Inside: l Text of Biden’s address to the Verkhovna Rada – page 3 l Snyder gives 18th annual Ukrainian Famine Lecture – page 4 l Lubomyr Luciuk’s op-ed on Canada and refugees – page 7

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIII No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 $2.00 At the epicenter of reforms, U.S. vice-president addresses Verkhovna Rada Jaresko offers bird’s eye view Biden says cost to Moscow will rise if aggression persists by Zenon Zawada KYIV – Natalie Jaresko has been at the epicenter of the Ukrainian government’s reform efforts since accepting her appointment to the Cabinet as finance minister on December 2 of last year and taking Ukrainian citizenship the same day. Since then, Ms. Jaresko has earned international recog- nition for her successful execution of a $15 billion debt operation, in which Ukraine’s government and some of its biggest enterprises had to restructure their debt repay- ments that were made impossible due to the economic wreckage caused by the war in Donbas. Her next biggest challenge is preparing the 2016 state budget, which will require a painful $2.5 billion in savings, most likely in the form of spending cuts, to meet the International Monetary Fund’s requirement that the deficit not exceed 3.7 percent of GDP. “Ugh. I don’t know how you’d compare. They’re both enormous challenges,” Ms. Jaresko said when asked by The Ukrainian Weekly whether the debt operation or the bud- get was the bigger challenge. She’s a busy woman, to put it mildly. Kyiv economists told The Weekly that she often schedules meetings with them, far more than her predecessors, yet she ends up can- celing some of them because of other last-minute engage- Presidential Administration of Ukraine ments that surface. U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden addresses the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The Weekly managed to sneak in a few questions with Ms. Jaresko amid her busy schedule at Ukrainian Catholic RFE/RL 8 in a rare appearance by a top Western official before the University’s eighth annual Charitable Evening and Silent Verkhovna Rada. KYIV – U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden told Ukraine’s Auction held on December 5 at the Fairmont Grand Hotel “The U.S. will maintain pressure until Moscow fulfills its Parliament that Western pressure on Russia will increase if in Kyiv. She popped in soon after at the start, gave some [peace deal] commitments,” he said. “Despite some de- interviews, then had to leave for a Cabinet meeting. Moscow continues its “aggression” against Kyiv. escalation in violence, there can be no sanctions relief “If Russian aggression persists, the cost imposed on (Continued on page 10) Moscow will continue to rise,” Mr. Biden said on December (Continued on page 12) Svyatoslav Vakarchuk speaks on civil society in Ukraine at Fordham University by Dana Kurylyk Aside from his artistic achievements, Mr. Vakarchuk holds a Ph.D. degree in theoretical physics and has been NEW YORK – Svyatoslav (Slava) Vakarchuk delivered a widely recognized for his activism. He established the char- guest lecture, titled “Ordinary Citizens in Extraordinary ity foundation Lyudy Maybutnyoho (People of the Future) Times: Civil Society in Ukraine,” at Fordham University on with projects that include “Knyha Tvoryt Lyudynu” (A November 20. This event was sponsored by the Book Creates A Man), “Osvita Krainoyu” (The Country’s Department of Political Science and the deans of arts and Education), “3D Proyekt” (3D Project) and “Dumay, Diy, science in an attempt to advance the understanding of Dopomohai.” (Think, Act, Help). world politics among Fordham students. In 2007, Mr. Vakarchuk won a seat in the Ukrainian Mr. Varkarchuk is currently finishing up his Yale World Parliament and went on to play a conducive part in law- Fellowship program in New Haven, Conn. The purpose of making as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on the program is to cultivate a generation of globally engaged Freedom of Expression and Information. However, he gave leaders devoted to making the world a better place. up this position in 2008 in protest against the overwhelm- Throughout the program, Mr. Varkarchuk has been active ing level of political corruption in Ukraine. Mr. Vakarchuk’s in contributing as a lecturer at various American universi- involvement in the Euro-Maidan revolution of 2013-2014 ties, including Harvard, Columbia and the University of earned him an unmatched level of public support and California-Berkeley. influence of which few, if any, politicians in Ukraine can Olena Nikolayenko, associate professor of political sci- boast. His volunteer projects, concerts and posts on ence at Fordham, introduced the guest speaker to the audi- Twitter and social media provide Ukrainians with hope for ence, albeit he does not need any introductions in the a better future. Ukrainian community. Mr. Vakarchuk is widely known as the His lecture at Fordham primarily focused on the role lead singer of the most successful post-Soviet rock band of that civil society plays in the development of a country. Ukraine, Okean Elzy. The tours of Okean Elzy sell out venues Using metaphorical images and expanding on philosophi- and stadiums across Ukraine and the world, while each of cal ideas of Aristotle and Plato, Mr. Vakarchuk reflected on Dana Kurylyk the eight studio albums released since their formation in Svyatoslav Vakarchuk lectures at Fordham University. 1994 in Lviv were a music sensation in Ukraine. (Continued on page 4) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50

ANALYSIS

Ukraine is not a bargaining chip Over 9,000 killed in Ukraine’s east Russia says U.S. refused guarantees KYIV – A United Nations report released MOSCOW – Russia says it has received an for Putin’s support against ISIS on December 9 says the confirmed death toll official refusal from the U.S. government to from the conflict in eastern Ukraine now provide guarantees for Ukraine’s debts and by Ihor Kozak the conflict indefinitely in order to exert exceeds 9,000, despite a “significant reduc- that Moscow will sue Kyiv if it doesn’t pay pressure on Kyiv and the West, while keep- tion of hostilities in certain parts” of the its debt on time, according to December 5 Two months ago, while travelling along ing open the possibility to advance further region. The report by the U.N. Human Rights news reports. The Russian Finance Ministry the frontlines of eastern Ukraine, I predict- at any point in time. The Kremlin’s ratio- Monitoring Mission in Ukraine attributed says that without Washington’s guarantee ed that the Minsk II ceasefire agreements nale behind its recent escalation on the the decrease in hostilities to the withdrawal for Ukraine’s debt, Moscow cannot restruc- would not be respected by the Kremlin and frontlines is to achieve a frozen conflict by of “certain heavy weapons by the Ukrainian ture the $3 billion loan and will sue Kyiv if it its puppet Peoples’ Republics. It was clear gradually sabotaging the execution of the military” and pro-Russian separatist fighters. doesn’t repay the debt by December 20, to me – in spite of a tentative ceasefire put Minsk II agreements without triggering But it warned that weapons and fighters are when it is due. Russia had offered to in place on October 2 – that the situation in more Western sanctions. still pouring into rebel-held areas of eastern restructure Ukraine’s Eurobond loan in the Donbas would continue to deteriorate. The tragic events in Paris and the inten- Ukraine from Russia. It said the death toll equal installments over the next three years Unfortunately, my projections were sification of the West’s fight against ISIS put since fighting began in April 2014 had if the West agreed to provide guarantees. right. Fighting has flared up again. Over the a new spin on the Russian-Ukrainian con- reached 9,098 in mid-November with anoth- But Ukraine has included the Russian loan last few weeks, Ukrainian field command- flict. The West wants Russia’s cooperation er 20,732 people injured. The casualty toll among several loans that are to be restruc- ers, humanitarian volunteers and local against ISIS and Syrian President Bashar includes civilians, Ukrainian government tured in a deal with a group of its largest troops, and pro-Russian armed groups. The journalists told me that the Russia-backed Assad. Western leaders are asking Mr. Putin creditors, in effect spurning Russia’s report says there were 47 civilian deaths in fighters have been engaging in provocative to agree to a formula, where Mr. Assad restructuring offer. The Russian Finance eastern Ukraine between August 26 and shootings from mortars, heavy machine could be removed from power, thus hope- Ministry claimed that its restructuring offer November 15. It said most of those deaths guns, automatic weapons and snipers, and fully halting the country’s five-year civil had better terms for Ukraine than the were caused by “explosive remnants of war that these have become a regular occur- war. They are also calling for the Russian and improvised explosive devices, under- International Monetary fund (IMF) loan rence along the entire frontline. military to stop attacking the pro-Western scoring the urgent need for extensive mine terms. Ukraine is restructuring its debts On several occasions, the separatists Syrian rebels, and to focus on fighting ISIS clearance and mine awareness actions on under an IMF-led $40 billion bailout pro- have even brazenly launched full-fledged instead. both sides of the conflict line.” (RFE/RL) gram. The Eurobond was issued by the gov- frontal assaults on Ukrainian positions. Mr. Putin seems to be open to consider- ernment of former President Viktor Saboteurs have crossed into territory con- ing these options — though the recent rise Russia threatens to sue Ukraine Yanukovych in 2013. (RFE/RL, based on trolled by Ukrainian forces to place anti- in tensions following the recent destruction reporting by Reuters and TASS) MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir personnel mines. Reconnaissance groups of a Russian plane by the Turkish air force Putin has instructed the Finance Ministry to Putin promises more electricity and drones have become regular features, will obviously complicate matters. take Ukraine to court if the country defaults collecting tactical information. The Kremlin Even if he is still willing to work with on its $3 billion debt to Moscow. “Go ahead, SYMFEROPOL, Ukraine – Russian continues to provide large quantities of NATO, Mr. Putin will undoubtedly expect take it to court,” Mr. Putin told Finance President Vladimir Putin promised to deliv- weapons, ammunition, equipment, and something in return. The Kremlin wants Minister Anton Siluanov at a government er new electricity supplies to power-short supplies to the separatists, while Russian the West to recognize Crimea as part of meeting on December 9. “If Russia sues Crimea in a surprise visit to the disputed military specialists are training the so- Russia (if not de jure, then at least de facto), Ukraine, we are ready to fight Russia in territory on December 2. Mr. Putin attend- called rebels and mercenaries, thus trans- and accept the frozen conflict in the court,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy ed a ceremony to launch an undersea cable forming these rag-tag formations into a Donbas. They also want the West to drop Yatsenyuk said later. The comments come a project that he called an “energy bridge” regular fighting force. its economic sanctions, reinstate Russia’s day after the International Monetary Fund bringing a new supply of power to the Consequently, Ukrainian casualties are membership in the G-8, and return to busi- revised its policy, allowing the Washington- Black Sea peninsula, which gets most of its mounting and their frequency is rising. ness as usual. based institution to continue lending to electricity from Ukraine. He also vowed Russian President Vladimir Putin has no Following the G-20 summit in Antalya, countries that fail to pay debts held by other that Russia will help make Crimea more intention of releasing the Donbas from his countries. That means financial aid to energy independent by 2018. “In 2017- grasp. Instead, he is attempting to freeze (Continued on page 13) Ukraine may continue if the country doesn’t 2018, its own [power output] will be larger repay the $3 billion Eurobond Russia than that received from Ukraine,” Mr. Putin bought in December 2013. Last month, said. The territory’s 2 million residents have Moscow offered to restructure the bond, been beset by power cuts since Crimea’s IN THE PRESS: Op-ed by Turchynov which matures on December 20, by spread- four main pylons in Ukraine were blown up ing out payments over three years. But late last month. No one has claimed respon- “Allying with Putin against the Islamic State would be a devil’s bargain,” by Ukraine wants the bond to be restructured sibility for the sabotage. Russian and Oleksander Turchynov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of under an agreement reached with its com- Crimean authorities blame Ukraine for the Ukraine, The Washington Post, December 3: mercial creditors that would write down outages, but Kyiv insists it does not know …it is understandable that Western governments should want to form the broad- the principal of the debt. (RFE/RL, based on est possible international coalition, including with Russia, to defeat those responsi- reporting by AFP, TASS and Bloomberg) (Continued on page 12) ble. But shared grief is not the same as shared interests. … Russian President Vladimir Putin has direct interests in Syria as a regional ally, a market for Russian military exports and a base for the Russian navy’s Mediterranean fleet. But his approach is influenced by wider considerations, one of which is to pre- he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 vent another authoritarian regime from succumbing to the demands of its people. 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ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA …the greatest long-term threats to a peaceful and liberal world order remain Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Russian terrorism and the determination of a revanchist Kremlin to impose a new and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 sphere of influence and systematically try to destabilize its neighborhood, not only in e-mail: [email protected] Ukraine but also in the Caucasus, the Baltic states, Poland and the Balkans. The civi- Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 lized world must defeat terrorism, not selectively but in all forms and on all fronts. e-mail: [email protected] No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 3

FOR THE RECORD Vice-President Joe Biden’s address to the Verkhovna Rada Below is the full text of the address (as Everyone took real political risks to over- delivered) by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden to come entrenched opposition for the good of the Verkhovna Rada on December 8. The text achieving a truly United States of America. was released by the White House, Office of In the end, it came down to extraordi- the Vice-President. nary patriots – individuals putting their personal needs behind the needs of their What a great honor for me to be able to nation, their narrow interest behind unity. represent my country before such an Ladies and gentlemen, I believe the presi- august audience. dent, the prime minister, every member of Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. this body now faces a similar test of courage. Chairman, members of the Rada, ladies and To quote an early American patriot, gentlemen, I am deeply honored to be invit- Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try ed to speak to you today at a moment men’s souls.” These are the times that try marked by great opportunity, as well as men’s souls. great uncertainty for the people of Ukraine. This is your moment. This is your The stakes for your country and the expec- responsibility. Each of you – if you’ll forgive tations of your people have never been me for speaking to you this way in your higher because Ukraine, as you know bet- body – each of you has an obligation to ter than I, has been here before. seize the opportunity that the sacrifices In the West, as here, we remember the made on the Maidan, the sacrifices of the Orange Revolution – young men and women Heavenly Hundred. Each of you has an obli- who filled the Maidan a decade ago demand- Presidential Administration of Ukraine gation to answer the call of history and ing that their voices and their votes both be Vice-President Joe Biden at the Verkhovna Rada on December 8. finally build a united, democratic Ukrainian respected. They refused to back down in the nation that can stand the test of time. face of rigged elections, and they succeeded. Mary [sic – the reference is to St. Michael] My country, too, was born of revolution. Edmund Burke said it best in 1774, But as history tells us and shows, and as raised the alarm, calling the citizens of But the battle for our independence was speaking to his constituency in Bristol, Ukraine to reinforce their brothers and sis- under way well before the first shots were we know, Ukraine’s leaders proved incapa- England. Here’s what he said: “Parliament ters on the Maidan. Tens of thousands heed- fired. It began when men of conscience ble of delivering on the promise of demo- is a deliberative assembly of one nation, ed the call, bringing with them food, cloth- stood up in legislative bodies representing cratic revolution. We saw reforms put in with one interest – that of the whole; where ing, blankets, medical supplies, and their every region in what was then colonial place only to be rolled back. We saw oli- not local purpose, not local prejudice ought support. As the world watched – and I was America – Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, garchs uninterested in change ousted from to guide, but the general good.” literally on the phone with your former Virginia, very different interests – and power only to return. Reformers persecut- I respectfully suggest this is a standard for president urging restraint – as the world declared in each of their regions the inher- which each of you will be judged. This is the ed, thrown in prison as political retribution. watched, the final assault came. Amidst fire ent rights of free people in different docu- And the bright flame of hope for a new standard by which your grandchildren and and ice, snipers on rooftops, the Heavenly ments, in different language – but the great-grandchildren, your progeny, will judge Ukraine snuffed out by the pervasive poison Hundred paid the ultimate price of patriots inherent right to be free. of cronyism, corruption and kleptocracy. whether or not you had the moral courage to the world over. Their blood and courage They took a vast continent and a diverse put the general good above local prejudice. Nearly a decade later, that flame of hope delivering to the Ukrainian people a second people – what John Adams, one of our was reignited by thousands of brave And this is all within your power. It’s within chance for freedom. Their sacrifice – to put it founding fathers and future president, once your hands. Nobody else’s – yours. Ukrainians, some of you in this room, bluntly – is now your obligation. said – called “an unwieldy machine.” And You can bend the arc of history of this storming the Maidan, demanding a You have a historic opportunity to be they molded that unwieldy machine into a nation toward greater justice and opportu- Revolution of Dignity. The world was trans- remembered as the Rada that finally and united representative democracy where nity for the Ukrainian people, and you can fixed. This time they were not going to be permanently laid in place the pillars of free- people saw themselves as Americans first do it now. denied the future that so many of your dom that your people have longed for, and citizens of their region second. I’ve had the great privilege and opportu- country have longed for, for so long. yearned for, for so many years. But our union remained imperfect, our nity afforded to me by all of you over the And the world was horrified when peace- I need not tell you this is a joint respon- democracy incomplete. Seventy years later past two years to meet with representa- ful patriots were met by violence. They sibility. The president, the prime minister, we went through a second testing during tives representing all sectors of this coun- stayed at the Maidan day and night, facing the members of this august body – all of the American Civil War, which nearly tore try – east and west, including the illegally down the Berkut in riot gear. For the first you must put aside parochial differences our still young country asunder. Winning occupied Crimea – from all walks of life – time since the Middle Ages, the bells of St. and make real the Revolution of Dignity. on the field of battle wasn’t sufficient to civil society, members of this body, your unite our country. To end slavery and the military leaders, your clergy. I’ve met with regional differences we had, to grant for- souls who stood on the Maidan – some of FACT SHEET mer slaves citizenship and rights, the you are now in this chamber – a place United States Congress assembled – had to which I visited yesterday. All one has to do amend our Constitution. is look at the photographs of the Heavenly Individual members of that Congress lost U.S. assistance to Ukraine their jobs standing up to do the right thing. (Continued on page 14) The information below was released by for small- and medium-size enterprises; the White House, Office of the Vice-President, - on December 7. ing efficiency, transparency and resilience Quotable notes in the• strengthen energy sector; energy and security by increas The United States remains steadfast in - “… we have to remain faithful to the ideals that were enunciated in the Helsinki its support of the Ukrainian people as they tion through constitutional and good-gov- agreement 40 years ago. We have to remain true to the core principles on which this defend their sovereignty and territorial ernance• build reforms a long-term in key democraticsectors. founda organization was built, and it cannot be just in the words of an annual meeting. It has integrity, advance the fight against corrup- These funds also will support the critical to be in every single action that we take through the year to give life to those princi- tion, implement democratic and constitu- role of civil society and independent media, ples. That’s why today I join with many of you in reviewing our call – we’ve already tional reforms, strengthen the rule of law, as well as the OSCE Special Monitoring heard it – with respect to Ukraine. And it’s a call to both Ukrainians and the restore economic stability and growth, and Mission as it monitors and verifies agree- Ukrainian government and Russia. respond to humanitarian needs. ments in the conflict areas of eastern “We need Russia to work with the separatists that it backs to fully implement the In pursuit of these objectives, Vice- Ukraine. Minsk agreements, including the removal of Russian forces and equipment from President Joe Biden announced today in With this announcement, the United eastern Ukraine, to provide unfettered access to this very organization, which still Kyiv, Ukraine, that, pending consultation States now has committed $2 billion in loan has not been able to put its people fully into the operation of monitoring. with Congress, the White House plans to guarantees and nearly $760 million in “We need elections in Donbas under Ukrainian law and under monitoring by commit approximately $190 million in new security, programmatic and technical assis- ODIHR, and we need the return of Ukrainian control on the border and the release of assistance to support Ukraine’s ambitious tance to Ukraine since the end of the all hostages and illegally detained persons. And from Ukraine we need to see them reform agenda. This broad assistance pack- Yanukovych regime in 2014. The proceeds do their part to restore the full ceasefire to withdraw the heavy weapons and to age will help Ukraine: of U.S. loan guarantees have helped Ukraine negotiate in good faith the Donbas election modalities. We also have a chance to to stabilize its economy and protect the make real progress on agreeing on procedures for these free and fair elections, and through law enforcement and justice sector most vulnerable households from the those will be critical with respect to defining an end to the troubles of Ukraine. reform;• elevate the fight against corruption impact of needed economic adjustments. “So this is a time for concrete steps and to avoid what is a disastrous but unneces- - The administration will continue to sary conflict, and to begin the process of rebuilding Ukraine’s east. …” ulations and transparently privatizing work with Congress and its international – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking at the Ministerial Meeting of the state-owned• attract investment enterprises; by streamlining reg partners to support Ukraine as it defends Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Belgrade, Serbia, on December its sovereignty, stabilizes its economy and 3 (from a transcript provided by the U.S. Department of State). better trade capacity and access to capital advances its reform agenda. • promote economic growth through 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50 Timothy Snyder delivers 18th annual Ukrainian Famine Lecture HREC/CIUS encounters between settled and nomadic in order to spur industrial development. societies – as a center of major develop- Stalin and his inner circle blamed TORONTO – Historian Timothy Snyder ments of the day. Prof. Snyder also noted Ukrainians for the failure of collectivization delivered the Toronto Annual Ukrainian that the Renaissance and Reformation/ and thus “nationalized” the issue. They Famine Lecture to a crowded auditorium at Counter-Reformation in Ukraine are in then instituted policies, including blacklist- the University of Toronto on November 4. many ways more interesting in their com- ing of villages, the closing of the Ukrainian Speaking on the topic “The Ukrainian plexity than these trends as studied in the borders, and a ban on travel from the coun- Famine as World History,” he presented an history of Western Europe. tryside, that led to the deaths of millions of engaging and thought-provoking lecture that As Ukraine was absorbed into the Ukrainians, Prof. Snyder explained. was well received by those in attendance. Russian realm, direct ties with the rest of Hitler took note of the starvation of a Dr. Snyder is the Housum Professor of Europe diminished. It thus entered the country that could serve as the world’s History at Yale University and the author of period of “the world’s first globalization” – breadbasket, Prof. Snyder continued. He nine books, including “Bloodlands: Europe completed by the mid-19th century and saw the colonization of Ukraine as central between Hitler and Stalin” (2010) and, marked by imperialism, colonialism and to a broader scheme to organize the world most recently, “Black Earth: The Holocaust empires – as one of numerous sites devel- along racial lines. His launch of Operation as History and Warning” (2015). oping national movements. These eventual- Barbarossa was both a step in the German The speaker’s major theme was that a ly would lead to a process of decolonization colonization project and toward eliminat- proper understanding of the Holodomor, and nation state formation, particularly ing Jews (regarded as standing in the way aside from its centrality to the Ukrainian with the collapse of empires in the wake of of the new social order) – both a war of experience and Soviet politics, provides an the first world war, Prof. Snyder noted. conquest and a war of extermination. opening to a more complete history of However, an independent state was not Prof. Snyder pointed out that the HREC Europe. Prof. Snyder began by describing established in Ukraine, notwithstanding a European Union manages to incorporate Prof. Timothy Snyder speaks at the how major events in European history national movement that suffered many states that were once part of another University of Toronto. “actually make more sense with Ukraine.” casualties in its 1917–1920 effort to estab- nation’s empire along with states that once He then turned to an examination of the lish one. Instead Ukraine was incorporated had colonies. He noted that this union that joining the EU will solve all of their 1930s and the Famine itself. He concluded into the Soviet Union, which sought to makes the existence of nation states possi- country’s problems. Rather, it is a long- with remarks about Ukraine and Europe remake the world – a revolutionary form of ble. Ukraine’s recent efforts toward term goal and part of a process. Prof. today. globalization, or a counter-globalization – European integration are a recognition that Snyder said he believes that, in time, In explaining how European history is but in the end fell back on the state model. a move toward Europe is key to its exis- Ukraine will join the EU because the EU will made more complete by the inclusion of As Prof. Snyder explained, Ukraine then tence as a nation state. The contemporary desire it as a member. Ukraine into its broader scheme, Prof. became a battleground in Joseph Stalin’s Ukraine-Russia conflict can thus be seen as The lecture was organized by the Snyder cited the significance of Rus’ – with plans to modernize the USSR through a an attempt by Russia to stop the process of Holodomor Research and Education its Christian conversion, Scandinavian set- process of “internal colonization” that Ukraine’s Europeanization, he stated. Consortium (HREC) of the Toronto office of tlement, the codification of law, and would draw upon its agricultural resources Prof. Snyder ended his lecture with a ref- the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, erence to a recent article from the Russian University of Alberta; the Petro Jacyk news agency Sputnik denying the existence Program for the Study of Ukraine (Center of the Holodomor. He noted that such pro- for European, Russian and Eurasian paganda is not only anti-Ukrainian but also Studies, University of Toronto); the aims to confuse our understanding of Canadian Foundation for Ukrainian European and world history [http://sput- Studies; the Ukrainian Canadian Congress niknews.com/politics/20151019/ (Toronto branch); and the Chair of 1028730561/holodomor-hoax-invented- Ukrainian Studies, University of Toronto. hitler-west.html]. This was the 18th Toronto Annual In the lively question period that fol- Ukrainian Famine Lecture. Past lecturers lowed, Prof. Snyder suggested that Russia have included James Mace, Norman had not learned from the Soviet collapse Naimark, Alexander Motyl and Anne (i.e., it was not a transformational event). Applebaum. He noted that because it was a land empire, The following day, Prof. Snyder and Russia historically has been confused about approximately 20 graduate students from where the country ended and the empire the Center for European, Russian and began. Prof. Snyder posited that Ukraine is Eurasian Studies at the University of ahead of Russia in the formation of a Toronto met for a roundtable discussion on national identity. a range of historical issues. HREC and the On the question of potential European Ukrainian Canadian Research and Union membership, he stated that Documentation Center at St. Vladimir Prof. Timothy Snyder meets with graduate students. Ukrainians are not so naive as to believe Institute hosted the event.

a new way of living. This new type of leadership should Haven, had attended Mr. Vakarchuk’s Svyatoslav... On the other side of the spectrum, there spark the energy that is necessary for Columbia lecture a month prior and was are people who have waited for change for Ukraine, along with the conditions of the motivated to come back. Ms. Lennon (Continued from page 1) so long that they are demoralized by the right time and the right circumstances to recounted, “I just remember being very his vision for the transformation of pace of current reforms. Mr. Vakarchuk propel prosperity, he noted. The fear is that inspired and I just had so many ideas… Ukraine. At one point, Mr. Vakarchuk refer- stated that this is a paradoxical situation in in this age of globalization, the resources of what impressed me the most is his ability enced the Bible to illustrate his point about which distrust thrives. Youth is driven to the world will not be able to sustain every to energize people, to inspire people and to gradual change in the society affirming that distrust because of lack of education and country if they experience rapid develop- put things in motion. And that is the kind of “all big and fundamental changes, which I restricted thinking, meanwhile the elderly ment. However, if Ukraine does not keep up energy I am attracted to, that the world call tectonic shifts, take time.” are so accustomed to the lack of expertise with the patterns of development of the lacks sometimes.” Speaking of gradual change in Ukrainian in their leaders that anyone who comes for- rest of the world, it will fall behind. The process of improving Ukrainian society, Mr. Vakarchuk used the analogy of ward with fresh ideas is looked upon with Mr. Vakarchuk’s message attracted a society will not be something one revolu- lighting a fire. In order to create a spark, toxic skepticism. variety of Ukrainian students, professionals tion can automatically accomplish. It is a you need the right materials that are ready The next step in social progress is to dry and community leaders to this event. gradual process in which all building to be lit. If brushwood is too moist, he fur- out the brushwood in order to light the fire Shea Servidio, a sophomore majoring in blocks of society must be amended to ther explained, the fire will not be lit. If the to create new energy. That can only be international studies, said she grew up establish a society that Ukrainians envision materials for a fire are too dry, the fire also achieved through the enlightenment of a being a fan of Mr. Vakarchuk’s music themselves inhabiting in the future. will not be lit. Mr. Vakarchuk’s idea of the society. Mr. Vakarchuk encourages the idea through her connection to the Ukrainian According to Mr. Vakarchuk, this can be fire refers to the energy and passion neces- of Ukrainian students going abroad and community around Rockaway, N.J. When achieved when young talented Ukrainians sary to propel Ukrainian society forward. studying at western universities not only to she found out that he was lecturing, she can get a Western education so that they The brushwood in this scenario symbol- become professionals in a certain field but was enticed to attend. “It’s the fact that he’s can come back with new ideas and bring izes civil society. If the society “is not ready to become enlightened. “I don’t think that an artist, because that’s what he is, and he’s about change in their home country. The to understand new ideas, to accept new Columbia or Yale know how to write for- not a politician. So, nothing that he says Ukrainian diaspora can also assist in this energy, and to impose a new paradigm that mulas better than Lviv, or Kyiv, or Kharkiv will ever be one-sided or something you crucial process by setting up programs and is brought by new leaders,” according to Mr. University,” he said, it is just the idea that want to say ‘Excuse me that’s wrong!’ to new initiatives for advancing the quality of Vakarchuk, then no change can be brought the educational process being provided either direction... and you just want to lis- education in Ukraine, as well as facilitating to the table to affect the current circum- here is more suitable for bringing this new ten more.” the education of young people in North stances. A narrow-minded approach to life kind of leadership that is practical and con- Olena Lennon, an adjunct professor of America. Only then can civil society yield will not result in progress or adaptation to sistent. political science at the University of New the progress it yearns to carry out, he said. No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM UNA promotes health and wellness in the community by Yuriy Symczyk coursework on nutritional protocols for daily living, principles of digestion, and fun- WHIPPANY, N.J. – On November 21 the damentals of herbal therapy in endocrinol- Ukrainian National Association hosted a ogy and cardiac health, among others. Dr. presentation by Dr. Petrusia G. Kotlar titled Kotlar is a long time UNA member and an “Wellness and Nutrition as a Means to active member of the local Ukrainian com- Healthy Longevity” here at the Ukrainian munity in New Jersey. American Cultural Center of New Jersey Over 60 members of the Ukrainian com- (UACCNJ). munity in Whippany and surrounding areas Dr. Kotlar is a well-known chiropractor attended the presentation to learn about and alternative health care provider in nutritional trends and alternatives to chemi- practice for over 31 years. Her holistic well- cal medicine. Dr. Kotlar also presented all the ness practice in Manhattan encompasses benefits of traditional Ukrainian dishes and spinal health, nutrition, exercise and api- styles of cooking during her presentation on therapy. As part of her continuing educa- “ethno-nutrition,” as well as educated the tion studies, Dr. Kotlar has completed attendees about “seasonal eating.”

George Stanko At the health and wellness presentation at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (from left) are: UNA National Secretary Christine Kozak, New Jersey District Chair and Branch 37 Secretary Oksana Stanko, Dr. Petrusia G. Kotlar and UNA Fraternal Coordinator Yuriy Symczyk. Along with volunteers from the Farm owned and operated by Roman Spartanky sorority of Plast Ukrainian Osadca and his wife. Scouting Organization, Dr. Kotlar prepared Mr. Osadca was kind enough to attend healthy snacks, which included bone broth, the event with a display of Valley Fall Farm kale chips, herbal tea, wild mushroom all-natural unfiltered honey products, as soup, and other offerings. well as his locally grown organic garlic. The Ukrainian National Association Dr. Kotlar’s presentation was the first of sponsored a drawing for two prizes: a gift a series of fraternal events to be hosted and basket containing healthy food products, funded by the UNA in an effort to educate Nataliya Symczyk Dr. Petrusia G. Kotlar speaks on “Wellness and Nutrition as a Means to Healthy such as herbal teas and raw-unfiltered local communities and promote UNA insur- Longevity.” honey and a $50 gift card to Valley Fall ance and annuity products. Life Insurance* is the ultimate selfl ess gift your family truly needs

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WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly Biden’s message to Kyiv Belavezha accords: not just about the past The Obama administration sent Vice-President Joe Biden on yet another trip to Ukraine (his fifth as vice-president and his fourth since the Euro-Maidan) to reas- by Paul Goble Belarus, Russia and Ukraine acted as they sure Kyiv that the U.S. stands with the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian did was that they, unlike the president of aggression. The trip was meant “to provide a strong signal of our support for Twenty-four years ago, on December 8, the USSR, had been elected by a vote of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s continued military intervention and support for sepa- 1991, at the Belarusian resort of their own peoples and thus had a legitima- ratism in the Donbas,” a senior U.S. administration official told the press on Belavezhskaya Pushcha, the presidents of cy that Mr. Gorbachev lacked, however December 2. Furthermore, that official, speaking in a background briefing, sought to Belarus, Russia and Ukraine signed a docu- much he was beloved by some in the West. make it clear that events in the Mideast have not changed the U.S. commitment to ment, known as the Belavezha accords, But there is a more fundamental reason Ukraine. “Nothing in our conversations with Syria impact our assessment that annulling the 1922 union treaty and thus why many in the West do not want to face Russia continues to be the aggressor in Ukraine; that they continue to violate their marking the end of the USSR – an event that up to the fact that the only way forward – obligations under the Minsk Agreement; that they continue to encourage the sepa- continues to be a source of debate in both albeit one that has been marked by fits and ratists, or at least not prevent the separatists from also violating their obligations the successor states and more generally. starts and now by retrenchment – was the under the Minsk Agreement.” It was also reiterated that sanctions will not be relaxed Like many Russians, Vladimir Putin con- end of empire is that the Belavezha accords until Russia implements the provisions of the Minsk agreements. tinues to insist that this was “the greatest have a meaning not just for the past but for However, Mr. Biden’s visit to Kyiv was also meant to underscore yet again that geopolitical catastrophe” in the 20th centu- the future. Ukraine must take serious action against corruption. It’s an issue that has been ry and to pursue a policy designed to And that is this: the Russian Empire has raised before by U.S. officials, more openly and forcefully, and with more urgency in reverse some if not all the consequences of been dying for more than a century. It recent weeks. Readers of this paper saw as much in the words of U.S. Ambassador to the disintegration of the USSR, including didn’t die once and for all in 1991. Indeed, Kyiv Geoffrey Pyatt (see our issue dated November 15). And, those concerns are military aggression, subversion and eco- one can argue that its death agonies began shared by activists and regular citizens of Ukraine. Zenon Zawada’s front page story nomic pressure. in 1905 when in pursuit of “a good little in last week’s issue reported on a group of national deputies who had joined forces Most non-Russians, however, see this as war” to boost popular support at home, the to form the Anti-Corruption Platform, as well as a group of civic activists and young the confirmation of the birth or rebirth of tsarist regime lost the battle to Japan politicians who wrote that they are no longer asking, but demanding a real battle their statehood, and thus today as on all against corruption, adherence to the rule of law and transparency of government. abroad and then began to lose territory. anniversaries of this event in the past, they According to a White House statement, at Mr. Biden’s meetings with national dep- Those “losses” continued in World War I commemorate it while the Russian govern- uties who are considered to be reformers, civil society activists and government offi- and during the Russian civil war that fol- ment has not, even though this event was cials, “The vice-president and other participants spoke about the importance of anti- lowed; they only accelerated in 1991. But as much a birth certificate of the Russian corruption, governance and economic reforms.” Those topics came up also in his there is no reason to think that this process meeting with President Petro Poroshenko – during which Mr. Biden announced Federation as for any of the other 11 for- of imperial devolution is over, however $190 million in new U.S. aid to help promote what was referred to as “Ukraine’s mer Soviet republics. much some would like. Indeed, Mr. Putin’s ambitious reform agenda” (see the fact sheet on page 3) – and in his 35-minute And in the West, this date also continues authoritarian efforts to expand the empire address to the Verkhovna Rada to spark controversy because it highlights almost certainly will lead to the breaking The vice-president’s heartfelt concern about Ukraine was evident in his post on some fundamental divisions about what away of more parts of the empire. social media about day two in Kyiv: “…along with U.S. Ambassador Pyatt, I was also the West hoped to achieve in the Cold War. Indeed, it is worth remembering in the able to visit a place that has become sacred to this city: An unofficial memorial to the Despite the fact that Ronald Reagan labeled current context that the USSR dissolved not ‘Heavenly Hundred’ – those killed in the Maidan protests of early 2014. ...They came the Soviet Union “an evil empire,” many because Mr. Gorbachev liberalized but rath- from all over, of all ages and backgrounds, all of them simply demanding a better Western leaders, including those in the U.S., er because beginning in 1990 he turned to future for their kids and their country. It’s a deeply moving and solemn place. And wanted Mikhail Gorbachev to survive and a the right, a turn that prompted then-Soviet the people of this government have a sacred obligation to make sure these efforts for liberal, free market USSR emerge. Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard independence don’t fail again.” That such an entity was a contradiction Shevardnadze to resign with a warning of In Kyiv, Mr. Biden also spoke about Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. “The United in terms is not something many Western disasters ahead. States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine in the face of continued – I empha- leaders have been willing to acknowledge This week, several Russian commenta- size, continued – aggression from Russia and Russian-backed separatists,” he said in even in their memoirs. There was no possi- tors have drawn parallels between the a joint briefing with Mr. Poroshenko. Mr. Biden also underlined that the U.S. will bility that the USSR could have been a liber- Ottoman Empire as the 19th century’s “sick never accept Russia’s annexation of Crimea, stating that this was an “invasion” and al state: it was a repressive empire that man of Europe” and Russia today. The that “Crimea is still sovereign territory of Ukraine.” could exist only in that way. That many of Ottoman Empire dissolved and was The next day, he delivered a landmark speech (see page 3) to Ukraine’s the post-Soviet countries have not become reduced to the size of Turkey, and there are Parliament. Those who watched the vice-president’s address, or a video of it posted liberal states does not contradict that reality. some who argue that it may lose even more on YouTube, knew that his words of concern about Ukraine’s people and the nation’s One of the reasons that the presidents of territory, including areas populated by the future were sincere. He modulated his delivery from a booming voice to a soft whis- Kurds. per-like tone, expressing the unacceptability of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and appealing to Ukraine leaders to do what’s right and “build a better future for the Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on But those making this argument in gen- people of Ukraine.” Just reading the text of his remarks cannot begin to convey the ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia eral are not willing to take the next step: strength of his message to the Rada and the people of Ukraine. who has served in various capacities in the Russia genuinely is “the sick man of In another social media post about his trip, Vice-President Biden wrote: “I hope U.S. State Department, the Central Europe” now, and it has far more posses- the members of the Rada accepted my candor in the spirit it was given. This is a Intelligence Agency and the International sions to lose than does Turkey. That is what country that has a second chance at establishing a genuine democracy. Many of the Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice Russians, non-Russians and the West young people in this Rada were the ones filling the Maidan, raising their voices and of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio should be thinking about lest the next wave demanding this of their government. Now, they are in a position to help make it a Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for of disintegration prove more explosive than reality. And, they have two great threats right now: Russian aggression and endemic International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a blog the last. corruption. The United States is prepared to help them tackle both. And if they do, I called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- The anniversary of the events at have no doubt that this Rada will go down in history as the founding fathers of the woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). The article Belavezhskaya Pushcha is an appropriate first-ever united, democratic, genuinely free Ukraine. That’s my hope. And I believe above is reprinted with permission. occasion to do just that. in the people of Ukraine. I believe they will get this done.” We fervently share that hope. FOR THE RECORD: Sen. Andreychuk’s statement on Holodomor remembrance Dec. Turning the pages back... Sen. Raynell Andreychuk of Canada Ukrainians’ aspirations for a free and Two years ago, on December 17, 2013, President Viktor made the following statement ahead of independent Ukraine, and to finance Yanukovych signed a series of agreements with the Russian the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide rapid industrialization. 17 Federation and the Russian state gas monopoly Gazprom, with (Holodomor) Memorial Day on Saturday, Holodomor Memorial Day is equally many of the terms of the agreements withheld from the public. November 28. an occasion to promote the fundamental 2013 Many speculated that the deal was meant to shut the door on freedoms of a democratic society. Ukraine’s Association Agreement with the European Union for at The fourth Saturday in November has Amid ongoing challenges to Ukraine’s least two years. Some of the terms included a conditional reduction in prices for Russian gas, a loan of been recognized by Ukrainian commu- independence, sovereignty and territori- $15 billion, with the first tranche, a $3 billion bond, to be paid back to Russia in two years nities throughout the world as a day to al integrity, this solemn commemoration with an annual interest rate of 5 percent ($1.5 billion in interest alone). remember the millions killed when, provides occasion to assert that neither What remained unknown were the concessions Mr. Yanukovych had made to get these through agricultural collectivization, Famine-Genocide, nor invasion, can “deals.” Joseph Stalin set out to destroy extinguish the Ukrainian national spirit. With Mr. Yanukovych responsible for extending the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s lease to 2042 for a $100 per thousand cubic meter gas discount, noted Alexander Paraschiy of Concorde Capital investment bank in Kyiv, it was likely that Ukraine would increase its gas (Continued on page 11) Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 7

COMMENTARY Canada and refugees by Lubomyr Luciuk single men for the mining towns and lum- ber camps of north-central Ontario, farm Canada has been good to refugees. hands for prairie homesteads and domes- I should know. My late parents were tics and industrial workers for the larger both political refugees, fleeing the Soviet urban centers of central Canada. Needless False binaries and Nazi occupations that eviscerated to say artists, poets, writers, clergymen There have been innumerable commen- the “LGBT community” (November 17; Ukraine, before, during and after the sec- and even émigré politicians were less taries, analyses, and explanations of last shared by the Kyiv Post online on ond world war. likely to be first in line for transport – month’s terrorist attacks in Paris. Moderate November 18), Matthew Schaaf speaks of Like millions of others, they found Canada offered asylum but met its own voices will remind us once again that most “competing visions of Ukraine’s future — a themselves in Western Europe at war’s needs. It gave, but it also took. Fair Muslims do not support terrorism, and that liberal, pro-European Ukraine or a more end, their homeland no longer theirs. enough. it is incorrect to portray Islam as an essen- conservative, religious one.” Like many They could not return. They were known In concert with U.N. officials, Canadian tially violent religion. One can just as easily commonplace views, this one is only as DPs (displaced persons). immigration officers in the field repre- cherry-pick one’s texts to “prove” that apparently logical. For why should one pair They were fortunate because most sented this country’s frontline gatekeep- Christianity is violent. Christians can argue the terms “liberal” and “pro-European,” as Canadians welcomed DP immigration. If ers. Once these experienced men and that Islam is a false religion with a false if Europe represented nothing but liberal they had not, I would not be here. Canada women made their selections, the chosen prophet, but that is different from alleging ideas? What about European conservatism, alone took in over 35,000 Ukrainians and were carefully directed to specific com- that it is necessarily violent. not to mention the European Right? And many more of other ethnic, national and munities, wherever they were needed. But others will point to the fact that, in does this mean that anti-European Marxist religious origins. Ours is a generous land. My parents were sent to Kingston, Paris, two diametrically opposed forces socialists are somehow “conservative”? Within the exile community I grew up Ontario. All DPs were obliged to remain clashed: fanatical fundamentalist religion, Why should one pair “conservative” with in there was nothing but gratitude for the where they were placed for two years, and official state secularism. Consequently, “religious,” as if the most popular church- sanctuary this country had offered. while working to pay back the cost of they would point out, any attempt to solve man of the day, Pope Francis, celebrated for Certainly, the DPs faced some prejudice passage. So, even as they left the DP the problem of radicalized Muslim immi- breaking pompous protocol and preaching and more than a little ignorance about camps, these migrants had financial grants in France must look not merely at radical solidarity with the poor, should be who they were and why they had left responsibilities to the country that politics or economics, but at this basic phil- regarded as a conservative? And how can their homeland. And few would become accepted them. They did not get to decide osophical contradiction. Compromise, they one treat “pro-European” and “religious” as here what they may have been in Ukraine. where they would live, or work, and their would argue, is more germane to the world opposites – as if Europe had been devoid of But most endured, believing their hard access to this country’s health care and of politics than to that of ideology or reli- religion for the past two millennia, or else work and sacrifices would create better social security safety nets was limited. gion. One can never reconcile the policy of forgotten its Christian heritage in a fit of futures for their children and children’s They knew they had been protected from “laicité” with the goal of a European caliph- collective amnesia? As Mr. Schaaf admits, children. That proved true. harm and were being given a second ate. Hence there are only two possibilities: Ukraine’s most religious region – the West Being refugees, most DPs maintained chance to rebuild their lives, without the victory of militant Islam, or the triumph – is also the most pro-European. an abiding interest in the fate of the much mollycoddling. That is all real refu- of secularism. It is in discussing Ukraine that such false homeland they had been forced to leave gees want. But that is not necessarily so. It has been binaries are especially pernicious. For behind, hoping that, someday, they could The DPs were grateful. While some suggested, for instance, that Muslim com- while the commonplace view of Ukraine as return to a free Ukraine. It used to be said failed, the horrors they suffered bringing munities in Europe be provided with a “deeply divided country” is exaggerated, they were living on packed suitcases. I them down, most gave back much more Western-trained imams more likely to con- it is true that Ukrainians need unity. For still have the luggage that came over on than they received from the countries that demn Islamist fundamentalism and preach them, binary thinking is destructive. What the proverbial boat transporting my par- sheltered them, save perhaps for the gift of a more moderate kind of faith. Another is needed is an appreciation of complexity ents to Canada. I pass that battered piece freedom, which they found priceless. approach would be to create voluntary self- and a willingness to explore beyond the daily as I enter my study. It reminds me of In considering the contemporary refu- administering Muslim communities within obvious alternatives. what they suffered, what they accom- gee crisis in Europe, we could do well by the secular state, rather like the self-gov- In fact, the issue that Mr. Schaaf discuss- plished and of how good Canada was to remembering how the DPs were treated. erning Christian communities tolerated by es is a case in point. The debate over the them. After their protection was first ensured, in the Ottomans, or the autonomous Jewish amendments to the Labor Code is not a But their immigration to Canada was refugee camps where they could rest, communities in medieval Europe. matter of “LGBT versus the homophobes,” not rushed. Like hundreds of thousands of recuperate and pause to think about what The other kind of thinking is binary: it or of right-thinking liberals versus obscu- other refugees they were obliged to regis- they should do next, their material and sees the world as black and white, with no rantist clerics. Practically everyone recog- ter and live in a DP camp, for several other needs were attended to. Meanwhile, alternatives. Binary thinking can also be nizes the need to protect Ukraine’s citizens years, while the overseeing authorities they were thoroughly vetted. Only gradu- found in economics, among those who see from violence or unwarranted discrimina- confirmed their identities, ran security ally were they directed to chosen places of free-market capitalism as the only alterna- tion on the basis of their sexual proclivities. checks, determined what skills they had, resettlement. tive to communism. This approach, common The controversy, it appears, is about the language used to denote who or what is to taught them English and, gradually, This commonsensical solution to a his- in today’s Ukraine, sees every attempt to be protected. Should the law recognize the allowed for their measured resettlement toric refugee crisis proved beneficial to moderate the impact of unregulated big social category of “gender” or only the nat- to occur – not just to Canada but to other the DPs and to the countries that accepted business as supporting the restoration of ural category of “sex”? Since there seems to countries in the West, including the them. There is nothing to say it could not Soviet communism. It considers economic be no scientific, philosophical or political United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, the work again. “third ways” to be unrealistic, even utopian. consensus on these matters, the situation United States, and France. It thus rejects out of hand any attempt to invites the kind of binary thinking that Mr. Of course, the DPs had some choice Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor of politi- construct an economy based on local human Schaaf exhibits. about which country they would go to, cal geography at the Royal Military College needs rather than the bottom lines of oligar- But the situation requires a solution, not but only some. And the receiving coun- of Canada and author of “Searching for chic enterprises or remote corporations. True, in some contexts binary thinking is a false binary. Why, for example, must the tries could be quite picky about whom Place: Ukrainian Displaced Persons, appropriate. Nature, including our bodies, legislative language reflect either of the two they wanted – in Canada’s case the selec- Canada and the Migration of Memory” exhibits bilateral symmetry. Fundamental opposed understanding of this complex tion process favored, for example, young, (University of Toronto Press, 2000). moral and philosophical issues – truth and issue? Is it really necessary to adopt the falsehood, good and evil – are binary. Even “internationally accepted” – but ideologi- computer science is based on a binary cally loaded – formula of “sexual orienta- LETTER TO THE EDITOR number system. But this does not permit tion and gender identity”? Is it any more us to dismiss a mass of complex evidence necessary to adopt the Ukrainian Orthodox their realms since we have to make it com- by simply dividing it in two. Church’s formula of “attitudes toward sexu- parable to Western European thinking Binary thinking is popular because it al relations,” which is at once too vague and Russian-tinged (although Volodymyr could be considered eliminates the need for analysis. All you too narrow? Would it not be enough to say vocabulary? an “emperor” of the territory he ruled). have to do is identify two opposing possi- that citizens must be protected from vio- The term “prince” is used in Russian for bilities and choose one of them. There is no lence and unwarranted discrimination Dear Editor: “kniaz” because their main ruler was the need to look more carefully at the situation based on sexual attitudes or conduct? tsar. There were no Ukrainian tsars, and in order to identify other options or craft a In such matters, unfortunately, the For the most part, we have succeeded in compromise. It’s the lazy man’s philosophy. United States has little to offer by way of getting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Dnipro and Dnister the kniaz of Kyiv was the main ruler. Are there any Ukrainian historians out It also has the allure of partisanship: it’s example. Binary thinking has impoverished into the English-speaking world. We’re still “us” against “them.” And it’s easy to accuse our public discourse. Here, the analytically working on Kozaks (instead of Cossacks). there to discuss and correct this misnomer in English? Or are some scholars still satis- those seeking compromise of cowardice or inclined would be better advised to spend Now, how about working on eliminating fied with the Russian-tinged vocabulary for fuzzy thinking. this pre-election year closely following the titles “prince” and “princess” for Ukrainian history? Unsurprisingly, binary thinking can lead sports. Volodymyr, Yaroslav, Olha and the other to illogical formulations. Writing in Foreign rulers of the ancient Kyiv state. “King” and Orysia Tracz Policy about proposed amendments to the Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at “queen” would be more appropriate for Winnipeg, Manitoba Ukrainian Labor Code intended to protect [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50 No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 9 COMMENTARY: Commemorating Stalin’s Holodomor by Taras Kuzio that befell the fewer in number Crimean in Canada and Ukraine have honored the many occasions vehemently opposed Tatars who were deported in 1944 and millions of people in Ukraine who were Ukraine’s de-Stalinization and demanded This month, as Russian President today are living under Russian occupation. murdered by Stalin and his henchmen that it follow Russian portrayals of the Vladimir Putin continues his aggression The Holodomor set the stage for mass criminals. Beginning with the publication Soviet Union as a great country. Little won- against Ukraine, Ukrainians around the repression, the Great Terror, the Katyn of historian Robert Conquest’s acclaimed der that large portraits of Stalin hang in world commemorate the Terror-Famine of massacre and the construction of the book “The Harvest of Sorrow” and the doc- Donetsk, capital of Mr. Putin’s proxy sepa- 1932-1933. The murder of upwards of 5 world’s largest concentration camp system, umentary “Harvest of Despair” produced ratist enclaves in the Donbas region of east- million people in Ukraine by Joseph Stalin’s which came to be known as the Gulag by Ukrainian-Canadians, we have seen ern Ukraine. Communist regime, known as the Archipelago. These crimes were followed trailblazing research, a wide variety of pub- Among the many commemorative Holodomor, came about from forced collec- by Nazi occupation and further genocide lications, and the education of their events of the Holodomor in Canada is a tivization of agriculture when starving resulting in the deaths of 15 million to 20 Canadian citizens and the world about mobile classroom RV constructed for the peasants were denied the food that was million people in Ukraine in 1933-1945, a Stalinism and the evils of the Soviet Holodomor National Awareness Tour exported for hard currency. demographic disaster from which Ukraine Communist system. intended for high schools in Ontario and The Holodomor targeted the Ukrainian has yet to recover. Entire regions of depop- This month’s commemoration began throughout Canada (http://www.holodo- national identity that had flowered during ulated eastern and southern Ukraine were with the annual Holodomor lecture given by mortour.ca ) – a project generously funded the 1920s and sought to crush widespread repopulated by Russian immigrants chang- well-known and acclaimed Yale University by grants from the federal and Ontario gov- anti-Soviet feelings in Ukraine. Soviet lead- ing the ethnic and linguistic identity of the professor Timothy Snyder, who is the ernments, as well as donations by er Nikita Khrushchev recalled during his region that had consequences similar to the author of five award-winning books, includ- Ukrainian Canadian philanthropists. famous 1956 speech that Stalin had wanted Irish Famine in the 1840s and the 1850s ing “Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler The national histories about which we to deport all Ukrainians after World War II, which destroyed the Irish language. and Stalin” and “Black Earth: The Holocaust choose to educate our children, the leaders but there were too many of them – a fate Over the last three decades, Ukrainians as History and Warning.” The first chapter that we praise and whether we denounce of “Bloodlands” is devoted to the or hide their crimes against humanity Holodomor as an act of genocide committed reflect our political instincts. Stalin and by Stalin against Ukrainians. There, Prof. Adolf Hitler are the antithesis of the Snyder writes: “No European country was European democracy that Ukraine is seek- Reflections: Washington’s subject to such intense colonization as ing to build, while Stalin is central to Mr. Ukraine, and no European country suffered Putin’s mythology of the “Great Patriotic more.” War” and his vision of a resurgent Russian Holodomor Memorial In contrast to Ukraine, in Russia great power. The biggest Nazi collaborator Vladimir Putin has set a process of re- in World War II, let us recall, was Stalin, Stalinization in motion whereby the mur- who aligned with Hitler in 1939-1941. der of millions of innocent victims is Ukraine commemorates the millions of ignored and Stalin is praised as an econom- innocent victims of the Holodomor and ic “modernizer,” a great wartime leader Stalin’s crimes while Russia seeks to deny who transformed the USSR into a nuclear their existence. Today, 16 Western coun- superpower. Russia’s camps no longer tries recognize the Holodomor as a geno- commemorate the millions who perished cide against the Ukrainian people, while there, but in a grotesque manner glorify the Russia continues its re-Stalinization and camp guards themselves. many Russians see Stalin as a positive his- Decent human beings would be shocked torical figure. Canada and Europe stand in at Russia’s re-Stalinization and would strive solidarity with Ukraine this month as it to ensure their country remained outside commemorates the Holodomor genocide. Mr. Putin’s grip, as millions of Ukrainians demonstrated during the Euro-Maidan. In Taras Kuzio is a senior fellow at the militarily attacking Ukraine to keep the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at country within Russia’s sphere of influence, the University of Alberta and his recently President Putin is seeking to impose his published book is called “Ukraine. Stefan Slutsky country’s vision of Stalin and the conceal- Democratization and the New Russian The Holodomor Memorial in Washington. ment of his crimes. Russian leaders have on Imperialism” (Praeger). Wolodymyr Murha, 67, of Livonia Mich., My mother-in-law’s village recollections was asked by The Ukrainian Weekly’s were of brutal incursions of operatives Matthew Dubas, to give his reflections on storming in and confiscating food while A Special Thank You attending the Holodomor Memorial unveil- beating villagers. Operatives would stand Two Little League Baseball Championships for children ages 10 - 12 were ing in Washington on November 7. guard, preventing my mother-in-law in held in Ukraine in 2015. is was made possible by the generous sponsorship Following are his comments. helping her grandparents. They perished. of kind organizations and individuals in the United States. e leading All of the negative experiences of Soviet sponsors were the California Association to Aid Ukraine (CAAU) and the My parents’ memories of life in Ukraina Ukraine did not frighten or discourage me Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union. ank you so much for being there would bring me to tears as they described from being a Ukrainian in America. I need- again for the children. the good life before communism took full ed to learn, fight, conquer and teach. In addition, the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, UCCA - hold in Ukraine. My father’s description of America afforded me and others the oppor- Philadelphia Branch, Ukrainian Sports Club - Tryzub, Ukrainian Baltimore family occasions were influenced by his back- tunity to feel free and comfortable to nur- Festival, Ukrainian Homestead of ODWU, Ukrainian American Youth ground of a village life 50 miles from Kyiv. ture a beautiful ancient culture without the Association (CYM) Ellenville, Pitch In For Baseball, Eastern Region Little As Tato (father) told an emotional tale he fear of retribution. Ukraine grew and pros- League Baseball, Cortland Youth Athletic Association, West Hartford would tear and I would respond with tears. pered in the United States of America. My Baseball Association, Ukrainian American Citizens Association and the Many times I asked him to stop a sad story family needed to pay respect to those who Ukrainian League of Philadelphia either contributed funds or needed baseball because I did not want to cry anymore and perished in the Holodomor but also to pay equipment. ank you for joining this ongoing project for the children in the anger that I felt was tremendous. At respect and love to those who suffered Ukraine. times I would swear revenge upon the per- under Soviet Russian-dominated commu- Special thanks to Andrew Dytiuk, Barry Gaudet, Roman Leskiw, Emily petrators, and Tato would have to calm me nism. America helped our community in Rivers, Diana M. White, Rose White, John S. Yaworsky, Bogdan Byniowsky, down. Seeing the pain that Tato and Mama memorializing our tragedy, and I had to be and Michael Tomaszewsky for your donations which put smiles on the faces were experiencing while describing the past part of that. of so many children. Your actions show that kind individuals in the US, generated a need to love and protect them Other motivations for attending the thousands of miles away, truly care about children. by a 13-year-old. I would listen to life and Holodomor dedication ceremonies includ- village stories for years, then the descrip- ed my commitment to the Ukrainian Finally, I do welcome recommendations of new schools or internats in Ukraine tions of the Holodomor began. Bandurist Chorus as a performer. It is an who may want to add baseball to their school program for 2016. ere is no Mama lived in Kyiv and Tato in Bila honor to be part of such a group of dedicat- cost involved. All the needed equipment will be provided, in addition training Tserkva while attending school. They saw ed and talented people having an unwaver- of the new coaches will be arranged. e only requirement is a genuine desire the starving appear on the streets of the cit- ing regard for their Ukrainian heritage. The by the Director and his or her teachers to add a new sports program. Please ies begging for food, shelter and help in gen- chorus brought me to Washington in 1964, contact me, Basil P. Tarasko, District Administrator - Ukraine Little League by eral. If they would help, punishment from not as a performer, but as a student of the e mail at [email protected] for more information. ank you. the authorities could be severe. The fear of bandura. Performing in Ukraine in 1991 Basil P. Tarasko authority that permeated Ukrainians was and in 1994 gave me cultural and political District Administrator of the Little Leagues in Ukraine tremendous. Mama would not talk about the insight into the citizens. Visiting my father’s Head Baseball Coach - Abraham Heschel H.S. Holodomor, fearing her emotions and mem- village brought me to my knees. 36-46 212th St., Bayside, NY 11361 USA ories would surface. She would sing melodi- And the experiences of not quite a life- 718-415-7821 cally sad songs to help her cope. Tato would time brought me to Washington in please visit www.ukrainebaseball.org have screaming nightmares. November of 2015. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50

reform plan that is currently being debated. war and the social safety net for those suf- exemption on salaries in order to apply the At the epicenter... An alternative, more radical plan has been fering from the economic hardship. [Ms. 10 percent personal income tax starting presented by National Deputy Nina Jaresko referred to Ukraine as being in with the first hryvnia. Meanwhile, wealthy (Continued from page 1) Yuzhanina of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc. recession, but the Concorde Capital invest- citizens would get their personal income She returned at the evening’s end and sat While the Cabinet plan calls for raising ment bank expects GDP to have fallen 10.4 tax reduced to 10 percent from 20 percent. next to her longtime friend in Kyiv, former the enterprise profit tax to 20 percent from percent this year, which is the definition of The IMF supports the Cabinet plan and First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko. 18 percent, the Yuzhanina plan calls for cut- a depression.] rejects the Yuzhanina plan for two reasons, Their daughters sat at a separate table, ting it to 15 percent. While the Cabinet plan In addition, foreign debts have to contin- Ms. Jaresko said, the first being that the where they fidgeted with their smartphones. calls for hiking the personal income tax to ue to be repaid, though the minister point- Cabinet’s plan is balanced. As for her impressions of working in 20 percent from the current range of 15-20 ed out the government has done everything “We’ve gone through every single num- Ukraine’s notorious bureaucracy, one of her percent, the Yuzhanina plan calls for cut- it can to reduce them. (In referring to the ber with the IMF mission that was here a business colleagues told The Weekly at the ting it to 10 percent. repayments, Ms. Jaresko said “debt obsluh- few weeks ago, both revenue and expendi- December 5 reception, “She called to tell us While the Cabinet plan will cost the gov- ovuvannia” and struggled to find the word ture cuts. And they can see that it balances,” that she can’t wait to return.” ernment 60 billion hrv in state collections, in English. “Uh, yak tse bude?” she said. she said. Indeed, the pravda.com.ua news site the Yuzhanina plan will cost 150 billion to “Debt repayments, yeah?” She has lived in In addition, it’s building a better tax cul- reported in a December 8 article that 200 billion hrv, the Finance Ministry estimat- Ukraine since 1992.) ture and broadening the tax base. “We can’t “according to the latest rumors, Jaresko is ed. Many of the Yuzhanina plan’s losses will Spending on the already-poorly funded have people who are not participating in the dissatisfied with the work in the Cabinet come from its proposal to cut the value-add- sectors of education, health and culture will tax base,” Ms. Jaresko said. “That’s the past, amid the conflicts surrounding tax reform ed tax to 15 percent from 20 percent – an be cut by 7 to 10 percent in the Cabinet’s and that’s what we have to walk away from.” and wants to leave her position altogether.” idea that has been highly criticized by econo- proposal, not by 25 percent proposed by the What the minister likely meant by that is Yet the same report said that Ms. Jaresko mists. Yuzhanina plan, Ms. Jaresko said. the elimination of the simplified payment remains among the contenders for In her remarks to The Weekly, Ms. Jaresko These savings will likely come in the system for business (classified as “yury- Ukraine’s prime ministership to replace cited two main faults with the Yuzhanina form of layoffs, given that wages have dychni osoby,” or legal entities, under Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in addition to former plan: its proposal to radically cut spending become so meager they can’t be cut any Ukrainian law), said Mr. Boyarchuk. They Georgian President Mikheil Saaskashvili, by 25 percent, and the elimination of a tax further, said Dmytro Boyarchuk, the execu- will pay more taxes when having to pay the current head of the Odesa Oblast State exemption of 1,000 hrv from salaries. tive director of the CASE Ukraine Center for according to the standard system, he said. Administration. The 25 percent spending cut would Social and Economic Research. Indeed, in the first half this year, about She’s now in the midst of advocating her affect what must be protected at all costs, Ms. Jaresko said she also opposes Ms. 42 percent of the Ukrainian economy draft of the 2016 budget, as well as a tax which is military spending in the midst of Yuzhanina’s plan to drop a 1,000 hrv tax remained off the books, or underground, according to a study released on December 3 by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine. Among the two plans’ many common points of agreement are improved tax administration, a reduction in the single payroll tax to 20 percent from the 37-41 percent range and elimination of the pay- roll tax on individuals. In addition, the National Reforms Council, led by President Petro Poroshenko, on December 8 recommended a compro- mise proposal between the two plans. Nonetheless, the Concorde Capital invest- ment company in Kyiv predicts a heated debate in the Verkhovna Rada that will require the president’s personal interven- tion and coaxing. The Weekly asked Minister Jaresko whether the 2016 budget is the biggest challenge in her career, which she could not deny. “Every day gets bigger and bigger. It never gets smaller,” she said with a smile. Nonetheless, she’s demonstrated herself to be a team player, never directly criticiz- ing any of her colleagues. To those disap- pointed with her government’s perfor- mance, Ms. Jaresko said “they’re not focus- ing on what we’ve actually done.” Among the most successful spheres has been energy, in which Ukraine has gradual- ly diversified away from Russian natural gas supplies. Russia now supplies only 30 percent of Ukraine’s gas needs compared to 92 per- cent in 2013, before the Euro-Maidan, esti- mated Alexander Paraschiy, the head of research at Concorde Capital. The EU’s share of Ukraine’s gas imports has increased to 70 percent now as compared to 8 percent in 2013. All of the EU gas is from Russia, Mr. Paraschiy acknowledged, but Ukraine not only gets a lower price from EU sources but also gets fees for transiting the gas from Russia to the EU and then back into Ukraine. In addition, Ukraine has signed a series of credit agreements that will open up access to a billion dollars in a revolving loan to purchase gas when the price is low- est, maximizing the use of reverse flow, Ms. Jaresko pointed out. The government has started to pass the cost of gas onto consumers by eliminating subsidies and bringing them to market prices, “but simultaneously providing a (new) subsidy so that no person without means pays more than 10 percent of their income,” she said. “And this subsidy is well- funded in the budget.” As a result of the market prices, which are significantly higher, gas use has fallen by a quarter, Ms. Jaresko said. “And this was a very energy-inefficient country.”

(Continued on page 11) No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 11

At the epicenter... (Continued from page 10) The government has also eliminated the decade-long deficits that have plagued Naftohaz Ukrayiny, the state-owned natural gas production, distribution and transit company. Two years ago, Naftohaz’s deficit was the equivalent of $10 billion – larger than even the state deficit. Next year, it will be zero, she said. Ukraine has also adopted a series of gas market laws as of October 1 that brings the country to European standards in accor- dance with the Third European Energy Charter. “In the fiscal area, I’m extraordinarily proud,” Ms. Jaresko said. “We’ve reduced expenditures, we’ve broadened the tax base somewhat, we’ve cut out some of the ways ucu.edu.ua the oligarchs were cheating on taxes in the Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko speaks past. And on top of that, I think we’ve done a to The Ukrainian Weekly’s correspon- great bit to start to move away from a bur- dent at the eighth annual Charitable Evening and Silent Auction hosted by the densome State Fiscal Service, or IRS. We’ve Ukrainian Catholic University. decreased the size of it by 30 percent this year. That’s 17,000 people that are being let lion of which has been received so far and go from the State Fiscal Service alone.” has enabled Ukraine’s international reserves A new electronic value-added tax pay- to recover to $13.2 billion in November after ment system eliminates fraud, saving a bil- they were depleted entirely following Viktor lion dollars a year, she said. A new e-pro- Yanukovych’s flight from Ukraine. curement system has eliminated corrup- At the same time, Ukraine’s foreign debt tion from state purchases, she said. Open has swelled to more than $70 billion. databases on the Treasury system and gov- “The outside support is important not ernment officials’ property have been because if someone should like the IMF or opened up, she noted. not, but it finances our deficit at a time In April 2014, Ukraine secured a $17.5 when I can’t have access to commercial billion loan program with the IMF, $6.7 bil- markets,” she said. “And it finances it at very low interest rates for a very long peri- Natalie Ann Jaresko od of time.” Born: Elmhurst, Ill., on April 24, “I’m proud of what the government has 1965, to Ivan Jaresko and Maria Budziak done so far. Do I want more? Absolutely,” Education: B.S. in accounting, DePaul she underscored. University, 1987; master’s in public poli- Wrapping up her defense of the cy, Harvard University, 1989 Cabinet’s performance, Ms. Jaresko flexed Career: U.S. State Department, 1989- her political muscle in targeting the 1992; chief of the economic section of Presidential Administration for criticism, the U.S. Embassy, 1992-1995; president reflecting the ongoing, behind-the-scenes and CEO of Western NIS Enterprise rivalry between Messrs. Yatsenyuk and Fund, 1995-2014; founding partner and Poroshenko. CEO of Horizon Capital, 2006-2014; “I think the one critical area that finance minister of Ukraine, December Ukrainians have a right to be disappointed 2014 is in rule of law, in justice and anti-corrup- tion,” she said. “The courts, the prosecutor Awards: Order of Princess Olha, general, putting people in jail that deserve 2003; Prime Minister’s Medal of Honor, to be in jail is something that’s not up to the 2009; Order of St. Nicholas the Miracle Cabinet of Ministers, and it’s something Worker of the Ukrainian Orthodox that still remains to be strengthened and Church, Kyiv Patriarchate, 2011 improved to the max.”

Mr. Putin is “practically helping Turning... Yanukovych to survive politically and strengthens his socio-economic foundation (Continued from page 6) in front of the Maidan’s defiance. Because it purchases from Gazprom to between 20 also worries Putin,” said Volodymyr and 30 percent. Fesenko of the Penta Center for Applied Russian President Vladimir Putin had Political Research in Kyiv. “That’s defiance included a provision that the terms of the for Russia.” discount rate be reviewed on a quarterly “Secondly,” Mr. Fesenko added, the deal basis, with the option to reject the discount “closes the door to returning to EU agree- rate. This was a way to keep Ukraine and ments, which conforms with the interests Mr. Yanukovych on a short leash. of the Russian leadership.” During the weekly Ukrainian Cabinet of The first $3 billion loan was to remove Ministers meeting that same day, Prime the default risks for bonds maturing in Minister Mykola Azarov said the agreement 2014 for the Ukrainian government and created “nice prospects for the Ukrainian Naftohaz Ukrainy. In the fourth quarter of economy in the next few years, giving the 2015, when those loans were due, Ukraine government the possibility of approving was expected to default and sign up for the today a budget of social and economic Eurasian Economic Union. development.” Had Mr. Yanukovych signed Now, with Ukraine a signatory of the the agreement with the EU, the loan condi- Association Agreement with the EU and tions from the International Monetary more loan guarantees from the IMF, Russia Fund (IMF), Mr. Azarov said, would double has reignited its demands for the $3 billion utility rates, sharply devalue the currency loan to be paid in full, with options to pay and reduce the spending budget. over time with interest. There have been Opposition leaders said the terms from threats by Russia of law suits for Ukraine’s the IMF were harsh to modernize Ukraine’s refusal to pay, and Ukraine has proposed economy to reflect reality, rather than float- counter-suits. ing government subsidies. The EU was pre- pared to offer up to $27 billion in loans that Source: “Yanukovych gets loans, cheaper “would have broadly matched the bailout gas in opaque deal with Putin,” by Zenon package Russia pledged to Ukraine,” the Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, December Financial Times wrote on December 18. 22-29, 2013. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50

Crimea depends on Ukraine for most of its reported that the Justice for Peace in President Viktor Yanukovych. The Obolon NEWSBRIEFS electricity. After the power lines went Donbas coalition had issued a report titled District Court found the two men, whose down, pro-Ukrainian activists, including “Those who Survived Hell” that is based names were not released, guilty on charges (Continued from page 2) many ethnic Tartars who opposed Crimea’s mainly on a survey of 165 people held pris- of hooliganism, robbery, violent attack and what caused the explosions. Mr. Putin “went annexation, prevented repairs by blocking oner by the militants. The full report is threatening to kill others. They were sen- to Symferopol, where he inaugurated the access for engineers to pylons in Kherson available at http://khpg.org/en/index. tenced on December 9 to four years in jail first phase of the energy bridge that will in southern Ukraine. But after negotiations, php?id=1448852051. (Kharkiv Human each. The sentence for one of the men was provide Crimea’s power supply from Tatar leader Lenur Islamov said that the Rights Protection Group) suspended for three years. Investigators Russia,” Crimea’s deputy Prime Minister engineers have been allowed to work. said during their trial that the two attacked Linkevicius for visa-free travel for Ukraine Ruslan Balbek said. “The first electricity line (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters, and severely beat two activists of pro-Euro- should have been operational on December TASS and Interfax) NEW YORK – Writing in the Wall Street pean Maidan protests in Kyiv in January 20, but the works have been speeded up... It Firtash predicts fall of government Journal on December 1, Lithuania’s Foreign 2014. They were convicted of robbing one is a historic day for Crimea, which has won Affairs Minister Linas Linkevicius argued: victim and taking part in the kidnapping of its energy independence from Ukraine,” he VIENNA – Ukrainian billionaire Dmytro “Two years after the demonstrations on the another Ukrainian activist that was held in said. The electricity cables linking Russia to Firtash said the Ukrainian government is Maidan in Kyiv ...gave birth to a new captivity for two hours. They also were con- Crimea are now expected to be up and run- politically bankrupt and will probably fall Ukraine, a new society determined to join victed of beating the man they helped to kid- ning on December 15, Mr. Balbek said. Mr. early next year. Mr. Firtash, a former sup- Europe and ready to die for it. This same nap and threatening to kill him. (RFE/RL, Putin meanwhile warned residents of porter of ousted pro-Russian President society later sent its sons and daughters to based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax) Crimea that “there may still be some prob- Viktor Yanukovych, shelved a plan to return defend against the Russian aggression in lems,” adding, “I hope the second phase will to Ukraine after officials there said they Crimea and eastern Ukraine. ...The country Stolen art found in eastern Ukraine would act on a U.S. warrant for his arrest on be launched soon.” (RFE/RL, with reporting has delivered on both economic prosperity HOORN, The Netherlands – A collection by AFP, Interfax and TASS) suspicion of bribery and money-launder- and good governance, all the while fighting ing. Speaking from his base in the Austrian of stolen Dutch masterpieces dating from a war against an aggressor nearly four the 17th century have resurfaced in rebel- Ukraine’s MFA protests Putin visit capital, Mr. Firtash said he had lost faith in times its size. ...We need to acknowledge the ability of the government to conduct held eastern Ukraine 10 years after they OTTAWA – The Ministry of Foreign Ukraine’s efforts.” Mr. Linkevicious went on meaningful reform, and had decided had been stolen. The Westfries Museum in Affairs of Ukraine voiced its strong protest to state: “They need the EU, but the EU also Ukraine needed a movement that would the northwestern Dutch city of Hoorn said of Russian President V. Putin’s visit to needs them. They fought for European val- push for political change. (Reuters) on December 7 that two men approached Russian-occupied Crimea on December 2, ues so Europeans wouldn’t have to fight for the Dutch Embassy in Kyiv in July offering the Ukrainian Canadian Congress reported WHO on polio outbreak in Ukraine them ourselves. The EU must now send a to sell the 24 paintings back. The men strong signal of support to the Ukrainian in its daily briefing on the crisis in Ukraine. claimed they found the collection in a villa KYIV – The World Health Organization people, showing them that they belong “We stress once again that the Autonomous in eastern Ukraine and asked 5 million on December 1 urged Ukraine’s Ministry of with us. They should be allowed to see the Republic of Crimea, and the city of euros ($5.4 million) for it – half its value Health to declare a state of emergency due dream they died for. They should be wel- Sevastopol are and will remain integral when it went missing in 2005. But an art to a polio outbreak, a move meant to comed as part of the EU’s visa-free regime. parts of Ukraine within its internationally expert, who has been hired as an interme- prompt more action from the government ...During the Revolution of Dignity on the recognized borders. This is recognized by in Kyiv. In September, Ukraine announced diary, estimated the collection’s current the entire civilized world, which has pro- Maidan, Ukrainians fought bravely for the two polio cases – the first in Europe since values that the EU represents. Now it’s time cost at a maximum 500,000 euros vided a proper assessment of the actions of 2010. The U.N. health agency recommend- ($545,000), noting the paintings’ current the Russian side and continues to imple- for the EU to show that it was worth the ed that Ukraine declare a state of emergen- fight.” (The Wall Street Journal) poor shape. Westfries Museum Director Ad ment appropriate restrictive measures,” the cy and “respond to the polio outbreak as Geerdink warned that the works were in MFA stated. (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) quickly and effectively as possible,” Dorit Two sentenced for attacks on Maidan danger of being sold on the black market Nitzan, head of the WHO’s office in Ukraine, after its own efforts to retrieve them failed. Power supply to Crimea is resumed KYIV – A court in Kyiv has sentenced two told journalists. Half of Ukraine’s children (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Reuters Azerbaijani citizens for attacks against KYIV – Ukrainian officials say they are have not been vaccinated against polio. and AFP) starting to resume electricity supplies to (Associated Press) Maidan activists during the early 2014 pro- Crimea more than two weeks after power tests that brought down Ukraine’s former (Continued on page 13) lines to the disputed territory were sabo- Russian military implicated in torture taged, causing widespread blackouts. The KHARKIV, Ukraine – The Kharkiv men across the border to extinguish the power cuts have severely disrupted the Human Rights Protection Group (KHPG) dreams of a people.” lives of 2 million Crimeans and exposed reported on December 1 that “Ukrainian U.S. vice-president... Mr. Biden said each lawmaker will be how dependent the peninsula remains on human rights activists believe that over 87 (Continued from page 1) Ukraine a year and a half after it was percent of Ukrainian soldiers and 50 per- judged by future generations upon whether unless until Russia meets all of its commit- annexed by Russia. “We are in the process cent of civilians taken prisoner by Kremlin- they put the greater good of all Ukrainian ments under the Minsk agreement.” of resuming energy supplies,” said Igor backed, pro-Russian militants in Donbas people over local interests that have divid- Boska, regional head of Ukrenergo, the have been subjected to torture or ill-treat- He also directly accused Moscow of ed the country. Ukrainian electric utility. While the utility ment. What is more, in over 40 percent of sending troops to fight with pro-Russian He urged Ukraine to make painful but appeared close to restoring functioning of the so-called ‘interrogations’ and control separatists in eastern Ukraine and trying to crucial reforms to make governance more the Kakhovska power substation, which over them, key roles were played by merce- hide that action from the Russian public transparent, noting that “corruption eats supplies much of the Kherson and naries from the Russian Federation or peo- and the world. Ukraine like cancer.” Mykolayiv regions, three other damaged ple who identified themselves as Russian “I don’t think the Russian people under- The U.S. vice-president also said elected power transmission lines remain offline. military personnel.” The Kharkiv group stand fully what [Russian President officials must remove conflicts of interest Vladimir] Putin is doing. That’s why he with their private business interests – spends so much time hiding at home the words possibly aimed at Ukrainian presence of troops here in your country,” he President Petro Poroshenko. told the Ukrainian lawmakers. Mr. Biden met with Mr. Poroshenko in Mr. Biden is in Kyiv on his fourth visit Kyiv on December 7 and announced new since Moscow annexed Ukraine’s Crimean financial aid of $190 million to help TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 Peninsula in March 2014 and gave its back- Ukraine implement reforms. or e-mail [email protected] ing to pro-Russian separatists in eastern He said after meeting Mr. Poroshenko Ukraine. that “Ukraine is on the cusp – what hap- SERVICES PROFESSIONALS He told the Verkhovna Rada that “Russia pens in the next year is likely to determine is occupying sovereign Ukrainian territory” the fate of the country for generations.” in Crimea and has violated international law He also met on December 7 with some by illegally seizing the Ukrainian peninsula. individual members of Parliament and Mr. Biden said “the United States will activists from civil society, as well as with never recognize” Russia’s annexation of Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. In addition, he Crimea and will continue to support visited a monument to the Heavenly Ukraine against Russian aggression. Those Brigade (Nebesnia Sotnia) killed during the words elicited a standing ovation from 2014 Euro-Maidan. Ukraine’s national deputies. Mr. Biden arrived in the Ukrainian capi- The vice-president also told the lawmak- tal late on December 6. ers that they have “an obligation to their homeland to answer the call of history” and With reporting by Reuters and the build a united democratic nation that Associated Press. PERSONAL “stands through time.” Copyright 2015, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted “It is no exaggeration to say the hopes of with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ freedom-loving people the world over are Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Single Ukrainian male looking with you, because so much rides on your Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see for a Single Ukrainian lady to fragile experiment with democracy suc- http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine- correspond, date and perhaps ceeding,” Mr. Biden said. “It is equally biden-says-us-will-never-recognize-crimea- marry! Please e-mail me: important, by the way, for aggressors annexation/27413810.html, http://www. [email protected] around the world to understand they can’t rferl.org/media/video/ukraine-us-biden- my name is Vasyl use coercion, bribery, sending tanks and pkg/27414642.html). No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 13

friend, Ukrainian President Petro year. “Although I have never said I would parity on both sides of the contact line,” Mr. NEWSBRIEFS Poroshenko. “That is clearly a political deci- take part in the polls,” Saakashvili added. Hug said. He added that the monitors’ per- sion, and there are several reasons to think Tbilisi had asked Kyiv to extradite manent presence in the area should help (Continued from page 12) that way,” Mr. Saakashvili said. “First, there Saakashvili earlier this year, but Ukrainian motivate the signatories to adhere to their Saakashvili slams revocation of citizenship is a two-year period given by the Ukrainian officials call the accusations against him obligations under the Minsk agreement laws for revoking a previous country’s citi- politically motivated. (RFE/RL, with report- more effectively. The SMM announced its KYIV – Mikheil Saakashvili, the Georgian zenship. And the Georgian government was ing by Apsny.ge, TASS and Interfax) intention to open a number of forward ex-president who now governs the Odesa well aware of it. There are many of our patrol bases in the area two months ago Oblast in Ukraine, says Tbilisi’s decision to [Georgian] citizens working at different OSCE opens patrol base in Horlivka and has asked those in effective control to strip him of his Georgian citizenship is official posts here, and they also obtained provide security guarantees for its DONETSK, Ukraine – The Special politically motivated. Mr. Saakashvili, who Ukrainian citizenship. However, there is no unarmed civilian monitors. Residents of Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine of started the Odesa job in May, told RFE/RL [such] decision on them.” He defended his Horlivka have in the past told the SMM that the Organization for Security and hours after the move was announced that work as governor in Ukraine. “Today, me they wanted the mission to have a perma- Georgia’s current authorities “are afraid” of and my friends are serving the Georgian Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on nent presence in their city, which has been him. And he vowed to return to Georgia, cause; we are serving Georgia’s future [by December 9 opened a new forward patrol seriously affected by the conflict. The SMM passport or not. “No one can strip me of my working in Ukraine],” Mr. Saakashvili said. base to house a small group of monitors in has already opened two forward patrol unlimited love for Georgia; we will definite- “Our common future. That’s why they can the city of Horlivka, an area currently not bases in Ukrainian government-controlled ly come back [to Georgia] and we will win,” take away my passport but nobody can under government control in the eastern areas – in Volnovakha (Donetsk region) and he added. Georgian President Giorgi deprive me of my Georgianness.” He added region of Donetsk. Principal Deputy Chief in Novoaidar (Luhansk region). A third Margvelashvili revoked Mr. Saakashvili’s that “salvation and progress in Ukraine will Monitor Alexander Hug was to spend the base is currently operating in Stakhanov, a citizenship on December 4, one day after result in the salvation and progress of first night in the newly established base city in an area of the Luhansk region that is Justice Minister Tea Tsulukani recommend- Georgia.” Mr. Saakashvili and his United together with the team. “This base will outside of government control. The SMM is ed the action. Tbilisi cites a ban on dual citi- National Movement party in Georgia sug- enable us to follow up on reports about looking to open more such bases on both zenship and the Ukrainian citizenship that gested the move was aimed at preventing incidents faster and will help us perform sides of the contact line to ensure that Mr. Saakashvili took on earlier this year in his possible participation in Georgia’s par- our mandated tasks more efficiently, and in monitoring is carried out in parity. (OSCE) order to take up the Odesa job for his liamentary elections, scheduled for next It is with heavy heart and great sadness, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. that we share the news of the passing of Ukraine is not... Joseph Dunford, testified earlier this year. our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, After all, Russia, unlike ISIS, possesses sister and aunt on December 4th, 2015. (Continued from page 2) enormous offensive military capabilities, Turkey, on November 15-16, some Western both nuclear and conventional. At the same Maria Polanskyj leaders were quick to remark that, while time, Mr. Putin has proven beyond any (née Osinska) they want Russia’s support and coopera- doubt that he, like ISIS, is prepared to tion in the Middle East, they have no inten- destabilize the world order regardless of Maria was born on December 13, 1938 in Warsaw tion to make compromises on Ukraine. casualties, or political and economic conse- (Poland) the youngest of three daughters to This, however, begs the question: If Ukraine quences to reach his strategic goals. Ukrainian Parents, Victor Osinski and Natalia Osinska is not going to be used as a bargaining chip Coordinating the West’s military actions (Stefaniw). During World War II, she lived under Nazi to gain Mr. Putin’s support in the Middle in Syria with Russia is important, but not at occupation and later, lived in a series of post war refugee camps. In 1949, East, what will? Western leaders cannot any price. Ukraine remains the only real she immigrated to the United States with her mother and sister, Anna. She expect the Russian president to make sig- force standing between the Russian aggres- received her primary education at the St. Basil Orphanage in Fox Chase, PA nificant concessions while receiving noth- sors and the security and stability of and St. John the Baptist Elementary School in Newark, NJ and her secondary ing in return. Europe. Western leaders need to find wis- education at the Arts High School in Newark, NJ. She then studied at Eastern European leaders have been dom and strength to adopt a far-sighted Brooklyn College, in Brooklyn, NY. clear-eyed about the risk of cooperating strategy for the free world’s security and In 1964, she married Bohdan S. Polanskyj and returned permanently to with Mr. Putin. “The fight against terrorists stability. This, among other things, means New Jersey where they raised three children together: Odarka, Bohdan A. and resolving the Syrian conflict should not not treating Ukraine as a bargaining chip and Peter. She later had a long career with the Federal Government from take place at the expense of Ukraine,” for Putin’s short-term cooperation in the which she eventually retired. In her retirement, she took much joy from Middle East. her volunteer activities, travels with friends and time spent with her eight minister, warned on November 20. grandchildren whom she adored. Edgars Rinkēvičs, Latvia’s foreign affairs Ihor Kozak is a defense and security Maria was very active in the Ukrainian community, on a national and stated that “Lithuania won’t join any new expert who advises legislative bodies, gov- local level. She was a longtime member of the Plast Chornomorsky Chvyly Lithuaniancoalitions that President include RussiaDalia Grybauskaitėor that Russia ernments, think tanks and media in Canada, Ukrainian scouting organization, which provided her with friendship and wants to be part of.” Estonian President the United States and Ukraine on the Russia- camaraderie that she enjoyed from her young adulthood through her Toomas Hendrik echoed her comments. Ukraine conflict and other geopolitical final illness. She was a charter member of the Ukrainian National Women’s The three Baltic countries, previously occu- issues. He is a retired Canadian military offi- League of America Branch 86 and she held a variety of leadership roles at pied by Russia, can appreciate the real dan- cer. the UNWLA, including service on the UNWLA National Board from 2002. ger that is being projected by the Kremlin. The original version of this article was She was awarded the highest UNWLA citation in 2011, that of an UNWLA While the fight against ISIS is of para- published on November 23 by the Atlantic Honorary Member. She was very proud of her work as Chair of the UNWLA mount importance, Russia remains the Council, a Washington-based think tank. Its Scholarship Program for which she was both an active leader and donor for West’s number one threat, as the Pentagon’s publication here has been authorized. decades. Maria is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bohdan S. Polanskyj. Others left in mourning: daughter Odarka Polanskyj Stockert, with her husband Thomas Stockert sons Bohdan A. Polanskyj, with his wife Mimi Polanskyj Peter Polanskyj, with his wife Stacey Polanskyj With deep sadness we share the news of the passing of grandchildren Sophia and Ariadna Stockert Alexander and Izabelle Polanskyj Cassandra, Madeline, Damian and Lindsay Polanskyj Rostyslav (Ross) L. Chomiak sister Anna Krawczuk, with husband Bernard Krawczuk journalist All of New Jersey nephews Myron Krawczuk of New Jersey December 7, 2015, in Washington, DC Viktor Decyk, with his wife Betsy Decyk of California Julian Decyk of California on the eve of his 80th birthday. Roman Decyk of Florida niece Ulana Decyk Venditelli, with her husband Robert Husband of Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak Ventidelli, of R. I. Father of Tania Chomiak-Salvi and Theodora Chomiak She is predeceased by her sister Taissa Decyk Meleshko and her niece Father-in-law of Lucantonio N. Salvi and Daren W. Chapin Lydia Decyk. Grandfather of Paul and Stephen Salvi, and of Lianne and Katia Chapin Viewings was held on Friday, December 11th, 2015, from 2pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 9pm at Union Funeral Home. The funeral mass was held at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 12th, 2015 at Saint John the Baptist In lieu of owers, donations in Rostyk’s memory may be made to: Ukrainian Catholic Church in Newark, NJ, followed by a burial at Saint Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery in South Bound Brook, NJ. Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv through the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UNWLA SCHOLARSHIP 2247 West Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 PROGRAM, PO BOX 24, Matawan, NJ 07747-0024 with a notation “In Memory of Maria Polanskyj”. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50

prosecutor fighting corruption. The office of the general Vice-President... prosecutor desperately needs reform. The judiciary should be overhauled. The energy sector needs to be competitive, (Continued from page 3) ruled by market principles – not sweetheart deals. It’s not Hundred at that spontaneously erected monument where I enough to push through laws to increase transparency with stood yesterday. Just look at the photographs. This is not regard to official sources of income. Senior elected officials hyperbole. I’m not trying to be unduly – this is real. As a have to remove all conflicts between their business interest foreigner, all I have to do is look at the photographs. See the and their government responsibilities. Every other democ- photographs of young men as early as their early 20s to racy in the world – that system pertains. those in their early 80s. Every one of them were joined in Oligarchs and non-oligarchs must play by the same rules. common purpose, a Revolution of Dignity. They have to pay their taxes, settle their disputes in court – My father had an expression he repeated a thousand not by bullying judges. That’s basic. That’s how nations suc- times growing up: Every man and woman is entitled to be ceed in the 21st century. treated with dignity. Everyone. That’s what your new revo- Corruption siphons away resources from the people. It lution was about: dignity. blunts the economic growth, and it affronts the human dig- And those martyrs still give voice to the timeless ideals nity. We know that. You know that. The Ukrainian people and the timeless ideas, the universal values that unite free know that. When Russia seeks to use corruption as a tool of people all around the world. I visited every part of this coercion, reform isn’t just good governance, it’s self-preser- world. There’s fewer than a handful of countries I’ve not Presidential Administration of Ukraine vation. It’s in the national security interest of the nation. been in. I’ve traveled over 1.3 million miles just since being U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden at the podium. Russia is trying to undermine the stability and sovereign- vice-president. The whole world is watching you. That’s a ty of Ukraine any way they can, including squeezing Ukraine ed full, unencumbered access. Russia must press the sepa- fact. They’re watching you because their hopes for your financially, trying to undermine your economy. They view ratists to hold elections according to Ukrainian law and success as you fight both the unrelenting aggression of the that as a cheaper way than sending tanks across the line of OSCE standards, and disavow the illegal election that’s just Kremlin and the cancer of corruption will impact on them. contact. taken place. Hostages held by Russia and its proxies must In both these struggles you have the unwavering sup- So Ukraine must be strong enough to choose its own be returned. Russian troops must leave. The Ukrainian side port of the United States of America and the American peo- future, strongly. Strong defensively. Strong economically. A of the border must be returned to Ukrainian control. ple – including nearly 1 million proud Ukrainian strong system of democratic governance. Unless all – if they do all of that, and only if they do, Ukraine Americans. You have the united support of Europe – The United States is with you in this fight. We understand also has a responsibility it still has to fulfill – including Western, Central and Eastern Europe – all invested in your we’re with you [from] afar. It’s much harder for you than it amnesty for those who have not committed capital offens- democratic success because your success goes to the heart is for us. We’ve stepped up with official assistance to help es; granting devolved administration to the Donbas. But of an enduring commitment to a Europe whole, free and at backstop the Ukrainian economy. We’ve rallied the interna- we’ve made it clear to Russia and the world that continued peace. If you fail, the experiment fails. It is no exaggeration tional community to commit a total of $25 billion in bilater- delay and foot-dragging is unacceptable. That includes to say that the hopes of freedom-loving people the world al and multilateral financing to support Ukraine. It includes elections in the Donbas. They can only go forward as stipu- over are with you because so much rides on your fragile $2 billion in U.S. loan guarantees and the possibility of more. lated under the Minsk Agreement. Full access to the media experiment with democracy succeeding. Yesterday I announced almost $190 million in new must be provided. Ukrainian political parties allowed to It’s equally important, by the way, for aggressors around American assistance to help Ukraine fight corruption, compete openly. Full and unobstructed OSCE election mon- the world to understand that they can’t use coercion, brib- strengthen the rule of law, implement critical reform, bol- itoring. Full voting rights for the people displaced from ery, sending tanks and men across a border to extinguish ster civil society, advance energy security. That brings our their homes in the Donbas and living elsewhere in Ukraine. the dreams and hopes of a people. For if you succeed, that total of direct aid to almost $760 million in direct assistance, And all weapons contained and kept under OSCE supervi- message is sent around the world. in addition to loan guarantees, since this crisis broke out. sion. That only happens if Russia lives up to its commit- The president asked me back in the late winter 2009 to And that is not the end of what we’re prepared to do if you ments, if Russia does its part. If it does, then you must fol- come to Europe to speak at the Munich Conference to lay keep moving. low through with yours because this is the best chance to out the principles that would guide our administration; the But for Ukraine to continue to make progress and to keep Donbas in Ukraine, end the conflict, and begin restor- fundamental elements of American foreign policy under keep the support of the international community, you have the Obama-Biden administration. And what I said then I ing Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. to do more as well. The big part of moving forward with will repeat now. I said, we will not recognize any nation (Applause.) your IMF program – it requires difficult reforms. And they having a sphere of influence. Sovereign states have the It’s hard. There’s nothing easy about what you have to are difficult. Let me say parenthetically here, all the experts right to make their own decisions and choose their own do. There’s nothing easy. The pressure you will all get will from our State Department and all the think tanks, and alliances. Period. Period. (Applause.) be immense. they come and tell you, that you know what you should do In the 21st century, nations cannot – and we cannot I’d like to also speak directly to the people in the is you should deal with pensions. You should deal with – as allow them to redraw borders by force. These are the Donbas. The alternative to what I just said is to continue to if it’s easy to do. Hell, we’re having trouble in America deal- ground rules. And if we fail to uphold them, we will rue the live under separatist thugs, criminals who deny humanitar- ing with it. We’re having trouble. To vote to raise the pen- day. Russia has violated these ground rules and continues ian aid, keep out organizations like Doctors Without sion age is to write your political obituary in many places. to violate them. Today Russia is occupying sovereign Borders, stealing life-saving medicine to sell on the black Don’t misunderstand that those of us who serve in other Ukrainian territory. Let me be crystal clear: The United market. That’s not a future. That’s not a future I believe any democratic institutions don’t understand how hard the States does not, will not, never will recognize Russia’s Ukrainian wants for their children. conditions are, how difficult it is to cast some of the votes attempt to annex the Crimea. (Applause.) It’s that saying – That’s why the Minsk Agreement needs to be imple- to meet the obligations committed to under the IMF. It that simple. There is no justification. mented in full. And truly free and fair elections are exactly requires sacrifices that might not be politically expedient And as Russia continues to send its thugs, its troops, its what the Kremlin fears the most. It’s not just your territory or popular. But they’re critical to putting Ukraine on the mercenaries across the border, Russian tanks and missiles they covet; it’s your success that they fear. For if free elec- path to a future that is economically secure. And I urge you still fill the Donbas. Separatist forces are organized, com- tions occur, and the people determine, as I am confident to stay the course as hard as it is. Ukraine needs a budget manded and directed by Moscow – by Moscow. (Applause.) they will, that they want to remain an integral part of that’s consistent with your IMF commitments. So the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine Ukraine, that they are Ukrainians first, that’s what Russia Anything else will jeopardize Ukraine’s hard-won prog- against Russian aggression. We’re providing support to help fears. That’s what Putin fears. ress and drive down support for Ukraine from the interna- and train and assist your security forces, and we’ve relied Because, as all of you know, the struggle for Ukraine’s tional community, which is always tenuous. It’s always ten- on and rallied the rest of the world to Ukraine’s cause. freedom is not confined to the battlefields of the east. uous. We keep pushing that support. I have spent hours – as the president has – talking to Constitutional reform that includes judicial reform and The Ukrainian people have long struggled to direct their heads of state in Europe and around the world, making it decentralization does not compromise your sovereignty. It own destinies, to carve out a place besides the mighty clear that one of the tests for whether or not they are our enhances it. It’s an important step to building a strong, new Dnipro, to claim their own identity, proud and distinct. allies is are they allied with your purpose. nation. And it’s important to the Ukrainian-European future. A great poet Taras Shevchenko wrote verse after verse America and Europe now stand together united in our This issue of federalism is the thing that almost prevent- declaiming the spirit of Ukraine, urging his fellow commitment to impose tough economic sanctions on ed our nation from coming into being. Autonomous inde- Ukrainians [to] rise up and claim their liberty. His poem Russia. And while Russian aggression persists, the cost pendent states, their determination to have their own “The Testament” ends with this reflection. And I quote: imposed on Moscow will continue to rise. The false propa- police forces, their determination to have their education “Then, in the mighty family / Of all men that are free, / ganda that the Kremlin is disseminating in an attempt to system, to have their own government under the united Maybe sometimes, very softly / You will speak of me?” undermine Ukraine and fracture Europe’s resolve will not Constitution. Maybe sometimes very softly you will speak of me. work. No one should mistake saber rattling and bombast But in addition, you also have a battle, a historic battle, (Applause.) for strength. Let me say that again, no one should mistake against corruption. Ukraine cannot afford for the people to Ladies and gentlemen, I will speak of Ukraine. I will saber rattling and bombast for real strength. lose hope again. The only thing worse than having no hope speak of the writer who took a beating on the Maidan to put We’re taking steps to bolster Europe’s resilience to at all is having hopes rise and see them dashed repeatedly him in the hospital. When asked why he sustained those Russian coercive tactics. We are strengthening NATO as I on the shoals of corruption. injuries, why he was willing to endure it, he wrote: “People speak, improving energy security as I speak, and attempt- And if the people resign themselves to exploitation and who don’t protest injustice – they have no future.” ing to help spur an economic revival throughout Europe. corruption for fear of losing whatever little they have left, I will speak of the young mother who gave up a lucrative The United States and Europe will maintain pressure that would be the death knell for Ukrainian democracy. career working on government reform. And then when asked until Moscow fulfills its commitments under the Minsk We’ve taken so many critical steps already. But all of you why, she replied: “I have two small children and I cannot fight Agreement. While there has been some progress in deesca- know there’s more to do to finish this race. Not enough has in the east. So this is what I can do for my country.” (Applause.) lating the violence, there can be no sanctions relief unless been done yet. I will speak up for the university student who handed out and until Russia meets all of its commitments under the As the prime minister and the president heard me often food on the Maidan and later spoke about how those months Minsk Agreement. (Applause.) say, I never tell another man or another nation or another changed. She said: “Now people don’t think about what And I might add parenthetically, I don’t think the Russian woman what’s in their interest. But I can tell you, you can- Ukraine can give them but about what they can give Ukraine.” people fully understand what Putin is doing. That’s why he not name me a single democracy in the world where the I will speak of the men and women of this institution, a spends so much time hiding at home the presence of cancer of corruption is prevalent. You cannot name me one. freely elected representative body of the people. I will speak Russian forces here in your country. Heavy weapons must They are thoroughly inconsistent. And it’s not enough to set be withdrawn from the frontlines. The OSCE must be grant- up a new anti-corruption bureau and establish a special (Continued on page 15) No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 15

NOTES ON PEOPLE VOA Ukrainian Service chief retires Ukrainian community bids farewell In a statement published in the to Embassy’s First Secretary Starak Congressional Record on September 28, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) wrote the fol- lowing about his departure from the Voice of America: “During his career, Mr. Karmazyn has contributed immensely to keeping the flame of freedom alive in Ukraine, even during some of her darkest hours. He is a freedom fighter. His mindful voice has been an essential component on the arduous path to a more open, demo- cratic society following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the harrowing but steady progress of Ukraine to become part of the European community of nations… His labor has brought the American people and the people of Ukraine closer for decades, with his regular presence and positive influence at VOA for the cause of liberty. His Adrian Karmazyn has been a voice of freedom.” WASHINGTON – Adrian Karmazyn, chief According to a 2014 audience survey, WASHINGTON – Oresta Starak (left), the first secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine of the Voice of America’s Ukrainian Service, VOA’s Ukrainian Service television pro- in Washington, who is responsible for liaison with the Ukrainian community, received retired on September 30 from federal ser- gramming reaches over 18 percent of the a very warm send-off from that community at the conclusion of her four-year tour vice, concluding a 27-year career in inter- population of Ukraine each week. of duty in Washington. The Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family national broadcasting. Mr. Karmazyn had In November, Mr. Karmazyn joined the hosted a farewell reception for her after the liturgy on Sunday, November 29, to served as chief of the Ukrainian Service team of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation in thank her for her service to Ukraine and to the community here. Among those since November 2005. Washington. expressing their gratitude were Bishop John Bura, Ukrainian National Information Service Director Michael Sawkiw and – musically – the church choir, with a pre- miere performance of Victor Morozov’s (far right) composition of “Mnohaya Lita.” In response, Ms. Starak thanked the United States and the Ukrainian American com- Completes second NYC Marathon munity for all that they have done for Ukraine, adding that she is leaving with a deep sense of love and respect for them. Her next diplomatic assignment has yet to be NEW YORK – Adriana announced. Her earlier assignments included Poland and Turkmenistan. K. Malone, M.D., a mem- – Yaro Bihun ber of Ukrainian National Association Branch 25, was a second-year participant in the New York City Marathon held Student receives journalism award on November 1. (This year ORLANDO, Fla. – On Saturday, her time was 4:28:01.) Dr. September 19, at the annual conference of Malone is assistant professor the Society of Professional Journalists, in at the Tisch Cancer Institute Orlando, Fla., Julian Hayda was presented Bone Marrow and Stem Cell with the Robert D.G. Lewis First Transplantation and director Amendment Award in Journalism. of Hematology/Oncology and He was nominated for the award by a BMT Fellowship Programs at collective of professors from DePaul the Icahn School of Medicine University College of Communication, at Mount Sinai. She lives with where he received a B.A. in journalism and her husband and their two a B.A. in digital cinematography. The judges children in Manhattan. of the award wrote: “Maybe it is the inter- national factor, but the way this person sat where you’re sitting for 36 years as a went after the story, tried to use FOIA Vice-President... United States senator, sometimes when a [Freedom of Information Act] techniques foreign leader would come to speak, I and was on the ground helping other jour- (Continued from page 14) resented when he or she appeared to lec- nalists in a fight for human rights by help- ing them with U.S. reporting techniques is of the sacrifices you’ve made. Nadiya ture us. I hope I don’t come across as hec- toring or lecturing you. Because that’s not very impressive.” Savchenko, the pioneering Ukrainian helicop- Mr. Hayda made several trips to Ukraine ter pilot who was elected to the Rada, despite my intention. I just have – as a fellow human being – I just have such hope in the promise between December 2013 and May 2014, being unjustly imprisoned in [sic] to this day. documenting events on the Maidan in Kyiv I will speak of her bravery, and many others of what you could deliver. It will spread far Julian Hayda and throughout Ukraine. Working with will, as well. I will speak about how it’s up to beyond the borders of Ukraine. I used to wonder as a young senator journalists from both Ukraine and the U.S., film, “Block Four,” filmed on location to all of you to ensure the people of this land, when I first stood up on the Senate floor, along with his partners from the Group for commemorate the 25th anniversary of the once and for all – that mighty family of all and I’ve never been frightened of standing Tomorrow’s Ukraine (GTU), he worked to disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power men that are free. and speaking, I stood up and all of a sudden disseminate up-to-date information to plant. His current projects are document- Ukraine’s moment. It may be your last I realized that my desk is exactly where a those outside of Ukraine who were watch- ing the unification of Ukrainian Orthodox moment. Please, for the sake of the rest of senator, Daniel Webster, spoke from. I mean ing in fear and wanting to stay abreast of Churches, and a series of YouTube “Coffee us, selfishly on my part, don’t waste it. Seize this sincerely. And for the first and only time events as they unfolded. with…” dialogue videos with his colleagues the opportunity. Build a better future for the in my career, I was seized with, my God, one Prior to his work in Ukraine, Mr. Hayda from GTU. people of Ukraine. of the great men in our history stood in this worked on several small projects with Plast There was a famous American politician Mr. Hayda lives in Chicago with his spot. And I wondered what it’d have been Ukrainian Scouting Organization and when I was a young senator. He was in the mother and three brothers. He is currently like to be in that first Congress that gave us through Vidia Media Productions, and cre- other party – very different ideology. But he pursuing a master’s degree in international our freedom, created what I consider to be a ated videos for Plast and the Ukrainian said, once in response to a question, he said: studies, and plans to return to Ukraine in great and decent nation. Well, that’s where Bandurist Chorus (he is a member of both in your heart, in your heart, you know it’s January to continue work on his current you are. It’s not hyperbole. That’s where groups). right. In your heart, you know what’s right. projects. He is a member of Ukrainian each of you sit. If you succeed, you will be His largest project was a documentary National Association Branch 59. You know. Do it. As long as you remain on the founders of the first truly free, demo- that path, as long as you honor the obliga- cratic, united Ukraine. An awesome respon- tion to the Ukrainian people, you never have sibility, but what an incredible, incredible “Notes on people” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achieve- to worry or doubt America and the United opportunity to serve your country. ments of members of the Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian National States will be by your side. Thank you so much for this opportunity Association. All submissions should be concise due to space limitations and I hesitated to come to make this speech. to speak to you today. May God bless our must include the person’s UNA branch number (if applicable). Items will be The reason I did is not because [of] a lack of two great nations, and may God protect our published as soon as possible after their receipt. affection for your country. But as a man who troops. (Applause.) 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50 Chicago charity golf outing raises funds for Ukrainian fighters, Plast, youth organizations

by George G. Kuritza ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. – On a beautiful, sunny and balmy Indian Summer afternoon, golfers from across the United States convened for the annual Plast-Chicago Open Golf Outing held on Saturday, September 12, at the Fox Run Golf Links in Elk Grove Village, Ill. For 17 consecutive years, participants have been coming from all corners of the United States, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Florida to take part in this very popular and well-attended charity golf tour- nament hosted by the Chicago-based Pobratymy Foundation. Using a team scramble format to engage the 57 men and women golfers, this outing provided an opportunity for participants to enjoy friendly competition and great cama- I. Hrynewycz raderie in a beautiful setting. The fun continued with the Participants of the 17th annual Plast-Chicago Open Golf Outing held in Elk Grove Village, Ill. traditional post-golf reception and dinner held in the club house, after which the award winners were announced and Katrusia Saldan among women. The putting contest was (Bilynsky) Sorensen and Ulana (Bilynsky) Rockstroh and a raffle of donated articles was held. won by Mary Dykun with an exciting hole-in-one, followed their husbands commented that they had so much fun in The men’s tournament was won with a score of 70 by by runner-up George Stankevych. Winning the 50/50 char- Chicago that weekend and at this tournament that they will Roman Mycyk, Oleh Hanowsky, James Abele and Mary ity raffle was Andrew Haliw. definitely return for next year’s festivities. Mycyk. The women’s tournament was won by Luba Visiting this year from Michigan, Detroit golfers George As usual, proceeds from this year’s event will provide Skubiak, Roksolana Lonchyna and Christine Hryhorczuk. Laska, Bohdan Kosniw, Ihor Kunynsky, George Baran and continued financial support for Plast and The Pobratymy The men’s and women’s longest drive competitions Andrew Haliw said they’d heard a lot about this tourna- Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corpora- were won by Mykola Sosenko and Mary Mycyk. The closest ment and decided to make a trip out to Chicago to check it tion established in 1992 by members of the Plast to the pin contests were won by James Abele and Paul out. They said they had a really nice time and plan on com- Pobratymy fraternity. In the past, the foundation has con- Stasiuk among men, and by Roksolana Lonchyna and ing back again next year. Similarly, sisters Bohdanna tributed over $150,000 to further the principles of Plast and Ukrainian scouting to Plast chapters in the United States, Canada and Ukraine. The foundation also awards contributions to other simi- lar 501(c)(3) organizations that support the stated pur- pose of the fraternity: “To renew and strengthen Plast, to promote excellence and self-improvement, to encourage identification and cooperation among Ukrainian youth, and to inform others about Ukraine.” Over the past 2 years, a total of $15,000 in donations from this annual tournament have been made to assist in humanitarian relief efforts and support for soldier-mem- bers of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, as well as other Ukrainian soldiers and their families who have been injured, wounded or killed in the ongoing struggle against Russia in eastern Ukraine. The Pobratymy Foundation and tournament organizers expressed gratitude to all of the event’s sponsors and vol- unteers for their support, generosity and commitment, as they are the life-blood of the annual charity event. Recognized in particular were Katrusia and Roman Saldan, Andy Durbak, Ihor Hrynewycz and Andy Ripeckyj, whose behind-the-scenes help and assistance proved invaluable. Men’s winners (from left): Roman Mycyk, Mary Women’s winners (from left): Roksolana Lonchyna, (All sponsors are being recognized in a separate paid Mycyk, Oleh Hanowsky and Jim Abele. Christine Hryhorczuk and Luba Skubiak. advertisement placed in The Ukrainian Weekly.) Pobratymy Plast fraternity holds 50th general meeting

by Ihor Figlus BARABOO, Wis. – Thirty-four members of the Pobratymy fraternity of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization gathered on the weekend of September 26-27 at the Ukrainian American Youth Associaton campground Beskyd near Baraboo, Wis., for their 50th general meeting (“rada”). The weekend gathering was preceded on Friday by a canoe trip down the Wisconsin River. The weather was perfect and nature put on a show with a multitude of bald eagles nesting along the river and flying overhead (one zoomed over not more than 25 feet above the canoeists). During this year’s meeting, which included both the young adult and senior scouts, numerous Plast issues were discussed, the past year’s work was reviewed, and plans were made for the coming year. In addition to such serious business, old friends gathered and new friendships were cemented. Saturday evening culminated with a campfire and a celebration of Pobratymy traditions. The rada also included the annual meeting of the Pobratymy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation set up to support Plast activities. Since its inception in 1992, the foundation has donated approximately

$125,000, including $5,000 earmarked at this meeting in George Kuritza humanitarian relief efforts to support Plast members and their families victimized by the war in Ukraine. Members of the Plast fraternity Pobratymy at their general meeting in Wisconsin. Members of Pobratymy are active in Plast and Ukrainian founded and held their first rada on December 30, 1966. end of September. Readers are invited to check out the community organizations in Chicago, Toronto, Next year, Pobratymy will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Denver. Pobratymy were their founding with events in Chicago during the last week- webpage www.pobratymy.org. Facebook page “Pobratymy – Побратими” and visit the No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 17 Ukrainian Plast Scouts compete in 53rd Orlykiada by Lydia Rezie KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Fifteen teams of Plast scouts from across the U.S. and Canada gathered on November 14-15 on the grounds of Soyuzivka Heritage Center to participate in the 53rd Orlykiada, an annual competition focused on broadening participants’ knowledge of Ukrainian histo- ry and culture. Orlykiada is sponsored and organized by the Plast fraternity Orlykivtsi, and for the third consecutive year the Plast sorority Verkhovynky helped run the event. This year’s theme, “Chervona Ruta: A Musical (R)evolution,” celebrated the music and accomplishments of Ukrainian com- poser Volodymyr Ivasiuk and his impact on modern Ukrainian music. The theme’s name was borrowed from Ivasiuk’s most Natalia Halatyn popular song, “Chervona Ruta” (Red Rue), The participants of the 2015 Orlykiada held at Soyuzivka Heritage Center. which has become a modern anthem of Sunday, culminating in the announcement cance of his new title, Hetmanych Stasiouk Hryhor Orlyk, I believe that I can help Ukrainian music. of this year’s winners: Pavlo Stasiouk of stated: “Receiving the bulava [mace] and Ukraine from abroad. Orlyk refused the title On Saturday, the participants took part Cleveland was named hetmanych, and being named hetmanych has given me new of hetman because he believed he could in three team competitions: an academic Kalyna Leshchuk of the Plast branch of inspiration to be active in Plast, Orlykiada accomplish more as a diplomat. I wanted bowl, theatrical performances and exhibits. Newark, N.J., was named hetmanivna. and the Ukrainian community. I want to be The academic bowl focused solely on the Commenting on the personal signifi- a worthy successor to this tradition. Like (Continued on page 18) participants’ knowledge of the theme, while the performances and exhibits allowed teams to utilize creativity and art- istry to convey their interpretations of the theme and information. “It’s so heartening to see how much the teams commit to the theme and to the com- petition,” commented Orlykiada’s Deputy Commandant, Marta Mudri, who was also the head judge for the exhibit competition. “A few teams even contacted Ivasiuk’s fami- ly in Ukraine, and we were pleasantly sur- prised to be able to see the composer’s actual personal artifacts,” she noted. Orlykivtsi member Tanya Kosc added, “It was also wonderful to hear audience mem- bers join in to sing along with the perform- ers during the theatrical performances, which I’ve never witnessed before. I hope this experience has a lasting impact on future Plast activities and events, such as spiv (singing) and vatry (bonfires).” While most participants spent the eve- ning recovering from a long day of competi- tion, seven participants spent the evening meeting with judges as they vied for the titles of “hetmanych” and “hetmanivna,” awarded to Orlykiada’s outstanding male and female scout, respectively, who best reflect the ideals embodied by Hetman Hryhor Orlyk. Candidates were judged based on their activity and leadership roles in Plast; their knowledge of Ukrainian his- tory, culture and current events; and how their attitudes and behavior reflect the ide- als of Plast. The competition continued into

Hetmanivna Kalyna Leshchuk of the Newark, N.J., Plast branch and Hetmanych Pavlo Stasiouk of Cleveland. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50

The overall results were announced Ukrainian Plast... immediately afterwards, beginning with fifth place. The co-ed team from Yonkers, N.Y., (Continued from page 17) came in fifth; the girls’ team from Cleveland the bulava, because I believed that the het- took fourth; the girls’ team from Newark manship would help me in my activities. came in third; the co-ed team from Rochester We, as Ukrainian diaspora, need to join and Syracuse, N.Y., took second; and the first- hands and continue the cause of our role place winner of this year’s Orlykiada was the model Hryhor Orlyk.” co-ed team representing Chicago. The Pobratymy Foundation would like to express enormous gratitude to all On Sunday morning at the end of divine Members of the winning team were of our wonderful individual and corporate sponsors and volunteers for their liturgy, participants witnessed the blessing excited about their victory, which reflected support, generosity, and commitment, to the 17th Annual Plast- Chicago Open of the new flag of the Verkhovynky sorority. their efforts in preparing. Team member Golf Outing on Saturday September 12th, 2015 Plast Chief Scout Lubomyr Romankiw and troop leader Maksym Hryhorczuk stat- attended the blessing, and afterwards ed, “Our team worked really hard to pre- PATRONS 2015 addressed the participants of Orlykiada. pare for the competition. We learned a lot The closing ceremony commenced with about Ukraine during the Soviet era. We Dr. James Abele Tony Kolomayets and Omega Financial the announcement of the results for the enthusiastically met at our ‘domivka’ [the Dr. Arkadiush Byskosh Group team competitions, beginning with the Plast branch’s home], where in a friendly Walter Bratkiv, President - REM Builders Dr. Myron Lewyckyj winners in each of the three categories. The atmosphere we enjoyed the music of Dr. Bohdan and Roxana Charkewycz Drs. Roksolana and Vassyl Lonchyna winner of the academic bowl was the girls’ Volodymyr Ivasiuk.” Michael Charysh, Charysh & Dr. Wolodymyr Minkowycz team from Newark; first place for theatrical Participants were invited to return for Schroeder, Ltd. Wasyl Mirutenko, Metro Security - performances was awarded to the girls’ next year’s competition, which will focus on Andrij and Dawn Chychula President team from Cleveland; and first place for the rich history and traditions of the Dr. George and Christine Demidowich Natalie Bandura - Mischenko exhibits was awarded to the co-ed team Kozaks and their long-term impact on Andres Durbak Dr. Roman Mycyk from Chicago. Ukrainian culture and identity. Antin Durbak John Oharenko Dr. Roman and Marijka Dykun Olya and Nestor Popowych George and Bohdanna Domino Dr. Andrew and Ruta Ripecky Dynamic Electronics, Inc. – Myron Stasiuk Oleh Sajewych Farmer’s Insurance- Greg Kocko Dr. Roman and Katrusia Saldan Dr. George Kuritza, Edgebrook Radiology Selfreliance Foundation – Oresta Boris Hayda Fedyniak, Chairperson of Selfreliance Roman Hirniak Ukrainian-American Federal Credit Dr. Maria Hrycelak, Park Ridge Pediatrics Union - Chicago Drs. Christine and Daniel Hryhorczuk Drs. Alex and Maria Sosenko Keller Family Foundation, Mr. and Dr. Jarema and Irene Skirnyk Mrs. Dennis Keller Luba and Oleh Skubiak Andrew Kolomayets, Partner, Cook, Dr. Jaroslaw and Irene Slusarenko Alex Ltd. Irene Tkaczuk Julian Kulas, President – Heritage Dr. Roman and Marichka Tkaczuk, Foundation of First Security Federal North Avenue Animal Hospital Savings Bank, Inc.

Pobratymy Foundation, founded by the Plast Pobratymy Fraternity in 1992, is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, which supports the ongoing activities of Plast- Ukrainian Scouting Organization and other similar tax-exempt organizations. Natalia Halatyn Orlykiada’s Deputy Commandant Marta Mudri congratulates the winners. Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper Традиційна Свята Вечеря at Soyuzivka

ursday, December 24, 2015 OR Wednesday, January 6, 2016

$35 - per person, $15 children age 5-10 Begins at 6 pm You are cordially invited Please call for room and / or meal reservations

Soyuzivka • 216 Foordmore Road • Kerhonkson NY 12446 to attend the 845-626-5641 • www.Soyuzivka.com Chervona Kalyna Cotillion Ball

and presentation of debutantes

TEL: 973-235-0909 559 FRANKLIN AVENUE Saturday, 30 January 2016 FAX: 973-661-0030 NUTLEY, NJ 07110

Hilton Pearl River Pearl River, New York tel. 845-735-9000 PROFESSIONAL COMPOUNDING CENTER PRESCRIPTIONS * SURGICAL SUPPLIES Formal Attire Requested VITAMINS * HOME HEALTHCARE (black tie) STORE HOURS: MON – FRI 9AM 6PM SATURDAY 9AM-2PM DANIEL ALBIZATI, R.Ph. M.S., OWNER SUNDAY CLOSED

www.burgesschemist.com www.KalynaDeb.org Facebook: Burgess Chemist of Nutley No. 50 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 19

December 16 Presentation by Yevgen Sysoyev, “Ukraine: Rise of Tech January 9 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Youth Association of New York Nation,” Razom for Ukraine, Civic Hall, Mississauga Canada, featuring music by Klooch and Hloptsi Z Mista, https://www.eventbrite.com Mississauga Convention Center, 416-554-6779 or www.cymmalanka.com December 18 Christmas Jazz Concert, featuring Shokolad and Bria New York Blessing, Ukrainian National Home, www.eventbrite.com January 9 Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner, Ukrainians of Austin Austin, TX Texas, Blackhawk Amenity Center, December 19 Mykolai Show and Holiday Bazaar, Taras Shevchenko www.facebook.com/events/910762112344677 Washington School of Ukrainian Studies, Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, 410-730-8108 January 16 Concert, “Caroling for Christ,” Ukrainian Cultural Center, or ukrainianschoolbazaar.weebly.com Somerset, NJ 732-356-0090

December 19 Christmas Bazar, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic January 16 Presentation of debutantes, Newark Plast Ukrainian Kerhonkson, NY Church, 845-647-6911 Whippany, NJ Scouting Organization, Hanover Marriott Hotel, 973-809-7580 or [email protected] December 19 Literary commemorative evening with Vasyl Makhno New York and Alexander Motyl, honoring the 30th anniversary of January 16 Malanka dinner and dance, with music by Svitanok, the death of Vasyl Stus, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Albany, NY to benefit the Zorepad Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, The 212-254-5130 Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 518-496-4071 or 518-495-1084 December 20 Christmas Concert, Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble, Woonsocket, RI St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, [email protected] January 16 Malanka celebration, with music by Fata Morgana, St. Scranton, PA Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-489-1256 December 20 Ukrainian dinner and caroling, “Pyrohy and Koliadky,” Ottawa Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian January 16 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Youth Association in Orthodox Cathedral, 613-277-4664 or Montreal Canada and Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, [email protected] Ukrainian Youth Center, 514-774-8428 or 514-240-6293 December 24 Christmas Eve dinner, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, January 23 Malanka celebration, Ukrainian Educational and Kerhonkson, NY 845-626-5641 or www.soyuzivka.com Jenkintown, PA Cultural Center, 215-663-1166 December 31 New Year’s Eve Spectacular, Ukrainian Institute of January 23 Engineers’ Ball, with presentation of debutantes, New York America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org Philadelphia Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Hilton December 31 New Year’s Eve party, with music by Fata Morgana, Philadelphia Hotel at Penn’s Landing, 267-879-5502 Whippany, NJ Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, www.uaccnj.org Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions December 31 New Year’s Eve party, Ukrainian Homestead of ODWU, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Lehighton, PA 215-657-1758 or 215-235-3709 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Philadelphia Chapter cordially invites you to attend the Presentation of Debutantes at the Engineers’ Banquet & Ball Saturday, January 23rd, 2016

Grand Ballroom Cocktail 6 P.M. Hilton Hotel at Penn’s Landing Presentation of Debutantes & Banquet 7 P.M. 201 South Columbus Boulevard Ball 9 P.M. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Black Tie Music by Svitanok Orchestra *Special performance by renowned pianist Roman Rudnytsky

Banquet & Ball $135 Reservations by January 9, 2016 After January 9th Banquet & Ball $160 Ball Entrance $60 & $40 for students

Contact: Dr. Peter Hewka Tel. 610-277-1284 [email protected] Hotel Reservations: Hilton Penn’s Landing Tel. 215-792-6618 www.hiltonpennslanding.com Debutante Registration: Mrs. Halia Wirstiuk Tel. 267-879-5502 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 No. 50

a yeAr’S SubScription PREVIEW OF EVENTS

to our print eDition Saturday, December 19 contact Lada Onyshkevych, ukieschooldc. * for only $70 WASHINGTON: The Taras Shevchenko [email protected] or 410-730-8108. School of Ukrainian Studies will host a Add $5 And receive both print And online subscriptions Mykolai Show and Holiday Bazaar. NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Students will present a Mykolai show at Society invites all to a literary evening noon. Sviatyi Mykolai (St. Nicholas) will dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the subscribe TO then meet with each grade/age group death of prominent Ukrainian poet and (non-students welcome). The Heavenly political prisoner, Vasyl Stus (1938-1985). Office will be open at 9:15-11:45 a.m. The program includes readings of Stus’s Or svObOda (only one item per child, $2 fee, labeled poems, the presentation of an audio The ukrainian Weekly with child’s name, grade/age). The recording with poet’s voice from the bazaar/bake sale from 9:30 a.m. to noon 1960s and video from poet’s reburial in will feature a variety of home-baked Kyiv in 1990. The program will be emceed treats and holiday foods, books and gift by Vasyl Makhno and Dr. Alexander J. items. Location: Ukrainian Catholic Motyl. The event will take place at the National Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. Harewood Road NE, Washington, DC (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 20017. For further information visit p.m. For additional information, call 212- ukrainianschoolbazaar.weebly.com or 254-5130

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, writ- ten in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number and/or e-mail address to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items must be no more than 100 words long. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication (i.e., they must be received by 9 a.m. Monday). Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is * This limiTed-Time offer is valid for new subscripTions only to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who Through January 13, 2016. may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. Act now by cAlling Information should be sent to [email protected]. When e-mailing, please do our SubScription DepArtment: not send items as attachments – simply type the text into the body of the e-mail mes- sage. Preview items and payments may be mailed to: Preview of Events, The 973-292-9800 x 3040 CHRISTMASSPECIAL! Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054.