INSIDE:• Ukraine’s steps“TEN to independence: YEARS OFa timeline INDEPENDENT — page 7 UKRAINE” • Academic and professional perspective: an interview — pages 8-11 • Kyivans comment on independence — pages 12-13

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXIX HE KRAINIANNo. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 EEKLY$1/$2 in Ukraine MajorT MelnychenkoU denies Ukraine launchesW anniversary celebrations by Roman Woronowycz Semynozhenko, who is the vice-chairman United States cooperation Kyiv Press Bureau of the organizing committee, admitted dur- ing a press conference on August 15 that by Yaro Bihun into account the country’s national inter- KYIV – Although the dust is still set- relations between the two, which devel- ests. tling and the concrete and asphalt is not oped quickly in the first years after inde- WASHINGTON – Major Mykola The Wall Street Journal reported on quite dry, the first guests are on the way, Melnychenko, whose secret taping of pendence, have cooled considerably and August 10 that Major Melnychenko, who and so – ready or not Ukraine – let the fes- must be reinvigorated. Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma’s has received political asylum in the United tivities begin. office conversations erupted into a major “Our interaction with the world States, was cooperating with the Justice After six months of construction, government scandal, denied press reports Ukrainian community was closer in the Department, that his recordings were sub- restoration and preparation, on August 18 that he has been cooperating with U.S. first years when we were laying the new poenaed by a federal grand jury in San Ukraine began a series of much anticipated investigators about Ukrainian money-laun- structure of the Ukrainian state. We will Francisco that indicted former Ukrainian celebrations and commemorations of ten dering activities in the United States. renew that cooperation in a dynamic matter years of independence and statehood, Appearing at a news conference at the prime minister Pavlo Lazarenko on money- beginning with this forum,” said Mr. which will culminate on the country’s National Press Club on August 14, Major laundering charges, and that officials of the Semynozhenko. birthday, August 24, with a colorful mili- Melnychenko added that while he is Justice Department and the Federal Bureau He said he hopes that the delegates and tary parade in Kyiv followed by concerts more than willing to work with law of Investigation have questioned him and guests address the issue of globalization and a grand fireworks spectacle. enforcement agencies in fighting corrup- listened to some of his tapes. Strangely, the and that they consider how the diaspora can Most of the action will be in Kyiv, the tion wherever it occurs, this cooperation report was filed by the Journal’s correspon- gain more access and in turn become more capital city, which has undergone a major should be done through official dent in Almaty, Kazakstan. accessible to civic and political organiza- facelift in anticipation of the birthday bash Ukrainian channels, which would take “Personally, I have not given any materi- tions located in the villages, towns and als to anyone, except to the committee,” (see story below), but other Ukrainian cities regional capitals of Ukraine. Major Melnychenko stressed, referring to will also hold celebrations and parades. Six hundred delegates, half from the Verkhovna Rada interim committee One of the central events of the week- Ukraine and half from the major diaspora charged with investigating the disappear- long commemorations began on August 18, communities of the world, along with Former Nazi-era ance and presumed killing of journalist when some 5,000 Ukrainians from all over another 600 guests and 100 distinguished Heorhii Gongadze. On one of the record- the world descended on Kyiv to take part persons, will take part in the three-day laborers in Ukraine ings President Kuchma allegedly asks that in, or at least observe, the proceedings of affair, which will include an opening the journalist be gotten rid of. the Third World Forum of Ukrainians. The address by President Leonid Kuchma and a Also participating in the news confer- enclave of leaders and representatives of plenary session the first day. receive compensation ence was the deputy chairman of that com- Ukrainian political and civic organizations The 300 foreign delegates will also trav- by Marina Makhnonos mittee, Viktor Shishkin, who said he was world-wide, which meets irregularly in el to all 25 oblast capitals of Ukraine in Special to The Ukrainian Weekly visiting the United States to clear up some Kyiv in the days before Ukrainian inde- groups of up to 30 persons to develop busi- factual matters with Major Melnychenko, pendence celebrations, is meant to spur ness and political ties with local politicians KYIV – Former Nazi-era slave labor- debate and consolidate ideas on the aims ers in Ukraine began receiving compen- and another member of the Verkhovna and business officials. Rada, Oleksandr Yeliashkevych, who last and direction of the Ukrainian nation here Before they leave for the regions, how- sation on August 6. The first recipients and in the diaspora. were 13 victims who accepted their pay- year was attacked and severely beaten after ever, the entire forum, including delegates he criticized the president publicly. This year the work of the forum will be and guests, will spend two days addressing ments in a ceremony held in the directed at increasing cooperation with the Privatbank in Kyiv. Mr. Shishkin stated that his committee a myriad of issues in 15 sections and round views money-laundering as one of the ille- world community of Ukrainians and the tables to be led by experts and scholars in The oldest of the group was 87-year- homeland. Vice Prime Minister of old Tetiana Moskalenko, who worked in (Continued on page 25) Humanitarian Affairs Oleksander (Continued on page 21) Germany’s industrial sector, and the youngest was Lilia Zhur, 60, from the Auschwitz concentration camp. Hundreds of thousands of Nazi vic- tims are eligible for compensation in Kyiv undergoes remodeling on the eve of 10th anniversary celebrations Ukraine, which lost about a quarter of its by Roman Woronowycz state funds. The mayor has explained that what others would like to see, everything population during the Nazi occupation Kyiv Press Bureau private concerns have either contributed is on schedule and will be ready,” said and in battles between German forces or invested their own finances into both Mr. Omelchenko after completing a and the Red Army. Two million more KYIV – Some are calling it the “new the private and public projects. review of the area. Kyiv.” The city’s Mayor Oleksander were sent to concentration camps or The city center has been most affected The square has been the center of con- Omelchenko has said it is the capital city became Ostarbeiters (workers from the by the changes, especially the city’s main troversy since the very beginning of the moving into the 21st century. There are east), Hitler’s main slave labor source. thoroughfare, the Khreschatyk. The reconstruction project. Oppositionist those Kyivans that are thrilled by the “Step by step, principles of humanity major cause of the disruption has been politicians had laid plans to use the plaza and respect for people start to dominate changes, while others are calling them a for demonstrations and strikes against the waste of money and materials in a coun- the six-month reconstruction of the city’s in our common European house,” Prime central plaza, Independence Square, administration of President Leonid Minister Anatolii Kinakh said at the cer- try where many of the citizens continue Kuchma this past February when the to eek out survival. which lies at one end of the one kilome- emony, according to the Interfax news ter long street, and summer-long devel- square was abruptly cordoned off and agency. Most city dwellers of this metropolis boarded up over their objections, with the of more than 2.7 million are simply opment and street improvements at the Former camp prisoners are to receive other end, near the Bessarabka Market. official explanation being that preparato- $6,800, factory workers $2,000, and happy that all the construction and ry work on the site was needed. remodeling that has taken place over the The main train station has also under- farm hands and children $700. Mr. gone an extensive facelift, as have many Soon after construction finally began Kinakh added that this is “a minimal last six months, and the associated road in April, engineers found the remains of closures and traffic jams that have put the historic buildings in the downtown area compensation” because nothing could as well as parks and squares throughout the ancient Lyadski Gates of 11th century compensate for health and moral losses. city into terminal gridlock, is drawing to the city. Kyivan Rus’. City engineers on a tight “No money can compensate what we a close as the city begins final prepara- deadline and archaeologists bent on sav- Independence Square, which will be at had to live through,” Polina Shevtsova, a tions for the 10th anniversary celebra- ing the remains found themselves at odds the center of the 10th anniversary activi- former slave laborer and concentration tions of Ukraine’s independence. over how to proceed. The compromise ties on August 24, will be completed in camp survivor, told the Fakty daily. Ms. What seems to please Mayor that resulted – save the central portion of Shevtsova was among the first 13 Nazi Omelchenko most, given that he has time, Mayor Omelchenko asserted on the gates, but destroy the outer extension victims who received compensation. proudly stated it several times over the August 14, dispelling rumors to the con- and limit the excavation work for arti- last months, is that the various projects trary. (Continued on page 27) have proceeded without municipal or “Contrary to what some have said and (Continued on page 23) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS Putin, Kuchma and Brzezinski Lukashenka says GUUAM ‘useless’... Interfax that the legal case against her is by Taras Kuzio “proved” by the United States granting an attempt by Moscow to help Ukrainian MINSK – President Lukashenka told asylum to Mykola Melnychenko, the President Leonid Kuchma crush his Allegations of a Western conspiracy to journalists in Minsk on August 8 that the former presidential guard who made the political opposition. Tymoshenko heads unseat President Leonid Kuchma have GUUAM grouping that aligns Georgia, Kuchmagate tapes, a week before the the leading Ukrainian opposition move- been fueled and encouraged by media Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and vote to oust Yuschenko. The other piece ment Batkivshchina. As Russia and Moldova, is “a pointless organization,” sources close to Russia’s President of “evidence” was that Katherine Ukraine have no extradition treaty, the Interfax and Tura reported. He suggested Vladimir Putin who have been alleging Yuschenko, his Ukrainian American only legal consequence of the opening of that it was created “out of jealousy” as a that a small group of U.S. policymakers, wife, had allegedly worked for the U.S. a criminal case against a Ukrainian citi- counterpart to the Russia-Belarus align- dubbed the “Brzezinski conspiracy,” are National Security Council and the State zen in Moscow is that it will possibly lay ment. Echoing Russian President behind the attempt to unseat Kuchma. Department and must by implication be the ground for opening a similar case in Vladimir Putin’s warning at the CIS sum- The main source for this KGB-style dis- a CIA agent. Ukraine. (RFE/RL Newsline) mit in Sochi last week, Lukashenka said information is the internet site Strana.ru A documentary that outlined these that “I am not against regional alignments Tymoshenko’s husband released from jail controlled by Mr. Putin’s image-maker, outrageous claims was broadcast by within the CIS as long as they do not split Gleb Pavlovski. state-controlled Russian Public the commonwealth.” But he also KYIV – Oleksandr Tymoshenko, the Mr. Kuchma’s troubles with Television (RPT) and then re-broadcast acknowledged that failure to implement husband of former Ukrainian Deputy “Kuchmagate” are seen as an opportuni- by Inter in Ukraine on the eve of the par- decisions it adopted constitutes “the Prime Minister and current opposition ty to position Ukraine alongside Belarus liamentary vote to oust Prime Minister biggest problem” of the CIS. (RFE/RL leader Yuliya Tymoshenko, was released and Moldova in a four-strong bloc that Yuschenko. Inter broadcasts mainly in Newsline) from jail on August 9 after a court ruled would confront ‘Europe’ and NATO Russian, including the re-broadcasting of together. The most pro-Russian oli- he could not be held while awaiting trial RPT, and is controlled by the United Tymoshenko’s party rejects charges any longer, Reuters reported. The former garchic parliamentary group, Labor Social Democrats, a group of oligarchs. Ukraine, based in Mr. Kuchma’s home director of the Ukrainian Unified Energy According to various sources of the KYIV – Former Ukrainian Deputy Systems gas monopoly was arrested in city of Dnipropetrovsk, has a parliamen- current disinformation campaign, pro- Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko’s tary lobby group “To Europe Together August 2000 on charges of embezzling Yuschenko reformist and “nationalist- Fatherland Party has dismissed the $800,000 from the state and smuggling With Russia” led by the former head of fascist” political parties are allegedly bribery charges filed against her by the presidential administration, Dmytro Russian gas. Prosecutors had intended to financed by Western intelligence agen- Russian military prosecutors, Reuters hold Tymoshenko until February, and Tabachnyk. cies – a claim reminiscent of Soviet-era reported on August 8. The party state- Deputy Prosecutor-General Mykola Prime Minister Viktor Yuschenko’s propaganda that attacked émigré bour- ment branded the charges “a cheap Obikhod said the Prosecutor-General’s dismissal has paved the way for the geois nationalists.” provocation, fabricated under the influ- Office will appeal the decision. Yuliya strengthening of Russian-Ukrainian Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian-language ence of President [Leonid] Kuchma, with Tymoshenko is currently facing charges cooperation. The appointment of Viktor service, led by U.S. citizen Roman the aim of compromising the opposition in both Ukraine and Russia for fraud and Chernomyrdin as Russia’s ambassador to Kupchinsky, also has been the brunt of movement.” Also, the Russian bribery from 1995-1997, when she head- Ukraine and President Putin’s personal Soviet-style propaganda because it was Prosecutor-General’s Office has pres- ed the gas monopoly. She says the envoy aims to build on President the main vehicle to broadcast to Ukraine sured Ukrainian officials to press charges charges are part of a smear campaign led Kuchma’s isolation in the West by draw- the Kuchmagate tapes. against Tymoshenko and her husband for by President Kuchma to discredit her ing Ukraine further into the Russia- Another plank in this alleged conspir- an alleged attempt to smuggle $100,000 ahead of March parliamentary elections. Belarus union which will soon be joined acy is Freedom House, which obtains out of Russia in 1995. (RFE/RL (RFE/RL Newsline) by Moldova. grants from the U.S. Agency for Newsline) Mr. Yuschenko was seen as an obsta- International Development (USAID) and Prosecutors ready case vs. ex-premier cle to this eastward re-orientation of is led by Ukrainian American Adrian Prosecutor explains Tymoshenko charges Ukraine and was accused of being in KYIV – Ukrainian Deputy Prosecutor- Karatnycky. Freedom House is allegedly KYIV – A spokesman for the league with the “Brzezinski group” to biased in favor of supporting the anti- General Mykola Obikhod announced that divide Ukraine and Russia, and turn Prosecutor-General’s Office explained on prosecutors have completed preparing Kuchma opposition and anti-Russian August 8 the grounds for the criminal Ukraine into a pro-Western, anti-Russian their case against former Prime Minister national democrats and nationalists. case brought against former Ukrainian state. Pavlo Lazarenko on embezzlement The Russian and Ukrainian media Deputy Prime Minister Yuliya Since the events of Kuchmagate charges, ITAR-TASS reported on August have claimed that Ukraine Without Tymoshenko and her husband Oleksandr unfolded in Ukraine in November of last 9. Obikhod said the case, involving alle- Kuchma, For Truth, the Forum for for bribery and customs violations, year, the state-run and oligarch-con- gations that Lazarenko accepted $120 mil- National Salvation and the Ukrainian Russian news agencies reported. The trolled Ukrainian television has adopted lion in bribes and embezzled $20 million, Legal Foundation (headed by anti- spokesman’s statement indicates that this conspiracy theory and has accused will be sent to court in the near future. Kuchma oppositionist Serhii Holovatyi) Tymoshenko gave a bribe to the chief the United States of being behind the Lazarenko, currently in a federal prison are financed by the U.S. intelligence financial officer of the Russian Defense affair – a “provocation” whose goal is to outside San Francisco, also faces charges community and foundations. Anti- Ministry, Col. General Georgii Oleynik, unseat President Kuchma. of conspiracy in the U.S. and money laun- Kuchma protests are ridiculed as protest who is currently under investigation for Rather than focus on the large number dering in Switzerland. (RFE/RL actions, ‘conducted with the money of embezzling $450 million of funds meant of issues raised on the illicitly made Newsline) U.S. taxpayers who thus pay for the for Ukrainian companies. The customs tapes and the president’s alleged crimes, street fights and protest rallies of charge relates to an incident in 1995 Moscow TV station to extend broadcasts Ukrainian fascists staged in front of ranging from murder, corruption and when Tymoshenko along with her hus- dozens of TV cameras.” election fraud to abuse of office, the band were briefly detained in a Moscow MOSCOW – Moscow mayor Yurii These claims of an allegedly anti- Ukrainian media have claimed that this airport after customs officers found Luzhkov announced on August 8 that the Kuchma Western conspiracy to unseat was a pre-planned provocation directed $100,000 in her hand luggage. (RFE/RL regional television channel TV Tsentr, President Kuchma have strong backers against Ukraine and its president. Mr. Newsline) which is controlled by the Moscow city Kuchma repeated the same line when among the Ukrainian elites. Anatolii government, is planning to extend its interviewed on CBS’s “60 Minutes” in Orel, head of the foreign affairs depart- ...as move is interpreted to bolster Kuchma broadcasting to the territory of Belarus, April. ment of the presidential administration, Apparently in an attempt to deflect is convinced that Kuchmagate is a con- KYIV – Yuliya Tymoshenko told (Continued on page 22) criticism from Mr. Kuchma, a Russian spiracy by Western intelligence. Mr. disinformation campaign has claimed Orel, a pro-Russian grey cardinal in the that future members of the Ukraine Mr. Kuchma team and a long-serving FOUNDED 1933 Without Kuchma movement doctored the former Soviet diplomat, is the architect tapes to implicate the president in the of Ukraine’s increasingly pro-Russian THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY murder of journalist Heorhii Gongadze. orientation. With Russian support Mr. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Then, the story goes, they killed him Orel orchestrated the October 2000 a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. themselves to implicate Mr. Kuchma. As removal of pro-Western Ukrainian Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. these “nationalist” forces are financed by Foreign Affairs Minister Borys Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. the United States, Russian disinforma- Tarasyuk. (ISSN — 0273-9348) tion alleges that “it will turn out that the Presidential adviser and image-maker journalist was murdered for U.S. Mykhailo Pogrebinsky, head of the The Weekly: UNA: money.” Russophile Center for Political and Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Conflict Studies – the ideological brain The reformist and pro-Western Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Yuschenko government, which a com- behind the Russophile SLON (Social- Liberal Alliance) bloc in the March 1998 The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: munist-oligarch parliamentary alliance 2200 Route 10 Roman Woronowycz (Kyiv) elections – also has been eager to pro- voted to oust on April 26, was allegedly P.O. Box 280 Andrew Nynka in cohoots with Western intelligence, mote these allegations of a Western con- Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ika Koznarska Casanova (part time) according to Russian sources. This was spiracy. SLON’s campaign slogan in defense of the Russian language and cul- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com ture in Ukraine failed to win more than 2 Taras Kuzio is a research associate at percent of the vote. Vladimir The Ukrainian Weekly, August 19, 2001, No. 33, Vol. LXIX the Center for International and Security Copyright © 2001 The Ukrainian Weekly Studies at York University, Toronto. (Continued on page 25) No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 3 Kyiv-based Eastern Economist offers in-depth analysis of business and more

by Deanna T. Yurchuk The content of the magazine has grown and flourished over the years, and so has the staff. Currently the maga- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – On February 2, 1994, the first zine has 15 full-time staff, five professional part-timers 16-page issue of Eastern Economist was published on a and nine support part-timers. “Most of our journalists are laser printer “press,” stapled by hand and carried in per- Ukrainians who freelance for us and we have an exclu- son to 100 companies and organizations in Kyiv. Today, sivity agreement with them – which they sometimes dubbed “Ukraine’s First Business and Investment don’t honor,” Ms. Wolanskyj said. According to her about Weekly,” this successful magazine comes out with both 60 to 80 percent of the material is originally in Ukrainian weekly and daily editions to many more subscribers both depending on the topic. “This makes the process more in Ukraine and overseas. complicated and requires a bigger editorial department,” The news magazine was the brainchild of Canadian- she said. As a result the magazine employs four staff who born Lidia Wolanskyj, the founder and current publisher serve primarily as translators of articles. of Eastern Economist. Ms. Wolanskyj moved to Ukraine Eastern Economist is available throughout the world, in 1992 and noticed that there was a vacuum of decent and most of its subscribers are businesses and organiza- information. “By 1993 there were English-language wire tions in Ukraine, as well as a handful (about 20 percent) services providing daily information, but there was no of individuals abroad. The magazine has four times as weekly publication offering more in-depth analysis and many weekly subscribers as daily subscribers, according the kinds of things an expat reader might want to know to to Ms. Wolanskyj, but “pass-along readership is high for make life easier (such as where to buy a decent pair of both and not easily measurable,” she explained. shoes)”, she said. The magazine has become so popular among various In mid-December 1993, Ms. Wolanskyj, along with companies in Ukraine that several other members of the five colleagues, began to work on the Eastern Economist. local media industry have subscribed to it in order to see The magazine’s goal was to “provide people with analy- what was being published, Ms. Wolanskyj said. sis, as well as normal information about where to get “However, local English-language publishers have been things done in Kyiv: where to eat, where to shop and so pretty cutthroat,” Ms. Wolanskyj revealed. “From head- on,” according to Ms. Wolanskyj. hunting our staff – largely unsuccessfully, I should add – Analysis plus useful information to lying and rumor-mongering about our business and setting up exclusivity deals with advertisers, which is for- The magazine conveys information under numerous- bidden even under Ukrainian law.” subdivisions which address different aspects of Ukrainian Ms. Wolanskyj admitted that she is discouraged by this life. According to surveys, one of the most popular fea- evident lack of business ethics. “This dog-eat-dog tures of the Eastern Economist’s weekly edition is a sec- approach is a shame, as we have such a small (and ever- A recent issue of the Eastern Economist weekly. tion called “This Week in Brief,” which gives short news shrinking) market. You’d think we could just divide it up items on the week’s events. into separate niches and leave each other in peace. Or In fact, Eastern Economist prides itself on its critical Also popular is the “Hrushevsky Street News” column better yet, cooperate on some level.” and accurate reporting on issues in Ukraine. Ms. (which Ms. Wolanskyj admits she modeled after the “Hill Wolanskyj recalls an encounter with two men that speaks Street Blues” as a name). “This column follows ‘official’ A Canadian in Ukraine volumes about the publication and its reputation among activities in chronological fashion during the week to Being a Canadian working in Ukraine has had its its readers. She related: “One time I met a man from give people a sense of who came and went in diplomatic advantages and disadvantages for Ms. Wolanskyj. “On Khlib Ukrainy, the state grain monopoly, at a chamber and international circles, what they said in some the one hand, I know more about market economics and meeting, and he said, ‘Couldn’t you maybe write some- instances and any top-level developments. Each entry is how to run a decent business, and I have a strong work thing nice about us for a change?’ His companion, who only a sentence or two long for the most part,” Ms. and moral ethic,” she said. “On the other hand, I’m a was from an ag [agricultural] supplier, responded: Wolanskyj said. stranger in a strange land and don’t know the rules of the ‘Couldn’t you maybe do something nice for a change?’ Another section, “The 4th Microphone,” is the feature local game, both in terms of other business and the law, We all laughed. Both men were Ukrainians, but it was for interviews and opinions. “This appeared very early and in terms of how to deal with local employees.” clear that they were familiar with the Eastern on, as we had an interview with Mr. Kuchma within the The main advantage of her publication, in Ms. Economist.” first weeks of publication when Ukraine was on the eve Wolanskyj’s view, comes from publishing in English. “It For more information about this daily and weekly of elections in the spring of1994,” according to Ms. makes it easier to maintain an independent stance and we news magazine log on to www.easterneconomist.com. Wolanskyj. The name was also Ms. Wolanskyj’s idea, are not perceived as being much of a threat to the powers Subscription rates for the United States are $249 for the which she based “on the three microphones used on the that be because the local population can’t read us.” weekly and $895 for the daily. floor of the Verkhovna Rada.” From its humble beginnings, the publication kept growing. By mid-1995 the news magazine was at 28 pages an issue. New additions included a “Window on Canadian Ps&Bs plan TV documentary the World” page which speaks of the activities of key companies in Ukraine. There is also a financial section OTTAWA – The UCPBF has launched a new ini- been covered in other documentaries such as “The called “Financial Markets and Companies” that combines tiative: the production of a television documentary Scattering of Seeds” and that a fresh new approach stock market, privatization and currency market reports. dealing with the contributions of Ukrainians in was needed. We want to bring forward the stories of Ms. Wolanskyj added that in 1997 “an agricultural sec- Canada. The purpose of the television production is both familiar and less familiar Ukrainians whose con- tion called “From the Ground Up” was added as well as to tell a broad segment of society what Canadians of tributions to this country over the past 100 years have theater listings and schedules for the biggest cultural Ukrainian ancestry have done in the arts, science, pol- set remarkable and lasting standards for all events, such as the Berezil Festival, ballet and piano itics, sports, broadcasting and many other fields. Canadians,” said Ms. Hepburn, UCPBF president. competitions, and Kyiv Days.” The video will celebrate more than 100 years of Since 1999, Ms. Dolenko, the project coordinator, Other than the “Hrushevsky Street News,” the hard work and impressive results by members of the with the experience in camera work and funding for longest lived column is the “Dining Out,” according to Ukrainian Canadian community. television productions, has been working hard to give Ms. Wolanskyj. In the past, she remembers “writing Marilyn Dolenko, UCPBF secretary, started with a life to the documentary. Her biggest success was in some pretty irreverent reviews with lots of tongue-in- vision: “We need to reach young people, who might finding an outstanding producer-director for the proj- cheekiness.” Most of those reviews made it into the two be part Ukrainian, or third-or fourth-generation ect in John Zaritsky, a professional filmmaker with an editions of the Eastern Economist’s book “Dining Out in Canadian. Many of these young people have not ben- extensive and accomplished career in the documen- Kyiv,” including a review of the Verkhovna Rada cafete- efited from ties to the community and may suffer tary genre. ria. She noted that at one time the publication even ran a from a gap in their own cultural identity as a result. Mr. Zaritsky lives in Vancouver and has been mak- “Bars to Avoid” section. We want them to know and be proud of their her- ing documentaries since 1977. He has won more than The magazine also publishes various special editions itage.” 30 awards, including an Academy Award for his 1982 that deal with only one topic. The first such issue came Ms. Dolenko who is the chair of UCPBF documentary “Just Another Missing Kid,” the story of out in October 1997 and focused on finance and banking. Documentary Working Group. The advisory mem- a rich and powerful Ottawa family whose son disap- Other special editions included subjects like real estate, bers, who are either connected with film and televi- peared on the way to summer school. agriculture, transport and infrastructure, investment, sion or have a very good understanding of Ukrainians Mr. Zaritsky has produced a 60-page outline for tourism, automotive, consulting, etc. “It’s exciting to read in Canada, are Roman Melynk from CTV; Slawko the documentary, focusing on remarkable Ukrainians a series of really good articles in depth on a specific topic, Klimkiw, director of English-language programming who are the heart of Canada’s story. He commented: and our readers seem pleased,” Ms. Wolanskyj stated. at CBC; Eugene Zaraska and Zenia Stechishin; and “Primarily, I am a storyteller; large complex issues A reach beyond Ukraine Halya Kuchmij, a documentary filmmaker. To ensure will be told in this documentary through dramatic continuity the executives of the UCPBF, Oksana personal stories.” Although 95 percent of the material for the new maga- Bashuk Hepburn, Peter Sorokan and Marilyn The UCPBF acknowledged initial donations to zine is gathered in Ukraine, the magazine has also covered Dolenko, also are members of the group. They will this important and much-needed initiative from the stories on Ukraine’s neighboring countries, according to continue to serve in this capacity after the UCPBF Taras Schevchenko Foundation for a sum of $10,000; Ms. Wolanskyj. She said, “We have covered Moldova (the convention this October. the Saskatchewan Cable Network for $10,000; and Transdniesterian war in 1994-1995) and Chechnya, Several approaches to the documentary were con- the UCPBF for $5,000. Georgia, Turkey and the Black Sea [region], depending on sidered: relating the contributions of Ukrainians to The UCPBF reported that the documentary outline what is going on as it pertains to Ukraine,” she related. the different waves of immigration; moving along a has been submitted to the main networks, CBC, “We also try to cover international conferences that have chronological timeline; or focusing on sectors. Mr. Global and CT. and the Canadian Race Relations Ukraine as a participant, be they in Chicago, New York, Stechishin pointed out that much material had already Foundation has been approached for further funding. Washington, London, Vienna or Budapest.” 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

OBITUARIES

Jaroslav Struminsky, Rhode Island physician Serge Kisluk, veteran of Ukrainian Insurgent Army PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Dr. Jaroslav ST. CATHERINE’S, Ontario – Serge ing his status as a Nazi collaborator or his Struminsky, 82, of Providence, a general Kisluk, a former member of the alleged role in the beating of a Jewish man practitioner of family medicine, died on Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), passed and the murder of a Jewish woman. As a July 26 at the Roger Williams Medical away on May 21 at the age of 78, suc- result, Citizenship and Immigration Center in Providence. cumbing to cancer amidst deportation Canada revoked his citizenship and decid- Born on October 22, 1918, in Delatyn, proceedings by the Canadian govern- ed that he would be deported. Ukraine, he was the son of the late Josef ment, according to an article by Peter Mr. Kisluk, in his written statement, and Maria (Paniw) Struminsky. Cheney published recently in The Globe contended, “I cannot change the fact that He attended gymnasium at Ivano- and Mail. Accused of war crimes and a Canadian official, nearly half a century Frankivsk, formerly known as Stanislaviv. collaborating with the Nazis, Mr. Kisluk, ago, never asked me the questions which He was enrolled at the University of Graz to composed a final statement steadfastly I have since learned he was supposed to study medicine, but his education was inter- maintaining his innocence. ask. I would not have lied then. I was not rupted by World War II. He returned to In that statement, Mr. Kisluk wrote: “I a collaborator. I was a freedom fighter.” complete his education and graduated cum accuse my persecutors of a crime against Denying that he was ever a Nazi collab- laude from Julius Maximilian University in an innocent man and my innocent wife. orator, Mr. Kisluk provided an example of Wurzburg, Germany. These persecutors have killed me as sure- his wartime activities: “I was a member of Dr. Struminsky came to the United ly as if they had drawn out a pistol and the UPA North (Bohun) Group that in States in 1956 and served his medical shot me in the heart.” 1943 rescued more than 200 children who internship at Clara Mass Hospital in New Born in Ukraine in 1922, Mr. Kisluk were being shipped near Kovel in boxcars Jersey, and then came to Rhode Island to fought in the ranks of the UPA during for slave labor to the Third Reich.” serve an internship at the Roger Williams World War II against both the Nazi and In an effort to prove his innocence, Mr. Hospital. He was a member of the Rhode Soviet armies. Then, in 1948, as his Kisluk procured sworn testimony from Island Medical Society, the Providence Dr. Jaroslav Struminsky statement further explains, he moved to some of the witnesses against him, in which Medical Association and the Ukrainian Canada to start a new life under the rule they admit that they lied under oath in order Medical Association of North America. He Struminsky was known for his special of democratic principles. He managed a to avoid torture in the 1940s. received his fellowship in the American friendship with squirrels and birds, and his corner store in Niagara Falls and later Notwithstanding this new evidence, at the Academy of Family Physicians in 1973. masterful rose garden. served as a machine operator at a GM time of his death, Mr. Kisluk was still He maintained his family practice of A member of the American Rose Society parts plant in St. Catherine’s, Ontario. awaiting deportation, pending a determina- medicine in Providence for 43 years, and since 1969, he was also a member of For nearly 50 years after moving to tion by the Immigration and Refugee only recently retired at the age of 80. He England’s Royal Rose Society and was Canada, no allegations were leveled Board. remained on staff at the Roger Williams selected as head of protocol during the soci- against Mr. Kisluk. The investigation and subsequent deci- Medical Center until his death. ety’s visit with the Queen Mother in 1976. But in 1984 a false rumor spread that sion to deport Mr. Kisluk have left many His medical career included being the Dr. Struminsky was also a charter member Josef Mengele, a high-profile Nazi war with doubts about the fairness of the team doctor for the Rhode Island Reds of the Rhode Island Rose Society and criminal, had been found hiding in Canadian government’s proceedings in the Hockey Team in the 1960s, and being the recently won award ribbons at its annual Canada. The Mengele story led to the case. school doctor at Johnson and Wales College rose show in June. establishment of a federal commission of Marsha Skrypuch, an author who had during the 1970s through the 1990s. As a Surviving are his wife, Marion inquiry and a special war crimes unit of interviewed Mr. Kisluk, commented, clinical professor of medicine at the Brown (Belconis) Struminsky; a son, Thomas the Justice Department. It proved difficult according to the article by Mr. Cheney: University Medical School, Dr. Struminsky Struminsky of Cranston, R.I., a daughter, to secure a conviction in a case dealing “These are 50-year old cases, and the evi- was well-known for his tireless lectures Kristine Struminsky of Richmond, R.I.; and with events that occurred 50 years in the dence won’t stand up in court, so they use about the history of medicine, and the a sister, Marijka Borkowsky of Yonkers, past, so the Canadian government started the immigration rules instead. The reality is importance of listening to the patient as a N.Y. He was the father-in-law of Judith pursuing suspected war criminals under that there just isn’t enough evidence. part of his/her treatment. Struminsky and David Podedworny, and the Immigration Act. By pursuing only Innocent people get hurt. You end up with a Dr. Struminsky was president of the also leaves three grandchildren, and several revocation of citizenship and deportation, bunch of little old men trying to defend Rhode Island Chapter of the American nieces and nephews. rather than criminal punishment, the bur- themselves against the state.” Academy of Family Physicians 1980-1981. Panakhyda was celebrated on July 29, den of proof became significantly lower. The text of Mr. Kisluk’s statement of his He was honored by the Roger Williams and the funeral mass was held on July 30 at The Canadian government’s Citizenship innocence, written on January 26, may be Medical Center in 1993 for a lifetime of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Immigration Department decided that read at http://www.infoukes.co/uccla/ achievement and service to the community. Woonsocket, R.I. Dr. Struminsky was a Mr. Kisluk had lied to Canadian authori- issues/warcrimes/i_wrcrms_069.html. The Beyond his medical accolades, Dr. member of Branch 206 of the UNA. ties when he entered Canada, not disclos- statement was posted on that site on June 4.

Ukraine is more “visitor-friendly,” says new consul general in Washington by Yaro Bihun arrival in a different Ukrainian city or town was the single Ukrainian embassies and consulates issuing visas advise Special to The Ukrainian Weekly most unpopular aspect of the Ukrainian travel experience, travelers to inform their own medical insurance companies the consul general admitted. that they will be traveling to Ukraine. WASHINGTON – Ukraine has become more “visitor- Second on the list of major complaints by foreign visitors As for invitation letters, they are no longer required for friendly” as of July 1, when its government did away with a was being pressured to obtain medical insurance at entry citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, number of annoying visa requirements and other irritants points, he added. “It simply makes no sense to have repre- for those wishing to travel to Ukraine. Slovakia, Turkey and countries of the European Union, he sentatives of one insurance company present at a border said. Americans, and citizens of a number of other countries, entry point forcing its services on travelers.” This irritant, no longer need to present an invitation to get a visa, to pro- too, has been removed by the president’s decree. Now (Continued on page 19) vide a detailed itinerary of their trip, to fight off attempts to sell them medical insurance at the airport, and to register with the local police when traveling from place to place within Ukraine. And to ease things even more, visa applica- tion forms now do not have to be requested by mail or in person; they can now be downloaded by computer from the Ukrainian Embassy’s website. Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Ukraine’s new consul general in Washington, characterized these changes as “very impor- tant and fundamental,” eliminating, as they do, vestiges of Soviet-era travel restrictions. The Foreign Affairs Ministry had urged changes for some time, he said, but other agencies, those primarily con- cerned with security, were more hesitant. President Leonid Kuchma resolved the issue when he signed the decree that instituted these travel reforms as of July 1. “If you are traveling legally, common sense dictates that once you receive an entry visa, no more should be demand- ed of you than to adhere to its lawful requirements,” Mr. Nalyvaichenko said in an interview. All passport and visa control is now done at the entry and exit points, be it the border or international airport. No further registrations are required over the duration of the visa, he said. The requirement that visitors register with the local Members of the Ukrainian Embassy’s consular staff (from left): Consul General Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, Olena police at the so-called “OVIR” office within three days of But, Iryna Kuropiatnyk, Galyna Kolesnichenko, Olexandra Kravchenko and Vice Consul Kostyantyn Kudryk. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 5 CURRENT RESEARCH Faces and Places The political terror in Ukraine, 1920s-1950s by Myron B. Kuropas In spring 2001, Dr. Yuri Shapoval, a Ukraine or mass burial grounds, although leading authority on the history of com- there has been some progress on these munist rule in Ukraine, visited Edmonton questions. Specifically, collections of and other Canadian cities at the invita- documents and eyewitness accounts of tion of the Canadian Institute of the mass shootings in Vinnytsia in 1937- “Taras Bulba” is dead Ukrainian Studies (CIUS). Dr. Shapoval 1938 and in the village Bykivnia near I knew I would be writing this article Mehal, while he was the assistant editor of heads the Center for Historical and Kyiv, another place of mass killings and eventually, writing about the death of Ukraina, a Chicago-based newspaper edited Political Studies (CHPS) at the Institute burials, have been published. In recent “Taras Bulba,” my father, the man who by the legendary Dr. Volodymyr of Political and Ethnonational Studies years a number of interesting memoirs lived to be a hundred and who nurtured me Simenovycz, a Ukrainian-American pio- (IPES), National Academy of Sciences of have appeared. These publications, throughout my life. neer. Dad married mom in 1931. Ukraine (NASU) in Kyiv, and is the together with such classics of Ukrainian That he died on the eve of the 10th Soon after arriving in the United States, author or co-author of many publications memoir literature as Ivan Maistrenko’s anniversary of his beloved Ukraine’s inde- Tato joined the Ukrainian National based on archival documents of the “Istoriia Moho Pokolinnia” (The History pendence seems appropriate. Association, becoming one of the UNA’s Soviet secret police, known successively of My Generation) and Hryhorii My dad, Stephen Kuropas, passed away most active members. He was elected a as the Cheka, GPU, NKVD and KGB, as Kostiuk’s “Zustrichi i Proschannia” on the morning of Saturday, August 11. He UNA supreme controller at the 1937 con- well as other Communist Party organs. (Meetings and Farewells), both published died quietly in his sleep in his own bed, in vention and supreme vice-president in The following article is a summary of Dr. by CIUS, are important sources for his own room, a dignified death, no linger- 1961. He organized hundreds of new mem- Shapoval’s lecture delivered in Edmonton studying events of the 1920s to 1940s. ing pain, no tortured nights, just sleep. He bers, established seven new branches, man- this past spring. One of the most notable accomplish- died as he had lived, in his own way, in his aged a UNA baseball team even though he ments of Ukrainian historiography of the knew little about baseball, and was a fre- by Yuri Shapoval own time. 1990s is the publication of original docu- For most of the last six years he lived quent contributor to Svoboda where he For many years, critical research on ments of the Cheka-GPU-NKVD, which with Lesia and me. Although his age sug- penned a regular column titled “The the history and reality of communist were not previously available to gested that the end was near, his death was Chicago Chronicle.” He was also the first Ukraine was carried on mainly outside researchers. One of the first groups of still a shock. Given his longevity and his president of the UNA Seniors. He was very the Soviet Union. This situation began to documents was published in the journal health (people who met him recently invari- proud of the fact that his son and grandson change following Ukraine’s proclamation “Nashe Mynule” (Our Past) in 1993. In ably declared, “he doesn’t look a hundred”), were also elected UNA vice-presidents. of independence in 1991. Thereafter, two 1994, the journal “Z Arkhiviv VUChK- we somehow believed that he would live to Tato became involved with the tendencies became apparent: the reprint- GPU-NKVD-KGB” (From the Archives be the oldest man in the world. Ukrainian Veterans’ Organization (UVO) ing of studies by émigré Ukrainians and of the VUChK-GPU-NKVD-KGB) As I’ve written many times before, Tato soon after his arrival in Chicago. When Col. the step-by-step transformation of former began publishing, issuing previously was the mythical Taras Bulba for me all of Evhen Konovalets, head of the Soviet Ukrainian historiography. restricted materials from the State my life. Long before I attended school, I Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists Bearing in mind that until 1989, Archive of the Security Services of knew all about the heroic Taras Bulba, how (OUN), suggested that all of the UVO Ukraine remained a “communist pre- Ukraine (Derzhavnyi Arkhiv Sluzhby he always fought for Ukraine’s freedom branches in the United States unite to form serve,” this was a topic that had to be Bezpeky Ukrainy) (DA SBU). against the Russians, the Turks, the Tartars, a new organization, the Organization for the approached with great caution. It was Documents and materials from regional and the Poles, and, most important of all, Rebirth of Ukraine (ODWU), Tato became only toward the end of the 1980s that branches of the former communist secu- how he built a merry-go-around on the Sich an officer in ODWU Branch #2. He publications on the crimes of commu- rity services have also begun to be pub- specifically for young American-born chil- remained loyal to ODWU all of his life, nism became possible in Ukraine. Over lished. dren who did not forget the Ukrainian lan- serving as editor for many years of the past ten years, however, the appear- There is no center or institution in guage and remained true to their parents’ Samostina Ukrayina, an ODWU publica- ance of new works on this topic has Ukraine today devoted specifically to traditions. It was all make-believe, of tion. made it possible to speak about a new studying the history of the Communist course, but it didn’t matter. I was a kid and I Never forgetting the difficulties he faced paradigm of Ukrainian history in regard terror and totalitarianism and publishing loved it. as a new immigrant to the United States, to research on a previously forbidden documents on these themes systematical- Tato was born on October 1, 1900 in Tato became active in the United Ukrainian topic. ly (as does, for instance, the International Selyska, Ukraine. He served in the Austrian Relief Committee (UUARC), an organiza- Among works of a general nature that “Democracy” Fund in Moscow). Such army during the First World War and the tion involved with the resettlement of have appeared over the past 10 years, it is research is done largely by specialists at Ukrainian Galician army during hostilities Ukrainian displaced persons after World War II. He sponsored over a hundred fami- worth mentioning the studies by Bohdan the Institute of History of Ukraine with Poland. His unit ended up in lies to the United States and found employ- Yarosh, “Totalitarnyi Rezhym na (NASU) or IPES (NASU), the Taras Czechoslovakia where, thanks to the benev- ment for dozens of new immigrants in Zakhidnoukrainskykh Zemliakh. 30-50-ti Shevchenko National University in Kyiv olent graces of the newly established and other research and teaching institu- Chicago. Housing was at such a premium at Roky XX Stolittia. Istoryko-Politolohichnyi Czechoslovak government, he was able to tions of Ukraine. the time that many displaced persons and Aspekt (The Totalitarian Regime in the attend Charles University in Prague, com- However, the question of institutional- their families slept on cots in the old UNA Western Ukrainian Lands, 1930s-1950s); pleting a degree in agronomy. After work- izing research on totalitarianism remains home on Western Avenue while they waited Stanislav Kulchytsky, “Komunizm v ing for a time as an agricultural engineer in acute and relevant for Ukraine. In for permanent housing. Even today there Ukraini: Pershe Desiatyrichchia, 1919- Lichtenstein, he returned to Ukraine, then essence, this would mean establishing an are people who walk up to me at various 1928” (Communism in Ukraine: The First under Polish occupation, and was drafted institution to conduct focused and objec- Ukrainian functions and tell me that they Decade, 1919-1928); and Serhii Bilokin, into the Polish army. He deserted and left tive research on the totalitarian era, will never forget what my father did for “Masovyi Teror iak Zasib Derzhavnoho for the United States. establish an appropriate archive and them. Upravlinnia v SRSR (1917-1941 rr.). He arrived in America in 1927, on the undertake relevant projects, especially My father enjoyed life, had a great sense Dzhereloznavche Doslidzhennia” (Mass eve of the Great Depression. He settled the publication of a fundamental docu- of humor, and was often asked to serve as Terror as a Means of State Government in first in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he mentary series and eyewitness memoirs. master of ceremonies at various functions. the USSR. A Study of Sources). lived with a distant cousin and worked in a After 1991, in an unprecedented initia- During his prime his friends often referred New publications have appeared on furniture factory. Later he moved to tive, the State Archive of the Security to him as the “Ukrainian Bob Hope.” topics such as the famines of the early Chicago where he hoped to find work in his Services of Ukraine (DA SBU) began to My father was part of the greatest 1920s and 1930s, as well as 1946-1947, chosen profession. No such luck. He took play an important role in publishing doc- Ukrainian generation, that special group of in Ukraine; deportations from Ukraine; whatever employment he could find, work- uments (obviously, within the limits patriotic Ukrainians in America who sur- political and repressive actions taken ing at various day jobs. This included part- allowed by its relationship to state secu- vived the depression, defamation by against national minorities; cultural life rity agencies). From 1996, the DA SBU, time employment in the Chicago stock America’s communists, FBI investigations in western Ukraine from 1939 to 1953; the Central Archive of the Ministry of yards and a chocolate factory. during the 1930’s and 1940’s, media slander and the Institute of History of Ukraine Internal Affairs and the Administration of In time Tato was hired by the Standard of Ukrainian nationalism, and somehow under totalitarian rule. Publication of the the Republic of Poland, and the CHPS Oil Company as a service station attendant. managed to persevere, to remain optimistic, scholarly documentary series began work on a multi-volume series, He remained with the company and later and to live to see Ukraine rise from the “Reabilitovani Istoriieiu” (Rehabilitated “Ukraina i Polscha u 30-40-kh Rokakh spent forty years operating his own service ashes. by History) on repressions in the various XX Stolittia. Nevidomi Dokumenty z station in downtown Chicago. For years, Tato received many honors during his oblasts of Ukraine continues. This series Arkhiviv Spetssluzhb” (Ukraine and but especially during the depression, he lifetime including the Shevchenko Freedom offers a panoramic view of the activities Poland in the 1930s and 1940s. worked 12 and 16 hour shifts in all kinds of Award from the Ukrainian Congress of the communist regime and emphasizes Unknown Documents from the Archives weather. Chicago isn’t exactly sun city in Commmitee in 1972, as well as “hramotas” specific policies in the various oblasts. of the Security Services). The first vol- the winter. from the UNA District Committee of Work continues on themes associated ume, which concerned the Polish under- Although he lived and worked in town, Chicago, ODWU, and the Encyclopedia of with the activities of the Organization of ground in western Ukraine in 1939-1941 he always yearned for the country, for a the Ukrainian Diaspora. Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the was published in 1998. The second vol- farm he could call his own. During his life- My father was preceeded in death by my operations of the Ukrainian Insurgent ume, on the Polish-Ukrainian population time he bought and sold a farm in Michigan mother. In addition to Lesia and me, he is Army (UPA). Several collections of doc- transfers of 1944-1946, appeared in as well as in Wisconsin. The latter was a survived by his daughter Vera, five grand- uments on their activities were published 2000. dairy farm operated by hired help. Tato children – Christine, Katherine, Stefko, recently. The reader is now in a position A research project on “Society through spent many a weekend overseeing his Michael, Tamara – and nine great grand- to compare Soviet, Nazi, OUN and UPA the Eyes of Chekists. Informational “country estate.” children. documents. Activities of the ChK-GPU-NKVD in It was his volunteer Ukrainian activities, We know very little as yet about however, that gave Tato his greatest satis- Myron Kuropas’ e-mail address is Communist concentration camps in (Continued on page 20) faction. He met my mother, Antoinette [email protected]. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE Greetings of Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States Ukraine lives! Greetings of Ambassador Extraordinary by prioritizing its integration into and Plenipotentiary to the United States of Europe. Ten years ago we witnessed an event that many of us had dreamed about for America Kostyantyn Gryshchenko to the The radical transformation of all decades: the rebirth of an independent Ukrainian state. When we think back to Ukrainian community on the occasion of spheres of political, economic and cultur- August 24, 1991, and the period immediately after this historic day, we recall the the 10th anniversary of the independence al life has never been an easy task, but great joy within our community in this country and throughout the entire of Ukraine. the resolve of the Ukrainian leadership in Ukrainian diaspora. The seemingly impossible had come to pass. Ukraine was introducing market reforms has been free! And, caught up in the emotion of the moment, many naively thought it Dear Friends, Dear Ukrainian Americans! rewarded. Ukraine celebrates would all be smooth sailing ahead. Independence Day with significant Our spirits were lifted even higher after we heard the incredible news about Congratulations on the first jubilee of achievements – for the first time in its the nationwide referendum of December 1, 1991, in which an overwhelming 90 Ukrainian statehood! independent history, Ukraine has man- percent plus of the people of Ukraine voted to approve the Parliament’s historic Throughout the centuries, Ukrainians aged to stop the chronic decline in pro- August declaration. But most of us understood that once the euphoria was over cherished hopes that a day would come duction and has achieved growth of eco- there would be a long and difficult process before true independence was when their land would be free and when nomic indicators in all industries. These achieved and before the vestiges of the Soviet system would be gone. their nation would be able to decide its positive economic trends pave the way to Now it is 10 years later – a decade has passed in a flash. During that time own destiny. Many generations of prosperity and well-being for the Ukraine has made great strides in nation- and state-building. We need only recall Ukrainian patriots devoted their lives to Ukrainian nation. The forecasts of several free elections, the peaceful transfer of power from independent Ukraine’s make those aspirations a reality. On domestic and foreign analysts regarding first president to its second, the adoption of a new Constitution of Ukraine, August 24, 1991, the long-cherished the future prospects of economic devel- Ukraine’s peaceful and good relations with all its neighbors, its growing pres- dream came true, and today we celebrate opment in Ukraine give ample grounds ence in the international community of nations, Team Ukraine’s participation in the first 10th anniversary of our young for optimism. the Olympic Games and, of course, Pope John Paul II’s momentous visit to independent nation. The priorities of Ukraine’s domestic Ukraine. There is no longer any doubt, as there was at several points during the Now, as Ukrainians in Ukraine and policies are clearly defined as ensuring a fledgling state’s first few years, that Ukraine will retain its independence. around the world commemorate the first continuation of the economic growth But there are problem areas: corruption, abuse of power, a cynical and apa- decade of independence, is a good occa- achieved last year, consolidation of civil thetic public that doesn’t realize the power it wields, economic reform that hasn’t sion to glance back and to evaluate the society, strengthening of democracy and progressed as quickly as had been hoped, and the replacement of Ukraine’s once road that our nation has traveled. supremacy of law. thoroughly pro-Western stance with a so-called multi-vectored foreign policy. It would be no exaggeration to say that All of us – those who represent Are these the growing pains of a young state, or something more deleterious and this brief period of time, which in historic Ukraine in the U.S.A. – are happy to cel- sinister? Time will tell, but so will the actions of both the leaders and the people terms amounts to a mere instant, included ebrate the 10th anniversary of independ- of Ukraine. It is our fervent hope that these problems will be overcome – not achievements and events that shaped the ence together with the Ukrainian diaspo- simply be overlooked – for that will guarantee Ukraine’s further development as destiny of the nation. Ukraine has been ra – true patriots who persistently a democratic state. recognized by the international communi- demonstrate their devotion to Ukraine, Ten years is short time for any new country to solve all its problems and to ty; practically from scratch basic govern- people who do their best to strengthen its deal with all the issues it faces. It is also a milestone that should be marked, mental institutions and military forces independence and to deepen the strategic regardless of any shortcomings. As noted by Ukraine’s ambassador to the United have been created; a national currency has partnership with the United States. States, Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, this year’s 10th anniversary of Ukraine’s inde- been introduced; and the foundations of a Let there be happiness, health and pendence is the country’s first true jubilee. It is a time for all of us together – the democratic society have been laid. prosperity in every Ukrainian home. May people of Ukraine and Ukrainians in the diaspora – to celebrate. In celebrating The sensible, balanced and pragmatic you never lose your confidence in the today we should look ahead to a better tomorrow and on to the next jubilee. We foreign policy pursued by the young ability of the Ukrainian nation to achieve should neither become disillusioned nor lose sight of our goals; we should refo- Ukrainian state has earned our country its goals and to join the family of cus on the crucial tasks ahead in order to meet all challenges head on. worldwide respect. Ukraine continues to European nations, where it belongs. We should celebrate on this August 24 because we have been blessed with the strengthen itself in the international arena Glory to Ukraine! Slava Ukraini! chance to witness the proclamation and development of Ukraine’s independence. We should celebrate Ukraine’s independence because, though it seemed to hap- pen overnight, this independence was the fruit of decades of dreams and work– in countless cases, of extreme sacrifice. As well, we should celebrate the fact that many of us, like our forebears, have been able to contribute to Ukraine’s rebirth, albeit in different ways. Thus, as we mark the 10th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day, we should recall the decades of hope and struggle from which it was born. And we should ponder how fortunate we are to be able to declare two very simple, yet eloquent, words: Ukraine lives!

August Turning the pages back... 19 1991 Just five days before Ukraine declared its independence, hard-line Communists set in motion the chain of events that would finally bring about the historic event. On August 19, 1991, the Moscow press reported that Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev could no longer perform the duties of his office for health reasons. Despite the official media stance, President Gorbachev had been arrested and sequestered while in Crimea by the “putschists,” a group of Communist party mem- bers seeking to save the crumbling empire through a last ditch effort. President Gorbachev’s deputy, Gennadii Yanayev, immediately took over as acting president and declared a state of emergency. The GKChP, the Russian acronym for the eight person State Committee for the State Emergency in the USSR, was introduced as the new governing body for the Soviet Union. The takeover was perpetrated by a powerful group of conspirators that included the head of the KGB, the defense minis- ter, the minister of internal affairs, the Soviet prime minister and the supreme Soviet of the USSR. At first, Ukrainian leader Leonid Kravchuk remained non-committal regarding his position on the coup. Once it became clear that the coup had failed, Kravchuk agreed State emblem of Ukraine. to call an extraordinary session of the Ukrainian parliament. At that meeting, on August 24, the Declaration of Independence was passed. The opening line cited the failed coup as one of the driving forces behind the landmark declaration, saying, “In view of the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine in connection with the state coup in the USSR on 19 August 1991...” THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Source “The Ukrainian Resurgence” by Bohdan Nahaylo. Toronto: University of Toronto Visit our archive on the Internet at: http://www.ukrweekly.com/ Press, 1999. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 7

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE

Statements on independence anniversary Independence: a timeline Ukrainian American Coordinating Council In the wake of the policies of glasnost, perestroika and demokratizatsia announced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, there was ferment throughout the USSR. Below is a Greetings to the Ukrainian nation, the North Atlantic structures. timeline of key events leading up to the proclamation of Ukraine’s independence on president, the Cabinet of Ministers, and to At the same time, however, certain inter- August 24, 1991, and affirmed by a nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991. the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine! nal hostile elements, in stubborn contradic- Ten years ago the age-old dream of our tion to the Constitution of Ukraine, are try- TIPAR ancestors was fulfilled. They fought ing to place Ukraine within the Eurasian through centuries of blood and tears to real- sphere of influence or the so-called “Slavic December 30, 1987 The Ukrainian Helsinki Group (UHG) is reactivated. ize the supreme ideal of every freedom-lov- Union,” not taking into consideration the ing people – to achieve their independence! fact that Ukraine has long since chosen the April 26, 1988 Some 500 people participate in a march organized by the Ten years is truly a short time in the life path towards a democratic and civilized Ukrainian Culturological Club on Kyiv’s Khreschatyk to of a nation, especially in the life of the Europe – a path from which there is no mark the second anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear dis- Ukrainian people, who for three centuries turning back. aster, carrying placards with slogans such as “Openness struggled under a foreign yoke. We are also hopeful that in its internal and Democracy to the End.” Nevertheless, in this short period of 10 political situation, Ukraine will make fur- years, Ukraine has achieved notable suc- ther determined efforts to steer a course in May-June 1988 Ukrainian Catholics in western Ukraine celebrate the cesses, above all in the field of foreign rela- the direction of the democratization of its Millennium of Christianity in Kyivan Rus’ in secret by tions, receiving diplomatic recognition from political and societal systems, towards holding services in the forests of Buniv, Kalush, Hoshiv, over 100 nations of the world, gaining greater respect for human rights, greater Zarvantysia and other sites. authority and the corresponding respect of the United Nations and of European and (Continued on page 18) June 5, 1988 As the official celebrations of the Millennium are held in Moscow, the Ukrainian Culturological Club hosts its own observances in Kyiv at the monument to St. Volodymyr the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Great, the grand prince of Kyivan Rus’. Having endured centuries of foreign Ukraine, through the heroic Kozak state, to June 16, 1988 Between 6,000 and 8,000 people gather in Lviv to hear occupation and oppression, the will of the the poets and laureates of the 19th and 20th speakers declare no confidence in the local list of dele- Ukrainian people was finally realized on centuries, and to the courageous leaders of gates to the 19th Communist Party conference to begin on August 24, 1991, when the Parliament of Ukraine’s drive for independence during June 29. Ukraine restored independence and World War II and the modern leaders of a declared Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be restored Ukrainian state, the nation of June 21, 1988 A rally in Lviv attracts 50,000 people who hear discussion “indivisible and inviolable.” Ukrainians Ukraine has shown resiliency in the path of of a revised list of delegates to the party conference. throughout the world, who were elated adversity, rebirth in the path of destruction, Authorities attempt to disperse the rally held in front of the when their dreams and hard work were real- and tolerance in the path of oppression. Druzhba Stadium. ized, must not forget that only through the The Ukrainian diaspora, together with unyielding commitment and sacrifice of our our brethren in Ukraine, shares in the glory July 7, 1988 A crowd of 10,000 to 20,000 witnesses the launching in forefathers could independence be of Ukraine’s long history and honors those Lviv of the Democratic Front to Promote Perestroika. achieved. who, throughout centuries, have sacrificed The thousand-year-long history of their lives for the restoration of Ukraine’s July 7, 1988 The Ukrainian Helsinki Group is transformed into the Ukraine makes Ukrainians proud of our independence. Ukrainian Helsinki Union, which declares its formation on heritage, culture and achievements. From The Ukrainian Congress Committee of the basis of the founding principles of the original UHG the earliest inhabitants of Ukraine, the America (UCCA), the largest umbrella announced on November 9, 1976. Trypillians, to the grand ruler St. Volodymyr the Great, who baptized (Continued on page 17) July 17, 1988 A group of 10,000 faithful gather in Zarvanytsia for Millennium services celebrated by Ukrainian Greek- Catholic Bishop Pavlo Vasylyk. Militia try to disperse the Ukrainian National Association people – the largest gathering of Ukrainian Catholics in the USSR since the Stalin regime outlawed the Church in Ten years ago, from among the ruins and the struggle of the Ukrainian nation 1946. of the Soviet Union, a new country for liberty and independence were appeared on the map of Europe: Ukraine. crowned with success. Victorious as well August 4, 1988 On what came to be known as “Bloody Thursday,” local Although the world was surprised by the was the historic and moral truth that authorities use violent methods to disband a gathering unexpected establishment of a new coun- every nation has the right to live freely of tens of thousands organized by the Democratic Front try, the Ukrainian parliament’s Act of and determine its own destiny. to Promote Perestroika. Forty-one people are detained Declaration of the Independence of Although 10 years is not a long period and fined or sentenced to 15 days of administrative Ukraine confirmed the culmination of a of time in the history of a young nation, arrest. “thousand-year tradition of state building especially one that inherited the burden in Ukraine.” With this Act the struggle by of the consequences from the explosion September 1, 1988 Local authorities once again use force against 5,000 partic- countless people over many centuries for at the Chornobyl nuclear power station, ipants gathered silently in front of Ivan Franko State the independence of the Ukrainian state, an almost million-man army, an adminis- University in Lviv for a public meeting held without offi- for the distinctiveness of the Ukrainian trative-command ecomomy focused on cial permission. military production, it was, nonetheless, nation, for her history, culture and a time of enormous energy and chal- November 13, 1988 Approximately 10,000 people attend an officially sanc- numerous achievements was complete. lenges. tioned meeting, organized by the cultural heritage organi- The Ukrainian diaspora rejoiced that its The 10th anniversary of the renewal of zation Spadschyna, the Kyiv University student club continuous efforts to inform the Western Hromada, and the environmental groups Zelenyi Svit countries of the world about the striving (Continued on page 17) (Green World) and Noosfera, to focus on ecological issues.

November 14-18, 1988 Fifteen Ukrainian rights activists are among the 100 Ukrainian Orthodox Church human, national and religious rights advocates invited to A letter from the Permanent their beloved homeland. participate in talks on human rights issues with Soviet offi- Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox The first article of the new cials and a visiting delegation of the U.S. Commission on Bishops beyond the Borders of Ukraine Constitution states that “Ukraine is a Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission). on the occasion of the 10th anniversary sovereign and independent, democratic, of Ukraine independence. social and legal state...” Let us take care December 10, 1988 Hundreds gather in Kyiv to observe International Human that it remains that way! In the fifth arti- Rights Day at a rally organized by the Democratic Union. Dear citizens of independent Ukraine, cle of the Constitution we read: “Ukraine Glory to Jesus Christ! The unauthorized gathering results in detention of local is a republic, inherently sovereign and activists. Today all the bells in the churches of the only source of authority in Ukraine is our Mother – Ukraine ring proclaiming the people.” January 22, 1989 Lviv and Kyiv both mark Ukrainian Independence Day the joyous news that Ukraine celebrates When we pray today in the Tropar: for the first time in decades. In Lviv, thousands gather for the 10th anniversary of her independ- “Lord, save Your people...” we mean an unauthorized moleben in front of St. George ence. “Lord, save our Ukrainian people...” We Cathedral; in Kyiv, 60 activists meet in a Kyiv apartment We thank our Lord God from the bot- continue to pray: “... and bless Your to commemorate the historic event of 1918 when the tom of our hearts for this wondrous gift – inheritance...” Today we see before us independent Ukrainian National Republic was pro- an independent and sovereign state. It is our present and our future – our claimed. truly a gift for all of us – both those who Ukrainian children and youth. You, dear live in Ukraine and those whose destiny (Continued on page 9) it is to live far beyond the borders of (Continued on page 18) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE INTERVIEW: An academic and professional viewpoint of Ukraine by Andrew Nynka end of 1991, he or she would have been years. Problems with media freedoms, mur- respect to economic reform is also essential. given looks of skepticism, or worse. Yet dered journalists whose investigations raise If this occurs, then we will really have On August 24, 1991, Ukraine stepped, Ukraine did achieve that independence, and serious concerns about the rule of law and something to celebrate ten years from now albeit hesitantly, onto the international it has lasted now for ten years. With respect democratic processes in Ukraine, and perva- on the twentieth anniversary. stage, for the first time in over 80 years, to to diaspora expectations, there was a fairly sive corruption at high levels, among other create its own independent future. Its rich high degree of understandable euphoria, problems, raise profound questions about The United States recognizes Ukraine natural resources and emotionally opti- especially among the post–war political whether Ukrainian authorities are truly as a pivotal and strategic player in bridg- mistic diaspora fueled a belief that Ukraine emigration. Although many understood that committed to becoming part of the Euro- ing the gap between Eastern Europe and was moving towards a strong footing change would not be automatic, my recol- Atlantic community, despite their rhetoric. the West. How have U.S.-Ukrainian rela- among European circles. On the other lection is that most expected that there There’s a saying, “if you talk the talk, you tions changed since Ukraine became hand, academics and professionals were would be more progress than has been the have to walk the walk.” Ukraine still very independent? very well aware of the leaderships inexperi- case, especially on issues such as the use of much needs to “walk the walk.” ence, a frail and crumbling infrastructure, the Ukrainian language. I would say that there has been a radical Soviet mentality and rampant corruption Over the past ten years Ukraine has transformation – first and foremost, by the and believed that she would quickly become Decades of Soviet rule have left a con- faced many uncertainties and challenges very fact that prior to independence, yet another bloody Eastern European sequential, and in most instances, nega- as it struggles with democratic reforms Ukraine, for all practical purposes, was a uncertainty. tive mark on the mentality of the (the lack of ‘rule of law’, corruption, colony isolated from the world. It had no The forecast among this group was Ukrainian people. Has Ukraine made issues with transparency, mafia/oli- attributes of a state. As a result, there was extreme indeed but ten years has proven any significant reform-oriented achieve- garchic control of media, etc.). In your relatively little knowledgeabout Ukraine, neither concept quite right. Ukraine has ments in the last ten years to overcome opinion, which of these has troubled not only among the general public, but even managed, although questions of transparen- that mentality? Ukraine the most? within the U.S. government and among the cy, corruption and human rights still exist, The very fact of the achievement of inde- While all of these have a destructive so-called “foreign policy establishment.” to keep a state of relative peace among its pendence is to be celebrated and the fact influence on Ukraine, the effect of large- Within the U.S. government Ukraine tend- citizens and has accomplished the first dem- that this independence has lasted. In the scale corruption is especially corrosive, and ed to come up mostly through our concerns ocratic transfer of power from its inaugural early 1990’s, there were some analysts who I believe has made Ukraine vulnerable to about human rights issues and Captive president to its second. predicted Ukraine would break apart and the influence of Russia. In fact, I think that Nations annual proclamations. I must note At this critical crossroads, 10 years after made much of the differences between east- those – a minority – who argue against criti- that prior to independence the U.S. its initial declaration, Ukraine must evalu- ern and western Ukraine. Yet Ukraine has cizing Ukraine because somehow this will Congress was active on behalf of Ukrainian ate and learn from its past. As this past is survived. And there have been real achieve- push Ukraine in the direction of Russia have issues – human rights, Helsinki Monitors not only a chronology of events but an indi- ments, over the last ten years, including the argument backward. Moreover, I doubt and other political prisoners, defense of the cator of the future. It is a textbook to deci- internal stability, the development of state if those who gave up their lives over the banned Ukrainian Catholic Church to a pher and learn from. Ukraine must begin to institutions, tolerance for its national centuries for the ideal of an independent rather significant extent – something that evaluate this textbook in order to develop minorities, constructive relations with its Ukraine would have wanted to see an inde- I’ve found many political leaders in and strengthen its choice of democracy. neighbors, cooperation with the West, espe- pendent Ukraine which benefits a small cor- Ukraine aren’t really aware of. The following interviews are the first of a cially the United States, and the recent posi- rupt elite at the expense of the overwhelm- Following independence, the United three-part series conducted with profession- tive economic indicators, including the ing majority of the population and keeps States established relations with Ukraine as als and academics aimed at reflecting upon recent rise in GNP and industrial produc- Ukraine from realizing its full economic it would with any other “real” country. Ukraine’s ten-year development and their tion. And anyone who hasn’t seen Kyiv in potential. The behavior of the oligarchs and Moreover, there has been a significant evo- outlook for her future. the last ten years will most certainly be in their patrons in Ukraine – who have thwart- lution in understanding Ukraine, especially * * * for a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, ed economic reforms and a favorable cli- its geo-strategic significance. despite the progress, the quality of mate for most foreign investment – indi- Immediately after independence, there OREST DEYCHAKIWSKY is a Staff Ukraine’s independence leaves something cates little in common with Ukraine’s stated was a tendency to see Ukraine through the Advisor for the U.S. Commission on to be desired. European aspirations. prism of the nuclear disarmament issue, or Security and Cooperation in Europe through the prism of Russia, but this (OSCE; The Helsinki Commission). Ukraine has had ten years now to find What factors continue to undermine changed. Relations improved markedly in its place – whether in the European com- Ukraine’s efforts at democratic reform the mid-1990’s and Ukraine became – and Can you comment on the expectations munity, the eastern/Russian embrace or and what can Ukraine do over the course still remains – one of the United State’s of the diaspora regarding the possibilities some combination of the two. Do you see of the next ten years in order to prevent it largest recipients of bilateral assistance and of Ukrainian independence in the late any significant factors that may lead you from falling backward and move for- a cooperative and constructive relationship 1980s and early 1990s? to believe Ukraine has found its place in ward with democratic reform? has emerged in the military, security, eco- the foreign context? nomic, cultural and other fields. The achievement of independence for Continued widespread corruption, the Now, everybody in government and the Ukraine was a major historical event – both I find it hard to have a great deal of lack of rule of law and the lack of true sepa- foreign policy establishment except perhaps for Ukraine and for Europe, the importance enthusiasm for the tenth anniversary cele- ration of powers undermines Ukraine’s the most obtuse or stubbornly Russo-centric of which cannot be overstated. And it was brations partly because Ukraine has not yet independence. Every effort should be made understands that a genuinely independent, an unexpected event – it’s now easy to for- found its place. Yes, everyone recognizes to support democratic political forces, non- stable, democratic Ukraine is absolutely in get that most people, including Ukrainian that the deep scars left by Soviet communist governmental organizations, and the inde- United States and Western interests. Americans, never thought that independ- oppression will take time to heal and change pendent media and to encourage democratic Moreover, I think that the United States and ence would occur in their lifetimes. If some- does not take place overnight. But what processes – including free and fair elections Canada are definitely ahead of the one, say, in 1987 or even 1988, would have troubles me is the direction in which – as this will truly serve to strengthen said that Ukraine will be independent by the Ukraine has been heading in the last few Ukraine’s independence. Progress with Europeans (with the obvious exception of Poland and several other of Ukraine’s neighbors) in understanding Ukraine’s importance. This is not to suggest, however, that there is not room for improvement on the part of the United States in forging a more coherent policy towards Ukraine. There have been some setbacks in U.S.- Ukrainian relations of late. Problems with respect to democratic development and the rule of law, corruption at very high levels, the ouster of Prime Minister Yuschenko, a non-conducive environment for foreign investment, and even the latest example, Ukraine’s stubborn failure to halt CD. pira- cy, have frustrated even longtime friends of Ukraine in both government and Congress. As a result, Ukraine has faced more criti- cism from the West than before, although the powers-that-be in Kyiv should under- stand that this criticism is motivated by a desire to see Ukraine as an independent, democratic, prosperous European country. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice had exactly the right message during her recent visit to Kyiv, in saying that

Chrystyna Lapychak Ukraine’s integration into Europe depends The scene outside the Ukrainian Parliament on the day Ukraine declared it independence. (Continued on page 9) No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 9

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE events in general. What Ukraine has seen in An academic... the last ten years is that this Soviet (Continued from page 8) Ukrainian elite, which now turned into a sort of Oligarchic elite that runs Ukraine, Independence: a timeline on democratic reforms, transparent probes has been unable to formulate any ideology, (Continued from page 7) into killings of journalists and fair elections, any vision of what they are building both emphasizing that we’ll be watching the February 11-12, 1989 The Ukrainian Language Society holds its founding domestically and in the foreign policy Rada elections in 2002. congress. arena. Despite the frustrations, however, I am February 15, 1989 The formation of the Initiative Committee for the Renewal confident that the United States will contin- Because of the fact that they’re self of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church is ue to remain engaged with Ukraine, helping absorbed? announced. her to eventually become a member of the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. Yes, they’re basically ex-national February 16, 1989 Rukh publishes its draft program in Literaturna Ukraina. Communists that have lost an ideology. * * * They lost that ideology in the late Brezhnev February 19-21, 1989 Large public rallies take place in Kyiv to protest the elec- TARAS KUZIO i s a research associate at era when people were still members of the tion laws on the eve of the March 26 elections to the USSR the Center for International and Security Communist Party but didn’t really believe Congress of People’s Deputies and to call for the resigna- Studies at York University. His recent publi- in the future of Communism. And they tion of the first secretary of the Communist Party of cations include: Ukraine: Perestroika to went on to transform their political clout Ukraine, Volodymyr Scherbytsky, often referred to as “the Independence, Second Edition (London: into economic clout by creating a myriad of mastodon of stagnation.” The demonstrations coincide Macmillan, New York: St. Martin’s Press, centrist political parties that are very amor- with a visit to Ukraine by Soviet President Mikhail 2000), ISBN: 0312216750 and Ukraine: phous and have no ideological underpin- Gorbachev. State and Nation Building (London and nings apart from defending a particular New York: Routledge, 1998), ISBN: group’s access to states resources. February 26, 1989 Between 20,000 and 30,000 people participate in an 0415171954. So these ex-national communists are de- unsanctioned ecumenical memorial service in Lviv mark- ideologized in the complete sense of the ing the 128th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko’s death. Can you comment on your personal term, and as much, they cannot adopt and expectations, in August of 1991, for the cannot formulate a clear vision of what they March 4, 1989 The Memorial Society, committed to honoring the victims newly emerged democratic Ukraine? Did are building domestically. They espouse the of Stalinism and cleansing society of its Soviet vestiges, is you believe Ukraine would be capable of rhetoric of building a civil society, of founded in Kyiv. A public rally is held the next day. standing on its own two feet or would it, democratization, a free market economy, as some have forecasted, be lucky to last building Ukraine as a political nation-state, Mar ch 12, 1989 A pre-elections meeting organized in Lviv by the through the year and how has it lived up but this is nothing more than empty rheto- Ukrainian Helsinki Union and the Marian Society to those expectations? ric. Similarly, when they talk about foreign Myloserdia (Compassion) is violently dispersed, and near- policy, they talk about returning to Europe, ly 300 people are detained. I think that all of us, in the diaspora in but it means absolutely nothing. The funda- general and even those in academia and mental aspect of all of this is that they have March 26, 1989 Elections are held to the 2,250-member USSR Congress of journalism, were optimistic at the start of no ideology and their sole purpose is to People’s Deputies; bye-elections are held on April 9, May Ukraine’s independence. At the same, time enrich themselves and to maintain power. 14 and May 21. Out of the total of 225 deputies represent- we have to remember that we did not expect ing Ukraine, 175 are elected in the four rounds of elections. Ukraine to become independent as quickly Can we compare any of this to what is Most are conservatives, though a handful of progressives as it did. Most of us thought it would take currently happening in Belarus under do make the cut. several years for the Soviet Union to slowly the authority of Aleksander Lukashenka disintegrate. The fact that independence as regards the process of state and April 20-23, 1989 Pre-elections meetings are held in Lviv for four consecu- landed in our lap was very surprising to all nation-building? tive days, drawing crowds of up to 25,000. The action includes an hourlong warning strike at eight local facto- of us; nevertheless, we had highly romantic The situation is somewhat complicated ries and institutions. It is the first labor strike in Lviv expectations of the country. One of the fea- given that the elites in Ukraine will never since 1944. tures that comes out in any academic study move in the direction of Belarus. For the of Ukraine over the last ten years is the Ukrainian elite, Belarus and Lukashenka May 3, 1989 A pre-elections rally attracts 30,000 in Lviv. degree to which we, both academics and are unusual. They can’t comprehend some- diaspora, underestimated the legacy of body giving away their statehood and sov- Russian and Soviet rule in Ukraine. May 7, 1989 The Memorial Society organizes a mass meeting at ereignty to another country. Belarus’ actions Bykivnia, site of a mass grave of Stalin’s victims. After a This legacy is far deeper than any of us are basically seen as the giving away of wanted to believe at the time and we can march from Kyiv to the site, a memorial service is sovereignty to Russia. The Ukrainian elite offered. see this by the fact that events have moved will never go in that direction because they far differently, far slower and in the fact enjoy the trappings of power, as has been mid-May through Ukrainian Greek-Catholic hunger strikers stage protests that, pretty much, the people running the case throughout the former USSR. Ukraine today are not that different from the Many states in Central Asia never want- mid-September 1989 On Moscow’s Arbat to call attention to the plight of their people who ran Ukraine in the late Soviet ed independence. Belarus was very reluc- Church. They are especially active during the July session era. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the tant as well, but now that these Ukrainian of the World Council of Churches held in Moscow. The mentality of many in the leadership hasn’t elites are in power they enjoy the power protest is ended with the arrests of the group on changed substantially. and international status. In the Soviet era, September 18. I would say that over the last ten years they could never have dreamed of having less has been done than could have been such power when they were state- and May 27, 1989 The founding conference of the Lviv regional Memorial done. I think the impression many people KGB-controlled. Unfortunately, the kind Society is held. will have is that there has been a lot of wast- of state-building they’re undertaking at ed time. That’s from the viewpoint of some- present is very corrupt and has basically June 18, 1989 Approximately 100,000 faithful participate in public reli- body who wants to see progress, but obvi- evolved, not towards a liberal democratic gious services in Ivano-Frankivsk, responding to Cardinal ously, for those who have been enriching Anglo Saxon or Western type of state, but Myroslav Lubachivsky’s call for an international day of themselves in the country this has not been more toward a Latin American corporatist prayer. wasted time. On the contrary, it’s been a state, where there’s a very close connec- process of converting political clout that tion to both the political economic arena August 19, 1989 The Russian Orthodox Parish of Ss. Peter and Paul these people had in the early 1990’s as and the state. announces it is switching to the Ukrainian Autocephalous members of the Soviet Ukrainian elite, into Orthodox Church. economic clout in the second half of the Ukraine has had ten years to show 1990’s, and, as the world bank put it – “then signs of progress – of moving along with September 2, 1989 Tens of thousands in cities across Ukraine protest the draft capturing the Ukrainian state.” policies to promote reform. In which gen- election law that reserves s1pecial seats for the Communist eral area do you believe Ukraine has had Party and other official organizations: 50,000 in Lviv, Ukraine has yet to firmly resolve the the least success? 40,000 in Kyiv, 10,000 in Zhytomyr, 5,000 each in question of state and nation-building. Dniprodzerzhynsk and Chervonohrad and 2,000 in Can you comment on the mentality that I would say that probably the saddest Kharkiv. has slowed Ukraine’s progress in that aspect is in the arena of nation-building. respect? The former Soviet Ukrainian elite and the September 8-10, 1989 Writer Ivan Drach is elected to head Rukh, the Popular current oligarchic elite don’t really have a Movement of Ukraine for Peredudova, at its founding con- One has to look at the people who are in problem with the blue and yellow flag, the gress in Kyiv. charge of Ukraine. They are part of the for- tryzub, or for that matter, Hrushevsky’s his- mer Soviet Ukrainian elite who basically, in toriography. On these points they’re willing September 17, 1989 Between 150,000 and 200,000 march in Lviv to demand the late Brezhnev era, although still official- to defer to the national democrats because the legalization of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. It ly members of the Communist Party , unof- they don’t really have any alternative. An is the largest demonstration of Ukrainian Catholics since ficially laughed at the Communist Party. independent state has to have it’s own sym- World War II. Hence, it was very easy for them to ditch bols, but then again, it took ten years of the CP. They had a very nihilistic, cynical (Continued on page 11) view of life, of the public at large and of (Continued on page 10) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE I don’t believe that Ukraine’s elites will that the process of de-Sovietization in toward greater authoritarianism. The fact An academic... ever go the Belorussian way because for Ukraine is far more drawn out than we that it’s now nearly a year since Heorhii (Continued from page 9) them it would mean basically a return to the thought and hence, the shift from the Gongadze was abducted, killed and still course to take the hammer and sickle off of Soviet system of dependence on Russia. Kuchma to the Yuschenko generation will there’s been no solution to the situation and, the Ukrainian Parliament. The one good thing about the last ten years, take longer then we expected. given that Ukraine has a reputation, accord- and this is where Russia has been really ing to the Journalists Without Borders Can you comment on the development good in helping us, is that the Ukrainian So we’ve recognized three possibilities organization, of having the worst record in of the Ukrainian language? elites have a very strong distrust of Russia. where Ukraine can move: the first being Europe on journalists, shows that there has- And the Russian’s are their own worst ene- the Belorussian way; the second being n’t been progress. If anything the general This is something that is close to the mies in this respect. So that scenario is not the middle or “muddled way;” and the situation has gotten worse. heart of many people in the diaspora. It’s likely. third the Yuschenko way. If Ukraine does Thus, the U.S. Congress may decide to rather a complex situation. Basically, the The other scenario, the one you men- continue down the muddled way will the cut back aid which was going to the opposi- business elite in Ukraine are largely tioned with regard to Yuschenko, would IMF or other Western organizations that tion, NGO’s and civil society. This wasn’t Russian-speaking, but the Kuchma elite entail the undertaking of domestic policies loan money or provide assistance to going to Kuchma or anyone person specifi- understand the importance of language as a that would facilitate integration with the Ukraine continue to do so? cally. If anything, if you really want to hurt factor sustaining independence. West. But there are some key differences Kuchma you’d cut back on IMF or World The IMF and the World Bank will con- (Specifically, in view of the Belorussian between the Yuschenko bloc and the current Bank aid, not on American aid. But I think tinue to give money to Ukraine even if paradigm; they have no language and there- ruling elites. First of all, it’s generational; there’s a sense of frustration – that they Ukraine follows this middle path. Why? for that’s led to a loss of independence). there’s no question that the current ruling can’t really do much more. Nevertheless, Because these organizations are based in Ukraine has had a half-hearted commit- elites, i.e. the de-ideologized ex-national it’s interesting that the Bush Administration Washington, and Ukraine will always be ment to language; it’s not a commitment communists, have an in-bred cynicism was opposed to the move; the Bush key to America’s geopolitical designs in that we readily understand. One can see this which stems from the Brezhnev era. At their Administration believes that they can still Europe and basically the IMF and World if you go around Kyiv and look at the book stage in life to ditch communism was fine continue to work with Ukraine regardless of Bank will do what the United States says. but in return they wanted to be well-paid for this move. fairs and see what’s for sale. One should The United States, particularly with presi- look at the media in particular, where it. Thus, they have an orientation that is basically schizophrenically divided as an dent George Bush at the helm (an ineffec- As regards Ukraine’s involvement there’s been an explosion of Russian-lan- tive Reaganite who sees geopolitics as guage publications. It is not an anti- economic and cultural orientation to the with Western institutions, do you see East (i.e. to Russia – culturally in terms of being more important than reform), will Ukraine leaning towards NATO? Do you Ukrainian language policy like in Belarus, allow Ukraine to get away with the mud- where the state is forcibly moving out the the Russian language and culture and eco- see a spot for Ukraine in NATO? nomically because that’s where they can dled way and will continue to receive aid Belorussian language in favor of Russian. No, only if the Yuschenko group make short-term corrupt deals). and both sides will continue to espouse But neither is it a policy that encourages the becomes ascendant in Ukraine. The current The orientation towards the West is for rhetoric about Ukraine’s rejoining Europe in Ukrainian language. And in that respect elites in Ukraine used the NATO card, up political and security issues because they the great reform process currently underway they are failing with the issue of language. until 1999, very effectively to force Russia need the West, particularly the United States in Ukraine. And that situation is also true of It all goes back to a lack of any real pro- to accept Ukraine’s borders. It’s not a coin- and NATO to support them geopoliticaly. NATO. gram and vision for a Ukrainian state on the cidence that in May 1997 Boris Yeltsin So this kind of schizophrenic division is a NATO’s interests are primarily geopoliti- part of the current ruling elite. came to Kyiv to sign a treaty with Ukraine reflection of the current people in power. cal and the key country in NATO is the and two months later Ukraine signed a char- Do you believe that sometime in the But such people as the Tarasiuks and United States. So for the West, for institu- ter with NATO. Nor is it a coincidence that future, perhaps within the next five or Yuschenkos who’ve traveled to the West, tions like the IMF, World Bank and NATO in early 1999 both houses of the Russian ten years, specifically referring to some who’ve been trained in the West and who which are linked to American geopolitical Parliament ratified the Ukrainian treaty of the new blocs forming such as Yulia haven’t been corrupted by the stagnation of interests in Ukraine, Ukraine can muddle which basically sealed the question of the Tymoshenko’s or Victor Yuschenko’s the Brezhnev era are not inbred cynics. The along – for them, it’s not a matter of serious Ukrainian-Russian border and then Ukraine blocs, Ukraine will develop a group of latter have a different orientation, and for concern; as long as there is at least some suddenly stopped talking about NATO politicians that could ascend to the high- this they are seen as such a threat to the muddling and not a complete return to a membership. Subsequently, from 1999 er ranks and bring vision to Ukraine and Kuchma elites. They are economically ori- Belorussian status. Ukraine only talked about aspiring to the create meaningful change? ented to the West, because they don’t want The situation is different with regard to EU and no longer to NATO. So prior to short-term, corrupt economic gain; they Western European organizations – i.e. the 1999 Ukraine talked about integrating into Well, yes, the situation was never that want transparent economic reform and European Union and the Council of Europe, Trans-Atlantic and European structures, i.e., bleak. The level of corruption, the tax on Western, not Russian, investment. They are for whom muddling along is not acceptable. NATO and the EU right? But from 1999 it journalists and human rights, and the lan- culturally oriented to the West. They speak The interests of these organizations are in only talks about joining European (i.e., EU) guage situation are probably the worst the English language, they look to Western reform, human rights and the democratic structures. So the NATO card was used very examples, but there are other areas that do culture and civilization; they want to be process – not in geopolitics. The whole effectively to get Russia to recognize show progress. Ukraine can really go three seen as part of Europe. pyramid of importance is shifted; it’s the ways: It can go the Belorussian way; it can The Kuchma elites can’t decide whether opposite of the IMF, World Bank, NATO Ukraine’s borders and it continues to be stay what it is, which is not deciding what it they’re part of Europe or part of Eurasia. and the United States. The only feasibility used now as part of this schizophrenic ori- wants to do and remain unclear in its And that’s an important thing to grasp where these organizations could see entation I have talked about. Ukraine integrating further into Europe is to domestic and foreign policies; or, it can go because the current elites talk about If you’re looking at the three different the Yuschenko way which is to have a clear Ukraine’s integration and return to Europe, not go the muddled way but to basically go the Yuschenko way. directions Ukraine can move towards, cut policy in every area in terms of national- but it’s pure rhetoric meant to keep Russia whether its the Belorussian way, the ity, foreign policy, politics and economics. at bay. But this goes back to my first point Does this have anything to do with muddled way, or the Yuschenko way, in Ukraine’s progress over the last ten years your opinion, which avenue do you think in the field of geopolitics? Ukraine will take? Ukraine excels at geopolitics and the In the short term I think it will be the Ukrainian elites are very good at playing off muddled way, and in the medium- to long- Russia against the West on geopolitics. One term it will be the Yuschenko way. Because can see that in the Kuchma-gate scandal the muddled way cannot continue indefi- when Kuchma threatened to go to Russia if nitely, once that whole generation moves the West continued to attack him and, low out, once there’s a critical mass in the pri- and behold, the West panicked and the U.S. vate sector and civil society that can act Secretary of Defense and the NATO upon its interests, then the muddled way Secretary General went there and now will just be unacceptable. Javier Solana is in Kyiv. Ukraine will One can see this in the population at always excel at this. Unfortunately, large – the fact that Yuschenko is the only Ukraine’s geopolitical status is both a posi- politician, and I want to stress this point, tive and negative thing for Ukraine because who has had such a positive and high rating. it allows the elites to get off the hook and What does that tell you about the rest of the allows them to continue along the muddled politicians? The public at large see way. Yuschenko as someone who is not corrupt, who is not concerned with his own interests. The House of Representatives recently He is interested in the state and the popula- voted to drop funding by 44 million. Do tion at large. Yuschenko is popular not just you see that as a sign of dissatisfaction in western Ukraine, but throughout Ukraine. with Ukraine or its progress? So from that point of view it’s a matter of the Soviet legacy that has left a population This does not reflect President George that feels very inadequate in forcing through Bush’s policy in Ukraine; rather, it is a its mandate. reflection of the frustration within the U.S. The one thing you notice in opinion polls Congress. I think “frustration” is a key word Chrystyna Lapychak in Ukraine is that a large percent of the pop- here and we’re all frustrated because of the ulation, as was in the Soviet era, feel they The Ukrainian flag is draped over the chairman’s platform in the Ukrainian evolution of events in Ukraine since the late Parliament following Ukraine’s declaration of independence 1990s that has been marked by a trend (Continued on page 17) No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 11

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE

A commentary on independence Independence: a timeline (Continued from page 9) in 10 years of Weekly editorials September 21, 1989 Exhumation of a mass grave begins in Demianiv Laz, a Below are excerpts of editorials on In short order, structures of the nature preserve south of Ivano-Frankivsk. Ukraine’s independence proclamation Communist Party of Ukraine were dis- and subsequent anniversaries of that his- mantled, Lenin’s towering likeness was S eptember 28, 1989 First Secretary of the CPU Volodymyr Scherbytsky, a toric day, which were published by The removed from the most prominent spot holdover from the Brezhnev era, is retired. Ukrainian Weekly in the years 1991 on the Khreshchatyk, the Ukrainian capi- through 2000. tal’s main boulevard, and October O ctober 1, 1989 A peaceful demonstration of 10,000 to 15,000 is violently Revolution Square in the center of Kyiv dispersed by militia when the people protest in front of September 1, 1991 was officially renamed Independence Lviv’s Druzhba Stadium, where a concert celebrating the Square. Similar repudiations of the Soviet “reunification” of Ukrainian lands is held. Independence: bye-bye, USSR repugnant Communist past occurred throughout Ukraine. October 3, 1989 Nearly 30,000 Lviv residents rally to protest the violence The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Much more significant, however, was of October 1; a two-hour work strike also is held. Republic is no more. In its place, on that Ukraine’s declaration of independ- ence – the realization of a centuries-old October 10, 1989 Ivano-Frankivsk is the site of a pre-elections protest attend- August 24, arose an independent demo- ed by 30,000. cratic state called, simply, Ukraine. dream borne by Ukrainians around the globe – put an end, once and for all, to Events unfolded quickly. Almost with- October 15, 1989 Several thousand gather in Chervonohrad, Chernivtsi, out warning and, literally, overnight any hopes for the conclusion of a new union treaty and guaranteed the disinte- Rivne and Zhytomyr, 500 in Dnipropetrovsk and 30,000 in Ukraine’s long-sought independence Lviv to protest the elections law. became reality. Impelled by the failed gration of the Union of Soviet Socialist coup in Moscow, the obvious disintegra- Republics. ... O ctober 20, 1989 Faithful and clergy of the Ukrainian Autocephalous tion of the union and the hopeless demise After December 1, when over 90 per- Orthodox Church participate in a sobor in Lviv – the first of the Communist Party of the Soviet cent voted “yes” for Ukraine’s independ- since that Church’s forced liquidation in the 1930s. Union, the Ukrainian Parliament over- ence in a nationwide plebiscite, the first whelmingly adopted the Act of deputy chairman of the Ukrainian October 24, 1989 The all-union Supreme Soviet passes a law eliminating Declaration of the Independence of Parliament, Ivan Pliushch, said: “A new special seats for Communist Party and other official organ- Ukraine. Democrats, Communists and European state has emerged on the map izations’ representatives. those in between all saw that Ukraine sim- of the world. Its name: Ukraine.” Four ply must seize the moment, that Ukraine days later the newly elected president, October 26, 1989 Twenty factories and institutions in Lviv hold strikes and must take its future into its own hands and Leonid Kravchuk, took the oath of office meetings to once again protest the October 1 police brutali- not wait for outside forces to determine while placing his hand on two documents: ty in the city and the authorities’ unwillingness to prosecute the destiny of this nation of 52 million. the Constitution and the Declaration of those responsible. Suddenly the news media were replete Independence of Ukraine. ... October 26-28, 1989 The Zelenyi Svit environmental association holds its with reports on “the vital Ukraine,” “the founding congress. agricultural and industrial powerhouse” August 22, 1993 and “the breadbasket of the USSR.” On the threshold of the third year October 27, 1989 The Ukrainian SSR Supreme Soviet passes a law “On Commentators pointed out that the second Elections of People’s Deputies of the Ukrainian SSR,” most populous republic of what was the eliminating the special status of party and other official Soviet Union – and, according to Today the people of Ukraine realize organizations. Deutsche Bank, the republic ranked high- that their country, and they along with it, est in terms of economic criteria on its entered a new era with the declaration on October 28, 1989 The Ukrainian Supreme Soviet decrees that from January chances of succeeding on its own – would August 24, 1991, of an independent 1, 1990, Ukrainian will be the state language of Ukraine, now play the decisive role in defining Ukrainian state. They have come to real- while Russian will be used for communication between what type of union or federation, if any, ize also that the re-establishment of inde- nationality groups. would be formed in place of the USSR. pendence not only owes much to the sac- All around, day by day, the USSR was rifices of the past, but now requires new October 29, 1989 Thousands attend a memorial service at Demianiv Laz and withering away. The coup’s principal sacrifices if Ukraine is to emerge from its a temporary marker is placed to indicate that a monument achievement was to prove that central multiple crises. to the “victims of the represssions of 1939-1941” will soon power in the Soviet empire is dead, and Foremost among these crises, of course, be erected on the site. power was fast devolving to the is the economic crisis: inflation run amok, republics. “What has happened is the col- skyrocketing prices, useless economic October 28, 1989 The Congregation of the Church of the Transfiguration in lapse of the central empire, the full structures of the old Soviet order, a decline Lviv leaves the Russian Orthodox Church and proclaims destruction of the structures of imperial in production and a deficit of hard curren- itself a Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. power. There can be no illusions: the cy for the purchase of essential supplies. mid-November 1989 Soviet Union no longer exists,” Dr. Yuriy To add to the difficulties, Russia has The Shevchenko Ukrainian Language Society is officially Shcherbak, people’s deputy from Ukraine repeatedly applied economic leverage – registered. such as an oil and gas embargo – to try to told the USSR Supreme Soviet. ... November 19, 1989 force Ukraine to toe the line. As well, the A public gathering in Kyiv attracts thousands of mourners, friends and family to the reburial in Ukraine of three August 23, 1992 possible establishment of an economic union among several former Soviet inmates of the infamous Camp No. 36 in Perm in the The first anniversary republics, which many see as a pretense Urals: rights activists Vasyl Stus, Oleksiy Tykhy and Yuriy for renewal of subordination to Moscow, Lytvyn. Their remains are reinterred in Baikiv Cemetery. Last year, on August 24, 1991, as a looms as a threat to Ukraine. November 26, 1989 On a day of prayer and fasting proclaimed by Cardinal And then there are the more direct direct consequence of the failed coup d’é- Myroslav Lubachivsky, thousands of faithful in western threats emanating from Russia. The his- tat in Moscow, members of the Ukrainian Ukraine participate in liturgies and molebens on the eve of toric “elder brother” has claimed some SSR Supreme Council voted overwhelm- a meeting between Pope John Paul II and Soviet President sort of special regional role as a super- ingly to adopt the Act of Declaration of the Mikhail Gorbachev. power, overseer, peacekeeper, policeman. Independence of Ukraine. The vote came It has made outright territorial claims on at an extraordinary session of the repub- November 28, 1989 The Ukrainian SSR’s Council for Religious Affairs issues a Russian-populated regions of Ukraine lic’s Parliament convened on the initiative decree permitting registration of Ukrainian Catholic con- such as the Donbas and Crimea, and, of the democratic opposition – a minority gregations. The decree is proclaimed on December 1, coin- most recently, laid claim to the home port in the 450-member body. It came as a great ciding with a meeting at the Vatican between the pope and of the Black Sea Fleet, Sevastopol. the Soviet president. surprise to the Ukrainian population that Certain circles in Russia have engaged in the Communist Party-dominated subversive activities such as attempting Parliament voted 321-2 with six absten- December 10, 1989 The first officially sanctioned observance of International to instigate inter-ethnic conflicts within Human Rights Day is held in Lviv. tions (out of 360 members present) for Ukraine and participating in military “the creation of an independent Ukrainian actions on Ukraine’s borders. Nor should December 17, 1989 A public meeting organized in Kyiv by Rukh is dedicated state – Ukraine.” A companion resolution the Russian weapon of disinformation be to the memory of Dr. Andrei Sakharov, human rights cam- provided for immediate implementation of forgotten – particularly as it has been paigner and Nobel Peace Prize laureate; 30,000 attend. the proclamation of independence and for used in regard to Ukraine’s nukes and the a public referendum on December 1, 1991, nuclear status that Ukraine did not seek, December 26, 1989 Supreme Soviet of Ukrainian SSR adopts a law making to affirm the declaration. And thus, the bal- but inherited from the USSR. ... Christmas, Easter and the Feast of the Holy Trinity hol- ance of power in Ukraine had shifted in Ukraine has maintained its fragile inde- idays in the republic. favor of fledgling democratic forces and pendence in the face of great odds. It has Ukraine had crossed the Rubicon, choos- TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK. ing the path toward independence. (Continued on page 16) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE INTERVIEWS: Ukrainians in Kyiv comment on Ukraine today by Fran Ponomarenko in developing this area. that they were in Ukraine and, therefore, it formed in which people do not respect the Neither are there any laws in place was normal to speak Ukrainian. And we all Ukrainian national idea. Frania Ponomarenko teaches in the which would encourage patronage of the felt that was how it should be. President Kuchma himself said that the English Department at Vanier College, arts. Rich people here do not originate from Today all this has changed. We didn’t national idea has not worked. The implica- Montreal. She is also a writer of fiction and the nationally conscious sectors of society. even realize when the main publishing tions of this statement are obvious. Now the has published short stories in various jour- They don’t care about the arts and their houses found themselves without any government will work otherwise. What will nals, as well as a collection titled “The financing whatsoever. The book market is Ukraine become? Some kind of conglomer- Parcel From Chicken Street and Other development. It will take time for them to ate? And united to what? Stories.” She taught advanced English in acquire an interest in culture. In truth, bombarded with Russian books. In fact, Kyiv during the month of July for Prosvita though lip service is paid about a focus on even romance novels, which are very popu- the economy, neither the economy nor cul- lar, are written by Russians. They some- How does the future look then for the through the Ukrainian National Ukrainian language and Ukrainian Association’s English Teachers for Ukraine ture are attended to. times adopt Anglo-Saxon pseudonyms to make it look like the books come from the nation? Project. All this is rather troubling. She writes: On July 30, just prior to West, but these books are written and pro- It’s sad. One thing left that we can be duced in Russia and they are sent here en departing from Kyiv, I went to the Prosvita Yes, we feel like people who live on a happy about is that I believe there is an masse. office on Museum Lane in order to bid reservation, because the politicians and the indestructible force – the spirit of the There is only one television station farewell to some of the fine people that I president have not thought things out. Ukrainian nation – and that no matter what had met during the month I spent in the which is Ukrainian. It is a state television our situation, whether it was under Peter I, Ukrainian capital teaching English. Folks Can you comment on the present sen- station and it works for the present govern- or the Ems Ukaz, the Ukrainian nation was there said that it was a pity that I was timent of Russians toward independent ment. It does not promulgate a Ukrainian not destroyed. Fate may take us on a differ- returning to Canada before the 10th Ukraine? spirit. All other television programs are in ent road now, but it will not destroy the anniversary celebrations. And that was Russian and the films that are aired are Ukrainian nation. And it may flourish one when I asked those who were present – As for the Russians, well, they cannot either Russian or American. day. Halyna Tarasiuk, Natalia Skrynnyk and seem to accept an independent Ukraine. In The television industry is very strong in Unfortunately, I don’t see much hope in Roxana Fortunska – what they thought the the 1960s the Russian elite did support the Russia. We Ukrainians now look very the younger generation. The young people 10 years had concretely brought for national awakening in Ukraine, but when provincial compared to what they are have become denationalized in the last five Ukraine. Ukraine actually became independent, the accomplishing in Russia. We have no years. They live in a world of Russian films * * * Russians began to feel offended wealthy nationally conscious people who and Russian books and they consider all (obrazheni). The elder brother complex and would support a Ukrainian television indus- this normal. Who knows what will happen? Halyna Tarasiuk, a well-known a history of imperial ideology is so strong try. The television industry here is in the This is all deeply painful. For the moment Ukrainian writer, journalist and community we are in a period of stagnation. activist, has published many volumes of Why did God punish us Ukrainians? poetry and prose fiction. Her works have The diaspora should work the same way it Why is it that when you speak Ukrainian, been translated into German, Italian, other people think there is something Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Latvian and once did, and that is to tell the truth, to wrong with you? Apparently, you feel Polish. She was born on the October 26, uncomfortable speaking your native lan- 1948, in the village of Orlivka, in Vinnytsia speak the truth about what is happening in guage. The social factor is always present. Oblast. She also works as a writer and edi- Ukraine: that denationalization is taking The majority speak Russian, so why not tor for the Kyiv-based newspaper Slovo you? So you have a situation where you are Prosvity. place, that there is a chauvinist onslaught, living in our own land and yet you feel like a stranger. In a sense, the same old Soviet We are now commemorating the 10th and cultural development is ignored. mentality is just continuing. anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence. What are the What role do you see for the diaspora major things that you think have been amongst the Russians that they just feel hands of people who are ready enough to in these times? accomplished? insulted. accept the idea of a Ukrainian territory, but There is one small hope and that is that I am not speaking only of the Russian not one that is really Ukrainian. On the political level, Europe has at last the diaspora should not be blinded by the The Ukrainian film studios have been recognized us as an independent country. government here, but even the Russian idea that there is a Ukraine on the map. The destroyed, too, and the famous Dovzhenko Ukraine was always presumed to be some intelligentsia wants Ukraine to go back to diaspora should work the same way it once Studio is not functioning, neither is kind of southern territory of Russia. So, I being a part of Russia. These intellectuals did, and that is to tell the truth, to speak the Ukrtelefim, nor Ukrnaukfilm. These large think that we have accomplished much. should understand what national feeling truth about what is happening in Ukraine: buildings have now been rented out to busi- Some of the problems that we have is that and pride are, but they have no sympathy that denationalization is taking place, that nesses. And there is no money available to we continue to suffer from the aftermath of for Ukrainian independence. They look at there is a chauvinist onslaught, and cultural make a film, say about the UPA, or even Chornobyl, we are hampered by a certain Ukrainians from the vantage point of impe- development is ignored. about the 10 years of independence. The amount of corruption, as well as the mafia. rial superiority. I would say to them: do not be blinded Ministry of Culture says it has no money. This is extremely painful because we, by the awards that you are given, or that The Third World Forum of And many film directors are now begging the Ukrainian nation, are a people of great you are called to meet with the president. Ukrainians is about to take place. What for their bread. Russian films, in the mean- achievements, of great culture. We have a Speaking the truth will be a great support do you see coming out of it? time, are shown here continuously. wonderful folklore, which people know for us, even more valuable than monetary Also, many theaters in the various about, but we also have great literature, gifts. Ukrainian organizations in the West Ukrainian intellectuals don’t have much oblasts no longer operate and that is sophisticated art and a strong cinemato- should help their governments know the hope that anything will emerge. Previous because the oblast cultural divisions are graphic tradition, and we would like the rest truth. forums were not consolidating and the unable to provide money to support them. of the world to know us for this, to know Ukrainian ideal was not realized as a result Many of our actors are presently working in that we are a creative original nation with In this kind of situation, whom do you of them. All kinds of resolutions and deci- Italy and Greece. lots of potential and talent. think the diaspora ought to work with sions are taken but these are not taken up The same applies to Ukrainian newspa- here in Ukraine? and implemented by the government. In your view, what are the most press- pers. These are not supported by the state or The process of denationalization is oper- ing problems now? by Ukrainian intellectuals, and there is at Of course, it was perfectly natural to ating from all sides, from Russia, which is the present time no rich Ukrainian-oriented work with politicians, initially, because The government says that the economy not interested in the national idea, and from elite. The oligarchs are connected to Russia, nation-building was crucial. Today, howev- should be the priority, and this is the con- the West, too. Neither is there any support Israel, and other countries, and they have no er, we need financial help in order to effect ception that is being propagated. And yet for this idea in the Ukrainian government, interest in the national question. a spiritual rebirth. We need help in produc- nothing is being done on that front. In reali- as laws that were connected to this are not ing films, and publishing books that are his- ty the economy has collapsed. No one is being adhered to. Would it be fair to suggest then that torical and contemporary. Ukrainian books doing anything so that we can have our the cultural elite is, for the time being, need to be translated into other languages, own economic development. The One rarely hears Ukrainian in Kyiv. unable to flourish as it should? and I mean literature aside from [Oksana] Ukrainian government may say the econo- What is the present situation with regard Zabuzhko and [Yuriy] Andrukhovych, Yes, in 10 years all was done to destroy my is the priority but it doesn’t really care to the Ukrainian language? because there is a real Ukrainian literature. the creative Ukrainian elite. How was this There are literary fighters like Anna Halya about the development of it. Between 1991 and 1993, on that initial done? By creating a situation where they Horbach who is presently living in wave of early independence, strange things What is happening in the area of cul- have become beggars. A writer may pro- Germany. occurred: no one was antagonistic to the ture? duce a novel, but good work is not finan- When humanitarian help is given, it is Ukrainian language. All kinds of people cially supported. Few films are released in best not to direct it to an organization or a Everything is being done so that our cul- used it, children, intellectuals, even though the Ukrainian language. As for the fine arts, party, but to a person whom one wants to ture does not develop. There are no pro- it may have been hard for them. The law on well, a few artists have been able to sell help and whose project one is familiar. It’s grames for the advancement of culture, no the use of the Ukrainian language originat- their works. But on the whole, all this common knowledge that during the first financing arrangements for the arts, and ed with the government and there was no means that Ukraine is becoming provincial. years of [Leonid] Kravchuk’s reign the state even publishing has totally fallen apart. feeling that any pain was connected to this And everything is being done to make us Here, too, the government is not interested issue. All sorts of people readily accepted look provincial too, and a mentality is being (Continued on page 13) No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 13

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE Ukrainians in Kyiv... (Continued from page 12) organized specific individuals to work with the diaspora. It is best to work with people directly, and this way one can avoid corrup- tion. Presently, Ukrainians live with a contin- uous feeling of apocalypse, and almost everyone wants to settle their children else- where. Chornobyl was the first sign, the precursor, first a material and physical catastrophe, and now there is a spiritual Chornobyl. People just want to grab any- thing, want to go to the West. But others are connected to Ukraine and need assistance. And this sense of apocalypse is accompa- nied by a refutation of Taras Shevchenko, and works turn up designating the great poet to be a pervert, and I believe that these attacks on our heritage will continue, and Halyna Tarasiuk Natalia Skrynnyk Roxana Fortunska we will see attacks on Lesia Ukrainka, too. These are, in fact, meant to be understood had and what they owned. Some people hid Our children have started to think differ- Most people do not know Ukrainian; as attacks on Ukrainians. their animals. Detailed questions and infor- ently, and have fewer complexes than we they think in Russian. As for the young peo- Who is doing this? Russia is paying for mation was requested, such as how many do. They are also smarter than we are. Kyiv ple, they think that it is prestigious to speak this kind of libel. At the moment there are chickens do you own, and so on. Officially, has become more beautiful. Money has Russian. Lots of the music here comes from no great works being written about they said the reason was to determine the been poured into reconstruction and build- Russia. Even those who can’t speak Russian Shevchenko. In my opinion, the only way increase in prosperity, but the real reason is ing. There are lots of stores and new super- properly speak a kind of surzhyk. Ukrainian to beat these problems is to produce bril- to establish a basis upon which to tax people markets, which we only saw in films from pride does manifest itself but it’s usually liant work. I think it might be a good idea to on what they have. time to time and fantasized about. Now we only when a athlete wins a medal. On a set up competitions for the best novel, this have everything. daily basis everyone just speaks Russian. What are the effects of this economic could be done from the diaspora. Before The question one can ask is: Is it a posi- And you rarely hear Ukrainian music in the upheaval on children? there were stipends for artists, now there are tive or a negative that some people are able cafés. virtually no financial awards. In the villages the schools are backward to make so much money? Before we were Another reason for this use of Russian is more equal, even though our abilities were the long years of ethnic mixture. I have What is your view of the changes in and so these children do not have much of different. We wore the same clothes and ate some Polish blood, for instance. My great- village life and the dismantling of the chance to compete with a city child for the same food. We were equal but now there great-grandmother was a Branitski, a Polish kolhosps? placement in schools of higher learning. Consequently, these children just remain in are more possibilities to make money. If noblewoman who came to Kamianets I think it was a big mistake to undo the the villages and work there. Also, the inabil- you are smart and have a commercial Podilskyji and assimilated. And I feel a love kolhosps. Of course, we know of the great ity to earn an income has forced many streak, you can do well. for Poland. But I consider myself to be price it cost Ukrainians to set them up, and women to go to Italy and Greece, before it And what negatives have emerged in Ukrainian even though I have a Polish the great sacrifice that went into construct- used to be Poland. Thus, they are forced to the 10 years? name. ing them initially. But the kolhosp system leave their children alone with their fathers. What do you think would make the became part of the mentality here, and peo- When Ukrainians go abroad, they do not The pensioners are in bad straits because Ukrainian language pr ple worked and managed somehow, and always go as legal workers, and so they they are very poor. If their children do not estigious? often find themselves demeaned and humil- under a good kolhosp leader things became give them money, they are truly badly off. If all the government people used it. If iated once again. If they come into contact better. It wasn’t ideal by any means, but it Also, a fine education requires money and famous stars and artists, particularly young did get to the point where it worked. Now with good people, and this happens, too, so few children have the opportunity to because there are good people everywhere, ones, who are idols, spoke Ukrainian and all the changes are sudden, once again. Just study in good lycées and universities. didn’t use Russian. That would go a long as collectivization took place with lightning then they are helped. As for the state of the Ukrainian lan- But this situation has meant that many way to changing things. Also, the mass speed now the collapse is taking place at guage, things are worse and yet it should be media would need to be in Ukrainian. But the same pace. People are often seen crying children who have been left at home simply the reverse. At the beginning of independ- this is not the case. saying: “Will we be working for the rich?” do not go to school. In Bukovyna alone, ence there was marked improvement but The present changes have given the 1000 children did not go to school. And this now things are reversing. The directors of I noticed quite a bit of American influ- heads of the kolhosp the possibility to steal, is an official figure, and therefore the num- many institutions are in fact the old ones, ence here. to slaughter and sell the animals, to sell kol- bers must be considerably higher. and they see that they can keep their old hosp technology and equipment. The peo- jobs, so they speak Russian. The same peo- Yes, there is a great American influence What do the folks who used to work in ple have been left totally at their own ple have just remained in their old positions. factories, which are now empty, do to here, too. Advertisements come from the Initially, they thought they would have to mercy. They have no horses of their own, earn a few hryvni? United States. And the American dream has no plows, no farm equipment, no tractors, change in order to keep their jobs, but now penetrated our consciousness too, and no combines to work in the fields. So, the They work elsewhere; they are hired by they see they don’t. everyone aspires to that dream. old heads of the kolhosps and the kolhosp the owners of the little booths in the mar- The language issue should be addressed economists simply said: “Sell us your ‘paji’ kets, and they sell clothes from other coun- in the family, and that’s where the learning So how does the future look to you? (plots of land).” The Ukrainian villagers should begin. Perhaps our children will tries, like China or Turkey. Few Ukrainian I do not believe that things will be bet- had no option but to sell the strips of land goods are sold in Ukraine now. In fact, change things. But it is still unclear if any- that were allocated to them or to rent them one better will come to power. ter in 10 years. The only solution is to some kolhosps skin the animals and then learn foreign languages and to go abroad out to the new managers or owners, and send the hides to Turkey where leather The unemployment due to factory clo- to work. Many young people have they get very little in return for this. goods are made, some of them come back sures is also a serious matter and I would become degraded. I don’t have the feel- The peasants are in a catastrophic state, to be sold in Ukraine. like the factories to work so that people and survive entirely from their gardens. could have jobs. But almost all the factories ing that the politicians are interested in Many old kolhosp farms are empty with Problems of this intensity are material have ceased operating. the future of Ukraine. wolves as their only visitors. Many of the for social novels. What is happening in People don’t have any sense of security. kolhosp tractors have been taken apart and this area? So, what do people live on? But you need hope. But, how can you out of the pieces one often sees all sorts of have it if you are thinking about food all Yes, indeed. But our writers do not write If they have relatives in villages they can the time. So, people need economic secu- little pulleys that people have made in order usually grow some food there. Often they to transport things. Killings even occurred about real problems, and the pressing issues rity then they will be able to think about are not addressed in literature. There is no are unable to pay their electricity bills and the national question. We need economic when the division of lands started. Some these are left unpaid. people got poor quality sections of land, social literature looking at these issues. It’s security. as if there were no problems. But I believe and murders occurred. The press does not that the sun will rise, no matter how long * * * What language are the courses in your write about this. The villagers live in prima- the night. university taught in? tive conditions, and they have no money, Roxana Fortunska is a 20-year-old uni- versity student. She is in her fourth year of but have to pay taxes. The Ukrainian farm * * * Well, the professor comes at the begin- worker has become a slave, without pride. studies at the faculty of philology, Natalia Skrynnyk is the director of the Drahomanov Pedagogical University in ning of the course and asks the students But no newspaper is interested in the condi- what language they would like to be taught tions of those people. language programes for Prosvita, both Kyiv. She was employed by Prosvita this English and Ukrainian. She also coordi- summer, as an assistant to Natalia Skrynnk. in. Then all the students shout: “In A census took place in the country- nates cultural programes. Russian!” And so the teaching goes on in side last year, didn’t it? You’re a young person, and so I’ll ask Russian. Some professors just speak What are, in your view, some of the you the question. Why do you think that Ukrainian and don’t ask the students. The Yes, in 2000, census takers went to ask positive accomplishments after ten years Ukrainian is rarely heard in the streets of older ones are more prone to ask which lan- every villager in the countryside what they of Ukrainian independence? Kyiv? guage to teach in. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE UNA announces winners of essay contest marking Ukraine’s independence by Oksana Trytjak UNA Special Projects Coordinator PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Ukrainian National Association announced the win- ners of its essay contest in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Ukraine’s independ- ence. The contest theme was “What the Independence of Ukraine Means to Me.” The contest was open to high school and college students, and essays were to be written in either Ukrainian or English. Forty-four students submitted essays – 20 in English and 24 in Ukrainian. The stu- dents were of varied backgrounds, ranging in age from 15 to 22, American-, Canadian- Anne Sophia Maziak Laura Fulmes Peter Steciuk Bohdan Kedyulych and Ukrainian-born, and with as many viewpoints as there were submissions. The English-language essays were Maziak, 19, of Bloomfiekd Hills, Mich., a College, who wrote in Ukrainian. Six qualified judges read and reread the judged by Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in- student at the University of Michigan at The judges selected another six essay essays and judged them on the basis of con- chief of The Ukrainian Weekly; Bohdanna Ann Arbor, who wrote in English. The two writers for honorable mention: Solomiya tent and language. Vitvitsky, advanced placement English liter- will split the top prize of $1,000. Ivashchuk, Vitaliy Kupchynski and Roman Olha Kuzmowycz, editor of Svoboda; ature teacher at John P. Stevens High Peter Steciuk, 20, of Convent Station, Petryk, who submitted essays in Ukrainian; Basil Tershakovec, former editor of School; and Zirka Voronka, English as a N.J., a student at Harvard University, won and Nina Celuch, Natalia Romas and Svoboda and long-time teacher and director second language professor at Passaic second prize, a weekend at Soyuzivka, for Nicholas Rudyk, who wrote in English. of schools of Ukrainian studies in New County Community College. his English-language essay. The top five Ukrainian- and English-lan- Jersey; and Anya Dydyk-Petrenko, the The first prize was shared by Laura Third prize, the two-volume “Ukraine: A guage essays are being published, respec- UNA’s second vice-president and news edi- Fulmes, 16, a student at Holy Name High Concise Encyclopaedia,” was awarded to tively, in Svoboda and The Ukrainian tor at Voice of America, judged the School in Cleveland, who submitted a Bohdan Kedyulych, 21, of Bethlehem, Pa., Weekly. These 10 essays also will be for- Ukrainian essays. Ukrainian-language essay, and Anne a student at Northampton Community warded to the president of Ukraine. What Ukraine’s independence means to me: the top five English-language essays Anne Sophia Maziak do so, I cannot become a true Ukrainian until I do the same. Only then can I ever truly share in the pride of Ukrainian independence or the pain of its problems. Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Ironically, the presence of an independent Ukrainian state has shown me the extent to Age 19 which I have not made this choice. Opening the front page of Svoboda sometimes makes University of Michigan me feel guilty. I am embarrassed to acknowledge how unfamiliar I am with the people, places and events that shape the modern Ukrainian world. Had Ukraine remained the I was only 9 years old when it happened, but there’s no way I could forget August 24, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, it would have been all too easy to yearn for independ- 1991. For the first time in over seven decades Ukraine was pronounced a free country! A ence with no real knowledge of the modern entity. An independent Ukraine presents us with nation in its own right, Ukraine was no longer tied to the Soviet empire, to “Mother the homeland that we longed for, yet Ukrainian news seems so distant and foreign. I feel Russia,” or to communism. Imagine the celebration that went on that day! My family heard even more ashamed when I think of all the times I refused to speak Ukrainian at home and the news over a Ukrainian radio program, and The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda pro- all the copies of The Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda that had gone unread. claimed the news to all. Talk of the fall of the Russian empire and the newly freed countries I realize now that when Ukraine declared independence, I could not share in my parents’ abounded. And well it should have! The implications of this day and the following months experience because I did not understand the events. Ukrainian independence can mean little were enormous. until it ceases to exist only as an abstract idea. Thankfully, a person’s identity is not set in Being only 9 years old, I did not understand everything that went into that day of rejoic- stone. There is still time to make my parents’ experience of Ukrainian independence my ing, but now, on the celebration of a decade of Ukrainian independence, I can look back own. But this time it will be genuine and personal because it will be by choice. Although I with knowledge and understand how very much that day would come to mean to me. can never be Ukrainian in the same way as someone raised in Ukraine, I am Ukrainian. I The biggest part of my life is my Ukrainian culture. From the earliest part of my life, my am beginning to bridge the gap between myself and my heritage. I intend to visit the coun- parents stressed how important it was to know my culture and roots. Now I need no encour- try I have only read about in books. As a Ukrainian, I will be able to share in the dreams agement in celebrating my heritage; I love it and would never be able to turn away from it. and disappointments of an independent Ukraine. As a result of Ukraine’s independence, I believe that Ukraine as a whole is due much more respect than it has been shown in the past, and therefore so do its history, its art, its tradi- tions and its beauty. The haunting beauty of “Ivan Kupalo,” the delicate designs of a Nicholas Rudyk “pysanka,” and the mighty power of “Volodymyr Velykyi” now more than ever deserve to be noticed by the world. Indeed, interest has piqued in Ukraine, and people are more aware Yorktown Heights, N.Y. of the country, its culture and its dealings. Age 17 However, simply because Ukraine has secured its independence from Russia over the St. Vladimir’s Boys Prep High School past 10 years does not mean that Ukrainians can stop worrying about their country. On the “Get Up!” Her voice was firm and I knew what it meant. No fooling around! It was time contrary, now is the time to personally seize control and take the initiative to promote to get up without hesitation or I would be crucified. For 12 years I went through this routine Ukraine’s issues. For a Ukrainian in the United States or in another foreign country, this with my Mama every Saturday morning before Ukrainian School. When I look back, I means keeping informed about political and cultural issues, this means being active in know I didn’t mind getting up. I enjoyed the other life I had. Classmates in my weekday Ukrainian organizations, this means raising the next generation with knowledge of their school never quite understood my other life. I am Ukrainian American and proud of it. roots, this means showing support for her country and, foremost, this means proudly pro- Today few nations around the world are fighting for their freedom. Those who are fight claiming her love for Ukraine and by example encouraging others to do so. This is how I hard for what they believe. Independence to some means just a group of people that are show my own love for my country and my pride in being a child of an independent selfish and want a piece of land. The core reason to fight for freedom is more than just land. Ukraine. A people fighting for their country include the expression of their own culture and religion. Ukraine has gone through centuries of freedom fighting. People might ask, “For what?” Those Saturday mornings taught me for what. The answer is, “For so much!” Peter Steciuk I see the result of Ukraine’s independence everywhere. Various artistic ensembles from Convent Station, N.J. Ukraine have entertained us in the United States over the last 10 years. Organizations, such Age 20 as Plast and SUM, are growing in number in Ukraine. The United States has seen a large Harvard University influx of Ukrainian immigrants settle into major cities, working hard to better their lives and the lives of loved ones left behind. They are able to settle in with the help of Ukrainian When Ukraine declared its independence, three generations of my family shared in the Americans who kept language, tradition and customs alive in their homes, churches and happiness of the occasion, united by a sense of pride and thankfulness. Our estranged organizations. Many of these new arrivals are amazed to learn how passionately we have homeland, our fatherland, had finally become a free and independent nation. Only now, 10 preserved our culture. years later, do I realize that we did not share a common experience on that August day. As a student of Ukrainian School and a member of SUM, I can think of many ways When I was 10, I merely borrowed my parents’ identity. But at age 20 this is no longer we helped Ukraine. We performed on stages near and far with Ukrainian song and possible. My parents and grandparents all emigrated from Ukraine, while I have never left dance, organized festivals, packed medical supplies and equipment, donated clothing the American continent. They vividly remember their journeys to the new land, while I to orphans, and attended rallies and demonstrations in New York and Washington. My have never known any other. As wartime refugees, it is easier to say what independence ammunition in the fight for freedom was the poems I recited, songs I sang, prayers I means for them than for me. Sadly, for years I mistook their identity for my own, not able to offered and letters I wrote to various government officials. I can honestly say I am tell the difference. proud to have taken part in the movement for a free Ukraine. I realize this is not near- My parents and grandparents were Ukrainian, but I was only of Ukrainian descent. ly as much as my ancestors accomplished. Still, I did contribute and now feel I must Learning to speak the language and memorizing a few poems is a start, but identity must be a conscious choice. Just as my parents could not become Americans until they resolved to (Continued on page 15) No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 15

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE pletely different perspective than any other generation. What Ukraine’s independence means... Our parents and grandparents put in so much effort to ensure that we could speak (Continued from page 14) Ukrainian and to raise us to be proud of our heritage. What a gift this has turned out to be! This summer we will all be there for the 10th anniversary of independence, my sisters for visit her to experience all I have learned through books. the SUM World Congress, and I will be in the Karpaty working at an orphans’ summer This August I am flying to Kyiv to participate in the 10th anniversary celebrations of camp. We will all be celebrating independence in our own way. Ukraine’s independence. As I step off the plane, my senses will be overcome with all she has to offer. My lungs will fill with her sweet air; my feet will touch her rich soil; my eyes will take in her exquisite beauty; I will savor her delicious foods and be enveloped by her vibrant sounds. I will witness a chapter of Ukraine’s history. I am a part of her history. Nina Celuch Saddle Brook, N.J. Age 15 Natalia Romas Immaculate Conception High School Ottawa, Ontario On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the USSR, making it a sover- Age 22 eign nation. What does this declaration mean to me and more importantly what does it York University mean for Ukraine and Ukrainians? I grew up in the United States, in a country where people could worship God and prac- I am a second-generation Ukrainian Canadian, and I was 12 years old when Ukraine tice any religion they wish; a place where people vote for the laws that govern them and the became independent. I have been able to see “Ukraine” on any world map for most of the individuals who will represent them in government; in a country which allows individuals time that I have been able to read a map. This year I started working with the children of to speak freely and express their opinions without fear of being arrested. Chornobyl fund in Toronto, where I attend York University. Their main goal is to provide Growing up in a Ukrainian household, I learned that not all people had the freedom to Ukraine’s orphans with medical and humanitarian aid. Through the year I worked as a vol- live like we do in America. I heard stories from my Baba and Dido about how they were unteer in their offices, and now I have the opportunity to travel to Ukraine to deliver the separated from their families at an early age. How many Ukrainians were sent to Siberia medicine and other products to the orphanages. At this moment, I am packing for this mis- and died of hunger or froze to death because they practiced religion or spoke against the sion and studying for my final exams. Communist government! I also heard how the government would take land away from the To say that independent Ukraine means something to me would be an understatement. It people, leaving them with nothing. I know how grateful my cousins in Ukraine are for the means that I can visit the country of my family’s roots, just like my French, Spanish or help they receive from my family, since they have very little to live on in Ukraine. German friends. I will be able to visit the churches, museums, and historical monuments I hope now, with independence, Ukrainians in Ukraine can enjoy the same freedoms we that I heard about every Saturday morning as a little kid in Ukrainian school. I will also be have in the United States; that they can worship as they want, vote for laws and representa- able to see the damage that Chornobyl has done to the environment, the illnesses that result tives that will help the country grow. from radiation poisoning, to see first-hand the plight of the children born in the shadow of But another important issue for me is that, as an independent country, Ukraine will be Chornobyl, and to visit orphanages throughout Ukraine. recognized by the rest of the world. Growing up and even until this day when I tell some A few years ago my grandfather put it into a perspective that my sisters and I will never people that I am Ukrainian, they think I am Russian. In April of this year, my friend and I forget; he said that we would be the first generation to have the privilege to grow up in a went to a nearby park to play basketball. When we arrived at the park there were a couple of world where an independent Ukraine is a fact of life, and that we would have the opportuni- guys playing basketball and speaking Ukrainian. When I asked them what their nationality ty to see Ukraine in a way that he never could. For my grandparents, Ukraine was a memo- was, they said Russian. I told them I was Ukrainian and I also spoke the language; then they ry and a dream. For my parents’ generation, Ukraine’s independence meant new opportuni- admitted that they were Ukrainian also. ties and possibilities, and probably over-inflated expectations. To me, Ukraine is a reality, By being independent, I think more people will acknowledge our Ukrainian nation and far from perfect, but a country trying hard to catch up with the rest of the Western world, a our heritage. The rest of the world will see how much beauty and culture Ukraine has and place where maybe we can make a difference. not confuse us with Russia. Just as we saw during the summer Olympic Games, the entire Last year my oldest sister lived in Lviv for six months on a Canadian government- world saw the Ukrainian flag and the Ukrainian athletes receiving medals and on some sponsored International Youth Internship. It was so hard for our grandparents to occasions hearing the Ukrainian National anthem. To be independent provides all believe that she was there. Now I am going to Ukraine, for a different purpose, on a Ukrainians the opportunity to maintain our unique identity. I am very proud of my humanitarian assistance delivery route that will take me through eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian heritage, and am grateful to live in the U.S.A., a country that allows me the free- places where my grandparents once lived. We really are seeing Ukraine from a com- dom to express my thoughts and practice my traditions.

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Greetings to Ukrainian Community ...Á‡ ÒÔð‡‚ÊÌ˛ ÛÍð‡ªÌÒ¸ÍÛ ìÍð‡ªÌÛ Commemorating the 10th Anniversary ‚Ê ·ÂÁ ˜ÛÊËı Á‡ÍÓÌ¥‚ Ú‡ ÓÍÓ‚ of Ukrainian Independence! ÇÒ¥ ̇¯¥ ÏÓÎËÚ‚Ë, Áχ„‡ÌÌfl, ÍðÓ‚...

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THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE progress, slow but steady, in buttressing Ukrainian Summer Institute at Harvard assumed almost a conventional character, A commentary... its independence – something that four University. ... both in the diaspora and in Ukraine. ... (Continued from page 11) years ago was so fragile, so tenuous, that ... Here in the diaspora, we have to Ukraine still gets high ratings for its made definite progress, albeit not as one barely dared to breathe. Today we adjust to the changing reality – a Ukraine foreign policy positions and responsible speedy as hoped, on the road to building a can dare to actually celebrate Ukrainian with warts, if you will – now that the approach to national and international democratic society and creating a free Independence Day; in Ukraine and else- euphoria over independence has sub- military and security issues. However, it market economy. Ukraine has not found where, there are now “traditional” obser- sided – an understandable euphoria that is very distressing that an elected and itself mired in internal ethnic discord, or, vances of the day, as August 24 is our was an appropriate response to the appointed leadership in Ukraine seems for that matter, in any external military national holiday. ... achievement of an ages-old dream that either unwilling or unable to get a grip conflicts. Diplomatic relations have con- Four years ago, Ukraine’s Supreme many thought would never come in their on the corruption that pervades almost tinually moved ahead, and even the United Council boldly declared the Soviet lifetimes. That is why our information all aspects of civic and economic life – States has now adopted a new approach in republic’s independence in the face of media see the need to cover develop- corruption that prevents successful eco- dealing with the second most populous “the mortal danger surrounding Ukraine ments in Ukraine, and that is why our nomic development, eats away at public in connection with the state coup in the republic of the former Soviet Union, no community members are asking them- morale and stymies individual freedom. USSR on August 19, 1991.” ... longer treating Ukraine as an afterthought, selves just how we should be involved in At its core, corruption is the inappro- With one bold stroke, Ukraine had or an appendage to Russia. ... helping Ukraine forge a better tomorrow. priate and abusive use of power for per- assumed both its place among the free And so, dear readers, as we mark this sonal gain – mostly money and more Thus, the second anniversary of states of the world and the formidable sixth anniversary of Ukraine’s proclama- power. And instead of power being used Ukraine’s independence should be time twin tasks of state- and nation-building. tion of independence on August 24, to guide, lead, develop, elevate, estab- for sober reflection as Ukraine’s real Defying great odds, newly reborn 1991, besides having much to celebrate, lish, respond, give, create – power in leaders try to rechart its course toward Ukraine survived a most critical period we have much to ponder. Ukraine is being used to control, take, the goal of building a democratic state of threats from without and from within. intimidate, scare, abuse, disrespect. ... that will take its rightful place in the Ukraine succeeded during the first years Among the few tools which the public world community. August 23, 1998 of its independence in establishing its can use to fight against this stagnation is Seven years after identity as a democratic, nuclear-free and the upcoming election. ... Honest elec- August 21, 1994 market-oriented state; today it is a coun- tions force change, and we can only hope The fourth year begins try recognized as a major player on the This year as we mark the anniversary that the Ukrainian electorate will once world scene. ... of Ukraine’s independence, we find our- again understand that through the power selves asking: What can we say about of the vote, they give power to elected ... as Ukraine approached the end of August 18, 1996 independent Ukraine as it turns seven? ... officials. And just as they give, they can its third year of independence, the public Perhaps the most significant reality is also take away. Independence: the fifth anniversary went to the polls to elect a new the one cited by Vice-President Al Gore Parliament in March, and April, and July, before he left on his recent trip to Kyiv August 20, 2000 and August (with more to come in for a meeting of the Kuchma-Gore Five years ago on August 19-21, hard- A glimmer of hope November.) But, by the time of the third liners in Moscow attempted a coup d’état Commission: Ukraine’s independence is anniversary date, Ukraine had a new to depose Soviet President Mikhail no longer an issue; there is no going Supreme Council with 392 seats out of Gorbachev. In Ukraine, the situation was back to the Soviet Union. Today, it’s An informal and unscientific survey 450 filled. tense. The chairman of the Ukrainian Ukraine’s economic and political vitality of Kyivans conducted by our Kyiv Press As regards the presidential elections, SSR Supreme Soviet (Council), Leonid that is the central issue, he observed at a Bureau to determine the mood in the ... on July 10, after the presidential Kravchuk, was straddling the fence: he meeting with Ukrainian American com- capital city on the eve of the ninth runoff, much of Ukraine was shocked by did not condemn the coup plotters, nor munity leaders. anniversary of Ukraine’s independence the news that the other Leonid – Kuchma did he support President Boris Yeltsin, Indeed. Ukraine, at age 7, faces myri- shows that few people are happy with – had been elected president. president of the Russian Federation, who ad problems – tough problems for which most facets of life in the country today Still an unknown quantity, Mr. stood firm in the name of democracy. there are no quick fixes. The economy is and that most do not believe that a pros- Kuchma’s first pronouncements could be Meanwhile, democratic organizations — in need of serious corrective measures, perous future is possible in the near term. described as a mixed bag, some reassur- united in an ad hoc coalition called corruption looms large and the They see little reason to celebrate inde- ing, others sorely needing clarification. Independent Democratic Ukraine — Verkhovna Rada still has not done its job pendence this year and cannot fathom He pledged to build a “united, sovereign, called on the Ukrainian Supreme Council to provide a legislative basis for a better that next year’s 10th anniversary jubilee democratic state of Ukraine.” He cau- to condemn the coup and to distance tomorrow. Journalists find themselves to will give them any more reason. tioned that Ukraine would have to suffer itself from the so-called Emergency be targets of those who do not like what People are fed up with insincere polit- through yet another “difficult testing Committee in Moscow. they report, miners and teachers are not ical promises that have led to false period,” and he emphasized that Ukraine Ultimately, the coup, which was getting paid, senior citizens – the forgot- expectations. They believe that nothing must take immediate decisive steps in its aimed at perpetuating the USSR, brought ten stratum of society – barely survive on can change in the country until the econ- economic policies, including monetary about the exact opposite. ... their measly pensions, and parents won- omy begins to move. They want jobs and reform, liberalization of tax policy and Ukraine’s orientation now is definitely der whether there will be enough money are impatient for a better life. And they foreign trade control. He spoke of Westward — toward Europe and beyond; to provide for their kids. ... don’t see a light at the end of the prover- Ukraine in the Eurasian economic and Russia knows where it stands in relation Still, a glimmer of hope remains. bial tunnel. cultural space and noted that Ukraine to Ukraine; and Ukrainian remains the Maybe, just maybe, the Parliament will Whether visible or not, however, a must actively defend its interests with only state language (though language come back from its summer recess and tiny incandescent stream of light has the Commonwealth of Independent rights are guaranteed to all of Ukraine’s get down to brass tacks. Perhaps the begun to emit from the black hole that States. He noted also the need for “nor- minorities). Ukraine today is successful- national deputies will hear the voices of has been the Ukrainian economy for malization” of relations with Russia and, ly being integrated into international and the people and realize that they, as the nearly a decade now. It may only be a pointing out that Ukraine is a multina- European structures, and it finally has a elected representatives of the people, microscopic pinhole to most economists, tional state, he proposed “giving the new Constitution to boot. must take the lead in securing the future but no one can deny that a breakthrough Russian language official status, while So, as Ukraine marks the fifth of Ukraine and Ukrainians of all back- has occurred this year in the Ukrainian preserving state status for the Ukrainian anniversary of an event that many of us grounds. economy. ... language.” thought would never come to pass, it is To be sure, the promise of the inde- To be sure, Ukraine will not climb out Still, by mid-July power had passed worth recalling where the reborn inde- pendence proclaimed and affirmed in of the decade-long muck into which its peacefully and democratically from the pendent state called Ukaine has been ... 1991 remains to be fulfilled. And yet, as economy has sunk overnight, or even first president of independent Ukraine to we observe this seventh anniversary of before next year’s 10th anniversary of the second. ... August 24,1997 the Parliament’s declaration of Ukraine’s independence. Too much of the political So, what awaits Ukraine in its fourth independence, we must look back to see and economic infrastructure continues to The sixth anniversary year of independence? More conflicts where Ukraine has been in order to require either reconstruction or fine-tun- between the executive and legislative appreciate where it is today and where it ing. Foreign investors still are leery of branches of government? More stalemate? ... In what he calls “a letter to friends” is headed. the Ukrainian market, even as they laud Or a new beginning? We’ll soon find out. ... written before the convocation of the its potential. More administrative house- The time for power plays has passed; second World Forum of Ukrainians, Dr. August 22, 1999 cleaning needs to take place, and the tax pragmatism and action should be the James E. Mace writes of “a land and a system still needs an overhaul. ... Mixed emotions watchwords for Ukraine’s fourth year of people deeply deformed by an experi- But things are slowly beginning to freedom. ence that those who underwent it are still change. groping to understand.” He describes the ... [As we mark the eighth anniver- The recent improvement in the econo- August 20, 1995 remnants of Soviet-style thinking that sary of Ukraine’s independence], there’s my shows that perhaps the country is The fourth anniversary still permeate society and government, a bit of sadness, a bit of anger, some dis- beginning to bounce back. Now a steady, and continue to stymie reform. ... gust, lots of exasperation and frustration, if not spectacular, economic expansion And yet, the young still find reason and a sense of pragmatic reality: eight may begin. We think that Ukrainians Perhaps it’s reassuring that as we for hope: they believe in themselves and years really isn’t very much time to have really do have reason to believe that tan- mark the fourth anniversary of Ukraine’s their own abilities. Given the chance, turned this ship formerly called Soviet gible evidence of an invigorated econo- independence our commemorations have they firmly believe they will succeed. Ukraine around. my will soon follow and that by this time become well-established and low-key, These are the thoughts of a group of stu- There remains much reason for hope next year, as the nation prepares for its dare we say, almost a matter of routine. dents from Ukraine, ranging in age and optimism, not the least of which is 10th anniversary jubilee, there truly will Ukraine, it is clear, is making further between 18 and 26, who attended the that the anniversary of independence has be something to celebrate. ... No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 17

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE

the oldest and the largest Ukrainian Ukrainian National... organization beyond the borders of ÖÍÁÂÍÛÚË‚‡, ÉÓÎӂ̇ ìÔð‡‚‡ Ú‡ ˜ÎÂÌÒÚ‚Ó (Continued from page 7) Ukraine, greets all of its members with ëÓ˛ÁÛ ìÍð‡ªÌÓÍ ÄÏÂðËÍË Ukraine’s independence brings with it this joyous anniversary and invites all satisfaction at the impressive achieve- members to participate in local events ‚¥Ú‡π ments in diplomacy. More than 100 commemorating the 10th anniversary of countries have recognized Ukraine, Ukraine’s independence. It calls upon its ìÍð‡ªÌÒ¸ÍËÈ ç‡ðÓ‰ which has established sound mutual rela- member not to be discouraged by ßπð‡ðı¥‚ ÛÍð‡ªÌÒ¸ÍËı ˆÂðÍÓ‚ tions with leading international organiza- Ukraine’s failings, rather, instead, contin- ue to help where our help is wanted and èðÂÁˉÂÌÚ‡ ìÍð‡ªÌË Ú‡ Ûðfl‡‰ ìÍð‡ªÌË tions, such as the European Union, needed in order to improve the lives of NATO, the United Nations. Ukraine all of Ukraine’s citizens. Á plays a vital role among the nations of The Ukrainian National Association Eastern Europe. greets the people of Ukraine with this 10-Ó˛ êßóçàñÖû çÖáÄãÖÜçéëíà As they celebrate this anniversary of important anniversary, and wishes them Ukraine’s independence, the people of Ú‡ ·‡Ê‡π peace, prosperity and continued success Ukraine yearn for better success and in building a democratic and just state. quicker results from the transitions ˘Ó· ÛÍð‡ªÌҸ͇ ‰Âðʇ‚‡ The Ukrainian National Association Òڇ· Ó‰ÌÓ˛ Á ̇ÈÍð‡˘Ëı Íð‡ªÌ Ò‚¥ÚÛ underway in their economy. They hope greets the hierarchs of all of the that prosperity will envelop all segments Ukrainian Churches, the President of of society, and that the next generation, Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine, ë·‚‡ çÂÒÍÓðÂÌ¥È ìÍð‡ªÌ¥! the hope of each nation, will be proud of headed by the Prime Minister, the its ancestry, will be ready to work for and Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as well as come to the defense of Ukraine. In their all those who work for the good of their patience and perserverance, the people of nation and their country. Ukraine chose a path of national renewal On the tenth anniversary and the creation of a better for future Ulana Diachuk, president of Ukraine’s independence generations to come. Marta Lysko, national secretary The Ukrainian National Association, Stepan Kacharaj, treasurer WARMEST GREETINGS freedom that comes with its hard-fought to our brothers and sisters living independence. Ukrainian Congress... in an independent Ukraine (Continued from page 7) Let us all rejoice in the fulfillment of the and in diaspora. organization of the Ukrainian American dreams of the Ukrainian people every- community, welcomes the 10th anniversary where, yet be cognizant that with independ- of Ukraine’s independence and wishes the ence comes sacrifice and obligation. Slava Ukraini! Ukrainian people strength and courage as Therefore, as we prepare to celebrate the they rebuild their state from the ruins of 10th anniversary of the restoration of New York, NY District Committee communism and implement the necessary Ukrainian independence, the UCCA of the Ukrainian National Association appeals to all Ukrainians to unite in a com- reforms needed to establish a truly inde- mon resolve to help Ukraine be a defender Barbara Bachynsky – president pendent state. of democratic principles, free-market values Nadia Sawchuk and Yuriy Kostiv – vice-presidents The UCCA greets the Ukrainian nation, and social equality, and to become a truly Motria Milanych – secretary the hierarchy of Ukrainian Churches and European nation. Ivan Choma – treasurer their followers, the Ukrainian president, Happy 10th anniversary, Ukraine! prime minister, chairman and national August 2001 May you always live long and strong, Deputies of the Parliament, leaders of and prosper! Ukrainian diaspora organizations, and all Ukrainians throughout the world on this On behalf of the executive board joyous anniversary of Ukraine’s restored of the Ukrainian Congress Committee independence! of America, May we all strive to assist Ukraine in Michael Sawkiw Jr., President attaining the long-deserved prosperity and Marie Duplak, Executive Secretary UKRAINIAN SELFRELIANCE ë‡ÏÓÔÓÏ¥˜ NEW ENGLAND need foreign investment, Western invest- FEDERAL CREDIT UNION An academic... ment not Russian investment (which is basi- (Continued from page 10) cally asset striping) and you need a business 21 SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY, WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109-1238 can’t exert any influence. And that’s very elite which is interested in not just short- different from the former Communist coun- term economic ‘grabization’ but in ensuring PHONES: 860-296-4714 • 800-405-4714 • FAX: 860-296-3499 tries in Central Europe or the Baltic States the building of an economy for future pros- where there’s a far more critical mass in perity and growth (i.e. putting off profits civil society. Now once that changes, then today for future profits). Do we have that The Ukrainian Selfreliance the current elites in power will not be able situation yet? I don’t think so. New England Federal Credit Union to muddle along. They were in office, basi- I think the business elite is still interested cally, for their own personal interests, not in short-term economic gain. One of the congratulates Ukraine for anyone else’s interests. It’s not a coinci- reasons for this is that economics is still linked to politics and the state. And so if and all Ukrainians dence, that the “muddled way” prime min- th isters where in power for x number of years you put off short-term gain on economic on the 10 Anniversary terms then the feeling is that you won’t (Lazarenko, Postovoitenko, and Marchuk) of it’s Independance. when wages and pensions were never paid. have the funds to influence politics. Ukraine Yuschenko comes in and within four still has this problem of having an image that Western investors don’t like to see. And months pensions and wages are paid. That We wish Ukraine peace, would indicate that the money was being so, I think those problems are still there despite the good economic indicators. stolen, there’s no question about that. unity and prosperity. I think the signs are good but the cur- As far as the economic question: rent prime minister, Anatolih Kinakh, is a there’s been a significant change and it typical example of the muddled way. I We invite eligible individuals looks like the economy is growing now – don’t think he has any clear idea of what pretty positively – with inflation back he’s doing apart from what he’s being in the New England area down and pensions paid. Is that a contin- told to do by the president, and except of to become members. uing sign of a growing economy or did course espousing the right rhetoric. But Yuschenko have something to do with are the foundations there within the that and now that he’s gone it’s going to human factor to build a Western style We have proudly served and provided come back down again? economic system? I doubt it. The Ukrainian economy has collapsed to such financial services since 1959. Well, I think it’s a number of things. a degree that you can’t keep on collaps- Some economists, colleagues of mine, say ing; eventually you have to start going Please visit our website at www.usnefcu.com this is a short-term glitch and not a basis of up. There are positive indicators but I long-term growth. To have long-term think the jury’s still out as to how sus- growth you need structural reform and you tainable this is. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE find many victorious examples in the The prayer continues: “And by Your build up Your Church; preserve what Ukrainian Orthodox... process of nation building: Kyivan Rus’, Cross preserve Your community.” Our belongs to You. Save men, women and (Continued from page 7) the Princedom of Halychyna and Volhyn, independence became reality through the children as well as those who are in slav- Ukrainian young ones, are our present the Kozak state, the creation of the Lord’s Cross, by His will. Ukraine has ery and captivity, those who travel by and our future. Educate yourselves and Central Council (Rada) in 1917 and its endured many misfortunes, much suffer- land and sea, those who hunger and thirst. Be merciful to all, console all, you will succeed! You, young adults – significant, everlasting Declarations – in ing and outright theft of her resources. bring joy to all, and bestow upon them Ukrainian professionals – are our inheri- particularly the Fourth, which proclaimed Now, through our Lord’s Cross there is resurrection and peace. We see new tem- spiritual and material gifts. Through the tance! Acquire all the knowledge you the independence of Ukraine in 1918, the ples, churches and chapels being erected intercession of Your Ever-Blessed can in order to aid Ukraine. Join the proclamation of Ukrainian statehood in for the glory of God in the Holy Trinity, Mother, the Holy Heavenly Powers, Your ranks of those who stand for Ukraine! Lviv on June 30, 1941 and the final the Mother of God and all the Saints. processor John the Baptist, the Apostles, Your country needs you in governmental Declaration of Independence ten years They are beautiful, but a spiritual rebirth the Prophets, the Venerable Martyrs and leadership, in private institutions and ago – on August 24, 1991. of the people is now an absolute necessi- Saints, have mercy on us and bless us, O organizations. Work for the good of In the process of state formation, many ty! Let us begin that renewal as we cele- Lord!” Ukraine! fervent prayers to God are essential. We brate this day! O, Great and Only God, save our Further we pray: “...grant victory to pray that He will grant us victory over On this occasion of national joy we Ukraine! Amen! our God-loving (Ukrainian) people over failure, temptation, sorrow, and affliction. Ukraine has suffered much defeat, faced pray fervently that our people live in their enemies...” When we open the book unity, truth and justice. The spark of truth † Wasyly, Metropolitan of our ancient and modern history, we many sorrows and much tragedy. Does she need further disappointment and has fallen upon Ukraine – her glory and Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada the glory of her martyrs has been hardship? † Constantine, Metropolitan The genius and bard of Ukraine – returned to her. In unity lies the strength of a nation. Let us all work towards Ukrainian Orthodox Church Ukrainian American... Taras Shevchenko – has left us in his of the U.S.A. and Diaspora (Continued from page 7) poem “The Duchess” (“Knyazhna”) a progress in our glorious Ukraine, seeking spiritual, moral, social, economic and freedom of the press and reform of its eco- wonderful description of the Ukrainian † John, Archbishop village of his time. political reform. Let us remember that Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada nomic system. our strength and hope for such an effort These paths may prove to be extraordi- ... a village in Ukraine – is in God. † Antony, Archbishop narily difficult and painful; they will Like a pysanka: We remember and honor our departed Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the demand from the Ukrainian nation and its In woodland green the village hides; and holy heroes – all those who through U.S.A. leaders a supreme exertion of resources, The gardens flower, homes gleam white, the ages have sacrificed their lives for energy and dedication in order to overcome A mansion looms upon the height statehood and the independence of † Ioan, Archbishop the great hindrances that stand in the path of Like some strange marvel. On all sides Ukraine and her Holy Church. They Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora the desired goals. deserve our sincere prayers and honor. Stand broad-leaved poplars; there again † Vsevolod, Archbishop Therefore, on the occasion of this land- Is forest, forest-land and plain, May their memory be eternal! mark anniversary of Ukraine’s renewed We conclude with the prayer of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Blue hills beyond the Dnipro’s tide... U.S.A. independence, we Ukrainian Americans, And high above, the Lord abides! Kyivan Metropolitan Ilarion for the peo- members of the Ukrainian American ple of Rus’-Ukraine: “Extend Your grace † Yurij, Bishop Coordinating Council, send our sincerest Are we all prepared to fight for a clean to Your people! Cast aside foreign inva- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada greetings to the Ukrainian nation and its environment, to maintain the pristine sions, strengthen peace; pacify our neigh- leadership, appealing to all to step forth beauty Shevchenko describes, so that our bors; satisfy hunger; make our rulers † Jeremiah, Bishop boldly and with confidence towards new descendents will have clean air to breathe fearsome to our neighbors; make our Ukrainian Orthodox Church successes on the way to a better future. and clean water to drink? leaders wise; settle the towns and cities; – South America Eparchy No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 19

Ukraine is more... (Continued from page 4) CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS Mr. Nalyvaichenko estimated that the TO PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI, (973) 292-9800 x 3040 consular section of the Ukrainian Embassy processes between 700 and 800 tourist, per- sonal and business visa applications a week SERVICES PROFESSIONALS during the summer season and 400 to 500 FIRST QUALITY per week during the rest of the year. In UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE addition, the New York and Chicago con- Michael P. Hrycak, Esq. sulates each process about 500 visas per Attorney at Law ECONOMY AIIRFARES SERVINGMONUMENTS NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES week at this time of the year. + tax CRIMINAL AND CIVIL MATTERS Unlike the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, the NYC/Kyiv/Odesa $580 (round trip) TO TRIAL AND APPEAL, COMPUTER LAW Ukrainian Embassy in Washington is not + tax Member of Bar: NJ, NY, CT, DC OBLAST one way $399 316 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090 known for refusing applications for visas. + tax Office: (908) 789-1870 MEMORIALS “So far this year, we have not had any NYC/Lviv $699 (round trip) P.O. BOX 746 + tax Chester, NY 10918 refusals,” Mr. Nalyvaichenko said. The one way Embassy denies visas only for criminal $450 845-469-4247 BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS activity, he explained. Fregata Travel ATTORNEY Refusals, however, are prevalent with 250 West 57 Street, #1211 New York, NY 10107 applicants from countries such as Tel.: 212-541-5707 Fax: 212-262-3220 Afghanistan and Iran, which are known * Restrictions apply JERRY If you are looking for original gifts, sources of illegal immigrants who transit visit www.ukrainiangift.com throughUkraine on the way to Europe. But KUZEMCZAK Ukrainian crafts: woodcuts (vases, in European countries and in the United ûêßâ ãÄáßêäé plates, candle holders, boxes...), States, Mr. Nalyvaichenko said, “we see no èðÓÙÂÒ¥ÈÌËÈ ÔðÓ‰‡‚ˆ¸ accidents at work embroidery, Easter eggs... Á‡·ÂÁÔ˜ÂÌÌfl ìçë • need to create unnecessary obstacles or to automobile accidents or call 708-687-8924 concentrate our resources on the issuance of IOURI LAZIRKO • Licensed Agent slip and fall visas; we have our hands full with other • Ukrainian National Ass’n, Inc. work, first of all, in assisting Ukrainian citi- FIRST CONSULTATION IS FREE. zens here.” 5 Brannon Ct., Clifton, NJ 07013 Fees collected only after He stressed that the consular section’s Tel.: (973) 881-1291 YEVSHANDistributor of fine Ukrainian products - Cassettes, Compact personal injury case is successful. primary focus has been and remains on E-mail: [email protected] discs - Videos - Language tapes & Dictionaries - Computer fonts for PC & MAC - Imported Icons - Ukrainian Stationery assisting the estimated 18,000 citizens of - Cookbooks - Food parcels to Ukraine Ukraine now in the United States. “These • medical malpractice are individuals, married couples, children, ALSO: Call for a free catalog who are here legally, working or studying, ON REQUEST DWI and we must respond to their needs – when • we will ship to Ukraine real estate 1-800-265-9858VISA - MASTERCARD - AMEX ACCEPTED they lose their passports, when a child is • computers, copy criminal and civil cases FAX ORDERS ACCEPTED (514) 630-9960 born, or when they get in trouble.” machines, school • BOX 325, BEACONSFIELD, QUEBEC Asked about one famous case of a supplies, books, • traffic offenses CANADA - H9W 5T8 Ukrainian in trouble here, that of former Shevchenko’s matrimonial matters “Kobzar,” etc. • Prime Minister Pavlo Lazarenko, who has • general consultation been under arrest in California for more For further information contact than two years for money laundering and Taras Shevchenko Centre in Lviv, WELT & DAVID HE KRAINIAN EEKLY other charges, Mr. Nalyvaichenko said 2150 Bloor St. West, Ste 96, T U W that Mr. Lazarenko has not requested con- Toronto, Ontario M6S 1M8, Canada. 1373 Broad St, Clifton, N.J. 07013 ATTENTION, MEMBERS OF THE UKRAINIAN Tel.: (416) 239-4407, Fax: (416) 239-1526. sular assistance. “But, as a Ukrainian citi- (973) 773-9800 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION! zen,” he added, “he has every right to do so.” ORDER A GIFT While Mr. Nalyvaichenko could not say “KARPATY” HANDYMAN SUBSCRIPTION how many Ukrainians are in the United PAINTING • RENOVATION • REPAIRS TO THE WEEKLY States illegally, he presumed that they num- at the member’s rate of $45 per year. INTERIOR/EXTERIOR ber “in the thousands.” He noted that during To subscribe, write to the last five-month reporting period some Quality work! Reasonable rates! The Ukrainian Weekly, 60 illegals were deported back to Ukraine Quick turnaround! Subscription Department, Free estimates. No job too small. 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, from the United States. Parsippany, NJ 07054; Ukrainians, like illegal immigrants Vasili Cholak or call (973) 292-9800. from other countries, come to the United Tel. (718) 937-6821; Beeper (917) 491-6150 States in search of work and a better life. “As I see it,” Mr. Nalyvaichenko said, FOR SALE “the only way to decrease illegal immi- ÇÄêäÄ ÅÄóàçëúäÄ Practice Limited to Immigration Law gration is by turning it into a legal and èðÓÙÂÒ¥ÈÌËÈ ÔðÓ‰‡‚ˆ¸ civilized process.” Á‡·ÂÁÔ˜ÂÌÌfl ìçë Single Mausoleum Crypt As for the problem of trafficking women BARBARA BACHYNSKY TATIANA B. 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Check out our advertising rates on line at Grades 9-12 The consular section in Washington has www.ukrweekly.com Ukrainian Catholic Private Boarding School a staff of seven – three diplomats and four P.O. Box 789, Roblin, Manitoba R0L 1P0 assistants. It would be nice to have a larger Tel.: (204) 937-2173 • Fax: (204) 937-8265 staff, the consul general said, but in the MERCHANDISE Website: www.stvlads.net meantime, they ease the workload by improving the efficiency of the process, such as posting visa application forms on OPPORTUNITY the website, which cuts down on the time and effort required for responding to mailed WEST2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ARKA Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 requests for forms. Fine Gifts EARN EXTRA INCOME! The latest information about the services Authentic Ukrainian Handicrafts the consular section provides and visa Art, Books, CDs, Ceramics Andrew R. CHORNY The Ukrainian Weekly is looking requirements are contained in the Embroidered Goods and Supplies Manager for advertising sales agents. Embassy’s website (www.ukremb.com). Gold Jewellery, Icons, Magazines For additional information contact Newspapers, Pysankas and Supplies The consular section in Washington can Maria Oscislawski, Advertising also be reached by phone at (202) 333- Insure and be sure. All Services to Ukraine, Mail-orders 7507. Ukrainian citizens should ask for Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, extension 113, which will connect them Join the UNA! Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. directly to a consular officer. e-mail: [email protected] www.westarka.com 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

together with activists of the St. Life insurance is one of the necessities of life. However, few people like The political terror... Petersburg Memorial research and paying for life insurance. A key factor to consider in bying term life (Continued from page 5) informational center, joined forces in insurance is to cover the income your family will be unable to replace. Ukraine, 1920-1941” has recently been ascertaining the circumstances behind undertaken with the Harvard Ukrainian the mass murder of the Ukrainian pris- The rates have dropped on term insurance in the past few years. No Research Institute and the department of oners. A group sent by the SBU brought one knows how long this trend will continue. We have the lowest history of Harvard University. This proj- back interesting materials from rates on term insurance in our 107-year history. Now is the best time ect is especially important for a scholarly Arkhangelsk and the Solovets Islands to buy term life insurance from the UNA. We encourage you to com- understanding of the unique aspects of that were included in the three-volume pare our rates to the rates offered by our compeditors. the communist socio-political system, scholarly documentary publication where the repressive organs not only per- “Ostannia Adresa. Do 60-Richchia formed law-enforcement functions, but Solovets’koi Trahedii” (The Last 5-Year Level Term Life Insurance also played a key role in political strug- Address. Toward the 60th Anniversary gles and in carrying out comprehensive of the Tragedy on the Solovets Islands) Monthly Rate socio-economic transformations. (Kyiv, 1997-1999). As attested by the documents, state This unique publication, which I FEMALE NON-SMOKER terrorism in Ukraine from the 1920s to helped prepare, contains details on exe- cutions of prisoners at the Sandomorkh $100,000 $175,000 $250,000 the 1950s was invariably “anti-national- ist.” Bolshevik security organs consis- ravine near Medvezhiegorsk (Karelia), as AGE UNA COMPETITOR UNA COMPETITOR UNA COMPETITOR tently regarded Ukrainians as potentially well as execution orders from the min- utes of meetings of special troikas of the 25 $11.19 $12.00 $17.94 $20.25 $24.69 $28.50 subversive, regardless of the official party line, and systematically gathered Leningrad oblast NKVD headquarters, 35 $11.19 $17.00 $17.94 $29.00 $24.69 $41.00 compromising material against those on the basis of which the shootings were 40 $13.19 $20.00 $21.44 $34.25 $29.69 $48.50 who showed sympathy for the idea of carried out. Documents and materials 45 $17.19 $27.00 $28.44 $46.50 $39.69 $66.00 Ukraine’s independence or even simply from the Arkhangelsk oblast and 55 $34.19 $57.00 $58.19 $99.00 $82.19 $141.00 identified themselves as Ukrainians. Solovets Islands regional headquarters of Many special reports of the ChK-GPU- the Federal Security Services of the NKVD have been preserved concerning Russian Federation were also included. MALE NON-SMOKER the outlook of various strata of the popu- Repressive actions and mass killings carried out at the beginning of World $100,000 $175,000 $250,000 lation, and there are carefully gathered categories of reports on the “Ukrainian War II have been studied fairly thor- AGE UNA COMPETITOR UNA COMPETITOR UNA COMPETITOR counterrevolution” or on the “Ukrainian oughly. The same cannot be said for the chauvinist intelligentsia.” problem of political terror in Ukraine in 25 $12.19 $14.00 $19.16 $23.75 $27.19 $33.50 the post-war period, although certain 35 $12.19 $19.00 $19.16 $32.50 $27.19 $46.00 To this day these materials have not been carefully studied despite their common features were present. The hunt 40 $15.19 $23.00 $24.94 $39.50 $34.69 $56.00 extreme importance, as they convincing- for “Ukrainian bourgeois nationalism” 45 $21.19 $33.00 $35.44 $57.00 $49.69 $81.00 ly show that the Chekists – and this phe- in the works of scholars, writers and 55 $45.19 $100.00 $77.44 $174.25 $109.69 $248.50 nomenon still needs to be analyzed – artists during the period known as never identified (and never even attempt- “Zhdanovschyna” (late 1940s) grew into ed to identify) themselves with the local an openly anti-Semitic campaign and a Not only can you do better financially by insuring with UNA, but you search for a “Jewish nationalist under- get benefits not offered by any compeditor. The Ukrainian National population. They always viewed them- selves as a “third force” that monitored ground.” Association offers scholarship to members, publishes two weekly news- The question of Lavrentii Beria’s use papers (Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly), and operates a resort for and “serviced” the nationalistically- inclined “natives.” of the so-called “Ukrainian card” in the its members in the Catskills Mountains of New York State, while giving post-Stalin struggle for power remains to support to many other local, national, and charitable causes. What kind of people became members of this “service personnel?” The search be studied in detail. On May 16, 1953, he for answers has opened a new avenue of prepared a special memorandum on For more information on term life insurance please contact your research. In 1997, in the book “ChK- “shortcomings” in the work of the for- local branch secretary or call the home office directly at 1-800-253- GPU-NKVD v Ukraini: Osoby, Fakty, mer organs of the Ministry of State 9862 x 3013. Dokumenty” (The ChK-GPU-NKVD in Security of the Ukrainian SSR (MGB Ukraine: Personalities, Facts, URSR) in the struggle against the nation- Documents), the authors Dr. Shapoval, V. alist underground, which pertained to the Prystaiko and V. Zolotariov include biog- situation in western Ukraine. raphical sketches of several influential Information in this memorandum MARK T. OLESNICKY, M.D. Chekists, as well as almost 200 brief (which some researchers mistakenly notes on Chekists of various rank. viewed as strictly provocative in nature) Internal Medicine Much more is now known about the and the events surrounding it make clear- background and origins of many official er the negative consequences of the 135 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 203 terrorist acts of the early 1930s, owing Soviet regime’s brutal policies in western Florham Park, NJ 07932 to recent discoveries of materials on Ukraine. On May 26, 1953, at a meeting Ukrainian prisoners on the Solovets of the Presidium of the Central Committee, Communist Party of the Telephone (973) 822-5000 Fax (973) 822-3321 Islands, one of the cruelest concentra- • tion camps of the era of Communist Soviet Union a resolution was adopted By Appointment rule. In 1997, 60 years after the mass on “The Question of the Western Oblasts killings at the Solovets Islands, staff of the Ukrainian SSR.” This document members of the DA SBU and CHPS, gives interesting figures: from 1944 to 1952 approximately 500,000 people were subject to some form of repression. Among these, more than 134,000 were arrested; more than 153,000 were killed; over 203,000 were exiled permanently; and almost 8,000 young people became “illegals.” As a corollary, on May 8, 1953, Beria prepared a memo on this topic concern- ing the activities of the MGB of the Lithuanian SSR. Following his defeat in the power struggle and arrest on July 2, 1953, the Presidium of the CC USSR decided to excise both memos from the minutes of the Presidium. Moreover, the decisions adopted on the basis of these memos were changed because they encouraged the “activation of bourgeois- nationalist elements.” Obviously, much remains to be done in order to write a comprehensive histo- ry of the political terror in Ukraine. This requires an initial period of dis- cussion and even serious polemics that should begin with methodological and conceptual issues pertaining to Ukrainian history during the era of Communist rule. No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 21

American Coordinating Council as the rep- Ukraine launches... resentative Ukrainian American musical (Continued from page 1) group to the World Forum and official 10th their fields. Chairman of the World anniversary proceedings, will take part in several notable events throughout the week. Stephen Kuropas Ukrainian Coordinating Council Mykhailo October 1, 1900 - August 11, 2001 Horyn, who is an assistant chair of the They will perform first on August 16 at organizing committee, said on August 15 an afternoon mini-concert at the Teachers Building, which will be sponsored by the The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association regrets that among the most important topics to be to announce to the members of the General Assembly, and to the UNA discussed is the development of the U.S. Embassy, before going on stage that membership at large that Stephen Kuropas, the oldest honorary mem- Ukrainian language, which he said “has evening as part of the gala concert of the lagged behind the nation-building process- World Forum titled “Ukrainian Songs ber of the UNA, died on Saturday, August 11, 2001, at the age of 100. es taking place in the last 10 years.” From Around the World,” which should be In his long association with the UNA, Mr. Kuropas was a Svoboda The delegates will also consider how to an international showcase of Ukrainian columnist, UNA auditor, UNA supreme vice-president and honorary musical talent. spur the development of civil society in member of the General Assembly. The ensemble will also take part in the Ukraine and how the diaspora can con- “Concert on Khreschatyk” event on August tribute more effectively to the building of The Executive Committee and the entire UNA membership wishes to 19 and perform at a private reception at the the Ukrainian state. express their sincerest sympathy to his son Dr. Myron B. Kuropas and U.S. Embassy the following day. Mr. Horyn said that one of the mottos of Musical concerts and museum openings wife Lesia, daughter Vera Gojewycz and her family, grandchildren this year’s event is: “Youth, the future of of the works of noted Ukrainian artists, as Catherine, Stefko, Michael, Tamara, and their families. Ukraine,” and as such one section would well as a large Ukrainian book fair, will be deal with how to bring the Ukrainian youth the focal points of the first days of the cele- Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 16, 2001, at St. of the diaspora and the homeland closer. bratory week before the main events begin Nicholas Cathedral in Chicago with interment at St. Nicholas Cemetery. “I think we need to have many more stu- on August 22 with a special session of dent exchanges, not 1,000 a year, but Ukraine’s Parliament and the laying of a 10,000 a year, like other countries do,” The entire UNA family expresses sincere sympathy and condolences to commemorative plaque in the square explained Mr. Horyn. the family and wishes Stephen Kuropas eternal peace in the Lord. before the building. In the days leading up to the forum some The celebrations continue the next day Vichnaya Pamiat! Ukrainians were already actively working with a prayer service at the St. Sofia on developing closer relations among the Sobor, which is a state museum and not youth. On August 16 the Fifth World generally used for church services. Congress of Ukrainian Youth President Kuchma, the government and Organizations, sponsored by the Ukrainian legislative leadership are expected to be DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS National Committee of Youth Organizations in attendance, as are scores of diplomats and the State Committee on Youth and and visiting guests. Immediately follow- to be published in The Ukrainian Weekly – in the Ukrainian Sports, opened in Kyiv with 450-500 dele- ing, the group will move to the memorial or English language – are accepted by mail, courier, fax, phone or e-mail. gates from 25 countries in attendance. to St. Volodymyr the Great, the medieval Among the 75 organizations officially Deadline: Tuesday noon before the newspaper’s date of issue. prince of Kyivan Rus’ who converted the (The Weekly goes to press early Friday mornings.) represented were such diverse and eclectic country to Christianity in 988 and is con- groups as the international scouting organi- sidered Ukraine’s greatest leader, for a Rate: $7.50 per column-inch. zation Plast, the Ukrainian Youth short religious ceremony. Information should be addressed to the attention of the Advertising Department Organization SUM, the Sich Ukrainian Officials will then travel to the newly and sent to: The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 (NB: please Children’s Society, the Association of reconstructed Independence Square in the do not include post office box if sending via courier), Parsippany, N.J. 07054; Young Entrepreneurs of Ukraine and the heart of the city, where the president will fax, (973) 644-9510; telephone, (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040; “Children’s Mountaineering Movement.” unveil the 60-meter tall gilded monument e-mail, [email protected]. One of the groups, the Ukrainian Youth to Ukrainian independence, the centerpiece Please include the daytime phone number of a contact person. Organization SUM, which is firmly estab- of the new central plaza. lished in the U.S., Canada and Europe, but In the afternoon President Kuchma will much less so in Ukraine, will take a very host the official ceremony commemorating active part in the tenth anniversary celebra- Ukraine’s 10th anniversary of independ- tions with a special gathering of its mem- ence at the Palats Ukrainy Concert Hall. bers here. The gathering, called ‘Zlet’, Russian President Vladimir Putin and opened on August 16 in Lviv, and is the Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski first such event arranged by the organiza- are expected to be in attendance, as is the tion in Ukraine. Traditionally Zlet had been entire Ukrainian political, governmental held during the Summer Olympics at the and judicial establishment. site of the athletic competitions. Last year, On the big day – August 24 – it will all however, the tradition was changed and be for the people, both in Kyiv and in the Zlet was delayed a year to this summer so regional capitals. In Kyiv first will come that its participants could honor a decade of the grand parade, which will begin with Ukrainian independence. more than 6,000 soldiers representing all THE MYCHAJLO DMYTRENKO Some 230 SUM members were expected the various arms of the Ukrainian military FINE ARTS FOUNDATION, INC. for the eight-day event, which would take service marching down the Khreschatyk in the participants from Lviv through western parade dress. That will be followed by a INVITES YOU Ukraine to Kyiv for the August 24 culmina- show of Ukrainian military hardware, TO tion; after several days in Lviv, the group which will feature ten of the world’s most ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON BY was scheduled to divide into three groups, modern tanks, the Ukrainian T-84. GIVING THE BEST GIFT POSSIBLE TO YOUR LOVED ONES which would either stay in Lviv, or trek to As the armored columns roll down the AND Ternopil or Kalush for one-day visits to the city’s main thoroughfare, 42 aircraft of the FUNDING ART STUDENTS IN UKRAINE AND THE DIASPORA regions of their forefathers. The group will Ukrainian Air Force, as well as Navy heli- AT THE SAME TIME then reunite outside the Hutsul town of copters and cargo craft, will buzz above the Yaremche in the village of Yamna for a city in formation. Also on hand will be the SHARE THE BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK OF RENOWNED UKRAINIAN ARTIST huge ceremonial bonfire before boarding Sokil acrobatic team of the Ukrainian Air five train cars for the trip to Kyiv on August Force flying MIG-29s. MYCHAJLO DMYTRENKO 20 to be part of the big bash there. After the heavy hardware lumbers IN HIS HARDCOVER MONOGRAPH FILLED WITH Although the 10th anniversary celebra- through, parade watchers will be treated to 233 PAGES tions began unofficially as far back as mid- columns of athletes representing the hun- ENGLISH/UKRAINIAN TEXT summer with several art competitions and dreds of athletic clubs and sports federa- theatrical exhibits, the main commemora- tions in Ukraine and then by a show of 126 COLOR PLATES tions officially began with the opening of Ukrainian artisan groups. the World Forum of Ukrainians on In Lviv the city’s military garrison is FOR A DONATION OF $50 OR MORE (U.S.) OUR NON-PROFIT FOUNDATION WILL SEND A Saturday and will continue through the also scheduled to put on a major perform- COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK. weekend of August 24. ance for Lvivians during their ALL CONTRIBUTIONS FUND STUDENT GRANTS On the second day of the World Forum, Independence Day parade, which most say ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY the delegates and guests will participate in will be second only to the Kyiv show. a commemorative liturgy at St. Michael’s Parades will also be held in Odessa, SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ALONG WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND Golden-Domed Cathedral, one of the archi- Vinnytsia, Chernihiv and Sevastopol. TELEPHONE NUMBER TO: tectural and spiritual jewels of Kyiv and In the country’s capital, the daylong MDFAF Ukraine. The Ukrainian American chorale events will feature concerts on the 1425 LA PERLA group, The Bandurist Chorus, will sing Khreschatyk and in parks throughout the LONG BEACH, CA 90815 responses to the Mass. city and will culminate in a fireworks dis- The Detroit-based, all-male ensemble of play that evening, which Kyiv administra- PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT THE FOUNDATION AND SAMPLE PHOTOS singers and bandura players, which was tion officials are saying will be the largest OF ARTWORK IN THIS BOOK chosen by the Ukrainian Congress ever in a city that has been known to put on WWW.DMYTRENKO.ORG Committee of America and the Ukrainian quite a spectacular light show. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

Ukrainian party seeks to ban Communists Newsbriefs (Continued from page 2) K YIV – The Ukrainian Republican Party (URP) has asked the Justice Moldova and some areas of Ukraine, Ministry to ban the Communist Party of Interfax reported. Luzhkov stated that TV Ukraine (KPU), Interfax reported on Tsentr head Oleg Poptsov has managed to August 12. URP leader Levko make the station’s broadcasts politically Lukyanenko told journalists that the KPU unbiased. TV Tsentr’s potential audience should be banned under Ukraine’s law on will be about 74 million, many of whom, political parties, which prohibits political according to Luzhkov, will be interested activities oriented toward the liquidation in how Moscow solves its economic and of Ukraine’s independence, propaganda social problems. In addition, TV Tsentr of violence, and encroachment on human also intends to target the large portion of rights and freedoms. According to the city of Moscow’s population that con- Lukyanenko, the KPU program’s provi- sists of the people from these regions. sion calling for the restoration of a (RFE/RL Newsline) “union of fraternal peoples” is tanta- UGCC organizes youth festival mount to a postulate to liquidate Ukraine’s independence, while the LVIV – The local deanery of the KPU’s Marxist-Leninist ideology implies Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on such political measures as a violent over- August 6 opened its five-day youth festi- turn of the government and encroach- val near the town of Zbarazh, Ternopil ment on human rights and freedoms. region. It is called “The School of the (RFE/RL Newsline) Jesus Prayer,” named for a traditional Turkmenistan, Ukraine on gas debt payoff prayer of the Churches of the Byzantine tradition containing the words “Lord Jesus KYIV – On August 13 Ukraine offered Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a Turkmenistan improved terms for the sinner.” A group of 120 active young repayment of a $280 million debt for Christians were invited to take part. Turkmen gas supplies, the dpa wire serv- Through catechism, prayer and in other ice reported. Last week Ashgabat rejected ways, the festival’s organizers are trying Kyiv’s offer to reschedule Ukraine’s debt to prepare young leaders who will become to Turkmenistan on the same terms that models of Christian living for youth. the Paris Club agreed to in July. (RFE/RL (Religious Information Service of Newsline) Ukraine) Kuchma meets Tatarstan’s Shaimiev Parliamentarian ordered two killings CRIMEA – During his vacation in KYIV – Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Crimea, President Leonid Kuchma has Mykhaylo Potebenko told journalists in met with Tatarstan’s President Mintimer Kyiv on August 13 that his office has Shaimiev and discussed cooperation gathered sufficient evidence to prosecute a between Ukrainian regions and Tatarstan, ∏Ñàçàâ ßçîéêåÄñßâçàâ ñÖçíê ì èßÇçßóçßâ ÄåÖêàñß current parliamentary deputy for ordering Interfax reported on August 12, quoting ÉÄáÖíà, ÜìêçÄãà the killings of parliamentary deputy the Ukrainian president’s press service. Yevhen Scherban in 1996 and of former Kuchma and Shaimiev are reportedly Á ìÍð‡ªÌË, Íð‡ªÌ ëçÑ National Bank Governor Vadym Hetman interested in ensuring the steady opera- ÔÂð‰Ô·ڇ, ÔðÓ‰‡Ê-ÔÓ¯ÚÓ˛ in 1998, the “Ukrayinska pravda” website tion of the joint company Ukrtatnafta. ÍÌË„Ë, CD, ͇ÒÂÚÍË, ‚¥‰ÂÓ٥θÏË (̇ȷ¥Î¸¯‡ Á·¥ð͇, ͇ڇÎÓ„) reported. Potebenko did not disclose the Ukrtatnafta was created in 1994 to incor- ÔÂðÂÁ‡ÔËÒ ‚¥‰ÂÓ PAL/SEKAM≥>->NTSC name of the suspected deputy, saying only porate the oil refinery in Kremenchuk, www.press-global.com that the Prosecutor-General’s Office will Poltava Oblast. The Ukrtatnafta manage- Tel.: (416) 604-0060 Fax: (416) 604-0056 present the details of the case to the parlia- ment has repeatedly complained that the ment in a special message. Potebenko Canadian Global Centre A.O.B. Inc. Tatar cofounders of the company fail to added that those who carried out the con- meet their obligations, in particular those 2186 Bloor St. W. #214, Toronto ON, M6S 1N3 tract killings are already dead. (RFE/RL regarding supplies of Tatar oil to the Newsline) refinery. (RFE/RL Newsline)

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Attention All Contributors to the Mohyla Academic Society Fund Herewith we wish to inform you that Professor John Fizer, president of MAS, as of the end of this month, will leave for a three-month teaching commitment at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the National Taras Shevchenko Kyiv University. He will return in early December. During Prof. Fizer’s absence donations to MAS should be mailed to our regional representatives. Mr. Ihor Wyslotsky Mr. Jaroslav Duzyj Mr. Ivan Danylenko 860 E. State Parkway 26657 Haverhill 121 Harvard Ave. Schaumburg, Il. 60173 Warren, MI 48091 Somerdale, N.J. 08083 MAS Board No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 23

CELEBRATE UKRAINE’S 10 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 1991 ~ 2001 Friday, August 24, 12 noon

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG RAISING Boston City Hall Plaza Share the spirit and wear your embroidered shirt

Sunday, August 26, 12 noon

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATIVE PICNIC Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church 146 Forest Hills Street, Jamaica Plain FOOD ~ MUSIC ~ RAFFLE ~ FUN and GAMES

Roman Woronowycz Saturday, September 8, 6:00 p.m. A view of Independence Square with the 60 meter tower in the back left and the yet to be finished underground mall. UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATIVE BANQUET Moseley’s on the Charles, 50 Bridge Street (Route 109), Dedham for the normal movement of traffic, much COCKTAILS ~ DINNER ~ PROGRAM ~ DANCING Kyiv undergoes... to the relief of shop owners. The area, $50 for Adults - $45 for Students and Seniors (Continued from page 1) located just west of the Khreschatyk, Reservations required by August 15 along Chervonoarmiysk Street, is consid- facts – satisfied no one. Tel.: (617) 524-7301 - Tues. and Thurs 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. That problem went away when two ered the city’s main shopping district. pylons that supported the remains, which Construction has severely limited pedes- had been dug out and were to be encased trian and auto access to many shops since PLEASE SUPPORT THESE EVENTS AND GIVE GENEROUSLY in glass for public viewing on the new the end of spring. The street will reopen square, collapsed at the end of June. The on August 22. PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN UKRAINE disaster, in which no one was hurt, was Rail traffic has also been affected by All checks payable to: UFFCU Account 975 only one of several accidents or unfortu- the changes taking place in the Ukrainian nate incidents that marred construction. capital city. Since May the city’s main Ukrainian Fraternal Federal Credit Union of Boston Another major setback occurred when a train station has undergone major renova- P.O. Box 185, Boston, MA 02132 60-ton platform that supported a monu- tions, which have made the building ment to Archangel Mikhail, the only arti- nearly inaccessible for the last two SPONSORED BY: fice that was to remain from the original months. Passengers often had to gather 10th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF UKRAINE near blackboards as station workers square, collapsed after a sand slide and COMMITTEE OF MASSACHUSETTS scribble train delays or new schedules on resulted in the injury of two workers. ~ A cooperative of 13 local Ukrainian organizations ~ It will take at least another half year them which forced passengers to search before the central plaza is finished. A for ways to get around the closed build- major feature of the new square will be ing to board trains. an extensive labyrinth of shops as well as By the week prior to the beginning of a parking structure located below its sur- Independence Day celebrations, the work face. For Independence Day, however, was coming to a close. The building’s Mayor Omelchenko assured that the sur- exterior facade was complete, and work- face of the square, if not the subterranean ers were attaching large marble plates structure, would be entirely completed. that would constitute the interior walls. On Independence Day city dwellers Contractors had brought in artisans from and guests will see a radically different Poland and Hungary at higher rates of square. An extensive roof-like glass pay to make sure the work proceeded structure will cover the north side of the smoothly and the deadline for completion square, which is bisected by the was met. The train station was still not Khreschatyk, while a 60-foot high gilded ready, but according to one worker, it UKRAINIAN SELFRELIANCE monument will dominate the south side. would be finished on time. Adorning the top of the memorial will be “It is going to take a full effort, but FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, a golden-winged woman representing 10 you can be sure that it will at least look years of Ukrainian independence. complete by next week,” said Petro PHILADELPHIA, PA. President Kuchma will unveil the symbol Riznyk, a bricklayer from Rivne working of Ukrainian independence on August 23 at the train station site. He had traveled to Serving and Supporting the Ukrainian Community Since 1952 during ceremonies marking the opening Kyiv in June after hearing that workers of the square. were needed to complete the various Construction at the other end of the projects. Although Mr. Riznyk would not WE WANT TO GIVE YOU Khreschatyk, where workers are building state what he was making, he said that a second underground mall while also some workers were taking in up to $40 a renovating a historic piece of architecture day, an exorbitant amount of money in A that has lain dormant for the last decade, the current Ukrainian economy, but obvi- SECONDIf youCHANCE! purchased a new car will be sufficiently completed to allow ously not in the new Kyiv. within the last 12 months, you can re-finance with us at our LOW New Car Rates: New Car (0% down, 3 yr. term) 7.350% New Car (0% down, up to 5 yr. term) 7.450% New Car (0% down, up to 6 yr. term) 7.650%

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MAIN OFFICE: 24th Street Branch: Ukrainian Center Branch: 1729 Cottman Ave. 2307 Brown St. 910 Henrietta Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19111 Philadelphia, PA 19130 Huntingdon VL, PA 19006 Tel.: (215) 725-4430 Tel.: (215) 232-3993 Tel.: (215) 379-0400 Fax: (215) 725-0831 Fax: (215) 379-2757

Toll free: 1-888-POLTAVA 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33 No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 25

especially by the potential for Ukraine to Putin, Kuchma... provide Russia with military facilities to (Continued from page 2) help counter the U.S. Strategic Defense UKRAINIAN MEDICAL SERVICE LTD Malynkovych, who presumably at one Initiative (SDI). President Kuchma met NY (718) 621-3666, Kyiv:+380 44 440-7355 Russian President Putin in the world’s stage did not feel uncomfortable in work- e-mail: [email protected] ing for Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian serv- former largest nuclear missile factory ice, has transformed himself in recent Pivdenmash (Kuchma was director of the months from a sharp critic of Mr. factory during the Soviet era) in äéåèãÖäëçÖ åÖÑàóçÖ éÅëãìÉéÇìÇÄççü çÄ íÖêàíéêß∫ ìäêÄ∫çà: Kuchma to his best defender. Taking part Dnipropetrovsk in February. ä˪‚, 㸂¥‚, ß‚‡ÌÓ-îð‡ÌÍ¥‚Ò¸Í, ï‡ðÍ¥‚, ÑÌ¥ÔðÓÔÂÚðÓ‚Ò¸Í, ÑÓ̈¸Í, á‡ÔÓð¥ÊÊfl, with Mr. Pogrebinsky in a roundtable Russia may well have been behind èÓÎÚ‡‚‡, ãÛˆ¸Í, åËÍÓ·ª‚, é‰ÂÒ‡, ïÂðÒÓÌ, ëËÏÙÂðÓԥθ, 낇ÒÚÓԥθ, üÎÚ‡ Ú‡ ¥Ì¯. titled “What Kind of Ukraine Russia the Melnychenko tapes in league with Needs” in Nezavisimaya Gazeta (April Mr. Kuchma’s domestic Russophile Ñãü ÇÄòàï ÅÄíúäßÇ, ÑßíÖâ, éçìäßÇ, ÑêìáßÇ ß äéïÄçàï 25), he heaped scorn on Mr. Yuschenko opponents in a Soviet-style operation * ç‡ÈÍð‡˘¥ Υ͇ð¥ * çÂÓ·ı¥‰Ì¥ Î¥ÍË * ëÛ˜‡Ò̠ω˘Ì ÛÒÚ‡ÚÍÛ‚‡ÌÌfl. and the anti-Kuchma opposition while against a foreign leader. Putin has since defending President Kuchma from the skillfully used this information and the * KÓÏÙÓðÚ‡·Âθ̥ Í¥Ï̇ÚË ‚ ¯ÔËÚ‡Îflı claims made on the basis of the fallout of Kuchmagate to make Mr. * ÑÓ„Îfl‰ Á‡ β‰¸ÏË ÔÓıËÎÓ„Ó ‚¥ÍÛ Ú‡ ‰¥Ú¸ÏË – ÔðÓ„ð‡Ï‡ ◊HOME ATTENDANT“ Kuchmagate tapes. Kuchma believe that the “provocation” 襉襉ÚðËχÈÚÚðËχÈÚ ҂Ӫı ð¥‰ÌËı ¥ ·ÎËÁ¸ÍËı – ‚ÓÌË ÔÓÚðÂ·Û˛Ú¸ÚðÂ·Û˛Ú¸ ˆ¸Ó„Ó! The Russophile Ukrainian media has was all a Western conspiracy to unseat alleged that the West is perturbed by the him and that his only real friend is ÑÓÒÚÛÔÌ¥ ˆ¥ÌË. éÔ·ڇ ÔÓÒÎÛ„ ‚ ëòÄ ¥ ä‡Ì‡‰¥. pro-Russian orientation of Ukraine and Russia.

people associated with (President) Kuchma, Major Melnychenko... indeed, laundered large sums of money,” (Continued from page 1) Major Melnychenko said, adding that there gal activities that those responsible for were also indications in the recorded con- killing Mr. Gongadze wanted to keep from versations that some of the laundering was done in the United States. being exposed. He said the tapes also reveal Major Melnychenko said he doubted that that the president’s circle of associates were President Kuchma would ever resign over making large sums of money from the ille- the tape scandal, as some have called on gal export of gas and weapons, and that him to do, because he knows that he and his COME,COME, JOINJOIN USUS some of that money went to finance associates would in short order “end up President Kuchma’s re-election campaign. behind bars.” But he was certain that sooner Mr. Yeliashkevych said that following or later the president would be brought to HIGH INTEREST RATES ON CDs his beating he is afraid for his life. Ukraine account for the killing of Mr. Gongadze and is gravely ill, suffering from what he called his other crimes. FREE CHECKING the “Kuchma virus” of massive high-level The slain journalist’s wife, Myroslava GREAT RATES FOR LOANS, MORTGAGES corruption. Gongadze, was present at the news confer- “What I can say with certainty is that ence. SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES AVAILABLE UKRAINIAN/ENGLISH SPOKEN FRIENDLY PERSONNEL WESTERN UNION

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e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.uofcu.org Major Mykola Melnychenko speaks at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

è‡ð‡Ù¥fl Ò‚. ûð‡ ‚ 縲 âÓðÍÛ Volume I and II You can obtain both volumes for only $130.00 Á‡ÔðÓ¯Ûπ ‚Ò¥ı Ô‡ð‡Ù¥flÌ ¥ „ÓÒÚÂÈ Ì‡ Including Postage ORDER NOW ëÇüíäéÇàâ éÅßÑ Fill out the order blank below and mail it with your check or money order ̇ ÔÓ¯‡ÌÛ ªı ë‚’flÚÓÒÚË To: UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Inc. 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 è‡Úð¥flı‡ ã˛·ÓÏËð‡ ä‡ð‰Ë̇· ÉÛÁ‡ð‡ I hereby order Ukraine: A Concise Encyclopaedia K K K Volume I — $75.00 Volume II — $75.00 Volume I & II — $130.00

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‚ ‡‚‰ËÚÓ𥪠¯ÍÓÎË ë‚. ûð‡ Enclosed is (a check/M.O.) for the amount $ ______215 Òı¥‰ 6-Ú‡ ‚ÛÎˈfl, 縲 âÓðÍ, ç.â. Please send the book (s) to the following address:

Name чÚÓÍ 100 ‰ÓÎ. ‚¥‰ ÓÒÓ·Ë. ä‚ËÚÍË Á‡ÏÓ‚ÎflÚË ‚ ͇̈ÂÎfl𥪠ˆÂðÍ‚Ë Ò‚. ûð‡. No. Street City State Zip Code 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33 No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 27 Kharkivites study U.S. grain industry

CINCINNATI – Midwestern grain busi- “We feel it is essential for both Ukraine nesses in five states hosted 16 Kharkiv grain and the U.S. that managers in the former Ukrainian National Association Estate producers studying how the U.S. grain Soviet Union learn how to operate in a Foordmore Road, Kerhonkson, New York 12446 industry works. With this information, they free market economy,” said Dr. Belal Tel.: (845) 626-5641 • Fax: (845) 626-4638 can help their businesses back home operate Siddique, who has organized the program www.soyuzivka.com • e-mail: [email protected] and compete in a market economy. for the Ukrainian grain producers. “This On a study tour lasting from June 11 type of study tour presents the perfect through July 1, the group visited grain opportunity for the group to learn how to SUMMER PROGRAM operations, research centers and educa- apply modern technology and manage- SUMMER PROGRAM 20012001 tional institutions in Ohio, Kentucky, ment techniques in their businesses, which Saturday, August 25 Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. will improve their cost effectiveness. This 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. – Zabava – music by THE LEGEND The tour was funded by the United has a direct effect on improving the stan- States Agency for International dard of living for their population,” he Friday, August 31 Development (USAID) and organized by explained. 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. – Zabava – music by VECHIRKA the non-profit Center for Economic The study tours are already making a sig- Initiatives in Cincinnati. nificant impact on business. A report from Saturday, September 1 The Center for Economic Initiatives the Kharkiv government says that 60 per- 8:30 p.m. – Yunist Dance Ensemble, Yonkers (CEI) has been using the study tour method cent of Kharkiv firms participating in the 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. – Zabava – music by TEMPO to give businesspeople from the former study tours have doubled their efficiency. 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. – Zabava – music by VECHIRKA Soviet Union a first-hand look at modern This is vital in an economy that is strug- Sunday, September 2 technologies, management and productivity gling to prosper under its new economic 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. – Zabava – music by ZOLOTA BULAVA methods and free-market competition. U.S. structure. ______businesses volunteer to show their sites and The Center for Economic Initiatives explain their operations. models its study tours after those conducted VIDLUNNIA will play for you every Friday evening from July 13 to August 24 This study tour was the CEI’s eighth, and for Western European businesses after from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. USAID has funded another five. These will World War II under the Marshall Plan. In bring three groups from Kharkiv to study fact, the man who proposed and implement- animal husbandry, machine building and ed this technical assistance component of construction, as well as two from Slavutych the Marshall Plan in 1948, Jim Silberman is to study information technology and con- an active consultant for the Center for Tax-deductible donations needed struction. Economic Initiatives. to aid the victims of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster

that a fund of 10 million German marks and other needy Ukrainian families. Former Nazi-era... ($4.71 billion U.S.) would be distributed .” (Continued from page 1) among Nazi victims. Under the agree- “The wall is down, but the people still need your help “I lost relatives, the Fascists crippled ment, Ukrainian victims are to receive a Ukrainian Relief Fund of Rochester my destiny, left me without health ... But total of 1.724 billion German marks from another point of view, we need this ($948.2 million). P.O. Box 60552, Rochester, NY 14606 money very much: pensions are small Representatives of Ukrainian Nazi Tel.: (716) 723-3586 and medicines are expensive,” Ms. victims had repeatedly complained that Shevtsova said. Germany has dragged out the payment Michael Jansen, the president of a process. They claimed 10 percent of for- German fund to compensate Nazi-era mer Nazi laborers in Ukraine were dying slave laborers, asked survivors to accept annually due to old age and ill health. YURI INTERNATIONAL the compensation as Germany’s gesture Germany had refused to start pay- 13 Royal Palm Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 ments until it had gathered all funds and of good will. TRADE, TRAVEL, PARCEL “We Germans admit moral and politi- until it was confident that no more cal responsibility for what was done dur- claims for property are raised by former Tel.: (716) 685-1505 Fax: (716) 685-0987 ing World War II,” Mr. Jansen said. victims living in the U.S. Currently, about 610,000 Nazi victims The Ukrainian survivors will receive PARCELS, AIRLINE TICKETS, VISAS, MONEY TRANSFER, live in Ukraine, most of them are now their compensation payments in two FOOD PARCELS FROM AMERICA AND CANADA TO UKRAINE, elderly. Some 477,000 of them are cur- stages, said Ihor Lushnikov, head of the RUSSIA, BELARUS, MOLDOVA, BALTIC COUNTRIES, POLAND, rently registered by Ukrainian authorities Mutual Understanding and Reconciliation CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS as eligible for compensation, and the reg- Fund, which was created to distribute the istration process is continuing. compensation. Parcels pick-up from home Germany and the nations that suffered First, they are to receive 65 percent of the prescribed sum, which is expected by Invitation to America • Visas to Ukraine • Extension of U.S. visas • DV Lottery under the Nazi regime agreed in 2000 January 2003, Mr. Lushnikov said. Airport pick-up and assistance in Lviv, Kyiv, Moscow, New York and Toronto Another stage of payments will be possi- Assistance with immigration papers for “Green Card” ble after all the former Nazi victims have Correction received the first portion. The payment Video Transfers PAL/SECAM - NTSC In the story on the Detroit-based process is lengthy because Ukrainian and Calls to Ukraine 19¢ per minute • Calls to Russia 19¢ per minute Bandurist Chorus (August 5) the article German authorities must carefully exam- For further information call: may have lead readers to believe that the ine survivors’ claims, he said, according group will be in Kyiv on August 24. In to Interfax. (716) 685-1505 fact, the group will participate in inde- Ukrainian and German authorities E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] pendence festivities and will leave thus far have given final approval to a Ukraine on August 21. list of the first 40,000 victims.

Congratulations, Natalka and Wasyl! We are very proud of both of you! With all our love and support: mama and papa

Natalka Fedoriw, M.D. recieved her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University School of Medicine on May 13, 2001. We wish Natalka success in her Ophthalmology specialty at Wayne State University Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Wasyl Fedoriw recieved his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry (with distinction) from Indiana University on May 5, 2001. Wasyl was an athlete for the university’s Track & Field team and competed in the field’s events. Wasyl will continue his education with the study of medicine. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2001 No. 33

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Thursday-Sunday, August 23-26 formances by the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, the Obriy Ukrainian CHICAGO: The Ukrainian community in Folk Dance Ensemble, the Luna Orchestra Chicago will celebrate the 10th anniver- and concert accordionist Vitalii Piryh. sary of Ukrainian independence with a After the program, Luna will provide the multi-day schedule of events. Mayor music for dancing, which will take place Richard M. Daley will host a reception in from 4-7 p.m. Vendors will be selling tra- honor of Ukrainian Independence Day on ditional Ukrainian food as well as folk arts Thursday, August 23, at the Chicago and crafts. There will also be a children’s Cultural Center, Randolph and Michigan activity center with free games and amuse- streets, at 5:30-7 p.m. On Friday, August ments. The festivities will be held at the 24, at noon the Ukrainian flag will be Ukrainian American Sports Center, raised at Daley Plaza, Washington and County Line and Lower State Roads. Dearborn streets, by the Ukrainian Admission: $10, adults; children under 13, American Veterans color guard, followed free. by a cultural program. In the evening a moleben will be observed at the various BOSTON: Christ the King Ukrainian Ukrainian churches in the city. On Catholic Church invites the community to Saturday, August 25, at 11 a.m. a soccer come celebrate 10 years of Ukrainian tournament will commence at Smith Park, independence. A picnic will be held at Campbell and Huron streets. At 7 p.m., noon at the church, located at 146 Forest Saturday evening, an anniversary concert Hills St., Jamaica Plain. The event is spon- will be held at the North Shore Performing sored by a joint committee of 13 Arts Center, 9501 N. Skokie Boulevard, Massachusetts Ukrainian organizations. Skokie, Ill. On Sunday, August 26, at Proceeds will benefit humanitarian organi- 12:30 p.m. the community will gather at zations in Ukraine. For more information St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox call (617) 524-7301, Tuesday or Thursday, Church on Oakley Blvd. At 1 p.m. a pro- 1-7 p.m. cession will take place along Oakley Boulevard to the Ukrainian Cultural Wednesday , September 5 Center, 2247 W. Chicago Ave., where a NEWARK, N.J.: St. John’s Ukrainian ceremony and unveiling of the memorial Preschool will re-open with Ukrainian- commemorating Ukraine’s 10th anniver- SUPPORT THE WORK language Montessori sessions held each sary of independence will be held. For morning at 9 a.m.- noon. The preschool OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY. additional information call Pavlo also offers extended hours sessions from 8 Send contributions to: The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, Bandriwsky, (773) 772-4500. a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The minimum age for 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Friday, August 24 students is 2 years, 6 months. The Montessori system emphasises respect for BOSTON: The 10th anniversary of the child, individual learning and promo- Ukrainian independence will be celebrated tion of the child’s independence. For more with a flag raising ceremony on the information call Olenka Makarushka- Boston City Hall Plaza at noon. The cere- Kolodiy, (973) 763-1797. mony is sponsored by a joint committee of 13 Massachusetts Ukrainian organizations. Saturday, September 8 For more information call (617) 524-7301, BOSTON: A banquet commemorating the Tuesday or Thursday, 1-7 p.m. 10th anniversary of Ukrainian independ- SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J.: The ence will be held at Moseley’s on the 10th anniversary of Ukrainian independ- Charles, Dedham. The event, sponsored by ence will be celebrated at the Ukrainian a joint committee of 13 Massachusetts Cultural Center, 135 Davidson Ave., Ukrainian organizations, will include Somerset, N.J., at 7 p.m. The celebration cocktails, dinner, a brief program and is sponsored by the Committee for Aid to dancing. Proceeds will benefit humanitari- Ukraine, Central New Jersey Branch. The an organizations in Ukraine. For reserva- program will include greetings from tions or to advertise in the commemorative Ukraine’s Consulate General in New York, book, call (617) 524-7301, Tuesday or a keynote address by Andrew Shevchenko, Thursday, 1-7 p.m. ODUM youth leader, and performances by Friday-Sunday, September 14-16 songstress Lida Bychkova, Kyiv National Theater of Opera and Ballet; the Unist KERHONKSON, N.Y.: The Carpathian Dance Ensemble under the direction of Ski Club (KLK) will host the annual KLK Gregory Momot, former member of the Fall Weekend at Soyuzivka. Events will Virsky Dance Ensemble; the Chereshenky include tennis, dining and dancing. For vocal duet of the Oros sisters, Lida, 12, more information call Vira Popel, (732) and Gabryila, 13; and Ivan Bernatsky, 297-0786. For reservations at Soyuzivka, national artist of Ukraine. Donations: $10. call (845) 626-5641. All proceeds are dedicated to help youth in Ukraine in their studies. For additional ADVANCE NOTICE information call Michael Shulha, (980) 534-6683, or the Rev. John Lyszyk, (908) Saturday-Sunday, October 6-7 253-0410. WHAT? SAN FRANSISCO: The Ukrainian Sunday, August 26 Professional and Business Group of YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN Northern California and the Ukrainian HORSHAM, Pa.: The Ukrainian Medical Association of North America SUBSCRIPTION? American Sports Center will host the (UMANA) present “Zabava: San Tryzub 10th annual Ukrainian Folk Francisco 2001” – a dinner and dance, and To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, fill out the form below, Festival in celebration of 10 years of Napa Valley wine tour. Tockets: Saturday Ukrainian independence. The festivities night dinner and dance, $75; Sunday wine clip it and mail it to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, start at noon to the music of the Karpaty tour, $25. Tickets increase $10 after 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Ukrainian polka and dance orchestra. The September 15. For tickets and information, main show begins at 2 p.m., featuring per- call (415) 986-0835.

NAME: ______NAME: (please type or print) REMINDER REGARDING REQUIREMENTS: ADDRESS: ______There is a $10 charge per submission for listings in Preview of Events. The listing plus payment must be received no later than one week before CITY: ______STATE: ______ZIP CODE: ______the desired date of publication. There is also the option of prepayment for a series of listings. PHONE (optional): ______Listings of no more than 100 words (written in Preview format) plus pay- J J ment should be sent to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 UNA member subscription price — $45.00/yr. Non-member subscription price — $55.00/yr. Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Information sent by fax should include a copy of a check, in the amount of $10 per listing, made out UNA Branch number ______to The Ukrainian Weekly. The Weekly’s fax number is (973) 644-9510.