Conclusion of THE YEAR IN REVIEW pages 7-17

THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationEEKLY Vol. LXXXIV No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 $2.00 Halychyna councils oppose ’s economy minister self-governance for the Donbas resigns over stalled reforms by Zenon Zawada vote after the amendment consisting of a single line is approved. (The relevant line in Poroshenko: Abromavicius – The Oblast Council and the amendment reads: “The specifics of should stay on Ternopil City Council voted on January 27 realizing local self-governance in certain to submit appeals to the Verkhovna Rada, districts of the and RFE/RL expressing their opposition to the estab- oblasts are determined by a separate law.”) lishment of local self-governance for the The legislation would grant amnesty to Ukraine’s minister of economic develop- occupied territories of the Donetsk and most of the armed terrorists, allowing them ment and trade abruptly resigned on Luhansk oblasts. to join the local police force. Those quali- February 3, citing obstacles to change and Their appeals argue that approving the fied could be appointed as prosecutors and raising concerns about the war-torn coun- constitutional amendments – which judges. Local authorities would be empow- try’s ability to institute sweeping reforms besides conditions for decentralization ered to conclude economic agreements with and rebound economically. would also set the foundation for the their counterparts in neighboring Russia, all Lithuanian-born Aivaras Abromavicius Donbas “specific procedures of local self- the while receiving subsidies from Kyiv. announced on February 3 that he had sub- governance,” also commonly called “special Meanwhile, elected officials could not be mitted his resignation due to “the sharp status” – would bring Russian-backed ter- removed before their terms are up. escalation in efforts to block systemic and rorists to power in a legalized autonomous Besides the conditions for local self-gov- important reforms.” enclave that will be used by Moscow to fur- ernance established in the Minsk accords, Ukrainian President , ther subvert independence. reacting that same day to Mr. Abromavicius’s Russian negotiators led by Putin confidante Yaro Bihun “For the defense of the interests of resignation, said that the economy minister Boris Gryzlov are currently striving to Aivaras Abromavicius, who resigned on Ukraine and , we call upon you ensure that the self-governance is perma- should stay at his post and push ahead with February 3 from his position as to take the historic decision of not voting, nent, rather than expiring in 2017, as called reforms. Ukraine’s economy minister, citing “the under any circumstance, for the constitu- for in the Minsk accords, said Mykhailo Announcing that he was submitting his sharp escalation in efforts to block sys- tional amendments for the Donbas special Basarab, a Kyiv political consultant. resignation, Mr. Abromavicius said in a temic and important reforms.” status, or whatever you call it,” stated the They are also trying to create quotas in the statement to reporters that he had “no wish appeal of the Lviv Oblast Council, as report- Verkhovna Rada for deputies representing the to be a cover for open corruption or pup- Mr. Kononenko rejected the allegations ed by the UNIAN news agency. “Beneath occupied territories, as well as enable them pets under the control of those who want to as “completely absurd” and accused Mr. the beautiful veneer of words is hidden its to veto any measures towards European establish control over state money in the Abromavicius of trying to shift the blame true, cruel and Satanic essence hidden from Union and NATO integration, he said. style of the old authorities.” for his own failures atop the Economy society – to legalize the occupiers, whose “Putin isn’t interested in the Donbas as a He singled out Ihor Kononenko, a senior Ministry. boots are stomping upon the holy land of chunk of Ukrainian territory, especially after lawmaker close to President Petro “I would like to make clear that each and Ukraine.” half of it has become a humanitarian catas- Poroshenko, saying Mr. Kononenko had every member of this Cabinet for the last Their appeals join a growing chorus of trophe,” Mr. Basarab said. “Putin wants to lobbied to get his people appointed to head 14 months has been doing everything in pro-Western Ukrainians who oppose the use it to influence all of Ukraine, ensuring it state companies and at top government establishment of Donbas local self-gover- remains a colony of the .” positions. (Continued on page 6) nance – widely considered to be de facto The pro-Western opposition to Donbas autonomy – which is being actively pursued local self-governance gained momentum in by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at mid-August of last year when 31 intellectu- the behest of Western governments. als published an open letter to the presi- A resignation with ramifi cations They are led by French President Francois dent and Parliament calling for a moratori- Hollande and German Chancellor Angela um on all constitutional amendments, by Zenon Zawada immediate. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Merkel, who have urged Mr. Poroshenko to including the single line that creates local Geoffrey Pyatt tweeted that he’s “one of approve local self-governance as part of the self-governance. KYIV – It came as no surprise that the Ukrainian government’s great cham- Normandy format negotiations involving A little more than two weeks later, President Petro Poroshenko met with pions of reform,” while 11 leading Russian President . Parliament approved the first reading of Aivaras Abromavicius within hours of his Western diplomats signed a statement The legislation establishing Donbas self- resignation on February 3 to convince expressing their “deep disappointment” governance requires only a simple majority (Continued on page 6) him to remain as minister of economic over Mr. Abromavicius’s resignation. development and trade. “The U.S. and EU are giving money for Mr. Abromavicius is merely the latest our reforms but the money is arriving to Western-backed reformer to go public certain people that they helped to place Canada’s foreign minister responds with complaints about corruption in the in power,” said Taras Berezovets, a Kyiv government, but he stands out as the political consultant and director of Berta to Lavrov remarks on ‘rabid’ diaspora most prominent, given his success as an Communications. “They don’t want to investment banker. And the president allow a precedent in which a person with OTTAWA – Noting that he was looking the total lack of any pragmatism in the knows that if Mr. Abromavicius goes, his close ties with Europe is dismissed. I ahead to improved relations with the new impulsive actions taken by the previous standing in the West suffers, analysts said. would call this interference with person- Canadian government led by Prime government, which took the course, as you “A president with an approval rating in nel appointments, which violates the Minister Justin Trudeau, Russian Foreign can understand, of blindly following the free fall can ill afford offending the Western Vienna Convention, based on which dip- demands of rabid representatives of the Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov on January leaders who provided the diplomatic and lomats don’t interfere with the domestic Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.” 26 complained of the previous govern- financial support to keep Ukraine alive politics of a foreign country. But that’s ment’s cooperation with “rabid represen- The next day, in Canada’s House of over the past two years,” said Brian Commons, Foreign Affairs Minister the result of Ukraine being led by those tatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Mefford, a non-resident senior fellow at who are giving it money.” Canada.” Stéphane Dion admonished the Russian the Eurasia Center of the Atlantic Council foreign affairs minister and underscored The resignation even triggered selling At a press conference in Moscow on who works as a consultant in Ukraine. Canada’s strong and unwavering commit- Russia’s diplomatic performance in 2015, The reaction from the West was (Continued on page 6) Mr. Lavrov stated: “We were surprised by (Continued on page 25) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

ANALYSIS

Crimea’s annexation by Russia Dion on Canada’s unwavering support ture in Europe to support our NATO allies in the face of Russia’s aggression,” Mr. OTTAWA – Canada’s Minister of Foreign Carter said during a speech to the returns to Kyiv’s international agenda Affairs Stéphane Dion visited Ukraine on Economic Club of Washington, a private January 31-February 1, meeting with research organization. “We’re taking a by Oleg Varfolomeyev until Russia learns to respect the sover- Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo strong and balanced approach to deter Klimkin and Prime Minister Arseniy Eurasia Daily Monitor eignty of its neighbors (Liga.net, January Russian aggression,” he said. “We haven’t Yatsenyuk, as well as representatives of civil 12). had to worry about this for 25 years, and society, parliamentarians and government Up to now, the shaky ceasefire in At his first press conference of 2016, Mr. while I wish it were otherwise, now we do.” officials. Canada’s Department of Global Ukraine’s Donbas region has mostly contin- Poroshenko said that the restoration of Washington and its NATO allies have tar- Affairs noted: “Minister Dion reiterated the ued to hold (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, Ukrainian sovereignty over the whole of geted Russia with several rounds of sanc- need for the full respect of Ukraine’s sover- January 21). And thus, the Crimean penin- the Donbas region and efforts to return tions following Moscow’s seizure of eignty and underlined the importance of full sula, which was illegally annexed by Russia Crimea to Ukraine would be among his pri- Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula in 2014 and implementation of the Minsk agreements, in early 2014, has returned near the top of orities this year. He admitted that the task its backing of separatists fighting Kyiv’s particularly by Russia, to ensure a durable Kyiv’s international agenda. Following the would be difficult, and added that he would forces in eastern Ukraine. Some NATO peace in Ukraine. Minister Dion also made it severance of Ukraine’s economic ties with primarily employ the diplomatic and legal allies, particularly the Baltic states and clear that the Canadian government intends occupied Crimea late last year, Ukrainian means at his disposal (112.ua, January 14). countries such as , have demanded a to speak clearly, bluntly and directly to President Petro Poroshenko has proceeded Furthermore, Mr. Poroshenko’s team stronger response from Washington and Russia about its unacceptable actions in to drum up international support for the used its visit to the World Economic Forum the alliance, calling for stationing heavy peninsula’s eventual return. in Davos as an opportunity to remind Ukraine. Minister Dion expressed Canada’s strong desire to see Ukraine persevere in its weaponry and tanks, and the more fre- So far, there has been little reaction from world leaders about the Crimean problem. quent presence of allied military units. In Moscow, which is currently bogged down Ukrainian Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko democratic transformation and flourish as a strong and prosperous partner of Canada’s.” Brussels, NATO’s civilian leadership issued in Syria in addition to being preoccupied said, on the sidelines of the forum, that this a statement applauding the U.S. defense with falling global oil prices. Therefore, this year would see Ukraine pressing forward According to the department’s release, Minister Dion stated, “I am moved by the secretary’s proposed increase in spending may be a good moment for Kyiv to mount on a process to return Crimea. Coming resilience and resolve of the Ukrainian peo- in Europe. “This is a clear sign of the endur- diplomatic pressure over Crimea on both back from Davos, Mr. Poroshenko said that ple. Canada stands firmly with Ukraine and ing commitment by the United States to Moscow and the West to prevent the lifting a fresh diplomatic initiative was being will continue to support the country’s European security,” Secretary General Jens of sanctions against Russia. planned to reclaim Crimea along the lines enduring right to sovereignty, freedom and Stoltenberg said. “It will be a timely and sig- The issue of Crimea’s annexation was of the Geneva format, which should include democracy.” (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) nificant contribution to NATO’s deterrence quickly overshadowed by the subsequent the European Union and the U.S. He said and collective defense.” (Mike Eckel of RFE/ war in the Donbas, the massive dislocation consultations on these talks should start Pentagon seeks $3.4 B to counter Russia RL, with reporting from AP, Reuters) of civilians living in the Donetsk and immediately (UNIAN, January 24). Mr. Luhansk oblasts, the July 2014 downing of Poroshenko also set up an agency for the WASHINGTON – The Pentagon will Poroshenko sees greater risk of war request $3.4 billion next year for additional Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over the war de-occupation and re-integration of troops and training to counter “Russia’s – Ukrainian President Petro zone, Ukraine’s military defeats in the Crimea, increasing the remit of his official aggression,” a fourfold increase from the Poroshenko says the risk of open war Donbas in August 2014 and January 2015, Crimean representative office (Pravda.com. current fiscal year that reflects administra- between Russia and Ukraine is greater now as well as constant fears of a possible ua, January 21). tion and allied worries about Moscow’s than it was a year ago. In an interview with Russian escalation and offensive against Kyiv is also apparently trying to benefit intentions in Europe. The figure announced the German newspaper Bild published on Kyiv-held areas further west. from current tensions between Russia and by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter on February 3, Mr. Poroshenko said Russia had Crimea all but disappeared from inter- Turkey. The latter has special interests in February 2 is part of a $582.7 billion implemented “not one single point” of the national headlines by around the middle of Crimea because it is home to a large defense-budget proposal that Mr. Carter Minsk accords, a ceasefire and peace plan 2015. In the meantime, mainland Ukraine Crimean Tatar minority, right across the said is aimed at five major challenges faced aimed at resolving the war in eastern continued to trade with the peninsula in Black Sea from this Turkic-speaking nation- by the U.S. military: Russia, China, North Ukraine. “Instead, we can see 8,000 Russian line with the law on the Crimean free eco- ality’s Russian-occupied homeland. As Mr. Korea, Iran and the extremist Islamic State soldiers with Russian commanders in our nomic area, which was signed by President Poroshenko went to Davos, he dispatched group. The $3.4 billion would come under a country, new military sites directly along Poroshenko in September 2014, and to his security aide Oleksandr Turchynov to program the White House is calling the the border, and constant military trainings,” supply electricity there according to con- Turkey. There, Mr. Turchynov said Ukraine European Reassurance Initiative. The he said. “Russia is investing a lot in these tracts signed with Russia in December and Turkey could join diplomatic, economic defense secretary said the program would war preparations.” Mr. Poroshenko, met 2014. and military efforts in order to respond to bolster the U.S. military presence in Eastern German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin This changed after Ukrainian troops and what he termed “the upsetting of the power Europe, including more U.S. units rotating on February 1. Berlin is growing increas- Moscow-backed rebels in the Donbas equilibrium” in the region. Crimea’s demili- into Europe, more training and exercises, ingly suspicious that Russia is trying to began to observe a ceasefire in September tarization and de-occupation could be an more military equipment positioned in cause trouble in Germany to try to weaken 2015. Kyiv started to fear that, because of important step in this direction, he said allied states, and more infrastructure this reduction in day-to-day violence, the (Rnbo.gov.ua, January 21). improvements. “We’re reinforcing our pos- (Continued on page 20) West would relinquish pressure on Kyiv has also moved to remind multina- Moscow and eventually lift its sanctions on tional corporations about Crimea’s status. Russia. But then, in November and Ukrainian prosecutors have launched an December of last year, electric power line investigation into the publications by Coca- HE KRAINIAN EEKLY FOUNDED 1933 pylons were repeatedly blown up in south- Cola and Pepsico of online maps showing T U W ern Ukraine, apparently by individuals con- Crimea as part of the Russian Federation An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., nected to Ukrainian far-right groups, caus- last year. Ukrainian National Deputy a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. ing a black-out in Crimea. The Ukrainian Heorhy Lohvynsky, who broke the news on Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. government then stopped supplying fur- Facebook, said officials of the two compa- Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. ther electricity to Crimea and imposed an nies could wind up behind bars (Liga.net, (ISSN — 0273-9348) economic blockade (see EDM, January 6). January 21). Local reports suggest that cer- This brought Crimea back into the head- tain multinational automakers might also The Weekly: UNA: lines and raised the levels of frustration end up in legal trouble in Ukraine for the Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 among ordinary Crimeans. Objective mea- same reason (Ukranews.com, January 6). Postmaster, send address changes to: surements of public opinion are impossible Russia has thus far shown little reaction The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz in Crimea nowadays, as a dubious New to Kyiv’s activity in the Crimean direction. 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Year’s Eve opinion poll conducted there by Mr. Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, P.O. Box 280 Kremlin pollsters has demonstrated (Rbc. asked to comment on the initiative to start Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] ru, January 1; News.allcrimea.net, January talks in the Geneva format, flatly dismissed 3). Nonetheless, anecdotal evidence strong- the idea. The problem of Crimea does not The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com ly suggests that the vast majority of the exist, so there is nothing to discuss, accord- peninsula’s inhabitants have no interest in ing to Mr. Peskov (RIA Novosti, January 21). The Ukrainian Weekly, February 7, 2016, No. 6, Vol. LXXXIV Crimea being restored to Ukraine. In Moscow’s official discourse, there are no Copyright © 2016 The Ukrainian Weekly Most recently, however, Kyiv has begun doubts about Crimea being part of Russia; to mount a diplomatic offensive on the and a military solution is out of the ques- Crimea issue. Meeting with foreign ambas- tion. The return of Crimea will, thus, be an ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA sadors on January 12, President uphill struggle for Kyiv. Poroshenko called for the launch of an Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 international mechanism to “de-occupy” The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] Crimea. He warned against postponing the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 solution of the Crimean issue, adding that its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] international pressure should not let up www.jamestown.org. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Confrontation with the West becomes personal for Putin – and inescapable

by Pavel K. Baev Strictly speaking, there is nothing new in grow and could even acquire a political A more radical message came from the statement that Mr. Putin is presiding character (Slon.ru, January 29). Indeed, this Chechnya, where republican head Ramzan Eurasia Daily Monitor over a system of state-organized corrup- winter, the series of protests by Russian Kadyrov declared that the U.S. accusations Reporting in the Western media that the tion, or in the assumption that the chain of truck drivers against new taxes had con- against Mr. Putin amounted to launching a United States government was linking command in dirty special operations leads spicuously challenged Russians’ habit of “real war” against Russia (Rbc.ru, January Russian President Vladimir Putin to cor- directly to him. Alexei Navalny, the fearless passively accepting legitimized injustice; 29). Nothing is a step too far in the furious ruption has rocked Russian domestic poli- Russian anti-corruption campaigner, and new protest actions are planned for the information campaign that Mr. Kadyrov has tics. Specifically, a recent BBC documentary argues that the enforcement of sanctions coming weeks (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, launched in the last few weeks, positioning carried remarks to this effect by Acting U.S. against such Kremlin-friendly oligarchs as January 28). himself as a leader in the “war” against the Treasury Department Undersecretary Gennady Timchenko and brothers Arkady Meanwhile, worries about fast-growing domestic opposition (Novaya Gazeta, Adam J. Szubin, who heads the Office of and Boris Rotenberg means that the U.S. flu outbreaks in Russia have convinced January 27). Intelligence and Analysis (Slon.ru, January authorities are perfectly aware of the inner many in the country that corrupt interests This does not necessarily endear him to 26). The real shock came, however, when workings of the Russian system of corrup- were behind the shortage of elementary the wider Kremlin, where Mr. Putin’s the White House rather matter-of-factly tion and of Mr. Putin’s role in it (Moscow medication, as well as the ban on imports “siloviki” (security services personnel) may confirmed Mr. Szubin’s stated opinion that Echo, January 29). of many kinds of needed drugs entertain similar ideas about suppressing the Russian president was personally The Russian elites’ predatory appetites (Kommersant, January 29). Furthermore, discontent with more determined repres- involved in shady deals (Kommersant, have not diminished at all, despite the sorry Muscovites are growing angry about the sions and exterminating particularly bold January 29). state of the country’s economy. And the key hugely expensive business project, initiated “traitors,” but cannot tolerate Mr. Kadyrov’s Mr. Putin’s press secretary Dmitry issue for serious conversations among by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, to pave the capi- ambition to champion the case of a “firm Peskov called these allegations “unaccept- insiders is presently the distribution of tal city’s sidewalks with tiles, which have hand.” Moreover, the security services are able,” as well as “outrageous and insulting” money, which the government will have to proven to be dangerously slippery in the increasingly wary of his personal “army” of (RIA Novosti, January 29), while Russian produce to rescue the “starving” state cor- winter (Moskovsky Komsomolets, January some 20,000 armed, para-military person- Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a porations and banks (Politcom.ru, January 29). nel (Carnegie.ru, January 28). telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary 29). The latest “Corruption Perception The combination of these irritants is Mr. Putin, on the other hand, remains of State John Kerry, described the accusa- Index” released by Transparency generating a noticeable shift in public opin- ambivalent to Mr. Kadyrov’s brazen tions as “fanciful and rude” and complained International awarded Russia 119th place ion: only 45 percent of respondents now attempts to shape the big political agenda. about a “deliberate escalation of tensions” out of 168 (together with Azerbaijan and believe that the country is proceeding in But he is even more reluctant to subscribe coming from Washington (Newsru.com, Sierra-Leone), noting that embezzlement in the “right direction,” from the peak of 66 to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s gov- January 29). Russia has now converged with govern- percent in mid-2014 (Levada.ru, January ernment’s timid suggestions for reforms The resonance of this scandal is bolstered ment repression (Novaya Gazeta, January 27). (Polit.ru, January 28). The main mechanism by the fact that it exploded only a week after 28). This trend is moving so fast that the for his decision-making now is not the gov- British judge Sir Robert M. Owen announced Concern over negative repercussions authorities can neither respond to the ernment but the Security Council, where the conclusion of the United Kingdom’s helps explain Russians’ reluctance to pro- exploding problems nor pre-empt new the siloviki are in the majority and his loyal investigation into the murder of Alexander test wide-scale systemic corruption in their ones, except by recycling the government’s subordinate Nikolai Patrushev is in charge Litvinenko, which established that Mr. Putin country. But as the economic crisis eats well-worn rhetoric about its relentless of the paperwork (Carnegie.ru, January 28). himself had “probably” ordered it deeper into their incomes, the Russian pop- struggle against corruption (Kommersant, (Ezhednevny Zhurnal, January 22). ulation’s irritation will likely continue to January 26). (Continued on page 23) WINDOW ON EURASIA Quotable notes

“The Minsk agreements, negotiated over two Vilnius at 25: What the West rounds in September 2014 and February 2015, were supposed to signal the way out of the ‘Ukrainian cri- sis,’ in which Russia-backed separatists sought to and the Russians have forgotten overrun eastern Ukraine and bring it under Russian sovereignty. The problem is that what’s happening by Paul Goble currently is seeking to expand abroad as in and isn’t a crisis of Ukraine’s making but the result of mili- Ukraine. tary, economic and political aggression against it from Lithuanians and all those who love freedom around the For its own convenience, the West has preferred not to Moscow. … world are remembering what happened in Vilnius a quar- recognize that reality, choosing instead to accept Stalin’s “The Minsk agreements contain requirements for ter of a century ago: the brutal killing by Soviet forces of 13 hierarchy of nations – only those he gave union republic both the Ukrainian side and the separatists and peaceful Lithuanians at the TV tower, an act that accelerat- status to are somehow deserving of independence – and to Russia. These encompass matters of security such as ed the drive to the recovery of Baltic independence and to ignore Mr. Putin’s ever harsher repression of the non-Rus- the truce, the withdrawal of heavy armor, and open the destruction of what was truly an evil empire. sians at home and abroad. access to members of the Organization for Security It is important to recall what happened on January 13, In a commentary on Kasparov.ru, Yevgeny Ikhlov calls and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). There is also a 1991, and especially the courage of Vytautas Landsbergis attention to this forgotten, or at least ignored, reality. He political dimension, which calls for decentralization and thousands of ordinary Lithuanians in standing up to a argues that the new cold war that has emerged won’t end and the holding of local elections. But how can we brutal system and claiming their right to freedom and as quickly and easily as the old one because of what has push for political reforms and decentralization when independence. But it may be equally important for the changed since 1991 and equally what has not (kasparov. Russian military equipment is still in the streets of future to remember what both the West and many ru/material.php?id=5695 1EAED183B). Donetsk and Luhansk, and when international moni- Russians appear to have forgotten. The West’s doctrine during the first Cold War, the tors have no access to these territories? How can we Not the details of those now long-ago events (those will Moscow commentator points out, was not just the rolling ensure that commitments will be kept when the always slip from memory with time) but rather two under- back of communism but also the liberation of the nations it aggressor isn’t even acknowledged as a party to the lying realities that most Western leaders and populations had enslaved. The new cold war, he argues, is different not conflict? In a word, how can we guarantee the condi- and most Russians now seem committed to forgetting, only because of who its participants are but because of tions to implement the Minsk agreements? The first realities that the deaths at the television tower should how they are approaching the conflict. step must be to ensure security through a true cease- compel both to remember – and even more, to act upon. “The second cold war,” he writes, “was begun by a coun- fire. ... What the West has forgotten is precisely what the try [the Russian Federation] which was freed from com- “It is unrealistic to demand elections when the only Vilnius events underscored: the Cold War, in which the munism and which had obtained democracy but which ones enjoying freedom of movement and access Western powers had been engaged for more than 40 years, voluntarily returned to the path of the tsars and general aren’t Ukrainian political parties, Ukrainian media or was not simply about overthrowing the Communist dicta- secretaries in their imperial opposition to the West.” the Ukrainian people, but Russia-supplied tanks. … torship. It was also about the liberation of peoples who had According to Mr. Ikhlov, there aren’t any more peoples “Moscow’s formula of ‘borders mean nothing, peo- been occupied and oppressed by Moscow. to be “saved.” Instead, “there is a revanchist empire that ple do’ may initially sound very European, but in real- Those two goals reinforced one another, but many in the must be destroyed… For the end of the first Cold War, it ity it undermines international law. The occupation of West prefer to forget the second because it is all too was sufficient for the West to assure itself that the USSR Crimea is a proof of that. Only after security condi- obvious that it has not been fully achieved. The Russian had rejected the chimera of communism, world revolution tions are in place can we focus on constitutional Federation under Vladimir Putin remains an evil empire at and dictatorship of the proletariat.” reforms and decentralization.” home, suppressing dozens of non-Russian nations, and Now, however, the West will have to demand that Russia undergo “a political and geopolitical transformation” that – Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Linas Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on ethnic and reli- will “forever deprive it of the possibility of threatening the Linkevicius, writing in the Wall Street Journal on gious questions in Eurasia. The article above is reprinted West or its neighbors.” And consequently, he suggests, the January 27 in an op-ed headlined “Security Before with permission from his blog called “Window on Eurasia” Politics in Eastern Ukraine.” (http://windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/). (Continued on page 19) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6 No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM UNA welcomes UAYA carolers At St. Nicholas event in New Haven, children receive gifts from the UNA

Matthew Dubas PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Carolers from the Ukrainian American Youth Association branch in Jersey City, N.J., visited the Home Office of the Ukrainian National Association on Monday, January 18. The UAYA branch has maintained its 40-year caroling tradition with an annual stop at the UNA. Seasonal favorites such as “Boh Predvichny” and “Boh sia Razhdaye,” were followed up with greetings from various carolers to the UNA’s executive board and staff. NEW HAVEN, Conn. – As part of the St. Nicholas play presented by stu- dents of St. Michael’s School of Ukrainian Studies on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven, Woonsocket hosts St. Nicholas Conn., students and young guests were presented gifts. Some of the recipients who received gifts from Gloria Horbaty, UNA advisor and branch financial secretary, were (from left) Bohdan Gildea, Arti VanWilgin, Kalyna Zastawsky, Tristan (Horbaty) Young, Maksym Zastawsky and Andrij Maksymiuk. – Gloria Horbaty Mission Statement

The Ukrainian National Association exists: • to promote the principles of fraternalism; • to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and to provide quality financial services and products WOONSOCKET, R.I. – Ukrainian National Association Branch 241 of Woonsocket, R.I., hosted its • annual St. Nicholas celebration for the children of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church on Sunday, to its members. December 7, 2015. Msgr. Roman Golemba greeted the youngsters. Lydia Zuk-Klufas and Lydia As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian Kusma Minyayluk planned the program performed by the children, which included a play, poems and National Association reinvests its earnings for the musical entertainment. The parents prepared a delicious buffet luncheon. The highlight of the event was the arrival of St. Nicholas and his distribution of gifts to the children. benefit of its members and the Ukrainian community. – Lydia Kusma Minyayluk

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: December 2015 Donations received as part of UNA Christmas Card project Amount Name City State Melnyk, N Fullerton CA Hlady, Michael Dearborn MI $100.00 Clebovicz, Walter Kensington CT Mostowycz, Oksana Ponte Verda Beach FL Holuka, Alexandra Flushing NY Dykyj, Daria Forest Hills NY Nachesty, Stephen Northampton PA Koliszynskyj, Ludmyla Chicago IL Kyzyma, George Dresher PA Nowak, Irene Milwaukee WI Kuzmenko, Tonia Philadelphia PA Mulak-Yatzkivsky, Arkadi Yucaipa, CA Paschen, Gloria Elgin IL Leoczko, Natalia Matthews NC Wedmid, Yuri & Nina Bound Brook NJ Puzyk, Bohdan Osprey FL Lutwiniak, Patricia Sunrise FL $50.00 Jarko, Mykola Union NJ Rapawy, Stephen N Bethesda MD Maciukenas, Natalie Portland OR Kish, Steven N Arlington NJ Rasiak, Ruslan Leesburg VA Malyj, Mark Huntingdon Valley PA Sarachmon, Irene Woonsocket RI Rudins, Lydia Falls Church VA Mutlos, George Halandale Beach FL $40.00 Gamota, Christine San Jose CA Samotulka, Daria Hillsborough NJ Poletz, Valentina St.Anthony MN $30.00 Kowalysko, Michael Gaitersburg MD Senyk, Joseph Cobbs Creek VA Romanyshyn, Peter Arvada CO $25.00 Andrushkiv, Vera Troy MI Singura, Zenon Carteret NJ Slysh, Roman Raleigh NC Bilak, Roman Kenosha WI Sumrall, Andrea Sugar Land TX Smith, Christine Harrisburg PA Bonacorsa, Christina Belleville NJ Swanson, Ann Palo Alto CA $5.00 Bortnyk, John Forked River NJ Chapelsky, Orest Ann Arbor MI Sydorak, Gerald Hillsborough CA Charyton, Christine Columbus OH Craig, Anastasia Reseda CA Zarycky, Marie Warren MI Krislatyj, Maria Cleveland OH Diaczuk, Zenko Boonton NJ $20.00 Allen, Alexandra Fort Myers FL Lovell, Adrianna Monroe Falls OH Durbak, Marie Chicago IL Czartorysky, Victor Brooklyn NY Metrowsky,Walter Warren NJ Dushnyck, Mark Bedminster NJ Kaczmarek, Jan Fallston MD Milinichik, W Whitehall PA Hawrylko, Tom Clifton NJ Kilar, Roman N Fort Myers FL Petriv, Vsevolod Madden MA Holowinsky, Natalia Somerset NJ Locke, Anya Liverpool NY Holubec, Lev Oak Brook IL $15.00 Gela, George Pittsfi eld MA TOTAL: $1,950.00 Hrycyk, Ann Syracuse NY Kociuba, Lubomyr Mt.Laurel NJ Jakubowycz, S Brick NJ Kuropas, Bohdan Hickory NC Sincere thanks to all contributors Kebalo, Marta Jamaica NY Mykyta, Roman Eatontown NJ to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. Kulyk, Teofi l Plant City FL Rudnyk-Mackenzie, Romana Los Angeles CA Kusznir, John Douglasville PA Sawchak, George Royal PA The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only Levytska, Vera New York NY Wolowacz, Peter Brooklyn NY fund dedicated exclusively to supporting Melnitchenko, Helena & Eugene Owings MD $10.00 Cisyk, Donald Staten Island NY the work of this publication. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

A resignation... Western ambassadors disappointed over resignation of Abromavicius (Continued from page 1) The following “Joint Statement on the Resignation of of a broad and inclusive team of dedicated professionals in Ukraine’s market for Eurobonds, or Ukrainian government debt Minister of Economic Development and Trade Aivaras who put the Ukrainian peoples’ interests above their denominated in U.S. dollars, indicating just how much confidence Abromavicius” was issued on February 3 by the ambas- own. It is important that Ukraine’s leaders set aside the business community had in Mr. Abromavicius. sadors to Ukraine of Canada, , Germany, , their parochial differences, put the vested interests that “The creation of a technocratic government was a precondition , , , the United Kingdom have hindered the country’s progress for decades for the West offering the Ukrainian government its support,” said and the United States of America. The text below was squarely in the past, and press forward on vital reforms. Petro Oleshchuk, a political science lecturer at Taras Shevchenko circulated by the U.S. Embassy Kyiv. National University in Kyiv. Ambassador of Canada Roman Waschuk Mr. Abromavicius is not the first Ukrainian politician to gain U.S. We are deeply disappointed by the resignation of Ambassador of the Republic of France backing amid scandal. In late December, Ambassador Pyatt spoke Minister for Economic Development and Trade Aivaras Isabelle Dumont out in defense of Deputy Procurator Generals David Sakvarelidze Abromavicius, who has delivered real reform results for Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and Vitaliy Kasko, whose efforts at anti-corruption reform were Ukraine. During the past year, Abromavicius and his Christof Weil being subverted by the prosecutor general’s leadership. professional team have made important strides – Ambassador of Italy Fabrizio Romano Rumors have since persistently circulated that the U.S. govern- implementing tough but necessary economic reforms Ambassador of Lithuania Marius Janukonis ment has requested the resignation of Procurator General Viktor to help stabilize Ukraine’s economy, root out endemic Ambassador of Sweden Andreas von Beckerath Shokin, only to be met with Mr. Poroshenko’s refusals. corruption, bring Ukraine into compliance with its IMF Ambassador of Switzerland Guillaume Scheurer Mr. Abromavicius could have resigned earlier given that corrup- program obligations, and promote more openness and Ambassador of the United Kingdom Judith Gough tion had been lingering since the first days of the new Cabinet in transparency in government. Ukraine’s stable, secure Ambassador of the United States of America December 2014, Mr. Oleshchuk said. The timing of his departure and prosperous future will require the sustained efforts Geoffrey R. Pyatt could be related to the current talks to reshuffle the Cabinet of Ministers, analysts said. Mr. Mefford said Mr. Abromavicius was being considered for the post of vice prime minister for euro-integration, a post that has yet Ukraine’s economy... Western reaction to be filled despite repeated demands from Western governments. In a tweet upon news of the resignation, U.S. Yet the motivation would have been to get the anti-corruption (Continued from page 1) Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt described Mr. reformer in Brussels and away from meddling in Kyiv, he noted. their power and sometimes even more,” Prime Abromavicius as “one of [the] main reformers” and In the view of Mr. Berezovets, Mr. Abromavicius’s resignation was Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk told a Cabinet meeting. said, “Reforms must continue.” timed to force early parliamentary elections in which Mikheil The government is “a fire and Yatsenyuk himself is Saakashvili, the head of the Odesa Oblast State Administration, One of three foreign-born ministers in the ring of fire,” political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko wants to field his own anti-corruption party. Mr. Abromavicius, a 40-year-old former asset man- told the Reuters news agency. He also suggested there “I saw them eating lunch yesterday in a restaurant in the ager, was one of several foreigners appointed to official is currently insufficient support in parliament for an Pechersk district,” Mr. Berezovets told the gazeta.ua news site on posts as part of Ukraine’s attempts to pull the country alternative to Mr. Yatsenyuk. February 3. “It’s known that Saakashvili and [Poroshenko Bloc First away from its Soviet past, recover from Russia’s seizure Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Eurobonds slumped on the Deputy Parliamentary Chair Ihor] Kononenko have a long-running personal conflict. Obviously, in speaking with Abromavicius, he of Crimea and kick-start a reform process. news of Mr. Abromavicius’s resignation over concern stressed what needs to be done and convinced him to accuse Mr. His departure leaves two foreign-born ministers, among investors that Kyiv’s commitment to imple- Kononenko of corruption.” U.S.-born Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko and ment reforms might fade, threatening to derail a $40 Georgia-born Health Minister Aleksandr Kvitashvili. The foreign-born ministers in government – to whom Mr. billion aid-for-reforms deal championed by the Berezovets referred as “Vikings” in a reference to the rulers of Kyiv- Former Georgian President , International Monetary Fund (IMF), United States, and who has since taken on Ukrainian citizenship, is gov- Rus’ – have the common goal of “dislodging the old elite,” which is European Union. ernor of the Odesa region and has played an oversize also supported by Western governments, Mr. Berezovets said. Initial government estimates show Ukraine’s econ- public role in Ukrainian politics. Mr. Saakashvili is currently leading a national civic organization, Mr. Abromavicius’s resignation came amid parlia- omy shrinking by more than 10 percent last year. “Movement for Ukraine’s Cleansing,” which is reportedly being sup- mentary anger with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk’s gov- ported by the U.S. as an alternative to the current political parties, ernment and infighting among political interests tied With reporting by AFP, Reuters and Bloomberg. which are mired in corruption. to powerful tycoons. Copyright 2016, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the per- The plan is for the movement to evolve into a political party for There has also been growing public discontent that mission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 early parliamentary elections expected this year, Mr. Berezovets the pro-Western government has not delivered on Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl. said. It will include sincere reformers, including the group of 15 promises to stamp out corruption, raising the pros- org (see http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-econo- national deputies of the Poroshenko Bloc who launched the Anti- pect of a ministerial reshuffle. my-minister-resigns/27529578.html). Corruption Platform in late November 2015.

appeals were a coordinated political attack Oleshchuk and Basarab. the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as this Halychyna... on the president, which at the same time Although very few European leaders undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity, has the support of Halychyna residents. have voiced opposition to Donbas self-gov- especially given demands from the West (Continued from page 1) Even Ukraine’s Western allies don’t have ernance, a growing number are acknowl- about elections. How can decentralization the amendments, drawing a fierce protest a unanimous position on local self-gover- edging that the first step of elections can’t take place before de-escalation? There from the Svoboda party during which a gre- nance, which is why it’s no surprise that be taken yet. must be some logical sequence to the nade was thrown, killing four National opposition from pro-Western Ukrainians “It is unrealistic to demand elections 13-point plan of the Minsk agreements.” Guardsmen and injuring about 140. has been swelling, he said. The Lviv and when the only ones enjoying freedom of Only 23 percent of Ukrainians support The party blamed the attack on the gov- Ternopil councils “are not basing their posi- movement and access aren’t Ukrainian the self-governance as it’s currently pro- ernment and went on to success in the tion on the EU but their own view that this political parties, Ukrainian media or the posed, according to a poll conducted in October 2015 local elections, securing fac- is dangerous,” Mr. Oleshchuk said. Ukrainian people, but Russia-supplied November 2015 by the Razumkov Center, a tions in the Kyiv and Lviv councils. Its mem- Indeed, the Ternopil City Council’s tanks,” Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister leading, Western-financed think tank in Kyiv. bers were also targeted with arrests, which appeal criticizes Mr. Hollande and Ms. Linas Linkevicius underscored in an opin- Ms. Olexy commented: “The semantics they alleged was a campaign of political Merkel for “trying to force the international ion piece published in the Wall Street of what ‘special status’ would entail for the persecution. community to recognize the pseudo-states, Journal on January 27. occupied territories will be worked out as The January appeals by the Lviv Oblast the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk peo- This view was echoed by Tamara Olexy, part of the reconciliation process reinte- and Ternopil city councils come from the ple’s republics, that are fully controlled by the president of the Ukrainian Congress grating the occupied territories with region of Ukraine that is most loyal to the the Kremlin.” Committee of America. Ukraine’s proposed European style of self- West. “Understanding the importance of “One is mistaken if they believe free elec- governance. I take more issue with allow- “But even though is loyal approving constitutional amendments for tions can currently be held in Donetsk and ing a foreign government to dictate changes to the EU and NATO and hopeful for entry, decentralization, the need for which we Luhansk. There can be no free elections in to Ukraine’s Constitution without a nation- that doesn’t entail their automatic approval understand best at the local level, we call the Donbas as long as Russian-sponsored al mandate. The specifics of Ukraine’s of Western diplomatic initiatives, particular- on you – in the defense of the interests of terrorists and their tanks roam the streets, Constitution are for Ukrainians to decide, ly those that make concessions to Russian Ukraine and Ukrainians – not to vote for heavy artillery remains in the area and the not foreign occupiers.” aggression in Donbas,” noted Mr. Basarab. constitutional amendments on the special border remains open. Control must be In a brief statement to The Weekly, The similar wording of the Lviv and status of Donbas, under any circumstances, returned to Ukraine, including Crimea, which Eugene Czolij, president of the Ukrainian Ternopil appeals led analysts to believe no matter what it’s called,” the appeal said. is illegally occupied by Russia, and OSCE World Congress, said: “The Ukrainian they were coordinated by those parties Such appeals aren’t likely to emerge in international observers must be given unfet- World Congress continues to support the opposed to the president, largely owing to central Ukraine, where the Poroshenko tered access to monitor the situation,” she governing authorities, the armed forces his handling of the Donbas war. They Bloc controls the majority of the local coun- said in a statement to The Ukrainian Weekly. and the people of Ukraine in their efforts to include Self-Reliance, Svoboda, Oleh cils, Mr. Oleshchuk said. In the Halychyna Diaspora leaders did not go as far as the protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity Liashko’s Radical Party, Batkivshchyna, region, however, “any politician supporting Halychyna councils did in opposing the against Russian aggression, including Ukrop and Civic Position. compromise and special status would be establishment of Donbas self-governance through the Minsk Agreements, with the The deputies representing these forces committing political suicide,” he added. whether or not Russia upholds its end of support of the international community.” make up 65 percent of the Lviv Oblast Council Before the constitutional amendments the Minsk accords. Ukrainian Canadian Congress President and 74 percent of the Ternopil City Council. can be voted on however, the president Ms. Olexy said: “In theory I am not Paul Grod did not respond to repeated In the view of Petro Oleshchuk, a politi- needs to organize local elections in the against the concept of ‘special status.’ inquiries from The Weekly regarding the cal science lecturer at Taras Shevchenko Donbas, a move that will likely draw violent However, given the ongoing war in Ukraine, UCC position on local self-governance for National University in Kyiv, the January opposition, in the view of both Messrs. I strongly oppose giving special status to the Donbas. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 7

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW The year in sports: Ukraine and the diaspora lthough Dnipropetrovsk’s Europa League final on May 26 was a 3-2 loss to Spain’s Seville on Athe pitch in Warsaw, Poland, one can pitch the notion it was a win for Ukrainians everywhere – and a highlight of sports news in 2015. Fans who could not afford the trip were awarded trans- portation and tickets by the club. It was a great opportunity for Ukrainian sports fans affected by Russia’s aggression to escape, cheer for their countrymen and lift their spirits. The pro-Ukraine crowd in Warsaw voiced loud displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The expression of solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression – during a major European soccer event that attracts mil- lions of viewers worldwide – was a diplomatic slap in the face to Russia with soccer as the medium. Quite a contrast to Russia using the Sochi Olympics to high-five the “nor- malcy” of Russian expansionism, only to invade Crimea during the Paralympic Games. It is during times like this that soccer is more than a sport – it can serve as an interna- tional venue, a forum on world events – where fans can passionately cheer for their team while exuberantly show- ing support for their homeland. In Olympics news, Serhiy Bubka announced on January 29 that he would challenge Sebastian Coe for the presi- Ukraine’s Alpine skiers (from left) Dmytro Mytsak, Olha Knysh, Rostyslav Feshchuk, Tetyana Tikun, Ivan dency of the IAAF. The challenge proved unsuccessful. Kovbasnyuk and Bogdana Matsotska, competed at the World Alpine Ski Championships on February 2-16, in A shocker occurred in late November when boxing Beaver Creek, Colo., with some financial assistance from the Tryzub Ukrainian American Sport Center. champion Wladimir Klitschko lost his four heavyweight titles to challenger Tyson Fury. Nonetheless there were Meetings. Oleksiy Kasyanov won first place in the men’s 5-15. Varvynets won gold in the women’s 25-km sprint at many gold medals won, victories to celebrate and sporting and at the TNTExpress Meeting in the IBM Cup in Italy on December 10-13. events to commemorate during 2015. men’s decathlon on June 12-13 in Kladno, . In BOXING, cruiserweight Alexander Usyk defeated Here’s our highlight package in sports, beginning with our Ukraine won 46 medals – eight of them gold – at the Baku Andrey Kayazev on April 18 in Kyiv when the challenger sports writer’s annual The Ukrainian Weekly Sports Awards: 2015 European Games on June 12-28. Ukraine was repre- showed no more fight in him after seven punishing sented by 241 athletes among 6,000 competitors from 50 rounds. The win earned Usyk the WBO Intercontinental - nations. Ukraine won 31 medals (eight gold) at the 2015 title. Wladimir Klitschko outpointed Bryant Jennings in mic• gymnastics.Male Athlete of the Year – Oleg Verniaiev, gymnastics. Gwanju student youth games on July 3-14 in . the champion’s first U.S. fight in seven years, successfully • Female Athlete of the Year – Anna Rizatdinova, rhyth Artistic gymnast Oleg Verniaiev won six medals (three defending his five heavyweight titles with a unanimous gold) – the best total for any individual competitor. First decision on April 25. The heavyweight title fight held in •Below, Coach in of alphabetical the Year – Serhiy order Rebrov, by sports, is a listing Kyiv. of the place Ukrainian winners at the IAAF World Challenge New York’s Madison Square Garden was almost as much top• sports Team ofachievements the Year – Dynamo of the year. Kyiv, soccer. Meeting in Italy on September 13 included Anastasia about the Ukrainian fight against separatists/Russia as it Ukraine’s women’s team won gold at the ARCHERY Tkachuk (800 m), Yulia Chumachenko () and was about boxing. Ukrainian flags, posters, chants and World Outdoor Championships in Denmark on August 1, Krystyna Hruskutyna (long jump). songs garnered much exposure in print, local and cable their first ever outdoor victory. Tampa Bay’s third baseman, Evan Longoria, Ukrainian television, as well as social media. Featherweight WBO Olesya Povkh won gold in the women’s 60-m race at the on his mother Ellie’s side, is a true franchise player – the champion Vasyl Lomachenko won by ninth-round KO Russian Winter IAAF (International Association of face of the BASEBALL Rays. against Gamaliaer Rodriguez on May 2 in Las Vegas, a bout ATHLETICS Federations) Indoor Meeting on February 1. Kelly Olynyk shows lots of promise for the rebuilding more exciting than the hyped Mayweather-Pacquiao Nataliya Pyhyda won gold in the women’s 400-m race on Boston Celtics, while Alex Len proved himself worthy of a headliner fight. Usyk bested Johnny Muller in a 3-round March 5-8 at the European Athletics Indoor No. 5 overall National BASKETBALL Association draft TKO on August 29 in Kyiv to retain his WBO Championships in . Alina Fyodorova won first place pick in his second pro season. Intercontinental title. Viktor Postol won by KO against in the women’s shotput. Anna Mischenko won gold in the Ukraine’s women’s relay BIATHLON team Juliya Lucas Martin Mtthysse on October 3 in Carson, Calif., win- women’s 1,500-m race with a time of 4:0709 seconds. Olha Dzhyma, Natalya Burgyda, Valj Semerenko and Iryna ning the WBC super lightweight title. Welterweight Taras Zemlyak won gold in the women’s 400-m race (52.13 sec- Varvynets) won first place in the 4x6-km relay at the IBU Shelestyuk won by unanimous decision against Aslanbek onds) at the AADrink FBK-Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, Open European championships on January 27-February 3. Kozaev on November 6 in Las Vegas. Shelestyuk holds the on May 24. Mischenko won gold in the women’s 1500-m Anna Kryvonos, 17, won gold in the 10-km individual WBA, WBO and NABO welterweight titles. Lomachenko race at the 2015 IAAF World Challenge in on May event at the Junior World Biathlon Championship in retained his featherweight title against Romulo Koasicha 20. won gold in high jump (2:24 m) Belarus on February 18. Valentyna Semerenko won gold on November 7 in Las Vegas. In a shocking result, heavy- on May 26 at the 54th Ostrava Golden Spike event in the in the women’s 12.5-km mass start, finishing in 34:32.9 weight champ Wladimir Klitschko was outpointed by Czech Republic as part of the IAAF World Challenge seconds at the World Championships in on March Tyson Fury in Dusseldorf, Germany on November 28, los- ing his WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO titles. It was his first loss since April 2004. Usyk retained his cruiserweight title by 7th round TKO of Pedro Rodriguez in Cuba on December 12. Dmytro Ianchuk and Taras Mishchuk won gold in the men’s 1,000-m CANOE sprint at the European Canoe Association Championships in the Czech Republic on May 1-3. A four-member Ukrainian team won first place in the men’s U-23 C-4 Canoe Sprint (500 m) at the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Sprint Championships in on July 23-26. Ukraine’s junior competitors won seven medals (one gold) and the under-23 team won three medals (two gold). Liudmyla Luzan won first place in the junior women’s 500-m C-1 race. Maria Muzychuk won the CHESS world championship in Sochi, Russia on April 5, earning the title of Grandmaster with a FIDE score of 2528. Nataliya Buksa, 19, won the World Junior U-20 Championships in Russia on September 1-16, finishing with 10 points in the final. Veronika Veremyuk, 8, won the European Chess Junior Championship in Croatia on September 20-October 1. In CYCLING, Andrei Grivko raced in the 2015 Tour de France and continues to be outspoken in his support for his homeland’s ongoing conflict with the separatists and Russia. NOCU Ukraine’s women’s saber team (Olga Kharlan, Alina WBO Intercontinental Cruiserweight champion Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame Komashchuk, Olena Kravatska and Olga Zhovnir ) won first Oleksander Usyk sports a title belt after winning Legendary NHL goaltender Terry Sawchuk was the place at the World Cup in Athens on February 2. Kharlan against Andrey Knyazev of Russia at the Sports Palace subject of a docu-drama by Danny Schur that pre- won first place at the Moscow Saber Grand Prix on May in Kyiv on April 18. miered on September 26. 29-31 in Moscow. Kharlan won first place in the women’s 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW saber event at the FENCING Grand Prix in South Korea on March 28. Ukraine’s women’s saber team (Kharlan, Olena Voronina, Kravatska and Halyna Pundyk) won the World Cup of Fencing in Orleans, France, on November 1. Ukraine’s junior men’s epee team won gold at the World Cup team challenge in Slovakia on November 28. GYMNASTICS saw Oleh Verniaiev win first place in the AT&T American Cup on March 7 with a score of 90.597 pts., including first place in parallel bars. Verniaiev won gold at the 2015 World Challenge Cup final in Slovenia on April 3-5. Rhythmic gymnast Anna Rizatdinova won gold in Padna, Italy, on December 5. Angelina Kysla and Verniaiev won first place in the combined team event at the Swiss Cup in Zurich on November 8. Verniaiev won first place in the men’s all- around (four events) at the 32nd Arthur Gander Memorial tournament in Switzerland on November 4. Look for Jayce Hawryluk on the Florida Panthers’ roster in the National HOCKEY League in 2016-17 after he com- Chicago’s FC Connection, winner of the Great Lakes Cup soccer tournament held on June 27-28 at Dibrova Park pletes his goal-filled juniors career. Two-time Stanley Cup in Brighton, Mich. champion Ruslan Fedotenko fled the KHL to sign with March 2-8. Ihor Kizyma, Volodymyr Strutskyi and Dmytro Chicago KICS Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament Minnesota’s AHL affiliate, Iowa Wild, in hopes of returning Melnyk won gold in the 10-m running target men’s junior held on July 19-26. to the NHL. Curtis Lazar (Ottawa), Hunter Shinkaruk team shooting event. At the 2015 FINA Masters in Kazan, Russia on August (Vancouver) and Morgan Klimchuk (Calgary) were three Oleksandr Abramenko won the Freestyle SKIING World 5-16, Georgiy Chizhevskiy took first place in the 200-m young Ukrainians selected in the first round of the 2013 Cup in Minsk on March 3, scoring 117.70 + 122.62 points. breaststroke. Mykhailo Romanchuk won first in the men’s NHL draft. Arguably the best goaltender ever to play in the Andriy Pavelko was selected the new president of 1,550-m freestyle race at the 2015 World SWIMMING NHL, Terry Sawchuk, is having his story told in the form of a Ukraine’s Football Federation on March 6, getting 122 out of Championships in Qatar on November 2-3. movie being produced by Winnipeg-native Danny Schur. 137 votes. Two Ukrainian SOCCER clubs, Dynamo Kyiv and Elina Svitolina, a rising in women’s TENNIS, was only Goalie Devan Dubnyk’s resurgence led to a new, six-year Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk advanced to the quarterfinals of the the second-ever teenager to win multiple WTA titles with $25 million contract with Minnesota. The Islanders reward- UEFA Europa League in March after winning in the round of her repeat victory in Baku. Lesia Tsurenko defeated Urszula ed Johnny Boychuk with a seven-year, $42 million deal in 16. Dnipro defeated Napoli 1-0 in a semifinal on May 14 to Radwanska 7-5, 6-1 to win the Paribas Istanbul Cup on mid-March. advance to the final against Seville, only to come up short, July 19-26 claiming the first WTA Tour title of her career. In JUDO, Svitlana Iaromka won first place in the over- 3-2, on May 26 in Warsaw. Dynamo Kyiv topped the Yulia Yelistratova won first place in the elite women’s 78 kg. division at the European Open in Bulgaria on division at the 2015 Alanya ITU TRIATHLON World Cup February 7-8. Iaromka won gold at the Judo Grand Slam in Ukrainian standings joining Shakhtar on October 17 in Turkey. Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 8-10. Maryna Cherniak (48 kg) Donetsk in the 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League. Dnipro Ukraine won the most medals (8G, 3S, 1B) at the European won gold at the Judo Grand Prix in Georgia on March Dnipropetrovsk and Zorya Luhansk earned entry into the WEIGHTLIFTING Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia on April 20-22. Iakiv Khammo (+100 kg) and Georgii Zantaraia (66 Europa League. Dynamo Kyiv defeated Shakhtar Donetsk, 10-18. Yulia Paratova and Yulia Kalyna each won three gold kg) won gold medals in their weight divisions at the 5-4, in penalty kicks in the Ukraine Cup final on June 5 in medals, while Oleg Proshak won two gold and a bronze. Alina International Judo Federation Grand Prix in , Kyiv. ’s soccer club was seeking a new name due to Shevkoplyas (63 kg) and Dmytro Sukhotskyi (50 kg) won gold Croatia, on May 1-3. Daria Bilodid (44 kg) won a gold Ukraine’s ban on Soviet symbols. Illichivets Mariupol got its in the U-17 division at the European Weightlifting medal at the Cadet European Judo Championship in name from Illich, a steelworks sponsor named after Championships in Sweden on August 1-8. Bulgaria on July 3-5. Ukraine’s junior judo won seven Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. ’s personal coaching medals (two gold) at the Junior European Judo Cup in style worked miracles as Dynamo Kyiv’s new coach led his Diaspora sports Poland on July 18-19. Asim Mameidov (60 kg) and Sergei club to its 14th Ukrainian title, ending the five-year domi- Zvieriev (100 kg) won the gold medals. At the Junior nance of Shakhtar Donetsk. Ukraine’s national team In diaspora sports news Chornomorska Sitch Ukrainian European Judo Cup in Prague on July 25-26, Artem advanced to the Euro 2016 soccer championship upon Athletic Educational Association had celebrated its 90th Khomula (73 kg), Rezo Mesablishvili (81 kg) and Sergei eliminating Slovenia 3-1 on aggregate goals. Ukraine defeat- anniversary with a gala banquet on November 15, 2014, Zvieriev won gold medals. Daria Bilodid (44 kg) won gold ed Slovenia 2-0 on November 14 and tied 1-1 on November in Whippany, N.J. The jubilee was highlighted in the 51st at the World Cadet Championships in Sarajevo on August 17. Ukraine drew Group C with Germany, Northern Ireland edition of Sitch’s annual journal, Our Sport. 5-9. Oleksandr Kosinov, Nataliya Nikolaychuk, Inna and Poland. Ukraine’s Under-17 team qualified for the U-17 Tryzub Ukrainian American Sport Center sponsored travel Cherniak and Iryna Husiova won gold at the International Euro 2016, finishing in first place (Group 13) with two wins, expenses of two skiers and the ground transport for Ukraine’s Blind Sports Association Judo Euro Championships on one draw, no losses, with six goals for and one against. six-member Alpine Ski team, allowing them to compete at November 27-28 in Portugal. Countless organizations called on the Federation the World Championships in Colorado on February 2-16. Oleksandr Yeremenko won a fifth title in the 90 kg divi- Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to revoke its The 61st annual ski races of the Carpathian Ski Club sion at the 29th Kyokushin KARATE European award of the 2018 World Cup tournament to the Russian were held in Hunter, N.Y., on March 7 with 81 racers from Championship on May 9 in Berlin. Federation. Reasons cited include invasion and occupation pre-schoolers to seniors running the NASTAR course. Olena Shurkhuo and Vitaly Skatar won the Macao of Crimea, sponsoring terrorist organizations in eastern May 16 saw the Ukrainian Nationals (Tryzub) Rangers Galaxy International MARATHON in China on December Ukraine and criminal mismanagement/money laundering 11-13 boys soccer squad capture the NCS Eastern 6. Eldar Ismailov (-90 kg) won his third title at the compe- in connection with the allocation of the 2018 Football World Pennsylvania State Cup. The team allowed one lone goal in tition. Three athletes from Ukraine (Ruslan Kramariuk, Cup. Soccer clubs from Donetsk, Luhansk and Mariupol four matches. On May 22-24, Tryzub hosted its 14th annual Sergii Vaskurin and Ivan Heshko) won gold medals at a have been dislodged and relocated because of the fighting in Ukrainian Nationals Soccer Tournament with youth teams Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, marathon event on May 31. eastern Ukraine. Shakhtar’s players are living and practicing from six states and Canada entering the competition. Victor Mihalchan won three gold medals and one silver in Kyiv, while playing home matches in Lviv. Crimea’s soccer Chornomorska Sitch won first place at the 2015 Steven medal at the Chinese MARTIAL ARTS Tournament 2015 clubs’ status with UEFA has been in limbo since Russia’s Howansky Memorial Soccer Tournament held in Yonkers in San Francisco. Two of his students also won gold and forced annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014. The on June 20-21. Chicago soccer club FC Connection won the silver medals. Mihalchan won the top spot in the overall Russian Football Union was banned from incorporating 2015 Great Lakes Cup tournament held on June 27-28 in competition. Crimean clubs into its competitions by UEFA. Crimea was Brighton, Mich. – its fourth overall tourney victory. Olena Kostevyck won gold in the women’s 10-m air pis- designated a “special zone for football purposes.” The Special Olympics Ukraine delegation to the 2015 tol event at the European SHOOTING Championship on Ukraina, a boys’ under-12 team from Ukraine, won the World Games was limited to eight athletes and five coach- es/administrators. The Los Angeles Ukrainian American community welcomed them upon arrival for the July 25-August 2 competition. Ukrainian American water polo player Raisa Ihnat, 13 ½, participated in the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics held in California on July 30-August 2. The fourth annual Ukrainian Sports Federation of U.S.A. and Canada (USCAK) National Beach Volleyball Tournament was held on a sunny Friday, August 28, during “Ukrainian Week” in Wildwood, N.J. The final was between two very competitive and talented teams, “Old Style Lite” and “Sitch – Moutai.” with “Old Style Lite” prevailing. Swimmers from Chornomorska Sitch and the Ukrainian American Youth Association competed at USCAK’s annual swimming championships over Labor Day weekend at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center. Mykola Stroynick defeated Marko Krasij in the men’s finals at Soyuzivka in the highlight match of the 60th USCAK National Tennis Tournament during Labor Day weekend. The Ukrainian American Youth Association’s team from Christine Syzonenko Passaic, N.J., won the six-team USCAK Indoor Invitational 2015 USCAK Beach Volleyball finalists “Sitch-Moutai” (second to fifth from left) and champions “Old Style Lite” Volleyball Tournament held on November 21 in (second to fifth from right) with organizers of the tournament held on August 28 in Wildwood, N.J. Whippany, N.J. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 9

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light of public debates in Ukraine and in the West has been on the military conflict and its direct casualties – the dead Academia: A 400th anniversary, and the wounded. This forum shifted attention from the immediate physical damage of the war to the long-stand- scholarly conferences and books ing psychological trauma that will shape Ukrainian society he year 2015 was marked by a very significant com- for years to come. The forum was the first of this kind held memoration, namely the 400th anniversary of Kyiv- at the Shevchenko Scientific Society, weaving discussion of TMohyla Academy. One highlight of the celebrations a rehabilitation project into academic debates on Ukraine, was the June 28 attendance of President Petro and showcasing the society’s new direction toward wider Poroshenko at the convocation at National University of cooperation with other organizations. The event brought Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA). In view of the fact that together leading experts in Ukrainian affairs including the Pylyp Orlyk – the author of the first Constitution of journalist and author Andrea Chalupa, political analyst Ukraine – graduated from Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, the pres- Anders Corr, Democratic staff member at the House ident dedicated most of his speech to the necessity of con- Committee on Foreign Affairs Philip Bednarczyk, as well stitutional amendments, among them provisions for as the head and CEO of Wounded Warrior Ukraine, Roman decentralization. Torgovitsky. The anniversary celebrations continued throughout the Dr. José Casanova, professor of sociology and senior fel- year with a series of programs. A benefit reception and low at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World banquet took place on October 1 at the Kyiv International Affairs at Georgetown University and head of the universi- Art and Conference Center, known as the Ukrainian Home. ty’s Program on Religion, Globalization and the Secular, Then, on October 12-14 approximately 50 researchers delivered a lecture on “The Religious Communities of and academics from six countries gathered at NaUKMA Ukraine and Their Role at the Maidan Mobilization” at a for a scientific conference. Finally, the celebrations culmi- session of the Montreal chapter of the Shevchenko The book “Tell Them We Are Starving: The 1933 nated with an outdoor concert on October 15 with thou- Scientific Society of Canada held on October 15 at the Diaries of Gareth Jones” was released in May as part sands in attendance, where Dr. Vyacheslav Bryukhovetsky, Patriarch Josyf Slipyi Museum. In Ukraine, he said, the reli- of The Holodomor Occasional Papers Series. the university’s honorary president, and President gious leaders who belong to the All-Ukrainian Council of International visitors Poroshenko were the featured speakers. Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO) are com- To honor and commemorate Kyiv-Mohyla Academy’s mitted to the development and legal protection of a strong The noted Ukrainian writer Andrey Kurkov was invited 400th anniversary and its role in Ukraine’s history, the democratic civil society. All religious groups in Ukraine by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) to National Bank of Ukraine issued a valuable limited edition took part in the Maidan mobilization. Their participation deliver the 49th annual Shevchenko Lecture, which served of silver commemorative coins in 5 hrv and 2 hrv denomi- in the Revolution of Dignity shows that pluralism is not a as the keynote event of a three-day symposium held on nations and Ukraine’s Postal Service issued new stamps cause for fear, but rather a basis for a strong democracy, the occasion of the first anniversary of the Euro-Maidan and envelopes. In addition, the second volume of the Dr. Casanova observed. revolution. Mr. Kurkov’s talk, delivered on March 9 before Encyclopedia of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (1819-1924) was an audience of almost 200 at the University of Alberta, Holodomor published. was titled “How Many Maidans Does Ukraine Need to Euro-Maidan and the current war On February 4, at Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Become Different?” Before coming to Edmonton, Mr. Human Rights (CMHR), some 500 people interested in Kurkov also gave lectures in Winnipeg and Toronto. In As part of International Week on campus at the learning more about the Holodomor attended an evening Winnipeg he gave two talks – one at the University of University of Alberta, the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian organized by the CMHR and the Holodomor Awareness Manitoba and the other at the Ukrainian Cultural and Studies (CIUS) on January 27 participated in two sessions and Education Committee of the Ukrainian Canadian Educational Center (Oseredok). In Toronto, Mr. Kurkov devoted to the current war in Ukraine and the Euro- Congress (UCC), Manitoba Council. Titled “Covering or gave a lecture at the University of Toronto’s Munk Center, Maidan revolution preceding it. The first session recount- Uncovering the Truth: Media Reporting on the which was co-sponsored by the Petro Jacyk Center for the ed the course of events from the beginning of the Euro- Holodomor,” the event examined how a free press could Study of Ukraine, the Center for East European Russian Maidan demonstrations in November 2013 to the present both alert the world and document human rights abuses, and Eurasian Studies and CIUS. Mr. Kurkov is a world- day, followed by an emphasis on the cultural differences while at the same time contributing to their cover-up. renowned Ukrainian novelist, movie scriptwriter and between Russia and Ukraine, and an examination of the An international symposium on “Starvation as a essayist, who has published 18 novels, seven books for collaboration among Christian clergy of all denominations Political Tool from the 19th to the 21st Century,” held at children and more than 30 filmscripts. His works have during the Euro-Maidan. The second session featured the the University of Toronto, brought together leading schol- been translated into 36 languages. He is Ukraine’s best- film “Heaven’s Hundred,” produced by the Babylon ’13 ars to discuss how starvation has been used, or became a selling author abroad. Studio. way to discriminate against, punish or eliminate national, Father Bohdan Prach, rector of the Ukrainian Catholic On March 9-11 the Center for Political and Regional ethnic, racial or religious groups. The October 22 sympo- University (UCU) in Lviv since 2013, on April 30 took part Studies (CPRS) at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian sium was the second major academic event examining the in the CIUS-cosponsored book launch at the St. Josaphat Studies, University of Alberta, held a symposium on the Holodomor in comparative perspective organized by the Cathedral Hall of his two-volume study on the clergy of first anniversary of the Euro-Maidan revolution. At the Holodomor Research and Educational Consortium. Peremyshl Eparchy between 1939 and 1989. He then vis- symposium, scholars and experts from Canada and Historian Timothy Snyder delivered the Toronto ited the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies and the Ukraine spoke about the significance and consequences of Annual Ukrainian Famine Lecture to a crowded auditori- dean of arts at the University of Alberta on the following this historic event and its influence on current interna- um at the University of Toronto on November 4. Speaking day. The objective of this meeting was the signing of a new tional developments. on the topic “The Ukrainian Famine as World History,” the memorandum of understanding between CIUS and UCU On June 13, the Shevchenko Scientific Society in New speaker’s major theme was that a proper understanding to facilitate the work of the Petro Jacyk Program for the York, in cooperation with the Wounded Warrior Ukraine of the Holodomor, aside from its centrality to the Study of Modern Ukrainian History and Society. project, held a forum on the humanitarian crisis in Ukrainian experience and Soviet politics, provides an In late April, Yale University announced that Svyatoslav Ukraine. With the war in full swing for months, the spot- opening to a more complete history of Europe. (Slava) Vakarchuk, who holds an advanced degree in phys-

President Petro Poroshenko (above left) speaks on June 28 at the convocation of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, at which graduates, faculty and friends (above right) form the letters KMA and the number 400 to mark the anniversary of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW ics, has served in the Verkhovna Rada and leads the most popular rock band in Ukraine, Okean Elzy, had been selected to the prestigious Yale World Fellows Program Culture and the arts Class of 2015. Throughout his Yale World Fellowship pro- gram, lasting from Mid-August to mid-December, Mr. in all its expressions Vakarchuk was active in contributing as a lecturer at vari- he year 2015 witnessed the celebration of three ous American universities, including Harvard, Columbia important and distinguished diaspora luminaries: and the University of California, Berkeley, displaying a far- Tgraphic artist Jacques Hnizdovsky, linguist and ranging knowledge of history and deep understanding of scholar Yuri Shevelov and painter Zenowij Onyshkewych. events in Ukraine. Ukrainian artists, musicians and performing groups grew At Fordham University on November 20, Mr. Vakarchuk in number and travelled across oceans to garner new delivered a lecture titled “Ordinary Citizens in audiences and advance Ukrainian art and culture. At the Extraordinary Times: Civil Society in Ukraine,” primarily same time, organized protests against Russian musicians focusing on the role that civil society plays in the develop- who publicly promoted Vladimir Putin’s aggression ment of a country. He proposed that Ukraine can be trans- spread throughout many cities in the North America. formed when young talented Ukrainians can get a Throughout 2015, the Russian invasion and annexation of Western education so that they can come back with new Ukrainian territory continued to have a profound effect on ideas and bring about change in their home country. the cultural and artistic life of Ukrainians. Scholarly events Centuries-old art held hostage On May 29 Dr. Kateryna Goncharova delivered a lecture On April 8, Amsterdam’s district court ruled that on “Ukrainian Cultural Heritage as a Force for Social Ukraine was eligible to claim rights to the Scythian gold Change,” at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington. Her artifacts from an exhibition sent out before the Russian talk was co-sponsored by the Washington chapter of the invasion of Crimea, Among the items on loan were 565 rare treasures from Crimean museums, which remain in Shevchenko Scientific Society. Dr. Goncharova heads the boxes in a storage facility awaiting a court decision about Scientific Research Section of the Ukrainian State where they should be shipped. Research and Project Institute for Historic Preservation. The “Crimea: Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea” exhibit She has worked in research, management and scientific was originally gathered from five Ukrainian museums, support in the development of projects for the preserva- four of which are located in Crimea. Back in March 2014, tion of several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Dr. A poster for the international symposium on following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the Ukrainian Goncharova studied the U.S. experience in historic preser- “Starvation as a Political Tool from the 19th to the 21st government had claimed the entire collection as state vation based on public-private partnership, community Century” held on October 22. property and demanded that the entire collection be engagement and neighborhood revitalization. Her goal is returned to Kyiv. Crimean museums filed their own law- to modify these approaches and implement them in World War for Eastern Europe,” was a successful joint suit in November 2014 in Amsterdam demanding that the Ukraine. undertaking of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Allard Pierson Museum return the Crimean part of the Sponsored by the Shevchenko Scientific Society’s D.C. and the Center for U.S.-Ukrainian Relations. It brought collection. Amid fears that Russia would loot the treasures chapter and the Embassy of Ukraine, the June 12 tribute together an impressive array of experts from 12 countries. if returned to occupied Crimea and then permanently to Prof. Larissa M.L. Zaleska Onyshkevych was held at the Presenters took as their starting point the impact of the move them to St. Petersburg or Moscow, the Amsterdam Embassy in Georgetown. During the tribute Dr. Bohdana second world war on Eastern Europe. A gala banquet at the conclusion featured a keynote museum said it could not return the treasures until the Urbanovych, president of the Washington chapter of the legal ownership was clear. Shevchenko Society, congratulated Prof. Onyshkevych on address by James Sherr of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), who received a Meanwhile, a collection of stolen 17th century Dutch her 80th birthday and read excerpts from the many greet- masterpieces was alleged to have resurfaced in rebel-held ings received from the U.S. and abroad. Next, a short film standing ovation for his incisive, albeit sobering, analysis of the civilizational problems that continue to motivate eastern Ukraine 10 years after the paintings had been was shown depicting high points in Prof. Onyshkevych’s missing. On December 7, the Westfries Museum in the academic and civic life, and poet and Shevchenko Society the Russian actions that are fomenting both regional and global instability. Dutch city of Horn announced that two men approached administrator Vasyl Makhno outlined her scholarly the Dutch Embassy in Kyiv in July offering to sell the 24 achievements. Not to be outdone by the other presenters, New publications paintings back. The men claimed they found the collection Prof. Onyshkevych herself delivered an eye-opening lec- Prof. Lubomyr Luciuk, editor of The Holodomor in a villa in eastern Ukraine and asked $5.4 million for it – ture about the contemporary Ukrainian poet and play- half its value when stolen in 2005. wright from Poland Tadei Karabovych (Tadeusz Occasional Papers Series, on May 9 announced publica- tion of “Tell Them We Are Starving: The 1933 Soviet Arthur Brand, an expert on stolen art traveled to Kyiv, Karabowicz). while the Westfries Museum Director Ad Geerdink A conference inspired by the 70th anniversary of the Diaries of Gareth Jones,” (No. 2 in the series). The new book provides facsimiles from the three pocket note- warned these works were in danger of being sold on the Allied victory over in World War II stimu- black market after the museum’s own efforts to retrieve lated discussions by academics and policy analysts at a books, as well as a transcription of their contents, that Welsh journalist Gareth Jones wrote during a three-week them failed. The Ukrainian government is working part gathering held at the University of Alberta on October with Holland in the ongoing investigation. 23-24. “Contested Ground: The Legacy of the Second stay in the USSR during March 1933, when famine was devastating Ukraine. According to Dr. Ray Gamache, a Photography on exhibit media historian and the book’s transcriber, the diaries Chicago’s Ukrainian National Museum (UNM) hosted constitute one of the most important independent, verifi- three exhibits devoted to photography. able records of a horrific event, now known as the Holodomor, recorded as it was unfolding in Ukraine. Harvard University’s , Director of the Ukrainian Research Institute, released a book that traces Ukraine’s history from the time of the ancient Greek set- tlements to the Maidan. “The Gates of Europe: A ,” is based on the premise that we need to take a look at Ukraine’s past in order to understand its present and foresee its future. This work examines Ukraine as a gateway between East and West, situated as it is between , Russia and the Middle East. Dr. Plokhy was honored on November 14 with the Omelan and Tatiana Antonovych Foundation award for his work as a historian and author of history books that insightfully analyze Ukraine’s past and present and shed light on what may be in store for its future. New archival fellowship During International Week in January, CIUS at the University of Alberta announced the establishment of a new archival fellowship in Ukrainian, including Ukrainian Canadian, studies. CIUS invited applications for one or more archival fellowships in this field. The fellowship is open to applications from students, graduate students or scholars wishing to collect archives or assist existing archival institutions to catalogue and digitize their Walter Korobaylo Ukrainian archival collections. The fellowship is made Composer Roman Hurko at the October 18 premiere of Cover of Serhii Plokhy’s latest book, “The Gates of possible through the support of the Stephania his Liturgy No. 4 commissioned by the Vesnivka Choir Europe: A History of Ukraine.” Bukachevska-Pastushenko Endowment Fund. in Toronto. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 11

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

A view of the exhibit “Conflict Zone: Ukraine. The War in Ukraine Through the Eyes of Ukrainian Photojournalists,” which opened at the Ukrainian National Museum in Ukraine’s First Lady Maryna Poroshenko accepts a gift from Zenowij Onyshkewych of one of Chicago on May 8. In the foreground is a photo by Alexey Furman that won first prize his paintings at the September 30 opening of his retrospective exhibit at The Ukrainian in the portrait category in the Picture of the Year International 2015 contest. Museum. In the center is Renata Holod, president of the museum’s board of trustees.

An exceptional photo exhibit opened, called “Viktor on March 13. A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Mr. and film, notably in the 1920s. Gurniak: Road from the Maidan,” on January 16. The pho- Cherney was born in Chicago and is of Ukrainian heritage. A visionary intellectual, Prof. Shevelov predicted new tographs of Mr. Gurniak, a photojournalist and volunteer He joined the Chicago Tribune as a team journalist and threats from Russia unless Ukraine set out to fulfill its fighter of the Aidar Battalion offered a striking glimpse was also a two-time winner of the Chicago Press colossal modern potential of what he called “unity in vari- into the realities of war in Ukraine. Mr. Gurniak was killed Photographer of the Year award. Mr. Cherney’s images ety.” He published over 600 scholarly texts on Ukrainian in October 2014 during an attack in the anti-terrorist delighted sports enthusiasts and included moments from and Slavic philology and argued against the commonly operation (ATO) zone in the Luhansk region while he was Chicago sports teams: the Bears, the Bulls, the Cubs and held view of one original and unified East Slavic language, evacuating wounded soldiers. Born in Ternopil, Mr. the White Sox, as well as the Blackhawks, going back to from which the Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian lan- Gurniak was co-founder of the LUFA photo agency in Lviv the late 1970s. guages diverged. and a frequent contributor to Reuters, UNIAN and Insider. Photos from the Maidan were also shown at the exhibi- The year 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of the He devoted many years to Plast National Scouting tion “Maidan. Ukraine. Road to Freedom” at the Stay birth of renowned Ukrainian American painter and print- Organization in Ukraine, where he was a beloved leader Gallery in Downey, Calif., which opened on January 24. maker Jacques Hnizdovsky (1915-1985). His works have and role model. The evening’s guest speaker was Nolan The Ukrainian Art Center Inc. of Los Angeles displayed been widely exhibited and many are in permanent collec- Peterson, a former U.S. Air Force pilot and veteran who posters and photos, as well as implements used by tions of museums worldwide. The Museum of Fine Arts in had also spent six months as a war correspondent in the Ukrainians to fight tanks and bullets: barbed wire Boston has a large collection of his prints, and his archives ATO zone with Ukrainian soldiers. This exhibit later trav- wrapped around sticks, metal shields, gas masks and are housed in the New York Public Library. eled to Cleveland and other Plast centers in the United Molotov cocktails. Gallery viewers also heard recordings Born in the Ternopil region of Ukraine, Mr. Hnizdovsky States. from the Maidan – explosions, gunfire and people shout- moved to the United States in 1949. He was inspired by On May 8, the UNM opened the exhibit “Conflict Zone: ing. Included in the program was the West Coast premiere woodblock printing in Japan, as well as the woodcuts of Ukraine. The War in Ukraine Through the Eyes of of “Dancing Diplomats,” a movie documenting the joint Albrecht Dürer. His popular woodcuts often depict plants Ukrainian Photojournalists.” This exhibit featured a selec- project between Voloshky Dance Ensemble and the and animals – a favorite theme from his many trips to the tion of 50 photographs by 13 young Ukrainian photojour- Kirovohrad Philharmonic in 2012. Botanical Gardens and Bronx Zoo in New York. nalists who served on the front lines of the war in eastern On March 22, Ukrainian National Women’s League of Three luminaries Ukraine as correspondents. The powerful images depict- America Branch 75 sponsored the “Jacques Hnizdovsky ed the everyday life of soldiers, the grief-stricken faces of Over the course of two days, March 12-13, the Flora and Fauna Centennial Exhibit” featuring over 95 civilians, as well as the hope and resilience of the Ukrainian Studies Program at Columbia University’s works of art at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of Ukrainian people. The idea for this showing came from Harriman Institute presented a scholarly forum titled: New Jersey in Whippany. In addition to woodcuts, the Jerry Kykisz, a Vietnam veteran and the curator at the “ – City of : An International exhibit included several pen-and-ink drawings, watercol- National Veterans Art Museum. UNM approached Alexey Conference in Honor of Yuri Shevelov.” Prof. Shevelov ors and tapestries, which were rarely previously seen. Furman, a Ukrainian photojournalist and Fulbright (1908-2002) was not only one of Kharkiv’s greatest On May 29, the National Art Museum in Kyiv opened a Scholar to recruit his colleagues for this exhibit. Mr. native scholars but also a renowned professor of Slavic showing of over 100 of Mr. Hnizdovsky’s works. Smaller Furman’s photos had previously appeared in The New philology at Columbia University. The panels were dedi- exhibits travelled to , Cherkasy and York Times, The Washington Post, and National cated to the extraordinary linguistic, literary and cultural Dnipropetrovsk in the fall. Geographic Magazine Ukraine. His photo of a shell- legacy of this giant of Ukrainian studies. Born in 1929, Zenowij Onyshkewych is a prolific shocked woman from a hospital in Mykolayivka won first Born of German parents, Prof. Shevelov grew up in Ukrainian American artist whose works are found in place in the portrait category of the Picture of the Year Kharkiv, the one-time capital of Ukraine and cradle of the prestigious international collections, including a life-size International 2015 contest. The organizers planned to Ukrainian Renaissance that became an indivisible part of portrait of Pope Paul VI at the Vatican. On September 30, display this exhibit in cities throughout the United States, his life. This conference illustrated the importance of The Ukrainian Museum in New York launched a showing including colleges and universities. Kharkiv not only as a political capital, but also as a mecca of his drawings, watercolors and oils titled: “Sixty Years The third exhibit at Chicago’s UNM, “Outtakes” show- for Ukrainian artists who created dynamic and unprece- an Artist: A Retrospective Exhibition of Works by Zenowij cased the sports photos of Charles Cherney and opened dented cultural achievements in literature, art, theater Onyshkewych,” which included landscapes, portraits and

Lev Khmelkovsky Ukrainians protest the Morristown, N.J., concert of Valery Gergiev conducting the Mariinsky Orchestra at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on January 30. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom No. 3 at Washington’s Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. And on October 18, director Halyna Kvitka Kondracki conducted the premiere of Mr. Hurko’s Liturgy No. 4 for female voices commissioned by the Vesnivka Choir in Toronto. This was part of an inaugural concert to com- mence the 50th anniversary season of the Toronto-based Vesnivka Choir. Over one weekend, March 13-15, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus performed its program “Brothers! We Shall Live” in the cities of Rochester, N.Y., Passaic, N.J., and Stamford, Conn. These concerts were devoted to music set to the words of Taras Shevchenko and raised over $50,000 for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. On June 13-14 The Ukrainian Museum in New York presented programs by bandurist Julian Kytasty and multi-instrumentalist Michael Alpert titled “Jewish Musical Traditions in Ukraine” and “Ballads from the Petro Humenyuk’s “St. Nicholas” (2014) was among the Ukrainian and Yiddish Heartland.” works in the exhibit in “Iconart: Visions of a World Unseen” that opened on March 20 at the Ukrainian The Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company from Institute of America. Melbourne, Australia, brought its colorful production of “Kazka” to Canada and the United States during the sum- by Viktor Kosenko, Borys Liatoshynsky, Valentin mer months. “Kazka” is an original folk ballet inspired by Silvestrov and Myroslav Skoryk. Violinist Aleksey Ukrainian fairy tales and created by Melanie Moravski- Semenenko and pianist Inna Firsova appeared in concert Dechnycz. On July 9, New Yorkers, New Jerseyans and oth- as part of the Embassy Series on October 6. And on ers filled the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts November 1, soprano Vira Slywotzky and pianist Yegor to watch young performers weave stories of supernatural Sandra Hyduk Shevstov performed Ukrainian, French and American spirits, moonlit woodland creatures and maidens tossing vocal music. Among the items on display in the exhibit “Diverse Yet garlands into a river to foretell the future. The composer United Part 2,” which opened in September at the was Nicholas Buc and the set designer was Stephan Protests against pro-Putin musicians Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Ontario Branch were these: A wedding costume from the Black and Azov sea Moravski. This dance company had previously appeared Protests and demonstrations by Ukrainians continued region (left) and a Crimean Tatar wedding costume. at the Piers Festival, Melbourne fringe Festival and White to follow conductor Valery Gergiev at many of his U.S. Night Melbourne. Lehenda also performed during the appearances. Mr. Gergiev was one of the prominent caricatures. They illustrate his romantic approach to land- summer in Toronto, Chicago and Wilmington, Del., and at Russian artists who signed an open letter in support of scapes and capacity to express human emotions when the Ukrainian Cultural Festival at the Soyuzivka Heritage Mr. Putin’s wars. Moreover, protesters emphasized that confronted with the forces of nature. Center. two Russian banks that were the principal partners of the An American immigrant who settled on the Lower East The Commonwealth Lyric Theater (CLT) under the Mariinsky Foundation of America (sponsors of Mr. Side of Manhattan, Mr. Onyshkewych found himself direction of artistic director Alexander Prokhorov staged Gergiev’s 2015 U.S. tour) were outlawed under U.S. sanc- drawn to Impressionism and Japanese influences. He Semen Hulak-Artemovsky’s opera “Zaporozhets za tions. served in the Korean War and the growing inwardness in Dunayem” (Kozak Beyond the Danube), joining forces On January 30, 150 people braved the bitter cold, gath- his works and fascination with earlier epochs in art are with local Ukrainian choirs and dance companies in the ering across from the Mayo Performing Arts Center in not uncommon for someone who survived two wars – New England area. Bass Dmytro Pavluk sang the central Morristown, N.J., to protest the appearance of Mr. Gergiev, one as a youth and the other as a soldier. role of Ivan Karas. The CLT has developed a reputation in conducting the Mariinsky Orchestra at a gala concert cele- His caricatures, paintings and editorial illustrations the Boston area for its bold revivals of lesser-known brating the 20th anniversary of the arts center. Local print have appeared in The New York Times, The National operas and considers its mission to nurture and promote and online media covered the protest with reports and Observer, Readers Digest and books published by St. young talent. The first performances took place in interviews. Martin’s Press, McGraw Hill and Random House. Newton, Mass., on May 14-15 and drew praise from the One week later, on February 6, demonstrators showed Boston Globe and the Boston Musical Intelligencer. CLT’s up at the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts in Music and dance executive director, Kyiv-born soprano Olha Lisovska, sang Miami to demonstrate at Mr. Gergiev’s next appearance. On May 14, Marko Topchii won the International the role of Oksana and was the inspiration behind this This group was joined by representatives from Amnesty Gredos San Diego Classical Guitar Competition in . production, staged in the hope that more opera compa- International and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance. Hailing from Kyiv, Mr. Topchii performed on May 24 with nies in North America and Europe would be persuaded to Back north in Philadelphia on February 12-13, nearly the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and on April include “Zaporozhets” in their repertoire. Additional per- 50 people came to the Kimmel Center for the Performing 30 appeared in New York at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital formances took place on May 17 in Hartford, Conn., and Arts to protest Mr. Gergiev’s appearance with the Hall. on May 22 in SUNY Albany’s Main Theater. Philadelphia Orchestra. As a result, Allison Vulgamore, the Aleksei Semenenko, a violinist from Ukraine, was sec- As in past years, The Washington Group Cultural Fund orchestra’s president and CEO, came outside both nights ond-prize winner at the Queen Elizabeth Competitions in continued to present Ukrainian concerts, art and photo to talk with the protesters. The local ABC television sta- Brussels held on May 4-30. Vladyslava Luchenko was a exhibits. This included concerts by violinist Marc tion and the Philadelphia Inquirer covered the protests. semi-finalist. Bouchkov (February 1), pianist Mykola Suk (February 8) In an April 12 editorial “Hate speech is not free A newly formed chorus made its successful debut in and the Gerdan folk ensemble (February 15). This last speech,” The Ukrainian Weekly reported the Toronto Oakville, Ontario, at a concert in St. Joseph’s Church on event also included an art and photo exhibit: “Revolution Symphony Orchestra’s (TSO) decision to cancel pianist November 17. Conducted by Uwe Lieflander, the of Dignity: Images from Ukraine’s Maidan, 2013-2014” on Valentina Lisitsa’s guest appearances at concerts sched- Sheptytsky Institute Choir consists of mostly non-Ukraini- February 18. uled for Roy Thomson Hall. This action was widely an singers. Seven selections sung by the choir were by On October 4, TWG showcased violinist Solomiya reported and discussed in news media and launched a Toronto-born composer Roman Hurko. Ivakhiv and pianist Angelina Gadeliya in a recital of firestorm of cries of “censorship,” while Ms. Lisitsa called Earlier in the year, on May 31, Mr. Hurko conducted the Ukrainian music, titled “Ukraine: Journey to Freedom,” on all her fans to write to the TSO. Unfortunately, the vit- premiere of his new composition, the English-language which included music from their new album with music riol had another victim. Stewart Goodyear, the pianist

Three works from the exhibit “The Ukrainian Diaspora: Women Artists, 1908-2015,” which opened at The Ukrainian Museum on October 18: Irma Osadsa’s “Talisman No. 26” (2011), Christina Debarry’s “SoHo” (2001) and Yaroslava Surmach Mills’ “Easter Visit to Grandparents” (not dated). No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 13

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW scheduled to replace Ms. Lisitsa regretted on his Facebook how “…her attitude and the mob-like behavior of her devotees, censored Rachmaninoff’s second con- certo.” Ms. Lisitsa had been exposed in a December 12, 2014, article in The Ukrainian Weekly “When ‘high culture’ merges with terrorism” for her racist and hateful posts on her Facebook pages, engaging in sweeping vulgar attacks, stereotyping Ukrainians. TSO President and CEO Jeff Melanson told The Canadian Press: “This is not about free speech… political perspective or persuasion, this is about very offensive, intolerant comments about people.” On April 26, Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, wrote that the TSO was justified in the cancella- tion just as the NBA was justified in banning LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life over his racist remarks. Poetry Adrian Bryttan presented a premiere reading of his new rhyming translations of Taras Shevchenko’s “Kobzar” at the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in New York on April 26. This was the first time English transla- tions were composed that mirrored not only end-rhymes, but also all internal rhythmic and musical elements in the original, and in many cases, even the same number of syl- lables. Mr. Bryttan incorporated a running slide show with his English-language presentation for the audience, TIFF which included many non-Ukrainians. A scene from the documentary “Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom” by Evgeny Afineevsky, which was On May 12, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in shown at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, was offered for viewing on Netflix and was later Chicago hosted an evening of poetry by Vasyl Makhno nominated for an Oscar. and Oleksandr Fraze-Frazenko. Now a resident of New York City, Mr. Makhno was born in Chortkiv, Ukraine. Mr. relocate to Kyiv upon the Russian invasion of the proud to say in numerous interviews how her long Fraze-Frazenko is also a screenwriter, singer and transla- Ukrainian peninsula – a symbol of the tragic decline of a involvement in Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization was tor, and represents the younger generation of poets from culture and a whole nation, starting with the 1944 forced the foundation of her upbringing and she has spoken out Ukraine. exile of nearly the entire Crimean population by the clearly about the current struggles in Ukraine. Growing In Tucson at the University of Arizona Student Union Soviets. Ayla Bakkalli, U.S. representative of the up in Toronto, Ms. Winnick immersed herself in martial Gallery, an evening celebrating the poetry and art of Taras Indigenous Crimean Tatar Mejlis, expanded on the history arts, attaining a black belt in karate and taekwondo. On Shevchenko took place on March 13. Organized by the and present situation of Crimean Tatars. the set of “Vikings” she does all her own stunts. Ms. Ukrainian American Society (UAS) of Tucson, this profes- Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy’s film “The Tribe” about a Winnick is planning her first visit to Ukraine. She stated sionally prepared exhibit was provided by the Consulate boarding school for deaf children near Kyiv met with she would very much like to visit Kyiv and would also like General of Ukraine in San Francisco. Viewers could study unprecedented acclaim and collected the most awards in to meet with Plast scouts in Ukraine. Shevchenko’s paintings on Ukrainian, Kazakh and archi- the history of Ukrainian cinema. On June 17, “The Tribe” Art and museums tectural themes, and also read his poems in translations. opened at the Film Forum in New York City for a two- Dr. Ihor Kunasz, president of the UAS, welcomed the audi- week run. Director Slaboshpitskiy and lead actress Yana On February 15, The Ukrainian Museum in New York ence with a short introduction about the poet and artist’s Novikova came to New York on a publicity tour and presented the first exhibit showcasing avant-garde artists life. answered questions in an exclusive interview for The who shaped early 20th century Ukrainian theater and On August 22, the Ontario town of Timmins held a rib- Ukrainian Weekly. influenced the theatrical world stage. “Staging the bon-cutting ceremony as it rededicated its Kobzar Park “The Tribe” was filmed with deaf actors and portrays a Ukrainian Avant-Garde of the 1910s and 1920s” featured and unveiled a new statue of Taras Shevchenko. Named society that has regressed to a primitive and desperate modernist artists, many of them exiled or executed during after Shevchenko’s first published major collection of state. Mr. Slaboshpitskiy explained that he wanted people Stalin’s purges of the 1930s. The exposition included art poems, Kobzar Park was officially established in 1981 to to understand this is “not about deafness; it is about works of costume, set and make-up design, as well as recognize the contributions of Ukrainian pioneer settlers human beings.” He also spoke about the present-day out- photographs and original posters, and principally the art to Canada and the Timmons-Porcupine Gold Camp. The look for the deaf and other handicapped groups through- of Vadym Meller, who would become the principal design- committee chose local sculptor Tyler Fauvelle to create a out Ukraine. er for the Berezil Artistic Association, led by director Les four-foot bronze of a mature Shevchenko in historic foot- On July 7, the 2012 Ukrainian film “Haytarma” (“The Kurbas. wear and clothing. Return”) was screened at the National Democratic “Iconart: Visions of a World Unseen,” an exhibit of con- Institute in Washington. The showing was co-sponsored temporary sacred art from Ukraine, opened at the Films and television by the Embassy of Ukraine and the Crimean television Ukrainian Institute of America in New York on March 20. Opening on September 20, the 2015 Toronto Film station ATR, which had been forced to leave Crimea and In cooperation with Iconart Gallery in Lviv, this exposition Festival featured a film about Maidan – “Winter on Fire: now broadcasts from Kyiv. The screenplay tells the story illustrated the ties between medieval religious iconogra- Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom” by Evgeny Afineevsky. of Amet-khan Sultan (1920-1971), a Crimean test pilot phy and current interpretations of the sacred. The works “Winter on Fire” became a feature offering on Netflix and and decorated Hero of the , who returns to centered on images of “the world unseen”: a sinner in was screened at the Venice Film Festival, where it was his home town of Alupka just before the brutal Soviet search of paradise, man in search of God, heroes and greeted, according to reviews, with a standing ovation. deportation of the Crimean Tatars in 1944. “Haytarma” seducers, and saints and traitors. “Winter on Fire” is one of five films nominated for best contains striking aerial footage and also shows the trage- The Ukrainian Institute of America on March 28 documentary feature for the 2016 Academy Awards. dy of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars; it is available launched an exposition called “Mystical Power of the On March 11, The Ukrainian Museum in New York for viewing on YouTube. “Haytarma” portrays hard truths Pysanka, Ukrainian Easter Eggs by Sofika Zielyk.” Ms. hosted a presentation of three videos by New York film- about the past and, in the light of recent events, is a pro- Zielyk was awarded a Fulbright grant for her research maker Damian Kolodiy. The centerpiece of the afternoon phetic film. It is now banned in Russia. about the influence of folk art on the work of eastern was “A Ukrainian Soldier’s Account from the Front Lines,” Another film director, Andrew Tkach, was also inter- Ukrainian artists of the early 20th century. On June 24, a documentary about one soldier who was part of the viewed in the September 6 issue of The Ukrainian Weekly. she also exhibited her works at the newly built America ATO forces surrounded by Russian troops in the His documentary “Generation Maidan: A Year of House, a component of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Debaltseve cauldron. Mr. Kolodiy’s film showed Revolution and War” was shot with the help of the The unique pictorial style from the Ukrainian Oleksander Zozuliak in a Kyiv hospital bed recovering Babylon ’13 filmmakers who captured history in the mak- Zaporozhian Kozak settlements along the Dnipro river from massive injuries as he recounted his terrifying story ing with amazing footage of Maidan. While other Maidan valley near Dnipropetrovsk was showcased by The of being crushed and trapped under a Russian tank. films may have presented a bewildering display of vio- Ukrainian Museum in New York starting May 10. This The subsequent panel discussion organized by Andrea lence, “Generation Maidan” told a multi-layered story exhibit was titled “Petrykivka: The Soul of Ukraine.” Chalupa included Michael Weiss, author of “ISIS: Inside the through the eyes of participants, including a detailed Named after a village, Petrykivka art originated as a color- Army of Terror” and Mouaz Moustafa, the central figure in story about Pavel Yurov, abducted and imprisoned for 72 ful decorative tradition in central Ukraine, as painting of “Red Lines”, an award-winning documentary about Syrian days by separatists in Sloviansk. interior and exterior adobe white-washed walls, ceiling activists. Lessons were drawn from the struggles of both On May 31, Ukrainian Canadian actress Katheryn beams and hearths, as well as decorations on furniture, Syrian and Ukrainian oppositions, in their home fronts and Winnick was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a boxes and wooden kitchenware. Motifs include a great in political efforts to harness international support. Drama Series at the Critic’s Choice Awards. She plays the variety of stylized bird, flower and garden elements. In Director Olga Morkova’s documentary “Crimea role of Lagertha in the much-watched History channel 2013 UNESCO added the Petrykivka art form to its list of Unveiled” was screened on March 25 at the Ukrainian series “Vikings,” now in its third season. the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Institute of America in New York. Ms. Morkova’s film high- Ms. Winnick’s Ukrainian roots run deep; her grandfa- On March 27, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in lighted Rustem Skibin, a Crimean Tatar artist forced to ther was a member of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen. She is Chicago opened the exhibit “Australian Artists from 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Ukraine,” which showcased the work of six Ukrainian art- ists who settled in Australia following World War II. According to Australian art critic Paul Haefliger: “Of all the foreign aspirants who have visited these shores since the war, Michael Kmit [one of the six artists] is the only one who has made any impression on the present generation of painters.” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott sent a letter of appreciation for this exhibit. The Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago unveiled the exhibit “Apostle of Peace” on July 17 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky’s birth. The exposition included personal letters, photos, relics and other artifacts and was meant to honor the met- ropolitan’s contributions to the Church, his philanthropy for youth and the arts in Ukraine, and his humanitarian deeds sheltering those sought by the Nazis. The Rev. Ivan Kaszczak, author of “Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky and the Establishment of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States” spoke at the opening. In celebration of Ukrainian Heritage Day in Toronto, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Ontario Branch opened its newest exhibit “Diverse Yet United Part 2” on September 10. (In 2014, “Diverse Yet United Part 1” fea- tured costumes from the ethnographic regions along Ukraine’s western border.) Part 2 of this exhibit consisted of exquisitely embroidered shirts and complex full cos- Yaro Bihun tumes from the southern, eastern, central regions of Mustafa Nayyem, the recipient of the Ion Ratiu Democracy Award (left), answers questions after his February 12 Ukraine and part of western Ukraine: the Black and Azov presentation about “Ukrainian Democracy after the Maidan: Threats and Opportunities.” Seated next to him is sea regions, the Sloboda region, Central Dnipro region, Christian Osterman, director of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program. Podillia and Pokuttia, as well as a striking Crimean Tatar wedding dress. The display included information about the end of 2013, Hromadske was instrumental in helping notable Ukrainian public figures born in the regions pre- The noteworthy: launch the mass protests on the Maidan. Elected to the sented in the exhibit. Verkhovna Rada in the 2014 elections, Mr. Nayyem “The Ukrainian Diaspora: Women Artists, 1908-2015,” People and events focused his attention on working to eliminate corruption – the topic of his keynote remarks at the Woodrow Wilson which opened at The Ukrainian Museum in New York on his section features the noteworthy events and International Center for Scholars’ 10th annual Ion Ratiu October 18, was the first major exhibition to examine the people of 2015 that defy easy classification (or Democracy Award Workshop. The workshop topic this relationship between Ukrainian identity and women art- could fit under more than one of our Year in T year was the opportunities and threats to the develop- ists beyond the borders of Ukraine. It featured over 100 Review categories). works by 43 artists, primarily from North America. The ment of democracy in Ukraine since the Euro-Maidan. works included icon painting and the traditional genres of serves as bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in France, owned and operated by Ukrainian American Pavlo still life, portraiture and landscape, in addition to figura- Belgium,• Bishop the Borys Netherlands, Gudziak, Luxemburg who is based and inSwitzerland, and Makolondra,• “Pavlo’s Tastewas featured of Ukraine,” on March a Denver-based 9 on KDVR food Fox truck 31’s tive sculpture, abstract painting, tapestry and mixed- was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honor. “everyday Colorado” segment. Completing his culinary media works. The order was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in education in Minneapolis, Mr. Makolondra returned to Meanwhile, in Hamtramck, Mich., the Ukrainian 1802 and is the highest decoration in France. It is award- Denver in 2014 to start Pavlo’s Taste of Ukraine, basing his American Archives and Museum (UAAM) of Detroit pur- ed to those who “have served France or the ideals it selections on guidance from his Ukrainian-born grand- chased a much-needed larger building to reach a broader upholds,” and seldom presented to a non-French national. mother. Menu items include Ukrainian favorites such as audience and to increase the visibility of the Ukrainian The president of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Bishop varenyky, holubtsi, kovbasa and borshch. heritage. Throughout the years, the UAAM had become Gudziak is globally recognized for his scholarly achieve- the repository of a great quantity of traditional crafts, his- ments and pastoral inspiration and has helped make the English was formally introduced on March 27 at the torical documents, photos, archives and books of local university an exemplary educational institution. News of Embassy• Ukraine of Ukraine Today, an in InternetWashington. television The channel news channel was cre in- prominent Americans of Ukrainian descent. the award was repored in February. ated to provide the world with objective information in On May 9 an installation called “Home East” by English about what is happening in Ukraine. Dr. Lada Waldemar Klyuzko covered the windows of the Ukrainian member of Ukraine’s Parliament – on February 12 Roslycky, the station’s director of strategic communica- Institute of America in New York with symbolic red and received• Mustafa the Nayyem2014 Ion – journalist,Ratiu Democracy democracy Award activist for andhis tions, said that, in addition to providing truthful informa- white jagged lines of tape. The intent was to adapt these efforts to establish a true democracy in Ukraine. In April tion about Russia’s war against Ukraine and the interna- universal colors for danger to let everyone know about 2013, Mr. Nayyem, along with several journalist col- tional response to it, Ukraine Today will also focus on eco- the present war and crisis in eastern Ukraine. The open- leagues, established Hromadske-TV, Ukraine’s first nomic reforms in Ukraine, its business and investment ing night of “Home East” included a performance by Yara Internet television platform. Via a post on Facebook near opportunities and risks, and on its society and culture. Arts Group of poems by Serhiy Zhadan. Mr. Zhadan is a noted writer of the post-independence generation in photojournalist, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize on April Ukraine and had previously read his works at The 20 •for Daniel his feature Berehulak, photography an Australian work on photographer the Ebola break and- Ukrainian Museum in New York on March 13, and in out in West Africa for The New York Times. Mr. Berehulak Philadelphia on March 15. His poems feature prominently spent 67 straight days capturing images of those on the in Yara’s new production “Hitting Bedrock.” This new frontlines of the disease – from doctors to gravediggers, work opened in New York on February 20, presenting an taking extreme precautions to protect himself from infec- entire new cycle of poetry written by Mr. Zhadan. “Hitting tion. A native of Sydney born to post-World War II Bedrock” refers to the present war-torn situation of resi- Ukrainian immigrant parents, Mr. Berehulak is based in dents of the former mining town of Donetsk. Barcelona and New Delhi. He was a 2011 Pulitzer Prize University series on Ukraine finalist for his coverage of the 2010 floods in Pakistan, and has been awarded three World Press Photo awards, the In 2015, five events hosted by Wesleyan University in John Faber award from the Overseas Press Club, and been Middletown, Conn., were intended to foster more named the Freelance/Agency Photographer of the Year by informed dialogue and to draw attention to the situation Pictures of the Year International. in Ukraine. These events, co-produced by the Wesleyan’s Center for the Arts and the Departments of Dance, Music Ukrainian History and director of the Ukrainian Research and Film Studies, drew large and diverse audiences and Institute• Serhii at Plokhy,Harvard the University, Mykhailo on Hrushevsky April 21 was Professor presented of included panels and discussions on Crimea, screenings of the 2015 Lionel Gelber Prize for his book “The Last the documentaries “Music of Survival” and “Winter of Empire: The Final Days of the Soviet Union.” The literary Fire” (see film section). award is given to “the world’s best non-fiction book in “Music of Survival: The Story of the Ukrainian English on foreign affairs that seeks to deepen public Bandurist Chorus” (UBC) was shown on March 29. And on debate on significant international issues.” Anne April 10, Stephen Zaets, a high school-aged junior mem- Applebaum called the book “an indispensable guide to the ber of the UBC coordinated and presented “Night of tensions and rivalries of the present,” while the Wall Street Bandura.” Finally, on December 2, the audience experi- Facebook/Daniel Berehulak Journal said it had “uncanny parallels to the present day.” Prof. Plokhy had previously been a finalist for the Lionel enced an audio-visual presentation of a Ukrainian Daniel Berehulak, a freelance Australian photographer “Koliada” with the participation of the Yara Arts Group and photojournalist, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize on Gelber Prize in 2011 with his book “Yalta: The Price of from New York. April 20. Peace.” Later in the year, on November 14, Prof. Plokhy No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 15

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

medicine training program, and the army has been pro- vided with over 16,500 IFAKs.

Freedom Award presented by the American Nationalities Movement• Andrew at Fedynskythe annual of Captive Cleveland, Nations received Dinner the on 2015 July 16. The award was given in recognition of Mr. Fedynsky’s “magnificent lifetime achievements: …talent as a scribe publishing outstanding articles supporting human rights for freedom loving people” and “exceptional sensitivity and efforts supporting his rich Ukrainian heritage as director of the Ukrainian Museum-Archives and for sup- port of the goals of the Nationalities Movement.”

American Markian Paslawsky (“Franko”) was unveiled at Askold’s• A memorial Grave in Kyivgravestone on August and 19, plaque on the one-yearfor Ukrainian anni- versary of Mr. Paslawsky’s death. Hundreds of people, including many members of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, came to honor the late Mr. Paslawsky, who was killed in action while serving in a Ukrainian Donbas volunteer battalion near the town of Ilovaysk. Plast Ukraine chief Yaroslav Yurchyshyn and Plast U.S.A. Board of Directors Chair Dr. Christine Kochan posthumously pre- sented Mr. Paslawsky the Iron Plast Cross awarded by the worldwide Conference of Ukrainian Plast Organizations – Plast’s highest honor bestowed on individuals active in the Oksana Zakydalsky defense of Ukraine. Mr. Paslawsky’s mother, Orysia, Serhii Plokhii (center) receives the Lionel Gelber Prize on April 21 from Patricia Rubin, chair of the prize board, received the award. and Stephen J. Toope, director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. President Petro Poroshenko awarded 14 foreign citizens received the 2015 Omelan and Tatiana Antonovych form on the international stage. Mr. Borys is a founding for• their On the “contribution 24th anniversary to strengthening of Ukraine’s the independence, international Foundation award for his work as a historian and author member of the two-time Juno Award-winning Gryphon authority of Ukraine, popularization of its historical heri- of history books that insightfully analyze Ukraine’s past trio, and the artistic director of the Ottawa Chamber Music tage and modern achievements.” Among the honorees and present and shed light on what may be in store for its Society, overseeing all aspects of programming its summer were Tamara Olexy, president of the Ukrainian Congress future Ukraine’s Ambassador Valeriy Chaly noted that Chamberfest and its fall-winter concert series. Committee of America, and Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in- Prof. Plokhy’s work “has helped us to understand better chief of The Ukrainian Weekly. Both women were award- our contemporary reality and predict further develop- Science at the Royal Military College of Canada in ed the Order of Princess Olha, third degree. Ms. Olexy ments,” while Dr. Marta Bohachevsky-Chomiak said “he Kingston,• Prof. LubomyrOntario, was Luciuk honored of the on Department June 25 with of Politicala Royal received her award on September 26 in New York. has been able to… present so that others may read and Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 50 years of commu- understand the critical role of Ukraine as a cultural, intel- nity activism, at a ceremony sponsored by the Ontario of the United States, retired from the U.S. Public Health lectual and political player.” Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Service• Rear (USPHS) Adm. Boris Commissioned D. Lushniak, deputyCorps insurgeon a full-honors general - Trade. Dr. Luciuk’s most recent book, co-edited with retirement ceremony on September 3 after 27 years of reate of the Light of Justice Award – established by a Declan Curran and Andrew G. Newby, is “Famines in service as an officer. The son of post-World War II Canadian• Nadiya of SavchenkoUkrainian background,on April 22 becameAnastasia the Shkilnyk, 2015 lau in European Economic History: The Last Great European Ukrainian immigrants and a dermatologist, preventive honor of her father, Dr. Mykhaylo Shkilnyk, and given in Famines Reconsidered.” He also recently oversaw publica- medicine specialist and family physician by training, Rear recognition of “moral, spiritual and ethical leadership.” tion of “ ‘Tell Them We Are Starving’ – The 1933 Diaries of Adm. Lushniak deployed for several national and interna- Because Ms. Savchenko remains illegally imprisoned by Gareth Jones.” tional missions throughout his career, including Russia, her sister Vira, who conveyed words of gratitude Bangladesh, St. Croix, Russia, Kosovo and New York. His on Nadiya’s behalf, accepted the award. Previous winners granted Ukrainian citizenship to Dr. Ulana Suprun and most recent deployment was to Liberia, where he was of the award have included human rights advocate and Marko• In aSuprun. decree datedDr. Suprun July 11, and President Mr. Suprun Petro were Poroshenko instru- assigned as the commanding officer of the USPHS former Soviet political prisoner Yevhen Sverstiuk and mental in providing international-level individual first aid Commissioned Corps Ebola response, commanding a Crimean Tatar leader and rights activist Mustafa kits (IFAKs) to Ukrainian military officers and training the team of specialized officers who managed and staffed a Dzhemilev. officers in tactical medicine. The Supruns also participated 25-bed field hospital dedicated to providing care to health in the training program for the new Ukrainian Police care workers infected with Ebola. He was appointed depu- U.S. to extradite Dmytro Firtash for trial on criminal charg- Patrol Service. The Supruns moved to Ukraine a week ty surgeon general in 2010 and acting surgeon general in es •including An Austrian bribery court onand April racketeering. 30 denied a Mr.request Firtash, by the a after the beginning of the Revolution of Dignity, having 2013, serving in that capacity for 18 months, during Ukrainian natural gas trader, magnified his wealth with visited many times since the early 1990s on various mis- which time he released the “50th Anniversary of the his tight connections to the Yanukovych administration. sions. Dr. Suprun volunteered with the medical service Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health” and Mr. Firtash has told reporters that he plans to return to and was at the Maidan. As part of the Patriot Defense vol- launched the first “Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.” Ukraine, but President Petro Poroshenko has made it clear unteer project, which the Supruns founded, over 19,000 He served as deputy surgeon general from December that Mr. Firtash would be subject to his campaign to solders and over 2,999 cadets have completed the tactical 2014 until his retirement. reduce the influence of oligarchs. definitions of “kobzar”: the bard who traveled from village to •village, Razom and for Ukraine’sTaras Shevchenko’s Kobzar Project collection incorporated of poems. two The project began with Ruslana bringing Shevchenko’s “Kobzar” to the ATO zone in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers, volunteers and average people passed the book from town to town, many writing a note in the book to future readers. Andrii Gorobets, originally from Donetsk and now a post-doc fellow at Michigan State University, traveled the U.S. in late spring/early summer as part of the Kobzar Project, bringing the book to Ukrainian American communities.

Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award, presented by the Canadian• Marta Journalism Iwanek of TorontoFoundation was (CJF) the 2015 and Thewinner Canadian of the Press at the CJF gala on June 3. The award offers a six- week paid internship at the Canadian Press head office in Toronto. Although Ms. Iwanek went to Kyiv in November 2013 to make a film with Nove Pokolinnia (the organiza- tion known in Canada as Help Us Help the Children), she stayed for three months covering the events on the Maidan as a freelance photographer. Her photos were published by Maclean’s magazine as “The Maidan Story.” degree on June 12 from Carleton University in Ottawa in Presidential Administration of Ukraine recognition• Roman ofBorys his outstanding received an achievements honorary Doctor as a musicianof Music President Petro Poroshenko presents passports of Ukraine to Dr. Ulana Suprun and Marko Suprun after he issued a of international renown, an educator and a leader in bring- decree on July 11 granting them Ukrainian citizenship in recognition of their great contributions in providing ing together some of Canada’s most talented artists to per- Ukrainian military officers with international-level individual first aid kits and a tactical medicine training program. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW Meanwhile, here at The Ukrainian Weekly… hat can we say about the year 2015 at The Weekly? We at The Weekly soldiered on and Wtried our best to keep up with all the news and, in turn, keep our dear subscribers informed. As well, we strove to keep our readers, and therefore our communi- ties, in touch with each other. The biggest news for The Weekly itself was our newly redesigned website – same address (www.ukrweekly. com), new look and functionality – that was unveiled in June. This was accomplished thanks to the truly Herculean efforts of our webmaster and tech guru, Ihor Pylypchuk. He noted these advantages of the new design: it is mobile- Bohdan Tytla Roman Sawycky ready for handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, Bandurist Capella and the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of iPhones, iPads); all the articles are presented as separate Our community the U.S.A., music instructor at bandura camps in North full-text stories that can be easily printed, with high-quali- America – April 21. ty photos included; navigation is intuitive, and related arti- Stephen Peter Smotrycz Jr., 89, longtime activist and cles are categorized by topics. mourns their passing member of the board of directors of the Ukrainian For those online subscribers accustomed to reading uring 2014 our community mourned the passing of National Home and Community Center of Jersey City, N.J., each week’s issue in PDF – which retains the original layout many of its prominent members: musicians, schol- U.S. Army veteran of World War II, photographer and co- of the newspaper – that option remains available. Just click Dars, artists, community activists, human rights owner of Hudson Camera – April 24. on the image of the latest front page of The Weekly that activists, journalists and others. Among them were the fol- Leonid Plyushch, 76, of France, mathematician/cyber- appears on the top right of our webpage and, voila, you will lowing, listed in the order of their passing. neticist, active member of the Soviet and Ukrainian human be taken to the section of our website labeled “Latest issues rights movements and a victim of punitive psychiatry (1973- in PDF.” There you will find all the issues published in the Andriy Kuzmenko (“Kuzma”), 47, hugely popular 1976), Initiative Group for the Defense of Human Rights in current year. A little hint: you can also download the issue singer in Ukraine who was also politically active and had the USSR, author of “History’s Carnival: A Dissident’s you’d like to read and then read it at your leisure whether most recently played a benefit concert to raise funds for Autobiography” (1979), member of the External or not you have an Internet connection. the Ukrainian military, lead singer of the group Skryabin, Representation of the Ukrainian Group – June 4. The new online Weekly has sections, as befits a news- killed in a car crash – February 2. Roman A. Sawycky, 77, musicologist, author, pianist, paper: Ukraine, Community, Opinion, U.S., Canada, John S. Reshetar, 90, professor emeritus of political sci- teacher, music researcher and longtime music columnist Culture/Arts, Sports, Community Events, as well as sub- ence a the University of Washington in Seattle since 1989, (“Sounds and Views”) of The Ukrainian Weekly – June 20. sections, for example: Columnists and Editorials under after four decades as a faculty member at that university Laryssa Kukrycka Lysniak (Laryssa Lauret), 75, Opinion, and Community Chronicle and Generation Uke and others; author of the landmark book “The Ukrainian actress of Ukrainian and American stage, film and televi- under Community. In addition, highlighted are special Revolution, 1917-1920” and other works – February 7. sion – July 5. issues: The Years in Review, Debutante Balls, A Ukrainian Bohdan Tytla, 87, well-known and highly respected Jaroslawa Prodywus, 85, a founder and stalwart sup- Summer. Most of the current content provided on the new artist – February 17. porter of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary website is “premium” and, therefore, available on a regular Valentina Kuzmych, 96, longtime president, and later Ukrainian Byzantine-Catholic Parish in Omaha, Nebraska, basis to subscribers only. Online access to premium con- honorary president, of the United Ukrainian Orthodox initiator of the Ukrainian dance group in that city – July 24. tent is on a metered basis; thus, readers who visit more Sisterhoods, administration of the magazine Vira, co-found- , 98, Sovietologist, renowned author than four times a month are asked to subscribe to gain fur- er of the Holy Trinity Parish in New York – February 27. of 21 books on Soviet history and politics, who, according ther access. Olga Fylypowycz, 97, secret member of Plast Ukrainian to The Times of London, “did perhaps more than any other Scouting Organization when it was outlawed by the Polish The Ukrainian Weekly’s fascinating archives also historian in the West to bring those unimaginable crimes moved to the new website. To peruse them, go the to government; participated in the 1938 march to restore the [of Stalin] to public attention”; author of “The Great graves of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen on Makivka; in 1941, “Archives” link that appears in the bar atop the webpage. Terror” (1968) and “The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet That’s how you will find PDFs of all our issues published together with her late sister Osypa, sheltered a Jewish co- Collectivization and the Terror-Famine” (1986); historian worker, Ruzia Lekhman, saving her from the Holocaust – since 1933. The Archives (which do not include the cur- whose meticulous and expressive account of the Great rent year’s issues) are open to all, subscribers and non- February 28. Famine of 1932-1933 told the world the truth about Nicolas (Mykola) Andreadis, 86, owner of construc- subscribers. Stalin’s premeditated murder of millions of their kinsmen We were pleased to note a significant increase in the tion and real estate development companies, member of and gave voice to those millions – August 3. the board of directors of the Ukrainian Opera Company – number of subscribers to our online edition after we George Truchly, M.D., 93, former president of the unveiled the “new and improved” online edition of The March 12. Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and mem- Ihor Bohdan Chyzowych, 81, athlete, longtime presi- Weekly. ber of the Journal of UMANA editorial board, September 9. The Ukrainian Weekly’s online presence is enhanced by dent of the Ukrainian American Sports Center Tryzub, Paul Dzul, M.D., 94, former president of the World its Facebook page, which has functioned since July 10, president/CEO of the Ukrainian Self Reliance Federal Federation of Ukrainian Medical Associations, editor-in- 2012. The number of “Likes” for our page has now sur- Credit Union, U.S. Army veteran – March 15. chief of the Journal of the Ukrainian Medical Association of passed 4,300 and continues to grow. What we do on Pavlo Dorozynsky, 88, Plast activist, head of Plast North America, November 2. Facebook differs greatly from what we offer on the pages Ukrainian Scouting Organization in the U.S. in 1971-1975 Lev Dobrjansky, Ph.D., 90, past president of the – March 18. national board of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of of our newspaper. On Facebook, The Weekly gives regular Oleg Bryjak, 54, bass-baritone opera singer of America – November 26. updates from our editorial offices, including previews of Ukrainian descent who was born in Kazakhstan, member Maria Polanskyj, 76, activist of the Ukrainian National what to expect in upcoming issues; lets our friends know of the German Opera on the Rhine in Dusselfdorf, proto- Women’s League of America, member of the UNWLA when a new issue becomes available online; allows visi- deacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Krefeld; he National Board since 2002, longtime chair of the UNWLA tors to take a look at our latest front page; and shares was among the 144 passengers and six crew members Scholarship Program – December 4. interesting stories from a variety of sources. What is new who died when Germanwings Flight 4U 9525 from Rostyslav (Ross) L. Chomiak, 79, editor of The this year is that on our newspaper’s newly redesigned Barcelona to Dusseldorf was deliberately crashed in the Ukrainian Weekly (1960-1961), associate editor of Prolog website, on the right-hand side of the page, visitors will south of France by a co-pilot – March 24. Research and Publishing Association, journalist with Voice also see a box labeled “Find us on Facebook,” where they Yurij Petlura, 28, gifted bandurist and pianist, teacher of America and U.S. Information Agency, writer of commen- can quickly take a look at the latest posts on The Weekly’s of music and physics, assistant conductor of the Canadian taries for Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly – December 7. Facebook page. So, we invite you to explore www.ukrweekly.com and visit us on Facebook. And, if you haven’t done so yet, please “Like” us on Facebook! During 2015, The Weekly continued to report on events in our ancestral homeland and the activities of our com- munities. In fact, there were countless stories and photos sent in by readers and community activists from across North America and beyond. It is their contributions to our news pages that make The Ukrainian Weekly a true com- munity newspaper. Of course, there were also the usual special issues in The Weekly: the annual Year in Review issue (published in four sections, January 18 through February 8, for a total of 32 pages); the round-up of Ukrainian debutante balls (March 22); the 19th annual edition of “A Ukrainian Summer” (May 3, comprising 24 full-color pages); and the Laryssa Kukrycka Lysniak (Laryssa special Ukrainian Independence Day issue (August 23). Lauret) Robert Conquest Rostyslav L. Chomiak There were also unique feature articles. Among them No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 17

2015: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

No. 3 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 5 No. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015 11 were these from Canada and the United States: 2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW “Documents reveal information on Ukrainian heroes of the From Euro-Maidan to Revolution of Dignity Plast debutantes presented at ball in Whippany, N.J. French Resistance,” by Oksana Zakydalsky (January 11); uring 2014, what started out as the Euro-Maidan was transformed into the Revolution of Dignity. By Dyear’s end, Ukraine had a new president, a new “Atlantic Council report focuses on human rights abuses in Verkhovna Rada and a new government. And, at the end of the year, the Rada voted to abandon the country’s previ- ous “non-bloc” status and set a course for NATO member- Crimea,” by Matthew Dubas (March 29); “War in Ukraine, ship. A civilizational choice had been made. As the year began, there was concern about the regular presidential election that was to be held in March 2015 as the opposition – that is the pro-Western parties of Ukraine ‘red lines’ in Syria and the Obama administration,” by – appeared to have no unified election strategy other than being against . Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform (UDAR) Chair Vitali Klitschko was call- Adrian Bryttan (March 29); “Congressional engagement ing on his rivals to ditch their campaigns and unite behind his single candidacy. The expected Batkivshchyna candi- date, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and Svoboda party candidate on Ukraine intensifies since Euro-Maidan,” by Orest Oleh Tiahnybok said they would compete independently in the first round of the presidential election. Billionaire confectionary magnate Petro Poroshenko also was plan- ning to throw his hat into the ring. The concern among Deychakiwsky (April 19); “New Ukrainian MPs bring mes- observers was that so many candidates could cannibalize the pro-Western vote or spread it too thinly, letting anoth- Vladimir Gontar/UNIAN er victory slip through their fingers. On January 10 came The scene on January 20 on Kyiv’s Hrushevsky Street, where violent clashes between the Berkut and protesters sage of determination to D.C.,” by Borys Potapenko (May news of a rift between Euro-Maidan activists and leaders broke out on January 19 and were continuing. when the Euro-Maidan Citizens Council demanded that ally began firing tear gas canisters and stun grenades to which happened to mark the Unity Day holiday in Ukraine. opposition leaders settle on a single presidential candi- force the demonstrators away from their barricade. Many Opposition leaders responded by declaring on January date by January 11 or else face protests. 24); “Ukrainian Nationality Room at U. of Pittsburgh marks protesters began digging out cobblestones and flinging 22 that they would lead the formation of a People’s Meanwhile, public demonstrations in support of them at police, along with Molotov cocktails. The national- Ukraine’s European orientation and against President Council and People’s Election Commission as parallel ists were soon joined by soccer hooligans, also targeted by Yanukovych’s decision to scrap closer ties with the structures to the Verkhovna Rada and the Central Election the January 17 laws, as well as Euro-Maidan activists. By Dan Bitcon/Bitcon Productions 25th anniversary,” by Roksana Korchynsky (June 28/July European Union continued. On January 5, about 10,000 Commission. They also set an ultimatum to the govern- midnight, at least half a dozen buses – placed by police to people gathered at Kyiv’s Independence Square – the ment to either hold pre-term elections or face an offensive Plast debutantes (from left): Alexa Czartorysky, Lexi Hamilton, Olenka Hladky, Dara Klemik, Ruta Odulak, Marta Penkalskyj, Natalia Tsuvanyk, Olenka Tytla and Katia Woloszyn. form a wider barricade against demonstrators – were strike. There was palpable fear of a forceful dispersal of Maidan – for the first major opposition rally of the new year. guests as she was escorted through the The debutantes in their flowing white After dinner, more guests arrived and The government’s violence against opposition activists thoroughly burnt. Berkut upped the ante against demon- the Maidan that evening, but more than 50,000 support- by Natalia Bilash 5); “Derogatory ad by Verizon irks Ukrainian community,” strators by spraying water from water cannons in their ers responded – despite the frigid temperatures and fall- center of the ballroom. gowns danced gracefully with their escorts danced the night away to the music of also continued. As the Euro-Maidan entered its eighth WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Parents Committee This year’s debutantes included nine to a newly choreographed arrangement Tempo and Hrim, including a great 30-min- direction (amidst freezing temperatures) and firing rub- ing snow – to the opposition’s call to protect the Maidan. week, former Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko, a of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s young ladies from Plast’s Newark branch prepared by Natalia and Andriy Cybyk. ute kolomyika. ber bullets and live metal cartridges. The next night snip- Thus, the Maidan remained intact. leader of the movement, was beaten the night of January Newark, N.J., branch on January sponsored its (which is now based in Whippany), as well Each debutante also joined her father in a Special thanks were given to the Self- by Matthew Dubas (July 12); “A blue-and-yellow flashmob ers fired metal bullets at the protesters. January 26 was a day of funerals for 21-year-old Mr. 10 during scuffles with the Berkut after the police brutally annual Debutante Ball here at the Hanover as branches in Passaic, N.J., New York, special waltz. Reliance Ukrainian American Federal beat demonstrators that evening. Mr. Lutsenko suffered a The result was at least five deaths and over 1,300 injured Nihoyan and 25-year-old Mr. Zhyznevskyi. Over 1,000 protesters, as well as more than 120 injured police. Marriot. The debutante ball is a traditional Philadelphia and Kerhonkson, N.Y.: Alexa Two of Newark’s Plast scouts set up a Credit Union for its generous contribution concussion, head trauma and wounds that landed him in people took part in Mr. Nihoyan’s funeral in the village of event at which each debutante is formally Czartorysky (escort Alexander Tomko), table outside the hall where they collected to the event. The Yanukovych government responded to the protests in Times Square,” by Stefan Slutsky (September 6); intensive care. Bereznuvativka, . Radio Svoboda presented to the community as a young lady. Olenka Hladky (Roman Onyshkevych); Dara pledges and funds for soldiers fighting in The success of this memorable event was with a campaign of state terror in which activists were Things got worse later in January when Kyiv erupted in reported his father said, “Maidan must hold out. My son Anya Tershakovec-Tomko and Borislaw Klemik (Christopher Kuzemka), Alexandra Ukraine. In addition, every table had made possible by members of the organiz- subjected to beatings, kidnappings, torture, shootings and violent clashes between Euro-Maidan protesters and died for Ukraine.” Mr. Nihoyan’s parents had sought refuge Bilash, who served as this year’s masters of Hamilton (Peter Kondrat), Natalia Tsuvanyk #FreeSavchenko fliers, and guests were ing committee: Natalia Voronka-Bilash and “Toronto International Film Festival screens new Maidan police after the Verkhovna Rada, in a controversial vote – murder carried out by the Berkut special forces. Overnight in Ukraine from the violence over Nagorno-Karabakh ceremonies, formally opened the event by (Alexander Rakowsky), Ruta Odulak encouraged to photograph themselves and Ms. Tershakovec-Tomko (co-chairs), Christina conducted in a wholly illegal manner – on January 16 on January 19-20, the first kidnappings by Berkut forces shortly before their son was born. Mr. Nihoyan had served welcoming the debutantes, their families (Maxym Kolomayets), Olenka Tytla (Stephan post these to Twitter and Facebook to bring Gnoy-Stasiuk, Alexandra Tershakovec- passed a series of draconian laws curtailing freedoms of were reported. The kidnappings and beatings escalated as one of the voluntary defenders of the Maidan since and guests. After being formally intro- Firko), Marta Penkalskyj (Stephen Waskiw) awareness to the campaign for Nadiya Zawadiwsky, Lida Lukianenko-Moczula and speech and assembly. What have been labeled the “dicta- significantly the next few days. Civic activists Ihor December. In Kyiv, thousands of Euro-Maidan activists and duced, each debutante was welcomed by and Katia Woloszyn (Yuriy Stolyarchuk). Savchenko’s release from prison. Roxy Smyk. film ,” by Oksana Zakydalsky (September 27); “Schur spot- torship laws,” signed by President Yanukovych on January Lutsenko and Yurii Verbytskyi were kidnapped on January other Kyiv residents came to bid farewell to Mr. 17, created the legal pretext for the government to launch 21. Mr. Lutsenko surfaced a day later and reported being Zhyznevskyi, who had come to Ukraine about 10 years a widely anticipated mass police operation to forcibly tortured, while Mr. Verbytskyi was found murdered. Auto- earlier from his native Belarus seeking refuge from perse- lights Terry Sawchuk in docu-drama on NHL’s ‘iron man’ clear the Euro-Maidan territory in central Kyiv occupied Maidan leader Dmytro Bulatov disappeared on January 22 cution. In Ukraine he was active in the nationalist UNA- by the opposition. and suffered eight days of beatings and torture before UNSO movement. 15 debut at Chervona Kalyna Ball On January 19, young demonstrators led by the radical being left for dead in a forest. Two other activists, ethnic By January 29, President Yanukovych’s authoritarian rule PEARL RIVER, N.Y. – The Pravyi Sektor group attempted to storm government Armenian Serhii Nihoyan of the Dnipropetrovsk area and was on the brink of collapse during that day’s parliamenta- goalie,” by Christopher Guly (October 11); “The situation in Chervona Kalyna Debutante Ball, buildings, and Hrushevsky street became the site of bat- Belarusian citizen Mykhailo Zhyznevskyi of Bila Tserkva, ry session, as deputies were ready to form a new majority New York’s Ukrainian American tles between protesters and Berkut forces. Berkut eventu- were killed by sniper fire during battles on January 22, and reinstate the 2004 constitutional amendments that cotillion ball for more than 50 would have brought back a parliamentary-presidential Ukraine and challenges for the Ukrainian community in republic. Yet the Russian government – rattled by the prior years, was held here at the day’s resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov – Hilton Pearl River on February 7. renewed pressure on Ukrainian oligarchs and politicians to Seen on rhe right are the debu- the U.S.,” by Oleh Wolowyna (October 18); “Ukrainian keep Mr. Yanukovych in power. That day it announced tantes and their escorts: (first renewed trade barriers and freezes on the financial aid and row, from left) Natalia Andrea natural gas discounts extended in mid-December 2013. Mr. Bohdanna Baran and Brendyn Canadian women take lead role in Canadian politics,” by Yanukovych rushed into Parliament, where he reportedly Lupe, Taisa Sorobay and Maksym blackmailed members of his Party of Regions parliamen- Kolomayets, Roxanne Kulynych tary faction to approve his version of an amnesty bill that and Orest Byskosh, Nadia Jean made possible a state of emergency in 15 days. Langer-Marshall and Markian Christopher Guly (November 15); and “Book Review: A Our free-lance correspondent in Kyiv, Zenon Zawada Kuziw, Natalia Blyznak and Andrey reported that the political winds were slowly eroding Mr. Shmotolocha, Nataliya Perkhalyuk Yanukovych’s support base, which was confirmed in an and Adrian Temnycky, Maya Lydia multi-dimensional account of Ukrainian nationalism,” by interview on Polish state radio on January 30 by former Lopatynsky and Peter Lenchur, Polish President and EU diplomat Aleksander (second row) Roma Katerina Kwasniewski. “I think the president’s urgent visit to the Kulbida and Julian Fedorciw, Bohdan Vitvitsky (December 20). Rada occurred because he’s afraid that the majority is no Natalia Livcha and Mark Shust, longer on his side,” said Mr. Kwasniewski, who has spent Irene Anna Kulbida and Dimitriy more than a decade dealing with Mr. Yanukovych and Baran, Diana Furda and Alexander Plus, there were many stories from Ukraine that you Ukraine’s politicians. “He lost several dozen votes in the Tomko, Stefania Moore and Party of Regions. He went to discipline them, frighten Mark Kucy, Larissa Anna Klufas them, blackmail them, and that had an effect.” and Luсa Iwasykiw, (third row) Speaking on February 2 on Kyiv’s Independence Anastasia Zaluckyj and Markian could read only in The Weekly. Here’s just a sampling: Square, Vitali Klitschko told a crowd of some 50,000 that Sergey Isaev/UNIAN Ozaruk, Katarina Rose Iovino and Mourners at the funeral of Euro-Maidan activist Serhii Nihoyan in Bereznuvativka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on President Yanukovych’s resignation followed by elections Alexander Hirniak. was the only way out of the crisis. “Our proposition is the “Survival on the Donbas frontlines,” by Yana Sedova January 26. – Andrij Tytla Wowk Photography (January 25); “Bukovel, the affordable jewel of the The first page of Part 1 of “2014: The Year in Review” A page from our annual special section on “Ukrainian Carpathians,” by Zenon Zawada (February 15); “Refugees, as it appeared in our January 18 issue. Debutante Balls,” published on March 22. now in Kramatorsk, recall their experiences in war-torn east,” by Ms. Sedova (March 15); “Victory Day commemo- editorial – titled “So, you think you can’t write…” – we Miscellany ration geared to presenting a new Ukraine,” by Mr. Zawada addressed readers: “We urge you to extend your reach (May 3); “More evidence surfaces on Russian Internet and broaden your circle of contacts, friends and support- On the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Ukraine’s trolls,” by Mr. Zawada (August 23). ers by sending information to The Ukrainian Weekly, Independence, President Petro Poroshenko awarded 14 “Over 5,000 witness dedication of Holodomor which we will gladly publish in our Community Chronicle. foreign citizens for their contribution to strengthening the Memorial in Washington,” by Roma Hadzewycz was the In order to benefit from each other’s experiences, we need international authority of Ukraine, popularization of its lead story in The Weekly‘s extensive coverage of this his- to share them. Instead of islands of separate activity, we historical heritage and modern achievements. Among toric event, which was enhanced thanks to team coverage can have an interconnected network! Think you can’t them were two Ukrainian American women who were by Yaro Bihun, Matthew Dubas and photographers write? Think again. You don’t need to write an extensive awarded the Order of Princess Olha, third degree: Christine Syzonenko and Stefan Slutsky. account of each and every one of your community events. Ukrainian Congress Committee of America President We gained a new columnist this year. Andrij Oftentimes, a simple caption to a good photograph is all it Tamara Olexy and The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-Chief Dobriansky, an executive board member and media takes to let others know what’s happening in your com- Roma Hadzewycz. The awards were announced in a presi- spokesman for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of munity. And, if you’re not sure about your writing skills, dential decree dated August 21. Ms. Olexy received her America, said that in his column, called “Ukraine Matters,” do the best you can in telling the story, but do get the facts medal on September 26, 2015; Ms. Hadzewycz is still he would share his thoughts on topics often glossed over right and the spellings of names correct. And give us “the 5 awaiting a presentation of this great honor. in the media. His first column appeared in our April 19 Ws,” as they used to teach in journalism school: the who, A film crew from Istorychna Pravda, headed by issue. Other columnists featured in 2015 included: what, when, where and why of the event being reported. Vakhtang Kipiani, visited our editorial offices on November Andrew Fedynsky, Oksana Bashuk Hepburn, Myron We’ll take it from there; we’re happy to serve as your 10, 2015, to see Svoboda’s and The Weekly’s historic issues Kuropas, Andrew Sorokowski, Eugene Z. Stakhiv and ghostwriters and editors – all in keeping with our mission from the years of the Holodomor, as well as historic materi- Orysia Paszczak Tracz. And then there were our regular to keep us all in touch and informed. And you will get the als related to that genocide that we have at our editorial contributors: Mr. Bihun, Mr. Bryttan, Ms. Zakydalsky, byline, or tagline, or photo credit. (We’re sticklers about offices. They also interviewed the editor-in-chief about the sportswriter Ihor Stelmach. that and want to give credit where credit is due!)” newspapers’ coverage of the Famine-Genocide of 1932- We would be remiss if we did not note that reader sup- We marked The Weekly’s 82nd birthday with an edito- 1933; the history of The Ukrainian Weekly, which was port for our newspaper continued to be strong as evi- rial that highlighted the changes through the years, includ- founded to tell the world the truth about what was hap- denced by donations to our press fund: a grand total of ing all-important technological improvements, and under- pening in Ukraine; and the case of Holodomor denier $22,708 for the year. A huge thank-you to all of our bene- scored: “…a lot has changed in 82 years, but not our com- Walter Duranty of The New York Times. The report aired factors. mitment to our community and the Ukrainian nation. And on Ukrainian television on November 28 and was posted During 2015 we tried to encourage readers to write, to our founding mission – to tell the world the truth about online at the time that Ukraine marked the annual share their news with fellow readers. In our September 20 Ukraine and Ukrainians – endures.” Holodomor Remembrance Day. (The report is available on No.18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 S1 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2015 No. 7

A Ukrainian Summer YouYubeIn 2015 under we noted the titlethat “Фільмtwo of our до long-timeдня пам’яті columnists жертв Голодоморуhad published 1932-33 books. років.”) Dr. Kuropas’s latest book, titled Supplement to The Ukrainian Weekly, May 3, 2015 “Lesia and I, A Progress Report and a Ukrainian-American

The calendar says it’s May, so here we go with the 19th (nineteenth!!!) issue of our annual supplement “A Ukrainian Summer.” An extensive listing of Ukrainian festivals is our first feature – after all, what would a Ukrainian summer be without these Love Story,” is part memoir and part autobiography and events held practically anywhere there is a significant Ukrainian community. “Summer” in this case is a relative term, as the high season for festivals is May through October, and we’ve tried to include all the festivals in North America. (N.B.: If your festival is not here, it’s because you didn’t let us – and, therefore, our readers – know!) was written to mark the 50th wedding anniversary of At the back of this supplement you’ll find a useful calendar of sports events held under the aegis of the Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (known by its Ukrainian acronym that is pronounced “ustsak”). In between, there are stories about a variety of camps, courses, workshops, and cultural and social events – happenings sure to please various segments of our community. The paid advertisements, too, are informative, offering even more details about Myron and Lesia (Waskiw) Kuropas. Ms. Tracz, on upcoming summer events. Thank you to all who submitted materials for this year’s supplement. Remember: our invitation to be a part of this special section is open to all, and we hereby repeat that invitation for 2016, when we will release our 20th edition of “A Ukrainian Summer.” (Readers may December 3 launched her new book, “First Star I See recall that last year we said we’d try to release our summer supplement in mid-April in view of the earlier deadlines for some summer pro- grams in North America, as well as Ukraine. But, frankly, the two Easters in April made that unfeasible. So, we will just stick to the original plan: the special supplement appears in May.) Tonight” (Mazepa Publications, Zhuravli Ltd, 2015) at In the meantime, have a great summer in 2015! Zenon Zawada Skiers descend on a Bukovel ski slope overlooking the The mountans of Bukovel offer incredible views of the Carpathian Mountains. village resort. McNally Robinson Booksellers of Winnipeg. The beautifully It’s Festival Time! designed book is a collection of articles explaining the ori- May 9 Vesna Festival, Prairieland Park, July 17-19 Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian Cultural Institute, Bukovel, the aff ordable jewel of the Carpathians Saskatoon, SK www.vesnafestival.com Dickinson, ND Dickinson State College, 701-483-1486 or www.ucitoday.org offered as good a version as any I’ve sampled for the com- gins of Ukrainian Christmas traditions, their symbolism May 15-17 St. George Ukrainian Festival, St. George Ukrainian fortable price of $5.48. New York Catholic Church, July 22-25 Pittsburgh Ukrainian Festival, St. Mary Ukrainian Across the way from the Korchma was the Panorama Bar, [email protected] McKees Rocks, PA Orthodox Church, 412-331-2362 which offered incredible views of the Carpathian panorama and their continuation around the world, especially in under the intoxication of your favorite alcoholic beverage. June 12-14 Folklore Festival, featuring Lviv (Ukraine) Pavilion, July 24-25 Ukrainian Festival, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Indeed it’s this aspect of Bukovel that I found to be Kingston, ON Ukrainian Canadian Club of Kingston, Kingston Folklore Syracuse, NY Catholic Church, 315-478-5109 or [email protected] among the most disturbing. As far as I can remember, Festival, 613-549-5060 Ukraine, Canada and the United States. Many of the articles July 25 Ukrainian Festival, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox American slopes only offer alcohol at the bottom and I can’t June 19-21 Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival, St. Michael Parma, OH Cathedral, www.stvladimirs.org see why these guys can’t restrain their craving for 100 Yonkers, NY Ukrainian Catholic Church, grams of Nemiroff until closing time at 8:30 p.m., when July 26 Ukrainian Heritage Festival, Holy Trinity Ukrainian previously appeared in The Weekly in Ms. Tracz’s column. www.yonkersukrainianfestival.org they’ve put away their skis and can party the night away. Cheektowaga, NY Orthodox Church, 716-684-0738 or Unfortunately, I can’t offer the ski buffs an assessment of www.holytinitybuffalo.com June 27-28 Lemko Vatra, Organization for the Defense of the expert diamond slopes because I avoided them alto- Ellenville, NY Lemko Western Ukraine, Ukrainian American Youth July 31-August 2 Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, gether. What I can state with confidence is that there is Association camp, www.lemko-ool.com or Dauphin, MB Selo Ukraina, www.cnuf.ca enough of a variety of trails to satisfy skiers of all levels. Our collaborators 845-647-7230 In all, there are 14 sets of slopes and what’s most August 1-3 Servus Heritage Festival, Ukrainian Pavilion, William July 3-5 Nadiya Ye! Festival, featuring performance by Lama of impressive is their intricate interconnectedness. One can Edmonton, AB Hawrelak Park, [email protected] or ski from any one point to another in the entire resort, Ellenville, NY Ukraine, Ukrainian American Youth Association camp, 780-488-3378 www.cym.org/us-ellenville A cook roasts shashlyky (kebabs) at the indoor grill at Horsedrawn carts with jingling sleighbells serve as taxis which even offers three bridges from the three mounts on The 2015 edition of “The Year in Review” was prepared August 9 Ukrainian Day Festival, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Korchma Filvarok on Mount Bukovel. in the resort ski village of Bukovel. the resort’s south side (Bukovel, Chorna Kleva and Dovha) July 3-5 Vegreville Ukrainian Pysanka Festival, Festival Grounds, Edmonton, AB Village, 780-662-3640 to the two mounts on its north side. Vegreville, AB www.pysankafestival.com or 780-632-2777 by Zenon Zawada skiing is getting there early. Particularly pleasurable for me was being on the slopes by opening time at 8:30 a.m. on a Prior to Bukovel, I went skiing only twice before in by Roma Hadzewycz and Matthew Dubas of The Weekly’s August 13-16 St. Josaphat Ukrainian Festival, St. Josaphat Ukrainian Ukraine at resorts far inferior, replete with shabby infra- July 4 Ukrainian American Heritage Festival, Ukrainian Folk Rochester, NY Catholic Church, www.rochesterukrainianfestival.com BUKOVEL, Ukraine – It’s amazing that I’ve lived in Sunday morning, which is among the best experiences I’ve Lehighton, PA Dance Workshop, Ukrainian Homestead, Ukraine for 10 years and had yet to visit Bukovel, what I had while living in Ukraine. structure (offering only seats and handles attached to www.ukrhomestead.com August 13-15 FolkFest, featuring the Ukrainian Carpathians Pavilion, would call the jewel of the Carpathians, until the weekend The ascent on ski lifts – that put the Carpathians’ pines cables as ski lifts) and poorly marked trails. editorial staff; our part-time staffer Christine Syzonenko; Saskatoon, SK Ukrainian Tryzub Society, Exhibition Grounds, of January 16-18. close to within arm’s reach – takes you to the mountains’ In fact, there were one or two black diamonds at July 10-12 Ukrainian Heritage Festival, Ukrainian National www.saskatoonfolkfest.com I think I was intimidated. As Ukraine’s most-hyped ski peaks and their inspiring landscapes. Besides all the great Bukovel that were marked otherwise and I avoided them Kerhonkson, NY Foundation, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, skiing, Bukovel is worth the extraordinary views alone. only thanks to my journalistic skepticism upon seeing what www.soyuzivka.com resort, I imagined unaffordable hotels anad ski lifts to dia- our colleagues Adrian Bryttan, Deanna Yurchuk and Lesia (Continued on page S23) mond-level slopes, dominated by the ski-bum kids of Reaching top of a peak opens up a crisp panorama of snow- seemed to be something awfully close to a 90-degree drop Donetsk oligarchs as their bored Barbie doll wives strolled covered pines deserving of Christmas cards. as I slowly approached. to the various spas in fur coats. Indeed, I’ve come to believe that nothing would raise The uncouth clientele utterly contemptuous of the eti- Lebed; our correspondent Oksana Zakydalsky in Toronto; How wrong I was! Bukovel in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast is patriotism more than for every Ukrainian high school stu- quette of skiing, is kept to a minimum at Bukovel thanks to not Aspen, Colo., or St. Moritz, Switzerland. It’s a ski resort dent to be brought to the top of the Carpathians in the win- its relative priceyness. The absolute worst is when these of average American-standard quality and prices in the tertime, ski slope or not. “zhloby” (boors) aggressively push and shove in line for the and Ihor Stelmach, our sports columnist. Credit for the heart of the Carpathians. Rentals were $7.62 per day and a They’d get a new appreciation, maybe even love for ski lift, literally stepping on your skis without so much as a daily ski pass, purchased before 9 a.m., cost $26.59 (it rose Ukraine and its natural wonders, including Hoverlia, the high- “vybachte,” “pereproshuyu” or even “izvinitye.” to $32.93 after 9 a.m.). est peak that’s visible from Mount Bukovel, the first set of And yet this rabble did rear its ugly head at Bukovel. The layout goes to our layout artist Stefan Slutsky. Such affordability for those who earn their pay in U.S. slopes when approaching the resort from the northern road. resort’s werewolves come out at about 4:30 p.m. – when dollars can be attributed to the hryvnia’s 50 percent plunge The descent through the crisp mountain air is padded the sun sets and only three trails are lit and open for the in value last year. These were the prices when $1 U.S. was by pillowy, freshly groomed snow. The absence of anyone four remaining hours. And they are eager to attempt the The articles in this yearender were prepared based on worth 16.4 hrv at street kiosks. In the month since my trip, within sight for these first two hours in the morning gave most risky stunts now that the parents and their kids have the U.S. dollar has strengthened to 23 hrv, which means the me the pleasurable illusion that the Carpathians – or at gone home. prices became even less expensive for Westerners. least this slice – belonged to me alone and were mine to I came close to a cultural exchange of fists with one stories about events of 2015 that were published in The At the same time, Bukovel has become utterly expensive roam exclusively. punk after he slid down a slope and cut me in line for a ski for most Ukrainians. Yet to my delighted surprise, the Even as the crowd starts to thicken by 10:30 a.m., the lift, sliding over my skis without the slightest acknowledge- majority of the people there spoke Ukrainian, which means weekend slopes of Bukovel offers enough space – most of ment of my existence. What bruises I was spared in avoid- ing that exchange were incurred later when a speedster Weekly – articles written by our staffers and regular cor- it’s a popular weekend getaway for a Halychyna middle the time – to ski with comfort, without fear of collisions, slammed into me on one of the slopes. He was going at class that seems to remain resilient despite Ukraine’s eco- either with overly zealous hot-doggers or rookies that have such a speed – in a straight downhill trajectory – that he nomic devastation. (I got my chance to travel as part of a gotten in over their heads when tackling a new slope. either overestimated his skills or was under the influence respondents, news sources like RFE/RL and Eurasia Daily weekend corporate getaway organized by Concorde For lunch, one not need go far. There are plenty of places Zenon Zawada’s feature article onof somethe substance. Bukovel ski Capital, for whom I do political analysis.) to dine, even on the very peaks. I chose Korchma Filvarok As it gets later, the hazards of hot-doggers are com- Indeed there were plenty of families. I came across a (Farmhouse Tavern) at the top of Mount Bukovel, whose pounded by a ski surface that is utterly icy in some parts Monitor, and submissions by community activists from father teaching his 3 1/2-year-old to descend down a cir- main attraction is an indoor grill at its very center, used for Front page of the 24-page supplement “A Ukrainian resort in Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains,and unnavigable. I hit such an unexpected which icy patch just cle-level slope without poles. The presence of kids was so roasting shashlyky (kebabs), among other meat dishes. before the line for a ski lift, requiring an intentional dive to pervasive that a woman I spoke with compared it to a I am a big fan of mamalyga (cornmeal and cheese prevent a painful encounter with a mesh fence that was the near and far. Thank you to all! Summer,” which was published on May 3. “dytiachiy sad,” or nursery. appearedtopped in with dicedour chunks ofFebruary fried pork fat) and I like to try 7 issue. As with any mid-tier ski resort, the key to comfortable new foods whenever I travel in western Ukraine. Filvarok (Continued on page 11) 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6 No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 19

supported them. “Above all, Moscow sup- Vilnius at 25... ported them… and this support was no less important than the courage of those who (Continued from page 3) went to defend the television tower with West is obviously preparing for Russia “not their bodies.” a Marshall Plan but a Versailles.” What was important, Mr. Amnuel says, is That somewhat overblown language, that “people found in themselves the cour- likely offered to suggest why Russians age and desire to hear the truth and not should resist rather than to indicate how ‘Pravda’ [the Russian word for ‘truth’], to the West really will act, nonetheless points bring it to other people and declare it to the to something many in the West don’t want authorities. At that time, people still to recognize: Although the Russian empire remembered about the repressions of the has been dying for over a century, it still gulag and the struggle with dissidents, but exists and represents a threat to all precise- they came out into the streets” anyway. ly because it is an empire. “Vilnius unified us then,” not everyone If the West has forgotten that, many of course, but at least “those in whom Russians have forgotten something else – humanity had remained alive despite all and on this anniversary, it is extraordinarily the many years of repression in the king- important that they remember it. When dom of unfreedom” that was the Soviet sys- Mikhail Gorbachev’s “siloviki” killed tem. Now, “alas, Crimea and the events in Lithuanians, tens of thousands of Russians Ukraine have not unified us but divided us,” went into the streets of Moscow and other Mr. Amnuel notes. Russian cities in support of the Lithuanians In 1968, eight brave people demonstrat- and in opposition to the Kremlin. ed against the Soviet invasion of What a difference 25 years makes, . In 1991, tens of thousands Grigory Amnuel points out. Now, polls sug- came out to support Lithuania. Now, “in the gest, large majorities of Russians back Mr. best case,” something under 5 percent of Putin’s imperial project, and his aggression the population of this “still enormous coun- there and elsewhere, instead of unifying try” have the courage to do the same. A sad, Russians against him as Mr. Gorbachev’s even tragic evolution in the wrong direc- moves did against him, is having the oppo- tion, he notes. site effect (kasparov.ru/material.php?id= “It is possible,” Mr. Amnuel says, “that the 568E496E0110E). anniversary of those events, 25 years now What made Vilnius so important was (a whole new generation has grown up!) precisely the shockwaves it sent through will force someone to remember and some- the Soviet empire and first and foremost one to learn about those times… and change through the first, although often unrecog- something… For this, memory exists,” nized, victims of that empire – the ethnic despite all the efforts of the current regime, Russians. Once they broke with the like its predecessors, to falsify the past. Kremlin, there was no one left to defend it “While we are alive, while we recall the but a few aging Communist Party and KGB victims and what we then were, there is thugs as the August 1991 coup showed. hope,” he concludes, and “that means we At that time, he writes, “the simple resi- must preserve the truth about those days dents of Lithuania” stood up for freedom, for the sake of the future.” and “tens and hundreds of thousands of That is true for Russia; it is also true for their then-fellow citizens” across the USSR the West as well.

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response to Moscow’s annexation of into eastern Ukraine, threatening the frag- of the Council of Europe. (Ukrainian NEWSBRIEFS Crimea and the Kremlin’s support for pro- ile peace deal. (RFE/RL, based on reporting Canadian Congress) Russian separatists that are fighting on Reuters and DPA) (Continued from page 2) UOC-KP under attack in Crimea Ukrainian government forces in eastern Merkel presses Putin on separatists Ms. Merkel, who has taken a tough line on Ukraine. Ms. Merkel said on February 1 that KYIV – The Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow after it annexed Crimea in March “sanctions against Russia must stay in place BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) is being forced 2014.” Now Putin has opened an informa- until Russia fully implements the Minsk Merkel on February 2 urged Russian out of the Cathedral of Ss. Volodymyr and tion war against Germany as well,” Mr. agreement,” a ceasefire and peace plan President Vladimir Putin to use Moscow’s Olga in Symferopol. At a press conference in Poroshenko commented. (RFE/RL, based aimed at resolving the war in eastern influence with separatists in eastern Kyiv on January 28, Archbishop Kliment of on reporting by Bild and Reuters) Ukraine. The chancellor made the remarks Ukraine to help secure progress toward a Crimea and Symferopol warned that the during a joint press conference with political solution of the crisis. The chancel- Church is facing dissolution and destruction Merkel: EU sanctions should continue Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, lor’s office said the two leaders spoke by as the second anniversary approaches of BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela who also urged the West to maintain sanc- phone at Mr. Putin’s request. The call came Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea. Merkel has called on the European Union to tions against Russia. He said Russia has one day after Ms. Merkel met Ukrainian According to Archbishop Yevstratiy Zorya, it renew its sanctions against Russia in recently been sending troops and weapons President Petro Poroshenko in Berlin and is only the fear of international scandal that nearly one year after Germany and France prevents Russia from totally driving the helped to broker the Minsk peace deal for Church out of Crimea. He stressed that the Ukraine. In December, the European Union Church does not recognize Russia’s annexa- extended the sanctions through July 31. tion, and will not re-register under Russian More than 9,100 people have been killed in legislation. The question of registration has, eastern Ukraine since government forces as was warned back in October 2014, TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 and Russia-backed separatists began fight- become one of the means by which the or e-mail [email protected] ing in early 2014. (RFE/RL, based on occupation regime is bringing all faiths, reporting by AP, AFP and TASS) except the Orthodox Church under the SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Moscow Patriarchate, under serious pres- Savchenko verdict expected this month sure. Up until the end of 2015, religious OTTAWA – Nadiya Savchenko’s attorney communities were still able to use docu- Ilya Novikov stated that he believes a ver- ments under Ukrainian law to sign agree- dict will be announced in Russia’s illegal ments with the electricity and water trial of the Ukrainian pilot by the end of authorities. This will now be impossible, February. The BBC’s Ukraine service and it is likely that the new restrictions will reported that Mr. Novikov said the defense force many remaining churches to close. would likely complete presenting its case The situation with re-registration is also next week. Lt. Savchenko was serving in likely to be critical for many religious com- eastern Ukraine, when abducted by munities. Russian legislation is more Kremlin-backed terrorists in June 2014 restrictive than Ukrainian with respect to and taken to Russia, where she has been believers, imposing far more onerous illegally detained and imprisoned since demands on bodies wishing to function as a legal entity. One of the requirements is that HELP WANTED that time. Russia has ignored repeated calls from the international community for the religious organization adds words to its the immediate release of Ms. Savchenko, association papers affirming that Crimea is part of Russia, which many are not pre- TRACTOR DRIVERS - CLASS A (South who was elected to the Ukrainian pared to do. The lack of such registration Kearny, NJ). CDL class A tractor trailer Parliament and is a member of Ukraine’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly driver wanted. Long and short haul. (Continued on page 21) Minimum 2 years exp and good driving record. Hazmat a plus. Steady work and good pay. Phone (201) 470-3615. OPPORTUNITIES

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corruption ...He supposedly draws a state nent cybersecurity expert has pleaded in Ukraine say police fined the prime minis- NEWSBRIEFS salary of something like $110,000 a year... guilty in U.S. District Court in Newark, N.J., ter’s wife in downtown Kyiv on January 27. That is not an accurate statement of the to using more than 13,000 computers to She reportedly paid 425 hrv ($17). The (Continued from page 20) man’s wealth, and he has longtime training steal log-in and credit-card data. U.S. prose- police officer who fined Ms. Yatsenyuk means that the communities will lose the and practices in terms of how to mask his cutors said January 20 that Sergei refused to speak to journalists about the right to use and dispose of their churches, actual wealth.” (Ukrainian Canadian Vovnenko faces a mandatory minimum case. The case is attracting media attention mosques, places of worship or other build- Congress) sentence of two years in prison and may because police across most former Soviet ings, and will face numerous other restric- face additional prison time. Prosecutors republics avoid stopping cars or issuing tions. (Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Soviet-era monument torn down said Mr. Vovnenko, whose aliases included fines to cars driven by relatives of senior Group) DNIPROPETROVSK – A crowd in the “Flycracker,” “Centurion” and “Darklife,” government officials. In Ukraine, the police was part of an international conspiracy to forces have been undergoing reforms. Humanitarian activist missing in Donetsk eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk tore down a statue of Soviet-era leader hack into computers belonging to individu- (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Ukraine. DONETSK – Ukrainian humanitarian Hryhoriy Petrovsky on January 29. als and companies between September shafaqna.com and Ua.racurs.ua) activist Maryna Cherenkova has reportedly Petrovsky, who led the Ukrainian Soviet 2010 and August 2012. They said Mr. Citizenship for foreigners in Ukraine’s forces been detained by separatist security forces Socialist Republic in the 1920s and 1930s, Vovnenko admitted to operating a “botnet” in the eastern city of Donetsk. Activists is seen as one of the architects of the that used more than 13,000 computers that KYIV – Lawmakers in Kyiv have with the Responsible Citizens group report- Holodomor that killed millions of had been infected with malware to gain approved draft legislation simplifying the ed on social media on January 30 that Ms. Ukrainians. The statue was one of the last unauthorized access. The group then used process for foreigners to obtain Ukrainian Cherenkova sent a late-night text message major Soviet monuments remaining in the malware known as “Zeus” to steal banking citizenship if they have served in Ukraine’s that said simply, “I have been taken by region. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) information from and record keystrokes of army. The bill, adopted by the Verkhovna MGB,” referring to the separatists’ “security people using infected computers. Mr. Rada on January 28, says foreign nationals Ukraine bank lowers growth forecast ministry.” She has not been heard from Vovnenko was detained by Italian authori- in the Ukrainian army are eligible to obtain since. The activists said police told them KYIV – Ukraine’s central bank has more ties following his June 13, 2014, arrest and Ukrainian citizenship in three years instead they do not have Cherenkova. Since the than halved its 2016 growth forecast as the had fought extradition. At the time of the of the normal five years. They also are not conflict between Ukraine and Russia- cash-strapped country battles crises rang- extradition, Brian Krebs, a well-known required to obtain a residence permit backed separatists began, Ms. Cherenkova ing from a fall in commodity prices to a cybersecurity blogger, wrote that Mr. before applying for the citizenship. The bill has been active in securing humanitarian new trade embargo by Russia. The National Vovnenko had been behind a 2013 plot to must be signed by President Petro relief for civilians in the Donetsk conflict Bank of Ukraine said on January 28 that have heroin sent to Mr. Krebs’ Virginia Poroshenko to become law. In November zone. Journalist Oliver Carroll posted on his several unfavorable factors beyond the home, and then tell police when the drugs 2015, the president signed a law that made Twitter feed that Ms. Cherenkova is “a larg- country’s control forced the downward arrived. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by it legal for foreigners to serve in Ukraine’s er than life character” who has “been at the revision of its growth forecast from 2.4 per- Reuters and AP) military. Many volunteers from other coun- forefront of [the] humanitarian effort in cent to 1.1 percent. The central bank had Ukrainian police fine PM’s wife tries have joined Ukraine’s armed forces Donetsk.” She has been “arguably as impor- made the 2.4 percent growth prediction in and volunteer brigades since early 2014 tant as any international [organization],” he late November. Earlier in January, Moscow KYIV – Traffic police in Kyiv have fined when conflict broke out between govern- added. (RFE/RL) expanded its embargo on Ukrainian prod- Terezia Yatsenyuk, the wife of Prime ment forces and Russia-backed separatists ucts and restricted their movement across Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, for talking on a in eastern Ukraine. (RFE/RL, based on Kyiv criticizes French documentary its territory to other markets in response to mobile phone while driving. Media reports reporting by UNIAN and Interfax) PRAGUE – The film “Ukraine: The Masks Kyiv’s decision to approve a free-trade and of the Revolution” tells the “real” story of the political association pact with the Euro-Maidan protests. At least that’s what European Union. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by AFP and UNIAN) filmmaker Paul Moreira claims. In a nut- On the Ž rst anniversary of the passing shell, according to Mr. Moreira, it was right- “New Silk Road” bypasses Russia wing extremists who ousted Viktor of our beloved mother Yanukovych during the 2013-2014 Euro- KYIV – Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers Maidan demonstrations, not the tens of reported that a pilot train on the “New Silk Sophie Skop thousands of ordinary and peaceful Road” arrived in China on the Ukraine- Ukrainians who took to the streets day after Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-China day. The West is complicit as well, turning a route, bypassing Russia following Russia’s blind eye to the extremists’ crimes, includ- ban on the transit of Ukrainian goods a PANAKHYDA will take place ing deadly violence in the southern city of through its territory. Ukraine’s Prime on Sunday, February 21, 2016, Odesa in May 2014. If that sounds familiar, it Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk stated “Our following the Divine Liturgy should. It’s essentially the narrative that the trading partners have clearly demonstrated at St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Kremlin and its followers have been spin- their desire in collaboration with Ukraine San Diego, California. ning – that is, blood-lusting neo-Nazi to build a new transit route. ...We managed Ukrainians preying on unsuspecting to reach accord and launched this experi- Vichnaya Pamiat’ Mamo! Russian-speakers and other vulnerable mental train to make Russia understand minorities. On its Facebook page, the that the economic and transit blockade of Embassy of Ukraine in France said the film, Ukraine would fail. ...It has failed.” Daughters Vera with husband Bohdan Kniahynyckyj which was to air on the French Canal Plus (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) Nadia with husband Peter Shlichta television channel on February 1, is “not only dishonest, but completely disrespectful EU court strikes down some sanctions to our compatriots murdered in the heart of BRUSSELS – A European Union court has Kyiv while defending the democratic aspira- ruled that the bloc was wrong to freeze the Ділимося сумною вісткою, що tions of their country.” The embassy did not assets of five close associates of ousted demand Canal Plus pull the film, as has been Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. св. п. reported by RT, but says the channel “would The ruling on January 28 by the EU’s be well-advised to reconsider the dissemi- General Court concerns former Ukrainian Анна Ґоґоша nation of the film.” In an opinion piece on Prime Ministers Mykola Azarov and Serhiy відійшла до Бога 9 грудня 2015 року. January 29 in The Kyiv Post, Halya Coynash, Abruzov, Mr. Azarov’s son Oleksii, former a member of the Kharkiv Human Rights Energy Minister Edward Stavytskyi and Анна Галькевич, молодша сестра Романа, народилася у Львові Protection Group, pans the film as bad pro- businessman Serhiy Klyuyev. The EU in 18 січня 1919 року, закінчила ґімназію і університет і вийшла заміж paganda, filled with “manipulative reporting March 2014 placed the five on a blacklist of за Василя Ґоґошу у 1942 році. Одна дитина, син Орест, народився у 1944 році. and outright lies.” (Tony Wesolowsky of individuals suspected of stealing Ukrainian RFE/RL) public funds before Mr. Yanukovych was Війна перекинула родину до Мітенвальду в Баварії де жили до brought down by street protests. The EU’s 1950 року, коли то переїхали до Америки і замешкали в Коговзі, Ню- U.S. Treasury Department on Putin General Court said on January 28 that the Йорк. Там жили 56 років. Анна була активна при церкві святих Петра OTTAWA – Adam Szubin, U.S. Treasury five were included on the blacklist based і Павла, була членом Союзу Українок і вчила молодих Українознав- Department acting undersecretary for ter- solely on a letter from the Ukrainian ство. rorism and financial intelligence, told BBC’s Procurator General’s Office. But the letter У 2007 році Анна і Василь покинули Коговз і поїхали жити зі сином “Panorama” program that Russian dated from March 2014 “provides no details в штаті Юта. Анна жила між улюбленими горами і радо їздила огля- President Vladimir Putin has secretly been concerning the matters specifically alleged дати чудову природу. Часто бачила внуків і правнуків і тішилася, що amassing personal wealth through corrup- against the five Ukrainians or the nature of вони так її любили. tion. Mr. Szubin stated: “We’ve seen him their responsibility,” the Luxembourg-based По смерті чоловіка в 2014 році, Анна зачала помало але певно enriching his friends, his close allies and judges argued. The ruling can be appealed приготовлятися іти до него. Нині вони спочивають коло себе під marginalizing those who he doesn’t view as within two months before the European чужим небом на церковнім цвинтарі в Ню-Йорку. За нею тужать син friends using state assets. Whether that’s Court of Justice. (RFE/RL) і невістка, тіточна дочка і тіточний син, 5 внуків, 11 правнуків, один Russia’s energy wealth, whether it’s other Ukrainian hacker pleads guilty пра-правнук, і два вірні песики. state contracts, he directs those to whom he believes will serve him and excludes NEWARK, N.J. – A Ukrainian computer Вічная Пам’ять! those who don’t. To me, that is a picture of hacker accused of trying to frame a promi- 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

their off-season plan and brought the Toronto’s weakest areas, which is obtaining Senyshyn surprisingly selected 15th overall 30-year-old winger back into their fold. and maintaining possession of the puck. Winnik spent 58 games in Toronto last Trading sniper Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh, The Hockey News Draft Preview rated became enamored with his elite skating season before being acquired by the the Leafs embarked on a new era and a big him the 47th top prospect in the 2015 NHL ability and potential offensive skills. On a Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline. change in philosophy. Bringing back Draft. TSN’s Bob McKenzie had him No. 40, loaded Greyhounds squad, Senyshyn pro- During his tenure in blue and white, the Winnik is a big piece of what Toronto while NHL’s Central Scouting’s final rankings vided the team with outstanding secondary Toronto native tallied seven goals and 25 builds in the future. listed the young Ukrainian hopeful at No. 38. scoring for a first-year player. He finished points, and added two goals and nine The Ukrainian presence will be strong in When Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney as one of the OHL’s top rookie scorers with points in 21 games with the Penguins. Toronto with Winnik re-joining No. 1 cen- called his name as the 15th overall pick, 26 goals and 46 points in 66 games. His 34 points in the 2014-2015 were the ter Tyler Bozak and winger Joffrey Lupul. Zach Senyshyn was caught off guard. Scouts say his north-south speed is suf- most Winnik registered in a single season He knew his play had made an impact focating and he owns a deceptively quick and his .43 points per game was his career Kozun hopes to make with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in his shot release, which he gets off at top speed. best. His deal with the Maple Leafs is for big splash in KHL debut season in the Ontario Hockey He is a workhorse type of player who excels two years with a cap hit of $2.25 million League, but he could never have envisioned when the game’s pace is high, yet can get per season. His actual salary in 2015-2016 In the last 20-plus years pro hockey has being Boston’s third selection in the draft’s overexcited and overthinks things at times. will be $3 million. had its share of small players who bucked first round. He was prepared to go in the Look for him to have a break-out year in Winnik’s signing was praised by the the odds and challenged traditional think- second round, believing all of the pre-draft 2015-2016 as more opportunities are advanced statistics crowd and old-school ing that you have to be big to make it in the rankings. To say Senyshyn was surprised handed over to Sault Ste. Marie’s emerging hockey purists. He was never going to be a big leagues. Enter Ukrainian Brandon and excited was an understatement. youngsters. Some NHL scouts labeled him a 20-goal scorer for Toronto, but he was a Kozun, a 5-foot-8 speedster who turned heads at Toronto’s training camp last year, “It’s absolutely incredible,” he said in a first-round sleeper. very valuable asset for the Leafs and, post- deadline, for Pittsburgh. Winnik’s defensive giving himself his first real shot at NHL statement shortly after donning a Bruins One NHL scout said: “There’s a lot of abilities allowed him to play big penalty kill employment with physical play to go with sweater and cap. “It’s such an honor, espe- potential there. If there’s one player in this minutes – he averaged 3-plus minutes per his quickness. Simply put: a small guy who cially a team like the Bruins with so much draft that we’re going to look back on in a game on the kill – plus skate a regular aims to play big. history. I can’t say enough about it. I’m real- year’s time and say, ‘How did this team get third- or fourth-line shift. Like the smaller players before him, he ly ecstatic right now.” him in that spot?’ it might very well be Zach Getting Winnik back in Toronto was part doesn’t take no for an answer. If you tell Senyshyn attended the draft with his Senyshyn.” of a master plan for the Maple Leafs and, him he can’t do something, he’ll go out and mother, Melissa, Ukrainian father, Paul, sis- Boston’s grabbing him so high in the first round probably eliminates that question looking at their other signings, one gets a do it anyway, just to prove you wrong. He ter, Samantha and his girlfriend. He being asked in the future. It is up to clearer picture of what their plan is seeking always has a chip on his shoulder and respectfully credited his parents for seeing Senyshyn to prove the Bruins scouting staff to accomplish. wants to prove you wrong for all the right him through years of practices which cul- was correct in its assessment of his talent. The team signed forwards Winnik, P-A reasons. The issue has always been his size minated with the unbelievable moment of Parenteau, Mark Arcobello, Richard Panik and can he do it at the next level. being a first-round selection. Winger Winnik wanted and defenseman Matt Hunwick. None are Kozun was a sixth-round pick of the Los Here’s why Boston’s scouts shocked the accomplished offensive performers, yet Angeles Kings in 2009 after he scored 40 hockey world with the initial off-the-board back in Toronto each of the five has significant prowess to goals and 68 assists for the Western first- round pick of Senyshyn, a speedster Daniel Winnik certainly wasn’t the big- contribute to a puck possession game Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen. He won with major upside. gest name free agent available this past Toronto must improve this season. The the league scoring championship in 2010 The Ottawa native established himself a summer. He was, however, very high on player acquisitions were not made to make potential home run prospect, as scouts Toronto’s wanted list. The Leafs stuck to a splash, but to make an impact on one of (Continued on page 23) No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 23

Chicago Blackhawks legend Cliff Koroll recognized in Congressional Record CHICAGO – Cliff Koroll, a Chicago and members of the Chicago Legal Clinic, Blackhawks legendary hockey player who led by Steve Demitro, president of the is Ukrainian Canadian, was recognized for Masters Hockey League and captain of the his achievements and community service lawyers’ hockey team. Mr. Demitro, who with a U.S. Congressional Record state- also serves as president of the Ukrainian ment that was dated December 18, 2015, National Museum board of directors, pre- by Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois. sented a bound copy of the U.S. The official statement by Rep. Quigley Congressional Record to Mr. Koroll. noted: “…born in Canora, Saskatchewan, Also present was NHL Hall of Fame Canada, he played his youth hockey for the member and Blackhawk legend Denis Saskatoon Wesley’s and helped them win a Savard, Lydia Tkaczuk, president of the Provincial Championship… Cliff [who Ukrainian National Museum, students signed with the Blackhawks in 1969] from the Ukrainian Catholic University in played 11 seasons in the NHL all with the Lviv, Bishop Paprocki, Rep. Quigley and Chicago Blackhawks and became their CBS 2 News anchor Rob Johnson. assistant coach for six seasons.” In the Congressional Record, Rep. As president of the Chicago Blackhawks Quigley concluded his statement with Alumni Association, Mr. Koroll is among these words, “Cliff has been inducted into the former players who give back to the the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame, the community. The organization has raised Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, the Chicago more than $1 million in college scholar- Sports Hall of Fame, Illinois Amateur Chicago Blackhawks legend Cliff Koroll (center) with (from left): Olga Klinova, ships for the most deserving Illinois high Lydia Tkaczuk, Ruslan Herasymenko, Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki, Rep. Mike Hockey Hall of Fame, the University of school hockey players and it supports Quigley, CBS 2 News anchor Rob Johnson and Steve Demtiro. Denver Hall of Fame, and the Ukrainian Ronald McDonald House. National Museum in Chicago. I ask my col- Mr. Koroll is also active with the Chicago services for vulnerable populations, confronting urban environmental prob- leagues to join me in honoring and cele- Legal Clinic that was founded 34 years ago including immigrants, the disabled, victims lems. brating his work and accomplishments.” by Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of of domestic violence, those facing foreclo- A dinner was held at the United Center Later that evening, the Chicago Springfield, Ill., and Edward Grossman. The sure, children in the midst of divorce, con- following a charity hockey match between Blackhawks won 4-3 in overtime against organization provides legal counseling and sumers with serious debt issues and those the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni All-Stars the San Jose Sharks.

around NHL defensemen who are bigger, million deal with Nashville. Confrontation... Ukrainian pro hockey... faster and smarter than AHL defenders. Or Ukrainian utterings: He won two Stanley should we say Kontinental Hockey League Cups and concluded the KHL was not for (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 22) (KHL) defensemen. him. Ruslan Fedotenko got a one-year, two- This mechanism, however, produces and played for Canada on its silver medal- Kozun, who made ripples in Toronto at way deal with Minnesota in a final attempt mostly demands for channelling money to winning junior club. the beginning of 2014-2015 by actually to earn an NHL job. The Devils rewarded various overgrown power ministry bureau- Kozun took to heart Calgary coach Dave making the team out of training camp, left Jordin Tootoo with a second one-year con- cracies or, alternatively, suggestions to Lowry’s advice when he was drafted: the organization to sign with Finnish-based tract good for some $850,000. Speaking of boost the tired “patriotic” cause, which has “Prove the guys right that drafted you, prove KHL club . He made the opening- whom, Bryce Salvador retired as a Devil with successfully camouflaged the metastasis of the guys wrong that overlooked you. The night roster last season, but suffered a high the captain’s ‘C’ on his jersey. Relocating this corruption in the last couple of years. This biggest challenge after being drafted is how ankle sprain in mid-October. After return- past summer were Kyle Brodziak (St. Louis) cause now needs more public-mobilizing you handle it, how you advance your career. ing, he was placed on waivers, went and Tyson Strachan (Minnesota). Don’t events in response; but the risks inherent Every day you have to prove you belong.” unclaimed and then split time between the know how or why, but Carolina re-signed in Moscow taking any proactive steps are Kozun continued scoring in the AHL with Leafs and AHL Marlies for the rest of the winger Zach Boychuk for another season. incredibly high, as yet another incident the Kings’ top farm team in Manchester. year. It will be interesting to see how he One of the best minor league prospects has with the violation of Turkish airspace by a After being traded to the Maple Leafs late in fares with Jokerit, which has been a desir- never quite made it. There are 27 Ukrainians Russian bomber has shown (Rbc.ru, the 2013-2014 season, the young Ukrainian able landing spot for undersized players. listed on 2015-2016 NHL rosters heading January 30). kept putting up points with the AHL’s Steve Moses, a diminutive forward who set into training camps. Mr. Putin has always preferred bluffing Marlies. He has speed and offensive skills – a KHL scoring record (36 goals) for Jokerit Ihor Stelmach may be reached at iman@ to commitment, and he is obviously at a the concern is whether Kozun can get loss about how to react to the deepening last season, recently signed a one-year, $1 sfgsports.com. economic crisis, which has overturned all his beliefs about the guaranteed prosperity of owners of natural resources that forever grow in value. He knows how to control the distribution of massive petro-revenues and how to turn corruption into a loyalty-build- ing apparatus, but he seemingly has no clue about controlling the cuts in money flow or concealing the Russian elites’ corrupt appe- tites. One unshakable rule in his peculiar code of conduct is that personal insults cannot be left unanswered. But he is fast running out of further game-changing asymmetric answers to his mounting challenges. Ukraine is no longer a convenient target, as the Minsk process is deadlocked and a win- ter offensive would require a laborious mobilization of depleted resources (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, January 21). Syria has become an entrapment, so instead of sabotaging negotiations, Moscow needs them to open an opportunity to escape from the intervention. The situation looks desperately inescap- able, and Mr. Putin can only play on the awareness of his counterparts that a cor- nered rat could turn into a very dangerous animal. This argument, however, does not work for a cockroach.

The article above is reprinted from Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, www.jamestown.org. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

Mykola Zhuravel “The Roadcasting,” installation by Mykola Zhuravel. A view of the exhibition “Invasion Redux” at the Ukrainian Institute of America. “Invasion Redux” exhibit opens at Ukrainian Institute of America by Vasyl Lopukh NEW YORK – An exhibition by Kyiv- based artist Mykola Zhuravel titled “Invasion Redux” opened at the Ukrainian Institute of America on January 22 and is on view through February 14. The artist’s paintings, artistic photographs, three- dimensional panels, installations and vid- eos depict the tragic events of the hybrid war being brutally waged by Russian and Russian-backed forces in Ukraine. Mr. Zhuravel offers the visitors a look at the current events in Ukraine not in the form of a realistic documentary but as a metaphorical and phantasmagoric reflec- tion with elements of surrealistic grotesque. The centerpiece of the exhibition is an installation in the exhibition hall that includes a “zombie-box” (TV), providing Russian propaganda non-stop, and a “human” sitting in front of the “zombie-box” who has already been turned into a zombie. His face has acquired the look of an aggres- sive bear and his body is covered with warts of war accoutrements instead of clothing. “Bearish Wedding,” staged by Mykola Zhuravel and photographed by Daria Tishchenko-Zhuravel. After each “zombie broadcast,” this main antihero multiplies in quantity and is found Every exhibited artwork reveals the ten- of flashmobs on the theme “United with the slogan “United Ukraine” in their in the pictures and artistic photographs co- sion of events in eastern Ukraine. The art- Ukraine” took place on this occasion every- hands. authored by the artist’s wife, Daria ists’ creations have incredible power, where Ukrainians live. During the opening The exhibit was opened with introducto- Tishchenko-Zhuravel. Visitors will see the enabling visitors to not only understand ceremony, Igor Sybiga, consul general of ry remarks by Walter Hoydysh. Mr. zombie in the midst of the personal belong- but also to feel the tragic impact of the Ukraine in New York, suggested that all cre- Zhuravel shared the idea behind his cre- ings and toys from Flight MH17 shot down hybrid war Russia is conducting in Ukraine. ate their own flashmob. Thus, visitors gath- ative concept, explaining that this exhibit is by Russian terrorists; zombies towering Ukraine celebrated the Day of Unity on ered near the panel representing a his visceral response to the tragic events in above Kyiv buildings, etc. the opening night of the exhibition. A wave “Landscape of War” holding small placards Ukraine’s east.

Multimedia exhibit declares: “Ukraine Exists” MAY WE WHIPPANY, N.J. – The multimedia exhibit “Ukraine Exists,” which was on view at the HELP YOU? United Nations on January 8-20, opened on January 31 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ). To reach The exhibit, which will be open until February 15, features contemporary artwork, including The Ukrainian Weekly paintings, installations, posters, embroidery, calligraphy and ceramics, by various artists call (973) 292-9800, from Ukraine. Seen above is “Hryhorovych,” a painting by Yura Shapoval. The “Donbas. and dial the appropriate War” section of the exhibit includes videos of interviews with people in that war-torn extension (as listed below). region of Ukraine. The exhibit was brought to the UACCNJ through the efforts of the New Jersey Regional Council of the Ukrainian Editorial – 3049, 3088 National Women’s League of America, with financial support from Selfreliance Ukrainian Production – 3063 American Credit Union and Meest America. There is no admission fee, but donations Administration, Advertising toward humanitarian efforts in the Ukrainian regions affected by war are appreciated. For and Subscriptions – 3040 more information and exhibit hours, readers may call 862-246-9714. No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 25

Paul Maddienan Hromovytsia performs the ballet “Holodomor” during the concert held in Washington Maksym Prokopiv on the occasion of the Holodomor Memorial dedication in November 2015. The troupe presents its “Cabaret 2092” in June 2015. Hromovytsia: showcasing Ukrainian culture for over 35 years by Marta Farion CHICAGO – The story of the Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble story began in 1980. It started with a dream – a dream driven by love, passion, and pride of the Ukrainian heritage. It was when Roxana Dykyj, along with her husband, Ivan Pylypczak, and fellow dancers, embarked on a journey to establish a dance company that would showcase Ukrainian culture in the Ukrainian diaspora and the world. Thirty-five years later, the company comprises over 45 dancers age 18-40 dedi- cated to reshaping the very definition of Ukrainian dance. There is also a much larg- er Ukrainian School of Dance affiliated with the troupe; talented young dancers have an opportunity to graduate to the top group, Hromovytsia. Commitment to the future Hromovytsia continually supports the community by performing at festivals and significant events, but the most exciting night is its annual fund-raising event known as Cabaret Night, when the compa- ny surprises the audience with an innova- Maksym Prokopiv tive performance. Last year, when the per- The Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble during a performance at Chicago’s Harris Theater in April 2014 in the dance “Never Forget.” formance also celebrated the dance ensem- ble’s landmark 35th anniversary, the focus formed the premier of the ballet power of survival and freedom. The back- out the United States, where they per- was on the future. Titled “Cabaret 2092,” “Holodomor,” choreographed by the ensem- drop of diminished pastel colors and light- formed at Georgia’s International Cherry the performance featured modern futuris- ble’s director, Roxana Dyka Pylypczak, and ing, of emotional linear music and the sym- Blossom Festival, Verkhovyna’s Ukrainian tic choreography and costumes, electronic her daughter, Daniela Pylypczak bolic movements of the dancers expressed Festival in Glen Spey, N.Y., the Washington music, and computer-like dancers in raw, Wasylyszyn, assistant director and dancer. the unspeakable tragedy of death, separa- Ukrainian Festival, Canada’s National energetic, hip-hop moves that captivated The ensemble was invited to perform the tion and suffering of the Holodomor. And Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, the audience. Bowing to tradition in the same ballet in Washington on November 8, yet, in the final scene, the message was one and the Bloor West Village Ukrainian final number, the robotic dancers turned 2015, at George Washington University’s of healing and determination to live and Festival in Toronto. Hromovytsia also trav- Ukrainian by donning red boots and Lisner Auditorium at the concert marking build a nation. The physical interaction and eled to Ukraine in 2003 and 2011, perform- Ukrainian headpieces for the performance the opening of the Holodomor Memorial contortions between the bodies illustrated ing in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne and Kyiv. of the beloved “Hopak.” erected to remember the millions of victims the suffering of those who perished, yet the In 2007 the troupe embarked on a Influenced by the passion of the Maidan who perished in that genocide. final scene of bodies piled one on top of European tour that took the dancers to revolution and the emotional video “I am Set to composer Myroslav Skoryk’s each other with the principal dancer stand- Florence, Rome, Strasbourg, Munich and Ukrainian” by Yulia Marushevska, the haunting, evocative composition “Melodia,” ing on top in an erect posture with her fist Paris. Each year the dancers are invited as ensemble emulated the original clip with a the ballet set the mood for the solemn occa- up in defiance, sent a message of survival, guest performers to their home city’s pres- loud declaration, “I am Hromovytsia! I am sion. The set design was minimal, somber endurance and hope. tigious “Dance Chicago” program. and austere, with lighting of shadows and Hromovytsia’s choreographic works Ukrainian!” The audience rose in support. Cultural diplomats At that moment the message was clear: paleness. The music and choreography con- send a message that can be more powerful although technology has altered the way veyed national pain and lament. One could The role of the Hromovytsia dance than speeches or articles. This “soft-pow- society lives, for Ukrainians throughout the feel the desire of the dancers to communi- ensemble as an ambassador of Ukrainian er” diplomacy is one that mature nations world, even in 2092 and beyond, the com- cate their message and connect a feeling of culture supporting the aspirations of the understand and use as one of their priori- mitment to Ukraine’s independence and loss and emptiness with the audience. Ukrainian nation is one of the group’s main ties to communicate their culture and their freedom will remain unchanged. As soloist, Ms. Wasylyszyn used the priorities. Cultural expression as a diplomat- values. Hopefully, it is a form of diplomacy vocabulary of her body to personify ic tool that presents the face of a nation and a that Ukraine’s government will support Honor the past to build the future Ukraine as a nation in mourning and community should not be underestimated. through its ministries and organizations to In November 2013, at Chicago’s spectac- Ukrainians as individuals who suffer, This is a fact the Hromovytsia dancers convey the message and the positive brand ular Harris Theater, Hromovytsia per- mourn, heal, persevere and assert their understand well when they travel through- that Ukraine deserves.

Speaker, by militarily invading and annexing this House the government’s position on how much we deeply disagree with the Canada’s foreign... Crimea, and by continuously sending sol- Russia’s continued illegal occupation of invasion and interference of the Russian diers and lethal military equipment into the Ukrainian territory?” government in Ukraine, and also how much (Continued from page 1) Donbas, the Kremlin has not only violated Minister Dion responded: “Mr. Speaker, we will not tolerate from a Russian minis- ment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian European borders, but has also broken the travelling I have been planning for a ter any insults against the community.” Canadian community. international agreements on the sanctity of while to Ukraine will be four days from Mr. Dion traveled to Ukraine on January He spoke in response to a question from borders. Recently, the prime minister made now. I am so pleased to go to Ukraine to 31-February 1, and met with Prime Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj clear Canada’s position to Russia’s president. express to the government of Ukraine the Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Foreign (Etobicoke Center, Ontario), who said: “Mr. Can the foreign affairs minister share with steadfast support of Canada for Ukraine, Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin. 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6 No. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 27

February 7 Literary-music event, “Poetry – Music of the Soul,” February 20 Art exhibit, “Ukraine Exists,” Consulate General of Ukraine Warren, MI Detroitski Novyny, Ukrainian Cultural Club, Ukrainian Chicago in Chicago, Ukrainian National Museum, Cultural Center, 586-751-3414 www.ukrainiannationamuseum.org

February 12 Book presentation by Michael Hnatyshyn, “The Road to February 21 Performance, “Afternoon at the Opera: Ukrainian Opera Philadelphia Rus’,” followed by pub night featuring EMCK, Ukrainian Chicago Arias and Songs, “ with bass-baritone Stefan American Citizen’s Association, www.ukieclub.com or Szkafarowsky, soprano Marta Zaliznyak-Dezhko and 215-627-8970 pianist Jeffery Panko, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, www.uima-chicago.org or 773-227-5522 February 13 Engineers’ Ball, with presentation of debutantes, Philadelphia Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, Hilton February 21 Film screening, “The Ukrainians” by Leonid Kanter and Ivan Philadelphia Hotel at Penn’s Landing, 267-879-5502 Ottawa Yasniy, Ukrainian Canadian Film Festival, St. Paul Amphitheater, www.dopomoha-ukraini.org/theukrainiansmovie2016 February 13 USCAK Hockey Tournament “Alexander Cup,” N.J. Newark, NJ Devils AmeriHealth Arena, 973-544-8774 February 22 Seminar with Vasyl Kosiv, “Visual Representation of a Cambridge, MA Dream: Ukrainian Identity in Graphic Design of the February 13 Romantic evening, “Endless Love,” poems, romances USSR and the Diaspora, 1945-1989,” Harvard Chicago and music, Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8020 University, www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 or [email protected] February 23 Presentation, “Documenting My Ukrainian Ancestors” by February 13 Concert, “Expanding Traditions,” with the Women’s Ottawa Donna Law, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine New York Bandura Ensemble of North America – East Coast 613-723-1673 Group, and Bandura Downtown, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org February 26- Art exhibit, “The Tales and Myths of Yohann Petrovsky- March 9 Shtern,” Ukrainian Institute of America, February 13 Lecture by Yuri Shevchuk, “Ukrainian Identity and New York www.ukrainianinsttute.org or 212-288-8660 New York Language after Maidan,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 February 27 Skiing championship, Carpathian Ski Club, Hunter Hunter, NY Mountain, www.klkusa.com or [email protected] February 14 Ukrainian Heritage Night, NJ Devils vs Los Angeles Newark, NJ Kings, The Prudential Center, 973-757-6162 or February 29 Seminar with , ‘Cotton Head’ vs ‘Dills’: www.newjerseydevils.com/ukrainian Cambridge, MA Ethnic Othering and Stereotyping During the Russo- Ukrainian Conflict,” Harvard University, February 14 Illustrated lecture by Vasyl Kosiv, “The National Costume www.huri.harvard.edu or 617-495-4053 New York as a Manifestation of Ukrainian Identity in the Graphic Design of the Ukrainian SSR, and Diaspora (1945-1989),” Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences, 212-222-1866 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions February 18 Film screening, “The Ukrainians” by Leonid Kanter and Ivan from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Toronto Yasniy, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, www.dopomoha-ukraini.org and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 No. 6

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, February 13 NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Society invites all to the lecture “Ukrainian Identity and Language after Maidan” by Yuri Shevchuk (Columbia University). The lecture will take place at the society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For additional information call 212-254-5130.

NEWARK, N.J.: The Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (known as USCAK based on its Ukrainian acronym) will be hosting a Ukrainian tournament at the AmeriHealth Pavilion, located adjacent to the Prudential Center, the home of the New Jersey Devils. Four teams from Montreal, Toronto, New Jersey and New York will be competing in this first tournament among Ukrainian amateur hockey teams. They will be vying for the Ukrainian version of the Stanley Cup – the Aleksander Cup, which will be presented at the Ukrainian Heritage Night at the New Jersey Devils after the 12:30 p.m. New Jersey Devils vs. Los Angeles Kings game on February 14. For more information call 973-544-8774. Sunday, February 14 NEWARK, N.J.: The third Ukrainian Heritage Night at the New Jersey Devils will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ 07102. The New Jersey Devils will be taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Scheduled to appear are Ukrainian opera singer Oleh Chmyr, a Ukrainian honor guard consist- ing of Ukrainian American Veterans, the Iskra Dance Ensemble, Nadiya Dance Group, Reechka Dance Group, Trembita Dance Group and many others. Each ticket purchased through the Devils website using the code “Ukrainian” will receive a T-shirt specially designed for Valentine’s Day. Ticket prices range from $40.93 to $75.19. To order tickets or to reserve group tickets call the Devils, 973-757- 6162, or order online at www.newjersey- devils.com/ukrainian. For more informa- tion e-mail UkrHeritageNight.Devils@ gmail.com or call 973-544-8774. Visit the event’s Facebook page: Ukrainian Heritage Night at NJ Devils.

NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in the U.S. invites all to an illustrated lecture by Vasyl Kosiv on “The National Costume as a Manifestation of Ukrainian Identity in the Graphic Design of the Ukrainian SSR and Diaspora (1945-1989).” The event will take place in the academy’s building at 206 W. 100th St. (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) at 3 p.m. For additional informa- tion call 212-222-1866.

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