Inside: l Senate resolution seeks Savchenko’s release – page 2 l News analysis of the Minsk 2 ceasefire – page 3 l Community: Houston, New York, Montreal – page 11

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIII No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 $2.00 Mustafa Nayyem honored for efforts Ukrainian forces surrender Debaltseve

by Zenon Zawada the National Security and Defense Council. to establish democracy in Ukraine That day, Mr. Poroshenko tried to project KYIV – Ukraine’s armed forces suffered a sense of calm, order and success in their latest military defeat on February 18 assessing the events surrounding when Ukrainian President Petro Debaltseve through February 18. In video- Poroshenko announced their retreat from recorded remarks, he said that the attempt the key railroad hub of Debaltseve, about to keep control of Debaltseve and “its suc- 47 miles northeast of Donetsk after the cesses were very necessary during the fiercest battle of the Donbas war so far that negotiations, and after Minsk,” referring to raged since mid-January. the successful defense achieved the week- Rather than adhering to the February 12 end of January 31-February 1. ceasefire, the Russian-backed forces threw “We were able to demonstrate to the all their resources at the battle and slaugh- whole world the true face of the bandits, tered Ukrainian soldiers as they retreated, the separatists supported by Russia, which news reports said, citing eyewitnesses. acted as a guarantor and direct participant The battles between Russian-backed in the Minsk talks,” Mr. Poroshenko said. rebels and Ukrainian forces that have con- “We asserted and proved that Debaltseve sumed Debaltseve resulted in much of the was under our control and there was no town (pre-war population of 25,600) being encirclement,” he said, at the same destroyed, including its police station, City acknowledging “fierce artillery fire from Council building, train station building and rapid-fire systems.” the railroad junction itself, rendering it use- “Our units and subunits exited as Yaro Bihun less, said Andriy Lysenko, the spokesman planned and organized. They exited com- Mustafa Nayyem, the recipient of the 2014 Ion Ratiu Democracy Award (left), for the government’s Anti-Terrorist pletely with military hardware, tanks, vehi- answers questions after his presentation about “Ukrainian Democracy after the Operation (ATO). cles, armored infantry carriers, self-pro- Maidan: Threats and Opportunities.” Seated next to him is Christian Osterman, As of February 19, the Joint Chiefs of pelled artillery units and tractors,” Mr. director of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program. Staff estimated 13 dead, 157 wounded, 90 Poroshenko noted. captured and 82 missing, with 90 percent Yet news reports quoting surviving sol- by Yaro Bihun were held, Mr. Nayyem was elected to the Verkhovna Rada. of the soldiers evacuated. diers – and government military sources as WASHINGTON – Mustafa Nayyem – jour- In his keynote remarks at the Wilson Yet soldiers estimated the counts to be well – painted a picture that contrasted nalist, democracy activist and member of Center, Mr. Nayyem spoke about what is much higher. The New York Times quoted a sharply with what the president had Ukraine’s new Parliament – was honored being done today to eliminate the corrup- surviving sergeant, identified as Volodymyr, described for the television networks. with the 2014 Ion Ratiu Democracy Award tion that has been prevalent in the saying that “a third of us made it, at most” Indeed, Russian-backed separatists suc- for his efforts to establish a true democracy Ukrainian government for years. Even of the total fighting force of 2, 475 at ceeded in encircling Debaltseve on in Ukraine. Debaltseve, as estimated by President Petro The award was presented on February (Continued on page 14) Poroshenko in his February 18 address to (Continued on page 4) 12 here at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars during the 10th annual Ion Ratiu Democracy Award Workshop, which this year focused Shokin replaces Yarema as top prosecutor its accompanying panel discussions on the opportunities and threats to the develop- New leader orders restructuring of Procurator General’s Office ment of democracy in Ukraine since the Euro-Maidan demonstrations. by Zenon Zawada February 17 report in the Wall Street Mr. Nayyem was born in Kabul, Journal that stated the European Union Afghanistan, in 1981. His family moved to KYIV – Ukraine’s top law enforcement will soon begin to drop sanctions against Moscow in 1989 and then to Kyiv in 1992. officer, Procurator General Vitaliy Yarema, members of Mr. Yanukovych’s entourage – After graduating from the National submitted his resignation on February 9 starting with four out of 22 targeted – for Technical University in Kyiv, he began amid mounting criticism of his failure to lack of evidence provided by the working as a journalist, covering the 2003- prosecute any officials in the administra- Ukrainian government to back up corrup- 2004 Orange Revolution for Context Media. tion of President Viktor Yanukovych for tion allegations. He went on to work for the newspaper alleged economic crimes, violence against “I stated several months ago that, in the Komersant; then as a correspondent for the historic Euro-Maidan protest and sep- event that EU sanctions are removed from Ukraine’s largest TV channel, Inter; the aratism in the Donbas region. the Yanukovych entourage through the Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper; and in April “It’s very good that we achieved the fault of the procurator general, Vitaliy 2013, along with several of his journalist resignation of the procurator general, who Yarema should be held politically respon- colleagues, he established Ukraine’s first showed no results,” Self-Reliance National sible and resign,” wrote National Deputy Internet television platform, Hromadske- Deputy Yegor Sobolev told the February Serhiy Leshchenko on his Facebook page TV, which at the end of that year, with a 10 parliamentary session during which the same day as the resignation. “It’s posting on Facebook, was instrumental in Mr. Yarema’s resignation was approved. almost certain that sanctions will be helping launch the mass protests on Kyiv’s “That’s the first time in Ukrainian history removed from some of them in early Maidan. Hromadske remained the only that a procurator general left who suited March, a year after they were imposed. Mikhail Koyfman/UNIAN Ukrainian news outlet covering those pro- Viktor Shokin was approved by the president, suited the majority of politi- Yarema decided not to wait for the storm- Parliament as the new procurator gen- tests without government censorship. cal forces but didn’t suit society.” eral on February 10, replacing the When President Viktor Yanukovych fled Mr. Yarema resigned ahead of a (Continued on page 9) highly criticized Vitaliy Yarema. the country and parliamentary elections 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8

ANALYSIS

U.S. senators accuse Merkel and Hollande U.S. condemns ceasefire violation reporting by Reuters, the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse) WASHINGTON – Vice-President Joe of legitimizing dismemberment of Ukraine Biden spoke on February 17 with Putin urges surrender of Debaltseve WASHINGTON – Sens. John McCain mising siege of Debaltseve. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko BUDAPEST – Russian President Vladimir (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on “Western leaders say there is no mili- about the situation in the eastern part of February 17 stated that “The chancellor of tary solution to the conflict in Ukraine. the country. According to a readout of the Putin on February 17 urged Kyiv to allow Germany and the president of France, with Vladimir Putin clearly does not think so. He phone called released by the White House: Ukrainian soldiers who are encircled in an the support of the president of the United continues his aggression, and in the “The vice-president strongly condemned eastern Ukrainian town to lay down their States, are legitimizing the dismemberment absence of greater Western support for the violation of the ceasefire by separatist weapons as Washington warned Moscow of a sovereign nation in Europe for the first Ukrainian forces, a Russian-imposed mili- forces acting in concert with Russian forces, that “the costs to Russia will rise” if it keeps time in seven decades.” tary solution is exactly what will continue in and around the town of Debaltseve. The supporting the rebels. A Ukrainian defense The two senators underscored that the U.S. to unfold in Ukraine, just as it has in parts leaders both noted the ceasefire violation spokesman, Anatoliy Stelmakh, said “several must provide defensive weapons to Ukraine of Georgia and Moldova. was confirmed by the Special Monitoring [army] units were surrounded” in and apply additional sanctions on Russia. “With more than 5,000 Ukrainians Mission of the Organization for Security Debaltseve, as fighting for the strategic rail- The full text of their statement follows. killed and many more wounded, it is long and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The way hub continued. Rebels have said * * * past time to provide defensive weapons to vice-president also strongly condemned Ukrainian forces must lay down their weap- “The chancellor of Germany and the Ukraine and to impose additional sanctions Russia and the separatists for blocking ons in order to be allowed safe passage. Mr. president of France, with the support of the and costs that can change Putin’s behavior, access to Debaltseve by OSCE monitors, Putin, speaking on a visit to Hungary on president of the United States, are legiti- including the removal of Russia from the which is allowing the separatists to contin- February 17, said the conflict could not be mizing the dismemberment of a sovereign SWIFT financial system. President Obama ue their attacks without inhibition. The solved by “military means.” Mr. Putin, speak- nation in Europe for the first time in seven should do so immediately, rather than hide vice-president agreed with President ing at a news conference in Budapest with decades. It is inexcusable to adhere to a behind a failed attempt to negotiate with an Poroshenko that if Russia continues to vio- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, failed ceasefire agreement as Russia and its aggressor when conditions on the ground late the Minsk agreements, including the said the continued fighting in and around Ukrainian proxies escalate their uncompro- render diplomacy ineffective.” most recent agreement signed on February Debaltseve was “predictable” despite the 12, the costs to Russia will rise. (White ceasefire agreed last week after marathon House, Office of the Vice-President) talks in Minsk brokered by France and Germany. He said he was convinced that a Senate passes resolution calling U.N. Security Council statement “majority of Ukrainian troops” have “no UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations desire” to fight in what he called a “fratricid- for release of Nadiya Savchenko Security Council on February 17 issued a al war.” Separatists said on February 17 that statement urging both sides to “immediate- they seized most of Debaltseve and had sur- WASHINGTON – A Senate resolution call- Nadiya is in the 62nd day of a hunger strike. ly cease hostilities” and abide by the truce rounded the remaining government troops ing for the release of Nadiya Savchenko, the Her health is rapidly deteriorating. Her situ- brokered last week in Minsk by Germany there. The rebels claim the truce does not Ukrainian pilot captured by Russian forces ation is critical. And yet, on Tuesday, a and France. The British-drafted statement apply to the battle front at Debaltseve. in Ukraine in June 2014 and imprisoned in Moscow court extended her detention until expressed grave concern at continued (RFE/RL, with news services) Russia since July, was passed by unanimous May 13, ignoring clear evidence compiled fighting in and around Debaltseve. At a sep- consent on February 12. Lt. Savchenko has by the defense proving her non-involve- Withdrawal from Debaltseve announced arate public meeting, the 15-member been on a hunger strike since December 14, ment in the deeds the Russian authorities Security Council unanimously adopted a 2014, to protest her illegal detention. claim as justification for holding her.” KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro Russian-drafted resolution calling on all S. Res. 52, introduced on January 28, was Sen. Cardin further noted that “Nadiya is Poroshenko said on February 18 that gov- sides to respect the ceasefire. During the sponsored by Helsinki Commission Senate yet another victim of the Putin regime’s ernment forces were completing a meeting, U.S. Ambassador to the United Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-Md.), with lawlessness, brutality and contempt for “planned and organized” withdrawal from Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Rodger human life. And we need to recognize that Nations Samantha Power said it was “iron- the eastern town of Debaltseve, which has Wicker (R-Miss.) as original co-sponsor. this isn’t just about her; it’s a highly visible ic” that Russia drafted such a resolution been at the epicenter of fighting between Other co-sponsors were Sherrod Brown manifestation of Putin’s contempt for a given the rebels fighting in eastern Ukraine Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian militants (D-Ohio), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Ukraine that wishes to remain free, inde- are backed by Moscow. The developments in recent weeks. “As of now, we can say that Marco Rubio (R- Fla.) pendent, and democratic.” come after both sides failed to begin pulling 80 percent of our units have left,” Mr. Observers noted that the resolution was The resolution reads: “Resolved, that the back heavy weapons from the front lines in Poroshenko said, adding that two more col- passed within two weeks of its introduc- Senate: (1) condemns the government of the second phase of a cease-fire deal that umns were expected to pull out. Hostilities tion, testifying to the concern over Lt. the Russian Federation for its illegal impris- came into effect on February 15. The with- have continued in Debaltseve, a key trans- Savchenko’s dire situation. onment of Nadiya Savchenko; (2) calls on drawal of tanks, artillery and rockets was portation hub linking the rebel-held cities Sen. Cardin said the Ukrainian pilot “has the government of the Russian Federation supposed to begin on February 17 under of Donetsk and Luhansk, despite a ceasefire been languishing in Russian prisons since to immediately release Nadiya Savchenko; the terms of a cease-fire agreement signed she was abducted by pro-Russian forces in (3) calls on the United States, its European last week in Minsk. (RFE/RL, based on (Continued on page 12) eastern Ukraine last July and illegally trans- allies, and the international community to ferred across the border in handcuffs and aggressively support diplomatic efforts to with a bag over her head.” release Nadiya Savchenko; and (4) express- He continued: “In the eight months es solidarity with the Ukrainian people.” he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 Nadiya has been incarcerated on specious The resolution notes that “Nadiya T U W and unsubstantiated charges, she has Savchenko is the first-ever female fighter An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., endured interrogations, involuntary psychi- pilot in Ukraine’s armed forces and is an a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. atric evaluations and solitary confinement Iraqi war veteran,” and that, “in the ongoing Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. in the same pretrial detention center where conflict in eastern Ukraine, Nadiya Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. Sergei Magnitsky was tortured and killed in Savchenko volunteered her services to the (ISSN — 0273-9348) 2009. The resolution is especially timely as Ukrainian Aidar battalion.” The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900

Postmaster, send address changes to: OSCE Parliamentary Assembly rejects The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas P.O. Box 280 Crimean representative tapped by Russia Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] VIENNA – The Bureau of the Parliamentary Kovitidi as a member of the OSCE PA. Assembly of the Organization for Security * * * The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on The Bureau of the OSCE Parliamentary February 18 unanimously rejected Russia’s Assembly today unanimously rejected the The Ukrainian Weekly, February 22, 2015, No. 8, Vol. LXXXIII designation of a representative from Crimea Russian Federation’s designation of Olga Copyright © 2015 The Ukrainian Weekly as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly Kovitidi as a member of the OSCE PA. Ms. (PA). The Bureau’s unanimous rejection of Kovitidi was identified by the Russian the designation was based on the recom- Federation as a member of the Federation ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA mendation of the Credentials Committee Council representing the so-called govern- that reviewed the representative’s creden- ment of Crimea. The Bureau made its deci- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 sion following an official challenge by the and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 tials, which had been challenged by the e-mail: [email protected] Ukrainian delegation to the OSCE PA. Ukrainian Delegation to the OSCE PA regarding the nomination. Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Following is the text of the statement on e-mail: [email protected] the rejection of Russia’s designation of Olga (Continued on page 10) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Minsk 2 armistice rewards Russia’s aggression, mortgages Ukraine’s future by Vladimir Socor sets the stage for a continuous process of and its personnel denied access or even The reference is to the Russian-controlled Eurasia Daily Monitor legitimizing the “DPR” and “LPR” and their kidnapped by those forces. The OSCE can areas (de facto the Donetsk and Luhansk February 13 leaders de facto. only operate within a mandate that must “people’s republics”), “defined by the [armi- At no point does the agreement be pre-negotiated with Russia in every stice] line, as set by the September 2014 PART I acknowledge Russia’s role as a party to the technical detail. OSCE monitoring and veri- Minsk memorandum.” The Ukrainian legis- conflict, or the presence of Russian weap- fication means no reliable monitoring or lation being invoked is the electoral law as Russian President Vladimir Putin, German onry and military personnel on Ukraine’s verification. This amounts to a free hand well as the “law on procedures for local self- Chancellor Angela Merkel and French territory. for Russia, unless Russia is restrained by administration in certain areas of the President Francois Hollande jointly prevailed Article 1 of the new agreement stip- Donetsk and Luhansk provinces” (i.e., on Ukraine to sign another armistice with ulates an “immediate ceasefire […] the Russian-controlled areas), adopted Russia’s proxy forces operating in Ukraine’s starting at 00:00 hours on February At no point does the Minsk by the Ukrainian Parliament in east (Kremlin.ru, Osce.org, February 12; see 15.” A glaring contradiction exists, 2 agreement acknowledge September 2014 (see EDM, September Eurasia Daily Monitor, February 12). however, between an “immediate 19, 2014; September 23, 2014). Signed on February 12, in Minsk, the Russia’s role as a party to start” and when it will actually take Further, under Articles 4 and 12, the new armistice agreement (Minsk 2) pur- effect – that is, three days later. Russia the conflict, or the pres- Minsk 2 agreement stipulates that Kyiv ports to aim at implementing the Minsk needs this delay to enable its proxies ence of Russian weaponry must discuss and agree with the armistice agreements of September 5 and to capture the Debaltseve railway and Donetsk-Luhansk “representatives” (i.e., September 19, 2014 (cumulatively Minsk highway juncture. The Russian forces’ and military personnel on Messrs. Zakharchenko and Plotnitsky or 1), which the Russian side has torn apart advance toward Debaltseve was Ukraine’s territory. their envoys) about the modalities of since then. Minsk 2’s pretense to imple- already, in itself, a breach of Minsk 1. local elections to be held in the Russian- ment Minsk 1 is misleading, however. The The capture of Debaltseve would be a fur- controlled areas. The Donetsk-Luhansk Minsk 2 agreement’s military and security factors other than the OSCE. local elections shall, supposedly, “be held in ther breach, instead of “implementing” that Under Articles 4 and 12, from the first clauses leave Ukraine in a position of even ceasefire. compliance with OSCE standards and mon- day following the troop withdrawals, the greater vulnerability; while the political Under Article 2, Ukrainian forces would itored by the OSCE.” Ukrainian government and the Donetsk- clauses threaten (more directly than Minsk withdraw at specified distances from the All this implies: First, blocking or veto Luhansk authorities should “start a dialogue 1) to insert Russia through its proxies into currently existing, “de facto front line,” power for Russia’s proxies to override the on the modalities of holding local elections Ukraine’s constitutional processes. Minsk 2 whereas the “Donetsk and Luhansk” forces legislation of a recognized democratic state, in accordance with Ukrainian legislation […] is so heavy on political content that it can would withdraw from the September 19, as the new Ukraine is. Second, it signifies a as well as on a future regime [sic] of certain no longer be simply described as an armi- 2014, Minsk 1 front line. The now-existing areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.” stice agreement. de facto line took shape through Russian (Continued on page 9) An accompanying political declaration, (“Donetsk-Luhansk”) military advances, bearing Ukrainian President Petro incorporating additional bits of territory, Poroshenko’s signature alongside those of Mr. again in breach of Minsk 1, and not correct- Putin, Ms. Merkel and Mr. Hollande, envisages ed by Minsk 2. Russian and proxy forces are re-negotiating the European Union-Ukraine to withdraw their heavy weaponry from OSCE is honored for contributions free trade agreement, turning this bilateral those recently captured areas, but are not EU-Ukraine process into a trilateral required to withdraw the troops; thus, they to peace, stability, security in Europe EU-Ukraine-Russia process, seeking “practical will keep their gains in violation of Minsk 1, MUNICH, Germany – The crucial role of solutions to overcome the Ukraine crisis solutions to the issues of concern to Russia” instead of “implementing Minsk 1.” the Organization for Security and and the broader crisis of European security.” (Kremlin.ru, Osce.org, February 12). This Ukrainian withdrawal from this new line Cooperation in Europe as a bridge-builder German Foreign Affairs Minister Frank- would imply a Russian voice and potential puts Ukrainian forces at longer distances and an agent of peace was recognized on Walter Steinmeier, who will chair the OSCE veto affecting Ukraine’s European choice. from contested areas, such as Debaltseve or February 7, said foreign affairs ministers of next year, said: “The crisis in Ukraine high- The pretense of implementing Minsk 1 the approaches to Mariupol; while leaving the OSCE Troika and the OSCE secretary lighted the eminent role the OSCE can play has made it easier for Moscow to impose, such areas within easier reach of Russian general as they accepted the Ewald von for peace and security in Europe. In times Berlin to accept (with Paris in tow) and Kyiv and proxy forces. Kleist Award, on the margins of the Munich of conflict, we will jointly strive to foster to swallow the signatures of the leaders of Article 3 of the new agreement tasks the Security Conference. For the first time in dialogue and enhance and strengthen the the Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s repub- OSCE with monitoring and verifying the the award’s history, it was given to an orga- OSCE’s mandate for peace and security in lics” on the Minsk 2 agreement. Vladimir ceasefire regime and the troop withdrawals nization rather than an individual. Europe.” Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky are sig- (these are to be completed within 14 days, The Ewald von Kleist Award, which hon- OSCE Secretary General Zannier said the natories to Minsk 2 alongside Ukraine’s for- counting from February 16). The OSCE ors outstanding contributions to peace and award is a welcome recognition of the work mer President Leonid Kuchma, Russia’s should supposedly use “all necessary tech- conflict resolution, this year recognizes “the of the organization and its people. “This Ambassador Mikhail Zurabov, and Swiss nical means, including satellites, unmanned OSCE’s contribution to peace, stability and award recognizes the OSCE’s unique con- diplomat Heidi Tagliavini as the representa- aerial vehicles [UAV], radar systems and so security in Europe, particularly its efforts cept of comprehensive security. The OSCE’s tive of the Organization for Security and on.” The OSCE, however, possesses such through the Special Monitoring Mission to 57 participating states must continue Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), now report- technical means to a negligible extent and Ukraine, as well as its diplomatic attempts working together to strengthen the OSCE ing to Serbia’s chairmanship of the OSCE. lacks financing to acquire them, or qualified to end the crisis.” as anchor of co-operative security in Messrs. Zakharchenko’s and Plotnitsky’s personnel to operate them. The OSCE has The OSCE Troika consists of foreign Europe and working to resolve our differ- signatures do not include their “presiden- seen its handful of UAVs shot at and inter- affairs ministers from the current, preceding ences through dialogue,” he said. tial” titles yet; but the Minsk 2 agreement fered with by Russian and/or proxy forces, and future OSCE chairmanships, as well as The Organization for Security and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. Cooperation in Europe is the world’s big- “This award is an acknowledgement that gest regional security organization, work- the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of secu- ing to ensure peace, democracy and stabili- FOR THE RECORD: U.S. reacts rity and its role as a forum for inclusive dia- ty for more than a billion people in the logue and joint action are more important northern hemisphere, specialized institu- to ceasefire violations in Ukraine than ever today, when we need to find ways tions, expert units and network of field to address the growing East-West divide,” operations. Following is the press statement by Jen in Debaltseve, and OSCE monitors have The OSCE has been active on the ground Psaki, U.S. State Department spokesperson, not been provided security guarantees and Serbia’s foreign affairs minister, as he since the onset of the crisis in and around delivered in Washington on February 16. for access. These aggressive actions and receivedsaid Ivica theDačić, award OSCE during chairperson-in-office a gala dinner Ukraine, engaging in high-level diplomacy statements by the Russia-backed sepa- hosted by the Bavarian Minister-President and multilateral dialogue, addressing con- The United States is gravely concerned ratists threaten the most recent ceasefire Horst Seehofer at the Münchner Residenz. cerns over fundamental freedoms and by the deteriorating situation in and and jeopardize the planned withdrawal “We must intensify our efforts to over- human rights, through to monitoring, fact- around Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine. of heavy weapons, as called for in the come growing divisions and continue finding and military visits. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission con- February 12 Minsk packet of implement- working toward ‘peace through dialogue’ – The Ewald von Kleist Award honors the firms that attacks continue in this area as ing measures. We are closely monitoring for this, the best platform is the OSCE,” Mr. well as other locations, including reports of a new column of Russian mili- political life and work of Ewald von Kleist Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk, and Donetsk tary equipment moving toward (1922-2013), who founded the Munich city. The government of Ukraine reports Debaltseve. Swiss Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Security Conference in 1963 and hosted the that its forces have been fired on 129 We call on Russia and the separatists Burkhalter,Dačić noted. who was OSCE chair last year, conference until 1998. Von Kleist was also times in the last 24 hours by Russia- it backs to halt all attacks immediately, said the award highlights the growing rec- one of the co-conspirators in the plot of July backed separatists, killing five and wound- engage with the OSCE to facilitate the ognition of the OSCE’s role and potential. 20, 1944, to assassinate Adolf Hitler. ing 25, including attacks on a convoy evac- ceasefire, and, as called for in the packet “We need a strong OSCE as a solid anchor of The award was launched in 2009. uating the wounded from Debaltseve. of measures agreed to on February 12, cooperative security in Europe,” he said. “It Previous winners have included Henry The separatists have publicly declared fully implement their September 5 and is our shared responsibility not to allow Kissinger (2009), Javier Solana (2010), and that they refuse to observe the ceasefire 19 Minsk commitments. Europe to become divided again. We must Helmut Schmidt and Valery Giscard persist in our efforts to work out common D’Estaing (2014). 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 2 Philadelphia Ukrainians hold two-day protest against Gergiev by Mary Kalyna PHILADELPHIA – Nearly 50 people stood in subfreezing weather for two nights out- side the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia’s premier concert venue, to protest Russian conductor Valery Gergiev’s engagement with the Philadelphia Orchestra on February 12 and 13. Demonstrators distributed several hundred specially prepared “programs” that included information on Mr. Gergiev and the war in Ukraine, and said: “While you enjoy the concert, we ask you to con- sider ‘Should artists who support vio- lence and war be welcome on the world’s best concert stages?’“ It also quoted Latvian violinist and conductor Gidon Kremer: “We – artists, cultural figures – Yulia Kurka Ukrainians protest Valery Gergiev’s appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center. must remain peacemakers.” Concert-goers were generally recep- side on both nights and had a friendly declare our support of the position of the Philadelphia, which has held dozens of ral- tive, and many said they were unaware of exchange with protesters. She was sym- president of the Russian Federation in lies and other events in Philadelphia since Mr. Gergiev’s views and glad to be pathetic to their message and asked for regards to Ukraine and Crimea.” November 2013. It was co-sponsored by informed. A few decided not to attend the extra flyers to take backstage for the Two banks that are principal partners Arts Against Aggression, a group that performance. The local ABC television musicians. of the Mariinsky Foundation of America formed online, whose mission statement station and the Philadelphia Inquirer Protests have accompanied nearly all of (sponsor of Mr. Gergiev’s U.S. tour) are says: “We call upon institutions to review covered the protest. Mr. Gergiev’s U.S. appearances. He is one of currently under U.S. sanctions. their policies and to consider the appropri- Allison Vulgamore, Philadelphia the prominent Russian artists who signed The Philadelphia action was organized ateness of allowing vocal supporters of Orchestra president and CEO, came out- an open letter in March 2014 to “firmly by Razom (Together) for Ukraine aggression to perform on their stages.”

“Dead and wounded soldiers were left on pendent of the military command. Vadym Karasyov, the director of the Ukrainian forces... the snowy fields because there were too “There was no leadership from the Joint Institute of Global Strategies in Kyiv. many of them to carry once the trucks were Chiefs. Everything was on auto-pilot and “In my view, [German Chancellor (Continued from page 1) hit,” the report said. that was a big miscalculation by the sec- Angela] Merkel and [French President February 17 and taking control of the terri- Numerous soldiers described having to tor’s command,” Gros told the 24 television Francois] Holland will give the appearance tory, reported the press service of the Joint walk (or run) at least four miles to reach network, as reported by the zn.ua news that Debaltseve is an exception,” he told the Chiefs of Staff. safety after many trucks were wrecked site. “Under the guidance of the command- vesti.ua news site. “We need to understand And though the exit had been planned, it crossing fields and back roads. er of the 128th Brigade, we and other that the recent signing of the Minsk accords was not organized or complete, soldiers And while a medic quoted by The New armies gathered and attempted to break was moderated by Merkel and Hollande said. Instead, a column of trucks carrying York Times, Albert Sardaryen, said the exit through. The breakthrough attempt was themselves. And they are interested in it more than 2,000 soldiers on the early was planned by the military leadership for chaotic, under constant fire. The enemy working. If it doesn’t, it will be a failure – morning of February 18 was spotted by the days, the deputy commander of the 25th destroyed our hardware and soldiers with diplomatically and geopolitically – for separatists and targeted with fire from Kyivska Rus’ Battalion, who went by the heavy artillery fire.” Germany, France and all of Europe.” tanks, snipers and rocket-propelled gre- nickname Gros, said their decision to That commander – Col. Serhiy Shaptala – Indeed, as late as the evening of nades, reported The New York Times. escape the encirclement was made inde- was presented the Hero of Ukraine award, February 17, even after Russian-backed as announced by the press service of the forces had Debaltseve surrounded and for- Presidential Administration. Yet no mention bid the entry of the OSCE Special was made of whether anyone would be held Monitoring Mission, French Foreign Affairs responsible for failing to give the 25th Minister Laurent Fabius tweeted that “the Kyivska Rus’ Battalion any instructions. ceasefire is being fully upheld.” Meanwhile, the retreating soldiers of the As of February 19, the only high-level Kryvbas Battalion said on February 18 they criticism from Europe on the Debaltseve hadn’t eaten anything for the five days that offensive came from Federica Mogherini, they were encircled in a nearby village and the European Union’s high representative bombarded by constant mortar fire. The for foreign affairs and security policy, who village, Novohryhorivtsi, was razed, they stated clearly that the Russian-backed forc- said, as reported by hromadske.tv. es had violated the ceasefire and will face Unlike the Kyivska Rus’ Battalion, the “appropriate actions if the military actions 40th Kryvbas Battalion got the command – and other negative developments that to retreat from Debaltseve the night of violate the Minsk accords – continue.” February 17, commander Viktor Ms. Merkel told a German TV station Pochernyayev told hromadske.tv the next that day that “we want for Russia to day. Even before the retreat, 21 battalion become our partner again. We would want soldiers were killed. The battalion was fired to build the European world order with upon as it evacuated, and the commander Russia, not against it.” couldn’t confirm the number of casualties. The National Security and Defense Rather than preserving their hardware, Council of Ukraine decided the evening of as Mr. Poroshenko alleged, ATO spokesman February 18 to appeal to the United Nations Col. Lysenko said the soldiers were ordered and the European Union to dispatch peace- to destroy much of the weaponry they had keepers to the conflict line and the Ukrainian “so that the enemy didn’t gain hardware in border currently under separatist control. working condition.” “The best format for us is an EU police If there truly wasn’t a “cauldron” there, mission,” said Mr. Poroshenko, who appar- as the president claims, then he would have ently changed his strategy after warning been present for the retreat of soldiers just four days earlier that he would impose from Debaltseve, Yuriy Paliychuk, a Kyiv martial law if the February 12 ceasefire political expert, told the 1+1 TV network on accords were violated. February 19. In response, the Russian government “His words more likely lie in the area of said such an appeal casts doubt upon the propaganda than the real shape of affairs,” intentions of the Ukrainian government to he said. “He’s thinking that, in this way, he’ll fulfill the Minsk 2 accords, which call for be able to avoid the political consequences. the Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s repub- But quite the opposite, he’s only exacerbat- lics” to form their own police forces. ing and delaying them.” “If some other schemes are being pro- Even after the brutality, European lead- posed here, then the question arises of ers still held out hope that Russian whether they plan to fulfill the Minsk President Vladimir Putin would use his accords,” said Vitaliy Churkin, the perma- influence to ensure his forces would uphold nent representative of Russia to the United the February 12 ceasefire accords, said Nations. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM UNA General Assembly holds Self Reliance New York makes fi rst post-convention meeting $25,000 donation to UNA’s newspapers NEW YORK – Self Reliance New York continue their worthy mission. Frankly, if it Federal Credit Union has made yet another were not for benefactors like Self Reliance generous donation to the Ukrainian New York, it would be difficult indeed for National Association’s two newspapers, us to provide our journalistic services to Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, giving the Ukrainian community.” She added, each $12,500 for a total of $25,000. “Thank you again to Self Reliance for your The donation was made in late many years of staunch support for Svoboda December 2014, and was noted in the and The Ukrainian Weekly.” press fund reports of both newspapers for In 2013, in recognition of Svoboda’s that month. 120th anniversary and The Weekly’s 80th – Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of both a combined 200 years of service to the newspapers, wrote to Self Reliance New Ukrainian community – Self Reliance New York President Bohdan Kurczak: “Your York made a donation of $20,000 to the donation of $25,000 to two of our commu- two newspapers. The credit union has also nity’s most valuable assets will go a long been a major supporte of the newspapers’ way toward helping our two newspapers digital archives project. Mission Statement

Oksana Trytjak The Ukrainian National Association exists: KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The General Assembly elected at the Ukrainian National • to promote the principles of fraternalism; Association’s 38th Regular Convention back in May 2014, met for its first meeting here to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and Ukrainian at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center on December 6-7, 2014. It was an abbreviated ses- Canadian• heritage and culture; and sion, not a regular annual meeting of the UNA General Assembly, as it took place dur- ing a convention year. The agenda included reports by the three full-time UNA execu- • to provide quality financial services and products to its members. tive officers – the president, the national secretary and the treasurer – as well as of the As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian National Association Auditing Committee. In addition, UNA General Assembly committees on finances, orga- reinvests its earnings for the benefit of its members and the nizing/fraternal activity, Soyuzivka, publications and advocacy were called. Seen above Ukrainian community. are participants of the special meeting.

THE UNA: 121 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly Putin gets his way, again Europarliament VP says Germany and France The ink was not even dry on Minsk ceasefire No. 2, yet France was already talking about the possibility of resuming the sale of its Mistral warships to Russia and the ‘sacrificed Ukraine’ for economic interests U.S. was discussing the possibility of easing sanctions – if the Minsk accord was by Paul Goble tries “would like to have peace at any implemented. By now we see it is not being implemented, nor it is likely to be imple- price,” something they may have achieved mented. Surely anyone who has followed developments in Ukraine’s east can see In what Vladimir Putin may see as an addi- in the short run by their concessions at that. One word – Debaltseve – should be proof enough. tional benefit and others as collateral damage, Minsk but not something that is likely to Since Minsk 2 was agreed upon on February 12, more details have surfaced about the Minsk accords have deepened splits with- last for long. the negotiations. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst, on the air with the in the European Union, with European On the one hand, Mr. Czarnecki says, the BBC, put it plainly: If the Russian president was interested in peace, he would have Parliament Vice-President Ryszard Czarnecki pro-Moscow militants in southeastern agreed to an immediate ceasefire; but he was the only one who wanted to delay the saying that the German and French leaders Ukraine with continuing Russian backing ceasefire. Indeed, the March 13 European Union summit heard a report on those talks, “sacrificed” Ukraine at Munich for the eco- are likely to try to seize even more territory and Ian Traynor of The Guardian reported: “…Putin had resisted pressure for a cease- nomic interests of their own countries. and undermine Ukrainian statehood. And fire. He hoped to delay the truce by 10 days, the summit heard, in order to force the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and on the other, Kyiv will have no choice but to surrender of up to 8,000 Ukrainian troops who are surrounded in Debaltseve by pro- French President Francois Hollande, “with- try to block them whatever the Minsk Russia separatists. Putin was said to have made it clear that Debaltseve had to fall.” Still, Western leaders persist. The Wall Street Journal reported on February 19 out the participation of the EU and promot- accords say. that – now with Debaltseve in the hands of Russian forces (we just won’t call them ing the economic interests of their own By insisting on the negotiating arrange- “separatists”) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois countries, have sacrificed Ukraine,” Mr. ments in Minsk, Mr. Putin not only excluded Hollande think there’s still a chance that Minsk 2 could work. A statement from the Czarnecki says, legitimating Russia’s the U.S., legitimated his agents in Ukraine, French presidency said that leaders “agreed to rigorously implement the entirety of “achievements” and creating a world more but has divided Europe still further – an the package of measures agreed February 12 in Minsk.” Though Petro Poroshenko beneficial to Moscow than to Kyiv (kontrak- amazing Russian achievement but one that told Mr. Putin, Ms. Merkel and Mr. Hollande in a four-way phone call “not to pretend ty.ua/article/84676). the leaders of Germany and France in large that the events in Debaltseve comply with the Minsk agreements,” it appears the In other comments, the Polish and measure facilitated, something that Western leaders care little about what Ukraine’s president has to say, preferring to European politician says that it is unfortu- Ukrainians and all people of good will believe what they want to believe. nately the case that some European coun- should never forget. Here in the U.S., President Barack Obama continues his hands-off approach to Ukraine. At home, he has Vice-President Joe Biden doing the phone calling, and sometimes allows Secretary of State John Kerry to get a word in, while in the inter- national arena, he’s let Germany and France take the lead – with the disastrous results of Minsk 2. And just what was the goal of Minsk 2? Many say it was to stop Putin has no interest in peace dead in its tracks the move to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons just as the U.S. was leaning toward doing that. Instead we’re left with the administration’s new in Ukraine, now or ever, says analyst National Security Policy of “strategic patience” – never mind that Russia has violated every major post-World War II international agreement, from the U.N. Charter and by Paul Goble demonstration of what Mr. Putin is about the Helsinki Accords to the Budapest Memorandum… February 15 concerns Nadiya Savchenko. Her position Readers will recall that back in January President Obama practically gloated in his has “radically deteriorated” after what hap- State of the Union address: “...we are demonstrating the power of American strength Vladimir Putin may organize short-lived pened in the Belarusian capital. Ukrainian and diplomacy. We’re upholding the principle that bigger nations can’t bully the ceasefires for various reasons, few of which President Petro Poroshenko said she would small – by opposing Russian aggression, supporting Ukraine’s democracy, and reas- have anything to do with Ukraine. Russian be released with other prisoners and then suring our NATO allies. Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanc- sociologist and political observer Igor Mr. Putin’s press secretary said she tions along with our allies, some suggested that Mr. Putin’s aggression was a master- Eidman points out that the Kremlin leader wouldn’t be. ful display of strategy and strength. Well, today, it is America that stands strong and has no interest in achieving peace in This pattern reflects Mr. Putin’s desire to united with our allies, while Russia is isolated, with its economy in tatters.” (Shades Ukraine on any terms – a tragic reality no discredit Mr. Poroshenko by showing him of George W. Bush’s “mission accomplished” banner?) one must delude themselves into believing to be incapable of defending his own, Mr. Now it appears to be back to business as usual with Russia. Incredibly, the head of is not the case. Eidman says. The only thing that could help Russia’s FSB (successor to the KGB), Alexander Bortnikov, is leading the Russian del- Mr. Putin’s participation in the Minsk the jailed Ukrainian flier now would be “an egation to the three-day White House summit on battling terrorism and extremism. talks was nothing more or less than a con- energetic ultimatum for her liberation” The very same Mr. Bortnikov is on the European Union’s and Canada’s sanctions tinuation of his strategy of blackmail from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. lists, though not, for some reason, on the U.S. list. Furthermore, Russia itself should against Ukraine and the West, the Moscow Mr. Putin would have to take her words into be labeled a state sponsor of terrorism, among other things for its complicity in the commentator says, and it is clear he has no consideration. downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (see Taras Kuzio’s excellent exploration of intention of living according to the provi- Putin’s primary goal in Minsk this time this topic in Foreign Affairs: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/142811/taras- sions of that agreement or any other (gor- around, the Moscow commentator contin- kuzio/ukraine-reignites). donua.com/publications/Eydman-Putinu- ues, was “the legitimation of the bandits” as The Obama administration is failing miserably in its handling of the Ukraine cri- povezlo-chto-Poroshenko-ne-razvernulsya- an independent part of the negotiating pro- sis. But it can still take action: supply Ukraine with defensive lethal weapons and i-ne-uletel-vozlozhiv-na-nego-otvetstven- cess. Ms. Merkel fell for that when she sug- implement other provisions of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014; remove nost-za-sryv-peregovorov-66461.html). gested that Mr. Putin had put pressure on Russia from the international payment-processing system SWIFT; and apply sanc- What he did at Minsk, as he has done so them – something she wouldn’t have said if tions to top Russian leaders, including Mr. Putin. often with success in the past, is to give “the she saw him as a crime boss speaking to his We thought we had won a great victory at the end of 2014 with the passage and imitation of a step backwards” for which he underlings as they are. the signing of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act; we thought the U.S. would indeed will be rewarded by the West as someone In allowing for the legitimation of these provide Ukraine with the lethal weapons it needs to defend itself from Russian with whom it can do business while pro- entities as part of the negotiating process, aggression. But our struggle continues. That is why it’s important that we demon- ceeding to take two more steps “forward the Germans and the French in fact have strate our strength and resolve at the rally for Ukraine scheduled for March 5 near along the path of aggression.” allowed Russia to maintain its false claim the White House. And, whether or not you can attend that demonstration, you As a result of Minsk, Mr. Putin got two that it isn’t entirely responsible for their should be calling the White House. Daily. Memorize this number: 202-456-1111. We things he wanted: a delay in any imposition actions. But everyone should take note of cannot allow Vladimir Putin to continue getting his way. of more serious sanctions and an end to the fact that “not one organization” in the talk in Western capitals about arming Donbas “demanded independence before Ukraine. But “Putin, of course, wants more,” the start of Russian aggression,” Mr. Eidman including that Ukraine should “pay for points out. aggression against itself,” that oil prices The pro-Moscow militants will not dis- Turning the pages back... should go up, and that he will get “a breath- arm except possibly in limited contexts for Feb. ing space” to prepare for new aggression, show, Mr. Eidman says. “They may not even Mr. Eidman notes. reverse their formal decision on indepen- Thirty-five years ago, on February 22, 1980, U.S. Sen. Charles One extremely sad result of Minsk and a dence, although this would be complete 22 McC. Mathias Jr. (R-Md.) issued a statement from the Senate floor schizophrenia – at one and the same time and urged the U.S. to pre-empt the Soviet Union’s expected post- Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on to declare oneself part of Ukraine and to 1980 Afghanistan peace offense. declare one’s independence.” ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Sen. Mathias recommended placing the Soviet invasion of Despite his gains at Minsk, Mr. Putin was who has served in various capacities in the Afghanistan at the top of the State Department’s review of U.S. anything but a free actor, the political ana- U.S. State Department, the Central policy at a meeting of the 35 Helsinki Accords nations later that year in Madrid, because “it lyst says. When Mr. Poroshenko first walked is an act which menaces all Europe and all principles the Helsinki Accords promulgated.” Intelligence Agency and the International out and said there would be no agreement, In a separate letter to Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance, Sen. Mathias said, “it is impor- Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice the ruble fell. When he returned, the ruble tant that the United States do all within its power to teach the Soviet Union that history of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio went up – an indication that “the economic cannot be rewritten with impunity; that it must face up to the consequences of its acts in Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for weakness of Russia forces Putin to maneu- Afghanistan.” The Soviet Union “every day violates the spirit of the Helsinki undertakings,” International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a blog ver, to do everything in order to stabilize the adding that the USSR “defies the Helsinki principles,” and the Madrid meeting should lay called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- economic situation in Russia.” woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). The articles (Continued on page 15) above are reprinted with permission. (Continued on page 10) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 7

COMMENTARY From a Canadian Angle Minsk 2: time to devise strategy by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn

by Askold S. Lozynskyj imposed. That would make the U.S. posi- tion meaningful. Hope springs eternal. In Ukrainian cir- Immediately, while the ceasefire is still cles that cliché is no longer relevant when largely in place, the United States should Ukrainians forgotten heroes of Auschwitz referring to Ukraine-Russia relations. Many announce what it is prepared to do in the in the West are still naive or, perhaps, ideal- event of yet another Russian violation. On January 27, 1945, Auschwitz was lib- father lost many friends in the mills of istic enough to lend credence to promises Certainly among the most significant mea- erated when tanks of the First Ukrainian death, as the concentration camps were made by Russian leaders or their hench- sures would be to work with our European Front broke through the enclosures. called. men. However, the list of the believers is partners to lock out Russia from the Twenty-year-old Ihor Pobirchenko was He survived, living for nearly 50 years in diminishing. Belgium-based Society for Worldwide the first to confront the horror perpetrated Winnipeg, devoting his life to crossing Despite cynicism, lessons learned from Interbank Financial Telecommunications by the Nazis. Atop a tank, he saw humans Canada in the interest of his community. the past and even current violations of system, known as SWIFT. A lock-out would hanging from the barbed-wire enclosure. Newspapers, churches, credit unions, Minsk 2, there may be a silver lining or per- be crippling to the Russian economy. A They were alive, but barely: the fence was children’s summer camps, the now $30 haps an opportunity that should not be warning about a possible lock would be a not electrified. The tanks rolled in. million Taras Shevchenko Foundation, wasted. In most instances in the past serious and tangible admonition to Russian Recently, Russia’s Foreign Affairs establishment of the World Congress of Vladimir Putin’s play has been dominant in banks and the oligarchs who rely upon Minister Sergei Lavrov lashed into his Free Ukrainians attest to some of his terms of outwitting the opposition. This them for the movement of their wealth, Polish counterpart, Grzegorz Schetyna, for achievements. He was particularly proud of time he struck an agreement on his terms among them Mr. Putin, the oligarch-in-chief. daring to dispel the popular World War II the creation of the World League of when holding the better hand, having Additional less meaningful sanctions myth, that the Russians, not the Ukrainian Ukrainian Political Prisoners that battled recently grabbed more land. Still, there will should be announced as well, which would division liberated Auschwitz, Warsaw and international bureaucracy for the right to be a brief lull in the fighting. Sporadic and include barring Russian companies cur- Berlin. It is still Russia’s practice to take state that some 1 million Ukrainians who systematic breaches by the Russians will rently actively doing business in the United credit for Soviet achievements, denying lived under Polish or Soviet rule had been never abate. Nevertheless, because the States such as Lukoil and a plethora of those of some 100 million non-Russians of incarcerated in the Nazi camps. He knew fighting will diminish, there will be a brief Russian vodka manufacturing companies. the former USSR. This is in evidence today Canada from coast to coast, and loved it for respite for all sides, including the West, to These sanctions would gravely affect as Vladimir Putin wages spiteful wars with its peace and security, the rule of law, even- take inventory and devise strategy. Taking Russian industry, and Russian state coffers, neighbors in a manner reminiscent of handed politics and the helpful decency of inventory must include a recognition that and benefit U.S. energy producers, manu- Soviet times. a policeman. He hoped that Ukraine would strategy thus far has done little to abate the facturers and farmers. My father spent nearly two years in “one day be more like Canada.” aggression. Finally, President Barack Obama himself Auschwitz for opposing the German Had he lived, he would see today’s ter- A glaring omission in the agreement is should announce that he and our NATO Reich’s occupation of Ukraine. Over a mil- ror in Ukraine as a repeat of history. He no specific mention of Nadiya Savchenko in allies have thought long and hard about lion Ukrainians were incarcerated. I was would equate Mr. Putin’s satanic determi- paragraphs 5 or 6, which speaks of amnes- equipping Ukrainians with lethal arms, brought up on his stories about those his- nation to subjugate Ukraine to Hitler’s and, ty for individuals involved in activities in have been reluctant to do so given the glim- toric times. following the war, to Stalin’s. Father would Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as an mer of hope that all conflicts can be He avoided the Gestapo for over a year, be proud, so proud, of the courageous exchange of hostages within five days from resolved diplomatically in good faith, but hiding, among other places, in the stand of the volunteer battalions holding the implementation of the ceasefire. The that a Russian breach will convince them Redemptorist seminary where he had the front in Ukraine. “I told you,” I can hear Savchenko case should serve as an early irrevocably that Russia is not acting in good studied. This bit of family history was him say, “Ukrainians will never give up indicator of Russian compliance. faith. The president should make it very revealed by fellow seminarian, the metro- fighting for their country.” The White House greeted the latest clear to Mr. Putin that he sees the current politan of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of YouTube videos show Russia operating agreement with a perfunctory welcome, ceasefire as not still another attempt to Canada, at my father’s funeral. in Luhansk and Donetsk, using children calling it “a potentially significant step bring peace to Ukraine, but as the final test When the Gestapo finally branded him and women as human shields, destroying toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict for Russia, which has systematically with the Auschwitz concentration camp homes, burning, killing, mutilating. They and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereign- breached so many international treaties number, he had to endure the “welcome” are not for gentle eyes. Even more frighten- ty consistent with the Minsk agreements and agreements to date. If Russia fails to line. That meant running the gauntlet with ing in its ramifications is the negation of from last September,” yet added its concern abide by the ceasefire, the United States hundreds of “katsetnyky” (prisoners), as the “never again” promise made to human- about the escalation of fighting on the date and its NATO allies will begin arming they were beaten with batons. This experi- ity by Russia when the war ended, and over of the agreement as being inconsistent with Ukraine since, having exhausted diplomatic ence was shared by other katsetnyky who and over again in other international the spirit of the accord. channels, helping to stop Russia on the came to live in Winnipeg, including Dr. agreements and recent ceasefires. Secretary of State John Kerry likewise Ukrainian battlefield will be perceived as Michael Marunchak, the Rev. Semen Izyk, My father would be incredulous that welcomed the news. However, Secretary the only way to stop the Russian scourge Stefan Petelytsky and Theodor Chimko. NATO is unable to find a solution to this Kerry felt compelled to gratuitously add: from spreading, guaranteeing Ukraine’s Some had health issues for life. trampling of international law and democ- “As we have long said, the United States is sovereignty and territorial inviolability, and Anyone who fell was dragged off and racy on its doorstep. He would question prepared to consider rolling back sanctions upholding the principles of international punished; anyone who abstained got the why America has stopped short of punish- on Russia when the Minsk agreements of law. U.S. involvement in this regard may be same. Too often shots followed such ing Russia from spreading global chaos. He September 2014, and now this agreement, only the beginning until such time as all “infractions.” Fear and terror ruled. The would have a message for his Canadian are fully implemented.” borders are restored to their pre-February camp’s commandant had decreed: You are government too: You have been a great What about the hybrid war that contin- 2014 status. nothing; I am the law. Too often, corpses of friend to Ukraine, but now it’s time to call ues, Russian enclaves within Ukrainian ter- This type of announcement would make those who were unable to deal with the Mr. Putin on his actions. ritory? What about Crimea annexed to the the ceasefire agreement meaningful. sadism and sought a quick merciful end Mr. Pobirchenko, the youth on the tank Russian Federation? The secretary mis- Otherwise, Minsk 2 will simply become hung on the electrified enclosures. My in 1945, became a well-known jurist in spoke. What Secretary Kerry should have another international agreement that Ukraine. When last interviewed, at age 88, said regarding sanctions was that should Russia has signed and violated. More Oksana Bashuk Hepburn is a former he was covered with medals and awards, Russia fail to abide by the ceasefire yet important strategically, it could be the director with the Canadian Human Rights including a U.S. medal for heroism. In soft again, additional sanctions would be West’s last chance to secure peace in Commission. The commentary above was Ukrainian, he said he joined the army to Eastern Europe and, perhaps, prevent originally published in The Winnipeg Free defend his native land from an aggressor. Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney based aggression from spreading beyond. Hope Press. It is reprinted here with permission Today, his offspring, those of his comrades in New York City. He is a former president of springs eternal. But, politically, even hope from that newspaper and minor amend- and my father’s are doing the same. My the Ukrainian World Congress. tinged with naiveté has limitations. ments by the author. father has good reason to be proud.

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Minsk 2 armistice... (Continued from page 3) CIUS to hold Euro-Maidan anniversary symposium political decision by Germany (with France tagging along) EDMONTON, Alberta – In the course of the Euro- Conflict”; to satisfy the Kremlin in legitimizing the Donetsk-Luhansk Maidan revolution and the subsequent military conflict authorities as duly elected. And third, it implies expecting with separatists and the Russian army in the Donbas in University of Saskatchewan, “Maidan: Origins, Meaning the OSCE to bless such “elections.” In an addendum note 2013-2015, thousands of people – military and civilian and• Other Bohdan Questions”; Kordan, St. Thomas More College, (Russian: Primechanie), those Russian-controlled “certain – have been killed and hundreds of thousands dis- districts” would set up their own “people’s police detach- placed. The ongoing conflict also has repercussions for Criminality and Russian and Eurasian Nationalism: • Taras Kuzio, CIUS, University of Alberta, “Violence, ments” (Ukraine’s consent is clearly expected and implied). the European Union, the United States, Canada and the What does the Legacy of the Yanukovych Regime Tell Us This amounts to a Western breach of faith with Ukraine United Nations with its role of promoting peace, securi- about Ukrainian and Russian Politics?”; and on several counts. First, the Minsk 1 agreement and the ty, and human welfare. Ukrainian law had envisaged those “procedures for local On March 9-11, the Center for Political and Regional Mohyla Academy, “The Maidan as a ‘Triple Revolution’: National,• Mychailo Bourgeois Wynnyckyj, and Post-Modern.” National University of Kyiv self-administration in certain areas of the Donetsk and Studies at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, is holding a symposium on the A roundtable on “Maidan 2004 versus Euro-Maidan Luhansk oblasts,” provided that these refrain from staging anniversary of the Euro-Maidan revolution in Ukraine. 2014: Assessing Influence and Continuity” will be held “presidential” and “parliamentary” elections. But they did Scholars and journalists will present papers on various with the participation of David Marples, U. of Alberta; stage such “elections” on November 2, 2014, thereby inval- aspects of the event and its myriad consequences, such Robert Murray, Center for Public Policy and U. of idating that part of the Minsk 1 agreement. Again, instead as the annexation of Crimea by Russia, the separatist Alberta; Larissa Blavatska, retired diplomat, of correcting that situation (implementing Minsk 1), the uprising in the Donbas, government anti-terrorist oper- Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Minsk 2 agreement ratifies that violation of Minsk 1, and ations, national and rebel elections, the displacement of Lubomyr Markevych, project manager for the European marks a further step toward legitimizing the Russian- civilians, and economic and geopolitical ramifications. Commission, formerly for United Nations Office of controlled enclaves in Ukraine’s territory. The gathering provides an opportunity for expert Project Services; Michael Bociurkiw, OSCE Special Furthermore, Ukraine’s law on “procedures for local analysis of this historic event and an opportunity for Monitoring Mission to Ukraine; and Mustafa Nayyem, self-administration in certain areas of the Donetsk and broader discussion involving the public, media and gov- Ukrainian journalist and national deputy. Luhansk oblasts” had stipulated that any local police units ernment on the significance of the Euro-Maidan. The roundtable will be followed by a book launch for would be subordinated to Ukraine’s law enforcement Among those presenting their papers are: “Ukraine’s Euro-Maidan: Analyses of a Civil Revolution,” agencies. Minsk 2 now invokes that Ukrainian law but edited by Dr. Marples and Frederick V. Mills. (Stuttgart: ignores that part of the law. Even U.S. Secretary of State Ontario, “Media Representations and Their Impact”; ibidem Verlag, 2015). John Kerry, on his February 5 visit to Kyiv (State.gov, • Marta Dyczok, Western University, London, This event will be held in the Education Building February 5), publicly called on Ukraine to apply that law, Studies, Kyiv, “Influence of the Maidan and the War on South, Room 3-80 at the U of A main campus, at 3-6:30 despite the Russian side’s actions that had relieved National• Volodymyr Identity”; Kulyk, Institute of Political and Ethnic p.m. All are welcome. Admission is free. Ukraine of that supposed obligation. To register in advance or support the symposium The article above is reprinted from Eurasia Daily Monitor Ethnic Studies, Kyiv, “Russia versus Ukraine: Conflicting with a donation, contact [email protected], or call 780- with permission from its publisher, the Jamestown Historical• Vladyslav Memory Hrynevych, as Part Instituteof the Military-Political of Political and 492-2972. Foundation, www.jamestown.org.

absence of his intentions to fight against said Taras Chornovil, a former Party of est political players and widely reported by Shokin replaces... corruption and the old system.” Regions insider and political expert. Ukrainian media to have played a critical On the evening of the vote, the “Yarema was too weak a figure to change role. (Continued from page 1) Ukrayinska Pravda news site revealed Mr. anything in the procurator general. On February 16, Mr. Shokin appointed ing of the Procurator General’s Office and Shokin’s own indulgence in the Ukrainian Moreover, he didn’t want to get involved in David Sakvarelidze as one of his deputies. leave of his own free will. It’s the correct version of nepotism known as “kumivstvo,” conflicts and look for enemies,” Mr. Mr. Sakvarelidze previously served as the decision.” which involves appointing relatives and Chornovil said. On the other hand, “Shokin chief prosecutor of Tbilisi before becoming To replace Mr. Yarema, the Verkhovna “kumy” (godparents of children) to influen- understands very well whose fingers need deputy prosecutor general in 2008-2009 Rada on February 10 approved the presi- tial government posts. to be placed in the door for everything to and Georgia’s first deputy prosecutor gen- dent’s nomination of Viktor Shokin, who Mr. Shokin’s daughter through marriage, work. He’ll break the resistance and has eral in 2009-2012. was appointed deputy procurator general Tetiana Hornostayeva, spent her career already begun to do so. We see this already.” Having succeeded in undermining cor- in December 2004 and has served in that moving up the career ladder in the Odesa Indeed Mr. Shokin offered some glim- rupt schemes in Georgia, Mr. Sakvarelidze position ever since. and Kyiv oblasts before being promoted as mers of hope. The day after his appoint- vowed sweeping reforms and promised to Fiery debate preceded the vote in which Odesa Oblast deputy prosecutor in ment, he signed an order restructuring the resign within a year if he doesn’t demon- critics warned he’d perform just as badly as November. Her husband, Oleksii Procurator General’s Office, changes that he strate tangible results. “In 2003, 1,850 Mr. Yarema, having served at the heart of Hornostayev, became a district deputy said “should maximally raise the effective- prosecutors worked in Georgia. By 2012, Ukraine’s corrupt law enforcement system prosecutor in Odesa in September. His ness of the process of investigating crimes 350 were left. You can draw the parallels for more than a decade, including under the father, Mykola Hornostayev, serves as committed during the Revolution of Dignity yourselves,” he told a February 18 press Yanukovych administration. Mr. Shokin Dnipropetrovsk Oblast deputy prosecutor. and bring to a final result criminal cases conference. spent most of his career as a prosecutor, Corruption will only worsen under Mr. regarding former high-ranking officials and Mr. Yarema was dismissed by Parliament starting in 1980. Shokin, said National Deputy Serhiy employees of law enforcement bodies.” on February 10 with 291 votes. The presi- “Let’s not sin against our souls and Vlasenko, the lawyer for Ms. Tymoshenko On February 12, he submitted a request dent’s critics argue that his convenient exit appoint yet another ineffective person,” Mr. during her imprisonment. to the Verkhovna Rada to arrest and hold from the political stage, without having to Sobolev, who heads the Parliament’s Anti- Yet Mr. Shokin also has many defenders, on bail three judges of the Pechersk District be responsible for his failures, is evidence Corruption Committee, said in his address including Mr. Leshchenko, who pointed out Court – Oksana Tsarevych, Viktor Kytsiuk that Mr. Poroshenko had a deal with Mr. to the Rada. “Two procurator generals have that he was responsible for filing the first and Serhii Vovk – who were responsible for Yanukovych to ensure that criminal charges come after the Euro-Maidan and the result criminal charges in the murder of journalist illigally imprisoning former Internal Affairs wouldn’t be filed. is nil. A person from the system can’t break Heorhii Gongadze, as well as filing criminal Minister Yurii Lutsenko and former Prime “We don’t know everything about the the system. A person who ‘grew up’ in the charges in 2005 – after the Orange Minister Tymoshenko. He also asked the agreements between the current govern- Procurator General’s Office can’t create a Revolution – against Donetsk oligarch Higher Qualifications Commission of the ment, particularly from the president’s end, new procurator general.” Borys Kolesnikov, Kharkiv political leader Judges of Ukraine to place them on leave. and the representatives of the Yanukovych As evidence of Mr. Shokin’s loyalty to Yevhen Kushnaryov and Dnipropetrovsk On February 14, he dismissed the head clan,” Serhiy Ivanov, a former Luhansk Ukraine’s corrupt oligarchy, critics pointed oligarch Igor Kolomoisky. procurator of the Donetsk Oblast and the prosecutor-turned-civic activist, told the out that his nomination was supported not “The first two were held on bail and the head of the investigative administration of gazeta.ua news site in early January. “That’s only by the pro-Western Petro Poroshenko third fled to Switzerland to hide from his the Procurator General’s Office, Sviatoslav the source of the sabotage and the inten- Bloc, the People’s Front led by Prime allergy to ambrosia,” Mr. Leshchenko said. Lahaniaka, who was responsible for investi- tional postponing of criminal cases involv- Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and the “It’s not Shokin’s fault that [former President gating crimes committed against Euro- ing them. The European Union found a rea- Batkivshchyna party led by former Prime Viktor] Yushchenko dissolved these cases in Maidan protesters and the crimes of top son to arrest the property of [former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, but also by the a pact with the Party of Regions.” Yanukovych administration officials. Minister Mykola] Azarov and his son. Our Putin-aligned Opposition Bloc led by oli- That the Opposition Bloc unanimously The same day, Luhansk oligarch prosecutors didn’t. Therefore, they either garch Yurii Boiko. voted for Mr. Shokin is positive because it Oleksandr Yefremov was arrested and received bribes or they’re mentally ill.” In all, his candidacy gained 318 votes, far demonstrates that its members suspected charged with “abuse of power under severe Others argued that Mr. Yarema had inher- more than the 226-vote majority needed. of corruption – including the faction head, conditions” and “falsification of authority.” ited a Procurator General’s Office that was “The Poroshenko Bloc, the People’s Mr. Boiko himself – fear him and wish to The arrest came nearly a month after a filled with corrupt officials, many with ties to Front and Batkivshchyna need to deter- gain his favor, said Volodymyr Fesenko, the request submitted by Iryna Herashchenko, the Yanukovych entourage, who did little to mine with whom they have formed a coali- head of the Penta Center for Applied the president’s ombudsman for peacefully assist investigations in high-profile crimes. tion – with the people who united to imple- Political Research. resolving the Donbas conflict, to the “He didn’t understand how decisions are ment the ideas of the Maidan, or the In addition, unlike Mr. Yarema, who Procurator General’s Office to personally reached, and he couldn’t understand what Opposition Bloc and splinters of the Party spent his career climbing the ranks of review evidence on whether Mr. Yefremov strings to pull for mechanisms to begin of Regions,” Mr. Sobolev said after the vote. Ukraine’s police force and had no experi- and Natalia Korolevska financed the sepa- working in the Procurator General’s Office “The vote was a shame and a big mistake. ence as a prosecutor, Mr. Shokin is a career ratist fighters of the so-called Luhansk because there’s fierce resistance there,” Mr. That the Opposition Bloc unanimously sup- prosecutor and knows the nuances of com- People’s Republic. Mr. Yefremov and Ms. Chornovil said. “It’s a structure that was ported Shokin’s candidacy demonstrates an piling evidence and filing a criminal case, Korolevska are among the oblast’s wealthi- totally cleaned out by Yanukovych.” 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8

Putin... (Continued from page 6) But once he is able to do that, he will “hit Ukraine with redoubled force” not to seize the Donbas which he doesn’t need but to use it as a “gangrenous” limb to infect all of Ukraine with its fever by “provoking mili- tary clashes and destabilizing the situation in the country. This will be a slow-acting bomb,” Mr. Eidman concludes. What Mr. Putin wants in Ukraine and how he is acting there is an exact copy of what Hitler did in Czechoslovakia, Mr. Eidman says. Mr. Putin took Crimea as Hitler took the Sudetenland. Then, Mr. Putin provoked a split in Ukraine just as Hitler did between the Czechs and the Slovaks. And Mr. Putin hopes to achieve complete control of Ukraine just as Hitler did of Bohemia and Moravia. Ukraine and its friends must be pre- pared to fight on, but they must also hope for the rise of a revolutionary situation in Russia, one in which “those on top will not be able to run things in the old way, and those below will not want to live as they have before.” That could happen in Russia if sanctions and the economic crisis there both deepen. At some point, the Moscow commenta- tor suggests, unless the West is bamboo- zled into lifting the sanctions, the situation inside Russia could reach a boiling point and that, in turn, could lead to the salvation of Ukraine in the first instance, of Russia’s other neighbors as well, and ultimately of Russia itself.

OSCE... (Continued from page 2)

The Bureau is composed of the elected president, vice-presidents, treasurer and officers of the Assembly’s three General Committees. The Bureau considered the recommendation of a Credentials Committee, whose members were appoint- ed by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva for this purpose. Members of both the Bureau and of the Credentials Committee heard statements by members of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations to the OSCE PA before consid- ering the matter. The Credentials Committee recommended that the Bureau reject the Russian Federation’s designation of Ms. Kovitidi citing Rule 1.1 and Rule 3 of the Rules of Procedure on the composition and membership of the OSCE PA. Within its recommendation, the Credentials Committee stated: “…a Member of Parliament nominated as a PA member has to represent the country that makes the notification – and not some authority of that country which has been set up on for- eign territory in a manner considered ille- gal by the overwhelming majority of the OSCE participating states.” (The full report and recommendation is available here http://www.oscepa.org/publications/all- documents/winter-meetings/2015-vien- na/documents-1/2714-report-and-recom- mendation-of-the-credentials-committee- regarding-the-nomination-of-ms-olga-kov- itidi-as-a-member-of-the-osce-pa/file.) The OSCE PA by default accepts designa- tions of persons as members of National Delegations on the basis of official commu- nications supplied by the National Parliaments, unless the credentials of the proposed member are challenged. The OSCE PA International Secretariat received official notification from the Russian Delegation to the OSCE PA of its designation of Ms. Kovitidi through notes verbales dated 19 and 28 January 2015. The Secretariat received official challenges from the Ukrainian Delegation to the OSCE PA on 6 and 12 February 2015. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 11

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Ukrainian school in New York helps Ukraine Montreal marks 96th anniversary of Ukraine’s Unity Day

Some of the items collected in a toy drive for children in Ukraine. Nadia Serbyn by Valentyna Hlushak Ukrainian flags, flowers and hearts for the Bohdanna Klecor-Hawryluk (left), Ukrainian Canadian Congress Montreal branch soldiers in the Kyivan Rus’ battalion. In cultural chairperson; historian Prof. Roman Serbyn, guest speaker; Zorianna NEW YORK – The year 2014 will go into addition to their drawings, they prepared Hrycenko-Luhova, UCC Montreal president, at the Day of Unity commemoration. Ukrainian history as the year of the small packages with cold remedies, flash- Revolution of Dignity. From the beginning lights, toothpaste, toothbrushes and ban- MONTREAL – The Ukrainian Canadian Hnatiuk, singer Yurij Konevych, Serhij of the Revolution, Ukrainians from around dages. The teacher said that the parents Congress (UCC) Montreal branch marked Savchenko, the students of Montreal’s the world stood together to support the immediately joined the project. Within a the 96th anniversary of the Day of Unity newly formed Shevchenko Ukrainian brave men and women who fight for month and a half, the classroom closets (“Sviato Sobornosty”) marking the 1919 Saturday School, concluded with the sing- Ukrainian independence and territorial were filled with coats, sweaters, gloves, unification of the Ukrainian National ing of Ukrainian national anthem. integrity. The Self-Reliance Saturday School pants and sleeping bags. Republic and the Western Ukrainian The McGill Ukrainian Students’ of Ukrainian Studies in New York joined the The final school event was the collection National Republic. The commemoration Association (MUSA) also participated by millions around the world to help soldiers of toys for children of fallen heroes initiat- was held at the Ukrainian Youth Center on displaying a photo exhibit by Kyiv indepen- and their families. ed by Valentyna Hlushak in cooperation February 9. dent press photographer Anatolyi Boyko During 2014, under the leadership of with the charitable organization Razom’s Marked annually in Montreal, the event titled “Maidan,” which portrays the fear and Director Ivan Makar and Academic Deputy toy drive project. Early in the morning of was opened by the UCC’s cultural chairper- violence during the demonstrations in Christina Vasylkiv-Pikhmanets, the school December 20, 2014, students of different son, Bohdanna Klecor-Hawryluk, followed Kyiv’s Independence Square, as well as organized several charitable events. The ages rushed to the school with bags of by the guest speaker, historian Prof. Roman visually captures the hopes, courage and first goal was to purchase safety equipment presents for their friends in Ukraine. Serbyn. Prof. Serbyn read eyewitness passion of the people desiring change. The for the Ukrainian troops. In the hope of sav- Students wanted to make Christmas happy accounts detailing events of that day, when exhibit was set up by Danylo Ivanski for ing soldiers’ lives parents and teachers for the children whose parents have died the historic, yet fragile union of eastern and MUSA and was originally shown by MUSA gladly gave donations, and in a few months in the war or returned home seriously western Ukraine was proclaimed in 1919. at McGill University. five sets of body armor, helmets and a ther- injured and whose fathers still defend He compared 1919 to Ukraine’s current Montreal’s “Sviato Sobornosty” was pre- mal imager were purchased. Ukraine in the cold winter. All donated struggle against Russia’s aggression, point- ceded by a few days with a “Free Nadiya The idea for the next project came from toys, stationery and warm clothes were ing out how Vladimir Putin is repeating Savchenko” demonstration in front of the the preschool students and their teacher packed in 13 boxes and sent to Ukraine on Lenin and Stalin’s tactics in invading, plun- Consulate of the Russian Federation in Natalia Guga. The children drew pictures of December 31, 2014. dering and destabilizing Ukraine, lying to Montreal on January 26 organized by Petro the West and making promises of peace Sheremeta, Andrij Govorun of Zustrich- with no intention by Russia of honoring Montreal and the local Committee to Aid any agreements. Russia is doing all in its Ukraine. Parish marks 25th anniversary power to destroy Ukraine and again The president of the UCC Montreal expand Russia, Prof. Serbyn said. branch is Zorianna Hrycenko-Luhova. The A moving program, which included sing- next UCC event will be the annual Taras of Houston pastor’s priesthood er Olia Lemeshko, bandurist Arsen Shevchenko concert to be held on March 8.

Olha Seniw Photography LLC The Rev. Mykola Dovzhuk celebrates divine liturgy. HOUSTON – Clergy, parishioners and Bishop Richard Seminack of the St. Nicholas friends gathered on Sunday December 21, Eparchy of Ukrainian Catholics. In addition 2014, at Protection of the Mother of God to the Rev. Dovzhuk, the Rev. Valerij (Pokrova) Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kandyuk, of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Houston to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Catholic Church in Detroit; the Rev. Pavlo the Priesthood of the Rev. Mykola Dovzhuk. Popov, of St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic The day’s celebration began with the divine liturgy. The main celebrant was (Continued on page 15) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8

oil giant Rosneft. Canadian Prime Minister ists from the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk are not new, but the increase coincides NEWSBRIEFS Stephen Harper said his government people’s republics were also blacklisted. with the major escalation in overt Russian “remains steadfast in its commitment to The Public Movement Novorossiya is among military involvement in eastern Ukraine (Continued from page 2) stand with the people of Ukraine in the face the entities listed, together with eight sepa- over recent weeks. ...Some say that persua- brokered by European leaders last week of the Putin regime’s ongoing military ratist fighting units, including the Cossack sion is being used, others – threats. and supposed to have taken effect on aggression, which has already cost the lives National Guard, the Sparta Battalion and the Conscripts from military unit No. 54096 in February 15. Mykola Kolesnyk, the leader of more than 5,300 people.” The move was Somali Battalion. They will have their assets Mulino, Nizhny Novgorod region, allege of a pro-government paramilitary unit, con- made in coordination with the European frozen in the EU. The EU list now includes that the commanders simply told them that firmed that Ukrainian forces were pulling Union and the United States, which have 151 individuals and 37 entities in Ukraine they had been transferred to contract ser- out but said not all were withdrawing. “We also punished Russia for what they say is its and Russia. Brussels decided to add to its vice. The father of another young conscript are talking only about units which are sur- military backing of the separatists in east- sanction list after the January 24 shelling of from the Leningrad Oblast was told that he rounded in populated areas in and around ern Ukraine. Russia’s Foreign Affairs southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which needed to sign a contract that could later the town,” he told the 112 television chan- Ministry responded on February 18 by say- killed at least 29 people. (Rikard Jozwiak of be broken. This was supposedly because he nel. Eyewitnesses were quoted as saying ing it “reserves the right to react according- RFE/RL) needed to be sent ‘for exercises’ and they dozens of tanks and columns of Ukrainian ly” to the Canadian sanctions. (RFE/RL, weren’t allowed to send conscripts. ...The Georgia on Kyiv’s Saakashvili appointment troops were retreating from the city. based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax) organization fears that a repeat is likely of Russia’s state-owned Channel One televi- TBILISI – Ukraine’s Ambassador to the events in August 2014 when several EU expands sanctions list sion channel showed the separatists raising Georgia Vasyl Tsybenko has been sum- members of the 18th Mechanized Infantry their flag over a high-rise building in BRUSSELS – The European Union has moned to the Georgian Foreign Affairs Brigade, sent to Rostov on the Don from Debaltseve. Separatist leaders said they blacklisted an additional 19 individuals and Ministry for explanations regarding the Dagestan were killed, probably in Ukraine. were also pulling back their fighters and nine entities for “undermining or threaten- appointment of former Georgian President ...There are constant reports suggesting artillery from some parts of the frontline. ing the territorial integrity, sovereignty and Mikheil Saakashvili as the head of the that the families of soldiers killed are under They claimed hundreds of Ukrainian troops independence of Ukraine.” According to the Ukrainian president’s Advisory Council. enormous pressure to say nothing, not to had surrendered, while Russian state-run February 16 announcement, among the 19 Georgian Foreign Ministry spokesman mention physical attacks or forms of legal television showed images of several dozen people who now will be under a visa ban Davit Kereselidze told reporters on or other pressure on those who reveal details.” (Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Ukrainian troops being escorted along a vil- and have their assets in the EU frozen are February 16 that Ukraine is “Georgia’s stra- Group) lage road by the rebels. Ukrainian authori- Russian First Deputy Defense Minister tegic partner” and Mr. Tsybenko’s “invita- ties admitted that soldiers had been taken Arkady Bakhin and Deputy Defense tion” to the ministry should not be inter- Passports needed to enter Ukraine prisoner in Debaltseve but gave no details Minister Anatoly Antonov, as well as the preted as a problem in relations. Ukrainian of how many were captured. (RFE/RL with deputy chief of the Russian General Staff of President Petro Poroshenko announced on KYIV – Russian citizens will need pass- reporting by Interfax and other news the armed forces, Andrei Kartapolov. Two February 13 the establishment of the ports to enter Ukraine as of March 1, a media) Russian State Duma members, famed singer International Advisory Council on Reforms change that reflects severe tension and appointed Mr. Saakashvili to lead it. Mr. between the neighbors amid an armed con- Canada imposes more sanctions Iosif Kobzon and Valery Rashkin, were added because of their support of the sepa- Saakashvili left Georgia after his presidency flict in eastern Ukraine. On February 3, OTTAWA – Canada has imposed addi- ratists in eastern Ukraine. Mr. Kobzon was ended in November 2013. Officials in Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy tional sanctions against Moscow and its appointed honorary consul of the so-called Georgia have charged him in absentia with Yatsenyuk signed a decree supporting a sympathizers over the Ukraine conflict. The Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) in Russia, abuse of office and with organizing an government resolution on the issue adopt- new economic sanctions announced on and Mr. Rashkin is the founder of the civic attack on a lawmaker. Tbilisi has urged ed on January 30. Since the 1991 collapse February 17 target 37 Russian and movement Krasnaya Moskva-Patriotic Front Ukrainian authorities to extradite the for- of the Soviet Union, Russian citizens have Ukrainian individuals as well as 17 Russian Aid, which has organized demonstrations mer Georgian president. In a statement on been able to enter Ukraine using domestic and Ukrainian entities, including Russian’s supporting the separatists. Fifteen separat- February 17, the Georgian Prosecutor identification documents known as inter- General’s Office said Georgia’s former nal passports. Mr. Yatsenyuk told the gov- Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili, who is ernment that Ukraine must “adopt also currently in Ukraine, should also be European rules for crossing the state bor- extradited to Georgia along with Mr. der, including for citizens of the Russian Saakashvili. (RFE/RL Georgian Service) Federation.” Russia seized control over Ukraine’s Crimea region in March, and Kyiv TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 Russian conscripts coerced into fighting says Moscow has sent thousands of troops or e-mail [email protected] KHARKIV – The Kharkiv Human Rights across the border to fight alongside sepa- Protection Group (KHPG) stated that the ratists in a conflict that has killed more SERVICES PROFESSIONALS NGO Soldiers’ Mothers of St. Petersburg than 5,350 people in eastern Ukraine since “has reported a sharp increase in com- April. (RFE/RL, with reporting by UNIAN plaints from conscripts and their families and kmu.gov.ua) who say that the young men are being Rada recognizes jurisdiction of ICC forced to sign contracts purportedly in order to be sent ‘for exercises’ to the Rostov KYIV – The Ukrainian Parliament on Oblast on the border with Donbas.” The February 4 passed the resolution “On the rights group said: “Reports of such coercion statement of recognition by Ukraine of the

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bureaucracy. But Mr. Yatsenyuk said Kyiv fer of Crimea to Ukraine as “legally void and Russian legal analysts determined the NEWSBRIEFS was committed to the reforms demanded nonbinding” from the moment the transfer transfer of Crimea to Ukraine under Soviet by the IMF in the agreement. His statement was enacted. Valentina Matviyenko told leader Nikita Khrushchev was “unlawful” (Continued from page 12) comes after IMF chief Christine Lagarde reporters on February 4 that draft legisla- because it violated the Constitution and jurisdiction of the International Criminal announced on February 12 that the IMF tion on the issue was currently being stud- legal procedures of the time. Russia Court regarding commission of crimes and Ukraine had reached a preliminary ied by experts. Ms. Matviyenko said that if annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March against humanity and war crimes by high- deal on a financial rescue plan worth $17.5 the law was passed, it would not have “any 2014 after deploying Russian troops across ranking officials of the Russian Federation billion, part of an larger four-year, $40 bil- legal consequences.” She said the legisla- the peninsula and quickly conducting an and leaders of the terrorist organizations lion funding package for the conflict-torn tion would be a “historical document for independence referendum that has been Donetsk and Luhansk ‘peoples’ republics,’ country in return for “bold policy reforms” future generations” aimed at showing that condemned around the world as a violation which have led to particularly grave conse- by Kyiv. The deal still must be approved by the transfer in 1954 was “an injustice com- of Ukrainian and international law. (RFE/ quences and mass killing of Ukrainian citi- the IMF’s board of directors. Ms. Lagarde mitted against Crimea and Sevastopol.” In RL, based on reporting by TASS and zens.” The resolution also directs the said Ukraine had agreed to front-load December 2014, Ms. Matviyenko said Interfax) Cabinet of Ministers and the Procurator reforms, including energy-tariff increases, General’s Office to “collect relevant materi- bank restructuring, governance reform of als and evidence for an appeal to the state-owned enterprises and an anticor- International Criminal Court in accordance ruption agenda. Ms. Lagarde said that it with Paragraph 3, Article 12 of the Rome was “an ambitious program; it is a tough Statute of the International Criminal Court.” program; and it is not without risk,” adding, In all, 271 national deputies of 318 present “But it is also a realistic program and its supported the resolution. (Ukrainian effective implementation... can represent a Canadian Congress) turning point for Ukraine.” The IMF chief added that “this new program offers an With deep sorrow we announce that Gazprom: Ukraine to pay full price important opportunity for Ukraine to move its economy forward at a critical moment in MOSCOW – The chief of Russian gas giant the country’s history.” Mr. Yatsenyuk said Gazprom says Ukraine’s discount “winter Helen Melinyshyn the Ukrainian economy could grow in 2016 price” for natural gas will end on April 1. if what he described as “Russian aggres- Gazprom CEO Aleksei Miller said in a meet- passed away on February 2, 2015 at the age of 88 sion” was halted and internal reforms were ing with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry a success. Ms. Lagarde also offered opti- Medvedev on January 20 that the gas price mism for Ukraine, saying that Kyiv’s gov- Funeral services were held on February 9, at St. Joseph the on April 1 for Kyiv would be set in accor- ernment had early in its reforms “not only Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois, with dance with a longstanding contract. He did reached [its] targeted deficit for this year interment at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. not specify a price, but Gazprom previously but they have exceeded the objective and charged Ukraine $485 per 1,000 cubic produced a better result than was expect- Beloved wife of John for 57 years; loving mother of Lev (Delia), meters under a 2009 contract that Kyiv long ed.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters, Paul (Dawn Warner) and John (Jillian); dear daughter of the late sought to change. Russia lowered the price Agence France-Presse and Deutsche Anna and Stephen Brudny; proud grandmother of Stephanie, from that level late in 2013 as part of a Presse-Agentur) Samantha, Matthew and Mark Melinyshyn; dear sister of Stephanie reward to Kyiv for scrapping a landmark Ovcharchyn and Mary Brudny; fond aunt of many in the United pact with the European Union, then raised it World Bank to give Kyiv $2 B again after the ouster of Viktor Yanukovych States, Canada and Ukraine. as president last February. On October 30, WASHINGTON – The World Bank 2014, Russia and Ukraine agreed to an announced on February 12 that it will pro- May her memory be eternal! EU-brokered deal under which Ukrainian vide Ukraine with up to $2 billion in sup- Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Kyiv port in 2015, with assistance focused on would pay Gazprom $378 per 1,000 cubic aiding the poor, supporting reforms and fighting corruption. The World Bank said meters until the end of 2014 and $365 per Ділимося сумною вісткою з рідними, приятелями і 1,000 cubic meters in the first quarter of the financing would be part of a package from the international community. “It is знайомими, що 16 лютого 2015 року з Волі Всевишнього 2015. Mr. Miller also said that Ukraine’s з’єдналася із чоловіком Степаном Kocтиком debt to Russia for previous gas shipments is vital that Ukraine undertakes comprehen- у місці Світлому на життя безконечне $2.44 billion. (RFE/RL, based on reporting sive reforms quickly,” World Bank President by Interfax and Bloomberg) Jim Yong Kim said in a statement. Ukraine’s наша найдорожча Братова і Тета currency, the hryvnia, lost 50 percent of its New Yalta monument features Stalin value last year and the economy shrank св. п. YALTA, Ukraine – Russia has unveiled a about 7.5 percent. (RFE/RL, based on Надія Чікало - Костик controversial monument to Soviet leader reporting by Reuters and Agence France- Joseph Stalin, Britain’s Winston Churchill, Presse) нарoджена 25 червня 1921 року and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Kremlin: Savchenko’s fate in court’s hands в селі Лагодові, Львівська область, Україна. the annexed region of Crimea. The 10-ton bronze sculpture was inaugurated in Yalta MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Надія і Степан були матурантами Української академічної гімназії у Львові. Одружилися в 1965 році. Степан був довголітнім членом ОУН on February 5 in the presence of State Putin’s spokesman said on February 13 that no promises were made during peace і старшиною УПА. Надія здобула ступень маґістра фармації в Універ- Duma speaker Sergei Naryshkin. The move ситеті Карла Франца, Ґрац, Австрія. coincides with events marking the 70th talks in Minsk about the fate of detained anniversary of the 1945 Yalta conference, Ukrainian air force pilot Nadiya Savchenko. Відвідини - в неділю, 22 лютого, від 4-ої до 6-ої години вечора. during which the leaders of the Soviet Dmitry Peskov said the Savchenko case Парастас відбудеться в неділю, 22 лютого, о 6-ій годині вечора в Union, Britain and the United States dis- would be decided by Russian courts. He похоронному заведенні Петра Яреми в Ню-Йорку. cussed Europe’s post-war reorganization. said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko Crimean Tatars have protested plans to inquired during the February 12 talks Похоронні відправи починаються в понеділок, 23 лютого, в похо- erect the sculpture, saying a monument about Russia releasing Lt. Savchenko, who ронному заведенні, опісля в 11-ій год. ранку в церкві св. Юра в Ню- featuring Stalin would aggravate tensions has been held by Russia for more than six Йорку, а відтак на Українському православному цвинтарі св. Андрія in Crimea. Crimea’s Muslim Tatar minority months on charges of involvement in the Первозванного в Савт-Бавнд-Бруку, Ню-Джерзі. says it has faced discrimination and abuses killing of two Russian journalists in Безмежним горем прибиті: from authorities there since Moscow seized Ukraine. She is in the ninth week of a hun- Племінниці control in March. In 1944, Stalin ordered ger strike. Mr. Poroshenko said after the - Лариса Заклинська-Томаселлі і the mass deportation of about 180,000 talks he was told Lt. Savchenko would be син Сальватор Томаселлі з дружиною Лізою Crimean Tatars to Central Asia. Many died released “in the near future.” Mr. Peskov дочка Джіня з чоловіком Павлом Алфаро і дітьми Антоніо, during the journey or after their arrival. said French President Francois Hollande Джіаванна і Лучіяно Many deported Crimean Tatars or their and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had син Орест Томаселлі з дружиною Варварою children returned to Crimea during the late also urged Lt. Savchenko’s release during - Ганна Бошко з чоловіком Богданом та дітьми Наталкою 1980s and the 1990s. Most of them the Minsk talks. An “all-for-all” exchange of і Олександром в Чернівцях, Україна opposed Russia’s annexation of Crimea captives between Ukraine and the pro-Rus- - Лариса Костик в Австралїї from Ukraine. (RFE/RL, based on reporting sian separatists agreed to in Minsk had - д-р Орест Заклинський з дружиною Карітас Кристянсдотір by Agence France-Presse and TASS) raised Ukrainian hopes that Lt. Savchenko та синами Александром і Кристяном з дружиною Ліною would be released. (RFE/RL, based on та дальша родина в Америці й Україні. IMF, Ukraine agree to $17.5 B deal reporting by Reuters and Interfax) Вічна Їй пам’ять! KYIV – Ukrainian Prime Minister Russian lawmaker on Crimea’s transfer Arseniy Yatsenyuk says a new multibillion- Замість квітів родина просить складати пожертви на будівничий dollar aid package from the International MOSCOW – The head of the Russian фонд “St. Joseph’s Home, 125 Sisters Servants Lane, Sloatsburg, New Monetary Fund (IMF) requires “very diffi- Federation Council says legislation will be York 10974-0008”, де Надія прожила останніх три роки. cult” reforms to fight corruption, overhaul adopted during the spring that retroactive- the energy sector, cut spending and reduce ly proclaims the Soviet Union’s 1954 trans- 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8

2013-2014 season when he looked faster, stronger and He recognized and defended opposing drivers in pick-and- Olynyk shows future promise explosive enough to create his own shot. roll defense. He crashed the offensive boards, utilizing his The word “disappointing” would not be a fair descrip- Olynyk broke out with three 20-plus games to finish the long reach to slap loose balls out to teammates. One can tion of Kelly Olynyk’s rookie season with the Boston Celtics. year, changing the perception of his rookie season into one only imagine how much he’ll improve once he gets some Rookie seasons are for learning from many mistakes while that strongly suggested promise. Injuries to frontcourt consistent practice time, something he wasn’t able to do slowly, steadily getting better. Olynyk’s team, like most who players Kris Humphries and Jared Sullinger allowed Olynyk due to injuries. select early in the NBA draft, was awful. Indeed, the Celtics to average 34.6 minutes in the last three games when he He has shooting range for pick-and-pop potential. A for- were so awful they were content heading into the draft lot- scored 25, 28 and 24 points in succession. mer gymnast, Len has great agility and the foot speed for tery in 2014. The 2103-2014 season saw Boston G.M. The injuries to the other big men provided him the pick-and-rolls once he gets stronger to catch and finish in Danny Ainge trade productive players for more draft picks, opportunity to get out there and get some valuable experi- lane traffic. He has consistently demonstrated the strong shorter financial commitment and the hope of a brighter ence. Olynyk received lots of looks and touches to help him work ethic he promised upon his arrival in June 2013, future. Therefore, Olynyk’s development is given a longer grow as a player. His self-confidence skyrocketed from when General Manager Ryan McDonough said “the sky’s view. There is less pressure and more patience. early in the season when he passed up open shots and hes- the limit” for him. Offensive potential is Olynyk’s most appealing trait. He’s itated to make passes he would normally make with ease. In the latter half of the 2013-2014 campaign Len tall and can shoot – a rarity heavily sought after by NBA It was hoped by Celtics brass that Kelly Olynyk’s late- showed he lacked polish, maturity and wasn’t sturdy personnel men. Someday he’ll learn floor spacing, how to season spurt turns into the blossoming of a bright NBA enough to make a major impact. Yet coach Jeff Hornacek exploit smaller defenders in the post and score from career. displayed patience and trust in permitting Len to grow into unpredictable areas on a consistent basis. Fast forward to the present 2014-2015 season: Olynyk a rotation role for the playoff chase. His length and In his rookie year, most of his points were of the “hustle” has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Celtics franchise rebounding focus were definite assets. variety: offensive rebounds, timely cuts into space and rim that traded away its two remaining stars in January (point Len was hungry to learn, but his on-court development runs. His spot-up shooting showed vast improvement in guard Rajon Rondo and top scorer Jeff Green). Olynyk is was stunted when he could not work with assistant coach- the last month of regular season play. His back-to-the-bas- putting his full attention toward working on ways to es Mark West and Kenny Gattison due to a troublesome left ket ability needs work. improve his game in the latter half of his sophomore cam- ankle. Instead he attacked the weight room with daily ses- Comparisons to Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki are paign. sions for two months. logical: they are the same size, entered the league with the Olynyk is working on his assertiveness, self-confidence Len prioritizes his defense ahead of his offense although same offensive skillset, both wear jersey No. 41 and had and his abilities on the defensive end of the floor. He’s the scoring potential for a skilled, mobile big man with long hair. Both can shoot from behind the three-point line receiving high marks for his improved positioning and sur- touch is limitless. One must remember he got a late start in and popping out on a pick-and-roll. prising mobility. Perhaps the word consistency is thrown basketball as a teenager and spent the first of his two col- Olynyk’s passing is already impressive for a 22-year-old, around most when discussing areas where Olynyk’s game lege years at Maryland adapting to a new culture and lan- both to a fellow big man in the paint and as an initiator can improve. guage. Still, he looks very natural when shooting over an from the high post. This skill is not vital in a high-usage At his best the seven-footer has proven to be an efficient opposing seven-footer inside for a basket, following a driv- seven-footer, but does add several dimensions to an offense scorer – he’s averaging 11.1 points per game and shooting ing guard to slam back his miss or catching a roll pass high lacking creativity. His path to becoming successful is paved over 50 percent from the field (top 25 in the league) this and dunking it barely off his toes. with crisp rotations, no hesitation and knowing where he’s season – who can handle the ball well and stretch the floor In the 2014-2015 NBA season, Len is a Ukrainian going supposed to be at all times. with his three-point shot (stats through January 23). full speed ahead! A Phoenix Sun for 18-plus months, it is The Celtics thought highly enough of Olynyk to trade up He’ll still go through stretches where he struggles to like his rookie season is just coming to a close. for him in a bad 2013 draft. Hints of a special player were provide anything offensively. It is because of these offensive The most convincing statistic attached to Len is the seen from time to time, especially toward the end of the slumps, combined with his inability to compete physically team’s winning record since he became a starter on with some of the league’s stronger frontcourts defensively, December 15, 2014. His personal numbers are quite that Olynyk lost his starting spot to Tyler Zeller. His contri- respectable as a starter, considering he averages only 20.4 Shakhtar Donetsk ties 0-0 butions coming off the bench have proven invaluable. If he minutes and still scores 6.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 solves the consistency challenge, he’ll be a major part of blocks per game (stats through January 23). with Bayern Munich the new Boston Celtics core for years to come. The team appreciates Len’s turnaround because it sees PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk tied how hard he worked in rehab, how dedicated he is in the 0-0 with Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions Len proving himself in a year or two weight room and how much he studies game video to learn League match at Arena Lviv on February 17. It was more about himself and opponents. After looking injury- Shakhtar’s first match in 10 weeks, and Bayern was In the 2013-2014 National Basketball Association sea- prone his rookie year, Len has shown how tough he really riding a crest off a big 6-0 win on February 14 against son, 36 rookies played more minutes than Phoenix Sun is, whether by his willingness to deliver a hard foul in try- Hamburger SV. Alex Len. Rookie big men Steven Adams, Cody Zeller, ing to avoid giving up an easy basket or the ferocity of his The first-leg match in the Round of 16 saw a formi- Mason Plumlee and fellow Ukrainian Kelly Olynyk all bene- dunks with a scream volume to match. dable Bayern open the shooting early on, with five fitted from bigger roles and better health. In his age group of young centers and power forwards attempts in the first half, while Yaroslav Rakitskiy’s No rush-to-judgment on Len’s inaugural term would be like Andre Drummond, Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel, 25th-minute attempt, although on target, was stopped fair for several reasons. He was only 20 years old, had two Len is the most skilled, with no potential hole in his game by the Bayern goalkeeper. off-season ankle injuries, and missed NBA Summer League other than speed. The joke is he makes up for his lack of The referee issued five yellow cards to Bayern and and nearly two months of his first regular season due to speed with his length and agility. one red card, while Shakhtar was shown three yellow rehab or additional physical setbacks. He is now far tougher than his rookie-year image of a cards. Bayern fouled more often too, 20-15. Bayern led Hopeful validation for Phoenix investing in a No. 5 over- skinny kid with sore ankles. Len will become stronger, fill- in passing and possession, had more attempts with all pick in Len has come in his second season. ing out a frame that reaches nine-feet-two when he stands eight, but was off-target seven times out of eight. The second half of his rookie campaign saw Len moving with his arms straight up in front of a driving guard. The second-leg match between the two teams is set free of ankle issues, covering the court like a deer with He might be closer to a rookie at this stage of his career, for March 11 at Fussball Arena Munchen. long, quick strides. He sprinted toward guards to set but Len has given serious hints of becoming a franchise screens and rolled hard with hands ready for a quick pass. center.

can change things. in the first panel discussions, U.S. Assistant Vision of Tomorrow Center. Also participat- Mustafa Nayyem... But democracy still has a way to go in Secretary of State for European and ing was William Green Miller, former U.S. Ukraine, he added, pointing out that the Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland noted that ambassador to Ukraine and now a senior (Continued from page 1) war on its eastern border with Russia Russia, Ukraine and the separatists fighting scholar with the Kennan Institute at the makes it that much more difficult to accom- in its eastern regions had just reached a Wilson Center. today, many of Ukraine’s politicians feel plish domestic reforms. possible ceasefire agreement in Minsk. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. threatened by calls and efforts to eliminate it, “In fact we are now fighting on two “We strongly welcome this agreement,” Olexander Motsyk was among the many he said. The recently passed anti-corruption fronts: against the external enemy… and the she said, adding, “As with all things, the people attending the event and greeted Mr. legislation scheduled to take effect in March inner enemy, which assists the external devil will be in the details and in the imple- Nayyem for being so honored. will force politicians to declare not only what enemies,” he said. “Oligarchs and their mentation, beginning, we all hope, this The Ion Ratiu Democracy Award was they earn, but their expenditures as well, he strong alliances… with politicians and the weekend.” established by the Ratiu family to recognize said, and those found to be breaking the elite, make us much weaker.” And those oli- “Ukraine needs peace,” she stressed. and honor the accomplishments of individ- law will face five years of imprisonment. garchs do not pay taxes to Ukraine’s bud- “Ukraine deserves peace. Ukrainians needs uals working on behalf of democracy. The New legislation is also being prepared get, which funds the army and the soldiers the time to restore their living, to restore previous nine honorees hailed from to establish a governmental anti-corrup- on the front lines. reform, to answer those voices on the Mexico, Egypt, Belarus, Moldova, Poland, tion bureau, which for the first time will Mr. Nayyem expressed his hope that the Maidan, [and[ for politicians… like Mustafa, Russia, Bahrain, Myanmar and Hungary. investigate corruption by high-ranking pol- younger generation of new politicians may to do their work.” The award provides for a month-long iticians. This, he said, will change the rela- solve this problem. “We made Maidan on the Among the 10 experts participating in scholarship at the Wilson Center, during tionship between the oligarchs and the streets of Ukraine, and we should make this the panel discussions with Mr. Nayyem was which the awardees can immerse them- state. These changes are now possible Maidan on the corridors of power,” he said. the 2012 recipient of the Ion Ratiu selves in the scholarly, policy-making and because the Parliament has a new force – In her opening remarks immediately pre- Democracy Award, Oleg Kozlovsky, who non-governmental organization communi- the younger members who believe they ceding Mr. Nayyem’s keynote presentation hails from Russia and now is director of the ties in Washington. No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 15

Zhuk, Josephine Kotarba, Slava Detsyk, Olia Parish marks... Dub, Christine Van Horn, Halia Seniw and Nadija Sulyukmanov. Violinist Volodimir Ukrainian named second runner-up (Continued from page 11) Kotsioruba entertained with classical Church in The Colony, Texas; and the Rev. Ukrainian renditions. Paul Chovanec, of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Bishop Seminack, Father Dovzhuk and to 2015 Miss Universe Church in Houston co-celebrated the divine the visiting clergy were greeted with PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Diana Harkusha, 20, liturgy. Liturgical responses were provided applause upon entering the parish hall and was named second runner-up in the Miss by Pokrova’s choir under the direction of were escorted to the head table. Master of Universe 2015 pageant on January 25 in Nestor Dub. Ceremonies Eugene A. Kuchta provided Miami that attracted 88 contestants in the Bishop Seminack was escorted by altar welcoming remarks, and Bishop Seminack 63rd annual competition. This was the servers Andrew Spring and Joseph Kuchta delivered the invocation. third time that Ukraine had made the top from the rectory to the church entrance, Letters and greetings from those who were five at the pageant. Miss Columbia Paulina where he was greeted by the clergy and not able to attend were read and gifts from Vega won first place, and first runner-up parishioners. After being presented with Pokrova’s altar servers and high school/junior was Nia Sanchez of the U.S.A. the traditional greeting of bread and salt by college religious study class were presented to During the interview portion of the pag- Parish Council Vice-President Danylo Father Dovzhuk. Visiting clergy extended eant, Ms. Harkusha, who hails from Dankovich, Bishop Seminack led the clergy their greetings and best wishes with a gift of Kharkiv, explained the situation in Ukraine and parishioners into church and the an Icon of Ss. Cyril and Methodius presented since Russia’s invasion. “Now we have a divine liturgy commenced. by the Rev. Chovanec. Bishop Seminack very difficult situation in our country,” she At the conclusion of the liturgy the bish- then delivered the keynote address. said, in response to a juror’s question on op bestowed Father Dovzhuk with a cross A champagne toast in Father Dovzhuk’s what Ukraine needs most right now. “So the in recognition of his 25 years of service to honor was delivered by Mr. Dankowich, fol- the Ukrainian Catholic Church. “Axios, lowed by the singing of “Mnohaya Lita” and Axios” was exclaimed by the congregation the presentation of the parishioners’ gift – missuniverse.com as the cross was bestowed. an embroidered icon of the Last Supper. A Banquet organized by Irene Kuchta, The banquet concluded with Father Diana Harkusha in evening gown Helen Filenko and Nicole Dijak was held in Dovzhuk expressing his most sincere thank most important contribution would be sup- the parish hall. The luncheon meal was you to all who made the 25th anniversary port to our army and our people.” prepared by Eugenia Balaban, Marika of his priesthood memorable. Ms. Harkusha drew attention to the Russia-Ukraine war with her choice for the National Costume Show, that she called “War refrain from occupying other nations’ terri- Bride,” designed by Liudmyla Bushyska of Turning... tories or interfering in their national affairs, Ruta fashion. The dress featured dark-red and to fulfill ‘in good faith obligations (Continued from page 6) silk and black chiffon, with a crown of thorns under international law.’” and a floor-length black veil. bare “the Soviet record of defiance” before “The promise to respect international Behind the scenes, CNN reported that the world. law and the United Nations Charter is not this was the first Miss Universe pageant In Madrid, Sen. Mathias said, the United confined by geography,” he added. “And it is where contestants from Ukraine and States “must hold the Soviet Union to that promise – among others which the Russia did not share a room. account for its continuing savage disregard Soviet Union violated in Afghanistan.” While Ms. Harkusha works as a model, of the Helsinki undertakings on individual Sen. Mathias criticized the Carter admin- she is a third-year student at the Yaroslav freedom… But beyond the well-known istration’s inability to frame a strategic for- Mudryi National Law University. She has Helsinki provisions on human rights and eign policy for the United States. also won other pageants, including Miss the guarantees Leonid Brezhnev signed to Source: “Sen. Mathias scores Soviets on Diana Harkusha dressed as “War Bride,” Artek 2008, Etnokoroleva Slobozhashchiny refrain from the threat or use of force, to Afghanistan, human rights,” The Ukrainian which was designed by Liudmyla 2011, Miss Kharkiv 2012, Miss International respect the inviolability of frontiers, to Weekly, March 9, 1980. Bushyska of Ruta fashion. 2013 and Miss Ukraine Universe 2014. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8 Sold-out performances conclude celebration of Koliada at La MaMa by Ihor Slabicky NEW YORK – Artistic director Virlana Tkacz concluded a month long celebration of Koliada with three sold out per- formance of her production “Winter Light: Songs, Music and Rituals from the Carpathians” at the LaMaMa ETC in New York City on December 27-28, 2014. The piece is based around the traditional Vertep of the 18th century. Under the musical direction of Julian Kytasty, it featured the Koliadnyky from Kryvorivnia, the Korinya traditional music group, and a host of regular Yara Arts Group performers. Act 1, “The Dark and The Creation,” opened with Marina Celander, as the “Refugee,” entering the empty stage, carry- ing a suitcase. In her monologue, written by Serhiy Zhadan, she answered unheard questions, her voice reflecting the nervousness and anxiety of any refugees anywhere: “Documents? Yes, sure...” The contents of her suitcase are examined, the dishes, the photos, the letters, and, left behind. Alone on the darkened stage, she jingles her keys, hop- ing that someone will hear her. Teryn Kuzma as “Angel” and Alina Kuzma as “Time” emerged from that darkness, sing- ing “Poduy zhe Hospody,” taken from the Bernatskiy Book of Carols from 1693. Accompanied by Julian Kytasty on bandura and Asa Horvitz on percussion, their finely Volodymyr Klyuzko matched voices exquisitely transported the “Refugee” and Finale of “Winter Light” at the La MaMa ETC in New York City. all present back to the time of creation of the world. rushed the stage, ringing bells and re-enacting the chaos to death innocent children to secure his own rule, Rachel The “Vertep,” as Act 2, began with Mykola Ilyuk calling that took place in Ukraine in the past year. and the death of her child, and Herod getting his ultimate everyone to “Arise from your sleep, and do good deeds!” As the cacophony of bells diminished, it resembled dis- reward – eternal damnation. Robust blasts of their trembity announced that the tant church bells tolling. The sound of the chorus was Mr. Kostyuk portrayed “Herod” as a calculating despot, Koliadnyky had arrived. Led by Ivan Zelenchuk, Mykola brought forth, singing the 18th century choral music won- with the coldness common to all dictators. Within, his Zelenchuk, Mykola Ilyuk, Vasyl Tymchuk and Ostap derfully arranged by Mr. Kytasty. Accompanying his bandura “Herod” was a weak and petty person, insecure and Kostyuk entered, singing the “Plies.” playing, the chorus of Paul Brantley on cello, Asa Horvitz on unsure, who created malevolence in an attempt to shield Their koliada “Tsy Doma, Doma, Tsey Pan Hospodar,” percussion, Roxolyana Shepko on violin, Stefan Shepko on himself. Asked about the birth of the new King, the words praising the master of the house, was a stark contrast to sopilka, and singers Maria Pleshkevich, Julia Dobner- of Ms. Dobner-Pereira, the “Ruvida” (Soothsayer) were the “Migrant Worker” monologue, written by Mr. Zhadan, Pereira, Zoya Shepko and Maksym Lozynskyj demonstrated respectful towards Herod, yet their sound expressed her which followed. Sean Eden eloquently expressed the the divine delicacy of those works. disdain. Masha Pruss was brilliantly passionless as Death. thoughts and feelings of the builder erecting overly grand The “Vertep” by itself is a play, first documented in 1774. Despite what a great catch Herod may have been, to her structures for the oligarchy. He ended by describing the It presents the story of the shepherds and the birth of the Herod was just another one, and she quickly dispatched shelling of a resort that he had built. Projected behind him, Christ Child, the Three Wise Men visiting Herod, telling him a video showed Krasnyi Lyman burning, as the chorus of the birth of a new King, Herod ordering his soldiers to put (Continued on page 17) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 17 Hnizdovsky centennial exhibition to be held at New Jersey center by Irka Sawchyn Doll WHIPPANY, N.J. – This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of renowned artist Jacques Hnizdovsky, born January 27th, 1915. To commemorate this centennial, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch 75, will be hosting an exhibition and sale of prints, drawings, watercolors, oil paintings and tapestries by the late artist. Jacques (Yakiv) Hnizdovsky spent his early years study- ing art in Ukraine, continuing his studies in Warsaw’s Academy of Fine Arts. Political upheavals forced the young artist to relocate to the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, then to a displaced persons camp in Weyam, Germany. Hnizdovsky immigrated to Minneapolis in 1949. Shortly thereafter, he chose to pursue his artistic career full-time, and moved to New York City, which became his home base for the rest of his life. During the 1950s Hnizdovsky experimented with differ- ent artistic media, working in watercolors, drawings and terra cotta, in addition to the printmaking, for which he is best known. He started to develop the stylized realism that personified his work, which had not yet captured the atten- Jacques Hnizdovsky at his one-man show at La tion of the broader art world. Hnizdovsky traveled to Paris, “White Swan 2” (color linocut, 1976). Maison Francaise of New York University, 1960. where he met his future wife. While in Paris, he participat- ed in numerous exhibitions and one-man shows, including Larger woodcuts required weeks or months of carving. artistic style is easily recognized by the harmonious blend the Salon d’ Automne du Grand Palais, and was greatly Hnizdovsky would prepare five to 10 trial proofs, refining of angular and curved geometrics, often with textures influenced by the city’s architecture and public spaces. each image, and then proceeded to print an edition of developed from repetitions of small patterns. It is fitting that Hnizdovsky’s centennial should fall in approximately 25 artist’s proofs. The final limited (num- Another outlet for Hnizdovsky’s art was book illustra- the Chinese Year of the Sheep. In 1962 Hnizdovsky’s now- bered) edition would contain 100 to 150 prints. He was a tions and book cover designs. His best-known Ukrainian famous print “The Sheep” won first prize at the Boston prolific artist, creating over 375 prints in his lifetime. book illustrations were for “Slovo o Polku Ihorevi” (The Printmakers exhibition and launched Hnizdovsky’s career Part of Hnizdovsky’s printmaking craft was in the Tale of Prince Ihor’s Campaign) that was published in 1950 on a broader scale. unique paper that he used for the prints. He favored washi, in Philadelphia. Two of many illustrated books featuring Hnizdovsky was a master printmaker, famous for his a Japanese paper that is hand-made from mulberry bark. his artwork are “The Poems of John Keats” and “The Poems relief prints made from woodcuts and linocuts. Starting This refined paper is characterized by its irregularities and, of Samuel Taylor.” The entire collection of book covers with solid wood or linoleum blocks, he used U- and as with raw silk, its beauty lies in these imperfections. One designed by Hnizdovsky and books illustrated by the late V-shaped tools to gouge out the areas that were intended will often find pieces of bark and twigs within a sheet of artist was donated to the Slavic and Baltic Division of the to print white, leaving an elevated design that would paper. Despite its appearance of translucent fragility, the New York Public Library in 1986. receive and transfer the ink to the paper. paper is very durable. When there were small wood blocks left over from his Hnizdovsky also produced etchings (intaglio prints), Hnizdovsky focused on his love of natural history. His larger works, Hnizdovsky would create small “ex libris” where the desired design was gouged and etched out of a subjects were predominantly animals and birds, trees and woodcuts that he designed for collectors and friends. resin-coated metal plate. In contrast to the relief prints, the plants. His most sought-after works are prints of trees, Best known for his prints, Hnizdovsky produced in ink that was transferred to the print came from within the sheep and cats. His work was inspired by Dürer, Japanese other media as well. After his death, a large collection of grooved pattern rather than the surface. printmaking and Chinese brush painting. Hnizdovsky’s pen-and-ink drawings and several watercolors were dis- covered in the Hnizdovsky archives. His watercolors, often fruit and vegetable subjects, were never exhibited. Hnizdovsky also designed tapestries, which he commis- sioned to be hand-woven for him, from hand-shorn, hand- spun, naturally dyed wool. Once his career was established, Hnizdovsky was recog- nized in the art world with numerous international awards, exhibitions and publications. His works are found in the permanent collections of museums, galleries and universities throughout the world. Jacques Hnizdovsky passed away in 1985 at the age of 70. He is buried at the historic Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv, across from the tomb of Ivan Franko. UNWLA Branch 75 of Morris County will be sponsoring the centennial exhibition of Hnizdovsky’s art. All the art- work in the authorized exhibit comes directly from the Hnizdovsky estate. Included are woodcuts, linocuts, etch- ings, drawings and rarely seen watercolors, oil paintings and tapestries. The works will be available for purchase, with the proceeds to support UNWLA Branch 75. The exhibit will take place on Sunday, March 22, at 1-5 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981. Admission is $20 and includes complimentary champagne “Mother” (color linocut, 1952). The artist cuts the woodcut “Two Rams” (1969). and hors d’oeuvres.

a frenzied “Arkan” dance. Mr. Kytasty accompanied them on mance. The evening ended with the audience joining the Sold-out performances... bandura. performers in a rousing version of “Nova Radist Stala” fol- Next, Ms. Horvitz sang “Wrestling Jacob / Vernon” lowed by long and appreciative rounds of applause. (Continued from page 16) accompanied by Mr. Ilyuk on violin. The Korinya group per- As with most productions by Virlana Tkacz, the sets by any ideas that Herod may have had about his own charms formed “Malanka.” The response from the Koliadnyky was Watoku Ueno were minimal, allowing the audience’s imag- or greatness. Nariman Asanov, as her brother from Hell, a fast-stepping “Triasulka.” Mr. Asanov came out and with ination to create their own scenery and backgrounds to go was even more so, greeting the now cowering Herod with a the Koliadnyky played the Crimean Tatar instrumental along with the action. The stage floor, painted white, looked fittingly less than enthusiastic “Oh-ho-ho, what have we “Kalabalyk.” “Ishly Molodsti” featured Mr. Kytasty on ban- like a field of freshly fallen snow; indeed, one expected the here.” He then proceeded to spear Herod with his violin dura and vocals, with Mr. Asanov and the Koliadnyky pro- performers to kick up snow as they walked across it. That bow, much like one would a piece of meat on a shish kabob viding the backing vocals and music. This was followed by and the upstage screen were used to great effect by skewer. The flurry of his violin playing sealed Herod’s fate a lively version of “Verkhovyno” by Mr. Asanov, the Volodymyr Klyuzko to project his photographs, videos and forever. Koliadnyky and Korinya. The Koliadnyky countered with collages depicting on Hutsul embroideries, woodcarvings The third act was the lighthearted and spirited even faster “Hutsulka,” Mr. Kostyuk on sopilka adding a and scenes. “Celebration,” much needed to relieve the drama just wit- lively lilt to the melody. “Oi, Dai Bozhe” and “Rano, O Rano” The year 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the Yara nessed. Mr. Brantley began with his elaborate cello piece by Ms. Celander, Ms. Dobner-Pereira and Ms. Pleshkevich, Arts Group and its artistic director Virlana Tkacz. The year- “Arbor.” Next was “Turna,” a Crimean song sung by Marina their voices resplendent on this duo of traditional women’s long celebration began on January 24 with an exhibit at Celander with Mr. Asanov on violin and Zoya Shepko on songs sung in the village style. The ensemble all came out The Ukrainian Museum in New York City. Other events are accordion. The Koliadnyky troista musicians entered, play- to sing “Teche Richka,” and a delicate tsymbala melody and planned throughout the year and can be followed via the ing a slow tempo “Wedding Song” that suddenly burst into the thunder of the trembity signaled the end of the perfor- Yara Arts Group web site at brama.com/yara/. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8 UKELODEON FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Plast Ski Camp off ers unique experience

Andrew Zwarych Participants of the 2014 Ski Camp.

by Ruta Odulak at New York state’s beautiful Gore and even Ukraine. According to camp administrator Mountain, the week chock full of The camp was founded in 1954 Danylo Zacharczuk, this year’s wait- GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – Every activities traditional to the camp. by the Pershi Stezhi sorority and the ing list had a whopping 25 people December for the past 60 years, the This year was a special one given Vataha Burlakiv fraternity of Plast on it, out of the 110 who applied to Plast fraternity Burlaky has run a that the camp celebrated 60 years Ukrainian Scouting Organization, as be campers. The camp can accom- Ski Camp, mostly in upstate New of successfully bringing together our explained by Gogo Slupchynskyj, an modate a maximum of 85 campers, York. Starting on Christmas Day community’s youth of passionate attendee since the fi rst camp through 20 counselors, and fi ve head coun- and ending on New Year’s Eve for skiers from near and far. Eighty-fi ve 2008. He explained that Bohdan selors, totaling 110 people. the past 26 years, Plast scouts ar- campers traveled from various parts Kurylko of the Burlaky chose So what is it that makes this camp rive ready for fi ve full days of skiing of the states, as well as from Canada Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, so special? It’s been months since N.Y. (near Lake Placid), as the our last “rozkhid” (the Plast order location of the fi rst camp. It hosted for scouts dismissed). By mid- Mishanyna 15 boys and 10 girls, and cost $25 October, all we are thinking about with the exclusion of meals. is when we will be called to our next The location of the camp has This winter has brought lots of snow to many places. “zbirka” (assembly). For most of us, moved around to Okemo and Kil- the last Plast camp that we partici- Find the capitalized words, all related to winter fun, hidden in lington, Vt., Easton Valley, Lake the Mishanyna grid. pated in was in the early summer Minnewaska and West Mountain in months. There is a yearning to be BLIZZARD ICICLES SLED N.Y.; it crossed the Canadian bor- together again and to continue living der to Mont Tremblant in Quebec; by the Plast ideals. COCOA MITTENS SNOWDRIFT and it even went overseas to Breuil- Most Plast camps take place in Snowball NO SCHOOL SNOW FORT Cervinia in Italy. Since 1988, the the summer, so Plast scouts are FIGHT ice SKATING SNOWMAN Plast campers have skied at Gore used to roughing it in tents and cov- HOCKEY SKIING SNOWSHOES Mountain. And the camp’s home ering themselves in bug spray and base has been the Landmark Motor sunscreen. Ski Camp uniquely takes Inn in Glens Falls, N.Y. place in the snow, and attendees The camp is steeped in rich tradi- worry more about getting their hats tion, says camper Olenka Tytla, a and gloves on for zbirka than they fi fth-year attendee, “every year is do their sunglasses. Mr. Zacharczuk kind of formulated by tradition… I says, “the children have the abil- think that’s the reason that people ity to sleep in beds, watch TV, they keep coming back, because it is so have hotel rooms, doors… I would tradition-oriented.” consider this is much more of a This sentiment is echoed from vacation camp for the kids.” camper to camper, and evidence of Although this camp differs from this is in the rush to get accepted the others, it still exists to uphold to Ski Camp due to its popularity the same Plast ideals. According and limited space. Every fall, when to Mr. Slupchynskyj, “In Burlaky the memories and excitement of ideology there is a great desire Ski Camp are inevitably rekindled, to enlighten and positively teach everyone desperately awaits the re- Ukrainian youth.” This mission lease of the registration forms. This has been passed down and upheld year was no different; the whispers through the 60 years of Ski Camps. began at the start of October. When Mr. Zacharchuk explains, “we do those forms were fi nally released on still keep to the ‘plastovi zakony’ October 15, there was a rush to print – the rules of Plast – and we do try them, a rush to fi ll them out and a and have the kids have entertaining rush to the post offi ce as acceptance is “fi rst come fi rst served.” (Continued on page 19) No. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 19

Through March 14 Art exhibit featuring works by Lydia Bodnar Balahutrak, March 5 Benefit concert with Anastasiya Prykhodko, “Songs for Houston, TX “Nature Studies, Hunter Gather Gallery, 713-664-3302 or Philadelphia Peace,” Ukrainian League of Philadelphia, 215-684-3548 http://huntergatherproject.com/2015/02/02/nature-studies or http://facebook.com/events/333252440197539

Through Art exhibit, “Staging the Ukrainian Avant-Garde of the March 5 Recital, featuring violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, and September13 1910s and 1920s,” The Ukrainian Museum, New York pianist Magdalena Stern-Baczewska, Italian Academy at New York 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org Columbia University, 212-854-3825 or [email protected] February 24 Lecture by Anisa Mycak, “Ukraine – An Update and March 5 Rally in support of Ukraine, Ukrainian Congress Longboat Key, FL Overview,” Longboat Key Education Center, Washington Committee of America, White House plaza, 941-383-8811 or [email protected] www.facebook.com/events/339601382897654

February 26 Presentation by Donald Raleigh, “Russia’s Cold War March 6 Conference, “The Collapse After a Quarter Century: Stanford, CA Generation and the End of the Soviet Dream: Soviet Berkeley, CA What Have We Learned About Communism and Baby Boomers Talk About Their Lives,” Stanford Democracy?” University of California at Berkeley, University, [email protected] [email protected] or 510-642-3230

February 27 Presentation by Donald Raleigh, “Leonid Ilich Brezhnev: March 6 Benefit concert, “Songs for Peace,” with Anastasiya Stanford, CA Man of Peace,” Stanford University, 650-725-2563 or Brooklyn, NY Prykhodko, La Vue Restaurant and Lounge, [email protected] www.razomforukraine.org

February 28 Premier concert, “Music of Survival,” Ukrainian March 7 Annual live and silent auction, Ukrainian Institute of Warren, MI Bandurist Chorus, Ukrainian Cultural Center, Chicago Modern Art, 773-227-5522 or [email protected] www.bandura.org/music-of-survival-detroit-premier March 7 Ski races, Carpathian Ski Club, Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY www.klkusa.com or [email protected] February 28 Family Pierogi Night, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Ottawa Catholic Church, 613-731-4453 or 613-834-6321 March 7 Concert celebrating the 201st birthday of Taras San Francisco Shevchenko, “Program of Ukrainian Songs, Music and February 28 Writing workshop with Prof. Alexander Motyl, The Poetry,” St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church, New York Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or 650-281-6927 or www.stmichaeloucsf.org www.ukrainianmuseum.org March 7 Benefit concert, “Songs for Peace,” with Anastasiya March 2 Seminar with Oleksanr Zaytsev, “Ukrainian Integral Alexandria, VA Prykhodko, George Washington Masonic National Cambridge, MA Nationalism and the Greek–Catholic Church in the Memorial, www.unitedhelpukraine.org 1920s-1903s,” Harvard University, 617-495-3549 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events March 4-5 Ukrainian Days advocacy event, Congressional and advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Washington Senate offices on Capitol Hill, Ukrainian National from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Information Service, www.ucca.org and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

are reloaded, and the campers head year attendee says, “I was never the back, generation after generation. Plast Ski Camp... back to the Landmark Inn. After a slow goat so that’s good, I’ve got to For me personally, hearing all of the (Continued from page 18) little bit of free time and dinner, the keep that up.” stories from Mr. Slupchynskyj, who evening activities begin. Another adored (and messy) tradi- is my great uncle, made me long and educational times together.” One favorite entertaining tradi- tion is the building of gingerbread for the day I could attend. Seeing A day at Ski Camp starts with a tion that is celebrated at Ski Camp houses. The kids are split into teams his artwork grace the camp’s forms, zbirka at 6:45 a.m. for the opening is the “Povola Koza” or “Slow Goat” of four and are given materials to badges, pins and T-shirts, is a true of the day and breakfast. All the game, explains fi fth-year attendee create their masterpieces. Each testament to how much history this campers then collect their ski or Oles Rakowsky, “We have a series team must present its house, and camp encompasses. snowboarding boots and load up the of cow bells that we have to give off the judges decide the winners. It It is now our generation’s hope, buses. After a 50-minute ride, the to people without their knowledge. is activities like these that give the desire and responsibility to continue campers line up at a small hut at In the morning… whoever has the campers opportunities to socialize another 60 years of snowy magic. Gore to get their skis or snowboards, bell, gets a costume to wear the next and make new friends off the slopes which stay locked up overnight. day at the mountain.” Costumes as well. Ruta Odulak, 16, is a junior at Lessons last two and a half hours, range from tutu’s to a raccoon mask It is clear to every attendee that Nutley High School, where she is a after which campers are free to ski and body suit, with no gender dis- this camp is unique. Here lies the staff writer for the school newspaper, with friends. At 3:45 p.m., buses crimination. Lesyk Firko, a fourth- reason why people keep coming The Maroon and Gray.

Andrew Zwarych Ski campers on the slopes at scenic Gore Mountain. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 No. 8

attention, Debutante Ball organizers! PREVIEW OF EVENTS Friday, February 20-Sunday, March 8 ferent, though intersecting, perspectives, NEW YORK: Yara’s new theater piece, “Fall River” paints a complex portrait of In keeping with our tradition, “Hitting Bedrock,” dreams of Donetsk, poet- American emigrants forced by fate to become The Ukrainian Weekly will pub- ry of Serhiy Zhadan and the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian refugees and European immi- created and performed by Yara Arts Group, grants. The book launch will take place at the lish a special section devoted to the conceived and directed by Virlana Tkacz will society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ukrainian community’s debutantes. be performed Thursdays, Fridays and Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For addi- Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. tional information call 212-254-5130. at La MaMa Experimental Theater, 74a E. Sunday, March 22 The 2015 debutante ball Fourth St. Admission: $18; $13 for seniors, section will be published on March 22. students. Tickets may be purchased at 646- WHIPPANY: Ukrainian National Women’s 430-5374, or www.lamama.org. League of America Branch 75 of Morris County, N.J., invites you to the centennial The deadline for submission of Saturday, February 28 exhibition “Jacques Hnizdovsky – Flora & NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Fauna.” Woodcuts, linocuts, etchings, draw- stories and photos is March 13. Society invites all to a book launch of “Fall ings, watercolors, paintings and tapestries River” (Alternative Book Press, 2014) by Dr. will be featured in this authorized exhibi- Please e-mail materials to: [email protected] Alexander J. Motyl. The novel is based on the tion, with all artwork coming directly from life stories and personal memories of the the artist’s estate. All works exhibited will author’s mother, uncle and aunt. “Fall River” be available for purchase. The exhibit takes is a multi-dimensional exploration of how place at 1-5 p.m. at the Ukrainian American family history, Ukrainian roots and European Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60 N. war shaped the personal destinies of three Jefferson Road, Whippany NJ 07981. Ukrainian Americans who were born in Fall Admission is $20 to benefit UNWLA Branch Subscribe to River, grew up in interwar Poland and 75. Complimentary champagne and hors returned to an America that was as alienat- d’oeuvres will be served. For more informa- ing as it was welcoming. Narrated from dif- tion e-mail [email protected].

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