Inside: l UNA Forum, launch of “Guide to Life” – page 5 l Miss Soyuzivka 2017 crowned – page 11 l UCU to consecrate new church complex – page 16

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIV No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 $2.00 Poroshenko greets in marks on 25th anniversary in Kyiv 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence Dear Ukrainians, People’s Movement of Ukraine, no People’s Heroic Ukrainian troops, Rada? Unless Vyacheslav Chornovil had put Your Holiness and Your Beatitude, his energy and displayed constancy to pur- Mister President Duda, highly-esteemed pose? guests, Although we celebrate only the 25th “In view of the mortal danger surround- anniversary of our Independence, in fact, ing Ukraine in connection with the state we are far older. Next year, we shall com- coup in the USSR on August 19, 1991; con- memorate the centenary of the Central tinuing the thousand-year tradition of state Rada and the start of the Ukrainian nation- development in Ukraine; proceeding from al revolution of the 20th century. And after the right of the nation to self-determination that, in two years – the millennium of in accordance with the Charter of the inauguration for prince- United Nations, … the … dom. This is the true age of “the tradition of solemnly declares the Independence of state development” mentioned in the Act. Ukraine and the creation of an independent Therefore, declaring independence Ukrainian state – Ukraine.” became an expected outcome of our histor- These are the words from the most ic development, a joint victory won by mul- important document in the contemporary tiple generations of Ukrainians, who fought history of Ukraine adopted 25 years ago to and died for our national identity, state the day. independence and own colour on the Official website of the world’s political map. Thirty years earlier, Levko Lukyanenko Tanks roll on Street in Kyiv during a military parade marking The disputes continue in university was sentenced to death for fighting for the Ukraine’s 25th anniversary of independence. rooms, kitchens at homes and social media, state independence. Later on, he was “par- whether we obtained or won our indepen- That defiance toward ceaseless Russian doned” (in quotes) and spent a decade in by Mark Raczkiewycz dence? The answer is absolutely obvious aggression was on full display along Kyiv’s Soviet jails, concentration camps and exile. for me: of course, we won it. We won it by KYIV – Perhaps the first Ukrainian city to main thoroughfare of Khreshchatyk Street However, I am sure Levko Lukyanenko intelligence, sweat, and our blood. hear the national anthem on Independence on August 24 during the country’s 25th could not have been happier and could not May the memory of the heroes fallen in Day was -occupied . At about year of renewed independence. President have even dreamt of getting larger compen- the battles for our free, independent 6 a.m. hidden loud speakers started blaring had ordered a military sation and award for all his life sufferings Ukraine live forever. Eternal glory to them. the first words of the anthem, “Ukraine parade for a third consecutive year intend- than the opportunity to draft the Act of * * * hasn’t perished yet.” The daring audio per- ed to underscore the nation’s military capa- Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. The parade crews answer to the Supreme formance lasted about 30 minutes as star- bility. But it was the first year that high- We enjoy an occasion to think again of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces tled passersby gazed in bewilderment at the lighted hardware rolled fresh off factory the role of personality in history. Could we of Ukraine: central intersection of Artem and Tamansky floors and newly designed uniforms, mark- have used the chance we were granted at “Glory to the heroes! Glory to the heroes! boulevards, according to a closed-captioned ing Ukraine’s efforts to shed its outdated the turn of 80-ies and 90-ies, if someone Glory to the heroes!” video posted by Novosti Donbass, an inde- Soviet past. else were the first person in the Ukrainian pendent news outlet based in the Donetsk SSR, but not Leonid Kravchuk? If we had no (Continued on page 14) Oblast city of . (Continued on page 18) Ukraine wins 11 medals at Rio, finishes in 22 place in medals count by Ihor N. Stelmach Countries winning the most Olympic and Matthew Dubas medals recruit, develop, train and retain elite young athletes in elite training facili- The led the way with 121 ties staffed by elite trainers and coaches. medals won at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This requires tremendous financial (70), Great Britain (67) and Russia resources including government funding, (56) rounded out the top four. Next were private capital and sponsors. It requires Germany, , Japan, Australia and Italy. extreme commitment from all parties Ukraine ranked 22nd out of 207 participat- involved in an elite developmental process ing nations, finishing amid countries like that takes many years to establish, and , Jamaica, Cuba and Uzbekistan. even more years to bear fruitful results. This year’s total of 11 medals (two gold, Theoretically the process never ends – it five silver and four bronze) is down from continues to churn out classes of elite per- 2012’s haul of 18, 2008’s total of 27 medals formers in most sporting disciplines. One and 2004’s sum of 22 medals. Going back might refer to it as a pipeline. further, Ukraine won 23 total medals in both Independent Ukraine is still struggling 1996 and 2000. We see a definite decline in economically and the ongoing war in the the country’s performance over the last eastern part of the country is limiting the eight years. In order to understand why the allocation of funds to sports. It would not lack of success in the ultimate international NOC-Ukr.org be a stretch to claim some potentially elite sporting competition, it is necessary to Saber fencer Olha Kharlan serves as flag-bearer for Ukraine during the closing examine several key variables. ceremonies of the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Continued on page 18) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

WINDOW ON EURASIA

For , diplomacy is a form Putin taps minister as envoy to Ukraine told the August 19 gathering in that Ukraine attempted to carry out sabo- – Russian President Vladimir tage attacks in because Kyiv is of ‘information terrorism,’ says commentator Putin has appointed Dmitry Livanov as the “reluctant or unable” to implement the president’s envoy on trade and economic Minsk Accords. He was referring to by Paul Goble NATO, an appointment that had the effect ties with Ukraine. Mr. Putin accepted Prime of making any real discussions between Moscow’s claim earlier this month that it Minister ’s proposal to Vladimir Putin’s attempt to impose a Moscow and Brussels impossible. had thwarted a Ukrainian plot to carry out appoint Mr. Livanov at a working meeting longtime Kremlin loyalist as his ambassador All this has roots in the Soviet past, Mr. sabotage in the region. Kyiv has denied the at Belbek Airport in Sevastopol, on the to Ukraine, something Kyiv has rejected and Yakovenko continues. In May 1939, Stalin existence of any such plot and Western offi- prompted Moscow to say that it won’t replaced as foreign minister Maksim Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula, on cials say Moscow has failed to produce con- appoint anyone else, highlights the Kremlin Latvinov with Vyacheslav Molotov, a August 19. Mr. Livanov had served since vincing evidence of one. On August 17, leader’s view of what diplomats are for, change which opened the way to the war 2012 as education minister. Mr. Putin also President Donald Tusk Moscow commentator Igor Yakovenko says. with Finland and the Molotov-Ribbentrop agreed with Mr. Medvedev to appoint Olga said Russia’s account of the events was For Mr. Putin, Mr. Yakovenko says, diplo- Pact which in turn opened the way to the Vasilyeva as Russia’s new education minis- “unreliable.” Mr. Putin told the Security mats are not those who succeed by finding second world war in Europe. ter. Ms. Vasilyeva was deputy chief of the Council that “it looks like our partners in points of agreement among countries and “Putin’s world,” the Russian analyst says, presidential directorate for public projects. Kyiv have made a decision to aggravate ten- thus minimize or avoid conflict but rather “is constructed quite simply.” Diplomacy is (RFE/RL, based on reporting by RIA sions.” Nonetheless, Mr. Putin said Russia foot soldiers engaged in his war against “a secondary sphere,” and a diplomat is lit- Novosti and Interfax) was not planning to cut off diplomatic rela- other states whose job is to recruit allies tle more than “a cover for the conduct of Party will not campaign in Crimea tions with Ukraine “despite the unwilling- within those states and misinform the special operations, above all those involv- ness of… Kyiv to have full-fledged diplomat- world about what Russia is doing (kasparov. ing force.” Thus, for Mr. Putin, the task of a KYIV – Russia’s opposition PARNAS party ic relations at the level of ambassadors.” ru/material.php?id=57A6415100DBD). diplomat is to “babble, distract attention … will not campaign for Russia’s upcoming Russia was holding a military exercise in By ignoring the customary practice of while real people do real things” and then legislative elections in the annexed region of Crimea as Mr. Putin was speaking, training seeking agrement before announcing its to lie about what has happened. Crimea because the Ukrainian government the logistics of bringing troops, armor and preferred ambassador in Kyiv, Moscow As a result, Mr. Yakovenko says, “while has denied permission for it to do so. “We equipment from Russia to Ukraine. Mr. sought to force Ukraine to accept Mikhail other governments have diplomacy, Mr. will follow Ukraine’s decision and act in Putin was also to address the Tavrida youth Babich, someone who has never had any Putin’s Russia has developed a factory for accordance with international law,” the involvement with diplomacy and can only forum, an event that has been held annually the production of chaos in the entire world. PARNAS branch in Krasnodar region wrote since the annexation that assembles “young be described as “an ambassador of war.” The task for the Russian MFA is to find mar- on the VKontakte social network on August Already twenty years ago, Babich figured professionals” from across Russia. This was ginal and lowlifes in all countries of the 18. Oleksiy Makeyev, the director of out that “the most profitable business” in Mr. Putin’s fifth visit to the region since it world and to attract, instruct and support Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s depart- Russia is “love for Putin. And he began to was annexed. (RFE/RL, based on reporting them in all possible ways. ment for policy and communications, told involve himself in this in a professional way.” by AFP, RIA-Novosti and Interfax) Thus, for Putin, foreign policy is “the RFE/RL on August 18 that Kyiv cannot offi- Not surprisingly, “such devotion and same information terrorism which RT con- Russia holds military exercises In Crimea unqualified love have not remained unno- cially allow a Russian political party to con- ducts throughout the world, mimicking duct any activities on Ukraine’s “occupied ticed,” and Babich has received progressive- MOSCOW – Russian military forces are media and infecting the citizens of other territories.” PARNAS leader and former ly more important assignments – none of carrying out “logistical exercises” in and countries with lies and provocations.” That Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told RFE/ which are about diplomacy. of course reflects Mr. Putin’s view that the around the Crimean peninsula, which RL in March that his party considers As Mr. Yakovenko points out, “diplomacy media of all countries lie and that if he lies Russia annexed in 2014. Russia’s state RIA- Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea illegal in is the art of con- more boldly and creatively than they do, he Novosti agency announced the August 18 and that he would return control of the pen- ducting talks with the goal of avoiding war. will win out. drills. The point of the exercise is to train insula to Ukraine. On August 18, Ukraine The mark of a diplomat’s success is his “This policy of Putin has completely ratio- moving troops, armor and other equipment complained to the Commonwealth of increase in the number of allies and friends nal explanations, the commentator contin- from Russia to Crimea. Some 2,500 troops, Independent States (CIS) about the Russia- his country has in the world.” But under Mr. ues. “Putin’s Russia has not values or ideas. 350 armored vehicles, a large landing ship, dominated organization’s plan to send elec- Putin, diplomacy has been reduced to the It has nothing to say to the world … the only a submarine and other units are participat- tion monitors to the peninsula. The parlia- rudeness and dishonesty of memorandum which Putin and his band ing. The current exercises are the forerun- mentary elections in Russia are scheduled and Mariya Zakharova. could honestly and openly offer is to report ner of a much larger war-games exercise for September 18. (Crimean Desk, RFE/RL’s And it has become “to a significant that they want to rule and steal forever.” planned in the region for September. The Ukrainian Service) degree” about “the total trolling of oppo- Of course, they can’t say that openly. It Defense Ministry said Defense Minister nents,” with the most obvious example wouldn’t be understood. And “therefore the Putin criticizes Kyiv at Crimea meeting Sergei Shoigu observed part of the exercise being Mr. Putin’s earlier appointment of task of foreign policy [for them] is to spread on August 17 in the Russian port city of Dmitry Rogozin to represent Russia at chaos among the citizens and elites of each SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine – Russian Novorossiysk. Tensions have been high in country” to distract them from what Russia President Vladimir Putin has chaired a ses- the region since Moscow earlier this month Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on is doing and thus make it easier for sion of the Russian Security Council in accused Ukraine of plotting “sabotage” ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Moscow to do what it wants against them. Crimea, the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula who has served in various capacities in the Mr. Putin can’t agree with the EU or that Moscow annexed in 2014. Mr. Putin (Continued on page 12) U.S. State Department, the Central NATO, Mr. Yakovenko says. Consequently, Intelligence Agency and the International he seeks to rely on Euroskeptics to destroy Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice the first and on Trump to destroy the latter. of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio “For the realization of these plans, he needs FOUNDED 1933 Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for soldiers, devoted and unquestioning.” At The Ukrainian Weekly International Peace. The article above is home, he is achieving this by naming his reprinted with permission from his blog bodyguard a governor. Abroad, he is trying An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- to do so by naming what are no more than a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). “soldiers of [his] hybrid war.” Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) FOR THE RECORD The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Statement by President Barack Obama Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas on the 25th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence P.O. Box 280 Twenty-five years ago today, Ukraine partner with Ukraine on this journey. Today, Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] declared its independence from the Soviet we reaffirm that the United States will con- Union. On behalf of the American people, tinue to stand with the Ukrainian people as The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com I’m proud to join the Ukrainian people in they protect their sovereignty and territori- marking this historic anniversary. As we al integrity, embrace the vision of a strong The Ukrainian Weekly, August 28, 2016, No. 35, Vol. LXXXIV have been reminded in recent years, and united Europe, and deepen their com- Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly Ukraine’s path has not always been easy. mitment to democracy, anti-corruption, and From the hundreds of thousands of respect for human rights. I offer my best Ukrainians who linked arms in a great wishes to all the people of Ukraine. On this ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA human chain in 1990 to the fallen heroes of occasion, we are reminded that even in the the Maidan, realizing the dream of indepen- most difficult moments, the glory and free- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 dom of Ukraine – and the indomitable spirit and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 dence has called on the solidarity and sacri- e-mail: [email protected] fice of the Ukrainian people. The people of of the Ukrainian people – lives on. Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 the United States, including proud Source: The White House, Office of the e-mail: [email protected] Ukrainian Americans, have been honored to Press Secretary No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Ukraine shows evidence of secret payments allegedly made to Paul Manafort by Christopher Miller which he described Mr. Manafort as “a true top former lawmakers ring to Mr. Manafort, Mr. Heller signed for RFE/RL professional.” Vitaliy Kalyuzhny, who served as chairman the payment. “This morning Paul Manafort offered, of the Ukrainian Parliament’s International Mr. Leshchenko’s colleague Sevhil KYIV – Ukrainian authorities have pub- and I accepted, his resignation from the Relations Committee, and Yevhen Heller, Musayeva-Borovyk, an investigative report- lished excerpts from secret accounting led- campaign,” the statement read, adding that who Mr. Leshchenko said was considered er and editor-in-chief of the independent gers of former President Viktor the Republican nominee was “very appre- to be the party’s “cashier.” news site , said she Yanukovych’s political party documenting ciative for his great work in helping to get Mr. Heller is also one of the founders of believes the payment was for Mr. King to more than $12.7 million in under-the-table us where we are today....” the European Center for a Modern Ukraine, conduct an interview with then-Prime payments that were earmarked for Paul NABU said the presence of Mr. Manafort’s a Brussels-based non-profit organization Minister , a Yanukovych ally Manafort, who chaired U.S. presidential name in the ledger did not mean that he actu- that Associated Press reports say was used and senior Party of Regions member. candidate Donald Trump’s campaign until ally received the money designated for him, to funnel money from the Party of Regions Mr. King visited Kyiv and interviewed Mr. his resignation on August 19. because the signatures that appear in the col- to two U.S. lobbying firms. Azarov weeks after the date of the entry, on Some of the 22 line items posted on the umn of recipients belong to other people. AP reports said the news agency November 28, 2011, at the government website of the National Anti-corruption Mr. Manafort has said he never received obtained e-mails showing that Mr. headquarters in Kyiv. Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) show payments any illegal payments and his lawyers have Manafort – using his own firm, run with At a news conference following the of more than $1 million for Mr. Manafort’s denied that he participated in any illegal help from his deputy Rick Gates – helped interview, Mr. King called Mr. Azarov a “services,” while others describe the pay- activities in Ukraine. route at least $2.2 million through the straightforward and honest person. He said ments as being for “Manafort exit poll in But Sergii Leshchenko, a Ukrainian law- European Center for a Modern Ukraine to that after the interview he had told his wife, real time,” “personal computers for maker and anti-corruption campaigner who lobbying firms Mercury and the Podesta who joined him in Kyiv, that Mr. Azarov Manafort” and simply “sociology” – possi- has studied the ledger, is convinced that Mr. Group in order to sway American public “would have been a successful U.S. politi- bly a reference to opinion surveys. Manafort received the payments listed. opinion in the interest of Mr. Yanukovych cian.” The handwritten entries span nearly five “Manafort didn’t work for free in and his party. “He’s a bit like Jimmy Carter. He looks years, from November 20, 2007, to October Ukraine, he served the Party of Regions for The AP said Messrs. Manafort and Gates good, and it’s easy to meet with him,” Mr. 5, 2012, when Mr. Manafort was working over 10 years and it is clear that his work failed to disclose their roles as foreign King said when asked with whom of the for Mr. Yanukovych’s ruling Party of was paid,” Mr. Leshchenko said, holding up agents by registering as such with the fed- world’s politicians he would compare Mr. Regions in Kyiv. Mr. Yanukovych fled to copies of the ledger items at a news confer- eral government. Under U.S. law, people Azarov, according to the Interfax news Russia in 2014, after being pushed from ence in Kyiv on August 19. “The money was who lobby on behalf of foreign political agency. power by protests over his decision to transferred in cash and it is impossible to leaders must provide detailed accounts of Mr. King’s representatives could not be scrap plans for a landmark cooperation trace the transactions, but I have no doubt their work to the Justice Department. reached for comment. pact with the European Union and forge as to the authenticity of these documents.” Failure to do so is a felony punishable by up The Azarov interview did not air on closer ties to Moscow instead. ”We know that people who were men- to five years in prison and a fine of up to CNN, and it is unclear whether it was Mr. Manafort has come under fire over tioned in these books... they confirmed they $250,000. broadcast elsewhere. the revelations, first reported by The New were involved in this activity and money Mr. Manafort has denied ever perform- King’s CNN show “Larry King Live” was York Times on August 14. He was removed [was] taken,” Mr. Leshchenko added. ing “direct lobbying support” for the canceled in 2010, but he was still hosting from day-to-day management of the Trump Money ‘funneled’ to D.C. firms Ukrainian government. CNN special programs at the time the inter- campaign on August 17 but retained his Mr. Manafort is not the only American view was conducted. title until August 19, when Mr. Trump His belief is bolstered by the fact that the whose name appears in the party ledger. In CNN cut ties with King in February issued a statement via his official website in signatories for the payment orders include his presentation on August 19, Mr. 2012. In 2013, he signed on to host a new Leshchenko also revealed for the first time program on state-funded Russian channel that veteran U.S. journalist and longtime RT. CNN television host Larry King’s name is UCCA meets with newly confirmed listed in the accounting book. Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ ‘Larry King payment’ Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, U.S. ambassador to Ukraine In an entry dated October 11, 2011, Mr. Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see King is listed as the recipient of a $225,000 http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine- advance for an “interview.” His signature is secret-payments-evidents-manafort/ not on the page. As with the entries refer- 27933901.html).

Quotable notes “Observers have greatly feared that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin would start a small regional war this August. ... “The parallels with the August 2008 Russian-Georgian war are striking. That con- flict started with the in . The United States president was a lame duck amid the presidential election campaign. Russia was pursuing a large- scale military exercise called Caucasus 2008 in the Northern Caucasus. The Kremlin blamed Georgia for an implausible attack. “A war in August has seemed quite likely for domestic reasons, but where? In the last week, it has become clear that Ukraine will be the target. Major Russian troop movements with hundreds of tanks and heavy artillery to the and Crimea were reported during the weekend. They were part of a big Russian military exercise named Caucasus 2016. UCCA “…on August 10, the FSB and Putin made dramatic statements. The FSB, the KGB’s The new U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch (fourth from left), meets successor, published a statement on its website claiming that it had averted terrorist with a delegation of Ukrainian American leaders (from left): Andrij Futey, Roksolana Stojko-Lozynskyj, Tamara Olexy, Archbishop Stefan Soroka, Marie Duplak, Bishop attacks prepared by Ukraine’s special forces against critical infrastructure in Crimea. Daniel and Michael Sawkiw Jr. The alleged aim of the action was to ‘destabilize the social and political situation dur- ing the federal and regional elections.’ ... UCCA that she was born in Canada to Russian “…National Security and Defense Secretary called the state- immigrants. She also mentioned that, prior NEW YORK – Executive Board members ment ‘hysterical and mendacious’ and added that ‘this provocative FSB nonsense is to her appointment as the next U.S. envoy of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of party of the hybrid war that Russia pursues against our country.’ to Ukraine, she’d preferred not to be posted America, together with Bishop Daniel of “Scariest was Putin’s uncompromising statement that ‘Ukraine is choosing terror’ overseas. However, given the current crisis the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the and that Kyiv was trying to provoke a conflict with Moscow. ... in Ukraine, she felt it was her duty to assist U.S.A. and Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan “Putin appears to have chosen the time and place. He has done the necessary dip- the Ukrainian people. Soroka of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, lomatic footwork. His military has marched up. He has fabricated a casus belli that Following her introductory remarks, met on August 8 with the newly confirmed resembles the Gleiwitz incident in 1939 that preceded Nazi Germany’s attack on Ambassador Yovanovitch thanked the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Poland. Given where the Russian troops are located, the Kremlin might want to seize Ukrainian American community for its Yovanovitch. the long-discussed land bridge from to Crimea after it has failed to build a years of commitment to supporting bridge over the Kerch Strait.” Following her warm words of welcome, Ukraine and expressed her desire to work Ambassador Yovanovitch briefly comment- closely with the community. – Senior Fellow Anders Aslund writing on August 10 in the New ed on her Foreign Service experience, as Atlanticist blog in a commentary titled “Is Putin Preparing a New Attack on Ukraine?” well as her personal background, stating (Continued on page 6) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35 No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

In time for Life Insurance Awareness Month, Young UNA’ers the UNA offers a “Guide to Life”

For the Serba family, Father’s Day 2016 had special meaning as all gathered with the patriarch of the family, Peter Serba, 92, in North Wildwood, N.J. Pictured above are Mr. Serba, secretary of UNA Branch 173, with his son Eugene Serba (a UNA auditor), grandson Greg Serba, granddaughter Diana Zetterstrom, great granddaughter Zoe Zetterstrom (age 2) and great grandson and the family’s newest UNA member Luke Zetterstrom (age 4 months). All four generations of the Serba family are UNA mem- bers. Peter Serba, 92, has been secretary of UNA Branch 173 in Wilmington, Del., since 1954. He personally has signed up almost 500 members for the UNA. Mr. Serba used two UNA products – the 20-Year Endowment and the Endowment at Age 18 – for his son, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Both endowment policies allow cash build-up while providing life insurance coverage. At maturity the policies can be “Guide to Life” released by the Ukrainian National Association. cashed in and the proceeds used for college tuition or other purposes.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – In time for Life not bought it, or bought more of it, because Insurance Awareness Month in September, they are unsure of how much or what type the Ukrainian National Association is offer- to buy. This guide will help readers make Do you have ing an informative publication, “Guide to good decisions. Life,” that not only provides facts and figures Besides explaining life insurance and about the UNA, UNA products and UNA ben- annuities in general, the “Guide to Life” is a a young UNA’er, efits, but also provides concise explanations comprehensive explanation of the value of insurance products and their value in and benefits of turning to the UNA in par- or potential establishing financial well-being. ticular for these products. In the guide, each UNA life insurance Organized in 1894 as a fraternal benefit product is featured on a two-page spread society for Ukrainian immigrants, the UNA young UNA’er that includes descriptions in Ukrainian and has been offering protection from the English, as well as a user-friendly rate stress of financial uncertainty for more in your family? chart. Readers will be able to easily calcu- than 120 years, at the same time offering late premiums for each UNA product. And opportunities to sustain a common bond – since the UNA has received numerous the Ukrainian heritage. Call the UNA Home Office, requests for bilingual product descriptions, The guide is available for free to individ- these can be especially valuable. uals and to organizations. To receive copies, 973-292-9800, According to recent studies by the life please contact Yuriy Symczyk at 800-253- Larysa Jasmin Kohutiak, daughter of insurance industry, more than 40 percent 9862, Ext. 3055. For more information to find out how to enroll. George and Luisa Kohutiak of Annapolis, Md., is a member of UNA of those surveyed believe they need, or about the UNA, please visit http://ukraini- Branch 83. She was enrolled by Dr. could benefit from, life insurance, but have annationalassociation.org/. Vsevolod and Lidia Kohutiak.

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: June 2016 Amount Name City State Bartoszyk Marion Mount Rainier MD $10.00 Gevas Nicholas Granger IN $120.00 Komarynsky Irene Stamford CT Burke Irene Brighton NY Hlibczuk Anita New York NY $100.00 Batz John Burlingame CA Chudio Bohdanna Short Hills NJ Kowerko O IL Bodnar Ulana Alexandria VA Czmola Bohdan Verona PA Ockerby Renata Buskirk NY Fischer Nella Silver Spring MD Dach Stephen La Puente CA Szymanskyj Irene Schiller Park IL $50.00 Bilinsky Yaroslav Newark DE Horodyskyj I Culpeper VA Tyrol Thomas Saugerties NY Krushelnycky Marko Kingston NY Kowalchyn Ted Scotch Plains NJ $5.00 Kopanycia Dorothy Trenton NJ Podryhula Oleh East Sandwich MA Koziupa Daniel Hoboken NJ Sarachmon Irene Woonsocket RI Nebesny Michael & Stefana Clinton IN TOTAL: $1,240.00 Shatynski Tunia & Ted Pennington NJ Onufreiczuk Boris Wathchung NJ Sincere thanks to all contributors $40.00 Dubas Ann Wayne NJ Psiuk Anna Monroe Twp NJ Kowalysko Michael Gaithersburg MD Smyk Andrew Livonia MI to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. Kytasty John Livonia MI Stawnychy Yuri Kinnelon NJ $25.00 Liskiwskyi-Liss Olga Lathrup Village MI Trusewych Maria Downers Grove IL The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only Okruch Rosalie Calumet City IL Turczeniuk Bohdan Elkins Park PA fund dedicated exclusively to supporting $20.00 Armstrong Dean North St Paul MN $15.00 Kulynych Myroslaw Jackson Heights NY the work of this publication. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly Mendacity epitomized Americans finally beginning to recognize Seems it all started on or about August 10. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of plotting a terrorist attack on Crimea and cited a purported con- how odious Putin really is, says commentator frontation with two Ukrainian “saboteurs” that resulted in the deaths of two Russian good time to be Putin” given the fears in servicemen. “There is no doubt that we will not let these things pass,” Mr. Putin said by Paul Goble the U.S., Brexit in Europe and the failed on state television, according to The New York Times. “But I would like to turn to our August, the month of vacations, is often Turkish coup, even if the prospects for eco- American and European partners. I think it is clear now that today’s Kyiv govern- referred to as the silly season in the media; ment is not looking for ways to solve problems by negotiations, but is resorting to nomic growth in Russia remain anything but this year, something important is hap- terror. This is a very worrying thing.” The FSB (successor to the KGB) said a but bright. pening in the American media: its leading Ukrainian spy network had been uncovered. There was even some video footage of “All this is correct,” the Moscow com- the FSB operation, which later was revealed to be phony. outlets are finally focusing on what most in mentator says, because “the situation in “These fantasies are just a pretext for another portion of military threats against Russia and its neighbors have long under- the Russian Federation is extremely bad Ukraine,” Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko said in a statement. “It is Russia who stood: Vladimir Putin has gone from and getting still worse.” But despite that, has been generously funding and supporting terrorism in the territory of Ukraine for strength to strength by odious means. “the Putin regime has as before one power- a long time and raising it to the level of its state policy.” At the United Nations, In the last few weeks, Moscow commen- ful resource: its willingness to use the most Ukraine’s Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko said the accusations were “completely tator Aleksandr Nemets says, the leading odious means and to exploit the chaos con- groundless” and commented: “The scenario looks very similar. That’s why we stand media in the United States – Time, nected with them.” Those are the only ready for any further provocative developments.” Newsweek, The New York Times, The things saving Mr. Putin and company just Next came reports from the Pentagon of Russian troop build-up near eight bor- Washington Post – and ’s Economist now. der points with Ukraine in the north, east and south. It was noted that as many as as well, have focused on Mr. Putin’s odious In the past, Mr. Nemets points out, 40,000 troops, plus tanks, armored vehicles and air force units were in place. It was methods because of his backing of Donald “Putin used… ‘ordinary terror’ in Russia, in a worrying development that led some observers to say a Russian invasion could be Trump in the American election (kasparov. Ukraine, in the U.S., and in Europe carried in the works. Then there was news of Russian forces and military equipment being ru/material.php?id=57A704084EE38). out by the hands of his own special servic- sent to the “separatist” forces in Ukraine’s east, and there were military exercises on After all the scandalous things Mr. Putin es and sometimes the hands of Al Qaeda or Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. has done in the past and largely gotten ISIS.” Now, however, he is using “cyber-ter- To top it all off, Mr. Putin convened a Russian Security Council meeting in Russian- away with, opposition to the Republican ror” in the hopes of bringing to power occupied Crimea on August 19. A real in-your-face move. At that meeting the Russian candidate is so strong that it is causing Trump, someone who appears to be pro- president said it was “obvious” that Ukraine had carried out an attack in Crimea these outlets to focus on Mr. Putin’s Russian and would “intensify chaos both in because it “doesn’t want to, or can’t for whatever reason, fulfill” the Minsk ceasefire involvement with the U.S. elections, an America and in the entire world.” agreement. Reuters reported that he stated: “Judging by all accounts, our partners in involvement that not only doesn’t appear If Messrs. Putin and Trump succeed, the to be helping Mr. Trump – his numbers are Kyiv have decided to escalate the situation. We are all familiar with this method of Kremlin would have “a free hand in down – but is clearly hurting Mr. Putin as escalation. It goes back a long way and has sometimes been used successfully but not Ukraine, in the South Caucasus, in Syria, in always. I hope that this won’t be a final choice... and that common sense will prevail.” well. the Baltic countries and in many other President Poroshenko stated on August 18 that chances of a further escalation were In short, after all his crimes – including regions. And ‘the creator of chaos’ could as “very significant,” adding “we don’t rule out a full-scale Russian invasion.” He even the invasion of Georgia, the invasion of a result return the super-high prices for oil suggested that he might have to declare martial law and a new military mobilization. Ukraine, the murder of dissenters at home and gas,” the ultimate dreams of Mr. Putin At least one U.S. expert reacted to the Russian moves by criticizing the inaction of and abroad, and his destruction of Russian and his regime, Mr. Nemets says. the United States and the West. “The fact that a full-scale Russian invasion is still a plau- democracy – Mr. Putin may now be held sible scenario after 30 months of conflict is an abject repudiation of an American policy accountable in the U.S. for what he is more Odiousness, “in the first instance, terror of ‘leading from behind’ and West European fetish for trying to find ‘off-ramps’ that generally because he is trying to affect the of all kinds and also false propaganda” is Putin hasn’t the slightest interest in taking,” Phillip Karber, a former U.S. arms control election there. “the Kremlin’s basic instrument and chaos official who now heads the Potomac Foundation, told The Washington Free Beacon. If that is the case, it would certainly rep- is its final goal.” Any chaos from the Why is Mr. Putin doing what he’s doing? There are several interpretations, ranging resent, although Mr. Nemets himself Kremlin’s point of view is good because it from preparations to seize even more Ukrainian territory to strengthening his bargain- doesn’t use the term, a real and most keeps others from recognizing what is ing position at the upcoming G-20 summit in China, where the plan is to resume talks unwelcome August surprise for the going on and organizing in response. about the “ceasefire” in Ukraine’s east. Bloomberg News quoted Serhiy Zgurets, head of Kremlin leader. Many Russian opposition figures, as the Defense Express military research center in Kyiv as saying: “This escalation may be Mr. Nemets begins his commentary by well as a large part of the citizenry in linked with the Kremlin’s desire to exit the current format of talks. It wants to return to citing one in Newsweek by U.S. analyst Ian Ukraine, and “to a lesser extent the citizens direct negotiations with the U.S. to divide spheres of interest.” Many commentators Bremmer who argues that “it is really a of the Baltic countries, Poland, Romania, have noted that Mr. Putin is seeking to decrease Western support for Ukraine and pres- Bulgaria, Sweden and Finland have already sure the West to agree to resolution of the conflict on Moscow’s terms. And, of course, Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on taken with greater or lesser success the there are those nasty Western sanctions. Mr. Putin wants them gone. ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia very useful courses” about Mr. Putin’s odi- The West should not fall for these latest stratagems by Moscow. And, by now, it who has served in various capacities in the ous nature “in 2014-2016.” should understand that the real terrorists are Moscow-supported, Moscow-supplied, U.S. State Department, the Central “Canada with its 1.5 million ethnic Moscow-instigated. Intelligence Agency and the International Ukrainians” has also begun to study this Unfortunately, it seems some are buying it – at least in part. Some Western states Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice special Putin subject. But until recently, blame the victim as much as the aggressor in this case. Furthermore, they don’t of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio the population of the U.S. had “preferred to much care about Ukraine and, let’s face it, just want to move on to business as usual Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for ignore” the obvious odiousness of the and resume trade with Russia. Even the U.S. administration is bending over back- International Peace. The article above is Putin regime. Now that may be changing wards to show evenhandedness in dealing with the two sides in this war. On August reprinted with permission from his blog and, if it is, Mr. Putin’s latest moves could 19, as reported by RFE/RL, Vice-President Joe Biden urged both Russia and Ukraine called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- backfire against him in ways he cannot to show restraint. Mr. Biden spoke with Mr. Poroshenko by phone and “relayed that woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). even imagine. the United States had sent a message to Russia that the world is watching and underscored the need to de-escalate the situation.” Mr. Biden “also urged Ukraine to show restraint.” Really? Ukraine is invaded, its territory is annexed, nearly 10,000 become better acquainted with the situa- are killed and about 1.7 million are displaced. How much restraint must Kyiv show? UCCA meets... tion on the ground. In the meantime, Mr. Putin continues his aggression, while blaming Ukraine for The UCCA thanked Ambassador (Continued from page 3) not implementing the Minsk agreement. His mendacity truly knows no bounds. Yovanovitch for the opportunity to meet During the over one-hour-long cordial and relate the community’s concerns prior meeting at the U.S. Department of State, the to her departure for Kyiv later this month. UCCA addressed several issues of concern, This is the ambassador’s second posting foremost among them the escalation of ten- in Ukraine, as she previously held the posi- Aug. Turning the pages back... sions as a result of Russia’s ongoing hybrid tion of deputy chief of mission in 2001- war against Ukraine, as well as Russia’s 2004. As a career member of the Foreign Last year, on August 31, 2015, violence erupted outside of continued illegal occupation of Crimea. Service, she has significant experience in 31 Ukraine’s Parliament that left three National Guardsmen killed This inspired an earnest discussion about the post-Soviet space, having served as U.S. (Ihor Debrin, 24; Oleksandr Kostyna, 20; and Dmytro Slastnikov, the current crisis in Ukraine and how to ambassador to Armenia and the Kyrgyz 21) and more than 130 people injured after a grenade was 2015 strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations. Republic. thrown by an ultranationalist protester from the Svoboda party. Archbishop Soroka and Bishop Daniel UCCA Executive Board members who The violence marred a public protest against legislation that pro- highlighted the work of the religious com- participated in the meeting included: posed granting more autonomy for the Russian-occupied territories in . munity, especially its volunteerism during Tamara Olexy, president; Andrij Futey, exec- Svoboda and the parties put the blame on President Petro Poroshenko, these past two critical years. They also utive vice-president; Marie Duplak, execu- with Svoboda issuing a statement that “the responsibility for the attack near the touched upon the active cooperation tive secretary; Roksolana Stojko-Lozynskyj, Parliament lies with the current government,” and that the explosion was “a preplanned among the various religious denominations external affairs chair; and Michael Sawkiw provocation against Ukrainian patriots.” within Ukraine and urged the ambassador Jr., director of the Ukrainian National (Continued on page 12) to meet with the religious hierarchy to Information Service. No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 7

The Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933: The things we do ... Another attempt at counting the victims by Orysia Paszczak Tracz

by Askold S. Lozynskyj on January 1, 1932, was 32,680,700, with 7,127,700 urban and 25,553,000 rural. Volodymyr Serhiychuk is a professor of Furthermore, as of October 1, 1932, accord- history at the Kyiv State University and one ing to the Central Committee of the of the more eminent researchers in Soviet Communist Party of Ukraine there were Visiting Ukrainian Canadian history archives. In terms of publishing his find- 31,909,000 total, with 7,235,000 urban and ings, he is perhaps the most prolific of the 24,674,000 rural. This second set of num- researchers. bers is important to show the serious One of the topics of his expertise is the decline in the rural population from Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933, known as January to October 1932 and the moderate the Holodomor. For a long time he simply increase in the urban population. The accepted the number of victims estimated decline is not compensated by the rise in by historians in the West. When the 7 mil- urban population. lion number was challenged in recent publi- Including these numbers in what has cations both in Ukraine and the West, Prof. been know to date, the following tables Serhiychuk decided to conduct his own represent the statistics found by Prof. research to establish, as well as reasonably Serhiychuk: possible – given the Soviet’s propensity for Total population of the Ukrainian SSR distortion, the number of Ukrainian Famine victims. In the course of researching 1926 census 28,925,900 archives and familiarizing himself with the January 1932 32,680,700 research and findings of others, he has October 1932 31,909,000 determined that there are serious flaws in 1937 census 28,213,800 some of the recent conclusions, particularly Total population difference between those diminishing the number of victims. January 1932 and 1937 is 4,466,900. If we The city of was the initial capital The Ukrainian Pionee Mass Grave Site near Olha, Manitoba. include the rate of growth between 1926 of the Ukrainian SSR. It was the capital dur- and January 1932 at the rate of 2.1 percent ing the Famine years of 1932-1933. While If it hadn’t been for Henry Kostiuk, we On our four-hour drive northwest of annually (this may include non-Ukrainians historians and demographers have general- would have still been roving the tree-lined Winnipeg, I again experienced the expanse as well) and apply it to 1934-1936, when ly referred to the three censuses of 1926, gravel roads around Olha, Manitoba. of the prairies, and their flatness. As far as famine was not in effect, the growth should 1937 and 1939 in attempting to establish For a day trip, my husband, Myroslaw, the eye can see, we, the road and the fields have been 1,828,254. Thus, the total popu- the number of victims, none to my knowl- and I decided to visit Olha, where there is a are about a few inches along the bottom of lation decline in the Ukrainian SSR from edge have come upon or used the docu- mass grave and monument to over 40 the landscape. The rest, from tire to tire, January 1932, when famine was beginning Ukrainian children and three adults who ments from 1932 that Prof. Serhiychuk from foot to foot, is all sky! Think of to take effect, to January 1937, prior to succumbed to scarlet fever just after arriv- recently discovered. These additional docu- William Kurelek’s paintings of the prairies. Stalin’s and Yezhov’s purges, was ing on the Canadian prairies. This is a ments shed much light on the extent of the Add to this the tilled and seeded blacker- 6,295,154. It is important to bear in mind Manitoba Municipal Heritage Site (No. 45). casualties. than-black earth fields all around. also that significant numbers of We knew we were going in the correct Specifically there are documents from On this sunny Manitoba morning we came into Ukraine’s cities in the late 1920s direction when the road sign at one inter- January and October 1932, which perhaps headed in the general direction of Riding for such projects as Dniprobud beginning section read “Olha Road/Shevchenko best illustrate the population of the Mountain National Park, with Dauphin (of in 1927, etc. Street.” Again, perfectly normal for the Ukrainian SSR at its height, since the fam- Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival fame) Canadian Prairies. on the other side of the park, but turned ine essentially began in the spring of 1932, Rural population of the Ukrainian SSR The provincial website describes the and the short-term effect of that famine. It west instead of north. With songs by Kvitka 1926 census 23,663,113 site located in the Oakburn area, rural is important also to consider a breakdown and Sofiya Fedyna filling the car, we were January 1932 25,553,000 municipality of Rossburn: between the rural and urban populations, going back in time. October 1932 24,674,000 “The Ukrainian Pioneer Mass Grave Site On the way back, we stopped at the Holy since it was the peasantry that was most is a tangible link to the struggle, devasta- 1937 census 18,825,842 Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church in affected. tion and loss experienced by newly arrived Oakburn, a newer brick building. The adja- It is also significant that the 1926 census Total rural population difference Ukrainian immigrants in the Vista area in cent cemetery is filled with crosses and included questions on migration, while between January 1932 and 1937 is 1899. monuments from the early years to the both the 1937 and 1939 censuses did not. 6,727,158. If we include the annual rate of “After enduring an arduous journey to present. The Orthodox cemetery is across Finally, it is important to recognize that, growth between 1926 and January 1932 of escape persecution in the Ukraine and to the road. The familiar Ukrainian names on since the decree of January 22, 1932, for- the rural population at 1.33 percent and seek a better life, a group of immigrants bade people from leaving the territory of apply it to 1934-1936, when famine was no temporarily camped at this location (pend- the monuments show how many families, the Ukrainian SSR, the total population of longer in effect, applying this rate to the ing the allocation of homesteads) suffered how many generations have put down the Ukrainian SSR could not have been lowest available number of the 1937 cen- an outbreak of scarlet fever that took the roots in this new land. much affected by outside migration. sus, the growth should have been 753,034. lives of over 40 children and three adults. Ukrainian place names fill the Canadian Prof. Serhiychuk was able to locate Thus, the total rural population decline in They were buried en masse as the frozen prairie provinces. In Manitoba, with their Soviet documents indicating that in January the Ukrainian SSR from January 1932, ground made individual burial too difficult. quaint, or convoluted and misspelled ver- 1932 there were 25,553,000 rural dwellers when famine was beginning to take effect, “About 50 years later the remains were sions, are: Olha, Prawda, Trembowla in the Ukrainian SSR. This was an increase to January 1937, prior to the purges, was removed to the present location, approxi- [Terebovlia], Zhoda [Z-hoda], Komarno, over the 1926 census number due to a nor- 7,480,192. mately 100 meters north of the original Ukraina, Okno [Vikno], Szewczenko [now mal growth rate of births exceeding deaths. Prof. Serhiychuk also stresses that the burial site. The gravesite, a unique example Vita], Jaroslaw, Kulish, Oleskiw, Horod, By 1937 that number had dropped precipi- victims of the Holodomor should refer not of a pioneer mass burial in Manitoba, is Halicz [Halych], Ozerna, Petlura, Seech, tously to 18,825,842. Some may suggest only to those whose names were recorded now a place of mourning, pride, gratitude Sirko, Zelena, Zoria and others. Chortitz is that the glaring decline in rural dwellers in the documents of death, but also those and celebration for surviving Ukrainian the German version of , which was not only due to mortality but aggravat- nameless hungry individuals who could not pioneers and their descendants. This con- was settled by Mennonites from that island ed due to migration of people to the cities travel to Russia for bread and were buried tinued importance is demonstrated by var- in the Dnipro River. in search of bread. Interestingly enough, near the railway stations in large graves ious monuments erected in association Add to this the many small village the censuses could not be used to support which even today no one has investigated. with significant events and by regular use Ukrainian churches with their pear-shaped any definite answer. However, there is evi- Similar graves exist near large factories and of the site to celebrate Ukrainian settle- domes, dzvinytsi (bell towers) and nearby dence of a significant number of Russians mines, whose directors did not hire local ment in Canada.” cemeteries, with the pale yellow ripening relocating into Ukrainian cities in the peri- farmers exhausted by hunger and instead wheat and cloudless blue sky – and you od of 1926 to 1937. recruited labor outside the Ukrainian SSR, Orysia Tracz may be contacted at have to stop and think about where you Published in Kharkiv, the capital of the for example, in Zaporizhia near the Dnipro. [email protected]. are. Ukrainian SSR, the document “Information Among the victims also were those who about the territory and population as of were executed or died in prison convicted January 1, 1932, in accordance with the of the crime of hoarding “five ears of grain,” findings of the Central Administrative whose bodies were not given to relatives Opinions in The Ukrainian Weekly Territorial Commission of the All Ukrainian for burial in his/her native village. Then Central Executive Committee” shows that there were many anonymous bread seek- Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators the total population of the Ukrainian SSR ers who were victims of cannibals or wild and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily animals. No statistics were kept on those reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney based who died from bullets of Soviet border in . He is a former president of or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. the Ukrainian World Congress. (Continued on page 13) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

Community leaders share their thoughts on Ukraine at 25

As 2016 is a particularly significant year for Ukraine, marking the 25th anniversary of Stefan Romaniw, president of the Australian the re-establishment of the country’s independence, The Ukrainian Weekly approached several community leaders in the United States, Canada and Australia, as well as the Federation of Ukrainian Organizations: Ukrainian World Congress and asked them to share their thoughts on Ukraine. Having landed again in Kyiv last week, I led the charge in most cases. Whether in Following are their responses. find it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the the village, or regional areas, or in the city, 25 years of Ukraine’s independence. Driving the people of Ukraine have shown that no from the airport into Kyiv, observing the enemy, no force will overcome the will for a Paul Grod, national president beauty of the country, the gold-domed national identity. churches, the cranes in the sky, observing Have we reached our goal? Not by a long of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress: the reverence around Evropeyska Ploshcha shot. Ukraine’s 25 years of independence has In recognition of the influence of our and Institutytska Street, reflecting on the Over the past years I have advocated for been continuously challenged by both foreign community, I was bestowed the “badge of battles on the Maidan and the tent city on programs to strengthen eastern Ukraine. and domestic foes. On its path to building a honor” as I was one of 13 Canadians sanc- the Khreshchatyk convinces one to say: Having visited met, planned and worked democratic, secure and prosperous Ukraine, a tioned by Russia in 2014, and also named What a resilient nation we are and how with people in these regions I was amazed critical role has been played by the Ukrainian three years in a row as one of the “Top 100 committed are the people of Ukraine! again at their willingness to continue the diaspora led by the Ukrainian World People Influencing Canada’s Global Future” The journey to independence was not struggle. To those who over these years Congress and its constituent organizations. At by Embassy and Hill Times’ Power and only difficult but horrific. The Soviet domi- who have tried to split Ukraine and spoke nation, the Russian oppression, the no time in the last 100 years has Ukraine’s Influence magazine. This is largely the of a divided Ukraine: You were wrong. I viv- Communist way of dehumanizing a nation statehood had greater support among the result of the efforts of thousands of our vol- idly remember visiting Stakhanov, on the left their mark. international community than today. unteers, who dedicate countless hours outskirts of , and meeting with stu- The wars, the commitment of the Arguably, there is no other country in the working for UCC and our member organi- dents who heavily questioned issues of the world that has provided such unequivocal zations nationally, provincially and locally, Sichovi Striltsi, the students at Kruty, the OUN and the UPA, the Dyviziynyky and Holodomor, the OUN and the UPA as being and unwavering support for Ukraine in the to whom I am eternally grateful. propaganda. But after work and discus- past 25 years as has Canada. A united, orga- The relationship between our Canada other formations who fought for a Ukraine that was Ukrainian have also left their sions over a period of time, many of them nized and sophisticated Ukrainian Canadian and Ukraine is grounded in a special cultur- ended up on the Maidan, saying: We now community led for the past 75 years by the al relationship – 1.3 million Canadians mark. understand. We now hear many fighting in Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) has trace their roots back to Ukraine. It is how- Let’s remember those who sat in prisons Donetsk, saying: We now understand the been at the core of ensuring this support. ever more than votes or cultural interests. in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the liquidation of UPA. We are the new UPA, fighting the same Our team followed the well-developed This relationship has evolved into one of Churches and many other historical facts, principles of the previous UCC presidents shared values, mutual economic interests which set Ukraine on the path of no return. enemy for the same reasons. that have ensured our community’s effec- and geopolitical interests. The late 1980s saw Narodnyi Rukh and We now have the Institute of National tiveness and influence. Firstly, we have Canada’s new government, elected in other formations demanding change. Memory working on de-Communization. been united under the umbrella of the UCC October 2015, has demonstrated continued With change and independence, other Its purpose is to rid Ukraine of the painful which has included virtually every major strong support for Ukraine. One of Prime struggles commenced. The road to democ- reminders of the oppressor. Ukrainian Canadian organization in Minister Justin Trudeau’s first official bilat- racy was scattered with many incidents When we first started to be here regular- Canada, ensuring our grassroots relevance. eral foreign visits was to Ukraine, where he and actions. ly, my wife would ask: Why is that Lenin Secondly, UCC has maintained nonpartisan travelled on July 10-12, 2016. Prime The and the statue still on Shevchenko Boulevard ? The support for issues of importance to the Minister Trudeau continued the tradition of Revolution of Dignity continued the strug- response at that time was that people were Ukrainian Canadian previous Prime gle for a Ukraine that is Ukrainian. One can- not ready to shed their past, that there were community from all Canada is at the fore- Ministers in inviting not but admire, honor and respect the those who saw Lenin as part of history. of Canada’s major a sizeable delega- tenacity of the Ukrainian people in their parties. Thirdly, we front of international tion from the struggle. The grassroots of Ukraine have (Continued on page 13) have had a profes- support for Ukraine. Ukrainian Canadian sional and sophisti- Congress. cated government relations strategy which During Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit the ensures we regularly present well-docu- Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement was Marianna Zajac, president of the Ukrainian mented policy positions to all key policy- signed, opening a new chapter in relations National Women’s League of America: makers in Canada, including the prime between our countries, and additional minister, every key minister, members of Canadian support to Ukraine was I had the honor of being elected presi- despair. There are flashbacks to historic Parliament and government officials from announced. Speaking to Canadian Armed dent of the Ukrainian National Women’s moments and events: the first steps leading federal, provincial and municipal govern- Forces personnel who are training Ukrainian League of America in 2008; since that time to democracy, stolen elections followed by ments. soldiers in Yavoriv, Prime Minister Trudeau I have worked to sustain and enhance the more or less free elections, the Orange Canada was at the forefront of support- stated, “The reason we’re here supporting relationship established by my predeces- Revolution, the Maidan, the corruption of ing the rights of the Ukrainian people to Ukraine is not just because Ukraine is a good sors between the UNWLA and Ukraine. those in power, the heroism of the peaceful demonstration and freedom of friend to Canada and the Ukrainian people This relationship has evolved through the Heavenly Hundred, Russia’s relentless speech during the Revolution of Dignity are good friends to us. It’s because the val- years and through changing circumstances. aggression and destabilization, the annexa- and is now one of the world’s leaders in ues, the principles that they’re fighting for The past two years have been uniquely tion of Crimea, the invasion of the Donbas, supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity are the values and principles that we stand challenging; the needs in Ukraine are the clearly failed Minsk “peace” accord… and sovereignty in the face of Russia’s bru- for and that we fight for.” urgent and great. Our organization has But there is also a glimmer of faith in the tal war of aggression. When former Prime In the last 125 years since the first undertaken extensive work to alleviate future, bolstered by the strength and resil- Minister of Canada Stephen Harper visited Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Canada, these needs, from advocating for humani- ience displayed by the Ukrainian people. Ukraine multiple times since Russia’s inva- there have been five distinct waves of tarian aid in Congress to representing And so we dare to hope. sion and its Foreign Minister John Baird Ukrainian immigrants. Each wave built on Ukraine’s general interests in Washington. As the current UNWLA president I will visited during the Maidan, each time they the successes of their predecessors. The The UNWLA is helping the wounded and be in Ukraine on the date of the country’s invited a Ukrainian Canadian delegation to sum has become a united and organized the families of the fallen in Ukraine, as well 25th anniversary of independence, part of a participate as a key stakeholder that would Ukrainian community that today yields sig- as the displaced families. In addition, we’ve celebratory and historic moment that will continue the work after they returned to nificant influence with government and helped the doctors treating the wounded be simultaneously sweet and somber. Old Canada. Canada was instrumental in influ- opinion leaders, and has ensured interna- and have become a major donor to the friends and new will celebrate together; all encing the leaders of the G-7 to exclude tional support for Ukraine. Today, as newly formed Mental Health Institute of us will be profoundly aware of the unre- Russia. Canada provided military equip- Ukraine faces serious threats to its inde- (treating PTSD) at the Ukrainian Catholic solved issues and precarious situation con- ment expeditiously when Ukraine needed it pendence, our diaspora’s unity is more the most. We have ensured that Ukraine is important than ever. We must never fall vic- University. fronting the Ukrainian people, the uncer- a country of focus and a top recipient of tim to the low brow or perhaps purposely We are proud of our accomplishments tain future. During this trip I will also be humanitarian aid and technical assistance manufactured divisive actions. and feel we have contributed to Ukraine’s visiting the wounded soldiers and volun- from Canada. Canada’s contingent of 200 As we look forward to the opportunities endeavors to become a democratic and teers who are dedicating themselves to the soldiers is currently the largest internation- of the next 25, 75 or 125 years, let us prosperous nation. peaceful and sovereign nation they hope to al force training Ukrainian armed forces, in redouble our efforts in support of Ukraine. It has not always been easy. Reflecting see and be a part of. We congratulate every addition to the dozens of Canadian police If each of us tasked ourselves every day on 25 years of Ukraine’s independence, I Ukrainian who has been part of this pro- that are training and funding Ukraine’s new with the question, “What will I do today to (like most members of the Ukrainian dias- cess! We congratulate the land of our fore- police force. This support and assistance help Ukraine?” Ukraine will soon become a pora) remember days filled with hopes and bears and continue to hope and pray for its was secured in no small part because of the prosperous, democratic and peaceful coun- even euphoria, days of disappointment and future! efforts of our community. try that respects the dignity of its people. concern, and, at times, something akin to Slava Ukrayini! No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 9

Ukraine at 25: Missed opportunities, new geopolitical challenges Ukrainian economy along the lines of the of their limited political horizons and limit- The Ukrainian Weekly’s editor, Matthew Dubas, collected a scholarly analysis of the Polish post-1990 model. If Poland and ed opportunities, they did not move 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s renewed independence on August 24, 1991. Scholars were Ukraine possessed a similar Gross Ukraine forward to a higher standard of liv- asked to provide their thoughts on the significance of the anniversary, the course Ukraine Domestic Product (GDP) in 1990, Poland’s ing, economically or politically, or consoli- has taken during 25 years and what the current situation points to for the future. is now three times larger than Ukraine’s. date Ukrainian independence. The subsequent level of corruption in Ukraine has remained independent for George O. Liber Independent States, as many of Yeltsin’s Ukrainian society far surpassed that of 25 years, far longer than the independent political advisers preferred. what existed in the last decades of the states which emerged after the First World The Verkhovna Rada’s declaration of Independence for Ukraine arrived in late USSR. According to the most recent report War (and disappeared in the second). This Ukrainian independence on August 24, 1991, 1991, but it was a very unexpected and by Transparency International, perceived is a major accomplishment. But the past and the overwhelming support for this deci- unplanned independence, an unintended levels of public sector corruption are trends do not necessarily foretell the future. sion during the subsequent December refer- consequence of Mr. Gorbachev’s failed among the highest in the world. The people of Ukraine have always lived in endum marked the end of the USSR and the efforts to liberalize (not democratize!) the Although the central authorities succeed- a tough and brutally violent neighborhood in creation of a new political landscape in East Soviet system in order to make the USSR ed in dampening the pro-Russian separatist East Central Europe. With the Second World Central Europe, long dominated by the competitive with the West. Fueled by threat in the Crimea in 1992-1994, they did War, the USSR ended the Polish and German Russian Empire and then the . In visions of the dazzling wealth of the not address the new state’s long-standing threats to Ukraine’s existence. With the col- place of the USSR, 15 new countries European Union and by the Ukrainian politi- social, national, and regional divisions. lapse of the USSR, Mr. Yeltsin’s Russian emerged, miraculously without mass vio- cal elite’s promises of a similar economic Instead, Leonid Kuchma in his 1994 presi- Federation was weak and cautious in the lence. But this “miracle” represented a his- future, popular expectations and illusions dential campaign and in 1990s, and reluctantly respected Ukraine’s torical accident, which Vladimir Putin and skyrocketed. But Ukraine’s elites arrived at his 2004 and 2010 campaigns enhanced borders. Under Mr. Putin’s stewardship in the the Russian political elite now seek to rectify. independence without a long-term and well- regional divisions and stoked a Russophone 21st century, Russia is no longer the 98-pound The USSR’s long decline in the 1970s and balanced strategy to introduce open mar- sense of grievance with baseless conspiracy weakling on the Eurasian continent. Mr. Putin 1980s and Soviet leader Mikhail kets, democratic institutions, or to integrate theories about forced Ukrainization. During and his inner circle are ready to exploit all Gorbachev’s reforms of the Soviet economic Ukraine into European structures. his presidency (2010-2014), Mr. Yanukovych Ukrainian and Western weaknesses to revive and political structure produced an opening Most importantly, there was no revolu- actively sought to overturn the gains which Russia’s control of the post-Soviet space and to for the cultural and political elites in the tionary break after 1991. Soviet Ukraine the and culture won in resurrect its great power status. empire’s second most important republic to became independent Ukraine in name only. the public sphere after independence. The geo-political window of opportunity compete for popular support by advocating The new leaders did not immediately dis- Paradoxically, President Vladimir Putin’s for Ukrainian independence, which opened policies promoting home rule and the mantle the Soviet political system in annexation of the Crimea and his active sup- 25 years ago, is now closing. It is critically expansion of the Ukrainian language and Ukraine, merely tinkered with it. This port for pro-Russian separatists in the important for the post- gov- culture. The August 1991 coup in Moscow served the interests of Ukraine’s political Donbas unintentionally mobilized Ukraino- ernments to redouble their efforts to con- accelerated widespread disgust with the elite, who (outside of Western Ukraine) phone and the overwhelming majority of solidate the Ukrainian civic identity, rekin- Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which continued to rule not as members of the Russophone citizens in support of a Ukraine dle its economy along Western models, Mr. Gorbachev headed, and solidified the Communist Party (which they loyally fully sovereign and territorially restored. limit corruption, secure its borders with power of Boris Yeltsin’s presidency of the served until 1990), but as members of the Ukraine’s political actors had many Russia, and strengthen their alliances with Russian Federation over Mr. Gorbachev’s party of power. The 1977 Soviet Ukrainian opportunities, but often chose short-term the international community. Time is not presidency of the Soviet Union. Constitution remained in place until the and self-serving policies since 1991. In light on Ukraine’s side. The Ukrainian cultural and political drafting of a new Constitution in 1996. elites took advantage of this Gorbachev- The new Constitution did not create a Yeltsin conflict to press for and to win inde- balance of power among the executive, leg- pendence. They emphasized a complete islative and judicial branches (as in the divorce from the USSR and from the United States), but concentrated most Russian Federation, not a reconstituted political power in the presidency; the judi- USSR-lite within the Commonwealth of cial branch remained emasculated. The party of power remained in place, creating George O. Liber is Professor of History at the murky environment which spawned the University of Alabama at Birmingham the new oligarchs, who converted their ill- and author of “Total Wars and the Making gotten wealth into political as well as eco- of Modern Ukraine, 1914-1954” (University nomic power. The post-Soviet elites squan- of Press, 2016). dered their opportunities to transform the Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame and Museum to host induction banquet WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Ukrainian both professional and amateur sports Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in while forever enriching the memories of Whippany, N.J., (USMHOF) on September fans; we also will organize, nurture, and 17 is holding the Inaugural Ukrainian educate youth in the spirit of sports with Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet pride in the Ukrainian national heritage. and Ceremony and Grand Opening of the We depend on your sponsorship for Ukrainian Sports Museum. In conjunc- the continuation of our programming tion with this event, a commemorative and your purchase of advertisement book will be printed in honor of this space in our Gala Souvenir Book is one momentous occasion. This book will list way to showcase that support. Enclosed all the professional and amateur induct- please find information and a form for ees with a short biography of their your use regarding ad space in our book. achievements. We hope that you will consider support- The mission of the USMHOF is: a not- ing us. The Ukrainian Sport Museum for-profit association dedicated to hon- Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit oring those individuals, teams, events, and all donations are tax deductible. organizations and venues prominent in Please return the form no later than the history of Ukrainian athletics; the August 26. Should you require addition- Hall/Museum recognizes the timeless al information, please feel free to contact intertwining of sport into the fabric of us at [email protected] or call everyday life; with this as a credo the 973-919-1322. Ukrainian Sports Museum and Hall of Again, thank you for the consider- Fame is devoted to honoring those per- ation. We look forward to your financial sons, places, organizations and events support and to your presence at the that have made outstanding contribu- event as we celebrate this historical tions through inspiring achievement in occasion on September 17! 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

Andrij Zwarych Andrij Zwarych 2016 camp directors (from left) Christina Temnycky, Marko Mulyk, Musia Older teens of the camp popularly known as U2 prepare for their canoe trip at O’Connell, Ira Perkhalyuk and Pavlo Temnycky. Lake George. Over 250 campers enjoy adventures at Plast camp in East Chatham, N.Y.

by Chrystia Jackiw Brozyna EAST CHATHAM, N.Y. – On a damp and overcast July morning, parents and their young campers were busy unpacking their supplies and making the Vovcha Tropa campground in East Chatham, N.Y., their home for the next few weeks. They traveled from different parts of the United States, as well as Ukraine, Canada, Austria and Sweden. Some were eager to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, others a little anxious to leave their loved ones, but all appeared excited to begin yet another camping adventure in a most picturesque setting at this beloved campground of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. The rain held off, and the opening ceremonies were held on the large sports field, overlooked from above by a breathtaking wooden Carpathian-style chapel. Five sepa- rate camps were represented with a total of 252 campers and 58 counselors. Parents busily snapped photos, taking in the last moments they could see their precious children for two weeks. And just like that, after prayer, the raising of the flags and a welcome from the camp administration, the Vovcha Tropa camping experience was under way and the Mark Mulyk good times commenced. Plast scouts at Whiteface Mountain, near Lake Placid, N.Y. Two weeks were spent preparing each camp’s theme, song and christening ceremonies; campers built intricate Den Plastuna was officially closed on Sunday, July 24, This year’s Plast motto is: “The only one who lives is the wooden gates and fences, played sports, sang, did crafts, with divine liturgy led by Bishop Paul Chomnycky, followed one who does not live for himself.” The hope is that the swam, hiked, explored the vast forest terrain and enjoyed by the lowering of the flags and a formal marching exit of all experiences children have at Plast camp and in the Plast campfires. This was a time to leave hectic schedules and camps. The “U2” campers (as the camp for Plast scouts age system do indeed transform them into people for others, tech-heavy lifestyles behind and appreciate the simplicity 15-16 is popularly known) had their closing ceremonies concerned not merely about themselves, but about every- and tranquility of nature and the importance of friendship and bid farewell to each other, while the rest of the campers one around them and society as a whole. and camaraderie. enjoyed a few more leisurely hours with their families. In Much credit it due to the Vovcha Tropa administration, After countless adventures and friendships forged, “Den the late afternoon, all campers were reunited back at camp, led by Taras Popel, who work tirelessly year-round in pre- Plastuna” – the traditional weekend celebration following having said their good-byes and anxiously awaiting what all paring all camp facilities and grounds, rounding up a stellar two weeks of Plast camp life – arrived. The steady hum at consider to be “the best week of camp.” Meanwhile, the roster of camp directors and counselors, and ensuring that Vovcha Tropa began to increase in volume as parents and one-week camp for first-time campers (age 7), run by the all camps run smoothly and safely. Also noteworthy are loved ones checked in to visit their campers. On Saturday, Plast sorority Spartanky was off to a great start. the many staffers who work day and night to provide all July 23, the weekend kicked off with prayer, flag-raising cer- As always, all good things must come to an end. On necessary services, as well as some comforts of home, to emonies and performances of all the camps’ song. Saturday, July 30, individual camp closing ceremonies took the campers. And a thank-you is due to the camp directors Afterwards, the campers were free to spend the bulk of the place and everyone held hands in one last circle marking – Musia O’Connell, Mark Mulyk, Ira Perkhalyuk, Pavlo day with their families and recount the many stories of their the end of the day (“kolo na dobranich”). After protracted Temnycky, Christina Temnycky and Yura Prawak – and all camp escapades. All campers returned to their camps in and emotional farewells, this year’s campers and counsel- camp counselors for accepting the hefty responsibility of the evening to share a most awe-inspiring experience with ors packed their belongings and drove off Vovcha Tropa to caring for the children and sharing with them the charm of their loved ones at the traditional Den Plastuna bonfire. resume their family lives. Plast camp.

OTK Nadia Nynka Kupalo festivities (a tradition on midsummer’s night) for the younger campers. The “novaky” at luau night. No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 11 Irene Kulbida crowned Miss Soyuzivka 2017 by Bohdana Puzyk active in the Ukrainian community by being a teacher’s assistant in the Ukrainian school and a member of both the KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The annual Miss Soyuzivka Zorepad and Syzokryli Dance Groups. The recipient of Contest, marking its 50th anniversary, was held at both the Marriott Marquis and the Tisch Center Patron Soyuzivka Ukrainian Heritage Center on August 13. Scholarships, Ms. Kulbida enjoys photography, cooking, Irene Kulbida of Niskayna, N.Y., was crowned Miss baking and jogging. Soyuzivka 2017 with Teya Lucyshyn of East Aurora, N.Y., Ms. Lucyshyn is the daughter of Tamara and Nicholas as the runner-up. Ms. Kulbida danced with Michael Lucyshyn. She attends Hobart and William Smith College Koziupa, first vice-president of Ukrainian National and Ms. Lucyshyn enjoys Ukrainian dance, is also very Association, her first dance as Miss Soyuzivka 2017, while active in student government at her school and in Fight Ms. Lucyshyn danced with Stefko Drabyk, assistant man- Against Cancer. ager of Soyuzivka as music by Tempo entertained the This year’s judges were Kathy Nalywajko, first vice- guests. president of the Ukrainian Institute of America in New Ms. Kulbida is the daughter of Lydia and Nicholas York, Anna Zaiachkivska, Miss World Ukraine, and Consul Kulbida and attends New York University. Irene is also General of Ukraine in New York Ihor Sybiga.

Left to right: UNA First Vice-President Michael Koziupa, Consul General Ihor Sybiga, Miss Teya Lucyshyn, Miss Irene Kulbida (Miss Soyuzivka 2017), Miss Anna Zaiachkivska and Stefko Drabyk, assistant manager of Soyuzivka. Irene Kulbida, Miss Soyuzivka 2017 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

Crimean Tatars at an Organization for annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine’s and 19 other Russian military and civilian NEWSBRIEFS Security and Cooperation event in Warsaw. Foreign Affairs Ministry on August 18 pub- officials. Mr. Lutsenko said the officials are Mr. Feygin posted a photograph of the lished a statement saying the CIS “has been suspected of “committing especially seri- (Continued from page 2) order barring him from leaving on Twitter formally notified about the Ukrainian ous crimes against the foundations of attacks in Crimea. Kyiv denies any such on August 18 and said it also is intended “to stance regarding the Russian intention to Ukraine’s national and civil security, peace, plots. Recent weeks have also seen a block my visits to Ukraine.” Mr. Feygin was spread [the elections] into the temporarily and international law and order,” adding noticeable increase in shelling and other one of the main defense lawyers for occupied territory” of Crimea and the that Kyiv plans to seek international war- violence in eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv is Ukrainian military aviator Nadiya Crimean city of Sevastopol. It noted that the rants for their arrests. Not be outdone, battling against Russia-back separatists. Savchenko, who spent nearly two years in elections “will not have any legal conse- Russia’s Investigative Committee returned Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Russian custody after being captured in quence” and added that any monitoring of fire on August 24, saying that a criminal August 17 warned that he does not rule out Ukraine. The document that Mr. Feygin the “farce election will be seen as an investigation had been opened into Mr. “a full-scale Russian invasion” and said that posted indicates that Russian court bailiffs unfriendly move.” The CIS is an organiza- Shoigu’s Ukrainian counterpart, Stepan if the situation in the east and around ordered the travel ban because he is a tion of some former Soviet republics. Nine Poltorak, and other military officials. They Crimea continues to deteriorate, “we will “debtor from the Russian Federation.” Mr. of them – Armenia, Azerbaijan, , are accused of war crimes and violations of have to impose martial law and order Feygin did not comment on the nature of , Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, a 2015 cease-fire in the eastern Ukrainian mobilization.” (RFE/RL, based on reporting the purported debt. (RFE/RL) Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan – are full mem- region known as the Donbas, according to a by RIA-Novosti, Reuters and AFP) bers, while Turkmenistan and Ukraine are statement from the agency, Russia’s top Kyiv protests CIS election monitors in Crimea associate states. Georgia withdrew from investigative body. Fighting in parts of the Feygin barred from leaving Russia the CIS after the war against Russia in KYIV – Ukraine has protested to the Donbas has surged in recent weeks, with 2008. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed sepa- MOSCOW – Prominent Russian human Commonwealth of Independent States Interfax and RIA Novosti) rights lawyer Mark Feygin has been barred (CIS) over the organization’s plans to send ratists exchanging mortar, artillery, and from leaving Russia in a move he says is monitors to the Russian State Duma elec- Two Ukrainian Olympians fail doping retest gunfire. Tensions there spiked earlier this aimed at preventing him from defending tions in the region of Crimea, which Russia month after Moscow said it had detained a BUDAPEST – Eleven Olympic weightlift- group of Ukrainian saboteurs in Crimea, ing medalists will be stripped of their med- and large columns of military equipment als after failing retests of their doping sam- were seen moving around the Ukrainian ples from the 2008 Olympic Games in peninsula, which Russia seized and Beijing. The International Weightlifting annexed in 2014. Kyiv rejects Russian accu- Federation (IWF) said the 11 athletes test- sations of “provocations” in Crimea and TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 ed positive for a range of banned substanc- war-torn eastern Ukraine. The likelihood of or e-mail [email protected] es. They have all been provisionally sus- either country putting the accused top offi- pended until the doping cases are decided. cials on trial is virtually nil, though both SERVICES PROFESSIONALS The IWF said in a statement on August 24 nations allow for trials in absentia. A law- that Chinese gold medalists Cao Lei, Liu maker in Russia’s upper house of parlia- Chunhong, and Chen Xiexia all tested posi- ment, meanwhile, suggested one way to tive for GHRP-2, which stimulates growth further tweak Kyiv: by staging criminal pro- hormone production. The IWF said the ceedings against Ukrainian officials in areas other eight medalists, including current of the Donbas territory controlled by sepa- world-record holder Andrei Rybakou of ratist forces. More than 9,500 people have Belarus who won silver in 2008, all tested been killed in the fighting, according to positive for various anabolic steroids. The international observers, and tens of thou- other medalists are Belarus’s Anastasia sands have been displaced. (RFE/RL) Novikova, Kazakhstan’s Maria Grabovetskaya and Irina Nekrasova, Trump aides fought release of Tymoshenko Russia’s Khadzhimurat Akkaev and Dmitry WASHINGTON – U.S. Republican presi- Lapikov, and Ukraine’s Natalya Davydova dential candidate Donald Trump’s cam- and Olha Korobka. (Based on reporting by paign aides in 2012 reportedly fought the AP and Interfax) release of Ukrainian political leader Yulia Russia, Ukraine target military leaders Tymoshenko when she was in jail. The Associated Press reports that a consulting KYIV – Russia and Ukraine traded salvos firm run by former Trump campaign chair- this week with dueling criminal investiga- man Paul Manafort and his deputy Rick tions against each other’s top military Gates was working for Ukraine’s Party of brass, a new front in the ongoing conflict Regions and directed a multimillion-dollar between the two countries. Ukrainian lobbying effort between 2012 and 2014 Prosecutor-General that undercut U.S. public support for Ms. launched the opening legal hand grenade Tymoshenko, though she was considered a on August 22, announcing a probe into Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (Continued on page 13)

this would not be an adequate response to Turning... the ultranationalist threat. FOR RENT Serhiy Leshchenko of the Petro (Continued from page 6) Poroshenko Bloc said, “The radicalization Right Sector spokesman Artem of society is inevitable in a climate of cor- Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Skoropadskyi told 112 Ukraine TV, “this is rupt government and a lack of decisive Maplewood New Jersey is looking exactly the same thing that happened dur- reforms. Or radicalization is intensified by for a husband and wife team ing the regime of [former President Viktor] our total militarization.” Mr. Leshchenko to rent a 3 bedroom 1 and 1/2 Yanukovych – the use of force, the violent noted previous attacks by ultranationalists bathroom house with caretaker dispersal of peaceful protests, beating the that had gone unpunished, including a gre- responsibilities for the church and opposition, and so on.” nade attack on a gay-pride event, a gre- grounds at a reduced rent. Despite the role that ultranationalists nade-launcher attack on the Zakarpattia For more information call Alex at played during the Euro-Maidan revolt that 973-714-2459. Oblast, and the beating of the head of UT-1 forced Mr. Yanukovych from power, voters state television channel by Svoboda party soundly rejected the ultranationalists dur- lawmakers. Mr. Leshchenko suggested that FOR SALE ing the May 2014 presidential election and Right Sector could emerge politically viable the November 2014 parliamentary elec- from these events if its distances itself from tions. Svoboda. FOR SALE OR RENT Mr. Poroshenko called the violence “a “This was a terrorist act,” popular blog- 2 bedroom condo at St. Andrew stab in the back” for the entire country. ger Oleksiy Bratushchak wrote on the Ukrainian Condo Association in Prime Minister elabo- Ukrayinska Pravda website. “Those who North Port, Fl. rated further, “The cynicism of this crime threw this grenade and injured people are OPPORTUNITIES For information please call Yuri: lies in the fact while the Russian Federation terrorists. No matter what they did yester- 847-404-9538 and its bandits are trying and failing to day, today they are terrorists. And together destroy the Ukrainian state on the eastern with this comrade-in-arms, he belongs to a Earn extra income! front, the so-called pro-Ukrainian political terrorist organization.” The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Run your advertisement here, forces are trying to open another front in for advertising sales agents. the heart of the country.” Source: “Kyiv violence steps up pressure to For additional information contact in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Following an investigation, 18 people, reject ultranationalists,” by Robert Coalson Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, CLASSIFIEDS section. including the alleged grenade thrower, (RFE/RL), The Ukrainian Weekly, September The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. were arrested, however, critics argued that 6, 2015. No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 13

la. Mr. Sentsov, who has said he was unfair- work tirelessly in trying to keep Ukraine NEWSBRIEFS ly prosecuted by what he called the “occu- Stefan Romaniw... and the Ukrainian spirit front and center. piers” of Crimea, was sentenced to a We have had a minister of finance, (Continued from page 12) (Continued from page 8) 20-year sentence last August following a Natalka Jaresko, in the Cabinet. We now political prisoner by the United States and trial that Amnesty International described The Ukrainianization process and work have Ulana Suprun as acting minister of European governments at the time. Mr. as “fatally flawed.” (RFE/RL Crimean Desk, with youth, families and the general popu- health. We have many from the diaspora Manafort resigned from the Trump cam- RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) lation by many formations and organisa- assisting with strategizing, reforming and paign last week amid revelations about his tions that worked on the premise of under- supporting the overall cause. We have a Austrian court rejects Firtash’s appeal undisclosed lobbying for the Ukrainian standing Ukrainian as a posi- highly successful program in Patriot party and Ukraine’s pro-Russian President VIENNA – Austria’s Constitutional Court tive tool to re-engage people, to think about Defence. We are out to change the way Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted by a has refused to consider an appeal by who we are, have started to take effect. No business is done. popular uprising in 2014. Gates continues Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash in longer do they believe the propaganda that Unity to act when required has been the to serve as Trump’s campaign liaison with an attempt to fight his extradition to the nationalism was fascist and an enemy of diaspora’s mantra – this cannot be disput- the Republican National Committee. Ms. United States, where he is wanted on cor- the people. ed. Tymoshenko, who was Ukraine’s prime ruption charges. Mr. Firtash had petitioned The demolition of Lenin statues and As time moves on, we see that things minister from 2007 to 2010, was jailed on the court to recognize the U.S.-Austrian other Communist symbols happened as take a natural course. We see that two embezzlement charges following her gov- extradition agreement as unconstitutional. people began to be more informed, to have wings of the OUN – Banderivtsi and ernment’s defeat by Mr. Yanukovych in The court’s rejection of his case, reported a better understanding that their future Melnykivtsi – are working actively on the 2010. (Based on reporting by AP) by Deutsche Welle on August 19, allows an could not be built on the atrocities of the international level, working in partnership appeal by the Vienna prosecutor’s office of Germany, Russia, France discuss eastern Ukraine former Communist-Soviet regime. and currently are in strong negotiations a court ruling prohibiting Mr. Firtash from So where are we today? about becoming a single entity again. MOSCOW – The Kremlin has announced being extradited to the United States to be Today Ukraine continues its battle with We see the dialogue between the that the leaders of Russia, Germany, and considered. U.S. officials are seeking Mr. the Russian aggressor in eastern Ukraine, Churches striving towards common France will meet on the sidelines of an Firtash’s extradition in the case of some Ukraine continues to demand that Crimea ground, if not unity as one entity, when it upcoming G20 summit to discuss the situa- $18.5 million in bribes being paid for a per- must be returned, Ukraine continues to call counts. Who can forget the role of the tion in eastern Ukraine. A recent upsurge in mit to mine titanium in India. Mr. Firtash, on the international community for sup- Churches during the Revolution of Dignity? fighting in eastern Ukraine, where govern- 51, is a co-owner along with Gazprom of port. The Ukrainian people are demanding Indeed, 25 years of independence has ment forces are fighting Russia-backed sep- RosUkrEnergo, a Swiss-registered compa- reforms, and quickly. changed people’s attitudes and values. aratists, plus fresh tensions in Crimea are ny that exports natural gas from Voices of support come in many shapes I have intentionally not discussed the raising concerns that a fragile cease-fire Turkmenistan to Eastern Europe. He also and forms. The Canadian, U.S., British, role of governments and the need for them controls a large part of the titanium busi- agreed in Minsk in February 2015 could Australian and European and other govern- to step up to the plate on many issues, ness in Ukraine and is one of that country’s collapse. The Kremlin said Russian ments continue to provide support in vari- because I wanted to devote these words to richest men. Austrian officials arrested Mr. President Vladimir Putin discussed the sit- ous ways. People have also realized that the people of Ukraine, who have been and uation in eastern Ukraine during a phone Firtash at the request of U.S. law enforce- this is only part of the solution, that the continue to be the engine leading Ukraine call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel ment agencies in March 2014. He was nation itself has to take major responsibili- over 25 years. If it were not for the people, and French President Francois Hollande on released from detention shortly afterwards ty. we would be looking at a different Ukraine August 23. The Kremlin said the three will when he posted bail of 125 million euros We see the diaspora continuing to do in 2016. I also wanted to acknowledge our meet on the sidelines of a summit for the ($172 million), a record amount in Austria. what it has done for many years: being the diaspora in being a strong contributor over Group of 20 (G20) group of major econo- Mr. Firtash rejects the charges against him mies, which is being held in China on as “absurd and unfounded.” (Based on ambassador of the Ukrainian cause, knock- a long period and in continuing in that role. September 4-5. A German government reporting by Interfax-Ukraine, ibtimes. ing on doors to ensure that Ukraine and the I believe Ukraine will continue to grow, spokesman said the three leaders shared co.uk, and Deutsche Welle) Ukrainian people are supported in their change and internationally be a game concern about cease-fire breaches in east- struggles and development. changer! ern Ukraine and that Ms. Merkel and Mr. Turkey won’t recognize Crimea as Russian The Ukrainian World Congress with its Slava Ukrayini! Heroyam Slava! affiliates in over 40 countries and others Mnohaya lita, Ukrainskyi Narode! Hollande had urged Mr. Putin to do what he ANKARA – Turkish President Recep could to calm the situation. Mr. Putin earlier Tayyip Erdogan has reassured his this month accused Kyiv of plotting “sabo- Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko tage” attacks in Crimea while Ukraine’s that Ankara will continue to recognize the President Petro Poroshenko warned of a Crimean Peninsula, which was illegally possible “full-scale” Russian invasion. annexed by Russia, as Ukrainian territory. (Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP) The Ukrainian presidential press service Sentsov urges not to fight for his release said on August 20 that Mr. Erdogan told Mr. Poroshenko via telephone that Turkey has PRAGUE – Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh not changed its “unwavering position With sorrow we announce the passing Sentsov, who is behind bars in Russia, has regarding its support of Ukraine’s indepen- on Friday 29 July 2016, called on Ukrainians not to fight for his dence and territorial integrity in the coun- of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt release “at any price, as it would not bring try’s internationally recognized borders.” the victory nearer.” In a letter obtained by Mr. Erdogan added that Ankara would not RFE/RL on August 22, Sentsov wrote that recognize “Crimea’s occupation” and would Irene Bandera Chaikovsky the only thing he and others Ukraine con- continue to support “the Crimean Tatars in born February 14, 1927 in Stryi, Ukraine siders political prisoners jailed in Russia every possible way.” The Poroshenko- can do for their homeland is “to hold on.” Erdogan conversation comes less than two She was the daughter of Joseph and Maria Bandera “Be aware that we are not your weak point. weeks after an Mr. Erdogan visit to Russia wife of the late Stephan Chaikovsky If our destiny is to become nails in the lid of restored Ankara’s relations with the the tyrant’s coffin, then yes, I would like to Kremlin that had reached a low point fol- loving mother to: be such a nail. Just remember, that nail will lowing last year’s shooting down of a Marta Chaikovska and her husband Frank Peters never bend,” wrote Mr. Sentsov, whose case Russian warplane by Turkish fighter jets. Helen Chaikovsky and her husband Mark Radke has become a cause celebre in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed bilateral Andrew Chaikovsky and his wife Carol Crimea’s Russia-backed authorities convict- energy-sector cooperation and the recent loving grandmother to: ed Mr. Sentsov of conspiring to commit ter- terrorist bomb attacks in eastern Turkey. Stephanie Radke rorism on the annexed Ukrainian peninsu- (Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax) Kate Chaikovsky Stephan Chaikovsky loving sister to: well. Also there were Ukrainian prisoners Vladimir Bandera and his wife Nina and their children The Ukrainian... in the “five ears of grain” category who died Mark Bandera and his wife Margaret and son Paul in transit or in concentration camps on the (Continued from page 7) Peter Bandera territory of Russia. The noted historian Christina Bandera and her husband Cedric Priebe guards when they tried to cross the border Robert Conquest without the benefit of and their two sons Cedric and Peter to Poland or Romania. Soviet archives had estimated in the 1980s friend to many. Only after careful and complete consid- that some 1 million Ukrainians died as a eration of all the circumstances can one result of the 1932-1933 Famine outside the Irene was very active in the Hartford Ukrainian community and determine the final losses of the Ukrainian Ukrainian SSR. No serious historian or organizations including PLAST, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church peasants during the Holodomor. demographer has addressed or controvert- and its choir in Hartford, and UNWLA, and provided nancial support to Unfortunately, to date no researchers have ed that number. many Ukrainian causes. completed this work. In conclusion, as regards the number of These numbers are applicable to the Ukrainian victims of the Holodomor, the ‘‘Rest in Peace Irena!’’ Ukrainian SSR only. Additional Ukrainian generally accepted 7 million total is clearly Eternal memory victims should be considered from regions and convincingly supported by the accumu- Donations can be made to of the Russian SSR, specifically, the Kuban lated evidence. As to the issue of whether it region, which was heavily populated by was a genocide of the Ukrainian peasantry, Ukrainian War Victims’ Fund, UNWLA, Inc. Ukrainians and from which migration was there is no issue. The Ukrainian peasant 203 Second Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003-5706 barred by the January 22, 1933, decree as was supposed to die. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

tive. The middle class has been formed as always match our abilities. The gap between ence thank those who have been helping our Poroshenko... well as the civil society. The first post-Soviet the needed and the affordable is rather large. army with political and diplomatic methods, generation with a new European world We will need years and dozens billions doing this professionally and selflessly. (Continued from page 1) outlook has grown up. This Maidan became hryvnyas to sleep peacefully. Nevertheless, Since the President of Poland Andrzej Distinguished community, the epicenter of the fundamental changes right now you will see a true progress that Duda, my friend and a big friend of Ukraine, A quarter of a century ago, we chose our many times. the country has made in strengthening the is present here, I would like to use this independent future. We had organized the Now, we are to focus, in our strategy and national defense capability. opportunity to express my profound grati- event which Putin eventually named “the tactics, on achievements in material area, What is this parade to demonstrate, in tude to the international partners of Ukraine largest geopolitical catastrophe.” However, on the life standards of people to add them my opinion? The public will see their new for their comprehensive support – diplomat- those days we did not dare to break with- to the positive morale and spiritual changes army created almost from scratch within ic and financial one, shipments of nonlethal out compromise with the past. We got lost strengthening the latter. As Vyacheslav the two years. The public will make sure weapons and humanitarian assistance, for in the arrows of the multi-vector policy try- Chornovil said: “we need a rich, human that the Armed Forces get stronger year by the sanctions against the aggressor. ing to keep a foot in both camps. A constant state of free, prosperous citizens feeling year, and the national security strengthens. My separate greetings on the occasion of lookback to Moscow and a belief in mythi- confident about the future.” And “if you Soldiers and officers will feel once again the Independence Day to Ukrainian patriots cal brotherhood, paternalism and socialis- have confidence in yourself and took a deci- not only their social responsibility, but also in the annexed Crimea and the occupied tic stereotypes firmly settled in the public sion, do not hesitate. Go, go, go…” the society’s respect and esteem to their Donbas. My dear, we love you and try hard to conscience hampering the movement like [...] defenders. have you returned to Ukraine. We are doing weights on the legs. Dear Ukrainians, The authorities, with this parade, report this by political diplomacy methods, because The political elite, in general, lagged From 2014 till 2016, nearly 300 thou- where the money is spent. Our army is a we care about you. This is the Kremlin who behind instead of leading the way. For a sand persons departed to the frontline via true people’s army. And this is you, dear perceives your land as the theater of opera- long time, they were enchained by populist the military commissariats. The volunteers Ukrainians as taxpayers, bought these tions, and the region’s civilians as cannon electoral addiction and mercantile vested were the first, then, the mobilized soldiers, tanks, armored personnel carriers, fodder to satisfy their imperial appetite. interests, while their planning horizon did now, the soldiers under contracts. If we fol- armored infantry fighting vehicles, these While for us, you are ours, near and dear not cover the time after the next election lowed the last year’s scheme by inertia, the anti-aircraft guns and multiple launch rock- ones, temporarily separated from your campaign. ninth wave of mobilization should have et systems. Ukrainian family. The family which will defi- This corporate sin has been accumulated been at its final stage these days while, in This parade will signal to our interna- nitely unite and meet at the festive table. by the elite for the two decades, and we – reality, we have not yet started the seventh tional partners that Ukraine is capable of Dear soldiers, those who are in power now - are to one. This year, my priority is to build a pro- defending itself, but requires further sup- You have displayed heroism defending redeem it before the people. fessional, contract-based army. An average port. Since our enemy is the country, which our native Ukrainian land. You demonstrate Having our twenty five years of experi- of six thousand servicemen monthly sign territory is equal to one ninth! of the land examples of courage and self-sacrifice ence, from adolescence we come to a far contracts with the Armed Forces. A total of area on the Earth, which military budget is every day. more responsible period of maturity. 45 thousand soldiers have joined the army dozens times higher than ours. Now, you will be marching with confi- Ukraine-EU Association Agreement is by contracts since this January, and we Finally, our parade is a signal to our dence along Khreshchatyk street. already working gradually compensating expect over 20 thousand more to come by enemy as well. Ukrainians are ready to fur- Demonstrating your soldierly appearance, the incredible losses inflicted by the war the year end. Most of them enter into long- ther fight for their independence heavily. emanating the strength and courage, you and the economic aggression of Russia. term agreements. As of today, we have a 75 Therefore, the agressor would better will infuse still more belief in the combat Moscow tries to strangle us both by closing percent contract-based army. remember the wisdom recommendation of capacity of our troops, their capability to its market, and blocking transit to other Military reserve building process is the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovskyi: defend the country into millions of our countries. Against the background of ongoing. So far, it numbers over 80 thou- “Comrade Moscovite, do not make fun of compatriots. unprecedented external shocks, we sand males and females, who are well- Ukraine.” My congratulations on the 25th anniver- achieved macroeconomic stabilization and trained soldiers possessing extensive mili- The parade will be followed by another sary of the Independence of Ukraine! restored economic growth. tary experience. event that is important for defending Glory to the ! Independence already gave us democra- We have organized scheduled supply to Ukraine. The ambassadors of Ukraine, real Glory to Ukrainian people! cy and liberty, sense of human dignity and the troops of state-of-the-art, upgraded and warriors on the diplomatic front, have Glory to Ukraine! national unity; taught us to defend our- repaired models of arms and military equip- arrived from all over the world to hold their Source: Official website of the President of selves and opened the European perspec- ment. Yes, our desires and needs do not annual meeting. Let me on behalf of the audi- Ukraine. No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 15

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Ukrainian Technological Society presents its 2016 scholarship awards

by Roksana Korchynsky PITTSBURGH – The Ukrainian Technological Society (UTS) of Pittsburgh presented its 2016 Scholarship Awards to 15 undergraduate and graduate students from Western Pennsylvania and Ohio in ceremonies at Posvar Hall on the University of Pittsburgh campus on Sunday, August 7. Students, family members, UTS members and guests were welcomed by UTS Executive Board Secretary, Motria Hodowanec, who provided an overview of the UTS – now in its 47th year – and its activities. In her opening remarks, she thanked the many donors who have generously offered their financial support to the scholarship program, which has helped students pursue higher educa- tion in a variety of fields. Ms. Hodowanec noted that the society is an organization of Ukrainian professionals and businesspersons interested in cultivat- Motria Hodowanec ing Ukrainian culture and social awareness, 2016 UTS Scholarship recipients: (front row, from left) Nikolai Goebel, Katarzyna Goebel, Allison Cross, Victoria Diana, Matthew Yourstowsky, Christina Pierko, (back row) Maria Kalymon, Paul Yasnowski, Kateryna Czuczman, Andrew Sywy, and strengthening the Ukrainian communi- Ostap Lernatovych, Ostap Lutsiv, Nicholas Patoray. ty through active participation and leader- ship. bined thought-provoking points with heart- strated outstanding academic performance, Additional Ukrainian Technological In addition to the scholarship program, felt stories and humorous asides that were awarded to Michael Kochis of Society scholarships were awarded to Ms. Hodowanec spoke of the society’s enthralled the audience and provided the Coraopolis, Pa., and Nicholas Patoray of Allison Cross of Pittsburgh; Nikolai Goebel annual tradition of selecting and recogniz- scholarship recipients with the takeaway Youngstown. of Sewickley; Ostap Lernatovich of ing a Ukrainian of the Year. Awardees are message that God is always in their lives. The Chester and Olga Manasterski Carnegie; and Matthew Yourstowsky of selected for outstanding scientific or schol- Ms. Hodowanec and UTS Executive Memorial Scholarship, underwritten by Canfield, Ohio. arly contributions, humanitarian contribu- Board members Michele Kapeluck and sons Myron and Gregory Manasterski, was Refreshments and a social hour followed tions, or for outstanding efforts in the Halyna Mykhailiv Ciarallo awarded the 15 awarded to Andrew Sywy of Carnegie, Pa. the program in the Posvar Hall Galleria. advancement or perpetuation of Ukrainian scholarships totaling $8,000. This marked The Dr. Michael Kutsenkow Memorial To learn more about the UTS, its scholar- culture. Although the society had to cancel the 44th year of the UTS Scholarship Scholarships, underwritten by Rose ship program, and other activities, visit the last year’s award ceremony and dinner Program, with 440 separate awards made Kutsenkow, were awarded to Katarzyna web site at www.utspgh.org. Or “friend” dance due to the conflict with the totaling $203,700 to 280 different students. Goebel of Sewickley, Pa.; Juliana Kochis of UTS on Facebook at “Ukrainian Holodomor Memorial Dedication The UTS gave an additional $500 to Coraopolis; Christina Pierko of Niles, Ohio; Technological Society (UTS) of Pittsburgh.” Ceremony that took place in Washington, Smoloskyp Inc. to fund scholarships for stu- and Paul Yasnowski of Lordstown, Ohio. Donations toward the 2017 Scholarship nominations are now being solicited for the dents in Ukraine. The Michael and Anna Komichak Program are being accepted. Donations are 2016 Ukrainian of the Year. The Maria Hulai Lion Foundation Memorial Scholarship, underwritten by Mr. tax-deductible, as provided by law, as the Featured speaker for the award ceremo- Scholarship, awarded to a student who and Mrs. Michael J. Komichak and Mr. and UTS has Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) ny was Maria Chirovsky, chaplain at the demonstrated outstanding academic per- Mrs. Raymond Komichak, was awarded to designation. Donations or inquiries may be Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of the formance, and made possible through a Maria Kalymon of Carnegie. sent to the UTS at P.O. Box 4277, Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. donation by the Maria Hulai Lion The Ukrainian Cultural Trust Choir of PA 15203. Donations can also be made She delivered an inspiring talk about her Foundation of Brooklyn, N.Y., was awarded Western Pennsylvania Scholarship, under- securely via PayPal by visiting the UTS faith and professional journeys and how to Victoria Diana of Youngstown, Ohio. written by The Ukrainian Cultural Trust website and clicking on the “Support” page. the two have intersected throughout her Ukrainian Technological Society scholar- Choir of Western Pennsylvania, was award- You may contact the UTS by e-mail at career. Ms. Chirovsky’s presentation com- ships, awarded to students who demon- ed to Kateryna Czuczman of Pittsburgh. [email protected].

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UCU’s University Church of the Holy Wisdom of God to be consecrated – On September 11, the University and an artificial and disastrous hostility Church of the Holy Wisdom of God of the between reason and faith made impossible Ukrainian Catholic University will be conse- a celebration like that which will happen in crated. This church is unique not only for Lviv on September 11,” says UCU’s presi- Lviv, but for all of Ukraine. For in one struc- dent, Bishop Borys Gudziak. ture on different tiers, three churches will “Smiles should pervade UCU’s new function: at ground level – the Church of the church. The new campus of the Ukrainian Holy Wisdom of God and on the lower level Catholic University, in the center of which two more – the Church of St. Clement, Pope the new University Church of the Holy of Rome, and the Church of the Lord’s Grave. Wisdom of God is set, is being built on the The Church of the Lord’s Grave is a reflec- site where the Communist Party planned to tion of the first century, a place especially for build its powerful administrative and cul- private prayer. The Church of Pope Clement tural center. This fact demonstrates God’s of Rome will reflect the third and fourth cen- humor. The Lord gives us the joy of histori- turies – a time when Christianity was still cal paradox, and we build a house for His not divided. This opens up great ecumenical glory and wisdom. Under the protection of possibilities. The Church of Pope Clement of the Oranta, surrounded by the heavenly Rome is to become a place of formation, hosts, accompanied by all the saints, in par- discussion, meeting and interaction. The ticular the new martyrs, we give praise to top tier houses the University Church of the God, Who surrounds us with His unlimited Holy Wisdom of God. love. This church, which will be a place of “It’s enough to recall the last university pilgrimage, will point us not only to our church consecrated on Ukrainian soil. We own internal depths and to recognizing the were without universities and they took the Holy Spirit in our souls, but it will call us to UCU Church from us. Prohibitions and persecu- mission on the outside. The architecture The University Church of the Holy Wisdom of God, which will be consecrated on tions of culture and religion, pervasive fear, and spirit of the church will help us come to September 11. know our spiritual roots and lead us out, on mission, to witness in the middle of the city. This church is called to preach to the contemporary person,” he explains. There will also be a spiritual-pastoral center at the church. There will be areas for the sacrament of confession, for discus- sions and meetings. “We want it to become the center of academic pastoral activities for the whole city,” notes Father Yuriy Sakvuk, head of UCU’s Spiritual-Pastoral Department. The center will begin operat- ing after the church is consecrated. The church will be open to the commu- nity of Lviv, not only to the UCU community. The building has an elevator and ramps have been installed, so people with special needs and people for whom it’s difficult to climb stairs will be able to safely enter any level of the edifice. “In western Ukraine there was a big interval in church architecture, starting in the 1930s. And keeping in mind this gap, I think it’s necessary to make a place for ori- gins and traditions, so that modern Ukrainian architecture can appear later. And then it will have its own identity and won’t be simply a form without content. This is particularly important for a universi- ty which wants to renew not only church construction but ritual traditions which went into the underground at the time,” says the architect of the University Church of the Holy Wisdom of God, Ivan Bereznicki, an American architect of Ukrainain descent. The bells of the church, named in honor of St. Pope John Paul II, Patriarch Josyf Slipyj and Cardinal Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky – figures without whom it is impossible to imagine the history of the Ukrainian Catholic University – have already been blessed. The program for the consecration of the new university church begins on Saturday, September 10, at 4 p.m. with a prayer ser- vice for divine mercy at St. George Cathedral, followed by a prayerful proces- sion from the cathedral to the university church, transferring the Yaroslav wonder- working icon Door of Mercy. At 6 p.m. there will be vespers; and a concert program is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The next day, there will be matins at 8 a.m. At 10 a.m. the hierarchical liturgy with the order of consecration of the University Church of the Holy Wisdom of God will be led by Patriarch Sviatoslav in concelebration with the bishops of the Ukrainain Greek- Catholic Church’s Synod. A festive reception is slated for 12:30 p.m. to be followed by a concert of religious music at 2 p.m. No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

the combined running/shooting where he scored an Ukraine wins... impressive 635 points, moving from eighth to second. The 24-year-old from Kyiv is the reigning world champion and (Continued from page 1) ran like it in Rio. He came to town to win a medal and suc- athletes are being pressed into military duty. The lack of ceeded in attaining his goal. funding exacts its toll on every aspect of the developmental Top-10 finishes process – it takes money to build facilities, purchase equip- ment, provide food, pay coaches and trainers, compensate Ukraine’s synchronized swim team (Lolita Ananasova, elite athletes, cover transportation costs to competitive Olena Grechykhina, Oleksandra Sabada, Kateryna events and more. Throw in still existing corruption in local Sadurska, Anastasiya Savchuk, Kseniya Sydorenko, Anna and national government and the expectation level of Voloshyna, Darya Yushko and Olha Zolotarova) finished in Ukrainian Olympians becomes more realistically aligned fourth place (188.6080 points), having earned 95.1667 with their actual results. points in the free routine and qualified in fourth place after Ukraine cannot and should not be expected to be in the 93.4413 points for its technical routine. top-10 medal-winning countries, but should strive to Ukraine’s women canoeists in the K-4 500-meter race return to an overall ranking in the 15-20 range. Witness (Svitlana Akhadova, Inna Hryshchun, Mariya Povh and the exploits of medalists Oleh Vernyayev, Yuriy Cheban, Anastasiia Todorova) finished in fourth place with a time of Olha Kharlan and Zhan Beleniuk, to name four elite 1:16.925 seconds. In the qualifier, the team finished in sec- Ukrainian athletes. Ukraine simply needs more of them. ond place (1:31.727 seconds) and in the semifinal, Ukraine They must be found, nurtured and developed within the finished in second place with a time of 1:35.512 seconds. next four-year cycle. Still-young current Olympians must Freestyle wrestler Valerii Andriitsev (97 kg) finished in upgrade their development to the next level. fifth place after losing 4-6 against Magomed Idrisovitch In the meantime, we must celebrate the amazing Ibragimov of Uzbekistan. Alen Zasyeyev (125 kg) finished achievements witnessed in Rio. Vernyayev has been NOC-UKR.ORG in 10th place after a 6-11 loss to Geno Petriashvili of anointed the world’s next top all-around gymnast. Silver medalist Pavlo Tymoshchenko in modern Georgia in the round of 16. pentathlon. Cheban’s gold medal in the 200-meter canoe posi- Ukraine’s women’s 4x400-meter relay team (Olha Bibik, tioned him as best of the best. Kharlan is only 25 years old 3:45.949 seconds, behind Germany and Brazil. After 500 , Olha Lyakhova, , Yulia and her women’s team shows great potential for meters, the duo was in fifth place, but in the second half of Olishevska and ) finished in fifth place the future. Rhythmic gymnast Ganna Rizatdinova may yet the race they moved up to finish third. The gold medal time (3:26.64 seconds). In the qualifier, the Ukrainian team fin- turn out to be Vernyayev’s female double. Serhiy Kulish was 3:43.912 seconds. ished in second place with a time of 3:24.54 seconds. surprised with a silver medal in shooting, Beleniuk showed A score of 73.583 points in four disciplines of the all- Ukraine’s women’s 4x100-meter relay team (Yelizaveta Ukraine is still a force in wrestling, Bohdan Bondarenko around rhythmic gymnastics routine was strong enough to Bryzhina, Nataliya Pohrebnyak, Olesya Povh, Mariya medaled in the high jump and Pavlo Tymoshchenko proved earn Hanna Rizatdinova a bronze medal. She snatched the Ryemyen, Nataliya Strohova and Hrystyna Stuy) finished in to be a champion in modern pentathlon. bronze ahead of South Korea’s Son Yeon-Jae, who scored sixth place (42.36 seconds). In the qualifier, Ukraine fin- Ukrainian canoers, fencers, rowers, synchronized swim- 72.898 points. This capped a slow, but steady rise from her ished in third place with a time of 42.49 seconds. mers and weightlifters came very close to winning bronze 10th place finish in London four years ago. The 23-year-old Ukraine’s rhythmic gymnastics team (Olena Dmytrash, medals, with several athletes finishing fourth in competi- Crimean by birth changed her training and preparation Yevgenia Gomon, Oleksandra Gridasova, Valeriia Gudym tions. If the Ukrainian Olympic Committee can somehow regimens since London and appears more nature in her and Anastasiya Voznyak) finished in seventh place with a receive its proper percentage of budget dollars, the future approach. In the final, Rizatdinova scored 18.200 points in score of 34.282 points in the final that included five rib- looks bright for Ukrainian Olympians. Unfortunately, the hoop, 18.450 points in ball, 18.450 points in clubs and bons (16.866 points) and three clubs and two hoops war with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine 18.483 points in ribbon. (17.416 points). In the qualifier, the team finished in eighth may be the wild card to this bright future. Ukrainian Pavlo Tymoshchenko finished only seven place with 33.816 points, 16.950 points in the five ribbons, All things considered, how much of a priority is the points off Russia’s gold medal winner Alexander Lesun’s and 16.866 points in the three clubs and two hoops events. development of an elite Ukrainian Olympic program of total with a combined score of 1,472 points, winning the Mountain biker Yana Belomoyna finished in ninth place some 200-plus athletes versus the ongoing democratiza- silver medal in modern pentathlon. Tymoshchenko’s per- in the women’s cross-country race with a time of 1:33.28 tion of a young European nation? It would be great to be formance in the modern pentathlon included epee fencing seconds. Ukraine qualified with an eighth place ranking in recognized as a potent player in Western Europe in more (sixth place, 227 points), swimming 200-meters (2:05.59 the UCI Olympic Ranking List that was tallied this year on ways than one. seconds, 24th place, 324 points), equestrian show jumping May 25. (finished in 16th place, 286 points), and combined shoot- In women’s high jump, Iryna Herashchenko finished in Ukraine wins three more medals to total eleven ing and running that includes a 10-meter air pistol on a 10th place with a jump of 1.93 meters. In the qualifier, Taras Mishchuk and Dmytro Yanchuk won a bronze 3,200-meter course (fifth-place finish, 11.05.74 seconds, Herashchenko finished in 13th place with a 1.94-meter medal in the C-2 1000-meter. canoe event with a time of 635 points). Tymoshchenko made up most of his work in jump.

ashamed of who I am. Just because we live in difficult Back outdoors, a group of relatives whose family mem- Military parade... times, it’s not a reason to give up for if we all give up, then bers died in the Russia-instigated war, as well military Ukraine will cease to exist. We as Ukrainians don’t have the and civilian volunteers, medics, chaplains, and former (Continued from page 1) right to give up…and I don’t only put it (embroidered cloth- Maidan activists, held a separate “March of the After more than 4,000 armed forces units marched past, ing) on once a year.” Unvanquished.” some equipped with Ukraine-made Tavor automatic rifles, Indeed, a poll of 75 political and civil society experts Also taking part in central Kyiv, the marchers held por- and 200 armored vehicles rumbled by, Mr. Poroshenko conducted this month by Kyiv-based policy center traits of their slain relatives and headed toward Instytutska said: “Our main guarantor is the Ukrainian armed forces.” Democratic Initiatives, found that among the top five Street, where the majority of the more than 100 killings Noting that Ukraine spends about 5 percent of its gross achievements that Ukraine made over the last 25 years took place in late February 2014 at the height of the Euro- domestic product on defense, the president said, “from this were improving defense capabilities and the preservation Maidan Revolution. It ended in a solemn prayer as rain parade, our international partners will get the message of statehood. already fell, which was preceded by a solemn song by folk that Ukraine is able to protect itself, but needs further sup- Safeguarding a nation-state has come at a cost though. rock singer Anastasia Prikhodko. port.” Mr. Poroshenko noted during his speech that more than “It is music that unites us – groups like Okean Elzy, the It was in reference to Russia’s military spending, which 2,500 soldiers have died fighting in easternmost Donbas late Skryabin…they unite Ukrainians in Lviv, Odesa, and is more than nine times what Kyiv spends and whose army since April 2014, when a Moscow-engineered armed upris- Kharkiv, for example,” said PhD student Ms. Horonzhuk, is more technologically advanced. The West has so far ing took over key cities and buildings. The United Nations now standing outside on Khreshchatyk Street. “If earlier I declined to give Ukraine lethal weapons fearing what mili- estimates that a total of 10,000 have died altogether, thought all Ukrainians should exclusively speak Ukrainian, tary experts call “escalation dominance” on the part of including civilians and combined Russian-separatists. And then over the last few months I understood that it Russia. more than 1 million have been forced to flee their homes shouldn’t be that way. There’s also Russian speakers, and Several thousand spectators were on hand amid an in-country, with hundreds of thousands more leaving for that’s a phenomena that evolved historically and we can’t overcast sky of menacing rain clouds, many wearing neighboring Russia or elsewhere. simply make that go away. There are many Ukrainian patri- embroidered attire, others t-shirts bearing the national tri- Independence Day also came under the barrel. ots among Russian speakers.” dent symbol or blue-and-yellow colors. A soldier from the Freedom Legion that is affiliated with Standing on another main street, Velyka Vasylkivska, Afterward, post-Soviet Ukraine’s fifth and first war-time the nationalist Svoboda Party, Oleh Dyachenko, died from that dissects Kreshchatyk, was Serhiy Horetsky, a medical president approached a company of camouflaged soldiers mortar fire near Zaitseve in , about 30 kilo- equipment supplier. He also spoke of what it means to be still standing at attention. meters from occupied , said Oleh Tyahnybok who Ukrainian. “Thanks for your patriotism, thanks for your protection,” heads the political party. “It’s difficult to say where Ukraine stands today…Belief he said. “Ukraine’s independence was supposed to end at “The mortar landed directly in the trench shelter where in our future of becoming fully independent and for the 23rd anniversary (when Russia invaded Ukraine), but three soldiers were, one of whom was 41-year-old Oleh Ukraine to become a nation is what defines me as a thanks to your sacrifice, it didn’t and that’s why we’re cele- (Dyachenko),” Mr. Tyahnybok said on his Facebook page. Ukrainian,” he said. brating the 25th anniversary year.” The slain soldier is survived by his wife and 11-year-old He got into his vehicle and headed south toward the Meanwhile, indoors at Kyiv’s city hall, 25-year-old daughter, the party leader added. city’s Parkovka recreation area further south near Ocean Kateryna Horonzhuk, a PhD student of international rela- Altogether, Ukrainian forces faced 85 attacks on Plaza mall where a live music festival was in full swing. tions from Rivne, perused Ivan Marchuk’s “Genotype of Independence Day, the Defense Ministry reported on Groups like Odyn v Canoe, Gapochka and The Velvent Sun Liberty” art show. When asked what it means to be a August 25. Tanks and heavy artillery fire were used, includ- were performing until midnight. Writers and poets like Ukrainian and wear national embroidery, she said: “I came ing 152- and 122-millimeter caliber shells, and 120- and Artem Polezhaka and Ella Yevtushenko were giving read- dressed in national attire because I’m absolutely not 82-millimeter mortars. ings and lectures. And a street food festival was underway. No. 35 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 19

Through November 27 Art exhibit, “’Reality Check’ – Directions in September 11 Connecticut Ukrainian Day Festival, Connecticut State Chicago Contemporary Art since Ukrainian Independence,” Stamford, CT Ukrainian Day Committee, St. Basil Seminary College, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 773-227-5522 www.ct-ukrainian-festival.com or 203-269-5909 or www.uima-chicago.org September 12 Fall reception, Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard August 30 Concert with and Shumka, Northern Alberta Cambridge, MA University, [email protected] or 617-495-4053 Edmonton Jubilee Auditorium, www.ticketmaster.ca or 855-985-5000 September 14 Ukraine Forum, “Ukraine at 25 – Winning the Battle for Washington Freedom.” U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, Capitol Visitor September 2-5 Werchowyna Labor Day Weekend 2016, Werchowyna Center, 202-524-6555 or [email protected] Chertsy, QC Ukrainian Camp, 514-803-3133 or 514-475-2890 September 15 Ukrainian Days advocacy events, Ukrainian Congress September 3 USCAK Swim Championship, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, Washington Committee of America and the Ukrainian National Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com Information Service, Capitol Hill, 202-547-0018 or www.ucca.org September 3 Dinner Dance/Cabaret, House of Ukraine, with the September 15 Congressional Reception, Cannon House Office Building, San Diego Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers from Calgary, bandurist Washington Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Andriy Kytasty and vocalist Uliana Vorobiy of Kyiv, 202-547-0018 or [email protected] Tango Del Rey, www.houseofukraine.org September 17 Ukrainian Nationals Family Fun Day, Ukrainian September 3-4 USCAK Tennis Championships, Soyuzivka Heritage Horsham, PA American Sports Center , www.tryzub.org Kerhonkson, NY Center, www.soyuzivka.com September 17 Potato Bake and Pig Roast, Ukrainian Homestead, September 9 Charity golf tournament, Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Lehighton, PA www.ukrhomestead.com or 610-377-4621 Aurora, ON Commerce, Lebovic Golf Club, www.lebovicgolfclub.ca or 647-971-1187 or [email protected] September 17 Symposium, “Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of New York the Modern Ukrainian State,” Center for U.S.-Ukrainian September 10 Chicago Charity Golf Outing, Pobratymy Foundation, Relations, Princeton-Columbia Club, Elk Grove Village, IL Fox Run Golf Links, [email protected] www.usukrainianrelations.org

September 10 Golf tournament fundraiser, The Meadows Golf and September 18 25th anniversary Ukrainian Independence Day banquet, Ottawa Country Club, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Chicago Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities program, Shrine, 613-599-5310 Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Chicago Hilton and Towers, www.uccaillinois.org September 10-11 Ukrainian Village Fest, Ss. Volodymyr and Olha Chicago Ukrainian Catholic Church, www.ukrainianvillagefest.com Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions September 2-25 Art exhibit, featuring works by Natalia Bendus from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Chicago Petrovska, Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8020 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 No. 35

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday-Sunday, September 10-11 summer! For more information call 312- 829-5209. CHICAGO: Ukrainian Village Fest will take place on the corner of Superior Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18 Street and Oakley Boulevard, in the SILVER SPRING, Md.: Bring your family heart of the Ukrainian Village in Chicago. and friends to the 14th annual Ukrainian Merchant and food vendors will line the Festival of the Washington, D.C., street. There will be non-stop action on Metropolitan Area on the grounds of St. stage, featuring the Ukrainian Dance Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Ensemble Hromovytsia, Ukrainian 15100 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, School of Dance, guest performers MD 20905. Hours are: Saturday, 11 a.m. -9 Natalia Buchynska, Vova zi Lvova, Ms. p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-dusk. On Toronto 2016 Valentyna Butenko and Saturday night, the festival continues by many more local dance ensembles and the lake. Admission and parking are free. singers. Children will enjoy the kids’ The festival features wonderful Ukrainian area with rides, arts and crafts and much artists and dancers, crafts, children’s more fun. There will also be a raffle and activities, delicious Ukrainian food and a a beer garden. Admission is $5 daily. Kozak beer garden. For more information Festival hours: 1-10 p.m. Come join us in contact the Festival Office, 301-384-9192, Chicago for one of the last festivals of the or visit www.UkraineFestDC.com.

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