Inside: l President ’s inaugural address – page 9 l Photo report: Inauguration of ’s president – page 11 l Kyiv Chamber Choir on North American tour – page 12

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryeekly Vol. LXXXVII No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 $2.00 Zelensky inaugurated as Ukraine’s sixth president Dissolves Verkhovna Rada, announces pre-term elections

by Mark Raczkiewycz KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelensky has moved swiftly and controversially since being sworn in as the country’s sixth post-Soviet president on May 20 in the Verkhovna Rada. He subsequently dissolved Parliament on weak legal grounds and reached an agreement with lawmakers to have pre-term Rada elections held in two months, on July 21. In the meantime, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman resigned on May 22 in a move that places the sole burden of running the country squarely on the incoming president. At the same time, the newly inaugurated president, a 41-year-old comedian and political neophyte, appointed Andriy Bohdan to head his presidential staff. He is the long- time lawyer of billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky, whose televi- sion channel has broadcast Mr. Zelensky’s comedy shows for the last seven years. The attorney is barred from hold- ing government-appointed positions until 2024 based on a lustration law that was passed in the wake of the Euro- Maidan Revolution. The law prevents certain former officials of disgraced ex-President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration from civil service – it doesn’t apply to elected officials. Mr. Bohdan twice served as the administration’s representative on anti- Press Service of Volodymyr Zelensky Volodymyr Zelensky walks through Mariyinsky Park to the Verkhovna Rada, where his inauguration ceremony (Continued on page 9) took place on May 20.

U.N. Security Council rejects ’s Metropolitan Epifaniy attempts request for meeting on Ukraine’s law reconciliation with Patriarch Filaret The United Nations Security Council on Under the new legislation, Ukrainian- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Honorary Patriarch ation, because we united three branches of May 20 rejected a Russian request to hold a language TV and radio programming is Filaret (former head of the Ukrainian Ukrainian Orthodoxy. And His Holiness meeting on a new language law in Ukraine. increased and all citizens have the obliga- Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate) has Patriarch Filaret built the Kyiv Patriarchate Russia managed to garner only four votes tion to learn Ukrainian, which becomes ignited tensions with the of the for more than a quarter of a century, and – from China, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, compulsory for civil servants, doctors, new Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), thanks to his work, we succeeded. Moscow and the Dominican Republic – out of the teachers and lawyers, under the threat of Metropolitan Epifaniy. The tensions have has especially emphasized that Patriarch nine it needed from the 15-member council. fines. fueled speculation about the unity of Filaret worked throughout his life for the The United States and five other coun- Russian, which is also widely spoken in Ukraine’s Orthodox Church and the impact sake of the koukoulion [i.e. to become tries – France, Germany, Britain, Belgium the country, is permitted in personal com- they could have on the Tomos of autoceph- Patriarch], that he did not become the and Poland – voted against and four other munications. aly signed in 2018 by Ecumenical Patriarch Moscow patriarch, became patriarch of countries – Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kuwait Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya Bartholomew of Constantinople. Kyiv, and would never give up power. We and Peru – abstained. said that the Russian language was being The rift’s first major signs were seen on see the opposite, that the patriarch refused, The vote was held on the same day that “pushed out” of Ukraine and accused the May 14 when Patriarch Filaret invited bish- went to the Unification Council. But nobody Ukraine’s new president, Volodymyr council of “censorship.” ops to St. Volodymyr Patriarchal Cathedral brought him to the patriarch’s seat. Some Zelensky, was sworn in. He said that the vote to refuse the meet- in Kyiv to honor holy martyr Makariy, but want to completely eliminate him, [as if] Jonathan Cohen, the acting U.S. ambassa- ing was “a blatant demonstration of double only when the event was made public did Patriarch Filaret did not exist at all, but dor, called Moscow’s request “a clear standards” by members who approved Patriarch Filaret send an invitation to that’s wrong. He remains diocesan bishop, attempt by Russia to distract from the other meetings. Metropolitan Epifaniy. Only four out of 60 and he will continue to work towards the peaceful, democratic transfer of power hap- Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr invited bishops attended. building of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. pening today in Ukraine.” Yelchenko said it was “not a coincidence” The event was a major misstep in proto- There is a leader, but he [Filaret] remains France’s ambassador to the U.N., Francois that Russia had asked for the council to col, observers had noted, and showed disre- honorary patriarch. He will continue to Delattre, told the council ahead of the vote meet on the day of Mr. Zelensky’s inaugura- spect by Patriarch Filaret toward have his diocese – the city of Kyiv, but will that the Russian move was “not intended to tion. Metropolitan Epifaniy. However, Patriarch not generally manage the whole Church.” have a constructive discussion” but to “put President Zelensky said after his inaugu- Filaret claims that Metropolitan Epifaniy has However, according to Patriarch Filaret, the new in the worst ration that his main goal was to bring peace been disrespectful of his recommendations. the Unification Council concluded: “The light.” to eastern Ukraine. In March, Metropolitan Epifaniy primate is responsible for the external rep- Ukraine’s Parliament, the Verkhovna explained the relationship of the OCU and Rada, passed the law in April. (Continued on page 4) Patriarch Filaret: “…We are in a special situ- (Continued on page 4) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

ANALYSIS

Ukraine’s state language law Lawmakers decline Zelensky’s proposals argued with law enforcement officials. Around 100 people recited prayers at a city Ukraine’s Parliament has defied new park where a small monument stands to the enshrines the lingua franca President Volodymyr Zelensky a day after he tens of thousands who died during the 1944 issued a decree to disband it and hold snap long after 1991. Of all the presidents and deportations. Some participants dressed in by Vladimir Socor elections in July, declining to discuss his pro- prime ministers of this era (21 persons in traditional garb, while others carried the flag Eurasia Daily Monitor posed changes in electoral legislation. At an toto), only one president (Viktor of the Crimean Tatar community. Several emergency session on May 22, lawmakers in Yushchenko) and one prime minister elderly survivors recalled their experiences On May 15, Ukraine’s outgoing presi- the Verkhovna Rada voted against debating (Arseniy Yatsenyuk) are Ukrainophone in - dent, Petro Poroshenko, promulgated the two amendments proposed by Mr. Zelensky, terms of native language and language of sula was annexed by Russia in March 2014. “Law on Ensuring the Functioning of the underscoring the challenge he faces early in first choice. Several of Ukraine’s leaders Thefrom Crimean the deportations. Tatar community Тhe Black has Sea refused penin as the State Language.” a five-year term that began with his inaugu- (e.g., Petro Poroshenko, Yulia Tymoshenko, to recognize Russia’s assertion of authority The accompanying communique character- ration two days before. After announcing in Volodymyr Groysman) chose to switch from izes this law as “one of the fundamental his May 20 inaugural address that he would over the region, and many activists have Russophone to Ukrainophone as their pre- acts in the formation of Ukrainian state- dissolve Parliament, President Zelensky been harassed or detained. In May 1944, ferred language. Ukraine’s industrial-finan- ” (Ukrayinska Pravda, May 15). made it official with a decree the following Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin ordered the cial “oligarchs” are all Russophone, as is the The long-debated language law is a cen- day and declared that a new Verkhovna community deported, accusing them of col- business sphere generally (this language terpiece of Ukraine’s post-Maidan transfor- Rada will be elected on July 21. He has called laboration with the Nazis. Tens of thousands law does not affect the private sphere). mation, alongside such nation-building for that election to be held based entirely on died during the operation and during the This law introduces a state program to gains as the development of the Ukrainian voting for parties, rather than single candi- first severe months in Kazakhstan and other assist in learning the Ukrainian language, to Armed Forces and the establishment of the dates, arguing that the current system in remote parts of the . (Crimea be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine which some seats are filled in contests Desk, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) The state program shall sponsor courses to (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, September 13, between individual candidates favors cor- help achieve Ukrainian language fluency Vakarchuk sets up political party 2018; March 11, 2019). These processes ruption. But at the emergency session, only for adults who did not have such an oppor- consummate Ukraine’s break with the 92 lawmakers voted to discuss that proposal Ukrainian rock star Svyatoslav Vakarchuk tunity until now. Russian metropolis. – far short of the majority, 226 votes, needed has announced that he is setting up a politi- Under this law, foreign citizens who In this perspective, the language law to put it on the agenda. Lawmakers also cal party ahead of parliamentary elections apply for Ukrainian citizenship will have to strengthens the efforts to reverse the centu- voted not to put another proposal from Mr. pass a Ukrainian language test. Foreigners later this year. Mr. Vakarchuk said on May 16 ries-long Russification of Ukraine. After Zelensky, which would change the rules for serving in Ukraine’s armed forces and that he will lead the Holos (Voice) party in 1991, Ukrainian state weakness and the per- state purchases during election campaigns, applying for citizenship shall have that test the elections because Parliament has sisting ascendancy of the Russian language on the agenda. The votes could point to a deferred by one year. “turned into a toxic swamp that drains our on the psycho-social level prevented the standoff between lawmakers and the presi- The law regulates the use of Ukrainian future.” He told his supporters in Kyiv, “We Ukrainian language from assuming the nor- dent, a political novice who has no formal and non-Ukrainian language content in tele- have to change that,” adding that his team mal functions of a lingua franca in Ukraine’s support in the current Parliament. The next vision and radio broadcasting, printed publi- will be united by “zero-tolerance of corrup- public sphere. Moreover, Ukraine remained Parliament session is scheduled for May 28. cations, IT systems, as well as advertising in tion” and would support a free economy, fully exposed to the impact of Russia’s far In a Facebook post on May 21, Rada these types of media. Ukrainian-produced reject Russia’s meddling in Ukraine’s inter- more powerful mass media and mass-cul- Chairman Andriy Parubiy alleged that print media in “other” languages (meaning, nal affairs and favor closer Euro-Atlantic ture products until 2014. The regime change President Zelensky’s decree to dissolve primarily, Russian) must offer a parallel, integration. General elections are set to be and Russia’s war at last inspired measures to Parliament and call snap elections was ille- Ukrainian-language print run. (Many held in late October, six months after a presi- protect and promote the Ukrainian language gal. He said lawmakers would appeal to the Ukrainian-language media outlets of all dential vote in which political novice and as a state-building foundation. Constitutional Court to overturn it. “It is sad types offer parallel Russian-language ver- comedian Volodymyr Zelensky defeated The Verkhovna Rada adopted the lan- and alarming that the guarantor of the con- sions.) At least 50 percent of printed publica- incumbent President Petro Poroshenko. Mr. guage law on April 25, with 278 votes in tions offered in each retail distribution site stitution starts his work in the post with a Vakarchuk, the vocalist of Ukraine’s most favor, 38 opposed, and the remainder seem- should be in Ukrainian. Breaches, such as gross violation of the constitution,” Mr. successful rock group, Okean Elzy, and an ingly uncommitted in the 450-seat chamber. exceeding the proportion of non-Ukrainian Parubiy said. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) outspoken political activist, was seen as a Motions by the pro-Russia opposition to language content in audio-visual media, are potential candidate in the presidential poll, block the law’s promulgation were defeated Crimean Tatars mark anniversary of Sürgün punishable by fines. Insulting the Ukrainian but he said he was more interested in real by similar margins on May 14 (Ukrinform, language in public is deemed a criminal lia- Dozens of Crimean Tatars marked the changes in the country than in the presiden- April 25, May 14). The less-than-over- bility and may result in prison terms. genocidal Stalin-e deportations, known as cy. Mr. Vakarchuk supported the 2004-2005 whelming majority is illustrative of the iner- This law establishes a National the Sürgün, from the Black Sea peninsula, Orange Revolution, which was sparked by a tia that the de-Russification process still Commission on State Language Standards with police warning participants that the flawed presidential vote. He became a law- encounters in some sections of Ukraine’s and, in parallel, a Commissioner for the event was unauthorized but otherwise not maker in 2007, but stepped down a year society. At the same time, the constituency Protection of the State Language, both under interfering. The May 18 event, held in the later. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by actively defending the legacy of Russification the authority of the Cabinet of Ministers. peninsula’s capital city of Symferopol, took UNIAN, Reuters and Ukrayinska Pravda) has dwindled, as the balance of political The commission is mandated to define place without incident or any reported forces has shifted. For comparison, the 2012 requirements for language proficiency and detentions, even as some participants (Continued on page 14) language law, which favored the Russian lan- conduct the testing. The commissioner’s guage, was adopted with the votes of 248 office shall consider complaints and impose deputies in the Verkhovna Rada at that time fines for breaches of this law, mainly in the (Ukrayinska Pravda, June 6, 2012). sphere of consumer services. he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 The just-promulgated law (Ukrinform, While regulating the public use of the T U W April 25; Holos Ukrayiny, May 16) obligates Ukrainian language, this law (or any other) An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., state officialdom to be capable of speaking does not apply to private communications, the state language, and to use it in the per- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. the business sphere, or the use of national Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. formance of their official duties. The offi- minority languages. 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In his message on this occasion, Copyright © 2019 The Ukrainian Weekly civil servants in those categories are given a Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman com- three-year transition period to learn the mented that Ukraine honors its ethnic and Ukrainian language with state assistance linguistic pluralism, “but our state language ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA (see below). can only be one – Ukrainian – which we These provisions are meant, in part, to must protect and develop. Esteem of the Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 remedy a uniquely Ukrainian linguistic and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 state language is self-esteem” (Liga.ua, e-mail: [email protected] imbalance. Russian remained the primary April 25). language of political elites (in interconnec- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] tion with the business elites) in Ukraine (Continued on page 7) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 3

NEWS ANALYSIS 75th anniversary of the genocidal Crimean Tatar deportation

by Halya Coynash recognized [the mass deportation, or As historian Gulnara Bekirova recounts, lapped up, he says, since, after all, it gave the Sürgün] as an act of genocide. Over the two throughout the Nazi occupation, during Russians a sense of moral justification for Kharkiv Human Rights Protection years after the Deportation, we lost around which many were executed for helping the taking the property of people who had been Group 46 percent of the people because of the partisans, people had waited for “their” sol- killed or deported. Such propaganda contin- On May 18, Ukraine marks the Day of appalling conditions in the places of exile. diers to return and liberate Crimea. ued for decades, until the Crimean Tatars Remembrance for the Victims of Genocide At the same time in Crimea, everything Instead, they returned and herded elder- were finally able to return (in any significant against the Crimean Tatar People. The day linked with Crimean Tatars, their culture ly men, women and children into goods numbers after 1989, and mostly after recalls the 1944 deportation of the entire and life was being destroyed. They even trains, after giving them as little as 15 min- Ukraine regained independence in 1991). Crimean Tatar people from their homeland. destroyed cemeteries, turning them into utes to gather belongings. More than The hate speech and prejudice that this This is no formal remembrance of a tragedy pavements and pigsties. 180,000 Crimean Tatars were deported stimulated should be remembered, since somewhere back in the distant past. Today, Yet we do not speak of the Deportation during the next three days; the NKVD oper- Russia, as occupying state, is increasingly 75 years after Joseph Stalin’s monstrous act out of a desire to avenge what was done to ation was carried out with enormous bru- using similar tactics against Crimean Tatars of genocide, many Crimean Tatars are once our people. We remind people of it so that tality. today. again in forced exile; others are imprisoned nothing like it is ever repeated.” “There was not one family that was It is no accident that memories of 1944 in occupied Crimea or Russia for their civic There are the words of Mustafa Dzhemilev, untouched by the Deportation,” Mr. were evoked by the mass armed searches activism or simply for their faith. Even veteran leader of the Crimean Tatar people, Dzhemilev explains, “Even Soviet heroes, and arrests on March 27 of Crimean remembrance in groups has been effectively who was 6 months old in May 1944, and who who had received many awards, were Solidarity and other civic activists. All were banned since immediately after Russia’s inva- spent 15 years in Soviet labor camps for his deported. Mixed families also. If the wife taken far from their families and homes to sion and annexation of Crimea five years ago. affirmation of the right of his people to live was Russian, they told her she could prison in Russia. During the “court hear- “In the life of each national group there in their homeland and for his defense of remain if she got divorced. It is to the credit ings” on extending their detention in mid- are important symbolic dates. These are, as human rights in general. He was speaking of many of those women that they went May, civic journalists Remzi Bekirov and a rule, the anniversaries of great victories from Kyiv, where he has lived since soon into exile together with their husbands.” Ruslan Suleymanov stated clearly that they or of the declaration of independence. For after Russia’s invasion of Crimea and his Mr. Dzhemilev also recounts how viewed their treatment as deportation, and Crimean Tatars, fate turned out otherwise, second “deportation” from his home. Russians were brought en masse to Crimea as directly linked with their civic activism. and our significant date became a day of Mr. Dzhemilev’s father was at the front, as after the Deportation and simply handed In addition to the ever-increasing num- sorrow, the day of deportation. This was a were very many Crimean Tatars. Aside from the Crimean Tatars’ homes, with everything ber of political prisoners and the propagan- day [May 18, 1944] that indeed turned the elderly men, there were mostly women and inside, including children’s toys. They were da used to justify such persecution, there entire history of the Crimean Tatar people children at home when the NKVD and army also told that they were occupying the upside down and sent them decades, if not burst into Crimean Tatar homes in the early homes of “traitors.” Such propaganda was (Continued on page 15) centuries, back. After all this was no mere hours of May 18, 1944. For all the lies used resettlement, but an operation aimed at the by Joseph Stalin about “collaborators,” most destruction of a people. It is therefore of the men were, like Mr. Dzhemilev’s father, entirely fitting that the Verkhovna Rada fighting in the Soviet Army. Quotable notes …for more than four years, the Minsk agreements in their entirety have outlined a path out of Russia’s manufactured conflict in eastern Ukraine. And, for more than four years, we have watched Russia contravene the most fundamental elements of the Ukrainian World Congress congratulates agreements – namely, an immediate and full ceasefire along the line of contact – as Moscow continues to stoke the very conflict it started. In its May 11 daily report, the President Volodymyr Zelensky SMM reported 725 explosions in , compared with just 30 explosions recorded the previous day. The volatility of this conflict, in which day-to-day safety for civilians UWC integrity and the lives of its citizens against Russia’s military aggression,” stated Mr. caught in the conflict zone is fleeting, creates a danger in and of itself. Those civilians still living along the contact line begin each day not knowing if, at day’s end, they will TORONTO – The Ukrainian World Grod. be counting explosions by the tens or hundreds, if at all. Congress on May 20 congratulated the new The UWC was the sole international The very first point in the Minsk agreements calls for an immediate and compre- president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, non-governmental organization whose rep- hensive ceasefire, but Russia-led forces have never allowed a genuine and lasting and noted that it was pleased to participate resentatives participated in the Special ceasefire to take hold. Despite Russia’s failure to implement its security commit- in the inauguration ceremony at the Session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ments, the Ukrainian government has met a number of its political commitments: the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv. on May 20 during which the newly elected president has passed a law on special status for the , the Rada has passed a UWC President Paul Grod and UWC president pledged his allegiance to the peo- law on amnesty, and Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly called for an “all for all” pris- Vice-President and Ukrainian Congress ple of Ukraine. oner exchange. The Ukrainian government took these steps as Russia-led forces con- Committee of America President Andriy In his inaugural speech, President tinued their assault on Ukrainian soldiers. Futey were official representatives of the Zelensky noted that today there are 65 mil- Further political steps – including local elections in the Donbas held under Ukrainian diaspora at the ceremony and lion people around the globe who have Ukrainian law – are impossible while parts of eastern Ukraine remain under Russian associated events. roots in Ukraine and emphasized that control. Russia understands this but has refused to engage seriously in negotiations “On behalf of the 20-million strong Ukraine needs the knowledge, experience on an international security force that could create the security conditions necessary Ukrainian diaspora, I congratulated and mentality of the diaspora. He called for for Ukraine to fulfill the remainder of its Minsk commitments. Ukraine should be President Zelensky and committed the sup- Ukrainians to return to Ukraine, promising commended for taking political steps outlined in Minsk while Russia refuses to port of the Ukrainian World Congress and Ukrainian citizenship to those who are pre- implement its security commitments. … its network in over 60 countries around the pared to build a new, strong and prosper- Mr. Chair, three weeks have passed since President [Vladimir] Putin approved world in defending Ukraine’s territorial ous Ukraine. expediting Russian citizenship to Ukrainian citizens in the Russia-controlled Donbas. Members of this Permanent Council have roundly condemned this highly provoca- tive action. The United States calls on Russia to reverse this destabilizing policy, which violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and is harmful to the eventual reintegration of these areas with the rest of Ukraine. We also call on Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian vessels and 24 crewmembers that it seized on November 25. The international community rejected these unjustified and dangerous acts. Mr. Chair, this week we mark five years since security forces arrested Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov in Russia-occupied Crimea. Russia subsequently attempted to impose Russian citizenship on Sentsov, and a court in the Russian Federation sen- tenced him to 20 years in prison. His conviction on charges of plotting terrorist attacks is widely regarded as baseless and as retaliation for his opposition to Russia’s occupation of Crimea. We renew our demand that Russia immediately release Oleh Sentsov and all Ukrainian citizens unjustly or arbitrarily imprisoned in Russia and on the Crimean peninsula. Mr. Chair, we reiterate our concern about the increasingly restricted media envi- ronment in Crimea. Not only has Russia driven out all of the independent media out- lets from the peninsula, but new reports from the Crimean Human Rights Group indicate that occupation authorities are jamming Ukrainian radio signals and have blocked additional Ukrainian websites. Curtailing media freedom to silence critical voices runs counter to shared OSCE principles and commitments. …

UWC – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Harry Kamian, speaking on May 16 before the Vienna-based At the inaugural reception of President Volodymyr Zelensky (from left) are: Canada’s Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe about Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk, Ukrainian World Congress President Paul ongoing violations of international law and defiance of OSCE principles and commit- Grod, Canada’s Minister of Defense Harjit Sajjan and the head of Ukraine’s Mission ments by the Russian Federation in Ukraine. to NATO, Vadym Prystaiko. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak to receive Notre Dame Award

by Dennis Brown Notre Dame News NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak, a visionary leader in the and higher education, will be presented with the Notre Dame Award in a ceremony June 29 in the western Ukrainian city of , the university’s president, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced on May 6). “In the face of innumerable challenges, Archbishop Gudziak has made the Ukrainian Catholic University a cen- ter for cultural thought, Christian witness and the forma- tion of a Ukrainian society based on human dignity,” Father Jenkins said. “At the same time, he has steadfastly provided dedicated pastoral guidance to members of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. It will be an honor to recognize his coura- geous and faithful service when we visit Ukraine in June.” Previous recipients of the Notre Dame Award have included President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter of the United States; St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta; John Hume of

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; L’Arche community founderNorthern Jean Ireland; Vanier Cardinal of Trosly-Breuil, Vinko Puljić, France; archbishop and most of recently, the Colectivo Solecito de Veracruz, a group of Borys Gudziak/Facebook Mexican mothers organized to search for their missing Archbishop Borys Gudziak on the Maidan on December 15, 2013. loved ones in the face of criminal violence and state com- placency. deaths on Maidan Nezalezhnosty (Independence Square) Sophia and the Pontifical Urban University, earning a theol- This is the first time the award is being conferred on of more than 100 pro-democracy demonstrators, including ogy degree, after which he received his doctorate in Slavic someone of Ukrainian descent. 29-year-old UCU professor Bohdan Solchanyk, Archbishop and Byzantine cultural history from Harvard University. The Notre Dame Award is presented to “men and Gudziak and other religious leaders of all faiths joined with Archbishop Gudziak moved to his parents’ homeland in women whose life and deeds have shown exemplary dedi- the protesters and their demands for transformation of 1992 and founded the Institute of Church History in Lviv. cation to the ideals for which the University stands: faith, Ukraine. He said afterwards: “At the moment, a solution He was ordained to the priesthood six years later and was inquiry, education, justice, public service, peace and care seems impossible, but I am still praying with the people of named vice-rector and then rector of Lviv Theological for the most vulnerable.” Maidan because I am part of Pope Francis’s school of Academy, the institution that four years later grew into the Elevated recently by Pope Francis as metropolitan-arch- thought – a pastor must have the smell of his sheep.” Ukrainian Catholic University. bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Influenced early in his life by the Rev. Henri Nouwen In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Philadelphia (the equivalent of an archdiocese), the found- and his devotion to people with special needs, Archbishop Gudziak as head of the eparchy serving Ukrainian Catholics er of Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) is widely Gudziak is especially admired for his creation of the in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and admired internationally for his unwavering, courageous Emmaus Center on the UCU campus, a place where people Switzerland. He is the author of more than 50 papers on and humanitarian leadership of the first Catholic universi- with developmental disabilities and their families receive the history of the Church, theological training and other ty established on territory of the former Soviet Union. spiritual support and share their lives with students. topics, and last year received an honorary doctor of Founded in 2002, UCU is built on the “pillars of the mar- In a story published by The Ukrainian Weekly, humane letters degree from Syracuse. tyrs and the marginalized” – the martyrs being those who Archbishop Gudziak said he considers the developmentally He was appointed in February by Pope Francis as the suffered and died under Communist repression, and the disabled “professors of human relations… We need the gifts archbishop of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia – which, in intellectually disabled who too often exist on the margins they have. They don’t care if you’re a rector, a doctor or how addition to Philadelphia, includes the District of Columbia, of society, both of whom Archbishop Gudziak considered rich you are. What they force us to confront is the most Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and other areas in eastern essential to rebuilding trust in Ukrainian society and who important pedagogical question of all: Can you love me?” Pennsylvania. The official installation is on June 4. He also were virtually invisible under Soviet rule. Raised in Syracuse, N.Y., by Ukrainian refugee parents is the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s highest-ranking priest in The archbishop exemplified the spirit of the martyrs in who had fled from the Communists during World War II, the United States, known as the metropolitan. He remains 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity, protests in the Archbishop Gudziak stayed close to home to earn his bach- president of UCU and chair of the board, and is a member Ukrainian capital of Kyiv that led to the fall of the corrupt elor’s degree in philosophy and biology from Syracuse of the permanent synod of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, government of Viktor Yanukovych. After the shooting University. He then studied in Rome at the College of St. which meets four times annually, usually in Kyiv.

He added that Patriarch Filaret person- wouldn’t comment on issues that bring cer- with any of the OCU primates because they Metropolitan... ally has no right to change decisions taken tain dissonance and impose a split. Why are not okay with the very fact that the collectively by the Unification Council. should we say ‘rest’ or ‘excommunication’? canonically recognized Church exists in (Continued from page 1) “Therefore, I listened, I talked, but all This is groundless and destructive.” Ukraine.” resentation of the Ukrainian Orthodox this time, to a certain extent, I, as the head “We seek unity, and we seek to have “There have been a lot of statements Church (UOC), and the patriarch is responsi- of the Church, was even humiliated due to peace reigning over our church,” over the past days, but there is no split in ble for the internal church life in Ukraine, but pressure and demands incompatible with Metropolitan Epifaniy said. Commenting on the OCU. We respect honorable Patriarch in cooperation with the primate. The pri- the charter and the Tomos,” Metropolitan the patriarch’s claim that Metropolitan Filaret, who did much to make the mate shall do nothing in the Church without Epifaniy explained. Epifaniy seem to suit Russia as head of the Ukrainian Church autocephalous,” the consent of the patriarch. The patriarch At the same time, Metropolitan Epifaniy OCU as there is no criticism coming from Metropolitan Epifaniy added. chairs the meetings of the Holy Synod and promised he would do everything possible Moscow toward him, Metropolitan Epifaniy As UNIAN reported on April 27, the OCU meetings for the sake of preserving for the sake of peace and unity. He also said “it is not about me.” Patriarch Filaret had said he was not satis- unity, its growth and affirmation.” Patriarch commented on Patriarch Filaret’s require- “What’s Moscow’s objective? It’s having fied with the OCU’s status as a metropolia Filaret considers this agreement not fulfilled. ment to hand over under his control the us lose the Tomos [of autocephaly],” he con- and sought a patriarchate. (UNIAN.info, May 15, 2019) church’s internal affairs and deal with for- tinued. “Because losing the Tomos means Earlier, Patriarch Filaret refused to recog- Metropolitan Epifaniy responded on eign affairs only, as was Patriarch Filaret’s losing canonical recognition. It’s this canon- nize the UOC-KP as “liquidated” as a result May 16 that he is ready to listen to the understanding of the decision of the ical recognition which once was the argu- of the creation of the OCU. At the same time, advice of Patriarch Filaret, but would not Unification Council. ment of the Russian Orthodox Church that the Ministry of Culture indicates that the fulfill the patriarch’s ultimatums. “I was elected by a majority vote at the restrained Orthodox believers from shifting UOC-KP was dissolved on December 15, “In general, I never ignored his opinions, I Unification Council and accepted this as a toward the Kyiv Patriarchate.” 2018, during the Unification Council. often spoke with him and I continue to com- manifestation of God’s will, therefore, as a He stressed, “Moscow will never be okay — compiled by Matthew Dubas. municate. But it’s necessary to understand primate, I must adhere to the canonical the format of communication. It’s necessary order, statutes, and norms of the Tomos. I to understand the difference between advice do not have the right to violate them by sat- Minsk accords. and ultimatums. When talking with isfying the desires of any bishop of our U.N. Security... Moscow’s attempt “to send a very powerful Honorary Patriarch Filaret, I repeatedly Church. This does not depend on me. As a message to the new leader from the Security (Continued from page 1) insisted on this – I am ready to listen to his primate, I have no right to personally Council” ended up instead being a message advice. Because he really has a lot of experi- change what decisions taken collectively,” Russia seized control of Ukraine’s for Russia, Ambassador Yelchenko said. ence in leading the Church for more than Metropolitan Epifaniy said. Crimean peninsula in 2014 and fomented With reporting by AP and AFP. half a century. But I am not ready to fulfill He also assured there was no split in the unrest in eastern Ukraine, where the con- Copyright 2019, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted certain ultimatums because I am a primate OCU, despite the recent harsh statements. flict between government forces and with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ who has been lawfully elected at the Reporters asked about the possibility of Moscow-backed separatists has killed Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Unification Council,” Metropolitan Epifaniy Patriarch Filaret’s excommunication, to some 13,000 people and continues despite Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see said in an interview with BBC News Ukraine. which Metropolitan Epifaniy said: “I a ceasefire and peace deal known as the https://www.rferl.org/a/29953773.html). No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 5

UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: A snapshot from history, 1925

Seen on the right is a photo from the 1925 Almanac (Kalendar) of the Ukrainian National Association, which featured a number of pho- tos from the then 31-year- old fraternal organization’s branches. Seen above is the Juvenile Department (as it was called in those days) of UNA Branch 155 in Perth Amboy, N.J. Branch 155 was founded on March 20, 1907, with 20 members. Its organizers were Semen Havrysh, Kyrylo Peleshchak and Mykhailo Chumer (the names are transliterated here from Ukrainian).The 1925 Almanac of more than 200 pages (counting paid advertisements at the back of the book) was prepared by the editorial committee of the UNA; its cost was listed as 50 cents.

A photo archive of UNA his- tory has been launched on the UNA website. It is a work in progress that will be expanded and refined. To take a look, go to unainc.org/una/the-una-is- 125-years-old/.

New Jersey District Committee UNA’ers maintain Taras Shevchenko Place convenes annual meeting

Roma Hadzewycz Officers and participants of the New Jersey UNA District’s 2019 annual meeting.

by Roma Hadzewycz District in 2018 sold 23 new policies for insurance coverage totalling $563,000 and PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The New Jersey annual premiums of $13,586. Top organiz- District Committee of the Ukrainian ers were Maria Drich (17 policies with a National Association held its 2019 annual premium of 47,644), and Valentina meeting here at the UNA Home Office on Kaploun (11 policies with a premium of Monday, May 13. Representatives of UNA $57,100). The top annuities salesperson Branches 25, 37, 42, 133, 155, 171, 269 and was Stefko Woch (12 annuities). 287 participated. The district chair noted that the UNA New Jersey District Chairperson Oksana was once again well-represented at various Stanko, who is also a UNA advisor, opened festivals throughout New Jersey, as well as Tom Janich the meeting and welcomed all branch rep- at Ukrainian Heritage Night at the New resentatives as well as UNA Chief Financial Jersey Devils. She pointed to the work of TROY, N.Y. – Between the “liquid sunshine” on May 11, members of the Brotherhood Officer/Treasurer Roma Lisovich. Michael and Nancy Bohdan, who always Society of St. Nicholas (Bratstvo) and UNA Branch 13 found some dry weather during Ms. Stanko chaired the meeting, while help at festivals. Ms. Stanko herself manned which to clean up Taras Shevchenko Place in Troy, N.Y. Maintaining the pocket park is George Stanko, who read the minutes of the a UNA table after Sunday liturgy at St. John a community service project adopted by Bratstvo/UNA Branch 13 about a decade ago. 2018 annual meeting that he had prepared, the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Every year, members clean up the area at least twice to beautify the neighborhood and recorded the minutes. Whippany, N.J. to honor the memory of Ukraine’s historic national bard. Seen above (from left) are Ms. Stanko delivered a report on the dis- Bratstvo members Ivan Uruskyj, Bruce Plekan, Slavko Tysiak and Mykola Fil. trict’s activity, noting that the New Jersey (Continued on page 12) – Slavko Tysiak 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly First words, first steps Latvian Parliament recognizes Volodymyr Zelensky has now assumed office in Ukraine, receiving all the symbols of presidential authority – the bulava (mace), as well as the presidential seal, flag genocide of the Crimean Tatars and collar – during the inauguration ceremony in the Verkhovna Rada. He solemnly by Paul Goble Latvian deputy Richards Kols added. One spoke the words of the oath of office: “I, Volodymyr Zelensky, elected President of can only be deeply concerned that “history Ukraine by the will of the people, entering this high office, solemnly swear alle- On May 9, the Latvian Saeima could be repeated in this way.” giance to Ukraine. I commit myself to protect sovereignty and independence of (Parliament) adopted a resolution recog- Crimean Tatar leaders are extremely Ukraine with all my deeds, to care for the good of the Homeland and the welfare of nizing Soviet treatment of the Crimean pleased Latvia has taken this step and are the Ukrainian people, to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, to observe the Tatars as an act of genocide, an action in calling on other countries to follow its lead. Constitution of Ukraine and the laws of Ukraine, to fulfill my duties in the interests of advance of the 75th anniversary of their On that, see qha.com.ua/novosti/medzhlis- all Ukrainians, to raise the authority of Ukraine in the world.” deportation in 1944 and a response to an krymskotatarskogo-naroda-poblagodaril-lat- President Zelensky’s first words to the nation, his inaugural address, received appeal by the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars. vijskij-sejm-za-priznanie-genotsida-krym- mixed marks. Some thought it was on point, while others cited missing elements and language rejecting much of what was done by the previous administration. Its over- On April 23, the Mejlis had issued an skih-tatar-eto-pervyj-v-mire-zarubezhnyj- arching message of national unity was commendable; the affirmation that “each of appeal to the parliaments and governments parlament-kotoryj-poshel-na-etot-shag/. us is the president” and that “each of us is responsible for the country that we leave of United Nations member states to recog- Given the international support that to our children” was encouraging; and the outreach to the Ukrainian diaspora nize the deportation of May 18, 1944, as an Latvia and its two Baltic neighbors received around the globe was welcome. The president spoke of common dreams (“a path to act of genocide. Latvia was the first to during the Soviet occupation, many groups Europe”) and shared pain (“each of us has died in the Donbas,” “each of us is a refu- respond positively to this development, not surprisingly have looked to them for gee”). The first task “is ceasefire in the Donbas,” the president said, adding that he is something Crimean Tatars welcome as a support against oppression since that time. ready “to pay any price to stop the deaths of our heroes …as long as we do not give breakthrough. Baltic actions have been mixed, reflecting up our territories.” But there was no mention by name of the aggressor – an omis- The Latvian Parliament’s resolution is the tension between what they would like sion not lost on most observers. Mr. Zelensky also spoke several sentences in available at saeima.lv/lv/aktualitates/saei- to say and what they can given their prox- Russian during his speech – an attempt to be clearly heard by the Russian-speaking mas-zinas/27934-saeima-pienem-pazino- imity to Russia. One very much hopes portion of the multi-ethnic population of Ukraine. (We encourage readers to watch jumu-par-krimas-tataru-deportaciju- that the two other Baltic countries and then the video of his speech that is available on his website, president.gov.ua.) 75-gadadienu-atzistot-notikuso-par-geno- all countries around the world concerned In the next few days, there was cause for worry about the new president’s first cidu. It reads in part “Recognizing the with justice will adopt similar resolutions steps. As promised in his inaugural speech, he signed a decree dissolving the entire seriousness of this declaration, we in support of the Crimean Tatars and Verkhovna Rada and announced pre-term elections for July 21 – a move that is being call the deportation and ensuing Soviet ter- against Russian crimes of genocide past challenged in court as a violation of the Constitution. He tapped Andriy Bohdan, Ihor ror an act of genocide.” and present against them. Kolomoisky’s lawyer, as his chief of staff, once again raising questions about his own The resolution also takes note of the fact EDITOR’S NOTE: As noted by the connections to that oligarch; he has named several TV colleagues to his presidential that “five years ago, Russia illegally annexed Ukrinform news agency, the Ukrainian staff. Most troubling, irresponsible and dangerous is the idea, voiced by Mr. Bohdan, Crimea and is carrying out the Russian poli- president issued a decree on May 16, 2014, that the issue of peace agreements with Russia – the aggressor in both the Donbas cy of oppression and force in relation to the that established the Day of Struggle for the and Crimea – can be put to a nationwide referendum. Without going into detail, Mr. Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea.” Rights of the Crimean Tatar People. On Bohdan also said Ukraine should be ready for compromise with Russia. All this “It should have been impossible to imag- November 12, 2015, the Verkhovna Rada of comes at a time when Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and his Cabinet of ine that the Crimean Tatars for the second Ukraine recognized the deportation as Ministers have resigned, meaning that the Cabinet will operate in a caretaker capaci- time in 75 years are being subjected to genocide and proclaimed May 18 as the Day ty with limited power. Significantly, Mr. Groysman has been quoted as saying his sug- harsh repressions and persecutions and of Remembrance for the Victims of gestion that the Cabinet and Rada work together with the new administration to have been forced to leave their motherland,” Genocide against the Crimean Tatar People. “shape a new agenda” was rejected by the president. It’s worth noting that a newly released poll, conducted on May 10-18 by the Ukrainian Institute for Social Research, the Social Monitoring Center and the Institute of Economics and Forecasting of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences, shows that 58 percent of Ukrainians generally trust Mr. Zelensky; 23 percent of Fallout from Putin’s ‘privatization’ of victory: those trust him completely. (The respondents were 2,100 people in 24 regions of Ukraine and the capital.) In the coming days, we will surely see how that trustwor- thiness holds up as the Zelensky administration continues taking its first steps. Crimean Tatar monument is desecrated Meanwhile, an online petition calling for President Zelensky’s resignation got by Paul Goble Russians to act in highly offensive ways. 30,000 signatures in just one day. It was registered on May 22 on the Official Website Incoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Whenever a leader sends signals that of the President of Ukraine (see petition.president.gov.ua). There are 92 days for this Zelensky was blunt about this: “The war one group is preferred and all others are type of petition to collect “signatures”; petitions that receive a minimum of 25,000 affected every Ukrainian family. The contri- signatures are then considered by the president and the president’s response is pub- excluded, there is always the danger that bution of Ukrainians to victory was enor- lished on his official website. Stay tuned. those in the “preferred” group will take that mous. No one has the right to privatize this With the Zelensky administration now completely in charge, we can only hope as a signal that they can attack others pre- victory or say that it could have taken place that the novice president stays true to his oath, and that he and his team will indeed cisely because their ruler has sent that sig- without the Ukrainians” (pravda.com.ua/ protect Ukraine and work for the good of their homeland and its people. nal. That has now happened in Russian- rus/news/2019/05/9/7214572/). occupied Sevastopol – and tragically it is But an indication of what words like Mr. likely to happen elsewhere. Putin’s can do that may prove even worse On May 9, Vladimir Putin ignored the was on display in Crimea. There, in the vil- contributions of other countries and non- lage of Orlovka near Sevastopol, Crimean Russians within the Russian Federation and June Turning the pages back... journalists report, vandals desecrated a the former Soviet space to the triumph over memorial to those Crimean Tatars who Hitlerism. Not surprisingly, this privileging Seventy years ago, on June 1, 1949, an article by displaced died fighting in World War II (ru.krymr. of Russians has sparked protests from oth- person Nickolay Didenko that appeared in the June issue of Plain com/a/news-v-sevastopole-razbili-pamy- 1 ers who know the truth and led some Talk detailed Soviet crimes and the killing of 15,000 people in atnik-pogibshym-krymskim-tata- 1949 scientific experiments via lethal agents. (Plain Talk was a month- ram/29930555.html). ly American anti-Communist magazine published in 1946-1950.) Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia The monument was put up on May 6 to Didenko, who had recently arrived in the U.S., asserted that he supplement a more ethnically neutral one figured prominently in a trial in Ukraine of so-called railway wreckers and learned of the who has served in various capacities in the U.S. State Department, the Central that had been put up there in the 1960s. experiments during his confinement in 1936 and 1937 in the Alexandrovsk Prison for The new one listed 64 residents of the vil- politicals in Siberia. Intelligence Agency and the International lage – known as Mamashaya by the A fellow prisoner, Stepanenko (no first name provided), had informed Didenko that Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice Crimean Tatars and as Orlovka by local 10,000 persons died in underground “galleries” in the forest near the city of Chita, and of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Russians – who died in the war. Fifty-seven that later 5,000 persons were asphyxiated in three underground shafts. Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for of these were Crimean Tatars. “It was an unhappy lot to be assigned to the leveling of the ground over fraternal graves, International Peace. The article above is and to plant saplings instead of crosses over them,” Didenko quoted Stepanenko as saying. reprinted with permission from his blog Significantly and sadly, the journalists Didenko’s experience was rare for its time, as he survived the purges of the 1930s by Soviet called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- report, “the force structures of Crimea have dictator Joseph Stalin and was able to live the remainder of his life in freedom in the U.S.A. woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). not officially reported this incident.” The experience of Soviet dissidents and the development of successful tactics used to combat disinformation during the Soviet era have become relevant once again as Russia applies its modernized information warfare methods, using social media, fake news and Want to keep up to date on developments in Ukraine? cyberattacks against the United States, Ukraine, the West and their European allies, in addition to conventional warfare. Although Russia has not officially published casualty fig- ures related to its military and its Wagner-affiliated mercenaries in Ukraine, Syria, Africa The Ukrainian Weekly and other locations, estimates run into the tens of thousands. on Facebook to read the latest! Source: “Say Reds exterminated 15,000,” The Ukrainian Weekly, June 6, 1949. LIKE No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 7 IN THE PRESS: Kolomoisky, Zelensky and the West “Oligarch’s Return Raises Alarm in Kolomoisky. This position must be unam- Ukraine,” by Andrew E. Kramer, The New biguously endorsed. … York Times, May 16, (https://www.nytimes. If Zelensky does not stay the course, the com/2019/05/16/world/europe/ukraine- consequences will be grim. There will be a zelensky-kolomoisky.html?smtyp=cur& dramatic fall in his approval rating which smid=tw-nytimesworld): will result in a significantly lower level of War and human rights support for the Sluha Narodu [Servant of …The Ukrainian government took over the People] party in the upcoming Rada in Ukraine’s occupied territories … PrivatBank, [co-owned by Ihor elections. Failure to achieve a substantial Kolomoisky] in the course of a $5.6 billion Lest we forget – Moscow continues to “forces that Russia arms, trains, leads and block of support in the Rada will imply that engage in appalling behavior in Ukraine, fights alongside.” These statements never bailout at a time when lending by the the Zelensky reform agenda will not have International Monetary Fund, the violating international norms of civilized leave any doubt as to the aggressor, making enough support. The international financial behavior with impunity. It seems that with it crystal clear that this is no civil war. [At European Union and the United States was institutions, most critically the IMF, will propping up the government. all of the understandable focus on least the Western media uses this misno- lose confidence and may well withhold fur- Ukraine’s elections and the inauguration of mer less frequently than it used to.] While the bailout was seen as necessary, ther tranches of financing. With the high the extraordinary cost of what the the new president, Russia’s ongoing aggres- In my Facebook or list-serve postings of level of repayments coming due, there is a sion and human rights violations in these statements, I often urge supporters of Ukrainian central bank called Mr. substantial risk of default and the hryvnia Ukraine have taken a back seat. During my Ukraine to read and disseminate these state- Kolomoisky’s mismanagement became could collapse. Both the fragile stability recent stint in Ukraine as an OSCE first- ments, as I believe they are an important, Exhibit A for Western governments in the achieved in the budget and in the banking round election observer, there was little consistent tool in countering Russia’s “false- risk of financially supporting Ukraine system will be broken. The stakes are indication of a country at war. It is now in equivalence” narrative, its laughable denial of despite widespread corruption. colossal and the hopeful new direction for its sixth year. It is low-intensity, with fewer its own deep involvement. These U.S. OSCE Mr. Zelensky’s campaign was centered the country could be dislodged. around the claim that, beholden to no one, casualties than during its first few years. Permanent Council statements address an he would be able to clean up Ukraine’s “Why the West Must Lean in Now,” by The truth is, the war is basically at a important forum, as the audience consists chronic corruption. How Mr. Zelensky han- Michael Carpenter, May 16, Ukraine Alert stalemate. Negotiations have been at a not only of Russians diplomats who are not dles the Ukrainian authorities’ protracted blog, Atlantic Council (https://www.atlan- standstill for quite a while (whether this eager to hear them, but representatives from dispute with Mr. Kolomoisky is a key test of ticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/why-the- will soon change with President Volodymyr every European Union country, including his election promises to break the grip of west-must-lean-in-now): Zelensky is an open question). People both those who are softer on Russia. They rein- the oligarchs, who have held sway over the in Ukraine and among Ukraine’s support- force – on a consistent basis – the notion that country’s politics almost since indepen- …The worst thing the United States ers in the West seem to be tired of it. Mind the U.S. stands firmly with Ukraine. dence in 1991. could do at this critical juncture is to with- you, I am not pointing fingers at anyone – These statements are not limited to the It will also test relations with Western draw its ambassador from Ukraine and my own recent Ukraine-related activities war in the Donbas. They address other governments, which are not eager to see have no senior official on hand to engage and writings have focused on the elections, Russian attacks on Ukraine’s sovereignty as [Volodymyr] Zelensky and his team. more aid money vanish into Mr. which have enormous implications for well. For the last six months they have con- Unfortunately, that is exactly what hap- Kolomoisky’s business empire. Ukraine’s future. sistently condemned Russia’s unjustified pened last week as the State Department While Mr. Kolomoisky has said he would It is important that we not lose sight of holding of 24 Ukrainian sailors and, most recalled Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch “not be the shadow leader of the country the war and of Russia’s ongoing human recently Mr. Putin’s decision to expedite from her post and with no confirmed suc- and the gray cardinal,” he has spoken open- rights abuses in the occupied territories Russian citizenship for Ukrainian citizens. cessor ready to assume her place. ly of his hopes that Mr. Zelensky would fire and it is encouraging to know that the U.S. The hundreds of these statements deliv- Yovanovitch served with distinction in officials at the central bank who were government and others are continuing to ered in the last five years also never fail to Ukraine and capably represented the United behind the takeover of PrivatBank. And pay attention. chronicle the latest egregious human rights that was before he returned from exile. States as its ambassador in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan during the George W. Bush Almost every Thursday throughout the violations in Russian-occupied Crimea. Reflecting Western alarm over Mr. year, the Organization for Security and Various U.S. government reports also do Kolomoisky’s return, Carl Bildt, a former administration. Recalling her now is a cost- ly diplomatic mistake. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent an excellent job of cataloguing Russia’s prime minister of Sweden, posted on Twitter Council meets in Vienna, , to discuss human rights abuses in Ukraine. that “if he’s not careful this could be the In spite of this, the United States must engage with Zelensky to offer strategic and issues of concern to this largest regional The State Department’s 2018 Human undoing of Zelensky. Selective re-oligarchiza- organization in the world. At virtually every Rights Report on Ukraine, issued in March tion would be a disaster for Ukraine.” … technical advice; inform his views on diplo- matic, security, economic, and governance one of these weekly sessions, the U.S. 2019, documents restrictions and abuses Mission to the OSCE delivers a detailed by Russia. The report’s Executive Summary “Zelensky’s First Big Test,” by Basil issues; and convey its readiness to support a credible reform agenda with assistance statement on Russia’s ongoing violations in captures just how bad the situation is: Kalymon, Ukraine Alert blog, Atlantic Ukraine. These excellent U.S. Mission state- “Russia-led forces in the Donbas region Council, May 8 (https://www.atlanticcoun- and expert personnel. … For Zelensky, the biggest question ments (with input from the State engaged in: enforced disappearances, tor- cil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/zelenskiy-s-first- Department in Washington and the U.S. ture and unlawful detention; committed big-test): regarding his willingness to fight corruption revolves around the nature of his relation- Embassy in Kyiv), are delivered in front of gender-based violence; interfered with …Most recently, [Ihor] Kolomoisky suc- ship with oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. One of the representatives of the other 56 OSCE freedom of expression, including of the cessfully obtained a lower court ruling that Kolomoisky’s chief lawyers, Andriy Bohdan, member states. press, peaceful assembly and association, the nationalization of PrivatBank was ille- has emerged as a key Zelensky advisor. The statements chronicle and call out restricted movement across the line of con- gal. This decision is being appealed to a Kolomoisky himself has fed rumors that the Russian government on a host of viola- tact in eastern Ukraine; and unduly higher court by both the Ministry of Zelensky may do his political bidding by tions of international law and defiance of restricted humanitarian aid.” Finance and the NBU… declaring his intention to de-nationalize OSCE principles and commitments in the A report issued earlier this year by the Under such circumstances, the position of Privat Bank... The Trump administration Donbas and Crimea. Russia and its proxies governmental U.S. Commission on President-elect Zelensky must be unequivo- will need to assert a red line with regard to are regularly criticized for their numerous International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), cal. He must remove Kolomoisky’s lawyer, the de-nationalization of Privat Bank, which violations of the Minsk agreement – cease- describes the Russian-proxy warlords who [Andriy] Bohdan, from any decision making would be catastrophic for Ukraine’s financ- fire violations, putting the lives and well- run the so-called Luhansk People’s in his entourage regarding PrivatBank. … es and credibility. Zelensky should also being of innocent civilians at risk, including Republic (LNR) and Donetsk People’s Zelensky’s advisors have said that know that his treatment of Kolomoisky will through the positioning of forces and firing Republic (DNR) as “…deeply suspicious PrivatBank will not be returned to be watched closely for signs of favoritism. of weapons close to homes, schools and toward religious groups other than the businesses; failing to remove proscribed Russian Orthodox Church and [who] con- weapons; jamming and downing of OSCE tinue to persecute religious minorities he takes office as president (Ukrinform, April Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) UAVs through legal restrictions, confiscation of Ukraine’s state... 25). In his entertainer’s career, Mr. Zelensky (i.e. drones); and limiting access to the property, prosecution of clergy and harass- has a track record for satirizing (among SMM in the territories they control. ment of congregations.” The Ukrainian (Continued from page 2) many other things) Ukrainian national val- I wish the media would use these U.S. Orthodox Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses and President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky’s ues, even in front of Russian audiences. As a government statements as examples in various Protestant denominations have message (via his campaign team) has strad- presidential hopeful, in October 2018 he crit- their own reporting. These statements been especially hard hit. dled the issue, apparently seeking to hold icized the Ukrainian authorities’ language leave no doubt as to who the aggressor is. In illegally annexed Crimea, according to together his heterogenous electorate. policy for “dictating” to Ukrainians what to They often depict Russian aggression as the State Department Human Rights Inaccurately claiming that this law was watch and “how to speak” (BBC Monitoring, “Russia’s manufactured conflict in eastern Report’s Executive Summary, human rights adopted “hastily” and that it had been November 13, 2018). As president, however, Ukraine.” You won’t see the term “separat- violations included: “disappearances, tor- prompted by electoral considerations, Mr. Mr. Zelensky will undoubtedly become ists,” but the more accurate “Russia and its ture and abuse of detainees to extract con- Zelensky’s message nevertheless fully respectful of Ukrainian national values. proxies.” Instead of the vague “Russia- fessions and punish persons resisting the endorsed the status of the Ukrainian lan- backed forces,” you’ll see the more precise occupation; politically motivated imprison- guage as the sole state language deserving of The article above is reprinted from “Russia-led forces” or the more descriptive ment; [and] severe restrictions on freedom state support. But he objected to the penal- Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from of expression and the media, assembly and ties contained in this law, and promised to its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at undertake a “thorough analysis” as soon as www.jamestown.org. [email protected]. (Continued on page 15) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21 No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 9

FOR THE RECORD: Volodymyr Zelensky’s inaugural address Following is the full text of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inaugural address, in English translation, as posted on the official website of the president of Ukraine on May 20.

Dear Ukrainians! After my election victory, my six-year-old son said: “Dad, they say on TV that Zelensky is the President… So, it means that… I am... the president too?!” At the time, it sounded funny, but later I realized that it was true. Because each of us is the president. Not just the 73 percent who voted for me, but all 100 percent of Ukrainians. This is not just mine, this is our common victory. And this is our common chance that we are responsible for together. It hasn’t been only me who has just taken the oath. Each of us has just put his hand on the Constitution and swore allegiance to Ukraine. Now, imagine the headlines: “The President Does Not Pay Taxes,” “The Intoxicated President Ran the Red Light” or “The President Is Quietly Stealing Because Everyone Does.” Would you agree that it’s shameful? This is what I mean when I say that each of us is the president. From now on, each of us is responsible for the country that we leave to our children. Each of us, in his place, can do everything for the prosperity of Ukraine. Our European country begins with each one of us. We have chosen a path to Europe, but Europe is not some- where out there. Europe is here (in the head – Ed.). And Press Service of Volodymyr Zelensky (Continued on page 18) President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers his inaugural address in the Verkhovna Rada on May 20.

solution to our problem, government is the nate. Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak and your kids’ photos instead, and look at them Zelensky... problem.” SBU chief have already each time you are making a decision.” Mr. Zelensky added, “I do not under- resigned. He concluded his address with these (Continued from page 1) stand our government that only shrugs and words: “All my life I tried to do all I could so Speech of national unity corruption policy as deputy minister of the says: ‘There is nothing we can do.’ Not true. that Ukrainians laughed. That was my mis- Cabinet of Ministers. You can. You can take a sheet of paper and a The overarching theme of the inaugura- sion. Now I will do all I can so that In a May 21 interview on the 112 pen and free your seats for those who think tion speech was for Ukrainians of all geo- Ukrainians at least do not cry any more.” about the next generations and not about graphic locations and persuasions to come Ukraina channel, Mr. Bohdan said the law Representation at the inauguration to cleanse government was applied to him the next election.” together and continue building a nation. for “absolutely unjustified” reasons. He Soon after the inauguration speech, Mr. (The full text of the address appears above.) President Zelensky’s inauguration was explained that one of the bill’s co-authors Groysman said that earlier he had suggest- “We are all Ukrainians: there are no big- attended by numerous representatives of was an official in the Justice Ministry, where ed to the president’s staff that the Cabinet ger or lesser, or correct or incorrect foreign governments, including Presidents he had allegedly uncovered a yearly corrup- and Parliament, working with the new Ukrainians,” he said. “From Uzhhorod to Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia, Kersti tion scheme worth 2 billion hrv. administration, “jointly shape a new agen- Luhansk, from Chernihiv to Symferopol, in Mr. Bohdan had accompanied Mr. da and make quick decisions that would Lviv, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Odesa – Zelensky on several trips in the past two make Ukraine strong.” we are Ukrainians. And we have to be one. KaljulaidJános Áder of of Estonia, Hungary. Raimonds Vējonis of years to Geneva and , where their mutu- However, the “newly elected president After all, only then we are strong.” Latvia,Canada’s Dalia delegation Grybauskaitė was of led Lithuania by Minister and al associate, Mr. Kolomoisky, had resided dur- has chosen a different path… in his state- He also called on Ukrainians who live of Defense Harjit Sajjan, and the delegation ing self-imposed exile leading up to the presi- ment [inauguration speech], has claimed all abroad to repatriate or return to their from the United States included Secretary dential election. That information was the responsibility for future threats, which homeland. of Energy Rick Perry and U.S. Special reported on May 11 by Skhemy (Schemes), are on the agenda,” Mr. Groysman said. “There are 65 million of us… – those Representative for Ukraine Negotiations an investigative journalism group. Having promised not to engage in nepo- born on the Ukrainian soil. Ukrainians in Kurt Volker. Constitutionally, concerns remain about tism or cronyism during the election cam- Europe and Asia, in North and South Also present were: Vice President of whether Mr. Zelensky has the right to call paign, Mr. Zelensky appointed four mem- America, Australia and Africa,” Mr. Zelensky Turkey Fuat Oktay, Minister of Foreign for the dissolution of Parliament given that bers of his comedy troupe to his staff. His continued. “We really need you. To all who Affairs of Poland Jacek Czaputowicz, a ruling coalition doesn’t exist. The longtime partner at Kvartal 95 studio, are ready to build a new, strong and suc- Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Constitution prohibits pre-term parliamen- Serhiy Shefir, is now the president’s first cessful Ukraine, I will gladly grant Integration of the Republic of Moldova tary elections less than six months before a aide. The studio’s executive producer, Ukrainian citizenship. You must come to Tudor Ulianovschi, President of the Senate current Rada’s mandate expires. The next Serhiy Trofimov, became first deputy chief Ukraine not to visit, but to return home. We of the Parliament of the Czech Republic elections are scheduled for October 27, of staff. A former script writer, Yuriy are waiting for you,” he underscored. Jaroslav Kubera and other dignitaries. thus, Mr. Zelensky was facing a deadline of Kostyuk, joined as another deputy head of Mr. Zelensky urged Ukrainians to change The Ukrainian diaspora was represented May 27 to dissolve the legislature. Although the Presidential Administration. His child- the way they think: “to unite and make the by Ukrainian world Congress President he was inaugurated before that date, the hood friend and studio head, Ivan Bakanov, impossible against all odds.” Paul Grod and UWC Vice-President Andriy governing coalition collapsed on May 17, was appointed as first deputy chief of the However, “our first task is ceasefire in Futey, who also is president of the which means that the Rada has 30 days to Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). the Donbas,” he said. While not specifically Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. form a new coalition, a period during which Lt.-Gen. Ruslan Khomchak was named mentioning Russia or Kremlin leader Also present were the new president’s the president cannot dissolve Parliament. the new chief of the general staff of Ukraine’s Vladimir Putin, he said: “We are not the parents, Rymma and Oleksandr Zelensky. Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy tweeted Armed Forces, replacing Gen. Viktor ones who have started this war. But we are Earnings and foreign property holdings that “it is sad and disturbing that the guar- Muzhenko, who had served since 2014. the ones who have to finish it. And we are antor of the Constitution of Ukraine begins The latter was Mr. Khomchak’s superior ready for dialogue.” Mr. Zelensky and First Lady Olena to work in office with a gross violation of during the disastrous in “I can assure you that I’m ready to pay Zelenska earned nearly $600,000 last year, the Constitution… Bad sign.” August 2014 when thousands of convention- any price to stop the deaths of our heroes. according to his income and asset declara- He added: “Zelensky is leading a Ukraine al Russian military units joined their proxies I’m definitely not afraid to make difficult tion. They have four properties in Ukraine that is fighting [a war] into a constitutional to defeat Kyiv’s forces in the Donetsk region decisions, and I’m ready to lose my fame, worth an estimated $872,000, and an apart- crisis. The [presidential] decree will be town. During the battle, Mr. Khomchak, 51, my ratings, and if need be – without any ment in Great Britain that was purchased for appealed in court. The author of the decree was in charge of Sector B in Donetsk Oblast hesitation, my position to bring peace, as $2.8 million five years ago. An Italian villa will be held accountable.” and led ground forces in the area. long as we do not give up our territories,” purchased for $4 million in 2015 also was Meanwhile, Mr. Groysman said after the Former Finance Minister Oleksandr he explained. listed. He also has more than $200,000 in president’s inauguration speech that he Danyliuk, who accompanied Mr. Zelensky Afterwards, Mr. Zelensky called on the foreign currency deposited in several banks, will resign and did so at the next weekly during foreign visits while he was cam- U.S. to strengthen sanctions against Russia including PrivatBank, which was previously meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on May paigning, most likely will chair the National for its warmongering and stated that he is co-owned by Mr. Kolomoisky. 22. According to law, the Rada must accept Security and Defense Council, according to ready to conduct an “all for all” prisoner of The government took the bank under his resignation for it to enter into force. current deputy head of the Presidential war exchange with Russia. receivership in 2016 after a New York audi- Mr. Zelensky suggested during his inau- Administration Ruslan Ryabopashka. While mentioning that everyone should tor found a $5.5 billion hole on its balance guration speech that the prime minister is The president also gave the Verkhovna be “equal before the law,” Mr. Zelensky said, sheet. At that time, the bank was the coun- part of the country’s problem by quoting Rada two months to dismiss the chief of the “I really do not want my pictures in your try’s biggest private lender and held about fellow actor and former U.S. President SBU, the defense minister and the prosecu- offices, for the president is not an , an one-third of deposits in the country’s bank- Ronald Reagan: “Government is not the tor general – all posts that he gets to nomi- idol or a portrait.” Then he added, “Hang ing sector. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21 No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 11

PHOTO REPORT: Inauguration of President Volodymyr Zelensky

All photos on this page from the Press Service of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Official Website of Ukraine’s President. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21 Kyiv Chamber Choir on North American concert tour by Yaro Bihun WASHINGTON – The Kyiv Chamber Choir began its 2019 North American concert tour May 17 in Washington, at the National City Christian Church, in front of a large audience, including a large group of Ukrainian Americans. It was the choir’s first performance on this year’s 10-day tour with concerts scheduled in Philadelphia, New York, Hartford, Boston, Rochester, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit and concluding in Toronto on May 26. Under the direction of its founder and conductor Mykola Hobdych, the 20 young professional singers per- formed for almost two hours, introducing the audience to a large collection of adaptations of traditional Ukrainian chants and folk songs by many Ukrainian composers, among them Artemy Vedel, Valentyn Sylvestrov, Mykola Lysenko and Mykola Leontovych, and concluding with Viktor Hrytsyshyn’s “A Red Guilder-Rose Berry in the Meadow,” which received a very long standing ovation. Throughout the concert, the choir was also choreo- graphed – with the singers moving about, interacting, switching positions, exiting and returning. On occasion, the program also featured a bandura, a flute and some percus- sion instruments. Maestro Hobdych founded the Kyiv Chamber Choir in 1991, and this was the third time he brought his choir to per- formed in Washington. The chamber choir was here for the Yaro Bihun first time in 2011 and then again three years ago in 2016. The Kyiv Chamber Choir in concert in Washington.

Dovhan delivers grand finale performance with panache by Laryssa Lapychak Courtney Donizetti, Duparc, Poulenc, Puccini, Rossini and Strauss. ALEXANDRIA, Va. – For the last concert Following a standing ovation, a lovely of The Washington Group Cultural Fund’s spirited rendition of “I Could Have Danced 25th anniversary season (www.twgcf.org), All Night” by Lerner and Loewe from “My soprano Stefania Dovhan, who lives in Fair Lady” was the icing on the cake. Berlin with a thriving operatic career in Ms. Dovhan is the complete package: Europe, sang arias and songs in five lan- beautiful voice, beautiful expression and guages to a full house of avid admirers. wonderful acting and stage presence. This recital on May 19, as most of the Following the recital, Co-Directors of performances in TWGCF’s Sunday Music TWGCF Laryssa Courtney and Christine Series, was at the Lyceum in historic Old Lucyk presented awards to Yaro Bihun, Town Alexandria, just across the Potomac Rosalie Norair and Chrystia Sonevytsky for River from Washington. The program 25 years of outstanding service to the included works by Barvinsky, Bellini, Cultural Fund.

Kateryna Dovgan At the final concert of The Washington Group Cultural Fund’s 25th anniversary sea- son (standing from left): are Laryssa Courtney, Yaro Bihun, Stefania Dovhan, Rosalie Norair, Chrystia Sonevytsky and Christine Lucyk.

The UNA announces Scholarships and Awards for students attending college in the 2019-2020 academic year. Yaro Bihun Students wishing to apply for a UNA scholarship or award must meet the following criteria: Stefania Dovhan performs at the Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria. • Have been an active, premium-paying UNA member for at least two years by June 1st of 2019 During the ensuing discussion, among • Have had a single premium policy or an annuity, valued at a New Jersey District... the topics raised were the March increase minimum of $5,000 during the last two years in rates offered on UNA annuities and the (Continued from page 5) • Be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college or upcoming gala concert in New Jersey cele- university, studying towards their rst bachelor’s degree Walter Honcharyk, the district treasurer, brating the UNA’s 125th anniversary. The reported on the income and expenses for November 2 event at Dolan Performance  e application for a UNA scholarship or award must be postmarked 2018. Finally, the district’s Auditing Hall, College of St. Elizabeth, in Morristown, no later than June 1, 2019. Committee, in a letter signed by Ms. N.J., will feature the Ukrainian Shumka Kaploun, proposed a vote of confidence for Dancers of Edmonton, Alberta; the For complete details and applications, please call the UNA the outgoing officers. Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North headquarters or visit the Our Bene ts page on the Ms. Lisovich then offered remarks about America; the Ukrainian-born virtuoso vio- UNA website at: the status of the UNA, underscoring that the linist Vasyl Popadiuk of Canada; and others. organization in 2018 experienced another The following officers were unanimous- www.UNAInc.org year of increases to its surplus, which now ly re-elected to lead the district for the next stands at over $11 million. Indeed, the sur- year: Ms. Stanko, district chair; Ms. Drich, UNA, Inc. plus has grown over the last five years by 48 vice-chair; Mr. Stanko, secretary; Mr. 2200 Route 10 Parsippany, NJ 07054 percent. The CFO/treasurer also was happy Honcharyk, treasurer; Michael Bohdan, 800-253-9862 ext. 3035 to note that 2018 was the seventh consecu- organizing director; Ms. Kaploun and tive year of profits for the UNA. Michael Koziupa, auditors. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

2017 and later split his time between Israel the conflict there, a claim that Moscow the , Canada’s sup- NEWSBRIEFS and Switzerland. Mr. Poroshenko has denies despite what Kyiv and NATO say is port in obtaining a NATO Membership claimed that Mr. Kolomoisky supported Mr. incontrovertible evidence. Ukraine’s Defense Action Plan for Ukraine and discussed the (Continued from page 2) Zelensky’s election campaign financially in Ministry said earlier in the day that three ways to deepen security cooperation Oligarch Kolomoisky returns to Ukraine order “to take revenge against the state” for soldiers were wounded in five ceasefire vio- between Kyiv and Ottawa. Minister Freeland the nationalization of PrivatBank. The lations by Russia-backed forces over the pre- expressed her admiration with free and Ukrainian tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky has nationalization occurred in December 2016 vious 24 hours. The militants, in turn, democratic nature of presidential election in returned to the country after spending with the backing of the International accused government forces of violating the Ukraine. At the meeting with Prime Minister almost two years in self-exile. Skhemy Monetary Fund after risky lending practices ceasefire twice since May 21. Ceasefire deals Groysman, Minister Freeland said that (Schemes), a joint project by RFE/RL’s left it with a capital shortfall of billions of announced as part of the Minsk accords – Russia’s provocative actions were a part of Ukrainian Service and Ukraine’s UA:Pershy dollars. Mr. Kolomoisky, one of the bank’s September 2014 and February 2015 pacts hybrid warfare and they would be addressed television channel, quoted sources at the former main shareholders, opposed the aimed at resolving the conflict – have con- at the level of the world’s leading countries international airport in the eastern city of move, and a Ukrainian court ruled on April tributed to a decrease in fighting but have including the G-7 and during top interna- Dnipro as saying that Mr. Kolomoisky had 18 that the nationalization was illegal. failed to hold. A new ceasefire agreement tional forums. She noted that Canada doesn’t landed there early on May 16. One of Ukraine’s central bank is appealing the rul- was reached on March 8, but both sides have recognize Russian passports issued in the Ukraine’s richest men and a former regional ing. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, with accused each other of repeated violations occupied Crimea and could extend this prac- governor, Mr. Kolomoisky was on board a reporting by Babel) since then. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) tice to other occupied territories of Ukraine. private plane coming from Tel Aviv, the The Canadian diplomat has noted that the Freeland meets with Ukrainian officials sources said. Mr. Kolomoisky has been at Eight soldiers captured in Donetsk region Third Ukraine Reforms Conference which odds with outgoing President Petro On May 8, Canada’s Minister of Foreign will be held in July in Toronto is a great Poroshenko for years. His return to his home Ukrainian authorities say eight military personnel have been captured by Russia- Affairs Chrystia Freeland arrived in Kyiv to forum to discuss top issues as well as pro- country comes weeks after Volodymyr meet with top officials. During her working mote Ukraine’s cooperation with the whole Zelensky defeated Mr. Poroshenko in an backed fighters in the eastern region of Donetsk. Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operations visit to Ukraine’s capital, Minister Freeland world. During her meeting with Mr. Parubiy, April 21 presidential runoff election. The met with President-elect Volodymyr Ms. Freeland discussed the role that Babel online newspaper quoted Mr. (OOS) in the country’s east said in a state- Zelensky, President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Canadian election monitors played in Kolomoi­sky as saying after landing in Dnipro ment that the soldiers were captured on May Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Minister of Ukraine’s presidential elections and will play that he didn’t know about his plans yet. The 22. “According to preliminary information, Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin and Chairman again in parliamentary elections later this billionaire had said he was not afraid to early in the morning today, eight military of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy. year. (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily come back to Ukraine, saying he expected personnel of Ukraine’s armed forces from During the meeting with President Briefing) what he called political pressure on courts to the OOS took a wrong turn while moving Poroshenko, the parties discussed Moscow’s stop under Mr. Zelensky’s presidency. Mr. aboard a truck near the town of Canada’s defense minister in Ukraine latest provocations and strengthening of Zelensky is linked to Mr. Kolomoisky Novotroyitske and found themselves in tem- sanctions against Russia in response to so- through the oligarch’s ownership of TV sta- porarily occupied territory, where they were Canadian Minister of National Defense called citizenship decrees. Ukraine’s leader tion 1+1, which hosts Mr. Zelensky’s comedy captured by fighters of the Russian Harjit Sajjan together with Canadian stressed the importance of deploying a programs. Reporters have also found other Federation’s armed forces,” the OOS state- Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk United Nations peacekeeping mission to the links between the two, including shared ment said. The Ukrainian military frequently represented Canada during the inaugura- security details and vehicles, as well as pos- refers to Russia-backed separatist forces temporarily occupied part of the Donbas, tion ceremony of Ukrainian President sible meetings abroad in the run-up to Mr. who hold parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk including the uncontrolled section of the Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on May Zelensky’s candidacy. Mr. Kolomoisky, who regions as “fighters of the Russian state border between Ukraine and Russia 20. “Good to meet & congratulate President has faced investigations and government Federation’s armed forces.” It also says that and applauded Canada for introducing the Zelensky! Canada and Ukraine share a pressure in Ukraine, left the country in June many regular Russian soldiers have fought in Azov package of sanctions in March in coor- strong friendship & defense partnership in dination with the European Union and the the fight for Ukrainian sovereignty. More United States. The parties also discussed the than a million Ukrainian-Canadians call release of 24 sailors and all Ukrainian hos- Canada home, and we look forward to tages illegally detained by Russia. Mr. working with you to strengthen our two Poroshenko recognized Canada’s important role in building the defense capabilities of (Continued on page 15) TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 or e-mail [email protected]

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and Toronto on Mondays, Wednesdays and Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Ukraine’s future. “I would like to remind you NEWSBRIEFS Saturdays. On June 13 UIA will add Office, Amnesty International; and Marc that I not only consider myself a Ukrainian, I Thursdays to its flight schedule. In March, Behrendt, director of Europe and Eurasia am a person who is ready to lay my life (Continued from page 14) the State Aviation Administration of Programs, Freedom House. (Ukrainian down to make Ukraine successful and nations,” Minister Sajjan wrote on Twitter. Ukraine allowed UIA to increase the fre- Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) strong,” Mr. Saakashvili wrote, adding that quency of flights on the Kyiv-Toronto route he does not require an official government In addition, Minister Sajjan official visited Saakashvili seeks citizenship’s reinstatement and laid flowers at the National Museum up to five flights per week. (Ukrainian post in Ukraine. Mr. Saakashvili’s letter also Holodomor Victims Memorial in Kyiv hon- Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian asks Mr. Zelensky to at least lift a ban on his entry into Ukraine so he can defend himself oring the memories of the millions of men, Rights organizations’ letter to Zelensky president who served as governor of women and children who starved to death Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast, has asked Ukraine’s in court if the new president does not con- in Ukraine during the Holodomor genocide. The representatives of three internation- new president to reinstate his Ukrainian cit- sider it appropriate to reinstate his “Canada will always stand with our friends al human rights organizations with repre- izenship. Mr. Saakashvili’s lawyer, Ruslan Ukrainian citizenship. Mr. Saakashvili cur- in Ukraine against hatred and injustice,” he sentative offices in Kyiv wrote an open let- Chornolutskiy, announced on Facebook on rently resides in the Netherlands, his wife’s wrote. Minister Sajjan also talked to mem- ter to President Volodymyr Zelensky May 22 that he has formally filed a request native country. (RFE/RL) bers of the Canadian Forces deployed to requesting that he promote and advance with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Zelensky’s decree enters into force Ukraine to help and train locally security respect for human rights and democracy in administration for the restoration of Mr. forces in the face of Russian aggression. Ukraine. “We are writing at the beginning Saakashvili’s citizenship. Mr. Saakashvili A decree issued by Ukrainian President “Good to join our women and men in uni- of your presidency to ask that, as you look was granted Ukrainian citizenship and Volodymyr Zelensky on disbanding the form for a BBQ and thank them for their forward, you ensure that justice, account- appointed to the Odesa governor’s post in Verkhovna Rada and holding snap elections service,” Minister Sajjan tweeted. (Ukrainian ability and human rights protections are 2015 by President Petro Poroshenko. in July has taken effect. The decree was pub- Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) central to your agenda, particularly in areas Authorities in Tbilisi stripped Mr. lished on May 23 in the Uriadovyi Kurier where progress has been lacking. UIA doubles Kyiv-Toronto flights Saakashvili of his Georgian citizenship in (Government Courier) newspaper, which Specifically, we call on you to end impunity December 2015 on the grounds that under Ukrainian law means the decree has Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) will for hate-based violence and violence Georgia does not allow dual citizenship. entered into force. After announcing in his increase the frequency of flights and the against civil society activists and journal- Then, when relations between Messrs. May 20 inaugural address that he would number of passenger seats on the route ists; to enhance accountability of law Poroshenko and Saakashvili had soured dissolve Parliament, Mr. Zelensky made it Kyiv-Toronto-Kyiv during the peak summer enforcement and security service agencies over corruption allegations, President official with the decree the following day season, as reported by the airlines. UIA will through greater civilian oversight; and to Poroshenko in November 2016 sacked Mr. and declared that a new Parliament will be operate up to four flights a week between uphold the rights of people in eastern Saakashvili from the Odesa governor’s post. elected on July 21. He has called for that Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and Toronto, Ukraine affected by the armed conflict, par- In July 2017, after Mr. Saakashvili created an election to be held based entirely on voting the largest city of Canada, using Boeing ticularly older people,” reads the letter opposition party called Movement of New for parties, rather than single candidates, 777-200ER aircraft. Previously, UIA operat- signed by Hugh Williamson, director of Forces, President Poroshenko issued a arguing that the current system in which ed two flights a week. Starting on May 15 Europe and Central Asia Division, Human decree that stripped Mr. Saakashvili of his some seats are filled in contests between the airlines will have flights between Kyiv Rights Watch; Marie Struthers, director of Ukrainian citizenship. Mr. Chornolutskiy on individual candidates favors corruption. But May 22 also posted Mr. Saakashvili’s letter at an emergency session of the Verkhovna to President Zelensky online. In it, Mr. Rada on May 22, national deputies did not occupied Ukraine. The Kharkiv Human Saakashvili says Mr. Poroshenko’s decision put the new president’s proposals on the War and... Rights Protection Group is especially to strip him of his Ukrainian citizenship was agenda. That could point to a standoff detailed. In just the last two months, they “illegal” because it violated the Ukrainian between national deputies and President (Continued from page 7) have reported on numerous specific acts of Constitution and international laws by leav- Zelensky, a political novice who has no for- association. Crimean authorities intensified repression and human rights violations, ing him stateless. Mr. Saakashvili’s letter mal support in the current Parliament. The violence and harassment of Crimean Tatars including the torture of Ukrainian political also referred to Mr. Zelensky’s May 20 inau- next Parliament session is scheduled for and pro-Ukrainian activists in response to prisoners in Russian detention, new perse- gural speech in which the new president May 28. The next parliamentary elections peaceful opposition to Russian occupation.” cutions against Crimean Tatars, the confis- said he was ready to grant citizenship to were scheduled for October 27. (RFE/RL’s Unsurprisingly, nothing has changed in cation of thousands of homes in the anyone who was ready to work for Ukrainian Service) recent months. Crimean Tatars and others Russian proxy republics and the continued who oppose the occupation continue to holding of well over 100 civilian hostages find themselves the victims of the Kremlin’s and prisoners of war, as well as the forcible repression and brutality. According to the handover of a Ukrainian Orthodox church USCIRF report, restrictions on religious to the Moscow Patriarchate. activity continue, especially against Moscow’s ongoing repression of Crimean Tatars and other Muslims as well Ukraine’s sovereign territories has left as Ukrainian Orthodox and Jehovah’s numerous victims in its wake – a legacy of Witnesses. More than 100 Crimeans and suffering that is more reminiscent of the late With deep sorrow we announce other Ukrainian citizens such as Oleh Soviet period than of 21st century Europe. that on Thursday, May 16, 2019, Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Volodymyr It is incumbent upon the West, led by Balukh, Emir Usein-Kuku and Pavlo Hryb Washington, to continue and intensify its are unjustly imprisoned in either Crimea or support for Ukraine in countering Russia’s Alexandra Eugenia the Russian Federation for their political aggression and restoring sovereignty. This views or religious beliefs, in addition to the means continuing to speak out and report BARANETSKY 24 crewmembers detained by Russia when about the war and myriad human rights it illegally seized Ukrainian navy vessels violations. It also means beefed up support of Short Hills, NJ, passed away at home after a long illness, near the Kerch straits. for reforms in the military/security, eco- surrounded by her family. She was 65 years old. Many Ukrainian and international NGOs nomic, rule-of-law and other spheres, and, also report on human rights violations in yes, the ratcheting up of sanctions. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Adrian; her children, Christina (with husband Andrew Olesnycky), Victoria, and Andrew; and her grandchildren, Adrianna and Juliana. Karametov. A video shows that the 76-year- 75th anniversary... old, who suffers from a number of serious Born on August 18, 1953 in New York City to Volodymyr and Yaroslava illnesses, was accosted by two police officers (Continued from page 3) Trembicky, “Lesia“ was a graduate of Columbia University Schools of while standing alone, with photos of victims Engineering (BS ‘75) and of Dentistry (DDS ‘79). In 2007 she received the have been measures since 2014 to prevent of the Deportation and a Crimean Tatar flag. Columbia Alumni Presidential Award for her many years of volunteer remembrance events. He was taken to a police station and held work. She was an active longtime member of the “Ti Scho Hrebli Rvut“ Russia’s invasion and annexation came there for several hours without being sorority of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. less than three months before the 70th allowed to speak with a lawyer. Worse was, in fact, to come, although this was not con- anniversary of the Sürgün. The leaders May her memory be eternal. whom Russia had installed at gunpoint nected with the anniversary of the Sürgün. banned the traditional remembrance gath- On August 8, Mr. Karametov was detained ering in the center of Symferopol and had by police while holding a single-person pick- In lieu of owers, those wishing to honor Lesia’s memory are invited to riot police and soldiers guarding the area to et outside the “trial” of Akhtem Chiygoz, make a donation to one of the following charities: keep Crimean Tatars away. Although the with a sign saying: “Putin, our children are Ukrainian Studies at Columbia University occupation regime had prohibited any not terrorists!” He was not only heavily Ukrainian Studies Fund, Inc. gathering, people did meet outside fined, but also imprisoned for 10 days. 34 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 mosques on the outskirts of Symferopol Many civic activists are now imprisoned, while others have already been summoned and Bakhchysarai, with the occupiers mak- Checks should be made out to “Ukrainian Studies Fund” with ing their presence felt by sending military for “prophylactic” talks. This bitter echo helicopters overhead. from Soviet days is clear intimidation, with “In memory of Alexandra Baranetsky“ in the memo line. people given to understand what to expect On each anniversary people have been or to Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation detained for as little as driving with a if they do what the Russian occupiers call 2247 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 Crimean Tatar flag on their car window. “taking part in an unlawful gathering.” In The most shameful detention, at least human terms that means gathering to Web: ucef.org back on May 18, 2017, was that of Server honor the victims of genocide. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

SPORTSSHORTS by Matthew SOCCER Ukraine plays against Serbia on June 7 and November Mongolia, Dubas India, Egypt Tajikistan, Georgia, Norway and 17, against Luxembourg again on June 10, against Germany. Moraes cleared to play for national team Lithuania on September 7 and October 11, and against The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body reached Portugal again on October 14. KARATE a verdict on May 3, rejecting the protests of Portugal and U-19 men’s team in third place Ukraine wins gold and bronze in Guadalajara Luxembourg soccer federations, and dismissed the case against Junior Moraes. The 32-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk Ukraine’s men’s U-19 team won 5-2 against Belgium on Ukraine’s women’s karate team (Anzhelika Terliuha, player from Brazil was granted Ukrainian citizenship by March 26, lost 1-3 against Italy on March 23 and tied 2-2 Halyna Melnyk, Anita Seriohina and Diana Shostak) won President Petro Poroshenko and the CEDB determined that with Serbia on March 20 in the UEFA U-19 European gold at the European Karate Championship in Guadalajara, Moraes had legally obtained Ukrainian citizenship and was Championships. In the thrashing against Belgium, scoring Spain, on March 30. Ukraine’s men’s team (Stanyslav eligible to compete for the Ukrainian national team in its for Ukraine were: Artem Kholod (19th minute), Ihor Horuna, Rizvan Talibov, Viktor Ksenzhyk, Andriy UEFA Group B European qualifiers. The matches will deter- Snurnitsyn (54th), Mykhailo Mudryk (88, 90+5 on a penalty- Toroshanko, Ihor Lahunov and Taras Herchyk) won bronze mine who from Group B will advance to the final stage of kick), and Heorhii Tsitaishvili (90+2). Belgium equalized 2-2 in the team category. Horuna and Seriohina won individual the Euro 2020 championship. in the 69th minute, but could not score and defender Joren bronze medals. Ukraine is set to play against Serbia on June 7, against Leyssens was sent off with a red card in the 90+4th minute. MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Luxembourg on June 10 and against Lithuania on September After three matches played in Group 7 of the Elite 7. Ukraine plays an international friendly on September 10 Round, Ukraine is in second place (four point), behind Italy Moroz wins by unanimous decision against a to-be-determined team, and resumes its UEFA (seven) and Belgium (four), and Serbia is in fourth place Flyweight Maryna Moroz (9-3, 2 KO) won by unanimous Group B matches on October 11 against Lithuania and with one point. decision after three rounds against Sabina Mazo (6-1, 1 against Portugal on October 14, with an additional friendly U-17 men’s team KO) of Colombia on March 30 at Wells Fargo Center in match on November 14 against Estonia, and the final UEFA Philadelphia. Judges scored the UFC fight 30-27, 29-28, Group B match on November 17 against Serbia. Ukraine’s U-17 men’s team finished in third place in 29-28 in favor of Moroz. This was Moroz’s return to the fly- 2019 final Group 5 of the Elite Round of the UEFA U-17 European weight division after her career as a strawweight fighter Championships. Ukraine lost 0-1 Spain on March 31, lost (November 2014 through February 2018). She previously Shakhtar Donetsk won 4-0 against Petrove 0-1 against Greece on March 28 and won 2-0 against fought in the flyweight division (November 2013 through (First League) of Petrovo, , in the Kosovo on March 25. Against Kosovo, Arsenii Batahov September 2014). Ukrainian Cup final on May 15 at Slavutych Arena in opened the scoring in the 19th minute, and Ukraine Zaporizhia. It was the first time in its club history that clinched the win in the 27th minute by Bogdan Vyunnik. SWIMMING Petrove made an appearance at the Ukrainian Cup final With the third-place finish, Ukraine does not advance to Govorov wins silver in Budapest (and the first time a First League team advanced to the the knockout stage. final. It was the 13th Ukrainian Cup title for Shakhtar Andrii Govorov won the men’s 50-meter butterfly (fourth consecutive year). Scoring for Shakhtar were: Tete U-19 women’s team (22.87 seconds) at the FINA Champions Swim Series in (with two goals), Junior Moraes and Manor Solomon. Ukraine finished in third place with three points in Budapest on May 11-12. Mykhailo Romanchuk won silver In the semifinal, Shakhtar won 2-0 against SC Dnipro on Group 5 of the Elite Round of the UEFA U-19 Women’s in the men’s 400-meter freestyle (3:47.08 seconds). April 17 and Inhulets won 2-1 against FC Zorya Luhansk. Championships. Ukraine won 4-2 against Northern Ireland Ukraine wins silver and bronze in Beijing Inhulets won 5-4 on penalty kicks against Karpaty Lviv on April 9, lost 1-7 against Norway on April 6 and lost 0-6 (Premier League) after a draw of 1-1 in regulation time against Denmark on April 3. Scotland hosts the final stage Ukraine won silver in the women’s team free combina- during the quarterfinal on April 7. Shakhtar Donetsk won of the tournament and seven group winners (Germany, tion event (86.2667 points) and bronze (83.4550 points) in 4-3 on penalty kicks against Dynamo Kyiv. Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, England and the women’s duet technical routine at the FINA Artistic Top goal-scorers for the season (2018-2019) were France) from the elite round (28 teams). Swimming World Series on May 4-6 in Beijing. Ukraine fin- Robert Hehedosh (FC Mynal) with four goals, followed by ished in fourth place in the women’s team technical event Stanislav Kulish (SC Dnipro) with three goals. Women’s Euro-Cup 2021 team draws Group I and Ukraine won bronze in the women’s duet free event Shakhtar advances to Champions League Ukraine has drawn Group I of the UEFA Euro-Cup 2021, (85.3667 points), and Oleksandra Burdova won silver in with Germany, Ireland, Greece and Montenegro. England the women’s solo technical routine (84.0224 points). Shakhtar topped the regular season Ukrainian Premier hosts the final stage of the tournament in July 2021. Govorov wins bronze in Guangzhou League stats with 63 points, 20-3-1 record with 56 goals Qualifying group stage matches are set to begin on August for and nine against, qualifying the team for the UEFA 26 through September 22, 2020. Andrii Govorov won bronze in the men’s 50-meter but- Champions League. Dynamo Kyiv finished in second place terfly (23.28 seconds) at the FINA Champion’s Swim Series with 56 points (18-2-4, 44 for and 13 against) and will play Monzul to officiate at Women’s World Cup in Guangzhou, China, on April 27-28. in the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualify- Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul, representing UEFA, ing stage. FC Oleksandiya, FC and Zorya Luhansk Ukraine wins two golds at Artistic World Series will officiate at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted will compete in the UEFA Europa League, with by France. Matches are set to begin on June 7 and the final Ukraine won two gold medals at the FINA Artistic Oleksandriya securing its spot in the group stage. Mariupol will be played on July 7 in Lyon. Ukraine’s women’s team Swimming World Series on April 4 in Alexandroupolis, and Zorya will, respectively, vie in the third and second failed to qualify for the tournament after being eliminated Greece. Maryna and Vladyslava Aleksiiva won gold in the qualifying rounds. in the qualifying group stage. duet free program (92.8000 points) and the Aleksiiva sis- Top goal scorers for the season were Junior Moraes (17 In 2016, Monzul became the first female referee in the ters won gold in the highlight routine competition +1 penalty, Shakhtar), Maryan Shved (14 + 3 penalty, elite men’s Ukrainian football division of the Ukrainian (93.3333 points). Karpaty Lviv), Viktor Tyshankov (14 +6 penalty, Dynamo Premier League. She has served as lead referee at interna- Kyiv), (9 +1 penalty, Shakhtar). Moraes, Tyhankov tional matches since 2005, at the 2007 FIFA Women’s DIVING and Shved all scored -tricks once during the season. World Cup qualifier between Finland and Poland. She has Shakhtar had the most players on the top assists list – Ukraine medals at Diving World Series in London also refereed the final tournament of the 2009 UEFA Euro- Taison with nine, Ismally with seven, Tyshanov (Dynamo) Cup, and, most recently, at the group stage 2017 UEFA Oleg Kolodiy and Oleksandr Gorshkovozov won bronze with seven, Moraes six, Alan Patricj with five and Andriy Euro-Cup. Other Ukrainian officials at the World Cup medals men’s 3-meter synchronized diving (405.63 points) Tsurikov (Oleksandriy) with five. include Oleksandra Ardasheva and Maryna Striletska, at the Diving World Series in London on May 17-19. Ukraine tops Group B in Euro qualifiers assistance referees representing UEFA. FENCING Ukraine won 2-1 against Luxembourg on March 25 and SUMO Women’s saber team wins second place tied 0-0 with Portugal on March 22 as part of the Group B Ukraine wins 11 medals at the U.S Open UEFA European Qualifiers for the Euro Cup 2020. Ukraine’s women’s saber team won second place in the Luxembourg’s lone goal in the 34th minute by David Ukraine won 15 medals (eight gold, four silver and two team World Cup on May 12 in Tunis, Tunisia. In the final, Turpel was answered by Viktor Tsygankov in the 40th min- bronze) at the 19th U.S. Sumo Open 2019 in Los Angeles on Ukraine lost 42-45 against Italy. ute. Tension was high during the remaining minutes of the March 21-25. Gold medalists were: Karyna Kolesnik (65 Kharlan wins gold in saber at Seoul Grand Prix match until Luxembourg’s Gerson Rodrigues’s error sealed kg), Svitlana Kolesnyk (73 kg), Sviatoslav Semykras (85 kg), the score by netting an own-goal off a free kick by Maryna Maksynenko (80 kg), Ivanna Berezovska (+80 kg) Olga Kharlan won gold in the women’s saber individual Tsygankov in extra time after 90+3 minutes of regular play. and Oleksandr Veresiuk (+115 kg). Veresiuk won the men’s event at the Grand Prix Seoul, South Korea, on April 26. In Ukraine tops the Group B standings with four points open-weight title and Berezovska won the women’s open- the final, Kharlan won 15-14 against Ji-Yeon of South Korea after two matches; Luxembourg has three points and weight title. Silver medalists included Alina Duzhenko (65 in the women’s saber final after winning 15-12 against Portugal has two points. Other teams in Group B include kg), Demid Karachenko (85 kg) and Vazha Daiauri (men’s Manon Brunet of France in the semifinal. Lithuania (0 points) and Serbia (1 point). Twenty of the open-weight division) and Maksymenko won silver in the Humen wins gold at juniors in Poland top-two teams of each group after 10 matches (home and women’s open-weight division. Bronze medalists were away) that conclude on November 19 will advance, along Anatolii Khliustin (85 kg) and Anton Chuiev (100 kg). Vasyl Humen won gold in the cadet boys’ saber at the with four teams to be determined by the UEFA Nations Ukraine finished in first place in the medals standings. World Junior-Cadet Championships in Torun, Poland, on League play-off results scheduled for March 2020 (co-hosts Founded in 2001, this is the longest-running annual April 7. In the final, Humen won 15-10 against Giorgio England, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland are in sumo competition worldwide held outside of Japan. Other Marciano of Italy, and in the semifinal Humen won 15-13 the semifinals). participating countries were the U.S.A., Canada, Japan, against Dohun Lee of South Korea. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 17

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Pittsburgh Ridna Shkola ends year with joyous concert-“zabava”

by Nickolas C. Kotow CARNEGIE, Pa. – More than 140 students, teachers, par- ents, and guests ranging in age from babes in arms to cente- narian Mary Ann Steranka attended the concert-“zabava” (dance) celebrating the end of the 2018-2019 academic year of Ridna Shkola of Pittsburgh Inc. at the Ukrainian American Citizens Club of Carnegie, Pa., on Saturday, May 11. Principal-teacher Oleksandra Korenov­ska welcomed all at 5 p.m. and asked the Rev. Ihor Hohosha of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in Pittsburgh and the Rev. Mark Swindle of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Arnold, Pa., for prayers to begin the festivities. They offered blessings for mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and spiritual mothers in anticipation of Mothers’ Day on May 12, blessed the food, and led everyone in singing “Khrystos Voskres” and “Mnohaya Lita.” Arriving later were the Rev. Jason Charron of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie and Father Deacon Myron J. Spak, with their spouses. The hourlong concert began with the assembled stu- dents of the school of Ukrainian studies singing songs Andriy Bidochko about mothers and presenting recitations in Ukrainian. Ridna Shkola students, teachers, preschoolers and concert participants at the end-of-the-school-year program. Then every student did an individual recitation; some also participated in small group ensembles. presented the 19 students with graduation certificates. The Parents Committee. The concert was embellished with singing by Maria Board of Directors of Ridna Shkola and the teachers, Dancing to live music by Nicholas Hladio and friends Smereka and by Julia Zayats, duo bandura playing by Halyna Charron, Sophia Charron, Yaryna Korenovska, began at 7 p.m. and continued until 10 p.m. A varied selec- Sophia Charron and Christina Hlutkowsky, and violin selec- Eryna Kurylas and Chrystyna Silecky then presented Ms. tion of danceable songs including the “Kolomyika,” with tions by student Maxim Milligan. Special recitations were Korenovska with a large bouquet of flowers. many participants showing their dance steps, a Greek mel- made by about a dozen preschoolers, who indicated their The program of study during the school year included ody which filled the hall with a long line of dancers, and readiness to become future Ridna Shkola students. Ukrainian language, literature, history and music. In addi- waltzes for the parents were played. Young Andrew The entire concert was recorded with permission and tion, the students enjoyed a field trip to the Ukrainian Romanchik played his accordion during a break by the can be listened to as a podcast at http://pittua. Nationality Room and other Nationality Rooms in the musicians. com/2019/317-performance-by-students-of-ridna-shkola- Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh cam- Ms. Korenovska extended a huge thank you to the par- mothers-day.html. The podcast was produced by Dr. pus. They sang and did recitations at the April 7 annual ents of the Ridna Shkola students for making the delicious Volodymyr and Oksana Lernatovych, who also produce the meeting of the Ukrainian Selfreliance of Western food and desserts for the celebration and for helping and “Ukraine in the Heart of Everyone” radio program, which Pennsylvania Federal Credit Union. supporting the principal and teachers throughout the year. also is available at the http://pittau.com/ address. Following the concert, the guests enjoyed a sumptuous At the end of the school concert, Principal Korenovska buffet of Ukrainian foods and desserts, coordinated by the (Continued on page 18) Khmelnychenky Plast fraternity meets at Soyuzivka Heritage Center

Borys Buniak Members of the Khmelnychenky fraternity of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization gathered for their biennial meeting at Soyuzivka Heritage Center.

by Borys Buniak According to Kozak unwritten laws, mem- bers are encouraged to participate in KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The Plast fraterni- respectful and honorable discussions ty of Khmelnychenky gathered for its semi- before voting on proposals set forth by the annual meeting and conference on the “komanda” (executive branch). weekend of March 5-7 at Soyuzivka In attendance at the 2019 meeting were Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y. approximately 70 members of the fraternity, The fraternity, named after the 17th cen- representing a steady growth in attendance tury Ukrainian Hetman Bohdan Khmelny­ and overall membership. Seven states were tsky, was founded in 1945 in Landeck, represented, including Connecticut, New Austria, by Jakiw Shegrin, Mikhaylo Zvonok, Jersey, New York, Maryland Massachusetts, Ilia Shevchyk and Volodymyr Bakalec. Pennsylvania and Vermont. Representatives There was a small hiatus after their 1949 from Canada and Ukraine, where there emigration to North America, after which appears to be a recent exponential growth the organization was revived in 1952. in membership, were also in attendance. Biannual conferences have rotated Even though the Khmelnychenky are among Soyuzivka and Plast campgrounds divided into an older and younger adult at either Bobriwka (Connecticut) or Vovcha units, they traditionally work together and Tropa (New York) since 1955. During these participate in joint events. Participants at conferences, the brotherhood enjoys the conference, therefore, comprise all opportunities for camaraderie while pro- ranks of the fraternity’s membership, from moting the traditions and spirit of its Kozak first-time pledges to full members. origins. Members greet each other with their customary call of “Puhu, puhu”. (Continued on page 18) 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

Remember the Iceland soccer team at I know that for sure. I know that from tired of the experienced, pompous system Volodymyr... the European Championship – when a den- the soldiers who are now defending politicians who over the [last] 28 years tist, a director, a pilot, a student and a clean- Ukraine, our heroes, some of whom are have created a country of opportunities – (Continued from page 9) er defended their country’s honor? No one Ukrainian speakers, while others – Russian the opportunities to bribe, steal and pluck after it appears here, it will be everywhere, believed they could do it, but they did it! speakers. There, in the frontline, there is no the resources. all over Ukraine. And this should be precisely our path. strife and discord, there is only courage and We will build the country of other This is our common dream. But we also We must become the Icelanders in soccer, honor. So, I want to appeal to our defenders opportunities – the one where all are equal share a common pain. Each of us has died the Israelis – in the defense of their native now: before the law and where all the rules are in the Donbas. Every day we lose each one land, the Japanese – in technology and the There can be no strong army in a place honest and transparent, the same for of us. And each of us is a refugee – the one Swiss – in the ability to live with each other where the authorities do not respect the everyone. And for that, we need people in who has lost his own home and the one in harmony, despite all the differences. people who every day sacrifice their life for power who will serve the people. This is who has opened the door of his home, shar- However, our first task is ceasefire in the the country. I will do everything I can to why I really do not want my pictures in ing the pain. And each of us is a migrant Donbas. I have been often asked: What make you feel respect. This means decent, your offices, for the president is not an icon, worker – the one who couldn’t find himself price are you ready to pay for the ceasefire? and most importantly, secure salaries, liv- an idol or a portrait. Hang your kids’ photos at home, but has found income in a foreign It’s a strange question. What price are you ing conditions, vocation leaves after the instead, and look at them each time you are country, and the one who struggling with ready to pay for the lives of your loved combat missions and your and your fami- making a decision. poverty, is forced to lose his own dignity. ones? I can assure you that I’m ready to pay lies’ holidays. We must not just talk about I can go on, but Ukrainians want actions, But we will overcome all of this! Because any price to stop the deaths of our heroes. NATO standards – we must create those not words. So, dear deputies! You have each of us is a Ukrainian. I’m definitely not afraid to make difficult standards. appointed the inauguration on Monday, a We are all Ukrainians: there are no big- decisions, and I’m ready to lose my fame, Of course, besides the war, there are work day, which has one benefit – it means ger or lesser, or correct or incorrect my ratings, and if need be – without any many other problems that trouble you are ready to work. Therefore, I ask that you approve: Ukrainians. From Uzhhorod to Luhansk, hesitation, my position to bring peace, as Ukrainians. Among them are the shocking utility tariffs, humiliating wages and pen- 1. The law on removing parliamentary from Chernihiv to Symferopol, in Lviv, long as we do not give up our territories. History is unfair. We are not the ones sions, painful prices and non-existent jobs. immunity. Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipro and Odesa – we who have started this war. But we are the There is also the health care that is seen as 2. The law establishing criminal liability are Ukrainians. And we have to be one. ones who have to finish it. And we are improving mostly by those who have never for illegal enrichment. After all, only then we are strong. ready for dialogue. I believe that the perfect been to a regular hospital with their child. 3. The long-awaited Electoral Code and Today I appeal to all Ukrainians in the first step in this dialogue will be the return And then, there are also the mythical open-lists. world. There are 65 millions of us. Yes, of all Ukrainian prisoners. Ukrainian roads that are being built and Also, please dismiss: don’t be surprised: there are 65 million of Our next challenge is returning the lost repaired only in someone’s prolific imagi- 1. Head of the Security Service of us – those born on the Ukrainian soil. territories. In all honesty, this wording does nation. Ukraine. Ukrainians in Europe and Asia, in North not seem entirely correct to me because it Allow me to quote one American actor 2. Prosecutor General of Ukraine. and South America, Australia and Africa – I is impossible to return what has always who has become a great American presi- 3. Minister of Defense of Ukraine. appeal to all Ukrainians on the planet! been ours. Both Crimea and Donbas have dent: “The government does not solve our This is certainly not all that you could do, We really need you. To all who are ready been our Ukrainian land, but the land problems. The government is our problem.” but for now, it will suffice. to build a new, strong and successful where we have lost the most important I do not understand our government You will have two months to do that. Do Ukraine, I will gladly grant Ukrainian citi- thing – the people. that only shrugs and says: “There is nothing it. And take all the medals for it – not a bad zenship. You must come to Ukraine not to Today we have to return their minds – we can do.” Not true. You can. You can take move before the snap parliamentary elec- visit, but to return home. We are waiting for that’s what we have lost. Over the years, the a sheet of paper and a pen and free your tion. I am dissolving the Verkhovna Rada of you. There is no need to bring souvenirs authorities have not done anything to make seats for those who think about the next the eighth convocation. from abroad, but please, bring your knowl- them feel [like] Ukrainians and understand generations and not about the next elec- Glory to Ukraine! edge, experience and values. that they are not strangers, but they are our tion! Do it and people will appreciate that. And finally: That will help us start a new era. people, they are Ukrainians. And even if Your applause is pretty light… I guess Dear Nation! Skeptics will say that it is impossible, a fan- they are granted 10 different passports, it not everyone likes what I’m saying? Too All my life I tried to do all I could so that tasy. But what if this is, in fact, our national won’t change anything. For being Ukrainian bad, since it’s not me, but the Ukrainian Ukrainians laughed. That was my mission. idea – to unite and make the impossible is not a line in the passport – being people who are saying that. Now I will do all I can so that Ukrainians at against all odds? Ukrainian is here (in the heart – Ed.). My election proves that our citizens are least do not cry any more.

The Khmelnychenky have a rich history, Khmelnychenky... both in the U.S. and around the world. The fraternity has produced countless Plast (Continued from page 17) counselors and leaders. They work tireless- Various topics were discussed, including ly for the community and continue to main- membership recruitment, fund-raising tain close ties within the brotherhood by efforts and the future of the fraternity in supporting causes recommended by its Canada and Ukraine. Planned events such members. For next year, a trip to Landeck is as the Chervona Kalyna Debutante Ball at being planned to commemorate the 75th the Pearl River Hilton in N.Y., the Wildwood anniversary of the fraternity. “zabava” and street hockey tournaments are Any Plast member who wishes to know regular topics of discussion. Organizers of more about the fraternity and its mission these events were commended and recom- may visit the website at www.xmel.org. mendation for improvements were raised. Proceeds from these fund raisers are used to support Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s summer youth camps, the Wounded Soldiers Fund and the U.S. Holodomor Committee’s recent mini-docu- mentary “When We Starve.” In addition, the organization provides support for the Ukraine-based Khmelnychenky fraternity in its efforts to organize and run the suc- cessful sports camp known as “Quest.”

Pittsburgh... (Continued from page 17)

Thanks were also extended to Greg Sembrat, president, Borys Wowczuk, secre- tary, and Nicholas Honchar, treasurer, of the Carnegie Ukrainian Club for use of the hall and for help in set-up and other arrange- ments. Additionally, Svitlana Honchar, Ukrainian National Association Secretary for Branch 96 had copies of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly available for the guests, especially the new immigrant fami- lies, to read and to take home. For information on Ridna Shkola of Pittsburgh Inc., readers may contact Ms. Korenovska, principal, at 412-708-1260. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 19

May 28 Presentation by Ihor Michalchyshyn about the June 3-6 International Convention, “BIO 2019,” featuring Ukraine Ottawa Ukrainian presidential election, St. John the Baptist Philadelphia exhibitions, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Ukrainian Catholic Shrine hall, 613-731-1870 or Pennsylvania Convention Center, [email protected] http://ukrainiangenealogygroup-ncr.org June 4 Installation and enthronement of Metropolitan Archbishop May 30 Performance, “Baba Yaga – A Fairy Tale,” Saint George Philadelphia Borys Gudziak, Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Immaculate New York Academy, 212-473-3323 Conception Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, http://ukrarcheparchy.us

May 30 Presentation by Yaroslav Hrytsak, “Ukrainian Post- June 7 Art exhibit by Michael K. Paxton, “Raw Reckoning,” Stanford, CA Memory Culture: The Case of Stepan Chicago Ukrainian Institute or Modern Art, Bandera,” Stanford University, [email protected] www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 or 650-725-2563 June 7 Presentation by Iryna Odrekhivska, “Why Translation May 30 Presentation by Dr. Petrusia Kotlar on benefits of Stanford, CA Matters? Translation and Reconfiguration of Power Whippany, NJ chiropractic adjustment, Carpe Diem Club, Ukrainian Relations in Hapsburg Galicia,” Stanford University, American Cultural Center of New Jersey, [email protected] [email protected] or 650-725-2563

May 31 through Photography exhibit, “Front Line-Peace Life” by J.T. June 8-9 Chervona Ruta Palatine Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian June 23 Blatty, Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8090 or Palatine, IL American Youth Association, Immaculate Conception Chicago www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org Ukrainian Catholic Church, [email protected]

June 1 43rd annual Tryzub Golf Outing, Limekiln Country Club June 9 Film screening, “Julia Blue” by Roxy Toporowych, Horsham, PA Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub, Los Angeles Ukrainian Art Center of Los Angeles, Ukrainian Cultural http://tryzub.org or 215-914-1251 Center, www.ukrainianartcentersocal.org

June 1 Mississauga Ukrainian Festival, Bloor West Village June 9 Sviato Vesny celebration, Camp Veselka, Ukrainian Youth Mississauga, ON Ukrainian Festival, Mississauga Celebration Square, Halton Hills, ON Association of Canada, https://cym.org/ca 905-891-0242 or www.ukrainianfestival.com June 10-15 Icon Workshop I, “Archangel ,” Archangel Studios, June 1 Prom themed pre-Convention Dance, St. Vladimir Carnegie, PA [email protected] Philadelphia Ukrainian Orthodox Church, [email protected] June 12 Ukrainian Day advocacy event, Ukrainian National Information June 1 Inaugural divine liturgy, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Washington Service, Capitol Hill, 202-547-0018 or [email protected] Naples, FL Mission Parish, 239-592-5707 June 14-16 Wellness Retreat, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, June 1-2 Calgary Ukrainian Festival, Acadia Recreation Complex, Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com or 845-626-5641 Calgary, AB www.calgaryukrainianfesitval.ca Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events June 2 Divine liturgy composed by Roman Hurko, sung by the Theoria advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions New York Chamber Choir under the direction of Andrew Skitko, St. from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, www.stmarybccnyc.org and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 No. 21

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Sunday, June 16 and baked goods, picnic fare and cool HORSHAM, Pa.: The popular Father’s Day refreshments for all tastes and ages. Enjoy Ukrainian Fest will commence at 1 p.m. at the U.S. Adult Soccer Association’s Region Tryzubivka (Ukrainian American Sport One U.S. Open Cup and U.S. Amateur Cup Center, County Line and Lower State (U.S. national championship quarterfi- roads). A 2 p.m. stage show will feature nals) games, men’s, women’s, and men’s Voloshky School of Ukrainian Dance, over 30 and under 23 throughout the accordionist Ivan Zhytnikov, Soloveyky afternoon. Admission and parking are free Vocal Ensemble, Swords of the Kobzars for all venues. For information call 267- Bandurist Quartet and singer-musician 664-3857, e-mail [email protected] or Ihor Sypen. A lively outdoor dance to the check out the website www.tryzub.org or tunes of Mr. Sypen will follow. There will the Facebook page of Tryzub Ukrainian be plentiful Ukrainian homemade foods American Sport Center.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the public. It is a ser- vice provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph of several sentences that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number and/or e-mail address to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of pub- lication (i.e., they must be received by 9 am Monday morning). Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail message. Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054.

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