INSIDE: l Winter gala raises $200,000 for Soyuzivka Heritage Center – page 5 l UCCA-Illinois Division commemorates Unity Day – page 9 l UUARC spreads Christmas joy in Ukraine – page 12 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXIX No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 $2.00 Indicted oligarch Firtash found to have accounts open Kremlin claims Ukraine is part of ‘Russian World,’ at insolvent German bank as he fights extradition Kyiv protests Russian ‘offical’ Twitter account in Crimea

by Mark Raczkiewycz Moscow’s tool box for holding sway over its neighbors by promoting Russian language KYIV – Less than a week after President and culture to augment and justify the use Volodymyr Zelenskyy muted three nation­ of “hard power” by covertly employing mil­ wide television channels for broadcasting itary, informational and cyber warfare Russian disinformation, Moscow reiterated whenever needed to assert its influence. its stance that Ukraine is part of “the In 2013, Russia introduced a new for­ Russian world.” eign policy concept with an emphasis on Following a national security meeting regional priorities, including Ukraine, that was chaired by Russian President whose territory it illegally annexed and Vladimir Putin on February 9, Kremlin invaded the following year. It fit into the spokesman Dmitri Peskov said the agenda country’s National Security Strategy to focused on the “Russian world” and that 2020 and its military’s doctrine. Ukraine was considered a part of it. Mr. Peskov’s statement was a reminder He was responding to a question posed to Kyiv’s leadership that Moscow doesn’t by a Ukrainian UNIAN news agency consider Ukraine a legitimate nation-state Moscow correspondent. on equal footing with Russia. Mr. Peskov noted the topic remains a pri­ As recently as January 28, a chief ority for the government and that the Russian propagandist called on Moscow to Voice of America Kremlin will use “soft power” to promote annex Ukraine’s Donbas, consisting of the Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash waits for the start of his extradition trial at the this concept in Ukraine. two easternmost regions where a war has Austrian Supreme Court in Vienna on June 25, 2019. “Of course, there are a lot of Russians raged with combined Russian military, and Russian-speakers in Ukraine – they all irregular and Kremlin-backed forces since by Mark Raczkiewycz By the time Wirecard had declared belong to the ‘Russian world,’ and it would April 2014. bankruptcy in June 2020 with a nearly $4 be really foolish to deny cultural, historical Margarita Simonyan, the global editor- KYIV – Around the same time that billion hole on its balance sheet, Mr. Firtash, ties, and common roots,” Mr. Peskov said. in-chief of the Russian state-run RT televi­ Austria’s highest court ruled to extradite 55, had at least nine accounts opened with “We know that such a line – to deny these sion network (formerly Russia Today), Ukrainian billionaire Dmytro Firtash to the the bank and its executive caste of manage­ common things – is being pursued by attended the “Russian Donbas Forum” in U.S. on bribery and racketeering charges in ment was partly in custody, while its chief Ukraine, but we don’t like this.” occupied Donbas where she said, “Mother June 2019, he and his companies were open­ operating officer – Austrian citizen Jan To many Western and Ukrainian Russia, take Donbas home.” ing accounts at Wirecard, a German bank Kremlin watchers, Russia’s use of the term that is now insolvent due to malfeasance. (Continued on page 4) “Russian world” is a component of (Continued on page 14)

NEWS ANALYSIS Stormy, turbulent outlook for Ukrainian Zelenskyy kicks off first of 30 public forums dedicated domestic politics in the months ahead to Ukraine’s 30th anniversary of independence

by Bohdan Nahaylo situation and raised more questions than they have provided answers. New The start of the new year in Ukrainian opportunities have opened, but consider­ domestic politics has been characterized able challenges and dangers have also by turbulence, surprises, and the redraw­ been exposed. ing of shifting battle lines. The country’s Already domestic and foreign com­ embattled president, Volodymyr Zelens­ mentators are saying that a turning point kyy, finding himself squeezed from many has been reached and that a tougher, quarters, seems to have gotten a second more assertive, Mr. Zelenskyy has wind and decided to stand his ground emerged. They conclude that he has and carry the fight to his adversaries. hoisted much clearer colors to his mast The unexpected banning at the begin­ and has signaled, whatever skeptics and ning of February by the Ukrainian leader­ detractors have suggested, that he wants ship of several pro-Russian TV channels to be seen as the real defender of linked with Russian President Vladimir Ukraine’s independence and democracy Presidential Office Putin’s close associate and point man in – that he is prepared to stand his ground President Zelenskyy announces “Ukraina 30,” a series of 30 public forums that began Ukraine, tycoon and lawmaker Viktor and confront his opponents in an open on February 8. Medvechuk, has captured the headlines. political contest. by Roman Tymotsko coincide with Ukraine’s 30th anniversary of But it is rather more complicated than Briefly here are but some of the events independence, is an effort by the Ukrainian this. of the last weeks that have formed the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens­ government to focus discussion in the During the first weeks of 2021, context and broader factors. First, as the kyy announced a series of 30 large-scale country on topics the president believes Ukraine witnessed unexpected develop­ public forums on various topics of national are most important to Ukraine. ments that have in effect shaken up the (Continued on page 5) importance that will take place over the next six months. The initiative, meant to (Continued on page 11) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7

ANALYSIS

Does the Normandy group have Yanukovych’s son likely off sanctions list Twitter must remove “official” Russian account European Union diplomats are consider­ Ukraine is calling on Twitter to remove a a future on the Russia-Ukraine conflict? ing removing several of the 10 remaining “blue check” verified account of the Russian Ukrainians – including Oleksandr Foreign Affairs Ministry’s office in Crimea, Part 1 with the U.S. media outlet Axios, on January Yanukovych, the son of former Ukrainian accusing the social-media giant of promoting 31, Ukrainian President Volodymyr President Viktor Yanukovych – from a list Kremlin propaganda. Ukraine’s ambassador by Vladimir Socor Zelenskyy described how Russia is block­ of sanctioned people the bloc believes are to the United States, Volodymyr Yelchenko, Eurasia Daily Monitor ing the negotiations in order to impose a responsible for the misappropriation of sent a letter to Twitter asking the company solution on its own terms, “to preserve the Ukraine is multiplying calls for changing Ukrainian state funds. The EU imposed to deactivate the Russian account, the separatists” by some kind of “federaliza­ asset freezes on Viktor Yanukovych, part of embassy in Washington said on February 8. the composition of the “Normandy Four” tion.” group (Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine) his family, and his inner political circle The account of “Russian occupation authori­ “I told European leaders, frankly: if we shortly after the collapse of his government ties in Crimea cannot be described as official and its derivative Minsk Contact Group (see continue with this [Normandy and Minsk] below). The Kremlin has effectively used in late February 2014, but the list has slow­ and legitimate,” the diplomatic mission said format, it will have exhausted any useful­ ly been whittled down over the years after on Facebook. Moscow illegally annexed these negotiation forums from 2014 to date ness. This is why I want such a powerful some of them challenged, and sometimes Crimea in early 2014 and later threw its sup­ in order to conserve, instead of end, its world player as the United States to make won, court cases against the EU sanctions. port behind pro-Russian separatists in occupation of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas. its impact felt, involving President Biden in The bloc’s losses in court have led to grow­ Ukraine’s east, where some 13,200 people The Normandy forum has not met at the the Normandy format. I am ready to do ing demands that the list should be pared have been killed in an ongoing conflict. The summit or ministerial level since 2019; it anything to reach an agreement with the down further or even annulled. Several EU account in question describes itself as the has operated at the level of senior political U.S. president and the Normandy Group. I diplomats who are familiar with the talks “official twitter account” of the Russian advisors since then; and it has been moving also told our European partners openly: if but not authorized to speak on the record Foreign Affairs Ministry’s representative against Ukraine’s interests when not com­ this does not work, then [we should] create told RFE/RL that there were “a number of office in the city of Simferopol, Crimea’s sec­ pletely deadlocked (see EDM, December another format, which must include the ‘weak cases’ on the list that are bound to be ond-largest city. The account has nearly 11, 12, 2019; January 16, March 26, July 9, United States and Russia, in parallel with challenged in the EU court” and that a lack 12,000 followers and a “blue check” verifica­ 15, August 5, 12, 13, 2020). the Normandy format,” Mr. Zelenskyy said of compelling evidence from Ukraine has tion. Twitter gives blue checks to accounts of In the Normandy group, furthermore, (President.gov.ua, February 1). forced the EU to consider the de-listings. public interest deemed “authentic” and Berlin and Paris alongside Moscow have Initial reactions in Washington and Kyiv Apart from Oleksandr Yanukovych, a busi­ pledged last year to improve the process of rejected Kyiv’s proposals to add Russia’s sound notes of caution. Addressing the lat­ nessman who became one of Ukraine’s identifying verified profiles. First Deputy seizure of Crimea to the Normandy negoti­ est Kyiv Forum videoconference, one of Mr. richest men during his father’s reign, for­ Foreign Affairs Minister Emine Dzheppar ations’ agenda. Ukraine, therefore, is initiat­ Biden’s aides, Michael Carpenter, has rec­ mer Prime Minister Serhiy Arbuzov, ex- wrote on Facebook that Ukraine’s diplomats ing an international “Crimea Platform” ded­ ommended against creating a U.S.-Russia Minister for Duties and Revenues have been “working out the necessary steps” icated to that issue. parallel negotiating track, as it existed (albe­ Oleksandr Klymenko, and Dmytro to counter Russian attempts to legitimize Ukrainian proposals to change the com­ it stagnant most of the time) during two U.S. Tabachnyk, who worked as minister of edu­ aggression against Ukraine online. She position and direction of the Normandy administrations in 2015-2019. Rather than cation from 2010 to 2014, are the most accused Twitter of promoting Russian “pro­ and Minsk processes are not unprecedent­ appoint yet again a U.S. State Department likely candidates to be removed from the paganda and disinformation aimed at under­ ed, but the current international situation Special Representative to operate a direct list. There have been some discussions mining the sovereignty of Ukraine as well as gives such proposals unparalleled salience channel with Moscow, Mr. Carpenter has, about the presence of Viktor Yanukovych the legitimization of the ‘Russian’ status” and relevance. The cast of major interna­ instead, suggested that the United States and former Prosecutor-General Viktor over Crimea. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) tional leaders involved, directly or indirect­ Pshonka on the list as well. However, there should join the Normandy forum as a full Zelenskyy defends decision to block TV channels ly, in the Normandy process is changing. member; possibly at the level of Secretary is general agreement among the 27 EU German Chancellor Angela Merkel is about of State, Deputy Secretary of State or member states that the sanctions regime Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens­ to step down, her two possible replace­ National Security Advisor (Ukrinform, should continue with some adjustments. kyy has met with a group of ambassadors ments (frontrunner: Armin Laschet) are January 27). This formula, however, would Last year, former Prime Minister Mykola from the Group of Seven (G-7) and the Azarov and ex-Energy Minister Eduard parochial politicians without international not seem to cover Normandy meetings at European Union to defend his govern­ Stavytsky were removed from the list, experience. Ms. Merkel’s successor will like­ the presidential level, five of which have ment’s decision to shut several television while in 2019 Andriy Klyuyev, the former ly lack her capacity to hold the European taken place thus far, and on which Mr. channels controlled by a Russia-linked head of Mr. Yanukovych’s presidential Union together on Russia sanctions; nor can Zelenskyy seems fixated. magnate, a move supported by Washington administration, was taken off the list. EU he be a peer interlocutor to Russian As Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister but questioned by Brussels and slammed President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine in the diplomats will have another round of dis­ by Moscow. Mr. Zelenskyy told the group in Dmytro Kuleba points out, changing the cussions later this week on the issue, while Normandy group. In Merkel’s absence, Normandy group’s composition at any level Kyiv on February 3 that the decision to French President Emmanuel Macron may a final decision by EU ambassadors will be block the 112, NewsOne, and ZIK channels would necessitate the consent of all partici­ taken at the end of February, just before the use the Normandy forum to pursue his own pants, and Russia would not consent. was justified by the need to “fight against official deadline to decide on the one-year the danger of Russian aggression in the ambition for special relations with Russia, Involving the United States and potentially potentially at third parties’ expense. The rollover of the measures from the begin­ other Western actors “would certainly be a ning of March. (RFE/RL) (Continued on page 10) EU, collectively, will remain unrepresented useful and effective way to stop Russia’s in the Normandy forum. aggression and de-occupy our territories. In that upcoming constellation, Mr. Putin However, in what kind of format to involve – the sole leader continuously in the them – that is a question for diplomacy to he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 Normandy group since 2014 – might play work on,” Mr. Kuleba said (Obozrevatel, T U W an even stronger hand than heretofore; and January 13; Ukrinform, February 2). he will be content with the status quo on An oft-overlooked fact is that any new An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Russia’s terms. At the present stage already, entrant into the Normandy group would a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Moscow uses its blocking power in order to have to subscribe to Normandy’s entire keep the Normandy process in permanent “acquis” from 2014 to date. This is, in many Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. deadlock and shift the negotiations’ center ways, a toxic acquis, forced upon Ukraine in (ISSN — 0273-9348) of gravity to the Minsk Contact Group: the early stages of this process. The Weekly: UNA: Russia, Ukraine, the Organization for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), issued a predictable warning: and Russia’s Donetsk and Luhansk proxies “We would only welcome the United Postmaster, send address changes to: as “participants.” States directly joining the Normandy Four The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Andrew Nynka In the West’s absence, and with Russia’s process if this move would prompt Kyiv to 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas unrecognized proxies represented never­ fulfill the obligations it took upon itself P.O. Box 280 theless, Moscow uses the Minsk Group to [Minsk ‘agreements’]. However, unfortu­ Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] promote negotiations between Kyiv and nately, in view of the new U.S. administra­ Donetsk-Luhansk, positioning Moscow as tion’s signals, such a thing is not to be The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com mediator alongside the OSCE. According to expected. Kyiv wants, instead, to abandon Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei the Minsk agreements and the United The Ukrainian Weekly, February 14, 2021, No. 7, Vol. LXXXIX Lavrov, in his annual summing up of the Nations Security Council’s resolution that Copyright © 2021 The Ukrainian Weekly year just past (2020), “The Normandy for­ enshrined them. Enlarging the Normandy mat is merely an accompaniment [sic] to process is possible only by unanimous con­ the main work, and the main work goes on sensus, which is out of question today.” ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA in the Minsk Contact Group” (TASS, January (TASS, January 22). 18, 2021). Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 To rebalance and restart the Normandy The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] format, Kyiv pins its hopes on the new Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 administration of United States President its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] Joseph Biden. In a wide-ranging interview www.jamestown.org. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 3

NEWS ANALYSIS The ‘Wagner Affair’ in Belarus and its implications for Ukraine by Sergey Sukhankin sent back to Russia. In time, however, the expressed by representatives of the current comment, Mr. Grozev characterized the Eurasia Daily Monitor story developed further, revealing new Ukrainian ruling elite – the entire narrative alleged actions of the Ukrainian ruling cir­ details and stunning claims. Specifically, regarding the detention of the Wagner cles as either “treason or [driven by] politi­ At the end of last year, former Ukrainian Ukrainian sources alleged that the deten­ members in Belarus was nothing more than cal fear” (Censor.net, December 22, 2020). president Petro Poroshenko (June 2014- tion of the Wagner militants in Belarus Russian disinformation aimed at compro­ An even harsher assessment came from May 2019) announced in an interview that, was, in effect, part of a failed special opera­ mising Ukraine. Denying the basis of the a renowned military journalist and the edi­ back in 2018, he had initiated a special tion that sought to trick the mercenaries story entirely, President Volodymyr tor-in-chief of the information outlet operation to detain mercenaries belonging into arriving in Kyiv, where the group was Zelenskyy harshly criticized “those who Censor.net, Yurii Butusov, who de facto to the notorious Russian private military to have been apprehended and brought to spread disinformation […] about some sort openly accused members of the company (PMC) Wagner Group (News.ru, justice (News.ru, October 12, 2020). of a special operation” (NV, January 5). Mr. Presidential Administration (Andriy December 31, 2020) – a shadowy paramili­ According to Ukraine, at least nine out of Zelenskyy’s statement echoed earlier dis­ Yermak and others) of treasonous behavior tary outfit allegedly culpable in war crimes the 33 men were Ukrainian citizens, and all avowals by Andriy Yermak, the head of the and sabotaging a special operation as a committed in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Sub- of them allegedly took part in hostilities in Presidential Administration, who, in mid- means to avoid tensions with Moscow (NV, Saharan Africa. Mr. Poroshenko additionally southeastern Ukraine. Kyiv accused some August, suggested that the failed Wagner August 19, 2020). Mr. Butusov claimed that accused Ukraine’s current ruling elites of of them of, among other crimes, shooting kidnap theory had been concocted by “forc­ Mr. Yermak is not the only person keenly “sabotaging the operation” last summer and down (on July 17, 2014) Malaysia Airlines es within Ukraine eager to derail the cease­ interested in normalizing Russian ties, promised to pursue the matter until all Flight 17, which resulted in 298 fatalities. fire in the Donbas region.” Likewise, Kirill whatever the cost might be. According to “traitors” have been punished. This highly Interestingly, while official Russian infor­ Budanov, the chief of the Main Directorate the Censor.net editor, the National Security controversial episode established a danger­ mation sources either remained silent or of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of and Defense Council’s First Deputy ous new precedent with potentially far- shrugged off these charges, one Russian Defense (HUR MOU), claimed that no “spe­ Secretary Ruslan Demchenko – a political reaching repercussions for Ukraine. conservative writer who had himself vol­ cial operation” was taking place since “it figure tolerated by Mr. Poroshenko and The story Mr. Poroshenko was referring unteered to fight in Ukraine, Zakhar would have been impossible to trick promoted by Mr. Zelenskyy – has been to first came to light on July 29, 2020, when Prilepin, openly admitted that “there are Wagner fighters to come to Belarus without playing a largely destructive role, remain­ Belarusian law enforcement detained 33 two or three fighters [among the detained Russia’s knowledge” (NV, August 19, 2020). ing “a direct threat to Ukrainian national men near Minsk (Tut.by August 7, 2020). Wagner members] from my battalion” This refutation, however, met with security.” With these remarks, Mr. Butusov The local authorities claimed that the (Ura.news, July 29, 2020). staunch opposition from a number of implicitly accused Mr. Zelenskyy (not just group – apparently all Wagner mercenaries The incident triggered an acute political authoritative Ukrainian and foreign his inner circle) of treachery against the – arrived in Belarus to take part in “igniting fracas inside Ukraine, particularly after experts. For instance, Christo Grozev, of the state (Censor.net, August 18, 2020). mass anti-governmental provocations” Minsk handed 32 of the mercenaries (one open-source investigative team Bellingcat, That said, the publicly available informa­ ahead of the approaching presidential elec­ had Belarusian citizenship) over to contended that, according to unearthed tion on the purported foiled special opera­ tions (August 9, with early voting August Moscow on August 14, 2020. Rival evidence, the Ukrainian intelligence servic­ tion lacks key details needed to confirm it; 4-8). Despite the seriousness of the accusa­ Ukrainian political factions began to accuse es came up with a “brilliant plan” to although some more recent developments tions and vigorous protestation of the one another of treason and/or of spreading upstage Russian military intelligence, the have raised additional suspicions. For Ukrainian government, which demanded disinformation. Two main claims emerged Federal Security Service (FSB) and the example, following the outbreak of the the arrested individuals’ extradition, from this infighting in Kyiv. Wagner Group, but that this plan was almost all members of the group were soon According to the first – primarily derailed by the Ukrainian authorities. In his (Continued on page 14)

Ukraine tycoons sue U.S., call asset seizure ‘misguided’ foreign interference

by Todd Prince itself for the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office.” Of the more than 800 cases registered U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Investment Treaty, RFE/RL It is unclear if the tycoons will seek arbi­ by ICSID over the decades, the United according to the February 5 filing by tration for the other two buildings the U.S. States has been a party in only five cases, or Optima Ventures. WASHINGTON – Two Ukrainian tycoons government is seeking to expropriate. 0.6 percent, according to the ICSID. Eastern The United States signed the bilateral under investigation by the FBI for money Lawyers for Optima Ventures did not Europe and central Asia are the largest treaty with Ukraine that is the basis of laundering are suing the United States for return a call for comment. regions by cases, accounting for just over a Optima Venture’s lawsuit in the 1990s. attempting to seize their Texas commercial quarter of all cases, according to ICSID. ICSID arbitration is not the only step building worth $23 million, saying the gov­ Backing Zelenskyy ICSID was established in the 1960s to Messrs. Kolomoisky and Boholyubov are ernment’s actions violate the sovereignty Mr. Kolomoisky is one of the most pow­ settle disputes arising between an investor taking to protect their wealth in the United of their home country. erful tycoons in Ukraine with assets rang­ – be it an individual or a corporation – and States. Optima Ventures, a U.S. real-estate hold­ ing from oil and gas to metals and media. a foreign government. In December 2020, their U.S. metals ing company controlled by billionaires Ihor His television stations backed the candida­ However, ICSID arbitration is essentially holding, Georgian American Alloys (GAA), Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholyubov, cy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dur­ off-limits to most individuals except the filed a lawsuit against its U.S. insurance informed a Florida court on February 5 ing the 2019 campaign and he is reported very wealthy due to the high cost of arbi­ company for not accepting a claim arising that it will file for arbitration against the to have close ties to his administration. tration, Mr. Kirtley said. from PrivatBank’s case against the United States in the World Bank’s Ukrainian media also say he has out­ The average cost of arbitration for a Ukrainian billionaires and their two International Center for Settlement of sized influence over the nation’s courts. claimant is $6 million, according to a 2017 American associates. Investment Disputes (ICSID). Ukraine’s justice system is notorious for study by Allen & Overy. PrivatBank is suing the tycoons, as well The U.S. Justice Department last year corruption and Western officials have said ICSID arbitral tribunals rule on a limited as Messrs. Korf and Laber, in a Delaware moved to seize three of Optima Venture’s courts are often beholden to powerful number of issues, including expropriations, court for hundreds of millions of dollars, commercial buildings, including in Texas, political and business leaders. and seek to determine if public internation­ claiming they defrauded the bank and used Kentucky, and Ohio, accusing Messrs. The National Bank of Ukraine accused al law has been violated. the money to buy U.S. assets, including a Kolomoisky and Boholyubov of purchasing the two tycoons in 2016 of using their A tribunal may consider rulings by a GAA subsidiary. them with money embezzled from Kyiv- PrivatBank, then one of the nation’s largest domestic court when making their deci­ GAA’s insurance policy from AXIS based PrivatBank and later laundered by lenders, as a personal piggy bank to dis­ sion, but it is not binding, Mr. Kirtley said. included coverage of a “wrongful act” com­ U.S. shell companies. tribute themselves loans. Ukraine later Thus, an arbitral tribunal can rule that an mitted by the company, its subsidiaries or The billionaires deny the allegations, nationalized the bank and pumped in $5.5 expropriation was illegal regardless of its directors, according to the lawsuit. saying they have not been charged with billon to stave off its collapse. what a domestic court determined, he said. Messrs. Korf and Laber are among the any crime in Ukraine. Furthermore, they Parroting the Ukrainian central bank, Even if a tribunal determines an expro­ holding’s directors. say some of the PrivatBank loans the U.S. the United States accuses the Ukrainian priation was legal, it may still award com­ The tycoons and their American associ­ claims were used to buy the Texas build­ magnates of laundering the loans from pensation to a foreign investor, Mr. Kirtley ates claim that the PrivatBank lawsuit – ings have been performing in accordance PrivatBank through Delaware shell compa­ said. which they describe as representing “vari­ with borrowing agreements. nies with the help of two American associ­ However, tribunals generally do not ous errors and omissions with respect to “The United States is attempting to regu­ ates, Mordechai Korf and Uriel Laber, who award compensation to a foreign investor if the issuance of corporate loans” – should late the propriety of conduct occurring in oversee their U.S. assets from Miami and a domestic court expropriates an asset due be covered under the policy. Ukraine – the management of a Ukrainian own a minority stake in Optima. to a crime, he said. AXIS did not immediately respond to an bank in the territory of Ukraine – and has William Kirtley, a Geneva-based lawyer “It is very hard for a foreign investor to RFE/RL request for comment. expropriated Ukrainian investors’ invest­ specializing in investment arbitration at win a case when they have unclean hands,” ment in the [Texas commercial building] Aceris Law, told RFE/RL that the Optima he said. “If what [Mr. Kolomoisky] is doing Copyright 2020, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted based on the United States’ own interpreta­ Ventures ICSID case is a “fairly big deal” as is illegal under American laws, then the with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ tion and application of Ukrainian criminal arbit ­rations against the United States are rare. United States stands a very low chance of Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, law to Ukrainian conduct,” their complaint The overwhelming majority of ICSID ever having a negative reward rendered Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see filed to ICSID stated. arbitration cases involve emerging market against it.” https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-tycoons- They further claimed that “the United nations, such as Ukraine, where the rule of The Department of Justice said it does sue-u-s-call-asset-seizure-misguided-for- States is effectively seeking to substitute law is weak. not believe its actions violate the eign-interference/31095947.html) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7

other countries, but about $1.3 billion Indicted... worth of his assets are now in the hands of “Ukraine-2050” held extraordinary (Continued from page 1) a Russian nonprofit fund that it obtained as collateral from a portfolio of VEB’s non- general meeting and elected new board members Marsalek – had fled to Russia, according to performing loans. Austrian and Russian media reports. They include assets in Mr. Firtash’s The Ukrainian gas and chemicals mogul, Vienna-based Ostchem chemical holding however, was still in Vienna, having pre­ that control most of Ukraine’s chemical fer­ vented his extradition to a U.S. federal court tilizer producers. in Chicago by upending the Austrian Justice In a response to questions from Interfax Ministry’s announcement with a successful news agency, Mr. Firtash’s Group DF hold­ court motion to have his case reopened ing company said it “does not comment on based on new evidence that his revamped the commercial terms of lending to our legal team had filed. businesses.” Regarding the U.S. Department of Eighteen of his affiliated regional gas dis­ Justice’s charges dating to a sealed June tribution and supply companies, known as 2013 indictment, Mr. Firtash denies wrong­ oblgases, in Ukraine were fined 380 million doing and has repeatedly said in Austrian hryvnias ($13.5 million) in December by courts that they are politically motivated. the nation’s competition authority for The accounts at the insolvent bank offer abusing their monopoly position on the insight into how exiled businessmen still market. The year before that, 16 of the obl­ manage to shift capital and transfer money gases were fined about $9 million by the “Ukraine-2050” despite their reputation, business practices same anti-trust agency. Members of the extraordinary general meeting of “Ukraine-2050” met virtually on and legal circumstances. And the State Property Fund last year January 31. Internal email communication at the took over operational control over the bank obtained by German media outlets Zaporizhia Titanium-Magnesium Plant over by Eugene Czolij President Eugene Czolij also presented a Stern, Capital, and Suddeutsche Zeitung, unpaid debt that is connected to Mr. Firtash. report of activities, particularly the launching among others, reported that Mr. Firtash Additionally, Ukrainian state-owned oil The non-governmental organization of a Permanent International Media was on the Austrian banker’s exceptional and gas company Naftogaz has said that “Ukraine-2050” held a virtual extraordi­ Monitoring Mission of “Ukraine-2050,” list for whom to open accounts, despite Firtash-controlled oblgases owe more than nary general meeting on January 31, during which will monitor the media, social net­ warnings from the financial institution’s $1 billion for unpaid gas that it sold to con­ which time George Chopivsky was elected works and other information resources in chief anti-money laundering gatekeeper sumers. to its board of directors and James Temerty various countries in the world for disinfor­ and compliance officer. The Ternopil oblast native was a finan­ was elected to its honorary board. mation about Ukraine, analyze the findings His holding company, Group DF, denied cial backer of Mr. Yanukovych and was Mr. Chopivsky, a businessman, is a member of this monitoring and take effective mea­ wrongdoing to the Kyiv Post newspaper. arrested in Vienna on March 12, 2014, in of the Ukrainian World Congress Advisory sures to help counter such disinformation. “Any attempts to link Dmitry Firtash to the wake of the pro-democracy Euro- Council, member of the Executive Committee The extraordinary general meeting of the problems around Wirecard are pure Maidan revolution that year. and Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council “Ukraine-2050” fully supported the initiative. speculation and absolutely fake,” the hold­ The same month, Mr. Firtash posted a and member of the Board of Directors of Eugene Czolij is president of the non- ing company said on Feb. 4. record bond of approximately $174 million the Ukrainian Institute of America. governmental organization “Ukraine-2050,” However, “the companies of the group that was paid for by a Russian oligarch and Mr. Temerty, a businessman and philan­ a non-profit organization established to did open bank accounts at Wirecard, but close associate of Mr. Putin. The Ukrainian thropist, is a co-chair of the Ukrainian help implement, within one generation – opening bank accounts is a common trans­ pledged to remain in Austria until the end World Congress Advisory Council, chair of by 2050 – strategies for the sustainable action involving a full compliance proce­ of extradition proceedings. the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Advisory development of Ukraine as a fully indepen­ dure,” Group DF added. U.S. authorities accuse him of allegedly Council and member of the International dent, territorially integral, democratic, Vienna-based Raiffeisen Bank conspiring to pay $18.5 million in bribes to Advisory Board of the Atlantic Council. reformed and economically competitive International (RBI) earlier did business secure licenses to mine titanium in India. During the meeting, “Ukraine-2050” European state. with Mr. Firtash but has kept a distance Proceeds from the sale of the mineral prod­ since his arrest at the U.S. Federal Bureau of ucts were supposed to partly come from Investigation’s (FBI) request in 2014. their sale to an unnamed company that is FOR THE RECORD Extradition procedures and allegations based in Chicago. of organized crime could be a “legitimate After Donald Trump was elected U.S. Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia reason to end a business relationship after president in 2016, the oligarch hired Joey taking an overall view and RBI does this DiJenova and Victoria Tengsing to join his announces changes to The Way too,” the bank’s spokeswoman Ingrid legal team – the married couple are associ­ Krenn-Ditz told Stern and Capital. ates of the former president and huge cam­ The statement below was released by the February, The Way will suspend publica­ Russian banks, mainly the state-run paign donors. Chancery Office of the Ukrainian Catholic tion as a biweekly edition. Bank for Development and Foreign After hiring them, according to Reuters, Archeparchy of Philadelphia on January 30. We express sincere gratitude to all who Economic Affairs (VEB) and Gazprombank, Time magazine and other media outlets, have contributed to the publication of The have over the years primarily financed the Mr. Firtash provided Rudy Giuliani, then the The Way has been a part of the life of Way in most recent times, especially to growth of Mr. Firtash’s business empire in former president’s personal attorney, with the Archeparchy of Philadelphia since Teresa Siwak, who has served as a dedicat­ energy and chemicals. documents in his attempt to discredit cur­ 1939. Originally published as a weekly ed editor of the publication, and to dedi­ Under former President Viktor Yanuko­ rent President Joe Biden and his son. newspaper, The Way has evolved over the cated volunteers such as Father George vych’s truncated presidency in 2010-2014, “As part of his legal defense, [Mr.] Firtash’s years, moving from typeset layouts, phys­ Worschak. Over the years many – clergy, the former fireman and soldier received lawyers have gathered documents that make ical printing and direct mailing to an religious and laity – have contributed to credit lines of up to $11 billion from bank­ controversial allegations against former spe­ online newsletter distributed via email the ministry of the Archeparchy through ers close to Russian President Vladmir cial counsel Robert Mueller and former Vice and posted on the Archeparchial website. their work on The Way, and we remain Putin, a Reuter’s investigation found in President Joe Biden,” Time reported on In recent years, many Roman Catholic grateful for their service and the impor­ November 2014. October 15, 2019. “[Mr.] Firtash’s lawyers dioceses and several Eastern Catholic tant legacy they leave behind. So much of Leading up to 2009, Mr. Firtash was at have passed these documents and other eparchies have radically transformed our Archeparchy’s history is recorded and the dead center of the biggest alleged cor­ information to associates of [Mr.] Trump’s their communications and media strate­ preserved in the pages of The Way. ruption operation in Ukraine’s history in personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.” gy to adapt to the digital age we now live As our communication strategy Allegations that Mr. Biden participated in, and this has been an ongoing effort in evolves, we will be assessing and evaluat­ which he raked in billions of dollars by in corrupt practices in Ukraine have been our Archeparchy as well. The goal always ing the best approach to effectively com­ jointly running an intermediary company remains to provide access to church news municate with our faithful, using the with Russian state-owned Gazprom to sup­ debunked as unfounded conspiracy theo­ and information in ways that best reach methods and technologies available to us, ply natural gas to Ukraine. ries and a separate U.S. Senate panel has our faithful. This requires us to continu­ learning from the best practices of others Mr. Firtash has defended the business not established wrongdoing on the matter. ously reassess our use of printed, audio, who may be one step ahead of us. In the arrangement as saving consumers money Mr. Giuliani has denied ever meeting Mr. video, and social media formats, adapting interim, news will continue to be shared because the imported Russian gas was sold Firtash. and changing accordingly. through the Archeparchy’s social media at prices lower than what official Kyiv had Their mutual associate Lev Parnas, who Significant financial challenges that channels and other electronic means, and negotiated, albeit on the surface and when has been charged with campaign finance the Archeparchy faces have forced us to we ask that our pastors keep our faithful Ukraine was largely Gazprom’s second- violations, indirectly received $1 million reevaluate all existing communications informed of current church news and largest customer in Europe. from Mr. Firtash through a Russian bank in expenditures, processes, and operations. events to the best of their ability. We Leaked U.S. diplomatic cables featuring September 2019. Mr. Parnas had assisted Surveys conducted as part of that reeval­ acknowledge and recognize that some of his meeting with Washington’s ambassador Mr. Giuliani in investigating Mr. Biden and uation have indicated that a vast majority our faithful are without computers and in Kyiv have him admitting to associating his son, Hunter Biden. of Ukrainian Catholics within the connection to the Internet. We must not with criminals, including Russian mafia Mr. Parnas and his indicted partner, Archeparchy do not access or utilize The forget them with our communications. kingpin Semion Mogilevich, to establish Belarus-born Igor Fruman, also leveraged Way in its present format and dissemina­ To the faithful readership of The Way, businesses. their ties with the Republican Party to try tion approach. Thus, a difficult and pain­ we thank you for your sustained interest Their associations have either been to replace current Naftogaz CEO Andriy ful decision has been thrust upon us, and and support. We will do everything possi­ described as non-existent or fleeting by Mr. Kobolyev, according to reporting by Wall one that has not been taken lightly. And ble to keep you informed on the mission Firtash. Street Journal and CNN. that decision is that as of the beginning of and life of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. He still manages to run his gas and Both men deny wrongdoing and Mr. chemical fertilizer business in Ukraine and Parnas is cooperating with U.S. authorities. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 5

Online gala “Rekindle the Magic of Soyuzivka” raises over $200k

by Matthew Dubas you felt the magic of Soyuzivka as much as we did yesterday, and we look forward to PARSIPPANY, N.J. – A virtual winter gala, continuing to #RekindletheMagicof “Rekindle the Magic of Soyuzivka” that was Soyuzivka with you in person, soon.” hosted online on January 16 by the The gala was conceived and organized Ukrainian National Foundation, an affiliat­ by members of the “Rekindle the Magic of ed company of the Ukrainian National Soyuzivka” fundraising committee, which Association, raised more than $200,000 to includes the following individuals: Lida benefit the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Chopivsky-Benson, Roma Lisovich, Kerhonkson, N.Y. The gala was organized Stephanie Burachinsky, Steve Drabyk, Sue with the aim of raising funds for the contin­ Hrib, Larysa Dyrszka, Lesia Kozickyk, Lara ued operation of Soyuzivka, which has Littlefield, Andriy Olesnycky, Alexandra faced significant financial hurdles as a Paslawsky, Nestor Paslawsky and Petrusia result of ongoing pandemic restrictions. Paslawsky. Those restrictions have temporarily shut­ Donations to the UNF, a 501 (c) (3) orga­ tered the center’s camps, festivals and nization, are tax-deductible and the hun­ other in-person events. dreds of donors were recognized in three The nearly two-hour program, that can tiers (Gold, Silver and Bronze) based on be viewed online and was broadcast via donation amounts. Zoom and Facebook, included performanc­ Donations are being directed first to es by the Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Dance cover the fixed operating costs that Camp, the Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Soyuzivka faces due to a loss of revenue Dance Workshop, Syzokryli Dance from the pandemic for the 2020 financial Company, Vasyl Popadiuk Trio, Serhiy year. These fixed costs include land, elec­ “Foma” Fomenko, “Mystaree” featuring tricity, tax and other related expenses that Andrij Sonevytsky, Roman Iwasiwka and are crucial to operating the property. After Friends, among others. these costs are covered, the remaining The Soyuzivka Heritage Center’s donations will go directly to improvements Facebook page on January 17 wrote: Facebook.com/soyuzivka at Soyuzivka. “Thank you to our Soyuzivka community A “thank you” note posted on the Soyuzivka Heritage Center’s Facebook page to all for your overwhelming support. We hope who donated to its online gala “Rekindle the Magic of Soyuzivka.” (Continued on page 10)

rassment but a debilitating factor. corruption still inherent in Ukraine’s legal place the emphasis on the internal ramifi­ Stormy... President Zelenskyy has been humiliat­ system – the president is currently in the cations of what has been happening. Will (Continued from page 1) ed by them in recent weeks as, by with­ middle of an ugly battle with the head of these developments, as investigative jour­ drawing their votes, they, in de facto league the Constitutional Court – the outcome of nalist Serhiy Leshchenko puts it, “shift the credibility of the president’s own Servant of with his factions’ political opponents, twice their appeal is still uncertain and, in this balance of political power?” the People political party has been plum­ blocked the appointment of his nominee, regard, Mr. Zelenskyy has clearly taken a It’s too early to say, but the results of the meting, and its status as a majority faction the maverick and patriotic technocrat Yuriy big risk. most recent Ukrainian polls are revealing in the Parliament has been undermined, Vitrenko, who engineered Ukraine’s Mr. Zelenskyy’s move has caused a and worrying. According to the first poll on the steady and alarming growth of support Naftogaz’s historic victory over Russia’s major public stir, which of course is being attitudes towards the closure of the pro- shown in the polls of the pro-Russian forc­ Gazprom at the end of 2019, to head the hyped up by the media, particularly those Russian channels published on February es, particularly the Opposition Bloc – For critical energy ministry. This month, throw­ not well disposed towards him. Oligarchs 10, 49 percent of respondents supported Life has continued. ing down the gauntlet to Mr. Kolomoisky, Messrs. Kolomoisky, Akhmetov and the sanctions and 41 percent did not. Viewed as a Russian fifth column not Mr. Zelenskyy ensured that Mr. Dubinsky Poroshenko also control TV channels that But even more revealing are the most only by various “patriotic” forces, but now was finally expelled from his faction. are critical of Mr. Zelenskyy. recent polls, conducted before Mr. openly by the president’s camp as well, Mr. Mr. Zelenskyy was undoubtedly buoyed Furthermore, the president’s former Zelenskyy’s moves against the pro-Russian Medvechuk and his partners have made no by the inauguration last month of Joe Biden close political associate, Dmytro Razumkov, TV channels, indicating the latest trends in secret of their disdain for Mr. Zelenskyy, as the new U.S. president, whose team has who is the influential speaker of the public thinking and loyalties toward possi­ particularly through the media channels he stressed its strong support for Ukraine, and Ukrainian Parliament, is indicating that he ble presidential candidates. If elections and his associates have controlled. For the departure from the scene of his prob­ has political ambitions of his own. In recent were to be held now, Mr. Zelenskyy still them, he is a disappointment because he lematic predecessor. He was also well aware weeks he has opposed Mr. Zelenskyy on comes first with a rating of 23.1 percent did not turn out to be soft on Russia and its that on the eve of this game-changing event, several issues including his sanctions among those who have already made up aggression against Ukraine, as they and the U.S. government had imposed sanctions against the pro-Russian TV channels. their mind, followed by almost 20 percent others had hoped or suspected. Nor has he on seven Ukrainians accused of interfering Assessing the repercussions, Petro for pro-Russian representative Yuriy Boiko, wavered in promoting Ukraine’s integra­ on Russia’s behalf in the internal politics of Oleshchuk, a political scientist who teaches and around 18 percent for Mr. Poroshenko. tion into Euro-Atlantic structures. the U.S., among them Mr. Dubinsky. at the Taras Shevchenko National But the picture is alarmingly different Mr. Zelenskyy has also proven to be an On February 2 Mr. Zelenskyy struck out. University in Kyiv, notes that the sanctions when it comes to support for political par­ irritant and obstacle for forces either He enacted a package of sanctions put for­ have dealt a significant blow to Russia’s ties, where the polls show that 25.7 percent directly connected with corruption – such ward by the National Security and Defense information influence in Ukraine. They will of those who would vote and have made as the rogue oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, or Council, effectively blocking a number of not only cause problems for the pro-Rus­ their choice (16 percent of all respondents) the would-be monopolists in the energy media assets, including 112 Ukraine, ZIK, sian forces in promoting their messages support the Opposition Platform - For Life; sphere, fugitive Dmytro Firtash and Rinat and NewsOne TV channels that had repeat­ and political representatives but will also 20.1 percent (11.9 percent) support Mr. Akhmetov, the populist veteran politician edly been accused of spreading pro-Rus­ exacerbate divisions among them. Poroshenko’s European Solidarity; 16.6 Yulia Tymoshenko, or his most clearly sian propaganda. Although formally owned The analyst also suggests that Mr. percent (14.2 percent) support Servant of defined political adversary and self-styled by Taras Kozak – a member of Parliament – Zelenskyy’s gambit will also partly pull the the People, and 10.8 percent (8.2 percent) leader of “patriotic” forces, former presi­ they are generally believed to belong to his rug from under his opponents in the “patri­ support Ms. Tymoshenko’s Fatherland dent Petro Poroshenko. partner, Mr. Medvechuk. otic” camp, especially among Petro (Batkivshchyna). While seeking to destroy the political Mr. Zelenskyy stressed that while he Poroshenko’s supporters. Furthermore, according to the results of a image of Mr. Zelenskyy, the pro-Russian strongly supports freedom of speech, he As Mr. Oleshchuk puts it, “currently, many poll conducted on February 2-3, 63 percent forces have sought to present themselves as will not permit “propaganda financed by Ukrainians experience cognitive dissonance. support the idea of dissolving Parliament the only “Ukrainian” party of peace and the aggressor country.” After all, there has long been an opinion in and early elections, while 30 percent do not. conciliation with Russia. Mr. Medvechuk The head of Ukraine’s State Security our society that Mr. Zelenskyy was a pro- Over the past two months, support for early has also irked Mr. Zelenskyy even more by Service (SBU) elaborated: “There is a big dif­ Russian politician. But after his move on parliamentary elections has increased from allowing himself to be used by Moscow, as ference between freedom of speech and out­ blocking Mr. Medvedchuk’s channels, many 58 percent to 63 percent. under Mr. Poroshenko, as a self-styled go- right anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. Freedom of who loathe Mr. Zelenskyy have their reality And there is more bad news, as 76.5 per­ between in the sensitive issue of securing speech ends where signs appear of picture fractured. And now moderately cent of Ukrainians believe that the situation the release of Ukrainian political hostages encroachment on territorial integrity and patriotic citizens of Ukraine will at least start in the country is developing in the wrong from the Russian-occupied areas. In reality, the sovereignty of Ukraine.” The U.S. and looking closely at the president.” direction; some 69 percent call the eco­ he has complicated and blocked, rather many other Western states have supported Certainly, as Ukraine watcher and busi­ nomic situation bad, and 32 percent expect than facilitated matters. Mr. Zelenskyy’s action and many domestic ness analyst Timothy Ash puts it, “the it to deteriorate; more than 90 percent of Mr. Kolomoisky’s unruly agents with the commentators have said it was long overdue. gloves are now off” and it will also be Ukrainians consider utility tariffs high, and Servant of the People parliamentary fac­ On the other hand, hardly surprisingly, important to see “how Mr. Putin reacts.” 70.4 percent say that the country’s efforts tion, most notably Oleksandr Dubinsky and the pro-Russian forces have condemned And for that matter we will now see how to fight COVID-19 have been unsuccessful. Maksym Buzhansky, who have in effect this move as an attack on freedom of much external support Mr. Zelensky In short, the situation is volatile, ripe for spearheaded a sizable group of some 25 expression and have launched a challenge receives from his Western partners. manipulation by populists, and unpredict­ and more, have been not only an embar­ in the country’s Supreme Court. Given the Domestic commentators nevertheless able. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly A shining example Russian-occupied Crimea running out of community engagement of water, with Moscow searching for a way out Last month members of the Ukrainian National Foundation (UNF), an affiliated by Paul Goble later this year. company of the Ukrainian National Association, held a virtual winter fundraising That puts Kyiv in a difficult position. On gala. The event, “Rekindle the Magic of Soyuzivka,” raised more than $200,000 to There was an old Soviet joke that comes the one hand, it certainly does not want to benefit the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y., a place that is near and to mind with this story: What would hap­ see Ukrainians even under Russian occupa­ dear to many in the Ukrainian diaspora of North America. The amount of money pen to Saudi Arabia if communism tri­ tion suffer in this way; but, on the other, it raised is an outstanding achievement and organizers of the event should certainly umphed there? Radio Armenia was asked. does not want to take any action that be proud of the accomplishment. Radio Armenia replied “within five years, appears to recognize as legitimate the ille­ Officials of the UNF set an original goal of raising $500,000. “A lofty goal,” wrote Riyadh would be importing sand.” In what gal Russian Anschluss or not take action UNF President Dr. Wasyl Szeremeta in a letter prior to the event. “But we believe, is no joking matter, the Russian occupation and cause Moscow to launch a new round of Ukraine’s Crimea is leaving that peninsu­ of aggression to get water. with your generous help, it can be reached.” The goal was lofty because Soyuzivka, la without water. In a new commentary, Kyiv writer Vitaly like many of our cultural institutions, faces truly difficult circumstances. Total fixed Major reservoirs are running dry, and Portnikov says that the crisis in fact high­ expenses (property taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) for the Center reach over the occupiers are trying to get water from lights what Ukrainians have always insisted $500,000 annually. UNF officials previously estimated that, as a result of the ongo­ old wells not deep enough to handle the on: Crimea is geographically and legally ing pandemic, Soyuzivka had already lost more than $1 million in gross revenue – declining water table, the result of drought, part of Ukraine and must be returned to an amount that will not be recoverable as the Center has had to cancel all booked the end of water coming in from Ukraine Kyiv as soon as possible. Otherwise, suffer­ events. proper, and Russian mismanagement (ru. ing there will only increase (ru.krymr. “The COVID pandemic has caused a tremendous disruption of life as we knew it krymr.com/a/mertvyi-obyom-vodohranil­ com/a/vitaliy-portnikov-krym-osobiy-pra­ in 2020,” Dr. Szeremeta said in kicking off the gala fundraiser on January 16. “Our ish-kryma-osadki-ne-spasayut-opresnenie- vovoy-rezhim/31083912.html). Soyuzivka was not spared injury from this virus, as essentially all operations were pod-voprosom/31087568.html). Moscow clearly hopes its upbeat state­ cancelled last year,” he said. In the last few days, Russian officials ments will distract the world’s attention But this is not a story of woe or one of despair. Yes, Soyuzivka still needs your both in Moscow and Crimea have sug­ from this reality, he suggests, but in fact, support to reach its fundraising goal, and donations are still being accepted in an gested the situation is easing as a result what the Russian government has been effort to meet the goal (readers can visit the revamped website at www.soyuzivka. of winter snows (ria.ru/20210202/ doing in recent weeks to develop a special com/donate to help or learn more). This story, however, is a shining example of krym-1595696040.html and yalta-24.ru/ legal regime for the occupied territory only grass roots community activism and engagement. vsya-yalta/sobytiya/27517-vodokhranil­ underscores what it publicly denies, that The event, which so far has remarkably raised more than $200,000, happened ishcha-yalty-nachali-popolnyatsya). But Crimea is part of Ukraine. because a group of dedicated, young individuals in our community saw that a place any easing is both temporary and too These plans (rbc.ru/economics/03/02/ they love needs help. Determined to do something productive about it, they came small to solve the shortages, Ukrainian 2021/6019478c9a794725cd0cce58?from together and decided to organize a gala fundraiser. water experts say. =from_main_1) reflect just how different Precipitation was not enough to refill the Ukraine’s Crimea is from the rest of Russia “I’m so impressed with this group of young professionals who took the initiative reservoirs or raise the water level, and they by putting in place rules that the Kremlin and started this project,” said Roma Lisovich, the chief financial officer/treasurer of suggest that the Russian occupation may isn’t prepared to introduce elsewhere in the UNA and the treasurer of the UNF. soon be forced to cut back on its agricultur­ the hope that they will lead foreign busi­ Led by Alia Paslawsky, the gala was conceived and organized by the “Rekindle al plans and even introduce water rationing nesses to forget about how “toxic” the issue the Magic of Soyuzivka” fundraising committee, which includes the following indi­ in some locations. All of this will almost is and how responsible Moscow is for that viduals: Lida Chopivsky-Benson, Stephanie Burachinsky, Steve Drabyk, Sue Hrib, inevitably lead to a humanitarian crisis reality. Larysa Dyrszka, Lesia Kozickyk, Lara Littlefield, Andriy Olesnycky, Roma Lisovich, Nestor Paslawsky and Petrusia Paslawsky. “They are amazing,” Ms. Lisovich said of the committee members, who also did much behind-the-scenes work, including organizing an online silent auction, updating the Soyuzivka website, and increasing traffic to the Center’s Facebook More fallout from Karabakh: Chisinau says page for the event, which attracted 7,000 views. It has certainly been a difficult year for all of us. We have been confined and iso­ it’s prepared to retake Transnistria by force lated from one another, and it is all too easy in this environment to grow disillu­ sioned and, in particular, vent our ire online. But this group of young professionals by Paul Goble top officials, Anatolie Nosaty, as defense saw a problem and decided that they could – even in the most trying circumstanc­ minister. Mr. Nosaty has been head of the es – take an active, constructive role in helping to maintain a part of our diaspora Nezavisimaya Gazeta journalist Svetlana ministry’s planning staff, but from Ukrainian cultural heritage. They are a shining example for us all and one we Gamova suggests that the declaration of Moscow’s point of view he is especially should strive to emulate. new Moldovan President Maia Sandu that objectionable because he worked in the UN Chisinau is now ready to use force to retake on peacekeeping operations after receiving Transnistria reflects her formation of a gov­ a degree at the National Defense University ernment which is “proceeding along the in the U.S. Ukrainian path” (ng.ru/cis/2021-02- None of Ms. Sandu’s nominees are likely Feb. 09/1_8078_moldova.html). to be able to do much given that the Turning the pages back... But a far more likely explanation of Parliament won’t approve them, but they Chisinau’s new position is the impact of do signal how the wind is blowing in Sixty-five years ago, on February 15, 1956, retired Columbia Azerbaijan’s victory in Karabakh and Chisinau. Ms. Gamova sees this as a deci­ 15 University Prof. Clarence A. Manning was named by Aleksei I. Baku’s ability demonstrated last fall to sion to follow Ukraine’s course, but the 1956 Kirichenko, a Ukrainian delegate to the Communist party con­ achieve by force what it wasn’t able to get impact of Azerbaijan’s victory almost cer­ gress in Moscow, as “an old American spy and specialist in slan­ by diplomatic means over more than 25 tainly is greater. dering the Soviet Union.” years, yet another way the fighting between At the very least, Baku’s achievement Prof. Manning was also a longtime columnist, whose articles Armenia and Azerbaijan is echoing across serves as a model of what is now possible regularly featured in The Ukrainian Weekly, and he had authored a number of books on Eurasia. for non-Russian governments no longer Ukrainian history and literature that were published by American publishing houses and Ms. Gamova says that Ms. Sandu’s inten­ willing to put up forever with Russia’s use many that were sponsored by the Ukrainian National Association. tions have been signaled by the people she of the so-called “frozen” conflicts to retain He came under attack for his book “20th Century Ukraine,” which Kirichenko described has proposed for key positions in the new Moscow’s influence in the former Soviet as being “full of lies, slander and wild inventions.” government, a proposal that according to space. Prof. Manning responded to the vilification of him at the Communist party congress, the Moscow journalist the Parliament is and acknowledged proudly that he was an old enemy of the Soviet Union since 1917, “one unlikely to approve, forcing another round of the first in the United States.” He denied there were “lies” or “wild inventions” in any of of new elections in Moldova. Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on his works. Those Ms. Sandu has named have long ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia Considered a specialist in Slavonic literature since 1917, although the professor had not favored changing “the existing format of who has served in various capacities in the been in Russia or the Soviet Union, he taught literature of Eastern Europe at Columbia peacekeeping operations” in Transnistria, U.S. State Department, the Central University since 1917, and retired in 1958, remaining as associate professor and publish­ replacing Russian forces with “an interna­ Intelligence Agency and the International ing until his death in 1972. Prof. Manning was appointed chairman of the Department of tional battalion consisting of soldiers of Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice Slavic Studies at Columbia, and, prior to earning his Ph.D., he worked with the intelligence Romania, Poland and Ukraine, a step for­ of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio police corps of the translation section of the Military Intelligence Division. He was a mem­ mer Defense Minister Viorel Chibotaru says Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for ber of the Shevchenko Scientific Society as well as a recipient of an honorary doctorate is necessary to counter Moscow’s “hybrid International Peace. The article above is from the Ukrainian Free University in Munich. aggression” against Moldova. reprinted with permission from his blog Source: “Prof. Manning accused by Reds of being ‘an old American spy,’” The Ukrainian The new Moldovan president has now called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- Weekly, February 25, 1956. proposed naming one of Mr. Chibotaru’s woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 7

OPINION Navalny is good for Ukraine!

by Askold S. Lozynskyj Moscow observing Ukrainian indepen­ dence. We had a few shots together. Mr. The irony here is that he may not know Zhirinovsky was not pleasant. In fact, he it and, certainly, helping Ukraine is not his was offensive. But then so was I. We raised Advancing U.S-Ukraine relations intention. There is evidence of the “demo­ toasts to the demise of each other’s coun­ cratic,” “anti-corruption” Alexei Navalny tries. In my case it was to the demise of the in the Biden Administration being, in fact, yet another Great Russian empire not so much the country as I was Hoyer (D-Md.), current House Majority chauvinist. His position on the Russian satisfied with that. Mr. Zhirinovsky was Part I Leader (i.e., the top Democrat after Speaker invasion, occupation and annexation of sov­ never Mr. Putin’s adversary. He was a plant The advent of the Biden Administration Nancy Pelosi), has been a strong advocate ereign Ukrainian territory, Crimea, is undis­ and spokesman. His aggressiveness was brings with it the promise of more robust of Ukraine going back to Soviet times. puted. Thus, he remains within the mold of blatant because that was what Mr. Putin ties between the United States and Ukraine. While Chairman of the Helsinki Russian aggressors and his democratic cre­ wanted in order to portray himself as a No incoming U.S. president has had the Commission in the mid-to-late 1980s, Mr. dentials are certainly suspect since he moderate. knowledge and track record of support and Hoyer was a leader in the House in calling remains within a history of Russian disre­ We recently learned from a former KGB commitment for Ukraine that President Joe out the Soviet Union for its repression of gard for international civilized norms. Yet agent that Donald Trump was cultivated as Biden does. His foreign policy team is also Ukrainian Helsinki Monitors and other he is an enemy of a rabid international an asset by Soviet/Russian intelligence. For second to none when it comes to Ukraine. political prisoners and in consistently criminal currently wielding power and, the average American the idea of a Man­ This especially holds true at the State pressing the Soviet authorities to legalize while he is hardly an acolyte of internation­ chu ­rian candidate is a myth. Surprisingly Department, where the three most senior the then-banned and suppressed Ukrainian al democracy and good behavior, he today because of the influence of uneducat­ officials – Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Greek-Catholic Church. On the Senate side, becomes a reluctant ally. ed white men that concept has become Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) Great Russians abound. It seems that anathema to the average American and especially Undersecretary of State has for decades made a point of participat­ almost every Russian is a chauvinist. Republican. There were so many signs. Still Victoria Nuland – all have familiarity with ing in the annual Holodomor commemora­ Perceptions, even colors, may change but so many questions remain, but Mr. Trump Ukraine and the challenges it faces, external tion at New York City’s St. Patrick’s the inner dark Russian soul remains, so well was Mr. Putin’s alter-ego in America. as well as domestic. Also, the many officials Cathedral. The second-ranking Democrat, depicted by Fyodor Dostoevsky as being Russia, an empire that has never been below this level who deal with Ukraine on a Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), is the co-chairman of very dark indeed. I recall my introduction to democratic, is now reminiscent of revolu­ daily basis, and therefore are critical in the the Senate Ukraine Caucus. And on the Sergei Lavrov by Hennadi Udovenko in the tionary Russia in 1905 and 1917. However, formulation and execution of Ukraine poli­ Republican side, Senate Minority Leader early 1990s. Mr. Lavrov was a Soviet and an uprising of the proletariat is not the cy, are among the best that I have seen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was for a time dur­ then Russian diplomat. Mr. Udovenko spoke object. Democracy and “anti-corruption” This isn’t a superficial observation, but ing the mid-to-late 1990s sometimes well of him. Frankly I don’t know why Mr. appear to be. But Russians have never based on my own interactions with the referred to as “Mr. Ukraine.” As the Udovenko, a sincere Ukrainian patriot, held experienced democracy. Nor have they ever Department with respect to Ukraine Chairman of the Senate Appropriation him in high esteem, but he sought me out at fought, much less died for it. throughout my 35-year career at the U.S Committee’s Foreign Operations subcom­ a reception for independent Ukraine on Ukrainians were encouraged by events Helsinki Commission and since, including mittee in the early post-independence peri­ East 67th street in New York City to intro­ in Belarus. The quest for democracy and with some of these officials. They are deep­ od, he played a key role in providing duce us. Mr. Lavrov was congenial, spoke of freedom by the people of Belarus was ly committed to making our relations with Ukraine with badly needed assistance. his support for Ukraine. That did not turn patently legitimate because they have been Ukraine more meaningful and dynamic. Significant support also remains within out very well. Today he is one of Mr. Putin’s so oppressed. That ended at least for the Nor do I see a foreign policy team that the U.S. foreign policy community, includ­ international weapons. moment or for another score of years and better understands the dangers posed by ing many think-tanks and non-governmen­ Several years later I met Vladimir Moscow’s aggression and malign influence tal organizations engaged with Ukraine, as Zhirinovsky at the “Ukraina” Hotel in (Continued on page 14) throughout the world. One can rest well as, of course, the Ukrainian-American assured that existing Russia sanctions, community which has been a staunch including those related to the occupation of advocate for more than a century. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Ukrainian territory and the relentless, mul­ One group, Ukrainian Americans for tifaceted efforts to destabilize the country, Biden (UAB), which quite actively cam­ administration failed to support for fear of will not only be maintained but will be paigned for Mr. Biden last year, has submit­ Will Russia be permitted to provoking Russia. more effectively enforced, and expanded as ted recommendations to the administra­ With only 100 kilometers to go, time on necessary. tions on U.S-Ukraine relations, both for the complete the NordStream 2? the pipeline is running out, and the central Within days after coming into office, Mr. first 100 days and long-term. These recom­ question remains: Will Mr. Biden permit Biden made clear his support for Ukraine’s mendations fall into three categories: polit­ Dear Editor: Russia and Germany to complete sovereignty and territorial integrity in a ical/diplomatic, sanctions, and assistance, Maria Proskurenko’s February 4 letter to NordStream 2? If they allow it to be com­ phone call with Vladimir Putin. Similarly, both military and non-military. Readers the editor commenting on Jaroslaw pleted, it will be the equivalent of throwing Secretary Blinken indicated his support in a can find them at ukrainianamericansfor­ Martyniuk’s January 29 letter entirely Ukraine under the bus. It would be more phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, biden.com. (Full disclosure: As a member missed the point that Mr. Martyniuk was helpful if Ms. Proskurenko focused her Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba. In of the UAB Steering Committee, I helped to making. The thrust of his letter was wheth­ energies on addressing this crucial ques­ addition to emphasizing strong bipartisan write the recommendations). I am confi­ er President Joe Biden would be able to tion. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territori­ dent that the Biden Administration will prevent the fourth betrayal of Ukraine by al integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, take these – as well as the recommenda­ Jaroslaw Sawka Mr. Blinken pledged to continue robust U.S. exerting all possible pressure on Germany Sterling Heights, Mich. tions of other “friends of Ukraine” which to stop NordStream 2. economic and military assistance to broadly track with UABs – seriously. She ignored this most salient issue. Ukraine. Indeed, a good number of the recommen­ Instead, she obfuscated by resurrecting Notably, he also “highlighted the impor­ dations reinforce what the administration defunct topics about Paul Manafort, Marie GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS tance of Ukraine maintaining progress on has already indicated it intends to do. Yovanovich and President Donald Trump’s TO THE EDITOR fighting corruption and implementing rule Notwithstanding the positive promise of calls with Vladimir Putin, Sergei Lavrov The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters of law and economic reforms.” In addition the new administration regarding Ukraine, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which had noth­ to the editor that react to articles published to concrete anti-corruption and rule of law we need to recognize that there are many ing to do with the critical point Mr. Marty­ on its pages. Opinions expressed by letter assistance, don’t be surprised to see addi­ other competing priorities. The new writers are their own and do not neces- tional measures, including conditionality administration – and Congress – are con­ niuk raised. Ms. Proskurenko frantically sarily reflect the opinions of either The attempted to deflect from Mr. Martyniuk’s on some assistance. You can also expect fronting a plethora of problems on the Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the more sanctions against Ukrainian oligarchs, assertions that Western powers have col­ Ukrainian National Association. domestic front. The January 6 siege of the lectively betrayed Ukraine on the “big” Letters must be signed (anonymous let- including those with a pro-Moscow bent. Capitol represented a fundamental assault issues, i.e., Budapest Memoran­dum, deliv­ ters are not published) and the city from Congress also plays a crucial role in U.S. on our democracy, underscoring the notion ery of lethal weapons, and Crimea. which they are sent will be published under policy towards Ukraine. Despite the turbu­ that even an established democracy con­ The issues Ms. Proskurenko raised the author’s name. However, the daytime lence and antics connected with Ukraine stantly needs to be defended. Overcoming phone number, e-mail address and com- that we witnessed during the Trump presi­ the deep divisions in our politics and in appear pedantic when placed against Mr. plete mailing address of the letter-writer Trump’s actions on behalf of Ukraine: arm­ dency, there continues to be a well-spring society is a serious threat that needs to be must be given for verification purposes. of strong, bipartisan consensus in ing Ukrainian infantry with Javelins, deliv­ THE LENGTH OF LETTERS CAN- urgently addressed. Other challenges need ering advanced missile-equipped patrol NOT EXCEED 250 WORDS. Letters may Congress. It certainly helps that several to be confronted, including the COVID-19 boats, persuading NATO to accept its share be edited or abridged. The Weekly reserves senior members of the leaderships of the pandemic, racial equity, the economy, infra­ of responsibilities, approving Patriot mis­ the right to edit for clarity, civility and House and Senate have a history of support structure, climate change, immigration. siles to Poland, countering Russian aggres­ accuracy. for Ukraine. To cite one example, Rep. Steny And one that fails to get the attention it Letters should be sent to staff@ deserves – from both Democrats and sion by deploying Stryker brigades in the ukrweekly.com or to The Ukrainian Black Sea region, moves that greatly bene­ Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at fited Ukraine, and I might add the previous Parsippany, NJ 07054. [email protected]. (Continued on page 12) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7 No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 9

UCCA-Illinois Division commemorates Ukrainian Unity Day with virtual event

by Maria Korkatsch-Groszko CHICAGO – The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America-Illinois Division (UCCA-Illinois) and members of the Ukrainian community took part in a virtual commemoration on January 24 to celebrate “Unity Day,” marking Ukraine’s indepen­ dence of January 22, 1918, and the unifica­ tion of eastern and western Ukraine on January 22, 1919. This year’s commemoration included Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC); Hanna Hopko, a former Ukrainian National Deputy who chaired the Verkhovna Rada’s Foreign Affairs Committee and a current member of the executive committee of Ukraine’s Paul Grod Andrew J. Futey Hanna Hopko National Reform Council and the Kyiv- based Anticorruption Action Center, a non- In order to accomplish this goal, Ms. pation of Crimea.” UCCA-Illinois, and Maria Korkatsch- governmental watchdog; and Andriy Futey, Hopko said, “leaders in Ukraine must In his remarks during the commemora­ Groszko, vice-president of UCCA-Illinois, to UCCA president and UWC vice-president. engage others with a vision of the future of tion, Mr. Futey emphasized much the same Dr. Jaroslaw Dzwinyk, Dr. George Hrycelak In her remarks during the commemora­ Ukraine.” point, saying that “we remain mindful of and Mrs. Myroslava Kykish. tion, Ms. Hopko addressed the current Mr. Grod offered a brief overview of the the Russian aggression and occupation that Members of the commemoration com­ threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and terri­ events of 1918 and 1919, and he noted that Ukraine faces today.” mittee included the following individuals: torial integrity. “Ukraine’s mission is to “throughout centuries, our nation’s path to Mr. Futey also took the opportunity to Ihor Diaczun, Lydia Tkaczuk, Pavlo deter the aggressor’s invasion of European independence and statehood has been long call on the United States to continue to sup­ Bandriwsky, Motria Melnyk, Mila Luhova, civilization,” Ms. Hopko said, adding that and arduous.” port an independent Ukraine. “The Marta Farion, Maria Korkatsch-Groszko, Dr. the mission of building an independent He, too, reminded listeners that Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Maria Dmytriv-Kapeniak and Maria state is never ending. Ukrainians and the Ukrainian diaspora the nation’s largest representation of Dziuma. “State-building and the transformation “must never forget the price [Ukraine] paid Ukrainians in America, calls on the incom­ Given state and local restrictions in of society is an evolutionary process that and continues to pay for the inalienable ing United States Congress and President response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandem­ has a beginning but no end,” Ms. Hopko right to live in freedom,” and he also [Joe] Biden’s administration to continue ic, a physical luncheon this year was not said. “Our task is to educate our youth, to stressed that the fight to remain an inde­ our nation’s proud tradition of bipartisan possible. A recording of the virtual com­ educate future generations, to offer guide­ pendent country continues. support for Ukraine,” Mr. Futey said. “As memoration can be found online at https:// lines, to strengthen the foundation of state­ “Today, Ukraine’s brave sons and daugh­ Americans, we believe that a democratic www.facebook.com/UCCAILLINOIS or hood by utilizing and navigating informa­ ters are once again forced to defend our and independent Ukraine is in the national https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbh- tion technology to emphasize that indepen­ nation’s freedom and independence,” Mr. security interests of the United States.” v4QU_vBFblh3FvrU77w. dence is a daily continuation of the cause of Grod said. “Their courage and valor The annual UCCA-Illinois Community those who gave their lives for us to have not inspires each and every one of us to act and Award in recognition of dedicated contri­ Maria Korkatsch-Groszko, Ph.D., is vice- only a state of mind, but also a strong to put an end to Russia’s ongoing military butions to the Ukrainian community was president of the Ukrainian Congress Ukrainian state on the world map.” conflict in eastern Ukraine and illegal occu­ presented by Ihor Diaczun, president of Committee of America – Illinois Division. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7

Ukrainian Parliament. “Sanctions against the Ukrainian authorities were acting in authorities to receive more information on NEWSBRIEFS the media are always a difficult decision for strict accordance with the law. The three the issue. (RFE/RL) any government except an authoritarian blocked TV channels, which broadcast (Continued from page 2) one. This decision was not a spur-of-the- mainly in Ukrainian, issued a statement Fire kills four people at COVID-19 hospital moment decision, but one that had been in information arena.” Relations between denouncing the ban as “political repres­ A fire at a hospital treating COVID-19 the works, based on information over a sion.” Mr. Medvedchuk called the presiden­ patients in Ukraine’s southeastern city of Ukraine and Russia deteriorated in 2014 long time from many Ukrainian govern­ tial order illegal and said he would appeal. Zaporizhia has killed four people. The after Moscow annexed the Crimean ment agencies. This is by no means an Peninsula and began supporting separatists “With one stroke of a pen, Mr. Zelenskyy regional police directorate told RFE/RL on attack on freedom of speech, this is a well- threw out 1,500 journalists and other in eastern Ukraine. The conflict, now in its founded decision to protect national securi­ February 4 that a probe has been launched seventh year, has killed more than 13,200 employees of the three stations into the into the deadly blaze overnight that took ty,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. According to Mr. street and deprived millions of people of people. The now-blocked channels are Zelenskyy, the sanctioned TV channels have the lives of three patients and a nurse. the right to receive objective information,” believed to belong to Viktor Medved­chuk, long been actively used for disinformation According to police, two other patients he said in a statement. The U.S. Embassy who has close ties to Russian President campaigns in Ukraine aimed at undermin­ were hospitalized with burns. The Vladimir Putin, who is the godfather of Mr. ing reforms and Ukraine’s course toward voiced support for Ukraine’s efforts “to Zaporizhia regional administration said Medvedchuk’s daughter. Mr. Medvedchuk European and Euro-Atlantic integration. counter Russia’s malign influence, in line that a special commission will be formed to supports the Opposition Platform – For Life, “Ukraine has perhaps the largest concen­ with Ukrainian law, in defense of its sover­ look into the tragedy, adding that all hospi­ a political party that is popular in Ukraine’s tration of free broadcasters and media in eignty and territorial integrity.” The U.S. tals treating COVID-19 patients will be southeast and holds a minority in the the region,” Mr. Zelenskyy said, adding that statement, made on Facebook, added, “We inspected for fire safety in the immediate must all work together to prevent disinfor­ future. Deadly fires caused by violations of mation from being deployed as a weapon in safety regulations or faulty wiring are com­ an information war against sovereign mon in former Soviet republics. On January states.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov 21, a fire at an unregistered nursing home denounced the blocking of the three sta­ in Ukraine’s eastern city of Kharkiv killed tions as a violation of media freedom and of 15 people. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 international standards. “The authorities’ or e-mail [email protected] decision to impose such restrictions on the Ukraine bans registration of Russian vaccines media should be in the focus of attention of Ukraine has formally banned registra­ SERVICES PROFESSIONALS the Organization for Security and tion of Russian-designed vaccines against Cooperation in Europe and other interna­ coronavirus, the government said in a tional organizations,” Mr. Peskov said dur­ decree published on February 10. One of МАРІЯ ДРИЧ ing a conference call with reporters on Ліцензований Продавець Europe’s poorest countries, Ukraine has Страхування Життя February 3. The EU questioned the move, lagged behind others in starting its vaccina­ МАRІA DRICH suggesting it could sacrifice media freedom tion program against COVID-19, which has Licensed Life Insurance Agent in Ukraine. In a written statement on infected more than 1.25 million Ukrainians Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. February 3, a spokesperson for EU foreign and killed 23,934 as of February 10. But 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 policy chief Josep Borrell said that “while Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly said Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 Ukraine’s efforts to protect its territorial the country will not use Russian vaccines, e-mail: [email protected] integrity and national security, as well as to like Sputnik V, calling them “a hybrid weap­ defend itself from information manipula­ on of Russia against Ukraine.” Kyiv and tion are legitimate, in particular given the Moscow have been at loggerheads since scale of disinformation campaigns affecting SERVICES Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine including from abroad, this should Ukraine in 2014 and its involvement in a not come at the expense of freedom of conflict in eastern Ukraine. “Registration of media and must be done in full respect of vaccines... production of which was carried fundamental rights and freedoms and fol­ out in a state recognized by Ukrainian lowing international standards.” The state­ Parliament as the state-aggressor, is pro­ ment added that “any measures taken hibited,” the decree said. Ukraine’s should be proportional to the aim” and that Brussels would be in touch with Ukrainian (Continued on page 11) OPPORTUNITIES tions to come. Any donation is tax- EARN EXTRA INCOME! Online gala... deductible and will help make a substan­ WANT IMPACT? (Continued from page 5) tial impact. The Ukrainian Weekly is looking For a complete listing of the published Run your advertisement here, for advertising sales agents. The UNF thanked all who donated to donors, which will be updated weekly, in The Ukrainian Weekly’s For additional information contact its virtual gala event to ensure Soyuzivka readers are invited to view the list on the Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Soyuzivka website, www.soyuzivka.com, CLASSIFIEDS section. The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. is able to provide the same Ukrainian cul­ tural and community events for genera­ where visitors can learn more.

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logue, questions, answers, and most impor­ cine for all Ukrainian residents,” Mr. “I will be vaccinated with our military,” Mr. Zelenskyy... tantly - the search and generation of solu­ Zelenskyy said. “Its main task is to cover at Zelenskyy said. “As commander-in-chief, I (Continued from page 1) tions,” the president said, referring to Kyiv’s least half of the population of Ukraine dur­ must do this. It will be in the second phase.” Parkovy International Convention Center, ing 2021 and early 2022.” Mr. Zelenskyy also noted that he is ready “This is the start of a great public dia­ which is where the forums will be held. Ukraine recently announced that it will to get vaccinated publicly. “We all need to logue with the participation of the authori­ The president called on all Ukrainians to receive 12 million coronavirus vaccine show people vaccinations live,” he said, ties, the public, our international partners, follow the discussions taking place at the doses developed by AstraZeneca and adding that he’s also encouraged his par­ our Ukrainian experts, scientists, journal­ forum – billed as “Ukraina 30” – particular­ Novavax from the Serum Institute of India. ents to be vaccinated. “It’s important to ists, and all our citizens of Ukraine,” Mr. ly in the context of adopting the laws meant Health officials in the country believe show that we’re not afraid to vaccinate our Zelenskyy said in kicking off the first forum to reform and strengthen Ukrainian democ­ COVID -19 vaccinations will begin in mid- parents because of their age. I believe that on February 8. racy. February. Ukraine has registered more than this should be done.” That forum, which took place on “These forums can give you an under­ 1.2 million coronavirus cases and 22,707 President of the European Commission February 8-10, focused on COVID-19, standing of many processes, of useful infor­ deaths as of February 10. Ursula von der Leyen, who spoke to forum which has hit Ukraine, a country of roughly mation, and answers to important con­ “The first phase of vaccination will begin participants via video, thanked the COVAX 42 million people, hard. Subsequent forums cerns,” Mr. Zelenskyy said in kicking off the this month,” Mr. Zelenskyy said. “The vac­ initiative, doctors and medical staff in will focus on security and defense issues, first forum on COVID-19. cine will be given first to our doctors, the Ukraine who will receive the first vaccines Crimea and Donbas, utility tariffs, judicial In a statement posted on the website for military, and the National Guard.” this month. “Millions of more doses of the and anticorruption systems, agriculture, the “Ukraina 30” initiative, the president’s However, the president noted that after vaccine will have arrived in Ukraine by the digitalization, infrastructure, education, sci­ office said Ukraine’s fight against the coro­ resolving the issue of vaccine supply to summer,” she said, noting that the EU was ence, culture and sports, among others. navirus is a matter of national security. It Ukraine, the authorities faced an additional the largest donor to the COVAX initiative. In kicking off the first forum on February also said that the first forum’s objectives problem – a large portion of the population She said that she had asked other EU mem­ 8, Mr. Zelenskyy said that one goal of the were to demonstrate a high level of interna­ here distrusts vaccinations and will likely bers to donate some of their vaccines to initiative was to consider the strides tional cooperation to fight the pandemic in refuse to be vaccinated. Ukraine. Ukraine has made over the first 30 years of the country, ensure greater access for “This is a new, but, I think, very serious “All vaccines from the EU are guaranteed independence, and then set ambitious Ukrainians to information about the vac­ current issue that we all have to solve. I am to be safe and effective,” Ms. von der Leyen goals and “move forward together.” cine, counteract misinformation and fake ready to show people by personal example, said. “The independent European “To do this we all need a long, thorough, news about the virus and the vaccine, and like most world leaders, that vaccination is Medicines Agency has thoroughly inspect­ perhaps difficult, but honest conversation,” provide information on Ukraine’s vaccina­ important, it is safe, it is necessary,” said Mr. ed them. The EU is on the side of Ukraine, Mr. Zelenskyy said. “Therefore, every week tion strategy and action plan for 2021. Zelenskyy, referring to his plan to receive a as it always has been, especially in the diffi­ this place will become a platform for the “The vaccination plan is designed to COVID-19 vaccine together with Ukrainian cult moments of your recent history. main topics of the country. A place of dia­ ensure proper and equal access to the vac­ servicemen after doctors receive the vaccine. Because we are all one European family.”

Ukraine investigating COVID-19 vaccine deal It concerns the purchase of vaccines,” Mr. million people against COVID-19. Reuters NEWSBRIEFS Gryshchyuk said. The Health Ministry of reported this week that Lekhim’s shipment Ukraine has launched an investigation (Continued from page 10) Ukraine did not immediately comment on of vaccines could face delays. NABU into whether the government bought a the investigation. It has previously said it opened the investigation in response to a President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last COVID-19 vaccine at inflated prices, an used Lekhim at Sinovac’s request. Lekhim request from the Public Control Council at week Kyiv had secured 20 million vaccine anti-corruption prosecutor said on declined comment. Sinovac did not imme­ NABU, a non-government watchdog. Last doses from India’s Serum Institute and the February 10. The Ministry of Health of diately reply to a request for comment. Mr. month, when Ukrainian lawmaker global COVAX scheme and the government Ukraine agreed in December to buy 1.9 Gryshchyuk said he could not mention Oleksandra Ustynova suggested Ukraine hopes to start vaccination of its population million doses of the vaccine from China’s names or details for legal reasons. NABU could have paid less for the vaccine, Health of 41 million in mid-February. It agreed in Sinovac Biotech at $18 per dose via a chief Artem Sytnyk, speaking alongside Mr. Minister Maksym Stepanov said it was “a December to buy 1.9 million doses from Ukrainian intermediary, the pharmaceuti­ Gryshchyuk, promised to “carry out all shame” when people commented on mat­ China’s Sinovac Biotech at $18 per shot via cal firm Lekhim. Anti-corruption cam­ investigations as quickly as possible.” ters they have “superficial knowledge of.” a Ukrainian intermediary. Ukraine also paigners said the deal was expensive and Ukraine has yet to start vaccinating its 41 (Reuters) expects to receive 1.2 million doses of that the government could have obtained AstraZeneca’s vaccine from Poland. vaccines more cheaply from other sources. Ukrainian investigators have begun prob­ Ukraine’s national anti-corruption bureau ing whether the government has bought (NABU) has opened an investigation into vaccines at inflated prices. Health Minister vaccine purchases, Maksym Gryshchyuk, Maksym Stepanov said on February 10 the the acting head of Ukraine’s special anti- government had been open and transpar­ corruption prosecutor’s office, told a brief­ ent about procurement. (Reuters) ing. “This investigation began in February.

With deep sorrow and grief we share the sad news, that our most dear and beloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt and cherished friend Halyna Badiak passed into eternal rest on Friday, January 29, 2021. She leaves behind in deep sorrow her: sister - Marika Badiak sister-in-law - Irene Badiak nephews - Alex Badiak - Daniel Badiak and family, relatives and friends in the United States and in Ukraine. Burial services were held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Campbell Hall, New York. May her memory be eternal Donations in memory of Halyna may be made to: Orphans Aid Society 136 Second Avenue, Suite 504 New York, NY 10003 oasukraine.org 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE United Ukrainian American Relief Committee spreads Christmas joy in Ukraine

UUARC who have been deprived of a normal child­ hood and are very happy to receive PHILADELPHIA – The United Ukrainian Christmas gifts. American Relief Committee (UUARC) has Additionally, the program also provides been conducting charitable activities in assistance to the less fortunate elderly peo­ Ukraine since 2002 through the “Christmas ple in Ukraine, who this year received Joy” program, which takes place from the Christmas assistance in the form of sweets, feast of St. Nicholas to Theophany. This vegetables, fruit, articles of clothing, etc. year’s program allocated $14,000 for the In order to achieve the goal of the purchase of Christmas gifts that included Christmas program, St. Nicholas visited candies and sweets, shoes, outwear and needy children and elderly people in the other everyday necessities. following boarding schools and geriatric The purpose of such a program is to facilities in Ukraine: Pidhirtsi Special School bring the joy of Christmas, and the generos­ I-III; Zhovkva Training and Rehabilitation ity of St. Nicholas, to orphans, children Center I-II “Zlahoda”; International deprived of parental care, those with physi­ Charitable Foundation for the Disabled cal and mental disabilities, those living in “Hope Lives,” a day hospital for children Ukraine where hostilities are taking place, with disabilities, as well as the geriatric cen­ and children of wounded and killed ter at the same institution; Pidkaminska Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the east of the boarding school; Dobromil boarding school; UUARC country. These are the children in Ukraine Rava Ruska Geriatric Center; kindergarten At kindergarten No. 7 in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast.

“Myr”; and kindergarten “Mriya” in Toretsk. made their Christmas this year wonderful. Gifts were also sent to military units and It is with the help of donors to the program distributed to children of deceased and that the children experienced the joys of wounded servicemen of the National Guard childhood, which they unfortunately lack in of Ukraine (NGU), to students in children’s everyday life. specialized institutions and establishments The UUARC is a community-based, cared for by NGU units, and to the elderly. 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organiza­ The Military Civil Administration helped to tion formed in 1944 to help Ukrainian war distribute the gifts in eastern Ukraine. In victims in Ukraine and those who emigrat­ total, 1,700 gifts were distributed through­ ed during World War II. The organization out Ukraine during the 2020-2021 provides humanitarian aid to Ukrainians in “Christmas Joy” program. Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Kazakhstan, Many thank you letters were received, Brazil, Argentina and the U.S. Readers may and they all expressed their gratitude to learn more about the UUARC by visiting people who donated to the program and their website at www.uuarc.org.

At International Charitable Foundation for the Disabled “Hope Lives.” Holodomor exhibit opens ble challenges and responsibilities. These Advancing... include NATO and EU relations, China, following pandemic-related delay (Continued from page 7) Russia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, cli­ mate change, cybersecurity/disinforma­ Republicans – is the ever-soaring national tion, terrorism, promoting human rights debt, which could have tremendous nega­ and democracy. The Biden administration tive consequences in the future. – and Congress, for that matter – have a lot To reach agreements on these issues one on their plate. will have to go back to old way of doing So as supportive as Mr. Biden has been things, which means bipartisan compro­ and most assuredly will be on Ukraine, Kyiv mise. Given the existing political polariza­ and its friends need to be mindful that the tion, this will not be easy, to say the least. administration will be dealing with multi­ Let us also not forget the many compet­ ple problems in the coming years. ing priorities besides Ukraine on the In my next column, I will also address national security and international rela­ the other side of the equation – what tions front. The United States, after all, is Ukraine needs to do to deepen its partner­ the pre-eminent global power with incredi­ ship with the United States.

“The Primary Chronicle of Kyivan Rus’” Bohdan Bodnaruk Vira Bodnaruk (left) and Alexandra Popel stand in front of the Holodomor exhibit at A new English translation of Jacaranda Public Library in Venice, Fla. Ukraine’s ancient Chronicle by Vira Bodnaruk the dedication of the Holodomor Memorial in Washington, as well as other usually known as “Povist VENICE, Fla. – Despite a delay because of materials. the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Included in the exhibit are many memo­ Menulykh Lit” or “Nestor’s Holodomor exhibit opened here at rial concert programs that were held in Chronicle”. It is a history of Jacaranda Public Library. The exhibit, honor of Holodomor victims, as well as which traditionally opens in November but DVDs of the films “Genocide Revealed” Ukraine’s ancient past and this year opened in February, includes directed by Yurij Luhovy and “Mr. Jones” has been used in Ukraine materials on exhibit in three glass cases. directed by Agnieskzka Holland. Among the books included in the Jacaranda Public Library in Venice, Fla., as a textbook for upper level exhibit are “The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. classes. Collectivization and the Terror-Famine” by Special thanks to the library of St. Robert Conquest; “Red Famine: Stalin’s Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural War on Ukraine” by Anne Applebaum; Center (known as Oseredok) in North Port, “Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Fla., for lending its materials on Holodomor It is available now on line at: Stalin” by Timothy Snyder; “Execution by to the exhibit, and to Lidia Bilous, Oksana Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and other book vendors Hunger: The Hidden Holocoust” by Miron Lew and Vira Bodnaruk. The exhibit was as well as the publisher’s web site, Xulonpress.com. Dolot; “The Ukrainian Holocaust of 1933” organized by Branch 56 of the Ukrainian by Wasyl Hryshko; the book published for National Women’s League of America. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 13

SOCCER Kazakhstan (March 31 and September 1 and 21), France (September 4 and 21), and Kovalenko signs multi-year deal with Atalanta Finland (October 9 and 21). Atalanta FC (Bergamo, Italy) announced Women’s team advances to Euro play-off round on February 1 the transfer of FC Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Viktor Kovalenko, and Ukraine’s women’s team is set for the Shakhtar also confirmed that the 24-year- play-off round of the UEFA Women’s Euro old footballer (he turns 25 on February 14) 2022 in England after Ukraine finished as will continue his career in Italy, but the runner-up in Group I (five wins, zero draws clubs did not disclose the details of the and three losses; 16 goals for, 21 against). agreement. According to the Transfermarkt The draw for the play-off round is sched­ website, the transfer amount was 700,000 uled for March 5 in Nyon, France, and euros, contracted for four years and six matches are scheduled for April 5-13. Other months until June 30, 2025. Kovalenko, a teams confirmed for the play-off round are graduate of the FC Shakhtar Academy, Russia and Northern Ireland. Top goal-scor­ made his debut in the premier team in the ers for Ukraine in the group stage were 2014-2015 season. He played 200 official Darya Kravets and Nadiia Kunina (three matches for the club in all tournaments and goals each), and Daryna Apana­shchen­ko scored 32 goals. As part of Shakhtar, he and Nichole Kozlova (two goals each). won 10 trophies: he won the Ukrainian IBU/Biathlonresults.com league and cup four times, and the FUTSAL Artem Pryma wins gold in men’s 12-kilometer pursuit at the IBU Open European Ukrainian Super Cup twice. Kovalenko joins Kherson draws Inter in knock-out round Biathlon Championships in Druszniki-Zdroj, Poland. Ruslan Malinovskyi, a Ukrainian who also plays in Atalanta (since July 2019). In the Prodexim Kherson won 5-1 against Ukrainian’s maiden WTA Tour-level semifi­ nated from the season-opening Abu Dhabi first half of the current season, Kovalenko Shkupi (Macedonia) on January 16 in nal. Kostyuk also won against Lucie Open by unseeded Russian Veronika took part in 11 matches and started in five. Zaporizhia as part of the Round of 32 of the Hradecka, 6-2, 6-4 (round of 64), Su-Wei Kudermetova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(3) in the quar­ He scored four goals in that time, more UEFA Futsal Champions League. Kherson Hsieh, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 (round of 32) and terfinal round. Svitolina twice came back than in the whole of the previous season advanced to the Round of 16 against Inter Tamara Zidansek, 6-1, 6-1 (round of 16). In from a break down in the deciding set, (2010-2020). Kovalenko’s market value, FS (Spain) on February 19. Petro Shortuma the semifinal match against Russian including when Kudermetova served for according to ProFootballDB (BeSoccer’s of Prodexim is the top goal-scorer of the Veronika Kudermetova, Kostyuk came close the match at 6-5, but trailed 3-0 in the tie­ database), is a lot higher (valued at more tournament with seven goals. Thus far, before losing, 6-7(8), 4-6. Kostyuk had a 3-1 break and could not recover. Svitolina’s run than 1 million euros) than what Atalanta Roninho (of Georgia) who plays for lead in the first set, only to have Kuderme­ to the quarterfinals saw her breeze over paid. The move could include some vari­ Prodexim is the second-place top goal-scor­ tova take the next four games. A tie-break Jessica Pegula of the U.S.A., 6-4, 6-3 and ables which would explain the low fee. er with four goals; Mykhailo Volaniuk and ensued with Kudermetova claiming it 10-8. Vera Zvonareva of Russia, 6-4, 6-1, then Mykhailo Zvarych of the Ukrainian club are An early 2-0 lead in the second set saw squeeze past Ekaterina Alexandrova of Surkis fined 50,000 hrv by UAF second-best in assists (with four each) for Kostyuk recover to get back at 3-2, only to Russia, 6-2, 6-7, 7-6, before succumbing to Dynamo Kyiv soccer club president Ihor the tournament. have the Russian withstand a barrage of Kudermetova in the quarterfinal. Ukrainian forehands and prevail, 6-4. Kudermetova Kateryna Bondarenko defeated Yafan Wang Surkis was fined 50,000 hrv by the Ukraine draws Group 1 in Euro 2022 Ukrainian Association of Football’s (UAF) had previously eliminated Ukrainian Elina of China, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 before losing to Ons Control and Disciplinary Committee and In the UEFA Futsal Euro 2022, hosted by Svitolina in the quarterfinals. Jabeur of Tunisia, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6 in the round the Netherlands, Ukraine in Group 1 won of 32. was warned by them of the possibility of Svitolina ousted in quarterfinals more severe punishment. The decision was 10-3 against Albania on January 31. Other announced on January 22 of this year, and matches for Ukraine include: Croatia on Second-seeded Elina Svitolina was elimi­ (Continued on page 15) was prompted by an August, 2, 2020, tele­ March 2 and March 7; Denmark on April 6 vision interview, which the UAF has called a and 8; and Albania on April 10. case of recidivism, for behavior that damag­ es the reputation of football and the UAF BOXING and contains signs of violations of the Mytrofanov wins after 10 rounds UAF’s Code of Ethics and Fair Play. Super Welterweight Dmytro Mytrofanov Ukraine draws Group C for Euro 2022 (9-0-1, 5 KO) won by unanimous decision The UEFA Euro 2022 tournament will after 10 rounds against Asinia Byfield (14- include Ukraine in Group C with matches 4-1, 6 KO) of Great Britain on December 18, on June 13 against the Netherlands, June 17 2020, at the AKKO International Center in against North Macedonia and on June 21 Kyiv. Mytrofanov, who is promoted by K2 against Austria. The draw was made in Promotions Ukraine, won the vacant WBO Zurich on December 7, 2020. Oriental Super Welterweight title and the judges scored the fight 96-94, 99-92, 98-94. Group D in World Cup 2022 Usyk targets interim WBO title in March bout Ukraine, in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, plays against France on Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk (18-0, 13 March 24. Other matches for the group KO) is tentatively scheduled to fight against stage include Finland (March 28), Joseph Joyce (12-0, 11 KO) of Great Britain on March 27, with a location to be con­ firmed, somewhere in Great Britain. The 12-round bout is to determine the interim WBO title holder, prior to the first leg of a title unification fight between Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KO) and Tyson Fury (30- 0-1, 21 KO) that is scheduled for May 29 that is expected to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion (four titles on the line: WBC, WBA, WBC, IBF). The winner of the Joshua-Fury fight will have 180 days to fight the winner of the Usyk-Joyce fight for the interim WBO heavyweight title. TENNIS Kostyuk reaches semifinal at Abu Dhabi Marta Kostyuk reached her first career semifinal after defeating Sara Sorribes Atalanta.it Tormo of Spain, 0-6, 6-1, 6-4, in the quarter­ Viktor Kovalenko signs deal with finals of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Open Atalanta (Italy) until 2025. on January 6-13. This was the 18-year-old 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7

monitor and report on the movement of Kremlin... Ukrainian military personnel, including (Continued from page 1) high-ranking officers, and hardware, the counterintelligence agency said. She entered the occupied Ukrainian ter­ During the searches, an arsenal of weap­ ritory illegally and the English-language ons and ammunition was seized: four media outlet she heads is registered as a AK-74s, two pistols, two rocket-propelled foreign agent in the United States and grenades, 44 grenades, more than 4,000 banned in Ukraine. rounds of ammunition of various calibers, Ms. “Simonyan’s call for the annexation of about 3 kilograms of TNT and electric deto­ eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region was not an nators, the SBU said. isolated outburst,” wrote Alvydas The kidnapping and illegal transfer of a Medalinskas, a former Lithuanian lawmaker “former commander of the special opera­ and political analyst for the Washington- tions forces” to Russia was also planned. The based Atlantic Council. “Since December “Russian secret service offered a reward of 2020, Russian informational war efforts have $100,000,” the SBU statement said. increasingly focused on the so-called Russian In addition to constant cyber-attacks, Donbas doctrine. This initiative aims to pro­ Kyiv’s diplomatic and military corps have vide historical justification for Moscow’s grown wary of the increasing militarization claims to eastern Ukraine by emphasizing of the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia the region’s longstanding ties to Russia.” forcibly seized in early 2014 and where it Twitter, Inc. Beyond the war zone, Ukraine’s Security has stationed nuclear-capable warheads, The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s “official” Twitter account for Ukraine’s Service (SBU) said on February 5 that it according to the Ukrainian military. Crimean Peninsula. busted a network of agents consisting of Last February, then-Foreign Affairs former military intelligence officers run by Minister Vadym Prystaiko reiterated the Russia’s official Crimean As of February 1, he said the peninsula’s Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in “ongoing militarization” of Crimea by Russia Twitter account reservoirs had a total of 36 million cubic five oblasts: Kyiv, Odesa, Mykolayiv, at a United Nations General Assembly ses­ meters of water, which was 48.875 million Ukraine’s diplomatic corps this week Zhytomyr and Chernihiv. sion, while adding that seven U.N. resolu­ cubic meters less than a year ago. Three protested Twitter designating the Russian The undisclosed number of agents were tions have so far condemned Russia’s reservoirs are approaching “dead volumes,” Foreign Affairs Ministry’s official Twitter allegedly working on behalf of FSB officers aggression toward Ukraine. the enterprise said. account in Crimea. Deputy Foreign Affairs “The occupied areas have become a terri­ Mainland Ukraine cut off water supply to Vadim Dautov and Denis Sobko, whose Minister Emine Dzheppar called on the tory of fear and terror,” Mr. Prystaiko said. Crimea through its North Crimean Canal, titles and ranks were not provided. social media giant to remove its “blue “Since 2014, the Russian Federation’s illegal which had previously supplied about 80 In particular, the “Russian agents were check” verified account. annexation has left 14,000 people dead and preparing sabotage operations,” the SBU “This account is verified because it’s percent of the region’s potable water, fol­ said. “Among the targets were combat air­ over 27,000 wounded, while 2 million resi­ notable in government, news, entertain­ lowing Russia’s invasion in 2014. craft of the armed forces at Kulbakino air­ dents of Crimea and Donbas have fled their ment, or another designated category,” Occupying authorities have since not field [in Mykolayiv Oblast].” homes and 3.4 million remaining are in des­ Twitter said of the Russian Foreign Affairs found a sustainable solution to adequately The suspects also carried out orders to perate need of humanitarian assistance.” Ministry account. supply the region with water. Efforts have Officials from Twitter’s communication included expensive desalination efforts, department did not respond to a request inducing rainfall through “cloud seeding” for comment from The Ukrainian Weekly. and the use of more groundwater wells, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Euromaidan Press reported. Volodymyr Yelchenko said he sent a letter Water rationing began in September with of protest to Twitter on February 8. water being supplied for only six hours per The account of “Russian occupation day. The same month the U.N. monitoring authorities in Crimea cannot be described mission in Ukraine said that, according to as official and legitimate,” the Ukrainian international law, Russia bears full responsi­ diplomatic mission said on Facebook. bility for providing Crimea with water. The European Security and Defense Crimea water shortages journal reported in March that Russia has On February 8, the head of Russian- 31,500 soldiers stationed on the peninsula, controlled Voda Kryma (Water of Crimea) consisting of three main components: land, state-run enterprise in the Crimean capital air and naval. Russia has the “means of of Simferopol announced severe fresh delivering nuclear weapons” by air and sea water shortages. from Crimea and that significant modern­ Enterprise head Vladimir Bazhenov said ized hardware are positioned there, includ­ that water levels at three Crimean reser­ ing the new ground-based air defense voirs continued to decline in February, S-400 TRIUMF systems. ranging between 7 percent and 26 percent Ukraine’s military has repeatedly of their design capacity, according to Krym warned of the “increasing militarization” of Euromaidan Press Realiyi, a subunit of the Ukrainian service Crimea and the potential of invasion of A map of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula showing general water supply sources of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. mainland Ukraine from the peninsula.

rent dependency on Russia. Yet it is tional jurisdiction? Are they intent on join­ The ‘Wagner...’ Ukraine that has attracted most of the neg­ Navalny... ing in good faith the civilized world com­ (Continued from page 3) ative consequences of the Wagner fighters’ (Continued from page 7) munity? I believe that no one knows. arrest just outside Minsk. Specifically, the Certainly, I am unable to answer these scandal, Mr. Zelenskyy without explanation affair spotlighted two important issues. was entirely different than what is happen­ questions, but I do support Alexei Navalny denied a motion of the then-head of the First, the dueling charges and denials ing in Russia today. and the people of Russia in their quest, HUR MOU, Vasyl Burba – reportedly, in underscored the intolerably high level of Hope gets people excited because hope whatever that may be. I do hope, however, charge of the special operation – to admin­ internal division within Ukraine’s ruling is last to die. Will Mr. Navalny’s temporary that this is not another example of interna­ ister polygraph tests to Mr. Yermak and oth­ elite, where conflicting factions are eager to incarceration end with his long-term tional naivete and wishful thinking prevail­ ers who claimed knowledge of the failed use all means necessary – even reveal pur­ imprisonment and ultimate ouster or even ing over a basic, albeit primitive, knowl­ Wagner capture scheme. On top of that, Mr. ported state secrets – to hurt their oppo­ death, and will the popular revolt wither edge of Russian history from Alexander Burba was fired soon afterwards by presi­ nents, with little consideration of the reper­ away in time? Is a democratic Russia so far- Nevsky to Vladimir Putin, and Alexei dential decree. Similarly, according to some cussions for national security. Second, if the fetched simply because there has never Navalny and the Russian mindset which Ukrainian sources, the aforementioned alleged special operation was, indeed, been one? Does Mr. Navalny as a Russian has never changed in 800 years since Mr. special operation collapsed due to the fact derailed because of treasonous actions of leader represent the demise of Mr. Putin? Nevsky, an imperialist yet a saint by that the date of the final stage was changed some policymakers (as certain experts Does he represent the demise of Russian Russian Orthodox standards. Frankly, by Mr. Zelenskyy, which allowed the have argued), then this shows that authoritarianism? Finally, does he repre­ should Mr. Putin be ousted one way or Belarusian special services to apprehend Moscow’s penetration of the state – which sent the demise of a Russian empire and another and become a martyr he may join the mercenaries on their territory to later facilitated Russia’s “hybrid” annexation of belligerence? the pantheon of Russian Orthodox saints. hand them over to Moscow (Plus.obozreva­ Crimea and “separatist” war in southeast­ Frankly, it’s all about the concept of This is the nature of a little understood tel.com, October 11, 2020). ern Ukraine – has still not been effectively empire. It’s not about Mr. Putin or Mr. psyche, the Russian soul. Even religion is an Regardless of whether the reported dealt with by Ukrainian counter-intelli­ Navalny. Are the Russians in Russian empire builder. Nevertheless, Russian tur­ failed special operation is true or not, the gence since 2014. streets eager to become democratic and moil and instability is good. scandal carries serious consequences. With civilized? Are they prepared to recognize respect to Belarus, this incident – as well as The article above is reprinted from the international status quo, including Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney at law post-election domestic developments in Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from respecting borders internationally estab­ based in New York City who served as presi- general – clearly demonstrated the extent its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, lished? Are they prepared to commit to dent of the Ukrainian World Congress in of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s cur­ www.jamestown.org. international organizations and interna­ 1998-2008. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 15

February 17 Webinar with Jose Casanova, “Revisiting Religious Pluralism February 24 Webinar with Mayhill Fowler, “Sashka in Kabul?: Women, Online in Ukraine,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or Online War and (Un)true War Stories at the Theater of the 617-495-4053 Carpathian Military District in Lviv,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 February 18 Webinar with Walter Zarycky, “Cauldron of Conflict in a Online Contemporary Setting: Black Sea Region Significance in the February 27 Lenten retreat, “Being Orthodox During COVID and Social Last 30 Years,” Columbia Alumni Association of Fairfield Online Unrest” with Fr. Anthony Perkins, Ukrainian Orthodox County, [email protected] or 203-302-9954 League, [email protected] or https://forms.gle/ cN5Mtne35ddavqx99 (registration required) February 19 Lenten fish fry dinners, Syracuse Ukrainian National through April 2 Home, [email protected] or 315-478-9272 February 28 Webinar with Kalyna Bezchlibnyk-Butler, “Women of Syracuse, NY Online Ravensbruck: Tracing and Documenting Ukrainian Victims of the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp,” Shevchenko Scientific February 21 Crafts for Kids, doll making with instruction by Oksana Society of Canada, Ukrainian Canadian Documentation and Online Pasakas, “Lialka Motanka,” Ukrainian History and Education Research Center, www.ucrdc.org or www.ntsh.ca Center, www.ukrhec.org (free registration required)

February 22 Sochor-Parry Memorial Lecture with Oleksii Honcharuk, Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Online “Revolution and Reform in Ukraine: A View From the advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Frontlines,” Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors 617-495-4053 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

11-13. In the third-place matches, Bilodid (Chicago, defense), Aidan Dudas (Los SportsShorts won against Kataryna Koshta of Portugal Angeles, forward), Luke Prokop (Nashville, (Continued from page 13) and Khammo won against Temur defense) and Taylor Raddysh, (Tampa Bay, Rakhimov of Tajikistan. Ukraine was repre­ forward). And in the fourth tier: Zach BIATHLON sented at the tournament by six male and Senyshyn, (Boston, forward), Darren three female athletes. The tournament Raddysh (N.Y. Rangers, defense), and Jake Ukraine wins three medals at European championship attracted 398 athletes (215 male, 183 Leschyshyn, (Las Vegas, forward). female) from 69 countries. Artem Pryma, 33, won gold in the men’s Three Ukrainians drafted in the NHL 12.5 -kilometer pursuit race (32:11.3 sec­ IJF names again Bilodid world’s best judoka onds) and Anastasiia Merkushyna won sil­ Connor Zary, the 24th pick in the 2020 ver in the women’s 15-kilometer individual Two-time world champion judoka Daria NHL Draft, was selected by the Calgary race (45:20 seconds) at the IBU Open Bilodid, 20, was named a Female Judoka of Flames. The 19-year-old’s performance European Biathlon Championships on the Year by the International Judo improved from 11 to 24 to 38 goals, and his January 24-31 in Duszniki-Zdroj, Poland. Federation (IJF) in its IJF Judo Awards for point totals increased from 29 to 67 to 86 Ukraine’s mixed relay team (Pryma, 2019-2020, having won gold medals in the in his three full seasons with the WHL’s Bogdan Tsymbal, Vita Semerenko and 48-kg division at the 2019 World Judo Kamloops Blazers. Detroit chose left wing Iryna Petrnko) won bronze in the 4x6-kilo­ Championships, the 2019 European Judo Cross Hanas from the Western Hockey meter mixed relay (1:02:16.2 seconds). Championships and a Grand Slam League’s Portland Winterhawks with Despite missing three shots, Pryma was Tournament. In 2020, Bilodid won gold and Detroit’s third selection in the second still able to finish in first place, while bronze at the Grand Slam event in Kyiv. WTA/Jimme48) round (55th overall). In 60 games during the 2019-2020 season, the 6-foot-1, 167- Merkushyna shot clean and finished just WRESTLING Marta Kostyuk advances to the semifinal 2.9 seconds behind the leader, Monika of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Open. pound left winger was third in goals (22) Hojnisz -Starega of Poland. This was the sec­ Four medals for Ukraine at Grand-Prix Zagreb and sixth in points (49). The Nashville ond European Championship gold medal in He cleared waivers and was placed on the Predators selected Luke Prokop from the individual races for Pryma, with his first Ukraine won four medals at the Grand- taxi squad, going unclaimed. He is eligible WHL’s Calgary Hitmen with the 73rd over­ gold medal won at the 2011 European Prix Zagreb in Greco-Roman wrestling on to be shuttled back and forth from the taxi all (third round) in the 2020 NHL Draft. Championships in Rinaud, France. January 16-17. Zhan Beleniuk (87 kg) and squad of the AHL as waiver-exempt. The 6-foot-4, 217-pound Edmonton, Parviz Nasibov (72 kg) won gold; Mykola Alberta, native was third among Hitmen Dzhima wins silver at World Cup in Italy Kuchmiy (130 kg) won silver; and Yaroslav Twenty-nine Ukrainians in 2021 NHL action defensemen in scoring (4 goals, 19 assists, Filchakov (82 kg) won bronze. Parviz 23 points) and claims Nashville as his Twenty-nine Ukrainian hockey players Yuliia Dzhima won silver in the women’s defeated Ahmet Yilmaz of Turkey and favorite NHL team while growing up. appeared on NHL training camp rosters for 15-kilometer individual race (43:12.7 sec­ Beleniuk won against Aleksandar January 2021, with 14 forwards, 14 defen­ onds) at the Biathlon World Cup in Stjepanetic of Sweden. Silver medalist BASKETBALL semen and one goaltender. Dallas Stars, Anterselva, Italy, on January 18-24. Dzhima, Kuchmii lost in the final against Osman New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks Homecoming for new Wizard Len who didn’t miss a shot during the race, fin­ Yildrim of Turkey, and in the third-place ished just 43.7 seconds behind the winner, have three Ukrainians each. In the top tier: Free-agent center Alex Len, who averaged match Filchakov won against Arminas Jakob Chychrun (Arizona, defense), Lisa Theresa Hauser of Austria. Lygnugaris of Lithuania. The competition 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds for his career, Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary, forward), Cale signed a one-year deal with the Washington Bekh wins bronze at IBU Cup in Germany attracted athletes from 18 countries, divid­ Makar (Colorado, defense), Jamie Oleksiak Wizards on January 22 in a homecoming of ed into 10 weight divisions, with Ukraine (Dallas, defense), Brett Kulak, (Montreal, Ekaterina Bekh won bronze in the wom­ represented by 10 wrestlers. sorts for the former University of Maryland en’s 12.5-kilometer individual (short) race defense), Adam Pelech (Islanders, defense), 7 -foot-tall player. The 27-year-old was at the IBU Cup Biathlon on January 18-23 HOCKEY Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa, forward), Tyler released by the Toronto Raptors after seeing in Arber, Germany. Bekh, who finished with Bozak, (St. Louis, forward), Colton Parayko action in only seven games after signing with Pateryn traded to Avalanche, waived a time of 37:35.3 seconds, missed only one (St. Louis, defense) and Nolan Patrick the Raptors this past off-season. Len replac­ (Philadelphia, forward). In the second tier: shot during the race. Defenseman Greg Pateryn was swapped es Thomas Bryant at center who is out with Curtis Lazar (Buffalo, forward), Taylor for Ian Cole, with Pateryn joining the a torn ACL. This is Len’s fourth team he has Men’s team wins silver at IBU Cup in Germany Fedun (Dallas, defense), Greg Pateryn Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota played for in the past two seasons, after (Minnesota, defense), Travis Zajac (New Wild receiving Cole on January 18. The spending the first seven-plus years of his pro Ukraine’s men’s biathlon team won sil­ Jersey, captain), Mark Pysyk (Dallas, trade was a major salary-cap savings for career in Phoenix, Atlanta, Sacramento and ver in the men’s 4x7.5-kilometer relay race defense), Dmytro Timashov (Islanders, for­ Colorado from Cole’s $4.25 million hit to Toronto. After testing positive for COVID-19 at the IBU Cup Biathlon on January 11-17 ward), Jayce Hawryluk (Vancouver, for­ Pateryn’s $2.25 million. Pateryn, 30, had in June 2020, he missed his last three games in Arber, Germany. Ukraine was represent­ ward) and Devan Dubnyk (San Jose, goal­ two assists in three games for the Wild this with the Raptors due to the league’s health ed by Ruslan Bryhadyr, Andriy Dotsenko, tender). In the third tier: Josh Mahura season, with four goals, and 37 assists over and safety protocols. Taras Lesiuk and Bohdan Tsymbal, and the (Anaheim, defense), Kieffer Bellows 270 career games with Montreal, Dallas team finished with a time of 1:14:38.6 sec­ (Islanders, forward), Shasha Chmelevsky Ihor Stelmach, our longtime sports col- and Minnesota. Avalanche General onds (1:01.9 seconds behind the gold (San Jose, forward), Brinson Pasichnuk umnist, wrote the listings under hockey and Manager Joe Sakic called Pateryn “a strong, medal winners, Germany). (San Jose, defense), Wyatt Kalynuk basketball. veteran defenseman who plays a heavy JUDO game… he’s a hard-nosed, competitive Bilodid and Khammo win bronze in Qatar player who can kill penalties, bloc shots Want to keep up to date on developments in Ukraine? and brings some additional grit to our back Daria Bilodid (48 kg) and Yakiv line.” The Ukrainian defenseman was The Ukrainian Weekly Khammo (+100 kg) won bronze medals at placed on waivers on January 25 after LIKE on Facebook to read the latest! the Master 2021 in Doha, Qatar, on January appearing in three games with Colorado. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 No. 7