INSIDE: l UNWLA Branch 56 decorates local public libraries with Ukrainian crafts – page 8 l Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit plans new exhibits – page 9 l Ukrainian pro hockey update – page 14 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXIX No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 $2.00 Top U.S. official calls on Ukraine to crack Russia continues amassing troops near Ukraine’s down on oligarchs, including gas billionaire border as Biden proposes summit with Putin by Todd Prince wealth trading Russian natural gas in the Moscow refuses dialogue with Ukraine to defuse tension RFE/RL 1990s, as an example of Ukraine’s flawed justice system. A senior U.S. State Department official Mr. Firtash became the official partner of has said it is time for Ukraine to tackle cor­ Russian state-controlled gas giant Gazprom ruption and weak institutions, including in the trading firm RosUkrEnergo, the going after Dmytro Firtash, whose natural- monopoly importer of natural gas to gas holdings have made him one of the Ukraine during the late 2000s. He made country’s most notorious, and powerful, hundreds of millions of dollars during the oligarchs. short lifespan of RosUkrEnergo, which ana­ The April 8 comments by George Kent, lysts called an unnecessary middleman. the deputy U.S. assistant secretary of state U.S. officials have also alleged that Mr. who oversees Ukraine, come as President Firtash has ties to Russian organized crime. Joe Biden makes Kyiv’s progress on “Everyone knows that he started out as reforms a greater priority in the bilateral the front for Russian gas interests,” Mr. Kent relationship. said. Speaking at a meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine In March 2014, U.S. prosecutors unsealed Business Council, Mr. Kent said graft and a an indictment charging Mr. Firtash with cor­ weak judiciary made up an “internal ruption in connection with an Indian titani­ threat” in Ukraine, and he compared it with um project that the U.S. aerospace giant the external threat Kyiv faced from Russia. Boeing was studying. Russia has amassed a substantial num­ U.S. officials have sought Mr. Firtash’s ber of forces on its border with Ukraine, and extradition from Vienna since then. He has Office of the President of Ukraine moved others into the occupied peninsula denied the charges, saying they are politi­ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a working visit to the war zone of of Crimea. That has raised alarms among cally motivated. Donbas on April 8. Western observers who fear an escalation Ukraine has never charged Mr. Firtash of the seven-year conflict in eastern Ukraine. with a crime. He continues to make mil­ by Mark Raczkiewycz country’s border less than a week after the Mr. Kent said that seven years after lions of dollars a year in the country’s graft- Ukrainian president visited Istanbul for Ukrainian citizens drove from power the ridden energy industry through his control KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr talks on the security situation with Turkish corrupt administration of President Viktor of gas-distribution companies. Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Yanukovych, the judiciary system remained “Why is it that it is the U.S. who indicts French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Both presidents signed a 20-point decla­ “flawed,” while oligarchs continue to call and goes after corrupt Ukrainians?” Mr. Paris on April 16 to discuss Russia’s mas­ ration, which included calls to end the “ille­ the shots. Kent said. sive troop buildup on Ukraine’s state bor­ gal, illegitimate annexation of Crimea, a for­ “The time has now come...to start mak­ “It’s time for the Ukrainian leadership ders. mer Ottoman dominion that is home to the ing the tough decisions to rein in the influ­ and the justice system – rather than not The official visit comes just days after Muslim Tatars, by the Russian Federation” ence of oligarchs and the systemic corrup­ making decisions against corrupt oligarchs Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran and the “de-occupation” of the Donbas tion,” Mr. Kent said. – to use Ukrainian institutions to go after announced that Russia will by April 20 where forces Russia commands, controls, In his speech, Mr. Kent highlighted Mr. have 110,000 soldiers deployed near the supplies and fights besides, has waged a Firtash, a tycoon who made his initial (Continued on page 4) war since April 2014. More than 14,000 people have been killed in the war, with the latest mortal casualty taking place on April 13, when Plast celebrates 109th anniversary with events 40-year-old Oleksiy Mamchiy of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade was killed near in parliament and throughout Ukraine the town of Mayorsk in the Donetsk region. Russia for weeks has amassed signifi­ by Roman Tymotsko cant ground, air and maritime forces to KYIV – For the second year in a row, Ukraine’s south in Crimea, as well as in the the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organizat­ east and north. An additional force of ion marked the anniversary of its found­ 35,000 military personnel is estimated in ing on April 12 online due to pandemic the occupied parts of the easternmost restrictions. While many of the com­ Luhansk and Donetsk regions and 40,000 memorations took place virtually, mem­ in the Crimean Peninsula. bers of the Ukrainian parliament from Ukraine’s military intelligence said air the inter-factional caucus “Plast” gath­ support for the deployed troops is provid­ ered in the Verkhovna Rada to congratu­ ed by about 350 aircraft and up to 250 heli­ late the organization on its 109th anni­ copters. From sea, a fleet of 40 warships, versary during a plenary session the fol­ boats and two submarines provide addi­ lowing day. tional support. “Today, together with the people’s dep­ Turkey has in addition supported Kyiv’s uties, we want to greet you with the scout­ ambitions to join NATO, of which Ankara is ing call S.K.O.B. – strong, beautiful, careful, Verkhovna Rada a member. Ukraine produces engines for Members of the inter-factional parliamentary caucus Plast congratulate the orga- the Turkey’s armed Bayraktar TB2 drones. (Continued on page 11) nization on its 109th anniversary. (Continued on page 12) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

ANALYSIS

Penned in on multiple international issues, Kyiv extends COVID lockdown of Ukraine and international law,” Mr. Erdogan said. Turkey and Ukraine, both of Putin strives to show resolve on Ukraine The Ukrainian capital Kyiv will remain which border on the Black Sea, maintain on lockdown until April 30 as the daily close relations, and Turkey has previously number of new coronavirus cases and tion. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and condemned the Russian annexation of the by Pavel K. Baev coronavirus-related deaths continues to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin are Crimean Peninsula in 2014. “As Turkey, we Eurasia Daily Monitor climb. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko intent on consolidating this transatlantic have strongly defended the integrity and announced the decision in a televised brief­ Putting military pressure on Ukraine solidarity by traveling again to Brussels sovereignty of Ukraine. We have once more ing on April 14, saying there was “no other could have seemed to the Russian leader­ this week (RBC, April 10). confirmed our decision not to recognize the choice, otherwise the medical system ship to be the most practical way to assert In late April, Mr. Putin will deliver his occupation of Crimea,” Mr. Erdogan said at would not be able to cope with a further Moscow’s central role in international annual address to the Federal Assembly the press conference. During their meeting rise in the number of patients, otherwise affairs. The standard working assumption (upper chamber of the Russian parlia­ the presidents also discussed expanding there will be even more deaths.” Last in the Kremlin is that facing a risk of violent ment), but he will hardly be able to retread defense cooperation between their coun­ month, city authorities closed schools and conflict, the disunited West would become the topic from 2018, when his presentation tries. Mr. Zelenskyy said the stepped-up kindergartens, theaters, and shopping cen­ attentive to Russian grievances and revolved around “wonder missiles” cooperation would apply especially to ters, while cafes and restaurants were only demands and opt for a compromise. This (Kommersant, April 10; see EDM, March 8, weaponry and the construction of fighter allowed to provide takeaway food. Kyiv crisis-manipulation ploy – if that is what is, 12, 2018). This year, he needs to focus on jets. Mr. Zelenskyy said Kyiv and Ankara public transport is now operating on spe­ indeed, happening – has not worked this urgent economic and social problems but share the same view on threats in the Black cial passenger passes for those working for time, and Moscow now finds itself in a self- remains reluctant to disburse the accumu­ Sea region and the response to those critical infrastructure enterprises. Mr. made trap (Moscow Echo, April 9). lated financial reserves either for a solid threats. Mr. Zelenskyy, who visited troops Klitschko recommended that companies Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stimulus package or for generous social in the Donbas region two days ago, said he keep employees working remotely, or have whom Mr. Putin’s court considers an inde­ support programs (Znak.com, April 9). The had briefed Mr. Erdogan on the situation in them take vacation. “No time to be frivo­ cisive waverer, has taken a firm stance in Russian president is also wary about the detail. Major movements of Russian armed lous. Today, our main task is to preserve the response, visiting the trenches in the steady expansion of the authority and pop­ forces toward or near Ukraine’s borders health and life of Kyiv residents, to help our Donbas war zone and gaining support for ularity of Prime Minister Mikhail and into Ukraine’s Russia-occupied doctors cope with this wave,” he said. The his plea of help from much of the North Mushustin, who is proceeding with reform­ Crimean Peninsula have been captured in mayor said the capital reported 1,457 new Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ing the government according to his own photographs, video and other data, fueling coronavirus cases on April 13 and some 47 (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, April 8). It is certain­ agenda, underscoring efficiency, subordina­ concerns that Moscow may be preparing to related deaths. Ukraine has registered a ly possible for the Russian high command tion and loyalty (Riddle, March 29). send forces into eastern Ukraine. The total of nearly 1.9 million coronavirus infec­ to pretend that the concentration of forces Whatever promises Mr. Putin might pro­ Kremlin has rejected Western calls to pull tions and over 38,220-related deaths since on the border with Ukraine all along was vide, Russians are quite disappointed with back its troops, denying they are a threat the start of the pandemic. (RFE/RL’s merely a part of a series of spring exercises his economic policy and give him particu­ while adding that military movements Ukrainian Service) (Izvestia, April 10). However, for President larly bad marks for ensuring stable within Russia are an internal sovereign Vladimir Putin, backing off from threaten­ incomes, curtailing corruption and taming Erdogan wants end of ‘worrying’ developments issue. Washington has called Moscow’s mil­ ing Ukraine now, while the official Russian the “oligarchs” (VTimes, April 8). itary buildup “destabilizing,” and the White media continues to blare hysterical war The highest popular ratings he receives Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan House has expressed concern about the propaganda, would be humiliatingly diffi­ are for modernizing the Armed Forces; called for an end to what he described as recent troop movements. U.S. Secretary of cult (Novaya Gazeta, April 8). until recently, he has been able to largely “worrying” developments in eastern State Antony Blinken consulted the German Repetitive denouncements by top distract public attention from the deadlock Ukraine’s Donbas region after meeting with and French foreign affairs ministers on Russian officials of United States President in the conflict with Ukraine by launching a Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy April 9 about the need for Russia to cease Joseph Biden’s characterization of Mr. simultaneous military intervention in Syria. on April 10. The meeting, which lasted its military buildup in the occupied Crimean Putin as a “killer” leave no doubt that the Presently, however, the hostilities in Syria more than three hours in Istanbul, was part Peninsula and near Ukraine’s eastern bor­ Kremlin leader was deeply offended. And are also deadlocked, and Mr. Putin’s key of a previously scheduled visit but coincid­ ders. Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimean Mr. Putin has sought to use the pause partner – Turkish President Recep Tayyip ed with increased tensions between Kyiv Peninsula in March 2014, sending in troops between that challenge and the full reeval­ and Moscow over the long-running conflict and staging a referendum denounced as uation of U.S. policy toward Russia to try to difficult issues with the EU and U.S. than in in eastern Ukraine. Mr. Erdogan expressed illegitimate by at least 100 countries. Since preempt the looming punishment coming deconflictingErdoğan – is morein Syria interested with Russia in sorting (Nezavi outsi­­ his concern about the current fraught situa­ then, overwhelming evidence suggests from Washington (Kommersant, April 8). maya Gazeta, April 7). Moscow sought to tion at a news conference alongside Mr. Russia has continued to lend diplomatic Now, the U.S. review is done, and the new gain an extra advantage by establishing for­ Zelenskyy, adding that he hoped the con­ and military aid to armed separatists fight­ collection of sanctions is reportedly set to mal ties with Lebanese-Syrian Hezbollah, flict would be resolved peacefully through ing in the Donbas region. The conflict has be wide-ranging and impactful (Forbes.ru, but this initiative encountered a sharp dialogue and in line with Ukraine’s territo­ killed more than 13,000 people and dis­ April 8). So far, all Moscow has achieved by démarche from Israel, reinforced by several rial integrity. “We believe that the current placed more than 1 million since April its crude pressure on Kyiv is firmer sup­ airstrikes (Kommersant, April 8). Iran, crisis can be solved with peaceful and dip­ (Continued on page 10) port for Ukraine from the European Union, Hezbollah’s main sponsor, is not particular­ lomatic means on the basis of the integrity which used to be more circumspect in its sanctions policy, compared to the U.S. posi­ (Continued on page 12) The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 FOR THE RECORD An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. G-7 statement on Russian military buildup (ISSN — 0273-9348) The text of the following statement was principles and commitments that it has The Weekly: UNA: released by the G-7 foreign ministers of signed up to on transparency of military Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the movements and to respond to the proce­ United Kingdom and the United States of dure established under Chapter III of the Postmaster, send address changes to: America and the High Representative of the Vienna Document. The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Andrew Nynka European Union on April 12. Recalling our last statement of March 18, 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas we reaffirm our unwavering support for P.O. Box 280 We, the G-7 foreign ministers of Canada, the independence, sovereignty and territo­ Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United rial integrity of Ukraine within its interna­ Kingdom and the United States of America tionally recognized borders. We support The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com and the High Representative of the Ukraine’s posture of restraint. European Union are deeply concerned by We underline our strong appreciation The Ukrainian Weekly, April 18, 2021, No. 16, Vol. LXXXIX the large ongoing build-up of Russian mili­ and continued support for France’s and Copyright © 2021 The Ukrainian Weekly tary forces on Ukraine’s borders and in ille­ Germany’s efforts through the Normandy gally-annexed Crimea. Process to secure the full implementation These large-scale troop movements, of the Minsk agreements, which is the ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA without prior notification, represent only way forward for a lasting political threatening and destabilizing activities. We solution to the conflict. We call on all Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 call on Russia to cease its provocations and sides to engage constructively in the e-mail: [email protected] to immediately de-escalate tensions in line Trilateral Contact Group on the OSCE’s Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 with its international obligations. In partic­ proposals to confirm and consolidate the e-mail: [email protected] ular, we call on Russia to uphold the OSCE ceasefire. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 3

FOR THE RECORD UCCA statement UCCA Letter to President Joe Biden on Rojansky The following is the full text of a letter sent by the UCCA democratic values and principles, not in the appeasement on April 12 to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State of an imperial state. The Ukrainian community is ever The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) Antony Blinken. grateful for U.S. support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, released the following statement on April 12. independence and sovereignty. But, as Ukraine faces Dear Mr. President: daunting threats of Russian hybrid warfare and other On Saturday, April 10, the website Axios.com, citing The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), forms of duress, we look towards the leadership and stew­ an anonymous source, reported that Matthew the representative organization of the over 1.5 million ardship of the United States to assist Ukraine with Rojansky, head of the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute, Americans of Ukrainian descent, is deeply troubled and increased levels of defensive weaponry to protect our was being considered for appointment as the new concerned with the reported potential appointment of European allies from Russian amassed forces; to execute Russia director on the White House National Security Matthew Rojansky as Russia Director at the National stern sanctions to halt completion of the Nord Stream 2 Council (NSC). Security Council. This appointment is fraught with many pipeline and the political and economic implications asso­ Following confirmation by others on Sunday that this problems – not least of which is his belief that Ukraine is ciated with the project; as well as to implement a roadmap potential appointment had been debated by the NSC “for expendable to secure closer U.S.-Russia relations. for Ukraine’s entry into NATO through a Membership at least several weeks,” the Ukrainian Congress Mr. Rojansky’s work is a source of much anxiety and has Action Plan (MAP). These combined efforts would send a Committee of America, (UCCA) sent a letter dated April drawn criticism not only from Ukrainians, but from strong signal to our strategic partner Ukraine and others 12 to President [Joe] Biden (cc’ed to Secretary of State Central and Eastern European countries and those domes­ in the region about the national security interests of the [Antony] Blinken). tically who are concerned about Russia’s influence in the United States. The letter, signed by UCCA President Andriy Futey and United States. As exemplified by his support of a ‘Pro Thank you for your consideration of this request and Vice President Michael Sawkiw, requests on behalf of Unity’ Russian concert tour in 2017 – led by a Russian con­ attention to these vital matters. We would like to reiterate Ukrainian Americans that the president “reject Mr. ductor known to support and defend [Russian President that the Ukrainian American community looks forward to Rojansky’s appointment.” Citing “recent Russian aggres­ Vladimir] Putin – Mr. Rojansky’s actions and incendiary a productive and dynamic dialogue with you and members sive actions towards Ukraine,” the letter raises the pros­ comments over the years would send the wrong message of your administration. As such, we respectfully request an pect of the United States sending the wrong message “not not only to our strategic partner Ukraine but also to opportunity to meet (virtually) with you to address these only to our strategic partner Ukraine but also to reform­ reformers in Russia and the entire world. and other matters of immediate concern. For expediency ers in Russia and the entire world” in appointing some­ On behalf of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of in your administration’s future contact with our communi­ one with Mr. Rojansky’s history of incendiary comments America, which has promoted U.S. national interests and ty, please feel free to communicate with the UCCA’s over the years just one step below the current acting democratic values, and sought to advance the sovereignty Washington, D.C., public affairs bureau by e-mail at unis. senior director of the NSC. and security of Ukraine for more than 80 years, we [email protected]. UCCA’s letter reiterates that the Ukrainian American emphatically request that you reject Mr. Rojansky’s Respectfully, community looks forward to a productive and dynamic appointment. In fact, recent Russian aggressive actions On behalf of the UCCA Executive Board, dialogue with the White House and members of the towards Ukraine and other sovereign countries are right­ Andrew Futey, president administration, and respectfully requests an opportunity fully viewed with alarm by our NATO allies and thus lie in Michael Sawkiw, Jr., executive vice president to meet (virtually) to address these and other matters of direct contrast to Mr. Rojansky’s views and philosophies. immediate concern. The security of the United States lies in the expansion of cc: Secretary of State Antony Blinken

UCCA-Illinois Division concerned with appointment UCCA-Ill letter to Biden under consideration to the National Security Council The following is the full text of a letter sent by the UCCA- Illinois Division on April 12 to President Joe Biden. The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America- cause of deep concern. As Russia engaged in poison­ Illinois Division released the following statement on ing and killing individuals who opposed Mr. Putin, Mr. Dear Mr. President: April 12. Rojansky supported a policy at the Kennan Institute On behalf of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of that awarded Russian oligarch Petr Aven, whose name America-Illinois Division, representing hundreds of thou­ The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America- is on the U.S. “Kremlin” sanctions list, and Susan sands of Ukrainian-Americans in the state of Illinois, we Illinois Division strongly reacted to the news that Carmel Lehrman, previously personally awarded by write this letter to express our alarm about your possible President Joe Biden is considering appointing President Putin with an “Order of Friendship.” appointment of Matthew Rojansky to the position of Russia Matthew Rojansky, head of the Wilson Center’s director on the National Security Council. Kennan Institute, as Russia director on the National channel, the mastermind behind Russia’s disinforma­ The appointment of Mathew Rojansky as Russia director Security Council. Matthew Rojansky’s potential tion• Mikhailcampaign Lesin, during the thefounder 2016 of U.S. the presidential Russia Today elec TV­ on the National Security Council would send the wrong signal appointment comes at a moment in U.S.-Russia rela­ tions, was on the Kennan Institute’s guest list for the to Russia, Ukraine and the world. This is a major negative development and a source of much anxiety for Ukrainians, tions with continued tensions over the Kremlin’s 2020 Aven-Lehrman gala. Eastern Europeans, and Balts, and also for Americans who are election interference, the SolarWinds hack of U.S. legitimately concerned about Russian influence in the U.S. agencies, detention of opposition leader Alexei dialogue at the Dartmouth Conference, a platform that Dr. Rojansky’s work has drawn valid criticism. See the • Mr. Rojansky promoted the idea of the U.S.-Russia Navalny, and recent military buildup along the border was long dead after the end of the Cold War, and was attachment and second page for examples of some of these of eastern Ukraine. suddenly revived by Russian Foreign Affairs Minister serious concerns. We support peaceful coexistence, but the The issues that raise concern for UCCA-IL and its Sergei Lavrov. Mr. Rojansky served as the conference’s question is at what price and to what extent do American member organizations are based on information that executive secretary on the American side. His Russian interests need to be compromised. Mr. Rojansky’s statement depicts Matthew Rojansky as a biased individual and counterparts Yuri Shafranik and Gissa Guchetl lead in a National Interest op-ed, “Peaceful coexistence remains an lacking of impartiality regarding U.S.-Russia relations. the Russian Union of Oil and Gas Producers. imperative, no matter how unsavory Putin’s regime might be,” Those issues are as follows: is reminiscent of appeasement that led to disaster in our past. history of long-term partnership with pro-Kremlin oil We recommend that before Dr. Matthew Rojansky is that those vetting him become aware of his negative tycoons• The andKennan oligarchs. Institute The of Wilsonthe Wilson Center Center has hasbeen a appointed to the NSC, there should be careful examination of positions• Mr. Rojansky’s regarding expertiseUkraine: hisis not stated neutral. support We expect of the awarding Russian oligarchs for strengthening the U.S.- the consequences to policies that may be influenced because failed Yanukovych regime, his uncomfortable connec­ Russia dialogue since 2005, when it first honored of overt or covert financial support from Russia and that his tion with Paul Manafort, an open letter protesting his Lukoil President Vagit Alekperov, followed by awards appointment be reassessed. As such, we recommend that Dr. actions at the Kennan Institute by 31 Ukrainian schol­ to Viktor F. Vekselberg in 2007 and Petr Aven in 2015. Rojansky not be appointed to the NSC position. Dr. Rojansky’s ars, and the open record of contributions by Russian All three sponsored the Wilson Center’s gala dinners expertise is in advising without facing consequences of his oligarchs to the Kennan Institute under his leadership. and the proceeds were channeled to support the decisions. His resume does not indicate any military expertise Kennan Institute’s U.S.-Russia work. In 2017 the U.S. or background, or experience in government, in particular intelligence or security, with no line of expertise in foreign the Kennan Institute that criticized the think tank he Treasury Department put all three oligarchs onto the service. runs• Tashe an 2018 “unwitting open letter tool fromof Russia’s Ukrainian political alumni inter of­ so-called “Kremlin” sanctions list. The fact that in At its core, there is the perception that for Dr. Rojansky ference.” 2015 Viktor Vekselberg, featured on the Wilson Ukraine is expendable when standing in the way of closer U.S.- Center’s special video in honor of Petr Aven’s award Russian relations. We request that you take our deep concerns in cyber war, invaded and occupied Ukrainian territo­ testifies to continuous partnership between one of and recommendations under serious consideration and reject ry,• includingWhile Russia Crimea, interfered and in killedU.S. elections, thousands engaged of Russia’s richest oligarchs and the Wilson Center think this appointment. Ukrainians, Mr. Rojansky decried America and tank. Most respectfully, accused it of “selling war style paranoia about the A letter was sent to President Biden regarding the Dan I. Diaczun, president Russian bogeyman.” concerns of the Ukrainian community of Illinois. Marta Farion, vice president ­ Similar letters were sent to Illinois Senators and Pavlo T. Bandriwsky, vice president ported during his tenure at the Kennan Institute are a Congressional Representatives. Maria Korkatsch Groszko, Ph.D., vice president • The pro-Kremlin policies that Mr. Rojansky sup 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

NEWS ANALYSIS Moscow moving 15 warships from Caspian Sea to waters off Ukraine

by Paul Goble any new invasion. In May 2018, though Eurasia Daily Monitor with much less ceremony than today, Moscow quietly shifted five Caspian Flotilla The Russian Ministry of Defense vessels to the Sea of Azov, a move the announced on April 13 that Moscow is Russian authorities cast then as needed to sending 15 naval vessels from its Caspian defend against a Ukrainian attack on occu­ Flotilla to waters off Ukraine to take part in pied Crimea and to ensure that Moscow military exercises there. Earlier, Russian could protect its shipping in the region and Ukrainian media had reported stories against any assault (see EDM, May 31, about a smaller number. Although the ves­ 2018). After tensions eased, Moscow with­ sels must pass through a 100-kilometer- drew those Caspian Flotilla ships and relied long canal with more than 13 locks, they instead on its own coastal vessels in the Sea will likely be able to arrive before other of Azov controlled by the Federal Security ships, sent from Russia’s Baltic Fleet, make Service (FSB) and on a skeleton force of it to the Black Sea basin. Moreover, ships operated by the self-proclaimed although the ships are smaller and less Donetsk People’s Republic as its own “inde­ heavily armed than the ones coming from pendent” Azov Flotilla (Svobodnaya Pressa, the Baltic, the Caspian Flotilla has, over the May 29, 2018). last several years, developed a landing Once the 15 vessels from the Caspian capability that could make it a central ele­ Flotilla and the four from the Baltic Fleet ment in any new Russian invasion of are in place, Russia will have 50 warships in Ukraine from the sea (RIA Novosti, April 13, the waters around Ukraine, a force large 2021; see EDM, June 7, 2018). and powerful enough to counter the NATO Moscow is playing up this move as well vessels that have entered the Black Sea to as the concurrent transfer of armored units date. But more worrisome is that the inclu­ from the eastern parts of the North sion of the Caspian Flotilla vessels suggests Caucasus to Russia-occupied Crimea Russian commanders are at least as inter­ (Vzglyad, April 13; Mishen24, April 10). ested in having a landing capability as they Analysts, however, are divided on whether are in projecting a defensive shield against this movement of the Caspian Flotilla ves­ the NATO forces sent in to signal support sels and related shore units is simply part for Ukraine. That is because, more than any of an effort to blackmail Ukraine and its of the other ships involved, those from the Western supporters, whether it is a Caspian Flotilla have devoted their training response to Turkey’s decision to allow to landing troops and equipment either to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) defend Russian positions under attack or to warships to traverse the Turkish Straits and attack those of others (see EDM, May 31, enter the Black Sea, or if it represents the 2018, November 27, 2018, December 4, final stages of Russian preparations for a 2018, May 28, 2019). full-scale invasion of Ukraine (Rosbalt, April That makes the announcement on April 2; Avia.pro, April 10; Sudebno-Yuridiches­ 13 and the dislocation of the Caspian kaya Gazeta, April 11). Flotilla vessels to the Black Sea in the fol­ Obviously, the answers to those larger lowing days a critical indicator of Moscow’s questions depend on Moscow’s larger plans intentions. If these ships are kept in the Sea for operations regarding Ukraine. But two of Azov, as they largely were three years analysts have focused on what the role of ago, it would suggest that these Russian the Caspian Flotilla may mean. In com­ through the canals as the 15 are doing now. arrive as quickly as the Caspian Flotilla ves­ naval assets are likely being used as an ments for the Kavkazsky Uzel news agency, Consequently, he argued, the decision to sels and cannot perform the same functions attempt to intimidate but not necessarily independent Russian security analysts transfer the Caspian Flotilla vessels is a as the smaller ships from the Caspian can, invade. If they are moved further westward, Aleksandr Golts and Pavel Felgenhauer link form of Russian “saber rattling,” designed to Mr. Golts suggested. Mr. Felgenhauer in the direction of Odesa, it would indicate what is happening with the ships of the send a message that Moscow could, if it agreed, although he emphasized that even these forces are being put into position for Flotilla to the increasing activity of NATO chose to, launch “a major military opera­ the smaller Caspian vessels could introduce the kind of broad-scale invasion many fear. forces in the Black Sea (Kavkazsky Uzel, tion.” troops and equipment for an invasion of April 10). Mr. Golts stressed that the respec­ The three larger warships coming from Ukraine. The article above is reprinted from tive Russian ships themselves “are not a the Baltic Sea, the Minsk, the Kaliningrad A precedent exists for Moscow using Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from powerful strike force and are relatively and the Korolyev, as well as the smaller ships from the Caspian Sea to put pressure its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, small.” Larger vessels simply could not pass Boykiy, have greater punch, but they cannot on Ukraine without following that up with www.jamestown.org.

the political drama surrounding the final The two judges were believed to be Top U.S. official... years of President Donald Trump. beholden to oligarchic interests and block­ (Continued from page 1) According to U.S. court filings, in ing critical reforms necessary to put September 2019, Mr. Firtash allegedly Ukraine on the path toward European inte­ corrupt Ukrainians and hold them to wired $1 million to the American wife of a gration, Ukrainian anti-corruption advo­ account,” he said. Soviet-born businessman named Lev cates claim. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens­ Parnas. Mr. Parnas is a former donor to Mr. In response to a question on whether kyy has recently made moves against other Trump and an associate of Rudy Giuliani, the West was failing to stop the flow of cor­ powerful business interests, including Mr. Trump’s personal lawyer. rupt Ukrainian money into its banking sys­ imposing sanctions on Viktor Medvedchuk, According to Mr. Parnas, and other legal tem, Mr. Kent said recent Justice Depart­ a tycoon close to Russian President filings, Mr. Firtash allegedly provided key ment actions against Mr. Kolomoisky Vladimir Putin. documents that Mr. Giuliani used to further showed the United States is taking a tough­ Mr. Zelenskyy’s administration has also a discredited claim that Mr. Biden engaged er stand on the issue. gone after former officials at PrivatBank, in wrongdoing in Ukraine. That claim was a As for the external threat, Mr. Kent reit­ the lender once owned by tycoon Ihor key point of Mr. Trump’s losing 2020 elec­ erated the Biden administration’s stance Kolomoisky, who is considered to be one of tion fight against Mr. Biden. that the Russian military buildup near Mr. Zelenskyy’s main benefactors. Mr. Parnas has said that in exchange for Ronald Zak, AP Ukraine “is worrisome.” He also commend­ Mr. Kolomoisky is under criminal inves­ Mr. Firtash’s help in the effort to damage Dmytro Firtash attends a hearing at the ed Kyiv for its “restrained and responsible” tigation in the United States for money Mr. Biden, he told Mr. Firtash they would Austrian Supreme Court in Vienna dur- response to those actions. laundering. The Justice Department is seek­ make his U.S. legal troubles disappear. ing his battle against U.S. extradition in ing to seize three U.S. office buildings he In his speech, Mr. Kent also appeared to June 2019. Copyright 2021, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted allegedly bought with laundered money. back a recent move by Mr. Zelenskyy to fire with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Mr. Kolomoisky denies the allegations. two judges from the country’s Constitut­ pendence of the judiciary. Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, But Mr. Firtash, unlike Mr. Kolomoisky, ional Court. Mr. Kent said the integrity of institutions Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see has so far avoided official pressure from the Mr. Zelenskyy’s decision sparked con­ was just as important, adding that corrupt https://www.rferl.org/a/us-calls-on- Zelenskyy government. cern in the West he was reaching beyond judges lead to “corrupt independent insti­ ukraine-to-crack-down-on-oligarchs/3119 Mr. Firtash has also had a part to play in his powers and interfering with the inde­ tutions.” 4077.html). No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 5 Supreme Court of Ukraine rules in favor of transferring UOC-MP parish to the OCU PARSIPPANY, N.J. — On April 6, a court was held, which reviewed these court deci­ session of the Grand Chamber of the sions under cassation procedure. Thus, as a Supreme Court of Ukraine was held to con­ result of this review, the previous court sider case No. 910/ 10011/19 on the legali­ decisions were overturned and the claim ty of the change by the religious communi­ was rejected in full. That is, the Grand ty of the village of Sutkivtsiy, Khmelnytskyi Chamber of the Supreme Court confirmed region, of its subordination-withdrawal the legality of the decision of the religious from the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian community of the village of Sutkivtsi, The UNA ANNoUNces Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate Khmelnytskyi region, on the transition (UOC-MP) and entry into the Orthodox from the Moscow Patriarchate to the OCU. Church of Ukraine (OCU). This decision of the Grand Chamber of ScholarShipS and awardS As a result of the meeting, a decision was the Supreme Court is of key importance, as for StudentS attending college made on the legality of such a change of it is the first among a number of legal dis­ subordination. Thus, for the first time since putes initiated by the UOC-MP since the in the 2021-2022 academic year. the beginning of the active process of tran­ beginning of the active process of transi­ sitions of religious communities of Ukraine tions of religious communities of Ukraine Students wishing to apply for a UNA scholarship or award must meet from the UOC-MP to the OCU, the Supreme to the OCU adopted by the highest court of the following criteria: Court of Ukraine adopted a decision that Ukraine. confirmed the possibility and legality of Since the beginning of 2019, the UOC- l Have been an active, premium-paying UNA member for at least such transitions and rejected the objections MP has initiated more than 100 trials in two years by June 1st of 2021; of the UOC-MP against the move. disputes that are sufficiently new for l Have had a life insurance policy or an annuity, valued at a minimum On February 23, 2019, the religious com­ Ukrainian legal proceedings regarding the of $5,000 during the last two years (term policies excluded); munity of the village of Sutkivtsi, Khmelny­ legality of changing the subordination of l Be enrolled in an accredited college or university in USA or Canada. tskyi region, in connection with the forma­ Orthodox religious communities in tion of the OCU, held a general meeting at Ukraine. As a result, until April 6 there was The application for a UNA scholarship or award must be postmarked no which it decided to move from the UOC-MP no position of the Supreme Court of later than June 1, 2021. to the OCU. Not wanting to join the OCU Ukraine on such issues, which resulted in For complete details and applications, please call the UNA Home Office with the entire religious community and, in the contradictory judicial practice of lower fact, acting against the will of the religious courts resolving such disputes. or visit the Our Benefits page on the UNA website at: community itself, its rector appealed to the The decision of the Grand Chamber of www.UNAInc.org court with a claim in which he demanded to the Supreme Court can resolve disputes recognize this transition as illegal. concerning the transition of Orthodox reli­ For quite a long time, this claim was con­ gious communities of Ukraine from the Ukrainian National Association, Inc. sidered in the Economic Court of Kyiv. In UOC-MP to the OCU and, thus, unify the 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 February 2020, a decision was made in approach of the courts of Ukraine in their 800-253-9862 ext. 3035 favor of the rector of the religious commu­ resolution, protecting the legal right of reli­ nity of the UOC-MP. Later, this decision was gious communities to change jurisdictions. left unchanged by the Court of Appeal. However, on April 6, a court session of Source: Pomisna.info and Religious Infor­ the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court mation Service of Ukraine. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly A COVID-19 spike in Ukraine Seven years of Russian military aggression While there is a growing sense in North America that we may have begun to in eastern Ukraine: it must be stopped! turn a corner in the fight against the ongoing pandemic, the situation in Ukraine appears to be moving in the opposite direction. There has been a surge in COVID- by Eugene Czolij ner that projects unambiguous commit­ 19 infections, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko recently announced that the capital ment to Ukraine’s independence and right will remain in a lockdown until at least April 30. The move comes after city Seven years ago, Russia invaded eastern to self-determination stemming from the authorities last month closed schools and kindergartens, theaters and shopping Ukraine and since then has ruthlessly and explicit rejection by the Ukrainian people of centers, while cafés and restaurants were only allowed to provide takeaway ser­ overtly destroyed, with total disdain, peo­ Russia’s sphere of influence over Ukraine, vice. Public transportation in Kyiv is now operating on special passenger passes ple and property alike. as well as to regional peace and stability. for those people who work in the city’s critical infrastructure enterprises. The statistics are dreadful, and they only They must deal with Russia from a position Mr. Klitschko said that this was “no time to be frivolous.” As the country’s inten­ get worse as time goes by. of strength, as that is the only language Mr. sive care units and hospitals feel the strain of the surging numbers, Mr. Klitschko Owing to Russia’s incessant military Putin understands. urged people throughout the capital to take the issue seriously. “Today, our main aggression against Ukraine, since 2014 Until Western leaders provide Ukraine a task is to preserve the health and life of Kyiv residents, to help our doctors cope over 13,000 individuals have been killed definite path to NATO membership by offer­ with this wave,” he said. “There is no other choice, otherwise the medical system and over 33,000 injured in Donbas (includ­ ing it the NATO Membership Action Plan, would not be able to cope with a further rise in the number of patients, otherwise ing civilians and military), and there are Russia will not truly understand where there will be even more deaths.” currently over 1.5 million internally dis­ NATO stands on this issue. Any ambiguity In just one example of how tragic the situation has become for some in Ukraine, placed persons in Ukraine. from NATO on this strategic issue will on April 8 the Ukrainian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that a Overall, the reaction of Western democ­ embolden Russia’s policy of regional desta­ couple with 13 children, 11 of whom are under age 18, both died of COVID-19 only racies has been supportive of Ukraine’s ter­ bilization, including in Ukraine, to the con­ days apart. According to the news service, the family moved to Kyiv in 2014 after ritorial integrity and disapproving of tinued detriment of the West. Russia-backed separatists seized their home city of Makiyivka in eastern Ukraine. Russia’s blatant and systematic violations Western leaders should also impose The country has faced numerous challenges in its fight to curb the spread of the of its international commitments, including their conditions and a timeframe to ensure coronavirus. The Ukrainian government has also done little to implement a robust of several negotiated ceasefire agreements. a real Russian military withdrawal from contact tracking and tracing program, the lockdowns were implemented too late Russia is now, once again, openly build­ Ukraine by making it clear to Russia that it and without stringent enforcement, and there are now new, more contagious vari­ ing up its military presence close to the risks suspension from the SWIFT cross- ants of the virus spreading throughout the country. Moreover, a vaccine has only Ukrainian border and increasing its mili­ border payment platform if it fails to com­ recently become available to Ukrainians, although many seem distrustful and tary provocations and intimidation against ply with such conditions and timeframe. unwilling to take a vaccine even when it becomes available to them. Ukraine. After seven years, it is time for the West According to a report last week from the Atlantic Council, in the first quarter of The international community has to send an unequivocal message to the 2021, “a mere 232,000 Ukrainians received a first dose of the Covid vaccine. In expressed serious concern – and rightfully Kremlin that the respect of the territorial comparison, the African nation of Rwanda, with less than one-third of Ukraine’s so. integrity of independent states, including population, has already given first doses to 349,000 citizens. Even rural Mongolia, Unfortunately, Western leaders have still Ukraine, is essential and non-negotiable. with a population the size of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (3.3 million) has not fully understood how Russia’s current already provided first dose vaccinations to 290,00 people.” czar operates and are fearful that an appro­ Eugene Czolij, a lawyer, is president of the If Ukraine hopes to win the fight against the coronavirus, Ukrainians will need priately tough reaction to his dangerous nongovernmental organization to accept being vaccinated. We are hopeful that Ukrainian President Volodymyr provocations could escalate into a full- Ukraine-2050 and former president of the Zelenskyy’s announcement on April 6 that Ukraine has secured 10 million vac­ blown military confrontation with the Ukrainian World Congress (2008-2018). cines from Pfizer will help the situation, but we urge all Ukrainians in the diaspora West; whereas Russian President Vladimir Ukraine-2050 is a non-profit organiza- to contact any family, friends and associates in Ukraine and urge them to take a Putin’s interpretation of Western hesitation tion established to help implement, within vaccine, any vaccine, when it becomes available to them. and wavering as signs of weakness only one generation – by 2050 – strategies for the feeds his insatiable imperialistic appetite. sustainable development of Ukraine as a That is why Western leaders must fully independent, territorially integral, dem- respond to Mr. Putin’s current provocations ocratic, reformed and economically competi- tive European state. April Turning the pages back... in a proactive, united and determined man­

Last year, on April 21, 2020, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy LETTER TO THE EDITOR 21 of Ukraine marked his one-year anniversary of being elected president of Ukraine in a landslide victory that was seen by Russian takeover on the basis of an argu­ 2020 observers as an expression of the people’s voice for change from Let us not pretend that ment that most people in Crimea speak the old order and its ways. Russian. He was “rewarded” by the Russian An analysis by Bohdan Nahaylo noted that the one-year anni­ Mr. Trump is Ukraine’s ally media with a statement that “Trump is versary for Mr. Zelenskyy was muted and reflected the difficulties facing the new adminis­ ours.” tration, some of which were created by the administration itself. Maintaining the image of Dear Editor: In light of all of the above, please let us a reformer, Mr. Zelenskyy announced on April 22, 2020, that he would add Mikheil I need to respond to the letter of not pretend that Mr. Trump, being a friend Saakashvili, the former Georgian president, to his team as a vice prime minister responsi­ Jaroslaw Sawka (March 21) regarding the of Ukraine’s enemy Mr. Putin, can be any­ ble for reform. Mr. Nahaylo noted that the move “proved to be a miscalculation,” after he question “Who lost Crimea.” He has taken thing but Ukraine’s enemy as well. failed to secure parliamentary support from within his own Servant of the People party. upon himself to lecture me to be “more Dr. Oles Lomacky By April 30 David Arakhamia, head of the political faction, announced that Mr. Zelenskyy careful, cautious, and informed.” Washington would be offering Mr. Saakashvili an alternate post. First, it would seem that he should learn The failed move by Mr. Zelenskyy included other worrying developments that were first how to apply these precepts to himself seen to weaken Western confidence in Ukraine’s reform process and could lead to further before lecturing others. Second, I do not delays in adopting a critical law about ending a standoff between oligarch Ihor recall asking for his opinions in as much as GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS Kolomoisky, who was suspected of embezzlement through manipulation of his ownership his expertise in these matters unknown. TO THE EDITOR of PrivatBank. What I did ask for is some evidence, still The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters In a televised address marking his one-year anniversary as president, Mr. Zelenskyy not forthcoming, from Messrs. Mirchuk and to the editor that react to articles published aimed to highlight the achievements of his administration, but those expectations did not Martyniuk regarding their claim that for­ on its pages. Opinions expressed by letter meet reality. Amid Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, the mer President Barack Obama’s administra­ writers are their own and do not neces- Zelenskyy administration was credited with the passage of laws on lifting prosecutorial sarily reflect the opinions of either The tion blocked Ukraine’s military response to Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the immunity for national deputies and on the impeachment of the president; a law lifting the the Russian annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian National Association. ban on the sale of farmland; the approval of a new electoral code aimed at reducing cor­ So, here are some facts as we know them. Letters must be signed (anonymous let- rupt elections and a reduced number of seats in the Verkhovna Rada; and the restoration First, the decision not to respond mili­ ters are not published) and the city from of criminal responsibility for illegal enrichment. tarily to Mr. Putin was a decision made by which they are sent will be published under Observers also noted that Mr. Zelenskyy remained unable to find the right people to fill the Ukrainian government and not by the author’s name. However, the daytime phone number, e-mail address and com- key posts and relied too heavily on inexperienced enthusiasts. Others pointed to the President Obama. There were elements of impact of Andriy Yermak as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, whose relation­ plete mailing address of the letter-writer Ukrainian military that were ready to must be given for verification purposes. ship with Mr. Saakashvili goes back to their student days. Mr. Saakashvili was tasked with engage but they were not authorized to do THE LENGTH OF LETTERS CAN- meeting expectations for domestic reforms, while Mr. Yermak would concentrate on for­ so. Under such circumstances, Mr. Obama’s NOT EXCEED 250 WORDS. Letters may eign relations and foreign creditor issues, specifically on negotiations with Russia. decision to send the U.S. military when be edited or abridged. The Weekly reserves This year, Iuliia Mendel, presidential spokesperson, said on March 9 that Mr. Zelenskyy Ukrainians declined to take a risk would the right to edit for clarity, civility and plans to hold his next press conference in May 2021, ahead of the second anniversary of have been pointless. accuracy. his election. Letters should be sent to staff@ Second, Mr. Trump’s attitudes are well ukrweekly.com or to The Ukrainian Source: “After one year, is Zelenskyy running out of steam?,” by Bohdan Nahaylo, The known. At the G-7 summit meeting he Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Ukrainian Weekly, May 3, 2020. questioned the need for resisting the Parsippany, NJ 07054. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 7

COMMENTARY The problem with our diaspora is focus Message to the international community:

by Askold S. Lozynskyj make your medical supplies available to Don’t wait until it’s too late! them. The Ukrainian American community The Ukrainian diaspora is one of the has to be influential in this regard so that by Stefan Romaniw more tireless diasporas. Richard Nixon Ukraine gets a fair share. participation in various regional formats once complemented Ukrainians in the The second war is with Russian aggres­ Currently there is a serious threat of a and• Supportinitiatives, must among be provided them NATO to Ukraine’s QUINT United States by comparing the effective­ sion. There is more concern with current Russian strike on Ukraine. (an informal decision making group consist­ ness of the Ukrainians to Jews in America. increased Russian forces on Ukraine’s bor­ Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a ing of the U.S., France, Germany, Italy and the That may have been a stretch, but there is der, which may be connected to some oppo­ challenge not only for Ukraine but for the United Kingdom) and the “Bucharest Nine,” little doubt that Ukrainians are dedicated sition to Nord Stream 2. These are important international community. The bigger the as well as a reinvigoration of the dialogue at and hardworking. At the same time, this but not crucial concerns. Russia is not about footprint in Ukraine, the more dangerous various levels within the “Lublin Triangle,” diaspora is also quite disorganized, at least to bite off more than it can chew. the situation for Europe and international­ “Visegrad Four plus Ukraine,” “Weimar on issues, if not on ideology or structure. Furthermore, the discussion about Budapest ly. Triangle plus Ukraine,” Three Seas Initiative. continues, but the bottom line is Bucharest. In most matters we do attempt to find A broad coalition of countries must send common ground among the diaspora elite Budapest is irreversible. Bucharest is not. strong, united messages to deter Russian Ukraine’s national security and defence since all are patriotic essentially. Ideology is We, Ukrainians in the diaspora, failed aggression. Actions speak louder than policy.• Energy It needs security to be is supported an integral interna part of­ not an issue since most do not address or Ukraine in Bucharest. Ukrainian Americans understand what ideology is except that they were too complacent. Ukrainians in words. A critical player must be the United tionally. love Ukraine. What should be addressed are Germany and France went entirely missing. States of America. President Joe Biden has ­ purposes. Ukrainian humanitarian groups The only way to stop Russia, not Mr. expressed his support for Ukraine. ous threat for Ukraine and the entire are obliged to focus on assistance for relief Putin because he is temporary and not a Russian military build-up on Ukraine’s European• The Nord region. Stream Construction 2 project of is the an pipeobvi­ and medical needs. The United American Russian idiosyncrasy, is by placing a NATO borders is growing. Russia continues to exert line can and must be stopped, the same Ukrainian Relief Committee is very promi­ member at its border. Ukrainian human external pressure via hybrid activity to force way France cancelled the sale of two nent in this regard. There are others. Youth rights’ advocates need to appreciate the Ukraine into accepting Russia’s demands in Mistral warships in 2015. organizations are intent on helping to raise a extreme. Were Alexei Navalny president of the Donbas War and in other areas. new generation to perpetuate existing struc­ Russia, Ukraine would be in peril. Russians Ukraine is holding its position and has platform may be considered as platforms tures and purposes. Ukrainian American cannot accept Ukrainians and Ukraine as a indicated it will not cross the well-estab­ for• Thefurther Normandy negotiations. format and President Crimean Youth Association (known by its Ukrainian separate nation or country because its very lished red lines of negotiation. Zelenskyy is calling a high-level interna­ acronym SUM) and Plast Ukrainian Scouting existence deprives Russia of 300 years of In fact, Ukrainian President Volodymyr tional forum to discuss the Crimean Organization have been great. That leaves history, and its Christian Orthodoxy. Zelensky has been continually reminded by Platform in August. America has to lead. Ukraine is entitled the balance with a nebulous purpose of dis­ civil society that those lines cannot be semination of information. to a Membership Action Plan in NATO. Only two countries in NATO are more powerful crossed. Territorial sovereignty and demo­ through its member organizations, must The Ukrainian diaspora has been some­ cratic principles are not up for sale or nego­ continue• The Ukrainian to call on Worldits members Congress to (encour UWC),­ what adept in not only creating structures militarily than Ukraine and one is a dicta­ torship, Turkey. America has to lead more tiation. age the governments in their respective but often in unifying efforts through central There are numerous theories regarding countries to participate. coordinating structures. This has not forcefully than it did in Bucharest in 2008. the reasons for Russia’s ongoing and Ukraine’s resistance, NATO, Western worked recently with new emigrants from France, Germany and Hungary, which offer increased military presence. Let’s explore support for Ukraine, President Biden’s Ukraine. In traditional diaspora communi­ little militarily, will follow when the other ties there have been moments of disunity, 25 countries insist. There are substantial some: comments about Mr. Putin, and myriad but mostly traditional norms and customs Ukrainian diaspora communities in all Russia’s primary negotiator Dimitri international exposes about Mr. Putin or have pursued some semblance of coordina­ those countries. They need to wake up. A Kozak may have promised Mr. Putin some­ Russia are other sticking points aggravating tion, such as the Ukrainian World Congress, demonstration of Ukrainian willpower by thing he cannot deliver in negotiations. His Mr. Putin at this time. So Mr. Putin has the European Congress of Ukrainians, the Ukrainian-Germans at the Bundestag may smug attitude has been: Don’t worry Mr. resorted to powerful intimidation tools Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, compel Angela Merkel and a demonstra­ President, we will deal with Ukraine! It (drawing up “invasion capable forces” right the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the tion at the National Assembly by a popu­ turns out that his prognostications are not up to the Ukrainian border). Organization of Ukrainians in Great Britain, lous Ukrainian community in France may happening. The UWC is in regular contact with high- and other similar structures. These organi­ convince the politically unpopular Water to Crimea is a critical issue. Access level Ukrainian government officials to Emmanuel Macron. Ukrainians can even zations have persevered and, while they are via Ukraine is required. Russia promised receive updates on the current situation approach the dictator and xenophobe unable today to purport full representation, Crimea the “world.” It has poured billions of and discuss strategies for engaging interna­ they manage and coordinate many. Viktor Orban with a proposal regarding the Hungarians in Zakarpattia. dollars into Crimea, but is getting meager tional governments to support Ukraine and The problem is focus. There are myriad results. Hence, the attitude to Russia in condemn Russia’s constant use of the “fear issues that the Ukrainian diaspora needs to Finally, and least importantly, there is Ukraine’s war against corruption. It’s least Crimea is changing. There is dissatisfaction. factor” tactic. address. However, the fact is that many are important because it has to be a long term Ukraine’s firm position on not allowing The Australian Federation of Ukrainian marginal at best. At least two current and never-ending effort. A non-corrupt elections until all Russian troops are off Organisations (AFUO) has written to issues which are largely irrelevant yet democratic country was never built in 30 Ukraine’s soil continues to frustrate Mr. Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, remain within the diaspora mindset are years. The United States of America is Putin. Security and border control issues Marise Payne, calling on Australia to add its dual citizenship and Nord Stream 2. The almost 250 years old. Nationally, even today, need to be addressed before any election. voice of condemnation. Other UWC mem­ immediate need for the sake of efficacy is the following institutions are corrupt or very being able to distinguish the marginally Former President of Ukraine Leonid bers have done likewise in their respective abusive in their use of power: the Federal important from the indispensable. Most Kravchuk reinforced this position in negoti­ countries. Courts, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, issues addressed by Ukrainian organiza­ ations earlier this year. Russia continues to Our message to the international com­ Immigration and Customs Enforcement. tions today in the diaspora are salient but demand such elections and is not getting its munity is explicit: Don’t wait until it’s too Locally there is no institution more corrupt only two are crucial or indispensable for way, therefore its irritation. late. Russian boots on Ukrainian soil in than police unions. I have lived and worked One should not forget the internal dis­ Donbas, the annexation of Crimea and the Ukraine’s survival. It is important to focus in New York City. The New York Police harmony in Russia over Alexei Navalny’s shooting down of MH17 are all examples of on these with minimization of the others. Dedepartment, its union, the Patrolman’s imprisonment and civil society’s demand Mr. Putin’s modus operandi. Ukraine is mired in at least three wars. Benevolent Association, are as corrupt and The first one is very immediate and crucial, abusive as any institution in Ukraine. I am an for democracy. Deflection from this could It is time to step up the punitive process the next is short term and the last one is attorney by training, profession and experi­ also be playing a part. – heightening of sanctions on Russia is long term. The epidemic of COVID-19 has ence. Please do not tell me that America is So what now? important at this time. It is time for interna­ been a disaster in Ukraine for many reasons, not corrupt. I was and am a Joe Biden sup­ There are messages and actions that the tional sanctions to be placed on Mr. Putin among them two which stand out: the fail­ porter. So far, the most delusional statement international community needs to agree on himself. ure by Ukrainians to take the pandemic seri­ by this 78-year-old was “This is not who we to form a cohesive front to combat Russian Implementing a SWIFT payment ban on ously and the lack of wherewithal to address are,” when referring to racism and police aggression. Russia would also be a significant step. the need for a remedy. The first is almost too brutality in America. This is exactly who we The following actions need to be taken: But this requires international commit­ late to address. The latter is very much the are. But there are good people among us just ment and a willingness to do a reset of most important issue for Ukraine and its as among the Mexicans. pressure on Russia until the territorial international standards and principles. It is diaspora today. Get Ukraine the necessary Let the good Americans help their stra­ integrity• Further of Ukraine strengthen within sanctions internationally to put not about only condemning acts of aggres­ vaccinations! India is not the solution even if tegic allies the Ukrainians short term by efficacy is not the problem. India’s marginal recognized borders is restored. sion – actual or hybrid. It is about acting agreeing to sell or even donate vaccinations accordingly. wealth, administrative skills and huge popu­ after we have been vaccinated ourselves lation are too difficult to overcome. Ukraine and the militarization of the In times of uncertainty, danger and and by insisting at NATO that Ukraine get a Crimean• The securityPeninsula situation by the in Russian eastern aggression, a robust, uncompromising President Joe Biden spoke at his last press MAP immediately. Everything else is only Federation requires coordinated action by international response is a must. conference of the need to vaccinate people marginally relevant. outside America. For the selfish American the international community. this should speak volumes as well. A non- Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney at law Stefan Romaniw, OAM, is the first vice- immunized world leaves Americans isolat­ based in New York City who served as presi- ship Action Plan. The blocking by some president of the Ukrainian World Congress ed. After immunizing Americans reach out dent of the Ukrainian World Congress in partners• NATO of mustthe NATO offer- UkraineUkraine Commission a Mem­ber­ and the co-chair of the Australian to your allies, including Ukrainians, and 1998-2008. needs to desist. Federation of Ukrainian Organizations. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE UNWLA’s North Port branch decorates local public libraries with Ukrainian crafts and artifacts

by Patricia H. Zalisko NORTH PORT, Fla. – Members of Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America stepped forward this Easter to decorate the libraries of the Sarasota County Public Libraries in south­ west Florida with traditional Ukrainian crafts, artifacts and art forms. The project was organized by Jaroslawa (Slava) Stefanyshyn, the branch’s cultural and museum coordinator. The president of Branch 56 of is Alexandra Popel. Those members who arranged the dis­

Jaroslawa Stefanyshyn The UNWLA Branch 56 Easter display in the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library in Venice, Fla.

plays, which included select items from their own treasured collections, included Klara Szpiczka and Halyna Lisnyczyj (North Port Public Library); Romana Guran and Ms. Stefanyshyn (Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library); Oksana Lew and Ksenia Kuzmycz (William H. Jervey Venice Public Library); Bohdana Puzyk and Irene Copie (Selby Public Library); and Ms. Stefanyshyn, Lieda Boyko and Olena Boyko (Fruitville Public Library). Lidia Bilous, Ksenia Kuzmych Jaroslawa Stefanyshyn Tania Silecky and Roxolana Saciuk also gen­ The UNWLA Branch 56 Easter display The UNWLA Branch 56 Easter display in the North Port Public Library in North erously contributed artifacts for the Easter in the William H. Jervey Venice Public Port, Fla. displays. Library in Venice, Fla. No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 9

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit elects new president and plans a series of exhibits

by Ksenia Rychtycka into a modern bank serving the Ukrainian providing a source of research for the pres­ community. ent and the future. In November 2017, the HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Dedication has In his outgoing letter to the community, UAAM held its grand opening, ushering in a always been at the forefront for the Mr. Stasiw noted that much had been new era. board members, staff and volunteers of accomplished since he joined the board of While president of ADUK, Ms. Hayda the Ukrainian American Archives and directors. successfully showcased a wide array of Museum of Detroit (UAAM). This didn’t “The accomplishments are a credit to Ukrainian talent to an American audience, change when the COVID-19 pandemic the many hardworking board members beginning with the exhibit “21 Ukrainian forced the museum to close its doors to that rolled up their sleeves and leveraged Artists,” followed by “Chornobyl – Five the public for a time. Instead, an array of their individual skills to contribute,” Mr. Years After,” both held at the venerable projects were gathered up to be com­ Stasiw said. “I cannot thank them enough Scarab Club in Detroit. The Chornobyl pleted within the confines of various for their hard work and sacrifices to help exhibit included monumental artworks by homes. our community maintain and evolve the artists from Ukraine, which were flown in A team of volunteers began preparing UAAM for future generations.” on the Antonov An-225 Mriya, a Ukrainian muslin hangers and covers for the muse­ Ms. Hayda, who recently retired from plane which has the largest wingspan of um’s growing textile collection, keeping in teaching at the Detroit Waldorf School, any aircraft in operational service. line with the best practices of conservation. brings a wealth of experience with her and Other successful exhibits at the Scarab People from across the world continued to was formerly director of the Waldorf Club included “Ukrainian Mythology, reach out to Executive Director Olga Kinderhouse. In the 1990s, she instituted a Folklore and Legends,” and “In Search of Liskiwskyi with numerous research Waldorf teacher training program in Ukrainian Symbolism and Motifs,” followed requests. Ukraine, educating and training teachers in by “Freedom – Volya,” a cooperative exhibit

Shortly before the lockdown, a new Kyiv and Odesa. She helped found The of Ukrainian artists from Canada and the Taras Hayda exhibit “Kozachchyna – The Forgotten Stork’s Nest (Buzkove Hnizdo), a Waldorf United States, which was held at the Biegas Dzvinka Hayda, newly elected president Stronghold, Starodubshchyna,” was preschool/kindergarten in Horodenka, Gallery. Each exhibit included a musical of the Ukrainian American Archives and installed. With the later loosening of pan­ Ukraine. performance featuring Ukrainian songs. Museum of Detroit. demic restrictions, the museum presented Her other accomplishments include Ms. Hayda also implemented “Chornobyl – “A Winter Exhibit: Ukrainian American being president of the Detroit Chapter of 10 Years After,” a children’s exhibit held at Baranyk; John Nagridge; Edward, Yuri and Artists,” which highlighted Detroit-area art­ the Association for Advancement of Your Heritage House, which featured a Yarema Kozak; Chrystyna Nykorak; Luba ists and was featured in The Hamtramck Ukrainian Culture (ADUK), as well as the bandura performance by students. Kytasta; Nicholas Nehaniv and Colleen Review. The UAAM also took part in pre­ director and board member of the Early Ms. Hayda continues to be enthusiastic Kelley. Lastly, a new exhibit on a popular senting “Holodomor: A Remembrance,” a Childhood Program at the Waldorf and committed to showcasing Ukrainian theme, aptly entitled “Ukrainian virtual art exhibit featuring the works of Institute of Southern Michigan (WISM). Ms. art to the general public. The Events Mythology, Folklore and Legends – The Houston-based artist Lydia Bodnar Hayda is also an award-winning author Committee has developed a three-year Second Time Around,” is also being Balahutrak. and illustrator of three children’s books. plan to implement innovative program­ planned. Despite the pandemic challenges, the Her first book, “Little Angel’s Journey,” ming. This spring, an outstanding collec­ Other future events include themed pre­ UAAM’s mission to preserve artifacts and which received the Moonbeam Award, will tion donated by the family of Dr. Miroslaw sentations and lectures, literary readings, educate the general public about the cul­ soon be translated and published in and Anna Hnatiuk will be displayed. musical performances, children’s puppet ture, art and history of Ukrainians perse­ Ukraine. The Hnatiuks traveled to Ukraine during shows and Ukrainian storytelling as well as vered. During Ms. Hayda’s first tenure as UAAM the Soviet-era and were able to purchase associated workshops. At the close of 2020, the Board of president, one of her primary goals was to invaluable folk costumes, ceramics, In the meantime, work behind the Directors elected Zwenyslava (Dzvinka) relocate the museum into larger quarters pysanky and artworks. Thanks to the fami­ scenes continues with Ms. Liskiwskyi on Hayda president of the UAAM to replace with the aim of properly displaying its ly’s generous donations, The Hnatiuk site, tirelessly cataloging the UAAM’s vast outgoing president George Stasiw, who was expansive holdings and ensuring that Collection is now housed at the UAAM and holdings and archives, hosting visitors a board member for close to a decade and Ukrainian cultural events could be held on The Ukrainian Museum-Archives in according to COVID-19 guidelines, continu­ served as president of the organization for site. She was instrumental in locating the Cleveland. In a nice touch, their daughter- ing research and guiding museum activi­ the last four years. current building location in downtown in-law Martha has become the newest ties. This is Ms. Hayda’s second term as presi­ Hamtramck, comprising more than 13,500 board member. For more information about the dent, as she has played an integral role at square feet, and encouraging the purchase. Additionally, a number of local artists Ukrainian American Archives and Museum the museum throughout the years – joining Notably, in October 2013, former will be highlighted in “The Wellspring – An of Detroit, readers may visit the organiza­ first as a board member, then later serving President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko Exhibit Series featuring Artists of tion’s Facebook page at http://www.face­ separate tenures as vice president and and his wife, Kateryna, attended a celebra­ Ukrainian Descent.” Featured artists book.com/UAAMDetroit. The phone num­ president. tory banquet held at the Grosse Pointe include Yuri Krus; Roman Seniuk; Roman ber is 313-366-9764. Ms. Hayda expressed her gratitude to Mr. Yacht Club, aimed to benefit the UAAM. Stasiw for all his contributions, including During the event, both Mr. and Mrs. overseeing the move to the museum’s spa­ Yuschchenko spoke of the important role cious new location in 2017 and brokering that Ukrainian museums serve throughout the sale of the former museum building to the world, as they are repositories of the Selfreliance Credit Union of Chicago. Ukrainian culture and history and have a The old museum has now been remodeled significant impact in representing a nation,

Olga Liskiwskyi The façade of the Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

electric shocks, beaten, and threatened a televised interview broadcast on March Kyiv to repatriate dozens of Ukrainian NEWSBRIEFS with death unless he “confessed” to spying 18, in which Mr. Yesypenko “confessed” to women and children it says are being held on behalf of Ukraine. Lawyer Aleksei Ladin spying for Ukraine, was staged. The lawyer in “horrific” conditions in Syrian camps. An (Continued from page 2) said after the hearing that the torture last­ quoted his client as saying he was given a estimated 40 Ukrainian women and chil­ ed two days after Mr. Yesypenko’s arrest on written text to read aloud and then dren are “unlawfully” detained in two 2014. (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters March 10 on what the defense calls false answered questions that people in charge camps in northeastern Syria, the New and AP) charges against the journalist, who has of his detainment asked. According to Mr. York-based human rights watchdog said in U.S. denounces crackdown on journalists Ukrainian and Russian dual nationality. Ladin, Mr. Yesypenko also said at the trial a statement on April 13. The majority of RFE/RL President Jamie Fly at the time that he has serious problems with his kid­ them are children, some as young as 2 The U.S. State Department has called for said that the broadcaster is “outraged” to neys and needs medicine for the ailment. years old, it added. The group is among the release of an RFE/RL freelance corre­ learn what Mr. Yesypenko said during his RFE/RL President Fly has questioned the nearly 43,000 foreigners linked to the spondent arrested in Ukraine’s Russia- testimony, saying the journalist “must be circumstances under which Mr. Yesypenko Islamic State (IS) extremist group who are annexed Crimea region and joined human set free now, and allowed to rejoin his fami­ made his confession, saying it appeared “to being held by regional authorities. HRW rights groups in expressing concern over ly in Ukraine immediately.” Russia’s Federal be forced and made without access to legal said it had sent letters to Ukrainian his treatment and a televised “confession” Security Service (FSB) has said Mr. counsel.” The RFE/RL president added that, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and he gave. “Troubled by reports that Russian Yesypenko, a freelance contributor to “The Russian authorities have similarly Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba occupation authorities in Crimea tortured Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of smeared RFE/RL Ukrainian Service con­ requesting the government take prompt @RFERL freelance journalist [Vladyslav] RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, was suspected tributors with false charges in the past. action to assist and repatriate the Yesypenko to coerce his confession. We call of collecting information for Ukrainian Vladyslav is a freelance contributor with Ukrainian women and children. “Ukrainian for his release, and for Russia to cease its intelligence, and claimed that an object RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, not a spy, and women and children are being held in hor­ reprisals against independent voices in “looking like an explosive device” was he should be released.” Ukraine’s Foreign rific and appalling conditions while their Crimea,” spokesman Ned Price tweeted on found in his automobile during his appre­ Intelligence Service has described the government chooses to look the other April 13. Mr. Yesypenko’s lawyer on April 6 hension. The journalist was charged with arrest as “a convenient attempt to distract way,” said Yulia Gorbunova, senior Ukraine said his client testified during a closed-door “making firearms,” which is punishable by the attention of the population away from researcher at HRW. Kyiv “should comply court hearing that he was tortured with up to six years in prison. Mr. Ladin said that the numerous internal problems of the with the regional authorities’ repeated peninsula” around the seventh anniversary calls for countries to bring home their of its forcible annexation, which was nationals, prioritizing the most vulnera­ marked on March 18. The U.S. State Department has called Mr. Yesypenko’s (Continued on page 11) arrest “another attempt to repress those who speak the truth about Russia’s aggres­ TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 sion in Ukraine.” Russia annexed Ukraine’s or e-mail [email protected] Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, sending in troops and staging a referendum SERVICES PROFESSIONALS denounced as illegitimate by at least 100 countries after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted МАРІЯ ДРИЧ amid a wave of public protests. 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“Better late than never. And today, we, line in the east of the country. Mr. share their impressions of the celebration. Plast celebrates... Plast members and friends of Plast in the Oryshchenko conveyed his message via a “I think the perception of online events (Continued from page 1) Verkhovna Rada, want to thank this convo­ live video stream from the Donetsk region. has changed,” said Mr. Malkov, who is also a cation of the parliament for the law adopt­ Anna Bondarenko, the event’s coordina­ member of Plast. “What was strange, wild fast,” said Roman Lozynskyi, a member of ed in December 2019 on the support of the tor who is a member of the organization’s and new for the first time has now actually parliament from the Holos faction who Plast movement in Ukraine,” Mr. Lozynskyi Kyiv branch, noted the difficulty of planning become common and familiar. And this heads the inter-factional caucus estab­ said. “Today, the Plast movement is 10,000 this year’s celebration. year, it was not enough just to do some­ lished to support the Plast organization in Plast members and more than 2,000 adult “We started with a plan for the festivities thing, but we had to compete for our Ukraine. volunteers who dedicate their free time that would observe the quarantine restric­ youth’s attention and innovate. Therefore, I “Yesterday marked the 109th anniversa­ and desire to work with Ukrainian youth tions, then we had to go online, and a week can say that this year there were fewer lec­ ry of the first Plast oath. For more than 100 every day. And we call on the entire parlia­ before we united with other branches,” Ms. tures and workshops, and more communi­ years, Liubomyr Huzar, Bohdan Hawr­ ment and the government to continue to Bondarenko said. “What we had, in the end, cation with each other. Everyone could get ylyshyn, Stepan Bandera, Kvitka Tsisyk, support the largest youth movement in is a result of successful horizontal connec­ live on air in front of thousands of people Roman Shukhevych, and many other prom­ Ukraine, Plast.” tions and the ability of Plast to adapt to the and send greetings to friends whom they inent figures of our country became alumni In a sign of that growth and support, on lockdown mode during this time.” have not seen for a long time.” of Plast. They showed with their lives how April 13 two additional members of parlia­ Vladyslav Malkov, who helped managed Additionally, on their 35th anniversary, loyal they are to our country,” Mr. Lozynskyi ment, Olha Stefanyshyna and Oleksandra and organize this year’s celebration, also the popular Ukrainian rock band Vopli said during a speech in parliament. Ustinova, filled out applications to join noted the difficulty of organizing the event Vidopliasova and the son of the band’s lead Mr. Lozynskyi stressed that Plast’s guid­ Plast. Proud of the step they had taken, amid the ongoing and currently spiking singer, Ustym Skrypka, released a song ing principles can help Ukraine further each posted their completed application on pandemic in Ukraine. together. That song, titled “We are grow­ develop as a democratic country and they Facebook. “The organization of the event began in ing,” was presented as a music video on are instrumental in helping the country Later that day, Plast members had a the time of the introduction of new quaran­ April 12. In fact, all of Oleh Skrypka’s chil­ secure its future as an independent, sover­ chance to join a virtual tour of parliament, tine restrictions in Kyiv,” Mr. Malkov said. dren are members of Plast. eign nation. continuing a tradition of official events in “Until recently, many branches of Plast had “At the heart of this rock anthem is a “Bohdan Hawrylyshyn has repeatedly the Verkhovna Rada that annually honor hoped to be able to conduct the celebration classic ancient text, which is about 100 said that ‘if Ukraine had half a million Plast Plast. The pandemic restrictions stopped in person. On April 3, when it was clear years old. The text is by the outstanding members, it would not need to worry about the practice from proceeding offline, but that the reality was different and that the Ukrainian author Bohdan Nyzhankivskyy,” its future because fidelity to God and members of parliament made it possible situation with the spread of COVID-19 in said Oleh Skrypka, who created the music, Ukraine, helping others, and self-improve­ via video conference. All participants joined the capital and western regions of Ukraine which was then played and recorded by ment are fundamental values that Plast has the tour wearing their Plast uniforms. will not improve until mid-April, two teams Vopli Vidopliasova, and sung by Mr. invariably nurtured in Ukrainian youth As a result of the ongoing pandemic, cel­ independently began to plan the Plast anni­ Skrypka’s son, Ustym. Mr. Skrypka’s wife, since the beginning of the 20th century,’ ” ebrations of Plast’s 109th anniversary were versary. Soon they decided to combine Natalia, had the idea to develop and imple­ Mr. Lozynskyi said, referring to the promi­ also held virtually. More than 10,000 peo­ their events to celebrate Plast Oath Day all ment the music video. nent economist who was a fellow and ple from seven countries joined a seven- together,” Mr. Malkov said, referring to the In a statement that accompanied the member of the board of the World hour broadcast via the Internet. The two anniversary of the first Plast Oath taken on release of the music video, the members of Academy of Art and Science. largest branches of Plast in Ukraine – Kyiv April 12, 1912. Vopli Vidopliasova noted that the new song, “If Ukraine had taken the example of and Lviv – organized the program, while Organizers of this year’s festivities “We are growing,” is “a life-affirming rock other progressive states and supported some 20 volunteers cooperated to run the designed the program to appeal to all ages. anthem of Plast, a national organization of Ukrainian scouting since independence, we event. It included interactive training, workshops, Ukrainian scouts, which has been engaged would hardly have the occupied territories Scouts from 30 Plast branches in differ­ stories and competitions for prizes in in cultural and patriotic education of chil­ of Donbas and Crimea today,” Mr. Lozynskyi ent parts of Ukraine took part, together with online games. At the end of the evening dren for over 100 years. In our time, when said. six Plast communities abroad. Members there was an improvised bonfire, as well as media propaganda is destructive, and the Surrounded by dozens of other deputies from the United Kingdom, Argentina, a music concert with famous Plast mem­ information environment distorts chil­ who support Plast in the Verkhovna Rada, Canada, France, Denmark and the bers and musicians including National dren’s perceptions of the world around Mr. Lozynskyi said that, while it has taken Netherlands took part. Deputy Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Natalia Kiyak them, organizations such as Plast … are of some time to gain traction in Ukraine, Plast Plast members were greeted by a mem­ and Andriy Luzan. particular importance. Here we can has continued to grow. It has also recently ber of the organization’s leadership, Roman The program also entertained Plast observe Plast members’ activities and the received more support from the govern­ Oryshchenko, who is currently defending members with various contests and calls to success of future generations – a scarce ment in the country. Ukraine and is stationed along the contact television studios, where everyone could phenomenon in Ukrainian show business.”

from northeastern Syria, to bring home its poaching activities and the results of a tal nongovernmental organization said NEWSBRIEFS remaining nationals and their children. “large-scale” market survey and forensic proved that wild sturgeon products were (Continued from page 10) The government should also increase con­ analysis of meat and caviar samples in being sold in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia sular assistance to its citizens and humani­ Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine and Ukraine. All fishing and trade of wild ble,” Ms. Gorbunova added. Ukraine’s gov­ tarian aid to the camps and prisons in between October 2016 and July 2020, Danube sturgeon species was prohibited ernment, as well as administrations in sev­ northeastern Syria “to complement – not according to the WWF. It said a total of in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine during eral other countries with similar situa­ replace – repatriations.” (RFE/RL) 145 samples were collected at different the time period under study, and only the tions, have been reluctant to repatriate locations from sturgeon populations that catch of sterlet measuring above 40 centi­ WWF highlights illegal fishing such cases, contending that it poses too share the same migratory routes along the meters was allowed in Serbia until the end high a security risk. None of the 40 The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has entire trade chain on the Lower Danube of 2018. WWF said a total of 214 cases of Ukrainian women and children detained at published a survey that it says shows that and in the northwestern Black Sea region. illegal poaching-related incidents were the Al-Hol and Roj camps have been illegal fishing and trade in wild sturgeon is Testing points included retailers such as recorded in the three other countries – 82 brought before a court or investigated or happening in the lower Danube region on shops, restaurants, local markets, and fish­ cases in Romania, 82 in Bulgaria, and 50 in prosecuted for any crime, and their “arbi­ a “rather serious scale.” Poaching and the ermen, and all samples underwent DNA Ukraine – between January 2016 and trary” detention by the armed forces of the illegal trade of meat and caviar are often and isotope analysis that the environmen­ December 2020. (RFE/RL) Kurdish-led autonomous administration of cited as major threats to many sturgeon northeastern Syria violates international populations worldwide, but the conserva­ law, according to HRW. The group said that tion group said that its survey, made pub­ the conditions in the camps were “often lic on April 12, provides “first-time evi­ With deep sorrow we announce that inhumane and life-threatening, with grow­ dence of the actual scale” of the threats in ing insecurity and shortages of vital aid.” the lower Danube, specifically in Bulgaria, Stefan Tretiak The coronavirus pandemic “presents Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. The WWF of Toms River was peacefully welcomed by His another threat to the lives of these detain­ said that nearly one-third of the samples Lord and Savior on March 20th, 2021. He was 96 ees,” with the United Nations reporting at of sturgeon products bought through the years old, born in Ukraine. He is predeceased by his beloved least 8,537 coronavirus cases in northeast­ survey were illegal, while 214 cases of wife of 49 years, Wilhelmine and his brother, Ivan. ern Syria as of February. The watchdog poaching-related incidents were recorded Stefan was born in Ukraine and proudly fought for freedom in World War quoted Children in Syria and Iraq, a group by authorities. “This is the first assess­ II. He emigrated to America (Newark, NJ) from Great Britain in 1955. He was of independent Ukrainian investigative ment of the volume of sturgeon poaching a loving husband and father and enjoyed using his talents on photography, journalists and activists that monitors the and trade along the lower Danube and stamp collecting and home improvement projects. issue, as saying that the detainees “live in Black Sea – and even if we have to assume A limited visitation for family and close friends was held on Monday, constant fear and are terrified for their that we found just the tip of the iceberg, it March 29, 2021, at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Toms River, NJ. Funeral health and safety.” Three of the detained shows how serious the impact on the last Service and Interment followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Toms River. women and one child were said to have wild sturgeons still is and how crucial our disabilities, while one woman has an acute fight is to save them,” WWF project man­ He leaves behind his sons Stefan and wife Sandra of Virginia and Michael of Florida. kidney disease, one child and one woman ager Jutta Jahrl said in a statement. The have shrapnel injuries, and one child has a methodology of the survey, titled He will be dearly missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough severe gum infection. HRW called on the “Evidence For Trafficking Of Critically to have known him. Ukrainian government, which has already Endangered Sturgeons In The Lower We love you and will miss you always. repatriated two women and seven children Danube Region,” combined official data on 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

the arguments that brutal repressions are COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Penned in... inevitably undermining the regime’s legiti­ (Continued from page 2) macy and stability (Newsru.com, April 9). It can dismiss the Russian intelligentsia’s ly keen on the Russian maneuvers either, protests against the coercive measures of Omaha community celebrates and it is apparently placing a higher value the state (New Times, April 7). What is on its strategic cooperation agreement with somewhat more difficult to ignore is the Shevchenko and Kostenko with program China (Izvestia, March 31). demands from Western leaders to uphold Turning to China had, likewise, routine­ human rights and basic democratic free­ ly been the strongest move for Russia in doms. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the latter’s previous low points in relations for instance, did not hesitate to raise the with the United States; but this time, the Navalny issue yet again in her telephone attempted rapprochement seems to be conversation with Mr. Putin last week yielding little fruit (Novaya Gazeta, April (April 8), during which Ukraine was sup­ 3). Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov posed to be the key issue (RIA Novosti, traveled to Beijing with suggestions of April 8). joint measures against possible sanctions, Mr. Putin is adept at shifting political including a preemptive withdrawal from directions and altering inconvenient agen­ the SWIFT financial telecommunication das, but he has found himself in an awk­ system, but his Chinese counterparts ward situation, forced to back off in vari­ showed scant interest (Forbes.ru, March ous showdowns at the same time. His sub­ 22). China carefully calibrates its respons­ ordinates are eager to act on his obvious es to U.S. sanctions and EU protestations, desire to eliminate Mr. Navalny from finding few benefits in coordinating such Russia’s political stage, but he is wary of actions with the economically insignificant the sternly communicated international Russia (Finanz.ru, April 1). Russian brinks­ consequences. He might fancy a surprise manship vis-à-vis Ukraine may be benefi­ move in the Middle East, but Turkey and cial for China in the sense that it distracts Israel constrain his maneuvers in Syria Western attention from its own transgres­ from two sides, and Iran is a problem too OMAHA, Neb. – The parish community of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary sions, but Beijing is surely not going to res­ complex and loaded to juggle lightly. This Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Omaha, Neb., led by the Rev. Taras Mylyan, on cue Moscow from the self-inflicted distress brings him back to Ukraine, where every March 14 celebrated the birthdays of Taras Shevchenko (March 9, 1814) and Lina (Meduza, April 6). sound strategic calculation points to the Kostenko (March 19, 1930). Parents and children learned and recited poems and For autocratic regimes, the most natural need to deescalate, but the temptation to songs of these outstanding poets, and performed a biographical introductory program. response to international setbacks is to show resolve is fusing with his fear to The children had an opportunity to learn a small part of the story from the homeland of expand domestic repressions, and Russia show weakness. This Kremlin’s urge to their grandparents. The parishioners of the parish joined the holiday and shared the is experiencing a new peak in suppression prove potency for aggression can be coun­ smallest details from Shevchenko’s life, as well as personal experiences from visit- of protests alongside the inflated war scare tered, but it will require Ukraine and its ing Shevchenko’s house in Moryntsi. The holiday program was broadcast online, and (Rosbalt, April 9). This resort to police Western allies to resolutely reconfirm their the recording was watched by everyone from all over the world. Volunteers played an force in squelching mass discontent has commitments to containment. important role in the event, helping to organize the program and spread information, as become personified in the cruel mistreat­ well as purchase gifts and lunch to maintain the festive spirit for children and guests of ment of Alexei Navalny, today’s foremost The article above is reprinted from the program. For more information, readers may visit the website for the St. Nicholas leader of the Russian opposition and Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Eparchy of Chicago, https://chicagougcc.org/. imprisoned since February (Ezhednevny its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, – UGCC Chicago Eparchy Zhurnal, April 2). The Kremlin is deaf to www.jamestown.org.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. itself of this opportunity to address con­ Russia continues... Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said cerns and reduce risks.” (Continued from page 1) in a conference call on April 15 that it is France and Germany, both countries that “premature” to speak of de-escalation of have taken part to broker two peace agree­ Ukraine purchased 12 of the unmanned tensions with Ukraine after the U.S. can­ ments to mitigate the war in the Donbas, aviation vehicles in 2018 and is seeking to celled sending warships to the Black Sea. also expressed disappointment. acquire up to 50 more. “For the moment, the situation is quite Russia has been a member of the OSCE “Turkey strongly defends the unity and tense,” he said while adding that the since 1973. sovereignty of Ukraine,” Mr. Erdogan said impending sanctions “wouldn’t facilitate” a Still, Ukrainian officials fear that Russia in Istanbul after talks. “The current crisis summit meeting between Messrs. Biden could renew a high-intensity war as the in the east of Ukraine around Donbass [sic] and Putin. number of troops near Ukraine’s border is should be resolved [using] peaceful and At the Vienna headquarters of the the highest since 2014 when Moscow diplomatic ways.” Organization for Security and Cooperation seized Crimea and subsequently invaded Open-source media sleuths have identi­ in Europe (OSCE), the U.S. mission said this eastern Ukraine. fied a new Russian military camp in week that Russia has not provided convinc­ Voronezh Oblast where Iskander ballistic ing information for its troop buildup. missiles were spotted. Those missiles have “To our knowledge Ukraine has taken no an operational range of 500 kilometers. Joint Forces Operation of Ukraine step that could be viewed as provoking “There are indeed field hospitals, signals A Ukrainian soldier originally from such a response,” the U.S. mission to the units, electronic warfare, air defense, MTO Siberia identified as Yevheniy by the mil- OSCE said on April 14. “We again call on combat service support units involved,” itary serving near the front line in east- Russia to explain the size, composition and Michael Koffman, a senior fellow at the ern Ukraine on April 12. purpose of this activity.” Washington-based Center for New And the group of seven (G-7) industrial­ American Security, tweeted. “It appears to Chancellor Angela Merkel on April 14 ized nations, of which the U.S. is a part, stat­ be a coercive demonstration, but the chance called on Russia to withdraw troops from ed that Russia’s “large-scale troop move­ that it is not remains significant. It is too Ukraine’s borders. ments, without prior notification, represent early, and overly optimistic, to assume the In a phone call on April 13, Mr. Biden threatening and destabilizing activities.” situation will de-escalate.” offered to meet with Russian President Russia allegedly has avoided dialogue After Mr. Zelenskyy’s visit to Istanbul, Vladimir Putin for a summit to discuss dis­ with Ukraine over the concentration of Russia on April 15 imposed a six-week sus­ putes and told his counterpart to reduce troops, Mr. Zelenskyy’s spokeswoman said pension of tourist flights to Turkey, causing tensions over Ukraine. The same day, NATO earlier in the week. 533,200 booked flight cancellations, the Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also “The Kremlin, of course, has the request Russian Association of Tour Operators stat­ called on Moscow to “stop its pattern of to talk to Vladimir Putin. We haven’t ed. aggressive provocations.” received a response so far and very much Last year, 2.1 million Russians visited U.S. media reported that as early as April hope that it’s not a refusal of dialogue,” Turkey in addition to around 1 million 15 Washington would impose additional Iuliia Mendel, the president’s spokesper­ Ukrainians, Ukraine Business News sanctions on Russia and expel 10 diplomats son, told The Associated Press. The request reported. for election interference and hacking the was sent on March 26 when four Ukrainian Meanwhile, the U.S. military reportedly computer infrastructure of government soldiers were killed in a mortar attack in canceled its deployment of two warships to agencies, institutions and more than 100 the east, she added. the Black Sea, Turkish officials said, less private companies. Back at the OSCE headquarters, Russia than 24 hours after Russia’s navy said it “A U.S. intelligence community assess­ refused to send a delegation to attend a would hold live fire exercises in the region. ment concluded with a high degree of con­ special meeting that Ukraine called on April CNN also reported the news, citing an anon­ fidence that President Vladimir Putin and 11 to defuse the tensions. ymous U.S. Defense Department official. the Russian government authorized and In a tweet, the U.S. mission to the OSCE U.S. President Joe Biden and German directed an effort to influence the election,” said: “We regret that Russia did not avail No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16

drafted Ryan Merkley 21st overall despite concerns about his attitude, and continued Badger Kalynyuk a future Flyer a year later with their second-round pick, Ukrainian Dillon Hamaliuk. The left winger Philadelphia Flyers’ development coach same time, Wyatt plays a most solid, very was deemed a capable scorer with good Kjell Samuelsson had just finished observ­ responsible defensive game, taking care of size after his first two Western Hockey ing a group of slick-skating defensemen his own end. He’s not the overpowering League seasons in Seattle, but a knee injury competing in a five-on-five scrimmage at the type who runs opponents over, but is in December hurt his stock heading into the club’s 2019 development camp. The 6-foot- strong positionally, intelligent and makes a NHL several months later. 6, 14-year veteran blueliner was totally cog­ great first pass. The Sharks, with inside knowledge nizant of the sport’s current trends – today’s Selected in the seventh round of the about Hamaliuk, had him high on their hockey features mobile defensemen. 2017 draft out of the United States Hockey want list despite the knee injury. They trad­ This explains the excitement brewing League, Kalynuk has zoomed up to be the ed two third-round picks in the 2019 draft about Wyatt Kalynuk’s future. The young ninth-rated prospect in the Flyers system. to New Jersey for the right to move up and Ukrainian’s ceiling at the pro level has sky­ In his draft year, his stock dropped due to pick Dillon 55th overall. The inside scoop rocketed up the charts. He has been blessed the fact he physically had not grown into nhl.com was courtesy of Seattle’s assistant coach, with offensive abilities most defensemen his body yet, translating into a weaker look Caston Sommer, the son of American Wyatt Kalynuk, from his days as a don’t have, including confidence and a skat­ against players his age. The commitment to Hockey League (AHL) San Jose Barracuda University of Wisconsin Badger, is a ing ability that opens up offensive opportu­ working and training since then has coach Roy Sommer, who offered a favorable prospect to the Philadelphia Flyers. nities, especially when eluding the first allowed him to catch up physically with his scouting report on the 6-foot-3, 200-pound­ forechecker. on-ice skills. with 12 goals in 18 games) as his Ottawa er. Hamaliuk received several formal inter­ In the 2019-2020 season at the Univer­ The 23-year-old has the option of 67’s lost in the championship series. views and a personal visit from the Sharks, sity of Wisconsin, over 36 games the junior returning to Madison, Wis., for his senior The 20-year-old turned pro heading into leading up to their aggressive move up to captain led the team in assists (21) and year or signing an entry-level contract with 2019-2020, choosing not to return to major select him in the second round. unassisted goals (3), was second in points Philadelphia and turning pro in 2020-2021, junior as an overage player. Chmelevski’s The power forward, traded to Kelowna (28) and shots (112), fifth in blocked shots probably with Lehigh Valley in the ability to step up in crucial games along last summer, participated in the Sharks’ (46). At development camp last summer, the American Hockey League. The Flyers own with his continued development makes rookie and training camps before being 6-foot-1, 190-pound Kalynuk admitted skat­ his rights until the summer of 2021. him a potentially valuable prospect. reassigned back to the major junior. The ing was his top strength. He is quite advanced Granato, who played and coached in the Here’s a brief scouting report on scouting report describes Hamaliuk as hav­ in that area and possesses the puck-moving NHL, said it best when commenting about Alexander Chmelevski, from Huntington ing the natural instincts to play on the inside skills the Flyers require for their hard-on- Kalynuk’s future in a March 2020 interview Beach, Calif.: Chmelevski possesses a well- the-attack, pin-you-in-deep system. with NBCSports Philadelphia: “He has posi­ along with the hands and speed to play with rounded game with on-ice vision to set up Badgers head coach Tony Granato tioned himself to be very close to being skilled players. He plays on the top line and teammates and a strong shot he uses early bestowed lofty responsibilities on his ready for that opportunity. If he made the has net-front presence on the power play. and often; he owns a high-end hockey IQ as defensive star. Kalynuk received the most decision to come back to school, it would be After being limited to only 31 games with proven by the multiple awards he won with time on the power play, acting as the quar­ great for our program and it’s not going to Seattle in 2018-2019, he bounced back to Ottawa for his academic success; he terback with the man advantage. At the hurt his development. If the situation is score 15G, 16A, 31PTS, 65PIM in 56 games admired ex-Red Wings great Pavel right for him to leave, he’s in a really good with Kelowna this past 2019-2020 season. Datsyuk’s two-way game; and his biggest spot to have a chance for a long career. I Barracuda Chmelevski a Shark asset may be his competitiveness because respect that and whichever way it turns in training he just hates to lose. out, I will be a big fan of Wyatt Kalynuk.” Up coming 2020-2021 season will see It is noteworthy to mention Kalynuk was After impressing with six points in a Chmelevski in the mix for a spot on the a preliminary nominee for the Hobey Baker combined 10 games (regular and playoff) wing and at center – his versatility bodes Award, given to college hockey’s most out­ in his professional debut with the AHL’s well for his chances to make the Sharks. standing player, for his performance in his San Jose Barracuda in the spring of 2018, This year helped him establish himself at sophomore and junior years. prospect Sasha Chmelevski followed up the professional level and should earn him with a 75-point final junior season in 2018- a serious look soon. A salary cap-strapped Prospect Hamaliuk powering 2019. His 35 goals and 40 assists in 56 forward San Jose organization in need of cost-con­ games were amplified by an impressive trolled talent is another reason for Since Doug Wilson, Jr., took over as showing for the United States at the 2019 Chmelevski to earn a spot with the parent director of scouting in 2018 and assumed International Ice Hockey Federation World club. Stat line with Barracuda this season: responsibilities for making their selections, Junior Championship in Vancouver (second 42GP-11G-16A-27PTS-22PIM. Alexander Chmelevski, suited up with San Jose’s draft philosophy has evolved into top scorer with 7 points in 7 games), and the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, is a pros- a willingness to select high-risk, high- capped off by finishing second in Ontario Ihor Stelmach may be reached at iman@ pect to the San Jose Sharks. reward players. It began in 2018 when they Hockey League playoff scoring (31 points sfgsports.com.

BOXING round TKO against Jose Sanchez (18-2, 7 KO) of Chile on fight if the Joyce fight does not materialize. March 21 at the Ice Palace Terminal in Brovary, Ukraine. WBC: Klitschko among world’s all-time best heavyweights Berinchyk, ranked No. 3 in the lightweight division by the FUTSAL The World Boxing Council (WBC) has named Vitali WBO, retained for the fifth time the WBO International Ukraine in second place in Euro 2022 Group 1 lightweight title following the result of the fight that was Klitschko among the world’s best all-time heavyweight Ukraine won 8-2 against Denmark on April 8 in boxers, taking the eighth spot in the rankings. The news scheduled for 12 rounds. Following the fight Berinchyk announced his intention to challenge. Zaporizhia as part of the Group 1 matches of the UEFA was posted to the klitschko-brothers.com website on April Futsal Euro 2022 tournament. Ukraine is in second place 8. The list is topped by Muhammad Ali, followed by Mike Lomachenko next fight in discussions, Usyk faces Joyce in Group 1 after five matches played with nine points Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, (three wins – 10-3 against Albania on January 31 and 6-2 George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston and Ken Norton. Lightweight Vasyl Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KO) is sched­ against Denmark on April 7; and two losses – 2-3 against Lewis (Great Britain) and Klitschko (Ukraine) were the uled to fight against Masayoshi Nakatani (19-1, 13 KO) of Croatia on March 3 and 2-7 against Croatia on March 7). only non-American boxers on the list. Japan with a date (June 26 or July 10, according to promot­ Croatia tops the group with 18 points after six matches er Bob Arum) and location to be confirmed. Heavyweight Bohachuk loses by eighth-round TKO (undefeated). Ukraine was scheduled to play against Oleksandr Usyk (18-0, 13 KO) is scheduled to fight Joseph Albania (fourth place in the group with 3 points) on April Middleweight Serhii Bohachuk (18-1, 18 KO) suffered Joyce (10-0, 9 KO) of Great Britain on June 26, with the 11, but the match was cancelled. Despite the match not his first professional defeat against Brandon Adams (23-3, winner being named the mandatory WBO challenger for taking place, Ukraine, which is still confirmed as a qualify­ 15 KO) of the U.S.A. on April 3 in Puerto Rico. The fight saw the winner of the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavy­ ing group stage runner-up after its big win against the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title go weight title unification that is scheduled for June 26 in Las Denmark (in third place in the group with 9 points), is to Adams after the American unloaded a combination that Vegas. Usyk was declared by the WBO as the mandatory expected to qualify among the 16 teams for the final tour­ was punctuated by a left hook that ended Bohachuk’s night heavyweight challenger prior to his preliminary fight nament or will earn a playoff spot with matches scheduled at 2:47 of the eighth round. Adams was down on points against Joyce, which has been previously postponed over for November 14-17. The final stage of the tournament is with the three judges’ cards at the time of the stoppage. contract negotiations that have stalled due to failure to hosted by the Netherlands and is scheduled for January 19 agree on how the purse is to be split. Usyk’s team has said Berinchyk wins with third-round TKO through February 6, 2022. that they will petition the WBO to declare Usyk the manda­ Lightweight Denys Bernichyk (15-0, 9 KO) won by third- tory WBO challenger against the winner of the Joshua-Fury (Continued on page 15) No. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 15

April 19 Book talk, “Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin’s April 22 Book talk with Marta Dyczok, Andriy Kulykov and Oksana Online Russia” by Timothy Frye, Columbia University, Online Smerechuk, “Ukraine Calling: A Kaleidoscope from https//harriman.columbia.edu Hromadske Radio 2016-2019,” Columbia University, www.harriman.columbia.edu or 212-854-4697 April 20 Prose evening “Zhadan & Friends,” presenting “The Online Orphanage” by Serhiy Zhadan, with Isaac Stackhouse Wheeler April 22 Online presentation, “Celebrating Earth Day: Live Your Best (translator), bandurist Julian Kytasty and images by Evgeniy Online Eco-friendly Life,” with Halyna Zalucky, Jacob Kachuba, Maloletka and Waldemart Klyusko, Yara Arts Group, Katrusia Balan and Zandra Zalucky, St. Vladimir Institute, Facebook.com/yaraartsgroupinc or www.yaraartsgroup.net www.stvladimir.ca

April 20-21 Conference, “Ukraine in Washington: Conference Series in April 22 2021 Wolodymyr Dylynsky Memorial Lecture with Serhii Online Virtual Reality,” U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, Online Plokhii, “The Rockets of October: Ukraine and the Cuban www.usukraine.org Missile Crisis,” Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, [email protected]

April 21 Webinar with Matthew Light, “Contested Decentralization: April 22 Jazz evening and book presentation, “List of Ships” and “Psalm Online Local Policing in Ukraine since 2014,” Harvard University, Online to Aviation,” by Serhiy Zhadan, with readings by Virlana Tkacz www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 and Wanda Phipps, and performance by jazz pianists Anthony Coleman and Fima Chupakhin, Yara Arts Group, www.yaraartsgroup.net SportsShorts April 23 Book discussion with Simone Attilio Bellezza, “The Shore of Online Expectations: A Study on the Culture of the Ukrainian (Continued from page 14) Shistdesiatnyky,” Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, Ukraine’s women’s team hosts Group 3 www.facebook.com/canadian.institute.of.ukrainian.studies Ukraine’s women’s futsal team has April 23-24 Rummage sale, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic drawn Group 3 as hosts of the main round Olyphant, PA Church, https://stcyrils.weconnect.com of the UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro 2022 tournament. The group, following the draw April 25 Online cooking demonstration with instruction by Slava held on February 13 in Nyon, Switzerland, Online Iwasykiw and Sonia Potichnyj, “Culinary Series: Bake an Easter includes Finland, the Czech Republic and Syrnyk Cheesecake,” St. Vladimir Institute, www.stvladimir.ca the winner of the preliminary round Group April 28 Online event, “The Chernobyl/Chornobyl Disaster: The C (Kazakhstan, Belgium or Gibraltar). The Online Presentation of the New MAPA Project,” Harvard University, four group winners of the main round www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 advance to the knockout finals in mid-Feb­ ruary, with one of the nations appointed as hosts. Matches for the main round are Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events scheduled for October 19-24, with the final advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions stage scheduled for March 24-27, 2022. from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. Twitter.com/FIE_fencing FENCING Épée fencing gold medalist Ihor Reizlin Reizlin wins gold in men’s épée in Kazan is recognized for his win at the World Cup in Kazan, Russia. Ihor Reizlin won gold in the men’s épée individual competition at the Fencing the Round of 128 to Tsvetana Pironkova, World Cup in Kazan, Russia, on March 6-7, 6-3, 3-6. In doubles action, the tandem 19-21. Reizlin won 15-11 against Gergely of Ukrainian Lyudmyla Kichenok and Siklosi of Hungary in the final. In the semifi­ Latvian Jelena Ostapenko made it to the nal, Reizlin won 15-7 against Ahmed quarterfinal before losing to Bethanie Elsayed of Egypt. Mattek-Sands of the U.S.A. and Iga Swiatek of Poland, 1-6, 4-6. TENNIS Svitolina tops Ukrainian women’s rankings Svitolina makes semifinal in Miami As balls are served and volleyed over Elina Svitolina has put together an nets heading into April 2021, Elina impressive career, although the World No. 5 Svitolina sits No. 5 in overall WTA rankings, has not made the most of opportunities first among Ukrainian women. Now 26 presented to her to win big titles, particu­ years old, she has amassed over $270,000 larly at Grand Slams. She has faced criticism in 2021 winnings and over $20 million in for being too passive on the court at times, her career. Svitolina has won 15 titles and including her play in 2021. Heading into the hit No. 3 in the world several years back. Miami Open (March 23 through April 3), Twenty-year-old Dayana Yastremska is cur­ the 26-year-old held just a 9-5 record for rently ranked No. 31 in the world, having the season, with a fourth-round loss at the peaked at No. 21. She has not earned any Australian Open to unheralded Jessica monies in the current season due to her Pegula, followed by lackluster displays of suspension for use of illegal substances. tennis in Dubai and Doha. She recaptured Overall Yastremska has won three career some of her best form in Miami, rallying to titles and earned over $2 million. defeat a tough Shelby Rogers of the U.S.A., Argentine-Ukrainian Nadia Podoroska is 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in her first match, then defeat­ No. 48 in the world at 24 years young, with ing Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia, 7-6, some $140,000 in winnings this year and 6-4, Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, well over $900,000 total. She has not yet 2-6, 7-5, 7-5, and a very convincing straight won a title and hit No. 44 in world rankings sets win over Anastasija Sevastova of a year ago. Eighteen-year-old Marta Latvia, 6-3, 6-2, to reach her first semifinal Kostyuk is the fourth Ukrainian ranked in of the season. In the semis, Svitolina was the top 100 (No. 85), with over $750,000 in matched up against top-seeded Ashleigh career prize money and over $110,000 in Barty of Australia, who cruised into the final 2021. Veteran Lesia Tsurenko sits at No. with a 6-3, 6-3 win over the fifth-seeded 144 in the world with over $4.6 million Ukrainian. Barty needed a mere 89 minutes earned and four career titles. The now to dispatch her rival, winning her 11th 31-year-old was once No. 23 in the world straight match at the event. She had only and has entered the twilight years of an won one of six previous head-to-head underrated run in women’s tennis. matches against Svitolina. Nadia Podoroska lost in the Round of 64 to Ekaterina Credit to Ihor Stelmach for the tennis Alexandrova, 0-6, 4-6. Marta Kostyuk lost in entries. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 No. 16