INSIDE:  New U.S. ambassador to Ukraine is sworn in – page 3  Community leaders comment on Ukraine at 25 – page 4  Opinion: Trump, Yanukovych and negative voting – page 8

THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationEEKLY Vol. LXXXIV No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 $2.00

Ukraine at 25: Leaders in Ukraine share their thoughts by Mark Raczkiewycz We need to reflect upon our history, the ceed, since our success could become a Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of way that our country became independent, model for transformation in the whole the Anti-Corruption Action Center: KYIV – On the occasion of the 25th anni- and respect the ideals of our ancestors that post-Soviet space. Why are there no changes after the versary of Ukraine’s re-establishment of they lived by – and fought for. Most impor- As a participant in the Orange and Euro- Revolution of Dignity? Why are politicians independence, The Ukrainian Weekly asked tantly today, we need to respect our brave Maidan revolutions, now I know that it was still lying and oligarchs still buying politi- some of the country’s decision makers and men and women who defend our country much easier to fight against the former cians? Why are prosecutors still selling opinion leaders, politicians and civil society from Russian invasion and liberate the regime of Viktor Yanukovych. It’s much lon- their cases and judges driving Bentleys and leaders, to share their thoughts about where occupied territories. ger and harder to transform a country and living in luxurious houses… And the people the country is headed. Ukraine is now standing at the intersec- society after 70 years of Communist pres- are still poor? Ukraine’s economy is still on shaky tion of two worlds and must choose wheth- sure than two decades of post-Soviet, klep- I often hear such assertions. ground as the International Monetary Fund er to remain in the past, with no respect for tocratic and oligarchic type governance. Yet Ukraine has never before been such has withheld funds because the country’s the rights and dignity of its citizens, or to The ongoing struggle among Ukraine’s an open society as it is today. There are so leadership has failed to implement certain become an independent state based on elites complicates the already difficult task many accessible state registries and avail- corruption-fighting measures. Ukraine’s sov- democratic values. of reform as Ukraine tries to gain full inde- able information about public finances that ereignty is also fragile as Russia continues to Enlightenment through medicine, educa- pendence from Russia in the energy, mili- Ukraine has turned into a Mecca for investi- wage war in Ukraine’s east for a third con- tion, and science will lead Ukraine to a tary, information, and economic sectors. gative journalists. secutive year. As a result, Ukraine’s territori- brighter and more prosperous future. We As a member of Parliament, together Never again will it be easy to hide stolen al area has shrunk by about 7 percent, near- are grateful to our partners around the with my colleagues from civil society, we assets. Many caught stealing suffer the con- ly 10,000 people have lost their lives and world who support Ukraine’s will to initiated and adopted important anti-cor- sequences, and many resign – for the first some 2.2 million have been displaced, of become a successful, democratic, and ruption legislation. We also embarked on time in 25 years. whom 1.8 million are internally displaced European country. de-communization, deregulation and judi- After two years in the making, we have persons (IDPs). ciary reform. The database of real estate an independent law enforcement agency in Following are their edited comments on Hanna Hopko, national deputy of the owners became open, the law on public the National Anti-Corruption Bureau that is the status of Ukraine at 25. Verkhovna Rada, head of the Rada’s broadcasting was adopted, and Russian cracking down on grand political corrup- Committee on Foreign Affairs: propaganda was prohibited in Ukraine. tion. Ulana Suprun, Ukraine’s acting minis- As one of the largest European countries This and the next few years will be a Civil society never before has had such ter of health: with more than 1,000 years of ancient his- defining moment in our existential fight to an influence on politics, policies and politi- Independence Day is a time for self- tory and culture, these 25 years of indepen- build a modern country with strong army, cians. Dozens of laws – not very much reflection and self-determination. It is a dence have been very challenging. rule of law, favorable investment climate, accepted by the political leadership – were time to remember who we are and for what Ukrainians currently are making new transparency, and finally win over Russian we are fighting. history in Europe. We are obliged to suc- economic and military aggression. (Continued on page 12) Vernyayev golden in parallel bars, Cheban in canoe sprint by Ihor N. Stelmach and Matthew Dubas Gymanst Oleh Vernyayev won his second Olympic medal in Rio, with a decisive victory – and Ukraine’s first gold medal – in the parallel bars. The Ukrainian bested American silver medalist Danell Leyva by a score of 16.041-15.900 on August 16. Leyva nailed his final routine, putting him tem- porarily in first place until Vernyayev put up an incredible 16.041 points with his routine to earn the top spot. Earlier, Vernyayev had almost dethroned the man he refers to as the “king of gymnastics,” coming ever so close to denying Japan’s Kohei Uchimura a second straight Olympic gold medal in men’s all-around gymnastics. Although Uchimura’s high bar routine sealed the victory, the final results on August 10 showed him beating the young Ukrainian by only 0.099 points. This was the narrowest margin of victory for the 27-year-old Japanese gymnast since his domination of the all-around event began in 2009, when he won the first of his record six consecutive world titles. The thought of edging out his Japanese rival crossed Vernyayev’s mind as he awaited for his score after conclud- ing the high bar routine; a small hop in Uchimura’s dismount from the final routine may have cost him a gold medal. NOC-Ukr.org (Continued on page 22) Olympic champions: canoeist Yuriy Cheban and gymnast Oleh Vernyayev. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

WINDOW ON EURASIA

Moscow wants Bosnia-style outcome Kyiv probes evidence about Manafort Messrs. Manafort and Gates funneled at least $2.2 million through the center to U.S. NEW YORK – Handwritten ledgers found lobbying firms to “advocate positions gen- for Ukraine, says senior analyst in Kyiv seem to link Paul Manafort, who is erally in line with those of Yanukovych’s currently the chairman of U.S. mogul Donald by Paul Goble sian west and center would be balanced by government.” The work included lobbying a pro-Russian enclave in the Donbas.” J. Trump’s presidential campaign, to more the U.S. Congress to reject a resolution con- Despite its declarations about taking Indeed, the Kyiv analyst says, “the politi- than $12 million in undisclosed cash pay- demning the jailing of Mr. Yanukovych’s revenge against Kyiv for supposedly send- cal component of the 2015 Minsk agree- ments during his tenure as an adviser to the main political rival, former Prime Minister ing “diversionists” into Crimea, Moscow is ments very much recalls the Dayton format government of former Ukrainian President Yulia Tymoshenko. That resolution was unlikely to launch a major war, but instead of resolving the conflict in Bosnia in 1995.” Viktor Yanukovych. The New York Times adopted in November 2013. Mr. Gates told hopes to use the threat of such a conflict to The major difference is that there were reported on August 14 that the ledgers are AP that the two men connected the force Ukraine to agree to a resolution of the NATO and then European forces in the for- being investigated by Ukraine’s National European Center with the lobbying firms conflict that would result in a Bosnia-style mer Yugoslavia, while there are no such Anti-Corruption Bureau as possible evi- and occasionally consulted with those outcome, according to Anatoly Oktisyuk. forces in Ukraine. Kyiv has sought so far dence of widespread corruption inside the firms. He said the actions were lawful and But the senior analyst at Kyiv’s unsuccessfully to change that. Yanukovych government. The ledgers men- did not violate the U.S. Foreign Agents International Center for Research about the “With the help of the Minsk agree- tion Mr. Manafort’s name 22 times and Registration Act. Podesta Group employee Future says that Moscow’s interest in such ments,” Mr. Oktisyuk continues, “the seem to document payments totaling $12.7 John Ward Anderson told the AP, “I was a solution inevitably challenges Kyiv to Kremlin plans to create in Ukraine a pro- million between 2007 and 2012. Mr. never given any reason to believe [Gates] select one of four very different strategies Russian enclave of the DPR and LPR” (the Yanukovych fled the country in February was a Party of Regions consultant.” He (apostrophe.com.ua/article/poli- Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s republics”) 2014 amid massive public demonstrations. noted, “My assumption was that he was tics/2016-08-12/posledstviya-kryimskoy- with its own special local administration The Kyiv documents also seem to tie Mr. working for the [European Center], as were diversii-ukrainu-jdut-chetyire-stsenariya- and policies oriented toward Moscow. If Manafort to a partnership with Russian oli- we.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by AP) razvitiya-sobyitiy/6735). Kyiv does what Moscow wants, Ukraine garch Oleg Deripaska and the questionable As Mr. Oktisyuk points out, “the Bosnian will get these regions back in forms that purchase of Ukrainian cable television Pyatt: Ukraine will overcome difficulties war ended more than 20 years ago, but will harm Kyiv. assets for some $18 million. Mr. Manafort KYIV – The U.S. envoy in Kyiv says Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the most It is clear, he argues, that “Russia in any declined to be interviewed for The New Ukrainians will overcome their current dif- backward countries of Europe with mas- case will work to promote the federaliza- York Times story, but his lawyer said Mr. ficulties of armed conflict in eastern sive corruption and the deepening erosion tion of Ukraine, if not in the current circum- Manafort had not received “any such cash Ukraine, corruption and financial problems of state institutions. Local identities domi- stances then after several electoral cycles payments.” The lawyer also denied that Mr. nate over national ones, there is no consen- when a new pragmatic government, like Manafort approved of or participated in any because they have survived so many major sus or national unity, and that interferes Georgia after [Mikheil] Saakashvili, will illegal activities. (RFE/RL, based on report- crises in recent years. “I think having sur- with the country’s development.” appear in the country.” ing by The New York Times) vived 2014 – the invasion of Crimea, the Not surprisingly, he continues, Russia The Ukrainian government has made [deadly] shootings on the Maidan, the col- would like to see exactly that outcome for Russia’s task easier, he suggests, by failing Manafort tied to foreign lobbying lapse of the hryvnia and the financial sys- Ukraine because it would leave the country to articulate a clear policy of national unity. tem – Ukraine can survive anything if it got as “a neutral federal state without claims WASHINGTON – The Associated Press through 2014,” U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Efforts to promote one oriented toward the reports that political consultant Paul on Crimea and one in which the anti-Rus- East or toward the West have failed in the Geoffrey Pyatt told RFE/RL in an interview Manafort, the chairman of Republican can- on August 17. Mr. Pyatt, who will leave his past. And now Ukraine would have to didate Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on come up with one while Russian forces are post in the coming days to take the U.S. campaign, may have helped former ambassador’s post in Greece, said he con- ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia on its territory. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s who has served in various capacities in the The Minsk accords are “dangerous for siders those crises in 2014 and the follow- government funnel millions of dollars to ing years to be “the most difficult years” for U.S. State Department, the Central Ukraine” for all those reasons, but Kyiv U.S. lobbyists in a way that obscured the Intelligence Agency and the International Ukraine since the dissolution of the Soviet can’t simply walk away from them without source of the funding. In an August 17 Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice Union. He said the United States had played being accused by the West, as well as report based on interviews with unnamed of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio “an important role in helping the Ukrainian Moscow, of not keeping its promises. current and former employees of the Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for people to take control once again of their Consequently, Mr. Oktisyuk says, “Ukraine Podesta Group lobbying firm, the AP said International Peace. The article above is own democracy.” He noted: “I think one of needs to decide what to do with the that Manafort and associate Rick Gates reprinted with permission from his blog my regrets is that the [Ukrainian] govern- Donbas and Crimea as soon as possible.” moved the money through a non-profit called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- ment, the [Ukrainian] presidency, were not organization called the European Center woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). (Continued on page 21) able to move more quickly against the can- for a Modern Ukraine in 2012, when they cer of corruption,” He added that the battle were paid consultants to the Yanukovych against corruption was “one of the major government. That center was closely tied to challenges that still stands before Ukraine Mr. Yanukovych’s administration and his Since 2014, 18 countries have provided Party of Regions. According to the AP, (Continued on page 14) non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine by Paul Goble China $3,400,000 FOUNDED 1933 Turkey $1,052,568 The Ukrainian Weekly Since January 2014, 18 countries have Slovakia $774,543 provided $164.1 million (U.S.) worth of Norway $629,501 An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine, France $594,020 a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. with more than 80 percent of that coming Netherlands $500,000 Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. from just two countries, the United States, Spain $258,419 Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. which has given $117.6 million worth of Czech Republic $245,782 (ISSN — 0273-9348) supplies, and Canada, which has given Albania $226,388 The Weekly: UNA: $23.6 million. Lithuania $116,201 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Those figures were provided to the Switzerland $31,928 Apostrophe portal by the Ukrainian Latvia $31,125 Postmaster, send address changes to: Defense Ministry, which noted that there Denmark $21,300 The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz had been some weapons provided as well, 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Commenting on this data, Sergey Zgurets, by Lithuania among others, but that data P.O. Box 280 director of the Defense Express Information Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] about such transfers remain classified Consulting Company, said that this foreign (apostrophe.com.ua/article/politics/ 2016- assistance had “a very great political effect at The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com 08-03/voyna-na-donbasse-kakie-stranyi- the very beginning of the Russian interven- zapada-pomogali-ukraine/6566). tion when it seemed that Ukraine was According to the ministry, the amount The Ukrainian Weekly, August 21, 2016, No. 34, Vol. LXXXIV standing one on one with a nuclear power.” (in U.S. dollars) of non-lethal military assis- Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly But “all countries tried not to cross a def- tance to Ukraine between January 1, 2014, inite line in order not to provoke Russia to and July 15, 2016, provided by the 18 coun- harsher methods of conducting military tries is as follows. operations in the Donbas.” Furthermore, he ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA United States $117,573,368 said, it was important for Ukraine to rely as Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 Canada $23,641,521 heavily as possible on its own resources, e-mail: [email protected] Poland $5,421,745 given that it has a sizeable military indus- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 United Kingdom $4,975,847 try. There have been achievements there, e-mail: [email protected] Australia $4,682,498 but much remains to be done. No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 3 Vitvitsky on selection commission WINDOW ON EURASIA for Ukraine’s General Inspectorate Moscow more likely to use terrorism against Ukraine by Mark Raczkiewycz a human rights activist. Deputy Prosecutor General Anzhela than to launch conventional attack, Bezsmertnyi says Styzhevska will head the commission, KYIV – Bohdan Vitvitsky, a Ukrainian- considered as the most probable” scenario. although Dr. Vitvitsky is expected to be a by Paul Goble born corruption expert from New Jersey, And the third possibility is that the Russian has joined a selection commission that will “leader” of the selection body, Prosecutor Moscow is unlikely to launch a conven- side will ramp up the information war, choose members of a newly created General Lutsenko said. tional military attack against Ukraine in the something he also considers likely. General Inspectorate at the Prosecutor “Today we’re summing up the prepara- near term, according to Roman Bezsmertnyi. Such conclusions, of course, reflect an General’s Office of Ukraine. tory phase of the General Inspection at the It simply isn’t prepared to do so or to suffer Prosecutor’s General office,” Mr. Lutsenko understanding of Vladimir Putin’s “hybrid The move is part of an overall drive to fix the international consequences. Instead, he said. “The office is to supervise the legality war,” the Kremlin leader’s use of various the nation’s deeply flawed prosecutorial says, the Russian side is more likely to use and justice system. of actions of prosecutors and investigators tactics that have plausible deniability and terrorist attacks and other means of height- Prosecutor General Yurii Lutsenko made throughout the prosecutor system, which that many in Russia, Ukraine and especially ening tensions in Ukraine. the announcement live on television on must be created from scratch.” the West will dismiss as something less In an interview on Kyiv’s 112 Ukraina August 8. Dr. Vitvitsky declined to provide com- than full-scale Russian aggression. television channel, Ukraine’s former repre- Dr. Vitvitsky, who holds a juris doctor as ment to The Ukrainian Weekly when But Mr. Bezsmertnyi’s words should be sentative to the trilateral contact group said well as a doctorate in philosophy from reached by e-mail. the occasion for international recognition Columbia University, is a former U.S. federal Other Ukrainians from the West have that officials are currently considering sev- of exactly the opposite – albeit something prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney. He served or are in the current Ukrainian gov- eral different scenarios for the future of few are yet prepared to say openly: From served as resident legal advisor at the U.S. ernment. Among them are the current acting Russian-Ukrainian relations, including the blowing up of Russian apartment build- Embassy in Ukraine in 2007-2009. Dr. minister of health, Dr. Ulana Suprun, a radiol- heightened tensions (112.ua/politika/ros- ings to bring himself to power in 2000 to Vitvitsky agreed to bring his American ogist from the Detroit area, who was appoint- siya-ne-poydet-v-nastuplenie-a-budet- now, Mr. Putin has transformed Russia into expertise to the newly created seven-mem- ed in July. Chicago native Natalie Jaresko pribegat-k-teraktam-i-obostreniyu-situacii- a terrorist state, ready to use terrorist ber selection body. served as finance minister in December 2014- na-donbasse-bezsmertnyy-332117.html). means and to cooperate with those who do. Other members of the selection commis- April 2016. And Roman Zvarych of New York Within that vector, the ambassador sug- That makes Russia far more unpredict- sion include Valentyna Telychenko, a prom- briefly served as justice minister in 2005 and gests, three possible vectors are being dis- able and dangerous than it would be if it inent lawyer who represented Mr. Lutsenko 2006 for separate periods; he also was a cussed, but only two of them are likely. The played within the normal rules of interna- in the European Court for Human Rights; three-term member of the Verkhovna Rada. first and most widely discussed is that tional relations and even war, and means Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, who sits on the board And former U.S. federal judge and attorney Russia will launch a broad military offen- that all countries from Russia’s neighbors to of corruption watchdog Transparency Bohdan Futey was a constitutional consultant sive. But “Russia isn’t prepared” for that its geopolitical competitors, however much International Ukraine; and Yuriy Bielousov, for the Ukrainian government in the 1990s. and consequently, this possibility should be further afield, must now think about how to considered very unlikely, he says. respond to someone who has shown him- The second possibility is that Russia and self unconstrained by what most expect. pro-Moscow forces will carry out various And in doing so, those threatened by Mr. U.S. envoy thanks Ukraine for assistance terrorist actions, including the seizure of Putin’s policies need to reflect deeply that hostages. In Mr. Bezsmertnyi’s view, “this is the normal means of containment that worked so well against the Soviet Union are in recovering remains of WW II-era pilot Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on unlikely to be equally successful against ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia him and that new tactics and strategies U.S. Embassy Kyiv that was marked by brutal conflict with an aggressive foe challenging our most funda- who has served in various capacities in the need to be developed and put in place. KYIV – On August 12, U.S. Ambassador mental values. Based in Poltava, these U.S. State Department, the Central What these should be and whether other Geoffrey Pyatt spoke at a ceremony at the American pilots represented what we call Intelligence Agency and the International governments will be prepared to act on National Military History Museum in Kyiv our greatest generation. We have never for- Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice them, of course, remains to be seen. But Mr. commemorating the repatriation of remains gotten these heroes and their sacrifice for of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Bezsmertnyi’s words should be an occasion from Ukraine to United States custody. the United States and for the values we Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for for doing so rather than one in which lead- The U.S. Army second lieutenant was jointly espouse. I know Ukrainians share International Peace. The article above is ers will calm themselves with the assurance shot down near Novi Troyany, Odesa the same feelings towards your soldiers reprinted with permission from his blog “at least there won’t be a war.” Instead, they Oblast, in June, 1944 during Operation defending Ukraine’s future today in the called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- must recognize that Russia is simply carry- Frantic – a series of shuttle bombing opera- ATO,” said Ambassador Pyatt, after the U.S. woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). ing out a war by other means. tions against Germany during World War II and Ukrainian national anthems were conducted by American aircraft based in played and Ukrainian Deputy Chief of Britain and southern Italy which then land- General Staff Sirotenko delivered remarks. ed at three airfields in Ukraine. The identity The United States Defense POW/MIA Quotable notes of the second lieutenant is being withheld Accounting Agency’s (DPAA) mission is to “Unfortunately, we know first-hand what negative impact armed conflicts could until positive identification is confirmed. provide the fullest possible accounting for have on children. According to our data, 68 children have been killed and 186 have “I would like to thank the Ministry of missing personnel to their families and the been wounded in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict masterminded Defense and General Staff and everyone in nation. Through DPAA, the United States by Russia. The number of IDPs [internally displaced persons] in Ukraine, who were the government of Ukraine who has made strives to give POW/MIA families what sol- forced to leave their homes in war affected regions, now stands at 1.7 million, includ- today’s repatriation possible... Over 70 ace and answers can be provided by infor- years ago, this young American pilot was mation about their loved ones’ service and ing 215,000 children. The Ukrainian government is doing its utmost to strengthen killed while fighting a war on Ukrainian soil ultimately their sacrifice. social protection of displaced children and families with children, including through elaboration of relevant legislation. ... “According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, 39 schools, kindergartens and other children’s facilities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are used for military purposes by the Russia-backed illegal armed groups. They have trans- New U.S. ambassador to Ukraine is sworn in formed these sites into barracks, fortified military outposts, ammunition and weap- ons storage facilities. On numerous occasions Russia-backed separatists used school U.S.-Ukraine Business Council member-organization met with grounds as artillery and mortar positions. There are also extremely worrying reports Ambassador Yovanovitch in Washington. regarding establishment of camps, where children are trained to handle weapons, WASHINGTON – The swearing-in cere- Ambassador Yovanovitch, who hails use of children for intelligence gathering and manning checkpoints. ... mony of Marie L. Yovanovitch as ambassa- from Connecticut, is a career member of the “The OSCE mission in Ukraine has on several occasions reported that irregular dor of the United States of America to Senior Foreign Service. Since September armed formations in the east are allegedly preventing young men from leaving Ukraine was held on August 12, in the 2012 she was principal deputy assistant sec- Donetsk and forcefully recruiting them to join their ranks, which could amount to William J. Burns Auditorium at the George retary in the Bureau of European and human trafficking. In particular, at DPR checkpoints, the SMM [Special Monitoring Marshall Center, U.S. Department of State. Eurasian Affairs. Previously, she served as Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] observed young Ambassador Yovanovitch will arrive in the bureau’s deputy assistant secretary Ukraine in time for the 25th anniversary responsible for bilateral relations with armed persons, with some of the male individuals estimated to be minors. There celebration of the independence of Ukraine Nordic, Baltic and Central European coun- have also been reports from various sources that children as young as 15 years old on August 24. She replaces Geoffrey Pyatt, tries. She served as ambassador to the were being recruited to armed youth groups and taking part in active combat as full- who will serve as the new U.S. ambassador Republic of Armenia (2008-2011) and the fledged members of combined Russian-backed militant forces, including as youth to Greece. Kyrgyz Republic (2005-2008). reconnaissance and sabotage groups operating in the government-controlled territo- The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council In her last Washington assignment, she ry. It all amounts to recruitment of children, which is a grave violation of internation- (USUBC) was represented at Ambassador was the senior advisor to the undersecre- al humanitarian law. In this light the fact that the U.N. secretary-general’s report on Yovanovitch’s swearing-in by President tary of state for political affairs. Prior to children and armed conflict does not contain any reference to the situation of Morgan Williams. He noted that the U.S.- that, she was the deputy chief of mission of Ukrainian children affected by the conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine is an Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) con- the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Within the omission that should be corrected. Unfortunately, this is another example of a blind gratulates Ambassador Yovanovitch on her Department of State, Ambassador eye turned to the only ongoing armed conflict in Europe.” appointment and that the council’s 200 Yovanovitch has worked on the Russia – Statement by Ukraine’s delegation on August 2 during the U.N. Security Council’s members look forward to working with her desk, the Office of European Security open debate on children and armed conflict. in Kyiv. Over 45 representatives of USUBC Affairs and the Operations Center. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

Community leaders share their thoughts on Ukraine at 25

As 2016 is a particularly significant year for Ukraine, marking the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of the country’s independence, The Ukrainian Weekly approached Tamara Olexy, president of the Ukrainian several community leaders in the United States, Canada and Australia, as well as the Ukrainian World Congress and asked them to share their thoughts on Ukraine. Congress Commi ee of America: Following are their responses. August 24th marks 25 years since the munity, and extremely proud of the work that people of Ukraine proclaimed an end to has been accomplished, especially the critical centuries of bondage, resolutely vowing to role our Ukrainian American community has defend their democracy and laid the foun- played, and continues to play, in securing Eugene Czolij, president dation for a truly independent and sover- Ukraine’s democratic future. of the Ukrainian World Congress: eign nation. Tragically, the people of Let us not forget that the road ahead is Ukraine have spent the past two years fraught with challenges. In the 25th year of The 20-million strong Ukrainian diaspo- ahead with the democratization of their defending their country against an outright renewed independence, our brethren in ra led by the Ukrainian World Congress country, aspiring to become fully integrated Russian invasion and the destabilizing Ukraine continue to fight to protect their (UWC) joins the people of Ukraine in mark- in the European community. actions of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. independence and territorial integrity, and ing the 25th anniversary of the In another effort to stall this drive, a Despite the many difficulties that we, as their voice before the U.S. govern- Independence of Ukraine as proclaimed on well-financed Russian disinformation cam- Ukraine continues to face, our brethren ment, must stand with them. Our assis- 24 August 1991 – a day that saw the fulfill- paign is aimed at convincing Europe, and have shown exceptional fortitude in the face tance for Ukraine will require dedication, ment of the dreams of so many who had the entire international community, that of Russia’s continued hybrid war. skill and commitment. The magnitude of dedicated their lives to this goal and a day Ukraine is a failed state. Witnessing how Ukrainians have come the present crisis demands no less. that offered hope and promise to future The UWC, with the support of Ukrainians together despite so many adversities has Therefore, I urge the Ukrainian American Ukrainian generations. worldwide and in cooperation with the gov- inspired the Ukrainian Congress Committee community to work together so that we can Over the course of 25 years we have erning authorities and civil society of of America (UCCA) to continue our efforts continue to rally to Ukraine’s defense by watched the rebirth of a nation that not Ukraine, has worked determinedly to keep with renewed vigor. After decades of disillu- encouraging the United States to: maintain only removed the shackles of oppression, the international community – including sionment, Ukraine has proven to the world, and strengthen targeted economic sanc- but shattered them into pieces, ensuring national governments, the United Nations, through words, deeds and, most profoundly, tions against Russia until it fully complies that they can never again be used to deny European Union, Organization for Security the blood of its people, that it is deeply com- with its international obligations; provide our people their freedom, their aspirations and Cooperation in Europe, NATO and mitted to democracy, European values and Ukraine with the military assistance it or fundamental human rights monitor- an independent future. The resilience of our needs; continue to supply Ukrainians, and human rights. ing organizations – Ukrainian brethren has bolstered our spirits especially our volunteer soldiers, with life- The UWC – with Ukraine and the engaged, informed and and given us the strength to continue to do saving humanitarian aid; and, raise aware- its member organiza- active in the defense of everything within our power to help restore ness about the ongoing war in Ukraine. Let’s tions and global net- diaspora today are Ukraine’s freedom and independence and dignity in Ukraine. make our collective voices heard! Our unit- work today spanning a global force that is territorial integrity. The past two years have been very chal- ed efforts are needed now more than ever! 50 countries – has The UWC has also lenging for the UCCA and the entire commu- And on this historic 25th anniversary of stood with the people stronger and better determined that the nity, for at no other time in Ukraine’s recent Ukraine’s renewed independence, let us of Ukraine at every unifi ed than ever. dissemination of infor- history has its existence as a sovereign nation honor those who sacrificed their lives on the stage of this often mation to raise aware- been under such severe threat. But I am frontlines of democracy and pray for those tumultuous journey. ness of Ukraine, its heartened by the immense feeling of patrio- who continue to risk their lives for freedom. There was no greater unifying moment for people and the immense unharnessed tism that has permeated us as a global com- Slava Ukrayini! the Ukrainian diaspora than the proclama- potential is a top priority. tion of Ukrainian independence, which There has been no greater positive influ- resulted in the fall of the Soviet Union. ence on the 20-million-strong Ukrainian Ukrainians around the world immediately diaspora than 25 years of Ukrainian inde- Stefan Kaczaraj, president rose to the challenge with renewed energy pendence because today, together with the calling for the international community to people of Ukraine, we are a global force of the Ukrainian National Association: recognize the newly proclaimed indepen- that is stronger and better unified than We greet our brothers and sisters on But consider this: Was such news from dent state and forging ties with the people ever previously in the country’s history in Ukrainian Independence Day! Ukraine something new for us? Our par- of Ukraine to help develop a democratic, working toward the common goal of attain- For 25 years, the sunlight of freedom has ents, grandparents and great-grandparents independent, sovereign state in which the ing, developing and strengthening a fully shone upon Ukraine. For 25 years the knew whence the perpetual evil was com- rule of law prevails and fundamental independent, sovereign and territorially Ukrainian people have benefited from the ing onto our land, affecting our suffering human rights and freedoms are respected. integral Ukraine. state independence re-established in 1991 nation. For over three centuries, Muscovy Generations of young people were just Once Ukraine succeeds in protecting its – this after many decades of subjugation, pillaged Ukraine, poisoned our national beginning to discover their history, culture, territorial integrity, in fully implementing and national, religious and linguistic-cul- blood, and destroyed the best and most language and the wealth of opportunity now needed reforms, in significantly reducing waiting to be seized. There were challenges corruption and in overcoming its current tural persecution. promising sons and daughters of our in developing public institutions and exercis- economic crisis to become a flourishing I probably would not be wrong if I spoke nation, thus seriously damaging our gene ing democracy; learning to celebrate a multi- European country, this will be the greatest in the name of the Ukrainian National pool. This horrible horde is unchanging, lingual, multinational society while respect- modern-day success story. Association and all Ukrainians of America and we should have no illusions about it. ing individuality; building a civil society and On Independence Day we join in prayer to note that this last quarter century, begin- Instead of seeking forgiveness from understanding the power of the people. to honor all those who, in modern history ning on August 24, 1991, has passed by for Ukraine for what it has wrought, Moscow Today, after 25 years of independence, we and throughout the centuries, have made us more quickly than for other ethnic continues to do what it always did: seize are witnessing the blossoming of a nation. the ultimate sacrifice for Ukraine’s inde- groups in our country, more quickly than Ukraine’s territory, attempt to turn back The largest country in Europe with 70 per- pendence. Let us keep in our thoughts the for other nations. That’s because all of us, history and enslave the people of Ukraine. cent of its population living in urban areas, men and women who today continue to beyond our daily jobs, our professional and We see all this, and we understand who Ukraine has a 99.7 percent literacy rate and stand on the front lines against the Russian familial responsibilities, lived with Ukraine is who in this complex, unpredictable the fourth most educated population in the aggressor, and the countless families in – its concerns, its uneasy fate and its great world. But we also clearly see what is most world. It boasts the No. 1 software engineer- eastern Ukraine and Crimea whose lives obstacles on the road from formal to real important: Ukraine, despite many grave ing force in Central and Eastern Europe and have been forever changed. independence. We follow all the news from challenges, both external and internal, has Ukrainian e-commerce has grown five times We can state with certainty on this our Ukrainian homeland, especially from completed a 25-year journey of indepen- over the last five years. Ukraine is a leader in Independence Day that our future direction those regions whence our families and dent existence. In that time, a new genera- agro-exports with 33 percent of the world’s is only forward. The Ukrainian people have ancestors came. And because the news tion has been born and has taken its place black-earth soil and has a full-scale aero- understood their power, declared their changed so quickly, and oftentimes was in society. That generation was born after space industry with 5,000 aerospace gradu- choice determinedly and with their actions, unexpected and even shocking, time flowed Ukraine’s independence was re-estab- ates every year. Moreover, civil society has have demonstrated a very high level of for us so much more swiftly. lished; thus, for that generation, freedom is responded to the needs of the people with national maturity and solidarity, a dedica- We here in the U.S. receive all the most as natural as breathing. Furthermore, these 63 percent of Ukrainians in 2014 donating tion to the principles of democracy and the important and the latest information, young people know the world beyond to the army, internally displaced persons ideal of freedom, as well as a responsibility including negative information, from Ukraine and have learned from it valuable and to other societal needs. for their future. Ukraine, but we look at news about the lat- lessons and gained priceless experience Despite the harsh realities of the events On this August 24, 2016, may the blue- est developments from a somewhat differ- that will help establish Ukraine in the circle that have transpired in Ukraine since and-yellow flag of the independent state of ent perspective. Yes, unfortunately, there still of world democracies. November 2013, including the Revolution Ukraine wave freely in every corner of the are negative developments. Among them is I say this with certainty: 25 years is a of Dignity, the illegal occupation of Crimea world reminding each and every one of us disturbing news connected with the normal significant historical period, and our long- by the Russian Federation and its ongoing of our individual and joint responsibility to growing pains of a country undergoing time enemy will not be able to attain its armed invasion of eastern Ukrainian terri- continue writing this remarkable story. development and transformation, but there goal. Ukraine was, is and will be. Let’s us all tories, the Ukrainian people are forging Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Our Heroes! is also other, very worrisome information. celebrate together with her! No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC. Svoboda & The Ukrainian Weekly congratulate Ukraine and all Ukrainians on the 25th Anniversary OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE

We believe in the unity of the Ukrainian nation and wish Ukraine harmony, prosperity and peace in these trying times. We honor and pray for our heroes and anticipate their victory benefiting our nation, Ukraine. МНОГАЯ ТА БЛАГАЯ ЛІТА! 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

FOR THE RECORD The Ukrainian Weekly Ukraine at 25 25 years of independence As Ukraine and its people prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the re- establishment of the country’s independence on August 24 – a day that should be The statement below was released by the to all NATO-led operations and missions for the occasion for great celebrations of Ukraine’s remarkable history and its promis- Ukrainian Congress Committee of America the past two decades. We should also ing future – there are storm clouds gathering over our ancestral homeland. Reports on August 4. encourage the U.S. to maintain funding for from various sources indicate that not only is the war in Ukraine’s east intensifying, educational, professional and cultural but that Russia has deployed surface-to-air missiles (SAM) in Crimea. In addition, August 24, 2016, will mark 25 years since exchange programs to further aid Ukraine’s Russian forces are reported to be massing along the border with Ukraine. the people of Ukraine proclaimed an end to emergent civil society as a backstop against Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council noted on August 17 that, in the centuries of bondage and resolutely vowed proxy or direct intervention by foreign previous 24 hours, combined Russian-separatist forces fired on Ukrainian positions to protect their new democracy, while chart- aggressors. 96 times, employing over 500 mortar rounds and over 300 artillery rounds; three ing a future course towards closer European At a time when Ukrainians should be cel- soldiers were killed and six were wounded in action. The Central Intelligence Unit of integration. Sadly, this historic anniversary ebrating the 25th anniversary of their inde- the Ministry of Defense cited reports that a SAM battalion from the 60th Motorized is overshadowed by the knowledge that for pendence, many cannot help but think of Rifle Brigade of the Russian armed forces was deployed within the territory of the past two years the people of Ukraine their friends and neighbors illegally held Ukraine. The well-known security correspondent Bill Gertz of Washington filed this have been fighting to defend their nation’s captive by the Russia Federation: Oleh information: “The Pentagon has identified eight staging areas in Russia where large sovereignty and territorial integrity from Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Oleksiy numbers of military forces appear to be preparing for incursions into Ukraine… As military, economic, cyber and information Chyrniy, Akhtem Chiyhoz, Mykola Karpyuk, many as 40,000 Russian troops, including tanks, armored vehicles and air force warfare – or hybrid war – by Vladimir Stanislav Klykh, Mustafa Dehermendzhy, units, are now arrayed along Ukraine’s eastern border with Russia. Additionally, Putin’s Russia. Just last month, Ukraine Ali Asanov, Viktor Shur, Valentyn Vyhivsky, large numbers of Russian military forces will conduct exercises in the coming days recorded the highest number of civilian Hayser Dzhemilev, Ruslan Zeytullaev, Ferat that Pentagon officials say could be used as cover for an attack on Ukraine.” The cor- casualties from Russian attacks in over a Sayfullaev, Oleksandr Kostenko, Serhiy respondent noted: “The military exercises are an ominous sign. Similar large-scale year – twice that of the previous month. Lytvinov, Nuri Primov, Andriy Kolomiets, Russian exercises were conducted near Ukraine a month before Moscow carried out Despite overwhelming odds, Ukraine’s Rustam Vaytov, Enver Bekirov, Vadym brave new generation of patriots has risen Syruk, Muslim Aliev, Arsen Dzheparov, the covert military operation to take over the strategic Black Sea peninsula [Crimea] to the challenge of countering Putin’s Refat Alimov, Yuriy Ilchenko, Emir-Usein in March 2014.” President Petro Poroshenko was quoted as saying that the likeli- machinations, fighting both on the battle- Kuku, Zevri Abseitov, Remzi Memetov, hood of an escalation of the conflict “remains significant” and said he cannot rule out field for their freedom, as well as against Rustem Abiltarov, Enver Mamutov… “a full-scale Russian invasion.” corrupted officials for much-needed social Ukrainians around the world stand unit- Clearly, the situation is worrisome. But the truth is, we’ve been there before. Many and economic reforms in the name of digni- ed to give voice to those facing brutal times. And Ukraine has survived and overcome. ty for all. We stand united with those main- repression in the areas of Ukraine currently Therefore, we believe the words of the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, taining a heroic defense against a brutal illegally occupied by Russian forces – an Geoffrey Pyatt (he’s leaving soon for his new assignment in Greece): “I think having sur- aggressor in a life and death struggle for occupation that has not only manifested vived 2014 – the invasion of Crimea, the shootings on the Maidan, the collapse of the their nation’s very survival. itself in imprisonment, but in the all too hryvnia and the financial system – Ukraine can survive anything if it got through 2014.” Throughout this struggle, strong U.S. common “disappearance” of those deemed And we believe that justice and truth will ultimately prevail, and that the U.S. and the support for Ukraine will remain critically to be troublemakers, be they activists, jour- West will continue to stand by Ukraine in the face of relentless and ruthless Russian important now and in the coming years, nalists, or a beset upon minority, such as aggression – whether on the battlefield or in cyberspace. Most of all we believe that especially in the process of securing the indigenous Crimean Tatars. Ukraine will continue to move toward Europe and that the new generation of Ukraine’s borders from continued viola- Perseverance in the face of tyranny Ukrainians born in a newly independent state will lead the country to a bright future. tions from foreign occupiers. The Ukrainian exemplifies the best of our nations’ com- Twenty-five years after that historic August 24 – a quarter-century marked by Congress Committee of America (UCCA), mon history, and it has made Ukrainians many detours, setbacks, human casualties and achievements – we wish Ukraine and the nation’s largest representation of into who we are today – fiercely indepen- its people peace. That is foremost. And we wish them fortitude and success as Americans of Ukrainian descent, looks to dent, loyal to their country and passionate Ukraine continues its slow but steady progress toward establishing a democratic, the United States to not only live up to its about freedom. Let us pause on this historic law-abiding state, manifesting the civilizational choice made most emphatically in public and binding security guarantees to anniversary to honor the sacrifice of those 2013-2014. It was a choice courageously made and defended by the Euro-Maidan Ukraine, but to further develop our shared on the frontlines of democracy and hail movement that became the Revolution of Dignity. It was clear then, as it is now, that 20-year military relationship, with them with glory, as they remind us of the Ukraine and Ukrainians want to return to Europe, their rightful home. Yearning for Ukraine’s record as the only non-NATO true price of freedom. European values, human rights and rule of law, they have taken control of their des- partner nation to have contributed actively Slava Ukrayini! Heroyam Slava! tiny. And that is what we must celebrate above all else. Slava Ukrayini! Russia’s military escalation: threat Aug. Turning the pages back... to Ukraine and global security Twenty-five years ago, on August 26, 1991, following the dec- The following release was sent by the security at infrastructure facilities and pro- laration of independence by Ukraine’s Parliament on August 24, 26 Ukrainian Canadian Congress on August 11. tect people, and we will take additional 1991, leaders of the United States and Canada showed two dif- security measures, serious additional mea- ferent stances in reaction to the news. 1991 The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) sures, technical and others.” Attorney Bohdan Vitvitsky, based in New York, wrote a com- strongly condemns the Russian Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko mentary about the reactions by Canada and the U.S. Federation’s military escalation, its aggres- and all Ukrainian authorities have strongly Dr. Vitvitsky highlighted President George H. W. Bush’s comments at Kennebunkport, sive, provocative statements and continued refuted these mendacious claims. President Maine, during a press conference that was reported by the Financial Times. “You’re asking refusal to honor a ceasefire in eastern Poroshenko stated yesterday [August 10]: me about some public works committee in downtown Kiev, and you want to know if we Ukraine. “Russian accusations that Ukraine support them?” he asked reporters with heavy sarcasm. Large movements of Russian troops, launched terror attacks in the occupied In contrast, Canada’s Prime Minister Brian Mulroney said he would be inclined to rec- tanks, artillery and other materiel into the Crimea are equally cynical and insane as its ognize Ukraine if its population supported independence in the December 1, 1991, refer- occupied territories of Crimea and the claims there are no Russian troops in east- endum. However, an Ottawa-based group of “international analysts” attacked the position Donbas over the last week have been ern Ukraine. These fantasies pursue [one] as “politically unwise.” reported. Heavy shelling of Ukrainian posi- goal: a pretext for more military threats Dr. Vitvitsky noted: tions by Russian and proxy forces in the against Ukraine. Ukraine resolutely con- “If the status that existed in Ukraine and the rest of the non-Russian republics up until Donbas are a daily occurrence as Russia demns terrorism in all its forms and as recently as two or three years ago had continued for another 50 or 100 years, continues to blatantly violate the Minsk shapes. We would never ever use terror to Ukrainians may well have disappeared as a nationality – given the population resettle- agreements to which it is a signatory. de-occupy Crimea. Russia provides money ment and intense political and cultural Russification policies emanating for decades, if not Ukrainian soldiers being killed and wound- and arms to support terrorism in Ukraine. centuries, from Moscow. Ukraine’s most recent push for independence is, therefore, noth- ed as a result of these attacks has become a It became a state-led policy on the occupied ing short of an attempt to avoid extinction. daily occurrence. areas of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. ... “Most civilized people and nations acknowledge the devastation that the Jews suffered On August 10, Russian President Ukraine is devoted to restore its sovereign- during the Nazi Holocaust to be an irrefutable argument for the need for Israel’s existence. Vladimir Putin alleged that Ukraine’s mili- ty and territorial integrity exclusively We here in the United States have even adopted various laws to prohibit the extinction of tary intelligence services had supposedly through political and diplomatic means. various species of small fish. organized a “sabotage and reconnaissance That includes de-occupation of Crimea.” “Yet, the desperate desire of an entire nation to avoid extinction has, in the case of group” that infiltrated Crimean territory. As U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Ukrainians, met with, alternatively, hostility, scorn or lack of comprehension.” Putin accused Ukraine of “turning to ter- Pyatt stated today [August 11]: the “U.S. Dr. Vitvitsky questioned the motivations for the hostile reactions to Ukraine’s declaration ror.” He stated, ominously, that “We will do (Continued on page 16) everything we can, of course, to ensure (Continued on page 21) No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Conspiracy theories about Russian FSB prevent any escalation. As evidence of his Versailles involving Polish composer officers shipping these migrants to Europe success, no attack of the same scale of hor- Ignacy Paderewski and Pola Negri, a Choosing the lesser aside, Western nations are coming to the ror and civilian casualties has occurred Hollywood starlet of Polish descent. conclusion that combatting Islamist terror- since. They gained a Poland resurrected after of two evils, indeed ism and restricting Muslim immigration is Given Vladimir Putin’s unpredictability, five generations of struggle that even Dear Editor: a bigger priority than combatting Russian introducing American arms would have included chunks of Germany and eastern caused the conflict to spiral out of control, The Ukrainian Weekly issue of August 7 aggression. Halychyna. The Ukrainians sat out the talks, with much more loss of life, and there still contains an excellent objective analysis by In light of these alarming trends, we hoping for the best, and were left with is that potential. Military assistance has to Myron Kuropas of the Democratic and must recognize that Donald Trump has a nothing, leading to disastrous consequenc- be soberly negotiated. Republican party platforms (“A tale of two very strong chance to become the next U.S. es. Instead, the following four non-military platforms”), showing how they pertain to president. He has the momentum of the Let’s not be left out in the cold again. options are most adequate in keeping pres- Ukraine and Russia. He does not spare anti-globalist movements that have swept Like him or not, we need to lobby Trump. sure on Russia to withdraw and deter its Donald Trump some well-deserved criti- Europe in recent months, including the Zenon Zawada forces from advancing further into Ukraine cism. Dr. Kuropas also mentions Mitt Brexit. Kyiv and inflicting more casualties. Romney’s description of Russia as “our Mr. Trump has the upper hand on all the 1. Enforcing and intensifying sanctions number one geopolitical foe.” Hillary key election issues this season: confronting Darian Diachok against all state and private officials Clinton’s mentor Barack Obama famously the dangers of Islamist terrorism globally Alexandria, Va. involved in the Crimean annexation and mocked Gov. Romney about that statement. (which Hillary Clinton refuses to acknowl- Donbas military aggression, including all Bohdan Knianicky In contrast, Andrew Fedynsky’s column edge), restricting immigration, supporting Russian Duma members. San Diego on the same page is a paean to the our besieged police officers and rejecting 2. Keeping their assets abroad frozen Democratic candidate, with some well- Orwellian political correctness in order to and widening the scope of the freeze. known facts being conspicuous by their make the nation secure. 3. Expelling them from the SWIFT sys- absence. Most notable is Secretary of State Mr. Trump has the moral high ground tem of international currency exchange. A suggestion re: Clinton’s failed “reset button” policy toward after the FBI and the Justice Department 4. Denying landing rights for Russian Russia that led to the Russian invasion of refused to file numerous criminal charges aircraft in Western airports. counter-argument Ukraine. Former Polish Minister of Foreign against Ms. Clinton, leaving the responsibil- It’s clear at this point that the Russian Dear Editor: Affairs Adam Rotfeld stated that the “reset” ity to prevent a likely felon from becoming lobby has infiltrated the Trump campaign diplomacy showed weakness. But president to the public after the failure of Re: “A counter-argument to Andrew after lethal, defensive weapons were Secretary Clinton defended it as a “brilliant the U.S. government to enforce the law Fedynsky’s” (July 31), in her letter, Lydia dropped from the Republican Party’s for- stroke” because of subsequent Russian equally on all its citizens. (And we’re wor- Kossak Kernitsky, D.M.D., has made it clear eign policy platform. That’s to their credit, cooperation with sanctions against Iran. ried about rule of law in Ukraine?) that she supports Donald Trump and will because the main goal should be to stop Also missing is any mention’s of the Let’s not forget that Ms. Clinton was not be voting for Hillary Clinton. She writes the killing immediately. Clintons selling uranium to Russia. The responsible for large transfers of nuclear that, “If you love America and Ukraine, you Ukrainian farmboys who can’t evade the headline in the April 23, 2015, issue of The fuel and secret military technology, blatant- will not vote for Hillary Clinton.” draft shouldn’t be pawns on the grand New York Times sums it up: “Cash flowed ly stating that her goal was to strengthen But I wonder, if for some strange reason chessboard. That’s particularly the case to Clinton Foundation amid Russian urani- Russia (and make money in the process, Dr. Kossak Kernitsky changes her mind when the Ukrainian president continues to um deal.” Finally, FBI Director James Comey something she omitted). Her scandals and about “the Donald,” her preferred candi- operate one of his biggest candy factories told Congress: “There was classified infor- foreign policy disasters could fill encyclo- date, who are Dr. Kossak Kernitsky’s non- in Russia, all the while thwarting Western mation e-mailed” on Secretary Clinton’s pedias. Hillary options? Perhaps she will vote for efforts to fight systemic corruption, which private server. If the Russians did hack her Mr. Trump has concrete measures that the Libertarian, Gary Johnson, who stated remains at the same level as under Viktor emails, the implications are obvious. will lead to economic growth, in the form of on RT (Russia Today, Vladimir Putin’s pro- Yanukovych, as Freedom House reported Recently, Dr. Andrew Sorokowski wrote reduced taxes and regulations. Ms. Clinton paganda “news” show) that what he calls last month. on these same pages that Ukrainian wants to raise taxes on the middle class U.S. intervention in Ukraine would be the At the same time, the Russians shouldn’t Americans may have to either vote their even further. equivalent of Russian intervention in be allowed to go any further, and Trump conscience (including third-party candi- Mr. Trump has the support of working- Puerto Rico? (See link: https://www.you- has already indicated that he won’t let dates) in the November elections or choose class America, which has been betrayed by tube.com/watch?v=YSWRoEVnWJ4.) them. He has also demonstrated that he the lesser of two evils. He was right. the free-trade agreements advocated by Or, perhaps Dr. Kossak Kernitsky will doesn’t have a strong position on Ukraine both the Republican and Democratic par- consider voting for Jill Stein (Green Party) and that’s an opportunity to convince him Leo Iwaskiw ties for the last two decades, as recent as who sat at the same table with Mr. Putin of the need to maintain certain measures, Philadelphia this year’s Trans-Pacific Partnership. during a December 2015 celebration of RT like economic sanctions, rather than recon- So everything is working in Mr. Trump’s in Moscow? (See link: http://www.jill2016. sider them, as he indicated in late July. favor, and it would make sense that the com/stein_in_russia_calls_for_principled_ The New York Times reported last Ukrainian Congress Committee of America collaboration.) She notes of that evening: month (not that it’s an objective source of Like him or not, we and other diaspora leaders intensify their “While the objective of that dinner was not information) that Mr. Trump was even on efforts to lobby and influence his campaign. to engage in serious discussions, Putin did the verge of ceding his entire domestic and need to lobby Trump What should be advocated for? Not appear to respond in his formal remarks to lethal, defensive weapons. Amid all his foreign policy to John Kasich in exchange Dear Editor: the call for greater dialogue and collabora- for him running as his vice-president. many foreign policy disasters, this is one of tion made by myself and three other politi- As far-fetched as that claim sounds, it We have to recognize that global trends the few areas in which U.S. President cal figures on the foreign policy panel earli- indicates that the political field is ripe for are transpiring in the Western world that Barack Obama has proven correct. er that day.” planting and that there’s plenty of work are beyond our control. A real threat of the Donbas war danger- And so, I offer what I hope is a helpful ahead that could prove fruitful. As another The globalists and Leftist socialists have ously escalating emerged in January 2015, suggestion: that between now and vector of lobbying to consider: Mr. Trump bitten off more than they could chew in when residential areas of Mariupol were November 8, Dr. Kossak Kernitsky read a still says he’ll consider as his secretary of building their multicultural utopias, invit- bombarded by Russian-backed terrorists, few informative and analytical articles state John Bolton, a well-known Ukraine ing excessive amounts of hostile migrants killing 29 and injuring 97. about the implications of the choice she hawk. who have disrupted peaceful and success- Fortunately, John Kerry was the top U.S. will be making when she casts her vote. ful societies by introducing criminal behav- diplomat at the time (and not Ms. Clinton) It’s worth considering that, following iors, and financial burdens, that have and he worked feverishly behind the World War I, the Polish government orga- Tania Vitvitsky become unbearable. scenes to secure a diplomatic solution and nized an effective “charm offensive” at Sudbury, Mass.

IN THE PRESS: The Yanukovych-Manafort connection CNN’s “New Day: morning newscast, Ukraine, [former Ukrainian President Russia and that Russia told us about the ly corrupt leaders. This is somebody who August 16 (transcript provided by World Viktor] Yanukovych, that’s only the begin- Boston bomber. It’s all seen in a different ordered his own police to fire upon protest- News Report’s “Media Matters for America”): ning of the trail when it comes to what context now. How deep might those con- ers in the Maidan after people came down Manafort does. There was an entirely sep- tacts go?” to the square as part of an uprising against Co-host Chris Cuomo, speaking with arate investigation into moving money Ms. Ward responded: his corruption. Up to 100 people were CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward, asked from Russian oligarchs and who was it “Well, Chris, let’s just start out by looking killed in the Maidan revolution. And I actu- her about the alleged $12 million in pay- around [Russian President Vladimir] Putin at Viktor Yanukovych and what kind of a ally visited his home, his estate. I should ments to Trump campaign manager Paul and how deep does it go? And that is what man and what kind of a president he was. call it a mini-Versailles just outside of Kiev Manafort. wound up raising the eyebrows when you This is someone who was jailed twice [sic] in the days after that protest move- He said: “All right, Clarissa, the money, saw that Trump campaign got involved before becoming president for assault and ment was attempted to be quashed by him this $12 million, this ledger may be a little with changing the Republican platform on for theft. This is somebody who rigged an and he had left the country. bit of a distraction. Because the true cur- Ukraine. And then those lines in the election. This is somebody who was very rency here are the contracts, right? I mean speech yesterday about working with well known to be one of the most rampant- (Continued on page 15) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34 COMMENTARY: Trump, Yanukovych and negative voting by Taras Kuzio in the U.S. of Mexican heritage, such as year’s U.S. elections both candidates have acted like Europeans and Americans, they Judge Gonzalo Curiel – will also vote over- “net negative ratings in double digits, indi- would have blocked Mr. Yanukovych’s elec- The U.S. presidential elections in whelmingly for Ms. Clinton. cating the front-runners for each party’s tion by voting against him. There was a November of this year increasingly resem- A Clinton victory is in Ukraine’s best his- presidential nominations are viewed nega- massive increase in the vote for Ms. ble those of Ukraine six years ago in terms tory because Mr. Trump has supported a tively at historic levels” of 57 and 52 per- Tymoshenko’s of 20 percent between the of the candidates, the voting and the U.S. withdrawal from NATO (which would cent for Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton, respec- first and second rounds of the vote, com- potential undemocratic outlooks. U.S. vot- be the end of the security alliance), tively (http://edition.cnn.com/2016/ pared to only 14 percent for Mr. ers are unlikely to act in the same way as opposed sanctions against Russia and sup- 03/22/politics/2016-election-poll-donald- Yanukovych. Although Mr. Yanukovych their Ukrainian counterparts in the 2010 ported good relations with Russian trump-hillary-clinton/). bragged to the U.S. ambassador that he elections who voted against both candi- President Vladimir Putin. Moscow, in turn, Nevertheless, U.S. voters will act more would win by over 10 percent, he barely dates; therefore, Hilary Clinton will win supports a victory for the racist, xenophobe maturely than Ukrainian voters did six won by 3.5 percent. this year’s elections because of negative and nationalistic Mr. Trump because his years ago and they will vote negatively If Ukrainians had stopped Mr. and positive voting for her. In 2010, as equivalent is very common in Russia in the against Mr. Trump (by voting for Ms. Yanukovych in his tracks in 2010 (as readers will recall, Yulia Tymoshenko was form of Liberal Democratic Party leader Clinton). In Ukraine in 2010, the so-called Americans no doubt will stop Mr. Trump defeated by some Ukrainian voters who Aleksandr Zhirinovsky, Russian National Lviv intelligentsia and nationalist Svoboda this year) a Tymoshenko presidency would refused to vote against Viktor Yanukovych Unity party leader Aleksandr Barkashov, hated Ms. Tymoshenko more than they have produced four outcomes for Ukraine. by casting their ballots for her. International Eurasia Movement leader loved Ukraine when they followed Firstly, Ukraine would have signed the Donald J. Trump is the best opponent for Aleksandr Dugin, etc. President Viktor Yushchenko’s advice to Association Agreement with the European Ms. Clinton because a sizeable number of In many democratic and democratizing vote against both Mr. Yanukovych and Ms. Union far earlier and its European integra- Americans will vote against him (i.e., nega- countries, voters are often placed in a quan- Tymoshenko. As only western and central tion, therefore, would have been quite tive voting). Ms. Clinton will also be sup- dary as to what to do in presidential elec- Ukrainians listened to Mr. Yushchenko’s advanced by the next Ukrainian presiden- tions when one candidate’s victory would advice, it was obvious that this step would ported by the majority of women after tial elections in 2015. With Ukraine’s lead to democratic regression and, in the harm only Ms. Tymoshenko’s election Trump’s misogynous comments about European integration irreversible, it would case of Ukraine, the creation of a mafia and chances. them (http://edition.cnn.com/videos/poli- have been too late for Vladimir Putin to neo-Soviet authoritarian state (as I predict- It is ironic that western Ukrainians, who tics/2016/03/15/anti-donald-trump-ad- pressure Ukraine to join the Eurasian ed Mr. Yanukovych’s election would do dur- are the country’s strongest supporters of women-sot-ctn.cnn) and because she is the Union that came into operation in 2015. first woman to stand in a U.S. presidential ing the campaign and immediately after). In European integration, by voting against France and Austria, voters have supported both candidates awarded their country to Secondly, the preparations would have election a century after they were given the not been laid for Russia’s annexation of the vote. Minority groups, such as Hispanics – the alternative to the neo-Nazi right in the Mr. Yanukovych. From the Party of Regions former and the populist nationalist right in documents and other documents provided Crimea four years later, a step that I pre- because of his blatant racism against dicted would take place in an article writ- Mexican immigrants and even those born the latter. Indeed, a Socialist French friend by Hennadiy Moskal that have been trans- of mine voted for Conservative candidate ferred to the National Anti-Corruption ten in March 2010 (http://www.james- Jacques Chirac to block neo-Nazi National Bureau, we know that Viktor and Kateryna town.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_ Dr. Taras Kuzio is a senior research asso- Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen in France’s Yushchenko became very wealthy when news%5D=36104&no_cache=1#. ciate at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian 2002 elections. A Washington-based long- they betrayed the Orange Revolution and V1l3xZN97Jw ) and in a monograph pub- Studies, University of Alberta, and author of time Republican told me this month that he Ukraine in 2010. It is also obvious why lished in November 2010 titled “The “Ukraine: Democratization, Corruption and would be voting for Ms. Clinton even Svoboda acted in this way, because they Crimea: Europe’s Next Flashpoint?” the New Russian Imperialism” (Praeger, though he had not liked her since the were always funded by eastern Ukrainian (http://www.taraskuzio.net/books5.html). 2015), a modern history of Ukraine from 1990s. oligarchs. What is still to this day more dif- If it was obvious to me that from the earli- 1953 to the present, and the forthcoming This year’s U.S. elections also resemble ficult to fathom is the actions of the arro- est that Mr. Yanukovych was ready to act in book “Russia’s War Against Ukraine: Ukraine’s six years ago in the fact that the gant Lviv intelligentsia. Nationalism, Identity and Crime.” candidates have negative ratings. In this In the 2010 elections, if Ukrainians had (Continued on page 14) No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 9 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34 No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 11

Український Конґресовий Комітет Америки UKRAINIAN CONGRESS COMMITTEE OF AMERICA, INC. щиро вітає українську громаду в США з нагоди ХХV Річниці Відновлення Незалежности України! Наші вітання шлемо українському народові! В цей ювілейний рік, нехай Господь дасть йому силу пережити цей тяжкий час, коли Україна бореться за свою незалежність.

UKRAINIAN CONGRESS COMMITTEE OF AMERICA UKRAINIAN NATIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE 203 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003 311 Massachusetts Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 Phone: (212) 228-6840/6841 · Fax: (212) 254-4721 Phone: (202) 547-0018 · Fax: (202) 543-5502 e-mail: [email protected] www.ucca.org e-mail: [email protected]

Greeting of the UKRAINIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Злучений Український Американський With deepest respect and sincere pride, the Ukrainian Допомоговий Комітет - ЗУАДК American Bar Association salutes the Ukrainian people щиро вітає українську громаду з нагоди who continue to bravely demonstrate their gargantuan moral strength by shedding their blood and sacrificing 25-ої Річниці their lives to forge a truly free, national, and democratic Незалежности України Ukrainian consciousness which is a God-given right of every nation. Despite the thunders of war, Слава Україні! the Ukrainian people’s resolve for freedom United Ukrainian American Relief Committee will be graced with true independence. 1206 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111 Tel.: (215) 728-1630 * Fax.: (215) 728-1631 Слава Україні! – Героям Слава! www.uuarc.org

Центральна Управа, Слава Україні! Відділи i все членство Організації Державного Відродження України (ОДВУ) вітають

ЗІ СВЯТОМ НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТИ!

Український народ на рідних землях і всіх наших земляків, розкинених по різних країнах світу. Andrei Kushnir Бажаємо MERICAN AINTING успіхів у всіх заходах для об’єднання A P національно-державницьких сил FINE ART у справі відбудови та закріпленні соборної самостійної України. 5125 MacArthur Boulevard, N.W., Suite 17 Washington, DC 20016 202-244-3244 Слава Україні! - Героям Слава! andreikushnir.com classicamericanpainting.com Олександер Процюк голова 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

Ukraine at 25... (Continued from page 1) adopted. And many in civil society have entered poli- tics to change the system from the inside. What Ukraine still lacks to ensure irreversible changes is a political elite that is ready to sacrifice for the benefit of everyone. The reason is simple: for 80 years the true elite was intimidated, deported, murdered, or oppressed. Many emigrated. My generation doesn’t have mentors from whom to learn. We are learning from our own mistakes. A new generation of political leaders in Ukraine needs time to mature. However, 25 years is enough to understand what we want to build, how we shouldn’t act and that everything is possible now as never before. Everything now is in our hands. “Do the little things, and they will become great,” Ukrainian bard Taras Shevchenko said.

Andriy Biletsky, national deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, the first commander of the Azov Battalion, a former political prisoner: Over the 25 years of Ukraine’s independence, patriots and statesmen have tried to build a state. To drub the idea out of people’s heads that we’re a piece of the USSR. But among the human virtues that have crowned our nation, unfortunately it was vileness that was placed in the halls of power. To this day in Ukraine, a battle is being waged between two parties: national parties and “little Russian” parties. At this time of war, of patriotic enthusiasm and heroism, there is continued infighting among Ukrainians. I Chrystyna Lapychak/The Ukrainian Weekly hope that a quarter of a century was enough time to August 24, 1991: The scene outside the Verkhovna Rada as members of the Ukrainian Parliament met in a special session end fighting amongst each other. on the day Ukraine’s independence was proclaimed. (The view is from a window inside the Rada building.) I am certain that the civilian and military volun- teers represent an image of the new Ukraine. These are people whom corruption and the machinations of fate cannot break. A new generation has been born before our eyes, or better yet, has been reborn – the generation of the unvanquished. Thus, today it is my goal to give them everything to enable the true rebirth of this nation. On the 25th anniversary of our independence, I shall meet with my frontline brothers and remember those who are no longer with us. For the rest of our life now we must stand for Ukraine and defend her on the front, in politics and in civil society because the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers cannot be betrayed. Glory to Ukraine!

Olexiy Haran, professor at Kyiv Mohyla Academy and academic director at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation: Ukraine stands in contrast to many other former Soviet republics in that it gained its independence peacefully and without interethnic conflict. Ukraine’s 1996 Constitution was the result of a compromise between the president and the Parliament, as opposed to then Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s “revolutionary” approach, which involved an armed assault on the Russian Parliament. Compromise was also a necessity. Ukraine, in con- trast to its post-Communist western neighbors, faced enormous challenges after independence. It had to build a nation-state, civil society, democracy and free market simultaneously. None of this could be achieved overnight, and it demanded compromises with the country’s post-Communist nomenclature. The drawback to Ukraine’s system of power-sharing and political compromise was that it preserved the influence of the Communist past, which, compared to Poland, Hungary and the Baltic countries, was not radically restricted. Another difference in Ukraine’s political culture, compared to Russia’s, is a stronger tradition of indi- vidualism, private ownership of land, and the absence of broad public support for an authoritarian leader. The flip side of all these compromises (especially when they are not open to the public) is that they Chrystyna Lapychak/The Ukrainian Weekly cause gridlock and paralysis and postpone radical August 24, 1991: After the overwhelming vote for Ukraine’s independence, national deputies drape a Ukrainian flag on reforms. All of this makes the road to achieving the Verkhovna Rada chairman’s podium. The statue of Lenin that looms over the proceedings would soon be gone. European Union standards longer and more winding. No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 13

Chrystyna Lapychak/The Ukrainian Weekly August 24, 1991: The scene inside the Verkhovna Rada after the vote for Ukraine’s independence. Members of the democratic bloc carry in a huge Ukrainian flag, which had been draped over one of the tanks protecting the Russian Parliament building at the time of the attempted coup in the Soviet Union.

Chrystyna Lapychak/The Ukrainian Weekly August 24, 1991: The scene on Kyiv’s October Revolution Square – later renamed Independence Square – as the public celebrates Ukraine’s newly re-established independence. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

sula. And Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev saying that Moscow is obliged to do so who was jailed on charges of propagating NEWSBRIEFS raised the prospect of severing diplomatic under existing agreements. It also called for extremism and separatism via the Internet. relations with Kyiv in order to “sober up” monitors from the International Red Cross Darya Polyudova was sentenced to two (Continued from page 2) Ukraine. “I would not want that to happen, and the United Nations’ human rights mon- years in a minimum-security penal colony and the Ukrainian people.” Mr. Pyatt, 52, but if there is no other option left to impact itoring mission to be given access to in December 2015, becoming the first per- praised the role of the Ukraine’s new cor- the situation, the president [Vladimir Ukrainian detainees who are in the custody son in Russia convicted under a law crimi- ruption-fighting institutions, the National Putin] could make such a decision,” Mr. of Russian authorities. Ukraine’s ambassa- nalizing calls for separatism on the Internet Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and a Medvedev said in response to a question. dor to the United Nations, Volodymyr that came into force in May 2014. Ms. special anti-corruption prosecutor. He said He noted that diplomatic ties between Yelchenko, charged on August 11 that some Polyudova’s mother, Tatyana Polyudova, the difficult job of changing attitudes in Russia and Georgia were cut off when they 40,000 Russian troops are now amassed in wrote on Facebook that a court in the city society to help prevent corrupt practices fought a brief war in 2008. Russia’s accusa- Crimea and along Russia’s border with of Novorossiysk did not provide any rea- “should have begun 25 years ago, and I tion of a Ukrainian plot to destabilize eastern Ukraine. (RFE/RL, with reporting sons for its August 10 decision. Ms. think I regret that perhaps I could have Crimea, which Moscow seized from by AFP, Reuters, AP, TASS and Interfax) Polyudova was indicted in 2014 after she played a more assertive role earlier on Ukraine in March 2014, added to tension criticized Moscow online for its support of Lavrov, Steinmeier discuss Ukraine these issues.” Mr. Pyatt has been ambassa- following weeks of increased fighting Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine’s east, dor in Ukraine since 2013 and was an between government forces and the YEKATERINBURG, Russia – Russian where fighting between government forces active supporter of the Euro-Maidan pro- Russia-backed separatists who hold parts Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov and and the separatists has killed more than tests in Kyiv that ousted pro-Russian of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. German Foreign Affairs Minister Frank- 9,500 people since April 2014. The President Viktor Yanukovych. (RFE/RL’s Each side is blaming the other for the Walter Steinmeier held talks in the Russian Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Ukrainian Service) increased tension. Ukraine’s military intelli- city of Yekaterinburg that focused primarily Center has added Ms. Polyudova to its list gence service, which has categorically on Ukraine and Syria. Speaking to reporters of political prisoners in Russia. (RFE/RL’s Kyiv accuses Russia of provocations denied Russia’s claims, alleged on August after the August 15 meeting, the two minis- Russian Service) KYIV – Kyiv accused Russia of seeking to 12 that Russia was planning “large-scale ters affirmed their support for the Minsk Crimean Tatar forced into psych clinic provoke an escalation of the conflict in provocative actions through the contact process aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine, saying Moscow has bol- line in Ukraine’s east” – a reference to the eastern Ukraine. Mr. Lavrov said Moscow is SYMFEROPOL, Ukraine – A court in stered separatist forces in the region with line separating government and separatist prepared to provide “irrefutable” evidence Russia-annexed Crimea has ruled that a fresh deliveries of ammunition and military forces. Russia “will then accuse Ukraine of of an alleged plan by Kyiv to launch sabo- noted Crimean Tatar activist, Ilmi Umerov, hardware. The assertion came as tensions not complying” with the Minsk agreement, tage attacks in Crimea, the Ukrainian region must be placed in a psychiatric clinic for between Moscow and Kyiv continued to a Western-brokered peace deal for eastern that Moscow annexed in 2014. Moscow examination. The Kyiv District Court in rise after Russia claimed that Ukraine had Ukraine. The accusation came a day after does not plan to sever diplomatic relations Symferopol on August 11 approved the tried to send “saboteurs” into Crimea to President Petro Poroshenko put Ukraine’s with Ukraine over the incident, saying that motion by investigators. Umerov’s lawyer, carry out “terrorist” attacks against infra- forces on the highest alert level in both doing so would be “an extreme measure,” Nikolai Polozov, said that the court’s ruling structure on the Russian-annexed peninsu- eastern Ukraine and along the administra- Mr. Lavrov added. Ukraine has denied any will be appealed. Mr. Umerov, 59, former la – an allegation Kyiv says is “preposter- tive boundary between mainland Ukraine involvement in or knowledge of such a sab- deputy chairman of Crimean Tatars’ self- ous.” Russia’s Defense Ministry on August and Crimea. The Foreign Affairs Ministry in otage plot. Mr. Steinmeier said the worsen- governing body – the Mejlis – was charged 12 announced the deployment of S-400 air- Kyiv on August 12 demanded that Russia ing situation in Ukraine in recent weeks is with separatism in May after he made pub- defense missile systems – which Moscow give monitors from the Organization for “worrisome” and called on both Moscow lic statements against the annexation of has touted as state-of-the art weapons – in Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Kyiv to investigate the alleged sabotage Ukraine’s Crimea by Russia. Mr. Umerov Crimea. The military had pledged last access to Crimea as well as greater access plot. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by was allowed to stay home during investiga- month to deploy the system on the penin- to separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine, Interfax and Reuters) tions into his case. The Moscow-based Memorial human rights center has called Asylum granted to Kremlin critic the case against Mr. Umerov “illegal and KYIV – A Russian opposition activist politically motivated.” The majority of who was the first person charged under a Crimea’s indigenous people, Crimean strict new law restricting protests has Tatars, opposed the peninsula’s annexation received political asylum in Ukraine. by Moscow in March 2014. (RFE/RL, based TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 Vladimir Ionov, 76, told Ukraine’s on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax) or e-mail [email protected] Hromadske Radio on August 15 that his Uzbek accused of fighting with separatists asylum request – filed after Russian author- SERVICES PROFESSIONALS ities charged him with attending more than PRAGUE – Authorities in Ukraine say two unauthorized public protests during they have detained an Uzbek citizen one six-month period – had been accepted. believed to have been fighting alongside Under legislation enacted in Russia in Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine’s 2014, such activity is punishable by up to eastern region of Donetsk. A spokeswoman five years in prison. Rights activists call the for the Donetsk regional prosecutor’s office new law a menacing tool to crack down on told RFE/RL on August 16 that Aleksandr dissent. Mr. Ionov did not show up at his Brykin, 20, an ethnic-Russian native of trial in December, and media reports at the Tashkent, had confessed to joining pro-Rus- time said he fled to Ukraine. Another sian separatists in Donetsk in December Russian opposition activist, Ildar Dadin, 2014 and serving in a separatist military was sentenced to three years in jail on unit there until May 2015. Fighting December 7; he was the first person to be between Ukrainian government forces and convicted under the new legislation. (RFE/ Russia-backed separatists in the eastern HELP WANTED RL, based on reporting by nv.ua and hro- regions of Luhansk and Donetsk has killed madskeradio.org) more than 9,500 people since April 2014. There have been numerous reports that Small trucking company looking for Pro-Ukraine activist refused early release experienced CDL long haul drivers many volunteers and mercenaries from and owners operators. O ering new MOSCOW – A court in Russia has refused former Soviet republics are fighting on both equipment and good pay. Possibility to grant early release on parole to a Russian sides of the conflict. (RFE/RL’s Uzbek to become owner operator. activist in the southern region of Krasnodar Service) 708 506 1357 Dangis

FOR SALE FOR RENT a President Yanukovych there would have Trump... not been separatism in the Donbas sup- ported by a Russia that was allowed to (Continued from page 8) FOR SALE OR RENT Ukrainian Orthodox Church in undertake what I described already in June 2 bedroom condo at St. Andrew Maplewood New Jersey is looking this treasonous way, why was it not for the 2010 as the “Putinization” of Ukraine’s Ukrainian Condo Association in for a husband and wife team Lviv intelligentsia who still to this day security forces (http://www.jamestown. North Port, Fl. to rent a 3 bedroom 1 and 1/2 believe they were right? org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_ For information please call Yuri: bathroom house with caretaker Thirdly, Mr. Yanukovych would have news%5D=36517&no_cache=1#.V1l- 847-404-9538 responsibilities for the church and been prevented from establishing a mafia zJN97Jw). grounds at a reduced rent. state – one that he bankrupted after he In democratic and democratizing states, OPPORTUNITIES For more information call Alex at came to power. There would not have been the candidates that are fighting for the 973-714-2459. a Euro-Maidan revolution or protesters highest position in the land can sometimes murdered on the streets of Kyiv and be the wrong persons, whether Mr. Le Pen Earn extra income! Donetsk. in France in 2002, Mr. Yanukovych in 2010 in Ukraine, Norbert Hofer in Austria and The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Run your advertisement here, Finally, Mr. Yanukovych’s second election for advertising sales agents. defeat would have led to a new more mod- Mr. Trump in the U.S. in 2016. That is why For additional information contact in The Ukrainian Weekly’s erate leader of the Party of Regions (maybe negative voting is useful in preventing Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, CLASSIFIEDS section. Sergey Tigipko) and it may have ushered in states from being taken over by Nazis, The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. changes within the party. Certainly, without Mafia traitors and nationalist-populists. No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 15

THE DAILY VERTICAL The Crimea con job

by Brian Whitmore Now, the operative words here, of course, were “the Russian region of RFE/RL Ділимося сумною вісткою, Crimea” and “our territory.” що 30 липня 2016 року у Warren, So by now the holes in Russia’s story By manufacturing this crisis, Vladimir Michigan, несподівано відійшла about an alleged Ukrainian terror plot in Putin’s regime has given itself the oppor- у вічність на 93-му році життя наша Crimea are big enough to drive a truck tunity to continuously talk in interna- найдорожча Мама і Бабуся through. tional forums about Crimea like it is Nobody who has seriously looked at legally part of Russia, to accuse Ukraine the evidence actually believes this tall of destabilizing it, and to demand the св. п. д-р Марія Балтарович tale. And yet, the Kremlin is sticking to West do something about it. its story and showing no signs of They’re framing the debate and chal- з дому Кричфалушій relenting. lenging the West to contradict them. They’re trying to make everybody нар. 5 січня 1924 року в селі Кричово, Tячівського району But why? Закарпатської області в Україні Well, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei forget – or conveniently overlook – that Lavrov gave us a big hint during talks Russia illegally and forcefully annexed ПАНАХИДА відбулася в четвер, 4 серпня 2016 року, в Mandziuk & yesterday with German Foreign Crimea from Ukraine. Son Funeral Home/Buhay Funeral Directors, Sterling Heights, Michigan. Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. It’s the functional equivalent of a car Mr. Lavrov said, and I’m quoting thief calling the police to accuse the ПОХОРОННІ ВІДПРАВИ відбулися в п’ятницю, 5 серпня 2016 року, в directly here: “There was a sabotage rightful owner of trying to take their car Українській Православній Катедрі св. Покрови в South† eld, Michigan. operation, planned by Ukraine’s intelli- back. It’s a con job, and it’s working. Покійна похоронена на Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, gence services, which had the aim of Michigan destabilizing the situation in the Russian Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. region of Crimea. Regardless of how our Reprinted with the permission of Radio У глибокому смутку залишилися: Western partners choose to work with Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 дочки - д-р Оксана з чоловіком д-ром Юрієм Гудь д-р Леся з чоловіком Віктором Крайнц our friends in Kyiv, we are taking com- Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC prehensive measures so that any future д-р Марія з мужем д-ром Олегом Дубровським 20036; www.rferl.org (see http://www. внучки - д-р Лариса Гудь з чоловіком д-ром Робертом attempts at hostile incursions into our rferl.org/content/daily-vertical-crimea- territory are nipped in the bud.” Ольшевським con-job/27925575.html). д-р Наталія Гудь д-р Христина Гудь Вікторія Крайнц close ties to President Putin. So what does Оксана Дубровська The Yanukovych... this really say about the kind of foreign poli- та ближча і дальша родина в Америці, Канаді та Україні. cy that Donald Trump would like to espouse (Continued from page 7) and the kind of people that he would like to В пам`ять Покійної можна складати пожертви на: “And this Versailles, frankly, to be honest consort with and to support? Because as St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Chris, it actually looks like some of Donald you heard just now, he has many times c/o Dr. M. Baltarowich, 4265 E. 10 Mile Rd., Warren, MI 48091 Trump’s properties. You’re talking about come out and said that President Putin is a Swarovski crystal embedded, private eleva- good man. He seems to be frankly indiffer- Вічна Їй пам’ять! tors, golden chandeliers, private zoos, mil- ent to his invasion of Crimea, which by the lions and millions of dollars of Ukrainian way was part of Ukraine, a sovereign coun- money that had been funneled and embez- try. And we heard yesterday in his speech, zled. On top of that, you’re talking about as I mention earlier, this kind of nostalgia It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our very deep contacts in the very murky for the hay day of the brutal dictator. So beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, waters of Putin’s inner circle. Oleg even if those $12.7 million are not an issue, Deripaska, one of the most notorious the very deep association does raise serious Russian oligarchs/gangsters, who has very moral questions.” Victor Rosynsky Victor was an active member of the Ukrainian community and long-time member of ODUM-Ukrainian Democratic Youth Society, У 1-шу болючу річницю відходу у вічність Ukrainian Information Bureau, and other organizations that endeavored to build a rich Ukrainian culture in the United States while working to bring independence to Ukraine. In more than 40 years as a mechanical engineer, Victor worked in the area of automotive catalytic converter production and earned several U.S. Patents for his designs. Victor was a parishioner at St. Mary’s Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in South† eld, Mich. and a decades-long member at St. Andrew’s Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, NJ. Victor is survived by: wife Olia children Michelle Oksana, with husband Mykola Newmerzyckyj, Jr. св. п. Paul Taras, with wife Sarah Larsen Василя Пелещука sister Sana Reynolds, with son Luke brother Simon Nahnybida, with wife Laryssa and який упокоївся 27 серпня 2015 року на 93-му році життя, children Katie and Jonathan просимо згадати Його у своїх молитвах. grandchild Victoria Newmerzyckyj Panachyda was held Wednesday, August 17, at E.J. Mandziuk & Son Залишаються у глибокому смутку: Funeral Home, 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI. син - Стефан з дружиною Лярисою та дітьми Данилом Funeral Services were held Saturday, August 20, at St. Andrew Memorial і Іванкою Church, 280 Main Street, South Bound Brook, NJ, followed by interment дочка - Лідія з чоловіком William та дітьми Ліамом, at St. Andrew Cemetery. Ґаннером і Чейсом In lieu of Ž owers, Victor asked that donations be made to support The Ukrainian Historical and Education Center of New Jersey. Donations in „Пам’ять про Тебе навіки залишиться в наших серцях“ memory of Victor Rosynsky can be sent to: The Ukrainian Historical and Education Center of New Jersey Вічна Йому пам’ять! 135 Davidson Avenue Somerset, NJ 08873 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

Train conductor Ivan Makar with a Hutsulka and the campers leave for the Karpaty. Sunflower fairy Ruslana Makar with ptashata. “Sunfl owers of Ukraine” is theme of “Tabir Ptashat” by Chrystia Gorski-Makar and Christina Jancew Iwanik KERHONKSON, N.Y. – A week in the Shawangunk Mountains with fresh air and outdoor activities for children is possibly the best gift you can give them and possibly what most pediatricians would recom- mend as well. This year’s second session of “Tabir Ptashat,” held June 26-July 2 at Soyuzivka under the auspices of the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s Pershi Stezhi sorority, was led by camp adminis- trator Oksana Isajiw. It was a true delight with memorable experiences for not only the children who attended, but for the counselors and par- ents. The children (known in Plast as “ptas- hata,” or little birds) ranged in age from 4 to 6. This year’s theme was “Sunflowers of Ukraine,” and the program was led by Chrystia Gorski-Makar Chrystia Gorski-Makar, director (komen- A group photo from “Tabir Ptashat,” week 2. dantka) of the camp. Ptashata magically traveled to Ukraine the komendantka to let the ptashata know This year’s groups (named after birds crafts, Ukrainian dance, singing Ukrainian on a daily basis and visited Kyiv, Lviv, the where they were traveling. Train conductor popular in Ukraine) were Woodpeckers, songs, nature studies (the activities for the Carpathian Mountains (Karpaty) and Ivan Makar would then lead the children in Swans, Swallows, Doves, Cuckoos and little campers included planting their own Kharkiv. Every day the “sunflower fairy” song and they would follow him on the Nightingales – a total of 52 children. sunflower seeds), fun and games, as well as would come, sprinkle the ptashata with magical train ride to their destination for As they do every year, the ptashata a bonfire. fairy dust and deliver a secret message to the day. enjoyed activities such as music, arts and In addition, the ptashata were treated to ice cream on Lviv day and went horseback riding and listened to a magical sopilka and trembita played by Andrij Miliavsky on Karpaty day. Their travel to Ukraine culmi- nated on Friday at a masquerade-carnival lead by Tania Kohut. At the end of the camp, the ptashata sur- prised their parents with a lovely Ukrainian dance lead by Larissa Spisic. Costumes were made by Slava Halavay. Sunflower wreaths and hats made by Oriana Makar were later gifted to each camper. The camp would not have been possible without the volunteer counselors and par- ents who helped make this one of the finest ptashata camps. Moreover, Soyuzivka staff leaders Sonia Semanyszyn and Stefko Drabyk supported the camp with their multi-faceted assistance. The campers thoroughly enjoyed the week and will most likely return next year to join their new friends for another memo- A photo board shows “Sunflowers of Ukraine” – all the little campers. rable experience.

Famine-Genocide of 1923-1933 that killed have rights.” Dr. Vitvitsky also recommend- fill the void in the arena of public discus- Turning... millions of Ukrainians. ed a speech writer-researcher on staff to sion. We cannot simply allow others to The character “massacre” as Dr. Vitvitsky consistently voice these views in public frame the issues when it comes to the ques- (Continued from page 6) put it, was the fault of the Ukrainian com- statements, op-ed articles and letters to the tion of the need for Ukrainian indepen- of independence. He drew parallels munity’s failure to “create and hire a group editor. dence. We cannot afford to lose by default.” between the existence of Israel as a preven- of talented and articulate people who could He concluded: “To be voiceless, is to be tive measure against a repeat of the Nazi on an ongoing basis and in a professional powerless. Our community leaders, our Source: “We’re being massacred, again,” Holocaust, and Ukraine as a preventive manner explain who we are, what we have professors, our few intellectuals and whoev- by Bohdan Vitvitsky, The Ukrainian Weekly, measure against Moscow atrocities like the suffered and endured, and why we, too, er else can write must now step forward to September 1, 1991. No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

„...Плекатиму силу і тіла, і духа, Щоб нарід мій вольним, могутнім зростав, Щоб в думах журливих невольнича туга Замовкла, а гордо щоб спів наш лунав...“

The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Institute of America В імені цілої Пластової родини Америки extends its greetings Крайова Пластова Старшина США to Ukrainian people living in Ukraine вітає and to all Ukrainians dispersed throughout the world весь Український народ on the occasion of the з нагоди 25th Anniversary 25-oї Річниці Незалежности of the Independence of Ukraine вільної, самостійної і суверенної We wish them success in their e orts України. to unite all forces for the purpose of building a strong and independent Ukraine.

Многая і Благая Літа! Слава Україні! Ukrainian Institute of America 2 East 79th Street (corner Fifth Avenue) New York City 212-288-8660 www.ukrainianinstitute.org

Greetings on the 25th Anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine August 24, 1991-August 24, 2016

Dear Friends! The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, its member organizations, Honoring the memory of my parents provincial councils and local branches extend warm greetings to the Ukrainian Canadian community and all those celebrating the 25th Andrij and Fawronia Kusznir, anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence! 25 years ago, the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for I’m extending greetings to all Ukrainians independence, self-determination and freedom were realized and the hopes of so many generations of brave Patriots were ful† lled. On on the occasion of August 24, 1991, Ukraine became an independent and indivisible democratic State. Today, as so many Ukrainians have been forced to do through the 25th Anniversary centuries, a generation of Ukrainians again takes up arms to defend their homeland. The Russian Federation wages a brutal war of of the aggression against Ukraine, trying once again to bring the people of Ukraine back under the domination of Russia’s tyranny. Independence of Ukraine But the light of freedom burns brightly in the heart and the soul of every Ukrainian! The people of Ukraine have answered the call to defend their country with determination, unity of purpose and Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! valour. And the people of Ukraine will be victorious in their righteous struggle, for their cause is the cause of Free Peoples the world over – to live in liberty, in dignity and to choose their own common destiny. John Kusznir Today, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, we honour those who gave their lives so that Ukraine may be free. We pay tribute to those who today must defend the freedom that the people of Ukraine hold so dear. We remain united in our determination to support their brave struggle. We pray that Peace soon returns to Ukraine. Слава Україні! Героям Слава! No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 19

On the occasion of the 25th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE best wishes to all Ukrainians, especially our worldwide Ukrainian cooperative family.

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CLEVELAND SELFRELIANCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION „САМОПОМІЧ“

З нагоди великого національного свята УКРАЇНСЬКА ФЕДЕРАЛЬНА нашої державності КРЕДИТОВА КООПЕРАТИВА „САМОПОМІЧ“ У КЛІВЛЕНДІ ДНЯ НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ УКРАЇНИ вітає прийміть найсердечніші вітання і побажання від СВОЇХ ЧЛЕНІВ Української Федеральної Кредитової Кооперативи “Самопоміч”, що в Новій Анґлії! та Від щирого серця і від усієї душі зичимо ВЕСЬ УКРАЇНСЬКИЙ НАРОД всім українцям на еміграції і в Україні миру, В УКРАЇНІ І ДІЯСПОРІ достатку, добра і процвітання, злагоди і сили у подоланні наших ворогів у нелегкий час, з нагоди що наступив. Нехай мрія про краще майбутнє окриляє вас на нові звершення. 25-ої РІЧНИЦІ Слава Українi! Героям Слава! НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТИ УКРАЇНИ

608 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134 Tel.: (440) 884-9111 • Fax: (440) 884-1719 Lorain (440) 277-1901 • Canton (330) 305-0989 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34 No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 21

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ДИРЕКЦІЯ І ПРАЦІВНИКИ Вітаємо ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОЇ КРЕДИТОВОЇ КООПЕРАТИВИ СУМА Український Народ В ЙОНКЕРСІ, Н. Й. в діаспорі та на рідних землях, зi своїми фiлiями Президента та Уряд України, СПРІНГ ВАЛІ, Н. Й., СТЕМФОРДІ, Кон., НЮ-ГЕЙВЕН, Кон. військових Збройних Сил України і волонтерів, вiтають УКРАЇНСЬКИЙ НАРОД В УКРАЇНІ ТА НА ПОСЕЛЕННЯХ ієрархів українських церков та все наше членство з нагоди 25-î¿ Ð²×ÍÈÖ² з 25-ю рiчницею ÍÅÇÀËÅÆÍÎÑÒÈ ÓÊÐÀ¯ÍÈ Незалежностi України

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Moscow wants... army and a competitive economy.” tions of ‘no war, no peace,’ in which corrup- (Continued from page 2) tion• wouldThird, continueit could “liveand the under country the condi-would There are four stark choices, he sug- march in place. Such a scenario,” Mr. gests: Oktisyuk says, “sooner or later would lead either to the first or the fourth variant.” conditions, federalize the country, reject the possibility• First, Kyiv of NATO could membership“agree to the Kremlin’sand pur- resolve the conflict by military means, sue a mutually profitable foreign policy on which• Or could fourth, end Kyiv either could with attempt a complete “to the multi-vector principles.” catastrophe or the formation of a new state idea and mythology.” Israel,’ give up the territories in revolt and Moscow’s latest actions do not necessar- await• Second, better ittimes could for “construct their return.” ‘a Ukrainian In the ily point to one or the other of these, he meantime, it would pursue the construc- suggests, but the Kremlin’s moves do make tion of “a successful country, a powerful the choice clearer and more immediate.

in the Russian-occupied territories of Russia’s military... Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts,” stated Paul Grod, national president of the UCC. “These (Continued from page 6) latest provocations by Russia demand a government has seen nothing so far that firm and robust response from the interna- corroborates Russian allegations of a tional community.” ‘Crimea incursion’ and Ukraine has strong- In a letter sent to Prime Minister Justin ly refuted them. Russia has a record of fre- Trudeau today [August 11], the Ukrainian quently levying false accusations at Canadian Congress called on Canada to: Ukraine to deflect attention from its own 1. Strongly condemn the mendacious illegal actions. Our view on Crimea’s status accusations by the Russian Federation is well-known. Crimea is, and will always made against Ukraine. remain, part of Ukraine. Our Crimea related 2. Significantly increase sanctions on the sanctions will remain in place until Russia Russian Federation in response to Russia’s returns the peninsula to Ukraine.” increasing aggression, including banning The movement of Russian troops and Russia from the SWIFT international pay- weapons, together with the baseless accusa- ments system. tions leveled by Russia are an extremely 3. Immediately provide Ukraine with troubling sign that Russia intends to serious- defensive weapons, including anti-tank ly escalate its military invasion of Ukraine. weapons and equipment it needs to defend “Putin’s ridiculous accusations against its territorial integrity and the lives of the Ukraine are part of a tried-and-true civilian population. Russian playbook of manufacturing a crisis Please contact your member of and then ‘responding’ to it by military Parliament to express your concerns and to aggression. We have seen this before – in encourage them to promote UCC’s recom- Georgia, in Russian-occupied Crimea, and mendation for Canada’s support to Ukraine. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

Vernyayev... (Continued from page 1) Uchimura was the first gymnast in 44 years to win all-around gold at two succes- sive Olympics. It is expected a new crop of younger gymnasts, led by Vernyayev, will soon become the new favorites. The European champion in the all-around event and 2014 World Champion on the parallel bars, Vernyayev has already begun to pre- pare for future competitions. Vernyayev sat in sixth place after his open- ing performance in the floor exercise. By the time he finished on the rings, the third of six rotations, he was in first place. Heading into the high bar competition, the final apparatus, Vernyayev led by 0.901 points. Uchimura went all out with a high-risk/ high-reward program which included four Silver medalist Greco-Roman wrestler Zhan NOC-Ukr.org release-and-catch moves. His success left Beleniuk (85 kg). Bronze medalist high jumper Bohdan Bondarenko. no room for even the tiniest of wobbles when Vernyayev’s turn came up. The young while her mother was involved in archery Maksym Semiankiv walked up to the In men’s swimming, Andriy Hovorov fin- Ukrainian countered with a safer routine and athletics. Kharlan trained harder for high bar, jumped up, grabbed it and then ished in fifth place in the 50-meter freestyle and ended up on the podium holding a sil- the 2016 Rio Games, sacrificing her private dropped down. He bowed to the audience (21.74 seconds). ver medal. time for the Olympic dream. Training is and walked away. Semiankiv then duplicat- Weightlifters Oleksandr Pielieshenko three hours per day: it starts with a jog, ed this “routine” on the parallel bars. A second gold (85 kg) finished in fifth place with a total of then a workout, followed by personal les- Everyone was stunned. Ukraine finished 385 kg, Dmytro Chumak (94 kg) finished in Ukraine’s second gold medal of the 2016 sons after lunch. 72 points behind Japan, the gold medal sixth place with 387 kg, and Volodymyr Games came on August 18 when canoeist Ukraine captured its fourth silver medal winner. Hoza (94 kg) finished in ninth place with Yuriy Cheban won the men’s C-1 200-meter at the 2016 Rio Olympics when Zhan Media reports claimed Ukrainian gym- 375 kg. sprint, finishing with a time of 39.279 sec- Beleniuk (85 kg) triumphed in Greco- nasts Vladyslav Hryko and Andrii In women’s weightlifting, Iryna Dekha onds (an Olympic Record). In the first heat, Roman wrestling on August 15. The Sienichkin said Semiankiv was injured and (75 kg) finished in fifth place with 247 kg, Cheban finished in third place (41.220 sec- Ukrainian medal favorite did not disap- could not be replaced. Immediately prior to Yulia Paratova (48 kg) finished in eighth onds), and he finished in third place in the point with his performance. He defeated the event’s start, Semiankiv could not sup- place with 179 kg, and Anastasiya Lysenko semifinal (40.590 seconds). Second place wrestlers from Egypt, Bulgaria and Belarus port himself with one of his hands. The (+75 kg) finished in 10th place with 263 kg. went to Valetin Demyanenko of Azerbaijan before being stopped by Russian Davit Ukrainians claimed there was not enough Greco-Roman wrestler Oleksandr (39.493 seconds) and bronze was won by Chakvetadte in a tough and close fight, 9-2. time to replace him or change the team’s Chernetskyi (130 kg) finished in ninth Isaquias Queiroz of Brazil (39.628 sec- Bronze in high jump line-up. place after losing 0-5 against Kajaia of onds). International gymnastics federation offi- Georgia in the round of 16. Ukraine’s high jumper Bohdan Silver in team saber, wrestling cials said that if Semiankiv was injured, he Vernyayev, who won the silver in the Bondarenko won a bronze medal (2.33 could have been replaced if Ukraine had men’s all-around, finished in fifth place in A loss to Russia in the women’s team meters) on August 16. Bondarenko tied filled out a form and altered its lineup. It the vault (15.316 points), eighth place in sabre finals by a score of 45-30, earned with the final medalists for first place in the appeared as if Ukraine’s strategy was to not the pommel horse (12.400 points) and Ukraine still another silver medal. The qualifier (2.29 meters). In the final, Derek compete for a medal. eighth place in the horizontal bar (13.366 team comprised Alina Komashchuk, Olena Drouin of Canada won gold with a jump of Some wondered if the team was forfeit- points). Kravatska, Olena Voronina and star Olha 2.38 meters, and Mutaz Essa Barshim of ing the finals round to keep its gymnasts Andriy Protsenko tied with Robert Kharlan. Ukraine defeated South Korea (45- Qatar won silver with 2.36 meters. fresh for the individual round. Others Grabarz of Great Britain for fourth place in 40) and Italy (45-42) on its way to the Ukraine has a total of eight medals – two hypothesized Ukraine was allowing star the men’s high jump with a height equal to finals, which were held on August 13. gold, four silver and two bronze – and Vernyayev, a competitor in the all-around Bondarenko’s jump at 2.33 meters. Political tensions between Moscow and ranks in 21st place in the gold medals final and eventual silver medal winner, to Olha Zemlyak finished in seventh place Kyiv reportedly had no effect on either standings and overall standings. Ukraine is rest. Vernyayev competed in only two of six in the women’s 400 meters (51.24 sec- team. There was little intrigue during the ahead of North Korea and behind Croatia in team events. onds). finals competition, as the Russian fencers the gold medal rankings. A second theory had Ukraine purposely Diver Illa Kvasha finished in sixth place won the first four rounds. Ukraine concedes in team gymnastics protesting an event from the 2012 in the men’s three-meter springboard with The event was not included in the 2012 Olympics when, in the men’s team final, 475.10 points. Olympics. Ukraine won the gold medal in The men’s gymnastics finals turned into Ukraine was denied a bronze medal after Ukraine’s men’s epée team (Anatoly this event in Beijing (2008). a bizarre moment when Ukraine purposely Japan appealed a score on pommel horse Herey, Dmytro Karyuchenko, Maksym Kharlan says fencing is a sport of the did not attempt to compete for a medal. which was ultimately changed. Khvorost and Bohdan Nikishyn) finished in mind, of intuition and then of the body. The The Ukrainian team qualified in seventh If Ukraine was trying to send a message, fourth place after losing to Hungary 37-39 key is to outwit your opponent, always be a place for the eight-team final, but at the end it may hurt the team down the road. in the bronze medal match. Ukraine’s wom- step ahead or your opponent will have the did not even try. Countries select three Ukraine may face punishment similar to en’s epée team finished in eighth place after upper hand. gymnasts from their five-man squads to another 2012 incident when eight badmin- a 38-45 loss to France in the seventh-place Her hometown of Mykolayiv is the site of compete in the finals. Ukraine picked only ton players were thrown out for losing match. one of Ukraine’s top fencing training cen- two athletes to compete in three of the six matches to get better future matchups. ters. She was raised by sporty parents: her events, high bar, parallel bars and rings – Twenty-four hours later on August 9, In synchronized swimming, Lolita father trained yacht crews and swimmers, not a recipe for success. Vernyayev explained on Instagram that a Ananasnova and Anna Voloshyna in duet teammate was actually hospitalized. “There advanced to the final after scoring fourth was unpredictable circumstances. We found place in the preliminary round with a com- out that we won’t be competing as a full bined score of 186.6691 points (93.1358 team 15 minutes prior to start of the com- technical, 93.5333 free routine). petition when one of our team members Tennis star Elina Svitolina lost in the came back from the hospital. At that point quarterfinal against Petra Kvitova of the we weren’t able to change our line-up.” Czech Republic 2-6, 0-6. Top-10 finishes Other notables Canoeist Pavlo Altukhov finished in fifth Gymnast Ihor Radivilov invented a new place in the men’s C-1000-meter sprint vault maneuver that will forever be named event with a time of 4:01.587 seconds. In after him. He completed the move – a triple the women’s canoe sprint, Inna Hryshchun flip – on the vault at the Rio Games; per IOC and Anastasiia Todorova finished in fourth rulings, the move will be named after the place in the K-2 500-meter race in 1:45.868 gymnast who first successfully performed seconds. the move in competition. In cycling, Lyubov Basova finished in fifth Ukraine’s athletes continue to compete place in the women’s keirin track event. in athletics, canoeing, mountain biking, div- Judoka Artem Bloshenko (100 kg) fin- ing, equestrian, rhythmic gymnastics, mod- ished in fifth place after losing to ern pentathlon, synchronized swimming, Ryunoskuke Haga of Japan in the final. triathlon, and men’s and women’s freestyle Silver medal-winning women’s saber team Olha Kharlan, Alina Komashchuk, Olena In shooting, Mykola Milchev finished in wrestling events. The Rio Olympics con- Kravatska and Olena Voronina. fourth place in men’s skeet. cludes on August 21. No. 34 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 23

Through August 31 Art exhibit, historic photographs of Ukrainians in August 26 Fund-raiser dance, with music by DJ Orest and EMCK, Boston Boston, Mayor’s Gallery, Boston City Hall, Wildwood, NJ Khmelnychenky Plast fraternity, Wildwood VFW hall, www.boston.gov or www.ukrainiancenter.org [email protected] or www.facebook.com/xmeli

Through October 2 Art exhibit, “Dissecting Signifiers,” with Eric Gushee, August 26-27 Exhibition, “Reality Check: Directions in Contemporary Chicago Salvador Dominguez, Jason Hawk, Chris Silva and Asli Chicago Art Since Ukrainian Independence,” with Adrienne Uludag, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Kochman, featuring works by Lydia Bodna-Balahutrak, Anna 773-227-5522 or www.uima-chicago.org Bogatin, Yhelena Hall, Michael Hall, Roman Hrab, Natalka Husar, Yulia Pinkusevich, and Valya, Ukrainian Institute of August 24 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration with flag Modern Art, www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 Binghamton, NY raising, Binghamton City Hall, 607-798-9148 August 27 Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian School and Ukrainian August 24 Ukrainian Independence Day ceremony, North Port City Hall, Watervliet, NY Club/Cultural Center, 518-785-7596 North Port, FL with breakfast at St. Andrew Oseredok, 941-408-8125 August 27 Holubtsi-making class, Christ the King Ukrainian August 24 Ukrainian Independence Day proclamation, Amsterdam Jamaica Plain, MA Catholic Church, www.tinyurl.com/ukrainiancooking Amsterdam, NY City Hall, www.amsterdamny.gov August 27 Ukrainian American Night, Eisenhower Park, August 24 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, Embassy of East Meadow, NY Harry Chapin Theater, Ottawa Ukraine, RCGT Park, www.ottawachampions.com or facebook.com/events/272696483085589 [email protected] August 28 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, Ukrainian American August 24 Flag raising ceremony, post-ceremony reception hosted Plano, TX Society of Texas, Oak Point Nature Center, www.uast.org Boston by City Councilor Annissa Essabi George, Boston City Hall, www.boston.gov August 28 Ukrainian Independence Day Picnic, Christ the King Jamaica Plain, MA Ukrainian Catholic Church, www.ukrainiancenter.org August 24 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, Ukrainian New York Congress Committee of America, www.ucca.org August 28 Ukrainian Independence Day concert, Golden Gate Park San Francisco Band, Spreckles Temple of Music, August 25 Independence Day Summer Boat Cruise, facebook.com/events/236466826729437 Boston Commonwealth Pier, www.ukrainiancenter.org www.facebook.com/events/16026794366913517 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions August 26 USCAK Beach Volleyball Tournament, beach in front of Pan from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Wildwood Crest, NJ American Hotel, www.uscak.org or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

UACCNJ and Chornomorska Sitch to hold golf tournament and outing by Jarema Kochan compete in a best ball foursome tourna- ment. This year, the committee has intro- WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Ukrainian duced a scramble format, for the UACCNJ American Cultural Center of New Jersey Golf Challenge. This provides the opportuni- (UACCNJ) and the Ukrainian Athletic- ty for golfers of all skill levels to participate Educational Association Chornomorska in a competitive manner in a fund-raising Sitch, both based in Whippany, N.J., will event, in addition to the Sitch Cup. hold a fund-raising golf outing and Golf committee members – Ihor Chornomorska Sitch Challenge Cup golf Zwarycz, Michael Zawadiwsky, Jarema tournament on Saturday, September 17, at Kochan and Stefan Nahorniak – agreed that the Morgan Hill Country Club in Easton, Pa. they wanted to establish a Ukrainian Organizers of the annual UACCNJ golf out- American golf tournament where players ing and Sitch, a member organization of the who may not compete on a regular basis UACCNJ, introduced a new concept several against each other can come together once years ago, by challenging other Ukrainian a year in a tournament format. Omelan sports clubs to form four-man teams and Twardowsky, president of the Sitch sports

KLK ANNUAL FALL WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 17 & 18, 2016 SOYUZIVKA HERITAGE CENTER Bill Vincent (right) presents the Chornomorska Sitch Challenge Cup Trophy to the 2015 winning team (from left): Ken Kolakoski, Alex Popovich and Andrew Stefaniwsky. The fourth team member, Ihor Zwarycz, was not present for the photo. KLK cordially invites all our members, family and friends to our Annual Fall Weekend. Play some friendly tennis, golf or just relax and mingle with friends. club, endorsed the idea of expanding into Beaverbrook. The winning team comprised SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: what are non-traditional sports for Alex Popovich, Andrew Stefaniwsky, Ken Ukrainians, including golf. Kolakoski and Mr. Zwarycz. They were pre- GOLF - Start time 9:30 AM at the The Hudson Valley Resort. Cost $30.00 per Last year, 50 golfers, grouped into four- sented with the Chornomorska Sitch player. PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. man teams, competed at the Beaverbrook Challenge Cup Trophy by Bill Vincent of TENNIS DOUBLES- Registration at 11:00 AM. Pre- registration desirable. Golf Club in Annandale, N.J. The players Sitch. ranged from low 5 to high 30+ handicap- The “A” Flight was won by the team of AFTERNOON SOCIAL – Begins at 2:30 PM. Enjoy some good food, drink and pers who arrived from various parts of the Tony Brown, Michael Gudzy, Steve good company. United States and Canada, from Nahorniak and Walter Wilczak. The longest DINNER DANCE will begin at 6:30 PM starting with a cocktail hour, sit down Philadelphia to Toronto. drive competition was won by Alex Iwaskiw, dinner and dance will begin at 7:30 PM. Dance to the spectacular “We hope that in future tournaments we while the closest to the pin was won by Peter tunes of “ANNA-MARIA” will make the Chormomorska Sitch Bilanicz. There were numerous door prizes Challenge Cup the premier golf event for and raffle prizes. Everyone was a winner, and Afternoon Social, Cocktail hour, Dinner, Dance and Open Bar – $140 per person. Dinner Dance and Open Bar – $120.00 per person golfers of Ukrainian descent in North no one walked away empty handed. America. We recognize that many organiza- This year’s golf outing will be held on To register, RSVP or for more information please contact [email protected], tions in the U.S.A. and Canada have been Saturday, September 17, starting at noon at call 732 991-1095 or go to our website: www.klkusa.com organizing golfing events for many years. the Morgan Hill Country Club in Easton, Pa. What we hope to establish is a unifying tour- To register for the 2016 golf outing, Please RSVP if you are planning to attend. It is important that we get a headcount nament, that will bring together golfers from readers are advised to contact Mr. so that we can make this weekend a success and enjoyable for you. throughout North America, and perhaps Zawadiwsky ([email protected]) or Room Reservations - Please call SOYUZIVKA at 845 626-5641 and mention KLK. other parts of the world,” said Mr. Kochan. Mr. Kochan ([email protected]). The The 2015 awards ceremony was held at registration deadline is September 8. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 No. 34

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Sunday, August 28 information call 267-664-3857, e-mail HORSHAM, Pa.: The Ukrainian American [email protected] or visit www.tryzub.org. Sport Center Tryzub will host the 25th The sponsor is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non- annual Ukrainian Independence Folk profit charitable organization: Proceeds Festival and Outdoor Summer Concert at benefit youth and adult amateur sports, and Tryzubivka, County Line and Lower State cultural, fraternal and community programs. roads, Horsham, PA 19044. Doors will open Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18 at noon. The outdoor summer concert in the park will begin at 1:30 p.m. It is an integrat- SILVER SPRING, Md.: Bring your family and ed, dynamic program titled: “United Ukraine friends to the 14th annual Ukrainian – United With Us,” a collaborative effort of Festival of the Washington, D.C., prior performers: Voloshky Ukrainian Metropolitan Area on the grounds of St. Dance Ensemble, violinist Innesa Tymochko Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Dekajlo, Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, 15100 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, Living in Song Choir and Vox Ethnika MD 20905. Hours are: Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 orchestra. A social dance to the live music of p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-dusk. On Saturday the Vox Ethnika will follow at 4:30 p.m. night the festival continues by the lake. Delicious Ukrainian foods and baked goods, Admission and parking are free. The festival picnic fare and cool beverages and refresh- features wonderful Ukrainian artists and ments will be plentiful. Vendors are wel- dancers, crafts, children’s activities, deli- come. An arts and crafts bazaar and a chil- cious Ukrainian food and a Kozak beer gar- dren’s fun area will be open all day. den. For more information contact Festival Admission: $15; students, $10; children Office, 301-384-9192, or visit www. under 15, free. Free parking. For further UkraineFestDC.com.

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

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