Part 2 of THE YEAR IN REVIEW pages 7-13

THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationEEKLY Vol. LXXXVII No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 $2.00 Crimean Tatars see Budapest Memorandum as key Experts: Presidential race still ‘wide open’ before March 31 vote to the recovery of their homeland

Stanislav Yurchenko, RFE/RL Mustafa Dzhemilev Presidential Administration of Ukraine tymoshenko.ua Komanda Zelenskoho/Facebook Incumbent President Petro Poroshenko Two-time ex-Prime Minister Yulia Actor-comedian Volodymyr Zelensky is a by Paul Goble hasn’t announced his candidacy for the Tymoshenko has said she will run for a front runner for the March 31 presiden- March 31 presidential election, but has third time for president, having failed in tial election. Mustafa Dzhemilev, the leader of advertised patriotic messages on bill- two previous campaigns in 2010 and 2014. January 6 and Russia’s attack on Ukrainian the Crimean Tatars, said that the goal boards using slogans like “Army! naval ships in late November 2018, he of his nation is “the establishment of a Language! Faith!” a clear path to the country’s highest politi- added that these events could change “the platform for the return of Crimea on cal seat. None of the three approaches 20 dynamic” and could have a “tremendous the basis of the Budapest by Mark Raczkiewycz percent popularity among voters in the effect” and likely “move these undecided Memorandum,” the 1994 accord under first round that requires a simple majority KYIV – The March 31 presidential elec- to ensure inauguration. numbers,” according to a report by the U.S.- which Russia and the West agreed to tion is “wide open” and “unpredictable” This, coupled with the fact that one-fifth Ukraine Foundation. guarantee Ukraine’s territorial integri- Ukraine experts and analysts have noted, as of voters are still undecided – mostly Among the subsample of likely voters, ty in exchange for its surrender of findings from fresh public opinion polls women who reside in central and western Ms. Tymoshenko leads with 19 percent of nuclear weapons. were released in the last two months Ukraine, makes it difficult to foresee who support, followed by Mr. Poroshenko (13.5 The United States, Great Britain, before the New Year. the two final candidates will be for the like- percent) and Mr. Zelensky (12.7 percent), Canada and other countries following Current national lawmaker and two- ly runoff vote in April. according to an average of five recent sur- the 2014 Crimean annexation declared time Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is It’s “a wide-open race,” said Stephen Nix veys released by January 4, according to that Moscow was in violation of the the front runner, followed by incumbent of the International Republican Institute Wooden Horse Strategies, a political con- memorandum, but Vladimir Putin President Petro Poroshenko and newcomer (IRI) on January 4 during a video confer- sultancy based in Kyiv. replied that, in fact, the Western powers Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a showman and per- ence held by the Transatlantic Task Force Three surveys released in November- were in breach by fomenting the haps the country’s most popular comedian. on Elections and Civil Society in Ukraine. December 2018 using a nationwide sample Maidan in Ukraine, thereby sparking a However, no potential victor – the top Citing the IRI poll published before of registered voters show that Ms. revolution and creating a new state three so far have not officially registered Ukraine was granted a decree to establish Moscow was not committed to support. their candidacies as of January 15 – enjoys an independent Orthodox Church on (Continued on page 18) For the past four years, there the matter has stood; but Mr. Dzhemilev’s declaration, made to Ukrinform in Ankara suggests that the Crimean Tatars may now be ready to launch a New study on Holodomor presented in fi ve Canadian cities new campaign to focus international attention on the 1994 accord, and that CIUS the West might now be ready to do more to compel compliance with the EDMONTON-TORONTO – The publication in 2018 of memorandum (ukrinform.ru/rubric- “The Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine: An Anatomy of crimea/2611494-mustafa-dzemilev- the Holodomor” (CIUS Press) by Stanislav Kulchytsky lider-krymskih-tatar.html). was an important milestone in the work of the The Crimean Tatar leader lobbied Holodomor Research and Education Consortium (HREC) for the passage of the U.N. resolution on at the University of Alberta’s Canadian Institute of the demilitarization of occupied Crimea Ukrainian Studies (CIUS). An updated translation into on December 17 in large part because English of his “Ukraïnskyi Holodomor v Konteksti “there for the first time was a reference Polityky Kremlia Pochatku 1930-ykh Rokiv” (2014), this to the Budapest Memorandum.” It is latest work, supported by HREC, can be considered a dis- “very important,” he noted, that the tillation of 30 years of study of the topic by one of United Nations specified that Russia’s Ukraine’s leading historians. militarization of Crimea is “a violation For the occasion of the book’s publication in the 85th of the Budapest memorandum.” anniversary year of the Famine-Genocide in Ukraine, and “Our next goal,” Mr. Dzhemilev said, to honor Prof. Kulchytsky for his decades-long scholar- “is the creation of a platform for the ship on the Famine, HREC invited the author to Canada in Halyna Klid November 2018 for a series of book presentations. Stanislav Kulchytsky (left) and Bohdan Klid at the book launch of “The (Continued on page 15) Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine: An Anatomy of the Holodomor” in (Continued on page 18) Edmonton, Alberta. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

ANALYSIS

Crimean Tatar activist who brought aid Russian court extends sailors’ detention Ukrainian crew captured near the Kerch Strait on November 25, 2018. “Canada is A Moscow court has prolonged the pre- deeply concerned with Russia’s decision to to Ukraine POWs is viciously attacked trial detention of 24 Ukrainian sailors extend the detention of Ukrainian crew detained by Russian forces who attacked captured during recent events near the three Ukrainian Navy vessels in the Black Kerch Strait and calls for their immediate Sea in November. On January 16, the release. Canada continues to condemn Lefortovo district court ruled that four of unlawful Russian actions,” the Embassy of the sailors will remain in jail until April 24, Canada in Ukraine wrote on Twitter on pending further investigation and possible January 16. On the morning of November trial. The pretrial detention period can be 25, 2018, Russia had blocked passage to extended again by court order. A day earli- the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat er, in a series of rulings, the court granted Yany Kapu and two armored naval boats requests by the Russian Investigative Berdyansk and Nikopol, which were on a Committee to keep commander Denys scheduled re-deployment from the Black Hrytsenko, Security Service (SBU) officer Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Andriy Drach and 15 sailors in jail until Mariupol. The Ukraine Navy Command April 24. The court ruled that three sailors noted that the Russian side had been will stay in pretrial custody until April 26. Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group informed of the plans to re-deploy the ves- On January 15, as Russian security officers sels in advance in accordance with interna- Risa Asanov (second from left), Nariman Dzhelyal (second from right) and two other escorted some of the sailors from the Crimean Tatars with the help they brought to Moscow for the 24 Ukrainian POWs. tional standards to ensure the safety of courtroom during a break in the proceed- navigation. The Russian coast guard ship ings for lunch, some spectators chanted, Crimea, and one of the guests looked at him Don rammed the Ukrainian tugboat, dam- by Halya Coynash “Glory to Ukraine!” All 24 servicemen say and asked: “And so what are you doing here aging the Ukrainian vessel. As the Kharkiv Human Rights they consider themselves prisoners of war. then?” Ukrainian boats were heading back in the Protection Group Russia has held the Ukrainian sailors since Mr. Asanov says that he was in a terrible direction of Odesa after being rejected pas- its forces fired on, boarded and then seized Risa Asanov, one of the Crimean Tatar state for the next day, and then told his wife sage via the Kerch Strait, the Russian coast their vessels near the Kerch Strait, which activists who recently carried aid to to get ready. Within 24 hours, he says, they guard opened aimed fire. All 24 crew mem- links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, on Moscow for the 24 Ukrainian POWs seized were standing at the administrative border bers on board were captured and later November 25, 2018. Moscow claims the by Russia, was viciously attacked on between Kherson Oblast in mainland remanded in custody for two months, being Ukrainian vessels illegally entered Russian January 2. The two assailants waited for Ukraine and occupied Crimea. The Russian charged with “illegal border crossing.” him to regain consciousness to say that this border guards initially didn’t want to let territorial waters near Crimea, the Three crewmen were wounded in the was his “last warning” and that he would him in, admitting him finally as a “foreign Ukrainian peninsula that Russia occupied attack. Russian-controlled “courts” in occu- not live through the next attack. national.” Soon afterwards he sorted that and took over in 2014. The sailors have pied Crimea ruled that all 24 detainees Mr. Asanov has played a major role in out, proving that he was a Ukrainian citizen been charged with illegal border crossing should be remanded in custody, after which supporting political prisoners and their with Crimean registration. and face up to six years in prison if convict- they were transferred to the Moscow-based families since returning to Crimea from Asked about his impressions following ed. The court rulings came five days after Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Tishina deten- Poland in 2017, and he is certain that the his return to a Crimea under occupation, the European Union reiterated its call to tion centers. Moscow’s Lefortovo district attack was linked with his strong civil stand Mr. Asanov said: “I knew about the situa- Moscow to release the sailors and all other court on January 15 decided to keep 20 against rights violations in occupied tion in Crimea, but did not imagine that it Ukrainians who Brussels says have been Ukrainian sailors in remand until April 24. Crimea. was so bad. What drives me particularly “illegally detained” in Russia and Crimea. The next day the court extended the deten- He posted information about the attack crazy is the cynicism with which they per- The United States and other Western coun- tion term for the other four Ukrainian sail- on his Facebook page, explaining that he secute all dissidents. Some members of the tries have also called for their release. U.S. ors. (UNIAN) had been filming a video about the Tavrida Mejlis [the self-governing body of the National Security Adviser John Bolton said Russia tries to impose secrecy on hearings Motorway near Belogorsk when hit from Crimean Tatar people that Russia has in December 2018 that there will be no substantive meeting between President behind with what he thinks was a baton. banned] got scared and have retreated into The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Donald Trump and Russian President When he regained consciousness, he was the shadows. The most committed have Group (KHPG) wrote: “If Russia has noth- Vladimir Putin while Moscow still holds the lying close to his car, with one of the assail- remained, it’s they that you often see on TV. ing to hide in its ‘prosecution’ of 24 Ukrainian ships and sailors. (Crimea Desk, ants telling him, with an accent indicating I therefore decided that, whatever happens, Ukrainian POWs, why is the FSB asking for RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) he was from Russia, that this was his last you need to struggle.” their detention court hearings to be held warning. The other was more blunt: “Next Asked about his plans, Mr. Asanov said, Canada seeks sailors’ immediate release behind closed doors? Even in Russia, court time you’ll die.” that they are to “struggle to the end.” He hearings are open unless state secrets or He managed to drive to the district hos- was just a simple businessman until 2014, Canada has called on the Russian pital, where doctors diagnosed a concus- when he was forced, by Russia’s occupation Federation to immediately release the (Continued on page 16) sion and other injuries. He reported the of Crimea to become involved in civic activ- attack to the police, but says that he ities. “I am a simple man who simply wants received no confirmation of his report. to serve his people, and when my people What is more, he says, a person whom he are in need, I want to be there with them. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY FOUNDED 1933 first saw at the hospital appeared at the After all, history is being written now in T U W station and, on leaving, smiled at him. He Crimea, and not some other place, and each An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., assumes that this was no mere passer-by. of us is a part of these historical events.” a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Mr. Asanov’s firm commitment to Aside from attending court hearings, Mr. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. defending the rights of Crimean Tatars and Asanov is working together with lawyers in Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. other Ukrainians in occupied Crimea holding seminars in different parts of (ISSN — 0273-9348) means that it is unlikely this will stop him. Crimea on what to do in the case of search- However, that clearly was the intention of es and arrests. You can see the results, he The Weekly: UNA: this attack. says, with people learning how to defend Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Mr. Asanov returned to Crimea in 2017 themselves before lawyers get there and from Poland, where he was an active mem- not let the FSB plant things [‘prohibited’ Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz ber of the Crimean Tatar community. In books, for example, or ammunition as was 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas February 2018, he explained in an inter- the case with Ukrainian activist Volodymyr P.O. Box 280 view that he had spent 20 years building Balukh]. Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] his business in Germany, the Netherlands In general, at least back in February and Poland; however, much of this changed 2018, Mr. Asanov was positive about the The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com after Russia’s annexation of Crimea. He ini- level of civil society in Crimea. He sees ever tially remained in Poland, but acted against more resistance to the repressive measures The Ukrainian Weekly, January 20, 2019, No. 3, Vol. LXXXVII his business interests in order to block sup- deployed by Russia, and not only from Copyright © 2019 The Ukrainian Weekly plies from Russia to Europe. He noted that Crimean Tatars. “That is very cheering. We it was “not without his assistance” that the are now no longer divided into ethnic producer Russian Alcohol was unable to groups, there is simply us and them, and it organize sale of its products to the EU. is much less important what your ethnic ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA He explains that in the spring of 2017, origin or religion is.” Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 while still living in Poland, he received visi- This was nowhere more visible than e-mail: [email protected] tors from Crimea, people involved in during the recent mass efforts to help the Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 defending victims of repression. He made e-mail: [email protected] some comment about his homeland in (Continued on page 15) No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 3 NEWS ANALYSIS: Ukraine’s top five wins in 2018 Ukraine Crisis Media Center ing the possibility of having the Russian 2015-2017, the new stand-by arrangement Brussels aboard the presidential plane. Federation excluded from the Council of is provided to countries with an economy In 2018 Ukraine also approved a brand 2018 was not an easy year for Ukraine. Europe. that is stable but requires support to solve new Ukraine-NATO Annual National The war in the east of the country is on for Worth mentioning are also the European particular problems. Program, which was compiled based on the the fifth year, Crimea’s annexed status did Union sanctions against the Russian Membership Action Plan. The military win: not change, dozens of Ukrainian political Federation. 2018 might have well become Weapons and NATO The cultural win: prisoners are held in Russian jails, and an the turning point, one not in Ukraine’s Ukrainian Institute established unprecedented escalation happened in the favor, as the question of whether to keep In 2018 the United States started sup- Azov Sea. The year is also the last one in the “economic block” of restrictive mea- plying lethal weapons to Ukraine. In addi- 2018 saw a strategic development in the President Petro Poroshenko’s current term sures needed to be unanimously approved tion to Javelin anti-tank missile systems, cultural area: the Ukrainian Institute was of office (he was elected in spring 2014 after every six months. In 2018 the sanctions the U.S. sent two Island-class patrol boats established under the Foreign Affairs the Revolution of Dignity). Ukrainians ques- were preserved. to Ukraine. The U.S. Congress expanded the Ministry of Ukraine. Similarly to Germany’s tion the achievements made during his term, defense support program for Ukraine. Goethe-Institut and France’s Institut The economic wins: including combatting corruption, judicial Relations with NATO also featured Francais, the institution will represent con- Trade with the EU, reform, investigations of attacks on activists important changes. Despite Hungary block- temporary Ukraine and its culture abroad. Naftogaz vs Gazprom, – these are issues of serious concern to civil Cooperation with IMF ing a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine The Ukrainian Institute aims to support society. Nevertheless, 2018 brought a lot of Commission at the ministers’ and heads of Ukrainian cultural institutions and artists, positive changes in the country. What were The European market has finally state level throughout 2018, Ukraine’s and to represent their work abroad. The Ukraine’s biggest wins in 2018? The Ukraine become the main destination for Ukrainian Euro-Atlantic track in 2018 had benefits institute also seeks to improve ties with Crisis Media Center takes a look back. export. Over 10 months of 2018, the share that far outweighed the drawbacks. In foreign cultural institutions in order to of Ukrainian goods exported to the autumn 2018 the Verkhovna Rada started reinforce the international dimension of The Church win: European Union increased making up 42.4 the procedure to introduce changes to the contemporary Ukrainian culture. Autocephalous Church established percent of Ukraine’s total exports. Constitution of Ukraine stating that mem- A total of 90 million hrv (approximately For the first time in 300 years Ukraine Ukraine’s export to the EU grew 16.1 per- bership in the NATO is the country’s undis- $3.3 million U.S.) was disbursed from the got the possibility to establish a Church cent more intensely compared to the last puted goal. 2019 state budget to finance the institu- independent of Russia. Thanks to year. In the spring, NATO finally recognized tion. One third of the sum will be spent to Constantinople’s support, on December 15, So Ukraine’s dependency on the Russian Ukraine’s status as an aspirant country by finance the Year of Ukrainian Culture in 2018, a Unification Council was held in Kyiv market will soon fade. The share of the announcing it on its website and later re- Austria, which foresees the presentation of and the leader of the new unified Orthodox Russian Federation in Ukraine’s export cur- confirming it during the NATO summit. The 50 events and projects in five Austrian cit- Church of Ukraine was elected. He is the rently amounts to only 7.8 percent. year came to a close with the delivery of ies. It is the institute’s flagship project in Metropolitan Epifaniy of Pereyaslav- Although formally Russia remains NATO-supplied military equipment from 2019. Khmelnytskyi and Bila Tserkva. On January Ukraine’s key trade partner, Poland is 6, the new Church’s primate, together with poised to overtake that position. In 2018 the Ukrainian president, flew to Istanbul, Ukraine exported goods worth $3 billion where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and $2.7 billion (U.S.), respectively, to the granted him the Tomos of autocephaly. aforementioned countries. EU calls on Russia to release The ruling of the Stockholm Arbitration The diplomatic win: Court in the Naftogaz case was another all illegally detained Ukrainians Russia remains sanctioned economic win for Ukraine. The three-and- One of the areas in the international a-half-year-long dispute with Russia’s RFE/RL “Crimean Tatar activist Edem Bekirov arena where Ukraine may claim an Gazprom resulted in $2.56 billion (U.S.) to was detained on 12 December 2018 upon undoubted win is the Council of Europe – be paid to Naftogaz. Throughout 2018 The European Union has reiterated its entry into the Crimean peninsula illegally the organization uniting all states of conti- Naftogaz was in trying to have Gazprom’s call on Moscow to release all Ukrainian citi- annexed by Russia. Mr. Bekirov also needs nental Europe with the exception of the assets arrested in the courts. As of zens “illegally detained” both in Russia and daily medical assistance given his health Vatican and Belarus. December 19, Naftogaz received USD in the occupied Crimea peninsula. condition. We expect him to be released Despite the pressure and blackmail of $2.093 billion from Gazprom out of the In a statement on January 10, a spokes- without delay and granted access to urgent the Russian Federation, the Parliamentary total $2.689 billion that the Russian compa- woman for EU foreign policy chief Federica and appropriate medical care.” Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) ny owed. Mogherini cited the cases of Pavlo Hryb, a Ms. Kocijancic also called for the imme- kept in force the sanctions it had earlier On December 18, 2018, following a year- 20-year-old Ukrainian man charged with diate release of the crew of the three imposed on Russia. In October 2018 the and-a-half-long break, the International abetting terrorism, and Crimean Tatar Ukrainian vessels captured by Russia in the PACE faced a choice: to “pardon” Russia for Monetary Fund decided to grant Ukraine a activist Edem Bekirov, who was detained Black Sea in November. the violations in order to have the Russians tranche of $1.4 billion (U.S.) in a new stand- last month upon entry into Crimea. “International human rights observers back in Strasbourg already in January 2019 by cooperation program. The program is The spokeswoman, Maja Kocijancic, said must be granted full, free and unhindered or to ignore the pressure and leave Moscow smaller by both volume of aid and time- the EU expects both men to be immediately access to the Crimean peninsula,” she also under sanctions. PACE voted for the second frame compared to the previous one – the released and granted access to the special said, adding that the European Union option. Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The stand-by medical treatment they need. “remains committed to fully implementing In January, during the next session of program comprises almost $4 billion to be The EU’s statement said of the two its policy of non-recognition of the illegal PACE, Russia will not be able to return disbursed to Ukraine over the next four detained men: annexation of Crimea.” without sanctions. Moreover, for the first years. In contrast to the EFF, based on “Pavlo Hryb, a disabled, 20-year old citi- Russia seized control of Ukraine’s time ever PACE openly spoke of consider- which Ukraine was getting assistance in zen of Ukraine was abducted on 24 August Crimea region in March 2014, after sending 2017 in Belarus, and detained by the in troops and staging a referendum dis- Russian authorities without any clear missed as illegal by at least 100 countries. charges. The European Union expects him Moscow is also backing separatists in a ‘We have liberated our Church to be immediately released and granted war against Ukrainian government forces access to the special medical treatment he that has killed more than 10,300 people in needs. Ukrainian doctors must be allowed eastern Ukraine since April 2014. from Moscow’s captivity,’ says Poroshenko to see him while he remains in detention, as required by a recent injunction from the With information from the European Presidential Administration of Ukraine Volodymyr, from Moscow’s captivity. …Our Church has joined the family that now con- European Court of Human Rights. Union. KYIV – President Petro Poroshenko sists of 15 independent Orthodox addressed Ukrainians after the Christmas Churches,” the president noted. liturgy in St. Sophia Cathedral conducted by He emphasized that with the Tomos, Quotable notes the primate of the Orthodox Church of “the Ukrainian star shone in the constella- Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, and empha- tion of independent and equal national The January 6 announcement of autocephaly for an independent Orthodox sized that a miracle had happened during churches.” Church of Ukraine marks a historic achievement as Ukraine seeks to chart its own the holy days. “This constellation, in the words of His All- future. On this momentous occasion, the United States reiterates its unwavering “This year, the voices of Ukrainians have Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, support for a sovereign, independent Ukraine. much more faith in victory and confidence. is world Orthodoxy,” he added. The United States maintains its strong support for religious freedom, including For the Lord has shown us a real Christmas The president stressed that “The cre- the freedom for members of religious groups to govern their religion according to ation of the autocephalous Orthodox miracle recently. This year’s Christmas is their beliefs, without external interference. We welcome remarks by Metropolitan especially great and solemn for us. The hol- Church of Ukraine is the key to our inde- Epifaniy that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is open to all Orthodox believers and iday is double – the Orthodox Church of pendence. This is the foundation of our encourage government and Church officials to promote tolerance and respect for Ukraine received the Tomos of autocepha- spiritual freedom. We have torn up the last the freedom of members of all religious affiliations to worship as they choose. ly,” Mr. Poroshenko said. chains that tied us to Moscow with its fan- “We have finally liberated our ancient tasies of Ukraine as a canonical territory of – Press statement by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo released on Church, whose history dates back to the the Russian Orthodox Church. It will not be January 10 in Washington. time of the Equal to the Apostles Prince so any more.” 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

OBITUARIES Zenowij Onyshkewych, prolific artist, 89 PARSIPPANY, N.J – Zenowij Onyshkewych, prestigious American and international col- a prolific Ukrainian American artist, whose lections, including the Vatican, where he oeuvre includes a wide range of media, died painted a life-size portrait of Pope Paul VI on December 30, 2018 at the age of 89. commissioned by Patriarch Josyf Slipyi for In 2015-2016, The Ukrainian Museum the official papal residence. Mr. presented “Sixty Years an Artist: A Onyshkewych’s caricatures and other Retrospective Exhibition of Works by drawings, paintings and editorial illustra- Zenowij Onyshkewych.” (The exhibit tions appeared in The New York Times, The opened on September 30, 2015, and was on National Observer, Reader’s Digest, as well view through January 17, 2016.) The exhib- as Svoboda, and publications for St. it showcased his landscapes, but also Martin’s Press, McGraw Hill and Random included portraits and caricatures executed House, just to name a few. He was also an in oils, watercolors, and ink or pencil. adjunct professor of drawing and painting The Ukrainian Museum’s article at Fairfield University for 24 years. announcing the exhibit (published in The Mr. Onyshkewych was born in Lviv, Ukrainian Weekly on October 4, 2015) Ukraine, on December 8, 1929. In 1944, his noted: “An assessment of Mr. Onyshkewych’s family and he were forced from their home creative heritage is an evolutionary conse- and into a German work camp in Vienna. In quence of a complex personal history – that 1946, the U.S. Army transported the family of a Ukrainian immigrant absorbing the to a displaced persons camp in Munich, European painting tradition through a where Zenowij completed high school and strong American lens. Mr. Onyshkewych began to study art. The family entered the himself is a vivid embodiment of the impact The Ukrainian Museum United States in 1949, settling in Queens. that the cruelty of the 20th century, with its Ukraine’s First Lady Maryna Poroshenko accepts a gift from Zenowij Onyshkewych of Mr. Onyshkewych studied at the Art displacements, wars, ruptures and losses, one of his paintings during the opening of his 2015 solo exhibition at The Ukrainian Students’ League of New York and then has had on human fate.” Museum. Pictured in the center is Renata Holod, then president of the museum’s board of Mr. Onyshkewych’s work is found among trustees. (Continued on page 17)

Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta legislator, Ukrainian community leader, 70

UCC public service and to Ukrainian Canadian causes lives on in the many lives he impact- OTTAWA – Gene Zwozdesky, former ed so positively. Mr. Zwozdesky will be speaker of the Legislative Assembly of remembered forever for his sense of Alberta, former member of the Legislative humor, generosity of spirit and enthusi- Assembly, and long-time Ukrainian asm.” Canadian community leader and volunteer, Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, president of died on January 6. He was 70. the UCC Alberta Provincial Council (UCC- Mr. Zwozdesky was a member of APC), stated: “UCC-APC and the Ukrainian Alberta’s Legislative Assembly from 1993 community of Alberta will deeply miss to 2015. He served as a minister in Gene’s passion, courage, dedication and Alberta’s Cabinet in several portfolios. In commitment to our community. His contin- 2012-2015, he was speaker of the uous love and support of our homeland and Legislative Assembly of Alberta. its arts, culture, and religion could be felt Mr. Zwozdesky spearheaded the recog- throughout his work in the various projects nition in Alberta of the Holodomor as an and committees that he served. He cared act of genocide against the Ukrainian peo- deeply about his family, his community and ple, a significant contribution to increasing his province. Our entire community is education and knowledge about the deeply shaken by Gene’s passing. May his Famine-Genocide in Canada. memory be eternal. Vichnaya pamiat.” Mr. Zwozdesky’s passion for Ukrainian Mr. Zwozdesky is survived by his wife, culture, dance and music was combined Postmedia Christine, two children and three grandchil- with a deep dedication to community ser- Gene Zwozdesky dren. vice. For many years, he was the musical Funeral services were held at St. John director of the Shumka Dancers and the “It was with great sadness that we dent of the UCC. “Mr. Zwozdesky’s accom- Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Cheremosh Dance Company; he volun- learned of the passing of Mr. Zwozdesky. He plishments are a source of great pride for Edmonton, Alberta, on January 16; burial teered in service to the Ukrainian commu- was a true leader and trail blazer for our the Ukrainian Canadian community. The followed at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, nity in many roles throughout his life. community,” said Alexandra Chyczij, presi- example he set through his commitment to also in Edmonton.

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WINDOW ON EURASIA Ukrainian autocephaly a defeat for Putin but a victory for a future free Russia

by Paul Goble ther weakened by Moscow’s war against Ukraine. And the third and fourth have What ever happened to human rights? Many commentators have suggested been weakened over time, but still consti- that the granting of autocephaly to the tute a serious threat to and source of worry The news is full of reports of human tions like Americans for Human Rights in Orthodox Church of Ukraine is a great vic- for Russia’s neighbors. rights violations: in Crimea and the Donbas Ukraine and Smoloskyp. tory for Ukrainians but a defeat for That leaves the fifth element of this since the 2014 Russian invasions, as well as But the cause of human rights has run Russians, but that is not the case, according imperial infrastructure – Orthodoxy, or in dozens of countries around the world up against several problems. First, some to Andrey Illarionov. It is a defeat for more precisely the Russian Orthodox with a variety of political systems. But com- have asked whether human rights are uni- Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin but it is Church and its Moscow Patriarchate. It had pared to the vogue for human rights in the versal or culturally conditioned. We can all very much a victory “for the free citizens of largely remained in place at least at the 1970s, enthusiasm seems to have waned. agree on the rights to life and liberty, and Free Russia in the future.” level of claims with the exception of the dis- Even then, it was not a novelty. Human perhaps to property. But is the right of a The receipt of independence by the puted cases in Estonia and Moldova, and rights can be traced to Roman law and Stoic transgendered person to use the bathroom Ukrainian Church, the Russian commenta- allowed Moscow to speak about a broad philosophy, with their continuation in medi- of his or her choice likely to be recognized tor says, “is a death blow to the most “Russian canonical territory.” eval law. Central was the concept of natural in, say, Saudi Arabia or Iran? important element of the Russian imperial Indeed, the ROC to this day claims a law as superior to the law of the state, and Second, are there socio-economic as institutional infrastructure that still has canonical territory that covers “more than thus capable of protecting the individual well as civil and political rights? This has been preserved.” The destruction of that 35 percent” of the earth’s surface, Mr. from government authority (H. Lauterpacht, been a point of debate between capitalist infrastructure is necessary for a free Russia Illarionov points out. And because the “International Law and Human Rights,” and socialist countries. to emerge (echo.msk.ru/blog/aillar/2349 other four elements of Russian imperial 1968, pp. 84-85). English common law, and Third, human rights have multiplied. “As 547-echo/). infrastructure have disappeared or been the writings of John Locke and other various new rights are proclaimed or pro- Enlightenment philosophers, further devel- Indeed, if that imperial infrastructure weakened, it is not surprising that imperi- posed,” writes Harvard law professor Mary oped human rights theory. continues to exist, Mr. Illarionov argues, alists in Moscow placed and place particu- Ann Glendon, “the catalog of individual liber- Among the “self-evident” truths listed in “the appearance of a free Russia is, judging lar hopes on the ROC and its canonical ter- ties expands without much consideration of our Declaration of Independence was “that from everything, impossible.” Thus, “the ritory. the ends to which they are oriented, their all men are created equal; that they are relationship to one another, to corresponding establishment of an autocephalous Church The weakening and eventual demise of endowed by their Creator with certain of Ukraine is an absolutely necessary pre- this fifth element required the rise of inde- responsibilities, or to the general welfare” unalienable rights; that among these are (Glendon, “Rights Talk: The Impoverishment liminary step on the path to a free Russia.” pendent states seeking their own auto- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” “The Russian imperial institutional cephalous Churches. Ukraine is especially of Political Discourse,” 1991, p. xi). Are (Any barroom philosopher will tell you that there “Ukrainian American rights”? infrastructure,” which began to be put in important because of its size and because saying something is “self-evident” is a pret- place in the middle of the 16th century and of the way in which its independence and The discovery, or invention, of new ty lame argument. But that’s the best the rights may lead us to confuse derivative or “achieved at the end of the 1980s the peak now the independence of its Church strike Fathers could do.) In 1791, 10 of its power,” consisted of the following five at the imperial nature of the ROC and push secondary rights with fundamental ones. A Amendments to our Constitution enumer- 2001 research report by the Oslo-based elements: the Communist Party, state mul- it toward becoming a national Church. ated fundamental civil rights. Meanwhile in human rights organization Forum 18 stat- tilateral institutions, the army, the special Unfortunately, Mr. Illarionov continues, France, the August 1789 Declaration of the ed that “the right to freedom of thought, services and Orthodoxy. “neither the ROC nor Russian society as a Rights of Man and of Citizens spoke of conscience and religion is the foundation of The first of these was dismantled under whole is in a position to escape on their “sacred,” “natural” and “unalienable” rights, Western human rights ideology.” Oddly Mikhail Gorbachev. The second was “par- the first of which was that men were born enough, in this area of scholarly research, tially completed” by 2014 and has been fur- free and equal in their rights. (Continued on page 17) political pressure by governments and In the U.N. Charter of 1945, the peoples NGOs, and action by international organi- of the United Nations announced their intention “to reaffirm faith in fundamental zations had been relatively limited human rights, in the dignity and worth of (Johannes Osttveit, “Comment: Freedom of Independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine the human person, in the equal rights of religion – a forgotten human right?” Forum men and women.” In 1946, the U.N. created 18, October 16, 2003). set to be major international player a Commission on Human Rights. Two years At the same time, human rights have later, the Universal Declaration of Human been separated from corresponding respon- sibilities (Glendon p. x; Franz Wieacker, by Paul Goble its jurisdiction or its role regarding congrega- Rights was promulgated. In 1966, two tions abroad. In six cases, it has simply put international Covenants – one on Civil and “Foundations of European Legal Culture,” Russian commentator Andrey Illarionov itself under the auspices of the Ecumenical Political Rights and one on Economic, The American Journal of Comparative Law, has carefully compared the status of Patriarchate rather than the Moscow one. Social and Cultural Rights – were complet- Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 21-22). Moreover, what Ukrainian Orthodoxy in terms of 25 basic And in one, it has accepted new limitations ed. These documents contain limitations happens when rights conflict, for example, issues of Church life and concluded that the with representatives of Constantinople such as the rights and freedoms of others, freedom of religion and the right to “repro- new Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) is now playing a role in Ukraine. public order, health, safety and morality. ductive health”? (See Marguerite A. Peeters, now completely out from under the control But on 14 issues, the Orthodox Church of Taken together, the Universal Declaration “The Globalization of the Western Cultural Revolution,” especially Chap. 4, “The Rights of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), has Ukraine has acquired new rights or had its and the two covenants cover some 35 dif- Revolution,” 2007.) expanded its powers over its internal life rights more carefully defined, including its ferent rights. They have been supplemented Most seriously, the very existence of and become an independent actor in inter- name, status, canonical links, sources of by agreements on specific subjects, such as human rights has been questioned. national Church affairs. law, organs of power and administration, genocide (1948), refugees (1951), stateless Philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre has argued Of the 25 issues that define the status of election of its head, the administration of persons (1954), women (1951 and 1979), that every attempt to provide good reasons an Orthodox Church, he continues, the sta- internal affairs, the formation of bishoprics, slavery (1956), racial discrimination for believing that “human rights” exist has church courts, inter-Church recognition, its (1965), torture (1984) and children (1989). tus of the OCU is no greater than that of its failed, and that in fact “there are no such Ukrainian predecessor, on six it has put place in the hierarchy of autocephalous International criminal tribunals have prose- cuted human rights violations in the former rights, and belief in them is one with belief itself under the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Churches, and its participation in inter- Yugoslavia (1993) and Rwanda (1994) in witches and in unicorns” (“After Virtue: Constantinople, in one it has acquired new Church and inter-Orthodox councils. (“The World is Watching: A Survey of A Study in Moral Theory,” 1981, 2nd ed. obligations and limitations, but in 14 it has All those gains mean that the OCU will Human-Rights Law,” The Economist, 1984, pp. 68-70). obtained new or better defined rights (echo. now be an important player in the Orthodox December 5, 1998, pp. 1-16). The European But the outrages in Crimea, the Donbas world and also in the ecumenical world as msk.ru/blog/aillar/2348717-echo/). Union adopted a Charter of Fundamental and elsewhere are real enough. Is the law Specifically, its status has not changed with well, having gained new rights and the sta- Rights in 2000. In 2002, an International of human rights of any use against them? I regard to the title of the head of the Church, tus of the second largest Orthodox Church Criminal Court was established. think it is, for three reasons. First, a legal in the world – a status that is especially Meeting in Helsinki in 1975, the structure promotes rational discourse in an important because the largest, the ROC, has Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on Conference on Security and Cooperation in area all too often dominated by shrill emo- ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia declined in size so markedly because of Europe adopted accords of which “Basket tionalism. Second, a legal approach tends to who has served in various capacities in the Ukrainian autocephaly. Three,” outlining human rights, became a depoliticize a discussion easily hijacked by U.S. State Department, the Central As the author of these lines and others rallying point for Soviet dissidents. U.S. political opportunists. And third, the very Intelligence Agency and the International have said, the achievement of Ukrainian President Jimmy Carter (in office 1977- existence and recognition of legal princi- Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice autocephaly changes the world as much as 1981) made human rights a cornerstone of ples, even if unenforceable, tends to seep of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio the achievement of Ukrainian political his foreign policy. Non-governmental orga- into public consciousness, creating stan- Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for independence in 1991. It contributes to the nizations defending human rights were led dards that eventually mature into custom- International Peace. The article above is completion of that process and opens the by Amnesty International, founded in ary law and thus promote human welfare. reprinted with permission from his blog way to a role for Ukraine internationally far Britain in 1961. In Ukraine, the Helsinki called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- beyond what even the most optimistic Monitoring Group in Kyiv was particularly Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). assumed was possible a few years ago. active, supported by diaspora organiza- [email protected]. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3 No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 7

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW U.S.-Ukraine relations: Focused on Russia’s war urt Volker was in the headlines at the beginning, middle and end of 2018 as the United States’ desig- Knated special representative for Ukraine negotia- tions. Speaking in Brussels on January 22, Ambassador Volker made it clear that the two Minsk accords (of September 2014 and February 2015) had not been imple- mented because Moscow had not shown “willingness to implement them.” The next day Mr. Volker met with President Petro Poroshenko to discuss Russia’s war on Ukraine, which at that point was responsible for more than 10,300 deaths. RFE/RL reported that the U.S. envoy also said Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine have “produced the opposite” of what he called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stated objective of maintaining a “Russia-friendly Ukraine” that is “part of Russia’s orbit.” That same day, according to RFE/ RL, The Wall Street Journal reported that unnamed U.S. officials were saying that if peace negotiations failed to make progress in the coming months, Washington planned to push for more economic pressure on Russia.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in Presidential Administration of Ukraine Washington on January 23, ex-Vice-President Joe Biden, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker meets with President Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv who had been the Obama administration’s point man on on January 23 to discuss the intensification of international efforts for the restoration of the sovereignty and terri- Ukraine, praised the Trump administration’s decision to torial integrity of Ukraine. supply Ukraine with more lethal weapons, but suggested that a weaker U.S. policy toward Kyiv was leading to back- Russia fully implements its commitments under the development of strategic partnership between Kyiv and sliding on crucial anti-corruption reforms. Minsk agreements. Our separate Crimea-related sanctions Washington.” Also at the meeting was Ambassador Volker. Congress continued to express its support of Ukraine will remain in place until Russia returns the peninsula to (It must be noted that on December 20, Secretary Mattis via various bills and resolutions. On February 7, the House Ukraine.” The latest sanctions had been announced on resigned his post due to policy differences with President of Representatives passed the Ukraine Cybersecurity January 26, targeting 21 people and nine companies Donald Trump.) Cooperation Act whose goal was to encourage cybersecu- linked to the war in Ukraine. Later in the year, more sanc- Then came news that the Statement Department had rity cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine and to tions were imposed, including a round of financial sanc- approved the proposed sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles require the State Department to report to Congress on tions announced by the Department of the Treasury on and launch units to Ukraine. A Pentagon statement from best practices to protect against such attacks. The bill November 8 against individuals and companies doing March 1 read: “The Javelin system will help Ukraine build pointed out that Ukraine has been the target of an increas- business in Crimea. its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty ing number of cyberattacks that have infiltrated state On February 2, Secretary of Defense James Mattis met and territorial integrity in order to meet its national institutions and critical infrastructure to the effect of with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak at the defense requirements.” The Pentagon added, “The pro- undermining its democracy. Later in the year, on Pentagon. According to the Department of Defense, the posed sale of this equipment and support will not alter November 5, the U.S. and Ukraine held the second U.S.- secretary emphasized the value of the U.S.-Ukraine securi- the basic military balance in the region.” The Defense Ukraine Cybersecurity Dialogue in Kyiv. The parties reaf- ty partnership, praised Minister Poltorak for his country’s Security Cooperation Agency said Ukraine had requested firmed their commitment to promote an open, interopera- sustained courage in the face of Russian aggression and 210 Javelin missiles, 37 command launch units and relat- ble, reliable and secure Internet; to enhance bilateral reiterated U.S. support for Ukrainian defense reform goals. ed hardware. Training, technical assistance, transporta- cooperation; and to combat cyberthreats of mutual con- Then, on February 17, Secretary Mattis met with tion and other aspects of logistics were to be included in cern. The delegations reviewed proposed U.S. cybersecu- President Poroshenko on the sidelines of the Munich the $47 million deal. rity assistance projects developed in consultation with Security Conference. According to a readout of the meet- The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, which relevant Ukrainian agencies and stakeholders. ing provided by Ukraine’s Presidential Administration, stipulates that “not less than $420,700,000 shall be made The State Department on February 13 went on record “The two sides discussed the situation in the Donbas and available for assistance for Ukraine,” was passed by as accusing Russia of “stoking a hot conflict in Ukraine” by expressed their concern over the ongoing attempts of Congress and signed into law on March 23. Furthermore, disregarding its commitments in the two Minsk agree- Russia and its supporters to undermine the peace process. an additional $200 million was appropriated to provide ments. “Working closely with France and Germany, the They also discussed the need to deploy a United Nations assistance in 2018 for total of $620.7 million available once all the provisions were accounted for. The latter sum United States continues to urge the Russian government peacekeeping mission in the Donbas in accordance with was to go towards continued funding of the ‘‘Ukraine to cease its aggression in Ukraine,” the State Department the U.N. principles and the goals of the Minsk process. … Security Assistance Initiative,” including training, equip- statement said. “The United States takes this opportunity The parties discussed further steps to strengthen ment, lethal weapons of a defensive nature, logistics sup- to reiterate that our sanctions will remain in place until Ukraine’s defense capability and noted the priority of the port, supplies and services, sustainment, and intelligence support to the military and national security forces of Ukraine. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, announced that this bipartisan legislation “sends a clear signal that the United States will stand up for its allies and interests, and hold Russia accountable for its behavior.” Sen. Portman continued to speak out on behalf of Ukraine throughout 2018. In an April 2 interview with RFE/RL he said Javelins will allow Ukraine to better defend itself against Russian aggression as the conflict there entered its fifth year. “Now there is an opportunity for [the Ukrainians] to have additional weapons to simply be able to say: ‘There will be consequences,’ if the aggres- sion continues,” he said. “And I think that will lead to a more peaceful solution, including an agreement to live by the Minsk agreement and Minsk 2 rather than what we have seen up to date, which is without being able to push back, without having consequences there was more aggression and, therefore, more bloodshed.” During the first week of April, Sen. Portman visited Ukraine, where he met with President Poroshenko and other top leaders, as well as think tanks and opinion lead- ers He also visited a forward combat outpost near the line of contact in Donetsk to see first-hand evidence of Russian aggression. “As Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine per- sists, it is important to reaffirm that the United States Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith/Department of Defense stands firmly with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in Defense Secretary James N. Mattis (right) walks with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak into the Pentagon on February 2. During the meeting, Secretary Mattis emphasized the value of the U.S.-Ukraine security their struggle to defend their independence and territorial partnership and reiterated U.S. support for Ukrainian defense reform goals. integrity. As someone who has worked hard in the Senate 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW to highlight the importance of ongoing events in Ukraine of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The U.S. and increase U.S. military, political and economic support had warned of the “Russia-backed sham elections in to the country, I remain fully committed to strengthening Ukraine” in an earlier statement dated September 12. this relationship even further and look forward to work- During 2018, Russian forces escalated harassment of ing with the Ukrainian government in the future,” the sen- international shipping in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch ator commented upon his return to Washington. Strait that connects it to the Black Sea. As some commenta- The U.S. held Russia responsible for the downing of tors put it, the intent was to demonstrate that the Azov is a Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in a press release issued on Russian waterway and, ultimately, to create a land bridge May 25 by the State Department. “We strongly support to Crimea. The State Department noted on August 30 that the decisions by the Netherlands and Australia to call “Russia has delayed hundreds of commercial vessels since Russia to account for its role in the July 2014 downing of April and in recent weeks has stopped at least 16 commer- Malaysia Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine and the cial ships attempting to reach Ukrainian ports.” These horrific deaths of 298 civilians. It is time for Russia to actions, it added, “are further examples of its ongoing cam- acknowledge its role in the shooting down of MH17 and to paign to undermine and destabilize Ukraine, as well as its cease its callous disinformation campaign,” the State disregard for international norms.” On November 25, Department said. “As the findings of the Joint Investigative Russia attacked Ukrainian vessels in neutral waters off the Team made clear, the Buk missile launcher used to bring southern coast of Crimea as the Ukrainian ships were down the passenger aircraft is owned by the Russian approaching the chokepoint that links the Black and Azov Federation and was assigned to the Russian 53rd Anti- seas. The Ukrainian ships – two gunboats and a tug – were Aircraft Brigade near Kursk. It was brought into sovereign confronted by Russian forces near the entrance to the Ukrainian territory from Russia, was fired from territory Kerch Strait. The Russian coast guard first rammed the tug- controlled by Russia and Russia-led forces in eastern boat, and later fired upon and seized all three vessels and Sen. Rob Portman/Facebook Ukraine, and was then returned to Russian territory. …” their crew. Six of the sailors were wounded; two of them President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine awards U.S. Sen. A few months later, Ambassador Volker was in the seriously. Twenty-four sailors were taken as prisoners of Rob Portman (R-Ohio) the Order of Merit on April 4, news again with his comments that the U.S. was ready to war and are being held by Russia. during the senator’s visit to Ukraine. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Order of Merit …I will continue to do every- send more arms to Kyiv. Speaking with The Guardian in an The United States reacted strongly. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo’s November 26 statement said: “The thing I can to help the Ukrainians defend themselves interview published on September 1, the envoy said that against Russian aggression,” Sen. Portman said. pro-Western, anti-Russian sentiment was growing in United States condemns this aggressive Russian action. Ukraine and that the Trump administration was “abso- We call on Russia to return to Ukraine its vessels and while methodically suppressing nongovernmental organi- lutely” prepared to go further in supplying weaponry to detained crew members, and to respect Ukraine’s sover- zations and independent media outlets. …” Ukrainian forces than the anti-tank missiles it delivered in eignty and territorial integrity within its internationally On July 10, Sens. Portman and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), April. “They are losing soldiers every week defending recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.” ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations their own country,” Mr. Volker noted. “And so in that con- The Congressional Ukraine Caucus, the Senate Ukraine Committee, led a group of eight of their Senate colleagues text it’s natural for Ukraine to build up its military, engage Caucus and individual members of the House and Senate in introducing a Senate resolution condemning the in self-defense, and it’s natural to seek assistance, and it’s likewise condemned the unprovoked attack and Russia’s Russian Federation’s ongoing illegal occupation of Crimea. natural that other countries should help them. And of escalation of hostilities. Ambassador Volker tweeted: The bipartisan resolution came ahead of President course they need lethal assistance because they’re being “Russia rams Ukrainian vessel peacefully traveling toward Trump’s scheduled trip to Europe, where he was to attend shot at,” he added. a Ukrainian port. Russia seizes ships and crew and then a NATO summit in Brussels and then meet with Russian On November 12, a day after elections labeled by the accuses Ukraine of provocation???” President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki. Affirming the U.S. and the West as a “sham” were held in the Russian- At the United Nations, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley Senate’s full support for the sanctions the U.S. and the occupied portions of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, the spoke at the emergency meeting of the Security Council European Union had imposed against Russia for the illegal State Department called them “an attempt by Moscow to on November 26. “Sunday’s outrageous violation of sover- occupation of Crimea, the resolution also called on the institutionalize its Donbas proxies, the so-called ‘Donetsk eign Ukrainian territory is part of a pattern of Russian Trump administration to formalize a policy of non-recog- and Luhansk People’s Republics.’ ” The statement went on behavior that includes the purported annexation of nition of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. The resolu- to underline: “If Russia calculated the November 11 illegal Crimea, and abuses against countless Ukrainians in tion was passed by the Senate Foreign Relations ‘elections’ would lead to international respect for its prox- Crimea, as well as stoking conflict that has taken the lives Committee later that month. ies, the international reaction proves it was mistaken. The of more than 10,000 people in eastern Ukraine, and it On July 25, Secretary of State Pompeo reiterated in a OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in shows no sign of decreasing.,” she stated. “In May, the press statement that the U.S. “rejects Russia’s attempted Europe] refused to monitor yesterday’s farce. Russia’s United States condemned Russia’s construction and open- annexation of Crimea” and called on Russia “to end its actions have been denounced in capitals on both sides of ing of the Kerch Strait Bridge between Russia and occu- occupation of Crimea.” The document, dubbed the Crimea the Atlantic and on the floors of the U.N. Security Council pied Crimea. In August, the United States condemned Declaration read: “Russia, through its 2014 invasion of and the OSCE. The United States and the European Union Russia’s harassment of international shipping in the Sea of Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Crimea, sought to have spoken with one voice against yesterday’s violation Azov and the Kerch Strait. … We call on Russia to respect undermine a bedrock international principle shared by its international obligations and not obstruct or harass democratic states: that no country can change the borders Ukraine’s transit in the Kerch Strait and to de-escalate the of another by force. The states of the world, including tension it has created. As President Trump said many Russia, agreed to this principle in the United Nations times, the United States would welcome a normal rela- Charter, pledging to refrain from the threat or use of force tionship with Russia. But outlaw actions like this one con- against the territorial integrity or political independence tinue to make that impossible.” of any state. This fundamental principle – which was reaf- “Crimea is Ukraine” firmed in the Helsinki Final Act – constitutes one of the foundations upon which our shared security and safety There was much concern on the part of the United rests. As we did in the Welles Declaration in 1940, the States about Crimea, which had been illegally annexed by United States reaffirms as policy its refusal to recognize Russia in 2014. the Kremlin’s claims of sovereignty over territory seized On the anniversary of that annexation, the State by force in contravention of international law. In concert Department issued a press statement titled “Crimea Is with allies, partners and the international community, the Ukraine.” The March 14 statement noted in part: “Four United States rejects Russia’s attempted annexation of years ago this week, Russia held an illegitimate, fabricated Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s ‘referendum’ in Ukraine in a futile attempt to legitimize its territorial integrity is restored. The United States calls on purported annexation of Ukrainian territory. Crimean res- Russia to respect the principles to which it has long idents were compelled to vote under scrutiny by heavily claimed to adhere and to end its occupation of Crimea. As armed Russian troops. Russia’s claim that Ukrainians democratic states seek to build a free, just, and prosper- made a free choice in that sham ‘referendum’ has always ous world, we must uphold our commitment to the inter- lacked credibility. In his campaign rally in Crimea today, national principle of sovereign equality and respect the President [Vladimir] Putin reiterated Russia’s false claims territorial integrity of other states. Through its actions, to Ukrainian territory in another open admission that the Russia has acted in a manner unworthy of a great nation Russian government disdains the international order and and has chosen to isolate itself from the international disrespects the territorial integrity of sovereign nations. In community.” Embassy of Ukraine to the U.S. light of Putin’s remarks, it is important to call attention to A framed copy of the Crimea Declaration was present- On July 25, while U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the illegitimacy of the staged ‘referendum,’ but also to the ed that day to Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy was testifying in Congress and announced the formal poli- tremendous human costs the Russian government has Chaly, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Kyslytsia cy reaffirming U.S. rejection of “Russia’s attempted imposed on the people of Crimea. Over the past four and Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev by Dr. A. annexation of Crimea,” a copy of the Crimea Declaration years, Russia has engaged in a campaign of coercion and Wess Mitchell, assistant secretary of state, Bureau of was presented to Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. violence, targeting anyone opposed to its attempted European and Eurasian Affairs. Ambassador Chaly charac- Valeriy Chaly (right), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs annexation. Russian occupation authorities have subject- terized the declaration as “A historic, timely and powerful Serhiy Kyslytsia (left) and Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa ed Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, pro-Ukrainian activ- decision of our strategic partner – the United States.” Dzhemilev (second from left) by Dr. A. Wess Mitchell, ists, civil society members and independent journalists to assistant secretary of state, Bureau of European and The Ukrainian Weekly’s editorial on the historic decla- Eurasian Affairs. politically motivated prosecution and ongoing repression, ration noted: “As expected, the Russian Foreign Affairs No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 9

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Ministry responded to the Crimea Declaration with a sneering comment: ‘We know the value of such momen- tous declarations.’ And yet, the policy announced in the Welles Declaration outlived the USSR. For 51 years, under successive administrations and Congresses, the U.S. recog- nized the independent diplomatic missions of the Baltic states and protected Baltic financial assets; it supported the aspirations of the Baltic nations for independence from the Soviet Union. In fact, critics of U.S. policy on Russian-occupied Crimea had specifically called for a Welles-type declaration. The UCCA says it started its advo- cacy for such a policy immediately after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2014. The Crimea Declaration of July 25, 2018, is both historic and conse- quential. We applaud the Trump administration for elimi- nating any ambiguity about the U.S. position and stating clearly that ‘no country can change the borders of another by force.’ ” The Trump administration and Putin When he assumed office, the Trump administration’s new national security adviser, John Bolton, told Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. that Moscow must address U.S. Mykola Lazarenko/Presidential Administration of Ukraine concerns on election meddling, the “reckless” nerve agent During the visit of U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton to Kyiv for Ukraine’s Independence Day (August attack in Britain, and the situations in Ukraine and Syria 24), delegations of the United States and Ukraine met for bilateral talks. “I am sure that your visit on this day is before relations can substantially improve. A White House vivid evidence of the strong support of the United States for Ukraine,” President Petro Poroshenko commented. statement on April 19 said Mr. Bolton, who took over from H.R. McMaster on April 9, made the remarks in a meeting dropping Washington’s opposition to the annexation of Pentagon announced that it was providing an additional with Russia’s ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Crimea were true, President Trump said, “We’re going to $200 million in security assistance to Ukraine to help it Antonov. As noted by RFE/RL, the 69-year-old Mr. Bolton, have to see.” However, National Security Adviser Bolton build its “defensive capacity.” a former U.N. ambassador, had served as a hawkish voice quickly ruled out that possibility: “That’s not the position On August 20, President Trump said in an interview in Republican foreign-policy circles for decades. Later in of the United States.” with Reuters that he wasn’t considering lifting sanctions the year, Mr. Bolton was unequivocal regarding Russia’s Thus, understandably, there was some trepidation in on Russia, but that he would consider doing so if Russia brazen actions around globe. “It will be helpful if they stop July before the summit of NATO to be held in Brussels on gave him something he wants in Ukraine or Syria. Other interfering in our elections... get out of Crimea and the July 11-12, after which President Trump was to meet with revelations in the interview: Mr. Trump told Reuters that Donbas in Ukraine,” Mr. Bolton told Reuters during a stop Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, on Mr. Putin did not ask him to lift U.S. sanctions during their in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, on October 26. He also July 16. The two men held a joint press conference in the summit in Helsinki in June. But he said the two had a pri- urged Moscow to “stop using illegal chemical weapons to Finnish capital after their meeting, and Mr. Trump’s per- vate meeting that lasted nearly two hours and did talk conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in formance at the news briefing was widely criticized – and about Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula the West and... be less intrusive in the Middle East.” The on many points. Reps. Kaptur, Sander Levin (D-Mich.) and and incursion into eastern Ukraine, as well as the Nord national security adviser warned that the U.S. could Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) issued a joint statement: “As co- Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. “I impose further sanctions on Russia. chairs of the bipartisan [Congressional] Ukraine Caucus, mentioned Crimea, sure. I always mention Crimea when- On April 21 Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan we are deeply troubled by the president’s subservient ever I mention Ukraine. Putin and I had a very good dis- and Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin met behavior towards President Putin. The United States must cussion very – I think it was a very good discussion for on the margins of the G-7 foreign ministers’ meeting in never tolerate actions that seek to weaken democratic both parties. I mentioned the gas pipeline going to Toronto. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert institutions in the U.S. and our allies abroad. …” Sen. Germany,” he said. on April 21 gave a readout of the meeting: “The acting sec- Portman commented: “The president’s comments in On August 24, Secretary of State Pompeo issued a state- retary reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad support for today’s press conference were troubling. He failed to ment for Ukraine’s Independence Day in which he noted the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in the stand up to Vladimir Putin on some of the most critical that “The United States steadfastly supports Ukraine in face of Russian aggression. He urged Ukraine to redouble security issues facing our country and our allies. …When the face of Russian aggression. We pay tribute to those reform efforts and adhere to IMF [International Monetary given the opportunity, President Trump did not hold who have fought and sacrificed for freedom in Ukraine, Fund] programs by adopting legislation to establish a President Putin to task for election meddling, for the ille- and we stand behind Ukraine as it adopts transformation- truly independent anti-corruption court and raising gas gal annexation of Crimea, or for the continued aggression al reforms to increase prosperity, security, and rule of law. tariffs to import parity levels. Acting Secretary Sullivan in eastern Ukraine. …” The friendship between our countries runs deep, and we and Foreign Minister Klimkin called on Russia to finally What’s more, there were concerns that no one really are committed to the success of a stable, prosperous, dem- fulfill its commitments under the Minsk agreements and knew what Presidents Trump and Putin discussed during ocratic and free Ukraine. We look forward to continuing end its occupation of Crimea.” their one-on-one with only their translators present. our partnership and working with Ukraine’s leaders and On June 8, President Trump called for readmitting There was speculation and warranted concern about any citizens to realize the bright and enduring future Russia into the Group of Seven leading industrialized deals that might have been struck. Ukraine’s people deserve.” nations. The suggestion made on the eve of a summit of Voice of America reported on July 24 that the top U.S. Present on that very day in Kyiv at Ukraine’s G-7 leaders was, as RFE/RL pointed out, the latest in a official for Ukraine negotiations “doubled down on recent Independence Day celebrations was National Security string of conciliatory statements by him toward Moscow. assurances from the State Department and White House Adviser Bolton. He was among the special guests, includ- Speaking to reporters outside the White House, President that President Donald Trump did not reach any agreements ing leaders and representatives of the defense ministries Trump said Russia deserved to rejoin the group. “Why are on Ukraine during last week’s two-hour private meeting of Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada, the Czech Republic, we having a meeting without Russia in the meeting?” he with his Russian counterpart.” In an exclusive interview Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, said. “They should let Russia come back in because we with VOA’s Ukrainian Service, Mr. Volker said, “There was Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden should have Russia at the negotiating table.” Reaction to no move toward recognition of Russia’s claimed annexation and the United Kingdom, who attended the military Mr. Trump’s suggestion was strongly negative. Among of Crimea. No support for a referendum. No movement parade marking the 27th anniversary of Ukraine’s inde- those speaking out against the idea of readmitting Russia toward Russia’s position on a protection force for pendence in a very visible show of support for Kyiv. into the group were John Kasich, the Republican governor [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] On November 16, after Secretary of State Pompeo met of Ohio who had challenged Mr. Trump in the 2016 presi- monitors that would effectively divide the country.” with Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Klimkin, he stated dential election; and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), who “So, a lot of things that people were worried about or that Ukraine has “no greater friend than the United States” said, “It is outrageous that the president would call for the had predicted might happen [in Helsinki] did not happen. in its struggle against “Russian aggression.” Mr. Pompeo reinstatement of Russia to the Group of Seven nations. So, I don’t think there’s really any basis to be worried said the “United States will never accept Russia’s attempt- Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and ongoing aggres- here,” Ambassador Volker said, noting that the adminis- ed annexation of Crimea,” and that Washington will sion in eastern Ukraine were the reason the group ejected tration has continued to maintain sanctions on Russia in impose “consequences until Russia returns control of the Russia in the first place.” Sen. Menendez also weighed in, concert with European allies and approved weapons sales Black Sea peninsula to Ukraine.” The two diplomats met in arguing that “Inviting the current government of the to Kyiv. “Let me just say this: that on all of the issues that Washington at a plenary session of the U.S.-Ukraine Russian Federation to rejoin the circle of G-7 world lead- Ukrainians would care about, nothing was given away,” he Strategic Partnership Commission that marked the 10th ers when President Vladimir Putin’s regime poses an said. “No handing over of gifts to Russia at Ukraine’s anniversary of the U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic ongoing threat to our freedom, peace and prosperity expense.” Partnership. A joint statement on a range of issues, includ- serves his interests – not ours.” U.S. National Security Council spokesman Garrett ing “security and countering Russian aggression” was On top of that uncertainty came reports that Mr. Trump Marquis said on July 20 that organizing a “so-called refer- released to mark that milestone. had said privately in discussion with European leaders at endum” in Russian-occupied regions of eastern Ukraine – Other developments the G-7 meeting that Crimea should be a part of Russia as proposed during the Helsinki summit by Mr. Putin – because most of the people there speak Russian as their would have “no legitimacy.” Shortly after the White During 2018, two U.S. senators on opposite sides of the primary language. House’s rejections of reports of the Trump administra- political aisle urged the Department of Defense to provide On June 29, when asked whether reports about him tion’s support for the Russian president’s idea, the funding for education and training for Ukrainian health- 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW care specialists so that they can provide continuing care and rehabilitation services for wounded Ukrainian sol- diers. Sens. Portman, co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, on June 26 sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mattis: “We urge you to prepare Ukraine’s medical professionals to address the unique needs of Ukraine’s soldiers as they transition to their civil- ian lives, both as a force multiplier and a demonstration of the United States’ commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty. Improving Ukraine’s capability and capacity to care for wounded soldiers supports the country’s democratic trajectory and aligns with U.S. geo- political interests in the region,” they wrote. “Likewise, it sends a strong signal to Russia that the United States is willing to pursue all options to ensure Ukraine’s success and stability,” they underscored. Since the conflict began in 2014, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers now require treatment for conditions they developed in com- bat. Ukraine’s chief military prosecutor, Anatoliy Matios, recently reported that more than 500 Ukrainian soldiers who fought in the Donbas have committed suicide. The U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continued during 2018 to Mark Raczkiewycz speak out about rights violations in Russian-occupied ter- U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch (first row center) stands with participants of a women’s leadership workshop ritories of Ukraine and in defense of Ukrainian political that was jointly organized by the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International and Fulbright Ukraine at prisoners held by Russian authorities. A statement on the America House in Kyiv on October 16. The Fulbight program in Ukraine marked its 25th year in 2018; coun- April 19 focused on the case of Volodymyr Balukh: try director Marta Kolomayets is seen above on the left. “Russia’s oppression of those opposing its occupation of Crimea continues unabated. We call on the Russian show that each applicant is worthy of the program. genocide. According to the statement, “This catastrophic Federation to permit Ukrainian doctors to visit Volodymyr Speaking of the Fulbright program, 2018 marked its man-made famine was one of the most atrocious acts of Balukh who has been on a hunger strike since March 19 25th year in Ukraine. Since the program’s inception in the 20th century and a brutal reminder of the crimes of while incarcerated in Symferopol on fabricated charges. Ukraine a quarter of century ago, some 700 American communism.” (To be fair, we must point out that no U.S. Mr. Balukh should be released immediately.” In addition, “Fulbrighters” have come to Ukraine to lecture, study or administration has called the Holodomor a genocide.) In the U.S. Mission to the OSCE reiterated: “The United States conduct research. And about 1,000 Ukrainian scholars addition, in a message on the National Day for Victims of fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and and university students have come to the U.S. Marta Communism (November 7), President Trump cited territorial integrity within its internationally recognized Kolomayets, the Fulbright Ukraine country director, “Ukrainians deliberately starved in the Holodomor.” borders. We do not, nor will we ever, recognize Russia’s emphasized that it’s not just about the academics, it is just And, at year’s end purported annexation of Crimea. ...” as much a question of serving as a cultural ambassador. There was much support for political prisoner Oleh “The Fulbright program is a program of mutual under- The year concluded as it had begun, with another Sentsov, a vocal opponent of the Russian takeover of his standing, of cultural ambassadorship… the Americans strong statement from Ambassador Volker. In a December native Crimea, who was sentenced to 20 years’ imprison- that come over bring American culture here and the 5 interview with the Voice of America he said: “We don’t ment and was being held in labor colony in Russia’s north- Ukrainians that go to the United States are cultural ambas- accept that the territorial waters around Crimea are ern region of Yamalo-Nenets. August 21 marked the 100th sadors for Ukraine. So many people tell me that the Russian. They are Ukrainian. We don’t accept, therefore, day of his hunger strike in protest against Russia’s impris- important thing is not only what you learn – it’s how you that Kerch Strait is completely Russian. We believe it is onment of 64 political prisoners. The State Department, communicate with other people and the outside world, shared sovereignty.” Furthermore, he said Russia needs to which had spoken out on Mr. Sentsov’s behalf in the past, and tolerance and understanding. Understanding the dif- release the 24 sailors taken captive in late November and released a new statement which read, in part: “Today ferences – it’s a very important part of the Fulbright pro- to return the three ships it seized. Mr. Volker told VOA that marks the 100th day of the hunger strike of Oleh Sentsov, a gram,” she pointed out in the story by Adrian Karmazyn the United States’ European allies could move to bar Ukrainian filmmaker who is arbitrarily detained in a published in The Ukrainian Weekly in December 16. Russian vessels coming from Crimea or the Azov Sea from remote Russian prison. The United States is deeply con- European ports, as was suggested recently by Annegret cerned about his deteriorating health, and we renew our The Holodomor Kramp-Karrenabaue, general secretary of Germany’s rul- demand that Russia immediately release him and all On March 15 Sens. Portman and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), ing Christian Democratic Union and an aspiring successor Ukrainian citizens unlawfully imprisoned in Russia and on co-chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, introduced a reso- to outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “It is a very the Crimean peninsula. We are alarmed about the pros- lution marking the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor. strong measure and a very creative one,” Mr. Volker com- pect of another innocent person dying in Russian custody.” The resolution commemorated the anniversary of the mented. “We’ll see if they pursue it.” On October 1, the U.S. government run America House Holodomor and recognized the Soviet Union’s role in per- In a news briefing the special envoy conducted via in Kyiv conducted a five-hour leadership workshop for petrating this genocide. The resolution built on a number phone from Brussels, he said the U.S. and the European some three dozen aspiring female leaders age 14-16. Its of congressional actions to condemn the Holodomor and Union are considering a separate set of sanctions and other purpose was to emulate a week-long annual summit that honor its victims, including the 2015 dedication of the measures against Russia for firing on Ukrainian vessels Chicago hosts for its 28 sister cities, including Kyiv, but Holodomor Memorial in Washington. Sens. Portman and and taking 24 servicemen captive. The debate is whether condensed into a one-day event. The reason: Kyiv this Durbin were joined in introducing this resolution by a to add them to an existing set of restrictive measures over year submitted the most applications (41) for the single bipartisan group of 11 senators. Eight more senators later Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its war in the Donbas or slot that is allotted to each partner city, all of which “were signed on as co-sponsors, and Senate Resolution 435 was to devise a “third basket,” said Ambassador Volker. “But the so amazing,” said Leroy Allala, executive director of passed by unanimous consent on October 3. On December notion that there needs to be a response and [that] some Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI),. Thus, the one- 11, the House of Representatives passed House additional sanctions and listing of names would occur day leadership workshop, organized jointly by Fulbright Resolution 931, which was identical to the aforemen- seems to be one gaining some traction, and I would not be Ukraine and the Kyiv Committee of CSCI, was meant to tioned Senate measure. The resolution had been intro- surprised at all to see that happen in the next month or duced back on June 8 by Rep. Sander two,” he explained during the briefing, in which The Levin (D-Mich.). It had 20 original co- Ukrainian Weekly participated. Additionally, Ambassador sponsors and a total of 33 cosponsors by Volker said a “multinational visible presence in and around the time of its passage. Ukraine, whether it’s in the Black Sea or in parts of What is most significant is that both Ukraine,” could be an additional step taken in the future. the Senate and House resolutions recog- Ambassador Volker also confirmed that Russia has an nized “the findings of the Commission on invasion force at Ukraine’s borders and that it’s bigger the Ukraine Famine as submitted to than the one Kyiv faced at the outset of war in 2014. Congress on April 22, 1988, including that Regarding Russia’s military build-up, he said, “Yes, that is ‘Joseph Stalin and those around him com- all true.” He continued: “This is something that has hap- mitted genocide against the Ukrainians in pened over a period of years. Russia invaded Ukraine, it 1932–1933.’ ” took Crimea, it is occupying the Donbas, and it has, within The administration of President Trump Russia, built up significant military capacity, and also in also marked the Holodomor. State Crimea [it has] built up significant military capacity over Department spokesperson Heather time. So it is much larger than was there before all the Nauert released a statement on conflict started.” Regarding the war in the easternmost November 23 which, while noting that Luhansk and Donetsk regions – one that Mr. Volker had Department of State “millions of innocent Ukrainians were described as a “hot conflict” in previous statements – he The image accompanying a tweet by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. deliberately starved to death by the regime Pompeo about Russia’s attack on three Ukrainian Navy vessels on said there still is “violence occurring every night… there’s November 25. of Joseph Stalin,” did not recognize it as a mortar and sniper fire, artillery… so this just has to stop.” No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 11

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW In Canada: Concern about Ukraine under Russian siege he bilateral relationship between Canada and Ukraine was further strengthened at the top of the Tyear when the Queen’s representative in Canada, former Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, visited Ukraine in mid-January and met with President Petro Poroshenko. Ms. Payette, who was invested as Canada’s 29th gover- nor general on October 2, 2017, also visited Canadian troops in Ukraine serving under Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) training mission through which Canada provides military training and capacity- building assistance to Ukrainian Forces personnel. It was Governor General Payette’s first overseas visit in her role as Canada’s commander-in-chief to meet with Canadian troops, and she was accompanied by Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada’s chief of the defense staff. “We were proud to be the first Western nation to recog- nize Ukraine’s independence in 1991. At the heart of our relationship are the 1.3 million individuals who comprise the vibrant Ukrainian Canadian community in Canada – the second-largest Ukrainian population outside of Alex Maslej Ukraine,” Ms. Payette said during a January 18 joint news Among the dignitaries attending the opening ceremonies of the 22nd annual Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival were Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (at the podium) and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia conference in Lviv with Mr. Poroshenko. Freeland. The festival was held September 14-16. “Canada has been at the forefront of the international community’s support for Ukraine, because our countries support the Holodomor National Awareness Tour until comity and peace among nations. Russia is waging a bru- share important values that include respect for democra- 2020. The funding announcement was made on February tal war of aggression against Ukraine… [and] has shown cy, human rights and the rule of law,” she said. “I am here, 22 in Toronto by Member of Parliament Arif Virani time and again that it seeks neither comity nor peace, but Mr. President, to reiterate Canada’s commitment to your (Parkdale-High Park), parliamentary secretary for multi- rather war and destruction.” sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” Russia was also top of mind in early spring at the politi- Operation UNIFIER received a boost later in January Joly. In April, CUF received $750,000 (about $561,000 cal level when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that when it was announced that additional military trainers U.S.)culturalism from anto theOntario Мinister government of Canadian agency Heritage to promote Mélanie his government’s expulsion of four Russian diplomats in would be dispatched to Ukraine. On January 26, 48 CAF Holodomor awareness. late March was partly based on a 2017 online smear cam- members were deployed to Ukraine, increasing Canada’s The main feature of the tour is a mobile classroom – an paign against Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in presence to approximately 240 personnel for the duration interactive multimedia learning center housed in a which allegations were made that her late maternal of a temporary increase in trainers to about 60 days to 40-foot RV that has toured Canada since 2015 and which Ukrainian-born grandfather was a Nazi collaborator. assist in the training of a battalion tactical group of attracted more than 25,000 visitors to promote aware- Following an April 4 meeting in Ottawa with NATO Ukrainian troops. ness of the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933, along with the Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister On February 1, Ukrainian Canadian Conservative Sen. value of multiculturalism, diversity, human rights and Trudeau was asked to elaborate on his government’s deci- Raynell Andreychuk received the Gold Award of Merit from respect for human dignity. sion to expel the Russians, and recalled “efforts by Russian the Estonian Central Council in Canada. Council President On March 2, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) propagandists to discredit our minister of foreign affairs Marcus Kolga, who presented her with the award at a cele- issued a statement welcoming the Canadian and through social media and by sharing scurrilous stories bration marking Estonian Independence Day in Toronto in American biathlon associations’ decision to boycott the about her.” the centennial year of Estonian independence, highlighted Biathlon World Cup event that was held in Tyumen, On March 26, after the nerve-agent attack against for- Sen. Andreychuk’s lifelong commitment to the defense of Russia from March 19 to 26. “Ethics in sport has been con- mer Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter democracy and freedom in the Baltic states and Europe. sistently undermined by Russia, through a wide-ranging Yulia in the English city of Salisbury, Global Affairs Canada Also in February, the Canadian government announced government-controlled doping program which led to – the department Minister Freeland heads – announced a three-year grant valued at $1.5 million (about $1.1 mil- Russia being banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics,” the that Canada was expelling four members of Russia’s diplo- lion U.S.) for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) to UCC said. “The goal of international sport is to promote matic staff at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa and the Russian Consulate-General in Montreal. “The four have been identified as intelligence officers or individuals who have used their diplomatic status to undermine Canada’s security or interfere in our democracy,” the statement read. One of the diplomats sent back to Russia was the Embassy’s spokesman, Kirill Kalinin, who was revealed to have sent photos and links to stories about Ms. Freeland’s grandfather, Michael Chomiak, to Canadian news outlets. In early April, Minister Freeland said that a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting to be held in Toronto later in month would focus on Russia’s ongoing annexa- tion of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, the recent chemical attack against the Skripals, and “the Putin regime and the actions they are taking” that challenge “rules-based inter- national order.”

held on April 22-23 included two sections – under the headingA 61-point “rules-based communiqué international from the order” ministerial – on Ukraine,meeting which reiterated the support from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with the European Union, for “Ukrainian sov- ereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. This includes our non- recognition of Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The G-7 ministers decried “the degraded human rights situation” on the Crimean peninsula, “and the violations and abuses committed against its population by Russia in

responsibility in the conflict, we urge [it] to stabilize the securityCrimea.” situation The communiqué in the Donbas also without said: delay.” “Given Russia’s One of many posters designed by artist Andriy Ms. Freeland said that the G-7 reaffirmed its “unity in Yermolenko of Ukraine was used by the support of Ukraine and a rules-based international order #RedCard4Putin campaign during he FIFA World Cup UCCLF where state sovereignty and territorial integrity are held June 14 to July 15. The campaign was an initiative A portion of a retractable six-foot-long banner, com- respected by all.” of the International Coalition for Human Rights missioned by the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties During the ministerial summit, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs (ICHR) of which the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is a Foundation, was be distributed in Canada to mark the founding member. 85th anniversary of the end of the Holodomor. Minister Pavlo Klimkin met with the UCC’s then-president, 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Paul Grod, along with Canada’s ambassador to Ukraine, release. The UCC also expressed its disappointment that UCC CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn and Orest Zakydalsky, Roman Waschuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, Andriy the Canadian government had “taken no action against senior policy advisor with the congress, called on the Shevchenko, and Liberal and Ukrainian-Canadian Member [the] Russian officials responsible.” Canadian government to immediately implement sanc- of Parliament (MP) Borys Wrzesnewskyj. On May 5, the biannual National Ukrainian Teachers’ tions against Russian officials responsible for the viola- Also in April, an online petition was started – and spon- Conference was held for the first time online with the par- tions of the human rights of Ukrainian political prisoners sored by Conservative MP James Bezan, also a Ukrainian ticipation of teachers from across Canada and from jailed by Russia. They said that hosting the G-7 leaders’ Canadian – calling on the Canadian government to Ukraine. The event was led by the Ukrainian Language summit on June 8 and 9 in Charlevoix, Quebec, gave address the deteriorating condition of the internee ceme- Education Center (ULEC) of the Canadian Institute of Canada a unique opportunity to focus international atten- tery at Spirit Lake, Quebec. Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta and the tion on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine and ending The petition states that “whereas the government of National Ukrainian Educational Council of the Ukrainian Russia’s occupation of Crimea and parts of the Donetsk Canada needlessly categorized many Ukrainians and Canadian Congress, and covered such topics as digital lit- and Luhansk oblasts. other Europeans as ‘enemy aliens’ during Canada’s first eracy and teacher preparedness for new technologies. On June 14, the UCC and the Canada Ukraine national internment operations of 1914-1920; an intern- On June 6, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), the Foundation revealed the grant recipients from the ment camp was set up at Spirit Lake, Quebec, one of 24 largest Ukrainian airline, launched its first nonstop flight Defenders of Ukraine Fund to assist wounded soldiers across Canada; at least 16 internee burials took place at from Kyiv to Toronto – the first such connection since and veterans who have defended their country against the Spirit Lake cemetery; the [Canadian] Department of AeroSvit stopped flying to the Ontario capital in 2012 and Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine. A total of Agriculture sold these lands to Quebec in 1936 and the then ceased operations a year later. $100,000 (about $75,300 U.S.) was to be distributed province sold them to a farmer in 1988; attempts to UIA began its cross-Atlantic run with three flights among four projects, including the Ukrainian Social restore and re-consecrate the Spirit Lake internee ceme- between Kyiv and Toronto each week – on Mondays, Academy for “Boots to Business” entrepreneurship train- tery have been rejected by the property owner and the Wednesdays and Saturdays until October, when the sched- ing program for veterans. cemetery is all but lost to the boreal forest; [and that] fed- ule was reduced to two flights per week, until May. On June 27, Foreign Affairs Minister Freeland eral officials, repeatedly informed about the deterioration Ukrainian Ambassador Shevchenko welcomed the air- announced that Canada will host the next Ukraine Reform of the cemetery, claim this is Quebec’s problem, abrogat- line’s non-stop service between Toronto and Kyiv as a Conference in 2019. ing all legal and moral responsibility for a cemetery estab- boost to the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. The following month, International Development lished under federal authority and for the remains of the “When we signed this agreement [in 2016], we hoped it Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau visited Ukraine for the first unfortunates buried there.” would help us to navigate new business contacts between time. Her trip from July 18 to 23 was mainly in the country’s The petition, which attracted 1,391 signatures, called Ukraine and Canada,” he said. “The direct flight will be a war-torn eastern region. She was the first Canadian minis- on Ottawa “to use whatever measures necessary to pro- wonderful opportunity to create people-to-people ties ter to travel to Ukraine for as long and the first G-7 minister vide for the archaeological examination, restoration, re- into a strong business context from which both countries to visit the country’s conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. consecration and limited ongoing site visits for commem- will benefit.” On July 19, Ms. Bibeau announced in Kyiv that as part of orative and religious services to the Spirit Lake internee Meanwhile, Canadian Ambassador Waschuk was fea- the Canadian government’s $50 million (or about $38 mil- cemetery.” tured in a profile published in June in which he spoke of lion U.S.) annual commitment toward assistance programs In August, The Ukrainian Weekly published an editorial how Ukraine has changed since taking up his post in in Ukraine, $30 million ($23 million U.S.) of that money will supporting the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties October 2014 as Canada’s eighth and first fluent fund projects to “enhance” the economic security of rural Association’s petition campaign to save the Ukrainian Ukrainian-speaking ambassador to Ukraine. women – particularly those caught up in the conflict in east- internee cemetery at Spirit Lake, which at its peak held Ukraine has become a “millennial nation,” according to ern Ukraine – as well as projects that will provide support 1,312 internees, among them about 60 families. Mr. Waschuk, the Toronto-born son of Ukrainian immi- for small and medium-sized businesses, and “increase In October, Canadian Environment and Climate Change grants. A “decline of deference” is present in Ukrainian employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Minister Catherine McKenna provided the government’s society, along with some self-entitlement. “Ukrainians women, and for vulnerable and marginalized groups.” response, stating that Parks Canada, which falls under her often feel poorer than they are because their expectations In a July 22 telephone interview from Kharkiv portfolio, “does not have legislative authority with respect now are largely driven by EU [European Union] countries International Airport following a meeting with Ukrainians to decisions of non-federal owners and no permissions where Ukrainians are measuring whether or not they are who have to regularly cross the Ukrainian-controlled are required from the federal government with respect to as well off as someone in Poland or Germany,” he said. checkpoint at Mayorsk in the Donetsk region, the minister work or interventions on these properties.” “People don’t have a clear vision as to where they’re said that the funding package she unveiled will address She wrote that “in Canada, protection of heritage prop- heading or a sense of security in terms of the future,” said some of the fallout from the war in the Donbas by helping erty not owned by the federal government falls within the Mr. Waschuk while in Canada after attending a biennial, to stimulate Ukraine’s economy, such as by supporting purview of provinces and territories, in accordance with four-day meeting in Ottawa of the country’s global heads agricultural cooperatives and creating jobs, especially for their respective heritage legislation. Additionally, each of missions. men unemployed because of the conflict. province or territory has its own legislation that relates to During the FIFA World Cup, which was held in Russia Minister Bibeau, who met with Prime Minister burial sites and human remains… [and that] archaeologi- from June 14 to July 15, the UCC called on Canadians to Volodymyr Groysman in Kyiv, described the Ukrainians cal concerns related to the Spirit Lake Internment Camp… support the #RedCard4Putin campaign that would issue she met as “very resilient, but very suspicious in the fall under the purview of the Government of Quebec.” multiple “red cards” to the Russian regime which the con- beginning, until you gain their trust.” In May, Quebec Lieutenant Governor J. Michael Doyon gress said was guilty of violating international law and In September, The Ukrainian Weekly reported that a visited Spirit Lake Internment Interpretative Center locat- abusing internationally recognized human rights. retractable three-foot-wide by six-foot-long metal banner, ed on the original grounds of the site that operated from The #RedCard4Putin campaign was an initiative of the commissioned by the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties 1915 to 1917 where some 1,200 to 1,300 men, women International Coalition for Human Rights (ICHR) of which Foundation, would be distributed free the following and children, most of whom were of Ukrainian descent, the UCC is a founding member. “At a time when Russia month in Canada to mark the 85th anniversary of the end were interned. wages war against its neighbors…and illegally imprisons of the Holodomor. Centered on a graphic drawn in 1933 Also in May, the UCC called on the Canadian govern- over 150 political prisoners, including 70 Ukrainian citi- by the Ukrainian avant-garde artist Vasyl Sedliar, the ban- ment to take a strong stand in support of Ukrainian politi- zens, it is unacceptable that Russia is hosting the FIFA ner also includes a map showing the regional geography cal prisoners jailed by Russia. In a May 17 letter to Prime World Cup,” said the UCC’s Mr. Grod, who heads the ICHR. of famine losses in Soviet Ukraine, along with quotations Minister Trudeau, Mr. Grod outlined that “the Russian On June 8, UCC officials appeared before the House of from diplomats and eyewitnesses of the famine. A leaflet regime has illegally imprisoned over 50 Ukrainian citi- Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights providing a reading list of additional sources accompanies zens,” and that Canada should call for their immediate on the human rights situation in Ukraine. the banner.

Holodomor National Awareness Tour At the February 22 press conference announcing a Canadian government grant for a Holodomor awareness project (from left) are: Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj; Roma Dzerowicz, executive director, Holodomor National Awareness Presidential Administration of Ukraine Tour; MP Arif Virani, parliamentary secretary for multiculturalism to Minister of Canada’s Governor General Julie Payette and Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly; Bohdan Onyschuk, chair, Holodomor National during their joint news briefing in Kyiv on January 18. Awareness Tour Committee; and MP James Maloney. No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 13

2018: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Ukrainian Canadian Congress UCC Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland (second from left) invited Ukraine’s Alexandra Chyczij is sworn in as national president of the Ukrainian Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin (left) to the G-7 foreign ministers meeting in Congress on December 8 by her predecessor, Paul Grod, who was elected to lead the Toronto on April 22-23. Ukrainian World Congress. Commenting on this initiative, UCCLF spokesperson, “To break the resistance of the Ukrainian people to gins of an international security forum held in Halifax, Borys Sydoruk, said: “Thanks to the generosity of an Soviet rule, the totalitarian Communist regime turned Nova Scotia. Mr. Bezan also had a huddle with Ukraine’s UCCLF supporter, we are able to offer Canadian Ukrainian food into a weapon. In one of history’s greatest crimes, the foreign affairs minister and said that Ukraine’s requests organizations a ready-made display, easily assembled, Soviet regime committed genocide against a nation of for further Canadian military support are considerable. taken down and stored, which offers the public a chance grain growers who sought to live free on their own land,” “They want Operation UNIFIER extended, not just by one to learn about the Holodomor and recall the millions of said the UCC. “Despite the Soviet attempts to destroy the year but five years,” said Mr. Bezan, who serves as the victims of this Stalinist genocide.” Ukrainian nation, the Ukrainian people persevered and, Official Opposition Conservatives’ shadow minister of Meanwhile, a Consulate General of Ukraine was officially decades later, won their independence [in 1991 that] is national defense, and added that Ukraine would also like opened on September 7 in Edmonton with a ribbon-cutting again under threat from Russia’s tyranny.” the mission to be increased in “size and scope.” ceremony attended by Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Today, “In Ukraine’s east, Russia wages a brutal war of “Ukraine has been asking Canada to advocate for a Klimkin, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, Canadian Science aggression, seeking again to subjugate Ukraine to peacekeeping mission for Ukraine to get control of and Sport Minister Kirsty Duncan, Ukrainian Ambassador Moscow’s rule. A generation of Ukrainians again takes up Donbas, and we should champion that request,” he said. Shevchenko and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. “This is a arms in courageous defense of their freedom and right to The opposition Tories have called for a Canadian-led U.N. landmark event, through which Ukraine recognizes the self-determination,” the statement added. peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine. special role played by the Ukrainian community in the west Prime Minister Trudeau also issued a statement on Mr. Bezan said that Ukraine also wants weapons. “Even of Canada and which opens the door for trade and invest- November 24, which read in part that “between 1932 and though Canada is delivering some sniper rifles, they are not ment contacts,” said Minister Klimkin. 1933, the [Soviet] regime used starvation as a weapon, provided by the government of Canada and are being Premier Notley noted the special significance of the seizing farms and crops across Ukraine. Millions of bought by the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” Mr. Bezan Consulate opening taking place on September 7, which Ukrainians died from hunger. Countless others lost their explained. was designated as Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day in lives in mass arrests, deportations and executions. The Last summer, PGW Defense Technologies Inc., a Alberta. Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian flag was raised at Holodomor was a deliberate attempt – part of a systemat- Canadian arms company, signed a deal with the Ukrainian the Alberta legislature in a special ceremony. “Ukrainians ic genocide – to crush the spirit and identity of the military to provide it with LRT-3 .50-calibre sniper rifles. settled in Alberta more than 125 years ago, and genera- Ukrainian people.” Global Affairs Canada, which is headed by Minister tions of Ukrainian Albertans have made an enduring Minister Freeland issued a similarly worded statement Freeland, approved the deal, worth $1 million (about impact on our province with contributions that span busi- that added the Holodomor was also “denied by its perpe- $756,000 U.S.), in August, according to Mr. Bezan’s office. ness and industry, academia, public service, culture and trators in Moscow.” In May, the Canadian Conservative Party said that were it sports,” said Premier Notley. On November 20, the UCC, the Canada-Ukraine in power, it would provide Ukraine with lethal weapons orig- Minister Duncan said the opening of the Consulate and Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Ukrainian inally allocated to Kurdish Peshmerga fighters against the celebration of Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day was embassy in Ottawa commemorated the Holodomor on Islamic State in northern Iraq, and claimed, in a news release, deeply personal, as her own family had emigrated from Parliament Hill, where survivors of the famine – Julia that $9.5 million (about $7.2 million U.S.) worth of arms Ukraine in the early 20th century. Woychyshyn and Halyna Zelem – lit the ceremonial candle “have been sitting in warehouses in Canada and Jordan.” The Edmonton Consulate, headed by Nadiya Kostenko, at the beginning of the ceremony. “Other than adding Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms will serve western Canada – Saskatchewan, Alberta and Among those who delivered remarks were Canadian Country Control List [in December 2017], there hasn’t British Columbia – and will meet the growing demand for National Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan, speaking on behalf been anything new” regarding Canadian military assis- consular services. Western Canada is home to over of Prime Minister Trudeau; Sen. Andreychuk, who spoke on tance toward Ukraine since Operation UNIFIER was 670,000 Canadians of Ukrainian descent and many behalf of Opposition Leader Scheer; and Ambassador launched in 2015, said Mr. Bezan. Ukrainian citizens. Shevchenko, on behalf of the Ukrainian government. On December 6, Ministers Freeland and Bibeau To the east in Toronto, the 22nd annual Bloor West In early December, The Ukrainian Weekly reported that announced up to $24 million (about $18 million U.S.) in Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival was held on September the Canadian government was not planning to provide support for Ukraine’s democracy ahead of the 2019 elec- 14-16, with a record number of street vendors (89) and Ukraine with arms as the country has long requested in its tion cycle in Ukraine. Of that, $11 million (about $8 mil- some firsts, including a rock musical called “Got To Be Free.” war against Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas lion U.S.) was earmarked for observer missions to monitor Prime Minister Trudeau and federal Conservative region. Ukraine’s March 31 presidential and October 27 parlia- Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer were among the estimat- Canada’s priority is “not about equipment,” but focused mentary elections, overseen by CANADEM. ed crowd of 2,000 people who attended the festival parade. on “capacity building,” Mr. Sajjan said in an interview. He Meanwhile in the Ukrainian Canadian community, The following month, on October 21, Toronto joined said the goal is to help train Ukrainian soldiers on using Alexandra Chyczij was unanimously elected as president Kyiv, Washington and Edmonton as the latest city to unveil specialized military equipment “effectively” and to assist of the UCC at the nationwide body’s annual general meet- a Holodomor memorial. them with eventually expanding the size of their units ing in Montreal on December 8. Outgoing President Grod, The monument, located on the grounds of the from battalion level, which normally consists of between who in November was elected president of the Ukrainian Canadian National Exhibition, was spearheaded by the 500 and 800 soldiers, to that of a brigade with 1,500-plus World Congress, will chair the UCC’s Endowment Fund- UCC’s Toronto branch and features a bronze sculpture people in uniform. Raising Campaign. Andrea Kopylech became the UCC’s called “Bitter Memory of Childhood” – the original of The idea, Mr. Sajjan explained, is to “modernize the first vice-president, and Alex Ilchenko joined the UCC which is located in Kyiv. Ukrainian Armed Forces” to fit within the model used in Executive Committee as second vice-president. Also in October, the Canadian Ukrainian Students’ the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which The year ended with the December 13 release of a Union (known by its Ukrainian acronym SUSK) Ukraine aspires to join. unanimous all-party report by the House of Commons announced a partnership with Postcards for Prisoners – Since September 2015, members of the Canadian Standing Committee on National Defense on Russian an activist group dedicated to raising awareness of and Armed Forces have worked with more than 10,100 aggression against Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in the providing moral support to Ukrainian prisoners incarcer- Ukrainian soldiers in 219 training courses ranging from Black Sea region, which included 13 recommendations to ated in Russian prisons through letter-writing campaigns military engineering and explosive-device disposal to the Canadian government. Among them: to strengthen at post-secondary institutions across Canada. casualty evacuation and combat first-aid as part of Canada’s support for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia; The Holodomor’s 85th anniversary was commemorat- Operation UNIFIER. About 200 Canadian soldiers have renew and enhance Canada’s military training of the ed by the UCC with a statement released on November 24, been deployed every six months to several sites across Ukrainian Armed Forces through Operation UNIFIER Holodomor Memorial Day, which recalled that “the western and central Ukraine as part of the Canadian mis- beyond March 2019; impose more sanctions against Ukrainian nation was condemned to death by starvation sion, which is scheduled to end in March 2019. Minister Russia; advocate for an increased NATO presence to because of the Ukrainian people’s aspiration for indepen- Sajjan declined to say whether his government would respond to Russian escalation in the Black Sea; and sup- dence, and their desire to maintain their culture and tradi- renew UNIFIER beyond next year’s deadline. port the aspirations of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to tions and speak their language.” In mid-November, he met with Mr. Klimkin on the mar- join NATO. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3 No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 15

another “accidental” appeal launched by Other Ukrainian citizens in Crimea, their fear and write personal messages on Crimean Tatar activist... Osman Pashayev, a Crimean Tatar journal- besides Crimean Tatars, are not organized Facebook, although they know that there is ist forced by the occupation regime from and don’t have the same contacts. “They are no guarantee that such a form of communi- (Continued from page 2) Crimea. The latter, who was stunned to find more frightened than many Crimean cation is safe.” They want to help, he added, 24 Ukrainian naval seamen whose vessels that he had collected almost 325,000 hrv, Tatars. They don’t have the experience in without heroism, and they also deserve our Russia attacked near Crimea on November later wrote that he had been mistaken for their genes of fighting the regime, the histo- support. 25, 2018, and who were themselves seized, the last five years in assuming that, with ry of returning from deportation and After Russia secretly, and very illegally, with three also badly injured in the attack. rare exceptions, there was nobody remain- opposing those in power. For many of them transferred the 24 servicemen, who are all By early the following day, Crimean ing in occupied Crimea except the Crimean Russia’s occupation is their first experience prisoners of war, to Moscow, Mr. Asanov Tatar civic leader Nariman Dzhelyal had Tatars who still supported Ukraine. Of the of dissidence. They probably won’t go to joined Mr. Dzhelyal and other Crimean Tatar issued an urgent appeal for money, food 857 people who had written to him to the courts or stream such material onto the activists in transporting a huge load of and clothing for the men who had nothing donate money for the men, very many, he Internet and won’t confront the repressive clothes, food and essential items, as well as and whose families were all in mainland writes, had Slavic (non-Crimean Tatar) machine. They won’t speak out publicly, yet money, collected for their fellow Ukrainians Ukraine. The response to that appeal and to names. there are moments when they overcome whom Russia is still holding prisoner.

Crimean Tatars see... (Continued from page 1) return of Crimea on the basis of the Budapest Memorandum. We will continue work in this direction.” While in Washington, he met with U.S. congressmen who expressed their support for this effort. Moscow will oppose it, but its opposition “is not that important,” he commented. The Crimean Tatar leader said that, when speaking with Western leaders, he has more than once said that if the West had treated the Russian occupation of Georgian territory as an occupation, “the occupation of Crimea would not have hap- pened.” But, unfortunately, Western gov- ernments did not do so. And then he added: “I do not exclude that the peninsula can be de-occupied at the price of the disintegration of Russia. The stupidities Putin is acting upon could lead to that.” Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on eth- nic and religious questions in Eurasia. The article above is reprinted with permission from his blog called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/). 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

declared that they are prisoners of war. One and tirelessly devoted their prayers and Russia-back separatist formations since NEWSBRIEFS of the first to do so was the Commander of efforts towards the successful granting of April 2014. The International Criminal the Berdyansk, Roman Mokyak, who the Tomos of autocephaly: Metropolitan Court ruled in November 2016 that the (Continued from page 2) demanded that the “investigators” treat Elpidophoros of Bursa, Metropolitan fighting in Ukraine’s east was “an interna- similar are involved.” The KHPG went on to him and his men as prisoners of war and Emmanuel of France, Archbishop Daniel of tional armed conflict between Ukraine and note: “Russia does, however, have an inter- refused to give any testimony to the the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the the Russian Federation.” (RFE/RL) est in minimizing media and diplomatic Russian authorities until they released his U.S.A. and Bishop Ilarion of the Ukrainian attention to its holding of Ukrainian POWs, men. As POWs, their treatment is regulated Orthodox Church of Canada. (Ukrainian Germany on sanctions against pipeline and this is clearly the reason for trying to by the Geneva Convention on POWs and it Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.) U.S. sanctions against the Moscow- block access to court hearings. This was is effectively a war crime to be treating Kyiv expects to get Canadian sniper rifles backed Nord Stream 2 natural-gas pipeline probably also the motive for Russian them as though they are suspects of ordi- project would be the wrong way to solve a Human Rights Ombudswoman Tatyana nary criminal prosecutions. (Kharkiv Ukrinform reported on January 9 that dispute over energy supply, according to Moskalkova suddenly having to ‘make an Human Rights Protection Group) Ukraine expects to receive the first batch of German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. urgent trip’ and cancelling a planned meet- Hierarchs receive Ukrainian state awards Canadian sniper rifles this year. “We have “Questions of European energy policy must ing with her Ukrainian counterpart, already received a permit from the be decided in Europe, not in the U.S.,” Mr. Lyudmila Denisova.” Nikolai Polozov, who is On January 5, millions watched the cere- Canadian government for the purchase of Maas said in a speech in Berlin on January coordinator of the group of lawyers repre- mony taking place in the Patriarchal high-quality sniper rifles with the best 10. The minister added that imposing uni- senting the 24 POWs, reported on January Church of St. George, in Constantinople, as range capability in the world. I expect that lateral sanctions against Nord Stream 2 14 that the FSB investigative department Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signed the first batch of these rifles will be deliv- was “certainly not the way to go.” The will be applying to the court for the hear- the Tomos granting autocephaly to the new ered to Ukraine this year,” Ukraine’s planned pipeline would run under the ings to be held behind closed doors. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Afterwards, Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko Baltic Sea, bringing Russian gas directly to position of the defense team, he stressed, is dignitaries and guests gathered for a ban- said in an interview with Ukrinform. He Western Europe and bypassing the existing that there must be open and transparent quet to honor Patriarch Bartholomew and underscored the need “to look for different networks running through Ukraine. court hearings, with the media and repre- Metropolitan Epifaniy, the new Church’s forms of cooperation in the segment of Washington has opposed the project, call- sentatives of foreign diplomatic missions primate, and to celebrate the historic event. arms with Canada.” Mr. Shevchenko added, ing it a tool for Russia to consolidate sway free to attend, as well, of course, as The banquet was attended by numerous “We view it as a joint investment in security over Europe. German Chancellor Angela Ukraine’s Human Rights Ombudsperson clergy and various dignitaries including the and new technologies, which Canada is also Merkel has said she secured a pledge from and any of the men’s family. Mr. Polozov speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament, the minis- interested in. The arms market likes Russian President Vladimir Putin allowing noted separately that “the Russian authori- ters of foreign affairs, culture and defense, silence, therefore I cannot say more, but it gas shipments across Ukraine’s territory. ties are well aware of the illegal nature of and the first vice prime minister of Ukraine. seems to me that we have every chance to Moscow says the $11 billion project is their actions with respect to the Ukrainian During the banquet, President Petro see the first practical results of cooperation purely economic and not directed against POW seamen and also the ongoing viola- Poroshenko of Ukraine honored four indi- soon.” In 2017, Canada included Ukraine in other countries. Relations between tion of the Third Geneva Convention. The viduals who played pivotal roles in gaining the so-called Automatic Firearms Country Moscow and Kyiv dramatically deteriorated attempt at secrecy and Moskalkova’s sud- for Ukraine its own canonical Church by Control List, thus lifting an arms embargo after Moscow seized and annexed den departure from Moscow are clearly presenting them the Order of Prince on Ukraine. (Ukrinform) Ukraine’s Crimea region in March 2014. aimed at trying to avoid further political Yaroslav the Wise. The medal is awarded Moscow is also backing separatists in a war OSCE monitoring drone shot down fallout. …The political price of holding the for distinguished services to the state and against Ukrainian government forces that POWs is already too high for Russia and people of the Ukrainian nation. The award A surveillance drone operated by moni- has killed more than 10,300 people in east- will only increase.” All of the men have was given to four individuals who selflessly tors for the Organization for Security and ern Ukraine since April 2014. (RFE/RL, Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in eastern based on reporting by Reuters) Ukraine has been shot down near the gov- Inflation in Ukraine slows to 9.8 % ernment-controlled village of Popasna in the Luhansk region. The incident occurred The growth of consumer prices in on January 10, according to a report by the Ukraine in 2018 slowed to 9.8 percent TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to compared with 13.7 percent in 2017, the or e-mail [email protected] Ukraine published the next day. The drone State Statistics Service of Ukraine has was being used to monitor a snow-removal reported. The inflation growth rates in the operation when it came under small-arms SERVICES PROFESSIONALS previous years were as follows: 12.4 per- fire from a position estimated at about 2 cent in 2016, 43.3 percent in 2015, and kilometers to the east. The drone crashed, 24.9 percent in 2014. In December last and the monitors were unable to recover it. year, inflation was 0.8 percent as compared The SMM has lost several surveillance with 1.4 percent in November, 1.7 percent drones in recent months. In November in October and 1.9 percent in September. 2018, a drone was shot down near The State Statistics Service said that the Ukraine’s border with Russia, while on average annual inflation in 2018 (January- January 2, another drone was shot down in December to January-December of the pre- the Luhansk region. According to the vious year) decreased to 10.9 percent from United Nations, more than 10,300 people 14.4 percent a year earlier. According to the have been killed in the fighting in eastern Ukraine between the government and (Continued on page 17) МАРІЯ ДРИЧ OPPORTUNITIES Ліцензований Продавець With deep sorrow we announce that Страхування Життя МАRІA DRICH Earn extra income! Licensed Life Insurance Agent Olha Lushniak The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. for advertising sales agents. née Kovalska 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 For additional information contact Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 peacefully entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2019. in Chicago, IL. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. e-mail: [email protected] Born March 19,1928 in the village of Lisnyky near Berezhany, Ukraine, she was married in Germany in 1947 to her husband Mykola (deceased in 2011). They immigrated to the United States in 1949 and settled in Chicago, IL, where she was an active parishioner at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and an active member of the Cathedral Choir Slavuta, the Catholic Action, Soyuz Ukrainok, and other organizations. Funeral services took place at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Chicago, IL, followed by burial at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. She leaves behind her beloved family: son, - Stephen with his wife Margaret and children Christine, Martha and Michael and their spouses daughter - Irene with son Nicholas son - Boris with his wife Patricia and daughters Larissa and Stephanie seven great-grandchildren and family in Canada and Ukraine. Eternal Memory! In lieu of owers, the family requests that donations in memory of our Run your advertisement here, Mother be made to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 2245 W. Rice St., Chicago, IL 60622. in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 17

received instructions on the attack from a ties to Polish right-wing activists, including Hoecker replied: “We are unaware of such a NEWSBRIEFS German journalist who has worked as a Mateusz Piskorski, founder of the pro-Rus- statement. If it was made, it is false.” There consultant for a German parliament deputy sian Zmiana party who was arrested in was no immediate indication that Mr. (Continued from page 16) with the anti-immigrant Alternative for 2016 on suspicion of spying for Russia and Ochsenreiter had been charged with any State Statistics Service, in December 2018, Germany (AfD) party. Michal Prokopowicz, China. Reached by RFE/RL last week via crime by Polish authorities. Mr. the prices of food and non-alcoholic bever- 28, told a Krakow court on January 14 that the Russian social-networking site Prokopowicz went on trial alongside two ages increased 1.8 percent in the consumer German journalist Manuel Ochsenreiter VKontakte, Mr. Ochsenreiter negated the other suspects – 25-year-old Tomasz market. The highest prices increase was for provided instructions for the February 4, suggestion by Anton Shekhovtsov, a Szymkowiak and 22-year-old Adrian vegetables, which went up in price by 16.5 2018, attack on the headquarters of the researcher of European far-right move- Marglewski. All three are charged with pro- percent. The prices for milk and dairy Hungarian Cultural Association in ments, that he might be the German jour- moting fascism, as well as endangering lives products, pasta, butter, bread increased by Uzhhorod, the capital of the Zakarpattia nalist in question. Mr. Ochsenreiter did not or property with fire. Mr. Prokopowicz has between 1.6 and 3.2 percent. At the same region in western Ukraine. A representative respond to follow-up questions and subse- also been charged with financing terrorism. time, rice, eggs, sugar, fruit, pork became for Mr. Ochsenreiter called the claim “false.” quently made his account private. Mr. Mr. Prokopowicz said in court that the goal cheaper by 0.5 to 1.4 percent. The rise in No one was injured in the attack, but the Ochsenreiter, editor of the right-wing was to frame Ukrainian ultranationalists for prices (tariffs) for housing, water, electrici- incident – and another fire attack on the German magazine Zuerst! (First!), has been the February 4 attack by painting Nazi- ty, gas and other types of fuel rose by 0.7 building weeks later – exacerbated already a frequent commentator in Russian state related symbols on the façade of the percent, mainly due to the 3.2 percent strained relations between Kyiv and media over the past five years, voicing sup- Hungarian cultural center. He claimed he increase in prices for liquefied gas. The Budapest over a Ukrainian education law port for Russia-backed separatists in east- agreed to an offer by Ochsenreiter to carry decline in prices for transport by 1.6 per- that Hungary says restricts the right of eth- ern Ukraine and denouncing what he calls out the attack because he disliked national- cent is mainly due to the cheapening of fuel nic Hungarians in Ukraine to be educated the Western media’s anti-Moscow bias. Ralf istic sentiment in Ukraine. Ukrainian and lubricants by 6 percent. At the same in their native language. Mr. Prokopowicz is Hoecker, a German attorney who responded authorities say they identified the suspects time, the fare for road passenger transport one of three Polish suspects with links to on Mr. Ochsenreiter’s behalf to RFE/RL’s after their images were captured on securi- went up by 2.5 percent. The National Bank far-right movements who went on trial in inquiry sent prior to the start of the trial, ty cameras. On the same day as the attack, of Ukraine (NBU) at the end of October Krakow on January 14 for the attack. said in a January 14 e-mail that his client the two suspects returned to Poland via 2017 worsened its inflation forecast for Ukrainian authorities investigated the case was unaware of any allegations from Polish Slovakia, authorities say. Messrs. 2018 from 6 percent to 7.3 percent, in and passed it along to their counterparts in authorities. Asked to comment on Mr. Szymkowiak and Marglewski are accused of January 2018 – to 8.9 percent, in October Poland, where the three men were subse- Prokopowicz’s claim that Mr. Ochsenreiter directly carrying out the attack. (Sergii 2018 – to 10.1 percent. The government quently detained. Mr. Ochsenreiter, 42, has had provided instructions for the attack, Mr. Stetsenko and Carl Schreck, RFE/RL) previously raised its inflation forecast for 2018 from 7 percent to 9 percent. (Ukrinform) German journalist implicated in firebombing A Polish man accused of involvement in the firebombing of a Hungarian cultural center in western Ukraine last year says he

Zenowij... (Continued from page 4) served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon return from the war, he continued his studies on two consecutive scholarships at the National Academy of Fine Arts and graduated from Pratt Institute with a B.F.A. Mr. Onyshkewych was a lifetime mem- ber of the American Watercolor Society. He was a plein-air painter, known for his works done on location during extended stays abroad in Switzerland, France and

Bagnes hosted an exhibit, showcasing over Italy.60 of Inhis the mountain summer scenes of 1999, from the across Musée the de Entremont region of Switzerland. In the U.S, the artist was known to take his easel, paints and canvas and head out to paint all along the East Coast. Many of his works have been exhibited in galleries across the country. Surviving are his wife, Ester Birgitta (Kjellander) Onyshkewych, his children, Andrij Onyshkewych and Lena Payne; his grandchildren, Ryan and Henry Payne; and many extended family members. The liturgy of Christian burial was cele- brated on January 8 at St. Nicholas Byzantine Church in Danbury, Conn. Burial followed in Newtown Village Cemetery. Sources: The Ukrainian Museum, Cornell Memorial Home.

Ukrainian autocephaly... (Continued from page 5) own from the imperial nature of the Russian Orthodox Church.” Therefore, Ukraine’s action not only achieves some- thing critical for the Ukrainian nation and its independence, but also something at least as important for a future free Russia. Other national Churches will emerge in the former Soviet space, he continues; but what is important and deserving of cele- bration is that it has begun. Russian citi- zens should be extremely grateful to the Ukrainians, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Patriarch Bartholemew “personally,” he suggests. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

New study... (Continued from page 1) Dr. Kulchytsky’s first appearance (sponsored by CIUS’s Toronto office, St. Vladimir Institute, the Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Center and the Shevchenko Scientific Society) took place on November 6 in Toronto at St. Vladimir Institute. On November 8, Prof. Kulchytsky’s book was discussed at the Danyliw Research Seminar on Contemporary Ukraine, held at the University of Ottawa, (introductory remarks by HREC Director of Research Dr. Bohdan Klid can be viewed online here: https://www.danyliwseminar.com/ stanislav-kulchytsky-new-book). ukrainien Patriarche Josyf Slipyj in Montreal. This event, co-sponsoredOn November by the10, UkrainianDr. Kulchytsky Canadian spoke Congress at the Musée(UCC) and the Shevchenko Scientific Society, was moderated by Dr. Roman Serbyn, who has written on the 1921-1923 and 1932-1933 famines in Ukraine. Adriana Luhovy Prof. Kulchytsky next spoke on November 11 to a parish At the Montreal book launch (from left) are: the Rev. Ihor Oshchipko, Bohdanna Klecor-Hawryluk, Stanislav audience at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Kulchytsky, Roman Serbyn, Hryhorij Kowryha, Zorianna Hrycenko-Luhova and Yurij Monczak. Toronto. In western Canada, CIUS sponsored a book launch and delivery quotas to the state compared to other grain-pro- Dr. Klid also noted that Dr. Kulchytsky’s research and lecture by Prof. Kulchytsky on November 14 at St. John’s ducing regions of the Soviet Union. study of the Holodomor led to an important conceptual Institute in Edmonton (Dr. Kulchytsky’s presentation can He identified four key elements that pointed to genocid- breakthrough in explaining the origins and course of the be viewed online here: https://www.youtube.com/ al intent on the part of Stalin and other Kremlin leaders: Famine. As far back as 1991, he concluded that while a fam- watch?v=6TCquaWlwsE). (1) the seizure and confiscation of all food during searches ine had broken out in 1932 due to excessive grain procure- On November 16, he attended and spoke at a book of households; (2) a simultaneous information blockade; ments, later in the year it was transformed by Stalin – under launch event at the University of Victoria. The latter was (3) a physical blockade of the starving population in Soviet the guise of continued grain requisitions, which included hosted by Prof. Serhy Yekelchyk and sponsored by the uni- Ukraine and the Kuban region of the Russian SFSR; and (4) the confiscation of all foodstuffs – into a “terror famine.” versity’s Department of German and Slavic Studies. limited seed and food aid, following massive physical Dividing the 1932-1933 Famine in the Ukrainian SSR into Dr. Kulchytsky’s final two book presentations on this exhaustion and death, aimed, first of all at supporting the two distinct stages allows us to view the first part of the Canadian tour were held in Winnipeg. On November 18 he spring sowing campaign in 1933. famine in the context of a geographically wider famine that gave a presentation at the Ukrainian Cultural and Questions following his presentations allowed Prof. had engulfed other regions of the Soviet Union that year. Educational Center (Oseredok), sponsored by HREC, Kulchytsky to elaborate on his views as well as on his It also allows us to understand how and when the fam- Oseredok and the UCC. The next day, Prof. Kulchytsky was research and experience as the first historian to study the ine was transformed into the Holodomor, which made this a guest speaker to students of an undergraduate course Holodomor in the late Soviet period. famine distinct and thus genocidal. While tens of thou- taught by Prof. Myroslav Shkandrij on “The Holocaust and On the majority of his Canadian tour, Prof. Kulchytsky sands had died of hunger in the first part of 1932, by late Holodomor in Ukrainian Literature.” was accompanied and introduced by CIUS scholars Oksana 1932 and early 1933 a spike of over 3 million deaths In his presentations, Dr. Kulchytsky examined the con- Vynnyk and Bohdan Klid. In his remarks, Dr. Klid stressed occurred – which, in Dr. Kulchytsky’s view, constituted the cepts of genocide related to the Famine found in Robert that although Dr. Kulchytsky has written more on the Holodomor-related deaths. Conquest’s “The Harvest of Sorrow” – the first major study Holodomor than any other historian and is recognized as a CIUS stated that it is pleased to have been able to spon- in English on the famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine – and in leading authority on the topic, “The Famine of 1932–1933 sor Prof. Kulchytsky for travel to Canada in order to meet a speech given by Raphael Lemkin in 1953 on the occasion in Ukraine: An Anatomy of the Holodomor” is the only with members of the scholarly community and the public, of the 20th anniversary of the Kremlin-induced famine in book-length study of his to have appeared in English trans- and to promote his latest study of the Famine of 1932- Soviet Ukraine. Lemkin coined the term “genocide” and is lation. As relatively few scholars and students who study 1933 in Ukraine. Along with Anne Applebaum’s “Red known for his advocacy for the adoption of the U.N. the Soviet Union read Ukrainian, it is thus extremely Famine,” published in 2017, Prof. Kulchytsky’s new book Genocide Convention in 1948. important that the scholar’s latest study has appeared in represents another solid contribution to be added to the During his lectures Dr. Kulchytsky also showed how English, which is the dominant language in global scholar- relatively small but growing number of book-length works Ukraine was saddled with disproportionately high grain ship today. in English on the Holodomor.

the highest “rejection” rating among poten- gal felling of trees in the Carpathian Dragon Capital considers him a “stealth Experts... tial candidates when voters are asked for Mountains and other populist messages. candidate” for oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky on which candidate they wouldn’t vote – 50 Unlike previous presidential elections whose main television channel the actor (Continued from page 1) percent, whereas Ms. Tymoshenko is far that usually pitted the western and eastern and comedian performs in cabarets and Tymoshenko’s and Mr. Zelensky’s election lower with 26 percent and Mr. Zelensky is parts of the country split along the Dnipro starred in a popular TV series. prospects have mostly stagnated whereas at 10 percent. River, sociologist Mr. Bekeshkina noted that Visible on television for 20 years, Mr. Mr. Poroshenko’s have jumped by nearly 5 Ms. Tymoshenko, 58, is known as a pop- this time around there really is no signifi- Zelensky is most recently known by his char- percentage points, according to separate ulist who has twice unsuccessfully run for cant geographic difference. acter as a jaded history teacher who gets polls by Rating Group, the Kyiv International the country’s highest office. Like the incum- “Yulia Tymoshenko has support in all the elected as president thanks to his students’ Institute of Sociology, and the Ilko Kucheriv bent president, she has been in politics regions (more in some areas, less in oth- social media campaign efforts. Known as Democratic Initiatives Foundation (DIF) since the 1990s and served twice as prime ers),” she said. “But with Petro Poroshenko, “Servant of the People,” its first season was jointly with the Razumkov Center. minister in the aftermath of the Orange he also has support in almost all the even purchased by Netflix and made avail- “The incumbent appears to have benefit- Revolution that overcame a fraudulent regions except in the east, but their support able with English and Bulgarian subtitles. ed from his crusade for an independent presidential election in favor of then-candi- is relatively the same.” He utilized this image of an ordinary Ukrainian Orthodox Church… and date Viktor Yanukovych whom Russian Thus, Ms. Tymoshenko will probably person who wishes to clean up government shrugged off divergent reactions to the late President Vladimir Putin backed during his “battle again in the runoff” with Mr. on New Year’s Eve during a live broadcast first presidential run. Poroshenko like she did in 2014 when the November imposition of 30-day martial on the oligarch’s 1+1 channel that aired She dominated the natural gas trade in incumbent president secured a first-round law…,” said Dragon Capital, a Kyiv-based during the president’s New Year message. the first decade of Ukraine’s independence. landslide victory, said Brian Mefford, the investment bank, in a study devoted to the Mr. Poroshenko’s greeting was broadcast Her opposition to Mr. Yanukovych after his American director of Wooden Horse upcoming election that was released on with delay after the comedian’s official can- successful run for president in 2010 cost Strategies, in a blog for the Atlantic Council January 8. didacy announcement. her two years in prison. Former President this month. “The phenomenon of Zelensky is quite Mr. Poroshenko, 53, so far has pushed Leonid Kuchma said she was “the only male Given her pedigree, Ms. Tymoshenko “is messages plastered on billboards with simple,” Ms. Bekeshkina said. “People are in Ukrainian politics” in early 2015, when a formidable opponent for President completely disgruntled with all politicians, “Army! Language! Faith!” The patriotic tone comparing her to Mr. Yanukovych and Poroshenko,” an editorial in the magazine of the slogan is in reference to Kyiv with- that’s why they seek out non-systemic can- Viktor Yushchenko who eventually attained Business Ukraine said on January 14. “She didates.” standing Russian aggression in the Donbas the presidency that year. is probably the most skilled politician in the A rejection of the political establishment war that is in its fifth year, the successful She has called for changes to the country and a powerful orator who has was also noted in an analysis by Warsaw- pursuit of a self-governing national Constitution of Ukraine to make the coun- intimidated the biggest beasts of Ukrainian based think tank Center for Eastern Studies Orthodox Church and the promotion of the try more like a parliamentary republic. politics for over two decades.” (OSW). Mr. Zelensky’s relatively high sup- Ukrainian language through film produc- Called the “New Economic Course,” her Significantly, current polls indicate that port “results” in the “voters’ readiness to tion, language quotas on television and platform calls for halving natural gas prices Mr. Poroshenko would lose to both Ms. cast their votes for so-called ‘new faces.’” radio, as well as the new education law. for households in a move that surely will Tymoshenko and Mr. Zelensky in a runoff. So far, his public statements are populist A future reduction in his rating isn’t like- irk Ukraine’s chief lender, the International The eventual entry of Mr. Zelensky, 40, in nature and reveal “political and econom- ly, said Iryna Bekeshkina, director of DIF, Monetary Fund. Videos that promote her into the presidential race highlights the ic ignorance,” according to an analysis pub- based on statements published on the think candidacy also contain the time-worn slo- electorate’s disenchantment with the cur- tank’s website. She added that he suffers gans of fighting corruption, ending the ille- rent political landscape of the same faces. (Continued on page 19) No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 19

January 26 Presentation of Debutantes, Plast Ukrainian Scouting January 31 Presentation by Dallas J. Herold, “Healthcare in Whippany, NJ Organization (Newark Branch), Hanover Marriott, Whippany, NJ Retirement,” Carpe Diem Club, Ukrainian American Cultural [email protected] or 908-448-6389 Center of New Jersey, [email protected]

January 26 New Britain Malanka, with music by Zvook and Hrim, February 2 Boston Malanka, with music by Svitanok, Four Points by New Britain, CT Zolotyj Promin Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, St. George’s Norwood, MA Sheraton, bostonmalanka.com or 617-894-1891 Hall, 860-378-0293 or [email protected] February 2 Presentation of Debutantes, Ukrainian Engineers’ January 26 Lecture by Ostap Manulyak, “Contemporary Ukrainian Philadelphia Society of America, The Belleview Hotel, 610-277-1284 New York Music as a Mirror of Socio-Political Changes,” or [email protected] Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 February 2 Malanka, with music by Fata Morgana, St. George Ukrainian January 26 Concert with violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, William Purvis Yardville, NJ Orthodox Church, 609-954-6235 Stonington, CT on horn and pianist Mihae Lee, La Grua Center, http://lagruacenter.org or 860-535-2300 February 3 Film screening and discussion with James Warhola, “Absolut New York Warhol” (2001) by Stanislaw Mucha, The Ukrainian Museum, January 26 Malanka celebration, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org Philadelphia Cathedral, [email protected] February 3 Concert, featuring “Dazzling Duo” pianists Antonio January 26 through Gerdany (bead-strung necklaces) workshop, with New York Pompa-Baldi and Emanuela Friscioni, Ukrainian Institute February 16 instruction by Olha Lesko, The Ukrainian Museum, of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or New York 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org 212-288-8660 (rescheduled from February 2)

January 26 through Embroidery workshop, with instruction by Lubow February 7 Alexander Dallin Lecture by Sergei Guriev, “Work in March 16 Wolynetz, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or Stanford, CA Transition: Transformation of Work in Russia and Other New York www.ukrainianmuseum.org Post-Communist Countries,” Stanford University, http://creees.stanford.edu or [email protected] January 28 Film screening and discussion with Boris Maftsir, “The Fairfax, VA Road to Babi Yar,” Kennan Institute, Jewish Community February 8 Conference, “The Heavenly Brigade: Five Years Since Center of Northern Virginia, www.wilsoncenter.org Washington Revolution of Dignity,“ Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Ukrainian National Information Service, January 29 Film screening and discussion with Boris Maftsir and 202-547-0018 or [email protected] Washington Zvi Gitelman, “The Road to Babi Yar,” Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center, www.wilsoncenter.org February 9 Chervona Kalyna Cotillion Ball, with music by Hrim, Pearl River, NY Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Hilton Pearl January 30 Film screening, “The Leading Role” by Serhiy Bukovsky, River Hotel, www.kalynadeb.org New York Ukrainian Film Club at Columbia University, Deutsches Haus, www.columbia.edu/cu/ufc or 212-854-6525 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events January 30 Film screening and discussion with Boris Maftsir, “The advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Washington Road to Babi Yar,” Kennan Institute, Lindner Family from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Commons, www.wilsoncenter.org and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Experts... (Continued from page 18) lished on January 9 by OSW. Hillside parish shares the Christmas spirit For example, he has promised to get lower interest rates for Ukraine from the by Joe Shatynski IMF, even though the Washington-based HILLSIDE, N.J. – St. Nicholas visited financial institution is known as the “lender Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic of last resort” for governments on the verge Parish in Hillside, N.J., on Sunday, December of default. 2, 2018. The children performed a wonder- Mr. Zelensky enjoys popularity among ful program in Ukrainian and English in his the 18- to 29-year-old demographic, with honor that included music and poetry. 23 percent support, although that segment Under the direction of Christine Bohacz and usually has lower turnouts than its older Marta Olesnyckyj, the children also presented counterparts, according to Dragon Capital. a thought-provoking play titled “Christmas Over all, the candidates face severe dis- Rush” that challenged the audience to think trust in the general political system and 70 about the true meaning of Christmas. percent of the electorate saying that the The Rev. Vasyl Vladyka, parish adminis- country is “heading in the wrong direction,” trator, led the attendees in prayer and koli- according to polls. ady. Russ Pencak served as liaison to St. Like in the previous presidential elec- Nicholas. Mike Szpyhulsky served as emcee. tion, more than 20 candidates are expected St. Nicholas wished all a blessed to run and, aside from the usual “dummy” Christmas season and a joyous upcoming candidates designed to steal votes, most New Year. He also asked everyone to pray are doing so to either retain or gain name for Father Vladyka and the parishioners of recognition for the October parliamentary elections. St. Nicholas poses with Hillside, N.J., “The majority of presidential candidates parish children and parish administrator are actually campaigning for Parliament,” the Rev. Vasyl Vladyka. American consultant Mr. Mefford said. “And St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in standing in the presidential election is Carteret, N.J., who are still coping with the merely a method to raise their visibility total destruction of their church building beforehand.” due to a fire on late November 27, 2018. Candidates must provide a deposit of On Wednesday, December 26, 2018, a $90,000 to run for office that is refunded group of Hillside parishioners sang only if they get elected or make it to the Christmas carols in Ukrainian and English second round. to the retired Sisters of Mercy and clergy at The runoff election is scheduled for McAuley Hall on the campus of Mount St. April 21, and the results should be Mary Academy in Watchung, N.J., and later announced by May 1, according to the to parishioners in their homes throughout Central Election Commission. Swearing in Union, Middlesex and Morris counties. takes place at most 30 days after the official This year, the parish group was blessed outcome is published. Carolers from Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hillside, N.J. to have 2-year-old Lily join the caroling. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 No. 3

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, January 26 James Warhola (Andy Warhol’s nephew) will introduce and discuss the documenta- NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific ry film “Absolut Warhola” (2001) by Society invites all to a lecture, Stanislaw Mucha. Located in Slovakia, near “Contemporary Ukrainian Music as a Mirror Poland and Ukraine, is Europe’s only pop of Socio-Political Changes” by Ostap art museum in honor of America’s pop- Manulyak, a Ukrainian composer, performer icon Andy Warhol. Mr. Mucha’s light-heart- and originator of various creative initiatives. ed documentary traces the artist’s roots to Dr. Manulyak is chair of the Composition the town of Medzilaborce and the neigh- Department at the Mykola Lysenko Lviv boring village of Miková, where he inter- National Music Academy, as well as a views Warhol’s family members. The Fulbright scholar for 2018-2019. The lec- screening is in conjunction with the exhibi- ture will take place at the society’s building, tion “Andy Warhol: Endangered Species.” 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th Order tickets in advance online. General streets) at 5 p.m. For additional information admission is $15; members and seniors, call 212-254-5130. $10; students, $5. The Ukrainian Museum is located at 222 E. Sixth St.; telephone, Sunday, February 3 212-228-011; website, www.ukrainianmu- NEW YORK: At 2 p.m., artist and writer seum.org.

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