www.ukrweekly.com

INSIDE: • Estonia’s president warns the West about Moscow – page 3. • Russia’s policy on Ukrainian-language schools – page 7. • Film review: Russia’s release of “Taras Bulba” – page 10.

THEPublished U byKRAINIAN the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW associationEEKLY Vol. LXXVII No.21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 $1/$2 in Ukraine Shakhtar wins UEFA cup U.S. ambassador bids farewell to Ukraine at frank press conference by Zenon Zawada Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV – At a farewell press conference that marked the end of his three-year term, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor Jr. voiced disappointment with the administration of Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko for its lack of stability and failure to make the prog- ress that was expected. Not naming any names, but striking an unusually critical tone, Ambassador Taylor said on May 21 he had expected his term would be a time for consolidat- ing democracy and economic develop- ment in Ukraine, rather than conflict. “I had come from some exciting places, UEFA.com such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Jerusalem, Brazillian striker Jadson nets the deciding goal for Shakhtar Donetsk in overtime and I was ready for some less exciting against Werder Bremen to win 2-1 in the UEFA Cup final at Sukru Saracoglu time and more working time,” he said. Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 20. “Some more nuts and bolts, some more Zenon Zawada lower-level but important reform work U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William by Yuriy Borysov hold of team president Rinat Akhmetov needed to be done. But that was not to be.” Taylor Jr. concludes his three-year Special to The Ukrainian Weekly and hoisted him in the air several times. Mr. Taylor took over as U.S. ambassa- assignment. No successor has yet been Other Ukrainian leaders in attendance dor to Ukraine in May 2006, just as Yulia named. KYIV – In the biggest victory for a were Ukrainian President Viktor Tymoshenko attempted to form a pro- Ukrainian soccer club on the international Yushchenko, Party of the Regions of Western coalition of her bloc, the Our and they were going to send me to a good stage, Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Werder Ukraine Chair Viktor Yanukovych and Ukraine Bloc and the Socialist Party of Bremen of Germany on May 20 to win place this time, so they sent me to Dynamo Kyiv President Hryhorii Surkis. Ukraine. Ukraine,” he said in June 2006. the UEFA Cup, Europe’s second most Also present was Michel Platini, presi- At his introductory press conference at prestigious soccer tournament behind the However, Ukraine wasn’t the oasis of dent of the Union of European Football that time, Mr. Taylor said he was delighted calm and stability he had anticipated. Champions League. Associations (UEFA). to arrive in Ukraine after serving the U.S. Brazilian midfielder Jadson scored the Within just a few weeks, the pro-West- Shakhtar Donetsk was among four government in war-afflicted countries. ern coalition fell apart after the Socialists decisive goal seven minutes into overtime Ukrainians teams competing in the UEFA “I guess they figured in Washington for Shakhtar, which held onto its 2-1 lead Cup after falling out of the Champions that I had paid my dues in difficult places (Continued on page 9) in the remaining minutes of overtime to League tournament in November. On bring Ukraine its historic victory before May 7 Shakhtar defeated Dynamo Kyiv 53,000 fans at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium to qualify for the final with Werder in Istanbul and an estimated 18 million Bremen. television viewers in Ukraine. The match was the 38th and last final Controversial aide Viktor Baloha Piquing the delight of more than 7,000 of the UEFA Cup, which will change its Shakhtar fans present at the match, name to the UEFA Europa League in the resigns from Presidential Secretariat Shakhtar team captain Darijo Srna of next season. Croatia gleefully thrusted the UEFA tro- by Zenon Zawada moral right to compete in the presidential phy in victory while his teammates got (Continued on page 3) Kyiv Press Bureau election,” Mr. Baloha wrote to Mr. Yushchenko. “Corruption and nepotism KYIV – After running the Presidential [kumivtsvo] in government, double stan- Heritage Foundation grant of $5,000 Secretariat for more than two and half years dards in making government decisions and serving as Viktor Yushchenko’s right- became commonplace. You’re indifferent hand man, Viktor Baloha announced his res- that your entourage is eating away at the supports newspapers’ archives project ignation on May 16 after the president government and state, like corrosion. When reportedly rejected his proposals on how to PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Heritage Foundation supports myriad Ukrainian I reported to you alarming facts, you acted extend their political career. Foundation of 1st Security Savings community endeavors and has donated as if you didn’t hear me.” As Mr. Baloha’s replacement, President Bank has donated $5,000 for the digital hundreds of thousands of dollars to var- Throughout his tenure, Mr. Baloha Yushchenko on May 19 appointed Vira archives project of Svoboda and The ious organizations and projects in keep- employed such viciousness in driving away Ukrainian Weekly, whose aim is to dig- ing with its mission to preserve the Ulianchenko, his longtime advisor and polit- many of President Yushchenko’s former key itize all the issues of these two newspa- Ukrainian ethnic identity, spiritual val- ical confidante who became leader of Mr. allies, including Prime Minister Yulia pers, and their related publications. ues and community viability. Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine People’s Union Tymoshenko, former Verkhovna Rada Chair Julian E. Kulas, president of the In the past, the foundation has sup- party the same day Mr. Baloha announced Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former Defense Minister Heritage Foundation, noted in his letter ported The Ukrainian Weekly’s Copies his departure. Anatoliy Grytsenko and Our Ukraine parlia- to Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of for Congress project, via which all Even in resignation, Mr. Baloha resorted mentary faction leader Mykola Martynenko. The Weekly and Svoboda, “I believe members of the U.S. Congress receive to his nasty, bellicose approach to Ukrainian Given that cutthroat politics and reckless that digitized archives will be of great complimentary subscriptions to a news- politics that brought the president so much attacks were uncharacteristic for President value to the numerous researchers in paper that serves as the voice of the criticism and earned him the reputation Yushchenko, many Kyiv political observers, Ukraine and learning institutions in the Ukrainian American community. among some observers as the cause of diplomats and journalists began to believe U.S. and Canada. …I wish you success Founded, respectively, in 1893 and President Yushchenko’s political demise. He that it was Mr. Baloha calling the shots in in bringing this project to completion.” was especially vicious in his resignation let- the Presidential Secretariat, with President The Chicago-based Heritage (Continued on page 19) ter, made public on May 20. “I am convinced that you don’t have the (Continued on page 9) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS

Gazprom’s murky games Yushchenko honors U.S. ambassador of the Presidential Secretariat was signed on May 19, said the main reason for his in Hungarian gas network KYIV – President Victor Yushchenko decision to resign was his strong disagree- met on May 18 with the ambassador of the ment with President Viktor Yushchenko’s by Roman Kupchinsky after RUE was removed from the United States to Ukraine, William B. intention to seek re-election. “I am sure Ukrainian-Central Asian gas trade in Taylor, on the occasion of the ending of you have no moral right to run for the Eurasia Daily Monitor Mr. Taylor’s diplomatic mission. President May 5 January (www.emfesz.hu, January 9). presidency,” said Mr. Baloha’s statement, However, the owner of Emfesz, Mr. Yushchenko awarded Ambassador Taylor which appeared on the website of the Gazprom may be preparing to take Firtash, has several commercial interests. with the Order For Merit, third grade, for Single Center party, of which he is a pre- over a large part of the Hungarian domes- He is also the 45 percent owner of RUE – his contributions to the development of sidium member. He accused Mr. tic gas distribution network. A new, high- 50 percent of which is owned by Ukrainian-American relations and thanked Yushchenko of having failed during his ly opaque deal is in the works as a result Gazprom and 5 percent by Firtash’s busi- him for the work. (Press Office of the presidency to meet the commitments he of which Hungary’s energy security could ness partner, Ivan Fursyn. President of Ukraine) made to Ukrainian society in the course of be threatened. On April 28 Emfesz KFT, Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kuprianov Presidential Secretariat chief resigns the 2004 election campaign. “Millions of a major Hungarian gas distribution com- sharply contradicted the allegation that Ukrainians saw in each line of the inaugu- pany owned by Ukrainian businessman the company was linked to Rosgas: “It is KYIV – The head of the Presidential ration address hope for a new Ukraine to Dmytro Firtash, announced that it will well-known that the only export channel Secretariat, Viktor Baloha, has tendered appear with the new president, a Ukraine stop importing gas from RosUkrEnergo for Russian gas is the company Gazprom his resignation, the Ukrayinska Pravda having no cynical authority, a proud and (RUE), a company based in Zug, Export. The company RosGas which was online publication reported on May 18. rich one,” but “not a single of those hopes Switzerland, and will instead buy gas named today in the Hungarian media has “A month ago, long before my vacation, I has ever come true, and time was irrevers- from an unknown company, RosGas AG, no relation to Gazprom and is not part of handed in my resignation statement to ibly lost,” Mr. Baloha wrote. He added that also located in Zug. the Gazprom Group” (Interfax Ukraine, President Viktor Yushchenko,” Mr. “corruption and nepotism among the An Emfesz press release claimed that: April 29). Baloha told Ukrayinska Pravda. He authorities, dual standards in decision- “RosGas is a company in Gazprom’s net- According to company records located declined to comment on the move, saying making at the state level have become work of business interests.” Furthermore, by the Jamestown Foundation (publisher only that he had substantiated his deci- commonness.” He also said that one more the press release stated that: “The new of Eurasia Daily Monitor), RosGas AG sion in his resignation letter. Mr. Baloha reason for his resignation was the entou- gas acquisition system of Emfesz is inde- was first registered in Zurich, under the added, “Now it is up on the President to rage of President Yushchenko, which was pendent of Ukraine. Gazprom, whose name IKRON AG on December 10, 2008, decide.” (Ukrinform) often guided by family or friendly relation- interest is to keep Emfesz consumers sup- and changed its name eight days later to ships rather than professionalism. In his plied with gas, has played a role in shap- RosGas AG while relocating to Zug – Yushchenko accepts resignation letter of resignation, Mr. Baloha also raised ing the system. The supply of all Emfesz’s only a few weeks before the Ukrainian- KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko the question of the president’s personal gas consumers is continuously guaranteed Russian gas conflict began in January. has accepted the resignation of Viktor responsibility for the permanent crises and and the fact that RosGas will be the gas The two principal shareholders of RosGas Baloha from the post of head of the conflicts during all the years of his presi- provider of Emfesz involves no percepti- are Andras Laki, and Tamas Grazda, a Presidential Secretariat. The president dency. “You have never seen a partner in a ble change for the latter’s customers” Hungarian national who also happens to disclosed this in an interview with the single institute of power or a political (www.emfesz.hu, April 28). be the acquisitions and mergers director newspaper Delo. “This is a long-waited force. Early elections to the Verkhovna Emfesz, the second largest Hungarian for Emfesz and a member of the manage- reloading of authority,” he said. Asked if Rada in 2007 provided you with the oppor- gas distributor which imports 3 billion ment board of Emfesz, Poland (www. Mr. Baloha will engage in the presidential tunity to reach political compromise and cubic meters annually, was forced to turn election campaign, Mr. Yushchenko said stabilize authority. But you did not make to another middleman for its gas supplies (Continued on page 8) consultations were proceeding on the use of this opportunity. For the second issue. “We have not yet discussed it with time after the first negative voting you Baloha. I believe, he is an all-sufficient submitted the candidacy of [Yulia] man and will do what he wants. Or he Tymoshenko for the post of the head of RosGas to control 20 percent may assist in the organization of the elec- government, although you could not do so. tion campaign – the door is open. If he This country will not recover soon from prefers doing other things, this is his own the results of that decision of yours. That of Hungarian gas distribution right,” the president said. While heading is why neither you nor Tymoshenko may even dream of any seat in power. You both by Roman Kupchinsky the Russian mafia wanted by the FBI for the Presidential Secretariat, Mr. Baloha must resign,” Mr. Baloha’s statement major fraud. ETG denied these charges, strongly opposed Prime Minister Yulia Eurasia Daily Monitor reads. (Ukrinform) May 11 but the suspicions did not vanish. Tymoshenko. (Ukrinform) In January 2008 Mr. Mogilevich was Ulianchenko to head Presidential Secretariat Barely nine days after the Hungarian arrested in Moscow on charges of aiding Baloha on reason for resignation KYIV – Ukrainian President Viktor gas trader Emfesz KFT announced that it and abetting a tax evasion scheme, but KYIV – Viktor Baloha, whose state- will begin receiving supplies of 3 billion many observers believed this was false ment of resignation from the post of head (Continued on page 14) cubic meters annually from the company and that his arrest was directly linked to a RosGas AG based in Zug (Switzerland), struggle between Mr. Firtash and rather than the now inactive RosUkrEnergo Gazprom over the control of Emfesz. (RUE), the Russian press reported that According to informed sources, prior to FOUNDED 1933 Emfesz has been sold to RosGas (EDM, his arrest Mr. Mogilevich disclosed that THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY May 5; Vedomosti, May 7). Thus RosGas, Gazprom was determined to take over An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a little-known company, now controls 20 Emfesz and that he had played a role in a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. percent of the Hungarian domestic gas dis- this plot. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. tribution market. As the controversy surrounding ETG Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. Emfesz was owned by Dmytro Firtash, grew, Gazprom decided to break its links (ISSN — 0273-9348) a Ukrainian businessman who is also the with the company and in 2004 it created 45 percent owner of RUE. The company RosUkrEnergo to take its place – but Mr. The Weekly: UNA: was created in 2003, when Mr. Firtash Firtash remained, and he was allowed to Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 secretly owned the Hungarian-based com- control 45 percent of RUE along with pany, Eural Trans Gas (ETG), which then Ivan Fursin, another Ukrainian business- Postmaster, send address changes to: became the intermediary for Turkmen gas man, with a 5 percent share. Gazprom, The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz sales to Ukraine. meanwhile, along with then-Russian 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas ETG from its inception was a highly President Vladimir Putin and current P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) Parsippany, NJ 07054 controversial company. Numerous media President Dmitry Medvedev, audaciously reports claimed that it was linked to claimed it did not know the identity of the The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] Semen Mogilevich, an alleged member of 50 percent owners of RUE. An article in Vedomosti on May 7 writ- ten by Irina Reznik, a journalist with long- The Ukrainian Weekly, May 24, 2009, No. 21, Vol. LXXVII standing high-level Gazprom contacts, Copyright © 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly Correction cited unnamed sources “close to Gazprom and Emfesz” who said that RosGas will be In the special section “A Ukrainian controlled by the Bulgarian gas middle- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Summer” (May 3), a photo that accompa- man company Overgas. nied the story about the Harvard Ukrainian Overgas, like RosGas, is a highly Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 Summer Institute (HUSI) carried the opaque structure. In February of this year, e-mail: [email protected] wrong caption. Although the caption given after the Ukrainian-Russian gas conflict Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 to The Weekly said that it was Steve ended and deliveries were restored to fax: (973) 644-9510 Seegel, director of HUSI 2008, who was Bulgaria, government officials announced Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] seen in a photo from 2008, in fact it was that they would again seek to remove two (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 Alex Dillon, director of HUSI in 2006, e-mail: [email protected] seen in a photo from that summer. (Continued on page 8) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 3 Estonian president urges West to ‘pay attention to what is going on’ Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves visited RFE/RL in Prague on May 12 to participate in ribbon-cutting ceremonies “The term that has been invented to describe [the government in for the organization’s new broadcast head- Russia] originally was ‘managed democracy,’ but that was kind of quarters. Correspondent Charles Recknagel took the occasion to ask Mr. Ilves how he a public relations failure so now it is ‘sovereign democracy.’ In gen- assesses the progress of democracy and human rights in the former Soviet world. eral, when you have adjectives put in front of the word democracy, then you have to watch out.” President Ilves, you have a unique position of living precisely on the border of the European Union and Russia. And – Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves Estonia and the other Baltic states have the experience of having been a part of the Soviet Union. That makes you an [so] “sovereign democracy” as opposed to people, I think, in the West have said, “Oh regarding energy, which lead to some coun- observer per force, and par excellence, of democracy is something that concerns us. well, there is capitalism so what else is tries caring less about these issues, about Moscow. Where do you see the political From our perspective, it is very difficult [needed] there, let’s do business.” And that human rights. There are personal interest trajectory going in Russia, and how to tell where things are going. Clearly, the kind of thinking we see perhaps too much of issues on the part of some people that we would you characterize the style of gov- error that many of us made – I include in the West. The fundamental values that have seen and, in fact, we end up with an ernment that has developed there? myself among them, but I think it was some- united us in the Cold War don’t seem to be odd situation in which the former commu- nist countries which have the empirical and We are not on the border of the EU and thing that we all fell for – was the identifica- as strong in the West as we thought, because experiential knowledge of what it means to Russia; we are the EU. So that’s what our tion of communism, strictly communism, you see calls to ignore lack of human rights, have lack of human rights, lack of freedom perspective consists of, a firmly European with a lack of human rights and a [lack of] a stifling of freedom of speech, in order to of speech, in some ways are – how to put view of things. Clearly, the direction that our free markets and freedom of speech. We make a dollar or to make a euro. this politely – well, in any case, I would say neighbor has taken when it comes to respect should have thought back to the 1930s; we Would you say, then, that the West has that many of us feel that talking about those for freedom of speech and human rights is a should have looked at what was going on in essentially abandoned the Russian human very same issues is not popular and in fact step back from what everyone hoped. Germany and in Italy, where you had capi- rights struggle simply because of the almost looked down upon by some of our The term that has been invented to talism but you did not have human rights appearance of normalcy which has come colleagues in the European Union because it describe this originally was “managed and freedom of speech. with capitalism and an open market? is viewed as somehow antiquated or out of democracy,” but that was kind of a public We, of course, couldn’t foresee that things place to talk about human rights and free- relations failure so now it is “sovereign would go in that direction, that we would Well, I think that we in the West would dom of speech. And I think that is a cause democracy.” In general, when you have have unreined capitalism and a stifling of not say yes. But if you talk to the people in for concern, actually. adjectives put in front of the word democra- political opinion and alternative views. the human rights movement in Russia – in cy, then you have to watch out. “People’s I think that is the big question that we Memorial, or the journalists under severe Western governments have left much democracies,” we know what those were, face today: How we deal with it. Too many pressure today in Russia itself – they are the of the task of pressing for human rights ones who actually say the most and point to multistate organizations which sub- the finger of blame for hypocrisy on the part scribe to certain standards and then seek the first half,” Ms. Lavksa said. “Shakhtar of the West for not paying attention to what to verify that member-states observe Shakhtar... played well, and it was clear they won is going on. those standards in practice. The verifica- (Continued from page 1) deservedly. This victory is special for Let’s be honest, the Cold War forced us tion process, in turn, is seen to be a kind to have a certain amount of backbone, moral Among Shakhtar’s advantages in the Ukrainian fans because they believed in of positive pressure which over time match was the support of the stadium’s their own team.” rigor, that it was, with very few exceptions, encourages recalcitrant members to Turkish fans, not so much for geopolitical Though Dynamo Kyiv is the biggest unacceptable to just try to make a buck change their behavior. An example is the reasons as the fact that the team’s soccer rival to Shakhtar Donetsk, she said when you were dealing with a totalitarian, Organization for Security and Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu had the historic match enabled Kyiv fans to communist regime. And then, of course, it Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) which, in served as head coach for two Istanbul bring themselves to support even their was not that easy to do it anyway because part, monitors elections for how well they football clubs – Galatasaray SK and enemies – they simply chanted they were not capitalist. meet democratic standards. How do you Besiktas JK. “Ukrayina” instead of “Shakhtar.” But [today] I think that we have this spec- rate the strengths and failings of this Loud chants of “Shakhtar” filled the Indeed, Shakhtar fans such as Yevhen trum of opinion on this that is very broad. (Continued on page 20) stadium, while the German support was Sazhniev from Berdiansk were entirely There are also national interest issues here largely inaudible. comfortable among Kyiv fans, who under The Shakhtar team also recruited five other conditions would have likely doled players from Brazil, a country known as a out their fair share of verbal abuse. soccer mecca that consistently produces “I really enjoyed Shakhtar on its game Ukrainian celebrities join the world’s most talented players in the – fast, beautiful and accurate,” he said, sport. adding that Shakhtar’s victory raised the campaign to protect women It was precisely a Brazilian, striker prestige of Ukrainian soccer throughout Luiz Adriano, who scored the first goal the world. by Hugh Biggar UNDP, globally one out of three women is Among those congratulating Shakhtar after receiving a pass from Willian, anoth- United Nations Development Program beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused er Brazilian, 25 minutes into the match. on its victory was President Yushchenko, in her lifetime. Such violence poses more of Werder’s only goal came from a who stated, “Tonight you made millions KYIV – Prominent Ukrainian artists, ath- a threat to women than cancer or vehicular Brazilian as well – Naldo scored a free of your countrymen happy. The whole letes, politicians and writers are among the accidents. kick past Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy country celebrates with you. Your success Ukrainian men who have joined a new net- In addition to being a health and safety Piatov at 35 minutes in the first half. proves that Ukrainian soccer teams work fighting violence against women in the issue, violence against women also affects Throughout the scoreless second half, belong to our continent’s soccer elite and country. human rights and economic development. In they can achieve the highest goals.” both teams missed numerous chances to “We Ukrainian men leaders who have a Ukraine, for instance, the Ministry of Mr. Yanukovych called the Shakhtar score, with Shakhtar gaining some partic- certain impact on our society and its devel- Information reports that more than 400,000 victory a historic event that raises ularly opportune breaks, thus sending the opment have to unite our efforts to fight women have left the country in the last Ukraine’s prestige and offers the nation a against this dire phenomenon,” Verkhovna match into overtime. Jadson scored the decade searching for a better life – a migra- victorious goal at the 97th minute with an sense of pride. Rada Vice-Chairman Mykola Tomenko tion that also leaves them vulnerable to traf- assist from Darjo Srna. “I believe that Shakhtar’s leadership in said. ficking. With the match concluding at 12:15 the prestigious European tournament will According to the Ministry of Ukraine for The addition of a network of men in a.m., soccer fans in all of Ukraine’s major give a strong push toward developing Family, Youth and Sports, there were more Ukraine in response to these concerns is cities erupted in celebration, particularly national soccer and will lead it onto a than 56,000 domestic violence incidents in in Donetsk, where they had waited for new level of quality on the eve of Ukraine 2008. The actual number is believed to be seen as a way to raise awareness, create a such a victory for more than a decade hosting the European championship final much higher than those figures, since many culture of change and serve as role models after Mr. Akhmetov took over the team in in 2012,” he said. incidents are unreported. Additionally, 90 of non-violent behavior. 1996 and began building it into an inter- Team owner Mr. Akhmetov, notorious- percent of domestic violence victims in “We have to take responsibility for national powerhouse. ly tight-lipped and behind the scenes, Ukraine are women. women, children and our families, and Thousands of Shakhtar fans greeted offered no press conference or comments As a result, Ukrainian men have signed should stop concealing it,” Mr. Tomenko the team upon its return from Istanbul on following the match. onto the Stop Violence! campaign. Launched said. the afternoon of May 21. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yulia in Ukraine in 2008, the program is managed In addition to Mr. Tomenko, well-known Natalya Lavska, a 28-year-old transla- Tymoshenko said she wore her bright by the United Nations Development Ukrainian men to join the network include tor, watched the match with 2,000 fans in orange Shakhtar jersey and watched the Program (UNDP). The European Union will former Olympic champion, Serhiy Bubka, Kyiv’s open-air fan zone, consisting of a match with her family, “holding hands, also fund an outdoor social advertising cam- world champion swimmer Oleh Lisohor, large plasma screen and wooden benches rooting for the team, worrying and getting paign in the spring. Olympic champion Denys Sylantiev, jour- set up near the Friendship of Peoples nervous.” The campaign coincides with the United nalist Danylo Yanevsky, non-governmental Arch in central Kyiv. “It was so nice,” she said in a state- Nation’s multi-year initiative dubbed, “Unite organization leader Oleksander Marchenko, She said she’s not much of a soccer ment. “I don’t know what the neighbors to End Violence Against Women.” football player Andriy Guisin, artist Ostap fan, but this time was different. were thinking, but we were yelling, whis- Both campaigns are in response to global Stupka, artist Bohdan Benyuk and publisher “The game was dynamic, especially tling and singing.” violence against women. According to the Ivan Malkovych. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21

Friendship blossoms between Arlington and Ivano-Frankivsk OBITUARY by Ed Lytwak ARLINGTON, Va. – An eight-person Oleksa Bilaniuk, 82, delegation of prominent citizens from the Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk recent- ly visited the United States to sign a president of UVAN, friendship agreement with Arlington County, Va. Under the auspices of the professor of physics Arlington Sister City Association (ASCA), the friendship agreement repre- sents an important milestone on the way to a permanent sister city relationship between the two cities, one in the foot- hills of the Carpathians of Western Ukraine and the other across the Potomac River from the District of Columbia. At an April 22 ceremony County Board Chair Barbara Favola signed the friend- ship agreement on behalf of Arlington County, while Andriy Romanchuk, depu- Marina Zlobina ty of the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Council Sitting at the table are (from left): Sandra MacDonald, president Arlington Sister represented Ivano-Frankivsk. Signing for City Association; Barbara Favola, Chair of the Arlington County Board; and the Arlington Sister City Association was Andriy Romanchuk, Deputy of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council. President Sandra MacDonald, while Volodymyr Shvadchak signed for County’s elected board members, the Tsynamonovyi Khrusch, the partner NGO Ukrainian delegation and a large turnout Ed Lytwak is a member of the board in Ivano-Frankivsk. of Arlingtonians, including numerous and the newsletter editor for the Arlington Among those at the well-attended sign- Sister City Association (ASCA). ing ceremony were all five of Arlington (Continued on page 22)

Maritime community shows generosity to orphanage in Ukraine Dr. Oleksa Myron Bilaniuk WALLINGFORD, Pa. – Dr. Oleksa by William Hryb Bilaniuk, former president of the MONTREAL – Generosity is defined Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences as “giving charitably, unselfishly, benevo- in the U.S.A. and an internationally lently.” For the international shipping known professor of physics at community in Montreal, it is much more Swarthmore College, died after a year- than a mere word. Compassion for chil- long battle with brain cancer on March dren, who do not have the same opportu- 27. He was 82. nities as their counterparts in North Oleksa Myron Bilaniuk was born on America, recently caught the attention of December 15, 1926, in the village of the annual maritime community’s Ship Sianichek, near Sianok, in the Lemko Brokers Goose Luncheon. region. He was the only child of Petro The yearly gathering of ship brokers, and Maria Bilaniuk. ship owners/operators, marine lawyers During World War II he was sent to and members of the Shipping Federation work as a laborer in Germany, working at of Canada is a venue that considers dona- a factory and a farm; after the war he tions to various charities. Last season, a wound up in a displaced persons’ camp in children’s orphanage in Ukraine was tar- Germany. He received a scholarship to geted to receive donations and gifts of attend the Catholic University of Louvain, winter clothing, shoes and boots, sleep- Belgium, and studied engineering. wear and an array of candy treats of every He arrived in the United States in imaginable kind. September 1951 after winning a scholar- The Kherson Orphanage in Ukraine is Doctor with support staff look at the new apparel and sweets sent to Ukraine by ship to the University of Michigan at Ann an institution that assists children who the international shipping community of Montreal. Arbor. There he earned two bachelor’s specifically have problems with the cen- degrees in engineering and two master’s tral nervous system. Last winter the orphanage was the recipient of boxes of central Ukraine on the shores of the Black degrees – one in mathematics and the brand new apparel and other assorted Sea. Modern Kherson stretches along the other in physics. In 1957 he earned a items. The unexpected presents surprised high right bank of the Dnipro River, cov- Ph.D. in nuclear physics from the univer- William (Vasyl) Hryb is a freelance the staff and provided some much-needed ering almost 110 square kilometers. sity. journalist and general manager of cheer and excitement for the children. Famous for its history and rich culture, In 1960-1962 at the University of Lakehead Shipping Company Ltd. in The port of Kherson is a city of over Rochester he collaborated with his col- Thunder Bay, Ontario. 400,000 inhabitants and is situated in (Continued on page 22) league and friend George Sudarshan on proving that a possible existence of super- luminal particles is fully consistent with Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity, Ukrainian Human Rights Committee meets with Kerry even though Einstein himself said that no object could move faster than light in a WASHINGTON – Ulana Mazurkevich and Orysia Hewka of vacuum. Their publication on the subject the Philadelphia-based Ukrainian Human Rights Committee met ended up among the most quoted physics with Sen. John Kerry, the powerful Democrat from papers. Massachusetts who is the chairman of the influential Senate He then spent a year in Argentina, Foreign Relations Committee, to thank him for his strong sup- helping the government set up an atomic port of Ukraine. research installation. Sen. Kerry is an outspoken supporter for the new emerging Dr. Bilaniuk joined the faculty of democracies of Eastern Europe. In his opinion article of Swarthmore College in 1964 as an associ- February 27, in The Wall Street Journal Europe, he issued a ate professor of physics. He was an inno- stark warning about the crash of East European economies. He vative and beloved teacher; although he urged Western nations to act quickly to address the economic officially retired in 1990, he continued to crisis. Sen. Kerry called upon the World Bank and the teach until 1993. He was Centennial International Monetary Fund to support Eastern Europe. Professor Emeritus of Physics. In his op-ed piece the senator bought up the economic situa- During sabbaticals, Dr. Bilaniuk con- tion in Ukraine, stating “Ukraine’s dire situation could trigger a ducted nuclear research at leading accel- domino effect, not only destabilizing Western European banks erators in the United States, Germany, with a large exposure to the East European market but actually France, Ukraine and Italy. Some of his change the geopolitical map as well.” work involved proving the existence of Mmes. Hewka and Mazurkevich thanked the senator for his He2 (the diproton); production of D++ in continued support of Ukraine and presented Sen. Kerry with Sen. John Kerry with Ulana Mazurkevich (left) and Orysia Hewka of the Ukrainian Human Rights Committee. a hypernuclear reaction; neutron-neutron Miron Dolot’s book on the Holodomor, “Execution by Hunger.” quasifree scattering and nuclear reactions In a lighter vein, Ms. Mazurkevich presented Sen. Kerry with read,” Ukrainians for Kerry-Edwards.” Ms Mazurkevich was a campaign button from the 2004 presidential campaign which one of the chairs of the Ukrainians for Kerry. (Continued on page 5) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 5 UAV members attend Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day ceremonies HOLMDEL, N.J. – In 1991 the New Jersey legisla- ture designated May 7 as a special and unique day to honor all who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam era, from 1959 to 1975. It is estimated that more than 200,000 New Jersey residents served in the U.S. armed forces during that time and 1,562 were killed or missing in action. Ukrainian American Veterans Post 30 based in Holmdel, N.J., participated in the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day ceremonies held on May 7 on the grounds of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor all who have served in the U.S. mili- tary during the Vietnam era. The names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are engraved on this memorial and among them is the patron of UAV Post 30, Maj. Myron Diduryk, who was killed in action on April 24, 1970. The keynote address was presented by Desert Storm veteran Patrick J. Hurley, New Jersey chapter president of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. UAV Post 30 Vice-Commander Gerald Tchir and Past Post Commander Jurij Jacus participated in the wreath- laying ceremony. Honoring 83 veterans, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs awarded New Jersey State Medals that were individually presented by Col. Stephen Abel (U.S. Army, retired). According to state documents 68 of those served in Vietnam, others included World War I, World War II and Korean war veterans. For information on eligibility for a state Distinguished Service Medal readers may call 609-530-6980 or log on to www.nj.gov/military/veterans. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial is locat- ed in Holmdel (Exit 116 off the Garden State Parkway). The memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the Educational Center is open Tuesday to With the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in the background, (from left) are Gerald Tchir, Bernard Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information readers Krawczuk, Michael Krawczuk, Anna Krawczuk and Jurij Jacus of the Ukrainian American Veterans. may call 732-335-0033 or visit www.njvvmf.org.

Oleksa Bilaniuk, 82... The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: April Amount Name City Patricia Myr Philadelphia, PA (Continued from page 4) $200.00 Melania Banach Woodbridge, NJ Maryann Mysyshyn Springfield, MA induced by a 60 MeV gamma rays, among others. $150.00 Ada Kulyk Washington, DC Stephen Nykorchuk Pittsfield, MA Once he retired, Prof. Bilaniuk remained active in $100.00 Lida Buniak Fayetteville, NY Evhen Rudakevych Leesburg, OH Ukrainian American scholarly organizations until 2006. Jaroslaw and Iryna New York, NY Peter Senyshyn Clifton, NJ He was elected president of the Ukrainian Academy of Kurowyckyj Adolph Slovik McAdoo, PA Arts and Sciences in the U.S.A. (known by its Ukrainian $55.00 Jaroslawa Gudziak Syracuse, NY Ihor Sochan Woodcliff Lake, NJ acronym as UVAN), serving from 1998 to 2006. Stanley Jarosz Kinnelon, NJ $10.00 Ihor and Alla Cherney Oradell, NJ Dr. Bilaniuk devoted most of his retirement years to I. Lushpynsky Mount Prospect, IL Olha Chypak Wayne, NJ UVAN, organizing conferences, co-editing many books Luba Nowak Chicago, IL Leo Cionka Warren, MI and supporting young researchers. He was also a mem- M. Omelan Philadelphia, PA Jerome Duick Morrisville, PA ber of the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the Orest Popovych Howell, NJ John Dytiuk Wethersfield, CT Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America. Stephan Stecura Parma, OH Myron Gudz Hartford, CT He was elected a foreign member of the Academy of $50.00 Roman Cybriwsky Philadelphia, PA Alice Gural Lakehurst, NJ Sciences of Ukraine. He was also on the editorial board Pearl Dent Danbury, CT W. Hnatkowsky Bayside, NY of the Ukrainian Journal of Physics and collaborated Andrei Kushnir Bethesda, MD Walter Hoszko Piscataway, NJ with Ukrainian lexicographers on a 100,000-word Daria Romankow Berkeley Heights, NJ Petro Hursky Cheltenham, PA English-Ukrainian-English Dictionary of Physics and $45.00 Bohdan Birakowsky College Point, NY Wolodymyr Luciw Bernville, PA Technology, which is to go into press this year. Anna Pitio Skillman, NJ Mary Majnich Spring Hill, TN He was also a certified FAA glider and single-engine Melanne Verveer Washington, DC Emil Maybo Irvington, NJ pilot and flight instructor, an avid world traveler and flu- $35.00 Borys Hayda Rutherford, NJ George Mutlow Hicksville, NY ent speaker of seven languages. He was a member of $25.00 Modest Artymiw Philadelphia, PA Michael and Roma Long Island City, NY Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and its Burlaky William Balko Ledgewood, NJ O’Hara fraternity. Genya Blahy Beechhurst, NY Ruslan Rasiak Williamsburg, VA He is survived by his wife, Larissa; daughters Larissa W. Cetenko Venice, FL Irene Rishko Bridgewater, NJ (with husband Jeff Sand) and Laada (with husband Ben Jurij and Olenka Silver Spring, MD Roman Slysh Raleigh, NC Fitzhugh); grandchildren Zoriana Sand, Laska Fitzhugh Dobczansky Wolodymyr Slyz Woodside, NY and Larissa Fitzhugh; and mother-in-law Myroslava Petro Ivan Gluch W. Hartford, CT Zenon Wozny Chicago, IL Zubal. Taras Nowosiwsky Devon, PA Olga Zazula Middle Village, NY The funeral liturgy was offered on April 3 at St. Ludmyla Pochtar Scotch Plains, NJ $5.00 Wasil and Eleanor Parma, OH Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bohdan Shebunchak Pompton Plains, NJ Chmilak Jenkintown, Pa.; burial was at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Nicholas Stupak Milwaukee, WI Elsie Jaremko Buffalo, NY Orthodox Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. $20.00 Anastasia Craig Edina, MN Merle and Bonnie Toledo, OH The family has indicated that memorial donations Vera Geba S. Easton, MA Jurkiewicz may be sent to: Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences Walter Gerent West Hartford, CT Bohdan Kotys Kendall Park, NJ in the U.S.A., 206 W. 100th St., New York, NY Lana Ginsberg Round Rock, TX Nick Lewczyk Depew, NY 10025-5018. Alice Messina North Bergen, NJ Augustin Rudnyk Monrovia, CA Nicholas Prytula Brighton, MI Theophil Staruch Alexandria, VA Helena Reshetar Tucscon, AZ Bohdan Turczeniuk Elkins Park, PA TOTAL: $2,200.00 Need a back issue? Hanna Zyruk Wilmington, DE $15.00 Roman Ferencevych Alexandria, VA If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Walter Gerent West Hartford, CT Sincere thanks to all contributors to Ukrainian Weekly, send $2 per copy (first-class Olga Horodecky Kendall Park, NJ The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. postage included) to: A. and K. Kobryn North Port, FL Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, Michael Kowalysko Gaitrsburg, MD The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only fund 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 Borys Krupa Unionville, CT dedicated exclusively to supporting the work of this Parsippany, NJ 07054. Roman Kucil Rochester, NY publication. Stacey Basniak-Lecuivre Lunenburg, MA 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21

FOR THE RECORD THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY “Neighborly” Russia Remembering Volodymyr Ivasiuk Following is the text of a statement cultural and artistic Ukrainian expression, At the end of April, Ukrayinska Pravda reported the remarks of a spokesman for issued on the occasion of the 30th anni- Ivasiuk continued his work, sharing his the Russian Foreign Ministry, Andrey Nesterenko, who stated in response to a report versary of Volodymyr Ivasiuk’s death by love for his culture and Ukraine with its issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe that the reason the Ukrainian Congress Committee of people at the risk of his own life. there are so few Ukrainian-language schools in Russia is that there is simply no America. And so, Volodymyr Ivasiuk became demand for such schools on the part of parents and community organizations. That yet another victim of Soviet terror. His comment shocked Ukrainian community members in Russia and Ukrainians in This year marks the 30th anniversary life was brutally stolen from him at the Ukraine, who loudly proclaimed that Mr. Nesterenko’s remarks have absolutely no of the murder of one of Ukraine’s most young age of 30. On May 18, 1979, his relation to reality. legendary composers and poets, badly bruised body was found hanged in As analyst Paul Goble points out on in a recent article on his blog “Window on Volodymyr Ivasiuk. On March 4, 2009, the Briukhovychi Forest near Lviv in Eurasia” (the article is reprinted in this issue on page 7), the 2.5 million Ukrainians in Ivasiuk would have marked his 60th western Ukraine. Despite much evidence Russia are the country’s second largest national minority. In Moscow, home to to the contrary, his death was proclaimed 250,000 Ukrainians, there is not a single middle school with Ukrainian as the language birthday, yet instead on May 18th of instruction. And the situation is no better elsewhere in Russia. Ukrainians everywhere will be mourning as suicide by Soviet authorities. The case In another article on his blog, Mr. Goble reported Ukrainian Minister of Education the tragic loss of this brave and talented was closed and locked away for years in Ivan Vakarchuk’s observation that while Russians and others have the opportunity to individual. the Moscow archives and labeled as clas- study in their native languages in Ukraine’s educational system, “in Russia there is not As one of the founders of Ukrainian sified data. a single Ukrainian school financed by municipal governments.” As a result, children pop music, author of 107 songs, 53 instru- Only now, three decades later, has of ethnic Ukrainians in Russia have access only to “Sunday schools.” mental compositions and music for several Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office Meanwhile the situation in Ukraine with respect to the Russian language is far bet- plays, Ivasiuk will forever be remembered announced that the case will be re-exam- ter. Minister Vakarchuk underscored: “Today more than 17 percent of Ukrainian for his Ukrainian songs “Chervona Ruta” ined and the 30-year-old investigation pupils and the same percentage of university students study in Russian.” There are and “Vodohrai.” In addition to his many into Ivasiuk’s death, re-opened. also schools “in the languages of other national minorities” (e.g., Hungarian, Polish, musical talents, which included playing Let us remember this talented and Moldovan, Crimean Tatar and Romanian), he pointed out. the violin, piano, cello and guitar, Ivasiuk inspirational composer and poet, and let Ukrainians were further outraged by Mr. Nesterenko’s distorted ruminations on the was a trained physician. He was also a us pray that he – and the Ukrainian peo- reason that there is allegedly no demand for Ukrainian schools in Russia. He said this gifted painter and photographer, as well as ple who dearly love him – will finally is because of “the closeness of the Eastern Slavic languages and cultures, the common an excellent singer. Despite restrictions receive the justice they deserve and the history (Kyivan Rus’, the Moscow State, the Russian Empire and the USSR) and the placed by the totalitarian Soviet regime on truth will prevail. common Christian faith” of the Russians and Ukrainians. “Eto vsio ravno” – it’s all the same, he would have us believe. Taken together with such other endeavors as the release by Russia of a propagan- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR distic “Taras Bulba” (see review on page 10) and its recent moves to “protect” Russian history from “falsifiers” (more on that in next week’s issue), this demonstrates that informed about his God-given roots. We Russia continues to have “issues” with Ukraine and Ukrainians asserting their inde- “Mayemo to can be proud of our Ukrainian heritage, in pendence and distinct national identity. Need we remind our readers of Vladimir Ukraine, America, Canada and anywhere Putin’s infamous statement to President George W. Bush that “Ukraine is not a state”? scho mayemo...” Ukrainians reside. It is eminently clear that Russia continues to want to play the role of “elder brother” Let us all focus on the long-term pic- and that it still considers Ukraine to be an essential part of its sphere of influence, or Dear Editor: ture that makes us aware of all the good within the region where Moscow says it has “privileged interests,” or, better yet, a part Roman Kupchinsky’s commentary “Is we can do for our families and our of Russia that has temporarily gone astray. These are, to put it plainly, unacceptable Ukraine a Failed State?” (May 3) raises a Ukraine. We in America and Canada have positions. And that is something the world’s leaders need to understand when they very important and rather broad question, the right and privilege to preserve our have dealings with Russia. and he chose to focus on one of its aspects language, religion, culture and future as – namely, the behavior of its so-called citizens of these countries. It is up to us elites. In his words these are the “cyni- how we inform those Ukrainians who cal, quarrelsome, greedy, rent-seeking have withdrawn from our community and May businessmen and corrupt officials” that he help them see the beauty in our commu- Turning the pages back... suggests are responsible for this sad state nity. of affairs. Our Ukrainian National Association, True enough. (Let us leave for another whose history goes back 115 years, has 26 time the spectacle of an allegedly drunk bridged the gap in building communica- Last year, on May 26, 2008, President Viktor Yushchenko government minister and his allegedly tions with all our organizations. With 2008 visited Canada’s capital, Ottawa, during a three-day state visit drunk teenage son battling it out with gentle wisdom comes experience and the that included an address to a joint session of Parliament, and German police and border guards at knowledge that all Ukrainians must be meetings with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. Frankfurt’s international airport.) But included in our community life. Michaëlle Jean. what of the people? What are we to make God bless Ukraine, America, Canada During the visit, Mr. Yushchenko noted “the special partnership established between our of a nation that last year, according to two and all countries that support our people. friendly countries,” adding that Ukraine and Canada are united by common goals and val- top Ukrainian polling agencies, supported Roman Kuropas ues, particularly democracy, human rights and freedoms, and the supremacy of law. the country’s independence to the tune of Warren, Mich. Prime Minister Harper and President Yushchenko signed a joint statement confirming a whopping 50.1 percent and 52.1 per- their commitment to active development of special partnership relations between Ukraine cent? The letter-writer notes that he was 2 and Canada, encompassing the political, humanitarian and business spheres. Some say that we need to wait until years old when his family escaped from Prime Minister Harper stated that Canada will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts for today’s youth take over in the country. Ukraine during World War II and that he Euro-Atlantic integration and that the sovereignty of the Ukrainian state is indisputable. Really? Last year the proportion of peo- has been secretary of UNA Branch 20 for In his address to both Houses of Parliament, President Yushchenko spoke about the deep ple in the age group 18-29 who supported 40 years. affection that Ukrainians have for Canada, not only because of the support that the country independence was an underwhelming has given Ukraine in the past, but because of the 1.2 million strong Ukrainian community 54.9 percent. that acts as a bond between the two nations. The current situation is poignantly cap- We welcome your opinion At the time of President Yushchenko’s visit, the International Holodomor Remembrance tured by the image of an independent Flame wrapped up its month-long journey across Canada. During a ceremony to mark the Ukraine that essentially shuts down for The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters event, Jason Kenney, secretary of state for multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, the first two weeks of May in order to .... to the editor and commentaries on a vari- announced that the government of Canada had decided that afternoon to recognize the celebrate Soviet holidays! ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian Holodomor as genocide against the Ukrainian people. The bill (C-450), introduced by MP Oh well, we have what we have American and Ukrainian Canadian com- James Bezan, was before the House of Commons and would be passed in the immediate (“mayemo to scho mayemo”), as former munities. Opinions expressed by colum- nists, commentators and letter-writers are future. (The bill received Royal Assent on May 29, 2008.) President Leonid Kravchuk liked to their own and do not necessarily reflect During a special ceremony on Parliament Hill, President Yushchenko awarded to Liberal say. But what I would like to know the opinions of either The Weekly edito- MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. is: What happened to the rest? rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian Commenting on the strength of the Canadian-Ukrainian relationship, as demonstrated by Roman Solchanyk National Association. the warm reception of the crowds, Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Letters should be typed and signed Santa Monica, Calif. Congress, said, “We need to act on that strength so that Canada’s relationship with Ukraine (anonymous letters are not published). evolves in to one characterized by strong economic, social, cultural and security ties. Letters are accepted also via e-mail at Ukraine and Canada have much to offer each other,” he added. “After much hard work on [email protected]. The daytime phone the part of the community to educate Canadians about the true nature of the Holodomor in number and address of the letter-writer Ukraine 1932-1933, it was gratifying to hear Secretary of State Kenney announce that A commitment must be given for verification purposes. Please note that a daytime phone number Canada will move to recognize the Holodomor as genocide. That is a fitting conclusion to a to all Ukrainians is essential in order for editors to contact historic day,” concluded Mr. Grod. letter-writers regarding clarifications or Other stops during the president’s visit to Canada included Winnipeg and Toronto. questions. Dear Editor: Please note: THE LENGTH OF Source: “Yushchenko visits Ottawa on state visit to Canada,” The Ukrainian Weekly, Let all of us Ukrainians pull together LETTERS CANNOT EXCEED 500 June 1, 2008. to make every Ukrainian welcome and WORDS. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 7

NEWS AND VIEWS faces and places by myron b. kurpoas Kyiv disputes Moscow’s claim few Ukrainians Faces and Places by Myron B. Kuropas in Russia want native language schools by Paul Goble minority there. He pointed out that in Moscow alone Tarasko’s tours Moscow’s assertion that ethnic there are now more than 250,000 ethnic Ukrainians in the Russian Federation, that Ukrainians but not a single middle school Here are some questions for you base- New York’s Selfreliance Ukrainian country’s second largest nationality, do with instruction in the Ukrainian language ball fans: What is the baseball capital of Federal Credit Union, the game was held not have any problems with education in – something that creates problems both Ukraine? Is it Kyiv? Lviv? Poltava? at Puscha Ozerna, some 20 kilometers their own national language because they for the indigenous Ukrainian population Actually, it’s none of the above. It’s from Kyiv. Valeriy’s team, the Kremenets are not asking for it “does not correspond of the city and the many other Ukrainians Kirovohrad. Beginning with only one All Stars, lost to the Lytuhane All-Stars to reality,” according to a spokesman for who “work temporarily” there and plan to team in 1996, today this central Ukrainian from the Luhansk Oblast, 12-8. Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. return to Ukraine. city has 12 softball teams (including a The young Tokarskiy was sad but On April 27, Andrey Nesterenko, a Elsewhere in the Russian Federation, girl’s softball team), 16 coaches, and a upbeat. “This is first time I ever traveled spokesman for the foreign ministry, said, throughout which ethnic Ukrainians are 900-seat baseball stadium. outside my orphanage,” he said. “Vasyl in responding to a report by the to be found, the situation is even worse, Softball is also catching on in Ukraine, [Tarasko] showed us Kyiv, he bought us Organization for Security and he said. At present “there is no school” especially in Luhansk which has the most tickets to the circus... We lost but I don’t Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), acknowl- anywhere in the Russian Federation teams. care, our coach was taking photos all the edged that there were few Ukrainian lan- where the entire academic program is Since travel in Ukraine is prohibitively time like we were champions.” Mr. guage schools but said that reflected an conducted in the Ukrainian language. expensive, only four teams are required Tarasko also made sure that every partici- absence of demand by Ukrainians for There exist only [a few] schools with an to form a league. Teams play among pant received a prize of some kind. them rather than a Moscow policy against ethno-national (ethno-cultural) compo- themselves during the season. At the end Teachers are grateful for Mr. Tarasko’s such schools (rus.newsru.ua/ nent.” of the season, two all-star teams are tours. “I was an ordinary physical educa- ukraine/27apr2009/ukrschool.html). The Ukrainian diplomat was clearly selected to play a championship game. tion teacher in a Kremenets orphanage,” The lack of such demands, the Russian infuriated by the suggestion that The man who helped bring Little Oleksander Korchakovskiy told Iryna diplomat continued, reflects what he Ukrainians living in the Russian League softball to Ukraine is Basil Prymachyk. “No one cared. When Vasyl described as “the closeness of the Eastern Federation were not interested in preserv- (Vasyl) Tarasko, a New Yorker whose came, I felt support for me and my kids... Slavic languages and cultures, the com- ing their own language through the parents emigrated to the United States I noticed them changing, passionately mon history (Kyivan Rus’, the Moscow schools and that, to use Mr. Nesterenko’s when he was 5. He’s been traveling to playing baseball better and better at each State, the Russian Empire and the USSR) words, “citizens of the Russian Federation Ukraine since 1991. lesson.” and the common Christian faith” of the of Ukrainian nationality and Russians A baseball enthusiast since his youth, I met Basil Tarasko for the first time in Russians and Ukrainians. among citizens of Ukraine are in a differ- Mr. Tarasko has been a player, coach and, the summer of 2007 when he was in Not surprisingly, Ukrainians and ent ethno-cultural situation.” currently, an associate scout for the San Ostroh promoting softball at the National Ukrainian officials were outraged not Russian commentaries in support of Diego Padres. With the fall of the USSR, University of Ostroh Academy, where only because Moscow has always insisted Moscow’s point of view, such as he dreamed of bringing Little League Lesia and I were teaching. He was look- on the provision of Russian-language Aleksandr Karavayev’s (May 6), have softball to Ukraine. ing for an umpire and, amazingly, a Peace schools in Ukraine – and complained suggested that the Ukrainians have only According to a 2008 article in the Kyiv Corps volunteer from Texas volunteered. when any of them are closed – but also themselves to blame. Moscow has rou- Post by Iryna Prymachyk, Vasyl Tarasko She just happened to be at the university because Mr. Nesterenko’s claim about the tinely supported Russian-language efforts initially hoped to involve all kids in his attending a conference on the teaching of situation in Russia where in fact in Ukraine, but Kyiv has been largely dream, but this proved impossible since English as a second language. The talent- Ukrainians would like Ukrainian lan- inactive in supporting Ukrainian- baseball in Ukraine is formally reserved ed Natalia Lominska, an English teacher guage schools “does not correspond to programs in Ukraine (www.ia-centr.ru/ for elite athletes. “The Little League phi- at the university – and an MSEd from the facts” (www.vz.ru/news/4/30/282440. expert/4599/). losophy is just the opposite,” Vasyl told html). Northern Illinois University, I am proud While there is some truth in what Mr. Ms. Pryniachyk. It allows all children to to add – was one of the conference pre- Indeed, Ukrainian commentators have Karavayev says, that claim ignores two participate, regardless of background and pointed out that Ukraine does support senters. longer-standing if unfortunate realities. skills. I was familiar with Mr. Tarasko’s pio- Russian language education in its schools On the one hand, in Soviet times, Exclusive participation for a select few and that last year the OSCE commissar neer efforts from my reading of The Moscow provided Russian-languages is not just limited to softball. A Fulbright Ukrainian Weekly. I was delighted to on national minorities declared, after schools in all republics but did not pro- teacher who spent a year working with examining the situation there, that he did finally meet him. His passion for baseball vide any schools for non-Russians in their my wife at a DeKalb elementary school was obvious. “How’s it going?” I asked. not find “any violation of the rights of the language outside their titular territories. was surprised to learn that all children Russian language population in Ukraine” “Great,” was his response. “We’re Thus, while Ukrainians living in participated in the annual Holiday pro- really making progress. I just talked (rus.newsru.ua/ukraine/27mar2008/mova. Ukraine did have schools in Ukrainian, gram (before political correctness, it was html). Rector [Ihor] Pasichnyk into setting up a those Ukrainians living elsewhere did not the “Christmas” program). “In Ukraine,” baseball diamond at the soccer stadium.” Vasylii Kyrylych, a spokesman for the – unlike Russians who in almost all cases she informed Lesia, “only the exception- Mr. Tarasko’s enthusiam paid off. In Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, said had Russian-language schools wherever ally talented are allowed on stage.” 2008 Ostroh hosted Ukraine’s first girl’s that Mr. Nesterenko’s statement was they lived. The current situation is a relic Mr. Tarasko decided to work with softball championship with three teams intended to mislead the OSCE by creating of that past, one Ukrainians and many Ukraine’s orphans. “One of my friends participating: Rivne, Lutsk and Ostroh. “the false impression of the supposedly other non-Russians decry. said there are hundreds of orphanages in Rivne, the more experienced team, won. problem-free nature of Ukrainian national And, on the other, this pattern reflects Ukraine where children do not know Other cities with softball teams in cultural development in Russia,” a partic- an even older view, long propounded by what to do except acquire bad habits,” he 2008 included Ivano-Frankivsk, Zizniche, ular travesty because ethnic Ukrainians at Russians and accepted by many Western told Ms. Prymachyk. He identified 2.5 million are the second largest national specialists. According to that view, Cherkasy, Vinnystya and Kyiv. orphanages with at least 50 children, age I spoke to Mr. Tarasko again a few Ukrainians and Belarusians are “byprod- 9 to 12, visited with interested directors, weeks ago. He has just returned from his Paul Goble is a lecturer at the ucts” of Russian ethno-national develop- and helped get the program off the annual April tour to Ukraine and assured Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy in Baku. ment, and thus it is entirely appropriate ground with coaching, planning advice me that his program was on track and He is a long-time specialist on ethnic and that they be integrated linguistically and and baseball equipment donated by Little expanding. He wanted me to especially religious questions in Eurasia who has politically with the Russian nation and Leagues throughout the United States. In mention that for the last two years the served in various capacities in the U.S. state. 2008, there were four orphanages actual- official sponsor for the Little League State Department, the Central In fact, as the Ukrainians and ly participating in the program, out of the Championships was Hertz Ukraine, head- Intelligence Agency and the International Belarusians know and, as statements like 14 that received equipment. ed by Robert Speelman. Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the that of Mr. Kyrylych show, are increas- Orphans in Ukraine are often sadly Many Ukrainians in North America Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/ ingly prepared to defend, those two neglected. Some can be seen gathering have found a corner of Ukraine to help Radio Liberty and the Carnegie nations have a separate and distinct eth- empty bottles to sell and using the money and adopted it. Most Ukrainians have Endowment for International Peace. Mr. no-national and political history – one to buy cigarettes, marijuana and vodka. not, however. For those still looking for a Goble writes a blog called “Window on that deserves equal treatment and respect Some of these kids were lucky enough to Eurasia” (http://windowoneurasia.blog- not only from the Russians but from all run into Mr. Tarasko’s baseball tour. project that helps kids directly, I urge you spot.com/). This article above is reprint- members of the international community Quoted in Mr. Prymachyk article was to contact Mr. Tarasko in Bayside, N.Y. ed with permission. as well. Valeriy Tokarskiy, a 12-year orphan from He can be reached at 718-415-7821. the Kremenets orphanage in the Ternopil Money for baseball equipment is always oblast. “Baseball gave me opportunities welcome. 1933 issues needed unlike anything before. The game helped And, for heaven’s sake, if you can me and my friends to feel like a real coach or umpire baseball games, join Mr. The Ukrainian Weekly is searching for original issues team: each person brings something and Tarasko’s tour. You’ll make a contribu- of this newspaper published in 1933 we work together...” tion and have fun at the same time. Can’t in order to scan them for our digital archives. Last September, Valeriy participated in ask for anything more, right? If you have original copies of newspapers from 1933, please contact the world’s first ever Little League the editorial staff at 973-292-9800, ext. 3049, or [email protected]. Orphanage Baseball Championship. Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is Sponsored by the Kyiv Lions Club and [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21

the remainder of RUE was owned by Randy Bachman, attired in Ukrainian shirt, Gazprom's murky... Gazprombank – which at the time was a (Continued from page 2) fully owned subsidiary of Gazprom. The moneyhouse.ch, April 3). Kremlin, for undisclosed reasons, claimed honored as Officer of Order of Canada The immediate suspicion is that that it did not know the identity of Gazprombank’s Ukrainian partners in PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Randy Bachman, society and holds to the motto, RosGas AG is yet another in a long line RUE. of Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) “Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam” (They of shadowy intermediary companies cre- According to the company website, fame and a founding member of the Desire a Better Country). Three different ated by Mr. Firtash and Gazprom. one year before the dissolution of ETG, Guess Who, was honored as an Officer of levels of membership – Companion, However, in the case of RosGas this may Mr. Firtash created a new Hungarian the Order of Canada on Friday, May 15, Officer and Member – honor people mask a possible attempt by Gazprom to company: “Emfesz, the First Hungarian at a reception at Rideau Hall in Ottawa whose accomplishments vary in degree cut gas supplies to Mr. Firtash’s Emfesz, Natural Gas and Energy Trading and hosted by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean for and scope. Appointments are made on the as a precursor to a company takeover – Service Provider Ltd., was founded in “his contribution as an iconic Canadian recommendations of the Advisory vastly increasing its share of the 2003 to develop a major gas and energy rock musician and for his support of Council on the Order of Canada, an inde- Hungarian domestic gas distribution net- business in Hungary following the liber- Canadian music as a producer of emerg- pendent council chaired by the chief jus- work. alization of the country’s energy market ing Canadian artists.” tice of Canada. Hungary has been a key target for the with the passing of the Hungarian Gas A native of Winnipeg, who currently “You don’t really think about awards Russian state-owned Gazprom since the Act in that year.” resides in British Columbia, Mr. Bachman or accolades along the way, but to have collapse of communism within Central Mr. Firtash presumably had the go- is half German, and is proud of his matri- this happen is a very big honor and very Europe. Viewed as a potential major ahead to do this from Gazprom and a lineal Ukrainian half, as evidenced when humbling to be with all these other really European gas hub, Hungary first became guarantee that he would be able to buy he received his award wearing a great Canadians who’ve spend a lifetime a target of the Kremlin in 2002, when the gas for Emfesz from RUE where he con- Ukrainian embroidered shirt (purchased working at their passion, be it humanities mysterious gas trading company, Eural trolled 50 percent of the company. Mr. at Yevshan). Mr. Bachman’s mother is or education or medicine and art and Trans Gas (ETG) was registered in Firtash’s website stated: “The company Anne Dobrinsky. movies,” said Mr. Bachman. Budapest. That year ETG took over the The Order, created in 1967, is the He was among 75 recipients, 26 at the contract from a Russian company, Itera, (Emfesz) has a long-term, 10 year con- country’s highest civilian honor that rec- Officer level, of the Order named on July acting as the intermediary for supplying tract with RosUkrEnergo, a Swiss gas ognizes people in all sectors of Canadian 1, 2008, by Gov. Gen. Jean. gas from Turkmenistan to Ukraine. distribution company, for the supply of ETG was a totally opaque structure gas from Central Asia to Hungary.” which was later exposed as belonging to As the Firtash-Gazprom relationship Ukrainian gas trader Mr. Firtash and his began souring in 2008, Gazprom made a partner, Ivan Fursyn, a banker from number of offers to buy a substantial Odesa with close ties to the administra- share of Emfesz, however, Mr. Firtash tion of then-Ukrainian President Leonid refused to sell. In April the Russian audit Kuchma. chamber announced that Mr. Firtash owed ETG was paid for its services with 13 Gazprom $514 million, exerting more billion cubic meters of gas by the pressure on him to turn over his Ukrainian side, which it then sold on the Hungarian operation to Moscow (www. European market for a considerable prof- ukranews.com, April 21). it. Soon after it began trading, the compa- If RosGas begins supplying Emfesz ny’s owners were suspected of having with the large quantities of gas it is con- connections to the Russian mafia. This tracted to sell in Hungary, it will raise was denied by the then-unknown owners questions over the source of that gas. It is of ETG, who instituted a number of libel possible that RosGas is another Gazprom suits against anyone alleging the compa- scheme to possibly siphon off funds for ny had mafia links. The Kremlin became the Kremlin and reward Mr. Firtash for Randy and Denise Bachman with Canada’s Governor General Michaëlle Jean at nervous and closed down ETG in July his long-standing loyalty to the Kremlin. the Order of Canada reception in Ottawa. 2004, replacing it with a new intermedi- ary company, RosUkrEnergo (RUE). The article above is reprinted from The 50 percent owners of RUE were Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission the same individuals who had established from its publisher, the Jamestown ETG, Mr. Firtash and Mr. Fursyn, while Foundation, www.jamestown.org.

Overgas. Bulgarian law does not regard RosGas to control... this as a conflict of interest. (Continued from page 2) The executive director of Overgas, middleman companies – Overgas Inc. and Sasho Dontchev, is a graduate of Wintershall Erdgas Handelshaus Zug AG Moscow’s Oil and Gas Institute and, (WIEE) – from the gas supply chain according to media reports, was largely between Russia and Bulgaria. They responsible for making Overgas a leading intended only to deal with Gazprom Bulgarian domestic gas distributor (EDM, Export, a fully owned subsidiary of February 13). Gazprom headed by CEO Alexander The saga of Overgas and its affiliated Medvedev (Moscow Times, February 4). directors led to the November 2006 arrest Bulgaria tried to end the role of the two in Canada of a Russian intelligence agent, middlemen on two previous occasions, whose hired representatives were also but Mr. Medvedev countered by saying employed by the Overgas holding compa- that the companies were only suppliers ny in London known as Energy (www.sofiaecho.com, February 4). Consultants Ltd. (EDM, February 13). Mr. Medvedev’s argument was at best There might be serious implications for disingenuous. Overgas does not own any the European Union, if the Bulgarian gas fields and relies on Mr. Medvedev’s Overgas is permitted to buy Swiss RosGas company, Gazprom Export, for its supply and thereby secure control over 20 percent of gas. Despite the best efforts of the of the Hungarian domestic gas distribution Bulgarian government, Overgas was not market acting as a proxy for Gazprom. liquidated and is still functioning. Hungary and Bulgaria are rapidly Apparently the government in Sofia is no becoming the weakest links in the EU gas match for Mr. Medvedev and Gazprom diversification strategy and appear to be and now, according to Vedomosti, submitting to Russian pressure – and pos- Overgas is being manipulated into acting sibly organized crime links sanctioned by as Gazprom’s proxy within Hungary. It’s the Kremlin – in order to strengthen a role similar to that played by Austria’s Gazprom’s influence within Hungary and OMV in its recent takeover of Hungary’s by default in Europe. energy giant MOL. The EU commission has not yet com- According to the Overgas Annual mented on these developments, but the Report for 2007 (the most recent year time is ripe for both the Europeans and the available) Gazprom owns 0.49 percent of U.S. authorities to have their say on one of the company, Gazprom Export – 49.51 the most dangerous of the Kremlin’s long percent, and the London-based Overgas list of criminal enterprises. Holdings Ltd. – 50 percent. The chairman of the board of Overgas Inc. is Alexander The article above is reprinted from Medvedev who, as noted above, is also Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission the head of Gazprom Export, the compa- from its publisher, the Jamestown ny that technically sells Gazprom’s gas to Foundation, www.jamestown.org. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 9

Controversial aide... IN THE PRESS (Continued from page 1) Yushchenko blindly trusting him. It especially seemed that way after Campaign in Ukraine, President Yushchenko said “Baloha is me” in a private meeting in March 2008, as reported by David Zhvania, another former an assessment of Lenin presidential ally who was fiercely persecut- ed by Mr. Baloha. “The Viktor and Yulia show, contin- would either vote against all candidates or While isolating the president and turning ued,” The Economist, April 23: simply not turn out. …” the Presidential Secretariat into a govern- ment organ at war, Mr. Baloha created his “…Now Ukraine is in the middle of a “ ‘Lenin is Worse than Hitler,’ Senior own political party, Single Center, built from new election cycle. Mr. [Viktor] Moscow Patriarchate Official Says,” by his access to government resources (“admin- Yushchenko’s presidential term expires in Paul Goble in “Window on Eurasia” resurs”) and recruiting a handful of Our January and the campaign is under way. … (http://windowoneurasia.blogspot.com/), Ukraine national deputies from the presi- “Mr. Yushchenko certainly has ideology April 22: dent’s camp. and vision. He talks of building a nation- Single Center earned 14 percent of the state and taking Ukraine into NATO and the “…This year, as in every year since vote in the March elections to the Ternopil European Union. …Yet on vision, rhetori- Gorbachev’s time, there has been the usual Oblast Council, which critics allege is a cally at least, there is little difference discussion on whether Lenin should be direct result of Mr. Baloha’s access to Cutty Sark Co. between Ukrainian politicians. Ms removed from the mausoleum and buried as adminresurs and ability to falsify the vote Former Presidential Secretariat Chair Tymoshenko talks eloquently of European supposedly was not only his wish but that of with the help of his ally, Ternopil State Viktor Baloha in an October 2006 file integration and the need to consolidate a his family, with a growing number of Oblast Administration Chair Yurii photo. country historically divided between east Russians saying that they are willing to sup- Chyzhmar. and west. ‘First of all we need to build port or at least not oppose such an action if Around this time, Mr. Baloha reportedly Europe in Ukraine, because a country can the government takes it. suggested to President Yushchenko that he only enter the EU if it has the same blood “But one statement this year, by dismiss Parliament and call pre-term elec- group, otherwise it will get rejected as an Archpriest Dimitry Smirnov, head of the tions, thereby enabling the two to get elected alien body,’ she says in an interview. Even Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for to Parliament and earn deputies’ immunity Mr. [Viktor] Yanukovych, once backed by Relations with the Armed Forces and from prosecution, according to a report by Moscow, now subscribes to the notion of Security Services, deserves particular atten- the Ukrayinska Pravda website that cited an European integration. … tion because his words likely reflect the anonymous source in the Presidential “The problem goes deeper than animosity views of many in the Church leadership and Secretariat between two old allies. It is rooted in a because they could lead to a break between In pursuing the presidential election, flawed change to the Constitution in 2004 the Church and some Russian nationalists. Mr. Baloha reportedly wanted to lead that reduced the power of the president but “Queried by the Rusk.ru portal, which President Yushchenko’s re-election cam- stopped short of turning Ukraine into a par- has close ties with the Patriarchate, about paign and tried to convince him to run on liamentary republic, fudging the responsibil- what should be done with Lenin’s remains, the Single Center party platform, the May ities of president and prime minister. Archpriest Dimitry said that ‘the time for 15 report said. ‘Whoever wins the presidential election will burying Lenin arrived already in April Doing so would have enabled Mr. Baloha next day run into the same problems,’ says 1870.’ Indeed, the Church official said, ‘it to manipulate both the party and govern- Ms Tymoshenko. would have been better if this bastard had ment bureaucracies, which he felt was criti- “Inevitably, all three main leaders insist never been born.’ cal, Ukrayinska Pravda reported. they will run for president… Many “ ‘For me,’ Smirnov continued, ‘Lenin is However, President Yushchenko ulti- Ukrainians feel that none of the three famil- worse than Hitler. The decision of the pow- mately declined Mr. Baloha’s numerous Zenon Zawada iar faces is capable of taking the country for- proposals and instead decided to try to resur- President Viktor Yushchenko’s long- ward. Tired of the mudslinging, 20 percent (Continued on page 23) rect the Our Ukraine People’s Union from time political advisor Vira Ulianchenko, its current dismal status, nominating Ms. seen here in a 2007 file photo, is the new Ulianchenko at the May 16 meeting of the head of the Presidential Secretariat. party’s political council. That was the last straw for Mr. Baloha, of Our Ukraine practically led Baloha out of who claimed he submitted his resignation in the game,” Ukrayinska Pravda reported. mid-April but didn’t make it public until “The legendary Vira Ivanivna has tight rela- learning that Ms. Ulianchenko would lead tions with oligarchs, which allows her to the Our Ukraine People’s Union. singlehandedly resolve questions about the “The election of Ulianchenko to the top party’s current financing.”

policy toward Ukraine. U.S. ambassador... In response, Mr. Taylor said the pur- (Continued from page 1) pose of the April 27 visit of U.S. Deputy defected and formed the Anti-Crisis Secretary of State James Steinberg to Coalition with pro-Russian forces, ignit- Kyiv was to describe President Obama’s ing three years of corruption, gridlock “very clear” foreign policy of supporting and instability in Ukrainian governance Ukraine’s territorial integrity, indepen- witnessed by the U.S. ambassador. dence and sovereignty. As an example of the instability in At the same time, Mr. Taylor acknowl- Ukraine, Mr. Taylor said he had to work edged some changes in President Obama’s with three different prime ministers, three foreign policy toward the Russian foreign affairs ministers and three Federation. “However, he is not changing Verkhovna Rada chairs in just three years, his strong support for Ukraine,” he added. in addition to the 2007 snap parliamenta- President Obama believes it’s possible ry election, “so not much reform got to have a dialogue with the Russians on done,” he noted. areas of agreement, such as arms control, “There were economic reforms, demo- Mr. Taylor said. At the same time, the cratic reforms and judicial reforms that all U.S. will have “parallel conversations needed to happen, and I thought the three with the Russians about NATO expansion years of 2006 to 2009 would be a great or about the Georgia invasion,” the time to work those,” Mr. Taylor said. ambassador said. He also offered a subtle criticism of “We will continue to disagree with the the government’s handling of the econo- Russians on NATO expansion and the my amidst the global financial crisis. Georgian invasion and recognition of “The last thing I would say about my South Ossetia and Abkhazia,” he said. feelings of leaving is that I’m very optimis- “But President Obama believes that we tic,” the ambassador said. “I am very sure can have those two conversations in par- things are going to get better. I am sure allel without having a contradiction things are going to get better economically, between the two.” because they can’t get much worse.” Ambassador Taylor said his last day of At the press conference, The Ukrainian work is May 22, after which he would Weekly asked Ambassador Taylor when return home to Virginia and enjoy several U.S. President Barack Obama would weeks of rest. His successor has yet to be reveal his administration’s new foreign named. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21 FILM REVIEW: “Taras Bulba,” propaganda made in Russia by Illya M. Labunka According to information provided by two significant Kozak-era mile- Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Profs. Michael Naydan (Pennsylvania State stones, namely the 300th anni- University) and Stephen Velychenko versary of the Battle of Poltava KYIV – At the expense of Ukrainian his- (University of Toronto), the original 1835 (a tragic loss for Ukraine) and tory, Ukrainian actors and historical edition reflects the Ukrainian context of the the 350th anniversary of the Ukrainian architectural landmarks, the story. The second edition, which was cen- Battle of Konotop (a resound- Russian Federation has unleashed its latest sored and “revised,” is the heavily more pro- ing victory for Ukraine), the instrument of chauvinistic propaganda in the Russian version, which includes nationalist maker of “Taras Bulba” set out form of a feature film. Released in Moscow themes in keeping with official tsarist ideol- to satisfy not only his own on April 1, to coincide with the 200th anni- ogy at the time. Russo-centric, neo-Bolshevist versary of the birth of Mykola Hohol, For example, the phrases “Moskovskyi tendencies, but those of his two known to the world as Nikolai Gogol, the tsar” and “russkaya syla” (power) among fellow countrymen, who sit in latest cinematic incarnation of the Ukrainian- many others, were inserted into the 1842 the Kremlin with complete and born writer’s short novel “Taras Bulba” pre- edition of “Taras Bulba.” (Editor’s note: utter disregard for Ukrainian miered in Ukraine a day later as a somewhat Russkaya is the adjectival form of Rus.’) As history. low-key affair, as Ukraine’s political elite a result, the dominant theme and redundant In addition to warping an took a calculated step and chose not to be phrases sounding like a broken record already tampered-with literary seen at the film’s opening. throughout the entire film turned out to be Produced by the state-owned Rossiya text, the film’s screenplay fails the intertwined notion of “zemlia russkaya” television channel and commissioned and to afford the actors the opportu- (Rus’ land) and “viera pravoslavnaya” financed in part by the Russian Ministry of nity to appropriately develop Culture, the budget for Russia’s silver screen (Orthodox faith). two key aspects of the sto- “interpretation” of Gogol’s Kozak novella After the first 15 minutes, the viewer ryline, firstly the relationship amounted to approximately $25 million, begins to lose count as to how many times between Taras Bulba and his making “Taras Bulba” the costliest film in such blatantly chauvinistic terminology is so sons (particularly the chemistry Russian cinematic history. profusely projected at the audience. This between Andrii and his father), Directed by Russian filmmaker Vladimir author tried to keep score but failed, in the and secondly the romance Bortko, the film features Ukraine’s most end realizing it was far too many instances between Andrii and Elzhbieta. famous and, arguably, greatest living actor, he would even care to remember. Already in Poster for the Russian-made “Taras Bulba.” As a result, the acting suffers Bohdan Stupka, in the title role. The support- the opening scene during his introductory significantly as the relation- ing cast includes Ukrainian veteran actress of monologue Mr. Stupka’s character utters the Little and White] Rus,’ ” said Mr. Bortko. ships appear to be too superficial. stage and screen Ada Rohovtseva as Taras phrase “russkaya zemlia” twice along with “Ukrainians and Russians are like two drops For example, despite being an experi- Bulba’s wife, Vladimir Vdovichenkov as the complementary expressions “russkaya of mercury. When two drops of mercury are enced and very capable stage actor, Mr. Ostap Bulba, Igor Petrenko as the ill-fated dusha” (soul). Therefore, it is no coinci- near each other, they will unite,” Mr. Bortko Stupka never quite managed to successfully Andrii Bulba and Magdalena Mielcarz as the dence that Mr. Bortko, who has been a added. transform himself into a truly effective and Polish noble girl Elzhbieta who offers her member of the Communist Party of the From the historic perspective, it should believable actor on screen. His roles, forbidden love to Andrii, which eventually Russian Federation since March 2007, chose be noted that the term depicting the territory demeanor, projection and intonation on film leads to his ultimate demise. to capitalize on Gogol’s butchered tale of on which the storyline of the film takes seem forced, stunted, one-sided, and “Taras Mr. Bortko, who studied cinematography Ukrainian Kozak heroic past for the sake of place, e.g. “russkaya zemlia,” is not entirely Bulba,” unfortunately, is no exception. The in Kyiv and began his film career at the “the Orthodox Russian land.” accurate, as the polity of that time was pivotal scene where father and son confront Dovzhenko Film Studio in the mid-1970s, The filmmaker, whose latest film project known as Muscovy or the Muscovite each other near the end of the film when spent over two years making “Taras Bulba.” serves as an extension of his own skewed Principality. Taras is compelled to kill his own son due to Mr. Bortko’s adaptation of Gogol’s “Taras convictions, considers Russians, Ukrainians Offering his reaction to the textual con- treason, simply falls short and seems to Bulba” is based on the more obscure, sec- and Belarusians one single nation. “My odin troversy surrounding the two editions of come across as an “oh-by-the-way-now-I- ond edition (1842) of the historic novella. narod – Velykaya, Malaya i Bielaya [Great, Gogol’s “Taras Bulba” vis-à-vis the latest have-to-shoot-you,-gee-sorry” scene. film of the same title, Dr. Mykola Similarly, the forbidden relationship Zhulynsky, director of the Institute of between Andrii and Elzhbieta just isn’t given Literature of the National Academy of enough air play and the viewer leaves the Sciences of Ukraine suggested that both edi- theater at the end of the screening with the tions need to be carefully studied, compared sense that a much anticipated and supposedly and put into perspective based on the con- deep and fateful romance never really text they were to be used in and the objec- evolved between the two tragic lovers. tive they were meant to achieve. It’s precisely this fated romance which is “If the mission of the first edition of ‘Taras to be the progenitor and catalyst of the tragic Bulba’ to preserve and defend the Orthodox rift between Taras Bulba and his son that faith from Roman Catholic expansion, the ultimately brings about Andrii’s perdition. Muslim world, Uniate encroachment, Polish Unfortunately, Mr. Petrenko and Ms. arm-twisting and disregard for ‘the faith of Mielcarz just don’t deliver; their relationship the forefathers and holy endeavor’ rested on never really takes off. Mielcarz’s character the Ukrainian Kozak, then in the 1842 edi- fails to come across as a sympathetic, love- tion the notion of Ukrainian Kozaks’ historic struck woman doomed by her interest in a and religious mission is noticeably squeezed Kozak. Again, both actors come across as out by Russian Messianism, while Ukraine’s wooden, stiff, out-of-place personalities. topography is replaced by the topography of On the other hand, despite all its flaws ‘Rus’,’ ‘russkaya zemlia’ and Kozaks are and misgivings (given the era and circum- now referred to as ‘russkiye’ heroes, and stances under which the film was made), the Orthodoxy is now declared the ‘russkaya 1962 American version of “Taras Bulba” viera,’” he noted. directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring For the record, this author referenced a Yul Brynner as Taras Bulba and Tony Curtis Ukrainian translation of “Taras Bulba” as his fated son Andrii, actually manages to (based on the 1842 “revised” edition) pub- come out a winner with respect to both sets lished in 2009 by the Kharkiv-based Ranok of relationships. Publishing House, as well as a Russian ver- Brynner delivers a very competent per- sion (based on the 1835 original edition) formance as Taras Bulba. The viewer not which appeared in a one-volume collection only senses the character’s disappointment, containing all of Gogol’s novels and short angst and deep regret vis-à-vis his son’s stories published in 2008 by the Kyiv-based treacherous behavior, but equally feels Taras Lybid Publishing House. Bulba’s terrible pain and heartbreak when While the Lybid edition stayed true to he is compelled to take away his own son’s form by using the term “Ukraina” nine life. The viewer truly feels the tragedy times, the term “russkikh” only once, the behind that fateful scene. Andrii’s remorse term “russkoye dukhovenstvo” once, the for his own misgivings toward his father and term “malorossiyskie” once, the term his motherland is equally well portrayed on “Malorossia” twice and the term screen, despite the fact that Curtis delivered “Novorossia” once, Mr. Bortko’s film made his lines in a Brooklyn accent. reference to the terms “Ukraina” or Similarly, although the screen romance “Ukrainska” on only a handful of occasions between Curtis and Christine Kaufmann throughout the entire film, choosing instead would be viewed as somewhat kitschy by to give overwhelming preference to the today’s standards, at the same time the view- amalgamation “russkaya pravoslavnaya er can at least understand that such a relation- zemlia.” In a year when Ukraine is poised to mark (Continued on page 20) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 11 INTERVIEW: Ukrainian writer Viktor Neborak The Contemporary Ukrainian that was contained in the poem is passed Literature Series, launched in January along in the song. 2008 and co-sponsored by the Ukrainian Do you know of any musicians com- Studies Program at the Harriman posing and performing songs today, Institute, Columbia University and the who utilize the texts of the latest gener- Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson ation of poets for their songs? Or have International Center for Scholars, has poetry slams replaced the rock music served as a consistent forum in the United presentation of poetry witnessed in the States for the best in contemporary 1990s? Ukrainian literature. The series has pro- vided audiences in New York City and I think that today, without a doubt, is Washington a chance to witness readings an era of prose in Ukraine. Interest in and performances by some of the leading poetry is at a much lower level than it names in Ukrainian literature today and was in the 1960s, let alone in the late to converse with these artists in a rare 1980s/early 1990s. Ideally, poetry appeals and intimate setting. to both one’s intellects and to one’s emo- In January of this year, the series fea- tions. For this to occur, a certain amount tured Lviv poet, prose writer, literary crit- of concentration is required from the ic and translator Viktor Neborak. Mr. reader. Neborak is a founding member of the Today, few people have the time and Bu-Ba-Bu literary group. He is the author energy to allot towards a focused, person- of six collections of poetry and a selected al reading of a poetic text. To expect that works edition “Litostroton.” He has also poetry will have a publishing run over Viktor Neborak at Columbia University. published the novel “Bazylevs,” a mono- 2,000 or 3,000 copies – recall that Lina graph analyzing Ivan Kotliarevskyi’s Kostenko’s 1979 novel in verse “Marusia new, original form in which to present his What have you been able to observe “Eneida” and three books collecting his Churai” was published in 100,000 copies prose. The ways he simultaneously jumps about Ukrainian literature produced in essays, memoirs and literary criticism. – is unrealistic. The same situation is form one theme to another is very inter- the U.S. today? Do you think it is a Mr. Neborak works at the National probably true in other countries. esting. Prokhasko is successful by apply- phenomenon that will constitute a major contribution to contemporary Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Institute So, if today is a time for prose in ing his philosophy of accepting his life as Ukrainian literature? of Literature, in Lviv and has recently Ukraine, what kind of prose would you it unfolds before him. been a contributor to the monthly journal like to see appear in today’s Ukrainian He accepts life as a gift that he has I think that most such writers did not PostPostup. literature? received. Maybe that is why he does not emigrate for creative purposes. Of all of Dr. Mark Andryczyk, administrator of feel the need to flaunt his “I” in his writ- them, perhaps Vasyl Makhno was most I think there is lack of prose that is the Ukrainian Studies Program at the ing. Recently, in fact, literary critics and conscious that he emigrated as a writer clear and with a dynamic narrative. There university and lecturer of Ukrainian liter- translators are noticing this about his and that he needs to achieve something as is a lot of autobiographical prose or prose ature at Columbia, caught up with Mr. work. At a festival of contemporary a writer here in the U.S. Makhno knew that travesties an author’s biography. At Neborak over a cup of coffee to discuss Ukrainian literature in Vienna, which that he had to create his own New York- first, this type of prose was very interest- today’s Ukrainian literature, the Prokhasko and I, among others, attended themed text – this is the city to which he ing because, in the time of Soviet social- Ukrainian diaspora in North America this past autumn, Austrian translator Erich moved. Others may have emigrated for ist realism, writing something based and waterways in his native city, Lviv. Klein expressed amazement that Ukraine different reasons – perhaps economic or directly on one’s personal life was dan- has a writer such as Prokhasko, who is personal reasons. They did not come here gerous. able to tell of the tragic and the comic in During the so-called “Era of in order to make it as writers in search of It is hard to imagine a Pavlo such a calm, restrained tone. It has an Festivals” in late 1980s/early 1990s an American theme. Zahrybelnyi or an Oles Honchar writing almost epic quality. Ukraine, you and your colleagues in Thus, so far there is little of “the novels that play with the limits of autobi- American theme” in Ukrainian-language Bu-Ba-Bu transformed the manner of ography like Yurii Andrukhovych’s You mentioned the experiences of presenting poetry to the public by per- recent Ukrainian immigrants as a literature. I would expect that it is more “Taiemnytsia” (A Secret) or Taras present in English-language Ukrainian forming at mass gatherings that had Prokhasko’s “Z Tsioho Mozhna Zrobyty potential theme for today’s Ukrainian the aura of rock concerts. Do you see literature. In the last few days, you literature, such as in the prose of Askold Kilka Opovidan” (Several Stories Could Melnychuk or Alexander Motyl. The any new forums for poetry presenta- Come Out of This). In those works a have had the opportunity to meet up tion surfacing in today’s Ukraine? with several Ukrainian writers who Ukrainian language is just starting to cap- game is played with what is said and ture American reality. The American The phenomenon of poetry slams is what remains private. emigrated from post-Soviet Ukraine and now live in the U.S. theme is, of course, present in several quite popular in Ukraine today. Poets At a certain point, however, too much European literatures. Why shouldn’t it from other countries come and spar with autobiographic prose began appearing in Yes, Oles Berezhny, Vasyl Makhno, also be present in Ukrainian literature? I Ukrainian poets at matches which, from Ukraine. What young writers know best Maria Shun. Another writer, Oksana feel that a literature’s ability to reach what I hear, elicit a rather aggressive about, at their age, is their own lives, so Lutsyshyna, also lives in the U.S., but we reaction from the poets’ fans. this is what they write about. Regarding did not meet on this trip. (Continued on page 22) This, however, does not always lead to possible themes for contemporary prose, the popularization of the textual versions today there are many Ukrainians who of the featured poems. The public that have left the country in search of work. attends such events are, for the most part, Perhaps it is already in the process of there to see these poems performed and being written but I think it would be inter- Neborak speaks in Washington thus the poets-slammers accent not so esting to read something based on the much on the quality of the text as on the experiences of such people, who now live form of presenting it. Critics of poetry in Spain, in Italy, in other countries slams believe that the text ultimately throughout the world. Or about the expe- loses from such slams because it is in the riences of soldiers of the Ukrainian army, interest of these slammers to win their stationed in various parts of the world. contests and it is their behavior – empha- Interestingly, when I interviewed a sis, intonation – that is paramount. When past guest of our Contemporary these poems appear on paper or on a com- Ukrainian Literature Series, Andrei puter screen, they suffer as a result. Kurkov, he pointed out that there is very This reminds me of when, in the first little Ukrainian-language prose that single volume publication featuring all treats social or political issues, which he, three Bu-Ba-Bu poets’ works, which in turn, features in his prose, written in was published in 1995, you included a the Russian-language. I believe that in section titled “shliagery” (hits), which many of these autobiographic prose featured those poems of yours that also works, much conscious attention is given served as texts for popular songs per- to building the public image of the formed by musicians such as Viktor author, Serhii Zhadan’s “Anarchy in the Morozov and Taras Chubai. You Ukraine,” for example. However, in seemed to be doing this in order to Prokhasko’s autobiographic prose, I “reclaim” these texts as poems. So, do believe that the presence of the author is you believe that your poems also suf- much less felt. It’s more about his sur- Yaro Bihun fered from such treatments? roundings. It’s fascinating because he is WASHINGTON – Two days after his appearance at the Harriman Institute in New indeed present in this prose but he’s pres- Yes, I do. York, Ukrainian writer Viktor Neborak (left) read his poetry and discussed liter- ent in the people and in the objects he ary trends in Ukraine on January 29 at the Woodrow Wilson International Center But doesn’t it serve to popularize the describes. It’s a different approach to the for Scholars in Washington. The evening was part of the Kennan Institute’s poem and the poet? autobiographic novel. “Contemporary Ukrainian Literature Series.” With him on the stage were inter- Yes, but when you later read the poem Yes. For Taras Prokhasko, structure is preter Oles Berezhny (center) and Blair Ruble of the Kennan Institute. with your eyes then you see that not all very important. He always searches for a – Yaro Bihun 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21 No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 13

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Joseph Stalin and buried in the Bykivnia NEWSBRIEFS forest outside of Kyiv. Prof. Vasyl CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) Danylenko of the SBU archives said there Yushchenko on May 19 appointed Kyiv are 18 places in Ukraine that were used to TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 State Oblast Administration Chairman Vira execute thousands of people during the OR E-MAIL [email protected] Ulianchenko as the head of his Presidential Stalin era. He said Bykivnia was heavily Secretariat. On May 16 she was elected to guarded during Soviet times and, though head the council of the pro-Yushchenko many executions were carried out in Kyiv, SERVICES Our Ukraine People’s Union party. In the dead were buried in mass graves at 2000-2001, Ms. Ulianchenko served as an Bykivnia during the night. Before World assistant to then Ukrainian Prime Minister War II, most executions were carried out Viktor Yushchenko. In 2002-2005 she head- directly in the forest with the victims lined ed the secretariat of the Our Ukraine faction up before ready-dug graves. Prof. of national deputies in the Verkhovna Rada. Danylenko said that of the other 18 mass In 2005-2006, she was a national deputy burial sites in Ukraine that have been identi- elected on the party ticket of the Our fied, some are being used as parks, some Ukraine bloc. Ms. Ulianchenko is consid- have department stores built atop them or ered to be a unique politician and party serve as city cemeteries. Ukraine officially organizer because, being an Our Ukraine commemorates victims of political repres- member, she can maintain good relations sion on May 17 when thousands of people with people representing different political visit Bykivnia to pay their respects. Many camps. In August 2007, she was ranked people have erected signs on trees with the 22nd on the list of the 100 most influential names of relatives they believe are buried Ukrainians compiled by the Korrespondent there. (RFE/RL) magazine. She was seventh in last year’s Crimean Tatars hold world congress ranking of the 100 most influential Ukrainian women drafted by Focus maga- BAKHCHYSARAI, Ukraine – The FOR RENT zine. (Ukrinform) World Congress of Crimean Tatars (Kurultai) opened at the beginning of the Ulianchenko heads OUPU council week in the Crimean city of Bakhchysarai. KYIV – The main objective of the May More than 800 delegates from 12 countries LvivRentals.com 16 meeting of the party council of the Our are attending the congress at Bakhchysarai’s Ukraine People’s Union was the “renais- Khan Palace. Ali Khamzin, the head of the from $59 per night sance of the party, its restoration in an orga- congress’s organizing committee, said the nizational sense, a return of energy to it,” congress is focusing on ways to consolidate said the OUPU’s leader, President Viktor Crimean Tatars. He said such issues as pre- OPPORTUNITY Yushchenko, in his address to the meeting. serving the group’s ethnic identity, and Mr. Yushchenko noted that the OUPU has a reviving the Crimean Tatar language and solid ideological basis, which differentiates culture, are also on the agenda. The con- Casting Ukrainian Actors it from other political forces in Ukraine. “I gress’s plenary meetings will be held in do not see in Ukraine another political force Symferopol, and panel discussions will take Must be Ukrainian. Vira (40+), Nina that would be able in the current political place in the Ukrainian peninsula cities of (60+), also various extras, in NYC. MERCHANDISE situation to rally people behind it along the Bilohorsk, Yevpatoria, Sudak and Eski- Director Bohdana Smyrnova. path to determining Ukraine’s future,” the Kirim. The event continues through May 347-581-5347. president emphasized. He proposed focus- 22. May 18 was marked as the 65th anni- www.herseatisvacant.org ing on the settlement of organizational versary of the forced deportation of some questions in order to restore the functioning 200,000 Crimean Tatars to Central Asia by of the party, and within two weeks to call a the Soviet regime. Nearly half of the deport- EARN EXTRA INCOME! new meeting to discuss the political situa- ees died en route. (RFE/RL) tion, economic policy and ideological ques- The Ukrainian Weekly is looking tions. The president called for supporting Ukraine seeks FSB documents for advertising sales agents. the candidacy of Kyiv State Oblast SYMFEROPOL, Ukraine – The Security For additional information contact Administration Chair Vira Ulianchenko for Service of Ukraine (SBU) has asked Maria Oscislawski, Advertising the post of the party council chair. Ms. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, Ulianchenko was subsequently elected to the successor to the Soviet-era KGB, to that post. (Ukrinform) (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. declassify all documents regarding the Victims of repression remembered deportation of the Crimean Tatars to Central Asia 65 years ago. SBU Chief Valentyn KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko on Nalyvaichenko said in Symferopol on May May 17 participated in ceremonies honor- 18 that the FSB has not yet provided the MAY WE ing the memory of victims of political SBU with the requested documents about repression buried in mass graves unearthed the Crimean Tatars. He said the SBU offi- HELP YOU? at the Bykivnia National Forest. He remind- cially requested detailed documents about ed his audience that tens of thousands of certain people and their registration cards, victims of the Communist regime are bur- biographies, etc., from the FSB two years To reach The Ukrainian ied in the Bykivnia forest outside of Kyiv. ago. However, Mr. Nalyvaichenko said He compared Bykivnia with Babyn Yar, the Russian authorities provided the SBU only Weekly all (973) 292-9800, Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration with general statistical data. He added that camps and Solovky, places where the Nazis officials in Kazakhstan – where some of the and dial the appropriate and the Soviets committed crimes against Crimean Tatars were deported in 1944 – humanity and mass murder. Mr. Yushchenko agreed to cooperate and provided the SBU extension (as listed below). noted that the memory of the dead should with 10,000 Crimean Tatar registration be preserved, and he expressed deep grati- cards that were issued by Kazakh officials Editorial – 3049, 3088 tude to all the institutes that helped preserve when the Tatars arrived. May 18 is the 65th that memory, in particular, the Security anniversary of the deportation of some Production – 3063, 3069 Service of Ukraine which over recent years 200,000 Crimean Tatars to Central Asia by established over 14,000 names of people Soviet officials. (RFE/RL) Administration – 3041 buried in the Bykivnia forest. The president noted that Ukraine will continue this work Crimean Tatars demand land Advertising – 3040 and will hand over data about the dead per- KYIV – A group of Crimean Tatars on Subscriptions – 3042 sons to other states. The largest mass graves of victims of the Communist period are May 20 continued a protest action in front of the government building in Kyiv. Some PROFESSIONALS located in Bykivnia. Thus far, it is know that over 100,000 were killed and secretly 120 Crimean Tatar activists have been stag- buried there in 1937-1941. The Bykivnia ing the protest since mid-April, demanding graves are a symbol of all the mass burials land for Tatar repatriates in Crimea. Leaders of victims of the Communist regime. of the action – Nariman Potelov, Dilyaver (Ukrinform) Reshitov, Rinat Shaymardanov, and Reshat Seydaliev – told RFE/RL that seven of the 14,191 victims’ names are known protesters are on hunger strike. They say one of the hunger strikers is close to death. KYIV – Officials of the Security Service The protesters’ major demand is for the of Ukraine (SBU) have announced that they government to ease the process for Crimean have determined the identities of 14,191 people killed by order of Soviet dictator (Continued on page 15) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 15

ation between Ukraine and Russia having Diplomats don’t have Lutsenko file Mr. Lutsenko’s suit asks the court to make NEWSBRIEFS reached a new level of acceleration.” Mr. Bild retract its report and remove the elec- KYIV – The prosecutor’s office of (Continued from page 14) Lytvyn pointed to the need for providing a tronic version of the article from its web- systemic approach to the development of Frankfurt-am-Main denied giving out doc- site. The first hearings in the case were to Tatar returnees to acquire land for owner- uments on the incident concerning interparliamentary bilateral relations. Both take place on May 19. (Ukrinform) ship. Currently, the Defense Ministry, Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Yurii parties also discussed the run-up to the con- Agriculture Ministry and Academy of Lutsenko without his personal consent, ference on European security issues that Rada investigating incident Agriculture control the land on the peninsu- Ukraine’s Consul General Oleksander will be held on July 13. They also discussed la. The indigenous people of Crimea, the Novoselov told Ukrinform on May 14. KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine the results of the latest meeting of the inter- Crimean Tatars, were deported to Central The presidium of the Frankfurt police has on May 19 set up two ad hoc teams for Asia by the Soviets in 1944. They started parliamentary commission for cooperation handed over the papers on the May 4 investigations into the incident at the airport returning to their historic homeland after of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada and Russia’s detention of Mr. Lutsenko and his son at in Frankfurt, Germany, involving Internal the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Federal Assembly. In addition, Messrs. the local airport to the prosecutor’s office. Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko and his son Since then, they have been demanding their Lytvyn and Mironov examined a package The consul says prosecutors told him on Oleksander. One of the committees is head- ancestral lands from local authorities. (RFE/ of questions related to bilateral cooperation May 14 that they would deliver the docu- ed by a representative of the Yulia RL) in the economic sphere, which need support ments to the Ukrainian party only with the Tymoshenko Bloc, and the other by a repre- at the legislative level. Mr. Lytvyn empha- sentative of the opposition Party of Regions. Lytvyn comments on Victory Day minister’s consent. The diplomat reported sized that, “without the settlement of that the prosecutor’s office of Frankfurt Commenting on the situation, Oleksander KYIV – Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada humanitarian problems in Ukraine-Russia had launched an investigation in the case. Yefremov, deputy chair of the Party of Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn said on May relations, it is extremely difficult to count “That is why any promulgation of the facts Regions’ faction, called it absurd to create a 14 that the member-countries of the on successful economic cooperation will break the secrecy of investigation,” committee headed by the pro-government Commonwealth of Independent States must between the two countries.” (Ukrinform) the consul explained. He added that, if the faction to conduct an inquiry into miscon- duct of a members of the government. He consolidate their efforts in preparations for Lytvyn: entry into NATO not vital evidence is transferred to a third party, the celebration of the 65th anniversary of even in a diplomatic way, the rights of one expressed his opinion that the Tymoshenko victory in the Great Patriotic War of KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman party to the case will be violated, which is Bloc will try to shield the delinquent minis- 1941-1945. “We have won his victory Volodymyr Lytvyn said that the question of forbidden by both German and Ukrainian ter. (Ukrinform) law. In related developments, Germany’s together, and must celebrate its 65th anni- Ukraine’s accession to NATO is not vital at Ukraine’s Loboda 12th at Eurovision versary together too,” he said. Mr. Lytvyn the current stage. He made a statement to Embassy to Ukraine refuted a statement by also expressed the need to adopt a common this effect during his meeting with Boris Oleksander Yefremov, deputy chair of the KYIV – Ukraine’s entry in the 2009 decision on the establishment of a single Gryzlov, head of the Russian State Duma’s Party of Regions’ parliamentary faction, Eurovision Song Contest, Svitlana Loboda, memorial reward of the former Soviet Federal Assembly, in St. Petersburg, where who said documents on the Lutsenko case took 12th place, having won 76 points. Ms. republics timed to coincide with the jubilee. the 32nd meeting of the Interparliamentary had arrived in Ukraine via the German Loboda made it to the final after singing the (Ukrinform) Assembly of the Commonwealth of Embassy. (Ukrinform) song “Anti-Crisis Girl” in the semifinals. She received the top mark from Poland and Independent States was in session. In Younger Lutsenko sues Bild Ukraine-Russia interparliamentary ties response to Mr. Gryzlov’s remark on Azerbaijan – 10 each. Ukraine gave the top KYIV – Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Russia’s “very negative attitude to the pos- KYIV – Oleksander Lutsenko, mark to Norway’s Alexander Rybak, who is Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn and the head sibility of Ukraine’s entry into NATO,” Mr. Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Yurii of Belarusian background, who ultimately of Russian Federation Council’s Federal Lytvyn emphasized that “the issue is not on Lutsenko’s son, filed a lawsuit with the won the contest. Thus, Eurovision 2010 Assembly, Sergey Mironov, pointed to a the agenda, and is not a priority among Land Court of Berlin against the German will take place in Norway. Interestingly, strengthening of the interparliamentary Ukrainian citizens.” He added, “It is exclu- newspaper Bild, which, according to his Russia’s competitor in the contest, Anastasia component in the countries’ bilateral rela- sively politicians who deal with the sub- father, spread untrue information about the Prikhodko, is a singer with Ukrainian roots. tions, the press service of the Ukrainian ject,” noting that it is necessary to stop all incident involving the two at Frankfurt air- She performed a song written by a Georgian Parliament reported on May 14. During talk about NATO accession and think, port on May 4. The suit said information with a chorus sung in Ukrainian. Russia their meeting in St. Petersburg within the instead, of how to guarantee national secu- circulated by Bild to the effect that hosted Eurovision 2009 by virtue of its rep- framework of the 32nd session of the rity on the basis of the Budapest Oleksander Lutsenko threw his cell phone resentative’s, Dima Bilan’s, win at last Interparliamentary Assembly of the Memorandum. The Rada chairman con- at policemen and that a test had shown year’s contest. (Ukrinform, The New York Commonwealth of Independent States, firmed his position that Ukraine should be a content of alcohol in his blood was untrue. Times) Messrs. Lytvyn and Mironov cited the need non-aligned state. Touching on the tempo- to provide a fresh impetus to interparlia- rary deployment of the Russian Black Sea mentary cooperation both at the bilateral Fleet in Ukraine’s Crimea, Mr. Lytvyn level and in the format of interparliamen- stressed that both parties’ interests must be tary unions. Mr. Mironov expressed satis- taken into account in this affair. faction with “the interparliamentary cooper- (Ukrinform)

With great sorrow, we announce that our beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather, Joseph Ihor Koziupa

Passed into eternity on May 15, 2009.

Funeral services were held May 20 at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Newark, NJ, followed by interment at the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Hamptonburg, NY.

With deep sorrow he leaves behind his:

father Nicholas Mykola wife Helena children Nicholas with wife Jessica Catherine with husband Scott and daughter Joline William Alexander brother Michael with wife Anna and children Tatyana and Daniel

as well as many other closer and further relatives in the Diaspora and in Ukraine.

Let us also remember during this time of bereavement his mother +Iwanna Koziupa, who passed away in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Ukrainian American Youth Association, Whippany, NJ, or St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church Building Fund, Whippany, NJ.

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS Deadline: Tuesday noon before the newspaper’s date of issue. Rate: $7.50 per column-inch. Telephone, (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040; e-mail, [email protected]. Please include the daytime phone number of a contact person. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21

Soccer from 27 matches to beat second-place finish- March 25. Klitschko has outdone all other Tolchko (1-2-0, 1 KO), both natives of ers Shakhtar Donetsk with 58 points. fighters, no matter what division they belong Ukraine, by unanimous decision in the eighth • Shakhtar Donetsk made history with its • Ukraine defeated the Netherlands 4-1 on to. The heavyweight world champion is the round, 79-76, 80-72 and 79-73. Welterweight 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen on May 20 March 20 and tied 2-2 against Romania on only one who can claim he is the greatest Viktor Plotniov (20-1-0, 10 KO) defeated in Istanbul for the UEFA Cup. The tightly March 22 at the UEFA Futsal Championship. champion in the world of boxing as nobody Alexandre Benidze (10-9-2, 5 KO) of contested match had early scoring by Ukraine also defeated Andorra 4-2 on March can defeat him. Jose Sulaiman, president of Georgia by unanimous decision in the 10th Shakhtar’s Luiz Adriano in the 25th minute, 19. Ukraine leads Group 1 of the tournament our organization, stated today that Klitschko round. Heavyweight Andrey Rudenko but Bremen responded with a 25-meter shot with seven points after three games played, is the pride of the WBC as well as he is the (12-0-0, 5 KO) defeated Yuri Gorbenko from Naldo (Ronaldo Aprecido Rodrigues) with 10 goals for and five against. Ukraine’s pride of world boxing.” He has a record of (0-2-0) with a TKO in the second round on in the 35th minute. The second half saw next stage of the tournament begins in 37 wins, 36 by knockout, his KO percentage April 22. Unranked super welterweight fight- both sides missing scoring opportunities, January 2010. is at 97.2 percent, placing him as the “great- ers Dmitriy Simrenin defeated Igor Nekhay which resulted in extra time. Shakhtar’s • Ukraine lost to England 2-1 in a World est puncher ever in the heavyweight divi- with a TKO in the second round on April 22. Jadson (Rodrigues) scored in the seventh Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium in sion.” • Upcoming bouts of Ukrainian fighters minute of extra time off of a cross from London on April 1. England opened up the • Conditions for a fight between Wladimir include the June 6 heavyweight fight in Darjo Srna to secure the win for the scoring in the 29th minute with a shot by Klitschko (WBO, IBO, IBF heavyweight Oberhausen, Germany, between Taras Ukrainian club. This was the first time since Peter Crouch. Andriy Shevchenko responded champion) and ex-cruiserweight champion Bidenko (26-2-0, 12 KO) and Denis Boytsov independence that a Ukrainian club had won for Ukraine in the 74th minute with a shot on David Haye of Great Britain have been of Russia for the WBA intercontinental title, a European trophy. goal, and England answered back with a shot agreed on by both parties, it was announced and the June 27 fight for the WBA super • Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Dynamo by captain John Terry in the 85th minute. lightweight title at the O2 Arena in London Kyiv 3-2 on aggregate in the semifinals of on April 6. The IBF/WBO title bout will take Ukraine, which is in third place in group six between Andriy Kotelink (31-2-1, 13 KO) the UEFA Cup – 1-1 in the first leg on April place on June 20 in Gelesenkirchen, with seven points, will face Croatia on June Germany at the Veltins Arena. and Amir Khan (20-1-0, 15 KO) of Great 30 and 2-1 in the second leg on May 7. Britain. During the first leg, Shakhtar scored first, 6. Ukraine trails Croatia and England, which • Vitali Klitschko’s (37-2, 36 KO) next into its own goal, in the 22nd minute to give have 10 and 15 points, respectively. scheduled bout will be against American Chess Dynamo the lead, but Shakhtar equalized in • Ukraine was ranked in seventh place Chris Arreola (27-0, 24 KO). Many of the according to the UEFA Team Ranking, deter- details, including location and date are still to • Serhiy Pavlov won the seventh Nabokov the second half with a shot by Fernandinho Memorial International Chess Tournament in in the 68th minute. During the second leg, mined from the last five years of staging be determined, with both fighters agreeing to European soccer tournaments. Ukraine had a bout somewhere in the United States. Kyiv on April 22. Other Ukrainian winners Jadson scored in the 17th minute for included Spartak Vysochyn, second place, Shakhtar, Ismael Bangoura equalized in the two teams in this year’s UEFA Cup semifi- • Ukraine hosted the “Golden Boxing II” nal, with Dynamo defeating France’s Paris tournament at the Lokomotiv Sports Palace and Ilia Holychenko, third place. The tourna- 47th minute for Dynamo and Ilsinho capped ment, organized by the Kyiv Chess it off for Shakhtar in the 89th minute. In the Saint-Germain FC and Shakhtar defeating in Kharkiv on April 22-23. IBF Olympique de Marseille. Ukraine ranks Intercontinental super lightweight champion Federation, attracted 12 players from quarterfinals leading up to the semifinal Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Poland and higher than Romania and the Netherlands in Sergey Fedchenko (23-0, 11 KO) retained match, Dynamo tied Paris Saint-Germain Romania. the UEFA rankings. his title by a knockout in the seventh round, FC (PSG) 0-0 on April 9 in the first leg and • Grandmaster Pavlo Eljanov won the defeating Diego Jesus Ponce (16-5-2, 2 KO) defeated PSG 3-0 on April 16 in the final Boxing 39th International Chess Super-Tournament of Argentina. This was Fedchenko’s second leg. Shakhtar defeated Olympique de 2009, held in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, defense of his IBF title. Marseille 2-0 on April 9 and won 2-1 on • The World Boxing Council (WBC) on May 18. Eljanov scored seven points, April 16 in the final leg. Shakhtar faces named Vitali Klitschko the greatest puncher • In another super lightweight bout, Artem defeating Wang Hao of China, Sergei Germany’s Werder Bremen in the UEFA ever in the heavyweight division on March Ayvazadi (5-0-0, 1 KO) defeated Dmitriy Movsesian of Slovakia, Pedyala Harikrishna Cup finals on May 20 in Istanbul, Turkey. 24. According to a WBC press release, Bogachuk (1-3-0, 1 KO) by unanimous deci- of India and Ivan Sokolov, representing the • Dynamo Kyiv won the Ukrainian Soccer “Klitschko proved that he is the best fighter sion in the sixth round, 59-55, 60-54 and host nation. League, defeating Tavaria Symferopol 3-2 in the world nowadays, pound for pound, 60-54. On April 22, lightweight Valentin on May 10. The win gave Dynamo 70 points after defeating Juan Carlos Gomez on Golovko (7-0-0, 5 KO) defeated Oleg (Continued on page 17) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 17

Ukrainian pro hockey update by Ihor Stelmach At the 2008 NHL draft with Stars’ top pick Tyler Beskorowany So I’m sitting in section 117, Row F, Seat How do you feel right now, knowing you’re going to be a Dallas Star and what 1 at Scotiabank Place on Saturday, June 21, you’ve been selected by an NHL team? sort of motivation does it give you for 2008, the second day of last year’s NHL Pretty good, it’s been an emotional day. when you return to juniors next season? Entry Draft. It was an encore performance I’m excited and happy to be a part of the I’m definitely going to go back and work as I had sat in this very same seat the eve- Dallas Stars. hard, then go to development camp and be ning prior, when I gleefully observed the prepared, work that much harder now, get a Were you nervous heading into today, gala introductions and the entire first round. few tips from [Dallas goalie] Marty Turco and how was it getting to sleep last night? Looking to my immediate left, I noticed sev- and [goalie coach] Andy Moog and take that eral well-dressed young men sitting with A little bit, I actually did get a few hours back to junior and evaluate myself and keep their families in a section next to mine. Little of sleep last night. I was actually hoping I’d going from there. did I know I would be chatting with one of be able to get in a little nap today. Dallas is an organization known for these young draftees later this day, when I Who’s here with you today to celebrate good goaltenders – Marty Turco, before would bump into him and his father while this big day in your life? him, Ed Belfour – it must be good to know strolling the arena’s concourse. Fortunately I there’s a solid history here and they select- was armed with my tote bag which had an My parents are here with me, that’s about ed you to perhaps keep the tradition official draft cap (for autographs), a mini it. going. recorder (for a possible interview) and a pad Which one of them was more excited (for notes). There’s a little bit of pressure in that. The about your selection? organization told me all the goaltenders they Here then, is The Weekly’s “Hockey Guy” draft end up in the NHL, so I just have to fol- talkin’ pucks with the Dallas Stars’ top selec- Actually, I think my agent was most excit- ed of all. low in their footsteps. tion in the 2008 draft, goaltender Tyler Ontario Hockey League Beskorowany. How does it make you feel now that What personal attribute do you think Tyler Beskorowany, the top 2008 draft got you drafted into the NHL ranks? pick of the Dallas Stars. I come to work my hardest every day. I category, Ihor Shymechko won gold in the never give up on my team or quit on a play. sight of what I wanted to do. It got me to Sportsline... over 105 kg division with 433 kg on aggre- I’m out to prove I belong on my team, in this where I am today. (Continued from page 16) gate, 203 kg in the snatch and 230 kg in the league and I should be back next year. How has your juniors experience with clean and jerk. Oleksiy Torkhtiy won silver Olympics Owen Sound (OHL) made a difference? in the 105 kg division with a total of 405 kg, You’ve gotten some attention for your Serhiy Bubka, president of the National 181 kg in the snatch and 224 kg in the clean play in juniors and there’s talk of playing By making it to the Ontario Hockey Olympic Committee of Ukraine, member of and jerk. for Team Canada at the World Under-18 League, I proved to myself that I am capable Hockey Championships. the International Olympic Committee and of doing anything I want to. I have a lot more Strongman first vice-president of the International It feels good and I feel no added pressure. confidence. Association of Athletics Federations, was Dmytro Khalaji set a new world record in My dream has always been to play in the Times were tough with Owen Sound as elected to the Board of the Association of Kyiv on May 18, where he endured two NHL. It’s been an adventure getting to this Summer Olympics Federations during its vehicles that ran over him, weighing two point, but I kept working hard and never lost (Continued on page 18) General Assembly in Denver on March 25. tons and 1.5 tons, respectively. Khalaji pledged to endure twice as large of a load in Wrestling his next attempt. UNA SENIORS’ WEEK AT SOYUZIVKA Nine Ukrainian wrestlers won medals at Tennis JUNE 14-19, 2009 the European Wrestling Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania, on March 29 through • Ukraine’s women’s national tennis team Make your reservations for the UNA Seniors’ Conference which will be April 6. In the Greco-Roman form, was ranked in seventh place in the Fed Cup Volodymyr Shatskykh won silver in the 74 national rankings. Ukraine progressed from held at Soyuzivka Heritage Center from Sunday, June 14, starting with kg division and Vitaliy Lishchynsky won the 12th place to seventh, with a total score of wine and cheese in the evening, through Friday, June 19, including bronze medal in the 84 kg division. In free 6,225 points after a victory over Argentina in brunch. style, Andriy Stadnik won gold in the 66 kg a play-off match of the World Group and its division, Ibragim Aldatov won silver in the accession to the tournament’s top eight coun- All inclusive 5 nights, all meals beginning with breakfast Monday, ban- 84 kg division, and Vasiliy Tesmineckiy won tries. quet, taxes and gratuities included, entertainment and special speakers. bronze in the 120 kg division. In the wom- • Anastasia Lytovchenko and Tetiana en’s category, Nataliya Synyshyn won gold Arfyeva won the women’s doubles event at UNA members - single occupancy $440 – double occupancy $370 pp in the 55 kg division, Kateryna Burmistrova the ITF Pro Circuit in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Per night - Single $110 – double $87 pp won the gold in the 67 kg division, Iryna on April 20. The Ukrainian duo was seated Khariv won the silver in the 59 kg division, in fourth place and defeated Ima Bogush of Non UNA members - single occupancy $490 – double occupancy $385 pp and Yuliya Blahinya won the bronze medal Belarus and Yevgenia Pashkova of Russia in Per night - Single $115 – double $95 pp in the 51 kg division. two sets, 6-4, 6-4. Gymnastics Fencing BANQUET & ENTERTAINMENT only $35 pp Ukraine’s team at the European Athletics Ukraine won two gold, two silver and two Championship in Milan, Italy, won one gold, bronze medals at the Junior and Cadet World Call Soyuzivka, tel: 845-626-5641 and register early. two silver and one bronze medal. Yana Fencing Championships in Belfast, Northern Space is limited - Organize a bus from your area, contact local senior clubs! Demianchuk won gold in the balance beam Ireland, on April 5-13. Anatoliy Herey won For information please call Oksana Trytjak, tel: 973-292-9800 ext. 3071 event, Anna Kalashnyk won bronze in the silver in the men’s junior epee division, and vault, Oleksandr Vorobiov won silver in the Ukraine won silver in the junior epee team rings event and Mykola Kuksenko won sil- event. Anfisa Pochkalova tied for bronze in ver in the high bar event. Serhiy Bubka, the women’s junior epee event. Yevgeniy member of the International Olympic Statsenko won bronze in the men’s cadet Committee, congratulated the athletes and saber event. Olga Kharlan won gold in the coaches on their achievements. women’s junior saber event, and Ukraine’s junior women’s team won gold in the saber Weightlifting event. Natalia Trotsenko defended her European Judo title with a gold medal win at the European Championships in Bucharest, Hungary, on Volodymyr Soroka, 26, won the gold April 3-12. Trotsenko (53 kg) lifted 192 kg medal in the 73 kg division at the European on aggregate, 87 kg in the snatch and 105 kg Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, on in the clean and jerk. Yuliya Kalina won sil- April 24-26. Heorhiy Zantaraya earned silver ver in the 58 kg division, with 212 kg on in the 60 kg division and Maryna Pryshchepa aggregate, 95 kg in the snatch and 117 kg in won silver in the women’s 78 kg division. the clean and jerk. In the women’s over 75 Ukraine finished in third place overall, with kg division, Yuliya Dovhal won bronze with three medals – one gold and two silver. Senior Citizens’ Week is FUN – AFFORDABLE – INTERESTING 252 kg aggregate, 111 kg in the snatch and WE WELCOME GUESTS! COME ONE, COME ALL! 141 kg in the clean and jerk. In the men’s – compiled by Matthew Dubas 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21 UMANA Foundation sponsors CPR, first aid training for camp counselors by Maria Hrycelak the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ), allowed their halls CHICAGO – On April 25 the Foundation to be used for over four hours for this dedi- of the Ukrainian Medical Association of cated purpose, Dr. Marta Lopatynsky, chair- North America (UMANA Foundation) inau- person of the Arts, Culture and Education gurated a CPR and First Aid teaching project Committee at the UACCNJ, and Dr. Ariadna for Ukrainian American camp counselors in Holynskyj, UMANA President, helped orga- Chicago, Illinois and Whippany, N.J. nize the New Jersey courses. The UMANA Foundation underwrote the Proceeds from the annual UMANA cost of professional instructors, supplying Illinois Chapter Debutante Ball benefited the four and a half hours of instruction to over UMANA Foundation. The individual debu- 70 trainees in both cities, helping these tantes also raised funds for the first aid/CPR young counselors become confident and pro- project. Katya Iwanik and Diana Kuritza, ficient in basic first aid and life-saving skills. 2009 debutantes, volunteered to help with As a pilot project, the UMANA registration and refreshments. The Foundation invited counselors from Plast Selfreliance Foundation, headquartered in Ukrainian Scouting Organization, the Chicago with a branch in Whippany, donated Ariadna Holynskyj Ukrainian American Youth Association, the $500 to support these courses. Participants working on CPR mannequins in Whippany, N.J. Association of American Youth of Ukrainian The youth counselors energetically Descent (ODUM), as well as Iskra Ukrainian absorbed the intense lessons, and upon com- in 1998 to promote medical literacy and The UMANA Foundation is planning to Folk Dance Ensemble and the Chornomorska pletion of the course received two-year cer- medical education among Ukrainians world- continue the first aid and CPR courses in two Sitch Ukrainian Athletic-Educational tificates of competency in basic CPR. wide. It has funded various projects in the new cities next year. For more information, Association to send its members to the Despite the length of the program, the regis- United States, Canada and Ukraine, support- or to find out about how to support the course. The response from the youth groups trants studiously participated in all the activi- ing many publications including reference UMANA Foundation, readers may e-mail was resounding, with 41 participating in ties. The foundation supplied each partici- books, brochures, CDs, and web conferenc- [email protected] or call Chicago and 30 participating in Whippany. pant with a personal first aid kit for use in es. Over the last three years the Dr. Walter 773-278-6262. The Ukrainian community generously any eventuality. and Olga Prokopiw Scholarship Endowment supplied teaching space without charge. The The UMANA Foundation, the non-profit Fund has awarded over $6,000 in grants to Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago and educational arm of UMANA, was founded medical students in the U.S. and Canada.

Maria Hrycelak Participants of the first aid and CPR class in Chicago.

At the 2008 NHL draft... (Continued from page 17) the club struggled through a rebuilding year and you saw a lot of shots. That’s what my goal was coming in, just getting as much rubber as I could and as much experience as I can. *** Dennis (Ukrainian) and Nicole (French) Beskorowany were immensely proud of son Tyler and how far he’s come: the 6-foot-4, 203-pound goaltender was drafted in the 14th round of the OHL draft. On Saturday, June 21, 2008, the Stars took him in the sec- ond round, first Dallas pick, 59th overall. His father, very quick to answer affirma- tively when asked if he was Ukrainian, said his son’s improvement and success were the results of “a lot of hard work and dedica- tion.” “It’s been a long process,” said proud mom Nicole Beskorowany. “He’s worked really, really hard and had a lot of successes through the years. But, he’s also had a few challenges, and he’s managed to work his way through those challenges to get himself where he is today.” Dad summed it all up in saying: “We’re very proud of what he’s been able to accom- plish.” In parting with the Beskorowany family I thanked them for their time, got Tyler to sign my hat and wished him the best with his future hockey career. I teased them all by predicting there would be an article about this Ukrainian goalie prospect in The Ukrainian Weekly. They all thought it would be pretty cool. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 19

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Florida cultural center holds annual meeting, elects offi cers by Vira Bodnaruk (Oseredok) located at 4100 S. Biscayne Drive in North Port, FL; (941) 426-9745. NORTH PORT, Fla. – St. Andrew’s The pre-Easter Bazaar was held on Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center April 3 at the Oseredok with a beautiful held its annual meeting on March 18 and display of decorative ceramics, paintings, elected a new slate of officers headed by embroidery work and pysanky arranged Dr. Wolodymyr Korol, president. by Halia Shramenko, Ms. Lisnyczyj, and Also elected were: Julian Helbig, vice- Tamara and Lesia Weremijenko. A tradi- president; Roman Swystun, secretary; tional Ukrainian Easter basket, as well as Victor Kaplij and Maria Boyduy, treasur- Easter breads, were prepared by Nadia ers; Prof.Vira Bodnaruk, cultural activi- Fatenko. The art of pysanka was demon- ties chair; Hanna Cherin, librarian; Daria strated by Marusia Hajowa and Olia Tomashoski, membership chair; Halia Tatarko. Lisnyczyj, Maria Nikityn and Anastasia The delicious Ukrainian food and pas- Fatenko, social services; Maria Chorna, try was prepared and served under the head of kitchen; Petro Lobur, Ivan watchful eye of Marusia Chorna. The Popiwchak, Halyna Korol, Nadia Lobur, bazaar was a success due to the support Klara Szpiczka, Mykola Weremijenko and participation of all the Oseredok Bohdan Bodnaruk and Oresta Swystun, members-at-large; Board members of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center in North members. Iwanna Holowaty, Luboslawa Szandra Port, Fla., including President Wolodymyr Korol (third row, second from right). On April 26 the Community and Zenon Stromeckyj, auditing commit- tee members. Committee (Hromadskyi Komitet) of Chornobyl and life in “the zone.” During the summer, when many people Various events planned for the current North Port organized a commemoration Divine liturgy is celebrated in the cha- go north, the pace at the Oseredok slows year take place at the Cultural Center of the 23rd anniversary of the Chornobyl pel located within the Oseredok at 9 a.m. down. disaster. Irene Zabytko, an award-winning every Sunday. Following the service, Various organizations hold their writer and filmmaker, was invited to there is an opportunity to visit with monthly meetings here: Branch 56 of the Prof. Vira Bodnaruk is cultural activities show her short documentary film friends and family at the Oseredok, where Ukrainian National Women’s League of chair at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious “Epiphany at Chornobyl” and talk about coffee and pastries are served. America; the Ukrainian American Club, and Cultural Center (Oseredok). her book “The Sky Unwashed” about During the week on Mondays and Ukrainian American Veterans and the Thursdays, 2-6 p.m. the Oseredok is open Community Committee Club. Throughout to members and friends, who take advan- the year, commemorations of national and tage of its well-stocked library, play cards religious holidays are held here, as well Elizabeth students bring joy or chess, or meet friends for conversation. as literary evenings, bazaars, dances and On Fridays at 4:30-6 p.m. Ukrainian din- lectures. ners are available (borsch, varenyky, hol- Membership in the Oseredok is open to orphans in Zaporizhia ubtsi) for a very reasonable price. This is to all persons of Ukrainian descent (or especially convenient for residents of the their marriage) who live in the vicinity. “Ukrainian Village,” which is next to the The initiation fee is $100, with an annual Oseredok. fee of $20 for each member. For informa- Activities at the Oseredok are in full tion readers may call the Oseredok at swing from September through May. 941-426-9745.

ELIZABETH, N.J. – Upper Academy High School Students in Elizabeth, N.J., inspired by their teacher, Lilia Chaika, prepared 100 goody bags for deaf and mute orphans in Zaporizhia, Ukraine. Sister Mary Bernarda, OSBM, who pays regular visits to orphanages in Ukraine to help the children there, noted: “This was a very beautiful and impressive Christian act of charity. And the joy of the children upon receiving these gifts surely could not be surpassed.” She added that this was “an exemplary project worthy of imitation by other groups of schoolchildren” who simi- larly could bring happiness to hundreds of orphans throughout Ukraine.

parties around the globe. Heritage Foundation... The project also encompasses digitiza- (Continued from page 1) tion of the Ukrainian National Association 1933, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, Almanacs published annually by have been working to digitize their Svoboda; the children’s magazine archives for the past several years. Grants Veselka, published in the years for the project have been received from the 1954-1995; and The Ukrainian Weekly’s book publications. Shevchenko Scientific Society (in Realization of the project requires a December 2007) and Self Reliance New substantial financial commitment that is York Federal Credit Union (in April 2008). well beyond the financial means of the Digitization of both newspapers’ back Svoboda and The Weekly, which are pub- issues – a project that will be invaluable lished as non-profit ventures. to researchers and scholars, as well as the Svoboda and The Weekly are seeking Ukrainian community at large – will additional sponsors for their digital guarantee broader access to Svoboda’s archives project. and The Ukrainian Weekly’s historic Readers may check out the progress archives. These digitized archives can be made in the digitization project by log- made available to universities, libraries, ging on to www.ukrweekly.com and scholarly institutions and other interested www.svoboda-news.com. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21

only have is countries that are democratic munist countries. that’s depressing. Estonian president... that worry perhaps sometimes about lack of But that means there are 20 countries that (Continued from page 3) democracy in countries that are not, but the do not have a free media [in] the target area Copyright 2008, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted approach? organizations themselves that include every- of [RFE/RL] in the1980s. And if you look at with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ one are stymied. the numbers, it is only 18 percent of the Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Any consensus-based organization, as the [Former Czech] President [Vaclav] Havel people that were in the broadcast area. Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org. (See OSCE is, will lead to a common denomina- wrote just yesterday in The Herald Tribune a Eight-two percent of the people that we http://www.rferl.org/content/Estonian_ tor; and the common denominator when it piece on this same issue. Where are we? I were broadcasting to in 1988, ‘86, ‘89, today President_Urges_West_To_Pay_Attention_ comes to democracy is fairly low. Since it is mean, we have human rights organizations remain in an un-free press environment. And To_What_Is_Going_On/1730251.html.) a consensus-based organization, that means being chaired or run by countries whose it suffices for only one country to veto and own record, by any standard – at least for an that means you can’t go very far. Estonian or a Czech – is rather dubious. To make matters worse, during produc- Specifically, where the problems have “Taras Bulba”... tion, casualties were reported on the set. When you speak to your colleagues in come in is in a sub-organization to the (Continued from page 10) More specifically, animal rights activists OSCE, the ODIHR, which monitors elec- the EU, what do you suggest might be a were livid to discover that on May 29, 2007, better way to proceed? ship actually took place. The romance had tions. That is what has turned out to be so the opportunity to evolve, there was more at least one animal, in this particular case a unpopular in countries where democracy is Well, first of all is to pay attention to what interaction, the two fated lovers walked, talk- horse by the name of Malisz, had been not where it should be, or where democracy is going on and not to sweep it under the ed, spent time together, thus adding more killed, while other animals had been trauma- is something other than what we know it to carpet in the name of political expediency. substance to their relationship. And that is tized. Malisz had also appeared in a similar- be in the West. And we can see very strong And that basically is all that I can really sug- precisely why the fateful demise of their ly themed film titled “Ogniem i Mieczem” pressure on ODIHR to cease its actions and gest. relationship is that much more tragic. (With Fire and Sword) (1999), which had not to monitor elections, and threats to cut As both film versions have an approxi- also starred Bohdan Stupka and was directed off funding to the OSCE if ODIHR contin- Thank you. Is there anything else you by Polish film director Jerzy Hoffman. would like to add as a final thought? mate running time of just over two hours, ues to find that elections are not free and fair. one wonders how the American screen Mr. Bortko, whose mother was Ukrainian Well, what is the alternative? There is not Well, I would say that I am here for the adaptation managed to adequately portray and father was Russian, received the much, especially since the other main orga- opening of the new RFE/RL building and, the relationship between Taras Bulba and his “National Artist of Ukraine” award in 2003. nization that actually monitored human as someone who worked here for nine years sons, as well as the romance between Andrii In April of this year, the Presidium of the rights consistently was the Council of during the most exciting period, I think, in and the young Polish noble woman, while Central Committee of the Communist Party Europe, which was a normative organiza- the history of RFE/RL, which was from the Russian screen version fails on both of Ukraine bestowed the Lenin Prize upon tion. As opposed to the OSCE, which was 1984 to 1993, that it is great to be back here counts. Mr. Bortko following the release of his consensual, the Council of Europe was nor- and that I find what the radio does remains Although Gogol’s Hohol’s tale is set in “Taras Bulba.” According to the CPU’s offi- mative, it had its principles and if you fol- highly important – especially if you look at the fortified city of Dubno in the 16th centu- cial website, the award is in recognition of lowed them you were OK and if you didn’t the Freedom House report on press freedom ry’s Rivne region of Ukraine, the majority of the filmmaker’s “highly artistic cinematic follow those principles you were not. that appeared last week or two weeks ago, location shooting for Mr. Bortko’s “Taras contribution to the ideals of friendship But that has succumbed to political expe- where you get a fairly depressing picture Bulba” took place at two of Ukraine’s most between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, diency, I would say, especially in the last six that maybe the job of the radios is not com- magnificent fortifications, namely Kamianets and to propagating a mutually historic and or seven years under the leadership which it plete and that the outcome of our work in Podilskyi and Khotyn, situated, respectively, cultural legacy.” had, unfortunately, when you have people the 1980s and throughout that period was in the southeastern Podillia and northern Offering his perspective on the Russian running an organization that have business not as wonderful as we would like to think Bessarabia regions of Ukraine, respectively. cinematic interpretation of “Taras Bulba.” interests in countries without democracy it since of the 28 countries of the post-Com- Despite such majestic scenery and battle Peter Borisow, president of the Hollywood leads to dubious decisions. munist, post-Soviet space, [only] eight have scene stunt coordination provided by Nick Trident Foundation, assessed that “the only So the Council of Europe has given up on completely free media today. Powell of “Braveheart” fame, Russia’s ver- good thing about the Bulba film is that it is its norms, and we don’t really have any I am very proud that Estonia and Latvia sion of “Taras Bulba” is nevertheless so bad it’s not likely to be seen by any sig- organization that is all-inclusive, that and Lithuania and Poland and the Czech plagued by mismatched props, including nificant audience.” According to Mr. includes these countries that have democra- Republic are countries with completely free historically inaccurate armor, footware and Borisow, “the only thing the worse than the cy problems, where these democracy prob- media, and Estonia has the most free media, weaponry, and even overly extended offen- story line is the close tie between worst lems can be discussed and what we really in that rating at least, of all of the post-Com- sive ladders that seem to reach the heavens. overdirecting and the worst overacting.” No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 21

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Ukrainian immigrant is valedictorian at LIU by Alka Gupta everything was new for me,” she recounted. “Also, life is very quick here. You have to NEW YORK – Six years ago and half- be on the run all the time.” way around the globe from her current home Nevertheless, her indomitable spirit and in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Larysa optimism helped the young immigrant to Doudla was a carefree college student in her catch up quickly. She became fluent in native country of Ukraine, in the western English, adding to her already in-depth Ukrainian town of Irshava. knowledge of Ukrainian, Polish and She was active in school clubs, played Russian. In 2005, she enrolled in the School piano and had many friends. After complet- of Business, Public Administration and ing Irshava School No. 1, she enrolled at Information Sciences at Long Island Kyiv National Economic University, where University’s Brooklyn Campus and worked she was a student of finance. two jobs during most of the time she was She thought she had it all until the day taking classes. her father and mother, an economist and a She excelled with the support of pro- schoolteacher, respectively, won the United fessors, whom she describes as mentors States Green Card Lottery, a government and friends. As the Brooklyn Campus program that annually grants 50,000 visas to valedictorian Ms. Doudla, who earned a people all around the world, authorizing 3.8 grade-point average, addressed an them to live and to work in the United audience of nearly 1,900 of her fellow David Gardiner Garcia States. The program allowed the couple, students, their family members and Larysa Doudla, 27, an immigrant from Ukraine was the valedictorian at Long their daughter and a son to immigrate to this friends during the May 14 commence- Island University’s Brooklyn Campus commencement on May 14. country. ment ceremonies. In addition to graduat- “Ever since I was a little kid, I remember ing with this highest honor, Ms. Doudla Professional Coders. and to go on and make the world a better my father talking about his dream of mov- has won the Campus’ Managerial Society She also married her hometown sweet- place,” commented Gale Stevens Haynes, ing here,” said Ms. Doudla, a 27-year-old Award for Excellence and the Most heart, Ivan Chyipesh. The couple lives with provost of Long Island University’s finance and management major. Outstanding Undergraduate Student her family in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Campus. She was happy for her father, but was Award. Despite numerous academic, fam- Ms. Doudla is quite upbeat about the In its ninth decade of providing access to concerned about how this opportunity would ily and work obligations, she found time future despite the tumultuous economic the American dream through excellence in affect her own life. The transition was tough to be a member of the Campus Finance environment. “I see the reality of today’s higher education, Long Island University is at first. She spoke very little English and Society, the Alpha Chi National Honor economy, however, I understand the poten- a multi-campus, diverse, doctoral institution missed her friends. “In the United States, Society and the American Academy of tial of how bright minds can make things of higher learning. LIU offers 590 under- better,” she asserted. graduate, graduate and doctoral degree pro- “Ms. Doudla is a wonderful representa- grams and certificates, and educates over Association. He is fluent in Eastern tive of the students who are graduating from 24,000 students in degree-credit and con- Elected five times European languages. the Brooklyn Campus. Many of them are tinuing education programs in Brooklyn, He is a member of the Roselle Park first-generation Americans and first-genera- Brookville (C.W. Post), Brentwood, to Board of Ed Library board of trustees of CATV-34 tion college graduates who have overcome a Riverhead, Rockland, Westchester and Committee, and is coordinator of Clean ROSELLE PARK, N.J. – Alexander J. multitude of obstacles to earn their degrees Southampton. Communities. He has also been a mem- Balaban, a second-generation Ukrainian American has now been elected five ber of the Community Alliance Against times to the Roselle Park Board of Substance Abuse, the Roselle Park Education. His latest election victory Environmental Commission and the came on April 21. Roselle Park Historical Society. Mr. Balaban is a manager with Social Mr. Balaban served on the Roselle Security’s Disability Program through Park Board of Education for 12 years, in New Jersey’s Department of Labor and 1994-1997, 1999-2002, and 2003 to the Workforce Development. He has been present. He served on all board commit- employed by the State of New Jersey for tees, and was the chairman of the finance, 27 years. He has been awarded Social curriculum, school board operations, and Security Commissioner Citations for negotiations committees. As well, he excellence in public service and has served on the Middle School Curriculum attained Certified Public Manager status. Committee and the Strategic Planning He received his bachelor’s degree in Committee. pre-medicine studies from Rutgers He represented Roselle Park on the University and holds a Certificate in Union County and New Jersey School Administrative Law Principles from Boards Associations. He served as a vice- McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, president of the Union County School Calif. He earned a master’s degree in Boards Association in 1995-1997 and public administration from Fairleigh 2001-2002; he also served on the Union Dickinson University in 2007. County Educational Services Commission Mr. Balaban is the only Roselle Park in 1999-2001 and 2006-2008. Board of Education member to attain Mr. Balaban also lectured on the “Master Board Member” certification Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 in from the New Jersey School Boards Ukraine at Roselle Park High School.

to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and Cited as scholar commitment that Martha S. Lewko has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional in high school level of academic excellence,” said Mr. ATLANTA, Ga. – The National Nobel. “Martha S. Lewko is now a mem- Society of High School Scholars ber of a unique community of scholars – (NSHSS) on April 29 announced that a community that represents our very best Paramus Catholic High School student hope for the future.” Martha S. Lewko from Little Falls, N.J., “Our vision is to build a dynamic inter- has been selected for membership. The national organization that connects mem- bers with meaningful content, resources Society recognizes top scholars and and opportunities,” stated NSHSS invites only those students who have President James Lewis. “We aim to help achieved superior academic excellence. students like Ms. Lewko build on their The announcement was made by academic successes and enhance the NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes skills and desires to have a positive Nobel, a senior member of the family that impact on the global community.” established the Nobel Prizes. “On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored (Continued on page 22) 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21

are, in essence, memoirs. In this man- and environmental responsibility with its Ukrainian writer... ner, you have, in fact, been the most Friendship... cutting edge waste to energy and recy- (Continued from page 11) successful among your colleagues in (Continued from page 4) cling programs, its commitment to green beyond its geographic and national bor- fixating your literary generation. Do members of the Arlington Sister City spaces and the work being done at a ders in such a manner is a test of that lit- you think that not traveling gave you a Association board. Habitat for Humanity site. erature’s maturity. unique point of view – one that those The Embassy of Ukraine was repre- In addition, the group visited the U.S.- writers who did travel could not have? sented by Marina Zlobina. Sister Cities Ukraine Foundation, the Library of Well now let’s look at another aspect Did this make you the one that would Congress, toured Washington and of Ukrainian literature and the U.S. – International Program Manager for write about this? Sustainable Development Adam Kaplan Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the diaspora as an audience. The nearby attractions such as Mount Vernon. diaspora has changed much in the I didn’t feel any sense of obligation to offered remarks on how sister city rela- tionships are helping to build a global cit- Throughout the visit, the Embassy of years since Ukrainian independence. write about this. I had no other choice. I Ukraine provided generous support. A Readers of your works in the 1990s, had to focus on the local. Many interest- izen diplomacy network. Following the signing of the friendship farewell dinner graciously hosted by generally an older generation of ing people were coming through Lviv, ASCA President Sandra MacDonald at her agreement, there was a tree-planting cere- Ukrainian émigrés, who subscribed to interesting events. home enabled Arlington’s new Ukrainian mony that not only marked the friendship intellectual journals such as Suchasnist, friends to mingle with and get better So then, Lviv. It’s a major subject in of the two cities but also was a fitting cel- are gradually passing on. Most of their acquainted with ASCA board members your poetry and prose. Your novel ebration of Earth Day. The tree, a sugar children and grandchildren, naturally, and other guests from the community. “Bazylevs” is set in Lviv. You have a maple, was sponsored by American are assimilating into American society Ivano-Frankivsk has a population of series of poems, written between 1983 Forests, a tree-planting organization in and would have great difficulty reading 230,000 people, very similar to Arlington’s and 1997 which address the city’s Washington. a Ukrainian-language novel to its com- 205,000. Both cities are economically Akademichna Street [an old, pre-Soviet In the fall, the tree turns a bright pletion. As we already mentioned, there name for today’s Prospekt Shevchenka vibrant, progressive and inclusive commu- is a new wave of post-Soviet émigrés. orange – a vibrant symbol that both nities that foster a high quality of life – MA]. These poems form a chronicle Ukrainian citizen democracy and friend- How important, then, is the diaspora, of sorts, tracing Lviv’s changes over through their strong commitment to the in its present form, for Ukrainian writ- ship between the two cities has taken arts and culture, education, civic engage- that time span. If you were to write a root. ers? Do you see it as a potential audi- poem titled “Akademichna 2009” how ment and maintaining a healthy citizenry ence for your writing? Arlington County Board Member through participation in outdoor activities. would it depict the Lviv of today? Walter Tejada, whose support of the When I first came to North America, to Also like Arlington, Ivano-Frankivsk is a I titled the final, 1997 poem “Departure friendship agreement was crucial, spoke noted cultural center and the friendship Canada, in 1992, I envisioned the diaspo- from Akademichna Street” because it was about the central role that citizens from ra, through its structure and organization, agreement opens the way for exciting my farewell to treating that street in my both communities play in building strong exchanges. Ivano-Frankivsk is a center for as a potential example for newly indepen- poetry. If you follow the path that unfolds and lasting relationships. folk culture and performances by its many dent Ukraine. But I soon realized that in that poem, it leads from Akademichna A group of children from Jamestown musical ensembles offers opportunities for members of the diaspora have their own Street to the former Bernadine Monastery, Elementary School in Arlington sang learning more about Ukraine’s rich cultural problems as well, which they brought over the restored fortification wall to songs in languages of each of the sister traditions. with them from Ukraine. There exist High Castle Hill and then spirals into city countries, including “Liubymo Established in 1993, the Arlington competing groups, who often fight among heaven. Zemliu Svoyu” by composer Bohdana Sister City Association (ASCA) is a non- themselves. I cannot say that I write with From that perspective, from up high, Filts. profit organization affiliated with diaspora readers in mind. But I believe my lyric protagonist sees a Lviv which Arlingtonians, under the leadership of Arlington County. ASCA works to that we should cooperate constructively has been reconstructed. He sees that a local resident Chrystia Sonevytsky, co- enhance and promote the region’s inter- with the diaspora. river flows through the city’s center. And chair of the Arlington Sister City Ivano- national profile and to foster productive This does not have to take the form of this, in reality, is the Poltva River, which Frankivsk committee, have been working exchanges in education, commerce, cul- grandiose projects in which hard-earned today flows beneath Akademichna Street. towards developing a sister city relation- ture and the arts. diaspora money is wasted on some fool- Therefore, I cannot write another poem ship for some four years. Last June, an ASCA programs are sanctioned by ish idea in Ukraine. The diaspora has on this theme until this vision becomes ASCA organized tour was warmly Sister Cities International of Washington. already done much for Ukraine and not reality – until the river is set free. received on a visit to Ivano-Frankivsk, Locally, the ASCA supports and coordi- all of it has been recognized yet. But In my own, personal mythology, I resulting in this reciprocal visit. nates four local Sister Cities programs there has also been much wasted effort believe that certain problems in the men- During their four day stay, the and provides guidance for those interest- because of a lack of discretion as to where tality of today’s residents of Lviv stem Ukrainians got acquainted with Arlington ed in establishing new sister cities pro- from the fact that the river along which funds and energies should be applied. and what makes the county such a special grams. Current sister city partnerships the city was founded and built has been place. Depending on their interests, they Since Ukrainian independence, turned into a pathway for sewage. And include: Aachen, Germany; Coyoacan, many Ukrainian writers have visited this is a crime about which most residents had the opportunity to find out about the Mexico; Reims, France; and San Miguel, the West. You, however, did not leave of Lviv have forgotten – most don’t even county’s economic development and tour- El Salvador. Ukraine between 1994 and 2008. Why? know that a river flows there. Today, Lviv ism, as well as its educational and infor- For additional information or to find out has to eradicate this mistake made by its mation technology facilities. Other mem- how you can help build the Arlington Ivano- I elected not to travel not based on ancestors. bers of the delegation saw first hand Frankivsk sister city relationship, readers some kind of principle or to make a state- This motif is present in other creative Arlington’s commitment to sustainability may visit www.arlingtonsistercity.org. ment. I did it for family reasons – it was works as well. The river often appears in important for me to be there for my three the works of contemporary Lviv visual daughters in those first years after they artist Yurko Kokh. It appears in were born. On receiving the items, the staff and Andrukhovych’s writing. In the writing of Maritime community... physicians in Kherson handed out the You have already published three Ihor Kalynets’, as well. Bohdan Ihor clothing much to their delight. Candies books containing many essays which Antonych too. (Continued from page 4) the region is in the plain territory known and sweets were also made available, giv- as the steppes. The area has two ports, ing the occasion a festive atmosphere. comprising a river and seaport, and has In an open letter from the orphanage the distinction of direct trade with up to staff to the organizers, the orphanage’s 42 countries worldwide. This fact alone doctors expressed their gratitude, “May explains how the Montreal shipping com- God bless you and your families, and we munity got involved with the needs of the thank you very much for the thoughtful children of the Kherson Orphanage. and wonderful gifts for our children.” Organized and enthusiastically sup- No doubt the many children and staff ported by members of the Shipping in faraway Kherson will always remem- Federation of Canada, the project is an ber the generosity of their benefactors example of how groups can unite and 9,000 miles away. support worthy causes all over the world. The Montreal shipping community can Through the networking of various ship- be proud of this charitable gift and act of ping companies, the delivery of the gifts goodwill that is bound to build on the was facilitated with little bureaucratic already strong ties between Canada and impediments. Ukraine.

of High School Scholars recognizes aca- Cited as scholar... demic excellence at the high school level (Continued from page 21) and encourages members of the organiza- Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified tion to apply their unique talents, vision students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, and potential for the betterment of them- including scholarship opportunities, aca- selves and the world. demic competitions, free events, member- Currently, there are more than 300,000 only resources, publications, participation society members in over 120 countries. in programs offered by educational part- NSHSS provides scholarship opportuni- ners, online forums, personalized recogni- ties for deserving young people. tion items and publicity honors. For more information about NSHSS, Formed in 2002, the National Society readers may log on to www.nshss.org. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 23 OUT AND ABOUT

May 30 Graduation Dinner and Dance, School of Ukrainian June 19-21 Yonkers Ukrainian Festival, St. Michael Ukrainian Ottawa Studies, Villa Marconi, 613-230-0997 or Yonkers, NY Catholic Church, 914-963-0209 613-739-9185 www.brama.com/yonkersukrainianfest June 21 Father’s Day Ukrainian Folk Festival, featuring May 30 Lecture by Alla Korzh, “Ukrainian Orphans’ Plight: Horsham, PA U.S. Amateur Soccer Association’s National Cups New York Education in ‘Internaty’ and its Implications,” Region I Championship Tournament, Ukrainian Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 American Sports Center – Tryzub, 215-362-5331 or [email protected] May 31 30th anniversary concert, “Colors of Memory,” Ottawa Ottawa School of Ukrainian Dance and the June 22 - August 7 Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute, Harvard Svitanok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Bronson Cambridge, MA University, 617-495-3549 Center Theater, 613-692-5243 or http://www.huri.harvrd.edu/husi.html

June 6-7 Free dance class, Eurasia Dance Society, St. Andrew June 24-27 26th Conference, “Contemporary Ukraine: Silver Spring, MD Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Champaign, IL Challenges and Perspectives,” University of Illinois [email protected] or 202-841-8325 at Urbana-Champaign, 217-356-9195 or [email protected] June 8 - July 17 Ukrainian language study program, University of Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh, http://sli.slavic.pitt.edu June 27 Concert, “Steppes: A Ukrainian Journey,” featuring Philadelphia the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Prince June 12-14 Art Exhibit, “Lviv, Ukraine Pavilion,” Ukrainian Music Theater, 215-569-9700 Kingston, Ontario Canadian Club of Kingston, Regiopolis Notre-Dame or www.princemusictheater.org High School, 613-549-5060

June 13 Flea market, Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to Baltimore, MD Church, 410-903-2142 events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discre- June 13 Open House, Ukrainian Museum-Archives, tion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to mdubas@ Cleveland 216-781-4329 ukrweekly.com. June 14 Ukrainian film and food festival, Ukrainian Lehighton, PA American Heritage Foundation, Ukrainian Homestead, 570-708-1992 or 610-377-7750 should be burned in an oven in Franz-Joseph Campaign in Ukraine... Land and thrown into the sea there so that June 16 Commemorative events, Victims of Communism (Continued from page 9) his ashes will fall on Europe.’ …But what- Washington Memorial Foundation, 202-536-2373 ers to bury him will not lead to any social ever is decided, ‘one must not bury this evil- explosion. ...’ doer in Holy Russia,’ after all the crimes June 19 Crab feast, Baltimore Ukrainian Festival “… Smirnov continued with the observa- Lenin and the system he set up committed Perry Hall, MD Committee, Columbus Gardens Hall, 410-591-7566 tion that he ‘in general is an opponent of against the Russian people and the Russian or [email protected] burying the body of Lenin. Instead, he Church. …” 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2009 No. 21 PREVIEW OF EVENTS Soyuzivka’s Datebook Saturday, May 30 tival, sponsored by the Ukrainian NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific American Heritage Foundation, will be Society invites all to a lecture by Alla held beginning at 2 p.m. at the Ukrainian May 22-25 Memorial Day weekend June 14-19 UNA Seniors Week Korzh titled “Ukrainian Orphans’ Plight: Homestead, 1230 Beaver Run Drive. Friday evening: Pete & Vlod on Education in ‘Internaty’ and Its Ethnic foods, baked goods, crafts and gift the Tiki Deck June 19-21 Wedding weekend Implications.” Ms. Korzh holds a master’s items will be available for purchase. The degree in education from the University of Saturday: Zabava with Svitanok, afternoon includes the area premiere of the 10 pm June 21 UNA Father’s Day Illinois at Chicago, College of Education, and is presently working toward her Ed.D. independent film “Folk!” Admission to the Sunday evening: Zuki & Mike on at Columbia University Teachers College. festival is $10; free for children age 14 and the Tiki Deck June 21-July 2 Tennis Camp The lecture will take place at the society’s under. For information contact Paula

building, 63 Fourth Avenue (between Holoviak, 570-708-1992, or Sandra Duda, May 30-31 Ukrainian American June 27 Private party Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For addi- 610-377-7750, or e-mail holoviak@kutz- Veterans Reunion tional information call 212-254-5130. town.edu. Additional information is avail- June 27 USCAK Tennis Sunday, June 14 June 1-3 Wedding weekend Tournament Weekend able at www.kazkaensemble.org or www. LEHIGHTON, Pa.: A film and food fes- ukrhomestead.com. June 13-14 Program to be deter- June 28-July 5 Tabir Ptashat 1st mined session; Exploration Day Camp 1 PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES

Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service 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 that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 and a phone number to be published for readers who may require additional 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 information. Items not written in Preview format or submitted without all required Kerhonkson, NY 12446 information will not be published. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.Soyuzivka.com Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication. No information will be taken over the phone. 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 Need a back issue? their complete mailing address.

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Being Ukrainian means:

❏ “Malanka” in January. ❏ Deb in February. ❏ Two Easters this April. ❏ “Zlet” and “Sviato Vesny” in May. ❏ Soyuzivka’s Ukrainian Cultural Festival in July. ❏ “Uke Week” at Wildwood in August. ❏ Back to Ukrainian school in September. ❏ “Morskyi Bal” in New Jersey in November. ❏ “Koliada” in December. ❏ A subscription to The Ukrainian Weekly ALL YEAR ROUND.

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