Inside: l Chicago exhibit honors the Heavenly Hundred – page 4 l Review: Selected poems by Serhiy Zhadan – page 9 l Ukrainian Pro Sports Update: Soccer – page 17

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXVII No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 $2.00 Russian court orders Pavlo Hryb Uncertainty gives diplomats and investors to be imprisoned for six years jitters about presidential election in Ukraine Father laments ‘death sentence’

RFE/RL Ukraine.” In a statement, it also urged Russian authorities to provide Mr. Hryb A Russian court has sentenced ailing with medical treatment. 20-year-old Ukrainian Pavlo Hryb to six Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin years in prison after convicting him of “pro- blasted Russia as Ukraine’s “invader” and moting terrorism,” a charge he contends an “aggressor state” that does not know the was fabricated by the Federal Security concepts of “mercy, humanity, and dignity.” Service (FSB). “The Russian pseudo-judiciary has sen- Mr. Hryb’s father, Ihor, condemned the tenced the seriously ill Pavlo Hryb to six March 22 verdict as a “death sentence for years in prison,” Mr. Klimkin tweeted. “I Pavlo... who needs an urgent medical oper- urge the civilized world to put pressure on ation in order to live.” the Russian Federation to ensure his “If there is no urgent action, we will see speedy release.” his death within a month,” Ihor Hryb told [Editor’s note: The U.S. State Current Time, a Russian-language network Department’s deputy spokesperson Robert led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. J. Palladino tweeted on March 23: “We con- Ukraine denounced the March 22 ver- demn Russia’s conviction and 6-year sen- dict by the North Caucasus Regional Court, tence of Ukrainian Pavlo Hryb. He was tar- calling it “unlawful,” and Pavlo Hryb geted for opposing #Russian aggression announced a hunger strike to protest the against Ukraine. We are concerned about ruling as well as his treatment in jail and his health. Russia should immediately “everything that is happening.” return him to Ukraine, and vacate his con- Mr. Hryb said he had been “denied medi- viction. #FreeHryb”] cal treatment” while in custody and that by Mark Raczkiewycz At stake is the completion of a $3.9 bil- Ukraine’s human rights ombudswoman ‘Bandits and murderers’ lion International Monetary Fund lending Lyudmyla Denisova had been prevented KYIV – As Ukrainians head to the polls program as well as hundreds of millions of On March 21, in his final statement at on March 31 to elect their sixth post-Soviet dollars in supplemental loan guarantees from visiting him. the trial in the southern Russian city of The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry president, questions still linger about the from the West. Millions of dollars of foreign Rostov-on-Don, Mr. Hryb asserted that the commitment the three front-runners have technical assistance from the United States, demanded the “immediate reversal of the charge against him was fabricated by the unlawful sentence” and called for Mr. to continue reforming the country to real- Hryb’s “release and unimpeded return to (Continued on page 19) ize its true economic potential. (Continued on page 16)

UAV and Ukraine’s Embassy in U.S. co-host visit by minister of veterans affairs by Myron Melnyk onto a path towards NATO. Having engaged in Ukraine-NATO security cooperation proj- NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Ukrainian ects, Minister Friz has headed Ukraine’s del- American Veterans, working with Ukraine’s egation to NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly. Embassy in Washington, helped organize She was accompanied on her U.S. visit, an official U.S. fact-finding visit on February which spanned three packed days in 27 through March 4 for Iryna Friz, Washington and three in Connecticut, by Ukraine’s newly minted minister of veter- Col. Oksana Havryliuk, herself a veteran of ans affairs. As the low-grade war in Ukraine the anti-terrorist operation in Ukraine’s continues with no end in sight, more and east. more veterans there find themselves in Challenges and plans need of medical and support services. Confirmed in November 2018 by Ukraine’s Ukraine’s new VA Ministry faces unique Verkhovna Rada, Minister Friz now faces challenges. Some 22 current government the daunting challenge of creating a new organizations currently engage with veter- ministry from scratch and helping those ans in some manner. These span three min- who bravely served Ukraine in its struggle istries: Defense, Social Policy and Health. The against Russian aggression. new Ministry of Veterans Affairs is now the Minister Friz was elected to Ukraine’s fourth to handle issues related to veterans. Parliament in 2014 as a member of the How and which organizations will tran- Petro Poroshenko Bloc. She has served as sition to the new structure? How will peo- At the VA Hospital in Washington (from left) are: UAV Post 26 (District of Columbia) communications director for the ple be transferred and new hires brought Commander Roman Fontana, Ukraine’s Military Attaché Col. Andrii Ordynovych, Presidential Administration. She has worked Post 33 (New Haven) Commander Carl Harvey, Veterans Affairs Minister Iryna Friz, on? And, most importantly, how will bud- on legislation to enhance Ukraine’s special Col. Oksana Havryliuk, Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk and Ukrainian Military forces operations and to reorient Ukraine Attaché Volodymyr Humeniuk. (Continued on page 11) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

ANALYSIS

Ukrainian space sector UWC cites disinformation threat did not give any indication of the size of the payment. An article published on the BBC Disinformation is one of the most seri- website in May 2018 alleged that a payment anticipates big changes ous threats to a free democratic electoral of $400,000 was made to Donald Trump’s serve as a useful example of private initiative process, noted Eugene Czolij, the head of former lawyer Michael Cohen to extend a by Alla Hurska Ukraine World Congress International Eurasia Daily Monitor in an industry that has traditionally been seen meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian in Ukraine as the prerogative of the state. Observation Mission to Ukraine’s 2019 presidents. The allegation related to a meet- On February 27, during a meeting Firefly Aerospace now includes a whole com- Elections (UWC Mission) and former presi- ing at the White House in June 2017. Mr. between Ukraine’s ambassador to the United plex of enterprises consisting of up-to-date dent of the UWC. He held a press confer- Poroshenko, who is seeking reelection in States, Valeriy Chaly, and the head of the joint R&D centers (with the U.S.). Mr. Polyakov ence at Ukraine Crisis Media Center in Kyiv the March 31 presidential election, sued the National Aeronautical Space Administration also noted that a launch of one rocket (capa- on March 26 to present the UWC’s interim BBC over the report, which also featured in (NASA), James Bridenstine, the U.S. side ble of delivering cargoes of one to four tons) report. “The disinformation campaign is a news bulletin in Britain. (RFE/RL, with expressed interest in including Ukrainian will cost $8 million to $15 million, which is not confined to the Ukrainian information reporting by the BBC) companies in projects pertaining to lunar significantly less than currently paid by the sphere and is widespread throughout the exploration (Tvzvezda.ru, February 28). U.S. ($60 million for a Falcon launch) world with the goal of disillusioning Crimean Tatars detained after searches Reportedly, a joint intergovernmental (Rosbalt, February 13; Ain.ua, February 16). Ukraine’s allies,” said Mr. Czolij. Speaking Russian authorities who control agreement based on the already existing Another interesting initiative was voiced about the UWC mission, he emphasized Ukraine’s Crimea region say they have Ukrainian-U.S. working group on space, on February 5, by the founder of the com- that it was unique in its composition and detained 20 Crimean Tatars following established in 2016, could be prepared. So pany Space Logistics Ukraine, Dmytro scope, consisting mostly of Ukrainian- house-to-house searches, in what rights far, the main result stemming from this Leheza, who announced a decision to build speaking observers. It includes long-term groups call a persistent clampdown on a three-year-old initiative has been the Antares the first private spaceport in Ukraine. observers (LTOs), who carry media moni- minority group whose members mostly project Orbital Launch Vehicle, which is According to Mr. Leheza, nicknamed the toring outside of Ukraine, and short-term opposed Moscow’s takeover of the peninsu- being currently used for commercial purpos- “Ukrainian Elon Musk” (Ukrinform.ua, observers (STOs), who monitor the elector- la in 2014. Russia’s Federal Security Service February 6), in order to achieve real prog- es. Importantly, the development of its first al process both in Ukraine and at Ukrainian (FSB) said on March 27 that the detainees ress in the domestic space industry, stage core was co-performed by the diplomatic missions abroad. The UWC mis- were suspected of being members of the Yuzhnoye Design Office (Yuzhmash), famous Ukraine needs to introduce specific legisla- sion will be issuing two more reports: its banned Hizb ut-Tahrir Islamic group. for developing and producing the Zenit fami- tion, enabling private enterprises to work preliminary observations on the day after Crimean Solidarity, a human rights group ly of rockets (Topwar.ru, February 28). in the state’s space programs. To popular- the March 31 presidential election and its that has members in Crimea and other State-owned Yuzhmash remains the ize his company’s space projects, Mr. final report eight weeks after the election. parts of Ukraine, said that the searches main driver of Ukraine’s wider space indus- Leheza organized the all-Ukrainian tour The UWC Mission is also working closely were conducted on March 27 in the regional try. And on February 25, the company “Space Ukraine: What WE do!” He argued with the observation mission of its member announced it was initiating work on a float- that “if Ukraine, which still positions itself capital, Symferopol, and nearby districts. organization, the Ukrainian Congress The FSB said its officers, police and National ing (offshore) spacecraft launch platform. as a space power, does not launch its own Committee of America (UCCA), which has According to the rocket-maker’s director, space satellite within two to three years, we Guard troops had searched the homes of deployed 77 STOs. Together, the UWC and people suspected of being members of the Serhiy Voyt, for now Ukraine does not have will never be able to catch up with other the UCCA boast the second largest group a spacecraft launch platform of its own; if, countries” (Glavpost.com, February 7). banned Hizb ut-Tahrir Islamic group. Since after the contingent of election observers Russia seized the Ukrainian peninsula in however, this initiative works out as In this regard, of particular importance from the Organization for Security and planned, it will considerably increase will be the creation of the much-promoted 2014, Russian authorities have prosecuted Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); 296 STOs 31 Crimean Tatars for allegedly belonging to Ukraine’s space-related capabilities and spaceport, which is to have a huge impact from 17 countries and 122 LTOs observing enhance economic opportunities. In fact, on various branches of the Ukrainian econ- Hizb ut-Tahrir. In February, the FSB branch elections in diplomatic representations of in the Black Sea region launched probes part of the initiative is already being imple- omy: from intelligence-gathering for mili- Ukraine in 24 countries are part of the mented at the Pallada Kherson State Plant tary purposes to quite lucrative commercial against eight alleged members of the group UWC and the UCCA missions. The findings accused of plotting to seize power in (crucially, the state-owned defense-indus- projects (Rosbalt, February 13). Such pro- of both missions will be integrated into the try umbrella concern Ukroboronprom is posals, however, will remain little more Crimea. Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global organiza- final report of the UWC Mission. (Ukrainian tion based in London that seeks to unite all actively involved in the project), where the than pipe dreams as long as the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) first floating structures are being produced. government continues to ignore the “legis- Muslim countries into an Islamic caliphate. Mr. Voyt also expressed confidence that lative aspect” and finally allow a “full disclo- BBC pays damages to Poroshenko The group can operate legally in Ukraine. recently initiated projects (including 12 sure of the industry for private capital” However, Russia’s Supreme Court banned it Zenit-3SL rockets) (Ukrinform.ru, February (Aboutspacejornal.net, February 10). The BBC says it has agreed to pay damag- in 2003, branding its supporters “extrem- 25) as well as growing international out- Ukraine’s prospects in the space industry es to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ists.” Rights groups and Western govern- reach, such as the prospect of joint projects can all too easily invite excessive illusions. over an “incorrect” report last year. “We ments have denounced what they describe with Elon Musk’s SpaceX (Uawire.org, Yet, despite the chronic problems that have apologize to Mr. Poroshenko for any distress as a campaign of repression by the Russian- February 26), could have significant and threatened to destroy the whole sector, until caused and have agreed to pay him damag- imposed authorities in Crimea who are tar- long-lasting positive effects on the now the country has managed to preserve it. es, legal costs, and have participated in a geting members of the Turkic-speaking Ukrainian space sector. As stated by Volodymir Nistiuk from joint statement in open court,” the BBC said These forecasts, however, might turn out Yuzhmash, “Ukraine is now positioned quite in a March 28 statement on its news site. It (Continued on page 14) to be an optical illusion if a key condition is well, since there is a possibility to simultane- not fulfilled – attracting greater foreign ously use Soviet-legacy and remaining infra- direct investment (FDI) and private initia- structure along with American advance- tive. Otherwise, the government may not be ments. It is the point where American he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 able to singlehandedly complete the ambi- investments meet up with inexpensive T U W tious, yet costly space-sector endeavors, Ukrainian ‘brains,’ a qualified workforce, and An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., including the above-mentioned Ukrainian- full state support” (Rosbalt, February 13). a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. built launch platform. The most obvious Incidentally, Ukraine’s rich traditions in Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. solution to this problem has been to intro- the space industry are acknowledged by Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. duce so-called “public-private partner- Russia’s own high-ranking officials and (ISSN — 0273-9348) ships” (Rosbalt, February 13). experts. For instance, army general and for- And analysis of current trends in the mer commander of the Russian Air Force The Weekly: UNA: Ukrainian space industry reveals that the Petr Deynekyn argued that, during the Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 first fruits of this nascent alliance may Soviet period, “Ukraine used to be an avia- already be under way. This was showcased tion power… where excellent missiles were Postmaster, send address changes to: on January 29, during the forum “From produced” (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Kruty to Brussels: We Are Going Our Way,” March 2, 2017; Voenno-Promyshlennyi 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas attended by President Petro Poroshenko Kurier, February 13, 2017). P.O. Box 280 (President.gov.ua, January 29). Within the As noted by Mr. Leheza, Ukraine has not Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] scope of this event, Ukrainian entrepreneur lost its potential, but “has come very close to Max Polyakov, the owner of the Firefly it.” The Space Logistics Ukraine founder con- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Aerospace company (headquartered in tinued, “[I]f young talented engineers are to Dnipro), stated that his enterprise is choose to work for free at SpaceX versus the The Ukrainian Weekly, March 31, 2019, No. 13, Vol. LXXXVII already working on projects pertaining to Ukrainian state sector, they will choose the Copyright © 2019 The Ukrainian Weekly the integration of private initiatives with former,” since there is greater opportunity to Ukraine’s state-backed space-industry sec- gain valuable experience with the U.S. space- tor. Specifically, according to Mr. Polyakov, launch firm, compared to domestic enter- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA the company is currently developing Alpha prises (Narodna-pravda.ua, February 7). and Beta launch vehicles, with the former Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 to be tested in the second half of 2019 – an The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] event where “President Poroshenko would Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 be very much welcome to attend.” its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] Indeed, Mr. Polyakov’s company might www.jamestown.org. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 3

NEWS ANALYSIS The stillborn Western naval convoy to the Azov Sea: Lessons learned

by Ihor Kabanenko ulates that any warships of third states can tional shipping in the Kerch Strait and Azov tional partners, since this threat can only Eurasia Daily Monitor access the waters only with express per- Sea ultimately never materialized. really be coped with through joint efforts” mission of both Russia and Ukraine. Reportedly, when meeting with U.S. Vice- (Mil.gov.ua, March 16). In turn, unified On November 26, 2018, a day after However, this bilateral compact contra- President Michael Pence at the Munich efforts under an effective common mari- Russia attacked three small Ukrainian naval dicts the internationally recognized right of Security Conference last month (February time strategy are critical for Ukraine to be vessels attempting to pass through the freedom of navigation and was never regis- 2019), Chancellor Merkel indicated “she able to survive and deter Russia. Kerch Strait, German Chancellor Angela tered with the United Nations (as all inter- was willing, in coordination with the Importantly, Ukraine’s open flanks and vul- Merkel received official notification about national treaties are supposed to). French, to send a convoy through the nerable choke points exist not only in the this incident from Ukraine’s President Furthermore, some Ukrainian experts [Kerch Strait] waterways as a one-time Sea of Azov, but in the northern part of the Petro Poroshenko. In addition to sharing believe Kyiv should denounce the 2003 maneuver but Poroshenko said that wasn’t Black Sea as well. Kyiv, thus, needs to devel- with Ms. Merkel the details of the act of Agreement because it no longer serves the enough to solve his problem – he wants to op as soon as possible a comprehensive aggression at sea, Mr. Poroshenko informed country’s national interests (Eurointeg­ ensure the strait is open permanently” maritime strategy based on a common her of Kyiv’s response, including the intro- ration.com.ua, October 4, 2018, Gordonua, (Bloomberg, March 7). The whole episode, Western-Ukrainian professional vision – duction of martial law (Unn.com.ua, July 11, 2018, Day.kyiv.ua, September 25, raises at least three important lessons: “professional vision” being the key phrase. November 26, 2018). 2018). Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs - Several days later, on November 29, Mr. Olena Zerkal, however, disputes this con- time security, achieve sea control or win since the November 25 Kerch Strait inci- Poroshenko declared, “Germany is one of tention: last autumn she told reporters that naval• First, battles it is not using possible solely to providesoft power. mari dent,• Third, the 24 after Ukrainian more than sailors three who months were our [Ukraine’s] closest allies and we hope denouncing the 2003 agreement would do Security and defense policy must include a captured by Russian forces remain in jail, that NATO [North Atlantic Treaty nothing for Ukraine, while opening the careful balance between soft and hard inside Russia. The Office of the United Organization] countries are now ready to door to new Russian territorial claims power tools – sometimes referred to as Nations High Commissioner for Human place warships in the Azov Sea to help (Ukrinform, October 20, 2018). “smart power” (Thecipherbrief.com, March Rights has recognized the detained Ukraine and provide security” (BBC– Despite the inherent uncertainty in 17, 2017). The navy, as an instrument of a Ukrainian sailors as prisoners of war, but Ukrainian service, November 29, 2018). Ukraine’s maritime policy, the deployment state’s hard power, is thus tasked with Moscow does not confirm this status and This approach looked reasonable in light of of European Union or NATO warships (with securing access to vital maritime areas, has charged them with criminal acts under Moscow’s illegal activity limiting Western Kyiv’s support) into the Sea of Azov to pro- providing enduring physical presence and Russian law (Pravda.com.ua, March 14). To merchant vessels’ passage through the tect international shipping has a clear legal protecting the state’s interests in these date, appeals and persuasion to bring these Kerch Strait, including months of unmoti- basis in provisions of the United Nations areas. A Western convoy maritime opera- Ukrainian service members home have vated Russian boarding inspections Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) tion – well-prepared and diplomatically been entirely ineffective. A much more pro- (Blackseanews.net, July 10, 2018). (Un.org, accessed March 20, 2019). reinforced – would have been a step for- active course of action by Kyiv, together From the outset, however, observers Specifically, UNCLOS includes international- ward toward safeguarding the West’s and with its strategic Western partners, utilizing noted that Mr. Poroshenko’s request for a ly recognized mechanisms for protecting the Ukraine’s interests in the Sea of Azov as various mechanisms of joint influence may Western naval presence in the Azov Sea freedom of navigation, with naval-civilian well as stabilizing the situation there. be required to secure the sailors’ release. would meet with stern pushback from convoy formations allowed to protect civil- Learning from these lessons may be cru- Russia. It should be noted that Moscow can ian vessels. Such an accompaniment of mer- Ukrainian joint forces commander, cial for Kyiv and Western capitals on both appeal to the “Agreement Between Ukraine chant vessels by warships is not the same stressed,• Second, “When as Lt. it Gen.comes Serhiy to troops Naev, andthe sides of Atlantic to avoid a “Ukrainian Pearl and the Russian Federation on Cooperation thing as the one-time inspection Russia has weapons, the numerical advantage is on the Harbor” as well as deter Moscow’s further in Use of the Sea of ​Azov and the Kerch proposed instead. An UNCLOS-mandated side of the Russian army. Therefore, if full- westward encroachment beyond the Donbas. Strait” (the so-called 2003 Agreement), convoy would be given legal right to perform scale aggression takes place, our success according to which the Sea of Azov is deter- maneuvers in the Kerch Strait and Sea of will depend not only on the combat resil- The article above is reprinted from mined to be “historically internal waters” of Azov and not be restricted to only port or ience of our soldiers and officers, but also Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from both states (Zakon.rada.gov.ua, April 20, coastal inspections (Interfax, January 18). on the consolidation of Ukrainian people its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, 2004). As such, the agreement further stip- The Western convoy to protect interna- and the assistance of our allies and interna- www.jamestown.org.

Quotable notes RFE/RL’s Crimea Realities marks “Today, the United States, EU and Canada took coordinated action in response to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine by imposing five years of fearless reporting sanctions on individuals who orchestrated the unjustified November 25 attack on three Ukrainian naval vessels near the Kerch Strait. Additionally, using transmitters on the peninsula to jam RFE/RL the United States imposed sanctions on six Russian defense firms, includ- Crimea Realities programs broadcast from the ing shipbuilding companies; two individuals involved in the November WASHINGTON – Radio Free Europe/Radio Ukrainian mainland. sham ‘elections’ in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine; and two Russian Liberty’s Ukrainian Service is marking five years Crimea Realities reporting is relied on by energy and construction companies operating in Crimea. since it launched its Crimea Realities platform to local audiences, but also draws a following “In the five years since Russia started its campaign of aggression against provide audiences with accurate and uncen- among Russians in Russia who seek objective Ukraine, we have stood firmly with our trans-Atlantic partners in opposition sored reporting following Russia’s annexation of news about developments on the peninsula. to Russia’s malign and illegal actions, including its attack near the Kerch the peninsula in 2014. Since its launch, it has registered 115 million Sounding a defiant note, Crimea Realities Strait. Russia’s attack represented a dangerous escalation and a violation of visits and more than 200 million page views to international law. We call upon Russia to immediately return to Ukraine the chief editor Volodymyr Prytula said that, its website; in 2017, one-fifth of all visitors to “Despite the opposition of Russian authorities seized vessels and detained crewmembers, and keep the Kerch Strait and the website came from Russia. More than the Sea of Azov open to ships transiting to and from Ukrainian ports. We also on the peninsula,” the journalists of Crimea 128,000 people follow Crimea Realities on call on Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with- Realities provide their audience “content other- Facebook, while thousands more follow the pro- in its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters. wise not available from local media outlets... and gram on YouTube, Twitter, Odnoklassniki and “The message to Russia is clear – the international community will not open discussion of the challenges facing the peo- other social platforms. stand by while Russia continues to violate international norms and laws ple of Russia-annexed Crimea.” Crimea Realities journalists have been sub- and the Transatlantic community stands united in our efforts to counter Commenting on the fifth year of the annexa- ject to relentless intimidation and threats by Russian aggression.” tion on March 25, Ukrainian President Petro Russian security forces. Contributor Mykola Poroshenko lauded the service as “one of the Semena was convicted in 2017 on a charge of – Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department Robert Palladino, in only projects” reporting on the situation on the “separatism” after denouncing the invasion in an a press statement issued on March 15. peninsula “that is not distorted by Russian pro- opinion piece, and was barred from leaving the * * * paganda.” peninsula and practicing journalism. In “I fully support the administration’s sanctions against those individuals In February 2018, Crimea Realities contribu- February 2019, Crimea Realities photojournalist and entities that were involved in the sham elections in eastern Ukraine, tor Mykola Semena, together with the Crimea Alina Smutko was banned by the Russian FSB the illegal annexation of Crimea and their most recent transgression: the Realities team, was awarded the Andrei Sakharov from entry to the peninsula for 10 years. unprovoked and illegal attack against Ukrainian naval forces near the Order For Courage, an award recognizing mod- Kerch Strait on November 25. I am pleased that these sanctions are being ern publicists who “stand on the side of truth.” About RFE/RL implemented in coordination with our trans-Atlantic allies, demonstrating Launched within weeks of Russia’s takeover RFE/RL relies on its networks of local report- our united resolve against Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has of Crimea in March 2014, Crimea Realities is ers to provide accurate news and information to now entered its sixth year. The United States and our allies must continue staffed from among the more than 50 journalists 34 million people in 26 languages and 22 coun- to stand with Ukraine and assist them as they fight to preserve their inde- and staff with RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service who tries where media freedom is restricted, or pendence against repeated Russian interference. were forced to flee the peninsula, and is pub- where a professional press has not fully devel- “I have stood solidly with Ukraine – supporting them during their lished in Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar. oped. Its videos were viewed over 2.6 billion Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and since then working with my Senate col- It reaches audiences via online video and times on Facebook and YouTube in FY2018. RFE/ leagues to provide them with the support they need to defend their sover- through online and FM radio broadcasts, includ- RL is an editorially independent media company eign territory, promote the rule of law and strengthen their democracy.” ing in partnership with Hromadske Radio. In funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) in a statement released on March 15. August 2018, it was learned that Russia was the U.S. Agency for Global Media. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

Chicago commemorative event emphasizes: “Heroes Do Not Die”

by Maria Kurnytska while protecting his country’s freedom and transporting a wounded soldier. His photographs of the Revolution of CHICAGO – Chicagoans commemorated the fifth anni- Dignity were donated to the Ukrainian National Museum in versary of Ukraine’s Euro-Maidan, honoring the Heavenly 2015 by his wife, Iryna Hurniak. Hundred who sacrificed their lives for the independence Consul General Larysa Gerasko gave her first-hand of Ukraine. Around 200 people came on February 22 to account of the Revolution in Kyiv, while the president of the pay their respects to the fallen heroes. “Heroes Do Not UCCA Illinois Division, Ihor Diaczun, recalled the many Die,” was organized by the Consulate General of Ukraine non-Ukrainians who took part in the revolution. in Chicago, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America – Their recollections were interspersed by the perfor- Illinois Division and the Ukrainian National Museum. mances of bandurists Ivan Shmilo and Lesia Klimchenko The candles, barricades, piano, drums, church bells, and philharmonic orchestra singer Olha Feniuk from Lviv. music, recollections, hot tea and the late Viktor Hurniak’s Volodymyr Zuyenko and Dmytro Petruk recounted their photo exhibition set the stage for memories of the Euro- own experiences at the Euro-Maidan. Mr. Petruk was only Maidan memories – Chicago’s way of recreating and unit- 17 when he took part in the revolution that caused him to ing with Ukraine’s heroes. Community members gathered lose an eye because of a sniper’s shot. He said, “I made a in the museum, listening to piano melodies played by choice that day, one I will never regret.” Afterwards, the Marianna Lahanyak. Rev. Yaroslaw Mendiuk gave an optimistic outlook on the Then, drumbeats summoned everyone to step outside events of five years ago – one that expressed faith in the for the candlelight vigil led by Bishop Venedykt Revolution of Dignity. Aleksiychuk of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy. As the formal part of the commemoration came to a People came together to offer their prayers for family, close, people lingered, viewed the Hurniak photo exhibi- friends and fellow citizens who lost their lives during the tion and reminisced about how each one of them followed Revolution of Dignity. Bishop Venedykt recalled the trag- the events of the Euro-Maidan and how a peaceful protest edy of these events; he reminded all that “prayer is the led to a revolution in Ukraine. life which the heroes left us. Every one of us is a hero of Thanks were expressed to all who contributed to the the Maidan, and the Revolution should always be a part planning and execution of the commemorative event: of us.” Consul General Gerasko, Ms. Tkaczuk, UNM curator In total silence, with a cup of tea and a heavy heart, all Ihor Bodnar Maria Klimchak, Mr. Diaczun, Dr. Maria Dmytriv, Ms. 200 returned back to the museum to continue with the A helmet from the Euro-Maidan Revolution of Dignity Dziuma, Svitlana Polak, Bishop Venedykt, the Rev. commemoration. The film “Infinite Tales – Nebesna was on view as part of the commemoration “Heroes Do Mendiuk, Mr. Petruk, Mr. Zuyenko, Alexander Kryplyvyy, Not Die.” Sotnya” was projected onto the screen, followed by Maria Olexsandr Yankovy, Mr. Shmilo, Ms. Klimchenko, Ms. Dziuma’s slide presentation of the Euro-Maidan events, as Museum, made introductory remarks and spoke about Feniuk, Svitlana Ugryna, Oleh Meleshko, Yarka Abramiuk, well as Chicago’s support campaign. photojournalist Hurniak and his photos of the Maidan. Roman Panachevny, Ms. Lahanyak and all the media in Lydia Tkaczuk, president of the Ukrainian National Hurniak was an Aidar battalion soldier who lost his life Chicago.

OBITUARY Father Myron Panchuk, Ph.D., 64, pastor and community activist in Chicago

CHICAGO – The Very Rev. Myron Wasyl Panchuk, Ph.D., funeral service and reburial of remains from the 1708 an associate pastor of St. Joseph the Betrothed Ukrainian Baturyn Massacre in which as many as 15,000 Ukrainians, Catholic Church in Chicago, passed away on March 9. He including 7,000 civilians, were killed at the hands of the was 64. rising Russian Empire. This last trip abroad took place in He served as the vice-president of the Ukrainian November 2013, just days before the beginning of the Genocide Famine Foundation U.S.A. and was a member of Euro-Maidan. the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister City International, In Chicago, going back to the early 1970s, Father where he focused on Social Services Exchanges. Panchuk was a teacher at the School of Ukrainian Studies, Father Panchuk was born on April 26, 1954; he was the touching the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students, first child of Wasyl and Juliana Panchuk. He grew up with with his anecdotes, views on religion and faith, and analy- his two siblings on the northwest side of Chicago. ses of modern Ukrainian history. After finishing eighth grade at St. Nicholas School in An ambassador for Ukrainian causes, he was a co- 1968, he attended St. Ignatius High School and then went founder and member of Starving For Color, a humanitarian on to Loyola University, where he earned a bachelor of sci- organization that provides baby formula for orphans in ence in psychology and a bachelor of arts in philosophy in Ukraine. In addition, he was a former board member of the 1976. Recognizing that it is never to late to learn, or pursue Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and supported the work higher education, he completed graduate theological stud- of Ukrainian American Veterans. ies at Catholic Theological Union. In 2007 he earned an A longtime member of Plast and its Lisovy Chorty fra- M.A. in counseling from the Adler School of Profesional ternity, he served divine liturgy and counseled youths at Psychology and in 2010 an M.A. in psychology from numerous summer camps, weekend festivals and other Pacifica Graduate Institute in Depth Psychology. In 2017 he scouting activities. And, although not an official member of defended his doctoral dissertation titled “Shattered the American Ukrainian Youth Association, he also partici- Images, Broken Lives: Social Dreaming in Healing pated in its gatherings, interacted with youngsters and cel- Ukraine’s Historical Trauma.” ebrated liturgies at summer camps. In his youth, he was a member of the Ss. Cyril and Father Panchuk was devoted to ecumenical causes, the Methodious Youth Brotherhood and Plast Ukrainian Facebook/Myron Panchuk reunificaton of churches, defending the marginalized and Scouting Organization. He also attended summer courses The Very Rev. Myron Panchuk breaking down barriers. In his nearly 65 years of life he at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Rome. touched the lives of many; he officiated at dozens of wed- In July 1982 he became the first priest to be ordained by Ukrainian Catholic parish in Denver, commuting between dings, baptized more children than can be counted, and Bishop Innocent Lotocky for the Chicago Eparchy of Chicago and Denver on a regular basis. Since 2007 he buried loved ones of all faiths and backgrounds. Ukrainian Catholics and actively served the community for served at St. Joseph the Betrothed Church. Surviving are his brother, Orest (Zena) Panchuk, and his nearly 37 years in a variety of capacities. He designed and Having traveled to Ukraine numerous times over the sister, Andrea (John) DiSanti; and his two nieces, Danielle facilitated retreats and conferences for both the clergy and decades, he visited Chornobyl in 2010 in order to conduct and Natalie DiSanti. the laity, professional development, conflict resolution and research and in 2011 produced a documentary called The funeral service was held on March 15 at St. Joseph social advocacy. “Block4,” to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the the Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church, with interment Immediatately after ordination, he was appointed to Chornobyl nuclear disaster. On that same visit, he estab- at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. serve at Ss. Volodymyr and Olha Parish, where he stayed lished a relationship with a group of artists at the Pechersk In lieu of flowers, memorial donations were requested over two decades. While there, he served as spiritual dirc- Artists Workshop and produced a film that prevented the for the Rev. Myron Panchuk Memorial Fund, Account No. tor of the Ss. Cyril and Methodious Brotherhood, was direc- eviction of the artists from the Kyiv Pecherska Lavra. This 171443, Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, 5000 N. tor of priestly formation for half a dozen seminarians, and led him to engage in activist research with the All Cumberland Ave. Chicago IL 60656. Funds will be given to in 1988 worked with the Rt. Rev. Marian Butrynsky on the Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV. non-profit Ukrainian organizations in which Father development and construction of the Ukrainian Cultural On a subsequent trip, in May 2012, he traveled to Kyiv, Panchuk was involved. Center, which was built to commemorate the Millennium where he presented at the World Psychoanalytic of Ukrainian Christianity. Conference, being the only one to present a paper in the Sources: Panchuk family members, Muzyka & Son Funeral For a number of years, Father Panchuk also served the Ukrainian language. Most recently he participated in a Home. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Read the Ukrainian National UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: Association’s newspapers online: A snapshot from history, 1975 www.ukrweekly.com www.svoboda-news.com Our online archives are made possible by generous donors: • Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union • Shevchenko Scientifi c Society, U.S.A. • Selfreliance Federal Credit Union • Heritage Foundation of First Security Savings Bank • Bahriany Foundation • Anonymous donor • SUMA Federal Credit Union

Mission Statement Seen above are women of the UNA Supreme Assembly (today known as the General Assembly) at that body’s 1975 The Ukrainian National Association exists: annual meeting at Soyuzivka. From left are: Supreme Advisor Anne Chopek, Supreme Treasurer Ulana Diachuk, • to promote the principles of fraternalism; Supreme Vice-Presidentess Mary Dushnyck, Supreme Advisor Tekla Moroz and Supreme Advisor Anna Haras. The • to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and meeting took place on May 19-23; it was the first annual session of the 26-member Supreme Assembly after the 28th Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and UNA Convention held in 1974 in Philadelphia. A statement issued by the Supreme Assembly at the conclusion of its • to provide quality financial services and products meeting noted: “The Ukrainian National Association, considering its organizing and financial status, its publications to its members. and its diverse activity over the past 12 months, has not only retained and justified, but also strengthened its long- As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian time appellation and standing as the veritable ‘Ukrainian Fortress beyond the Sea.’ ” National Association reinvests its earnings for the benefit of its members and the Ukrainian community. A photo archive of UNA history has been launched on the UNA website. It is a work in progress that will be expanded and refined. To take a look, go to unainc.org/una/the-una-is-125-years-old/. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly “Kredytivka” season Russia in midst of an election campaign, It’s that time of year: our Ukrainian credit unions, or “kredytivky,” in the United States are holding their annual meetings to report back to the members and commu- but it happens to be in another country nities they serve and to elect board members. Perhaps you’ve noticed some of those by Paul Goble are receiving the message the Kremlin meetings advertised in your area, or you’ve received an announcement because you wants delivered, or whether they are see- are a credit union member. We encourage readers to attend to learn more about Anyone who watches Moscow televi- ing in all this reporting a system that they these institutions. sion would assume the country was in the can easily recognize as likely to be far Our kredytivky are united in the Ukrainian National Credit Union Association midst of an election campaign – there are more responsive to the demands of ordi- (UNCUA), which notes on its website: “The Ukrainian-American Credit Union learned discussions of who will win and nary people than is the case in their own Movement in the United States exceeds 100,000 family memberships primarily con- why, what participation is likely to be, and country. centrated in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Our what role if any outside players have in In a word, the journalist says, “Ukraine asset base has surpassed $3.1 billion. We are part of the United States Credit Union determining the outcome, journalists yet again has given Moscow the chance to Movement, which encompasses over 75 million members and over $400 billion in Kseniya Kirillova observes. play at the imitation of the political pro- assets.” And he or she would be right. The cess” it doesn’t allow at home, a dangerous The Ukrainian National Credit Union Association (UNCUA) held its most recent Russian media are in the midst of an elec- game to be sure because some of its audi- annual meeting in June of 2018, with 30 participants representing 12 Ukrainian tion campaign but it is a campaign taking ence may decide that a competitive American credit unions; the 38th annual meeting and spring conference of the place not in Russia, where competitive democracy is exactly what they them- UNCUA are coming up later this spring in Washington. (By the way, you can see the elections for president haven’t occurred in selves would like to have. full list of Ukrainian credit unions, including all their branches, on the annual calen- decades, but in Ukraine, where they have As a result, Ms. Kirillova continues, “one dar released by the association; last year 28,000 such calendars were distributed become an entirely normal phenomenon, cannot but agree with the precise ironic across the U.S.) the U.S.-based Russian journalist says (day. commentary of Ivan Davydov about ‘the Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union held its 68th annual meeting on kyiv.ua/ru/blog/politika/ukrainskie-vybo- Ukrainian occupation of Russia.’ By means March 17 with 263 registered members participating, along with representatives of ry-v-rossii). of the Kremlin’s efforts, Ukraine already many community groups and institutions that benefit from Self Reliance’s renowned To be sure, Ms. Kirillova continues, for six years has successfully controlled largesse. The kredytivka reported that it ended 2018 with assets of nearly $1.33 bil- the Russian commentators put their own the Russian information space and defined lion (an increase of over $2.1 million since the previous year) and with a member- spin on events in Ukraine about which, the worldview of Russians and their agen- ship of 15,272 as of December 31, 2018. During 2018 this credit union, which has as things stand now, they must say only da.” branches in Manhattan and Queens, on Long Island and in upstate New York, sup- bad things or nothing at all. But it is According to the Russian journalist, ported youth, cultural, religious, educational and charitable organizations to the clear that they are taking a certain vicar- “the Kremlin will do everything possible to tune of $1.1 million in donations. (There’ll be more information on that annual ious pleasure in the kind of competition extend this occupation for as long as pos- meeting in next week’s issue of The Weekly.) a real election offers – one they haven’t sible,” clearly not aware that it is engaged Meanwhile, Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, previously known as Selfreliance seen in their own country in quite some in something that could backfire on it in Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, is holding its annual meeting on March 31 time. ways exactly opposite to what it clearly at its home office in Chicago with a simulcast in Whippany, N.J., where one of its What is not known is whether Russians hopes for and even expects. branches is located at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey. Its annual report indicates that it has assets of over $589 million and more than 24,000 members in the states of Illinois, New Jersey and Michigan (the merger between the Chicago-based Selfreliance and the Ukrainian Future Credit Union in Michigan took place in 2018). This kredytivka prides itself on the fact that its Selfreliance Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reinforced Foundation distributes over $550,000 annually to charitable community organiza- tions. In fact, 105 such donations were made last year to various groups. Ukrainians’ turn away from Moscow The foregoing was meant to provide a quick look at just two of our Ukrainian “In my view,” the philosophic commen- credit unions, which happen to be the largest among those encompassed by the by Paul Goble tator continues, there is something miss- UNCUA. But there are 10 other active credit unions that do their share to not only Many Russians think that had Moscow ing in the analysis of many. Too often, provide excellent financial services to their members but also to support the com- not annexed Crimea and begun its military Russians today blame the exit of Ukraine munity organizations and endeavors that their members value. (Full disclosure: This interference in Ukraine in 2014, Ukrainians newspaper, too, has been lucky to have the generous support of our kredytivky – from the Russian orbit on the machina- and Russians could have remained frater- most significantly from Self Reliance New York.) In addition to the states already tions of the United States without asking nal peoples, says Aleksandr Tsipko. But mentioned, there are Ukrainian credit union offices in Maryland, Connecticut, Ohio, whether the U.S. did so by telling the these actions only reinforced the long- Massachusetts, California, Oregon and Washington. They are truly an important Ukrainians exactly what they wanted to standing desire of Ukrainians to escape foundation of our Ukrainian community life that should be supported by all of us hear. Moscow’s orbit and ally with those who with our membership. It has turned out, he says, that “the spir- oppose Russia. it of the Ukrainians in fact always was Russian have begun to think about how it open to the lure of the West.” One reason happened that those they called “’brother that Russians can’t face that reality is that Ukrainians’” turned into “a hostile nation,” “we can in no way ever agree” to what the the Moscow scholar says. To be sure, at Ukrainians have always wanted. April Turning the pages back... least, Russian media are no longer calling Almost 60 years ago, émigré Russian them fascists; but they are now treated as “a historian Nikolay Ulyanov, in his book Fifteen years ago, on April 5, 2004, President Leonid Kuchma tribe lost by us, the allies of hostile America” “The Origins of Ukrainian Separatism,” 5 signed into law a series of bills on presidential elections that had (mk.ru/politics/2019/03/12/zabyt-ob- argued that the core of the national con- been overwhelmingly passed by the Verkhovna Rada in March. imperii-pochemu-molodye-ukraincy-ne- sciousness of Ukrainians is being anti-Rus- 2004 The bills reduced the presidential campaign period from 180 to khotyat-druzhit-s-rossiey.html). sian and has been at least from the 17th 120 days and lowered the threshold for registering a candidate Moreover, and not unimportantly, century. Thus, Ukrainian interest in mov- from 1 million to 500,000 signatures. Moscow television is now speaking about ing away from Russia need not ever be Mr. Kuchma also signed a bill that endorsed a memorandum of understanding between “two generations of young Ukrainians who explained by the actions of outside pow- Ukraine and NATO regarding Ukraine’s support for NATO operations. The memorandum don’t want to look towards Russia.” But ers. granted NATO troops the right to quick access to Ukrainian territory if such a move was beneath such propagandist treatment, Mr. Already at the start of the 1990s, Mr. warranted by the implementation of the alliance’s general policies. Previously, Ukraine Tsipko says, there is now “something new: Tsipko says, “it was obvious that if the had maintained a non-aligned status in its relationship with NATO. a desire to recognize our own guilt in the Ukrainian SSR left the USSR, it would Earlier that week, on April 2, 2004, Interfax reported that Mr. Kuchma signed a bill on a destruction of the Russian world and in never be pro-Russian” because Ukrainians fully proportional parliamentary-election system in Ukraine. Kyiv’s flight from Moscow.” would always be worried about Muscovite Although initially opposed by Mr. Kuchma, the move to adopt a proportional parliamen- revanchism. And because that is the case, tary system showed the political transformation Ukraine was experiencing in stark con- it was also obvious that Ukraine would trast to the voting tradition that was inherited from the Soviet system of one-party Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on seek to ally itself with “the main enemy of Communism. ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Russia,” now the U.S. but in the past other In the days following, Mr. Kuchma urged additional constitutional reforms aimed at a who has served in various capacities in the powers as well, such as Germany in 1918. “radical dismantling of the nomenklatura [and] administrative-and-command-system U.S. State Department, the Central Russia’s actions in 2014 and since that regime” in Ukraine. The proposed reforms, Mr. Kuchma said, would strengthen the econo- Intelligence Agency and the International time have exacerbated such feelings my and separate “the authorities and business as much as possible.” He called opposition Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the among Ukrainians, but they did not create to the reforms, led by Viktor Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine and the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/ “horrifyingly irrational and irresponsible.” Radio Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment them. And recognition of that reality is the The opposition leaders said they would lead demonstrations in Kyiv to protest the mea- for International Peace. The article above is beginning of wisdom for Russians who sures. “The essence of these constitutional amendments is directed not toward forming a reprinted with permission from his blog hope to fashion some sort of modus viven- called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- di with Ukraine at some point in the (Continued on page 9) woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). future. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 7 FOR THE RECORD PERSPECTIVES Statements on the illegal annexation of Crimea by Andrew Fedynsky North Atlantic Council grab from Ukraine. Russia seized key par- liamentary and police buildings from the The North Atlantic Council released the Ukrainian authorities and then ran a sham following on March 18. referendum in an attempt to legitimize its “With rue my heart is laden 1. Five years ago, Russia used force actions. against Ukraine to illegally and illegitimate- Once President Putin signed an illegal for golden friends I had…” ly annex Crimea. This violation of Ukraine’s decree to absorb Crimea into Russia, the sovereignty and territorial integrity is a Russian authorities ran illegitimate “elec- Our family moved to Cleveland on Labor signature wolf howl and then go across the serious breach of international law and a tions” and imposed Russian citizenship, Day in 1954, my seventh birthday. A week street to Lincoln Park to play football. In major challenge to Euro-Atlantic security. Russian law and military conscription on later I was enrolled in a Ridna Shkola season, we played basketball at the Lincoln We strongly condemn this act, which we do everyone living in this part of Ukraine. Saturday heritage class in a dismal upstairs Bath House a block away against similarly not and will not recognize. We call on Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: room lighted by bare bulbs in a fading com- organized groups: Poles, Irish, Appala­ Russia to return control of Crimea to “I condemn the illegal annexation of the mercial building in the old Ukrainian neigh- chians, Hispanics, African Americans, Ukraine. We reiterate our full support for Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the borhood. It was all the immigrant communi- whose families had largely come to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integ- city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, five years ago. ty could afford, having come off the boat Cleveland for industrial jobs. You kept the rity within its internationally recognized The U.K. will never recognize Russia’s ille- from DP camps four-five years before. court as long as you were winning. borders and territorial waters. Crimea is gal annexation of Crimea and we call on Soon after, I joined a Plast “novak” (cub One of the Plast stipulations was a the territory of Ukraine. Russia to end their illegitimate control of scout) group with eight other boys. I monthly “prohulka” (field trip). So we com- 2. Allies are deeply concerned by the the peninsula and their attempts to redraw remember that first meeting, sitting in a plied, going to Indians baseball games, the human rights abuses and violations being the boundaries of Europe. Russia’s pattern circle on cheap metal folding chairs in the Cleveland Browns, riding our bikes to carried out by the Russian de-facto authori- of unacceptable behavior has continued basement of a low-rent storefront just a wooded areas far south of Cleveland and, ties in illegally annexed Crimea against with their supply of weapons and person- few blocks away. We didn’t know that we’d for two years running, gathering at 7 a.m. Ukrainians, the Crimean Tatars, and mem- nel to the conflict it initiated in eastern become life-long friends, that we would at the “domivka” to hike 35 miles to “Sviato bers of other local communities. These vio- Ukraine, the illegal construction of a bridge spend nearly every Saturday together for a Vesny” (a camporee celebrating spring) in lations include extrajudicial killings, abduc- connecting mainland Russia with Crimea, decade to come and every summer in July adjoining rural counties. Arriving mid- tions, enforced disappearances, violence, and their relentless attempts to monopo- at a scout camp in New York state and then afternoon, we’d put up our tents and then arbitrary detentions, arrest, and torture. lize the Kerch Strait in a campaign intended enjoy all of August to prowl Cleveland’s take out a football to play yet another game Despite the 2017 Order of the International to undermine Ukraine’s economy and parks and pathways on our bikes or walk- of touch. Ah, youth! Court of Justice, the Mejlis, the Crimean demoralize its citizens. ing the railroad tracks to Brookside Park or We Vovky shared countless experiences Tatars’ self-governing body, remains under “Russia continues to commit human Clark Field in Tremont to play tennis and amid a friendship we never pondered – it persecution and is banned in its homeland. rights violations beyond its borders by sys- run track. Often, after a sweaty day, we’d just was. College, the Vietnam war, careers 3. NATO calls on Russia to bring an tematically persecuting those who voice climb up a forested hill to Estabrook – those were far from our minds until, with immediate end to all violations and abuses their opposition to the illegal annexation of Recreation to dive in the pool. Our parents the passage of time, they couldn’t be avoid- in illegally annexed Crimea, to release Crimea. I call for the immediate release of didn’t know where we went, caring only ed and we moved on. And yet, over the Ukrainian political prisoners and hostages, all Ukrainian political prisoners, who are that we come home before the street lights decades we kept in touch, sporadic to be and to grant international monitoring orga- being held in Crimea and Russia without came on. And no concern for the company sure, some ties closer than others, but nizations access to Crimea. Any attempts to access to international monitoring organi- we kept. Our families recognized each memory biding us still. legitimize or normalize the illegal and ille- zations or essential medical treatment. other from their own childhood in Ukraine Late-December 2018, I got word that Dr. gitimate annexation of Crimea must end, Russia must also immediately release the and a shared experience in the DP camps. Andriy Hruszkewicz, a lead cancer including the automatic imposition of 24 Ukrainian servicemen, who were They trusted their sons. researcher at the National Institutes of Russian citizenship, forced population detained whilst lawfully attempting to sail Our Plast “bratchyk” (older brother) Health and a Ukrainian human rights activ- movements, conscription in the armed through the Kerch Strait. Adrian Halarewicz taught us wrestling ist, had suddenly passed away. For years, forces of the Russian Federation, and illegal “We join NATO and the EU in condemn- holds, played the memory game “Hra he and I shared a tent at summer camps, holding of Russian election campaigns. ing Russia’s unjustified use of force on Kima,” took us to the Lake Erie shore to fly then in the early 1970s traveled together in 4. We condemn Russia’s ongoing and Ukrainian vessels in November last year. kites and set us loose in Lincoln Park. And North America and Europe. I had the sad wide-ranging military build-up in Crimea, The U.K., along with our EU and G7 part- he and other counselors instilled disci- honor of speaking at Andriy’s funeral; a and are concerned by Russia’s efforts and ners, remains unwavering in our support pline, central to the Plast ethos. We were day after, word came that our fellow Vovk stated plans for further military build-up in for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial required to come to weekly meetings on Adrian Huk had also died. the Black Sea region. We also condemn integrity. Crimea is Ukraine.” time – and we did – and absorb the Plast “Adi” was the most cerebral of our Russia’s construction of the Kerch Strait scouting ideology: serve God, Ukraine and group. A brilliant mind with graduate bridge, which represents another violation of Australia’s Department our adopted country, America, and aspire degrees in psychology, he taught at Ontario Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integri- of Foreign Affairs and Trade to live by 14 cardinal principles: honesty, and Missouri universities before he was ty and is imposing additional hardship on punctuality, frugality, good cheer, dedica- stricken with multiple sclerosis and spent Ukraine’s economy. Russia’s unjustified use Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs tion to good health, to justice and so on. much of his life in nursing homes. of military force against Ukrainian ships and Marise Payne issued the following on March Those were good guidelines and whoever And then there’s Petro Basalyk, an naval personnel near the Sea of Azov and the 18. adhered to all of them was a candidate for investment specialist for a national energy Kerch Strait in November 2018 is part of the Australia stands united with our part- sainthood. None of us qualified. company based in Cleveland. He died in larger pattern of Russian aggressive actions ners in opposition to Russia’s continued Despite meager resources, Ukrainian early January. Petro and I had had lunch in the region. In line with United Nations aggression against Ukraine, five years after immigrants purchased a 40-plus acre plot just weeks before, planning how to grow General Assembly Resolution 73/194 from its illegal annexation of Crimea. south of Buffalo for a summer camp – an an endowment at the Ukrainian Museum- 17 December 2018, we call on Russia to Together with the United States, the Archives (UMA) located in the same build- unconditionally release the Ukrainian crew United Kingdom and other European Union investment in their children. The three- ing where we would meet for our Vovky members it detained, to return the captured member states, and Canada, we are strong four weeks we spent at Novyi Sokil (New meetings decades ago. We’ll do our endow- vessels and to comply with its international supporters of Ukraine’s sovereignty and Falcon) in the late 1950s and early 1960s ment, but sadly without Petro. commitments by ensuring unhindered territorial integrity. were idyllic. We had morning exercise, fol- I’m moved how the friendships forged in access to Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov Today I announce targeted financial lowed by breakfast, then half an hour of the wake of post-war immigration endured and allowing freedom of navigation. sanctions and travel bans against seven marching drill (“vporiad”) with the rest of for 60-plus years and profoundly saddened 6. NATO’s response to address Russia’s Russian individuals for their role in the the day devoted to nature exploration, pio- how the ties that bind are fraying. “Time illegal actions in Ukraine has been alongside interception and seizure of Ukrainian naval neering, sports, ending with a campfire, flies,” Virgil wrote. Indeed, it does. With a and in support of an overall international vessels that were attempting to pass during which we sang songs from the Old nod to poet A.E. Houseman, rest in peace effort, which has included sanctions. There through the Kerch Strait. Australia is con- Country, had silly skits and then, clasping my golden friends, my brother Vovky. I’m can be no return to “business as usual” until cerned by this escalation of tensions in the hands in a circle, bid good night to the mel- grateful to have known you. there is a clear, constructive change in Sea of Azov in November 2018. ody of Taps, wishing quiet, tranquil sleep, A couple of years ago, sitting on the Russia’s actions that demonstrates compli- Australia condemns the aggression and assuring each other that “Here is God.” The ance with international law and its interna- calls on Russia to release the detained memory still brings a lump to my throat. porch at the UMA, I watched a group of tional obligations and responsibilities. Ukrainian sailors and seized vessels with- Around 1960, our novak group graduat- Korean American boys from St. Andrew out delay. We also call on Russia to allow ed into “yunatsvo” (scouts). We called our- Kim a block away playing football in U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth free and unencumbered passage of selves “Vovky” (Wolves). We met under the Lincoln Park. And wouldn’t you know it, the Office Ukrainian and international ships through guidance of a counselor (“druh”), but he same two trees we Vovky once used, also the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. soon left for college and we were set adrift. served them as goal lines; only the two- to The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Australia does not recognize any actions Plast guidelines said we were to meet three-inch saplings from the ‘60s were now Commonwealth Office issued this statement seeking to legitimize the annexation of every week, so we did at the “domivka,” a two-three feet wide. Life goes on. on March 18. Crimea or the secession of parts of century-house and a great improvement Five years ago, Russia illegally annexed over the storefront a block away. We’d Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is the peninsula of Crimea in a blatant land (Continued on page 16) open our meeting with ritual words, do our [email protected] 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13 No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 9 BOOK REVIEW: Selected poems by Serhiy Zhadan by Olena Jennings can see death/ in the empty-empty streets of my city,” revealing the impoverished nature of Ukraine at the time. “What We Live For, What We Die For: Selected The selections from the other collections, “Ethiopia, Poems,” by Serhiy Zhadan. Translated from the Ukrainian “Maradona,” “UkSSR,” “History of Culture at the Turn of the by Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Phipps. New Haven and Century” and “Ballads about War and Reconstruction” London: Yale University Press, 2018. 160 pp. ISBN 978- address subjects such as emigration and human emotion in 03000-22336-1. $18. innovative ways. An example is in the poem “Dictionaries in the Service of the Church,” in which Mr. Zhadan com- Carve this shell, tattoo artist, which hides souls and bines language and love: “It so happened that the woman disease – what we live for, what we die for. he loved decided to/ leave his country, simply saying one day,/ you know, I have to go, we still have a couple of Serhiy Zhadan’s book of selected poems translated by months.” The poem addresses language as a reason for Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Phipps (Yale University Press, emotional distance. Too much trust was placed on what 2019) begins in the small worlds inhabited by individual has been said in the poem. characters and grows to encompass a greater world. It Ms. Tkacz’s ongoing work with Mr. Zhadan has made her moves from the narrative to the lyrical. Themes Mr. Zhadan familiar with his words in a way that most people wouldn’t addresses range from war and migration to love and death. be, as she latched on to his visions and made them her own This is a collection of his best poetry curated by Ms. Tkacz. through the performances. This personal experience, along The selections from seven collections are in reverse chron- with her precise knowledge of the Ukrainian language, and ological order. her work with Ms. Phipps create stunning translations that The book begins with an informative foreword by poet don’t read like translations, but read as English-language Bob Holman, who has performed together with Mr. poems. This is an appropriate collection for our time, exam- Zhadan. He writes that “Zhadan’s poetry comes direct from ining the ongoing war in Ukraine and migration, and their the land, from Ukraine itself.” The best poems go beyond effects on human emotions. the self, and Mr. Zhadan’s poetry does this. The book ends with a tribute to the way history repeats The first set of poems from the collection, “Why I’m Not itself. In his poem “The End of Ukrainian Syllabotonic on Social Media,” include poems depicting idiosyncratic Verse,” Mr. Zhadan writes about the Slovo building in which characters trapped by history and down on their luck. the performance, but it is a poem from “Life of Maria” that I writers were housed in the 1930s and then arrested and These are stories about specific people that take place dur- remember best: “Take only what is most important. Take executed. The Slovo building was located in Kharkiv, Mr. ing the present war in Ukraine. I remembered hearing Mr. the letters./ Take only what you can carry.” Zhadan’s hometown. In many ways, this collection is also a Zhadan read at The Ukrainian Museum in New York City Then, Yara repeated the poem in the performance story of Kharkiv. His decision to write about the Slovo during his trip to the U.S. last April. He read “Rhinoceros” “1917-2017: Tychyna, Zhadan and the Dogs” (2017.) The building places Mr. Zhadan in the powerful position of dynamically, performing the conversation between two performance was about urban warfare and giving refugees speaking for his people. He walks in the footsteps of writ- people who discuss death, the story coming to life through a voice. It was like hearing voices from the dead. It stressed ers such as Pavlo Tychyna, Mykola Khvyliovyi and Mike his gestures and intonation. I found that on the page his movement. Mr. Zhadan’s band, the Dogs, emphasized the Johansen. When we read this book of poetry we are letting poems are just as dynamic as they were when he per- movement as the audience was propelled from their seats. ourselves be part of history being formed. formed them in person. Like stories, they found themselves inside the poems. Though this collection addresses history, some of the best Yara Arts Group has performed other poems from this The second selection included in the book, from “The poems are love poems. “...dressed in your T-shirt/ she’ll bring collection in “Hitting Bedrock” (2015.) The performance Life of Maria,” goes even beyond the living characters to the you water in the middle of the night,” Mr. Zhadan writes in and the poems were about refugees from Donetsk. I dead, people trying to escape their positions on earth: “sit- “Alcohol” about the simple actions that mean so much more. remember having to go into a basement corridor of the ting in a darkness – warm and sticky like the inside of a “Sweet Peppers” is another poem about a quiet love: “the theater, finding ourselves as audience members, temporary sheep’s belly./ The dead speak from under the earth, the girl picks out lemons and sweet peppers/ and lets the boy refugees. I was commanded to put my possessions into a saints from the heavens above.” hold them, then laughs and puts them back”; the images that bag that I carried throughout the show. The bright stage As we go back in time, we see the history of Ukraine at follow in the poem are tangible: bloody strawberries and light focused on bags. The poem “Needle,” about taking the the beginning of the century. The chronology helps to dead fish in hand. Mr. Zhadan’s poems are the perfect bal- work of a tattoo artist to another sublime level, was part of reveal the history. In the “Crusades of Children,” “children ance between tangible images and ideas, history and love.

Turning... (Continued from page 6) A full house for Shelest Piano Duo concert European model of democracy but toward passing some powers of the next president to the parliamentary majority,” Our Ukraine’s Yurii Kostenko said. “We are try- ing to respond,” added Ms. Tymoshenko. “We will use all possible levers of influence [to prevent the passage of the bill.]” Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. Tymoshenko would later win elections as president and prime minister, respectively. The two lead- ers were major figures during the Orange Revolution that overturned the rigged elec- tion results by which showed Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych had won the presidency. The Verkhovna Rada on April 6, 2004, passed a bill on local elections that pre- scribed a majority system for rural councils and a proportional party-list system for all other councils in Ukrainian local elections. The bill stipulated that deputies to rural councils were to be elected by majority sys- tem. Councilors of all other, high-tier bodies of self-government, including the Parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, would be elected under a full pro- ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Anna and Dmytro Shelest – the Shelest Piano Duo – attracted a full house March 17 at the historic Lyceum portional, party-list system with a 3 per- in Old Town Alexandria (just south of Washington) in the third concert of The Washington Group Cultural Fund’s 2018-2019 Music cent threshold for representation. Series. This was Anna Shelest’s second performance in a TWGCF concert (her first performance was in 2011), and she was joined Opposition leaders failed in three attempts by her pianist husband, Dmytro, in a two-hour program that included works by Fanny Mendelson, Amy Beach, Clara Schumann, and to vote the bill down. those of four Ukrainian composers, Mykola Lysenko’s Overture to the Opera “Taras Bulba,” Oleksandr Zhuk’s “Ukrainian Rhapsody,” Sergiy Bortkevych’s “Folk Melodies and Dances” and Myroslav Skoryk’s “Three Extravagant Dances,” which concluded the concert Sources: “Kuchma signs bills on elections, and was welcomed with a long standing ovation. The 2018-2019 TWGCF concert season, marking its 25th anniversary, began last NATO,” “Kuchma signs proportional elections September with pianist Pavlo Gintov and followed in October with the Fedorykas ensemble. It will conclude on May 19 with Stefania bill” and “President pushes for constitutional Dovhan, who lives in Europe, and last performed for the Cultural Fund series in 2003, when she was just 18. The current music reform,” RFE/RL, The Ukrainian Weekly, series is funded by a group of more than 75 sponsors and suggested at-the-door concert donations of $20. April 11, 2004. – Yaro Bihun 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13 No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 11

President Poroshenko, that brought togeth- UAV and Ukraine’s... er these disparate groups. A delegation of Ukrainian American Veterans actively par- (Continued from page 1) ticipated in that Kyiv forum to share U.S. gets be reassigned and consolidated? The experiences. The UAV delegation, consist- concern is that redundant positions will be ing of then National Commander Peter created as the three earlier ministries resist Bencak, current National Commander Ihor any change resulting in loss of staff and Rudko, Adjutant John Steciw, Judge budgets. Bureaucratic infighting is coming Advocate Michael Hrycak, New Haven Post and smooth operations cannot be expected 33 Commander Carl Harvey and this writer, at the onset as four ministries will be Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk, learned involved with veterans’ care. (In contrast, in first-hand about the spirited activity and the U.S. the Veterans’ Administration works great potential of these voluntary organiza- only with the Pentagon.) tions. Minister Friz’s challenge will be to Ukraine’s small and feeble economy and mold this energy into a cohesive and the war’s ongoing fiscal drain are addition- repeatable service for veterans while allow- al headwinds for proper funding of the new ing decentralization and creativity on the ministry. local level. In light of these limitations, Minister Friz Official visit to Washington The delegation representing Ukraine and the Ukrainian American Veterans at the is adopting a basic phased approach. Veterans Administration presentation. Priority one is to construct an online regis- Working with the Embassy of Ukraine, try of all veterans. It is important to know which was responsible for the minister’s whom the ministry will serve. Current official visit, the UAV (uavets.org) helped records are incomplete, with estimates of create a constructive experience consisting up to 1.2 million, including about 400,000 of visits to the national VA, meetings on veterans from the ongoing war (a number Capitol Hill, tours of VA hospitals and veter- that continues to grow). ans centers on both the national and local Once the registry is completed, the min- levels, and meetings with Ukrainian com- ister will build on the successes of the munities and relief organizations. e-procurement system ProZorro and other Connecticut UAV members, Messrs. e-initiatives in Ukraine to build an e-veter- Harvey, Melnyk and Rudko organized activ- an portal. Here any veteran will be able to ities at the National VA, as well as the register, be verified online, and request Connecticut visits. Mr. Hrycak and retired information and services that can be dis- VA executive and UAV Post 33 (Cleveland) pensed. The portal will allow individualized member Orest Wasyluk assisted through- follow-up for each veteran and become a out. Following protocol, Col. Andrii communications vehicle for new services Ordynovych and Col. Volodymyr Humeniuk, as they come online in phases. Through the military attachés from the Embassy, served digitization and tracking of information in a as escorts. Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. centralized database, it will be possible to The first day, February 27, was dedicat- U.S. Veterans Administration Secretary Robert L. Wilkie (standing, left) greets evaluate outcomes of new programs and ed to visits on Capitol Hill, where Minister Minister Friz (standing, second from right ) in his conference room. services. Friz presented her vision for the creation of From its Soviet legacy, Ukraine has Ukraine’s VA. Meetings were held in Sen. The next day, February 28, formed the connection ensures a quality environment inherited some 30 hospitals that could bet- Richard Blumenthal’s (D-Conn.) office, with heart of the visit; it was devoted to compre- and access to the latest treatment proto- ter serve veterans. Minister Friz plans to Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), and with Rep. hensive meetings with National Veterans cols. The medical school, in turn, benefits select five of them, in different geographic Mark Tokano (D-Calif.), chairman of the Administration Office staff and with U.S. by serving a needy population with injuries regions, to serve as models for effective House Veterans Affairs Committee. Sen. Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs Robert Wilkie. and needs uncommon in the general popu- medical and mental health care. As these Blumenthal, who sits on both the Senate The Veterans Administration, estab- lation. Currently some 85 percent of U.S. pilot efforts evolve to achieve an acceptable Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate lished in 1930, became a Cabinet-level medical schools have formally allied with level of service, other hospitals could then Armed Services Committee and who agency in 1989 to provide comprehensive the VA. A similar affiliation model may be be reconstituted. authored a provision in the National health care services at VA medical centers relevant in Ukraine. Minister Friz is also working with Acting Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the and outpatient clinics, and to provide non- Then it was on to the Pentagon, where Health Minister Ulana Suprun, M.D., on treatment of severely wounded Ukrainian health-care benefits, including disability Minister Friz met with Kelly McKeague, organizing a mental health treatment for soldiers in U.S. military hospitals, has compensation, vocational rehabilitation, head of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency veterans, especially for the treatment of expressed support to further enhance this education assistance, home loans, life for the Defense Department. Particularly PTSD. This growing problem in Ukraine provision. The discussion with his dedicat- insurance, as well as burial and memorial consequential was the session with Laura often leads to substance abuse, homeless- ed Ukraine specialist, Sarah Eyman, cen- benefits to veterans and families. Cooper deputy assistant secretary of ness and even suicide. tered on the NDAA, as well as ways to assist Employing almost 400,000 people with an defense for Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, and The most valuable resource that the fledgling Ukraine VA. annual budget of $300 billion, the VA’s who sets Pentagon policy towards Ukraine. Minister Friz currently possesses is the vet- Rep. Kaptur, continuing her strong sup- work is enhanced by a sprawling network Also in attendance was T.J. Cipoletti, erans themselves. Today, some 1,000 volun- port for Ukraine, immediately focused on of volunteer service organizations (VSOs) Ukrainian Desk director at the Pentagon. tary veterans groups work throughout mental health and PTSD. Quickly getting consisting mostly of veterans helping other During an afternoon visit to Quantico, Ukraine under the model “veterans helping down to specifics, she teleconferenced in veterans. the Marine Corps base in Virginia, other veterans.” Last August, laying the Ukrainian American psychiatrists from her After this overview, Ted Diaz, head of the Lawrence Provost, head of the National foundation for the creation of a VA Ministry, Cleveland-area home district to engage Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Cemetery Association, briefed the minister Col. Havryliuk and Ms. Friz, then a candi- them in the discussions, which lasted two VA, and his experts briefed the Ukraine del- on how the VA provides a dignified and date for the VA Ministry, organized a two- hours. She then assigned staff members to egation on the major VA services provided: lasting memorial for veterans. A moving day Veterans Forum, which was opened by follow up with the UAV and Minister Friz. medical and mental health care, benefits, tour of Quantico’s National Cemetery, one geriatric care, burial and memorial servic- of 136 nationwide, followed. es. An additional briefing was added on the The capstone to Minister Friz’s crucial role of volunteers. Washington visit was an Embassy recep- The highlight of the day and perhaps the tion/fund-raiser for United Help Ukraine entire visit was the warm personal recep- (unitedhelpukraine.org), a Washington tion provided by Secretary Wilkie, who area-based charitable organization. pledged his total support. The local perspective To round out the day, Minister Friz addressed the annual U.S.-Ukraine Security UAV Posts 33 in New Haven and Post 14 Dialogue conference, which was being held in Hartford sought to give Minister Friz a at the National Press Club. local perspective on how veterans are On March 1, the day began with a tour of assisted. Under the leadership of Post 33 the flagship VA Hospital in Washington, Commander Harvey, a schedule was pre- where the delegation toured facilities and pared, including a New Haven community discussed programs that are increasingly reception/fund-raiser, a meeting with a holistic in nature and engage the entire business group that helps veterans, a visit family where possible. We learned of the to a local VA hospital in West Haven and its novel and impactful idea first implemented connected community care facility, and a by Gen. Omar Bradley after World War II: to tour of Connecticut’s State Veterans Center. connect each VA hospital with a medical Minister Friz and the UAV delegation During a meeting with Rep. Marcy Kaptur (from left) are: Ukraine’s Ambassador to school. Such an affiliation provides a ready detoured on March 2 to Philadelphia for a U.S. Valeriy Chaly, UAV National Commander Ihor Rudko, Ukrainian Veterans Affairs Minister Iryna Friz, Congresswoman Kaptur, Col. Oksana Havryliuk, UAV source of doctors as well as residents doing Post 33 Commander Carl Harvey and UAV Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk. their specialty rotations. For the VA, the (Continued on page 12) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

and conducted training programs. Of par- UAV and Ukraine’s... ticular interest during the conversation was a pilot mental health/PTSD program (Continued from page 11) that Dr. Chernyk has initiated in Lviv. The program has shown promise and is ready full day series of discussions with groups for expansion to other regions. This is a that assist Ukraine’s soldiers and veterans, potential joint program with the UAV, and their families. The focus was on better which is seeking U.S. government funding ways to coordinate aid and possible new for this type of program. projects. Activities on March 3 included a com- During a luncheon hosted by the United munity luncheon/fund-raiser at St. Michael Ukrainian American Relief Committee Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall in New (www.uuarc.org) headed by Dr. Larissa Kyj, Haven. Minister Friz addressed the packed Minister Friz expressed her gratitude for hall, stressing that Ukraine has a moral the breadth of humanitarian assistance obligation to help its veterans who defend- already provided by the UUARC, including ed Ukraine against Russian aggression and programs to adopt a wounded soldier, help that every soldier who takes up the fight families with children orphaned by the war, must be assured that Ukraine will stand by and aid families of the Heavenly Hundred. him/her after discharge from service. Present were members of the UUARC Minister Friz wanted to learn about pri- board. vate volunteer efforts to help veterans, At the Ukrainian Educational and At a meeting with Connecticut’s commissioner of veterans affairs (from left) are: especially those organized by business. Cultural Center (UECC), the delegation was UAV Post 33 Commander Carl Harvey, Col. Oksana Havryliuk, Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi, Ukraine’s Veterans Affairs Minister Iryna Friz, UAV National Mohegan Sun, a casino in eastern greeted by members of UAV Post 1 of Commander Ihor Rudko and Welfare Officer Myron Melnyk. Connecticut, is an interesting example of a Philadelphia and Post 42 of Lehigh Valley. A business that for several years now has discussion ensued with the relief organiza- headed by Dr. Zenia Chernyk. The UFA rooms and rehab centers. The UFA has sponsored VETSROCK, a very successful tion Ukrainian Federation of America helps Ukraine’s soldiers fight – not on the brought Ukrainian soldiers to the U.S. for statewide job fair and place where veterans (www. ukrainianfederationofamerica.org), battlefield – but in hospital operating treatment, helped treat soldiers in Ukraine can get assistance. On the evening of March 3, CEO Kevin Brown took the group on a tour of the casino facilities and conference center, and described how to go about organizing such an event. He explained that ПЛЕМ’Я ПЛАСТУНОК „ПЕРШІ СТЕЖІ“ VETSROCK is not only a key component of влаштовує his company’s social responsibility agenda but that such events also bring public „ДЕННИЙ ТАБІР ПТАШАТ ПРИ ПЛАСТІ“ awareness and good will for his business. On the final day the delegation visited для дітей від 4 до 6 років, які володіють two major care providers in Connecticut: (розуміють і розмовляють) українською мовою the sprawling VA Hospital in West Haven and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs. The West Haven VA for- • Дитина мусить мати закінчених 4 роки життя до 31 серпня 2019 р. Вийнятків немає. merly served as the National Center for • Дитина мусить мати усі приписані щеплення. PTSD and has a close relationship with Yale • Дитина, яка склала Заяву Вступу до новацтва, не може брати участи в таборaх для Пташат. Medical School, where seminal research on PTSD continues. The VA incorporates these Табір відбудеться на Союзівці у двох групах: latest findings into its treatment programs • від неділі, 23 червня, до суботи, 29 червня 2019 р. throughout the country. Minister Friz had an opportunity to pose questions to the • від неділі, 30 червня, до суботи, 6 липня 2019 р. assembled Yale-affiliated psychiatrists about the best way to gain and transfer У справі кімнат просимо порозуміватися безпосередньо з Адміністрацією Союзівки: knowledge about this mental health condi- SOYUZIVKA, P. O. Box 529, 216 Foordmore Road, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 tion. (845) 626-5641; www. Soyuzivka.com; Fax: 845-626-4638 Dr. Robert Rosenheck, who has spent 22 years evaluating, disseminating and moni- • Tаборова оплата: $150.00 ($20.00 незворотні); оплата за два тижні – 290.00 дол. toring innovative mental health programs • Зголошення і таборову оплату (чек виписаний на Plast – Pershi Stezhi) надсилати до: across the VA system, expressed interest in continuing the discussion and possibly Mrs. Oresta Fedyniak, 2626 W. Walton Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 conducting research in Ukraine. At the Connecticut Veterans Center in Tel.: 773 486-0394 (від 8:00 до 10:00 ранку) Rocky Hill, just outside of Hartford, the group was met by Connecticut VA • Реченець зголошень: 25 травня 2019 р. • Після реченця зголошень не приймаємо. Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi, who • Лікарську посвідку НЕ пересилати з анкетою зголошення. Просимо передати при explained that Connecticut enhances exist- реєстрації. ing National VA services and adds pro- grams of its own. For example, the residen- КАРТА ЗГОЛОШЕННЯ НА ТАБІР ПТАШАТ-2019 tial facility for veterans at the center is being expanded using additional local and Ім’я і прізвище дитини ...... state funding. Innovative non-medical pro- по-українськи і по-англійськи grams and social activities exist at the cen- Дата народження ...... ter. Upon completion of the briefings at the Адреса ...... Connecticut Veteran Center, UAV members Телефон ...... E-mail ...... Messrs. Rudko, Harvey and Melnyk met to discuss future cooperation between the Просимо залучити посвідку дати народження дитини, яку вперше вписуєтe на табір UAV and Ukraine’s VA. An after-action report will be compiled as the basis for ☐ від 23 червня до 29 червня 2019 р. ☐ від 30 червня до 6 липня 2019 р. continued support of Ukraine’s veterans. Розмір таборової сорочинки дитини: ☐ 6-8, ☐10-12, ☐14-16. Minister Friz, Col. Havryliuk and Col. ☐ Залучую чек на суму $...... ☐ Резервую кімнату на Союзівці Humeniuk departed for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for their flight back to Ukraine...... UAV National Commander Rudko com- ім’я і прізвище матері (подати дівоче прізвище) mented on the visit: “The motto from last summer’s Veterans Forum in Kyiv – ‘Tam Завваги ...... de my, tam Ukraina’ (Ukraine is wherever we are) – became an emotional reality. If ...... the talent and professionalism exhibited by ...... Iryna Friz and Oksana Havryliuk depicts ...... Підпис батька або матері the example of Ukraine’s new generation, then Ukraine is on its way to becoming a force to be reckoned with.” No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

international security environment – reduc- Estonia plans victims of communism museum Luhansk oblast in eastern Ukraine are con- NEWSBRIEFS ing stability and security, and increasing taminated with mines and explosive rem- unpredictability.” It also highlights Russia’s The Estonian government has nants of war (ERWs). This area is so big that (Continued from page 2) use of military force against three Ukrainian announced plans to open an International if the minefield were to measure only 1 Museum for the Victims of Communism in Crimean Tatar community and others who naval vessels in international waters in the meter wide it could extend longer than Black Sea, near the Sea of Azov and the Tallinn’s Patarei fortress. Used as both a Canada-U.S. border if the border with have spoken out against Moscow’s seizure coastal artillery facility and a prison, the and takeover of the peninsula in March Kerch Strait, calling for the release of the Alaska is excluded. A map put together by museum, already familiarly referred to as the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, in coop- 2014. (Crimea Desk, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Ukrainian sailors and ships Russia had the Red Terror Museum, is to become a eration with humanitarian organizations, Service) seized. NATO has increased its support of Ukraine throughout 2018. “NATO’s commit- center for research on the subject. Martin shows surveyed areas where mine contami- NATO confirms chances for Ukraine to join ment to assisting Ukraine’s security and Andreller, its curator, says that the museum nation has been confirmed. “However, vast defense sector reforms through the will host “international research into the areas of land have not yet been surveyed, so On March 14, NATO issued its annual Comprehensive Assistance Package – fates of the countries that were occupied it is difficult to know the full extent of mine report, reconfirming the prospect of future including 10 Trust Funds – remains high.” and whose peoples suffered as a result of contamination. It is also difficult to assess membership for Ukraine in the alliance. The The main avenues of NATO’s support to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and then the scale of contamination in non-govern- presentation of the annual report by NATO Ukraine include the “development and making this research available to the pub- ment-controlled areas (NGCA) as no coordi- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg took implementation of the framework Law on lic.” What makes this development intrigu- nated mine action has been taken there, place at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The National Security, medical rehabilitation of ing is that it not only is in addition to the whilst the situation is understood to be section, titled “NATO’s Open Door,” says “In wounded soldiers and support to Ukraine’s occupation museums that already exist in acute,” reads the report. The civilian death light of Ukraine’s restated aspirations for medical institutions, resettlement program Tallinn and other Baltic capitals, but that it toll because of landmines and ERWs goes NATO membership, Allies also stand by for former military personnel, assistance to also represents part of an international beyond 1,000 people. “In 2018, 43 percent their decisions taken at the Bucharest Ukrainian military personnel to manage the effort to open victims of communism muse- of civilian casualties were attributed to Summit and subsequent summits.” In its psychological injuries caused during the ums in various countries so that no one will mine and ERW-related incidents. Mine relat- report, NATO recognizes “Russia’s aggres- conflict as well as new NATO Science for forget what communist regimes did. ed incidents remained the leading cause of sive actions in Ukraine, its destabilizing mili- Peace and Security project to enable real- Among the capitals where such a museum child casualties in 2018,” reads the back- tary behavior and use of hybrid actions time detection of explosives in public trans- is being planned is Washington. (Paul ground note of the Protection Cluster bulle- against nations across the Euro-Atlantic port.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily Goble’s Window on Eurasia) tin of the U.N. High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). “Experts say it costs region [that] have significantly altered the Briefing) Canada announces new sanctions around 2.5 euros to lay a mine but around On March 15, Canada announced a large 900 euros to clear it. After the end of the list of new sanctions in response to Russia’s conflict, Ukraine will need at least 15 years aggressive actions in the Black Sea and to clear anti-personnel, anti-tank mines, Kerch Strait and Russia’s illegal annexation unexploded missiles and other explosive of Ukraine’s Crimea. Canada’s black list has remnants of war. This is only a prediction: TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 been increased by 114 individuals and 15 the security situation does not allow any of or e-mail [email protected] entities under the Special Economic the three NGOs to operate either directly on Measures Act according to Foreign Minister the line of contact, nor in territories occu- SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Chrystia Freeland. “Today’s sanctions dem- pied by the separatists. And that’s where the onstrate that Canada and the international situation might be worst,” Natalia community are ready to impose costs on Liubchenkova wrote for Euronews in Russia when it ignores international law January. “We have now established that and the rules-based international order,” there are 200 minefields across the noted Minister Freeland. The sanctions list Luhansk and Donetsk region, and there are is a coordinated effort with the European obviously much more than that. The securi- Union and the United States. It “under- ty situation prevents us from accessing the scores continued trans-Atlantic unity in densest contaminated areas along the line responding to Russia’s aggressive actions in of contact,” noted Nick Smart, HALO Trust Ukraine and its violation of international regional director for Europe. According to law,” reads the release. At the same time, the latest report of the UNHCR, “on Canada called on Russia to immediately February 23, two people died and one was МАРІЯ ДРИЧ release the 24 detained Ukrainian service- severely injured when a minivan exploded HELP WANTED Ліцензований Продавець men and return the Ukrainian Navy vessels on a landmine at Olenivka checkpoint Страхування Життя seized in November 2018, as well as allow (Donetsk region). On 26 February, three people were wounded by a landmine when МАRІA DRICH free and unhindered passage through the collecting firewood in the forest near Live-in caregiver needed for my mother Licensed Life Insurance Agent Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. (Ukrainian Hrodivka (Donetsk region).” (Ukrainian in Silver Spring MD. Near churches, Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) thriving Ukrainian community, nice 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) home. Experience/patience with AZ $100 M for military support from Canada preferred. Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 Turkish diplomat to head OSCE mission [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] The Canadian government has submitted The United States has said a Turkish dip- or 617-566-1996 the 2019 budget to Parliament with a $105.6 lomat will be taking over the international million allocation for training Ukrainian mili- OPPORTUNITIES monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine as tary personnel and other security assistance. FOR SALE the conflict there continues to fester. A “The government remains fully committed State Department statement on March 27 to providing this assistance to Ukraine. To said Yasar Halit Cevik will take charge of Earn extra income! that end, Budget 2019 confirms the govern- FOR SALE: One mile to CYM. Main the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine level has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living The Ukrainian Weekly is looking ment’s plan to invest up to $105.6 million for advertising sales agents. for the Organization for Security and room, dining room and laundry room over three years, starting in 2019-2020, to Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The mission o kitchen. Studio apartment over For additional information contact renew Operation UNIFIER,” reads the bud- Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, is a key component of monitoring the low- one car garage with separate entrance. get. These funds will be used to provide The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. level fighting in Ukraine’s Donbas region, a Lower level has 2 bedrooms. Open training for the Ukrainian military and to conflict ongoing since 2014. It’s one of the living room and kitchen with full bath. implement the strategic goals of reforming only neutral sources of information on New roof. Beautiful Trac deck. House the Ukrainian defense sector. The amount Run your advertisement here, cease-fire violations. More than 13,000 is on elevated property overlooking “includes $99.6 million over three years in people have been killed in that time, and a stream. A must see. Priced to sell at in The Ukrainian Weekly’s incremental funding for Canada’s military more than 1 million people displaced, $229,000. contribution, and up to $6 million to support according to the United Nations. “The Call Bohdan at 845-434-4968 CLASSIFIEDS section. broader efforts on defense and security sec- United States urges all OSCE participating tor reforms in Ukraine allocated by Global states to reiterate support for the monitor- Affairs Canada from existing International ing mission,” the State Department said. Assistance Envelope resources,” the docu- “We call on Russia and the forces it arms, ment says. Canada is one of the largest inter- trains, leads, and fights alongside in national supporters of Ukraine’s “efforts to Ukraine to allow the [monitoring mission] defend itself and implement democratic and full and unhindered access to the entire ter- economic reforms,” the draft budget stress- Run your advertisement here, ritory of Ukraine within its internationally es. (Ukrainian Canadian Congress Daily recognized borders.” (RFE/RL) in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. Briefing) Ukrainian soldier killed in east Eastern Ukraine contaminated with mines Ukraine says one of its soldiers has been On March 18, ReliefWeb, a humanitarian killed and two wounded as a result of clash- information source on global crises and es with Russia-backed separatists in eastern disasters, reported that approximately Ukraine. The Defense Ministry said on 7,000 square kilometers in the government- controlled areas (GCA) of Donetsk and (Continued on page 15) No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 15

him. Boris Nemtsov Plaza was officially of the Canadian election observation mis- lector and then in Massachusetts. It resur- NEWSBRIEFS unveiled outside the Russian Embassy in sion and the secondment of Canadian faced in 2013 when it was listed on a web- Washington on February 27, 2018 – the observers to the Organization for Security site for an unnamed New York auction (Continued from page 14) anniversary of Nemtsov’s killing – trigger- and Cooperation in Europe election obser- house. The FBI determined that it was March 22 that separatist fighters fired - vation mission. In total, Canada will sup- bought from a Missouri auction house in machine guns, mortars and grenade launch- ty prime minister under President Boris port up to 500 long-term and short-term 1993 by a New York dealer who had con- ers, violating a ceasefire seven times during Yeltsin,ing criticism Nemtsov from was Moscow. an outspoken А former critic depu of observers in Ukraine’s elections this year,” signed it to the auction house. The prosecu- the previous 24 hours. Meanwhile, separat- President Vladimir Putin and had sought to the Canadian government’s statement tors said they were seeking a court order to ists in the Donetsk region also accused build a viable opposition movement. He noted. Canadian officials emphasized that seize the painting and return it to the Kyiv Ukrainian government forces of violating was gunned down on a bridge near the another $2.8 million has been committed to museum. In recent years, U.S. officials have the ceasefire seven times in the same peri- Kremlin. In July 2017, a Moscow court “counter the negative impact of disinforma- stepped up efforts to locate art seized from od. Ceasefire deals announced as part of the found five men from Russia’s North tion propagated by malign actors in the Ukraine by Nazi forces and return it to Minsk accords – September 2014 and Caucasus region of Chechnya guilty of the context of Ukraine’s elections.” (Ukrainian Ukraine. In December, U.S. authorities February 2015 pacts aimed at resolving the Nemtsov murder and sentenced them to Canadian Congress Daily Briefing) moved to claim a 107-year-old painting of conflict – have contributed to a decrease in lengthy prison terms. But Nemtsov’s rela- Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible that was sto- Airports say it’s spelled “Kyiv” fighting but have failed to hold. A new tives and associates believe his killing was len from a Ukrainian art museum during ceasefire agreement was reached on March ordered at a higher level, and say justice Romania’s main airport has dropped the World War II. That painting by Mikhail 8, but both sides have accused each other of will not be served until the person or peo- long-obsolete spelling of the capital of Panin, called “The Secret Departure of Ivan repeated violations since then. (RFE/RL, ple behind it are identified and prosecuted. Ukraine, “Kiev,” which is the direct translit- the Terrible Before the Oprichnina,” was with reporting by TASS) (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) eration from Russian, and has switched to part of the permanent collection of a muse- the correct Ukrainian-based spelling. um in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro before Nemtsov Park near Russian Embassy in Kyiv Canada’s short-term election observers arrive “Today, the Bucharest Henri Coanda the war. (RFE/RL) On March 26, 110 Canadian short-term Airport has switched to the correct spelling A plaque honoring slain Russian opposi- Ukraine seizes cocaine worth $51 M tion politician Boris Nemtsov has been election observers, including Head of of the name of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. I unveiled at a park near the Russian Mission Lloyd Axworthy, arrived in Ukraine am grateful to the administration for their The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Embassy in the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv as part of Canada’s election observation cooperation and support!” Ukrainian says it has seized a shipment of South Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko and Nemtsov’s mission run by CANADEM. “Election Ambassador to Romania Oleksandr Bankov American narcotics worth some $51 mil- daughter, Zhanna Nemtsova, took part in observers directly support democracy, and wrote on Facebook on March 21. A similar lion. The SBU said it found more than a the ceremony on March 15. An urban park today, “Canada’s short-term election change was recently introduced by the air- quarter of a ton of cocaine hidden in “con- near the area in front of the Russian observers will join their long-term observ- port administrations in Budapest, Istanbul, tainers with bananas” during an inspection Embassy was also named after Nemtsov, er counterparts and the Honourable Lloyd Tallinn and Vilnius. (Ukrainian Canadian on a South American cargo ship that docked who was shot dead in Moscow in 2015. Mr. Axworthy, recently named head of Canada’s Congress Daily Briefing) in the Black Sea port of Odesa. The state- Klitschko said at the ceremony that election observation mission to Ukraine, to ment did not identify the vessel’s country of U.S. moves to seize art stolen from Kyiv Nemtsov “always wished success to begin their work observing all aspects of origin. “A rapid analysis identified the pack- Ukraine.” He noted: “Boris Nemtsov harshly the upcoming presidential elections in U.S. authorities have moved to seize a aged powder as cocaine,” the SBU said in a criticized the activities of the Russian Ukraine,” reads the statement released by French painting that was taken by Nazi forc- statement on March 21. “The total weight of Federation toward Ukraine, he condemned Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia es from a Ukrainian museum near the end of the drug is 257 kilograms and its estimated the annexation of Crimea, openly stated Freeland and Minister of International World War II. Manhattan federal prosecu- cost on the black market is more than $51 that Russian troops were present in the Development and Minister for Women and tors said in a statement on March 21 that the million,” the statement said. The drugs were Donbas. He was a person who supported Gender Equality Maryam Monsef. “Canada painting, called “An Amorous Couple,” by meant for the European market, the SBU and was concerned about our country.” In has committed up to $24 million to support Pierre Louis Goudreaux was stolen from the said, adding that it has opened a criminal June last year, authorities in the Lithuanian initiatives in Ukraine that advance electoral Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National case in drug smuggling on a large scale. It capital, Vilnius, unveiled a sign honoring reforms, the participation of women and Museum of the Arts in Kyiv around 1943. also launched an investigation to identify Nemtsov and named a segment of the minorities, and inclusive governance. This U.S. officials said the painting had been miss- possible suspects in the case. (RFE/RL, with street in front of the Russian Embassy after assistance includes $11 million in support ing for years, held by a London private col- reporting by AFP)

On April 3, 2019 at 10:30 am we will mark the 10th anniversary of the Ukrainian language, literature, art, music, and history. ACA Massacre at the Binghamton ACA Memorial, corner of Front and Clinton Streets in Binghampton, NY. The monument with a centered For Maria, the Ukrainian Scouts’ obligations «To be faithful to God and Ukraine, To help Others,» was not just a slogan, but a calling to serve. Maria broken tree stump and thirteen birds ascending in  ight, is surrounded knew that through education, cooperation, and service we can improve our with thirteen plaques, one for each victim killed in this mass killing on communities. April 3, 2009. One of the victims was Maria “Mima” Koropey Zobniw Our family sorely misses Mima. She was a loving wife, caring and nurturing mother, daughter, sister, and a kind aunt who welcomed and tended Maria ‘’Mima’’ Zobniw to our circle of extended family and friends. Maria put into practice her Ukraine 1948-2009 Україна values of helping others and sharing our Ukrainian culture. Maria passed these values on to her four children, whom she loved deeply. She was an On April 3rd, 2009, we lost Maria «Mima» active parishioner of Sacred Heart Ukrainian Koropey Zobniw who died a victim of Catholic Church, Ukrainian school teacher, the tragic Binghamton massacre. On that Plast Ukrainian Scout counselor, president Friday, Maria was not scheduled to be at of the Binghamton branch of the Ukrainian the American Civic Association where National Women’s League, secretary of the she worked as an immigration counselor. Ukrainian Congress Committee local branch, Friday was Maria’s day o . She planned and organizer of many public exhibits and to bake goods for her parish’s Ukrainian programs about our Ukrainian heritage. Easter Bazaar and to prepare for a trip to visit her daughter. That morning after Mima inspired us with her abundant assisting a family with a translation, Maria generosity, sel ess voluntarism, strength was called again to come to the ACA. of character, gentle spirit and good humor. Maria, not thinking twice about helping But most of all, she comforted us as a great someone in need, went to the ACA, never listener who always had time to ease our to return home. problems and heal our hurts. Through her death we have lost a companion and Maria’s sense of service was forged mentor, and the world has lost a very special by events that forced her parents person. to  ee for their lives when foreign oppressors conquered their homeland «Who can nd a woman of noble character? Ukraine, executed Ukrainian clergy and She is worth far more than jewels. intellectuals, persecuted Ukrainian faithful Give her credit for all she does. and destroyed their churches, and tried She deserves the respect of everyone.» to liquidate the Ukrainian language and (Proverbs 31: 10, 31) culture. In Binghamton, Maria’s family found a vibrant community where they were able to freely celebrate their heritage and raise their children. For our family, for the Ukrainian community, and for society as a whole, Here Maria learned the importance of preserving Ukrainian traditions Maria’s remembrance, deeds, and example are everlasting jewels. May she and sharing them with others. Maria graduated from Catholic Central always remain in our hearts and prayers. (Seton) High School and Harpur College (B.U.) She studied and respected all cultures. Maria especially loved and drew inspiration from her native Вічная Пам’ять Eternal Remembrance

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“Notes on people” is a feature geared NOTES ON PEOPLE toward reporting on the achievements of members of the Ukrainian commu- enhance the diverse resources available for nity. All submissions should be con- our clients,” said Dan Flanigan, the manag- cise due to space limitations. Items Corporate law attorney ing partner of Polsinelli’s New York office will be published as soon as possible and founder of the firm’s Financial Services after their receipt. joins New York firm Department. NEW YORK – Polsinelli, an Am Law 100 Mr. Silecky holds a bachelor’s degree in firm, announced on February 5 that international relations and earned his Juris Markian B. Silecky has joined the firm’s Doctorate from Case Western Reserve New York Office as a shareholder in the University School of Law. May we firm’s corporate and transactional practice. A resident of Verona, N.J., Mr. Silecky is a help you? His primary practice focuses on interna- member of the Ukrainian American Bar tional corporate law, mergers and acquisi- Association and is involved in Plast To reach tions, data privacy and compliance. Ukrainian Scouting Organization. The Ukrainian Weekly Mr. Silecky has extensive experience He is legal counsel and associate produc- counseling multinational clients in foreign er for the documentary film “Baba Babee call (973) 292-9800, jurisdictions throughout Europe, Ukraine, Skazala” released by Kitsune Tale and dial the appropriate Japan, Nigeria, Chile, Australia, Canada, Productions. The documentary presents the extension (as listed below). South Korea and Russia. Previously, he was little-known story of Ukrainian children torn the principal of an international law firm from their homes in the crush between the Editorial – 3049, 3088 which he founded in 1993. Nazi and Soviet fronts in World War II. It had “Markian’s international experience and its world premiere at the fall 2018 New Production – 3063 focus on important issues in a range of key Polsinelli Jersey Film Festival, where it also received Administration, Advertising global markets and industries will further Markian Silecky honorable mention from the festival jury. and Subscriptions – 3040

Poroshenko’s failures as Ukraine’s leader,” All three candidates have faced pre-elec- The power of incumbency is behind Mr. Uncertainty... wrote Russian exiled dissident Leonid tion scandals. The campaigns of Mr. Poroshenko’s chances. He secured an inde- Bershidsky in a Bloomberg Opinion piece. Poroshenko and Ms. Tymoshenko are pendent Orthodox Church of Ukraine free of (Continued from page 1) However, much concern remains regard- under investigation for vote-buying Moscow’s command, has kept Russian-led the European Union and Canada are also ing Mr. Zelensky’s independence from the schemes. The incumbent also saw his long- forces at bay in the Donbas, won visa-free tied to structural reforms related to estab- country’s oligarchic business interests – time business partner’s son allegedly travel to most EU countries, stabilized the lishing the rule of law, including an inde- most notably billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky. embroiled in a $9 million arms procure- economy with modest growth, and intensi- pendent judiciary. Long-term contractual relations persist ment kickback conspiracy. fied integrated with NATO and the EU. Amid high-levels of perceived public cor- between the businessman’s 1+1 channel Mr. Zelensky has faced criticism for not Longtime Ukraine observer Timothy Ash, ruption, Ukraine’s Western backers don’t and the comedian’s production studio. Both initially revealing a business in Russia in his a senior sovereign analyst for Blue Bay Asset want to see five years of investment wasted hail from the same region and Mr. asset declaration when registering as a can- Management in London, wrote that he thinks after the election, the Reuters news agency Kolomoisky has publicly said his mission is didate. On March 28, the Slidstvo.info jour- “Zelensky wins the election,” while adding reported on March 26 based on interviews to deny the incumbent a second term. nalists’ investigative group found that he that “Poroshenko is the candidate for the sta- with Western diplomats serving in Kyiv. Since 2014, Mr. Kolomoisky has lost con- also didn’t declare a 15-room villa in Italy tus quo, security, stability. Tymoshenko [is] Money has been pumped in to create new trol of the aviation regulator that gave his in an area where Russian oligarchs own more for the older, more conservative elec- anti-corruption institutions and a police Ukrainian International Airlines favorable property. torate with [a] populist tone.” force, to implement decentralization that routes and limited competition to the detri- Mr. Zelensky’s press service didn’t Yet, all three “are flawed,” Reuters quot- gives more power to regional and local gov- ment of flyers. He also lost influence over immediately respond to an e-mailed ed a diplomat as saying. “There is no candi- ernments, to upgrade the Soviet-era mili- state-run oil and gas extractor Ukrnafta request for comment. His team has so far date where you will sit there and go: ‘Yes!’ ” tary and to make governance more trans- that was a burden on taxpayers. declined two interview requests from The The latest polls released on March 28 – the parent and publicly accountable. The billionaire’s biggest loss was Ukrainian Weekly and never responded to last day allowed before Election Day – show A review of investment notes by Kyiv- Privatbank, which has since been national- e-mailed questions for which it had asked. that ratings and demographic trends haven’t based investment banks like Dragon Capital ized. It was the country’s biggest private Mr. Zelensky’s campaign later addressed changed, and that a second round of the pres- as well as expert opinions by Ukraine lender but was revealed to be an alleged the matter on Facebook by saying he didn’t idential election is likely to be needed. observers reveal a consensus that incum- giant Ponzi scheme. violate the election law when filing his Mr. Zelensky is way ahead with 28 per- bent President Petro Poroshenko would It was “subjected to large-scale and asset declaration, maintaining that assets cent among voters who’ve decided for maintain the status quo. Lead candidate coordinated fraud” and suffered losses of owned through proxy – in this case a legal whom they’ll cast ballots, according to a Volodymyr Zelensky still remains a mystery “at least $5.5 billion” due to related-party entity – aren’t required. joint nationwide survey by the Ilko Kucheriv given his platform’s vague wording and his loans that never were returned, Ukraine’s His discussion with Western diplomats Democratic Initiatives Foundation and Kyiv inexperience, while ex-Prime Minister Yulia central bank said on January 16, 2018, cit- “left an impression of being light on sub- International Institute of Sociology. Tymoshenko has made inconsistent state- ing a forensic audit by the New York-based stance, one diplomat said,” according to He is the absolute favorite in the south- ments that veer towards populism. risk analyst firm Kroll. Reuters. “The optimistic view, the diplomat ern regions from which he hails (Kryvyi “Kyiv-based Western diplomats said all Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Kolomoisky deny added, was Zelensky would surround him- Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast). three left doubt over how effectively they acting in concert with each other. And the self with reformers who treat him as a Overwhelmingly, he enjoys 45 percent sup- political newcomer has yet to address alle- would pass reform, tackle corruption and blank page to imprint their vision.” port among the youngest demographic, gations that $41 million from Privatbank keep aid flowing,” Reuters reported in ref- As for Ms. Tymoshenko, who twice voters age 18-29. The more affluent and flowed through accounts affiliated with erence to the three front-runners. unsuccessfully ran for president, she has educated the voters, the more likely they him before the financial institution was Reuters cited anonymous foreign envoys, promised to challenge the election result if are to cast their ballot for him. taken into receivership by the government. with one saying that “we certainly know what she doesn’t make into the runoff because a Mr. Poroshenko has the highest support Still, Mr. Zelensky’s “current rhetoric rais- we get with Poroshenko,” while “we think we majority victory is needed in the first in the west and the city of Kyiv. He, too, is es no major concerns, unlike his relationship known what we’ll get with Tymoshenk­ o… round. Mr. Zelensky’s camp also has vowed supported by more affluent and more edu- with tycoon Igor Kolomoisky,” Dragon With Zelensky we have no clue.” to challenge the outcome if he doesn’t make cated voters. To his benefit, the showman, whose Capital wrote in a note to investors. “Zelensky’s potential presidency poses no it to round two. In contrast, Ms. Tymoshenko draws sup- third season of “Servant of the People,” in Ms. Tymoshenko’s biggest downfall is port from voters age 45 and older, the which he plays a history teacher-turned- immediate threat to the IMF program, in our view, but there is little visibility going for- her “sense of entitlement,” wrote American western and central regions, and less edu- accidental president, premiered on March political consultant Mr. Mefford. “Similar to cated and wealthy voters. 27, has enlisted the help of reformers. ward given Zelensky’s political immaturity.” Hillary Clinton in the 2016 [U.S. presiden- The Central Election Commission is sup- Former Finance Minister Oleksandr The 41-year-old’s high ratings are most- tial] election, Tymoshenko’s statements posed to announce the first round result by Danyliuk, a former McKinsey consultant, ly attributed to disgruntled voters who suggest that she sees this election as a cor- April 10 and the expected runoff is sched- has navigated the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast want to see a new political face, Brian onation rather than a real contest.” uled for 11 days later. native through meetings with the diplomat- Mefford, an American political consultant ic and foreign investment community. in Kyiv, wrote for the Atlantic Council on Counsel also is given by Aivaras March 24. Abromavicius, a former investment banker “However, those who say they are voting November 2018. from Lithuania who served as economy for Zelensky are not voting for him, but Statements... Details of these 10 individuals are in rather against the status quo,” said Mr. DFAT’s Consolidated List of individuals and minister in the post-Maidan government. (Continued from page 7) National Deputy Serhiy Leshchenko, a Mefford, who owns the Wooden Horse entities subject to targeted sanctions under former journalist who uncovered political Strategies consultancy. “His candidacy is a Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Australian law. This list is available on and white-collar corruption as a journalist classic protest vote. The first round gives I have therefore also imposed targeted DFAT’s website. for Ukrayinska Pravda, has acted as adviser voters a chance to register their disapprov- financial sanctions and travel bans against We call on Russia to respect Ukraine’s on graft issues. al, but in a runoff, when the vote really mat- three “leaders” from separatist-controlled sovereignty and territorial integrity within “Their willingness to gamble on a politi- ters, voters may re-evaluate their support parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions its internationally recognized borders, cal novice speaks volumes about for Zelensky.” of Ukraine following so-called elections in including its territorial waters. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 17

Young Lunin a keeper in goal An 18-year-old goalkeeper playing in the Ukrainian Premier League is usually not on too many soccer scouts’ radar as an up-and-coming top prospect. Andriy Lunin happens to be just that – a unique talent not only starting in the Europa League, but firmly cementing his place in a starting-11 on a team that is among the best when it comes to developing talent in Ukraine. His career had its start amidst one of the saddest stories in modern Ukrainian soccer. Originally a product of the sto- ried football club of Dnipropetrovsk Dnipro, Lunin was forced into action as a 17-year-old last season when his club faced bankruptcy thanks to owner Ihor Kolomoisky’s refusal to pay club debts. Dnipro was for a while one of the most successful clubs in Ukrainian football, having reached the final of the UEFA Europa League in 2015, where it was barely beaten by Sevilla FC. The club then began a downward spiral in the standings when faced with salary debt and FIFA sanctions, CD Leganes which included point reductions and an owner unwilling Andriy Lunin to cover outstanding costs. Halfway through the 2016- 2017 season, Dnipro FC had sold off most of its star play- opening pass at times is still off, and he sometimes strug- League group stage where Lunin impressed against Real ers, completing a sellout of talent that began when the club gles to move his body across the line. Both of these areas of Madrid. refused to participate in the 2016-2017 Europa League needed improvement can be worked on and are somewhat He became the youngest goalkeeper to start for Ukraine season due to breaches with Financial Fair Play. expected given his age and lack of experience. Otherwise in his international debut in a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia The departure of star players combined with the eco- the sky may be the limit for this super talented Ukrainian in March and earned his second cap in a 4-1 victory over nomic chaos forced Dnipro to play several players from keeper, who may soon be challenging for a starting spot on Albania in a June 2018 friendly. their youth academies in order to field a full squad. The Ukraine’s national team. He made his national team debut On August 27, 2018, Real Madrid confirmed Lunin had sale of goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka plus the lack of funds in a March friendly against Saudi Arabia. joined CD Leganes on loan for the 2018-2019 season. meant the club had to trust then 17-year-old keeper Lunin As of mid-May of 2018, Liverpool of the English Premier News of the young Ukrainian going out on loan was not to man the net. This was an obvious losing proposition for League was rumored to be leading the race to sign Lunin, surprising given that Thibaut Courtois was signed from an inexperienced keeper. However, a young keeper pressed ahead of spirited competition from Leicester and Watford. Chelsea in early August and was expected to be a starter into service by a club in impossible circumstances can There were also widespread reports Inter Milan was hot for Real. Manager Julen Lopetegui has several options in occasionally make the best of a hopeless situation. on the trail to sign Lunin. goal at his disposal, with Keylor Navas still performing at a Forced into action with a team that has nothing to lose high level and Kiko Casilla another reliable veteran waiting means there is little or no pressure on a young keeper. The New home is Leganes via Real Madrid for an opportunity. Lunin would have struggled to play for impossible situation at Dnipro set the stage for Lunin to On June 19, 2018, Real Madrid announced the signing of Real’s first-team with three veteran goalkeepers ahead of simply win matches and prove he was not only a talented Lunin from Zorya Luhansk in the Ukrainian Premier him. Luca Zidane is the regular starter for the youth side keeper, but deserved to play in the Ukrainian Premier League where he made 29 league appearances in the and is fourth on the depth chart behind Courtois, Navas League (UPL). He earned this not due to his club’s impend- 2017-2018 season, to a six-year deal for a reported $16.3 and Casilla. ing bankruptcy, but on merit. million fee. Considered one of the top goalkeeping pros- Lunin’s competition for the starting spot with his tempo- In 25 matches with a depleted Dnipro squad, Lunin pects in Europe, Lunin had attracted interest from soccer rary club is 34-year-old veteran Ivan Cuellar. Cuellar had a allowed 23 goals and managed 10 clean sheets (shutouts). powerhouses Liverpool, Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan. solid 2017-2018 season, making 35 starts while averaging If it wasn’t for a deducted 18 points by FIFA and the In a conversation with Goal.com last year, Lunin admit- 2.7 saves per match and picking up 14 clean sheets (shut- Football Federation of Ukraine, Dnipro would have finished ted, “Real is my favorite team and, of course, I would like to outs). However, the La Liga veteran allowed over a goal sixth and qualified for the championship round, rather be there some day, to play for that club at that level.” every 90 minutes and experienced a few bad stretches. than the relegation round in the 2016-2017 UPL season. Lunin debuted as a 17-year-old and quickly earned the The thought was Lunin would get some playing time Prior to the relegation round, Dnipro was again hit with starting keeper position with Dnipro and Zorya. The during 2018-2019. deducted points, meaning the club lost 24 total points Krasnohrad native was a key player for Zorya as the club thanks to Kolomoisky’s refusal to pay debts owed to for- finished fourth in the league and played in the Europa Ihor Stelmach may be reached at [email protected]. mer players and coaches. Minus so many points, survival was impossible and Dnipro was relegated with a mere 13 points. After relegation, FIFA determined the club would restart play in the Ukrainian Second League (third divi- sion), where the club is currently struggling for financial NY Ukrainians win CSL indoor tournament survival. A starring role with Zorya Relegation and third division football would not be prob- lematic for Lunin. The young goalkeeper had shown he could play at this level and Zorya Luhansk, freshly qualified for the Europa League, picked up the keeper on a free trans- fer. Lunin was brought in to challenge incumbent keeper Oleksiy Shevchenko while continuing to ply his trade. Lunin went on to play in almost all of Zorya’s games in the Ukrainian Premier League and in all of the UEFA Europa League games for his club. His strong play left Shevchenko on the bench until early 2018, when he left the club to find more playing time elsewhere. Shevchenko’s departure meant Lunin, now 19 and 6-foot-3-inches tall, became the starting goalkeeper for one of the country’s top clubs. Furthermore, with Shakhtar Donetsk keeper Andriy Pyatov getting along in age (33) and Dynamo Kyiv lacking a real starter – Maksym Koval and Georgi Bushcan have shared the goaltending duty – Lunin just may have been the best Ukrainian keeper in the league. Being considered the best keeper in his national compe- tition at such a very young age is a phenomenal achieve- ment. Indeed, there are not many keepers around the world in his age group who are already playing in domestic and international competitions. Lunin is mentioned in the George Kmetz same class as Sweden’s Pontus Dahlberg (IFK Goteborg) BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The New York Ukrainians, representing the Ukrainian American Soccer Association (YCK), won and Croatia’s Adrian Semper (Dinamo Zagreb). the final 5-4 against Laberia FC at the 2018-2019 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Indoor Winter League (SoFive) on He is strong and has a solid presence in the box, but March 3 in Brooklyn. The Ukrainians finished with the second-best team stats, losing out to Laberia on goal differen- Lunin remains a work in progress, a bit of a project. His tial. Steve Kovalenko is team manager. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

Yara Arts Group to celebrate Zhadan’s book of poetry in English translation

Yara Arts Group “Zhadan and Jazz.” Mr. Zhadan will read his Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute will poetry and Yara actors will read English present Mr. Zhadan reading his poems from NEW YORK – In April, Yale University translations, while jazz pianists Anthony “What We Live For, What We Die For” in Press will publish “What We Live For, What Coleman and Fima Chupakin play. Ukrainian, while Ms. Tkacz will read the We Die For: Selected Poems” by Serhiy Both events at The Ukrainian Museum, English translations. The venue is: Center Zhadan, one of Ukraine’s foremost poets, in located at 222 East 6th St., New York City, for Government and International Studies English translation by Virlana Tkacz and begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $20 for South Building, Room S030, 1730 Wanda Phipps. The book has a foreword by students, seniors and museum members. Cambridge St., Cambridge, Mass.; admis- New York poet Bob Holman. On Sunday, April 14, the Ukrainian sion is free. The 50 poems were selected by Ms. Educational and Cultural Center in Mr. Zhadan was born in the Luhansk Tkacz and include poems from Mr. Jenkintown, Pa., and Yara Arts Group pres- region of Ukraine and educated in Kharkiv. Zhadan’s collections from 2001 to 2015. ent “Zhadan and Jazz.” Mr. Zhadan will He is the author of 12 books of poetry. His The book is arranged in reverse chronolog- reads his poetry, and Yara actors will read prose works include “Big Mac” (2003), ical order, starting with poems inspired by English translations, while the aforemen- “Depeche Mode” (2004), “Anarchy in the the war in Donetsk and ending with a poem tioned jazz pianists play. The event, sup- UKR” (2005), “Hymn of the Democratic written in 2001 about the arrests of writers ported by the Ukrainian Community Youth” (2006), “Voroshilovgrad” (2010), in the Slovo Building in Kharkiv in the Foundation of Philadelphia, begins at 2 p.m. and “Mesopotamia” (2014). His books have 1930s. Recently, The New York Times Book at the UECC, 700 North Cedar Road. been translated into English, German, Review online included the book in its Mr. Zhadan will also take part in events French, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, “Globetrotting” column as part of a “Sneak at Columbia and Harvard universities. Czech, Hungarian, Belarusian, Lithuanian, Preview of Books Coming Out in 2019 from On Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. the Latvian and Russian. Yale University Press

Around the World.” Valentyn Kuzan Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia University, published the English translation of his Over the years many of the poems in the led by Yuri Shevchuk, will present the new novel ”Mesopotamia” last spring. Mr. Serhiy Zhadan book served as texts in theater productions feature film “Wild Field” based on Mr. Zhadan has collaborated with Yara Arts by Yara Arts Group and to this day they writers Susan Hwang, Charlie Nieland, Zhadan’s novel “Voroshylovhrad.” Mr. Group since 2002 and is the front man for continue to inspire innovative events. This Rachelle Garniez, John S. Hall, Dallin Zhadan, who wrote the script of the film the band Zhadan and the Dogs. spring Yara will celebrate the publication of Applebaum, Andi Rae Healy, Ray Brown and and plays a cameo role in it, will discuss Ms. Tkacz and Ms. Phipps are an award- the book with a series of new events in Erel Pilo will perform new songs. “Wild Field” with the viewers. The film is in winning translation team who have been New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Filmmakers Lisa Barnstone, Roman Ukrainian and Russian with English subti- translating Ukrainian poetry since 1989. On Friday, April 12, The Ukrainian Turovsky, artist Emilia Devitis and tattoo tles. The screening will be the film’s unoffi- Mr. Zhadan’s books will be available for Museum and Yara Arts Group will present artist Tasha Rubinow will display new work cial U.S. premiere. Admission to the event is purchase at all the events, and the author “Zhadan & the Bushwick Book Club,” featur- in response to Mr. Zhadan’s latest release. free; the venue is Deutsches Haus, 420 W. will be available to sign them. They can also ing new music, art, film and tattoos inspired On Saturday, April 13, The Ukrainian 116th Street (at Amsterdam Avenue). be purchased on the Yale University web- by Mr. Zhadan’s poetry. New York City song- Museum and Yara Arts Group will present On Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m., the site.

Rushnyky exhibit on display in N.J. through August

UHEC techniques will be impressed with the unusual class of rushnyky in the exhibit: SOMERSET, N.J. – The Ukrainian History those that use drawn thread work, or “mer- and Education Center (UHEC) recently ezhka.” Made by removing threads from the opened an exhibit titled “Rushnyky: Ritual warp and/or weft and bundling the Cloths of the Cossack Lands of Ukraine” remaining threads into elaborate lace-like featuring over 100 handcrafted rushnyky patterns, and traditionally done in white made between the end of the 19th and mid- thread on white fabric, these were mostly dle of the 20th centuries. The exhibit show- seen in the Poltava region and adjacent cases rushnyky from Central Ukraine and parts of the Cherkasy, Chernihiv and Sumy nearby areas that were part of the regions. The exhibit aso contains several Ukrainian Kozak Hetman State of the 17th fine examples of the so-called “obmanka” and 18th centuries: the Poltava, Cherkasy, (literally, deception), where the illusion of Chernihiv, Kyiv and Sumy regions. The exhibit is dedicated to the fifth anni- versary of the Revolution of Dignity in (Continued on page 19) Ukraine, to the memory of those who lost their lives in that protest, and to those who have perished in the current war against Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. UHEC Director Natalia Honcha­ renko noted that “many of the young men Facebook/UHEC and women who sacrificed their lives for a A look at some of the beautiful hand-crafted items on display as part of the exhibit free Ukraine never had the opportunity to “Rushnyky: Ritual Cloths of the Cossack Lands of Ukraine.” make use of a wedding rushnyk, but instead were buried with one.” Traditionally, rushnyky played a major role the ancient Tree of Life symbol, and the The rushnyky in this exhibition, which in both the matchmaking ritual and the two-headed eagle symbol, which repre- are being exhibited for the first time in the wedding itself. The betrothed couple sents the Byzantine stylized representation United States, were assembled by curators would stand on a rushnyk while being of the Trinity. The latter is sometimes mis- Yuri Mischenko and Natalie Pawlenko. blessed by their parents. They would again takenly assumed to be derived from the They traveled extensively throughout stand on a rushnyk during the sacrament of two-headed eagle of the Russian coat of Ukraine, particularly their ancestral region matrimony, and one would be used to bind arms, but this image has a much older ori- of central Ukraine, where they became fas- their arms during the “Dance of Isaiah.” gin in Ukraine. For example, the ancient cinated with the beauty of the land and its In many locations of central Ukraine, towns of Chernihiv and Novhorod-Siversky folk art. “Witnessing the use of embroi- especially in the Cherkasy and Poltava (both of which existed long before the dered rushnyk remnants for a car wash regions, a bride-to-be was expected to establishment of the state of Muscovy) had during a trip to Ukraine was one of the trig- embroider up to 20 rushnyky for her own such eagles in their coats of arms. gers for our interest in preserving this wedding. This regional tradition of using The exhibit also features rushnyky with beautiful folk art form,” said Mr. Mischenko numerous richly decorated rushnyky was the lush designs that had been influenced during the exhibit opening. the major driving force for the large variety by the floral decorative ornamentation of “Over the course of the past decade, and of styles and richness of decoration in cen- the Kozak-Baroque, which adorned the tex- with the help of ethnographers and collec- tral Ukraine. Since wedding rushnyky were tiles of the Kozak elite and Orthodox clergy tors in Ukraine, we have been able to assem- the most numerous and exuberantly deco- of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Kozak- ble this unique personal collection and – rated, they are the ones most commonly Baroque also provided the impetus for the together with the UHEC – are very happy to found in museums and private collections. transformation of rushnyky from utilitarian be able to share it with a broader audience.” The exhibit features a wide variety of ritual objects to masterpieces of decorative The most common use of rushnyky rarely seen rushnyky, and viewers have an folk art. today is during the wedding ceremony. opportunity to see and learn more about Those appreciating hand embroidery No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 19

April 3 10th anniversary commemoration honoring Maria Zobniw, April 11 Presentation by Taras Kuzio, “Populists, Reformers, Binghamton, NY a victim of the Binghamton massacre in 2009, American New York Russian Soft Power and War: Ukraine’s 2019 Elections,” Civic Association Memorial Park, 607-798-9148 or Columbia University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] [email protected]

April 4-28 Art exhibit, “Ivan Marchuk: Paintings,” Ukrainian Institute April 12 Multi-disciplinary exhibit celebrating the English-language New York of America, 212-288-8660 or www.ukrainianinstitute.org New York translation of Serhiy Zhadan’s latest book of poetry, “Zhadan & the Bushwick Book Club,” Yara Arts Group, April 5 Photography exhibit by Brendan Hoffman, “Brotherland: The Ukrainian Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org through June 2 War in Ukraine,” Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Chicago www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 (artist talk on April 7) April 12 Pysanka workshop, with artists Bozena Hrycyna and Kosa April 5 Panel discussion, with Pavlo Ostrovskyi, Taras Galkovskyi, Nepean, ON Kolektiv, Faiflieds Heritage House, www.ottawa.ca/fairfields New York Elise Giuliano and Olexii Baranovskyi, “Reintegration of the Donbas: Different Perspectives,” Razom for Ukraine, VOLYA April 12 Spring Bazaar, Ukrainian National Women’s League of Institute, Columbia University, https://harriman.columbia.edu Parma, OH America (Branch 12), St. Josaphat Astrodome, 440-885-4960 April 5-6 Easter Bazaar, St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, North Port, FL [email protected] April 13 Jazz concert with pianists Anthony Coleman and Fima New York Chupakin, celebrating the English-language translation April 6 Presentation by Gennady Podberezhny, “Raphael Lemkin’s of Serhiy Zhadan’s latest book of poetry, “Zhadan & the New York Concept of Genocide and the Current State of the Bushwick Book Club,” Yara Arts Group, The Ukrainian Holodomor Debates,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, Museum, www.ukrainianmuseum.org 212-254-5130 April 13 Lenten retreat, “Focusing on the Ladder of Divine Ascent,” April 6 Concert, “The 30th Anniversary Finale,” Music at the Bethlehem, PA St. Francis Center for Renewal, [email protected] New York Institute, Ukrainian Institute of America, 212-288-8660 or 610-892-7315 or www.ukrainianinstitute.org

April 6 Lenten retreat, “Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me,” April 13 Concert, Varday Jazz Trio performs “Third Wave,” Troy, NY Ukrainian Orthodox League, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Chicago Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Orthodox Church, [email protected] or www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 [email protected] April 13 Easter bazaar, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic April 6 Film screening, “The Wild Field,” by Yaroslav Lodyhin and Ottawa Shrine, [email protected] New York written by Serhii Zhadan, Ukrainian Film Club at Columbia University, Deutsches Haus, www.columbia.edu/cu/ufc April 13 Chili Cook-Off, Syracuse Ukrainian National Home, Syracuse, NY 315-478-9272 or [email protected] April 6, 13 Pysanka workshop (all supplies provided), St. Sophia The Colony, TX Ukrainian Catholic Church, [email protected] Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events April 7 Beefsteak dinner and tricky tray, catered by The advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Whippany, NJ Brownstone, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors New Jersey, 973-590-8026 or www.uaccnj.org and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

of the Brokarivka style where it is combined In his statement at the trial, Mr. Hryb Rushnyky... with other traditional embroidery styles, Russian court... also said that “nobody would have thought” such as merezhka and obmanka. that Belarus might be “in fact, a dangerous (Continued from page 18) (Continued from page 1) Despite the many years of Soviet repres- country for Ukrainians,” where Russia’s merezhka was created using embroidery sion of Ukrainian folk art, the tradition of Russian FSB and called its officers “bandits secret services could abduct them. with grey and black threads. embroidered and hand-woven rushnyk- and murderers.” Medical condition “The exhibit also contains the exception- making survived in Ukraine until the Mr. Hryb also wished “all the Ukrainian ally rare Kumach rushnyky from the Sumy 1960s, mostly due to the widespread use of patriots” who are in Russian custody the Pavlo Hryb felt unwell during the hear- region. The name comes from the term for rushnyky in traditional wedding rituals. It strength to withstand their ordeals ing on March 21 and an ambulance was their distinctive red fabric, which is covered was only during the last three decades of “decently, with truth and dignity,” ending called to the courtroom. in dense white embroidery,” explained Ms. the 20th century that embroidered and his statement by shouting, “Glory to His relatives and a doctor in Ukraine Pawlenko.“Equally distinctive are the ‘mon- hand-woven rushnyky underwent a gradu- Ukraine!” said earlier that he had a medical condition astery’ rushnyky, which get their name al decline. While machine-made embroi- Mr. Hryb disappeared in August 2017 – portal hypertension, a kind of high blood from the women’s monastery of St. dery certainly had a negative impact, the after he traveled to Belarus to meet a pressure. Matrona near Chyhyryn, Cherkasy region, prime factor was the sharp economic woman he met online. Ms. Denisova said in January that Mr. where this type of rushnyk adorned the decline associated with the stagnation and Relatives believe the teenager walked Hryb’s medical condition had worsened in church and its icons.” demise of the Soviet Union and the result- into a trap set by the FSB, which later told Russian custody and that he needed a heart At the turn of the 19th century, a new ing hardship for the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian officials that Mr. Hryb was being surgery. Fortunately, embroiderers, ethnogra- style of embroidery using cross-stitching held in a detention center in Russia on sus- The European Union has called on was introduced to Ukraine from Western phers, museums, and private collectors have picion of promoting terrorism. Moscow to release all Ukrainian citizens Europe. In central and eastern Ukraine it helped to preserve this art for future gener- Ihor Hryb said that his son was detained “illegally detained” both in Russia and in became widespread, mostly due to reprints ations. Rich collections of embroidered and when he was returning from Belarus to Ukraine’s Russia-annexed Crimea. of Western European embroidery albums hand-woven rushnyky from central and Ukraine. “When he was already walking The dozens of Ukrainians jailed or and local publications featuring floral northeast Ukraine are preserved at the Ivan with a ticket in his pocket to the railway imprisoned in Russia for what Kyiv says embroidery designs. But the most signifi- Honchar Museum and the State Museum of cant impact on the proliferation of cross- Ukrainian Decorative Folk Art in Kyiv, at the station in order to leave [the Belarusian are political reasons include film director stitch was made by French entrepreneur Poltava and Cherkasy Ethnographic city of] Homel for Ukraine, he was seized Oleh Sentsov – who opposed Russia’s take- Henri Brocard and his Belgian wife Sharlotte Museums, the Chernihiv Historical Museum, by special service officers,” he told Current over of Crimea, is serving a 20-year sen- Reve, who in 1864 established a soap-mak- the Museum of the Ukrainian Rushnyk in Time. tence, and held a 145-day hunger strike in ing and perfume business in what was then Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky, the Kozelets and “Either they were Belarusians, or it was 2018 – as well as 24 seamen seized by the the Russian Empire. They wrapped their Krolevets Weaving Museums (Chernihiv the FSB. But in any case, it was done with Russian forces near the Kerch Strait in soaps in paper with cross-stitch patterns as and Sumy regions), and at the Museum of the assistance of the Belarusian special ser- November. a promotional technique, and provided free the Kozak Lands of Ukraine in Veremiyivka vices,” he added. embroidery designs along with their prod- (Cherkasy region). Russian investigators accuse Pavlo Hryb With reporting by Current Time, UNIAN, ucts. This style entered the folk vernacular, The exhibit runs until August 31 at the of using the Internet to try to convince a Dozhd, Hromadske and Interfax. and became known as Brokarivka (from the Ukrainian History and Education Center’s teenage girl in the Russian city of Sochi to Copyright 2019, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted French “Brocard”). Although the needlepoint Library Gallery located at 135 Davidson set off a bomb at a high-school graduation with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ technique itself was borrowed, folk embroi- Ave., Somerset, NJ, 08873 during the hours ceremony. Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, derers almost always ended up using tradi- of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Ihor Hryb has argued that Russia’s case Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see tional symbols of rushnyk imagery – the Tree and noon to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of against his son was in retaliation for his https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-court-sen- of Life, grapevines, wreaths, birds and so every month. For additional information call Internet posts, which were openly critical tences-ukrainian-pavlo-hryb-to-six-years-in- forth. Particularly interesting are derivatives 732-356-0132 or e-mail [email protected]. of Moscow’s interference in Ukraine. prison/29835976.html). 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 No. 13

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Wednesday, April 3 response to Mr. Zhadan’s poems. Join us for this unique celebration of the publication of BINGHAMTON, N.Y.: - Mr. Zhadan’s book of poetry in English memoration of the 10th anniversary of the translation by Virlana Tkacz and Wanda Binghamton mass killing Аt 10:30 at the a.m., American a com Civic Association building will take place at Phipps at 7 p.m. at The Ukrainian Museum, ACA Memorial Park (Front and Clinton 222 E. Sixth St. Tickets are $25; $20 for stu- streets). Binghamton Mayor Richard David dents, seniors and museum members. For will be MC. Family, the Ukrainian communi- more information see www.ukrainianmuse- ty and the community at large lost Maria um.org. “Mima” Koropey Zobniw on April 3, 2009. A Saturday, April 13 victim of the tragic Binghamton massacre, Mrs. Zobniw was not scheduled to be at the NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Museum and ACA, where she worked as an immigration Yara Arts Group present “Zhadan and Jazz” counselor, at the time of the shooting. But Serhiy Zhadan reads his poetry and Yara that morning after assisting a family with a actors read English translations, while jazz translation, she was called to come to the pianists Anthony Coleman and Fima ACA, never to return home. Chupakin play. The event celebrates the publication of Mr. Zhadan’s book of poetry Saturday, April 6 in English translation by Virlana Tkacz and NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Wanda Phipps at 7 p.m. at The Ukrainian Society invites all to a lecture, “Raphael Museum, 222 E. Sixth St. Tickets are $25; Lemkin’s Concept of Genocide and the $20 for students, seniors and museum Current State of the Holodomor Debates,” by members. For more information see www. Dr. Gennady Poberezhny, currently a visiting ukrainianmuseum.org. professor at the Ukrainian Free University in Sunday, April 14 Munich. The lecture will take place at the society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between JENKINTOWN Pa.: The Ukrainian Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For addi- Educational and Cultural Center and Yara tional information call 212-254-5130. Arts Group present “Zhadan and Jazz.” Serhiy Zhadan reads his poetry and Yara Friday, April 12 actors read English translations while jazz NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Museum and pianists Anthony Coleman and Fima Yara Arts Group present “Zhadan & the Chupakin play. The event celebrates the Bushwick Book Club.” New York City song- publication of Mr. Zhadan’s book of poetry writers Susan Hwang, Charlie Nieland, in English translation by Virlana Tkacz and Rachelle Garniez, John S. Hall, Jessie Kilguss, Wanda Phipps. This event, supported by the Dallin Applebaum, Andi Rae Healy, Ray Ukrainian Community Foundation of Brown and Erel Pilo perform new songs. Philadelphia, begins at 2 p.m. at the UECC, Filmmakers Lisa Barnstone, Roman 700 North Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA Turovsky, artist Emilia Devitis and tattoo 19046; telephone, 215-663-1166; website, artist Tasha Rubinow display new work in www.ueccphila.org.

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