Inside: l UNICEF says 1 M Ukrainian children need aid – page 5 l Museum director speaks on rare book treasures – page 10 l PHOTO REPORT: Honoring the Heavenly Brigade – page 11

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXV No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 $2.00 Erstwhile Yanukovych ally Firtash Phillip Karber: Ukraine faces closer to extradition to the U.S. Russia’s ‘new-generation warfare’ by Mark Raczkiewycz order to mine titanium for Boeing, a major aerospace company and mainstay U.S. mili- KYIV – Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian tary government contractor. mogul whose political tentacles extend to Worth an estimated $250 million, Washington, London, Moscow and the according to Forbes, Mr. Firtash, 51, has Ukrainian diaspora community, faces extra- repeatedly denied the allegations. He dition to the U.S. on bribery charges follow- looked bewildered and shocked upon hear- ing a Vienna court ruling on February 21. ing Judge Leo Levnaic-Iwanski’s ruling. Vienna’s Higher Regional Court reversed “It wasn’t for us to judge whether Mr. a lower court’s ruling from April 2015 that Firtash was guilty, but only whether the said U.S. authorities were partially political- extradition is allowed,” the judge said, as ly motivated in their pursuit of Mr. Firtash cited by Bloomberg. “This decision only over $18.5 million in kickbacks that he means that another country will make a allegedly arranged for Indian officials in decision whether he is guilty.” Walking out of the courtroom, Mr. Firtash said the score was “one-to-one,” when a journalist asked for his reaction, according to a video that The Insider’s

Serhiy Scherbina streamed on Facebook. Courtesy of Phillip Karber But then plainclothes authorities of the Dr. Phillip Karber (right) with Lt. Gen. Mykhailo Zablodsky of Ukraine’s armed Austrian government took him into custody forces in Ukraine in August 2016. near the courtroom’s elevator on a separate extradition order from Spain. Those charges by Mark Raczkiewycz Weekly in a telephone interview, noting stem from a 10-million euro money-laun- that Kyiv was “struggling to get 10 battal- dering case involving real estate and restau- KYIV – Dr. Phillip Karber never projected ions ready to fight.” rants that emerged in November 2016 and that Ukraine would be able to withstand Today, three years into the Donbas war, which includes two unnamed suspects. Russian military aggression for as long as it and after 10,000 people killed, Ukraine has Spanish media have reported that Mr. has – three years already. 22 brigades and close to 70 battalions, and Firtash, who also has denied the charges The president of the Potomac Foundation, has the structure to have up to 30 brigades. through his lawyers, led a money-launder- an independent policy center in Virginia, Although Ukraine in spring 2014 man- ing ring in Catalonia – a Spanish province – said Ukraine’s army has “substantially aged to prevent Russia from carrying out with origins in companies that are regis- improved” since Moscow engineered an the “Novorossiya construct” whereby the tered in the tax havens of Cyprus and the armed uprising in the easternmost regions Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, British Virgin Islands. of Luhansk and Donetsk in April 2014. Zaporizhia and Odesa oblasts would slip Zenon Zawada “It was a miracle,” the expert in defense Dmytro Firtash in 2011 in Kyiv. (Continued on page 8) and national security told The Ukrainian (Continued on page 17)

Vigil in Washington remembers heroes of the Heavenly Brigade

Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. WASHINGTON – Ukrainians in gathered on February 20 in the heart of the U.S. capi- tal, near the Lincoln Memorial, for a vigil commemorating the heroes of the Heavenly Brigade. The event, which was attended by mem- bers of the Ukrainian community and dip- lomats from the Embassy of Ukraine, start- ed with mournful Lemko folk song “Plyve Kacha.” It was with this song three years ago that the fallen Ukrainian heroes went on their last journey from the Maidan in Kyiv. Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. In his address to participants of the vigil, Ukrainian community members and diplomats of the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. at the vigil for heroes of the Heavenly the ambassador of Ukraine to the United Brigade that was held near the Lincoln Memorial. States, Valeriy Chaly, said that we, Ukrainians, must be worthy of the memory struggle for Ukraine continues against Ukrainian American organizations of was offered by priests of the Ukrainian of the participants of the Revolution of Russia’s ongoing aggression. He thanked Washington, in particular, the U.S.-Ukraine Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. Dignity, who gave their lives for a decent everyone for their unity and solidarity with Foundation, United Help Ukraine and The event ended with singing of the future for Ukraine. Ukraine. Razom, also addressed the gathering. Ukrainian and American national anthems Ambassador Chaly stressed that the During the ceremony, leaders of A joint prayer for the Heavenly Brigade and a candle-lightning ceremony. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

ANALYSIS

Moscow sees anti-Russian forces March of National Dignity in Kyiv Klimkin calls for reforms at UNSC KYIV – Thousands of activists marched UNITED NATIONS – Ukraine has called on the rise in U.S. after Flynn’s ouster in Kyiv to honor protesters who were killed for reform of the United Nations Security during the pro-European Maidan demon- Council’s (UNSC) structure to prevent launcher carrying four cruise missile tubes by Pavel Felgenhauer strations in 2013-2014 and to challenge Russia from using its veto power on the instead of two ballistic Iskander missiles. In Eurasia Daily Monitor the government. The March of National council to obstruct actions involving the November 2014, the Defense Ministry’s TV Dignity was organized by three nationalist conflict in eastern Ukraine. “We need The ouster of the U.S. national security Zvezda channel reported that Iskander mis- parties – Svoboda, the National Corps and urgently to reform the Security Council in advisor, retired Gen. Michael Flynn, on siles deployed in Crimea may wipe out the Right Sector. Activists gathered on Kyiv’s order to remove the veto power abuses,” February 13 is seen in Moscow as a serious Deveselu base if their range is extended “to central Maidan Nezalezhnosty said Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister setback and a victory of anti-Russian forces several thousand kilometers” by using a (Independence Square) early on February Pavlo Klimkin, who chaired a meeting of the trying to prevent a normalization of rela- modified long-range Kalibr cruise missile 22 and began marching toward Parliament, council on unresolved conflicts in Europe on tions between Presidents Donald Trump (TV Zvezda, November 14, 2014). where they planned to announce their February 21. A provision of the council’s and Vladimir Putin. Last April, the defense ministry pub- demands to lawmakers, the Cabinet and charter requires that “a party to a dispute Dmitry Peskov, Mr. Putin’s press secre- lished footage of the test-launch of long- President Petro Poroshenko. Organizers shall abstain from voting” when the council tary, refused to comment on Mr. Flynn’s range land-based cruise missiles using the said their demands include calls for full forced resignation, insisting this was an Iskander-K missile launcher. It was acts, but it has been “blatantly ignored,” he investigations of the deadly dispersal of said. Russia used its power, for example, to internal matter for the U.S. The Kremlin announced the Iskander-K cruise missiles demonstrators in Kyiv in February 2014 block an initiative to set up an international confirmed Mr. Flynn had contacts with the had a range of under 500 kilometers, to and the immediate cancellation of all trade tribunal to prosecute those responsible for Russian ambassador in Washington, Sergei comply with the INF treaty (TV Zvezda, with Russia, which demonstrators called downing Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Kislyak, last December, before Mr. Trump’s April 23). “the aggressor country.” Hundreds of police (MH17) in 2015 over the war zone in east- inauguration. But Mr. Peskov claimed that Last week, Mr. Kosachev told reporters officers were on the scene. They also plan ern Ukraine, killing hundreds of people. The the U.S. media’s interpretation of the con- that the alleged Russian noncompliance to demand a halt to all economic ties with tent of these contacts is “wrong” (Interfax, with the INF was “information warfare” the portions of eastern Ukraine that are council should be able to address “bloody February 14). aimed at “Russia and those in the new U.S. currently controlled by Russia-backed sep- conflicts” regardless of whether one of the The chair of the Foreign Relations administration that want to improve rela- aratists. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) parties involved is a permanent council Committee of the Russian Federation tions” (Militarynews.ru, February 15). member with veto power, Mr. Klimkin said. Poroshenko: ‘very strong message’ of support Council (the upper chamber of Parliament), According to the chair of the Federation “It is imperative that clear proceedings are introduced for the proper implementation” Konstantin Kosachev, wrote on his Council Defense Committee, Viktor Ozerov, MUNICH, Germany – Ukrainian President of the council’s abstention requirement, he Facebook page, “Ousting a National Security Russia “did not deploy anything in violation Petro Poroshenko said he received a “very said. Russia, which maintains that it has no Advisor for contacts with a Russian ambas- of the INF” (Militarynews.ru, February 15). strong message supporting Ukraine” in a troops in Ukraine despite evidence to the sador is worse than simply paranoia.” It seems the Iskander-K does exist and meeting with U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence According to Mr. Kosachev, “Flynn visited could possibly be deployed in Crimea, but and recent talks with other top U.S. officials. contrary, has previously rejected as unac- Moscow previously and was, unlike other the actual range of its cruise missiles is Mr. Poroshenko spoke to reporters after ceptable any curbs on its veto power. (RFE/ American officials, open to dialogue on unclear. A cruise missile is, in essence, an talks with Mr. Pence on the sidelines of the RL, based on reporting by Union improving relations.” President Trump has unmanned small jet, whose range is limited Munich Security Conference on February 18. Information Agency and TASS) failed to become a truly independent politi- by the amount of fuel it carries onboard. Asked whether he was concerned that U.S. Haley: U.S. committed to alliances cal player, Mr. Kosachev suggested, and is The same basic nuclear-capable Kalibr President Donald Trump and members of being cornered by opponents; or the new cruise missile design is absolutely legal his administration were sending mixed sig- UNITED NATIONS – NATO is the “stron- administration has become riddled by when deployed on a frigate, corvette or nals on Ukraine, Poroshenko dismissed that gest alliance in history” and the United Russophobia. The chair of the Foreign submarine. But it is illegal under the INF notion. “There is no difference” of opinion, States is committed to its alliances in Relation Committee of the Duma (the lower when installed on a truck launcher some- he said, citing the meeting with Mr. Pence Europe, U.S. Ambassador to the United chamber of Parliament), Leonid Slutsky, where in the steppe of northern Crimea. Of and recent phone conversations with Mr. Nations Nikki Haley said on February 21. called the ouster of Mr. Flynn a “provoca- course, the Iskander-K launcher is much Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Washington is working to make the North tion” – “the target was not Flynn, but cheaper as a mass-production missile carri- Tillerson. Mr. Trump had suggested during Atlantic Treaty Organization “even more Russia.” Russian foreign policy experts and er, and its maintenance costs are lower the election campaign that he would consid- effective,” Ms. Haley said, and policy differ- officials see the Trump White House sur- compared to warships or subs. The er lifting sanctions imposed on Russia by the ences with European allies should not be rounded by enemies and besieged by “sore Iskander-K would be under direct army Obama administration in response to its sei- seen as anything less than “total commit- loser” Democrats supported by command, and army generals dominate the zure of Crimea from Ukraine and support for ment to [U.S.] alliances in Europe.” Speaking Russophobe Republican senators, all build- all-powerful Armed Forces General Staff. separatists in the country’s east. But senior to the United Nations Security Council dur- ing up a possible case for impeachment. The development and possible deployment U.S. officials have taken a tougher stance in ing a debate on conflicts in Europe, the Russian experts advise Mr. Trump to push of the Iskander-K is politically being justi- recent weeks, saying that Russia must ambassador said the United States is ready back by exposing the alleged massive voter fied as a Russian defensive move to counter return Crimea and de-escalate violence in fraud during last November’s elections the threat of the Deveselu MD base and the eastern Ukraine. (RFE/RL) (Continued on page 12) (Interfax, February 14). similar U.S. MD base in Poland, currently As the implications of Mr. Flynn’s dis- under construction. missal were being assessed in Moscow, The Speaking at a gathering of the top brass New York Times reported that Russia is (the collegium) of the Federal Security The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Service (FSB) on February 16, President Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty by deploying Putin accused the West of increased spying An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., long-range land-based cruise missiles. This and attempts to hack Russian secrets, a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. story was confirmed by an unnamed which he said must be better guarded. In Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Trump government official. Allegedly, two 2016, he noted, some 53 foreign profes- Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. “rocket divisions” (a Russian rocket or artil- sional spies and 386 agents they recruited (ISSN — 0273-9348) lery “division” is the equivalent of a were “neutralized” by the FSB. According to Western battery) of land-based cruise mis- The Weekly: UNA: Mr. Putin, the West and NATO, in particular, Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 siles prohibited by the INF have already are provoking a confrontation with Russia been deployed for testing and possible and attempting to destabilize it internally. Postmaster, send address changes to: combat use. Chaos and terrorism are on the rise inter- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Moscow denies violating the INF; in nationally, and the threat of war is growing. 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas turn, it accused Washington of gross non- Mr. Putin also accused the Ukrainian gov- P.O. Box 280 compliance with the treaty by deploying ernment of readying to use military force to Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] SM-3 interceptors of the land-based Aegis suppress the Donbas and of preparing missile defense (MD) system at the “diversion-terrorist” attacks inside Russia. The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Romanian Deveselu base, west of But despite all the gloom, Russia will be Bucharest. Russian officials imply that MD seeking possible cooperation with the West The Ukrainian Weekly, February 26, 2017, No. 9, Vol. LXXXV interceptors in silos at Deveselu could be and the U.S. to fight terrorism (Kremlin.ru, Copyright © 2017 The Ukrainian Weekly easily and secretly replaced with U.S. long- February 16). range Tomahawk cruise missiles. Mr. Putin accuses the government in Purportedly, those Tomahawks could be Kyiv of sponsoring terrorism and apparent- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA fired pre-emptively in a decapitation strike ly wants Europe and the U.S., in the spirit of Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 to suddenly make Russia defenseless by global anti-terrorist cooperation, to jointly and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 killing its military and political leaders exert pressure on – or at least diminish e-mail: [email protected] (Interfax, February 14). support for – Ukraine. Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Russia is developing the Iskander-K mis- e-mail: [email protected] sile system – a modified Iskander-M (Continued on page 8) No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Russian commentators float idea of ‘new Yalta’ deal among Russia, U.S. and China

by Vadim Shtepa ready to conclude big deals” It should be noted that the Kremlin itself It is thus particularly notable that, in Eurasia Daily Monitor (Actualcomment.ru, January 31). As a his- has not yet openly called for a “new Yalta.” early 2015 – against the background of the torical model for such a “big deal” the orga- Rather, this idea is being put forward by a ongoing war in Ukraine – State Duma Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first nizers pointed to the Yalta agreement of few Russian non-governmental organiza- speaker Sergei Naryshkin specifically telephone call with the newly inaugurated 1945, according to which U.S. President tions (NGO) – albeit, ones with close links praised the 1945 Yalta agreement reached U.S. President Donald Trump on January 28 Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime to the people in power. For example, the by the “Big Three” as a format ideal for resulted in nothing sensational. A promise Minister Winston Churchill de facto ceded organization Crimea Zhongguo, which sup- solving international problems (see EDM, to immediately lift U.S. sanctions against to Joseph Stalin control over half of Europe, ports Crimean-Chinese cooperation, has February 26, 2015). Today, however, the Russia never materialized. The parties recognizing it as part of the Soviet “zone of specifically promoted holding a summit of Kremlin’s geopolitical ambitions include agreed only to maintain regular contacts interest.” As a result, the Soviet Union Russian, U.S. and Chinese leaders in Yalta not only Ukraine, but also Syria. and to continue to cooperate on combating established Communist regimes across (RIA Novosti, January 20). Such a tripartite Whatever the idea’s initial origin, in international terrorism, first of all, against Eastern Europe, which ruled those coun- summit held there would automatically recent months the topic of a “new Yalta” the Islamic State (Kremlin.ru, January 28). tries for almost half a century. remove the question of Russian sovereignty quickly became widely discussed through- Nevertheless, among many figures close Today’s Russia broadly lives in the cate- over Crimea. And it would be a major sym- out Russian media. However, not all to the Kremlin, there is hope that the new gories of the past, as underscored by a bolic victory for Mr. Putin. responses have been positive. Writing for U.S. president’s alleged sympathy for Mr. recently published report from the The call for a Russian-U.S.-Chinese sum- the Russian daily Vedomosti, philosopher Putin could translate into pulling Russia out Moscow-based Free Historical Society mit in Yalta could be considered a fantasy Alexander Rubtsov predicts this project of its global isolation – into which Moscow (Komitetgi.ru, January 23). One of these of one small NGO; but in fact, it reflects will bring about a “dark future” and resur- drove itself particularly after starting a war categories is a persistent desire to divide standard “political technology” long prac- rect the international confrontations of the against Ukraine three years ago. the world into rival “geopolitical blocs.” ticed by the Kremlin. The Russian govern- 20th century (Vedomosti, January 23). In January, a group of pro-Kremlin “polit- Such thinking permeates the highest levels ment often uses radical politicians and But how realistic is it to pursue a ical technologists” (in the former Soviet of the Russian government. Although mod- movements (Vladimir Zhirinovsky, renewed Yalta today? Such an agreement Union, the rough equivalent of Western ern Russia is smaller and weaker than the Alexander Dugin, etc.) to float policy ideas would require its participants to specifical- political operatives, strategists or “spin doc- Soviet Union and lacks a global-reaching or plans, and then tracks world opinion ly think in terms of “geopolitical blocs.” Yet, tors”) held a roundtable on the topic ideology like Communism, the Kremlin toward these suggestions. It is worth recall- modern China, for example, appears more “Russian-U.S. Relations in the Era of the continues to see the country as one of the ing that Russia’s annexation of Crimea was interested in global economic expansion New U.S. President.” One of its members, world’s major players entitled to its own justified by the purported voiced desire of (see EDM, January 23). And it is unlikely the director of the Political Conjuncture “zone of privileged interest” (see Eurasia local residents themselves, and not by the the Chinese government is looking to Center, Alexei Chesnakov, said: “If Trump Daily Monitor, April 23, 2009; July 30, 2013; fact that this decision was really made by wants to be a great president, he should be November 18, 2015). Mr. Putin and his narrow circle. (Continued on page 9)

As U.S.-Russian relations stagnate, Europe fears a jilted Moscow

by Pavel K. Baev tion of National Security Advisor (see technically elegant combination of two tion; and the main topic of discussion was Eurasia Daily Monitor Eurasia Daily Monitor, February 16). Every weapons systems creates a nightmare for the prevention of high-risk military inci- instance of communication with Russia has arms control since all Iskander launchers dents (Kommersant, February 16). The “Russia is fake news,” asserted U.S. become so toxic that U.S. Secretary of State now become incompatible with the INF issue is indeed of importance, and the President Donald Trump at his press confer- Rex Tillerson preferred to take an extreme- treaty’s provisions. mock attack of Russian Su-24M bombers ence on February 16. This broad statement ly cautious position on “practical coopera- It is possible that President Vladimir on the USS Porter in the Black Sea, on is both true and false, but in neither case is it tion,” which the Russian media duly pre- Putin wanted to pile up some additional bar- February 10, provided yet another remind- helpful for his intention to “get along” with sented as Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei gaining chips after his strategic proposal to er (Rossiiskaya Gazeta, February 17). Russia (RIA Novosti, February 17). Lavrov’s victory over his U.S. counterpart extend the New START (2011) nuclear arms The two countries’ military chiefs also It is true in the sense that Russia produc- (Gazeta.ru, February 16). control accord was flatly turned down by Mr. touched upon the ongoing and forthcoming es a massive amount of fake news, some of One important bit of material news com- Trump in their first telephone conversation combat operations in Syria, where Russia – which may have had some impact on the ing from Russia was about the deployment (Ezhednevny Zhurnal, February 13). What in addition to its air force grouping – has outcome of the 2016 presidential election in of short-range cruise missiles in violation of Mr. Putin has achieved instead is debates in deployed two battalions from Chechnya the U.S. And fake news coming out of Russia the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces the U.S. Congress on draft legislation to and Ingushetia (RBC, February 13). The continues to poison bilateral relations, like (INF) treaty (1988), which the Russian uphold the INF and punish Russia for those prospects for any sort of practical coopera- for instance the claim that Mr. Trump’s mainstream media vigorously denied as the violations (Kommersant, February 18). tion in the fight against the Islamic State demand to return Crimea to Ukraine is a recycling of an old scandal (Nezavisimaya The missile problem could have been look improbable, and not only because violation of his electoral promise Gazeta, February 16). The problem was, usefully discussed at the meeting of Gen. Russia insists on making Bashar al-Assad’s (Moskovsky Komsomolets, February 15). indeed, officially recognized as early as Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the U.S. regime a key party to this collective effort. Yet, the U.S. president’s contention is mid-2014. But the story’s latest twist came Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Valery The U.S. administration has redoubled false in the sense that a great deal of news from reports of Russian progress in testing Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian General efforts aimed at isolating Iran in the region; about compromising connections between the sea-based Kalibr missile for launch Staff, on February 16. But, according to offi- whereas Russia – despite some recent dis- the members of the new U.S. administra- from the ground-based Iskander platform. cial transcripts, the matter never came up agreements – seeks to expand ties with this tion and Russian officials have turned out Thus, the two units of the new SSC-8 mis- (RBC, February 17). The meeting in Baku, Caspian neighbor (Politcom.ru, February to be based in fact – recently leading to the siles are now apparently deployed for com- Azerbaijan, had been prepared for several resignation of Michael Flynn from the posi- bat duty (Gazeta.ru, February 15). This months by the Barack Obama administra- (Continued on page 8)

FOR THE RECORD Quotable notes

“…The rise of adversaries new and old demands a strong response from all of us. U.S. on third anniversary “In the east, NATO has markedly improved its deterrent posture by stationing four combat-ready multinational battalions in Poland and the Baltic states. “In the wake of Russian efforts to redraw international borders by force, rest of the Revolution of Dignity assured the United States, along with the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany, The following press statement on the Ukraine has made remarkable progress will continue its leadership role as a framework nation in the Enhanced Forward “Third Anniversary of Ukraine’s Revolution since then, but much work remains to be Presence Initiative, and we will support other critical joint actions to support this of Dignity” was released by U.S. State done to fulfill the promise of the Maidan. As alliance. Department’s acting spokesperson, Mark C. we remember the courage and resolve “And with regard to Ukraine, we must continue to hold Russia accountable and Toner, on February 20. shown by the Ukrainian people in the demand that they honor the Minsk agreements, beginning by de-escalating the vio- Revolution of Dignity, the United States calls lence in eastern Ukraine. Three years ago, thousands of Ukrainians on Ukraine’s leaders to strengthen efforts to “And know this: The United States will continue to hold Russia accountable, came together on the Maidan, Kyiv’s central fight corruption and continue the political even as we search for new common ground, which, as you know, President square, to demand that their voices be and economic reforms that will honor those [Donald] Trump believes can be found. …” heard. Braving subzero temperatures and who gave their lives to secure a better, more violence by security forces, these Ukrainians democratic future for Ukraine. The United – U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, speaking on February 18, at the Munich Security peacefully called on their government to States will continue to stand with the Conference in Germany. recognize their choice to join Europe. Ukrainian people in this effort. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9 No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 5 UNICEF: 1 million Ukrainian children now need aid UNICEF UNITED NATIONS – As the volatile con- flict in eastern Ukraine enters its fourth year, 1 million children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance – nearly double the number this time last year, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report- ed on February 17. “This is an invisible emergency – a crisis most of the world has forgotten,” said UNICEF’s representative in Ukraine, Giovanna Barberis, in a news release. “Children in eastern Ukraine have been living under the constant threat of unpre- dictable fighting and shelling for the past three years. Their schools have been destroyed, they have been forced from their homes and their access to basic com- modities like heat and water has been cut off,” she stated. The release attributed the increase – an additional 420,000 girls and boys – to the continued fighting and the steady deterio- ration of life in eastern Ukraine, where some 1.7 million people have been inter- nally displaced, and many families have lost their incomes, social benefits and access to healthcare, while the price of living has sharply risen. Hundreds of daily ceasefire violations put children’s physical safety and psycho- UNICEF/Pavel Zmey logical well-being at risk. The situation is On February 13, when there seemed to be a pause in the shelling and fighting, 6-year-old Sasha, carefully ascends the steep steps particularly grave for the approximately that lead outside of the cellar of her home, about 15 kilometers from the contact line in Toretsk, Donetsk region of Ukraine. 200,000 girls and boys living within 15 kilometers on each side of the “contact live in communities shelled at least once a triggered by loud noises. law, including allowing unrestricted line” in eastern Ukraine, a line which month. Thousands of children are regularly More than 740 schools – one in five in humanitarian access. divides government and non-government forced to take refuge in improvised bomb eastern Ukraine – have been damaged or UNICEF is appealing for $31.3 million to controlled areas where fighting is most shelters. destroyed. provide health and nutrition support, edu- severe. Teachers, psychologists and parents UNICEF said it is once again calling for cation, clean water, hygiene and sanitation, In this zone, 19,000 children face con- report signs of severe psychosocial distress all sides to immediately recommit to the as well as protection for children and fami- stant danger from landmines and other among children including nightmares, ceasefire signed in Minsk in August 2015 lies affected by the conflict. So far, about 10 unexploded ordnance, and 12,000 children aggression, social withdrawal and panic and to respect international humanitarian percent of the appeal has been funded. Contact us: * 888-538-2833 PREMIER NINE

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WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly From Kruty to the Maidan Ayshe Seitmuratova – It’s been a month of remembrances and memorials. First, the 99th anniversary of the historic Battle of Kruty, and most recently, the third anniversary of the killings on a Crimean Tatar heroine at 80 the Maidan of the “Nebesna Sotnia,” which is translated as either Heavenly Hundred by Paul Goble By the mid-1970s, it was obvious that she or Heavenly Brigade (a “sotnia” is a company of 100 soldiers). would either be sent back to the camps or On January 29, 1918, in a battle near the train station at Kruty, some 80 miles A nation and those who care about it could leave the USSR. “In the summer of northeast of Kyiv, a small contingent of Ukrainian forces – composed mainly of a stu- should know its heroes, and for Crimean 1978, Seitmuratova finally was able to get dent battalion of the Sich Riflemen and a company from the Khmelnytsky Cadet Tatars, one of the greatest is Ayshe permission to leave” and at the age of 42, “she School – faced a superior Russian Bolshevik force of 4,000 men. The Ukrainian contin- Seitmuratova, the only woman of her nation began a new life” in the United States but one gent succeeded in blocking the Bolshevik advance on Kyiv for several days. The young the Soviets arrested and condemned twice, that remained centered on her life’s mission. Ukrainians’ resistance also enabled the Ukrainian National Republic to conclude the who on February 11 marked her 80th birth- She broadcast for Radio Liberty and Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, a major accomplishment as a result of which the UNR was rec- day in her Russian-occupied homeland. Voice of America, she presented reports on ognized by the Central Powers despite the Bolsheviks’ attempts to represent Ukraine. In an appreciation of her life so far, the Crimean Tatars to the OIC, she read lec- But the losses at Kruty were great. After several days of intense fighting, the Crimean historian Gulnara Bekirova notes tures at major Western universities. She Ukrainian contingent was forced to retreat, and 300 young men died defending their that Ms. Seitmuratova is “an individual with testified before the U.S. Congress, she met country. They were surrounded and slaughtered, noted the late Dr. Orest Subtelny in a complicated fate and with a complicated with the leaders of many countries, and she his book “Ukraine: A History,” and their deaths “earned for them a place of honor in was twice invited to the White House by the Ukrainian national pantheon.” As the Encyclopedia of Ukraine underscores, the and very strong character” who began at an early age the struggle for her “much-suffer- U.S. President Ronald Reagan. battle of Kruty “is commemorated as a symbol of patriotic self-sacrifice and is While in her second exile – the first was immortalized in numerous literary and publicistic works.” ing people” and “has never retreated from it” in all the years since (ru.krymr.com/a/ in Central Asia – Ms. Seitmuratova orga- Most of us Ukrainians grew up knowing the history of the Battle of Kruty. It was, nized an international effort in defense of we were told, the Ukrainian version of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, which is 28303848.html). At the age of 29, she was arrested in the Mustafa Dzhemilev, helping to set up cited as an example of the power of a patriotic force defending its native land. And branches of that committee in 12 countries we continue to pay tribute to those heroes long gone. place of her Samarkand exile by the KGB and brought to Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison. and campaigning on behalf of other Now, new generations learn about the sacrifices made on the Maidan on February Crimean Tatars who remained in Central 18-20, 2014. Yet again, a small group of patriots faced a superior force – but this She spent seven months there before being found guilty of producing materials about Asia and/or were being harassed by the time it was a force sent by their own president, the traitorous Viktor Yanukovych. Soviet authorities. After three days of street battles, over 100 Maidan activists – who were seeking a how the USSR treated the Crimean Tatars, for which she was sentenced to three years In November 1990, she was able to return more open government and protesting Mr. Yanukovych’s rejection of close ties to to Uzbekistan to visit the graves of her family Europe – lay dead. On February 20, the deadliest day of the conflict, the White House conditionally. members. When she arrived, her fellow issued a statement, which said in part: “We are outraged by the images of Ukrainian That was supposed to dissuade her from Crimean Tatars greeted her for what she had security forces firing automatic weapons on their own people. We urge President further “dissident” activities, but it didn’t. become – “a national heroine,” Ms. Bekirova Yanukovych to immediately withdraw his security forces from downtown Kyiv and And three years later she was arrested again says. And shortly after that, she was able to to respect the right of peaceful protest...” The next day, Mr. Yanukovych and his and this time sentenced to three years in the return to her real homeland, Crimea. entourage fled Ukraine for Russia. notorious camps in Mordovia. After getting There she set up a foundation to provide Once again Ukrainians had died for freedom, the independence of their country out, no one would hire her and her universi- humanitarian assistance to needy Crimean and democratic principles. And they died for Ukraine’s orientation toward Europe, ty wouldn’t allow her to study. Tatars, and since 2001 she has run a pen- for democratic principles. But with the support of family and sion for the elderly. Asked why she contin- Our readers will recall, of course, that it all began three months earlier with the friends, Ms. Seitmuratova continued her ues to work at her age, Ms. Seitmuratova Euro-Maidan, peaceful mass demonstrations that emerged when President efforts to bring to the attention of the world answers simply and directly: “I gave my Yanukovych decided in late November 2013 not to sign the Association Agreement the plight of the Crimean Tatars, not only by with the European Union. Then, when police brutally beat protesters on November word to the elderly.” She hasn’t betrayed distributing materials via samizdat, but also them or her people. 30, the number of participants swelled to 1 million. The protests continued when Mr. by producing stories of the great samizdat Yanukovych signed a series of agreements with Russia, and they continued into the serial, the Chronicle of Current Events. (Continued on page 13) new year, despite attempts by the authorities to clear out the city center in Kyiv. A new political movement called the “Maidan” was born. It was no longer simply about Ukraine’s European orientation and a government that had betrayed its peo- ple. It was now about human rights and human dignity, the ability of the people to determine their own future. The movement ultimately became known as the Moscow hands out Russian passports in Donbas Revolution of Dignity. Since then, countless people have paid their respects at memorials to the as Putin recognizes DNR and LNR documents Heavenly Brigade. As our colleague Petro Matiaszek, a Ukrainian American who lives in Kyiv, wrote last year: “I am still drawn to the photos and makeshift memorials to by Paul Goble it is an indication that Moscow may very those who gave their lives so that Ukraine would be free, those of Ukraine’s Greatest well have had enough with negotiating Generation. Private, painful memories that make up our common Maidan destiny…” Even as Vladimir Putin decreed that about the fate of the Donbas and is pre- And this year, on the day commemorating the heroes of the Nebesna Sotnia, we read Moscow recognizes documents issued by pared to live with or at least threaten to live the words of another Ukrainian American, Lida Buniak, who was in Kyiv with her its clients, the “Donetsk People’s Republic” with a frozen conflict there for a long time. husband Dr. Borys Buniak: “…We pray for those who sacrificed themselves for our and the “Luhansk People’s Republic,” Second, it is a statement of contempt country, for our culture, for our nation and for all Ukrainians. The Revolution of Russian officials in at least seven places in about Western sanctions, an indication to Dignity continues in all our hearts.” the Donbas were handing out Russian pass- the world that Moscow is no longer ports – a repetition of what Moscow did in impressed by them or affected by them in not die. South Ossetia in 2008. such a profound way that there is any We bow our heads in prayer, and we proclaim: Герої не вмирають – Heroes do The two steps are in fact interrelated, chance that it will change its policy in Aleksandr Artishchenko and Lidiya Ukraine no matter how long they remain in Grigoryeva of the Versia portal suggest. place. They mean that residents of the DNR and And third, it creates a situation in which LNR can now take Russian citizenship on Moscow can, as it has in South Ossetia, Feb. Turning the pages back... the basis of their own documents rather gradually move toward annexation, some- than on those of Ukraine, thus easing and thing that Mr. Artishchenko and Ms. Five years ago, on February 27, 2012, security forces in Russia accelerating the process (versia.ru/novye- Grigoryeva say there is ever more support 27 and Ukraine announced that they had thwarted a plot to assassi- grazhdane-rossii-iz-dnr-i-lnr-zhdut- for in Russia. They say that there will be nate Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Russian state-run vezhlivyx-lyudej). demonstrations in support of that across 2012 television Channel 1 alleged that the plot was to be carried out And that, in turn, suggests three more Russia next weekend. shortly after Russia’s presidential election on March 4. important things, the two authors say. First, The two add that one need not be “a In the report, separate footage showed two alleged plotters prophet to predict what is going to follow”: saying they were ordered by North Caucasus insurgent commander Doku Umarov to kill Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on in the immediate future, people behind the Mr. Putin. The Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed law enforcement official as say- borders of the LNR and DNR, including the ing the plot was uncovered after Ukrainian intelligence agents detained two Russian citi- ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia zens in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa early in February in connection with an accidental who has served in various capacities in the rest of Novorossiya, will want these pass- bomb blast in the city in January. U.S. State Department, the Central ports because having them will confer real One of the videos, provided by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), showed suspect Intelligence Agency and the International advantages whatever the future may bring. Illya Pyanzin, a 28-year-old Kazakh citizen, who had traveled to Ukraine from the United Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice And one more thing is “not excluded,” Arab Emirates with a Russian national, an accomplice who was later killed in the acciden- of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio the two say. Soon it will be difficult for tal bomb blast. Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for those who have only a Ukrainian passport Both of the suspects named a third accomplice, Adam Osmayev, an alleged terrorist International Peace. The article above is to work in Russia, while those with DNR trainer who had been on international wanted lists since 2007. Mr. Osmayev, who is an reprinted with permission from his blog and LNR passports will find it quite easy. called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- That too will have an impact on Ukraine (Continued on page 18) woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). and work to Moscow’s benefit, they argue. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 7

FOR THE RECORD In memory of the heroes Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Heavenly Hundred on third anniversary of Russian aggression On February 20, Ukrainians all over the Heavenly Hundred – were murdered on the The following statement by the Ministry families and friends are facing intimidation. world pause to mark the Day of Maidan defending the Ukrainian peoples’ of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the “Third The Mejlis, a representative body of the Commemoration of the Heavenly Hundred unalienable right to justice and liberty. Anniversary of Military Aggression of the Crimean Tatar people, was banned. (also known as the Heavenly Brigade, from Today, we honor their memory. The Russian Federation against Ukraine” was Russia continues to fuel the conflict in the Ukrainian term “Небесна Сотня”). The supreme sacrifice paid by the Heavenly released on February 20. (The text of the the Donbas, sends regular troops and mer- following statement was released in Ottawa Hundred will never be forgotten. The brave English translation has been slightly edited cenaries to the territory, which is beyond by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. patriots of the Maidan and city squares for clarity.) the control of the Ukrainian government, throughout Ukraine stand as an eternal and keeps reinforcing its militants and ter- In November 2013, the people of example to us all of unity, determination On February 20, 2014, the Russian rorists with sophisticated weaponry and Ukraine rose up in protest against the and courage. Federation launched the military aggres- military hardware. authoritarian, corrupt regime of former Today, three years after the triumph of sion against the sovereign state of Ukraine. Russia remains unwilling to implement president Viktor Yanukovych. the Revolution of Dignity, the people of Three years have passed since the the Minsk agreements, thus undermining On Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan Ukraine are forced to defend their country treacherous attack by the neighboring all efforts taken by Ukraine and the interna- Nezalezhnosty), and city squares through- against an external aggressor. Russia occu- state, despite its commitment to respect tional community towards de-escalation out the country, the Ukrainian people made pies sovereign Ukrainian territory in the Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and stabilization in the region. Moscow’s of their government a simple demand – to Crimea and wages ruthless war against as well as its status as one of the guarantors propaganda has no limits on lies, falsifica- be treated with Dignity. They demanded Ukraine in the eastern oblasts of Donetsk of the security and territorial integrity of tion and doublespeak. Human life has no democracy, rule of law and respect for and Luhansk. Ukraine according to the 1994 Budapest value for the aggressor. Besides their human rights. The Revolution of Dignity Today, as we honor the memory of the Memorandum. actions in Ukraine, Russian structures were saw millions of citizens from all corners of Heavenly Hundred, we pause to pay tribute Although the Revolution of Dignity clear- regularly spotted interfering in the internal ly reconfirmed the aspirations of the affairs of other sovereign states. The the country take to the streets in defense of to the thousands of Ukrainians who have Ukrainian people to build a European, dem- aggressive policy of the Russian Federation their rights. The Yanukovych regime fallen or been wounded as a result of ocratic and prosperous Ukraine, the poses a threat for the entire world order. responded with violence, declaring war Russia’s invasion. We know that with God’s Kremlin responded by attempting to We are grateful to all partners for their against its own people. help, they will be victorious. We remain deprive Ukrainians of the right to define strong support and solidarity. By adopting Increasing state violence culminated on secure in the knowledge that in the end, their future on their own. Russia launched the U.N. General Assembly resolutions February 18-20, 2014, when the regime’s good always triumphs over evil, and free- a well-planned military operation, which “Territorial integrity of Ukraine” and dom always defeats tyranny. And we pray snipers opened fire against the demonstra- resulted in the temporary occupation of the “‘Situation of human rights in the tors on the Maidan. Over 100 people – the that Peace soon returns to Ukraine. Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as in bloodshed city of Sevastopol (Ukraine)” the world has in Donbas. clearly said “no” to the violation of territori- Thereby, Russia has challenged the val- al integrity and sovereignty of an indepen- ue-based world order in a try to revive the dent state, condemned the occupant and IN THE PRESS: The West geopolitical thinking of the past with domi- reconfirmed its human rights commit- nation by the rule of force and spheres of ments. Personal and economic sanctions should not abandon Ukraine influence. have been a powerful demonstration of the The appalling number of victims high- unity of purpose of the world’s leading “In troubled times, Canada Should Not ly,” by Alexander Vershbow, The Hill, lights the immorality of the Kremlin’s war countries in response to the outrage and Abandon Ukraine,” editorial, The Globe January 27 (http://thehill.com/blogs/pun- against the Ukrainian people: over 9,800 defiance of international law by the aggres- and Mail, January 31 (http://www.theglo- dits-blog/foreign-policy/316614-the-sanc- Ukrainian people were killed, about 23,000 sor state. beandmail.com/opinion/editorials/ukraine- tions-on-russia-are-working-mr-president- wounded and almost 1.8 million internally The only dignified response by the inter- at-a-distance/article33852834/): dont-lift#.WJGBupFB7gY.facebook): displaced. 7.2 percent of Ukrainian territo- national community, which has no alterna- Canada should renew its military train- …Rebuilding relations with Moscow is ry has been seized by Russia and millions tive, will be maintaining solidarity with ing mission to Ukraine, and not let it expire certainly a worthy goal, but for the United of citizens of Ukraine live there under occu- Ukraine in countering this Russian aggres- at the end of March. Rumor has it that the States to benefit from such a move, pation and endless terror. Russia persists in sion by strengthening political, diplomatic mission – called Operation UNIFIER, for Washington needs to engage Moscow from sending new fighters, weaponry and and economic pressure on the aggressor some reason – will continue. But the a position of strength – and sanctions ammunition to Ukraine through the section state. Russia must fully implement its own Cabinet has not yet made a decision, and its imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine of the Ukrainian-Russian state border of commitments on peaceful resolution of the scale (up or down) remains in doubt. In are central to that. 409.7 kilometers in length that remains out conflict in the Donbas as a signatory of the this case, more is better. … sanctions put in place due to of the control of the Ukrainian government. Minsk agreements, put an immediate end That is because the conflict in the Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine should not Occupied Crimea, closed for any form of to the violation of human rights and funda- Donbas region in the southeast of Ukraine be traded away for cooperation in other international control and monitoring, is mental freedoms in the occupied territo- is getting worse. Some observers believe areas. That would squander U.S. leverage, now an area for systemic violations of ries, release all hostages and political pris- that the rising intensity is at least partly due and sow the seeds for further instability in human rights and fundamental freedoms, oners, de-occupy the Crimean peninsula. It to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warm Europe. targeting, first of all, Ukrainian activists and is only Russia’s return to the tenets of inter- affinity for the similarly bullying tendencies The sanctions are working. Even if the indigenous people of Crimea – the national law that will ensure peace and sta- of Russian President Vladimir Putin – which Moscow’s officials say otherwise, Russia is Crimean Tatars. The citizens of Ukraine are bility on the European continent, and will in turn energizes the pro-Russian rebels on interested in having sanctions removed. being groundlessly detained and impris- lift the threat of chaos and domination by oned, activists are being disappeared, their force in international relations. the chaotic frontiers in the Donbas. This Well-coordinated with our European part- may or may not be a long-term trend. ners and compounded by the decline of The Canadian training mission is doing global oil prices, the sanctions have had a its work at almost the opposite end of biting impact on the Russian economy. … LETTER TO THE EDITOR Ukraine, in the northwest. These Canadian Experts point out that our forceful soldiers are, and will continue to be, well response also constrained the Kremlin’s friends, to your high schools, to surround- out of harm’s way – in sharp contrast with actions in Ukraine and helped stop further “Bitter Harvest” ing American churches; place advertise- a dangerous “peace support operation” the aggression. … ments in the American press. Perhaps, we Liberal government wants to get involved Sanctions should not last forever, of presents opportunity need to collect funds to advertise the film with in Africa. … course – they are a means to an end, not an in the American media. Dear Editor: The Canadian military personnel can’t end in themselves. But easing or lifting This film offers us a public relations do anything to directly help the civilians of sanctions should only come if Moscow The film “Bitter Harvest” provides us opportunity to use the words “Ukraine,” southeast Ukraine, or the Ukrainian troops changes its course on Ukraine – the reason with the opportunity to put the spotlight “genocide” and “Holodomor.” We do not in the Donbas region itself. But they can they were imposed in the first place. on the topics of Ukraine, genocide and the have many such opportunities. With each and should continue with their training This means, most immediately, the Holodomor beyond the Ukrainian commu- of us participating, we can spread the mission, and could do even more by Kremlin halting the violence in eastern nity among Americans, Canadians, etc. word about our ancestors’ sacrifices and expanding the mission. A show of interna- Ukraine and withdrawing all financial, Within the Ukrainian community, the honor the memories of the “Bitter tional support by Canada would be timely, political and military support for its prox- film “Bitter Harvest” is rightfully receiving Harvest.” given Mr. Trump’s criticisms of NATO and ies, restoring Ukrainian control over its appropriate attention. Lubomyr Zobniw his tacit support for Russia’s takeover of own borders, and respecting Ukraine’s ter- Please send film fliers to your American Binghamton, N.Y. Crimea. … ritorial integrity and sovereignty once again. Ultimately, for all the sanctions to be “The sanctions on Russia are working, removed, Russia must end its illegal occu- Mr. President: Don’t lift them premature- pation of Crimea. … Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

Moscow-based PAO Gazprombank, con- she served as secretary of state. Ukrainian city. Erstwhile... trolled by people close to Russian President President Donald Trump’s former elec- Mr. Firtash also pledged $2.5 million for Vladimir Putin, loaned Mr. Firtash some $2 tion campaign chief, Paul Manafort, is also a the Holodomor Memorial in Washington, (Continued from page 1) billion to buy three of the chemical compa- business associate of Mr. Firtash. The two according to an October 8, 2013, news Austria’s justice minister now has the nies during Mr. Yanukovych’s first year as embarked on an $885 million property release from the Ukrainian Congress final say on whether to extradite the president. development project in 2008 at New York’s Committee of America. Ukrainian oligarch and, if so, where. If More Russian help came in 2014, when Drake Hotel in 2008, according to U.S. court British connections extradited to the U.S., Mr. Firtash – a consis- Vasily Anisimov, a Russian billionaire oli- documents and media reports, including tent advocate for closer Moscow-Kyiv rela- garch who heads the country’s judo gov- Bloomberg. Mr. Firtash is known in the U.K. for hav- tions – will appear in federal district court erning body – Mr. Putin’s favorite sport – Both Mr. Firtash and Mr. Manafort deny ing connections with senior British parlia- in Chicago based on a grand jury indict- bailed Mr. Firtash out in Vienna for a record the allegations. Mr. Manafort, who was mentarians, including former Secretary of ment dating to January 2012. 125 million euros after he was first instrumental in getting Mr. Yanukovych State for Culture, Media and Sport John The Federal Bureau of Investigation detained on March 12, 2014, upon U.S. elected as president in 2010, quit his cam- Whittingdale and Lord Risby (Richard since 2006 has been probing into whether authorities’ request. Mr. Anisimov is a close paign post for Mr. Trump when his busi- Spring) through his backing of the British a gas-trading company Mr. Firtash co- ally of Arkady Rotenberg, a longtime of ness dealings with Russia-aligned Ukrainian Society, a parliamentary organi- owned with Russia’s Gazprom was con- friend of the Russian president. Ukrainians emerged. zation, according to a Financial Times nected to Ukrainian-born Semyon A Reuters report has found that by report. Support for diaspora causes Mogilevich, another suspect sought by the March 2011, Gazprombank had registered He cultivated these connections through law enforcement agency. Mr. Firtash has credit lines of up to $11.15 billion to Causes dear to the Ukrainian diaspora British citizen Robert Shetler-Jones, whom denied any links to him, despite a state- Firtash-affiliated companies. were also on Mr. Firtash’s agenda. he has known since the 1990s. Mr. Shetler- ment he purportedly gave to former U.S. Mr. Firtash had told journalists that he He founded a Ukrainian studies and Jones headed the oligarch’s parent compa- Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor Jr. has had a 17-year relationship with the grant program at the prestigious ny, Group DF, and is still on the company’s that he needed Mr. Mogilevich’s approval to Russian bank, but the November 26, 2014, Cambridge University in the United super board together with Lord Oxford enter the lucrative gas business, according Reuters report stated that it started lending Kingdom for about $10 million. He also (Raymond Asquith), who once headed to a confidential diplomatic cable made to the Ukrainian mogul after the exiled generously helped fund the Ukrainian MI6’s Moscow station and helped exfiltrate Ukrainian president was elected in 2010. public by Wikileaks. Catholic University in Lviv by helping it former KGB officer-turned British secret And during Mr. Yanukovych’s presidency, A Ternopil Oblast native who worked for build and expand campuses in that western agent Oleg Gordievsky in the 1980s. a fire department during the Soviet days, the embattled oligarch had close associates Mr. Firtash made much of his fortune – in power. They include Serhiy Lyovochkin, who headed the president’s administration, which once surpassed $1 billion – as a pathetic to Putin.” But he will eventually go and Yuriy Boiko, who served as the energy monopoly natural gas supplier to Ukraine Moscow sees... along and broker a deal with Russia, the minister and vice prime minister. Another in partnership with Gazprom. parliamentarian assured. According to the He is also a one-time backer of disgraced political surrogate was Yevhen Bakulin, (Continued from page 2) Federation Council’s Information Policy ex-President Viktor Yanukovych and still who headed the state-owned oil and gas The announcement by the Trump White Committee chair, Alexei Pushkov, Mr. Trump wields heavy influence with the Russian- monopoly Naftohaz Ukrainy. House in recent days that Russia must “de- is under internal siege in Washington: “war friendly parliamentary faction Opposition Trump, Clinton, ties escalate” tensions in the Donbas and hand is declared and concessions will not help” Bloc, the main offshoot of the former ruling Crimea back to Ukraine was met with (Interfax, February 15). Messrs. Trump and Party of Regions. During his three-year extradition battle strong rebukes in Moscow. The Duma Putin are seen in Moscow as fighting a com- His portfolio includes co-ownership of in Vienna, Mr. Firtash has relied on a heavy- speaker, Vyacheslav Volodin, accused Mr. mon enemy, which is easier to resist by Inter Media Group, whose main TV channel weight legal team that includes former U.S. is one of Ukraine’s highest rated, and four Homeland Security Secretary Michael Trump of “contradicting his campaign firmly standing back to back. chemical companies that produce nitrogen Chertoff and Lanny Davis, former special pledges” (But did Mr. Trump, in fact, give fertilizers, as well as agricultural and other counsel to President Bill Clinton, according Russia any specific “campaign pledges?”) The article above is reprinted from assets, including residences in London and to a Wall Street Journal report published on Meanwhile, according to Mr. Ozerov, by Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Vienna, the latter of which is where many February 21. Mr. Chertoff served as nation- being firm on Ukraine, “Trump is attempt- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, of his businesses are ultimately registered. al security adviser to Hillary Clinton when ing to deflect accusations of being too sym- www.jamestown.org.

from cyberattacks to diplomatic demarches As U.S.-Russian... – to demonstrate to smaller European states, for instance Norway, that it is (Continued from page 3) Moscow that enjoys an advantageous posi- 17; see EDM, February 14). Meanwhile, the tion of strength (TASS, February 17). NATO recently established Russian-Turkish coop- often finds it impossible to respond in kind eration in Syria seems beset by problems to every Russian provocation, but can suc- (see EDM, February 16); both sides have cessfully demonstrate its readiness to pro- blamed the other for the deadly Russian vide necessary support to every member airstrike on a Turkish military position state, for instance by deploying a half-bat- (Gazeta.ru, February 11). talion of U.S. Marines to Norway or by tak- The impracticability of U.S.-Russian ing practical steps toward increasing its cooperation was confirmed by Secretary presence in the Black Sea theater (Newsru. Tillerson, and this departure from the com, February 16). vague intentions expressed by President The intensity of ire and outrage toward Trump on the electoral campaign trail Moscow is increasing steadily in brings new worries in Europe (RIA Novosti, Washington as revelations of past Russian February 17). Until recently, the main con- mischief blend with the need to respond to cern was about an inconsiderate rap- new misbehavior. Mr. Putin finds himself prochement between Washington and close to the point where reconciliatory ges- Moscow that would erode the sanctions tures, like for instance the agreement on a regime and downplay the deadlocked con- new ceasefire in the Donbas war zone in flict in Ukraine. Now the Europeans are eastern Ukraine, pay little or no political concerned about Mr. Putin’s disappoint- dividends. At the same time, undoubtedly ment in the failure of the imagined “beauti- Mr. Pence’s promise to hold Russia account- ful friendship” with Mr. Trump, marked by able will prompt investigations into the Mr. Flynn’s sacking (Grani.ru, February 16). Kremlin’s various “hybrid offensives” – Finding himself in a “nothing-to-lose” situa- such as the organization of a coup attempt tion, Putin may indeed opt for new experi- in Montenegro last October (Balkan Insight, ments in power projection (Carnegie.ru, February 20). February 17). Incentives for caution and moderation U.S. Vice-President Michael Pence sought have all but disappeared, but the irritation to alleviate these worries while addressing in Moscow with U.S. efforts at restoring the Munich security conference last “greatness” while denying it to Russia is Saturday. Specifically, he confirmed building. Mr. Putin may yet opt for a wait- Washington’s commitment to uphold the and-see stance, expecting that scandals in unity of the North Atlantic Treaty Washington lead to political paralysis. But Organization (Newsru.com, February 18). temptations to test Western unity anew Moscow, however, was irked by the state- will remain strong. ment of U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis on developing relations with Russia from the The article above is reprinted from “position of strength” (RBC, February 16). Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Besides assertive rhetoric, Russia has its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, started to employ various pressure levers – www.jamestown.org. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 9

Haran speaks on geopolitical attitudes in Ukraine and their policy implications by Alexandra Hawryluk there was anxiety over the referendum in stay away from membership in both the longer headline news and pundits around the Italy, and now there’s worry over Brexit Russia-led and the Europe-led international world are debating whether it has become a MONTREAL – Ukrainians were interest- and how that might affect the EU’s attitude organizations has risen. In 2013 only 9.5 “frozen war” or “the new normal,” the conflict ed in joining the European Union before the to accepting Ukraine as a new member. The percent of residents of the Donbas shared is making East European countries decide Euro-Maidan, but it was not at the top of rise of populism in France is troubling to that view, but by 2016 more than half of the whether they want to be aligned with Eurasia their list of nation-building priorities. The the supporters of the development of a population of the region, 51.6 percent, sup- or with Western Europe. idea of Ukrainians identifying themselves democratic pluralistic society in Ukraine. ported the idea. Undoubtedly these chang- In the Western international community, with Western Europe, rather than with So, most Ukrainians found it reassuring es in the thinking of Ukrainians living in the Prof. Haran said, the war has fostered a bet- Russia, did not generate enough power to that the extreme right candidate for the area present a dilemma for the policy-mak- ter understanding of Eastern Europe and mobilize the nation until 2014. presidency in Austria lost the elections. On ers in Kyiv. its historic relationship with Russia, and it In a recent lecture at the Shevchenko the other hand, the outcome of elections in Prof. Haran said he is convinced that the has consolidated various countries’ views Scientific Society’s chapter in Montreal, France and Germany will be very closely ongoing immigration crisis in Europe, the on Putin’s politics. So, how Ukrainians think Olexiy Haran, professor of comparative poli- followed in Ukraine because, should these April 2016 Dutch referendum, Brexit, the really matters, because their thinking will tics at the National University of Kyiv two countries favor an inward turn, delay on visa-free travel for Ukrainians, the have a direct influence on government poli- Mohyla Academy and the academic director Ukraine will have lost its most important Minsk accords, the failed ceasefire – not to cy and, by extension, on their country’s of the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, champions. But, Ukrainians find it reassur- mention the escalating numbers of the dis- place in the world. In this respect, Prof. reviewed the events and the Ukrainian peo- ing that Angela Merkel agreed to another placed, the dead and the wounded – are all Haran believes it is a very positive sign that ple’s attitudes that shaped Kyiv’s policy over term of office. issues that have had a profound influence on Ukrainian identity is now associated with the last life-changing four years. Right now, the big worry is over Ukrainian thinking. Naturally, the perception national awareness and national pride To begin with, it was only after then- President Donald Trump and his unpredict- of the EU is affected by these events, and rather than with regional loyalties. This President Viktor Yanukovych’s rejection of ability. As Prof. Haran said, Ukrainians that perception is not necessarily constant. makes it more likely that Ukrainians will Ukraine’s future membership in NATO, his know that European politicians condemn If support for the EU seems to be fluctu- not compromise their homeland’s integrity subsequent refusal to sign the Association Mr. Putin’s tactics in Ukraine, and that they ating, Prof. Haran explained, it’s because in order to achieve peace. Agreement with the EU, and only after the will continue to support sanctions against the reality of integration into the European As difficult as it may be to believe, the Euro-Maidan that public opinion toward Russia. But they don’t know what will be community is seen as being too remote to wartime hardships and suffering have Ukraine’s membership in these organiza- the long-term attitude toward Ukraine or be real. For many people, the idea of EU brought some significant benefits too. It is tions changed. toward the international obligations of the membership did not take on realistic remarkable, Prof. Haran noted that, despite What was the scene before all that? A poll U.S. under the Trump administration. dimensions until they began to see reforms international pressure, Ukrainian diplo- taken back in February 2013 by the Kyiv Domestic affairs are no less interesting. mandated by membership in the EU being mats have continued their dialogue with International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) A noteworthy shift in attitudes has taken implemented in their own region or city. Western and Russian diplomats. He partic- showed that there were four distinct place last year in three regions of Ukraine: Another case in point: according to a ularly commended the work done at the streams of thought among Ukrainians at the in the south (Mykolayiv, Odesa and Kherson Carnegie Europe report, “What Do United Nations. Among other things, it time: 36.6 percent of those polled favored oblasts), in the east (Dnipropetrovsk and Ukrainians Actually Think?” by Gwendolyn meant raising international awareness of joining the EU; 37.5 percent supported Zaporizhia oblasts), and in the Donbas (in Sasse published January 16, a poll conduct- the complexities of the situation in Ukraine, membership in the Customs Union with the two-thirds of the Donetsk and Luhansk ed by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic as well as documenting Russian lobby Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and oblasts controlled by Ukraine). Again, Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov groups in countries around the world and Armenia; 10.7 percent believed that Ukraine according to data compiled by the Kyiv Center shows that 44 percent of the tracking their anti-Ukrainian propaganda. should join neither the EU nor the Customs International Institute of Sociology, support Ukrainian respondents thought that visa- The pressure brought to bear on Kyiv by Union, and 15.2 percent remained undecid- in the south for joining the EU has remained free travel was important, but 50 percent the EU put the reform of Ukraine’s armed ed. Basically, the majority of the population constant: it was 26 percent in September believed that it was not. The author of the forces on fast forward as a result of which was split between two camps: half wanted 2013 and 26.9 percent in September 2016. article suggests that this is “a reflection of the Ukrainian military is now capable of closer ties with Russia, while the other half Back in 2013, almost half of the people who can realistically make use of this right” holding its own against the Russian armed believed that Ukraine’s chances for a better polled – 45.7 percent – had supported the rather than opposition to the idea. In other forces massing at the border. future lay with the European Union. In an Russia-led Customs Union with only 23.6 words, as Prof. Haran said in his Montreal It is also noteworthy that the war has effort to accommodate this split in the nation percent being in favor of the EU. What’s sig- lecture, integration into a large internation- raised the profile of Ukrainian scholarship and to offset the possibility of destabiliza- nificant, Prof. Haran noted, is that before the al community has turned out to be far more at international conferences, such as the tion, Prof. Haran explained, the government Maidan, 11.5 percent of the region’s popula- complex than the heightened expectations seminars of PONAR – the Program on New in Kyiv implemented its multi-vector diplo- tion believed that Ukraine should join nei- of the Maidan had led people to believe. Approaches to Research and Security in macy with the Eurasian vector and the NATO ther the EU nor the Customs Union. But by What is truly troubling Ukrainians is the Eurasia – one of which was held at McGill vector balancing each other, as it were. 2016, that percentage increased to 38.8 per- failure of the Minsk process. Economic University in Montreal last December under This policy, however, was challenged by cent. Even though some of the support for sanctions may be hurting Russian invest- the sponsorship of the Elliott School of circumstances. Under the influence of that idea comes from the previously unde- ments, but not its determination to take the International Affairs at George Washington Moscow’s support for Mr. Yanukovych and, cided, it still means that Ukrainians’ trust in Donbas or to destabilize Ukraine. At the University. Two Ukrainians, Prof. Haran, and more dramatically, under the impact of the Customs Union has eroded and the feel- same time, Ukraine is being pressured at Prof. Yuryi Matsiyevsky of the National Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the inva- ing for going-it-alone has increased. the talks table to grant the occupied territo- University of Ostroh Academy, introduced sion of the Donbas, the belief that Ukraine In the east, the support for the EU went ry special status and the right to hold elec- the scholars from various countries to could balance or consolidate the influence of from 26.4 percent in September 2013, to tions there. Kyiv is reluctant to do that Ukraine’s perspective on the EU-Eurasian both Russia and Europe disintegrated. More 31.4 percent in September 2016. At the because that would imply conceding defeat. relations. importantly, the Russian violation of same time, the number of those in favor of Even if Ukraine were to agree to allow elec- After the two-day event, Prof. Haran Ukraine’s sovereignty fostered a feeling of the Custom’s Union dropped from 46.6 per- tions in the occupied territory, important spoke at the Shevchenko Scientific Society solidarity among Ukrainians – religion or cent to 21.9 percent. questions remain unanswered: What laws and Prof. Matsiyevsky, author of the ethnic origin notwithstanding – and gave rise In the Donbas things are a little more would govern elections in the war zone? Ukrainian-language book “The Hybrid Trap: to a new sense of national identity and unity. complicated. Back in 2013 support for join- Would the status of other regions in The Zig-Zag Transformation of Political Circumstances in countries around the ing the EU was at 18.4 percent, but by Ukraine have to change as well? What Regimes in Ukraine (1991-2014)” returned world also played and continue to play an September 2016 it had dropped to 8.7 per- would happen to the idea of territorial to Ukraine. important role in determining Ukrainians’ cent. Support for joining the Russia-led integrity and the future security of Ukraine? In their presentations at this forum both thinking, as well as their government’s poli- Customs Union suffered a similar decline: “All Ukrainians,” Prof. Haran said, “want scholars emphasized that what Ukrainians cies, Prof. Haran commented. Last spring the 61 percent support it enjoyed in 2013 peace, but not peace at any price.” So the think matters. there was deep disappointment at the plummeted to 30.2 percent by September stand-off continues. In the meantime, the war Dutch rejection of the EU-Ukraine 2016. Significantly, the number of people in in Ukraine is changing political alignment Alexandra Hawryluk is a journalist work- Association Agreement. Understandably the Donbas who think that Ukraine should outside the country. Although the war is no ing in Montreal.

Perhaps, then, he could be tempted to try to rial policy toward Russia’s neighbors. objects of a new “partition of the world” Russian... solve global problems in this way – “to get However, those who dream of a second between the superpowers. French commen- along with Putin” in a new “Big Three” for- Yalta accord clearly underestimate the scale tator Laurent Marchand believes that (Continued from page 3) mat. But this early into the Trump adminis- of the changes that have occurred in the Europeans today must protect global free- become embroiled in any sorts of geopoliti- tration, all such speculation is based solely world since 1945, and particularly since the dom (Ouest-France, February 3). Indeed, as cal confrontations with other countries, on unproven assumptions. early 1990s. In the last few decades, common the fall of the Berlin Wall demonstrated in especially the U.S., since this could restrict In the minds of its supporters in Russia, a values have arguably become more impor- 1989, a civil initiative by everyday European Beijing’s long-term economic strategy. “new Yalta,” if it could be negotiated, would tant than “geopolitical blocs.” Civil society, citizens, not a deal cut by a handful of politi- Could a “new Yalta” be interesting for the relegate the entire post-Soviet space to which has become globally interconnected, cians, remade the world. United States? President Trump has Moscow’s “zone of privileged interests.” This may well deliver a decisive answer to those already repeatedly dismissed various inter- project’s advocates hope that, in exchange for politicians who dream of making grand geo- The article above is reprinted from national institutions and pillars of the cur- Russian cooperation in the fight against the political bargains in the style of the Big Three. Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from rent world order as “obsolete,” and he has a Islamic State and global terrorism, Mr. Trump Another important question is whether its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, reputation for being unpredictable. would close his eyes to Mr. Putin’s neo-impe- the Europeans would even agree to be www.jamestown.org. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

“Catalogue of Books of Pochayiv and Univ Printing Houses XVIII-XX Centuries from the Collection of the Facsimile edition of the book “Historiae Museum of Book and Printing of “Collection of Ukrainian Old Books biblicae Veteris et Novi Testamenti” Ukraine” (Kyiv, 2008). XVI-XVIII Centuries” (Kyiv, 2012). “Psalter” (Lviv, 1679-1697). (Augsburg, 1748-1757; Kyiv, 2015). Ukrainian National Museum presents talk on Museum of Book and Printing in Ukraine

by Irene Horajsky in Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. CHICAGO – Valentyna Bochkovska-Martynovych, direc- Ms. Bochkovska-Martynovych is currently in Chicago on tor of the Museum of Book and Printing in Ukraine and a a Fulbright scholarship to further her scholarly research Fulbright scholar for 2016-2017, delivered a presentation and to learn the latest developments in the work of the on December 30, 2016, at the Ukrainian National Museum curator, restoration techniques, concepts for exhibit pre- in Chicago. sentations, scholarly interpretation and systematization of She has served as director of the museum in Kyiv since artifacts. Her project is “American Collections of Antique 2008. In her first note as director, she wrote: “Our muse- Ukrainian Books from the 16th-18th Century: Cataloguing, um is about people with big dreams – Ukrainian book pub- Conservation, Preservation of the Museum’s Collection in lishers who worked under conditions that were some- Emergencies, Exhibitions, Interpretation, Facsimile times not the most conducive. These people brought us Editions – An American Experience for Ukrainian Practice.” the past, present and future. This treasure we are studying Initially, she is working in the archives of the Ukrainian and sharing with you.” National Museum in Chicago, where she will catalogue a Supplementing her presentation with an abundance of set of rare historical engravings and maps of Ukraine from slides, Ms. Bochkovska-Martynovych escorted her audi- the 17th century to the present. The result of these proj- ence through a vivid history of the work of the Museum of ects will be exhibited at the Ukrainian National Museum. Book and Printing in Ukraine from the inception of book Her plans for the duration of the Fulbright award publishing into a modern cultural venue. include travel to New York, Boston and Washington. Ms. The museum is situated in the old building of the Kyiv- Bochkovska-Martynovych will attend the American Pecherska Lavra Printing House. Last year, the museum Alliance of Museum Conference on May 5-11 in St. Louis. celebrated 400 years since the inception of this printing Previously she was in the U.S. on a leadership exchange house. It’s a remarkable phenomenon for Eastern Europe program, “The Role of Museums in Defining National to have an operational printing house for 300 consecutive Identity,” for three weeks in 2009, when she visited the years – from 1616 to 1916, when its existence was dis- Smithsonian, Williamsburg, Mount Rushmore, Albany, New rupted by the Soviet authorities. Orleans and an Indian Reservation in Rapid City, S.D. Upon The salient point that Ukraine has always been a part of her return to Ukraine, she organized a photo exhibit called Europe is evidenced by the many printing centers in dif- “America with Love.” On display for three months, the ferent cities and places of Ukraine in the 16th to 18th cen- exhibit then traveled to other cities, including Lviv, where turies, the quality and abundance of illustrations in the “American Days” were held in September 2010. Ukrainian texts and the use of different languages as com- These scholarly contacts enhance the generation of pared with the differences in Russian old printed books. fresh ideas and a vision for the work ahead, manifesta- Ms. Bochkovska-Martynovych showed slides with com- tions of which are visible on site at the museum: for exam- parable illustrations of Ukrainian engraver Pamvo Berynda ple, a hands-on illustration and design workshop while in Gospel Homiliary (Krylos, 1606) and the etchings of learning old printing techniques; a paper-making work- Albrecht Durer on the other hand; and she compared the Irene Horajsky shop while learning the history of paper. In 2010 Ms. Valentyna Bochkovska-Martynovych, director of the Bochkovska organized the nationwide festival of (Printing House of Kyiv Pecherska Lavra, 1619). The type Museum of Book and Printing of Ukraine. Ukrainian books for children – “The Kingdom of andBook ornaments of Hours of (Venice, Stryatyn 1566) and andKyiv-Pecherska the Аnthologion Lavra Alphabetical Wizards and Angels,” which took place in the Printing House are very similar to Venetian liturgical books (Kyiv, 2012) – were presented to the Library of Congress, museum for four days. The seventh festival was staged in and those of the Plantins. Even the history of architecture the Metropolitan Museum, Harvard University Library, 2016. can be gleaned from the illustrations in the books, the Cambridge Library, and other centers of learning. Among the thousands of unique artifacts that the muse- speaker pointed out. The “Collection of Ukrainian Old Books XVI-XVIII um has in its collection are works of Vasyl Krychevsky, the Regarding the Ukrainian book treasures in the unique Centuries” (Kyiv, 2012), describes the private collection of graphic artist, film art consultant and painter who collection of the Museum of Book and Printing of Ukraine, Vitaliy Haiduk, a businessman and politician. This publica- designed the 1918 Ukrainian coat of arms, state seal and she also focused on the first printed books in Ukraine – tion was awarded the grand prize of the Ukrainian compe- banknotes. Krychevsky lived in Caracas, Venezuela, where Acts of the Apostles was published by Ivan Fedorov in Lviv tition “Best Book of Ukraine 2012.” he died in 1952. in 1574 and the Bible published in the printing house of Ms. Bochkovska-Martynovych is the author of the Also on display at the museum are the original illustra- Prince Kostiantyn in Ostroh in 1581. project and compiler of the facsimile edition of the book tions of the publishing house of Ivan Malkovych, A-BA-BA- To showcase the recent scholarly and publishing accom- “Historiae Biblicae Veteris et Novi Testamenti” HA-LA-MA-HA. plishments of the museum, Ms. Bochkovska-Martynovych (Augsburg, 1748-1757; Kyiv, Kalamar, 2015), which she Since the reopening of the Museum of Book and displayed three books of which she is co-author with the presented to the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago. Printing in 1975, 3.5 million visitors have walked through vice-director, Lyudmyla Khaukha. Two of these – The facsimile edition is supplemented with detailed sci- its doors. The museum is located at Block 9/10-9, Lavrska “Catalogue of Books of Pochayiv and Univ Printing Houses entific notes and commentaries with its translation from Street, Kyiv, Ukraine 01015. Its website is found at: http:// XVIII-XX Centuries from the Collection of the Museum of Latin to English and Ukrainian. The original copy is pre- Book and Printing of Ukraine” (Kyiv, 2008) and the served in the Museum of Book and Printing of Ukraine. - “Collection of Ukrainian Old Books XVI-XVIII Centuries” Additional copies are available in the Newberry Library book.com/Books.and.Printing.Museum/?fref=ts.vuam.org.ua/uk/704:Музей_книги_і_друкарства_ України; and its Facebook page at: https://www.face No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 11

Borys Buniak PHOTO REPORT: Honoring the heroes of the Heavenly Brigade KYIV – People gathered on February 20 in the city center of Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of the bloodiest day of protests during the Euro-Maidan that led to the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. The commemorations honored the heroes of the Heavenly Brigade, who were killed in February 2014. According to RFE/RL, Ukrainian prosecutors say 104 people were killed and 2,500 injured in the protests, which became known as the Revolution of Dignity Among those paying tribute to the heroes of the “Nebesna Sotnia” on February 20 were Dr. Borys Buniak and Lida Buniak of Fayetteville, N.Y., who were on a visit to Kyiv, where they met with Dr. Ulana Suprun, Ukraine’s acting minister of health, as well as representatives of vari- ous charitable organizations to see how the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (of which Borys Buniak is president) could help with humanitarian aid, medical reform, educational exchang- es, psychological services and rehabilitation programs. On this page, Dr. Buniak shares his moving photos of the reverence shown by the people of Ukraine at memorial events for the “Heavenly Hundred.” Ms. Buniak underscored on her Facebook page: “…We pray for those who sacrificed themselves for our country, for our culture, for our nation and for all Ukrainians. The Revolution of Dignity continues in all our hearts.” 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

security of our European friends and allies.” Security Council this month, of blocking the 21 denounced Moscow’s recognition of the NEWSBRIEFS She said the United States was committed adoption of a “presidential statement” hon- documents, which he says contradicts the to “the institutions that keep Europe safe” oring Ambassador Churkin. “This is wild 2015 Minsk peace deal. Speaking at a meet- (Continued from page 2) and that it “will not waver” in its support and inhuman,” Russian Foreign Affairs ing with an European Union aid commis- to improve ties with Russia but will not for NATO. (RFE/RL, with reporting by Minister Sergei Lavrov said on February 21. sioner, Mr. Poroshenko called for “resolute compromise on its support for NATO and Reuters and AP) He also accused Ukraine of acting in an “un- action” that could include “strengthening the European Union. Ms. Haley said Christian” way, and Kremlin spokesman sanctions.” Russian Foreign Affairs Minister “Russia’s attempts to destabilize Ukraine” Dispute on reaction to Churkin’s death Dmitry Peskov said: “May God judge them.” Sergei Lavrov argued February 21 that the were among the most serious challenges UNITED NATIONS – Moscow and Kyiv Kyiv rejected the criticism, saying that the decision to recognize passports and other Security Council issued a press statement documents issued by separatist authorities facing the continent. “The United States are at odds over a statement issued by the but suggesting that a formal presidential in the east was aimed to protect the rights thinks it’s possible to have a better relation- U.N. Security Council mourning the statement would have been out of place. of residents. (RFE/RL, based on reporting ship with Russia – after all, we confront February 20 death of Russia’s long-time “We didn’t block anything,” Ukrainian by AP and Interfax many of the same threats,” Ambassador envoy to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin. Haley said. “But greater cooperation with Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Russia angrily accused Ukraine, which holds Maryana Betsa said. She said that “a state- A back-channel Ukraine peace plan? Russia cannot come at the expense of the the rotating presidency of the 15-nation ment was issued for the press, as has been NEW YORK – An exclusive report in The done in such cases in the past. There haven’t New York Times says a lawyer for U.S. been many such cases. But there was no President Donald Trump has helped a pro- precedent for a separate political state- Russia opposition Ukrainian lawmaker ment.” (RFE/RL, with reporting by TASS, submit to the Trump administration a pro- RIA Novosti and UNIAN) TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 posed alternative peace plan for the conflict or e-mail [email protected] Russia detains 11 Crimean Tatars in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on February KYIV – The Russian authorities in the 20 that the report was “absurd” and that SERVICES PROFESSIONALS annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea have Moscow had no knowledge of the purport- sentenced 10 Crimean Tatars to five days of ed peace plan. According to the February administrative arrest after convicting them 19 Times report, Mr. Trump’s lawyer of holding an illegal public gathering. The Michael Cohen submitted the plan to for- decision came late on February 21 after the mer National Security Adviser Michael defendants were arrested earlier that same Flynn about one week before Mr. Flynn day while taking photographs and videos of resigned over allegations that he misin- a search conducted by Russian police in the formed the administration about the home of Crimean Tatar activist and lawyer nature of his contacts with Russia’s ambas- Marlen Mustafayev. Mr. Mustafayev was sador to the United States. Mr. Cohen – who sentenced to 11 days of administrative has no foreign-policy experience – is him- arrest on the same charges as the 10 other self under investigation by the FBI for pos- detainees. His wife told RFE/RL that police sible connections with Russian intelligence. confiscated her husband’s computer and He denies the allegations. The plan was cre- some books. No explanations were given, ated by Ukrainian opposition lawmaker she says. The Kharkiv Human Rights Andriy Artemenko, who claims to have doc- Protection Group reported that the defen- uments proving corruption by Ukrainian dants were not afforded legal representa- President Petro Poroshenko. It called for tion. Russia has been sharply criticized by Russia to withdraw its forces from eastern international rights groups and Western Ukraine and for Ukraine to hold a referen- governments for its treatment of Crimea’s dum on leasing Crimea to Russia for a peri- indigenous Turkic-speaking, mainly od of 50 or 100 years. Moscow seized and Muslim Crimean Tatar population since illegally annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region in 2014. According to The New York Times SERVICES Moscow illegally annexed the Ukrainian region in March 2014. Arrests, disappear- report, Mr. Artemenko’s plan outlines “a ances, and killings of Crimean Tatars have way for President Trump to lift sanctions been reported, and Crimean Tatar self-gov- against Russia.” Mr. Artemenko told The ernment organizations have been declared New York Times that the primary goal of illegal. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) his plan was to end the war in eastern Ukraine. He said the secondary goal was to MFA reacts to Kremlin decree improve relations between the United States and Russia. “If I could achieve both in KYIV – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs one stroke, it would be a home run,” he told (MFA) of Ukraine reacted on February 18 to GOT ENGAGED? the newspaper. Mr. Artemenko also said the Kremlin’s decree on recognition of doc- Order your korovai! that his plan has been encouraged by Call Lisa at uments issued on the occupied territories of senior Russian officials. Ukraine’s ambassa- 307-250-4633 & visit the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In its dor to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, criti- www.nazdorovya.com statement, the MFA noted: “Ukraine strongly cized Mr. Artemenko’s initiative, saying the condemns and doesn’t recognize the Shipping throughout USA opposition lawmaker was “not entitled to Kremlin’s decree on recognition of so-called present any alternative peace plans on documents issued on the territories of cer- behalf of Ukraine.” (RFE/RL, with reporting FOR SALE tain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk by The New York Times) regions of Ukraine. De-facto, the Kremlin’s decree constitutes recognition of the Russia- Kremlin dismisses plan as ‘absurd’ FOR SALE $105,000 controlled illegal authorities on the occupied Ukrainian territories of Donbas. The Russian MOSCOW – The Kremlin has dismissed a Highly desirable, very clean , ground Ukrainian peace plan created by a pro-Rus- level 2 bedroom apartment / condo side has yet again violated Ukraine’s state OPPORTUNITIES sovereignty and territorial integrity, Russia’s sian Ukrainian lawmaker and given to the With convenient parking in the international commitments, as well as the White House, calling its provision on Ukrainian Village, Somerset ,NJ. core idea and principles of the Minsk agree- Crimea “absurd.” The plan by Ukrainian Phone # 908-642-8356 EARN EXTRA INCOME! ments.” The MFA also called on “our interna- opposition lawmaker Andriy Artemenko, first reported by The New York Times, calls tional partners to step up the pressure on The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for Russia to withdraw its forces from east- Russia so that it unequivocally implements HELP WANTED for advertising sales agents. ern Ukraine and for Ukraine to hold a refer- the Minsk agreements and returns to the For additional information contact endum on leasing Crimea, which Moscow international legal framework.” (Ministry of Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, illegally annexed in 2014, to Russia for a The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. Foreign Affairs of Ukraine) 42 year old Ukrainian woman period of 50 or 100 years. “How can Russia seeking a live-in position as Kyiv seeks more sanctions against Russia lease its own region? The very wording is a caregiver for the elderly. rather absurd,” Russian presidential Conscientious housekeeper, WANT IMPACT? KYIV – Ukraine’s president has called for spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters very competent with excellent new sanctions against Russia over its deci- on February 20. “There is a general under- recommendations and extensive Run your advertisement here, sion to recognize passports issued by sepa- standing that there is no alternative to the in The Ukrainian Weekly’s ratist authorities in eastern Ukraine. The Minsk agreements,” he said, referring to a experience with older people. Kremlin said its decision is a “humanitari- CLASSIFIEDS section. 2015 plan that has so far has failed to bring Please call 609-216-0239 an” move to help residents of separatist- peace. “If a political-diplomatic solution can held areas in eastern Ukraine who are suf- be found for the Ukraine issue, it is only fering from a blockade by Ukrainian nation- possible on the basis of the Minsk agree- e UKRAINIAN MUSEUM in NEW YORK is seeking assistant director. alists and says that doesn’t amount to rec- ments,” he said. Russian Foreign Affairs For further information please visit: ognizing the breakaway regions. Ukrainian http://www.ukrainianmuseum.org/temp/job_asstdir.pdf President Petro Poroshenko on February (Continued on page 13) No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 13

Ukraine, and the leaders agreed on the NEWSBRIEFS need for an immediate comprehensive ceasefire. The vice-president underscored (Continued from page 12) U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, terri- Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed Mr. Peskov’s torial integrity, and self-determination, and comments, telling RIA Novosti, “It is not underlined that the United States does not possible to lease something from oneself.” recognize Russia’s occupation and attempt- (RFE/RL, based on reporting by AP, AFP, ed annexation of the Crimean peninsula. It is with great sorrow that we announce Reuters and Interfax) The vice-president expressed U.S. support the loss of a great Ukrainian patriot, who for the full implementation of the Minsk passed away on November 28, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia Artemenko faces treason inquiry agreements to bring peace to eastern KYIV – Ukraine’s top prosecutor says his Ukraine, and the leaders discussed how the Zynowij Bohdan Kwit office is investigating a previously obscure United States can support negotiations. The lawmaker on suspicion of treason after he vice-president commended Ukraine’s prog- The funeral service (Panakhyda) will take place in Philadelphia, on presented associates of President Donald ress on reforms, and the leaders affirmed Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 12:00 pm at St. Michael the Archangel church Trump with a controversial peace plan for the importance of further reforms to trans- in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. He will buried in Ukraine as per his request. Ukraine and Russia. Prosecutor General form Ukraine into a secure, prosperous, Zynowij was born in Pomoryany, Ukraine, on May 21, 1922. He completed Yuriy Lutsenko told reporters on February European country for all its citizens.” (U.S. his gymnasium (high school) in Zolochiv, after which he was arrested for 21 that Andriy Artemenko may have com- Embassy Kyiv) refusing to join the communist party. He narrowly escaped through a window when a NKVD officer briefly left the room. This would be one оf three narrow mitted a treasonous offense in designing a Tillerson on meeting with Lavrov plan to lease Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula escapes to follow. He attributes his safekeeping to his belief and prayer to the to Russia in exchange for Kyiv regaining WASHINGTON – Following his meeting miraculous icon in Pomoryany. Many of his classmates were not so lucky. Half control of land held by Russia-backed sepa- with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister of his class was murdered. His love for his homeland did not allow him to further ratists in the east. A document announcing Sergey Lavrov on February 16 in Bonn, U.S. his education at this time. Together with his best friend, Alexander Kuchkuda, the inquiry shared on Facebook by Mr. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made a he became a freedom fighter against the Soviets on the eastern front of World Lutsenko accuses Mr. Artemenko of carry- brief statement is which he commented on War II. He was wounded three times during the war, but miraculously survived. ing out subversive activities against their discussion. He said: “Foreign Minister Again, he attributed his safety to the Blessed Virgin. Ukraine. Such actions are punishable in Lavrov and I had a productive meeting and After the war ended, as a wounded soldier, he was lucky to be transported Ukraine by 10 to 15 years in prison. Mr. we discussed a range of issues of mutual to a hospital in Sudetenland, where his aunt was a doctor. After his recovery he Artemenko, who was ousted on February concern. As I made clear in my Senate con- joined his fiancée, Vera Karmazyn, in Innsbruck, Austria. They were registered 20 from the Radical Party, could not imme- firmation hearing, the United States will as displaced persons in the Landeck camp in Austria, which at that time was diately be reached for comment. consider working with Russia where we can part of the French zone. The Landeck camp was a very active one. Ukrainian (Christopher Miller of RFE/RL) find areas of practical cooperation that will schools, choirs, and dance ensembles were formed. Cultural exhibits for the benefit the American people. Where we do local Austrians were given. As a gifted dancer, he partnered the prima ballerina, Pence, Poroshenko meet in Munich not see eye to eye, the United States will Roma Pryma in a cultural performance for the local Austrians. Here Zynowij KYIV – The White House, Office of the stand up for the interests and values of initiated his never relinquished path as a Ukrainian activist. He became a board member of the Unification of Ukrainian Students in Innsbruck, Austria. At the Vice-President, on February 18 issued a America and her allies. As we search for University of Innsbruck he completed his Pharmaceutical studies. readout of a meeting between U.S. Vice- new common ground, we expect Russia to President Mike Pence and the president of honor its commitment to the Minsk agree- In 1948, the US and Canada were accepting World War II refugees. Zynowij Ukraine. The readout noted: “The vice- ments and work to de-escalate the violence and his then wife Vera, immigrated to the US in 1949. They arrived in New president met today in Munich with in Ukraine.” The text of the statement was York and moved on to Cleveland, Ohio where Zynowij had distant relatives Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The released by the U.S Department of State, who sponsored them. Unfortunately the American universities would vice-president expressed concern about Office of the Spokesperson. (U.S. Department not accept Zynowij’s pharmacy degree. They suggested his European the recent surge in violence in eastern of State) education was more professional as opposed to the preferred commercial American degree. With a young wife and child on the way, Zynowij had no choice but to accept any job to support his young family. He was offered a position as a wall washer at the Pick Carter hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. Being an “The righteous,” he wrote, “is the one educated man, Zynowij once more enrolled in school, Fenn College, today’s Ayshe Seitmuratova... who sacrifices himself on behalf of other Cleveland State, and working completed his chemistry degree. He worked people. Righteous people arise in all peo- (Continued from page 6) as a chemist up till turning 50, and then went on to complete his master’s at ples; they can profess this or that religion, Case Western University in Slavic Languages. Upon completing his masters, Ms. Bekirova cites the earlier apprecia- or none at all, but they aren’t the exclusive he was accepted at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where he tion of Ms. Seitmuratova’s work by Mario property of their people or their fellow completed his coursework towards his PhD in Ukrainian. While at Penn, he Corti, director of Radio Liberty’s Russian believers. [They] belong to all of us and rec- organized a Ukrainian Club which included close to fifty students. For the Service between 1998 and 2003. In an oncile us with humanity.” next ten years as a linguist, he taught four languages including Ukrainian, essay titled “The Righteous Belong to “One of the righteous,” Mr. Corti says, “is and chemistry, at Bodine High School for International Affairs in Philadelphia. Everyone,” Mr. Corti pointed to the fact that Ayshe-khanum.” On this, her 80th birthday, While living in Cleveland, he continued to dedicate time to the Ukrainian the Crimean Tatar activist has distin- she merits recognition as exactly that and community. He taught at Ridna Shkola, the Saturday Ukrainian school and guished herself by always focusing on spe- the thanks of all who care about justice for participated in the community Christmas plays, where he was the first St. cific individuals rather than some mythic what she has done and what she will do in Nicholas from the new diaspora. Between 1970 and 1975 he was on the board idea. the years to come. for Cleveland’s Society for the Patriarchate as well as on the national board in New York city, organizing fundraising events for Cardinal Slipyj after his release from Siberia, which contributed to the building of St. Sofia cathedral It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing in Rome. In 1975, Cardinal Slipyj succeeded in becoming the Patriarch of into eternity of our beloved father and grandfather Ukraine’s Greek Catholic church. Zynowij was one of the founders of Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic church, a patriarchal church that would follow the Julian calendar. After moving to Philadelphia, he initiated the founding of St. Michael Bohdan Boychuk the Archangel church, also a patriarchal church. Today the church has close on February 10, 2017 in Kyiv. to 3,000 members. Zynowij was also a consistent contributor to America and Svoboda, the Ukrainian newspapers, with numerous articles and poems. Bohdan was born on October 11, 1927 in Berdnyky, Ternopil region. In 1981 in Philadelphia, Zynowij organized the Ukrainian World Association As a young man, alone, he emigrated to Germany,  nished gymnasium of Professional Educators (UWAPE), unifying Ukrainian teachers from all over there, and again emigrated to the US in 1949, where he completed his the world. The first two conventions were held in Philadelphia in 1986 and 1991. studies in engineering in the City College of New York. Here he became an After Ukraine’s independence, the third convention was held in Kyiv, Ukraine active member of the Ukrainain diapora. He was one of the founders of a as were subsequent conventions held every two years thereafter. There were New York group of poets, a writer, a playwright, literary critic, a translator seven conventions in total, the last one being in 2001 after which Zynowij into and from foreign languages of works of other writers, former editor passed on the presidency to Kyiv. Ultimately, the goal of the UWAPE was to of a journal Suchasnist and a member of Shevchenko Scienti c Society. fulfill the Ukrainian teachers’ needs in Ukraine as well as to bring education Bohdan was married and had two sons - Jurij and Roman. in Ukraine up to modern standards. To help Russified children in the eastern provinces, Zynowij spearheaded an arm of UWAPE called HPUM (Hurtky Funeral services took place on February 15, 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Plekannia Ukrainskoyi Movy) and organized 38 language camps hosted Left behind in sorrow are: by western Ukrainian provinces between 2000 and 2004. When Zynowij’s nephew, Dr. Serhij Kwit, became the president of the Kyiv Mohyla Academy sons - Jurij with wife Kalyna and daughters Melania and and Ukraine’s Education Minister, Zynowij established an endowment fund at Roxana the university for the rebirth, preservation, and development of the Ukrainian - Roman Paul with wife Clare and daughter Elissa language. wife - Oksana extended family in the US and Ukraine as well as numerous friends. Zynowij Kwit is survived by his daughter, Marusia, sons Ihor & Roman, grandchildren Larissa, Marko, Alexandra and Zorianna, great-grandson, Milan, Вічна Йому пам’ять! and their spouses and his niece Roma and family in Ukraine. Donations in Bohdan’s memory can be made to Ukrainian To honor Zynowij Kwit’s memory, donations may be sent to the Kyiv organizations in the US or Ukraine. Mohyla Foundation, Marta Farion, P.O. Box 46009, Chicago, IL, 60646-0009. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Anychka’s concert in North Port Sen. Blumenthal visits benefits wounded Ukrainian soldiers Ukrainians in New Haven by Vira Bodnaruk NORTH PORT, Fla. – On January 28, the Ukrainian American community of North Port, Fla., enjoyed a benefit concert by Anychka of Lviv. All the proceeds from the con- cert were donated to Revived Soldiers Ukraine (RSU), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial aid for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. RSU is headed by Iryna Vashchuk Discipio, who arrived with Anychka and Col. Vitalij Halitsyn, who lost his sight when he was severely wounded by an explosion in eastern Ukraine. Anychka’s concert was sold out, and there was standing room only. She began with “Plyve Kacha,” followed by her native Lemko songs, as well as other folk songs and current songs of Ukraine. The audience was captivated by her beautiful performance and gave her a standing ovation. Ms. Discipio spoke briefly about the work of Revived Soldiers Ukraine and introduced Col. Halitsyn, who is undergoing rehab in the United States. Many of the attendees made generous donations for this worthy cause. St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, where the concert took place, donated $1,000. The total amount donated to Revived Soldiers Ukraine was $8,000. The great success of the benefit con- Victor Lisnyczy cert was due to the hard work of the United Ukrainian Anychka performs in North Port, Fla. Organizations of Southwest Florida.

Carl R. Harvey NEW HAVEN, Conn. – On Sunday, February 19, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), addressed the Ukrainian community at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven, Conn., after the 10:30 a.m. divine liturgy. He provided updates on important legislation that he is sponsoring in the U.S. Senate in support of Ukraine. The senator also discussed the changing positions of the current administration and Congress regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Afterwards, Sen. Blumenthal answered questions from his audience. Members of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Southwest Florida with their special guests. – Halia Jurczak-Lodynsky

Ukrainian students at UConn host community strategy session

by Romanna Romaniv STORRS, Conn. – On Saturday, February 18, the Ukrainian Students Association at the University of Connecticut hosted a strategy discus- sion to review the Trump administration’s policies toward Ukraine and to develop effective strategies in support of Ukraine in its con- tinuing struggle for democracy and independence. The regional meeting drew students and community activists from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During the four-hour conference, the participants developed ideas and recommendations for the upcoming Ukraine Days advocacy program being organized by the Ukrainian National Information Service in Washington. They also shared deep concerns about a variety of political issues affecting the United States and Ukraine. Among the key topics discussed were: the need to counter Russian aggression and to maintain sanctions against Russia; the need for expanded economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine; the impact of President Donald Trump’s policies on immigrants and minority groups; defense of academic freedom and freedom of the press; and the need to combat Russian President Vladimir Putin’s global disin- formation campaign. Future activities for discussion may include public debates, aca- demic conferences and lobbying efforts in concert with other Ukrainian American, East European and national human rights groups.

Romanna Romaniv is president of the Ukrainian Students Participants of the regional community meeting organized by the Ukrainian Students Association at the Association at the University of Connecticut. University of Connecticut. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 15

Olympics Paralympics 7.5-kilometer sprint (21:02.3 seconds) and place in the men’s 15-kilometer mass start silver• Yuliia in the Dzhima women’s won 10-kilometer gold in the women’s pursuit race• Dmytro(36:29.1 Pidruchniy seconds) at finished the IBU in World fifth at the 2014 Sochi Games are having their bronze medals at the Paralympic Nordic (30:24.2 seconds) at the European Biathlon Cup in Nove Mesto, the Czech Republic, on samples• Twenty-eight retested Russian by the Olympic International athletes Skiing• Ukraine World wonCup 19in Turka,gold, 16 Yavoriv silver districtand 21 Championship in Duszniki-Zdroj, Poland, December 15-18, 2016. Serhiy Semenov Olympic Committee. Manipulations of the of Lviv on January 23. The next stage of the on January 25-29. Anastasia Merkushyna finished in seventh place in the men’s samples, it said, could lead to sanctions. tournament is set to take place on February won the bronze medal in the individual 10-kilometer sprint (24:06.8 seconds). Russia won 33 medals, 13 of which were 10-19 in Finsterau, Germany. pursuit race (45.29.7 seconds); gold. All of this comes after Prof. Richard Merkushyna, Yuliia Dzhima, Alexxander men’s 10-kilometer sprint (24:40.9 seconds) McLaren’s report that showed a state-spon- first place in the medal standings (19 gold, Zhirnyy and Ruslan Tkalenko won bronze and• VitaliyAnton TrushDudchenko won gold won in gold the injunior the sored doping program in Russia between 16 •silver Ukraine and won 12 bronze) 47 medals at theand World finished Para in in the mixed relay (1:13:03.1 seconds); and junior men’s 15-kilometer individual race 2011 and 2015, and masked results using Nordic Skiing Championships in Finsterau, Iryna Varynets and Andriy Dotsenko fin- (39:54.5 seconds) at the Junior World Cup in salt, coffee and in some cases male urine Germany, on February 10-19. Olga ished in fourth place (37:31.1 seconds) in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, on December was used for female hockey players. the single mixed relay. 10-11, 2016. Kristina Dmytrenko won silver Prylutska and Oksana Shyskova won gold Samples from the 2010 Vancouver Games in the junior women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint and silver (33:11.4 and 33:18.5 seconds), are also being retested. In the wake of the men’s 20-kilometer individual race (21:17.4 seconds), and Valeria Dmytrenko respectively, in the women’s middle, visual- report, Russia has lost the right to host the (51:34.9• Serhiy seconds) Semenov at the won IBU bronze World Cupin the in and Liubov Kypiachenkova finished in ninth ly impaired final; Natalia Rubanovska fin- World Cup biathlon meeting in Tyumen in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy, on January 19-22. and 10th place, respectively (22:42.5 and ished in fourth place (39:15.6 seconds). In March and was stripped of a speed skating Yuliya Zhuravok, Yuliia Dzhima, Valj 22:53.4 seconds). the men’s middle, visually impaired final, meet in Chelyabinsk. Semerenko and Anastasiya Merkushyna Iurii Utkin, Anatoliy Kovaevskyi and Dmytro finished in fourth place in the women’s Pidhrushna and Anastasiya Merkushyna Suiarko swept the podium spots (32:50.7, had her 2008 bronze medal revoked by the 4x6-kilometer relay race (1:09:49.9 sec- won• Irynabronze Varvynets, in the women’s Yuliia Dzhima,4x6-kilometer Olena 33:07.4, 33.51.9 seconds). Other top-10 fin- International• High jumper Olympic Vita PalamarCommittee. of UkraineAmong onds) Ukraine’s men’s 4x7.5-kilometer biathlon relay (1:12:08.8 seconds) at the ishes in the same race were: Vitaliy the 75 athletes whose tested samples relay team (Artem Pryma, Semenov, IBU World Cup in Pokljuka, Slovenia, on Lukyanenko (fourth), Iaroslav showed positive results for banned sub- Vladimir Semakov and Dmytro Pidruchniy) December 9-11, 2016. Artem Pryma, Serhiy Reshetynskiy, (seventh) Oleksandr Kazik stances (mostly the anabolic steroids finished in fourth place (1:14:43.9 sec- Semenov, Vitaliy Kilchytsky and Dmytro (eighth) and Oleksandr Makhotkin (10th). Stanozolol or Turinabol), 40 were medal onds). Dzhima finished in 10th place in the Pidruchniy finished in fourth place in the In the women’s middle standing final, winners – many of them in track and field women’s 12.5-kilometer mass start race men’s 4x7.5-kilometer relay (1:12:32.8 sec- Oleksandra Kononova and Liudmyla events and in weightlifting. Samples are (36:43.5 seconds). onds). Liashenko won gold and silver, respectively stored for up to 10 years and new testing (31:41.5, 33:05.7 seconds). In the top-10 methods allow for smaller concentrations Krupcik of the Czech Republic (1:00:34.3 women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint (21:11.8 sec- were Iuliia Batenkova (fifth), Bohdana of banned substances to be detected. seconds)• Alexander in the Zhirnyymen’s 20-kilomter tied with Tomassindivid- onds)• Anastasiya at the IBUMerkusyna Cup in won Ridnaun-Val gold in the Konashuk (seventh), and Iryna Bui (ninth). Ridanna, Italy, on December 8-11, 2016. Swimming ual race at the IBU Cup in Arber, Germany, In the men’s sprint, sitting final, Maksym on January 14. Yuliya Zhuravok finished in Vladimir Semakov finished in fourth place Yarovyi and taras Rad won gold and silver, fifth place in the women’s 15-kilometer in both the men’s 12.5-kilometer pursuit respectively (21:36.1, 21:48.9 seconds). In (34:16.1 seconds) and in the 10-kilometer meter backstroke (2:02-24 seconds) at the individual race (54:13.2 seconds). the women’s sprint, standing final, 2016• Daryna FINA World Zevina Swimming won silver Championship in the 200- sprint (23:58.7 seconds). Ukraine won gold Liashenko, Kononova and Bui swept the in the single mixed relay (38:52.4 seconds) in Windsor, Ontario, that was held on Serhiy Semenov, Volodymyr Semakov and podium spots, (18:25.0, 19:15.2, 19:24.1 with Merkushyna and Artem Tishchenko. December 6-11, 2016. Ukraine finished in Vitaliy• Ukraine’s Kilchytsky men’s – finished team – inArtem fourth Pryma, place seconds), and Bohdana Konashuk and Iuliia In the mixed relay, Ukraine (Anna 20th place and tied with Slovenia. (1:14:08.7 seconds) in the men’s 4x7.5-kilo- Batenkova finished in fourth and sixth Kryvonos, Mariya Kruchova, Ruslan meter relay team race at the IBU World Cup place, respectively. In the men’s sprint, Tkalenko and Semakov) finished in ninth won five medals at the FINA World Cup in in Rupaulding, Germany, on January 11-15. visually impaired final, Anatoliy Kovalevskyi place (1:19:07.4 seconds). Singapore• Mykola Romanchukon October and 21-22, Daryna Zevina2016. Ukraine’s women’s team (Iryna Varynets, won gold (19:55.9 seconds), and in the top- Romanchuk won two gold medals in the Yuliia Dzhima, Anastasiya Merkushyna and 10 were Lukyanenko (fourth), Utkin (fifth), 400-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle races, Sweden, on November 27 through Reshetynskiy (sixth), Kazik (seventh) and Olena Pidhrushna) also finished in fourth December 3, 2016, Yuliia Dzhima finished and Zevina won three silver medals in • At the IBU World Cup in Oestersund, Suiarko (10th). In the women’s sprint, visu- place (1:10:01.8 seconds) in the 4x6-kilom- in ninth place in the women’s 10-kilometer women’s 50-meter, 100-meter and 200- ally impaired final, Oksana Syshkova won ter relay. Dmytro Pidruchniy finished in sev- pursuit race (33:05.0 seconds) and Dmytro meter backstroke. Romanchuk won the gold (20:15.7 seconds) and Olga Prylutska enth place in the men’s 10-kilometer sprint Pidruchniy finished in ninth place (24:28.4 1,500-meter freestyle and the 400-meter won bronze (21:42.3 seconds), and Natalia (23:33.7 seconds). seconds) in the men’s 10-kilometer pursuit. freestyle at the FINA World Cup events in Rubanovska finished in fourth place Tokyo (14:26.39 seconds, 3:39.67 seconds) Ukraine, represented by Iryna Varynets and the women’s 12.5-kilometer mass start race Alexander Zhirnyy, finished in ninth place (26:17.2 seconds). In the men’s standing on October 25-26 and in Hong Kong (38:33.1• Yuliia seconds) Dzhima infinished Oberhof, in fifthGermany, place onin sprint, Ihor Reptyukh won silver (18:32.6 (14:18.53 seconds, 3:40.18 seconds) on in the single mixed relay (38:10.40 sec- January 5-8. Artem Pryma finished in ninth onds); in the mixed relay, Anastasiya seconds), Grygoriy Vovchynskyi finished in October 29-30. In the overall, Zevina fin- place in the men’s 12.5-kilometer pursuit fourth place, followed by Serhii Romaniuk ished in fifth place (270 points). Mekushyna, Yuliia Dzhima, Artem Pryma (38:41.0 seconds) and Olena Pidhrushna fin- and Dmytro Pidruchniy finished in 10th in eighth place and Vitalii Sytnyk in ninth Sumo ished in seventh place in the women’s place (1:13:19.3 seconds). place. Taras Rad won silver in the men’s 7.5-kilometer sprint (23:19.8 seconds). middle sitting final (37:52.2 seconds). In the women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint at IBU the men’s middle standing final, first international sumo competition that the women’s 10-kilometer pursuit (34:26.7 Cup• Yanain Beitostolen, Bondar finished Norway, in fourthon November place in Vovchynskyi won bronze (31:22.8 seconds), attracted• On November athletes from 21, 2016, Ukraine, Lviv Poland hosted and its seconds)• Yana Bondarat the IBUfinished Cup in in sixth Martell-Val place in 25-27, 2016. Bondar finished in 24:50.0 and in the top-10 were: Reptyukh (sixth), Azerbaijan. The Sumo Lviv Open Cup had a Martello, Italy, on January 5-8. seconds and Mariya Kruchkova finished in Sytnyk (seventh) and Romaniuk (ninth). In men’s lightweight division and men and 10th place (25:44.6 seconds). Yuliya cross-country skiing, Oksana Shyskova won women had an unlimited weight division. place in the men’s 20-kilometer individual Zhuravok finished in fifth place (25:00.1 silver in the women’s sprint, visually Ukrainian sumo wrestlers take inspiration race• Vladimir(51:25.5 seconds)Semakov atfinished the IBU in Cup sixth in seconds) in the 7.5-kilometer sprint. impaired, and Olga Prylutska finished in from Ukrainian Japanese sumo legend Obertilliach, Austria, on December 16-17, fourth place. In the men’s sprint, visually Taiho Koki (Ivan Boryshko). 2016. place in the women’s 4x6-kilometer relay impaired, Utkin won silver (2:54.35 sec- Biathlon (16:03.9• Iryna seconds); Varynets Dzhima finished finished in seventh in sev- onds). Among the top-10 were: Oleksandr men’s 12.5-kilometer pursuit (34:08.3 sec- enth place in the women’s 12.5-kilometer Kazik, (fourth), Siuark (eighth) and onds)• Vitaliy at the Trush IBU won Junior gold World in the Cup junior in mass start (29.21.2 seconds); and Artem Reshetynskiy (ninth). In the women’s place (14:31.3 seconds) in the mixed relay Hochfilzen, Austria, on December 15-17, Pryma finished in ninth place in the men’s standing sprint, Ukraine swept the podium at •the Olena Biathlon Pidhurshna World Championshipsfinished in eighth in 2016. Anon Dudchenko finished in seventh 4x7.5-kilometer relay (16.54.3 seconds). with Liashenko winning gold (3:21.05 sec- Hochfilzen, Austria, on February 9-12. Yulia place in the same race (35:41.0 seconds). onds), Kononova (silver, 3:19.82 seconds) Dzhima finished in ninth place in the wom- Kristina Dmytrenko finished in fourth place Bobsled and skeleton and Bui (bronze, 3:36.30 seconds). en’s 10-kilometer pursuit (23:02.2 sec- in the junior women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint Bohdana Konashuk finished in eighth place onds). (22:29.4 seconds). Trush won silver in the for the 2017 world championships in Sochi in the women’s standing sprint. Oksana junior men’s 10-kilometer sprint (25:35.4 by• theRussia International was stripped ofBobsleigh hosting rights and Masters (who was born in Ukraine, but Taras Lesyuk and Anton Dudchenko won seconds) and Dudchenko finished in sixth Skeleton Federation, who deemed it not competes for the U.S.A.) won gold in the bronze• Anna in theKryvonos, mixed relayKristina (1:23:17.7 Dmytrenko, sec- place (26:16.1 seconds). Kristina “prudent” to hold the event in Russia after women’s seated sprint (2:59.36 seconds) onds) at the Junior World Cup in Pokljuka, Dmytrenko, Vlaeriya Dmytrenko and Anna all of the recent scandal with widespread and gold in the women’s long C seated final Slovenia, on January 27-29. Dudchenko Kryvonos finished in fifth place (58:18.4 sec- doping violations. Russia said that it may (36:01.0 seconds). Reptyukh and won bronze in the junior men’s 10-kilome- onds) in the junior women’s 3x6-kilometer seek compensation for being stripped of Vovchynskyi won gold and bronze, respec- ter sprint (26:43.3 seconds), and Nazarii relay; in the junior men’s 4x7.5-kilometer hosting rights. The new venue will be tively, in the men’s standing sprint (2:50.53, Cebrynski and Vitaliy Trush finished in relay, Ukraine (Vitaliy Trush, Dmytro Koenigssee, Germany, on February 13-26. 2:54.84 seconds). Yarovyi won gold in the fourth and eighth place, respectively. Ivasenko, Taras Lesyuk and Anton Latvia had informed the federation that it men’s seated sprint (2:37.77 seconds), and Kryvonos finished in fourth place in the Dudchenko) finished in sixth place planned to boycott the event if it was held Rad finished in eighth place. Ukraine fin- junior women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint and (1:21:36.8 seconds). Kristina Dmytrenko in Russia. The U.S. and South Korea also ished in fourth place in the open relay Trush finished in 10th place in the junior finished in ninth place in the junior women’s said they were considering withdrawing men’s 10-kilometer sprint. 10-kilometer pursuit (33:04.1 seconds). from the event in Russia. (Continued on page 18) 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9 NEW RELEASE: Children’s book of “Stories for Every Season” by Petrusia Sawchak JENKINTOWN, Pa. – A new children’s book, “Stories for Every Season,” published by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Inc. (UNWLA) Branch 88 of the Philadelphia Regional Council, was launched at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center (UECC) in Jenkintown on December 13. In this book, Christine R. Shwed, UNWLA Education Committee chair for 2005-2011, compiled, arranged and designed a collection of original enchanting stories based on Ukrainian folk tales and traditions, as well as follow-up exercises/ activities developed to promote language and other learning skills. These stories were originally used to enrich the curriculum of UNWLA’s branch- run “svitlychky” (preschools) with new and lively materials. Besides providing good According to Ms. Shwed, “The stories stories, these tales also taught important and exercises in this book help children educational skills to young children. acquire a higher order of thinking skills and further develop their innate creativity through storytelling. The materials pre- sented can also be used to teach a number of different skills taught in preschool, such as colors, numbers, counting, animals and birds, fruits and vegetables, the universe, body parts, feelings and friendship. They also show and promote our beautiful Ukrainian traditions.” The stories were written by various authors, which were previously featured in the UNWLA’s monthly magazine Our Life and in Veselka published by the Ukrainian National Association between 1954 and 1995. Some of the authors of these stories were Hanna Chornobytska, Ivan Kernytsky, Nina Mudryk-Mrytz, Nina Narkevych, Roman Zavadovych and Ivanna Savytska, to name just a few. They wrote these delightful tales between 1944 through 1972 to entertain and instruct children of Ukrainians who were displaced from their homeland after World War II. It was a way to instill Ukrainian traditions in their children. Ms. Shwed designed the colorful pages and brought the tales to life again by entic- ing young children to look and read. Now these stories, which are written in Ukrainian, are available in a book for young- sters to enjoy with their parents, grandpar- ents and friends. It’s a collector’s item to be enjoyed and valued for years to come. For a donation of $15 to UNWLA Branch 88, recipients will receive a copy of “Stories for Every Season” in appreciation. All pro- ceeds from this will be donated to anti-ter- rorist operation in eastern Ukraine to help orphans and families affected by the aggres- sion of Russian invaders on Ukrainian lands. If interested, readers may mail checks made payable to UNWLA Branch 88, in the amount of $19 ($15 for donation to ATO and $4 for shipping costs) to: UNWLA Branch 88, c/o Olya Jakubowska, 711 East Marwood Road, Philadelphia, PA 19120. For more information, call Ulana Prociuk at 215-235-3709 (evenings). 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analysis he co-authored on May 13, 2016. Phillip Karber... Moscow’s latest move was to recognize identity documents issued by its proxies in (Continued from page 1) the occupied east. Dr. Karber believes from Kyiv’s grasp, according to Dr. Karber, it Russian President Vladimir Putin’s February could’ve settled the conflict had it “moved 18 executive order is partially motivated by faster and more decisively.” his perceived moral obligation to make eth- He credited the “spirit of the Maidan” – the nic Russians “feel part of the motherland.” revolution that toppled Viktor Yanukovych’s Another reason is that Russia is coming to oppressive and corrupt presidency in a decision point: “Either try to redefine the February 2014 – in whose aftermath volun- separation line and have it observed, which teer units were immediately formed and ini- means that both the Donbas and Crimea are tially resisted the combined Russian- going to be subsidized with Russian aid… or separatist elements in Ukraine’s east. the Russians will have to intervene and end But he was quick to say that, by the end the war militarily,” he said. of the summer of 2014, Ukraine’s military Recognizing the proxy documents gives had made progress to improve its fighting Russia “that option,” Dr. Karber added. capability and today is five times stronger. Three years on, Kyiv is better equipped “Sure, the army was old, slow, not effec- to resist and counter Russia’s sophisticated tive, not motivated and so forth,” Dr. Karber information-propaganda warfare, he said. said. “But that was not true by the end of On a scale of one to five, Ukraine went from Courtesy of Phillip Karber summer of 2014, and the country wouldn’t “minus 1 to four… Ukraine got much stron- Dr. Phillip Karber (right) on the front in Ukraine with U.S. Gen. Peter Jones, showing exist today if it hadn’t been for the army ger and wiser… and with its counter-infor- him the battlefield between Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast on June 17, making major progress in building up its mation war based on a high standard of 2016, which he witnessed during Ukraine’s summer 2014 counteroffensive. force, modernizing its equipment, training. accuracy in terms of war reporting and mil- And a whole new generation of combat itary related issues.” extremely costly the war, Ukraine doesn’t up with some muscle… and by having lines commanders had to learn at the front… He said the people are more aware and have the capital to make that explosion of of communication into the Russian military, taught themselves and figured it out, and today the “vast majority of people in the effort to grow out of the malaise.” the Russian responsibility is very deep.” became some very first-class commanders.” Donbas are saying: stop this war right now, The seeds were in place for Russia’s suc- Incoming U.S. national security adviser One example the Georgetown University it was not worth it.” cess in the Donbas based on “identity resis- Lt. Gen. Herbert R. McMaster is hawkish on Ph.D. cited is Lt. Gen. Mykhailo Zabrodsky. Thus, the chance of having other regions tance,” Russian infiltration with agents and Russia and is “exactly the kind of leader the While still a colonel in Ukraine’s armed forc- break away is “substantially lower… and collaborators, poor economic conditions president said he wants,” Dr. Karber said. es, the graduate of the U.S. Command and the security services have been able to and “20 years of neglect of the Ukrainian He is “not only an experienced warrior General Staff course at Fort Leavenworth in weed out people who were either pro-Rus- army,” he explained. of the first order, but one of the U.S. Army’s Kansas led a raid in the summer of 2014 as sians or planted Russians.” So, when the Russian GRU officer Igor brightest and most innovative leaders… He part of a series of military operations that Using the same scale, Ukraine scores a Girkin started the war by taking over is tough, smart and directly honest – leav- spanned over 400 kilometers, most of that three on being able to defend against a Sloviansk in April 2014, “he knew which ened with a deep wisdom of how national behind enemy lines. proxy uprising; conversely, “Russia’s ability police captains would side with the govern- security policy and guidance should, and “The success of this raid… created a to start one has gone from three to one,” Dr. ment, which ones were corruptible, and should not, be formulated and conveyed wedge between the two [so-called] people’s Karber said. which ones would side with them.” from the White House.” republics as well as an opening along the Yet he acknowledged that three years Dr. Karber continued: “He [Girkin] knew Asked what would happen if Ukraine Russian border that follow-on Ukrainian after the Maidan revolution, the “people are who to assassinate. He was the most lethal stops fighting, Dr. Karber said that the forces could exploit,” Dr. Karber wrote in frustrated… because the reforms don’t weapon the Russians had in creating that country, which has already lost 7 percent, 2015. appear to have had the transformative separatist movement. Some of them were or 43,744 square kilometers of territory to Having spent 177 days on the war front effect for which they had hoped.” Russian agents, some of them had been Russia, “would be reduced to a figment of on over 25 trips from March 2014 until the The military expert urged more public there for a long time. Those guys, that core… its former self and not exist the way it does end of 2016, the former U.S. Marine and patience, given that the war drains resourc- They had those agents in place, backed them today.” defense strategy advisor to the highest lev- es and money. els of the U.S. government said Ukraine is He stated that to attract “serious people facing “new-generation warfare” that Russia with training” for mid-level positions in the is testing and perfecting in the Donbas. civil service, they need to be paid more. And It “combines both low-end, hidden state the war takes up about one-third to one-half involvement with high-end, direct, even of President Petro Poroshenko’s time, so braggadocio superpower involvement,” “he’s not focused on fixing this and that according to Dr. Karber. industry.” Components include political subver- “Reform is a very easy word to say and a sion, proxy sanctuary – seizure of govern- hard thing to pull off,” he said. “The reason is ment buildings, police stations, airports institutions create not just a structure, but a and military depots – intervention, coercive culture inside them. It’s not about putting a deterrence and negotiation manipulation. new head in… One of the keys… is to be able The latter is when a truce is used to rearm to have the economy flourish, but if you have proxies and use violations to “bleed the high debt, with Russia holding Ukraine ener- opponent’s army,” according to a separate getically hostage, and [are] financing an 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

CIUS sponsors documentary screenings on contemporary Ukraine CIUS undisputed part of its state propaganda International Week organizers. and confrontation with the West (and In additional to these main events, CIUS EDMONTON, Alberta – The Canadian Ukraine), in Ukraine itself numerous inter- co-sponsored a screening of the Oscar- Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) took nal challenges persist in this regard. nominated documentary “Winter on Fire: an active part in International Week activi- Through a powerful narrative, the director Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom,” which was ties held January 30 to February 5 at the shows the day-to-day battle for the protec- organized by the Ukrainian Student Society University of Alberta by sponsoring two tion of LGBT rights that is taking place in of the University of Alberta. This film documentary screenings and co-sponsor- Ukraine. depicts the events of the Euro-Maidan revo- ing a third. All were aimed at highlighting The film screening of “This is Gay lution through a detailed and powerful nar- challenges of contemporary Ukraine that Propaganda” took place on January 30, rative. are little known to international audiences. attracting a large audience. Dr. Bociurkiw The film was presented by Dr. Ivan An annual event, International Week gave an introductory speech and took ques- Kozachenko, who provided a brief descrip- was organized for the 32nd time this year. tions after the film ended. Several questions tion of the context in which the revolution It is the largest extracurricular educational were dedicated to the film production and was taking place, described the events in event held at the university, consisting of further life path of its main characters, Ukrainian regions during the Euro-Maidan, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, film while the majority of questions concerned and highlighted the outcomes of the revolu- screenings and cultural performances. the obstacles preventing protection of tion. The screening was also followed by a The first CIUS-sponsored documentary, LGBT rights in Ukraine, support from the discussion of the events around the Euro- “This is Gay Propaganda: LGBT Rights and Canadian government for the implementa- Maidan and further developments. the War in Ukraine,” was presented by the tion of democratic reforms in Ukraine and During International Week, CIUS provid- Ivan Kozachenko/CIUS film’s director, Marusya Bociurkiw. Dr. the role of the Ukrainian diaspora in these ed University of Alberta staff and students, Dr. Marusya Bociurkiw, writer, director Bociurkiw is an author, filmmaker and pro- processes. This event presented an impor- and producer. as well as the general public, with the fessor. She has been producing films and tant aspect of the ongoing struggle for the opportunity to learn about aspects of videos in Canada for the past 15 years; they protection of minority rights in Ukraine. nects the tragic events of the total deporta- Ukrainian society that were virtually not have been screened at film festivals and in The second documentary screening that tion of Crimean Tatars by Stalin in 1944 covered by the mainstream Western media. cinemas on several continents. Ms. was organized by CIUS was dedicated to and their resistance to the annexation of These film screenings allowed audiences Bociurkiw is associate professor of media the Crimean Tatars. The film by Christina 2014. not only to view top-quality documentaries theory at Ryerson University, and director Paschyn, titled “A Struggle for Home: the A good number of attendees present at but also to interact with the directors about of the Studio for Media Activism and Crimean Tatars,” was presented by Dr. the screening addressed their questions to their films. Moreover, the availability of Mr. Critical Thought. Oleksandr Pankieiev on February 2. Ms. Ms. Paschyn and the president of the Irzay gave those who attended the session In her documentary she investigates the Paschyn is a multimedia journalist and Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars, an opportunity to hear first-hand informa- challenges and opportunities of Ukraine award-winning documentary filmmaker Rustem Irzay, both of whom were available tion about the Crimean Tatar people and after the Euro-Maidan revolution and the who is currently assistant professor in the via Skype. A lively discussion ranged from their resistance to the Russian occupation, Russian military aggression begun in 2014. journalism program at Northwestern questions on the current situation in from a member of their own community. In doing so, she follows the life of LGBT University in Qatar. While providing an Crimea, options available to Crimean Tatar Over all, these events by CIUS made a activists in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa, as well overview of the history of this ethnic activists in their resistance to the Russian valuable contribution to International as those who were forced to flee the minority of Ukraine, her documentary regime, and future prospects for Crimean Week, providing extensive in-depth infor- Donbas region. The film highlights that focuses on the events just before and after Tatars if the Russian occupation stopped. mation about Ukraine, with which Canada while in Russia discriminatory laws and Russia’s annexation of the Crimean penin- The session received very positive feedback has long and extraordinarily close cultural suppression of sexual minorities is an sula in February 2014. Ms. Paschyn con- from those who attended it and from ties.

Ukrainian Night on January 28. During the onds). Alexandra Nazarova and Maxim Martial arts Sportsline match against Virden Oil Capitals, the Nikitin won gold in ice dance figure skating, Dauphin Kings won 3-2 in overtime. More having finished in first place in the short (Continued from page 15) in the Premier League Karate 1 that was than 25 percent of the population of program (64.12 points) and first place in held• Stanislav in Paris on Horun January (75 22-24.kg) won The first tourna- place (25:16.2 seconds). Ukraine won gold in the Dauphin speaks Ukrainian ,and 41 percent the free dance program (165.62 points). ment, hosted by the World Karate mixed relay (26:56.5 seconds). Yarovyi won of the population claim Ukrainian heritage. Tetiana Petrova finished in fourth place in Federation, attracted 1,243 competitors gold in the men’s long C sitting final The evening featured Ukrainian bands, the women’s moguls final (45.17 points) from 78 countries. (40:32.4 seconds). Reptyukh won gold in games, as well as traditional Ukrainian and Andrii Lebedyk finished in 10th place the men’s long C standing final (58:03.1 sec- menu items. The jerseys were the brain- in the men’s moguls final (34.47 points). In gold medals and earned four spots in the onds). Vovchynskyi finished in fourth place child of a collaboration between the Kings women’s snowboard downhill parallel World• Ukraine’s Game 2017 Mauy that Thai are fighters to be hostedwon four in (59:30.2 seconds) and Sytnyk finished in and Ryan Raliuk of Ruff’s Furniture and giant slalom, Annamarie Dancha won silver Wroclaw, Poland, on July 20-30. Igor eighth place (1:02:02.6 seconds). In the Dave Campbell of Parkland Source for against Alexandra Krol of Poland in the Liubchenko (63.5 kg) and Oleh Pryimachov men’s long C, visually impaired final, Utkin Sports. Fans were able to bid in a silent auc- final. Oleksandr Belinskyy won bronze in (91 kg) have already qualified for two of and Suiarko finished in sixth and seventh tion on jerseys with the players’ last names the men’s snowboard parallel giant slalom the spots. Additional spots were won by place (1:06:06.2, 1:06:57.3 seconds). In the in Ukrainian. after winning against Michal Nowaczyk of Trishyn Konstiantyn (57 kg), Serhii Kuliba women’s long C, standing final, Kononova Poland in the final. Belinskyy also won (67 kg) and Vasyl Sorokin (71 kg). won gold (51:56.9 seconds), Batenkova won Winter Games bronze in the men’s parallel slalom after silver (53:38.1 seconds) and Liashenko won winning against Vladislav Khuramshin of Panasiuk and Roman Reva won silver in the bronze (53:59.4 seconds). medal standings (two gold, three silver and Russia. Viktor Pasichnyk finished in sev- men’s• Ukraine’s duel competition Andrii at Koval,the Wushu Dmytro Taolu four• Ukraine bronze) finished at thein 10th 2017 place World in the enth place in the men’s Nordic combined World Cup in Fuzhou, China, on November Skiing Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on individual Gundersen NH 10-kilomter 15-20, 2016. Liudmyla Temna finished in January 29 through February 8. Yana cross-country race (25:12.1 seconds). fourth place in the women’s Jianshu; Andrii cross team, finished in fifth place (202.50 Bondar won silver in the women’s 7.5-kilo- Ukraine finished in fifth place (38:58.2 sec- Fehetsyn finished in fifth place in the men’s points)• Tania at Prymak, the North who Americanskis for the CupU.S. ski-on meter sprint biathlon (22:05.9 seconds). In onds) in the men’s team Gundersen NH Nandao and in eighth place in the men’s January 20 at Solitude Mountain Resort, in the same race, Yuliya Zhuravok, Nadia 3x5-kilometer cross-country race. Anna Nangun; Temna finished in seventh place in Solitude, Utah. Other top-10 finishes for the Bielkina and Yuliya Brygynets finished in Muzyka finished in fourth place in the wom- the women’s Qiangshu; Ganna 2016-2017 season include seventh place fourth, sixth and ninth place, respectively. en’s mass start speed skating final with Tereshchenko finished in fourth place in and 10th place at the Ski-Cross World Cup Nadiia Bielkina won bronze in the women’s eight points, having earned the second-fast- the women’s Daoshu and fourth place in in Innichen, Italy, on December 20-22, 15-kilometer individual race (1:02:12.3 est time on three out of the four laps. the women’s Changquan. 2016; seventh place at the World Cup in seconds), and Yuliya Zhuravok and Yana Arosa, Switzerland, on December 12-13, Bondar finished in sixth and eighth place, 2016; and a bronze medal at the National respectively. In the women’s 10-kilometer Umarov, who topped Russia’s most-wanted Championships in Pitztal, Austria, on pursuit, Bielkina won gold (32:39.6 sec- list for his role in a number of terrorist attacks. November 26, 2016. Prymak’s latest rank- onds); in the women’s 12.5-kilometer mass Turning... In Moscow, The Washington Post report- ing is 23rd with 360 points, following the start, Bondar won silver (37:17.7 seconds); (Continued from page 6) ed disbelief in the news of the assassination fifth freestyle skiing FIS points lists for while Bielkina finished in sixth place, fol- plot, with leaders such as Russian ultra- 2016-2017. Prymak finished in 12th and lowed by Mariya Kruchova in ninth place ethnic Chechen, was detained by a nationalist Vladimir Zhirnovsky and 17th places at the World Cup in Idre Fjall, and Yuiya Brygynets in 10th place. In the Ukrainian Alfa special forces unit and Communist Gennady Zhuganov calling it a Sweden, on February 9-12. men’s 15-kilometer mass start, Artem admitted that he had been instructed to “hoax” and a “trick that stinks.” The timing of Tyshchenko finished in eighth place, fol- train the other two men. Mr. Osmayev said the plot was seen by opposition candidate Hockey lowed by Anton Myhda in ninth place. another accomplice, Ruslan Madayev, was Sergei Mironov as “no mere coincidence.” Ukraine won bronze in the mixed relay also trained to launch a suicide attack if the team the Dauphin Kings adopted a biathlon (1:17:10.4 seconds). In the men’s planned anti-tank mines had failed. Source: “Alleged plot to kill Putin foiled,” Ukrainian• The Manitoba vyshyvanka Junior (embroidery) Hockey League as its 20-kilometer individual race, Anton Myhda Channel 1’s report claimed that the men RFE/RL Russian Service, The Ukrainian motif for its team uniforms for its annual finished in seventh place (1:06:36.8 sec- had confessed to receiving orders from Mr. Weekly, March 4, 2012. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 19

February 27 Lecture by Jennifer Carroll, “Beyond Biological Citizenship: March 8 Presentation by Aleksandr Boron, “Shevchenko Jubilee: Cambridge, MA Public Health in Ukraine in Wartime,” Harvard University, Cambridge, MA One Year Later,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053 or www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 www.huri.harvard.edu

February 28 Panel Discussion, “Russian Disinformation: What is it March 8-9 Ukrainian Days advocacy events, Ukrainian National Washington and Why Does it Matter?” George Washington Washington Information Service, Ukrainian Congress Committee of University, 202-849-0899 or [email protected] America, Capitol Hill, with ceremony at Taras Shevchenko monument, www.ucca.org or [email protected] March 3 First Friday dinner at Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641 or Kerhonkson, NY www.soyuzivka.com March 10 Concert, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Kansas City, KS Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, March 3 Heavenly Hundred Commemoration, Charitable Concert 816-994-7222 Washington for Ukrainian Wounded Soldiers, Embassy of Ukraine, 202-349-2963 or www.usa.mfa.gov.ua/ua March 10 Concert with Dakha Brakha, Johnson County Overland Park, KS Community College, 913-469-8500 March 3 Film screening, “The Nest of Turtledove,” Ukrainian New York Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or March 10-15 Film, “Bitter Harvest,” Bytowne Cinema, 212-288-8660 Ottawa www.bytownecinema.ca/move/bitter-harvest March 4 37th annual Taras Shevchenko Scholarly Conference, March 10-31 Photograph exhibit, “Celebrating Women of Courage,” New York Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Chicago Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8020 Ukrainian Research Institute, Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 March 11 St. Patrick’s Day Ukrainian Style, Syracuse Ukrainian March 5 Presentation by Roman Osadca, “The World of Garlic,” Syracuse, NY National Home, [email protected] or 315-478-9272 Passaic, NJ Ukrainian National Association, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, www.stnicholasucc.org March 12 Concert with violinist Solomia Soroka, pianist Arthur Alexandria, VA Greene and composer Yevhen Stankovych, The March 5 Concert of music by Yevhen Stankovych, performed by Washington Group Cultural Fund, The Lyceum, Warren, MI violinist Solomia Soroka and pianist Arthur Greene, St. [email protected] Josaphat Parish Center, 248-879-8167 March 12 Presentation by Alexander Motyl, Ukrainian Institute of March 6 Presentation by Victoria Khiterer, “Jewish City of Chicago Modern Art, [email protected] Cambridge, MA Inferno of Russian Israel? History of Jews in Kyiv,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events March 7 Presentation by Nazar Kozak, “How Can Art Fight Back? advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions New York Refugee Artists and the Ukrainian Crisis,” Columbia from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

ATTENTION, Debutante Ball Organizers!

In keeping with our tradition, The Ukrainian Weekly will publish a special section devoted to the Ukrainian community’s debutantes.

The 2017 debutante ball section will be published on April 2.

The deadline for submission of all materials – stories and photos (with captions and photo credits) – is MARCH 17.

Please e-mail materials to: STAFF @ UKRWEEKLY.COM 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 No. 9

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Friday-Sunday, March 3-5 music and musicians are used and abused NEW YORK: The Ukrainian National by political regimes. Orest Sushko, the pro- Women’s League of America Branch 64 ducer/director of the film, will be in atten- invites the public to an exhibition of paint- dance to provide commentary and answer ings by Ihor Korotash and Volodymyr questions. The Ukrainian American Cultural Voroniuk titled “Two Worlds.” The exhibition Center is located at 60C N. Jefferson Drive, will open on Friday at 6 p.m. Donations are Whippany, NJ 07981. Admission is free. voluntary. The exhibition will take place at Donations at the door to support this proj- the UNWLA Gallery, 203 Second Ave., fourth ect will be appreciated. E-mail musicofsur- floor, New York, NY 10003. Exhibit hours: [email protected] with questions Friday, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.. or to reserve seats in advance. This event is For more information call 212-260-4490, log sponsored by UNWLA Branch 86 and on to unwla.org or ukrartlitclub.com, or Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal e-mail [email protected]. Credit Union. Saturday, March 4 WARREN, Mich.: The Ukrainian Arts NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Society of Detroit invites all to attend a con- Society in the U.S. (NTSh-A), jointly with the cert devoted to the violin and piano works Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in of contemporary Ukrainian composer the U.S. (UVAN) and the Harvard Ukrainian Yevhen Stankovych to be held at 5 p m at St. Research Institute (HURI), invite all to the Josaphat Parish Center. Violinist Solomia 37th annual Taras Shevchenko Scholarly Soroka and pianist Arthur Greene will per- Conference. Dr. George G. Grabowicz, presi- form selections from the premiere CD disc dent of the Shevchenko Scientific Society in of their recording of Maestro Stankovych’s the U.S., will make opening remarks. music for Toccata Classics of London. Those Participants include Prof. Grabowicz attending will also have the rare opportuni- (Harvard), “Forming the Shevchenko ty to hear the composer discuss his music Reception: The Year 1861”; Oleksandr and meet him in person. Copies of the CD Boron (Taras Shevchenko Institute of will be available for purchase. St. Josaphat Literature, National Academy of Sciences of Parish Center is located at 26440 Ryan Road Ukraine, Kyiv), “Shevchenko’s Pseudo- in Warren, MI. For additional information Fiancée Anna Sharikova: Conjectures and call 248-879-8167. Facts”; Tamara Hundorova (Taras Tuesday, March 7 Shevchenko Institute of Literature, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv), NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Studies Program “Gypsies as a Model of ‘The Other’ in at the Harriman Institute, Columbia Shevchenko and Olha Kobylianska”; and University, invites you to attend a talk by Vasyl Makhno (NTSh-A), “Remove Nazar Kozak titled “How Can Art Fight Back? Shevchenko’s Fur Hat’: The Poetic Image of Refugee Artists and the Ukrainian Crisis.” Shevchenko in Ukrainian Poetry (Antonych, Russia’s “hybrid war” against Ukraine caused Drach, Rymaruk).” Albert Kipa, president of more than a million refugees to flee from the UVAN, will make concluding remarks. The Crimean peninsula and the Donbas region. conference will take place at the NTSh-A Among them are artists. Based on interviews building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and with Ukrainian refugee artists, this lecture 10th streets) at 4 p.m. For additional infor- explores the change in their creative mation call 212-254-5130. approaches caused by the experience of dis- placement and war. Mr. Kozak is a senior Sunday, March 5 research scholar at the National Academy of WHIPPANY, N.J.: Please join us at the Sciences of Ukraine. His current research Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New focuses on post-Byzantine iconography and Jersey at 1 p.m. for the film screening of contemporary activist art. Presently, he is a “Music of Survival,” the triumphant story of Fulbright scholar at The Ukrainian Museum the original 17 members of the Ukrainian in New York. This event will take place at Bandurist Chorus who survived World War 4:30 p.m. in the Marshall D. Shulman II as a musical ensemble. The film examines Seminar Room (Room 1219, International the roots of a rare and fragile musical tradi- Affairs Building, 420 W. 118th St.). The event tion and, set against the backdrop of the sec- is free and open to the public. For additional ond world war, focuses on the ways that information call 212-854-4697.

The Ukrainian National Association, Inc., will host a presentation by ROMAN OSADCA “The World of Garlic” Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 12:00 pm

at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church 217 President St. Passaic, New Jersey 07055

Topics to be discussed include: Organized by the UNA • history and evolution of garlic • health benefi ts of garlic New Jersey District • the truth about store bought garlic Admission: gratis

Roman Osadca worked at Hoffmann LaRoche as a Pharmaceutical Engineer for 38 years, where he made synthetic vitamins and drugs. He also has a lifelong interest in growing and collecting garlic and honey, the two biggest natural medicinal foods. Roman loves to talk about garlic and honey – and you don’t need a prescription from your doctor to listen, learn, and be entertained.