Inside: l UCC meets with Canadian government officials – page 4 l Presentation on Jews’ and ’ co-existence – page 9 l Community: Toms River, Philadelphia, Chicago – pages 14-15

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXV No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 $2.00 “Bitter Harvest”: A universal romance White House says Trump made it clear shines a light on truth about the Russia must ‘return ’ to RFE/RL Russian President ’s spokesman responded to that remark in a WASHINGTON – The White House has conference call with reporters on February said that President Donald Trump fully 15, saying that Moscow will not discuss the expects Russia to return control of Crimea return of Crimea to Ukraine with the to Ukraine. United States or any other country. Sean Spicer, the White House press sec- Spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to retary, made the remarks at a contentious Crimea as Russian territory, saying that February 14 news conference that focused “Russia never discusses issues related to its largely on the abrupt departure of Mr. territories with foreign partners, including Trump’s national security adviser, Michael the United States.” Flynn. Mr. Peskov said Mr. Trump did not raise Mr. Spicer said that Mr. Trump had the issue of Crimea in his January 28 tele- “made it very clear” that he expects Russia phone conversation with Mr. Putin. to “return Crimea” and reduce violence in Less that 24 hours before Mr. Spicer’s eastern Ukraine, where a war between gov- February 14 briefing, Mr. Flynn had ernment forces and Russia-backed separat- resigned, following news reports that ists has killed more than 9,750 people since April 2014. (Continued on page 3)

Mark Tillie Max Irons as Yuiry and Samantha Barks as Natalka in “Bitter Harvest.”

by Adrian Bryttan composer’s most intimate opera, where he Decline of freedom continues in 2016 plumbed his heroine’s heart with a wealth NEW YORK – The film “Bitter Harvest” of poetic expression and economy of amid rising populism and autocracy unfolds on the vast canvas of one of the means. great tragedies of history. In the early Richly layered and rewarding repeated Freedom House tize and pursue European integration in 1930s, a genocidal famine known as the viewings, “Bitter Harvest” is the world- recent years, they face strong resistance WASHINGTON – Populist and nationalist Holodomor was engineered in Ukraine by class Ukrainian art film of our time. from Russia and anti-democratic elements forces made significant gains in democratic Stalin. Millions perished – while reporters within their borders. Freedom House’s pro- Dreams and omens states in 2016, while authoritarian powers lied and the world looked the other way. grams in the region support courageous engaged in brazen acts of aggression, (As Stalin shrugs in the film: “Who in the The dream-like character of “Bitter activists in their struggle to strengthen according to “Freedom in the World 2017,” world will know?”) Harvest” is established in the opening nar- basic human rights, provide independent Freedom House’s annual report on political The parallels with today’s ongoing ration over vast vistas of golden wheat news and analysis, and combat grave viola- rights and civil liberties. tions of the rule of law.” Russian predation against Ukraine are ines- fields: “Across the ages, it’s been called The report finds 2016 to mark the 11th Ukraine was judged to be “partly free” in capable. The Holodomor was not only a many things… but since I was a boy, consecutive year of decline in global free- terms of both political rights and civil liber- genocide of the Ukrainian people, but an Ukraine was simply home… life went on, dom. ties, while the Russian-occupied Crimea – attempt to erase the rich culture of Ukraine, moving to the rhythm of the seasons – wax- “We see leaders and nations pursuing which was listed and evaluated separately its poetic language and music. The true ing and waning in the eternal cycle of seed their own narrow interests without mean- – was determined to be “not free.” (See sep- scale of the Holodomor remained hidden and plow and reaping… a life of hard work ingful constraints or regard for the shared arate article, “Scoring Ukraine in ‘Freedom by the Soviets for many years. and small pleasures.” Like a fairy tale, the benefits of global peace and freedom,” said in the World,’ ” on page 7.) Midway in the film, a Kyivan Arts lyrical narration concludes: “My Ukraine Arch Puddington, one of the report’s co- In its overview of the situation in Academy professor challenges the protago- was a land where legends lived, and any- authors. “These trends are accelerating and Ukraine, “Freedom in the World 2017” nist Yuri: “As an artist, you must find the thing was possible. Before I grew up and starting to undo the international order of reported: “Ukraine continues to recover truth, not escape from it!” Ripping the cur- learned that dragons were real and evil the past quarter-century, including the gen- from the disorder that surrounded the tain off a window, he exclaims: “How? With roamed the earth – I fell in love.” eral respect for long-established norms for ouster of Viktor Yanukovych from the pres- light!...” Thus begins “Bitter Harvest” – an idyllic fundamental freedoms and democracy.” idency in 2014, as well as the related crisis “Bitter Harvest” does indeed cast a sear- dream that will quickly evaporate to reveal “In past years we generally saw declines sparked by Russia’s occupation of Crimea ing light on the Holodomor, Stalin’s motives a monstrous nightmare. The initial sunny in freedom among autocracies and dicta- and military support for separatists in the and Moscow’s savage repression of memory of two children playing underwa- torships, but in 2016 it was established Donbas area of eastern Ukraine. The Ukraine’s resistance to the Soviet regime. ter will resurface at key moments in the democracies that dominated the list of authorities’ failure to prosecute extensive But it is neither a history book nor an film. Such dream-like scenes and omens, countries suffering setbacks,” Mr. high-level corruption has undermined the impersonal polemic. Above all, it is the apparitions, symbols and subconscious Puddington said. Among the countries popularity of the government and affected gripping tale of Yuri and Natalka – a young links weave their way through the intricate rated “free” by the report, there were reform efforts in a wide range of sectors. In couple in love, who fight to overcome every fabric of “Bitter Harvest.” declines in Brazil, the Czech Republic, the sphere of civil liberties, political pres- obstacle life throws at them. Just one example of a striking detail in , France, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, sure and attacks on journalists have threat- Director George Mendeluk is first and “Bitter Harvest” is the burial scene of Yuri’s South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Tunisia ened freedom of the press.” foremost a master storyteller, breathing father, shown inside the casket with a lit and the United States. A total of 67 countries suffered net vivid life into the nuanced characters in his candle affixed to his hands. A central theme, Reporting on Eurasia, Freedom House declines in political rights and civil liberties epic-romance. By spinning a tale anyone this image of light is subtly recapitulated said: “Most countries in Eurasia rank at or in 2016. Only 36 registered gains. For the can identify with, Mr. Mendeluk also illumi- after Mykola Skrypnyk’s suicide: “His was a near the bottom of Freedom House’s rat- period since the 11-year slide began in nates our common humanity. “Bitter light that burned brightly… but all too brief!” ings for political rights and civil liberties. 2006, 109 countries have seen a net Harvest” stands out as a romance in the While a few – such as Georgia, Moldova, same sense as Verdi’s “La Traviata” – that (Continued on page 10) and Ukraine – have struggled to democra- (Continued on page 7) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

ANALYSIS

Moscow benefits from influence campaign Trump: Obama was soft on Moscow Senate. The Russia Sanctions Review Act would make it harder for the White House WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald to lift the asset freezes, visa bans and other to reinstate Ukraine-Russia economic ties Trump has said on Twitter that “Crimea was measures imposed during Barack Obama’s taken by Russia” during the administration regions appeared not to have presidency. Those sanctions are aimed at by Maksym Bugriy of his predecessor, Barack Obama, and Eurasia Daily Monitor been created by local residents and that punishing and pressuring Russia for its ille- “the vote results [were] falsified.” One VPN added, “Was Obama too soft on Russia?” In a gal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea This past fall, Ukraine came under a server used in the process was notably series of tweets on February 15 two days Peninsula in 2014 and the Kremlin’s sup- media influence campaign that agitated for from Russian-occupied (Detector after he called for and accepted the resigna- port for pro-Russia separatists who are bat- reinstating economic ties with Russia. Over Media, December 23, 2016). tion of national security adviser Michael tling Ukrainian government forces in east- the course of September-December 2016, Yet another investigative report, this one Flynn amid questions over Mr. Flynn’s con- ern Ukraine. Mr. Trump has signaled he several Ukrainian websites published a by Liga.net, revealed that a journalist on its tacts with the Russian ambassador to wants better ties with Moscow. Revelations series of news stories detailing calls by var- staff was approached with a request to Washington in December, Mr. Trump also about conversations in 2016 between Mr. ious domestic enterprises and regional and organize similar petitions at companies of lashed out at the media. “The fake news Trump’s aides and Russian officials have municipal communities to resume trade at least 300 employees. According to Liga. media is going crazy with their conspiracy fueled concern in Congress that President with the country’s eastern neighbor. net, such agitators do not use hierarchical theories and blind hatred,” the president Trump may try to lift the sanctions. Steny For instance, an article on the website methods of recruiting their “agents,” but said on Twitter. “This Russian connection Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Antikor cited a petition purportedly signed approach along multiple paths, working non-sense is merely an attempt to cover-up Representatives, insisted the measure had by over 2,000 residents of Kropyvnytskyi mostly through personal contacts. Notably, the many mistakes made in Hillary Clinton’s bipartisan support. However, there were no (formerly called Kirovohrad) that called for local experts knowledgeable about pro- losing campaign.” The tweets followed a Republicans present at a February 15 news the establishment of a Ukraine-Russia inter- Russian movements in Ukraine character- February 14 report in The New York Times conference on the House bill (RFE/RL) governmental working group to reinstate ized the aforementioned influence cam- that quoted current and former U.S. officials ties with Russia. The petition allegedly also paign as ultimately ineffective and suggest- as saying members of Trump’s campaign Bellingcat: Civilians are human shields questioned the benefits of the Ukraine- and other associates had contacts with ed it was more an excuse to use up a “bud- OTTAWA – On February 2, the investiga- European Union Association Agreement, Russian intelligence officials in the months get” rather than serious work (Liga.net, tive reporting group Bellingcat published a advocating instead for a “national interest- before the November 2016 presidential December 26, 2016). On the other hand, report confirming that in their attacks on based” approach. In addition, the article election. “The real scandal here is that clas- the campaign may be the tip of something Avdiyivka, Russian-terrorist forces are mentioned similar petitions by the resi- sified information is illegally given out by bigger, with higher stakes in play. deliberately placing Grad rocket system in dents of Poltava, Dnipro and Chernihiv. The Besides fringe reporting on low-grade ‘intelligence’ like candy. Very un-American!” piece boldly declares: “Notably, Ukraine’s residential areas under their occupation. engineered “petitions,” the Ukrainian media Mr. Trump tweeted. Spokesman Dmitry The report states: “The available evidence residents massively stand for the reinstate- sphere was also inundated with experts’ Peskov dismissed The New York Times clearly documents that on 31 January 2017, ment of ties with Russia” (Antikor, calls to mend bilateral economic ties. Among report that said Trump associates had con- multiple attacks with MLR systems were December 13, 2016). those, Ukrainian think tank expert, former tacts with Russian intelligence officials launched in proximity of the hypermarket As early as 2014, Ukrainian media ana- diplomat and Euro-Maidan activist Vasyl ahead of the U.S. election, claiming it was Auchan in . The location deep lysts specifically identified Antikor as an Filipchuk published an op-ed calling for “not based on any facts.” He said, “Let’s not inside the so-called ‘DNR’ and the firing outlet that regularly publishes influence- reopening access to Russian investment. He believe anonymous information.” Mr. Trump directing pointing toward Avdiyivka clearly type articles disguised as regular news cov- summarized the current situation: Russia’s had suggested during the election campaign document the responsible side for these erage (Media Sapiens, September 17, share in Ukrainian exports decreased from that he would consider easing sanctions 2014). 24 percent in 2013 down to 10 percent in particular attacks. One launch site is and possibly even recognizing Crimea as around 200 meters east of the hypermar- A similar agitation story from late last October of 2016, and the share of imports Russian, but members of his administration year describes worker protests and related from Russia fell from 30.5 percent to 13.1 ket, and in fewer than 500 meters from a have said since his inauguration that Crimea school and residential area. The second statements by Ukrainian companies whose percent, citing also Ukraine’s trade reduc- belongs to Ukraine. (RFE/RL, with report- employees demanded a resumption of launch site is in proximity of the bypass tion with the Moscow-led Eurasian ing by AP, Reuters, Interfax, TASS, The New exports to Russia. Such companies are typi- and around 600 meters from an industrial Economic Union and other member coun- York Times and CNN) cally small- or medium-sized: for example, tries of the Commonwealth of Independent area and 1,000 meters from a residential a fitness gym equipment maker from States (CIS). He proposed a plan for Ukraine Democrats push legislation on sanctions area. Some of the attacks occurred during Dnipropetrovsk (YouTube, November 17, to attract Russian capital based on “full eco- the day while the nearby bypass was also WASHINGTON – Democrats in the U.S. 2016) or an agribusiness company from nomic freedom” and to pursue a goal of an used by civilians. Given the proximity of House of Representatives are pushing for- Kherson (Ukraina.ru, December 14, 2016). all-European free trade area “from Lisbon to both launch sites to civilian infrastructure ward with legislation to make sure The media watchdog group Detector Vladivostok.” He even suggested that in the area, a potential Ukrainian counter Congress can block any effort President Media has been openly critical of these sell or lease to Russia Ukrainian defense attack to suppress and respond to the rock- Donald Trump’s administration might apparent agenda-driven articles: industry companies and resume the work et fire would have automatically risked make to lift sanctions on Russia. The House “Propagandists’ new invention is to create on key projects in transport aircraft, ship- civilian lives in the area. The cross-country legislation, introduced on February 15, mir- information triggers with the help of Internet building and infrastructure projects mobility of the likely used MLR system, rors a measure put forth a week earlier by technologies so that this information could (Apostrophe.ua, January 2017). Additionally, (Continued on page 12) then be used by the Russian media.” Analysts in Russia, authoritative expert Valeriy Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. at Detector Media have not explicitly attrib- Solovey speculated that if “Moscow is given uted these “news” stories to the Kremlin. the signal ‘Ukraine is in your sphere of influ- However, their findings point to a planned ence’ …we could try to allow Kyiv to under- influence campaign: the interviewed parlia- stand that we are interested in a reinstate- he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 mentarians reportedly calling for a reinstate- ment of economic relations, but they would T U W ment of economic ties with Russia represent be based on pragmatism and not on stories An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., various political parties and factions; report- about ‘brotherly people’” (Komsomolskaya a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. ing of their statements comes in a clear Pravda, December 28, 2016). Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. series, for example six stories were pub- But while the unresolved crises in lished from August 31 to September 21, and Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. Crimea and the Donbas continue to simmer (ISSN — 0273-9348) the majority of the published videos were away, hard-line patriotic Ukrainian elites recorded by people carrying microphones still oppose any talk of “trade with the The Weekly: UNA: with no media insignia; the videos and texts enemy.” Thus, last fall’s apparent campaign Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 were uploaded to YouTube channels and of calls to reinstate economic relations with websites often identified as “fake,” i.e., creat- Russia – which in reality, had not been Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz ed only to host those materials (Detector entirely broken despite the war in the east 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Media, December 23, 2016). – may well serve to add to Ukraine’s politi- Detector Media asked three of the com- P.O. Box 280 cal destabilization. Notably, in discussing Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] panies specifically named in these reports – the agitation campaign, a recent piece in Karpatnaftokhim, Stepnoy Breeding Plant Lenta.ru ominously suggested: “A coup of The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com and Likhachovsky Bakery Plant – to com- sorts is brewing in this country, and this is ment on the stories, and all three denied definitely bad news for [President Petro] signing any petitions regarding trade with Poroshenko’s camp” (Lenta.ru, January 13). The Ukrainian Weekly, February 19, 2017, No. 8, Vol. LXXXV Russia. In addition, Detector Media cited a Thus, despite the supposedly limited effec- Copyright © 2017 The Ukrainian Weekly source at the Security Service of Ukraine tiveness of such influence campaigns in the (SBU) that confirmed this information cam- media, the Ukrainian government can paign only started in fall 2016. expect more such challenges to the coun- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Furthermore, news about the above peti- try’s internal political stability. tions was reposted by Russian TASS, Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Vzgliad and Lenta.ru. The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] Detector Media also cited Stopfake.org, Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 which concluded the alleged petitions by its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] residents of the Poltava, Dnipro and www.jamestown.org. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 3

NEWS ANALYSIS The Battle for Avdiyivka: Ukrainian assessment and context by Vladimir Socor water supply to the Donetsk urban agglom- cantly hurt Ukraine’s overall economy. In increase the potential for clashes typical of Eurasia Daily Monitor eration largely depends, is also in that case, Ukraine would have to import positional warfare. By the same token, it Avdiyivka’s proximity. The current position- coke from Russia (at high political and may reduce the value of Russian long-range Ukrainian forces have prevailed in the al warfare tends increasingly to revolve logistical risks) or from China (inferior heavy firepower. defensive battle for Avdiyivka (January around infrastructure objects. quality, long distance with unsustainably Those areas’ “grayness” is twofold, 28-February 4), preserving the gains on the The town’s eastern suburb, the notori- high transportation costs) (Metall v depending on the sector in question. In ground achieved through “crawling advanc- ous “Promzona” (industrial zone) has Ukraine i Mire, Ukrmet.dp.ua, February 3). some places it means that the area is locat- es” prior to this battle (see Eurasia Daily become a focus of fighting due to its loca- Ukraine’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade ed between the Minsk I armistice line Monitor, February 9). The current lull tion. It commands the Donetsk- bore the brunt of the recent battle for (legitimate), the Minsk II armistice line seems relative as firing goes on intermit- main highway, a crucial line of interior com- Avdiyivka and remains entrenched in the (illegitimately moved forward by Russian tently. Six Ukrainian soldiers were wound- munications between the two “DPR army area. According to military expert Yurii and proxy forces), and the post-Minsk II ed on February 8 alone (UNIAN, February corps” based in those two towns. Ukrainian Butusov, the brigade’s first battalion is the demarcation line (moved forward by those 8). Ukrainian troops lost 14 killed and 66 troops in the Promzona are positioned to pilot project of a training program assisted forces yet again). In other areas, “grayness” were wounded in action (not including interdict, or at least hamper, military traffic by the United States at the Yavoriv range, means the absence of civilian authority civilian casualties) during the pitched and it participated in (whether loyal to Kyiv or to Donetsk- phase of fighting (Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, Rapid Trident exercis- Luhansk), which turns these unpoliced February 4). Russia-backed “Donetsk Russia has every interest es designed to areas into havens for smuggling and abodes People’s Republic” (DPR) authorities are upgrade a limited of criminal gangs. Ukrainian troops sup- believed to understate or altogether con- in not upholding a ceasefire number of Ukrainian press those activities when they take and ceal their military casualties (some of troops to standards of hold such areas. whom are undoubtedly citizens of Russia). in Ukraine’s east. compatibility with the Disengagement of forces on either side Moscow, however, has achieved its North Atlantic Treaty of this or that of the demarcation lines, political goal in underwriting its proxies’ Organization (NATO) “pull-backs” of heavy weaponry, the peren- assault. This (and the possibility of its on that main highway. This situation could (Tsenzor.net, February 3, 4). nial goal to “uphold the ceasefire,” blaming renewal at Moscow’s discretion) has scared compel hostile forces to use a much longer, According to several Kyiv-based military “both sides,” or pressuring Ukraine into the German government into convening an slower, detouring and dilapidated country analysts, the Avdiyivka battle demonstrated unilateral concessions to “settle the con- urgent meeting of the Normandy forum road. Ukrainian troops took the Promzona a continuing improvement in Ukrainian flict,” are Western diplomacy’s ways of (Russia, , France, Ukraine). The under control by the end of 2016, using troops’ combat readiness, staff planning, eschewing the real challenge: that is, German ambassador in Ukraine, Ernst their “crawling advance” tactics. Russian- relations between field and headquarters, Russia’s massive military intervention Reichel, publicly told Kyiv to consent to DPR forces attempted unsuccessfully to use of real-time intelligence, coordination inside Ukraine and all the ensuing conse- “elections” in the Donetsk-Luhansk territo- recapture the Promzona during the latest between military and civilian authorities at quences. Moreover, “upholding the cease- ry even in the presence of Russia’s own assault. Furthermore, Avdiyivka and the all levels (including humanitarian and med- fire” is a farcical goal as long as Russia para- troops there – a presence that the ambassa- Promzona are located sufficiently close to ical assistance), effective public communi- lyzes the Organization for Security and dor thereby confirmed. He also cited the the highway and railroad junc- cations and civil-society contributions to Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) monitor- example of the 1990 elections in the then- tions to have made the DPR authorities ner- national defense (Sprotiv.info, Tsenzor.net, ing mission both physically (e.g., destroying German Democratic Republic (GDR), which vous (Dzerkalo Tyzhnya, February 3, 4). Info.napalm, February 1-8). or jamming the mission’s drones) and orga- were held in the presence of Soviet forces Those developments are of recent date, Yet, the casualties in this battle are nizationally (e.g., vetoing any meaningful as a precedent for Ukraine to follow, seem- but Avdiyivka’s coke-producing plant is a heavy, in comparison with the overall mili- increase in the mission’s operating authori- ingly oblivious to the differences between national asset of Ukraine. Ranked among tary casualty rate for the year 2016. ty). these two situations (Ukrinform, February Europe’s largest, the Avdiyivka plant pro- Ukrainian forces lost 214 killed in action in Russia has every interest in not uphold- 7, 8). duces approximately one-quarter of all 2016, including 17 killed in December ing the ceasefire. It aims thereby to arm- Avdiyivka has been attacked repeatedly coke used by Ukraine’s metallurgical indus- 2016, followed by at least 16 killed in twist Western powers so that they, in turn, since 2014 by combined Russian-DPR forc- try, which remains a pillar of the country’s action in January of this year before the arm-twist Ukraine into a “political solution” es and may come under attack any time economy. The plant belongs to Metinvest Avdiyivka battle, according to figures made convenient to Moscow. The growing disori- again. The town’s significance was pivotal holding, controlled by , and public by the Ukrainian high command entation in Western Europe and all along; moreover that significance has it delivers coke to steel plants throughout (RFE/RL, January 30). Washington may encourage Moscow to evolved and increased recently. Avdiyivka is Ukraine (not only those of Metinvest). The The “crawling advance” tactics, adopted double down in the upcoming negotiations. a forward-located Ukrainian stronghold, six Avdiyivka plant has repeatedly taken hits by Ukrainian troops recently (see EDM, kilometers north of the Donetsk city line. from shelling since 2014 – and in the latest February 9), has resulted in shrinking the The article above is reprinted from (Avdiyivka’s hamlet of Spartak is three kilo- battle again – therefore, operating far distance between opposing forces in those Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from meters removed from Donetsk city.) The below its capacity. Further damage or a sectors where Ukrainian troops advance its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Donetsk water filtration plant, on which the suspension of its operations would signifi- into “gray areas.” This situation may www.jamestown.org.

the president has been incredibly tough on White House... Russia. He continues to raise the issue of Quotable notes Crimea, which the previous administration (Continued from page 1) allowed to be seized by Russia,” Mr. Spicer “After three years of heroic reforms following the Euro-Maidan, Ukraine has phone calls he held with Russia’s ambassa- said. restored macroeconomic stability. The economy is growing again, but far too slow- dor prior to Mr. Trump’s inauguration The White House press secretary also ly. The expected growth is 2.5 percent in 2017. But it should swing up to 6 to 8 per- cent, as it was for eight years in the early 2000s. The key now is more investment. included discussions of sanctions imposed pointed to remarks made by Nikki Haley, “During the crisis, Ukraine’s investment ratio fell precipitously. It was merely 16 by then-President Barack Obama. the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, percent of GDP in 2016, while it ought to be 25-30 percent of GDP for a country at The Obama administration hit Russia in her first appearance before the Security Ukraine’s level of development and great need for infrastructure investment. with several waves of sanctions following Council on February 3, in which she force- “Ukraine’s investment fell mainly because of war and Russia’s extensive trade Russia’s March 2014 annexation of Crimea fully condemned Russia, saying that and the subsequent war in eastern Ukraine sanctions... In the last three years, FDI [foreign direct investment] was close to “Crimea is a part of Ukraine.” zero in real terms. between Kyiv’s forces and Russia-backed Ambassador Haley said in her remarks separatists. “The Ukrainian government and the international community can and should that “Crimea-related sanctions will remain do a lot to remedy this. The government should pursue privatizations that inter- Mr. Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly in place until Russia returns control of the est foreign investors, while improving its business climate by speeding up its said he wants better relations with Russia peninsula to Ukraine.” judicial reforms. The international community should block further Russian and that he would consider lifting sanc- It was not clear whether the ambassa- aggression and provide more investment funding. … tions against Moscow. dor was also referring to sanctions “There has been a lot of talk about international aid for Ukraine, but in reality Multiple news reports in the past week imposed on Russia for its backing of sepa- it has been tiny. Ukraine’s public debt shrunk from $73 billion at the end of 2013 have said Mr. Flynn specifically mentioned ratists in eastern Ukraine. to $71 billion three years later, showing that there have been no net international the issue of sanctions in phone calls with One of the phone calls that Mr. Flynn had inflows to Ukraine. The International Monetary Fund has disbursed $7.7 billion Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak weeks with Ambassador Kislyak reportedly of its successful stabilization program of March 2015, but other international before Mr. Trump’s inauguration on occurred on December 26, 2016. That was support has been much more limited than a casual newspaper reader might pre- January 20. the same day that President Obama sume. …” Mr. Spicer defended Mr. Trump’s announced a new set of sanctions against – Anders Aslund writing on February 1 in an article titled “Ukraine Needs approach to Russia, telling reporters on Russia in retaliation for what U.S. intelli- Investment, Not Just Solidarity: Time for International Donors to Pony Up” that was February 14 that the president “has made it gence concluded was a systematic effort very clear that he expects the Russian gov- published on the Atlantic Council website (see http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ using computer hacking and propaganda to ernment to de-escalate the violence in the ukrainealert/ukraine-needs-investment-not-just-solidarity-time-for-international- influence the presidential election. Ukraine and return Crimea.” donors-to-pony-up). “The irony of this entire situation is that With reporting by Reuters and AP. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8 UCC launches Canada 150 Project UCC meets with senior government officials celebrating Canada’s diversity to discuss Canada-Ukraine relations UCC tions and an update on various aspects of Canadian programming in Ukraine; on OTTAWA – Representatives of the international assistance; peace and stabili- Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) met on zation; trade; and defense reform. February 3 with senior government offi- The CUSAC received a detailed briefing cials from the departments of Global Affairs from Kevin Rex, director, Eastern Europe and National Defense to discuss the devel- and Eurasia Division; Pamela Rose, director, opment of Canada-Ukraine relations. Trade Negotiations Division; Jill Sinclair, The meeting of the Canada Ukraine Canada’s representative to the Ukrainian Stakeholder Advisory Council (CUSAC) was Defense Reform Advisorty Board; Dave hosted by the Department of Global Affairs Metcalfe, director general, Europe-Middle and co-chaired by Alison LeClaire, senior East Programming; and Larisa Galadza, Arctic official and director general, director general, Peace and Stabilization Circumpolar Affairs and Eastern Europe Operations program. and Eurasia; and Paul Migus, UCC director The UCC delegation presented its per- of government relations. spectives on Canada-Ukraine relations and “We were so pleased to be able to host stated its priorities to the Canadian govern- UCC representatives of the Ukrainian-Canadian ment. The discussion focused on six Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Paul Grod (left) with Arif Virani (center), Community here at Global Affairs Canada. themes: foreign policy, international assis- parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian heritage responsible for multi- The Government of Canada remains com- tance policy, security and defense, sanc- culturalism, and Alexandra Chyczij, UCC first vice-president. mitted to working with Ukraine, and there tions policy, trade and economic develop- OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian ing together in the spirit of diversity and is no more important connection between ment, and immigration and settlement. Congress (UCC) on February 13 announced inclusion to share experiences and create our two countries than people-to-people During the luncheon that followed the the launch of its project, Celebrating the actively engaging celebratory events for ties,” stated Ms. LeClaire. “This connection meeting, the participants had an opportu- Strength of Canada’s Diversity: Youth Canadians for Canada’s 150th anniversary. can be seen across politics, business and nity to hear from Ukraine’s ambassador to Engaging Youth. The project is undertaken The project will result in 50 events, engag- the arts. The opportunity provided by Canada, . with the financial support of the Canadian ing 1,250 to 2,500 youths in actively CUSAC to sit down and discuss such a wide “We look forward to continuing, regular government’s Department of Heritage designing and administering the events, array of issues is of great benefit to the gov- dialogue with Global Affairs Canada on Canada 150 Fund. and attracting up to 50,000 Canadians. ernment and, I trust, our partners in the these and other issues,” stated Alexandra By means of the project, the UCC will “As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of community.” Chyczij, first vice-president of the UCC. “As work with its member organizations across our great country, the UCC is proud to be “We are thankful for the opportunity to Ukraine defends itself against Russian the country to organize youth-led and working with our community’s youth and meet with many high-level government aggression, Canada has a pivotal role to -driven Canada 150 celebratory events in the youth of many other communities, in officials who are responsible for imple- play as one of Ukraine’s closest friends, and the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, marking this important milestone in our menting Canada’s many bilateral and multi- this meeting was a valuable opportunity to Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. shared history,” stated Paul Grod, national lateral programs in Ukraine,” stated Mr. exchange views with our government.” Ukrainian Canadian youths will organize president of the UCC. “This project is a won- Migus. “The CUSAC is an important occa- In additio to Ms. Chyczij, UCC representa- 10 events in each province (ranging from derful opportunity to celebrate Canada’s sion for our community to provide direct tives at the meeting were: Mr. Migus, UCC celebratory events to sports and cultural diversity; to increase youth engagement input, feedback and recommendations.” director of government relations, and The meeting began with the signing of activities) working in partnership with across the country; to remember where we Ukrainian National Federation; Victor Terms of Reference for the CUSAC, “a forum Hetmanczuk, CEO and president, Canada youth from other ethnocultural, linguistic came from and look forward to the future. for consultations and cooperation between Ukraine Foundation (CUF); Krystina Waler, and Indigenous communities. We are grateful to the Government of Canada the government of Canada (represented by Children of Chornobyl Fund, and director, The end goal is to focus on youths work- for supporting this important initiative.” Global Affairs Canada) and the Ukrainian Humanitarian Initiatives, CUF; Zenon Canadian community (represented by the Potoczny, president, Canada Ukraine UCC), to ensure the exchange of informa- Chamber of Commerce (CUCC); Lada Kozak, tion and insight pertaining to the develop- Business Development Specialist, CUCC; ment and enhancement of Canada-Ukraine John Holuk, chair, UCC Ukraine Appeal; Jars relations, recognizing the special partner- Balan, former co-chair, Canada Ukraine ship between Canada and Ukraine.” Advisory Council; Ihor Kozak, director, Canada’s ambassador to Ukraine, Roman international relations, League of Ukrainian Waschuk, joined the meeting from Kyiv by Canadians; Borys Gengalo, Ukrainian videoconference to provide a strategic Canadian Business and Professional overview of recent developments in Association; Ihor Michalchyshyn, UCC exec- Ukraine. Senior government officials pro- utive director and CEO; and Orest vided an update on Canada-Ukraine rela- Zakydalsky, UCC senior policy advisor.

ACTION ITEM House resolution calls on Russia to stop the violence in eastern Ukraine UNIS displaced people in Ukraine. The co-chairs of Congressional Ukrainian The resolution has been referred to the Caucus – Reps. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), House Foreign Affairs Committee and is Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Brian Fitzpatrick expected to be reviewed by the committee. (R-Pa.), and Andy Harris (R-Md.) – have Your advocacy is needed to show support sponsored a resolution (H. Res. 88) in the for Ukraine and advance this resolution. U.S. House of Representatives calling on the How can you help? Russian Federation to stop the violence in eastern Ukraine. H. Res. 88 calls upon the Contact your representative’s office and Russian Federation to stop the violence and request that your elected official co-spon- cease aiding the “separatists”; honor the sor H. Res. 88, “Calling on the Russian Minsk ceasefire agreement; withdraw mili- Federation to stop the violence in Ukraine, tary weaponry from Ukraine; and repair and for other purposes.” Ukraine’s infrastructure damaged in the war. 1) Your representative can be contacted The resolution also expresses the sense via the U.S. House of Representatives web- of Congress that additional sanctions might site at www.house.gov. be imposed upon Russia should the vio- 2) Call the Capitol switchboard at 202- lence not subside; calls on the United States 224-3121 and ask the operator to connect and other NATO countries to provide more you to your representative’s office. defensive military support for Ukraine in 3) Tweet your representative. fighting off Russian aggression; and calls on Should you have any questions or com- the United States and the United Nations ments, contact the Ukrainian National and its constituent agencies to provide Information Service at 202-547-0018 or more support for the 1.7 million internally [email protected]. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Young UNA’ers Do you have a young UNA’er, or potential young UNA’er in your family?

Call the UNA Home Office, 973-292-9800, to find out how to enroll.

Mission Maksym Kimble Sumrall, son of Andrea and Matthew Bo Chesney, son of Bobby and Andrea Chesney of Sumrall of Sugar Land, Texas, is a new member of UNA Worcester, Mass., is a new member of UNA Branch 1. He Branch 83. He was enrolled by his mother. was enrolled by his great-grandfather Michael Yonkovig. Statement

The Ukrainian National Association exists: • to promote the principles of fra- ternalism; • to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and • to provide quality financial ser- vices and products to its members. As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian National Association rein- vests its earnings for the benefit of its members and the Ukrainian community.

THE UNA:

Maxwell (Maksym) Kolodiy, son of Stephan and Reagan Marie Hawryluk, daughter of Stephen J. 123 YEARS OF SERVICE Elizabeth Kolodiy of Maplewood, N.J., is a new member Hawryluk and Margaret A.L. Talbot of Vacaville, Calif., of UNA Branch 234. He was enrolled by his grandpar- is a new member of UNA Branch 360. She was enrolled TO OUR COMMUNITY ents Olena Makarushka-Kolodiy and Oleh Kolodiy. by her parents. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly End of Kremlin’s dream of “big deal” The UNA turns 123 On February 22, the Ukrainian National Association celebrates the 123rd with Trump makes Putin more dangerous anniversary of its founding back in 1894, when its first convention was held in by Paul Goble may conclude that now is the time to strike Shamokin, Pa. It was there that 10 brotherhoods with a total membership of given that he may assume that he can act 439 people and assets of $220 resolved to form a fraternal association as had Analyst Andrey Piontkovsky is undoubt- with impunity since, even if Mr. Trump isn’t been suggested by an editorial published in the Ukrainian-language newspa- edly correct that a “big deal” between going to deliver a grand bargain, the U.S. per Svoboda on November 1, 1893. “Ukrainians scattered across this land Moscow and Washington has become president won’t choose to respond to a need a national organization, namely such a brotherhood, such a national “impossible” given the fallout from the Russian move with anything but rhetoric. union that would embrace each and every Ukrainian no matter where he lives. Michael Flynn scandal because “any step by Mr. Putin may be wrong in that calcula- ...in unity there is strength, and it is not easily defeated...,” our sister publica- President Donald Trump in this direction tion, but if he is thinking in those terms – tion wrote. would mean for him political death” (nv.ua/ and Mr. Putin is very much more of a tacti- Through the 123 years of its existence, the UNA has always extended a opinion/piontkovskiy/novaja-realnost- cian than a strategist – he may act on them. helping hand to its members, the Ukrainian community in the United States kremlja-647586.html). And that could pose a more serious threat and Canada, and Ukrainians wherever they live, including Ukraine. It has But while the Russian commentator to Russia’s neighbors and even to interna- stayed true to its founding principles and functions in keeping with its mission doesn’t say so in his latest article, the tional peace and security in Europe. statement: “In accordance with its charter, the Ukrainian National Association apparent collapse of President Vladimir As someone who very much feared the exists: to promote the principles of fraternalism; to preserve the Ukrainian, Putin’s calculations that the new U.S. kind of “grand bargain” Mr. Putin and some Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and to pro- administration he so openly has backed supposed “realists” in the U.S. want vide quality financial services and products to its members.” would deliver just such a deal may in fact because it would betray not only America’s Our community’s oldest and largest fraternal benefit society, the UNA has make the Kremlin leader more dangerous friends around the world but also always cared for our “hromada,” supporting cultural, educational and sports in the short term for at least two reasons. American principles, the author of these endeavors, as well as humanitarian aid. Much of that support comes via the On the one hand, as long as Mr. Putin felt lines will be very pleased if no such deal is Ukrainian National Foundation, which is an affiliated company that performs he had something to lose in Washington by ever possible as long as an aggressive dicta- charitable activities on behalf of the UNA. It is also the UNF, a 501 (c) (3) non- being more aggressive in Ukraine or else- tor remains in power in Moscow. profit organization, that now owns the Soyuzivka Heritage Center, a beautiful where, he has operated in a more restrained But precisely because of those feelings place beloved in our community and the venue for many of our major commu- fashion than may be the case now. If he and not despite them, I am convinced that nity events and social gatherings. senses that he has nothing to lose, the the world and the U.S. foreign policy estab- The UNA’s Scholarship Program each year offers monetary awards to col- Kremlin leader may go for broke and launch lishment in the first instance needs to rec- lege students who are its members. There are regular scholarships whose dol- an even larger invasion of Ukraine or make ognize that the end of Mr. Putin’s latest fan- lar amounts depend on the year of study (lesser amounts go to entering fresh- moves elsewhere. tasy almost certainly will make him more men, while the highest amounts are given to seniors), as well as special schol- And on the other hand, precisely because dangerous rather than less, and that the arships for those studying the sciences or accounting, journalism or nature/ the Flynn scandal and its growth has so dis- West should be thinking and acting now to wildlife, students of Lemko heritage and students from states in New England ordered the Trump White House, Mr. Putin counter him. (in keeping with scholarship donors’ requests). We hasten to note that the scholarship program, which was formally established in 1964, actually goes back to the UNA’s early years, when the organization began helping its mem- bers attain a better future. Like Hitler, Putin told the West in advance And, of course, as our readers no doubt are aware, the Ukrainian National Association is also the publisher of the two most important newspapers of our what he’d do – and the West ignored him community, The Ukrainian Weekly, published since 1933, and Svoboda, pub- lished since 1893. (It was Svoboda, as noted above, that gave birth the UNA.) by Paul Goble world” in which Washington could impose By joining the UNA (that is, by purchasing an insurance policy or an annui- “its stereotypes” on all countries in the ty), members support the continuation of these worthwhile programs. And Ten years ago this week, Vladimir Putin world. That was something Mr. Putin said that’s what separates a fraternal organization like the UNA from a commercial told the Munich Security Conference exact- that Russia would not permit and would insurance company. As the UNA’s mission statement underlines: “As a frater- ly what he intended to do to oppose the fight against. nal insurance society, the Ukrainian National Association reinvests its earn- West and restore Russia’s greatness – “but A decade ago, Mr. Putin challenged the ings for the benefit of its members and the Ukrainian community.” the West didn’t believe” what he said and idea that American anti-ballistic missile even “laughed about it” as nothing more shields were being put in Europe to defend than a reflection of the Kremlin leader’s against rogue states in the Middle East. He personal grievance, Georgy Bovt says. said they were directed at Russia, and it is In a Komsomolskaya Pravda commen- now clear that they were. Western officials tary on this anniversary, the Moscow com- now acknowledge that and say these Feb. Turning the pages back... mentator asks “what might it have been shields are needed because of Moscow’s possible to avoid” if those listening to the actions in Ukraine. Kremlin leader’s speech in 2007 had actu- “If, in 2007, the audience at the Munich Three years ago, on February 21, 2014, after three months of ally paid attention to “the main theses of conference had listened to Putin about the 21 peaceful protest that turned into a bloody battle, the Revolution the Russian president” (kp.ru/ danger of the further enlargement of NATO 2014 of Dignity forced former , Viktor daily/26642.7/3660783/). to the east… then there wouldn’t have been Yanukovych, and his entourage to abandon their Ukrainian gov- And while Mr. Bovt is arguing that the a Russian-Georgian war in August 2008 or ernment posts and flee the country, fearing inevitable criminal West should not only have paid attention to even more the present ,” Mr. prosecution. Mr. Putin but agreed with him and acted on Bovt continues. But the West kept pushing Within hours of Mr. Yanukovych stepping down, special forces and internal army sol- that agreement, his words point to a larger and Moscow responded as Mr. Putin pre- diers abandoned their posts in Kyiv’s central streets and at the Presidential and more important problem: All too often, dicted it would. Administration by the busloads. More than 35 buses had departed by mid-afternoon on leaders of democratic countries find it con- In his Munich speech, the Moscow com- February 21, 2014. venient to explain away any comments mentator continues, Mr. Putin argued that Later that evening, the opposition leaders addressed the crowd from Independence they don’t like rather than think about what Moscow was considering leaving the con- Square, where Volodymyr Parasiuk, 26, spoke to the audience to support a peace deal. they in fact portend. ventional forces in Europe accord because, “We created a turning point. We gave the politicians a chance to become future ministers The main target of Mr. Putin’s 74-minute in his view, the West was in violation of it and presidents, but they don’t want to fulfill on condition: that the convict goes away. …I speech on October 10, 2007, in Munich, Mr. and that the Organization for Security and deeply plead with you: support this thing. I tell you from my brigade, which includes my Bovt says, was the United States, which he Cooperation in Europe had been “trans- father who came here: If you don’t demand by 10 a.m. that Yanukovych steps down, we attacked for its insistence on “a unipolar formed into a vulgar instrument of the for- are going on an armed assault, I promise you.” eign policy interests of one group of coun- Mr. Yanukovych at that point had no official protection any longer from the Maidan Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on tries toward another.” activists, and fearing for his own safety, he fled the country. On February 22, Parliament ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Mr. Putin’s audience in Munich “didn’t lis- approved a resolution dismissing Mr. Yanukovych on the basis that he removed himself who has served in various capacities in the ten because he said what they did not want unconstitutionally from fulfilling his constitutional authority, which threatened the state’s U.S. State Department, the Central to hear,” Mr. Bovt says, noting that Mr. Putin governability, territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as violated the rights and free- Intelligence Agency and the International declared that “unilateral and illegitimate doms of its citizens. Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice actions have not resolved a single problem. Mr. Yanukovych and many of his cohorts continue to reside in Russia, where he and his of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio On the contrary, they have become the gen- cronies avoid extradition and criminal prosecution. Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for erator of new human tragedies.” International Peace. The article above is Mr. Putin has been clear in stating his Source: “Ukraine on brink of economic collapse, pro-Russian forces call for secession, reprinted with permission from his blog intentions to stand up to the West in the Yanukovych flees country, reported to be in Russia,” by Zenon Zawada, The Ukrainian called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- Weekly, March 2, 2014. woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). (Continued on page 13) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 7 Scoring Ukraine in ‘Freedom in the World’ The release of Freedom House’s annual clear since 2014, at which point Freedom “Freedom in the World” reports are Do the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine “Freedom in the World” report generated House created a separate report for Crimea meant to describe the conditions experi- affect Russia’s scores at all? as a territory where conditions differ con- considerable debate about the findings for enced by individuals in a given geographi- Because the report assesses conditions siderably from the rest of the country. Ukraine, and specifically about the report’s cal area, whether they are caused by gov- inside a given country or territory, a govern- Meanwhile, the de facto boundaries of the handling of Russian-occupied Crimea and ernments, rebels, criminal organizations, ment’s actions abroad generally do not fac- the portions of the Donetsk and Luhansk terrorists or foreign powers. tor into the scoring for its home country, at regions – known collectively as the Donbas – Unfortunately, Russian mili- Given Ukraine’s occupied least not directly. When Russian authorities that are controlled by Russian-backed sepa- tary activity in Ukraine does prosecute or attack Russian journalists and ratists. territories, ongoing conflict, affect the freedoms of activists for questioning the Crimea annexa- In the dialogue below, Arch Puddington, and complex political arena, Ukrainians, just as Russian tion or investigating soldiers’ deaths, that Distinguished Fellow for Democracy Studies, bombing in Syria affects the would certainly be taken into account. answers questions about Ukraine’s standing assessing the state of freedom freedoms of Syrians, or But Russia, for a variety of other quite in “Freedom in the World 2017.” in the country is no easy task. Saudi bombing in Yemen legitimate reasons, already receives some affects the lives of Yemenis, of the lowest scores in the region. Indeed, it The report assesses Crimea as a sepa- or the actions of the FARC scores poorly in virtually all of the catego- rate territory. Doesn’t this imply that Donbas territory occupied by Russian- rebels affected the freedom of Colombians ries measured by Freedom House: elec- there is a genuine dispute over Crimea’s backed separatists shifted significantly when that civil war raged. We try to apply tions, corruption, transparency, media free- status and that the two sides’ claims back and forth. Certainly during that first the same methods and standards for all dom, academic freedom, rule of law, politi- have equal legitimacy? year it was impossible to draw up a coher- countries. cal violence and more. The domestic abus- There is undeniably a dispute over ent geographical area for separate assess- Including Donbas in the Ukraine report es of this government are more than Crimea, but it is a lopsided one. Virtually ment in our report. does depress the scores somewhat, but enough for one report. the entire world recognizes that Russia’s The front lines have stabilized some- Ukraine’s scores are actually more affected Analyses and recommendations offered annexation of the peninsula was an illegal what since then. Freedom House now con- by corruption and other weaknesses in the by the authors do not necessarily reflect action, accomplished through military fronts the question of whether to treat the country’s democratic institutions than they are by the conflict in the east. those of Freedom House. force, and that Crimea remains part of occupied Donbas as a separate territory, like Crimea, or to continue to include devel- Ukraine under international law. Freedom opments in Donbas as part of the overall House certainly shares this view. But our Ukraine assessment. And here I’ll acknowl- arrest of the leaders and hundreds of offi- decisions on how to cover territories are edge that there are sensible arguments on Decline... cials from the third-largest party in the based on criteria other than the justice of a both sides. Our decision to continue to Parliament, and the firing of more than a particular claim or cause. (Continued from page 1) include Donbas in the Ukraine report for hundred thousand civil servants. We are mainly focused on the practical now is largely determined by the sense that decline, and only 60 have experienced a net questions: Is the territory governed sepa- unlike with other similar disputes – improvement. terrorist attacks in Europe and the United rately, with conditions very different from Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno- The report describes major democracies States• Persistent stoked fearspublic over hostility the upsurge toward in those in the rest of the country? Are the Karabakh, Transnistria – the fate of this mired in anxiety and indecision after Muslim minorities and immigrants, deep- boundaries and political status stable area still seems subject to sudden change. events such as Britain’s vote to leave the ening existing social rifts and threatening enough for year-on-year comparisons? Despite formal ceasefires, a shooting war European Union, a series of anti-democrat- civil liberties. Since 2014, Russia has effectively con- still rages, and the front periodically moves. ic moves by the new government in Poland, trolled the territory of Crimea. Russian It may be that the situation in Donbas will gains by xenophobic nationalist parties Hungary have raised the possibility that police patrol the streets, Russian officials become a true frozen conflict, and we will elsewhere in Europe, and the U.S. presiden- some• Recent of the developmentsmost remarkable in Poland transitions and collect taxes, Russian security forces detain change our approach accordingly. Though, tial victory of Donald Trump. from dictatorship to democracy in the local dissidents. We may consider this ille- frankly, I think that would be a dishearten- At the same time, Russia displayed stun- 1980s and ’90s will be substantially gal, but these are the facts on the ground, ing development. ning hubris and hostility as it interfered in reversed by elected populist leaders. and so they are reflected in our report. the political processes of the United States Freedom House also reported this on the Doesn’t including Donetsk and Luhansk and other democracies, escalated its military “Worst of the Worst.” Of the 49 countries Why is Crimea analyzed separately, in the Ukraine report hurt Ukraine’s support for the Assad dictatorship in Syria designated as Not Free, the following 11 but Donetsk and Luhansk are not? scores? Is it fair to judge Ukraine for the and solidified its illegal occupation of have the worst aggregate scores for political Crimea’s effective boundaries have been effects of Russian aggression? Ukrainian territory. China also flouted inter- rights and civil liberties (beginning with the national law, and unscrupulous leaders from least free): Syria, Eritrea, North Korea, South Sudan and Ethiopia to Thailand and Uzbekistan, South Sudan, Turkmenistan, LETTER TO THE EDITOR the Philippines engaged in human rights vio- Somalia, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Central lations of varying scale with impunity. African Republic and Saudi Arabia. longer use Stalin’s image in any form of In the summary of key regional findings, marketing or labeling, and have not done Key global findings the report notes the following: Company took action so in many years. on offensive label Finally, we would like to thank the percent) were rated free, 59 (30 percent) democratic-oriented fringe and a core of Ukrainian community for voicing their partly• Of free, the and195 49countries (25 percent) assessed, not free. 87 (45 rigid• Eurasia autocracies was dividedin 2016. between While Ukraine, a more Dear Editor: opinions, and we hope we can put this Georgia and Moldova struggled to build on I am writing in response to the letter unfortunate misstep behind us. gained strength in Britain, Germany, France fragile democratic gains, leaders in and• other As nationalist democracies and in populist2016, the parties result- Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan took titled “No to Stalin beer; join the protest” Matt Gibson ing breakdown of the traditional right-left steps to shore up their power amid eco- (February 12), which addresses the label- Burlington, Ontario ing of our Russian Imperial Stout. We division called into question whether stable nomic and political uncertainty. appreciate the feedback from the commu- The letter-writer is manager, corporate governments and strong opposition parties nity, and would like to assure your readers sales and marketing, for the Nickel Brook will endure. combined with external pressures like that this matter has already been Brewing Co. Russian• Internal interference strains in and European the migrant countries, crisis, addressed by our company. Africa region were the worst in the world made it clear that the continent can no lon- in 2016,• Ratings followed for the closely Middle by EastEurasia. and North We issued a formal apology to the ger be taken for granted as a bastion of democratic stability. Ukrainian Canadian Congress, which first GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS share of the countries with declines than at brought this issue to our attention. In that TO THE EDITOR any• Freetime countriesin the past accounted decade, forand a nearlylarger Poland, France, Germany and elsewhere is apology, we stated: “Our intentions as a one-quarter of the countries registering changing• The rise Europe’s of antiestablishment political landscape parties and in company have always been to create pro- The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters declines in 2016 were in Europe. shifting the debate in ways that undermine vocative labels, without offending or mar- to the editor and commentaries on a vari- - the fundamental values of democracy. ginalizing any individual or group. ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian com- tries including Colombia, Britain, Bolivia, Among the countries that may experi- Unfortunately in this instance, we failed in munities. Opinions expressed by colum- and• ItalyConsequential gave voice referendumsto voters but alsoin coun rep- ence important developments in the com- that pursuit, and for that we sincerely apol- nists, commentators and letter-writers are resented a radical reduction of democracy ing year and deserve special scrutiny, ogize.” their own and do not necessarily reflect to its most skeletal form: majority rule. Freedom House cited the United States, We have already undertaken steps to the opinions of either The Weekly edito- Referendums often serve as an end run where Mr. Trump’s unorthodox presiden- rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian remove the hammer and sickle logo from around the structures and safeguards of tial campaign left open questions about the our label, and all new cans that we produce National Association. Letters must be signed (anonymous let- democracy, and their prominence can be incoming administration’s approach to civil will have this offending imagery removed. ters are not published). The daytime phone interpreted as another sign that global liberties and the U.S. role in the world. As well, I would like to point out that the number and complete mailing address of democracy is in distress. label featuring a caricature of Joseph Stalin the letter-writer must be given for verifica- Freedom House is an independent watch- was taken out of use almost five years ago. tion purposes. dog organization that supports democratic Unfortunately, someone came across an Please note: The length of letters cannot authoritarianism• Turkish president in response Recep to a Tayyip failed change, monitors the status of freedom image of this old label and posted it in a exceed 500 words. Letters may be edit- coupErdoğan attempt embraced in July, an including unvarnished the arrest form of around the world, and advocates for democ- private Facebook group, which led to a mis- ed or abridged. Letters should be sent to [email protected] or to The Ukrainian nearly 40,000 civilians, the imprisonment racy and human rights. The full text of its understanding about our current label. I Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, of dozens of journalists, the shuttering of report on freedom worldwide may be found can assure you and your readers that we no Parsippany, NJ 07054, hundreds of media outlets and NGOs, the at www.freedomintheworld.org. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8 No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 9

Lala Kuchma Marta Farion At the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (from left) are: Mykola Kocherha, Olena Smolynets, Orest Hrynevych, Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern speaks at the Ukrainian Marta Farion, Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern, Orysia Cardoso, Anna Mostovych, Lubomyr Klymkowych, Jaroslav Institute of Modern Art in Chicago. Sobol, Motria Melnyk and Olena Pryma. Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern speaks in Chicago on Jews’ and Ukrainians’ co-existence

by Marta Farion audience with his knowledge and eloquence, his wit and the power of his personality, and CHICAGO – Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern the audience responded with an interactive galvanized the audience at the Ukrainian session of questions and answers. This is a Institute of Modern Art in Chicago on highly recommended book, and the event February 12 with an engaging presentation was a riveting presentation, a treat for the on “Jews and Ukrainians, a Millennium of mind for all who want their spirit lifted, Co-Existence,” a book he recently co- their courage restored, and their faith in the authored with Paul Robert Magocsi, which human condition validated. is distributed by the University of Toronto The event was co-sponsored by the Press. Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Kyiv- This valuable book challenges both Jews Mohyla Foundation of America, and and ethnic Ukrainians to learn more about Chicago Business and Professional Group. each other and also about themselves, and The presentation was part of the to discover the facts, the reasons and the Distinguished Speakers Series at UIMA. negative and the positive aspects of their co- Dr. Petrovsky-Shtern was born in Kyiv, existence in Ukraine. Despite all the resent- the son of a distinguished Jewish family ment, the hate and violence against each who come from generations of Kyiv resi- other through the centuries, provoked and dents. As a child, he studied art and music, inspired by occupying powers that followed and he sang in the Kyiv children’s choir Marta Farion the “divide and conquer” policy, the two Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern signs a copy of “Jews and Ukrainians, a Millennium of Shchedryk. He immigrated to the United peoples have a shared narrative of common- Co-Existence” for Dr. Vasyl Truchly. States and proceeded with his studies. He alities that contradict the stereotypes per- has traveled to Ukraine extensively to visit petuated by ignorance and also by intent. Revolution of Dignity and the war in the pendence, self-determination and the family and on lectures and research. Nowhere has this commonality been Donbas that followed, where Jews joined defense of their country. more evident than during the Maidan Ukrainians in a common struggle for inde- Prof. Petrovsky-Shtern fascinated his (Continued on page 18) Arizona State University and Melikian Center emphasize language, strategic importance of Ukraine

TEMPE, Ariz. – With generous seed worked to support commercial law reforms funding from Advisory Board Member in independent Ukraine. Patience T. Huntwork and her husband, Mr. Huntwork pointed out: “The James R. Huntwork, the Melikian Center in and of itself rebuts looks to add Ukrainian language courses to centuries of disinformation and is the key its Critical Languages Institute (CLI) in the for accessing the past and present reality of summer of 2017 and seeks to raise funds to this critically important nation.” endow a Ukrainian Studies Program in per- Mark von Hagen was recently appointed petuity. Both Huntworks serve as lawyers, as interim director of the ASU Melikian and both have been active in Ukraine. Center for Russian, Eurasian and East Ms. Huntwork, a graduate of Stanford European Studies. He teaches the history of University and Yale Law School, works as Eastern Europe and Russia, with a focus on an attorney in the judiciary of the State of Ukrainian-Russian relations, at Arizona Arizona. Her volunteer human rights State University, after teaching 24 years at efforts in Ukraine began with her success- Columbia University, where he also chaired ful international campaign to persuade the the history department and directed the American Bar Association to sever its ties Harriman Institute. with a Soviet organization, the Association At the Harriman Institute, Prof. von of Soviet Lawyers, and continued with Hagen developed Ukrainian studies in the efforts to advocate for legal reform and the humanities and social sciences. He is chair rule of law in a democratic and indepen- Patience T. Huntwork James R. Huntwork of the international advisory board of the dent Ukraine. Award. She served as a UCCA election cal language along with Russian and other German-Ukrainian Historians Commission In recognition of those efforts, Patience observer for the May 2014 presidential languages. I hope the Ukrainian community and a member of the Steering Committee of received the Union of Councils for Soviet election and the October 2014 parliamen- will join in this effort to fund this project.” the Leonid Nevzlin Center’s 1917 project Jews Humanitarian Award, the American tary election in Ukraine. With both a master’s degree in econom- (Hebrew University of Jerusalem). He was Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Ms. Huntwork noted that “the Melikian ics and a J.D. from Yale University, Mr. elected president of the International Human Relations Award, the Jewish Center is among the few centers of critical Huntwork practices transactional law with Association for Ukrainian Studies in 2002 Federation of Greater Phoenix’s Certificate language study, serving the nation’s a Phoenix firm. Both he and his wife have and presided over its congress in Donetsk of Recognition and the Ukrainian Congress defense and national security needs. It is served as election observers in Ukraine Committee of America’s “Man of the Year” time that Ukrainian is recognized as a criti- dating back to the Gorbachev era and have (Continued on page 15) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

light streaming down one side of the “Bitter Harvest”... screen; this clip lasts for but a few seconds, but is unforgettable. So too is the composi- March: First Fridays at Soyuzivka (Continued from page 1) tion of the sadistic guard’s face when he Writing to this author, the director opens the observation hatch to peer at Yuri explained that his goal was to preserve in in his cell. Experience the film the traditional harvesting songs, Later, after Yuri makes his escape, he is traditional Ukrainian the traditional wedding, the funeral cere- suddenly aware of wraith-like faces of the hospitality and mony, as well as the Kupalo ritual. Mr. orphaned children, silently materializing Friday, March 3, 2017 Mendeluk said, “I wanted to immortalize, among the birch trees – as if they were a delicious meal resurrect, and preserve for posterity the unreal beings. During the final desperate ritual and culture for Ukrainian generations scramble through the backlit forest on the 6-8 pm to come and for the world to see.” Polish border, the menacing black tree trunks intertwine like a nightmarish fairy Cinematography DINNER MENU: tale. As Yuri and Natalka jump into the river, All the visuals are a feast for the eyes. we see one brief but terrifying full frame of Cinematographer Douglas Milsome, who the barking guard dogs straining at the • Shchavel Ukrainian Borshcht - had worked on Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry leash, with torches in the background. sorrel soup Lyndon,” creates spectacular panoramas • Actors Roasted beet salad and revealing close-ups, with striking com- • Appetizer portion of deruny - position and lighting, and a flowing variety According to Mr. Mendeluk, British potato pancake terrine of camera angles. actors are “some of the best on the planet.” • Kruchenyky - rolled stuffed To mention but a few: the ravishing tab- He cast English-speaking actors because he pork loin leau of wide Ukrainian fields with wind- wanted the world to know about the geno- cide that was one of the biggest secrets of • Dessert: traditional Ukrainian mills against the setting sun; the mystery of apple ‘plyatsok’ - pie the age-old pagan midsummer night rituals the 20th century. The actors who played Russians spoke cockney, or in a less arch • (Kupalo) when maidens launch flower rings Includes complimentary glass accent like Tamer Hassan’s commissar. of Ukrainian or beer and candles into a stream (one of the most Both protagonists are formidable young hypnotic images in the film); the convoluted talents. Max Irons is best known for his patterns of intersecting staircases in the roles in “The Riot Club,” “The White Queen” $22/person with tax and gratuities included, $11/children 5-12 years old Kremlin; the expressive framing of Natalka and “The Host.” Samantha Barks has been through her window with a lone candle that acclaimed for her performance in the movie Seating is limited, reservations required. Please call (845) 626-5641 crossfades into the moon. Many interiors version of “Les Misérables.” She is also an or email [email protected] to reserve your space. are illumined by candles, creating an inti- experienced stage actress and singer. Stay with us for the evening: Winter Special of $75/night+tax includes mate “Rembrandt-like” chiaroscuro effect. Mr. Irons delivers a powerful portrayal continental breakfast for two Haunting images flow throughout as Yuri, unaffected in adolescence, growing “Bitter Harvest.” Yuri and Natalka’s parting in depth and awareness up to the shatter- at the railroad station takes place on an ing climax. Yuri’s father perceived him as 216 Foordmore Road, empty platform with steam billowing from “different,” and his grandfather even mis- the moonlit locomotive, focusing all atten- Kerhonkson NY 12446 takenly called him a coward. It is a measure tion on the young couple’s embrace. of Mr. Irons’ skill that he emerges a multi- (845) 626-5641 On his way to the Kyiv Art Academy, Yuri faceted character – one that we care about encounters the reporter Gareth Jones, who every step of the way. www.Soyuzivka.com reveals the horrible secret of Stalin’s induced Ms. Barks is riveting as Natalka. famine throughout the land. As Jones disem- Enchanting in the bittersweet midsummer barks, two hungry children’s faces appear, night ritual, she is deeply moving in her pressed to the railcar window – and just as many demanding scenes of conflicted pas- quickly, as in a dream, they disappear. Yuri sion and intense emotion. then sees Jones arrested outside and his In the words of Mr. Mendeluk, “Max and ATTENTION, glasses (the agency of sight and truth) Samantha became Ukrainian before my crushed on the pavement. Later, when Yuri is eyes on set. I always say that most of direct- driven to sort out refuse on the streets of ing is in the casting. I believe both Debutante Ball Organizers! Kyiv, he notices a similar pair of glasses. researched their characters and dug deep Scene after scene is constructed with an into their psyches, and delivered memora- economy that is subtle yet highly expressive. ble, heart-wrenching performances.” When Yuri is incarcerated in a desolate Veteran actors Barry Pepper and snow-swept prison fortress, there is a Terence Stamp are authentic and excellent In keeping with our tradition, remarkable composition of the young man as Yuri’s father and grandfather. being dragged underground. All we see are The Ukrainian Weekly silhouettes of the guards in an opening of (Continued on page 11) will publish a special section devoted to the Ukrainian community’s debutantes.

The 2017 debutante ball section will be published on April 2.

The deadline for submission of all materials – stories and photos (with captions and photo credits) – is MARCH 17.

Please e-mail materials to: STAFF @ UKRWEEKLY.COM No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 11

Bitter Harvest/Facebook Courtesy of Roadside Attractions Tamer Hassan in “Bitter Harvest.” Barry Pepper and Terence Stamp in “Bitter Harvest.” fied during the film. Even Gareth Jones, the the James Bond franchise. President,” “Deck the Halls” and many TV “Bitter Harvest”... real-life reporter who told the truth about The editor is Stuart Baird, who also episodes of shows like “Miami Vice,” “Night the Holodomor, is not named in the train worked on “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall.” Heat,” “Highlander: The Series” and “Relic (Continued from page 10) episode – he is not even revealed to be a For “Bitter Harvest,” Mr. Baird has crafted a Hunter.” Two Ukrainian films that greatly Mr. Hassan has previously appeared in reporter. But the more important point, wonderfully compact and eloquent flowing influenced him are Alexander Dovzhenko’s “Clash of the Titans,” “Batman Begins” and what these nonfictional characters signify, narrative. “Earth” (1930) and Serhii Paradzhanov’s episodes of “NCIS” and “Game of Thrones.” strikes home. Another indication of the care that went “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” (1965). Here he brings to life the complex commis- [Author’s note: On February 10, the into this production is composer Benjamin Mr. Mendeluk shared with this author sar with a low-voiced menace. This malevo- show-business daily “Variety” reported that Wallfisch’s sensitive and muscular score. At that he has written two screenplays he lent character is all the more absorbing Polish director Agnieszka Holland’s next times he elaborated on the traditional plans to produce in the next few years – because of the ambiguities and mystery project will be a feature film about Gareth Ukrainian plaintive chants sung in the film “The Play” about his parents’ journey to that Mr. Hassan brings to it. Jones, and how he stood in opposition to by Mariana Sadovska to spin lyrical violin freedom during and after the second world The richness of “Bitter Harvest” can be The New York Times reporter who built his and cello solos. Mr. Wallfisch has composed war, and “Forbidden,” based on the famous illustrated in one episode. While Natalka is career on a monstrous lie – Walter Duranty.] music for Hollywood legends Steven love story between Ivan Mazepa, the leg- Spielberg and Hans Zimmer in films like endary Kozak leader, and Motria Kochubei, forced to prepare a private supper for the Production Commissar, he plays a record of the “Lucia” “Batman V” and “Superman: Dawn of his 18-year-old god-daughter – a riveting aria with the ironic text: “You who unfolded Most of “Bitter Harvest” was filmed in Justice.” Sound effects and the final audio epic about power, passion and treachery. your wings to God, oh beautiful, loving Pyrohiv, an open-air museum of Ukrainian mix are top drawer. The director commented on his experi- soul.” The commissar’s inability to love folk architecture that is located just six Canadian actor Richard Bachynsky ence working in Ukraine: “The extras and re-enactors were the best I ever worked resurfaces with the apparition of his moth- miles from Kyiv, in the autumn of 2013 – Hoover wrote the original story for “Bitter with. On our next projects we are looking er’s face after the poison begins its work, right at the time of Maidan and the subse- Harvest” (at first titled “Devil’s Harvest”) forward to working with Ukrainian crew, shown with a disorienting dolly zoom effect quent Russian annexation of Crimea and and collaborated on the powerful and com- and more Ukrainian actors! Basically, more (similar to the technique Alfred Hitchcock invasion of the Donbas. Mr. Mendeluk relat- pact screenplay with Mr. Mendeluk. than 50 percent of film revenue today developed for “Vertigo”). ed: “Directing the film was not just an artis- Dialogue is concise and memorable. (Stalin comes from the international market. My Ms. Bark’s bitter/triumphant half-smile tic exercise, but a calling. I knew that the barks: “Damn those Ukrainians! Lenin was goal is to help grow the Ukrainian film cast and crew felt the same. Some went too lenient; syphilis had softened his brain. (her “lipstick” was from her own blood) is industry by producing more projects here.” down to the Maidan to fight after we fin- We will implement his plan, but without truly unnerving. This supper of poison is Referring to “Bitter Harvest,” Mr. ished shooting, and came back smelling of mercy!”) subliminally contrasted with the next shot Mendeluk stated: “I thought my parents burnt rubber. And there is a tragic story to “Bitter Harvest” was financed and pro- of villagers clandestinely sharing the would have been so proud that I provided a tell. One actor in the film, Gregory Matias, duced by Canadian businessman Ian “Bread of Life,” the Eucharist. In a caustic voice to those who perished brutally, died in combat in the Donetsk region when Ihnatowycz, whose family fled Ukraine in nod to Mary Magdalene, the commissar including members of my family. …My goal the 1940s. “Like all Ukrainians, my family orders Natalka to wash his feet, then com- an illegal 120 mm mortar exploded, killing is to bring personal stories to show the mands her to dry them with her own hair, him. He was engaged to another Ukrainian suffered enormously,” Mr. Ihnatowycz said. world , the indomitable while we are subtly made aware of liquid actress on the film, Olena Dydick, who “There isn’t a Ukrainian alive who doesn’t Ukrainian spirit, with its colorful history tears – the rain from heaven drenching the embroidered a shirt for Gregory to wear for know about the persecution, executions and heroes – especially its ongoing struggle village. The interplay of all the myriad their wedding day. Sadly, 10 days from their and starvation. Given the importance of for freedom in light of current events.” details is overpowering. wedding day he perished.” what happened, and that few outside Mr. Mendeluk concluded: “And as a Mr. Mendeluk layers his story with rela- The film’s artistic direction is impecca- Ukraine knew about it because of the cov- director, to be able to entertain and educate tively few, but concentrated brushstrokes. ble. From the wide vistas, Soviet steam er-up, the story of this genocide needed to audiences around the world, is a rare life- He is concerned with universal archetypes, locomotives and field tractors, authentic be told. It is relevant today.” time opportunity for which I am honored Maxim wheeled machine guns, thrilling paring away extraneous details so nothing Director George Mendeluk and grateful beyond words.” could distract from his central concern – battle scenes with virtuoso horse riders, the inner truth of the characters. While his- down to Soviet uniforms and village hut Mr. Mendeluk was born in Augsburg, “Bitter Harvest” will premiere in torical personages like Walter Duranty and interiors – all the detail is convincing. Post Germany, to Ukrainian parents. His directo- American theaters on February 24, and members of Stalin’s Politburo appear and production and the underwater scenes rial credits include the feature films “Stone throughout Canada on March 3, 2017. are listed in the credits, they are not identi- were filmed in Pinewood Studios, home of Cold Dead,” “The Kidnapping of the Please check your local theater listings.

Bitter Harvest/Facebook Before filming began, director George Mendeluk traveled to the Courtesy of Roadside Attractions Ukrainian countryside in order to capture traditional wheat reaping Valeria Hodos, Samantha Barks and Lucy Brown in “Bitter Harvest.” to preserve the film’s authentic feel. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

Affairs stated: “We consider this yet anoth- pension of visa-free regimes with countries eastern Ukraine,” Ms. Klympush-Tsintsadze NEWSBRIEFS er step in the deliberate policy of the outside the European Union, a key step stated. The European Parliament reported, Russian Federation to use Ukrainian citi- toward visa-free travel for Georgians and “Security and defense MEPs were very con- (Continued from page 2) zens as political hostages in Russia’s hybrid Ukrainians to the Schengen zone. European cerned about the deteriorating situation in BM-21 Grad, would have allowed alterna- aggression against Ukraine.” (Ukrainian Union lawmakers approved the visa-sus- eastern Ukraine. A majority were convinced tive launch sites. However, the repeated Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) pension mechanism in December 2016, that Russia is ‘testing the ground’ against the usage of the launch site 200 meters east of and an announcement of its final version backdrop of a new U.S. administration and Groysman: Economy is starting to recover the hypermarket Auchan strongly suggest was made on February 13 after the text called on Russia to implement the Minsk that the selection of this area happened on OTTAWA – Ukraine’s Prime Minister was translated into all EU languages and agreements. Members of the European purpose, deliberately risking the lives of the stated on February 8 vetted by legal experts. Under the new set Parliament also reiterated that EU sanctions civilians in the area.” (Ukrainian Canadian that statistics show Ukraine’s economy is of rules, visa-waiver agreements with third are linked to the implementation of the Congress Daily Briefing) growing, the unemployment rate is gradu- countries may be suspended faster in cer- Minsk agreements and should therefore be ally decreasing and wages are rising. At a tain cases, such as an upsurge in baseless maintained. Some MEPs called on the EU to Poroshenko meets with Sushchenko family meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers that asylum applications or imminent security be more proactive and to start discussing OTTAWA – Ukraine’s President Petro day, Mr. Groysman stated, “Today I want to threats posed by third-country nationals. the possibility of deploying an EU Common The measure paves the way for Georgia and Poroshenko met with the wife, son and assert: Ukraine’s economy is starting to Security and Defense Policy mission, as well Ukraine to be allowed visa-free travel to the daughter of Roman Sushchenko, the Paris- recover. This is an extremely difficult pro- as delivering on its promises to grant Schengen Area within months. The based correspondent of Ukraine’s cess. We will see statistical data that as a Ukrainian citizens visa-free access without European Parliament overwhelmingly Ukrinform news agency who was illegally result of economic stabilization, economic further delays, since Ukraine has met all of approved visa liberalization for Georgia in a detained in Moscow on September 30, growth appears, there is a gradual decrease 144 visa liberalization benchmarks. A February 3 vote, and this will be imple- 2016, on “espionage” charges. February 8 of unemployment in Ukraine and an majority of Security and Defense Committee increase in wages. I want to stress that this mented now that the new visa-suspension MEPs also backed a call to debate the situa- was Mr. Sushchenko’s birthday. President mechanism has been endorsed. Diplomats Poroshenko stated, “We’re doing every- is only the beginning. ... The economic tion in eastern Ukraine at Parliament’s next upswing is the result of hard work of mil- say visa liberalization for Georgia is expect plenary session in Strasbourg and to vote a thing we can to ensure that he is released to enter into force in late March. The lions of Ukrainians. This is the joint work of resolution.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress as soon as possible from the ‘KGB dun- approval of the suspension mechanism also all employees and all the people in our Daily Briefing) geons,’ where he was completely unjustly clears the way for further steps on visa lib- country.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress imprisoned by the Russian authorities. ...It eralization for Ukraine, which diplomats Juncker promises aid of 600 M euros Daily Briefing) is very difficult for him, he is suffering say is expected to enter into force in June. BRUSSELS – European Commission chief through terrible ordeals. But the way that Georgia and Ukraine have long sought Another step toward visa-free travel Jean-Claude Juncker says the European he is carrying himself is an example for greater integration with Europe, largely as a Union will give Ukraine 600 million euros many.” A few days after Mr. Sushchenko’s BRUSSELS – The European Parliament bulwark against Russian influence, but have ($640 million U.S.) to bolster government detention, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign has endorsed new rules governing the sus- been frustrated in the past with the pace of finances. Mr. Juncker, speaking on February EU moves to bring it closer. Russian forces 10 after talks with Ukraine Prime Minister drove deep into Georgia in a five-day war in Volodymyr Groysman, said the country had 2008, and Moscow supports the breakaway pressed ahead with reforms despite diffi- Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South cult conditions and that the EU should now Ossetia. Russia seized control of Ukraine’s make good on its aid pledges. “We have a Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 strategic partnership with Ukraine and our backs separatists in a war that has killed or e-mail [email protected] future relations will develop along these more than 9,750 people in eastern Ukraine lines,” he told reporters after the meeting. since April 2014. The 26 Schengen Area SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Mr. Groysman said it was very important to countries are Austria, Belgium, the Czech send a strong signal to Ukrainians that ties Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, with the EU were “a positive result and France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, would improve their lives.” The EU and Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Ukraine have signed an Association Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Agreement and a free-trade deal to bolster Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Ukraine’s struggling economy, with Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. Brussels offering 3.4 billion euros in loans (RFE/RL, with reporting by RFE/RL to help Kyiv balance public spending. The Brussels correspondent Rikard Jozwiak) EU has so far handed over 2.2 billion euros, Belarusian officials reverse ban on Zhadan with disbursements tied to progress on political and economic reforms. Western MINSK – A Belarusian official says an governments and analysts say that swifter, order requiring Ukrainian author Serhiy more thorough reforms would reduce the Zhadan to leave the country and barring influence of Russia, which seized the him from entry was rescinded after high- Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and GOT ENGAGED? level officials intervened. Mr. Zhadan, an backs separatists in a war that has killed Order your korovai! acclaimed novelist and poet who traveled more than 9,750 people since April 2014. Call Lisa at to Minsk for a literary event, said on (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters 307-250-4633 & visit February 11 that he had been taken into and kyivpost.com) www.nazdorovya.com custody by KGB officers who burst into his hotel room, kept in a cell overnight, and Trump thanks Lithuania for support Shipping throughout USA ordered to leave the country. However, the WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald head of the migration department at the Trump has expressed support for Ukraine’s HELP WANTED FOR SALE Belarusian Internal Affairs Ministry, territorial integrity in a letter to the presi- Alyaksey Byahun, told RFE/RL on February dent of Lithuania, which has often backed 13 that Mr. Zhadan’s case had been studied Ukraine in its disputes with Russia. Mr. 42 year old Ukrainian woman OIL PAINTINGS for SALE and that a decision was made at “a very Trump made the remarks in a letter to seeking a live-in position as high level” to cancel the ban. Mr. Byahun President Dalia Grybauskaite that was a caregiver for the elderly. said that the Internal Affairs Ministry dated February 8 and posted on the web- Conscientious housekeeper, informed Mr. Zhadan later on February 11 site of the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania. He very competent with excellent that the ban had been cancelled, and the congratulated Lithuania and its people on recommendations and extensive writer returned to Ukraine on February 12. the 99th anniversary of the country’s inde- Mr. Zhadan said that, after he was detained, experience with older people. L. 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I look for- Yvonne at [email protected] and Russia have close ties and share a visa ward to working with you to advance our Highly desirable, very clean , ground regime. (RFE//RL’s Belarus Service) shared goals.” Lithuania and fellow Baltic level 2 bedroom apartment / condo Sanctions linked Minsk implementation states Latvia and Estonia have felt vulnera- With convenient parking in the ble since Moscow’s annexation of Ukraine’s Ukrainian Village, Somerset ,NJ. Run your advertisement here, in OTTAWA – Members of the European Crimean Peninsula and its backing of sepa- Phone # 908-642-8356 The Ukrainian Weekly’s Classified section. Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security ratists in fighting in eastern Ukraine that and Defense met with Ukraine’s Vice Prime has killed more than 9,750 people since Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze on April 2014. Mr. Trump’s praise of Russian e UKRAINIAN MUSEUM in NEW YORK is seeking assistant director. February 6 to discuss the situation in and President Vladimir Putin and his expressed For further information please visit: around Avdiyivka. “The ceasefire continues http://www.ukrainianmuseum.org/temp/job_asstdir.pdf to be violated by Russia and its proxies in (Continued on page 13) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 13

value chains,” Ukraine’s Ministry of 36, whose nom de guerre was Givi, died in commending U.S. Ambassador to the NEWSBRIEFS Economic Development and Trade report- an explosion in his office in the separatist- United Nations Nikki Haley for her ed. (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily held regional capital on February 8. Mr. February 2 address before the United (Continued from page 12) Briefing) Tolstykh’s body was laid out in the Donetsk Nations Security Council in which she desire for warmer relations with Moscow opera house on February 10 with the flag pointed to “the dire situation in eastern Former lawmaker lambasts Russia have added to the Baltic states’ concerns. On of his fighting force, known as the Somali Ukraine” and emphasized that “Crimea is a February 9, President Grybauskaite said the KYIV – Former Russian State Duma Battalion, covering his closed coffin. part of Ukraine.” The UCCA noted: Baltic states will seek additional security Deputy Denis Voronenkov, who defected to Western media reports said some 2,000 “Ambassador Haley has quickly demon- measures from the United States and NATO Ukraine last year, has called Russia’s 2014 people – most of them pensioners and sep- strated her commitment to safeguard cru- ahead of a large annual Russian military annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region “a aratist fighters – lined up outside to pay last cial and vital international principles, in the exercise, called Zapad (West), that is due to mistake.” In an interview with the Ukraine- respects. Many carried flowers and orange- face of an unrelenting and aggressive be held in September. In a move ordered by based Censor.net online news portal, Mr. and-black ribbons expressing their support Russian Federation which seeks to under- the Obama administration in 2014 to show Voronenkov compared the present-day for Russia. Donetsk separatist leaders have mine Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and support for U.S. allies, about 3,500 U.S. sol- Russia with Nazi Germany – saying that said the killing was a “terrorist” attack independence.” Over the course of the past diers have been sent to eastern NATO mem- Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) con- organized by the Ukrainian intelligence ser- three years, Russia’s war on Ukraine has bers as part of a NATO deployment. In his trols everything in the country, including vices. The Security Service of Ukraine taken over 10,000 lives and displaced over letter, President Trump also praised the State Duma. Mr. Voronenkov also said (SBU) denied responsibility, instead sus- 2 million civilians (the largest wartime dis- Lithuania’s efforts to increase defense he had testified against former Ukrainian pecting an internal operation planned by placement in Europe since World War II), spending “to achieve NATO’s agreed bench- President Viktor Yanukovych, who was top- Russia or the separatists. Mr. Tolstykh the UCCA statement read. Russia also bears mark.” Mr. Trump has spoken often of the pled by violent pro-European protests in became known during the brutal battle for the responsibility for downing a commer- need for NATO members to contribute more Kyiv in February 2014. “Yanukovych is a Donetsk airport. Video footage from 2015 cial airliner over Ukraine, killing 298 inno- financially to the alliance, raising concerns puppet. He resigned himself and his shows him verbally and physically abusing cent men, women and children, the UCCA by some countries about the level of his request [for the Kremlin] to send Russian Ukrainian servicemen captured during the added. Reacting to statements made from commitment to common security needs. troops [to Ukraine] was unlawful,” Mr. battle. Another separatist commander – the White House subsequent to (RFE/RL, U.S. Embassy Vilnius) Voronenkov said. Russia has gone “crazy on Arseny Pavlov, known as Motorola – was Ambassador Haley’s appearance, the UCCA its pseudo-patriotic madness,” he said. CUFTA roundtable held in Kyiv killed when a bomb exploded in an elevator stressed that “there is no moral equiva- “Crimea has united Russia around the idea in his apartment block in Donetsk in lence between Russia’s state sponsorship OTTAWA – A roundtable on the Canada- to steal something from a neighbor.” Mr. October 2016. (RFE/RL, based on report- of terrorism and America’s defense of liber- Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) Voronenkov and his wife, Maria ing by AFP and AP) ty.” The UCCA continues to advocate for was held on February 6 in Kyiv. First Vice Maksakova, who is also a former Russian maintaining and strengthening U.S. and UCCA praises Haley’s statement Prime Minister and Minister of Economic lawmaker, left Russia for Ukraine in European Union sanctions against Russia Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv, October 2016 after the Russian Prosecutor- NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Congress and those companies that support Russia’s Chair of Ukrainian Parliament’s Committee General’s Office refused to launch a probe Committee of America issued a statement illegal actions in Ukraine. (UCCA) on Foreign Affairs Hannah Hopko, Canada’s against his alleged involvement in an illegal Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk, property seizure in Moscow. The probe was Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Andriy recommended by the federal Investigative Shevchenko, Ukrainian MPs, business lead- Committee. Mr. Voronenkov says he ers and experts were among those who obtained Ukrainian citizenship in took part. Mr. Kubiv stated that he expects December. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by that Ukraine’s Parliament will ratify the Censor.net) agreement this month. “This is the first Separatist commander’s funeral is held agreement with a North American country, З невимовно болючим жалем повідомляємо whose market is so large. This document DONETSK, Ukraine – A large crowd наших друзів і знайомих, що в ранніх годинах суботи, will lead to deepening trade and economic turned out for the funeral of an assassinat- 14 січня 2017 року, в місті Phoenix в штаті Arizona, cooperation, new markets for domestic ed separatist commander in eastern після короткої, тяжкої недуги, з волі Всевишнього відійшов Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Mikhail Tolstykh, producers and increased access to added у Вічність наш найдорожчий і незабутній БАТЬКО, ДІДУСЬ, ПРАДІДУСЬ і БРАТ first made clear in Munich. Not everyone св. п. Like Hitler... understood that then or now. And that, Mr. Bovt suggests, is too bad for the world. (Continued from page 6) МИХАЙЛО ДИДИК Given how often Mr. Putin lies, it is, of Покійний народився 14 вересня 1936 року в селі Гиновичі на Бе- name of Russia’s national interests in sub- course, always tempting to ignore his режанщині. Молодим хлопцем виїхав разом з батьками Дмитром та sequent speeches as well. His Crimea words if one doesn’t like them or if Марією до Сполучених Штатів Америки, де у 1950 році сім’я оселила- speech in 2014, for example, contained responding to them would take too much ся в Jersey City, New Jersey. Там Михайло був активним членом Пласту. “almost the very same theses” as the one in effort and might not be needed. But, as Mr. Одружившись у 1961 році з Лідією з дому Білик, молоде подружжя Munich. Ditto for his Valdai speech that Bovt makes clear, albeit for a different pur- проживало спочатку в Нью-Йорку, а згодом у Massachusetts. У 1971 same year. pose, ignoring what a dictator like Mr. Putin році разом з дружиною і синами Маркіяном та Данилом Михайло In that last one, Mr. Putin yet again says is dangerous – because if his words переїхав в Аризону. У місті Phoenix отримав працю інженера у ком- reminded the world that “the Russian bear are ignored, his promised actions may all панії Motorola, де й працював до виходу на пенсію. На різні винахо- won’t give up its taiga,” something he had too often follow. ди отримав понад 40 патентів, за досягнення - престижну нагороду Dan Noble Fellowship. Був активним членом Української католицької церкви Успення Пресвятої Богородиці та української громади. Займав It is with deep sorrow we announce різні посади: директор та учитель в місцевій Рідній Школі; виховник СУМ; управитель Українського центру; голова місцевого відділу УККА. that our dearest mother, grandmother Співав у громадському та церковному хорах. Організовував концер- and great-grandmother ти, забави, вечірки, пікніки та громадські зібрання. Заохочував друзів та знайомих до активної участі в церковному та громадському житті. Irene Soroka Ніколи не відмовлявся від праці чи обов’язків, давав поради і допо- née Veronica Kosylo магав усім, хто до Нього звертався. passed away peacefully in her home in New York У глибокому смутку залишилися: on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at the age of 88. син - Маркіян з дружиною Debi син - Данило Irene was born on March 21, 1928 in Posada Nowowiejska, Ukraine. внуки - Александр з дружиною Justine; She started a family in France and immigrated to the United States in Madison, Bianca, Mason i Jason 1965. правнучка - Olivene She leaves behind сестра - Аня з чоловіком Юрієм Петренком children: Philip (with wife Rose), колишня дружина - Лідія Dominique (with wife Peggy) Панахида і Похоронна Служба Божа відбулися 20 і 21 січня 2017 grandchildren: Monique (with husband Josh Wolf), року в Українській католицькій церкві Успення Пресвятої Богороди- Michelle (with husband James McDonald), ці у Phoenix, а відтак 27 січня відбувся похорон на цвинтарі Paradise Danielle, Nicholas, Alexander Memorial Gardens у Scottsdale, Arizona. great-grandchildren: Tristan, Veronica, Marilyn, Samantha, Vivienne, Mikaela, Benjamin Вічна Йому пам’ять! and extended family in the US, France, Poland and Ukraine. Для вшанування пам’яті Покійного Михайла Дидика можна склада- She was predeceased by her husband Nikolas in 2010. ти пожертви на: In lieu of ‘ owers, those wishing to honor Irene Soroka’s memory are UNWLA – War Victims Fund; invited to make a donation to The Ukrainian Weekly. St. Olha Sisterhood (Ukraine Orphans Fund) на адресу: May her memory be eternal! A.Petrenko, 137 Crystal Spring Dr., Ashton, MD 20861 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Poetry recitation contest held in Philadelphia St. Sophia Religious Association PHILADELPHIA – On Saturday, February 4, students of the Ukrainian Heritage School in Philadelphia participated in the poetry recitation contest called “Nova Radist Stala” (The New Joy Has Come) that was organized and sponsored by the Josyf Slipyj Research Center of the St. Sophia Religious Association in Philadelphia. The purpose of the event was to con- clude celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord with artistic performance by Ukrainian children and youth. Twenty stu- dents from Grades 6 through 12, grouped in two age categories, recited various poems by Ukrainian poets. The judges’ panel, chaired by Dr. Leonid Rudnytzky, professor of La Salle University, Iryna Ivankovych and also including Oksana Kryliuk, teacher The contestants and the judges of the poetry recitation contest. of , and Father Ihor Bloshchynskyy, pastor of Annunciation of the contest: Danylo Bohdan and and Christine Zaishly (older group); second ed commemorative certificates and gifts. the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Melrose Sofia Behey in the younger group, and prizes – Dianna Savchyn (younger group) The main sponsor of the event, the Josyf Park, Pa., graded each performance on the Justina Biletska, Vitaliy Bilyk, Anhelina and Natalia Babiychuk (older group). Slipyj Research Center, presented the run- fluency of the recitation, clarity of pronun- Sokivka, Daryna Shnitzer, Sofia Pitula, Presenting awards to the contestants, Dr. ners-up and the winners with prizes. This ciation, intonation, artistic performance Natalia Panchak in the older group. The Rudnytzky congratulated them on their is the sixth poetry recitation contest orga- and expression. winners of the contest were: first prizes – participation characterized by “a hot heart nized by the center for the students of the Eight runners-up were selected during Anastasiya Bloshchynska (younger group) and cool head.” All contestants were award- Ukrainian Heritage School in Philadelphia. Parish holds traditional prosfora celebration by Olga Tchir elders accompanied by 12 ladies dressed in embroidered Ukrainian attire entered the TOMS RIVER, N.J. – On Sunday, January church hall singing Ukrainian Christmas 29, a prosfora dinner was held in the Parish carols. Orest Popovich, a church elder, car- Community Center of St. Stephen Ukrainian ried the star of Bethlehem, and John Catholic Church in Toms River, N.J. Over Bortnyk, the second church elder, carried 120 parishioners and guest attended the the didukh, a sheaf of wheat. The 12 ladies celebration held in the beautifully decorat- in the procession carried the kolachi, spe- ed church hall following the second liturgy cially made Christmas breads, that were (celebrated in Ukrainian). later placed on each guest table with a Spokesperson Gerry Tchir presented in lighted candle to serve as centerpieces. the English language the rich traditions of Father Volodymyr led the audience in the Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper, or prayer, and then the blessed prosfora “Sviata Vecheria.” This event brought bread, dipped in honey, was passed to each together the St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic member of the table with best wishes for Church parish family and guests to partake good health and prosperity in the coming The Vertep Carolers from Trenton, N.J., are greeted by the Rev. Volodymyr Popyk. in rich traditions and customs, special year. The 12-course dinner started with foods, carols, and memories that reach kutia, boiled wheat mixed with poppy “God’s food.” The guests were then served boiled dumplings filled with potatoes; hol- back to antiquity. seeds and honey, which is considered the traditional dishes such as borshch, a beet ubtsi, stuffed cabbage; mushroom gravy To start the celebration, the Rev. most important food of the entire soup, with vushka, mushroom-filled little and bean salad. The dinner ended with Volodymyr Popyk, pastor, and two church Christmas Eve dinner and is also called dumplings; freshwater fish; varenyky, uzvar, a sweet compote of dried fruits mixed with honey, spices, and boiled water; pampushky, little deep-fried pastries con- taining poppy seed and dried fruit; makivnyky, poppyseed rolls; and a variety of Ukrainian cookies and other sweets, fol- lowed by coffee and tea. A very special treat at this year’s prosfo- ra was the appearance of the wonderful Vertep Carolers from Trenton. They put on a marvelous traditional Ukrainian Christmas show featuring costumes, carol- ing and lots of audience entertainment. The celebration ended with the entire assembly joining together to sing tradi- tional Ukrainian and English Christmas carols. St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church is Orest Popovich carries the star of Bethlehem and John Bortnyk carries the Linda Hippel, Olga Tchir and Dorothy Rygiel located at 1344 White Oak Bottom Road, didukh. With them is the Rev. Volodymyr Popyk. place the kolach on the table. Toms River, NJ 08755.

Explore the archives of The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda online: www.ukrweekly.com • www.svoboda-news.com Our online archives Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union Anonymous donor are made possible by our Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union Shevchenko Scientific Society U.S.A. SUMA (Yonkers) Federal Credit Union Bahriany Foundation generous sponsors: Heritage Foundation of 1st Security Federal Savings Bank and others No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 15

National Commander Peter Bencak dur- Adam Yurkiw ing the convention festivities. Over 50 delegates gather around the newly elected national commander of the Ukrainian American Veterans. Ukrainian American Veterans meet at 69th annual national convention

by Bohan Dudycz Executive Board (NEB) members gave updates on the status and fiscal health of CHICAGO – Ukrainian American the organization. Discussions were held on Veterans Post 32 from Chicago hosted the internal matters and unique issues or suc- 69th annual national UAV convention in cessful programs found at each post. Over mid-October. The two-day event included 50 delegates from 20 posts attended. delegates’ meetings, bus tours for spouses, The highlight of the convention was the election of the 2016-2018 National election of a new UAV leadership. The dele- Executive Board and a banquet with dinner gates elected the following veterans to fill and entertainment. these posts: Peter Bencak, national com- The convention meetings were conduct- mander; Matthew Wroblewski, vice-com- ed by National Commander Ihor Hron. The mander; John Steciw, adjutant; Jerry meetings included individual reports of Kindrachuk, finance officer; Michael activities by post commanders. National Hrycak, judge advocate; Stephen Kostecki,

Newly elected National Executive Board members take the oath of office. quartermaster; Marian Bojsiuk, service officer/chaplain; Roman Stefaniuk, welfare officer; Nicholas Skirka, scholarship officer; Edward A. Zetick, historian; Bohdan Dudycz, PR/publications officer; Mathew Koziak, monument officer; Ihor W. Hron, immediate past national commander; Anna Krawczuk, UAV National Registry; and Joe Nasevich, webmaster. UAV state command- ers are: Peter Polnyj, New York; Ihor Rudko, Connecticut; and Michael P. Hrycak, New Jersey. The convention concluded with a ban- quet marked by military symbolism, best wishes from guests and a wonderful eve- ning of entertainment and dancing.

The 2016-2018 UAV National Executive Board with the new national commander, Outgoing National Commander Ihor Bohdan Dudycz is PR/publications officer Peter Bencak (front row, center). Hron. of the Ukrainian American Veterans.

include: the co-edited volume, “Culture, United States.” ly taught East European and Eurasian lan- Arizona State... Nation, Identity: the Ukrainian-Russian He added, “I remember fondly and grate- guages. Encounter, 1600-1945” (Toronto, 2003); fully the generosity of the Ukrainian com- As a research unit, the Melikian Center (Continued from page 9) “War in a European Borderlands: munities of for our capitalizes on its partnerships with more in 2005. He also served as president of the Occupations and Occupation Plans in Ukrainian programming during my than a dozen East European and Eurasian Association for Slavic, East European, and and Ukraine, 1914-1918” Columbia years.” (To donate to the Melikian universities to build programs of academic Eurasian Studies (2009). (University of Washington Press, 2007); the Center’s CLI Ukrainian Fund, please go to: exchange, international development, and During his New York years, Prof. von co-edited volume, “Empire and Nationalism www.asufoundation.org/Ukraine.) collaborative research. Hagen was a member of the Council on at War” (Bloomington, Indiana: Slavica In its outreach programming, the center About the Melikian Center Foreign Relations, and remains a member Publishers, 2014); and “ ‘Notes and implements short-term training programs of the Advisory Board for Europe and Asia Materials’ toward a(n) (Anti-) (Post-) The Melikian Center for Russian, for professionals from Eurasia. at Human Rights Watch. He has worked Colonial ,” in the book, Eurasian and East European Studies in the The center has implemented research with historians, archivists and educators in “The Future of the Past: New Perspectives College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at and educational programs for the independent Ukraine and with diaspora on Ukrainian History” (forthcoming, Arizona State University is a comprehen- Department of State, the U.S. Agency for institutions. In July 2013 he was elected Harvard University Press, fall 2017). sive research and training center with both International Development, the dean of the philosophy faculty at the Prof. von Hagen also remarked that “the instructional and research missions. It is Department of Education and the Ukrainian Free University in Munich, and Ukrainian language, like all the languages home to over 40 faculty affiliates from ASU Department of Defense, among others. re-elected for a second term in July 2015. we teach at the Melikian Center’s Critical and community colleges throughout Founded in 1984, the Center received its He received the Certificate of Honor from Language Institute, is a gateway to a rich Arizona. name in late 2006, in recognition of the the Embassy of Ukraine for contributions to culture and dynamic society. After two As an instructional unit, the Center generous support of Gregory and Emma U.S.-Ukraine relations and to the develop- years of Russia’s war with Ukraine, the sponsors the Critical Languages Institute, Melikian. For more information about the ment of Ukrainian studies. teaching of this language will also likely one of the largest summer training acade- ASU Melikian Center, visit https://melikian. His publications treating Ukraine become a national security priority for the mies for intensive training in less common- asu.edu. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

Soccer refunded for a December 8, 2016, UEFA Tennis Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the Europa League match against Zorya final of the WTA tournament in Zhuhai, China, on November 1, 2016. Round of 32 in the UEFA Europa League. Luhansk. The decision was made by the Shuai Peng of China at the Taian Open in authorities of the host country due to the The• Shakhtarteam won Donetsk 1-0 against has advanced Celta Vigo to the of Taipei• Elina City, SvitolinaTaiwan on won January 6-3, 30-February6-2 against Fencing Spain on February 16 in the first-leg match. “current political situation and potential 5. In the semifinal, Svitolina won 6-3, 6-2 Shakhtar plays on February 23 in the sec- problems with the safety of the fans.” against Mandy Minella of Luxembourg, and ond-leg match (played at Metalist Stadium won 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(4) in the quarterfinal fourth place at the World Cup competition in •Legnano, Ukraine’s Italy,women’s on epeeFebruary team finished10-12. in ). A win for Shakhtar advances Dynamo Kyiv won 4-0 against Besiktas on against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia. • In the UEFA Champions League, Ukraine earned 36 points after losing to them to the round of 16 and the draw is to December 6, 2016. Dynamo lost 0-1 against South Korea 34-45 in the third-place be announced on February 24 in Nyon, Portuguese club Benefica on November 1. Open in Melbourne on January 16-29, Elina match. Dzhoan Feybi Bezhura tied with France, with matches to begin on March 9 Dynamo finished in last place (five points) Svitolina• In the won first 6-0, round 6-2 of against the Australian Halyna Sarra Besbes of Tunisia (20 points) for and 16. In Group 8, Shakhtar won 4-2 in Group B after six matches played. Napoli Voskoboev of Kazakhstan. Illya Marchenko third place in the women’s individual epee against Braga on December 8, 2016, and led topped the group with 11 points, followed lost against No. 1 seed Andy Murray 5-7, by Benefica with eight points, and Besiktas event. the group with 18 points, (six wins, and no 6-7(5), 2-6. Lesia Tsurenko won 6-2, 5-7, with seven points. In its last two matches losses). On November 24 Shakhtar won 6-0 6-2 against Angelique Kerber of Germany. before being eliminated, Dynamo tied 0-0 won first place (64 points) at the Junior against . Zorya Luhansk lost 0-2 In the junior women’s division, Marta against Napoli on November 23 and won Kostyuk won 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 against Rebeka World• Ukraine’s Cup team junior event women’s in Epoo, Finland,epee team on against Manchester United on December 8 6-0 against Besiktas on December 6. Masarova (ranked No. 1) in the final. February 5. in its Group A stage match and lost 0-2 Kostyuk won 6-3, 6-3 against Mahak Jain of against Fehnerbahce of Turkey on Kyiv won 3-1 against Besiktas on December India in the first round; won in the second Feybi Bezhura, Olena Kryvytska, Anfisa November 24. Zorya finished in last place in 6, 2016.• In the Dynamo UEFA won Youth 2-0 League, against NapoliDynamo on round 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 against Naho Sato of Pochkalova• Ukraine’s and women’s Ksenia epee Pantelieieva) team (Dzhoan fin- Group A after six matches played (0 wins, November 23 and won 2-1 against Japan; won 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 against Jodie ished in fifth place at the Fencing World two draws and four losses) with two points. Portuguese club Benefica on November 1 in Anna Burrage of Great Britain; won the Cup in Barcelona, Spain, on January 22. In Seixal, Portugal. Dynamo topped Group B quarterfinal 6-3, 6-1 against En Shuo Liang the individual competition, Pochkalova fin- 2019 UEFA Euro Cup qualifiers. Matches for with 16 points after five matches played. of Taipei; and won the semifinal 6-1, 7-5 ished in 12th place and earned eight points. Group• Ukraine’s 4 begin U-21 on men’sSeptember team is 1 set against for its Dynamo advances to the round of 16 that against Elena Rybakina of Russia. Latvia. Ukraine then plays against Andorra begins on February 21-22. The final match Russia 40-38 in the third-place match in on September 5, against the Netherlands on is to be hosted on April 21-24 in Nyon, January 9-14, Illya Marchenko lost 3-6, 3-6 the• Ukrainejunior women’s won third team place epeeafter defeatingevent in October 10, against England on October 11, France, at Colovray Stadium. against• At theChristopher Apia International O’Connell in of Sydney Australia on Bratislava, Slovakia, on December 4, 2016. against Scotland on November 14. In the in the first qualifying round. In the semifinal, Ukraine lost 37-39 against second-leg matches, Ukraine will face the Oleksandriya, scored the fastest goal in Hungary. The junior men’s epee team also aforementioned teams in 2018, beginning Ukrainian• Roman PremierYaremchuk, League a forward history for onFC Monica Niculescu of in the semifi- won third place after winning 40-38 on March 27 and ending on October 16. November 5, 2016, against Vorskla Poltava. nal• of Lesia the Hobart Tsurenko Open lost in Australia. in a walkover Tsurenko by against Russia in the third-place match, and Yaremchuk stripped the ball off a defender won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 against Shelby Rogers of in the semifinal, Ukraine lost 37-39 against Group 1 in the elite round of the UEFA U-19 after a pass by the forward at the kickoff, the U.S.A. in the quarterfinal, won 6-4, 6-4 Hungary. Championship,• Ukraine’s U-19 after men’sthe draw team was has made drawn in and the ball was in the net in less than eight against Johanna Larsson of Sweden in the Nyon, France, on December 13, 2016. Also team event of the World Cup in Tokyo on seconds. round of 16, and won 6-2, 6-3 against Sivlia in Group 1 are the Netherlands (group Soler-Espinosa of Spain in the round of 32. November• Ukraine 13, finished 2016. In inthe sixth fifth-place place match,in the host), Greece and Finland. There are seven Ukraine lost 42-45 against South Korea. for Dynamo Kyiv and the Ukrainian other groups in the lead-up to the final final against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech National• Oleksandr Team, Shovkovksyi,announced that a goalkeeper he would stage that is hosted by Georgia on July 2-15, Republic• Elina Svitolinaat the Brisbane lost 6-2, 6-4 International in the semi- epee World Cup in Suzhou, China, on not be renewing his contract in a nod to with Ukraine’s Group 1 matches played on tournament in Brisbane, Australia. Svitolina November• Ukraine 11-13, won first2016. place In the in final,the women’s Ukraine retirement. “I’ll be 42 in January. I’ll be too March 23-28. In the qualifying round, won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinal against won 43-32 against South Korea; in the semi- old for a football player. I’m not ready to go Ukraine finished in second place with six Angelique Kerber of Germany In the first final, Ukraine tied 33-33 with Russia. In the all to compete with the young and prove points in Group 13 (Turkey, Iceland and round, Svitolina won 6-3, 6-3 against women’s individual epee, Ukraine’s Dzhoan something,” he said in an interview with Latvia). Monica Puig of Puerto Rico; she won 7-5, Feybi Bazhura won second place. Radio Aristocrats. 2-6, 7-5 against Shelby Rodgers of the U.S.A. third place in the Aegean Sea Cup that was in the second round. In doubles, Svitolina Chess November 12, 2016, at Chonomorets held• Ukraine’sin Cyprus Under-16on January boys 1-21. team Ukraine won and Sara Errani lost 6-1, 4-6, 5-10 against Stadium• Ukraine in Odesa won as 1-0 part against of the 2018Finland World on won 3-0 against Slovakia in the third-place Samantha Stosur and Shuai Zhang, and Cup qualifying round. Artem Kravets Women’s World Chess Championship in match. Ukraine lost 0-1 against Greece on Kateryna Bondarenko and Yulia Putintseva • Mariya Muzychuk refused to play at a scored the lone goal in the 25th minute off Tehran, Iran, in February because of the January 16 and won 4-1 against lost 2-6, 0-6 against Irina-Camelia Begu and requirement to wear a hijab head scarve. a pass by Yevhen Konoplyanka. Ukraine is Montenegro on January 17. In the final, Daria Kasatkina. In men’s singles, Alexandr in second place in Group I, with eight points Greece won 5-4 against Turkey. Dolgopolov lost 3-6, 3-6 in the round of 32 at the 2016 FIDE World Blitz Chess after four matches played (two wins and against Rafael Nadal. Championships• Anna Muzychuk in won Doha, two goldQatar, medals on two losses). Croatia leads the group with 10 Group 6 in the elite round with Sweden, December 26-30, 2016. Muzychuk led the points, followed by Iceland (seven), Turkey France• Ukraine’s and Austria U-17 men’s as part team of hasthe drawnUEFA Ivo Karlovic of Croatia in the round of 32 at field after five rounds, slowed down a bit (five), Finland (one) and Kosovo (one). U-17 Championship. Following the draw on the• QatarIllya Marchenko ExxonMobil lost Open 6-7(5), in Doha, 6-7 against Qatar, after two draws in rounds five and six, but Matches resume in 2017, with Ukraine fac- December 13, 2016, in Nyon, France, on January 2-7. after two victories in rounds seven and ing Croatia on March 24, Finland on June matches are scheduled to take place in eight, she finished the day in first place 11, Turkey on September 2, Iceland on Romania won in the semifinal by walkover Austria on March 23-28. Ukraine finished with seven points out of eight. Muzychuk September 5, Kosovo on October 6, and against• Olga Raquel Savchuk Atawo and and Raluca Yifan Olaru Xu of in third place with two points in Group 13 won the women’s blitz tournament with Croatia on October 9. China, but lost 1-6, 5-7 against Andrea with Turkey, Norway and Lithuania. The 13/17 points. Vasyl Ivanchuk won in the Hlavackova and Shuai Peng of China at the final stage is to be hosted by Croatia on May rapid men’s division (11/15 points) and Futsal Shenzhen Open tennis tournament on 3-19. Muzychuk won first place in the women’s January 1-7. Savchuk-Olaru won 2-6, rapid division (9.5/12 points). 7-6(5), 14-12 against Chen Liang and Jing- drawn Group 4 (Finland, Ireland, Scotland) round of the UEFA Euro Championship on April• Ukraine 3-17. Alsowill hostin the Group group 3 arein the Croatia, main Jing Lu of China in the quarterfinal and won as •part Ukraine’s of the elite U-19 round women’s of the UEFA team U-19 has International Chess Tournament in Bad Belgium and Montenegro. Twenty-one 6-2, 6-2 against Ying-Ying Duan and Qiang Championship, with the draw held in Nyon, Wiessee,• Oleksandr Germany, Areshchenko on November won the7, 2016. 20th teams in seven groups will play, with the Wang of China in the first round. France, on November 11. Matches will be Areshchenko scored 7.5 points out of nine top seven teams joining host Slovenia in the played on April 4-9, with the final stage of possible, winning six matches and three play-off stage of the tournament in lost in the round of 16 against Vasek the tournament held in Northern Ireland draws. The tournament attracted 475 play- September. The final stage is to be played Pospisil• Illya Marchenkoof Canada (ranked 6-7(3), 72nd 4-6 by at ATP) the on August 8-20. ers from 22 countries. on January 3 through February 10, 2018, Peugeot Slovak Open in Bratislava on with 12 teams in four groups, with the top- November 7-13, 2016. Serhiy Stakhovsky ranked in 30th place by FIFA, as of Boxing two teams from each group advancing to (ranked 109th) lost 4-6, 6-7 (4) in the semi- February• Ukraine’s 9. Among men’s UEFA national member team coun- is the quarterfinals. final against Norbert Gombs of Slovakia. tries, Ukraine is ranked in 19th place as of 1, 16 KO) won against Demond Brock (13- February 9. Ukraine’s women’s team is Weightlifting round of 64 against Jan-Lennard Struff of 4-1,• 4Super KO) bylightweight TKO in the Ivan eighth Redkach round (20-2- after ranked in 26th place by FIFA. Ukraine’s Germany• Illya atMarchenko the BNP Paribas lost 1-6, Masters 1-6 in tour- the referee Jay Nady stopped the fight at 2:30 men’s team begins its qualifying round of nament in Paris on October 31 through left in the round at the MGM Grand in Las play for the FIFA World Cup 2018 with at the IWF Youth World Weightlifting November 6, 2016. Vegas on January 28. matches against Croatia (March 24), Championships• Maria Tymoshchuk in Penang, won aMalaysia, silver medal on n Finland (June 11), Turkey (September 2), October 23, 2016. Tymoshchuk won in the the round of 32 against Yannick Hanfmann Wladimir Klitshcko (64-4, 53 KO) is sched- Kosovo (October 6), and once again against 58 kg division with a combined weight of of Germany• Serhiy Stakhovsky at the Bauer lost Water 7-5, Technolog 4-6, 4-6 iny uled• Formerto fight against heavyweight WBA title-holder champio Croatia (October 9). 182 kg (82 kg in the snatch and 100-kg in Cup in Eckental, Germany, on October 31 Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KO) of Great the clean and jerk). Ukraine was represent- through November 6, 2016. Manchester United club had their tickets ed by seven weightlifters. (Continued on page 17) • Russian soccer fans of England’s • Elina Svitolina lost 4-6, 2-6 against No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 17

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Dr. Lutsyshyna said she is thankful to another meeting with him, especially for Writer teaches Ukrainian Austin’s Ukrainian community for being those who speak Ukrainian (the UT reading active in and very supportive of the had to be in English); movie screenings and more at U. of Texas Ukrainian Studies Program at the University were very well attended. She added that her of Texas. Community members came to lis- students have met many Ukrainians and by Chrystiya Wynnyk Wilson ten to Mr. Zhadan and even organized now keep in touch with them. AUSTIN, Texas – Oksana Lutsyshyna, a well-known Ukrainian author, is a lecturer in the Ukrainian Studies Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Michigan lawyer appointed Originally from Uzhhorod in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine, since 2001 as administrative law judge she has lived in the United States, first in DETROIT – Elias T. Xenos has been Florida, then in Georgia and now in Austin, appointed to the position of administrative Texas. law judge with the U.S. Social Security Dr. Lutsyshyna studied several literary Administration’s Office of Disability traditions (Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Adjudication and Review in Detroit. French) and cultural theory, as well as lan- As a federal judge, Judge Xenos holds guage teaching methodology. She has been hearings and issues decisions on appeals an adjunct instructor at several universities Dr. Oksana Lutsyshyna from initial determinations under Title II in Florida. She taught Russian, French, (Retirement, Survivors and Disability English as a second language, academic Central Asian countries, or any of the Insurance) and Title XVI (Supplemental writing, African literature (her master’s nationalities populating the Russian Security Income) of the Social Security Act. thesis was on Assja Djebar, an Algerian Federation today. The decisions he makes crucially affect the writer), Russian literature and even She underscored that “we must end the lives of claimants, some of whom are soci- Melville. invisibility of Ukraine.” Moreover, there is a ety’s most vulnerable and, in the aggregate, At the University of Texas at Austin, lot of interest in Ukraine, and some of her involve significant Social Security program where she now teaches, the Ukrainian cur- graduate students are working on dollars. Judge Elias T. Xenos riculum was added only last year. Ukrainian Ukrainian topics. Judge Xenos is also an adjunct professor studies are part of the Slavic and Eurasian Dr. Lutsyshyna also teaches courses on at Wayne State University, teaching courses Studies. After high school, he completed the Studies Department. So far, the program Ukrainian literature of the 20th century in construction management law. Before Harvard University Ukrainian Summer offers beginning and intensive Ukrainian and Eastern European women writers, and his judicial appointment, he practiced law Research Institute in 1996, and subse- language courses. a graduate seminar on de-communization, in Michigan for 13 years, representing cli- quently interned with the U.S.-Ukraine Dr. Lutsyshyna also incorporates titled “Post-Communist Protest in Eastern ents in all stages of real estate transactions, Foundation in Washington. Ukrainian authors into her literature cours- Europe.” This year she will also be co- civil litigation, business transactions, bank- He graduated from the University of es. Last year UT Austin welcomed a leading teaching “Introduction to Eastern ruptcy, corporate restructuring and immi- Michigan (magna cum laude) in 1998 with Ukrainian author, Serhiy Zhadan, who came European Studies.” She also hopes to devel- gration. He also represented claimants in dual degrees in East European studies and for a talk and a reading. The event inspired op a number of new courses. proceedings before the U.S. Social Security political science, with distinction. He a lot of interest. This year, Prof. Volodymyr Of her students, she says, most are Administration. After completing law received his Master of Business Dubovyk, an international relations special- Americans, not heritage learners. Some are school, Mr. Xenos served as an extern for Administration degree in 2002 and his law ist, is a Fulbrighter with a joint appoint- interested in literature, some in language 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Richard degree in 2003 from Michigan State ment to UT and St. Edwards University. He policy in Ukraine, and some in internation- Suhrheinrich and for Michigan Supreme University, where he was named a Dean gave great lecture on current affairs, al relations. Court Justice Clifford Taylor. Charles H. King Fellow. attracting an audience that packed the hall. Dr. Lutsyshyna writes poetry and novels; Judge Xenos is a founding member of the Judge Xenos is a longtime member of the Dr. Lutsyshyna said she accepted the she used to write short stories, but some- Ukrainian-American Chamber of Ukrainian National Association and a for- position at the University of Texas at Austin how fell out of love with the genre. Her lat- Commerce of Southeast Michigan. He also mer member of Plast Ukrainian Scouting because she wanted to teach Ukrainian – est novel “Liubovne Zhyttia” came out in helped organize the small business/non- Organization. Besides English, he is fluent both the language and the rich literary heri- December 2015 (and sold out), and she is profit law clinic at Michigan State in Ukrainian and Greek. tage. She notes that, unfortunately, many hoping to have another one out by the fall University and served as a council member Judge Xenos and his wife, Julia, reside in Slavic departments do not offer Ukrainian. of this year. Her new novel is about the his- on the State Bar of Michigan Young Troy, Mich., with their daughters, Emelia She added that she feels there is no way to toric events of October 1990, the Lawyers Executive Council. and Ava. He is the son of retired really understand the history of, say, Russia, Revolution on Granite – Ukraine’s first Judge Xenos is a graduate of the Administrative Law Judge Oksana Xenos without knowing the history of Ukraine. Maidan – when about 200 college students Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Schools and Detroit-area businessman Theodore She sees the relationship between the two from , Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk (today in Detroit and the School of Ukrainian Xenos. countries as an example of neighbor colo- known as Dnipro) went on a hunger strike nialism, referring not only to the appropria- and set up a tent camp in Kyiv’s city center tion of territories and goods, but also to the to demand independence for Ukraine. “Notes on people” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members production of knowledge and the writing of Essentially, what they were seeking was the of the Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian National Association. All submissions history. Almost no voice was offered to the dissolution of the , the author should be concise due to space limitations and must include the person’s UNA branch colonized, she explained, be it Ukraine, or pointed out. number (if applicable). Items will be published as soon as possible after their receipt.

medalist (2012), hoped to impress audi- kg) Gevorg Manukian in seventh place resides in Germany, is set to fight against Sportsline ences in his U.S. debut, but the fight got off (1,150 points); women’s (75 kg) Kateryna Adrian Granat (14-0, 13 KO) of Sweden on to a slow start until the fifth round. Mchunu Shambir in 10th place (750 points); (81 kg) March 18 in Malmo, Sweden, for the IBF (Continued from page 16) was knocked down in the sixth round with Anastasiia Chernokolenko in fifth place international heavyweight title. Britain at Wembley Stadium in London on a left uppercut. Usyk used his jab the (650 points). Tetiana Kob was named the April 29. Joshua retained his title on remainder of the bout until he scored two vice-champion of Europe in boxing; and is Gymnastics December 10, 2016, against Eric Molina knockdowns in the ninth round, both with ranked in 13th place in the women’s 51 kg (25-3, 19 KO) with a third-round TKO win. left-hand shots. Referee Lou Moret called division (600 points). 2016 Mexican Open on November 25-26, The Klitschko-Joshua match-up was the fight at 1:53 into the ninth round. 2016,• Angelina in Mexico Kysla City. won Kysla first scored: place 13.975 at the announced on December 11, 2016. Usyk’s next chance to impress could be on Men’s European Amateur Boxing on vault, 13.250 on uneven bars, 13.125 on Klitschko was set to fight in a rematch March 18 at Madison Square Garden in Championships• Kharkiv was that selected is set toto hosttake theplace 2017 on balance beam, 14.050 on floor exercise and against Briton Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KO) New York. June 14-26. The event is hosted by the 54.400 points in the all-around. and the original match was won by unani- Ukrainian Boxing Federation and the mous decision on November 28, 2015, but Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (17-1, 14 KO) lost European Boxing Confederation. During the vault (15.266 points) and men’s rings the rematch was cancelled following Fury by •seventh-round Undefeated TKO light against heavyweight Sullivan selection process, Turkey and Russia also (15.433• Ihor points) Radivilov at thewon Cottbus gold in Individualthe men’s testing positive for banned substances. On Barrera (18-1, 12 KO) of Cuba on December were candidates as hosts, but the vast Apparatus World Cup in Cottbus, Germany, October 12, 2016, Fury vacated the WBA, 16, 2016, at Fantasy Springs in Indio, Calif. majority voted for Ukraine. on November 17-20, 2016. Radvilov finished WBO and IBO heavyweight world titles. The fight was scheduled for 10 rounds and - in fourth place (14.400 points) in the men’s Barrera dropped Shabranskyy to the canvas weight) Vasyl Lomachenko (7-1, 5 KO) is set floor exercise. Angela Kysla won bronze in Oleksandr Usyk (11-0, 10 KO) won in a three times and trainer Manny Robles threw to defend• WBO hisSuper title featherweight against WBA (junior super feath light- the uneven bars (12.966 points), finished in ninth-round• WBO cruiserweight knockout against champion Thabiso in the towel at 2:05 of the seventh round. erweight title holder Jason Sosa (20-1-4, 15 fifth place in the women’s vault (13.716 Mchunu (17-2, 11 KO) of South Africa on KO) of the U.S.A. on April 8 in Oxon Hill, Md. points), fifth place in the women’s balance December 17, 2016, at The Forum in December 6, 2016: (49 kg) Dmytro beam (12.666 points) and sixth place in the Inglewood, Calif. Usyk, an Olympic gold Zamotayev• Amateur in sixth rankings place (895 by AIBApoints); as (91 of (38-3, 24 KO), who was born in Crimea and women’s floor exercise (12.833 points). • Heavyweight 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute to be held in August in Toronto by Daria Olynyk TORONTO – The Ukrainian Art Song Project (UASP) has announced that the inaugural Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute will be held on August 7-13 in Toronto at the highly regarded, musically rich and historic Royal Conservatory of Music, at its TELUS Center for Performance and Learning Conservatory representatives have stat- ed that they are “happy to welcome them [participants of the Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute] for a weeklong work- shop and performance that will explore the gamut of arts songs coming from Ukraine. The RCM is eager to have them on our cam- Paul Hunka Albert Krywolt Melanie Turgeon pus and is excited for UASP to engage with some of our students.” clearer understanding of how to express an ody. In addition, we will help you to discov- The first Ukrainian Art Song Summer art song, no matter what form, no matter er the heart, body and soul of each song; to Institute will be a unique dramatic experi- what language. squeeze out the drama in every work and ence for 12 young professionals/emerging “Reaching out to the youth of the world never to fail to move your audience,” com- artists in the field of classical music to fur- to introduce new music is a paramount aim mented Pavlo Hunka, artistic director of the ther develop their skills in singing classical of the Ukrainian Art Song Project. Our first Ukrainian Art Song Project. song and new repertoire: Ukrainian art Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute is The summer program will bring togeth- songs that reflect a spirit of love, poetry and designed to help each student reveal con- er the foremost authorities in Ukrainian art history. Students will come away with a siderably more than words, notes and mel- song who offer an unparalleled level of

ПЛЕМ’Я ПЛАСТУНОК „ПЕРШІ СТЕЖІ“ влаштовує Robert Kortgaard „ДЕННИЙ ТАБІР ПТАШАТ ПРИ ПЛАСТІ“ expertise and experience to emerging art- ists. Mr. Hunka will be joined by other dis- для дітей від 4 до 6 років, які володіють tinguished faculty members: Albert (розуміють і розмовляють) українською мовою Krywolt, Dr. Melanie Turgeon and Robert Kortgaard. Emerging artists will benefit from daily master classes where they will • Дитині має виповнитися 4 роки до 31 серпня 2017 р. Вийнятків немає. be coached and mentored by this excep- • Дитина мусить мати усі приписані щеплення. tional faculty. • Дитина, яка склала Заяву Вступу до новацтва, не може брати участи в таборaх для Пташат. Additional information about the Summer Institute is available on the web- Табір відбудеться на Союзівці у двох групах: site ukrainianartsong.ca where there is a • від неділі 25 червня до суботи 1 липня 2017 р. Summer Institute link in the main menu. Students and emerging artists will also find • від неділі 2 липня до суботи 8 липня 2017 р. a link for “How to Apply.” The deadline for У справі кімнат просимо порозуміватися прямо з Адміністрацією Союзівки: applications and submission of materials is April 1. For further information, readers SOYUZIVKA, P. O. Box 529, 216 Foordmore Road, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 may e-mail [email protected]. A (845) 626-5641; www. Soyuzivka.com; Fax: 845-626-4638 Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute page can also be found on Facebook. • Tаборова оплата: $150.00 ($20.00 незворотні); оплата за два тижні 290.00 дол. Having a Summer Institute is one way of • Зголошення і таборову оплату (чек виписаний на Plast – Pershi Stezhi) надсилати до: ensuring that Ukrainian art songs are sung, performed and introduced to the world. Mrs. Oresta Fedyniak, 2626 W. Walton Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 The great cultural contribution and excel- Tel.: 773 486-0394 (від 8:00 до 10:00 ранку) lent work of Ukrainian classical composers needs to be heard. These art songs speak of who Ukrainians are – our history, challeng- • Реченець зголошень: 30 травня 2017 р. • Після реченця зголошень не приймаємо. es and persona. Ultimately, art songs give • Лікарську посвідку НЕ пересилати з анкетою зголошення. Просимо передати при Ukraine and Ukrainians throughout the реєстрації. world a reason to be proud! КАРТА ЗГОЛОШЕННЯ НА ТАБІР ПТАШАТ-2017 Ім’я і прізвище дитини ...... Yohanan... по-українськи і по-англійськи Дата народження ...... (Continued from page 9) Адреса ...... Dr. Petrovsky-Shtern is a professor of Jewish studies and Jewish history at Телефон ...... E-mail ...... Northwestern University. He teaches history and culture of Ukraine, Slavic-Jewish history Просимо залучити посвідку дати народження дитини, яку вписуєтe на табір перший раз and other relevant subjects. He received a ☐ від 25 червня до 1 липня 2017 р. ☐ від 2 липня до 8 липня 2017 р. Ph.D. at Moscow University in 1988 and a Ph.D. at Brandeis University in 2001. Величина таборової сорочинки дитини: ☐ 6-8, ☐10-12, ☐14-16. He has been a visiting professor at uni- ☐ Залучую чек на суму $...... ☐ Резервую кімнату на Союзівці versities in Toronto, Paris, Kyiv, Lviv, Warsaw, Krakow, Munich and Jerusalem...... Prof. Petrovsky-Shtern has been appointed ім’я і прізвище матері (подати дівоче прізвище) a Fulbright specialist on Eastern Europe, a fellow at the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, a visiting professor at the Завваги ...... Ukrainian Free University in Munich and ...... an honorary doctor of the National ...... University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy in Kyiv. He has been a frequent commentator on ...... Підпис батька або матері Ukraine in the American media, both on radio and television. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 19

Through July 4 Art exhibit, “PictureHeads: Selections from the February 25 Ukrainian Art Song Concert, Ukrainian Studies Program at Chicago Permanent Collection,” Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, New York Columbia University, Ukrainian Institute of America, http:// www.uima-chicago.org ukrainianinstitute.org/events/ukrainian-art-song-concert

Through March 5 Art exhibit by Volodymyr Voroniuk, Ukrainian National February 25 Film screening and gala, “Bitter Harvest,” Dnipro Ukrainian Chicago Museum, 312-421-8090 or www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org Baltimore, MD Club, St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Flagship Cinema Premium, 410-967-0501 or February 22 Presentation by Chris Miller, “The Struggle to Save the [email protected] Washington Soviet Economy: and the Collapse of the USSR,” Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org February 25 Presentation by Harvey Goldblattt, “’When There is New York Blasphemy against God from All Ends and Parts of February 23 Concert, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Mayo Christendom’: On the Significance of Scriptural Echoes Morristown, NJ Performing Arts Center, 973-539-8008 or www.mayoarts.org in the Epistles of Ivan Vyshenskyi” Shevchenko Scientific February 23 Lecture by Roksolana Mykhaylyk, “Linguistics and Society, 212-254-5130 Cambridge, MA Technology: Teaching Machines to Speak Ukrainian,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 February 26 Presentation by Olena Haleta, “Imaginary Galicia: Specific New York Features of the Literary Landscape,” Shevchenko February 23 Presentation by Ksenia Hapij on projects in Ukraine that Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 Whippany, NJ assist the needy, Carpe Diem Club, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-590-8026 February 26 Concert, Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America, Jenkintown, PA Manor College, 215-663-1166 February 23 Report presentation by Razom on U.S. opportunities in Washington Ukraine, Rayburn House Building, www.razomforukraine.org February 26 Concert featuring works by Yevhen Stankovych, with violinist or [email protected] Chicago Solomia Soroka and pianist Arthur Greene, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 773-227-5522 or www.uima-chicago.org February 24-25 International conference, “Ukrainian Statehood 1917- New York 1921: Institutions and Individuals” Columbia February 26 25th anniversary concert, “A Ukrainian Montage,” University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] Fort Lauderdale, FL Ukrainian Dancers of Miami, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, http://browardcenter.org or 954-434-4635 February 24-26 80th anniversary celebration of St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Chicago St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian Cultural February 27 Lecture by Jennifer Carrol, “Beyond Biological Citizenship: Center, Hyatt Regency O’Hare, www.stnicholaschicago.org Cambridge, MA Public in Wartime,” Harvard University, or www.stnicholascathedralschool.org www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 February 25 Presentation of debutantes, Ukrainian American Youth March 3 First Friday dinner at Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641 or Parsippany, NJ Association, Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, www.cym.org Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com February 25 Ukrainian Cabaret with Vechornytsi, League of Ottawa Ukrainian Canadians, www.buduchnist.com or 613-722-7075 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions February 25 Ski Races, Carpathian Ski Club (KLK), Hunter Mountain, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Hunter, NY www.klkusa.com or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 No. 8

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, February 25 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific streets) at 2 p.m. For additional information Society invites all to a lecture “ ‘When There is call 212-254-5130. Blasphemy against God from All Ends and Sunday, March 5 Parts of Christendom’: On the Significance of Scriptural Echoes in the Epistles of Ivan WHIPPANY, N.J.: Please join us at the Vyshenskyi” by Dr. Harvey Goldblatt, professor Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New of medieval Slavic literature at Yale University. Jersey at 1 p.m. for the film screening of Prof. Goldblatt is the author of numerous pub- “Music of Survival,” the triumphant story of lications on the literary patrimony of the the original 17 members of the Ukrainian medieval and pre-modern Orthodox Slavic Bandurist Chorus who survived World War II religious and cultural community, the lan- as a musical ensemble. The film examines the guage controversies among the Slavs, aspects roots of a rare and fragile musical tradition of the Cyrillo-Methodian heritage and, most and, set against the backdrop of the second recently, the significance of the “Slovo o Polku world war, focuses on the ways that music Ihorevi.” His collection of essays on the 16th and musicians are used and abused by politi- century Ukrainian monk and ardent polemi- cal regimes. Orest Sushko, the producer/ cist Ivan Vyshenskyi will be published in director of the film, will be in attendance to Ukrainian by Krytyka in Kyiv in 2018, and his provide commentary and answer questions. translations of Vyshenskyi’s writings into The Ukrainian American Cultural Center is English will appear as part of the Harvard located at 60C N. Jefferson Drive, Whippany, Library of Early Ukrainian Literature. Prof. NJ 07981. Admission is free. Donations at the Goldblatt is a long-time collaborator of the door to support this project will be appreciat- Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard. The ed. E-mail musicofsurvivalwhippany@gmail. lecture will take place at the society’s building, com with questions or to reserve seats in 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th advance. This event is sponsored by UNWLA streets) at 5 p.m. For additional information, Branch 86 and Selfreliance Ukrainian call 212-254-5130. American Federal Credit Union. Sunday, February 26 Sunday, March 12 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.: The Ukrainian ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Washington Group Dancers of Miami invite all to their 25th annu- Cultural Fund Sunday Music Series presents al concert, “A Ukrainian Montage,” a whirlwind violinist Solomia Soroka and pianist Arthur afternoon of Ukrainian folk dance, song and Greene in a recital of the complete violin and art. The show begins at 2 p.m. at the Broward piano music of one of the most celebrated Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ukrainian modern composers, Yevhen Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. All tickets are Stankovych. The program will feature the evo- $25; they are available at the Broward lution of Stankovych’s works for violin, from Center’s AutoNation Box Office, http://bro- his early “On Verkhovyna” triptych, to his wardcenter.org. For additional information reflections on events in Ukraine “Fresca of call Donna Maksymowich-Waskiewicz at 954 Maydan.” The composer will be present to 434-4635. share the stories behind the music. The newly recorded premier CD of his complete violin NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific music for London’s record Toccata Classics will Society invites all to a lecture, “Imaginary be available. The concert will be held at 3 p.m. Galicia: Specific Features of the Literary at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St. A Landscape,” by Dr. Olena Haleta, professor of reception to meet the artist will follow the per- the Department of Theory and Comparative formance. Suggested donation: $30; free for Literature at National Lviv University. The lec- students; unreserved seating. For more infor- ture will take place at the society’s building, mation e-mail: [email protected].

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