military during very difficult and uncertain times for Ukraine. The and economic crises would soon be forthcoming from the American-born minister discussed her government’s United States, Europe and major international organiza- needs and plans for recovery with senior officials of the tions. Speaking with journalists at the Embassy of Ukraine White House, the Treasury and State departments and con- on January 30, at the conclusion of his visit, Mr. Prystayko gressmen, and later talked about them in a packed confer- said he had discussed the situation in Ukraine and the ence room at the Brookings Institution, a leading assistance it needs with U.S. officials at the White House Washington think tank. Seventy years of communism, and and State Department, and at the Atlantic Council and 23 years of incomplete economic reforms, mismanage- other think tanks. As a result, he said, it was his under- ment, corruption by previous regimes, she said, “has left standing that the Obama administration will soon come to the country in a complex and difficult economic situation.” an agreement with Congress. Military aid is uppermost on Ukraine’s economy and industrial output had gone down Ukraine’s needs list, he said, but an estimated $15 billion by 20 percent in 2014 and the hryvnia had depreciated by financial aid package to help stabilize Ukraine’s currency 70 percent, pushing the public sector debt to “very danger- and balance its budget is also important, he said. ous levels.” Ukraine is very thankful to the United States for Mr. Prystayko presented Ukraine’s position during a the assistance it has provided so far, Ms. Jaresko said, but it daylong conference at the Atlantic Council on developing a needs additional support, in the form of financial and trans-Atlantic strategy for the Europe’s East. Two days humanitarian assistance, military equipment “to put an later, that think tank joined with The Brookings Institution end to this conflict,” and sanctions against Russia if the kmu.gov.ua and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs in presenting a peace agreements are not fully implemented. “But what’s U.S. Vice-President Joseph Biden in a tête-à-tête with report on “Preserving Ukraine’s Independence, Resisting most important, from my perspective, is that we win the Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk of Ukraine on July 13 in Washington. Russian Aggression: What the United States and NATO war of creating a reformed market economy – strong and No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 9

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW capable – that can lead Ukraine forward,” she said. scored the U.S. commitment to maintaining sanctions on Ukrainian Caucus yet again raised the Savchenko case, this A follow-up to that visit came in mid-April, when three Russia until it fully implements its obligations under the time urging the co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights top Ukrainian government officials in charge of improving Minsk agreements,” which are intended to resolve Commission (formerly known as the Congressional their country’s economy and its international economic Ukraine’s conflict with the Russia-backed separatists in Human Rights Caucus), to support her release. In their relations spent four days in Washington, meeting with Ukraine’s eastern regions. President Obama and Vice- June 9 letter to the commission, Reps. Levin, Fitzpatrick, leaders of the International Bank for Reconstruction and President Biden commended the Ukrainian government Kaptur and Pascrell wrote: “Since her capture and deten- Development, the International Finance Corporation, the for the steps it has taken to implement its obligations tion in July 2014, we have been concerned about her dete- World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well under the agreements, including the submission to riorating condition. Savchenko has been subjected to psy- as officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce, to discuss Ukraine’s Parliament of “draft constitutional amendments chiatric evaluations, solitary confinement and callous Ukraine’s current financial-economic situation, its prog- on decentralization.” treatment by Russian authorities. She also did not receive ress in reforming the economy and plans for additional adequate medical care, especially since her commence- Concern about Nadiya Savchenko reforms in the future. Economy Minister Aivaras ment of hunger strikes to protest the terms of her deten- Abromavicius noted at the conclusion of the visit that they There was much concern about the fate of Ms. tion. We urge the commission to support Nadiya were returning to Kyiv satisfied with the results. “Ukraine Savchenko. Savchenko’s release and facilitate passage of H. Res. 50.” is high on everybody’s agenda these days,” he told mem- Reps. Levin, Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) The House resolution, which was similar to the Senate bers of the press at the Embassy of Ukraine on April 20. and Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) – all members of the resolution on the Savchenko case, was finally passed by “There is a clear support for our government and our Congressional Ukrainian Caucus – on January 26 intro- the House of Representatives on September 22. Parliament in Washington among the American politi- duced a bipartisan resolution calling for her release. “We Noted on the presidential campaign trail cians, businesspeople and bankers, and also among the continue to call on Russian authorities to immediately international community.” Minister Abromavicius was release Nadiya Savchenko from custody. We are gravely During a campaign stop at a town hall in New accompanied to the Washington meetings by Finance concerned by reports of her ill health since the com- Hampshire on August 12, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a candi- Minister Jaresko and the governor of the National Bank of mencement of a hunger strike on December 14, 2014, date for the Republican nomination for U.S. president, said Ukraine, Valeriya Hontaryeva. now into its seventh week. We are equally troubled by Ms. the United States should be aiding Ukraine against Four Ukrainian national deputies from the civil society Savchenko’s lack of access to her counsel and adequate Russian aggression. “For the life of me, I cannot under- movement and the Euro-Maidan Revolution of Dignity, medical attention. We demand that Russia abide by its stand why we are not giving the Ukrainians [the ability] to joined by officials from Ukrainian government agencies international obligations and the rule of law, and we join defend themselves against Putin and the Russians,” Gov. and think tanks, brought their message of determination the United States Department of State in calling for Nadiya Kasich said. He explained that the Ukrainians should get and hope to the Obama administration, Congress and aca- Savchenko’s immediate release,” said Rep. Levin, co-chair the help they deserve. “They’ve been through hell over the demic and research centers in the U.S. capital during the of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. course of their existence, and we’ve got to let them fight week of April 21. The delegation included National On February 12, a Senate resolution calling for the for themselves.” Deputies Victor Galasiuk, Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, release of Ms. Savchenko was passed by unanimous con- Meanwhile, Republican candidate Donald Trump Oleksiy Skrypnyk and Oleksandr Dubinin, who represent- sent. S. Res. 52, introduced on January 28, was sponsored responded with blunt indifference to Ukraine’s possible ed three new political parties in Parliament, the by Helsinki Commission Senate Ranking Member Cardin, membership in NATO. “I wouldn’t care. If [Ukraine] goes Poroshenko Bloc, Self-Reliance Party and Radical Party, with Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Rodger Wicker in, great. If it doesn’t go in, great,” Mr. Trump said in an that belong to the majority coalition. Also part of the dele- (R-Miss.) as original co-sponsor. Other co-sponsors were interview with NBC on August 16. Mr. Trump also said gation were: Taras Oliinyk, first deputy head of the State Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and that Europe should bear the brunt of the responsibility for Agency for E-Governance in Ukraine; Oleksiy Gridin, advi- Marco Rubio (R- Fla.) Observers noted that the resolution standing up to Russia in the Ukraine conflict. “I don’t like sor to the Minister of Defense; Maj. Yuriy Moshkavets was passed within two weeks of its introduction, testify- what’s happening with Ukraine. But that’s really a prob- (ret.), director of the Center for Military Reform; and ing to the concern over Lt. Savchenko’s dire situation. lem that affects Europe a lot more than it affects us. And Anatoli Pinchuk, president of Ukraine Strategy, a Kyiv- The resolution condemned the government of the they should be leading some of this charge,” he said. At an based think tank. Russian Federation for its illegal imprisonment of Lt. August 14 campaign event, Mr. Trump said U.S.-Russian In May, President Obama criticized Russia’s “increas- Savchenko; called on Russia to immediately release her; ties have become “pretty well-destroyed” under President ingly aggressive” stance on Ukraine, as a result of which called on the United States, its European allies and the Obama and that if elected, he “would have a great relation- more than 6,100 people had been killed since April 2014. international community to aggressively support diplomat- ship with Russia and Putin.” Asked whether he would roll Speaking after meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens ic efforts to release Lt. Savchenko; and expressed solidarity back sanctions against Russia, Mr. Trump said: “It Stoltenberg at the White House on May 26, Mr. Obama with the Ukrainian people.” The resolution pointed out: depends, depends. They have to behave also.” said, “We had a chance to discuss the situation in Ukraine “Nadiya Savchenko is the first-ever female fighter pilot in On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, two and the increasingly aggressive posture that Russia has Ukraine’s armed forces and is an Iraqi war veteran.” Republican candidates for the presidential nomination taken.” He urged Russia to “stop supporting separatists State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki on February 25 released statements. and to withdraw all its forces from eastern Ukraine,” said the U.S. was “deeply concerned by today’s decision by a Gov. Kasich’s message stated, in part: “The repeated which continued to be embroiled in sporadic fighting Russian court to continue the detention of Ukrainian violations of the Minsk ceasefire protocols must stop, despite the Minsk ceasefire agreement signed in February. Member of Parliament Nadiya Savchenko to May 13. … The efforts to erode the independence and territorial integrity Prime Minister Yatsenyuk came to the U.S. capital on United States deplores her continued ill-treatment and is of Ukraine must stop, and Crimea and Donbas must be June 8-10 for talks about the crisis in Ukraine caused by deeply concerned by reports of her deteriorating health.” The returned to Ukraine. …the United States must do every- Russia’s invasion; he met with U.S. government officials, U.S. called Russia’s detention and treatment of Lt. Savchenko thing in its power to provide Ukraine with the means to congressional leaders, the International Monetary Fund “unacceptable” and called for her immediate release. defend itself. Congress gave the president the authority to and influential American organizations. The prime minis- As Russian authorities repeatedly extended the pre-tri- help arm Ukraine – by large bipartisan majorities – but its ter’s tight schedule included a surprise White House al detention of the Ukrainian pilot, the Congressional requests to the U.S. for help have been denied. The Obama meeting with Vice-President Biden, who had just returned from his son’s funeral in Delaware. Mr. Yatsenyuk said he and Finance Minister Jaresko, who had also traveled to Washington, had some 30 meetings. “And the level of sup- port expressed by the U.S. vice-president, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the secretaries of the Treasury and Commerce – in other words, the American establishment – was unprecedented,” he said. The prime minister did not mince words in describing Ukraine’s major problem: “We are facing a real war with Russia,” he said in his address at the AJC (American Jewish Council) Global Forum 2015. “Ukraine is the only country in the world that is fighting against the Russian regular army.” The prime minister pointed out that, in so doing, “Ukraine is defending not only Ukraine. We are defending Europe and we are defending international law and order.” Mr. Yatsenyuk was back in Washington with his delega- tion on July 13, for a meeting at the White House with Vice-President Biden. President Obama dropped by the meeting, expressing the U.S. government’s “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Earlier that day Messrs. Biden and Yatsenyuk had both participated in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum, orga- nized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a large gathering of government officials and business leaders focused on improving Ukraine’s economic situation and its relations with the U.S. and the West. Embassy of Ukraine in the United States According to a White House statement released after Ukraine’s new ambassador to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, presents his letters of credence to U.S. President the meeting, the president and vice-president also “under- Barack Obama on August 3. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Our Ukrainian diaspora: growing larger and stronger ur Ukrainian diaspora gathered on many occa- sions during 2015 to show support and solidarity Owith brethren in Ukraine, to commemorate impor- tant events in Ukraine’s history, and to discuss ways to help Ukraine through its current crisis. The past year was a particularly productive one for the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), the international coor- dination body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora. Representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians, the UWC currently has member organizations in 33 coun- tries. And it continues to grow every year. The UWC began 2015 with a worldwide appeal in the matter of Nadiya Savchenko’s release from prison in Russia. The UWC urged Ukrainians around the world to publicly support Lt. Savchenko, a political prisoner in the Russian Federation. Lt. Savchenko is a former Ukrainian air force pilot, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and a Ukrainian delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly of

U.S. Embassy Kyiv the Council of Europe (PACE). The Peace Corps returned to Ukraine, following a program suspension of more than one year due to the conflict in In a January 14 letter to Anne Brasseur, president of the country’s east, when seven volunteers arrived on May 20 in Kyiv. PACE, the UWC underscored: “The kidnapping, imprison- ment, involuntary psychiatric evaluation and solitary administration has even gone a step further and prohibit- one year due to the conflict in the east. Seven volunteers confinement of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Nadiya ed the sale of the defensive weapons systems Ukraine were the first of what is expected to be a steady stream of Savchenko are all reprehensible acts that call for immedi- urgently needs. This must stop and we must help Ukraine new volunteers arriving in the coming months. The U.S. ate and unequivocal action by the international commu- protect its independence. That means providing the anti- Embassy in Kyiv noted that enthusiastic government and nity.” The UWC called on PACE to avail itself of all neces- tank, anti-aircraft and intelligence surveillance and recon- NGO partners lobbied for the resumption of the program sary means to secure her release as well as that of all naissance systems it needs.” at this unique time in Ukraine’s history when American prisoners illegally detained by the Russian Federation. In his message, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, said: know-how is especially welcomed. More than 2,500 The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), the “After 24 years of independence, I want to pledge unwav- Americans have volunteered in Ukraine since 1992, when Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and ering support for an independent, sovereign and demo- the program opened. the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s cratic Ukraine. Unfortunately, after unchecked Russian The U.S. State Department on December 14 issued a Organizations (WFUWO) also wrote public appeals on Lt. aggression and a lack of leadership under the Obama- warning on travel to Crimea and the Donetsk and Savchenko’s behalf in mid-January. Clinton foreign policy, Ukraine’s future remains unclear. Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The warning stated, in part: On March 9-20, at the annual United Nations Last week, Russian-backed separatists shelled civilians in “The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the WFUWO eastern Ukraine, and rebel leaders declared they were travel to Crimea and the eastern regions of Donetsk and helped to ensure that Ukraine’s representatives had preparing for a full-fledged war. As I said during the first Luhansk, and recommends those U.S. citizens currently ample opportunities to present at the conference and that debate earlier this month, America must provide Ukraine living in or visiting these regions to depart. …Russia- Ukraine’s women could speak openly about the violations with the lethal military assistance needed to defend itself backed separatists continue to control areas in the of their rights to peace and security, as well as about their against Vladimir Putin’s power grab in the region.” Mr. Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, where violent clashes have deteriorating situation under the strain of Ukraine’s Walker suspended his campaign in September. resulted in over 9,000 deaths. … There have been multiple defensive military response. Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state who is casualties due to land mines in areas previously con- During the CSW, the WFUWO focused its attention on a a leading contender to be the next president, called for a trolled by separatists, and separatist leaders have made few key issues: revealing the effects of Vladimir Putin’s stronger response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and statements indicating their desire to push the front line to aggression on Ukraine; providing a show of support for Syria, saying Moscow’s objectives were “to stymie, to con- the administrative borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk Ukraine’s indigenous Crimean Tatar community dis- front and to undermine American power whenever and oblasts. Individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been placed in large numbers after Russia’s invasion of the wherever.” In thinly veiled criticism of the Obama admin- threatened, detained or kidnapped for hours or days after Crimean peninsula; engaging in a discussion of the bar- istration’s current approach to Russia, Ms. Clinton said being stopped at separatist checkpoints. …The situation baric wartime violence against women in eastern that Washington should be doing more in response to in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly. U.S. Ukraine; and protecting those who find themselves in Russia’s interference in Ukraine. “I have been, I remain citizens throughout Ukraine should avoid large crowds need of medical care while being isolated or displaced by convinced that we need a concerted effort to really up the and be prepared to remain indoors should protests or the conflict. The WFUWO also expressed support for the costs on Russia and in particular on Putin. I think we have demonstrations escalate. …” well-being of all women in the world. not done enough,” she said following a speech on September 9 at the Brookings Institution. “I am in the cat- egory of people who wanted us to do more in response to the annexation of Crimea and the continuing destabiliza- tion of Ukraine,” she noted. “We can’t dance around it any- more. We all wish it would go away.” In other news… On April 14, President Poroshenko dismissed Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., Oleksandr Motsyk, who had served in that post since June 2010, when he was appoint- ed by then-President Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian news media speculated that his replacement in Washington would be Valeriy Chaly, deputy head of the Presidential Administration. Two days later, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council hosted a farewell dinner for Ambassador Motsyk attended by more than 70 representatives of the U.S. gov- ernment, prominent corporations, Washington think tanks and Ukrainian American organizations. Before the new envoy arrived, the Embassy of Ukraine was led by Chargé d’Affaires Yaroslav Brisiuck. Finally, on August 3, Mr. Chaly presented his letters of credence as Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. to President Obama. Ambassador Chaly confirmed the invitation extended to President Obama by President Poroshenko to visit Ukraine. Mr. Obama said that relations between the U.S. and Ukraine today are stronger than ever and reaf- firmed that the U.S. remains committed to supporting Ukrainian people. Piotr Hlebowicz American Peace Corps volunteers returned to Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin delivers a message from Ukraine to the World Congress of Crimean Tatars, on May 20 following a program suspension of more than which met in Ankara on August 1-2. No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 11

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

that “Ukraine will never in any circumstances accept the violation of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people to live freely on their own land.” Mr. Poroshenko pledged that Ukraine, together with its international partners, “will devote all its efforts to restore legality on the peninsula and the return of Ukrainian power to Crimea.” Given the current military occupation of Crimea, this second world congress proclaimed as its goal the devel- opment of a strategy of resistance for the worldwide Crimean Tatar diaspora. The newly elected president of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars, Refat Chubarov, remarked, “Despite repressions by Russia, the Crimean Tatars will never accept its policy and are struggling against it.” In September the UWC held its three-day annual gen- eral meeting in Madrid. The meeting was held at the world-renowned Cervantes Institute and was attended by 64 delegates and 53 guests from 20 countries. Working sessions addressed the issues of countering Russian disinformation, defending the human and national rights of Ukrainians, coordinating international efforts to support Ukraine and developing humanitarian initiatives, including the UWC-sanctioned project “Patriot Defence.” On September 13, the UWC held a peaceful march – whose theme was “Ukrainians throughout the President Administration of Ukraine world with Ukraine” – through central Madrid. Its aim Ukrainian women leaders at a roundtable discussion with Dr. Maryna Poroshenko on September 30 at Ukraine’s was to demonstrate support of the Ukrainian people in Permanent Mission to the United Nations. their struggle for independence, sovereignty and territo- Ukrainian women at the CSW carried banners in pro- with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Culture rial integrity test against Russia’s war in Ukraine and distributed liter- Viacheslav Kyrylenko, who thanked the UWC for its sup- In the fall of 2015, The Weekly highlighted noteworthy ature explaining the courage of Lt. Savchenko. port for Ukraine during its battle for territorial integrity, stories about the work of Ukrainian diaspora women’s The summer was especially busy for diaspora organi- democracy and European choice. organizations. First, the WFUWO held its general meeting zations. On June 5, the Weekly reported that the UWC President Czolij reported that the UWC had in Stockholm on September 3-5, during which over 50 Australia-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce would be fully established a mission in Ukraine in order to better coor- participants discussed current issues in Ukraine and operational by the end of the year to pursue business dinate actions. The established council includes planned the way forward. Reports of the previous year opportunities between the two countries. This project Ukrainian diaspora representatives from 48 countries. reflected the fact that Ukrainian women’s organizations was initiated by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian On August 1-2, with their indigenous homeland under are directing most of their energies toward raising funds Organizations (AFUO) and Dr. Petro Matiaszek was occupation, the second World Congress of Crimean for the rehabilitation of soldiers wounded in the conflict named the chamber’s Kyiv-based president and Pete Tatars gathered in Ankara, Turkey – the country with the in eastern Ukraine, support for families of those killed Shmigel the Sydney-based interim chair. largest Crimean Tatar diaspora population. This world and wounded, the collection and distribution of humani- AFUO President Stefan Romaniw stated, “The congress attracted 184 Tatar groups from 12 countries, tarian aid and protective equipment, as well as organiz- Australia-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce will become a representing some 200 Crimean Tatar organizations. The ing demonstrations and actively disseminating truthful key facilitator for Australian businesses seeking opportu- number of registered guests at the congress (410) defied information about Ukraine. nities in Ukraine and vice versa. It will help grow the cur- the organizers’ expectations. Russia had mobilized all of On September 29, Ukrainian diaspora members in rent $150 million trade relationship for the benefit of its best efforts to prevent the World Congress of Crimean New York also met with Dalia Grybauskaite, the president both countries, and it will support the new Australian Tatars from meeting at all by threatening Crimean Tatars of the Republic of Lithuania, at an informal high-level dis- Embassy in its trade work in any way that it can.” living in occupied Crimea, setting up a rival Crimean cussion titled, “Future of Eastern Europe: Empowerment According to Dr. Matiaszek, market feedback suggests Tatar body it could control and applying diplomatic pres- of Women.” President Grybauskaite had invited world many potential areas of mutual benefit including interna- sure on the Turkish government. leaders from Central and East Europe and representa- tional education, aviation, aerospace, mining services, Andrij Dobriansky, executive board member of the tives of several international organizations to discuss resources (such as manganese, gas and uranium), hospi- UCCA and the sole representative of Ukrainian diaspora ways to draw the international community’s attention to tality, fashion, outsourcing of services and manufacturing, organizations at the congress, addressed the delegates by the situation of women in countries affected by armed agriculture, as well as governance systems. Other areas of calling on government leaders in the U.S. to, “Put aside conflicts, as well as help women survivors of wars, espe- activity for the Australia-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce political differences and stand together with all of the cially in Georgia and Ukraine. The discussion highlighted are organizing a business delegation exchange and advo- people of Ukraine and enact sectoral sanctions against the suffering of more than 1.6 million people – two thirds cating visa reform for travel between Australia and Russia.” The congress was also addressed by Ukraine’s of whom are women and children – who have been Ukraine. Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin, who declared forced to flee their homes. Also in June, Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko that the so-called annexation of Crimea in March 2014 “is Among those invited to attend was Ukrainian Congress met with UWC leaders, President Eugene Czolij and temporary – because it is illegal.” In a statement read by Committee of America President Tamara Olexy and Secretary General Stefan Romaniw, and UCC President Mr. Klimkin, Ukraine’s President Poroshenko affirmed Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Pavlo Grod. UCC President Grod was in Kyiv as part of a delegation that accompanied then Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a visit to Ukraine ahead of the G-7 summit. Mr. Poroshenko noted that the UWC is a powerful force in the protection of Ukraine’s interests in the world. He also expressed the necessity of countering Russian propaganda and promoting objective information on events in Ukraine. “Telling the truth to people all over the world is an extremely important mission not only for the Ukrainian president, Foreign Affairs Ministry, govern- ment and civil organizations, but also for the diaspora, the opinion of which plays a significant role,” he empha- sized. Ukraine’s president also positively evaluated the results of the G-7 summit in support of Ukraine, noting not only its position on the issue of compliance with the Minsk agreements, but also the G-7’s stand that the annexation of Crimea was illegal. He highlighted the importance of a visa-free regime for Ukrainians with the countries of the EU and also with Canada, Japan and Australia. The UWC leadership also attended a ceremony at which President Poroshenko posthumously presented the Hero of Ukraine award to the family of Senior Lt. Ivan Zubkov, who died heroically defending the Donetsk air- WFUWO port. Additionally, Mr. Grod and the UWC delegation met Delegates and guests at the annual general meeting of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations held on September 3-5 in Stockholm. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

UCCLF Patriarch Sviatoslav on October 28 blesses a plaque in Kyiv, at the Anna Whittington Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, that recalls Canada’s national Members of the Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of North America in the Great Hall of the internment operations of 1914-1920. Standing on the left is Canada’s Library of Congress during their conference held September 18-20. Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Washchuk.

President Marianna Zajac. The delegation from Ukraine Also in the fall, the Ukrainian Heritage Consortium of Ukraine Roman Washchuk, as well as the Canadian gov- included Vira Savchenko, sister of Ukrainian POW Nadiya North America (UHCNA) held its fourth conference in ernment for its sensitivity and support not only for Savchenko; National Deputy Mariia Ionova, vice-chair of Washington at the Library of Congress on September Ukrainians in Canada, but also for Ukraine itself. the Committee on European Integration; and National 18-20. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair Patriarch Sviatoslav said that all countries should follow Deputy Svitlana Zalishchuk, chair of the Subcommittee of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and the confer- Canada’s example in respecting the dignity of individuals on Euro-Atlantic Cooperation and Euro-Integration of ence’s keynote speaker, commended the UHCNA for its and be responsive to the will of their citizens. Committee on Foreign Affairs. work, emphasizing the importance of collecting and pre- A day later, on October 29, following a raid in which President Grybauskaite underscored that women have serving the record of Ukrainian culture and immigration Russian investigators said they seized scores of “extrem- made a significant contribution to managing the conse- to America. “This is a critical element in America’s history ist” books, Natalya Sharina, head of the Ukrainian quences of armed conflict. She added that women help that has a major influence on our country’s policies Literature Library in Moscow was arrested on suspicion rebuild destroyed cities and communities, and take care today,” she noted, adding that this aspect is neglected by of “inciting ethnic hatred.” Investigative Committee of refugees and the wounded. Therefore, they should be mainstream cultural and political policymakers. She also spokesman Vladimir Markin said that Ms. Sharina had provided with opportunities to take an active role in offered suggestions on how to make the Ukrainian story circulated banned publications authored by Dmytro restoring peace and resolving conflicts. According to U.N. more prominent and pledged to continue her own efforts Korchynsky, a radical Ukrainian nationalist. Ukraine’s estimates, between 1992 and 2011 women made up only in that regard. Ministry of Culture called for Ms. Sharina’s immediate 9 percent of peace negotiators around the world. On October 28, the first bilingual historical marker release, describing the arrest as “the latest brazen Continuing the theme of women, Ukraine’s First Lady recalling Canada’s national internment operations of Kremlin act designed to frighten the Ukrainian ethnic Maryna Poroshenko hosted a roundtable discussion on 1914-1920 was unveiled at the Ukrainian Catholic minority in the Russian Federation.” September 30 at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv and Two days after the report of the raid, RFE/RL reported United Nations for women leaders of various Ukrainian blessed by Patriarch Sviatoslav. On a previous visit to that Ms. Sharina denied the charges and claimed that diaspora organizations that are helping Ukraine. All pres- Canada, Patriarch Sviatoslav had agreed it would be Russian authorities had framed her by planting the ent gave short overviews of the work of their respective appropriate to display a commemorative plaque in a extremist books in her collection. While under detention, organizations, after which Dr. Poroshenko posed ques- Ukrainian Greek-Catholic church as most of those Ms Sharina became ill. Russian news agencies reported tions to the speakers in order to better understand their interned during Canada’s first national internment oper- that the court decided to put Ms. Sharina under house activities. The purpose of the meeting was for partici- ations were of that faith. The patriarch addressed the arrest and charged her with incitement of ethnic hatred, pants to share their thoughts about the collective goal of audience saying, “Today we bless a plaque that commem- which can result in up to four years in prison. supporting Ukraine through its crisis. Dr. Poroshenko orates the thousands of Ukrainians interned in Canada at In November, the UWC called upon Ukrainian commu- ended the meeting by thanking the Ukrainian diaspora the beginning of the first world war. They were suddenly nities to join the international effort to combat Russian for being “an efficient diplomatic bridge between Ukraine viewed as enemies of the state.” disinformation by helping to document such incidents. and America.” The patriarch thanked Canada’s Ambassador to The East StratCom Team of the European External Action Service, the European Union’s diplomatic service, was tasked with analyzing Russian disinformation, revealing its fundamental aims and tendencies, and reacting and effectively preventing further similar steps by the Russian Federation. In order to de-bunk myths of the Russian Federation, East StratCom had recently created a network that includes representatives of mass media, think tanks, individual experts, officials and non-govern- mental organizations that are to be the source of facts on Russian disinformation. The Ukrainian diaspora ended the year as it began, with joyous holiday spirit. As in years past, thanks to the efforts of Austrian Scouts who travel each year to Bethlehem and bring the Bethlehem Peace Light to Vienna, member of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization all over the world were once again able to disseminate this symbol of peace, hope and love throughout their communities, including a great many in North America. On December 19, Plast scouts visited the Presidential Administration of Ukraine to present the Bethlehem Peace Light to President Poroshenko. Andriy Luzan, a member of the national supervisory of Plast in Ukraine, said, “We urgently need peace and that is why we brought this symbol of peace to you, Mr. President.” President Poroshenko responded, “Let this light be lit in homes in Chernihiv and Crimea, Zakarpattia and President Administration of Ukraine Luhansk. Let it demonstrate the unity of Ukraine and Plast scouts share the Bethlehem Peace Light with Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko on December 19. bring peace to all these homes.” No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 13

“With his armed aggression, Putin did Poroshenko... what the Ukrainian patriots couldn’t do for two decades. Ukraine’s post-Soviet ruling New poll finds pessimism is high (Continued from page 1) class even worked towards discrediting ticularly in the Donbas region. When asked ably. The most popular Ukrainian politician NATO. After the armed aggression, IRI at the moment is Andriy Sadovyi, the head Ukrainians understand just who is the reli- if the country were headed in the right or KYIV – The released on January 12 by the of the Lviv City Council (or mayor), who has able ally,” Mr. Basarab commented. wrong direction, only 15 percent nation- International Republican Institute’s Center 41 percent support. The poll was conducted by the Center wide and 8 percent in the Ukrainian- for Insights in Survey Research found that “Society is looking for new politicians for Insights in Survey Research and controlled territories of the Donbas region after nearly two years of war and an and new faces, even if it knows little about involved 1,800 respondents. The poll has a believed Ukraine was headed in the right onslaught of Russian propaganda, pessi- them. There’s a complete vacuum of leader- margin of error of 2.3 percent. An addition- direction. These findings are consistent mism is high throughout the country, partic- ship,” Mr. Oleshchuk said. al 1,284 respondents were questioned in with national trends, as Russian aggression ularly in the areas of the Donbas region gov- The second-most popular politician is the Ukrainian-controlled territory of the in the east has continued to cause great erned by national authorities. However, Odesa Oblast State Administration Chair Donetsk and Luhansk regions. hardship. despite the war and Russia’s propaganda, an Mikheil Saakashvili, who had 35 percent of An overwhelming 75 percent of respon- This pessimism is also impacting overwhelming majority of residents in the respondents viewing him favorably. dents in the Ukrainian-controlled Donbas Ukraine’s elected leaders who Ukrainians Donbas (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts) in Since his appointment in May, he has led a revealed that they favor the occupied terri- feel are not doing enough to keep the these areas want to remain part of Ukraine. vocal anti-corruption campaign in which he’s tories remaining part of Ukraine. Donbas region a part of the country. When “Despite Russia’s continued efforts to engaged in heated exchanges with top offi- Of those, 32 percent want to remain as asked if they approved or disapproved of drive a wedge between the Donbas and the cials, including the highly unpopular prime part of a unitary Ukraine as before the war, the job President Petro Poroshenko was rest of Ukraine and its continued violations minister, who has a 12 percent favorability 35 percent want more authority for their doing, 70 percent nationwide disapproved rating. He now is among the leaders of the of the Minsk agreement, as confirmed by region under decentralization, while 8 per- and 78 percent in the Ukrainian-controlled civic movement “For Cleaning Up Ukraine.” President [Vladimir] Putin himself, the peo- cent want full autonomy within Ukraine, as territories of the Donbas disapproved. Another politician who gained notoriety ple of Ukraine, including those living in the is being proposed with the special status The Cabinet of Ministers had equally for his no-nonsense approach and willing- Ukrainian-controlled areas of the Donbas, favored by Russia and Europe. poor numbers, with 82 percent nationwide ness to confront corrupt officials face-to- want to preserve the territorial integrity of The most popular political figure in disapproving and 85 percent in the Donbas. face is Hennadiy Moskal. The third-most their country,” said Stephen Nix, director of Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk is Similarly, only 11 percent nationwide popular politician, he served as head of the Eurasia programs at IRI. the local industrial magnate Rinat Akhmetov, approved of the Verkhovna Rada, com- Luhansk military-civil administration in the “There is no doubt,” he said, “that with a 35 percent favorability rating. pared to a nearly negligible 3 percent in the Ukrainian-controlled territory for four Ukrainians long for the unity and sovereignty Yurii Boiko, the allegedly corrupt natural Donbas. months before being transferred to of their country, and it is critical that the gas trader who leads the Opposition Bloc, “The significance of these findings can- Zakarpattia in July. United States and Europe support Ukraine to enjoys a 24 percent favorability rating, not be overstated,” said Mr. Nix. “This “Saakashvili and Moskal represent the ensure that Russia’s occupation does not while Mr. Moskal is the third most popular should be a warning sign to the Ukrainian radicalizing protest attitudes in society,” Mr. become permanent.” with 17 percent after his fourth-month government and the international commu- Basarab said. “Moskal express himself After two years of deadly conflict with stint at the helm of the Luhansk Oblast. nity that they need to redouble their efforts harshly and curses when communicating Russia and Russian-supported separatists, The president enjoys only a 10 percent to end the war and engage all citizens, with the press. His rudeness attracts a cer- which has left more than 9,000 people especially the people of the Donbas region, tain segment of Ukrainians who are looking favorability rating among the residents of killed and another 1.5 million displaced, Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk and into all aspects of Ukrainian political and for drastic politicians because they’re dis- pessimism throughout Ukraine is high, par- civic life.” satisfied with the status quo.” Luhansk, while the prime minister has 4 As for NATO membership, 48 percent of percent favorability. President Petro Ukrainians are now in favor, while 30 per- Poroshenko on January 11 met with sol- cent are against, the poll revealed. The diers of an artillery brigade during a work- The Ukrainian Weekly majority of Ukrainians were against NATO ing visit to Ternopil. Seventy percent of membership before the Russian aggression Ukrainians polled disapprove of his govern- LIKE on Facebook! in Ukraine began in 2014. ment’s handling of the war in the Donbas. https://www.facebook.com/TheUkrainianWeekly 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4 No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 15 Yale World Fellow Vakarchuk helps orphans of the Maidan and ATO by Myron Melnyk have an appropriate ending note, he relat- ed. But one came in the most unlikely way. NEW HAVEN, Conn. – “I decided to rest In the summer, while undergoing treat- usefully. I wanted a break from the way I ment in a hospital, Mr. Vakarchuk was fore- have been for the last 15 years, like a squir- warned by doctors that a severely wound- rel on a wheel.” Svyatoslav Vakarchuk , the ed soldier who miraculously survived four famed headliner of Ukraine’s most popular days lying wounded in the snow was to be rock band, Okean Elzy, thus described his admitted next to him. The soldier had arrival in New Haven in August 2015 to undergone multiple amputations made spend a semester at Yale University as one necessary by the effects of frostbite. of 16 World Fellows at the university. Dreading the encounter, Mr. Vakarchuk The Yale World Fellows program seeks braced for the worst. But it was not what he to cultivate and empower a network of expected. Much to his surprise the soldier globally engaged leaders committed to pos- was radiant and outgoing. He greeted Slava itive change through dialogue and action. warmly with good humor – he was full of Created in 2002 as part of Yale’s efforts to light, optimism and energy, so happy just to become a more globally focused university, be alive. Mr. Vakarchuk said he was taken the program engages mid-career thinkers aback. In his heart, he understood immedi- and doers who are on a clear trajectory of ately how he needed to end the song of success. These creative practitioners are Natalia Dankevych tribute to the dying soldier that he had invited to come to Yale to explore critical Sviatoslav Vakarchuk engages his fans in discussion. written back in February. global issues, participate in cross-disciplin- The unexpected encounter and emotion- ary studies, sharpen leadership skills and While in the United States, Mr. tor of Lviv University and minister of edu- al turn provided the grist for the closing build relationships with other emerging Vakarchuk traveled repeatedly to New York cation, was very philosophical and support- line of this very powerful and sad, yet hope- leaders throughout the world. City, and to Washington, where he spoke at ive. Contrary to the traditional inclination ful song. “Myt” had more than 1 million Currently there is an active network of the Council of Foreign Relations and of Ukrainian parents to prescribe what is views on YouTube when it was released on some 250 World Fellows in 81 countries. appeared before the Atlantic Council, as best for their children, Ivan Vakarchuk sim- December 4 of last year. Besides Mr. Vakarchuk, this year’s class well as to Canada. At Yale, he engaged his ply advised his son to be careful and delib- In one interesting exchange with the includes 15 leaders, among whom are an World Fellow colleagues and professors in erate, and to do everything that he needed audience inside St. Michael’s hall, Mr. anti-corruption activist from Ethiopia, a discussions about what was needed to to do to be happy. Vakarchuk was encouraged to return back journalist from India, a Reuters photogra- improve the situation in Ukraine. to politics (he had served briefly in the The musical segment pher, a television producer from Kenya, a Verkhovna Rada before quitting because of A benefit for orphans trade policy expert from China, an interde- The musical segment of the program in corruption) and to run for president in the nominational faith leader from the United Mr. Vakarchuk and Okean Elzy have a New Haven started with a surprise: an next election. In fact, a recent poll showed Kingdom and a development economist long history of supporting charitable and enthusiastic flash mob of fans dressed in “I disillusionment with the present govern- from South Africa. humanitarian causes in Ukraine. So it was Love Slava” T-shirts who performed syn- ment and Mr. Vakarchuk polling at the top Mr. Vakarchuk was the first Ukrainian artist not surprising that he agreed to lead a ben- chronized movements and gestures to the of potential presidential candidates. Mr. to make it big in the post-Soviet region. Okean efit fund-raiser in New Haven to raise sup- rousing tune of “Vstavay, Moya Myla, Vakarchuk responded with a question: Elzy was formed in 1994 when Mr. Vakarchuk port for children orphaned by the events of Vstavay.” This was followed by projecting What is the common person and average was just 19 years old, and the band has grown the Maidan and the anti-terrorist operation selected popular music videos on a very citizen doing to improve matters? up together with a newly independent (ATO) necessitated by the ongoing war in large screen, with Slava commenting before As Mr. Vakarchuk sees it, the persistent Ukraine that has stumbled through a succes- southeastern Ukraine. What was surpris- and during the videos. hope for a messiah is a self-imposed barrier sion of failed governments. And, while the ing, however, was the enthusiasm and the Of particular note were two videos: “Ne that stands in the way of Ukraine’s success people may have lost faith in their leader- turnout of hundreds, mostly young people Tvoya Viyna” (Not Your War) and his most as a nation. In his opinion, the collective ship time and time again, Mr. Vakarchuk on December 6, 2015, for an event publi- recent video “Myt” (An Instant) made in effort of many is necessary to effect change. and his band continue to be popular. cized only locally and through social media. New York City on November 1, 2015, for his Many civic activists need to engage and The protests in which Mr. Vakarchuk Among those in attendance were Yale upcoming new album. play a role to improve conditions. That is played an important role, both in 2004 (the professors Timothy Snyder and Marci “Ne Tvoya Viyna” is often misunder- how America was built. That is the only Orange Revolution) and 2013-2014 (the Shore – the former the well-known histori- stood. It is really about wars imposed on path for Ukraine. Revolution of Dignity), have only amplified an, author and scholar specializing in Ukraine for reasons that were beyond the UUARC’s mission his cultural and political popularity. Mr. Central and Eastern Europe, and the latter country’s control and for someone else’s Vakarchuk continues to inspire and mentor a professor of intellectual history who is cause. According to Mr. Vakarchuk, the his- Also during the fund-raising event, Dr. young musicians, artists and cultural figures. writing a book about the Maidan as an tory of Ukraine is replete with human suf- Larissa Kyj, president of the United Ukrainian Largely because of Mr. Vakarchuk it has ongoing people’s movement. fering because of other powers’ policies. American Relief Committee (UUARC), become cool to sing in Ukrainian and to wave And so on December 6, 2015, a capacity The wars resulting from the Bolshevik addressed the audience about the UUARC’s the Ukrainian flag; indeed, Okean Elzy’s crowd filled St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Revolution, World War II and the latest war mission, specifically about how its Orphans of music has become part of Ukrainian identity. Church Hall in New Haven to spend an in Ukraine’s east are examples. Maidan and ATO Fund is being administered. Immediately upon his arrival at Yale, Mr. afternoon with Slava in an informal setting, The song “Myt,” written in the dark and Danuta Votus from the Ukrainian com- Vakarchuk – or Slava, as he likes to be to engage in conversation and to play snowy days of February 2015, is an emo- munity of Hartford described the fund-rais- called – immersed himself in his studies selected music videos from his vast reper- tional tribute to a dying Ukrainian soldier ing efforts of northern Connecticut commu- and in a quest to hone his English language toire, including several from his upcoming in the eastern battle zone. In his final nities geared toward helping the orphans. skills. With all university courses open to new album. moments, the soldier movingly recalls his The event was organized by Mr. him, he chose intensive study in manage- After a traditional Ukrainian greeting childhood, his close relationship with his Vakarchuk, Myron Melnyk, Volodymyr ment, political science and law. Soon after with bread and salt, Mr. Vakarchuk related father, his faith and his first love. Mr. Dumalsky, Andrij Ostapchuk, Carl Harvey, settling in, however, his restless, bold and several amusing personal anecdotes about Vakarchuk said he wrote this song quickly Natalia Danchenko, Natalia Dankevych, energetic nature fully emerged. his early years: about how he started sing- in the middle of the night, unable to sleep Halia Lodynsky and Natalia Hryn. ing at age 2 and about the formation of his because of that day’s latest casualties For more information or to donate to Vakarchuk shares his views first band in 1990-1991, saying that history reports from eastern Ukraine. this worthy cause, readers may visit the Through his contacts with the younger doesn’t remember this band and he does But the song felt unfinished. It didn’t UUARC website at UUARC.org. generation in Ukraine, Mr. Vakarchuk has not bring it up. become perhaps Ukraine’s foremost civic He spoke about the huge impact Paul activist. His music and the force of his per- McCartney’s song “Let It Be” had on him and sonality have greatly shaped the thinking of how he became an apostle of Beatles music young people about what it means to be a as a result. He vividly recalled feeling like an Ukrainian today. And, during his stay at Yale, early disciple of Christianity in Rome when he was determined to share his opinions performing the then-unknown Beatles with all who would listen about what was music in Ukraine with his makeshift band. both right and wrong with Ukraine today. He said his first foreign trip was to In a series of appearances as a World Canada and he described how he descend- Fellow, Mr. Vakarchuk visited Harvard, ed from the rarified oxygen-depleted air in Columbia, Fordham, Stanford, Berkeley and Ukraine down to sea level in the West, other venues, where he expressed his faith where his lungs could breathe fully and in Ukraine and espoused his views on the freely. There, he was introduced to Pink need to launch a massive campaign to grant Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Western culture. Ukrainian opportunities to be educated in Mr. Vakarchuk spoke movingly of a con- the West, with a goal of combating corrup- versation with his father when he told him tion, learning to accept responsibility for that he was giving up his fledgling career in one’s actions, or lack thereof, and building a physics to pursue his passion for music Natalia Hryn strong civic society in Ukraine. instead. His father, a physicist who was rec- Fans greet Slava Vakarchuk with a surprise flash mob. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

The reconstructed 17th-century fortress citadel and the Resurrection Church (1803), the mausoleum of Hetman Kyrylo Rozumovsky in Baturyn. (Aerial photo by Serhii Initial 17th-century hetman’s residence in the citadel, reconstructed on the basis of Chynin, Baturyn National Preserve.) archaeological research in 2008. UPDATE: Baturyn excavations in 2014-2015

Rozumovsky’s palace in Baturyn, 1751-1753. (Hypothetical reconstruction by Volodymyr Mezentsev, computer graphic by Serhii Dmytriienko, 2014.)

Wooden tower gate with bridge and moat faced by logs of the Baturyn citadel, Coat of arms of Hetman Pylyp Orlyk and a fragment of ceramic stove tile with a com- reconstructed on the base of archaeologi- parable heraldic relief discovered in the northern suburb in 2014, from the Baturyn cal sources in 2008. (Photos of the citadel’s The citadel’s bailey. Museum of Archaeology. (Photo by Tetiana Kerbut.) structures by Volodymyr Mezentsev.)

by Volodymyr Mezentsev domination, Baturyn residents were the wooden building with private living quar- similar to the tower-like royal and aristo- first to offer armed resistance to the ters, two side wings for guests, an inside cratic palatial halls of early modern Poland. Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Russian troops. The Russians brutally sup- chapel and a rich library. Some analogous examples of the latter The Canada-Ukraine archaeological pressed this uprising. In 1708, the tsar’s In 2014, Mr. Sytyi discovered the trench- include the three-story masonry residential expedition has continued conducting annu- army, aided by a traitor, occupied, plun- es from the dismantled brick foundations tower of King Sigismund I the Old in the al field research in the town of Baturyn, dered, and burned down the hetman capi- of this palace near the town’s secondary Chernihiv Oblast, irrespective of the mili- tal, killing 5,000 to 6,500 garrison fighters school. On the basis of architectural draw- (1519), the lost mansions of the magnates tary actions in eastern Ukraine. In 2014, and 6,000 to 7,500 civilian inhabitants, ings of analogous timber palaces in the townKazanowski of Piotrkόw, and Kotowski Łódź (late Voivodeship 16th centu- some 50 students and scholars from the regardless of gender or age. Chernihiv and Sumy regions of the 1740s, ry), as well as the restored castle of the universities of Chernihiv, Kyiv and Hlukhiv The enlightened Hetman Kyrylo as well as descriptions of the first Ostrozky (Ostrogski) princes from the took part in the excavations there. Last Rozumovsky (1750-1764) rebuilt Baturyn Rozumovsky residence in Baturyn, this 1680s in Warsaw. summer, the expedition involved 45 mem- from the ruins, restored its status as the writer and computer artist Serhii As a youth, Mazepa served at the court bers from these institutions. capital of the Kozak realm, and developed it Dmytriienko of Chernihiv have completed a of King John II Casimir Vasa in Warsaw, and The leaders of the expedition are archae- into a major manufacturing center in the hypothetical graphic reconstruction of its he could well have modeled his Baturyn ologists Yurii Sytyi and Dr. Viacheslav Chernihiv region. After his death in 1803, front elevation. residence on palaces in the Polish- Skorokhod of Chernihiv National University. the town gradually declined throughout the The archeological expedition has contin- Lithuanian Commonwealth. At the same Dr. Volodymyr Mezentsev of the Canadian 19th and 20th centuries and revived in ued excavating the remnants of Mazepa’s time, it is possible that the hetman bor- Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the independent Ukraine. Following the recon- manor in Honcharivka, a suburb of rowed the pattern from some fashionable University of Alberta is the executive direc- struction of the impressive fortress citadel, Baturyn. In the late 1690s, he constructed Baroque structure in Western Europe. It tor of the Baturyn archaeological project the hetman’s palaces, the state treasury there a masonry palace (20 by 14.5 meters) was from there that the tower halls of the from the Canadian side. Prof. Zenon Kohut, house, the court hall and churches, as well with three stories, a basement, and a man- 14th-16th centuries as well as Renaissance distinguished historian of the Hetmanate as the establishment of several modern sard primarily in a Western Baroque style. and Baroque architecture and ornamenta- and previous director of CIUS, is the aca- museums of antiquities, since 2009 This main residence of the hetman was pil- tion spread to Poland. In 1656-1659, demic adviser. A leading historian on the Baturyn has become one of the most popu- laged and burned by Muscovite troops dur- Mazepa traveled and studied at universities Chernihiv Principality, Prof. Martin Dimnik lar tourist attractions in Ukraine. Despite ing the town’s ravaging in 1708. in Germany, France, Holland and Italy, and of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval the tense situation in the country, about Archaeological and architectural had the opportunity to familiarise himself Studies (PIMS) at the University of Toronto, 143,000 tourists visited its museums and research of the palace debris, along with with true masterpieces of Baroque archi- also participates in the research of Baturyn historical sites last year – an increase of analysis of a 1744 drawing of its ruins pre- tecture there. and the publication of its findings. 13,000 from 2014. served at the National Museum in Archaeologists have unearthed hun- In 1669, this town became the capital of In 1751-1753, Rozumovsky commis- Stockholm, have allowed investigators to dreds of fragments of fine ceramic glazed the Kozak state. The glorious reign of sioned his first palace in Baturyn, which determine the ground plan, size, design and multicolored and terracotta floor and stove Hetman Ivan Mazepa (1687-1709) was a was demolished in 1821. It was probably decoration of the edifice. This author and tiles, or “kakhli,” as well as plate-like golden age for Baturyn, when it competed designed by the renowned Italian architect Mr. Dmytriienko have prepared hypotheti- rosettes and plaques bearing Mazepa’s coat with Kyiv and Chernihiv for supremacy and Antonio Rinaldi, whom the hetman invited cal computer reconstructions of the exteri- of arms that revetted the fasades of his villa became known in the West. During to Ukraine in 1751. Descriptions from the or of Mazepa’s palace. I posit that it had no in Honcharivka. These details are recog- Mazepa’s insurrection for the freedom of 18th and 19th centuries tell us that this pal- counterparts among contemporaneous sec- Kozak Ukraine from Moscow’s growing ace was a spacious one-story late Baroque ular buildings of central Ukraine but was (Continued on page 17) No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 17

Flint and bronze screw from a rifle, an iron arrowhead, a Restored 17th-18th century pot, decorated with an splinter from an iron cannonball and lead musket bullets, ochre design, from excavations near the cemetery of the Bronze decorative appliqués and clasp from belts of pre-1708, from excavations of the military barracks at Trinity Cathedral in 2013. (Photo by Volodymyr Kozak officers, unearthed at the site of early 18th-cen- Mazepa’s manor in 2013. (Photo by Volodymyr Mezentsev.) Mezentsev.) tury barracks in 2014. (Photo by Yurii Sytyi.) musket and pistol bullets, iron heel plates In the fortress, three tiny terracotta and adornment of the Mazepa and Baturyn... for boots, ceramic Kozak tobacco pipes of human figures have been unearthed. The Rozumovsky palaces and the accoutrement local manufacture, fragments of German lower parts, arms and the head of one of of Kozak officers at the hetman court. The (Continued from page 16) glazed tableware and Dutch porcelain them are broken off. Their body shapes, latest historical and archaeological findings nized as valuable examples of Ukrainian chibouks and mouthpieces from the 17th- facial features and head dress were coarse- have also demonstrated the vibrancy of the Baroque decorative and heraldic arts. Mr. 18th centuries. ly and naïvely executed. The modeling tech- ecclesiastical and palatial building, miller’s Sytyi has established that they were fash- On the basis of 16 bronze clasps and nique of these images shows no influences trade, crafts, applied arts and international ioned by accomplished Kyivan craftsmen appliqués unearthed at this site in 2011- of realistic Baroque or neoclassical sculp- commerce of the town before 1708. Every whom the hetman brought to Baturyn. 2014, this author and Mr. Dmytriienko have ture. year, our expedition provides new archaeo- Thus, the imposing adornment of his prin- prepared hypothetical computer recon- Presumably these rare artifacts repre- logical evidence of the total destruction of cipal residence represented a blending of structions of five ornamented leather belts sent distinctive vernacular toys created by Mazepa’s capital. Western and Ukrainian baroque styles. of wealthy Kozak officers. These could have a local Baturyn potter during the * * * Research on the Honcharivka palace’s been the work of artisans from Baturyn or Rozumovsky era. Clay female statuettes For 15 years, the Baturyn project has floor pavements has shown that there were some other center of crafts in the from the 14th to 18th centuries have been been sponsored by the Kowalsky Program at least nine rooms, halls, vestibules, corri- Hetmanate. found in Kyiv, Vyshhorod, Bila Tserkva and for the Study of Eastern Ukraine at CIUS, dors, storage areas and the like on the The Kozak elite was the main consumer Baturyn. An early modern terracotta PIMS and the Ucrainica Research Institute ground and upper levels, as well as five of costly local white-clay tobacco pipes and anthropomorphic figurine comparable to in Toronto. In 2005-2015, the Chernihiv vaulted chambers, a corridor and a staircase those of Dutch porcelain. The great quanti- those described above was discovered in Oblast State Administration contributed in the basement. I surmise that the base- ty of such pipes found in the barracks pro- the village of Ulanovo, Hlukhiv region, annual subsidies for the excavations at ment had a brick floor and that it stored the vides additional argument that its residents Sumy Oblast, in 2009. According to analy- Baturyn. state/military and hetman’s private treasur- belonged to the officer class. Thus, the exca- sis, toys of this design and technique were The late poetess Volodymyra ies. The ground floor was paved with elon- vations of this edifice have enriched our manufactured in Baturyn, Hlukhiv and pos- Wasylyszyn and her husband, artist Roman gated six-angled ceramic tiles combined knowledge about the armament, accoutre- sibly other centers of pottery-making in the Wasylyszyn of Philadelphia, the late Dr. with square tiles all covered by green enam- ment, consumption of domestic and Chernihiv and Sumy regions in the 18th- Maria Fischer-Slysh of Toronto and el. A gala hall for official receptions, council imported goods, the prosperity, culture, 19th centuries. These pieces may indicate a Alexandra Zolobecky-Misiong of Livonia, meetings and banquets could have been sit- lifestyle and customs of Kozak officers at revival of ceramic folk art in Baturyn during Mich., have been the most generous uated on this ground level. Mazepa’s court. its reconstruction by Rozumovsky in the patrons of the study of Baturyn. In 2014- On the second and third stories and Mr. Sytyi’s archaeological explorations in second half of the 18th century. 2015, research on the hetman capital and mansard, were likely located the bedcham- 2014-2015 revealed the site of the Church In 2014, in the town’s northern suburb, the preparation of publications was sup- bers and living quarters of Mazepa and his of the Presentation of the Mother of God a fragment of a burnt glazed heraldic stove ported with donations from the Ukrainian wife (“hetmanova”) Hanna, the hetman’s near the extant masonry residence of Judge tile was found. It features the relief coat of Studies Fund at Harvard University, the office, his private and general military General Vasyl Kochubei in Baturyn’s west- arms of the famous Pylyp Orlyk, secretary Ukrainian Historical and Educational chancelleries, a library and the state ern suburb. He built this church with general of Mazepa’s administration, a Center of N.J. at the Ukrainian Orthodox archives. Presumably the floors there were squared oak logs in the late 17th century. It future émigré hetman (1710-1742) and the Church of the U.S.A., the National Executive made of ornate ceramic square and octago- survived the Muscovite onslaught on the author of the first Ukrainian constitution of the League of Ukrainian Canadians, the nal tiles faced with common flask-green hetman capital. In 1778, Rozumovsky (1710). Archaeologists hope to locate the League of Ukrainian Canadians – Toronto and rare blue enamel, as well as unusual ordered that the Presentation Church be remnants of Orlyk’s ruined residence at the Branch, the National Executive of the bicolor half terracotta-half glazed apple- dismantled and reassembled in the neigh- site where this tile was found. League of Ukrainian Women in Canada, the green tiles. Mazepa and his wife may have boring village of Matiyivka. Soviet authori- Exploratory excavations carried out by League of Ukrainian Women in Canada – personally selected the shapes and colors ties demolished this monument of wooden Dr. Skorokhod in the Baturyn district of Toronto Branch, the Kniahynia Olha Branch of these tiles and inlays for the floors. Ukrainian folk architecture in 1933. Podil, on the flood-land of the Seim River, of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Cheaper ceramic floor tiles without glazing Last year, north of the former Baturyn uncovered the remnants of wooden struc- Canada, the Buduchnist Credit Union were apparently used in the less important fortress, in the market square, Mr. Sytyi’s tures which were burned by the tsarist Foundation, the Prometheus Foundation, and more modestly furnished service excavations uncovered the foundations of troops in 1708. the Ukrainian Credit Union, the Golden premises and rooms for servants or guests. an unidentified 18th century structure. Its For many years, archaeologists have Lion Restaurant, and the Healing Source Examples of early modern floor designs foundation trenches were filled with bro- excavated the remains of hundreds of bur- Integrative Pharmacy in Toronto. and inlays comparable to those discovered ken 17th century bricks, many of which ied and unburied victims of the Russian Next summer, our Canada-Ukraine at the Honcharivka palace have been found exhibit fire damage. This researcher sug- assault in every part of the town and its archaeological expedition will renew the in St. Sophia Cathedral (the 17th-century gests that these burnt bricks came from the environs. The leading researcher of the systematic excavations in Baturyn. floor in its altar apse) in Kyiv; the Holy masonry of St. Nicholas Church. Mazepa Baturyn necropolis, Mr. Sytyi, has discov- However, because of the current situation Trinity Cathedral (1675) at the Hustyn donated 4,000 gold coins (“zoloti”) for its ered their graves in several 17th-18th cen- in Ukraine and state budget cuts to aca- Monastery in Chernihiv Oblast; the 16th- construction. This church stood some- tury cemeteries. demic and educational institutions there, it 18th century castle of the Ostrozky princes where within the present-day market In 2014, our expedition excavated 10 is unlikely that the Ukrainian government in the town of Ostroh, Rivne Oblast, square and probably suffered from the con- graves of the townsfolk from this time at will fund our scholarly project this year. Ukraine; as well as the residences of Polish flagration of the town in 1708. Rozumovsky the burial ground of Trinity Cathedral in The continued support of archaeological kings on Wawel Hill in Krakow and the dismantled its ruins and reused the bricks the fortress. Mr. Sytyi identified the skele- research in Baturyn and the publication of Wilanow district of Warsaw (1696). In my for his buildings. tons of two adults and one child (Graves its findings in 2016 by Ukrainian organiza- conclusion, the principal residence of In 2014, in the fortress east of the site of Nos. 1, 13, 14) as victims of this massacre. tions, foundations, companies and private Mazepa in Baturyn was his largest and the Holy Trinity Cathedral (1692), which In particular, the infillings of their grave pits benefactors in the United States and most lavishly embellished secular building, was endowed by Mazepa and destroyed by included charcoal fractions from the 1708 Canada will be much needed and greatly as well as an outstanding piece of both the the tsarist forces, remnants of the 17th- conflagration. Last summer, archaeologists appreciated. Donations may be sent to: Mr. palatial architecture and the ceramic deco- 18th century storage structures of well-to- excavated 80 graves from the 17th-18th Stan Kamski, Treasurer, Pontifical Institute rative art of the Kozak state. do burghers were excavated. Archaeologists centuries at this cemetery. Some contained of Mediaeval Studies, 59 Queen’s Park In 2014, our expedition finished excavat- found there: low-denomination Polish sil- casualties of the 1708 Muscovite attack on Crescent E., Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2C4. ing the remnants of a sizeable elongated ver coins, fragments of refined plates made Baturyn. The results of these field investi- Please make your checks payable to: timber structure (19 by 5 meters) which from milk-glass and painted with poly- gations and examinations of exhumed Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies stood at Mazepa’s estate in Honcharivka. chrome plant motifs (likely a Turkish imita- bones by specialists in physical anthropolo- (Memo: Baturyn Project). This institute will Perhaps this was the military barracks, or tion of expensive chinaware), iron and bone gy are now being analyzed, and the conclu- issue official tax receipts to all American “kurin,” that housed either members of the buttons, two ceramic gaming chips and sions will be published in June. and Canadian donors, and they will be hetman’s bodyguard (“serdiuky”) or Kozak shards of terracotta stove tiles of local pro- The excavations in Baturyn in 2014- gratefully acknowledged in related publica- officers (“starshyna”) from his retinue. At duction of this time. Archaeological finds of 2015 have obtained valuable information tions and public lectures. this building were found: silver and copper imported goods testify to the broad com- for locating the 1751 hetman residence and For additional information or questions Polish and Russian coins, bronze buttons, a mercial and cultural contacts of Baturyn the churches of the Presentation and St. about the Baturyn project, readers may clasp and four figured belt appliqués with with Northern, Central and Eastern Europe, Nicholas, as well as for the research and contact this author in Toronto at 416-766- relief floral patterns and engravings, a lead as well as the Islamic East, prior to 1708. reconstruction of the architectural design 1408 or email [email protected]. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

diers from 5th Canadian Mechanized between the self-proclaimed ‘People’s nal probe is also being conducted in the NEWSBRIEFS Brigade Group deployed to Ukraine for Republics’ and the Russian Federation. Netherlands to determine who was respon- Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s training mis- These links consist in nothing less than the sible and bring them to justice. Now, Dutch (Continued from page 2) sion to Ukraine, to relieve 2nd Canadian east-Ukrainian conflict zone’s total finan- relatives of the MH17 tragedy have written parties agreed to try again to fully halt Mechanized Brigade Troops, who will be cial dependence on Moscow. It can, second, to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to pro- fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro- returning to Canada. Harjit Sajjan, Canada’s be seen that Putin’s Russia is not in the test that primary radar data was not made Russia separatists and discussed new Minister of National Defense, stated, “With least interested in implementing the signed available to the investigators by either the efforts to exchange war prisoners. Taking the return of the troops based in Petawawa, Minsk Agreement from September 2014. Russian or Ukrainian authorities. “We can’t part in the Minsk talks was Boris Gryzlov, a I am pleased to see additional soldiers The agreement intends for the medium- accept that people have refused to provide former speaker of the Russian Parliament deploying from Valcartier to offer contin- term reintegration of the corresponding crucial information,” the families said in the who has been named a Russian envoy. Mr. ued support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces regions under Ukrainian control. Instead, letter, published on January 13. They are Gryzlov, a member of Russia’s presidential under Operation UNIFIER. This important Russia’s policy can rather be considered as urging Mr. Rutte to push either the United Security Council, is seen as more influential training mission demonstrates that Canada, the long-term stabilization of the interna- Nations or the International Civil Aviation than his predecessor, Mikhail Zurabov. His together with our other allies, stands tionally unacknowledged construct of the Organization to demand that the data is appointment has been interpreted by some proudly in support of our Ukrainian ‘people’s republics’ of Donetsk and handed over. The families hope that may analysts as a sign the Kremlin wants to friends.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) Luhansk and the stabilization of their sta- help pinpoint who fired the missile at the intensify the talks. (RFE/RL, based on tus quo. ... Taking a closer look at the wel- plane. The EU, the United States and reporting by AFP, AP and Interfax) U.S. delivers $23 M in vital equipment fare situation in the ‘rebel areas’, they are Ukraine believe the plane was downed by Obama, Putin discuss Ukraine crisis KYIV – On January 16 at Boryspil best described as a colony of Russia that Russia-backed separatists using a Buk mis- International Airport, the United States was established and is kept alive by WASHINGTON – U.S. President Barack sile system provided by the Russian mili- delivered $23 million in vital military com- Moscow.” The full report is available in Obama and Russian President Vladimir tary. Moscow denies providing such equip- munications and medical equipment to Putin spoke by telephone on January 13, English at http://www.bild.de/politik/aus- ment and has suggested that the aircraft Ukraine. The shipment included $21 million discussing the crises in Ukraine and Syria, land/ukraine-konflikt/russia-finances-don- was shot down by a Ukrainian fighter jet or in secure radio equipment to help Ukrainian the White House said. “They spent a signifi- bass-44151166.bild.html (Ukrainian with a Buk fired by the Ukrainian military – soldiers communicate effectively without cant portion of their time discussing the Canadian Congress) claims roundly dismissed by Kyiv and putting themselves in harm’s way, as well as Western governments. (RFE/RL, with need for the Russians to live up to the com- Relatives of MH17 victims demand data mitments that they made in Minsk – to end nearly $2 million in battlefield life-saving reporting by AFP) medical equipment. After clearing customs, AMSTERDAM – Relatives of those killed their support for separatists that are desta- Dozens killed by swine flu virus bilizing Ukraine right now,” said White the U.S.-donated equipment will be deliv- in the MH17 air disaster are demanding the House spokesman Josh Earnest. Mr. Obama ered to Ukrainian Army units participating release of what they say is key evidence that KYIV – An outbreak of the H1N1 swine told Mr. Putin that a key next step in resolv- in U.S.-led training taking place at Yavoriv could shed light on the tragedy over eastern flu virus has killed more than 50 people in ing the Ukrainian crisis was for all sides to and Khmelnytsky. U.S. trainers from the Ukraine in July 2014. Malaysia Airlines Ukraine this winter – an increase of 10 per- agree on the modalities of local elections in Joint Multinational Training Group Flight 17 (MH17) was shot down over the cent over last year, Ukrainian authorities the Donbas region of Ukraine, the White (JMTG-U) will train Ukrainian soldiers on eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk with said. Ukrainian Health Minister Aleksandr House said in a statement. The two leaders the equipment for use on the frontlines. the loss of all 298 lives on board, most of Kvitashvili urged people not to panic, say- This $23 million in assistance is part of the also discussed a resolution to Syria’s crisis them Dutch. The Dutch Safety Board said in ing, “We haven’t exceeded the epidemic U.S. $75 million dollar European and the situation on the Korean peninsula, its final report released on October 13, threshold, and every year January is the Reassurance Initiative (ERI). Since the a Kremlin statement said. (RFE/RL, based 2015, that the jet was destroyed by a peak of the flu season.” Nevertheless, the Ukraine conflict began, the United States on reporting by AP and Reuters) Russian-made surface-to-air missile, fired outbreak is serious as many people died has committed more than $260 million in from an area at the time under the control ‘Winter on Fire’ nominated for Oscar security assistance to Ukraine, including the of pro-Russia separatists. A separate crimi- (Continued on page 19) WASHINGTON – A documentary film provision of body armor, vehicles, night and about Ukraine’s Euro-Maidan protests has thermal vision devices, medical equipment, been nominated for an Academy Award for heavy engineering equipment, radios, patrol push toward carrying out reforms, the “EU best documentary feature. The Oscar nomi- boats, rations, tents and counter-mortar EU document... should respond to Ukrainian demands for nations were announced on January 14 at a radars. (U.S. Embassy Kyiv) assistance and assist Ukraine in overcom- ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Oscars (Continued from page 1) ing the current obstacles in the reform pro- Bild: Russia finances occupied Donbas will be handed out on February 28. “Winter Kingdom; the Netherlands, which is the cur- cess.” On Fire: Ukraine’s Fight For Freedom” is a OTTAWA – The German newspaper Bild rent EU holder of the rotating EU presiden- No concrete monetary figures were 2015 documentary film about the Euro- published an extensive study of how the cy; and Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, mentioned regarding assistance, but the Maidan uprising that overthrew Moscow- Russian Federation finances the Russian- Romania and Sweden, countries that are document specified that Brussels should friendly Ukrainian President Viktor occupied territories in Donetsk and generally supportive of the European step up its “communication efforts and Yanukovych. The film, by director Evgeny Luhansk oblast. The report concludes, “The Union’s Eastern Partnership. enhance its visibility in Ukraine” by way of Afineevsky, won the Grolsch People’s Choice details of Russia’s funding of the ‘separatist The discussion paper emerged as regular visits to Kyiv at the highest political Documentary Award at the 2015 Toronto regions’ in eastern Ukraine that Bild has President Petro Poroshenko boasted to jour- level. It also said that more attention could International Film Festival. (RFE/RL) researched reveal the true intentions in nalists on January 14 about Ukraine’s imple- be paid to Ukraine’s regions by sending Putin’s government - in two respects: First, mentation of a wide range of reforms in various EU representatives on joint trips to Canadian brigade group deploys to Ukraine they are proof of a continuous and obvious 2015, the success of which was evidenced by cities beyond Kyiv. Another suggestion is that the bloc OTAWA – On January 10, the first group violation of the territorial sovereignty of the EU’s executive backing visa-free travel to might consider selecting “a few flagship of approximately 200 Canadian Army sol- Ukraine, and they expose the tight links Ukrainian citizens. The European Commission backed Ukraine’s bid for visa- projects in key areas that could demon- free access to the European Union in strate short-term tangible results, including December, citing the country’s implementa- in the regions, and improve the visibility of tion of reforms as a reason. The commission the EU.” must now formally recommend granting The issues presented in the document visa-free status, which will then be subject to were discussed on January 18 when EU for- eign ministers assembled in Brussels for TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 approval by EU governments and the or e-mail [email protected] the year’s first EU Foreign Affairs Council. European Parliament. Mr. Poroshenko on January 14 also Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted SERVICES PROFESSIONALS vowed to continue the reform process and with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ said that new, corruption-free law-enforce- Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, ment and judicial structures would be Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see established. http://www.rferl.org/content/eu-paper- The EU document suggested that if the ukraine-pace-of-reforms-concern/ Ukrainian government demonstrates a new 27489776.html).

lar power projection enterprise in Russia’s Russia bargains... multi-regional neighborhood are limited, and the benefits of unleashing a wave of (Continued from page 3) repressions against domestic “enemies of The Russian propaganda machine has the people” are dubious. already switched off the “Novorossiya” He both needs a confrontation with the OPPORTUNITIES theme and focuses on Syrian/Turkish topics; West and cannot afford it; but Russia’s neigh- however, these topics are increasingly over- bors should not count on him being para- shadowed in Russians’ minds by the every- lyzed into inaction by these self-made traps. Earn extra income! day experience of fast-rising poverty. Putin The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for advertising sales agents. cannot dispel the specter of degradation and The article above is reprinted from For additional information contact cannot show weakness by yielding to the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Western pressure in Ukraine. His options for its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. covering a retreat with yet another spectacu- www.jamestown.org. No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 19

ian-led blockade of the annexed peninsula our graves, and our history.” Speaking to said on January 14 at his annual press con- NEWSBRIEFS will continue until it is freed from Kremlin RFE/RL, Mr. Islyamov said it made abso- ference. Russia has refused to go along with control, stressing that only concrete action lutely no sense to cooperate in any way Ukraine’s conditions for renewing a con- (Continued from page 18) can be effective. “We showed the Tatars in with the “occupier,” Russia. “If an occupier tract that expired on January 1 to provide unnecessarily by not seeking treatment in Crimea, Ukrainians and all pro-Ukrainian has taken over your territory, then let him Crimea with electricity. Mr. Poroshenko - people that there is a genuine movement supply his own housing, food, medicine and said Ukraine is prepared to “assure sup- ing on January 13. People with high tem- under way to free Crimea,” explained Lenur everything else,” he said. “Why should we plies of electricity,” but the contract must peraturestime to be shouldsaved, heimmediately said at a Сabinet consult meet doc- Islyamov to RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service trade with a government that occupied our stipulate that Crimea is an “autonomous tors and not attempt to self-medicate, as in a video interview. The Crimean Tatars land, and is holding us, our relatives, kids, republic” of Ukraine. He insisted that Kyiv some treatments are not effective after 48 and other groups have blocked road links and other loved ones as hostages?” (Tony is doing what it can to “prevent more com- hours, he said. The areas worst hit include from mainland Ukraine to Crimea since Wesolowsky of RFE/RL) plications in the lives” of Crimeans, but Kyiv, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia and Odesa, law- pointed out that Crimean leaders them- September and are suspected of blowing Kyiv: No power for occupied Crimea maker Irina Sysoyenko wrote on her up electricity pylons in November, disrupt- selves had declined to renew the power Facebook page. She said 28 people have ing power supplies from Ukraine to the KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro contract. Residents of the peninsula have died from flu in Odesa and 25 in Vinnytsia. peninsula for weeks. The incident height- Poroshenko said Ukraine is prepared to been experiencing chronic power shortag- “As of today, 5.7 percent of the population is ened tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, restore electricity to Crimea after more es since the main lines carrying power ill with the flu,” Ms. Sysoyenko wrote. “Of with Russia retaliating by cutting off coal than a month of severe outages, but only if from Ukraine were blown up on November these, 70 percent are children and preg- exports to Ukraine. The blockade has also the peninsula annexed by Russia rejoins 22, 2015. A partial restoration of electricity nant women.” According to the Health meant hardship for much of the peninsula’s Ukraine. “We are ready to supply electricity during December came to a complete halt Ministry, only 0.3 percent of Ukraine’s pop- 2.3 million people, about 250,000 of whom to Crimea that is Ukrainian. You can have it after another attack on the power facilities ulation received flu vaccines. (RFE/RL, are Crimean Tatars whose presence on the if you want. If not, we’ll wait until Ukrainian on December 30. (RFE/RL, with reporting based on reporting by the Kyiv Post and peninsula dates back centuries. Amid sovereignty over Crimea is restored,” he by TASS) TASS) shortages of basic items, including food, Ukrainians among dead in Burkina Faso some are questioning whether the strategy could backfire and make enemies of poten- У 1-шу болючу річницю відходу у вічність KYIV – Four of the people killed during a tial allies. However, Mr. Islyamov, a former January 15 terrorist attack on a hotel and a deputy prime minister of Crimea, while св. п. restaurant in the capital of Burkina Faso acknowledging the blockade “may be harsh were Ukrainian citizens, the Ukrainian in some ways,” is insistent that it should Стефанії Кріслатої Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on continue. “Crimea is the land of the з дому Муцин January 16. A total of 29 people have been Crimean Tatars. It is our land,” he said. reported killed in the attack, responsibility “Therefore, when we organize an economic яка відійшла у вічність 30 січня 2015 року for which was claimed by a group called blockade, or an energy blockade, we are на 81-му році трудолюбивого життя, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. At least 10 completely within our rights. We are просимо згадати Її у своїх молитвах. of the victims were foreigners, including six Crimean Tatars. Crimea is our land.” Mr. Горем прибиті: Canadians, two French, two Swiss and one Islyamov said in mid-December that the сини з дружинами Зенон з Дозею, Ігор з Наталею U.S. citizen. The four attackers – two of them blockade would be extended to the sea сестри Марія, Ольга, Ганя, і Наталя з родинами reportedly women – were killed by security early this year. “We have several stages,” внуки Вікторія, Марта і Андрій forces. Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Newsweek quoted him as saying. “At the Christian Kabore described the attack as beginning it was a product blockade and Спи спокійно. Пам’ять про Тебе навіки залишиться “cowardly and vile.” (RFE.RL, based on we did it. Next came the energy blockade. в наших серцях. Нехай земля буде Тобі лебединим пухом, reporting by AP, Interfax, AFP and TASS) We did that too.” He added, “We would like а душі - вічний спокій і Царство Небесне. Tatar leader: Crimea blockade to continue to make the occupation of our land as Вічна Їй пам’ять! expensive and complicated as possible. We PRAGUE – A leading Crimean Tatar will squeeze out and burn out the occupi- activist has vowed that a months-long, civil- ers from Crimea, because this is our land,

regime that it is being watched closely and International pressure... that none of the prisoners are forgotten. At least 13 Ukrainians are detained ille- (Continued from page 4) gally somewhere in the Russian Federation, simulated an execution, firing a gun next to and at least eight prisoners are being held my head. in occupied Crimea, both Ukrainians and On the 9th Anniversary The next morning, which was two weeks Crimean Tatars. The criminal cases against of the passing of our dear after my arrest, I used a shaving blade to them are fabricated, most have been bru- cut my abdomen and the veins on my arms tally tortured, and some have been Husband, Father & Grandfather, to stop this abuse. Only then was I taken to deprived of their right to meet with an we remember him with great Love! the hospital; there I finally managed to attorney or a Ukrainian consul for over a inform my family about my whereabouts. year. These are people of various ages, pro- Despite a court decision ordering our fessions and politics, but they share one Dr. NICHOLAS G. BOHATIUK deportation, my friend and I were illegally thing: their lives have become an instru- January 2, 1926 – January 22, 2007 kept at a special detention center for illegal ment of Russian state-sponsored propa- immigrants for three months. During this ganda that has created the image of Professor Emeritus of Economics period, beatings and torture were constant. Ukraine as a mortal enemy. Kremlin offi- Three months later, my friend was released cials constantly look for ways to justify Born in Ternopil, Ukraine, he was the son of Rev. Dr. Theodore and Olha and taken to the Ukrainian border, while I their hybrid war in Ukraine, which is why Bohatiuk. For 35 years, he was professor of economics at LeMoyne College was suddenly charged with possessing innocent Ukrainian citizens are proclaimed in Syracuse, NY and visiting professor at the University of Virginia, the Lviv to be terrorists, spies, and fascists. Management Institute in Lviv, Ukraine, the Ukrainian Catholic University explosives. in Rome, Italy, and the Ukrainian Free University in Munich, Germany. The court found me guilty in spite of the I appeal to you on behalf of the #LetMyPeopleGo campaign. There are no absurdity of these accusations and the Prof. Bohatiuk was on the executive board and vice-chairman of the independent courts in Russia; this is why absence of any evidence. At first, I was sen- Council of Academic Advisors at the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute tenced to two years in prison, but an politically motivated cases have no chance (HURI). He was national vice-president of the Shevchenko Scienti‚ c of being decided fairly. Only international appeals court reduced the sentence to nine Society, and editor-in-chief of the ‘Ukrainian Quarterly’. For 10 years, he pressure can help achieve the release of months. By that time, I had already spent a was a radio commentator for the ‘Voice of America’. He also organized those detained. We are waiting for the year in detention, so I was released. many economic conferences and was a researcher on the economy of return of Savchenko, Oleksandr Kolchenko, The fact that I’m free now is a testament Ukraine. Sentsov, Hennadiy Afanasyev, Oleksiy to the publicity campaigns, international Chirniy, Sergiy Lytvynov, Mykola Karpiuk, Dr. Bohatiuk was a scholar, educator, author, multi-linguist and multi- pressure and coordinated work of human Stanislav Klyh, Oleksandr Kostenko, Haiser rights advocates and lawyers. When I was instrumentalist, as well as a lover of books and all things Ukrainian. He Dzhemilev, Yurii Soloshenko, Valentyn brought his special touch of humor and warmth to everything he was in detention, guards informed me from Vyhyvskiy and Viktor Shur. We also demand involved in. time to time that another article about my that Russia stop occupying Crimea and that case had appeared in the press, or that Akhtem Chyihoz, Ali Asanov, Mustafa another press conference dedicated to my Dehermendzhy, Yuriy Ilchenko, Ruslan May His Memory Be Eternal! case had been held. They seemed to be Zaytullaev, Nuri Primov, Rustam Vaytov and Vichna Yomu Pamiat! alarmed by this activism, and kept saying Ferat Sayfullaev be freed. It is likely that this that it should be stopped, that everything list is incomplete. Nevertheless, we demand His wife Motria, Sons, Grandchildren & Family should be “done quietly.” That is why public that Russia release all of its prisoners who events in support of prisoners are extreme- have been subject to politically motivated We miss you very much Tato! ly important; they signal to the repressive persecution. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Washington ‘koliadnyky’ visit Foreign correspondent Ukraine’s wounded warriors Nolan Peterson speaks about “the secret war” in Ukraine

by Orysia Nazar Zinycz SARASOTA, Fla. – The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is a non-profit organization that brings experts to speak to the general public on burning issues of the day. On January 12, the burning issue was “The War in Ukraine.” The lecture was presented by Nolan Peterson, a foreign correspondent for The Daily Signal, who was the first U.S. journalist to be embedded with the Ukrainian regular army in combat with the seces- sionist and Russian military enablers in the Donbas region. Before the program began, several Ukrainians met with Mr. Peterson, and discussed Ukraine and what Mr. Peterson calls “the secret war.” Mr. Peterson showed videos from the frontlines and interviews with soldiers; he described their fears, the division of families and the horrors of war. He gave many facts which are not widely publicized in newspapers, noting the equipment used, the num- ber of Russian military involved and the steady Russian propaganda. His most horrific observation was that residents who actually experienced the devastation at the hands of the Russians nonetheless clung to the erro- BETHESDA, Md. – On the initiative of young adult members of the Washington branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting neous information published in newspapers and Organization, a group of carolers (koliadnyky) on Sunday, January 10, brought Christmas carols and holiday cheer aired on TV that it was the CIA that ruined the area. to wounded veterans of Ukraine’s anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine who are being treated at Walter Reed Mr. Peterson emphasized the youth of many of the National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The Plast members were joined by friends who are members of Ukrainian soldiers during the question and answer the Ukrainian American Youth Association. Seen in the photo are the Ukrainian soldiers (from left): Vadim Sviridenko, portion of his presentation. Taking advantage of that Vadym Maznichenko, Col. Ihor Hordiychuk and Oleksandr Kosolapov, and the koliadnyky (in embroidered shirts, from opportunity, this writer added that most of the wid- left): Stephanie Puszka (UAYA), Laryssa Huryn (Plast), Adia Shmorhun (Plast), Alexis Moch (Plast), Orest Danylewycz ows are young and some have small children and no (UAYA), Paul Hadzewycz (Plast), Stefan Doboszczak (UAYA) and Andrew Demidowich (Plast). income. I also cited the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and its current project of “adopt- ing” widows and children of the fallen soldiers. Many concerned Ukrainians and UNWLA mem- bers have committed to three-year “adoptions,” at Plast sorority holds annual conference $100 per month. I suggested that any contributions to the fund from those in attendance and the general public would be most welcome. The public responded positively with strong applause; several asked for UNWLA contacts. SILL board members said they were grateful for the infor- mation about the project and congratulated the Ukrainian activists. Such lectures are held in Venice and Sarasota, Fla. Many retired State Department employees and uni- versity professors live in this area and are involved in SILL.

Members of the Spartanky sorority of Plast at their annual retreat and conference in Spring Lake, N.J.

by Irka Sawchyn-Doll bike on the boardwalk or walk along the shore while oth- ers relaxed at the Ocean House spa. SPRING LAKE, N.J. – The senior Plast sorority Spartanky The conference officially started on Friday night with a met for their annual retreat and conference on October communal dinner. Afterwards, the organizers conducted a 30-31, 2015, at the Jersey shore’s beautiful Ocean House Halloween-themed game in which participants created Hotel resort in Spring Lake, N.J. impromptu costumes and short plays related to their Thirty-five members from New Jersey, New York, themes. The high spirits and sheer silliness lasted late into Connecticut and Pennsylvania reunited at the annual con- the evening to everyone’s delight. ference to renew their commitment to Plast Ukrainian The serious planning stage of the conference took place Scouting Organization, review the sorority members’ on Saturday. Nadia Gluch from Connecticut and Katia accomplishments of the past year, and plan another year of Savyckyj from New Jersey were enthusiastically inducted active support for the goals of the parent Plast organization. into the sorority as full members. As her introductory proj- The conference was blessed with delightfully sunny fall ect Ms. Gluch had created a Facebook page for the sorority, Archie W. weather, which permitted the early arrivals to start the Foreign correspondent Nolan Peterson with Orysia Nazar Zinycz in Sarasota, Fla. weekend with a variety of outdoor excursions, choosing to (Continued on page 22) No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 21 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

dence of interests, including economic, and body, other experts said. However, they Russia’s... with account for the key influence of Proposals... agreed that the Russians won’t agree to the Russian-American relations on the interna- presence of U.N. peacekeepers, which (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 2) tional situation in general. Vital areas of would significantly reduce its ability to these relations will be determined by the such a partnership remain the improvement In order for elections to be held, Mr. maneuver. alliance’s willingness to take into account of international treaty mechanisms for arms Poroshenko has set a minimum set of stan- “Peacekeepers would freeze the conflict the Russian Federation’s legitimate inter- control, strengthening of confidence-build- dards that need to be met by the Russian- and draw a line,” said Mykhailo Basarab, a ests in its military-political planning and to ing measures, solutions to non-proliferation backed terrorists and the Kremlin itself, Kyiv political consultant. “For Russia, it’s respect international law” (Kremlin.ru, issues with weapons of mass destruction, which continues to deny its central role in absolutely critical to resolve the conflict as December 31, 2015). expansion of cooperation against terrorism, the warfare. soon as possible, but only on its own condi- On the role of the U.S., it states: “Russia is and settlement of regional conflicts” These conditions were reiterated on tions of reintegrating the Donbas back into growing stronger against a backdrop of (Kremlin.ru, December 31, 2015). January 20 by Iryna Herashchenko, the Ukraine with the specific procedures. The new threats to national security that are Thus, the 2015 National Security presidential ombudsman for peaceful reso- presence of peacekeepers would merely complex and interrelated. The Russian Strategy presents a familiar Russian securi- lution of the situation in occupied Donbas. delay the fulfillment of this goal.” Federation’s pursuit of an independent for- ty interpretation of Western interventions They include ensuring the involvement of With the current direction of events, the eign and domestic policy is leading to coun- in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, Ukrainian mass media and political parties, Donbas will become a frozen conflict simi- termoves by the U.S.A. and its allies as they which had destabilizing impacts, while disarming fighters on the territory, remov- lar to Transnistria in Moldova, and South offering little concrete response attempt to maintain their domination in ing foreign soldiers and military hardware, Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia, Mr. (Politrussia, January 6, 2016; Rossiyskaya global affairs. Their policy of restraining allowing OSCE monitors access to the occu- Basarab said. Gazeta, December 22, 2015). Russia takes the form of exerting pressure pied territory and restoring Ukrainian con- “The Georgians recognize these lands as through political, economic, military and occupied, maintain their claim to the land, The article above is reprinted from trol over the border. information means.” Political experts were divided over but the negotiations are frozen – all of It also states: “The Russian Federation is Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from whether they think Moscow would abide which is worth considering for Donbas interested in building a fully-fledged part- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, by these conditions or even attempts at once it’s recognized that reintegration into nership with the U.S. on the basis of coinci- www.jamestown.org. compromise. Ukraine isn’t possible,” he said. The latter include giving control of the Mr. Basarab said he doesn’t expect the planned elections will be held successfully been doing pretty well over the past three- border to the OSCE instead of Ukraine, and agrees with German Foreign Affairs Mis-stating... plus decades. The Chinese regime may be which the president said on January 14 was failing but the economy is a different mat- suggested to him by members of the Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier that the (Continued from page 4) ter. European Union, and inviting U.N. peace- failure to organize the elections may lead to keepers, an earlier idea that was reiterated escalated fighting. However, in Mr. aggression in the past two years. And what Finally, one reason the international sys- by the Ukraine’s Permanent Representative Basarab’s view, that would be a pretext for money is Russia pumping into Ukraine to tem is “struggling to keep pace with this Moscow to intensify aggression. prop it up? Absolutely none. Instead, Russia new reality” is because the stabilizing to the U.N. Volodymyr Yelchenko on Such escalation can prompt the has invested in destabilizing its neighbor as anchor since World War II – the United Ukrainian television on January 7. much as possible, to make it unappealing to States – has been disengaging from its lead- Mr. Doniy said the Russians will agree to Europeans to exert further pressure on the West. The president owes Ukrainians ership role in the world over the past seven these proposals because they don’t inter- Kyiv, he said. Whether Ukraine emerges an apology. years. Certainly the invasion of Iraq during fere with the main goal of holding elections from the crisis intact will depend on the On China, it’s striking that the president the Bush administration created its own set and establishing the special status in the firmness of the current government’s lumped it into the category of “failing of problems, but the Obama administration Donbas. He pointed out that Russia can resolve. states.” The Chinese Communist Party cer- has been guilty of overthinking the conse- influence any peacekeeping mission with Mr. Doniy is far more pessimistic, stating tainly is facing greater societal pressures quences of action and under-thinking the its seat at the Security Council. that he doesn’t see any resolve on the part than ever – and engaging in response in an consequences of inaction, of choosing to do “The elections could even occur with the of the current government, or those who ugly crackdown against human rights activ- nothing. The president might also want to presence of Russian soldiers,” he said. “The claim to be in the opposition, given that no ists, lawyers, journalists – but the Chinese have a chat with his speechwriters to avoid international community will recognize alternative plans have been presented to economy, despite its latest turmoil, has sloppy language in the future. these elections regardless, because the the West other than the Donbas special sta- main thing is that they will be recognized tus. by Russia and Poroshenko, who has done “Everything Putin has in mind is on track everything Putin has told him to do.” to being implemented,” he said. “Ukraine Indeed, the OSCE has shown itself to be will be a country without prospects for the so ineffective in its monitoring missions so future, mired in corruption. The problems far that the Russians would gladly agree to will be worsened by the installation of hand over control of the border to that Russian agents.”

true believers,’” although it is anything but Moscow... a religious group with religious goals. Instead, it seeks to provoke scandals, exac- (Continued from page 3) erbate them and then, “with the help of the has “yet another goal: to create conditions ombudsmen for the defense of the rights of under which [its] real boss Vladimir Putin believers,” make political capital out of can at any moment exacerbate the situation them both in Ukraine and abroad. by declaring that he wants to ‘defend canon- Ukraine’s only defense against this effort, ical orthodoxy,’” and thus provide cover for Ms. Samokhvalova says, is, in the short run, more Russian aggression against Ukraine. to expose it as much as possible, and in the The new staff refers to itself on occasion longer run to create a national Orthodox as “a department for ‘the defense of the Church separate from Moscow’s.

Christmas party for senior Plast members Plast sorority... as a thank-you for their continuing support of the organization. Plans were made to (Continued from page 20) repeat many of these events, which have while Ms. Savyckyj had organized a two- become annual traditions. day Red Cross CPR training course for A new leadership board was elected: camp counselors. Two Plast members were Irka Pelech Zwarych, president; Roma welcomed to the sorority, to start their year Maksymowych, vice-president; Vera of candidacy: Andrea Zharovsky from Myskiw, treasurer, Natalka Salek, recording Pennsylvania and Roksolana Kyzyk from secretary; Irka Sawchyn-Doll, press secre- New Jersey. tary; Chrystia Centore, chronicler; Chrystia During the formal deliberations the Iwanik and Lesia Palylyk, candidates’ liai- sorority members reviewed their major son; and Lyalya Nahnybida, flag-bearer. projects from the previous year: conduct- The new chapter leaders are: Lida ing “Pochatkovyi Tabir” (Beginners’ Camp) Moczula in New Jersey, Chrystia Iwanik in in East Chatham, N.Y.; testing older camp- New York, and Halia de Vassal in ers for Plast’s Physical Fitness Badge Philadelphia. requirements; and resuming Horseback Everyone left the conference refreshed Riding Camp. The local chapters had orga- and uplifted by the wonderful feeling of fel- nized several events, including a Winter lowship. The next conference is already Outing at which younger scouts could com- being planned for the fall of 2016. For fur- plete merit badges in snow sports, a tradi- ther information about Spartanky, readers tional St. Andrew’s Eve ( Andriyivskyi may contact Ms. Iwanik at ciwanik@yahoo. Vechir) for teen scouts, as well as a com. No. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 23

January 28 Presentation, lunch and meeting, Carpe Diem Club, Arts, February 6 Presentation of debutantes, Ukrainian American Youth Whippany, NJ Culture and Education Committee, Ukrainian American Parsippany, NJ Association, Parsippany Sheraton Hotel, www.cym.org/us Cultural Center of New Jersey, [email protected] or 973-590-8026 February 6 Malanka Benefit Dance, with music by Zabava, Lombardo’s, Randolph, MA 714-600-9199 or [email protected] January 29 Film screening, “A Struggle for Home: The Crimean New York Tatars,” Ukrainian Institute of America, February 7 Concert, featuring Lvivski Muzyky, Assumption of the www.ukrainianinstitute.org Ottawa Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, January 29- Solo art exhibit featuring icons and gobelins by Myroslava http://muzyky.lviv.ua/en February 7 Boikiv, “The Holy Family,” KUMF Gallery, Toronto 416-766-6802 or www.kumfgallery.com February 7 Pre-release film screening fund-raiser, “I Am a Ukrainian: Whippany, NJ Personal Stories of a Revolution,” Ukrainian American January 30 Chervona Kalyna debutante ball, Hilton Pearl River, Cultural Center of New Jersey, 860-989-5184 Pearl River, NY 845-735-9000 or www.kalynadeb.org or [email protected]

January 30 Malanka celebration, with music by Zirka, Assupmption February 13 USCAK Hockey Tournament “Alexander Cup,” N.J. Ottawa of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Newark, NJ Devils AmeriHealth Arena, 973-544-8774 Cathedral, [email protected] or 613-277-4664 February 14 Ukrainian Heritage Night, NJ Devils vs, Los Angeles Kings, January 30 New Britain Malanka celebration, with music by Hrim Newark, NJ The Prudential Center, 973-757-6162 or New Britain, CT and Zvook, Zolotyj Promin Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, www.newjerseydevils.com/ukrainian St. George Hall, 860-452-4023

January 30 Winter Ball and Presentation of Debutantes, with music February 26- Art exhibit, “The Tales and Myths of Yohann Petrovsky- Detroit by Klopit, Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America – March 9 Shtern,” Ukrainian Institute of America, Detroit Branch, Troy Marriott Hotel, 734-717-0695 or New York www.ukrainianinsttute.org or 212-288-8660 [email protected] February 27 Skiing championship, Carpathian Ski Club, January 30 Malanka celebration with Christmas Eve dinner, Hunter, NY Hunter Mountain, www.klkusa.com or [email protected] Irvington, NJ Organization for the Defense of Lemkivshcyna, Ukrainian Center, 973-951-3625 or 973-371-8630 March 5 Presentation, “Mykola Dyletsky: A Musical Grammar in New York Seventeenth-Century Cracow and Kyiv,” Ukrainian February 1 Ukraine 2016 Stability Dialogue, featuring Rep. Marcy Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or Jenkintown, PA Kaptur, MP Andrey Artemenko, Alex Rovut, former 212-288-8660 NATO Deputy Secretary of Defense Bruce Weinrod, former Rep. Curt Weldon, Manor College, www.manor.edu or 215-885-2360 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events February 5- Art exhibit, “Sentience” featuring five Chicago-based advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions March 27 artists, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Chicago www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 No. 4

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, February 13 NEWARK, N.J.: The Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (known as USCAK based on its Ukrainian acronym) will be hosting a Ukrainian ice hockey tournament at the AmeriHealth Pavilion, located adja- cent to the Prudential Center, the home of the New Jersey Devils. Four teams from Montreal, Toronto, New Jersey and New York will be competing in this first tournament among Ukrainian amateur hockey teams. They will be vying for the Ukrainian version of the Stanley Cup – the Aleksander Cup, which will be presented at the Ukrainian Heritage Night at the New Jersey Devils after the 12:30 p.m. New Jersey Devils vs. Los Angeles Kings game on February 14. For more infor- mation call 973-544-8774. Sunday, February 14 NEWARK, N.J.: The third Ukrainian Heritage Night at the New Jersey Devils will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ 07102. The New Jersey Devils will be taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Scheduled to appear are Ukrainian opera singer Oleh Chmyr, a Ukrainian honor guard consisting of Ukrainian American Veterans, the Iskra Dance Ensemble, Nadiya Dance Group, Reechka Dance Group, Trembita Dance Group and many others. Each ticket purchased through the Devils website using the code “Ukrainian” will receive a T-shirt specially designed for Valentine’s Day. Ticket prices range from $40.93 to $75.19. To order tickets or to reserve group tickets call the Devils, 973-757-6162, or order online at www.newjerseydevils.com/ukraini- an. For more information e-mail [email protected] or call 973-544-8774. Visit the event’s Facebook page: Ukrainian Heritage Night at NJ Devils.

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