INSIDE:  Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus’s outreach to schools – page 4  Sports: Gvozdyk loses bout, Ukraine qualifi es for Euro 2020 – page 9  10th festival of Ukrainian American Cultural Center of N.J. – page 11

THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryEEKLY Vol. LXXXVII No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 $2.00 Metropolitan Epifaniy of Orthodox Church of Ukraine Scandals in Ukraine overshadow progress welcomed to Spiritual Center of UOC of the U.S.A. by Bohdan Nahaylo ing in the courts to undo the decision in December 2016 to nationalize “his” KYIV – Scandal after scandal, overshad- PrivatBank, the largest in Ukraine, after an owing progress. That summarizes the last estimated $5.65 billion (U.S.) went missing, 10 days or so in Kyiv, as the focus switched and to reassert his influence. Observers from foreign to domestic issues. These have note that has become conspicuously active involved a public rift over charges of cor- and outspoken in public, exuding renewed ruption and bribery within President confidence and, in effect, defying Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s majority Servant of Zelenskyy, his former business partner, to the People party that necessitated drastic either side with him or face the conse- damage-control measures and the alleged quences. exploitation of a famed Ukrainian cultural First, there was a distasteful skit on TV institution for political purposes to benefit on October 19 by Mr. Zelensky’s former col- a notorious oligarch. leagues in the Studio Kvartal 95 comedy In connection with the first case, a show team using, and for many discredit- bizarre scene unfolded on October 23. After ing, one of Ukraine’s cultural emblems – the exchanging accusations in public with the Veryovka National Folk Choir – to mock the head of the president’s faction in the former Governor of the National Bank of Verkhovna Rada, Davyd Arakhamia, Ukraine Valeria Gontareva. Christine Syzonenko Oleksandr Dubinsky, an outspoken journal- In September she was the victim of mys- Walking from St. Andrew Memorial Church to the crypt of the Holy Resurrection ist linked with the notorious oligarch Ihor terious attacks, including a fire-bombing of Mausoleum are (from left): Archbishop Daniel, Archbishop Yevstratiy, Metropolitan Kolomoisky, took a lie detector test live on her home in Kyiv. Ms. Gontareva, who had Epifaniy and Metropolitan Antony. the Internet. The following day Mr. been involved in the cleaning up the cor- Arakhamia also did so voluntarily. The rupt banking sector and the nationalization UOC-U.S.A. cephalous Orthodox Churches throughout the world. result will not be known for several days. of PrivatBank, immediately pointed the fin- SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J. – Since the reception of the Ukrainian The president has insisted that all the ger at Mr. Kolomoisky. He has denied Metropolitan Epifaniy, primate of the Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. into the deputies suspected of taking bribes do the responsibility, but did not disguise his glee. Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), was Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople same. In the skit, shown on Mr. Kolomoisky’s formally welcomed by the hierarchs, clergy in 1995, Metropolitan Antony said, one of These two new scandals, as well as other popular 1+1 channel, Mr. Zelensky’s close and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox recent developments, involve to a greater Church of the U.S.A. (UOC-U.S.A.) at the (Continued on page 15) or lesser extent Mr. Kolomoisky. He is fight- (Continued on page 16) spiritual center of the Church in South Bound Brook/Somerset, N.J., on Monday, October 21. Welcoming Metropolitan Epifaniy on the front steps of the historic St. Andrew the- Dumka Chorus celebrates its 70th anniversary First-Called Apostle Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church, Metropolitan Antony pointed out that the church is the first monument to the victims of the genocidal Holodomor of 1932-1933. Upon entering the church and blessing the clergy and faithful in attendance, both metropolitans exchanged statements of spiritual joy for the opportunity that the Lord presented to the worldwide Ukrainian Orthodox community to re-establish a sacred bond through the Mother Church of Constantinople. Metropolitan Antony noted that count- less hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Western Europe and throughout the diaspora who for the past 100 years of their existence in the Western

World, offered unceasing prayers of inter- Dumka/Facebook cession for the spiritual freedom of the Orthodox Church – the people of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performs at its 70th anniversary concert. The sacred bond between the Mother by Adrian Bryttan founded in New York City as a male choir. vate the rich musical heritage of Ukraine. Church of Constantinople and the Ukrainian Barely four years after the end of the war, At the anniversary concert, the adult Orthodox Church in Diaspora served its NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Chorus these Ukrainian immigrants, striving to mixed chorus led by music director and spiritual purpose towards the unification Dumka of New York celebrated its 70th support their families and still learning the conductor Vasyl Hrechynsky presented process and canonical and sacred recogni- anniversary with a concert at Hunter new language in America, had already orga- mostly Ukrainian classic choral composi- tion of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by College on Saturday, October 6. nized this ensemble, so they could continue tions in the first half, while the second half the Holy and Sacred Patriarchate of The chorus’s platinum jubilee can be singing the music they loved so well. Their Constantinople, and most recently by the traced back to 1949, when Dumka was stated mission was to preserve and culti- (Continued on page 9) Church of Greece and soon by other auto- 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

ANALYSIS

Sevastopol port on Russian-occupied Journalist sentenced to 15 years completely illegal conviction and sentenc- ing,” the OSCE representative on freedom of A court established by Russia-backed the media, Harlem Desir, said in a statement, Crimean peninsula near bankruptcy “separatists” who hold parts of eastern reiterating his call that Mr. Aseyev must be Ukraine has sentenced journalist Stanislav “released immediately.” RFE/RL President by Paul Goble Ukrainians and their supporters to declare Aseyev, an RFE/RL contributor, to 15 years Jamie Fly has called the ruling against Eurasia Daily Monitor that this represents a Ukrainian “mission accomplished” (Krymr.com, May 8). That in a penal colony. The separatist news outlet Aseyev “an attempt by Russian-backed sepa- An old Soviet joke had it that if Saudi could be true unless Kyiv lifts its sanctions DAN reported on October 22 that the court ratists in Donetsk to silence his powerful, Arabia ever became communist, Riyadh against international shipping there. And had found Mr. Aseyev guilty of espionage, independent voice” and along with Mr. Desir would be importing sand within five years. such a prospect has become somewhat more extremism and public calls to violate the urged the release of Oleh Halaziuk, a contrib- The situation around the once-prosperous likely recently, following Ukrainian President territory’s integrity. Mr. Aseyev, who wrote utor of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service who has Ukrainian port in Sevastopol suggests a Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s acceptance of the under the pen name Stanislav Vasin, disap- been held by separatists in Donetsk since similar dynamic: if the Russians occupy “Steinmeier formula” for the Donbas and the peared in Ukraine’s Donetsk region on June August 2017. The two journalists “were something, as they have in Crimea, it will apparent desire of many Western countries 2, 2017, and has been held in detention among the very few independent journalists rapidly slide toward bankruptcy. The port’s to wrap up what they describe as “the since by the separatists. “The conviction who worked and reported from the non- insolvency is a combined result of sanc- Ukrainian crisis” once and for all. against Stanislav Aseyev, which dates from government-controlled area of Donetsk tions, mismanagement and the inevitable Still, regardless of whether that happens, August but was made public only today, is region,” the OSCE representative said. “The scramble for assets between various parts what the Russian occupation authorities reprehensible,” said RFE/RL President silencing of independent journalists is a of the Russian government that want to have done to the port since 2014 reflects Jamie Fly. “Stas is a journalist and was only crime against the freedom of expression and extract what income they can from it before the ways in which Russian government and trying to raise awareness about the situa- it is unacceptable,” Desir added. In New York, it dies and Russian firms, which appear business practices are so destructive. No tion in eastern Ukraine. The ruling is an the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) more interested in value stripping than in one doubts that the sanctions against inter- attempt by Russian-backed separatists in said the “so-called court” that convicted and making the port a success. national use of the Sevastopol port are the Donetsk to silence his powerful, indepen- sentenced Aseyev was “not legitimate.” Following the Russian annexation of most important reason for the current dent voice. Stas should be released immedi- Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia Crimea in 2014, the Ukrainian government disastrous state of the port. However, the ately,” Mr. Fly added. The 30-year-old jour- program coordinator, noted in a statement infighting between various parts of the invoked international law and closed nalist was one of the few reporters in that Mr. Aseyev “is neither a spy nor extrem- Russian government, including both state Sevastopol and other Crimean ports to Donetsk who continued to work in the city ist,” but “a journalist who was providing a international shipping. Under the terms of corporations and the Federal Security after it came under the control of the sepa- rare glimpse into the life of ordinary people” this ban, any captain who docks his ship Service (FSB), and efforts by both them and ratists. Representatives of the militants in the separatist-controlled region. The there would face massive fines and even private firms to profit from the disaster are accused Mr. Aseyev of observing the deploy- European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) imprisonment under international law. As a a clear lesson in why Sevastopol would face ment sites of their paramilitary groups and said “the mistreatment of [Aseyev] and now result, activity at the port of Sevastopol col- a difficult and perhaps even impossible passing on the information to the Ukrainian lapsed from 4.8 million tons of cargo in road back – even if the sanctions were to be the harsh sentence are blatant violations of Security Service (SBU), according to the media freedom.” EFJ General Secretary 2013 to just 312,670 tons in 2015 – a con- lifted (T.me/SIL0VIKI/, January 17; New- news outlet Hromadske. In August 2018, traction of 97 percent that shifted the port sebastopol.com, January 22; Meridian.in.ua, Ricardo Gutierrez said, “The authorities the bipartisan U.S. Congressional Press must stop criminalizing journalists and into the red because it could no longer pay February 6; Sevastopol.su, February 28; Freedom Caucus called for Mr. Aseyev’s Primechaniya.ru, May 7). depriving their rights to exercise freedom of its workers, provide money to the local immediate release, describing him as “one From the very beginning of the Russian speech.” The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs government or service its debts (Meridian. of the few independent journalists to in.ua, February 5, 2016). occupation, the port of Sevastopol has been Ministry also condemned the “unlawful“ ver- remain in the region under separatist con- Despite Russian government efforts to in trouble because of the collapse of cargo dict, and noted that “illegal imprisonment is trol to provide objective reporting.” U.S. Sen. find new traffic from Russian ports or, traffic. But that has been made worse at a criminal offense in Ukraine.” It added, “All Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) also called for Mr. more recently, from its operations in Syria, every stage by competition among these those involved in the detention of [Aseyev] the port has not recovered. Instead, it has various factions and the willingness of Aseyev’s release in July. The media rights will be prosecuted in accordance with the assumed ever more debt in the hopes that some state agencies to either go into debt to group Reporters Without Borders has also Criminal Code of Ukraine.” (RFE/RL) no more of its 800 employees will have to try to save the situation or else to make it so voiced concern about Mr. Aseyev’s treat- Ambassador: Trump linked aid to probe be laid off and that it will eventually come bad as to force a sell-off of assets and subse- ment, which it has called “increasingly dis- turbing.” (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) back and be a profit center – or, in the cal- quent division of the profits. Further com- A top U.S. diplomat has said President culations of some, go bankrupt, thus forc- plicating matters is the constant shift in the Jailing of journalist is condemned Donald Trump wanted Ukrainian President ing a transfer of ownership from the city to players, both political and commercial, in Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate his Moscow or its sale to private interests at the region. Each new group promises salva- International media-freedom watchdogs political opponent before agreeing to absurdly undervalued prices. One appraisal tion, be it from a boost in traffic between and the Ukrainian government have strongly release military aid or a White House meet- priced each dock and loading facility in Sevastopol and other ports in Crimea or the condemned the “illegal” and “unacceptable” ing. U.S. Charge d’Affaires to Ukraine Sevastopol at one Russian kopeck (less more recent idea that trade between Russia sentencing of journalist Stanislav Aseyev, an William Taylor made the comment in open- than 2 U.S. cents). That meant, one Russian and Syria could save the day. None have RFE/RL contributor, by a court established ing remarks on October 22 in a closed-door newspaper pointed out, that the entire port been realized. In 2018, for example, by Russia-backed separatists who hold parts could be sold for 1,200 rubles ($18), allow- Sevastopol handled just 16,000 tons of of eastern Ukraine. “I am shocked by his (Continued on page 12) ing the purchaser to make a killing by grain in the Syrian trade, less than 3 percent reselling parts of it or disposing of much of of the port’s capacity and an amount that it for scrap (Novaya Gazeta, January 29). hardly put a dent in the decline in trade since 2014 (Portnews.ru, January 15). The demise of the Sevastopol port – FOUNDED 1933 which, to be sure, has never been as impor- In the last few weeks, the situation THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY tant in Moscow’s calculations as the Russian appears to have worsened, with officials naval facility in that city – has led some still insisting Ukrainian sanctions are An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., entirely to blame. But investigative journal- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. ists conclude that, while the sanctions may Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. Correction be the major cause, the actions of Russian Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. In the October 20 issue, “Conference players in this drama are leading to addi- (ISSN — 0273-9348) marks 125 years of the organized diaspo- tional decline (Ritmeurasia.org, October 5). ra,” by Matthew Dubas, the sixth panel pre- On the one hand, Russian officials have The Weekly: UNA: sentation by Pavlo Bandirwsky needs clar- been trying to delay more layoffs at the Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 ification and correction. The $300,000 port lest they have an impact on the elec- Postmaster, send address changes to: raised in 1964 was for new capital in order tions and public attitudes; and on the other to take control of Security Savings Bank The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz hand, Russian officials and United Russia 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas (the precursor of First Security Federal party leaders on the occupied peninsula Savings Bank, a..ka. “Bank Pevnist”), and P.O. Box 280 keep insisting that federalization of the Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] not to create the Heritage Foundation of port and a new influx of trade with Syria First Security Federal Savings Bank. The will save the situation and make Sevastopol The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com founding bank of the Heritage Foundation profitable again (Ridus.ru, September 3). of First Security Federal Savings Bank was Unless sanctions are lifted, however, the First Security Federal Savings Bank, and The Ukrainian Weekly, October 27, 2019, No. 43, Vol. LXXXVII port of Sevastopol will continue its slide Copyright © 2019 The Ukrainian Weekly not MB Financial Bank. MB acquired First toward bankruptcy, another victim of Security in 2004, while Heritage Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian policies and Foundation was formed in 1997. At the clear evidence of the fundamental prob- merger of First Security Federal Savings lems with Russian governance not only in ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Bank with MB Financial Bank, the Heritage occupied Crimea but more generally. Foundation’s net asset value was $11 mil- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 lion and MB donated an additional $1 mil- The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] lion to increase the foundation’s assets to Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 $12 million. These corrections have its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] already been made online. www.jamestown.org. No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Can renewable power re-energize Ukraine?

by Tony Wesolowsky Ukraine’s energy grid on July 1, 2018. attracting some 3.3 billion euros ($3.7 billion Performance Index 2019 put Ukraine in the RFE/RL Covering over 1.6 hectares, its 3,800 panels U.S.) of investment, according to Kostyantyn “high-performing countries” category, but produce enough energy to power about Gura, an adviser to the head of the the authors of the report noted that “is Chornobyl is again churning out energy 2,000 apartments. Ukrainian State Agency of Energy Efficiency. more a result of the economic crisis, due to – not nuclear, but solar power. Costing just some 1 million euros ($1.2 A government-linked website maps 103 the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region, In the shadows of the shuttered nuclear million), the 1-megawatt (MW) solar plant completed and 112 prospective renewable- than of effective climate policy.” power plant that was the scene to the is a joint project of Ukrainian company energy projects, Mr. Gura notes. On its renewable-energy efforts alone, world’s worst nuclear disaster more than Rodina and Germany’s Enerparc AG. Renewables have their backers in Ukraine placed a lowly 43, better than 30 years ago, rows of solar panels have “The Chornobyl accident was the largest President Zelenskyy’s new Cabinet, fore- Russia at 60 and Belarus at 52, but worse been erected, producing enough energy to man-made disaster in human history. For most among them being Oleksiy Orzhel, the than Poland at 40 and Kazakhstan at 39. light up hundreds of homes. 33 years, the Chornobyl zone has been new minister of energy and environmental Much of Ukraine’s continued renewable- It’s all part of a bold plan by Ukraine to ‘terra incognita’ of Ukraine from an envi- protection, who formerly served as the energy progress could hinge on the fate of develop alternative sources of energy. ronmental, social and economic point of head of the Ukrainian Association of the green tariff. Approved in 2009 during Upon gaining independence, post-Soviet view. We had the opportunity to give con- Renewable Energy. the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko, the Ukraine relied on Russia to meet most of its taminated territories a second chance,” FIT’s set prices eased producers’ concerns Viable goals? energy needs. But the strategy came with says Yevhin Variahin, CEO and founder of about market fluctuations. risks, such as in 2006 and 2009, when dis- Rodina, the consortium overseeing the By 2035, Ukraine wants renewable ener- “The feed-in tariff for green projects in putes led Russia to temporarily halt its gas Solar Chernobyl project. gy to account for 25 percent of the coun- Ukraine is one of the highest in the world, transit via Ukraine and threaten European Mr. Variahin adds that there are plans to try’s energy pie, according to the Energy which makes investment into this sector imports. expand the site. “The consortium’s strategy Strategy of Ukraine for 2035. very attractive,” according to a 2018 report The dependence on Russian natural gas is to scale up the Solar Chernobyl project to While optimistic, Mr. Gura notes that by the consultancy firm Baker McKenzie. and oil was further exposed as a liability 100 MW. This year, Rodina won a tender for Ukraine will need to clear many hurdles to However, during his media marathon after Russia seized Crimea in March 2014 the construction of the next 7 MW at reach the ambitious target. “Reaching this with 300 journalists at a posh Kyiv food and began supporting separatists in east- Chornobyl,” he says. goal requires attracting $30 billion of court on October 10, President Zelenskyy ern Ukraine a month later. investments, implementing efficient finan- suggested that while the green tariffs were One of many projects And the need for Kyiv to tap into alterna- cial tools, favorable legal basis, and fruitful good, they were a strain on state coffers tive energy sources has become ever more U.S.-based General Electric (GE) and cooperation of all government authorities and may need to be lowered to allow “mar- apparent as Nord Stream 2, a pipeline that Ukraine’s LongWing Energy S.C.A. in July and market participants,” he told RFE/RL ket forces to work.” will circumvent Ukraine in delivering announced a $150 million package to in written comments. “Zelenskyy’s reference to the FIT during Russian gas to Europe via the Baltic Sea, finance the first phase of the Zaporizhzhya While great strides have been made, his marathon has already raised concerns prepares to go online, possibly as early as Wind Farm, in the Zaporizhzhya region in Ukraine is still reliant on “old energy,” in the environmental movement,” says Ilya next year. southeast Ukraine. The 98 MW plant is including coal. Ukraine imported 21 million Yeremenko, an activist with the energy-ori- The development threatens to elbow expected to go online in 2020. metric tons of coal in 2018, putting it at No. ented environmental NGO Ekoklub, who Ukraine out of the gas-transit business, fur- The U.S. Overseas Private Investment 10 on the IEA’s list of top coal importers. also notes that as of 2020 Ukraine will ther eroding whatever leverage Kyiv may Corporation (OPIC) provided financing for Nuclear is also dominant in Ukraine. In determine energy rates on renewable proj- have with Moscow on energy matters. what will be GE’s fourth wind-power proj- 2018, Ukraine got 55.4 of its electricity ects via “auctions.” Ukraine has scrambled to secure gas and ect in Ukraine. from the atom, according to IEA data. Only Mr. Yeremenko is cautious about oil from other sources, even from as far “OPIC is proud to support this project, France, which relies on nuclear power for Ukraine’s renewable future, saying a long away as the United States. It still relies which will advance energy independence 71.5 percent of its total domestic electricity road still lays ahead. “Advances on renew- heavily on nuclear – globally, only France and security in Ukraine,” OPIC acting generation, is higher. ables have not and will not relieve the embraces the atom as an energy resource President and CEO David Bohigian said on Ukraine scored impressively on a country’s energy dependence drastically. It more than Ukraine. But given its power July 25. “The plant will help Ukraine meet respected index ranking 56 countries large- will take years and years before renewable- predicament, Ukraine is eager to pursue its energy demands and reduce reliance on ly on their efforts to fight global warming. other sources. Now wind, solar, hydro and imported sources, powering homes and Its placement of 18 in the Climate Change (Continued on page 15) biomass are not only getting attention, but businesses across the country.” investment. Danish-based Vestas, German-based Ukraine expects to more than double its NOTUS Energy, and Irish-based Altostrata renewable capacity in 2019, a government are just some of the other companies to commission announced in September. announce wind-power projects in Ukraine Metropolitan Epifaniy meets with Pompeo Companies from the United States, in 2018-2019. Ukraine’s DTEK, the coun- Germany, Norway, Finland, France and try’s largest private energy company, is a Canada are just some of those involved in key player in the country’s renewable-ener- renewable-energy projects, attracted by a gy sector, accounting for nearly half of all green tariff that guarantees producers a such investments in 2018. fixed price. Robust renewable energy According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable-energy sources, The current year – 2019 – has been good especially wind and solar, “have grown sig- to renewable energy in Ukraine. The com- nificantly over the last decade,” in the bined capacity of new renewable-energy Eastern European country of nearly 45 mil- facilities launched during the third quarter lion. A Ukrainian official told RFE/RL that of 2019 alone was 956 MW, which repre- more than 100 green-energy projects had sents a six-fold increase year on year, been completed and more than 100 were according to figures released in late in the planning stage. September by Ukraine’s National However, despite the flurry of financing Commission for Energy, Housing and and accompanying hype, renewable energy Utilities Services Regulation (NCER). Over is still a far cry from the 25 percent that that period solar-power capacity grew Ukraine has set as a target for renewable- more than five times to reach 780 MW. energy production by 2035. The country’s Based on the updated data, renewable renewable-energy efforts have failed to energy currently accounts for 4.9 percent impress some experts, with a respected of Ukraine’s overall energy production. global energy index scoring Ukraine low on The International Energy Agency has Metropolitan Epifaniy/Facebook that account. Moreover, President taken note of the country’s progress. WASHINGTON – Metropolitan Epifaniy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine met on Volodymyr Zelenskyy has talked about “Outside of hydro, wind and solar have October 23 with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. State Department spokes- reining in the green tariff, technically called grown significantly over the last decade,” person Morgan Ortagus released the following information: “Secretary Michael R. a feed-in tariff (FIT), that is one of the high- Merve Erdil, an IEA spokeswoman, said in Pompeo met today with His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, est in the world and which is widely written comments to RFE/RL. primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Secretary Pompeo congrat- acknowledged as crucial in spurring Globally, the IEA is forecasting double- ulated Metropolitan Epifaniy on his receipt of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award for growth. digit renewable power growth in 2019, his defense of all Ukrainians’ ability to worship in accordance with their faith, free from driven by solar. It put this down to cost. The Chornobyl’s ‘terra incognita’ external interference. The secretary and the metropolitan shared their concerns about cost of solar has plunged more than 80 per- abuses against religious freedom in Russia-occupied Crimea and Russia-controlled The solar power plant at Chornobyl, the cent since 2010. parts of the Donbas. They expressed their hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the site of the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster, Since 2015, Ukraine has installed nearly Russia-instigated conflict in eastern Ukraine, now in its sixth year, underscoring the first began delivering electricity to 4,000 MW of renewable-energy capacities, need to heal the wounds of war and foster unity.” 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

Bandurists treat Michigan Ukrainian schools to concert during tour

by Matthew Dubas This is the first part of a two-part series on the centennial concert on October 6 by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus in Detroit. This author was invited by the UBC to experience and document the weekend’s events, meet with individuals and provide an in-depth look at what it’s like for the UBC to play a hometown concert.

DETROIT – The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (UBC) per- formed its centennial concert tour in its adopted home- town of Detroit on October 6 at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center before an audience of nearly 400 peo- ple. (More about the concert and statements from local community members will appear in the follow-up article.) Founded in Kyiv in 1918 by Vasyl Yemets, the UBC has called Detroit home for 70 years. Having performed in Matthew Dubas Ukraine in October 2018 – the second stop of the centenni- al concert tour – the UBC continues its mission of sharing The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus performs for the combined Ukrainian schools of Michigan. the bandura and the traditions of the kobzari with a global tennial tour, with the final concert scheduled for November Union. The chorus, he added, continues to inform the com- audience. Detroit was the second-to-last stop on the cen- 10 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. munity at large, building on the work of the chorus’s pre- The day prior to the concert in Detroit, UBC members decessors. He underscored that the chorus had beaten the held an outreach program on Saturday, October 5, at odds and near-extinction from Soviet terror to celebrate Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Schools in 100 years of existence. Warren, Mich., with the combined Ukrainian schools of The kobzar tradition, Mr. Mahlay said, was the keeper of Ridna Shkola School of Ukrainian Language and Culture in historical records – though illiterate and blind, the kobzars Warren, Mich., and Lesia Ukrainka School for Religious and sang songs to preserve their own history. He asked the Ukrainian Studies at Pokrova (St. Mary the Protectress) children if they knew, “why are we here?” He then Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Southfield, Mich. explained that the UBC was performing a concert in More than 200 students were welcomed by UBC direc- Detroit the next day, before the chorus sang the familiar tor Oleh Mahlay, who gave a brief overview of the chorus’ folk song “Moyi Yaseny.” 100-year history, highlighting the 70th anniversary of its Today, 101 years after the UBC’s founding, Mr. Mahlay roots in Detroit, the Kobzar traditions from the Kozak-era explained, there remain four major bandura ensembles: of Ukraine and how the UBC maintains that legacy, per- the Kyiv Bandurist Capella (which also traces its roots to forming all over the world. the capella formed by Mr. Yemets in 1918), the Ukrainian The chorus performed the lively “Play Kobzar!”, words Bandurist Chorus, the Canadian Bandurist Capella and the by Taras Shevchenko, with music by Hryhory Kytasty, to Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America. warm applause from the students. They learned about Mykola Murskyj, a member of the UBC, its archivist and how Ukrainian culture briefly experienced a period of a graduate of the Ukrainian school in Detroit, related to the Ukrainianization under the Soviets. The students were students his experience at Kobzarska Sich camp. Although captivated silent during the song “Khmara.” he currently lives in Washington, D.C., Mr. Murskyj thanked Mr. Mahlay continued his talk to the students by noting the UBC for his time and experiences at camp, encouraging how the chorus’s members fled the Soviet Union to the students in the audience by stating that the camp is fun Bandurist Volodymyr Babicky shares an up-close Germany and in 1949 arrived in the U.S.A., where bandura moment with young students. music could flourish beyond the borders of the Soviet (Continued on page 6)

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: June 2019 Amount Name City State Wasylkiwskyj Danusia Bethesda MD Krawczuk Anna Holmdel NJ $150.00 Puhacz Ihor Macungie PA $20.00 Bobak Oleh & Natalia Meadowbrook PA Semczuk Roman & Mary Amsterdam NY $110.00 Kostiuk Olexa Ottawa ON Bowles Marta Brooklyn NY Zobniw Lubomyr Binghampton NY Wesely Orest Stockton CA Horodyskyj I Culpeper VA $10.00 Bodnarskyj Maria Depew NY $100.00 Bodnar Ulana Alexandria VA Houser Justin Bellefonte PA Dubas Ann Wayne NJ Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH Karpenko Tetiana Southfield MI Hann Tina Scottsdale AZ Skubiak Oleh Chicago IL Klachko Luba Mendham NJ Hluszok Myroslawa Roebling NJ Yevich-Tunstall Inia Annandale VA Kuropas Bohdan Hickory NC Kataryniak William Bayonne NJ Mizak Bohdan Philadelphia PA Kosowsky N River Grove IL $65.00 Holubec Halyna & Lev Oak Brook IL Nahirnyj Olha Islington ON Kowalchyn Ted Scotch Plains NJ Podryhula Oleh East Sandwich MA Nebesny Michael & Stefana Clinton IN Oros Joseph Reading PA $55.00 Verveer Melanne Washington DC Ockerby Renata Rensselaer NY Szymanskyj Irene Chicago IL $50.00 Welhasch Stephan Santa Fe NM Procyk Roman Huntingdon Vy PA Verveer Melanne Washington DC $30.00 Drobny Daria Dearborn MI Sawchak George & Patricia Rydal PA Worobec Roman Alexandria VA Ermler Michael Grosse Pointe MI Stawnychy Yuri Kinnelon NJ $5.00 Nynka Andrew & Melania Somerville MA Mykyta Larysa Raleigh NC Sydorak Oksana Hillsborough CA Podolak Eugenia Lehighton PA $25.00 Daisak Stephen Freehold NJ $15.00 Czebiniak Andrew Johnson City NY Myskiw Peter Phoenix AZ Halibey Areta Westchester IL TOTAL: $1,665.00

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: July 2019 Amount Name City State $35.00 Kichorowsky Kebalo Marta Briarwood NY Krysa Patricia Pompano Beach FL $120.00 Clebowicz Walter Kensington CT Levy Drs Neil & Luba Dallas TX Kudryk-Case Maria Cedar Lake IN $100.00 Buchynsky Bohdan & Olena Glendora CA Popowych Nestor & Olya Chicago IL Nadozirny Victor Cleveland OH Hirniak Bohdan Naples FL $25.00 Bratach Marlene Somerset NJ $10.00 Dytyniak Helen Trenton NJ Hrycelak Maria Park Ridge IL Czepizak Walt Ocean NJ Gevas Nicholas Tarpon Springs FL Pankiw Andrew Upper Arlington OH $20.00 Clem Zwenyslava Jacksonville FL Matvienko-Dean Irene Mount Vernon ME Petrenko Anya & Jurij Ashton MD Kolodij Makarushka Maplewood NJ $5.00 Peleschuk Stefan Stamford CT Popel George Monmouth Jct NJ Kowerko O Chicago IL TOTAL: $1,530.00 Marc Nadia Amherst NY $80.00 Kulyk Teofil Plant City FL Petrasz Jerry Chicago IL Sincere thanks to all contributors $50.00 Durbak Marie Chicago IL Terleckyj W & S Philadelphia PA Fedun Oresta Clifton NJ Trojan Natalie Dobbs Ferry NY to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. Kowalyk Ted New York NY Basniak Wiesen Diane Palm Bch Gdns FL Rychtyckyj Nestor Warren MI $15.00 Artiushenko Ihor Park Ridge IL The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only Skalsky Zdanna Gaithersburg MD Doboszczak Bohdan Naugatuck CT fund dedicated exclusively to supporting $40.00 Onufreiczuk Boris Wathchung NJ Kizyma Cathy Oxford MI the work of this publication. No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 5

UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: A snapshot from history, 1967

Seen on the right in 1967 are the Ukrainian National Association’s leaders and activists in Canada with UNA Supreme President Joseph Lesawyer (seated, left). Seated to his left are: Canadian Sen. Paul Yuzyk, John Hewryk and Wasyl Didiuk. Sen. Yuzyk was supreme vice-president for Canada in 1970- 1974 and supreme director for Canada in 1974-1986; Mr. Hewryk was a UNA auditor for 20 years and supreme director for Canada in 1986-1993. Mr. Didiuk was a long- time UNA supreme advisor and a supreme auditor. Another notable Canadian UNA’er in the photo is Bohdan Zorych (standing fourth from left), who was the supreme vice-president for Canada in 1966- 1970 and later director of the UNA’s Canadian Office.

A photo archive of UNA history has been launched on the UNA website. It is a work in progress that will be expand- ed and refined. To take a look, go to unainc.org/una/the-una-is-125-years- old/.

UNA a notable presence at Ukrainian festivals

by Oksana Stanko This year, in addition to presenting UNA’s life insurance and annuity products, colorful posters and flyers were dis- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – During the months of August and tributed advertising the UNA’s 125th anniversary concert September, UNA Home Office representatives as well as to be held at Dolan Performance Hall at the College of St. members of the UNA General Assembly attended several Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J., on Saturday, November 2. area festivals to promote the UNA and its products. For the two festivals held in Whippany and Clifton, the These included festivals held in Lehighton and Horsham UNA sponsored a raffle for two tickets to the anniversary Pa., Stamford Conn., and Whippany, Passaic and Clifton, N.J. concert.

Horsham, Pa., August 25: Luba Demitre, UNA Home Office employee and professional insurance agent, and UNA Advisor Oksana Stanko represented the UNA at the annual festival held at the Ukrainian American Sports Center (Tryzubivka) in Horsham. Stopping by to learn about UNA insurance products was Anntoinette Winton Lehighton, Pa., August 17: Luba Walchuk, UNA auditor, Stamford, Conn., September 8: UNA Insurance Operat- from Doylestown, Pa. manned the UNA table at the annual festival at the ions Manager Nina Bilchuk and Oksana Stanko, UNA advi- Ukrainian Homestead in Lehighton. Stopping by were sor, manned the table at the 52nd Connecticut State William Slovik, secretary of UNA Branch 7, and Oksana Ukrainian Day Festival in Stamford. Visiting the festival and Stanko, UNA advisor. All three are professional insurance stopping by to discuss UNA life insurance options were agents for the UNA. Taras and Svitlana Grymaluk from Stamford.

Whippany, N.J., September 21: At the annual Ukrainian Festival of the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Passaic, N.J., September 15: Maria Drich and Luba Clifton, N.J., September 22: At the annual festival held at Jersey, the UNA held a raffle. Winning first prize – two tick- Demitre, professional insurance agents at the UNA Home the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral in ets to UNA’s gala 125th anniversary concert on November Office, were at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Clifton, the UNA held a raffle for two tickets to its 125th 2 – was Oksana Mulyk from Randolph, N.J. Presenting the Festival in Passaic. Visiting the table were Oleh anniversary concert on November 2 in Morristown, N.J. prize are Maria Drich, professional insurance agent at the Mykhaylyshyn, Nataliya Baran, Marie Duplak, Halyna Maria Koropetska from Garfield, N.J., won the tickets; UNA Home Office, and UNA Advisor Oksana Stanko, with Mykhaylyshyn and Krystyna Witek. Maria Drich of the UNA Home Office presented the prize. the assistance of a young festival participant. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR HE KRAINIAN EEKLY T U W running for president be electable in today’s America? Can Prof. Magocsi name Historical additions at least one other democracy where the It’s K-Y-I-V majority – as a sign of their political matu- This year has been filled with good news about various entities adopting the cor- to Magocsi’s article rity – had elected a president who made a rect spelling of Ukraine’s capital city: Kyiv. First came moves by international air- Dear Editor: career out of derogating them? ports to change the way the capital is rendered on its flight arrivals and departures The 2019 presidential elections made I enjoyed Prof. Paul R. Magocsi’s excel- lists. One by one, airports in Canada, Europe, the Mideast and Africa announced the Ukraine into some sort of an oddity. Or, as change. By July 1, the count was up to 50 airports. It was part of the very successful lent article on anti-Semitism in Ukraine the French philosopher Bernard-Henri campaign launched by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (October 6). I would like to add two tidbits Lévy wrote of Mr. Zelenskyy last month, In an open letter, the ministry explained: “Under the Russian empire and later the of Ukrainian history that are rarely men- “An odd spectacle, to say the least.” Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Russification was actively used as a tool tioned. The Central Rada founded in 1917 And, finally, when dealing with the mul- to extinguish each constituent country’s national identity, culture and language. In consisted of 822 deputies. Of these, 35 tinational character of Ukraine, Prof. light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including its illegal occupation of were from Jewish Socialist Parties. Magocsi neglected to mention the Crimea, we are once again experiencing Russification as a tactic that attempts to Carpatho-Rusyns. A strange oversight, as destabilize and delegitimize our country. You will appreciate, we hope, how the use he is the driving force behind the move- of Soviet-era place names – rooted in the Russian language – is especially painful and ment that insists that they are almost a mil- unacceptable to the people of Ukraine. … To better inform the international commu- lion strong and distinct from everyone nity about the correct forms of Ukrainian place names and to avoid mistakes, we are around them, especially Ukrainians. launching the campaign: #CorrectUA.” To be sure, this was not the first time the “Kyiv” spelling was promoted. On R. B. Worobec October 14, 1995, Ukraine’s Committee on Legal Terminology headed by Justice Alexandria, Va. Minister of Ukraine Serhii Holovatyi had adopted “Kyiv” as the official spelling that would henceforth be used in all legal and official acts of Ukraine, emphasizing that foreign-language spellings of place names in Ukraine should be based on the Also, Ukrainian currency at this time Thank you for sharing Ukrainian-language. The U.S. Department of State reported that on October 3, 2006, included Hebrew on its face, as seen in this the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) unanimously voted to change the BGN stan- photo. “A family snapshot” dard transliteration of the name of the Ukrainian capital to Kyiv. This decision affect- Dr. Marko Slusarczuk ed the whole U.S. government. All State Department offices and operations we Dear Editor: Potomac, Md. requested “to immediately begin using the new spelling ‘Kyiv’ in all written commu- I read Andrew Fedynsky’s article in The nication.” The American diplomatic post there became Embassy Kyiv. Ukrainian Weekly titled “A family snapshot The attention on how Ukraine’s capital city is spelled has intensified this year from a vastly larger picture” (September 8) because lately Ukraine appears in the headlines in this country nearly every day. In with great interest. mid-February, the international newspaper The Guardian changed its style guide to Magocsi’s take Thank you for sharing the story about read, simply and succinctly: “Kyiv not Kiev.” In late August, the big breakthrough on Zelenskyy Mr. Fedynsky’s parents and the hardships came when the Associated Press – which serves thousands of media outlets in over they endured in Ukraine before and during 100 countries – announced: “AP has changed its style for the capital of Ukraine to Dear Editor: World War II. Kyiv, in line with the Ukrainian government’s preferred transliteration to English Every paragraph was heart-wrenching. Paul R. Magocsi’s recent article with the and increasing usage. Include a reference in stories to the former spelling of Kiev. These kinds of stories are rare treasures, catchy title “Anti-Semitism in Ukraine?” The food dish remains chicken Kiev.” because so many Ukrainians either died (October 6) turned out to be a plug for a On October 10, The Globe and Mail of Canada made the change, and correspon- before being able to talk about their experi- 2016 book he co-authored on Jews and dent Adrian Morrow tweeted: “The Globe is changing its style on the capital of ences, or they were afraid of the conse- Ukrainians. Ukraine from the Russian-derived ‘Kiev’ to ‘Kyiv,’ the transliteration the Ukrainian quences of doing so, or they were emotion- The piece concludes that Volodymyr government uses.” The Wall Street Journal acted on October 9, the BBC adopted the ally unable to talk about them. Zelenskyy’s election as president of correct spelling on October 14, and The Washington Post announced on October 16 I would enjoy reading more of such sur- Ukraine demonstrated the “political matu- that it had officially changed its guidelines on spelling to “Kyiv” and that the change vivors’ accounts in The Ukrainian Weekly. rity of Ukrainian society.” Really? Thank you, Mr. Fedynsky, for writing went into effect immediately. As a comedian, Mr. Zelenskyy made his about your parents’ experiences. Now, some may say the spelling issue is unimportant, a minor irritant. But there living disparaging Ukraine and Ukrainians is much more to it. We direct our readers’ attention to a commentary on the Atlantic in vivid terms. Would a comedian using the Sonia Smith Council website by Peter Dickinson (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrai- “n” word in his or her routines and then Armonk, N.Y. nealert/kyiv-not-kiev-why-spelling-matters-in-ukraines-quest-for-an-independent- identity/). He writes: “…Ukraine’s desire for the outside world to use Ukrainian- language transliterations appears anything but trivial. On the contrary, it is a plea for include: Bandura at Bobriwka in Colebrook, symbolic support in what is one of world history’s last great independence strug- Conn., (June 27 through July 4, ikykuzma@ gles. Ukraine’s nation-building journey is far from over, but establishing Ukrainian Bandurists... gmail.com), ODUM Bandura Camp at names for Ukrainian places is an essential early step on the long road to recovery. (Continued from page 4) Dibrova in Brighton, Mich., (July 5-12, The international media’s ongoing adoption of the preferred ‘Kyiv’ spelling may [email protected] or www.odum. seem inconsequential, but it represents a meaningful contribution to this process.” and that kids from all over the U.S.A. and Canada attend. There is a two-week bandu- org), Kobzarska Sich in Emlenton, Pa., In 2006, we had written in an editorial that it was time for Ukraine’s capital to be ra program and a one-week choral work- (August 1-15, [email protected] or known by its proper name. Thirteen years later, we can report much progress, but at shop. (More information can be found at www.banduracamp.org), and Litnia the same time we call on other news media to show Ukraine the respect due any banduracamp.org.) Zustrich Bandura Camp in Hawkestone, independent country and adopt the proper spelling for its capital. Memo to The New The student audience applauded and Ontario, (August 16-23, zustrichbandura- York Times, Reuters et al: It’s K-Y-I-V. shouted “bravo” following the patriotic [email protected]). song “Oy u Luzi Chervona Kalyna.” Olga Novatchinski, director of the The students then had an opportunity to Ukrainian school in Warren, thanked Mr. hold, play and strum a bandura first-hand, Mahlay and the UBC members for donating under the guidance of UBC members. their time and wished them a successful Oct. Turning the pages back... Mr. Mahlay also encouraged the students concert tour. Ms. Novatchinski also greeted to study bandura through the local instruc- and thanked the students from the Lesia Forty-five years ago, on October 26, 1974, nearly 500 persons tion available from the Detroit School of Ukrainka school for coming to Warren. 26 attended the 50th anniversary banquet at Club Navaho Manor in Bandura for those age 9-10 and older. Mr. Mahlay reminded the students – “the Irvington, N.J., to mark the founding of Ukrainian Athletic (More information can be obtained via Bandura is ours!” (Bandura ye nasha!) – it 1974 Education Association Chornomorska Sitch. e-mail, [email protected] or 810- is uniquely Ukrainian. Based in Newark, N.J., the club was founded on December 21, 225-0608.) As an encore, the UBC members wished 1924, and remains the oldest Ukrainian sports club in the U.S.A. For many, it is the enchanting sound of the Ukrainian schools and their students In 1974, the club had more than 300 members and 11 athletic teams, including soccer, ice the instrument that draws people in. many more years with their rendition of hockey and bridge. Bandura camps for the summer of 2020 “Mnohaya Lita.” The banquet was opened by the club president, Myron Stebeslky. Zenon Snylyk, editor of The Ukrainian Weekly and a former three-time U.S. Olympian and World Cup soccer OPINIONS player, served as emcee. Mr. Snylyk introduced representatives of over 40 various local organizations. The keynote address was delivered by Yaroslav Chorostil, former president The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on and secretary of the Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (USCAK). Mr. a variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Chorostil was a founding member of the S.A. Toronto soccer club, and also greeted the Canadian communities, as well as the Ukrainian diaspora. banquet guests on behalf of the club. Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are Greetings were also delivered by Joseph Lesawyer, Ukrainian National Association their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly edi- supreme president and Ukrainian Congress Committee of America vice-president; Ivan torial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. Oleksyn, president of the Ukrainian Fraternal Association; Roman Kacil, president of Similarly, paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions of either The Ukrainian or its publisher. (Continued on page 15) No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 7

FROM FAR AND WIDE by Marco Levytsky Reflections on the Trump-Ukraine scandal A tribute to retiring MPs

It’s been called the Trump-Ukraine con- since Russia’s invasion has helped Ukraine troversy, Ukraine scandal, Ukraine matter, monitor and secure its borders, deploy its Wrzesnewskyj and Duncan Ukraine affair, Ukraine mess. Call it what forces more safely and effectively, and make you will, but since late September, Ukraine progress toward NATO interoperability. has been at the center of attention in the There are those who only see security United States in a way never before seen. assistance through the lens of Javelins and There are so many aspects that can be dismiss non-lethal assistance as having lit- discussed, but let me share just a few tle or no significance. Not so. Over the thoughts. course of the last five years, I often heard As damaging and tragic as this whole from Ukrainian civilian and military offi- episode is for the United States, how it cials as well as Verkhovna Rada members plays out for Ukraine’s relationship with its about the vital role that U.S. non-lethal most powerful strategic partner remains to security assistance has played in helping to be seen. While it certainly complicates U.S.- fight the war. A former leader of one of the Ukraine relations in the short-term, I volunteer battalions who is now a politi- remain confident that America will contin- cian once even told me – somewhat to my ue to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity surprise – that non-lethal was more impor- and democratic aspirations. tant than lethal. In terms of public attention, the scandal In any event, Mr. Trump putting a hold is a mixed bag. On the negative side, we see on this vital, substantial funding is a traves- numerous references to Ukraine’s corrup- ty of the highest order. After all, Congress, tion. Alas, this reflects the harsh reality, with overwhelming bipartisan support, had Borys Wrzesnewskyj Linda Duncan although Ukraine is far from the most cor- appropriated the funds. The Pentagon, the rupt country in the world. Moreover, in State Department and national security Since its inception in 2005, the Canada- redress agreement to make up for the contrast to many other countries such as experts within Mr. Trump’s own White Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group 1914-1920 internment of Ukrainian Russia, Ukraine has at least undertaken House had absolutely no objections to dis- (CUPFG) has proved to be an invaluable Canadians. Although this agreement was some efforts over the last five years to com- bursing the aid, and many were surprised tool in promoting and enhancing relations not approved within the tenure of the bat this scourge, even if the process has by it being frozen. The withholding sent the between our two countries. As an all-party minority Liberal government that was been inadequate. horrible signal that the U.S. was not con- group, it serves as a forum for the exchange ousted in 2006, Mr. Wrzesnewskyj’s work On the other hand, more Americans than cerned about Russia’s ongoing war against of ideas between Canadian parliamentari- contributed greatly to the signing of the ever are now aware of Ukraine. Ukraine is Ukraine – a message certainly not lost upon ans and their counterparts in Ukraine, and final agreement with the new Conservative indelibly imprinted on America’s con- Mr. Putin. to promote and enhance the political, eco- government. sciousness. It has become part of the And if anyone thinks that Mr. Trump’s nomic and cultural relations between He also worked behind the scenes to get American story – even if not in the way one decision was based upon genuine concern Canada and Ukraine. This is not unlike the the 2008 Holodomor memorial bill through would have wanted given the scandal’s del- about Ukraine’s corruption, well, I have a U.S. Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Parliament, pulling his own legislation in eterious impact on the United States. bridge to sell you. In short, count me founded in 1997, and its Senate counter- favor of a Conservative’s Private Member’s Importantly, far more Americans now among the extreme skeptics for many rea- part, established in 2015. Bill in order to get it passed. know about and sympathize with Ukraine’s sons, including his apparent lack of concern Many parliamentarians of all stripes Defeated in 2011 by 25 votes, Mr. struggle against Russian aggression. I have about corruption in any other country, let have participated in it over the past 14 Wrzesnewskyj was re-elected in 2015, and been impressed with how often the media alone within his own administration. The years, but this year marks a watershed as one of his major efforts was to get recogni- refers to Ukraine not just as a partner or real reason, of course, is that Mr. Trump three of the group’s most venerable mem- tion of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s 1944 friend, but as an ally – something rarely was pressing Ukraine for an investigation bers will no longer sit in Parliament. The deportation of Crimean Tatars, or heard earlier. that would benefit him politically. first to go was Raynell Andreychuk, a Sürgünlik as it is known in the Crimean Because of this, the reality that America One aspect of the scandal that encourag- Conservative senator who reached the Tatar language, as genocide. (See The stands with Ukraine has been reinforced in es my faith in our system is the courage and mandatory retirement age of 75 on August Ukrainian Weekly, June 28) the public mind, notwithstanding President determination of career U.S. foreign policy 14 (See The Ukrainian Weekly August 9). Throughout his parliamentary career, Donald Trump’s inexplicable affection for professionals to do the right thing: to raise She had been the leading Senate represen- Mr. Wrzesnewskyj has been a maverick – the authoritarian Vladimir Putin, negative alarms about Mr. Trump’s attempts to pres- tative on the CUPFG since the beginning. that rare kind of politician who is willing to comments about Ukrainians and attempts sure Ukraine’s leaders to investigate his Two more longstanding members will be put principle ahead of partisan interests if to pressure Ukraine for personal political political rival, to honor Congressional sub- out after the October 21 elections to the it is for the better good. This has cost him in reasons. poenas in the impeachment investigation House of Commons, because they are retir- terms of promotion, but has gained him a One of the most troubling aspects of this despite administration attempts to prevent ing. They include the founder, Liberal Borys reputation as a truly honorable member entire sordid affair has been President them from doing so, and to tell the truth, Wrzesnewskyj and the longest-serving who can be counted on to do what is right. Trump’s withholding nearly $400 million of even if in some cases, it could harm their member of the third major party in Canada, Although, unlike MP Wrzesnewskyj and military/security assistance to Ukraine. careers. the left-of-center New Democratic Party, Sen. Andreychuk, Ms. Duncan is not of President Barack Obama was rightly In my decades working for the U.S. gov- Linda Duncan. Ukrainian origin, she considers Ukrainians strongly criticized by many of us, both ernment at the Helsinki Commission, I had Mr. Wrzesnewskyj was first elected on to be her other family since the community inside and outside the government, for not the opportunity to work and interact with June 28, 2004, and within six months was welcomed her so warmly both in providing Ukraine with lethal weapons, hundreds of State Department diplomats. I thrust into a major crisis when the first two Edmonton and in Ottawa. She has stead- notably Javelin anti-tank missiles. found most to be decent, dedicated profes- rounds of the Ukrainian presidential elec- fastly stood up for issues that affected the But Mr. Trump, notwithstanding the sionals, including the overwhelming major- tions were deemed to be fraudulent by Ukrainian community and has established highly welcome step of authorizing Javelins ity of those who worked on Ukraine wheth- international observers and a third-round a very deep relationship with it. In fact, on for Ukraine in 2017, did something that er at the State Department in Washington runoff was called to choose between Viktor October 6, she was presented with the would have been inconceivable for Mr. or U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Obama or any other American president – Former Ukraine Ambassador Marie Mr. Wrzesnewskyj leapt into action and Provincial Council’s Executive Hetman Democrat or Republican – to do in similar Yovanovich, Ambassador Bill Taylor (cur- convinced then-Prime Minister Paul Martin Award, which had only been presented circumstances. That is, put a hold on all rently serving as the Kyiv Embassy’s chargé Jr. to send an unprecedented 500 govern- three times earlier and only once to a politi- military/security assistance. Mr. Obama, d’affaires) and Deputy Assistant Secretary ment-sponsored election observers (in cian. That was to former Alberta Premier with the important exception of lethal of State George Kent (now in charge of addition to the 500 that came from the Ed Stelmach in 2011. weapons, did approve significant amounts Ukraine and five other countries, and who community itself). This served as a shining First elected for the Alberta constituency of military assistance appropriated by previously served twice in Ukraine, most example for other countries to follow, and of Edmonton-Strathcona in 2008, she has Congress during his administration. This recently as deputy chief of mission) are helped to assure a fair and honest third been an active member of CUPFG since amounted to much more than just blankets, among the best. Along with other officials, round of presidential elections and then. She has participated in a number of despite the myth perpetuated in certain cir- they have honored congressional subpoe- Ukraine’s emergence as a democratic state. emergency and other debates on Ukraine cles. Non-lethal equipment and other secu- nas and testified in the impeachment inves- Another file he worked on very diligent- during the course of her tenure, participat- rity assistance that the U.S. has supplied tigation. They are courageous. They are ly during his first term was to obtain a ed in two election monitoring missions in forthright. They are honest. They care Ukraine, met numerous times in Ottawa Orest Deychakiwsky may be reached at Marco Levytsky may be contacted at [email protected]. (Continued on page 16) [email protected]. (Continued on page 15) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43 No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 9

Ukraine qualifies for Euro 2020 by Ihor N. Stelmach ner kick, poking the ball across the goal line. direct a firm header goalward. Portugal’s tries in stoppage time that created chaos in Yarmolenko added the second goal at 27 Patricio managed to block the shot, but the the Ukraine penalty area. Ronaldo forced Ukraine defeated Portugal 2-1 on minutes when he outraced the Portuguese ball ended up at Yaremchuk’s feet, and he Pyatov into yet another save with a power- October 14 at the Olimpiyskiy National defenders to finish a swift counter attack. did not miss from close range. Vitaliy ful header, the rebound falling to Portugal’s Sports Complex in Kyiv to clinch a spot at Portugal dominated the second half, Mykolenko’s surging rush down the left Pep at the far post, only to be blocked on Euro 2020 despite Christiano Ronaldo scor- finally achieving a breakthrough when side ended with a low, crisp shot by the goal line. Danilo then hit the crossbar ing his 700th career goal. Ukraine’s Stepanenko blocked a shot with Yarmolenko for coach Andriy Shevchenko’s with a solid shot from range, which beat Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmo­ his arm, earning a second yellow card and team’s second tally. Pyatov and dropped into the penalty area lenko had Ukraine up 2-0 after only 27 min- ejection from the match before Ronaldo Ronaldo looked like Portugal’s most like- before being scrambled away as Ukraine utes. In the 72nd minute Ronaldo notched his blasted the penalty shot into the net making ly goal scorer in the first half, but had few held on to clinch Group B. landmark goal from the penalty area after it 2-1. sights of the goal. His best effort was a shot Ukraine’s Run to Group B Top Spot: Taras Stepanenko was sent off, but Ukraine Ukraine collected 19 points in seven tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Andriy held on to secure first place in Group B. matches to clinch the top spot in Group B Pyatov. He twice tested Pyatov early in the March 22: Ukraine 0 Portugal 0 Thus, Ukraine joined Poland, Russia, Italy with its final qualifier against Serbia still to second half, firing a free-kick straight at 25: Ukraine 2 Luxembourg 1 and Belgium in next summer’s finals. come on November 17. Pyatov at 50 minutes and forced the goalie June 7: Ukraine 5 Serbia 0 Yaremchuk scored from close range in Ukraine dominated play in the first half, into a diving save with a stinging shot just 10: Ukraine 1 Luxembourg 0 the sixth minute when the center forward and was well deserving of its two-goal lead before the 60 minute mark. Sept. 7: Ukraine 3 Lithuania 0 quickly reacted after Rui Patricio dove to at halftime. Portugal failed to defend an Portugal pressed for an equalizer in the Oct. 11: Ukraine 2 Lithuania 0 parry Serhiy Kryvtsov’s header from a cor- early corner kick, allowing Kryvtsov to closing moment, coming close with two 14: Ukraine 2 Portugal 1

Gvozdyk tastes defeat in unification bout

by Ihor N. Stelmach showing the effects by the sixth round. Round two saw Beterbiev land a huge finally finished Gvozdyk off to keep his per- Gvozdyk, 32, was completely gassed, right hand, which knocked Gvozdyk off bal- fect knockout record intact. IBF light heavyweight champion Artur barely moving and very much hurt in the ance. Gvozdyk asserted himself in the fourth Gvozdyk, making his second title Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KO) utilized a vicious 10th round when Beterbiev dropped him round, unleashing a combination and forcing defense, went down early in the 10th body attack to wear down and defeat previ- to the canvas three times in the round his opponent to the ropes. He landed sever- round, but Rosato ruled it was a push on ously unbeaten WBC champion Oleksandr before referee Gary Rosato stepped in and al stiff jabs, backing him up, then Gvozdyk his head. Seconds later, Beterbiev put him Gvozdyk (17-1, 14 KO) in the 10th round on stopped the fight at 2:49 of round 10. got nailed with a right hand at the bell. on the mat for real with a right hand, forc- October 18 in their unification match at the Gvozdyk got tangled up with Beterbiev in Round six was filled with good two-way ing him to one knee. Beterbiev followed Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple the opening round and was pushed to the mat action. Gvozdyk landed good body shots with a combination left-right, flooring University in Philadelphia. Gvozdyk more without a punch landing. Referee Rosato’s rul- and the round finished in an exciting Gvozdyk for the second time. Hurting, than held his own in the first five rounds ing of a knockdown was overruled by Gregory exchange, with Beterbiev landing a right Gvozdyk valiantly attempted to fight back before Beterbiev began wearing him down Sirb of the Pennsylvania State Athletic hand that stunned Gvozdyk. The Ukrainian until still another right punch to the head with his punishing shots, non-stop pres- Commission after looking at video replay. went to the mat near the end of the round, dropped him to a knee again, resulting in sure and body attack. Going into the fight, it was thought to be but Rosato ruled it a slip. Rosato waving off the fight. It had been a close, competitive and excit- a toss-up with Beterbiev perhaps a slight Gvozdyk landed several clean shots in the Gvozdyk had close friends and Olympic ing bout until Beterbiev steadily broke favorite. This was a rematch of sorts, the eighth round, Beterbiev tied him up and then teammates Vasiliy Lomachenko and Gvozdyk down to unify two 175-pound title two having met at a tournament in 2009 threw a shot while the referee was breaking Oleksandr Usyk cheering him on. He was belts and claim the lineal title in the main when the two-time Russian Olympian fight- them apart and was warned for the foul. not available for comment after the fight event at the Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card ing out of Montreal stopped the 2012 Beterbiev rebounded with a huge ninth because he was sent to a local hospital for before 3,283 fans – many of them Ukrainians. Ukrainian Olympic bronze medalist fighting round, landing several powerful right precautionary reasons. This was the first ever light heavyweight out of Oxnard, Calif., in the second round. hands, hurting Gvozdyk, especially late. According to CompuBox, Beterbiev land- world title unification fight between unde- This time it took longer for Beterbiev to Gvozdyk absorbed an uppercut, followed ed 161 of 515 punches (31 percent), while feated titleholders. stop Gvozdyk, but his steady barrage of by a right hand over the top which rocked Gvozdyk connected with 118 of 614 blows Beterbiev’s inside fighting ability was par- right hands wore Gvozdyk out. At the bout’s him, looking like the end was near, until the (19 percent). amount in his technical knockout victory. The stoppage two judges actually had Gvozdyk bell ended the round. Gvozdyk earned $1.5 million for this uni- power he was able to muster on his short ahead (87-84 and 86-85) and one had Beterbiev, 34, making his third title fication bout and is rumored to be in line to punches in close was too much, with Gvozdyk Beterbiev leading 87-83. defense, pressed the attack in the 10th and potentially fight Gilberto Ramirez next.

conductor and educator of Ukrainian heri- ladies had exchanged their black and white much effort is involved. The dedication and Dumka Chorus... tage (Petro Wilkhovskyj). We also have to outfits from the first half for embroidered hard work to strive towards their goals has thank Wilhousky for his English lyrics to burgundy dresses (sponsored by Charles become like a parallel life of unconditional (Continued from page 1) Leontovych’s “Shchedryk,” which helped Podpirka). Ranging from individual folk songs devotion for many of Dumka’s singers. contrasted shorter Ukrainian melodies and catapult that Ukrainian carol, known as the to Yevhen Stankovych’s “The Feast of Kupalo” Several current members have been with folk songs, including several lighthearted “Carol of the Bells,” to the attention of the medley, the second half introduced some brio Dumka for over 50 years. The Liteplo family and humorous works. whole world to the program. In keeping with the more inti- is an inspiring example. Dr. Ronald Liteplo The concert commenced with “The Several of Verdi’s early operas also mate character of these short and peppy com- has been a frequent soloist and loyal mem- Hymn of the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka,” acquired political significance for Italian positions, several were sung a capella. ber for 65 years. His brother Paul has been words and music by Roman Kupchynsky. patriots of the mid 1850s seeking to unify Contributing to the folk atmosphere singing for 58. And their third brother Merrill Mr. Kupchynsky was a former officer in the their country and liberate it from foreign were a sopilka (shepherd’s flute) solo by was a member dating back to the original Ukrainian Sich Riflemen and the Ukrainian control. The melodic and popular chorus Dumka member Volodymyr Zhukevych and Children’s Chorus. According to Dr. Liteplo, Galician Army, and a long-time contributor “Va, pensiero” (“Fly, my thoughts on wings a drymba (Jew’s harp) solo by Andriy the central reason for their commitment is to the newspaper Svoboda. An admired fig- of gold”) from the opera “Nabucco” nearly Milavsky. The remainder were accompa- “the mission to spread Ukrainian song.” ure in the diaspora, he composed dozens of became Italy’s national anthem, and was an nied by Larisa Gutnikevich, also the pianist Various other singers confided to The songs including this hymn, which he dedi- apt choice by Dumka, reflecting the longing for the balance of the concert. Ukrainian Weekly what keeps drawing them cated to Dumka. of Ukrainians for their own homeland. Dumka has remained steadfast to its to Dumka. A member for 48 years, Marusia This was followed with two selections Following intermission, the children’s stated mission over the years, as the chorus Darmohraj-Mulyk said she “loves to “Rejoice” and “Waves of Fog Roll In” by the ensemble Moloda Dumka led by Tetyana propagated Ukrainian melodies to audienc- immerse herself in the lyrical Ukrainian tra- founder of Ukrainian classical music, Lapkovska lit up the stage. In this ensem- es far and wide, lifting up its voices in ditional classics.” Pavlina Pobihushka , who’s Mykola Lysenko. Because of the Russian ble, children of all ages have the opportuni- Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher been a member for 20 years, affirmed that imperial Ems Decree (“Ukaz”) banning the ty to learn Ukrainian folk and pop songs, Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Brooklyn “music and singing are best for the soul.” use of the Ukrainian language, the compos- and the ritual melodies for Easter and Academy of Music, the Kennedy Center for Two members of Moloda Dumka chimed er was forced to publish some of his works Christmas. Their energetic performances the Performing Arts in Washington, and in in with vivid opinions. Danylo Shpyrko abroad. For the remainder of his life, were welcomed by the public. concert halls of many European capitals. In shared: “Dumka is the glow of my Lysenko refused to allow any translations Next, the Malvy bandura singing duo of 1990, the Dumka chorus conducted its first Saturday”; while Svitozar Mokrytskyy of his works into the Russian language. Ulana and Kalyna Leshchuk harmonized two tour in Ukraine. The chorus has released openly confessed: “Dumka is the place Lysenko’s beloved compositions are per- selections, including Taras Petrynenko’s pop- numerous recordings of church and secular where I can sing my heart out.” formed wherever there are Ukrainians. ular melody “Ukraino.” They were followed music. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr. Two other works on the first half also by the light soprano Anya Kosachevich, who All this could be considered commend- Hrechynsky expressed appreciation for the merit mention. sang two selections: “My Heart Burns” set to able for professional choral groups. For an support Dumka receives from Self-Reliance The vastly popular “Battle Hymn of the words by Lesia Ukrainka and “Should Only amateur community ensemble it is a major New York Federal Credit Union and invited Republic” was composed by Peter Roses Bloom?” composed by Lysenko. accomplishment. “Amator” means a lover (of all former Dumka members to join the per- Wilhousky, an American composer, choral When Dumka returned to the stage, the music), but this term does not tell us how formers on stage for group photos. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43 No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 11

Christine Syzonenko Ukrainian American Cultural Center of N.J. holds 10th annual festival

WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ) celebrated its 10th annual Ukrainian festi- val on September 21. The hundreds of visitors had plenty to see, smell, taste and do: There were varenyky, borshch, holubtsi, shashlyk and numerous other foods tempting palates at the food court, bountiful shopping in the vendor court, dessert offerings in the bakery café, plenty of cold beer – Ukrainian and domestic – at the outdoor beer garden and a special “Borshch Cocktail” at the social club. Two stage shows with top-notch entertainment, interspersed with accordion music at the beer garden, ensured that none of the guests were bored. In the photos, clockwise from top: Suzirya in the final pose of their “Hutsulka”; MCs Andrij Wowk and Oksana Telepko; Iskra Ensemble dancers with Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo in “Rhapsodia”; Iskra Academy dancers in “Zakarpatskyi Czardasz”; Kalyna Performing Arts Company of Toronto in “Hopak”; Tsvitka dancers in a Lemko dance; adult dancers from the Nadiya Dance School; vocalist Anna Salewycz. Christine Syzonenko Christine Syzonenko

Christine Syzonenko Christine Syzonenko

Roman Shyprykevych Christine Syzonenko Christine Syzonenko 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

servers. A two-year-long investigation led and gender equality in defense and securi- of Human Rights. He stated this at a meet- NEWSBRIEFS by former U.S. Special Counsel Robert ty, Mr. Vinnikov said. (RFE/RL, based on ing at the Journalism Institute of Taras Mueller concluded that Russian intelligence reporting by Interfax, UNIAN, Hromadske Shevchenko National University of Kyiv on (Continued from page 2) agents were behind the DNC hack. Mr. and Ukrinform) October 16, while answering questions Taylor told members of the House of from students. “My lawyer and I talked session in front of three congressional pan- Zelenskyy meets with Japan’s Abe els as part of the Democratic-led impeach- Representatives panels that U.S. about it. ...We are going to file a lawsuit ment inquiry of President Donald Trump’s Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Ukrainian President Volodymyr with the European Court of Human Rights,” dealings with Kyiv. The remarks by Mr. Sondland informed him in September that Zelenskyy on October 21 kicked off a four- Mr. Sushchenko said. Earlier, he and his for- Taylor – who served as ambassador to President Trump said he wanted day working visit to Japan during which he mer lawyer Mark Feygin said that they Ukraine in 2006-2009 under President “Zelenskyy to state publicly that Ukraine was to attend Emperor Naruhito’s would take care of the issues of political George W. Bush – add more force to the will investigate Burisma and alleged enthronement ceremony. Meeting with prisoners on the international stage. “We impeachment inquiry that was launched a Ukrainian interference in the 2016 U.S. elec- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in want to put forward an initiative for the month ago to determine whether Mr. tion” and that military aid and a White Tokyo, Mr. Zelenskyy thanked him for his international community so as to create a Trump pressured Mr. Zelenskyy during a House visit were “dependent on such an continued support for Ukraine’s territorial mechanism, first of all, a diplomatic one, July 25 phone call to investigate Joe Biden, a announcement.” Ambassador Taylor said: integrity and sovereignty, the presidential and to set some rules (especially in the Democrat who is seeking to unseat the U.S. “In an instant, I realized that one of the key office said. The two leaders discussed humane aspect) to prevent the emergence president in 2020. At the time of the call, pillars of our strong support for Ukraine Japan’s investments in infrastructure proj- of other political prisoners,” Mr. Mr. Trump was withholding $391 million in was threatened. [Giuliani’s] irregular policy ects in Ukraine, the statement said, noting Sushchenko said. Ukrinform’s foreign cor- military aid to Ukraine. Mr. Trump, who has channel was running contrary to the goals that Japan’s financial assistance to Kyiv had respondent in France, Mr. Sushchenko, was called the impeachment probe a “witch- of long-standing U.S. policy.” (RFE/RL) reached $1.8 billion since 2014. Mr. illegally imprisoned in Russia on trumped- up charges for three years. He was detained hunt,” has denied there was quid pro quo at NATO leadership to visit Ukraine Zelenskyy also raised the issue of introduc- play with the Ukrainian president, who ing a visa-free regime for Ukrainians ahead on September 30, 2016, in Moscow, where sought a White House meeting to demon- NATO’s leadership will visit Ukraine for of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Japan he arrived on a private trip. On October 7, strate he had U.S. support. However, two days on October 30-31 in a show of already eased travel-visa requirements for 2016, he was charged with espionage. On Ambassador Taylor’s testimony described support for the nation’s sovereignty and Ukrainians in 2017. During his visit, which June 4, 2018, the Moscow City Court sen- tenced him to 12 years in prison in a high- the U.S. president’s demand that “every- the ongoing reform process, said Oleksandr is scheduled to run until October 24, the security penal colony; on September 12 of thing” Mr. Zelenskyy wanted, including vital Vinnikov, the head of Ukraine’s NATO Ukrainian president is expected to hold that year, the Supreme Court of Russia military aid, was contingent on making a Liaison Office. Speaking at a NATO-related talks with the leaders of Japan’s two legisla- upheld the ruling. On September 7, Ukraine public vow that Ukraine would investigate event in Kyiv on October 21, Mr. Vinnikov tive chambers, members of the and Russia exchanged detainees. Thirty- Democrats and an energy company linked said the NATO Council delegation will be Parliamentary Friendship Association with five Ukrainians, including Mr. Sushchenko, to Mr. Biden’s son Hunter. After his testimo- headed by Secretary-General Jens Ukraine, the management of Japan’s 10 other political prisoners and 24 sailors ny, White House press secretary Stephanie Stoltenberg and will include visits to Kyiv International Development Agency, and the captured in the Kerch Strait in November Grisham released a statement, labeling and Odesa. The purpose of the high-level Japan Association of New Economy, as well 2018, returned home. (Ukrinform) what Ambassador Taylor said as “triple visit is to “send a solid signal of support for as business executives. Kyiv enjoys warm hearsay” while insisting President Trump the sovereignty and territorial integrity of relations with Tokyo as Japan has not rec- Deputy prosecutor on recovery of foreign assets “has done nothing wrong.” The career dip- Ukraine, with particular attention paid to ognized Russia’s takeover of Ukraine’s lomat laid out in his 15-page opening state- the Black Sea, and also of support to the Crimean peninsula in March 2014 and has Ukraine’s first deputy prosecutor-gener- ment a timeline of events that showed how process of reform,” UNIAN reported. During imposed certain restrictive measures on al, Vitaliy Kasko, has said that in the three U.S. policy toward Ukraine began in May to the delegation’s visit to Odesa, joint events Moscow for the move, as well as Moscow’s and a half years since he left his post, the move simultaneously along two divergent will be held with the Ukrainian Navy and support for militants in eastern Ukraine in authorities haven’t provided convincing paths: one pursued by the National Security the Odesa Maritime Academy National a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 evidence to recover frozen assets abroad Council to maintain support for Ukraine University and will include NATO warships people since April 2014. “Ukraine is, of that allegedly belong to former President and one driven by Mr. Trump’s personal calling at the city’s Black Sea port. course, an independent sovereign country Viktor Yanukovych and his inner circle. lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, to entice its young Deepening “a positive dialogue” with with a recognized border,” Japanese Speaking to the state-run Ukrinform agen- leader to investigate Mr. Biden and possible President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “the new Ambassador to Ukraine Takashi Kurai told cy on October 16, Mr. Kasko, who was reap- interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Mr. government and new Parliament” is also a the Kyiv Post in July. “I do respect the peo- pointed to his position in September, said Giuliani has claimed that Mr. Biden, who stated goal of the trip, according to Mr. ple who are here who have been fighting that in order to recover any stolen assets oversaw U.S. policy toward Ukraine while Vinnikov. Mr. Zelenskyy will also partici- for the freedom and independence of this from abroad, cases must be successfully serving as vice president to Barack Obama, pate in a session of the Ukraine-NATO country.” Japan has given Ukraine $50 mil- investigated and prosecuted in Ukraine ordered Kyiv to fire its prosecutor-general Commission, the decision-making body lion in humanitarian assistance meant for before claims can be made in foreign juris- dictions. Recalling his first tenure as deputy to halt an investigation into gas producer responsible for fostering relations with the war victims, plus nearly $2 billion in grants prosecutor general in 2014-2016, Mr. Burisma. Hunter Biden was serving on the alliance and directing cooperation. and loans since the Maidan pro-democracy Kasko said that “we need proof in criminal board of Burisma at the time. Mr. Giuliani Separately, meetings are scheduled with movement ousted former President Viktor cases in Ukraine to demand or ask for the has also pursued an unfounded theory that members of civil society on a number of Yanukovych from power in February 2014, return of anything from abroad.” In the Ukraine was behind the 2016 hack of the issues, including the situation with the the Kyiv Post reported. It said Japan has years since then, he said, “not one kopek Democratic National Convention (DNC) Crimean Tatars in Russia-annexed Crimea, also donated some 1,500 cars for Ukraine’s was retrieved related to Yanukovych or to revamped police force and provided money any corruption case whatsoever.” The rea- and advice for the country’s beleaguered son, according to Mr. Kasko, is that not one health-care system. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian former top official suspected of corruption Service, with reporting by the Kyiv Post) was convicted in Ukraine and their frozen Two killed in Kyiv grenade blast foreign assets tied to a specific crime. “But TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 one has to have patience,” he said. “There or e-mail [email protected] Two men were killed and a woman was are several criminal investigations under injured when a grenade exploded in a cen- way that show promise. I won’t provide trally located street in Ukraine’s capital of SERVICES PROFESSIONALS timeframes or start painting colorful digits Kyiv late on October 22. Police told RFE/RL in the billions, like some people did. Let’s the blast went off at approximately 11 p.m. wait for the rulings.” Former Prosecutor local time; it involved a Donbas war veteran General Yuriy Lutsenko in 2017 said that and a security guard from an office build- Mr. Yanukovych and his cohorts had alleg- ing. The woman, who suffered minor inju- edly absconded with approximately $40 ries, was standing 30 meters away from the billion. Prosecutors are investigating Mr. incident. Kyiv Deputy Police Chief Herman Yanukovych as the alleged head of an orga- Prystupa said one of the men killed had nized crime group that includes oligarch been on active duty in the Donbas war zone Serhiy Kurchenko, former Revenues and of eastern Ukraine since 2014. According to Duties Minister Oleksandr Klymenko, for- video footage of the site, Prystupa said the mer First Deputy Prime Minister Serhiy two men spoke to each other before the Arbuzov and other former high-ranking blast, but didn’t provide additional infor- officials. Mr. Kasko resigned in 2016 over OPPORTUNITIES mation. “We are questioning witnesses, disgust with alleged graft at the Prosecutor nobody saw a conflict... We opened an General’s Office, then headed by Viktor investigation according to the [Criminal Shokin. Mr. Kasko said his decision was Earn extra income! Code] article on ‘premeditated murder,’ ”he based on “the fact that the top management The Ukrainian Weekly is looking said. The incident took place diagonally has turned into a body dominated by cor- for advertising sales agents. across the street from the five-star Premier ruption and people covering each other’s For additional information contact Palace hotel. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, backs; and any attempts to change this The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. Sushchenko to sue Russia state of affairs are conspicuously persecut- ed.” On September 5, Prosecutor-General Ukrinform journalist Roman Ruslan Ryaboshapka appointed Mr. Kasko Run your advertisement here, Sushchenko, a former political prisoner of as one of his deputies. (RFE/RL, with in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. the Kremlin, has said he will sue the reporting by Ukrinform, UNIAN, Novoye Russian Federation in the European Court Vremya, Ukrayinska Pravda and Liga.net) No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

NOTES ON PEOPLE Selected for White House Named editor-in-chief of The Ukrainian Quarterly Leadership Development Program UCCA WHLDP NEW YORK – The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of WASHINGTON – Yaro T. Kulchyckyj of America (UCCA), the largest representation the U.S. Department of State was among the of Americans of Ukrainian descent, has 18 U.S. civil servants selected for the White appointed Ihor Dlaboha to be the editor-in- House Leadership Development Program chief of The Ukrainian Quarterly. (WHLDP) for 2018-2019. Mr. Dlaboha is a lifelong journalist having The WHLD Program helps build the next worked at The Ukrainian Weekly, Svoboda generation of leaders in the executive and The National Tribune. He also was an branch. Its aim is to strengthen enterprise editor at American trade and business pub- leadership across the government by pro- lications. In the course of his career, Mr. viding senior level federal employees with Dlaboha was also general manager at the expanded perspective and skillsets to Ukrainian Broadcasting Network. address challenges facing the country. It is He currently writes a blog about sponsored by the Executive Office of the Ukrainian issues called “The Torn Curtain President (EOP), the President’s Manage­ 1991” and another for non-governmental ment Council (PMC), and supported by the organizations and small businesses. Performance Improvement Council (PIC). He also worked on the staff of the United The fellows for 2018-2019 hail from 12 Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Ihor Dlaboha federal agencies: Department of Homeland U.S. State Department section of the Department of Public Security, Department of Defense, General Yaro T. Kulchyckyj Information (DPI). degree in media studies from The New School. Service Administration, Social Security In the Ukrainian American community, The Ukrainian Quarterly, established in Administr­ ation, State Department, U.S. State Department and USAID awards, Mr. Dlaboha served as secretary of UCCA’s 1944, is an English-language journal that Agency for International Development including the Superior Honor Award (three National Council as well as the UCCA’s focuses on a wide range of Ukrainian issues (USAID), Department of Energy, Department times), the Meritorious Honor Award (three Executive Board, and also served as presi- and their relationships with global affairs. of Transportation, Health and Human times) and the Benjamin Franklin Award. dent of the United Ukrainian American Mr. Dlaboha succeeds Prof. Leonid Services’ Center for Disease Control and Outside of government, Mr. Kulchyckyj is Organizations of New York, a local branch Rudnytzky as The Quarterly’s editor-in- Prevention, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a senior fellow with the Partnership for of UCCA. He was also a member of the chief. The UCCA Executive Board thanked NASA and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Public Service and the recipient of the 2015 national executive boards of the Prof. Rudnytzky for his many years of work, Mr. Kulchyckyj has 25 years of experience Leadership in Action Award for impact and Organization for Defense of Four Freedoms noting his dedication and commitment to focusing on diplomacy, development and service across the whole-of-government. for Ukraine and the Ukrainian American the UCCA’s scholarly journal. defense. He has 15 years of service with the A Fulbrighter and a former Performance Youth Association. To subscribe to The Ukrainian Quarterly, Department of State in Washington, sup- Improvement Council Fellow, Mr. Kulchyckyj Mr. Dlaboha graduated from the City readers may contact the UCCA National porting the U.S. national security strategy, holds a master’s degree in international pub- College of New York and holds a master’s Office at 212-228-6840 or [email protected]. coordinating and executing U.S. foreign pol- lic policy from Johns Hopkins University’s icy, drafting agency and inter-agency strate- School of Advanced International Studies gic and management plans, and preparing (SAIS) and a bachelor of arts from Rutgers and reporting agency financial and perfor- College, Rutgers University. Activist aims to change beliefs mance reports to the U.S. citizenry. In 2018, Mr. Kulchyckyj completed the Before joining the Department of State, National Security Executive Leadership about people with disabilities Mr. Kulchyckyj worked for nearly 10 years Seminar at the Foreign Service Institute, in Ukraine, implementing U.S. foreign poli- where he has also lectured for nearly 10 RespectAbility cy towards Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus years as an adjunct on the State WASHINGTON – Anastazia (Ana) as a USAID Democracy Officer, and support- Department’s strategic and resource plan- Kohout, an Illinois native with spina bifida ing and managing development assistance ning process. Mr. Kulchyckyj has attended whose competitive swimming career has for non-governmental organizations in the training at the National Defense University cast her in the spotlight, wants people to region. see her individuality before her disability. Mr. Kulchyckyj has received numerous (Continued on page 18) Ms. Kohout recently completed a sum- mer fellowship with Respectability, a non- profit that fights stigmas and advances opportunities for people with disabilities. With the skills and confidence she gained Trinity College student is Miss Soyuzivka 2020 this summer, Ms. Kohout will lead empow- erment training for women with disabilities when she returns to Beloit College this fall. She is motivated, in large part, to fight “inspiration porn,” the portrayal of people RespectAbility with disabilities as inspiration solely Ana Kohout because of their disabilities. cent. However, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has As a disabled athlete, Ms. Kohout feels she has been objectified by media coverage vowed to make employment of people with that portrayed her disability as something disabilities a top priority. she had to overcome. “Being a swimmer This summer, RespectAbility opened an who uses a wheelchair does not make me office in Hollywood to continue educating an inspiration,” she says. “I want people to the film and television industry about peo- understand that my disability is not some- ple with disabilities. This new program will thing I have to overcome – I would not train people in all aspects of movie and TV change it for anything.” production to ensure a realistic and posi- According to the Centers for Disease tive presentation of people with disabili- Control and Prevention, one in four adults ties. Ms. Kohout worked to identify and in America have a physical, sensory, cogni- secure funders for RespectAbility’s tive, mental health or other disability. Hollywood program and other initiatives However, only 2 percent of television char- that fight stigma. acters with disabilities are played by peo- “This summer I have learned how to Maya Lew ple with disabilities, and most of these por- research and write grants, become more KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Miss Soyuzivka 2020 Anastasia Hanafin (center) is seen above trayals are either negative or exemplify confident with myself and network,” Ms. with first runner-up Sofia Pitula (left) and second runner-up Karolina Polivantseva. Ms. inspiration porn. Kohout added. “I have had the opportunity Hanafin, who hails from New York, is a student at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. The Stereotypes of people with disabilities to meet the most amazing people.” annual Miss Soyuzivka pageant took place on August 10 during a sold-out weekend at carry grave consequences. For example, A rising junior at Beloit College in Soyuzivka Heritage Center. The judges were: Sandra Lemekha, Dr. Borys Mychalczak low expectations about people with disabil- Wisconsin, Ms. Kohout is studying educa- and Roman Hirniak. The new Miss Soyuzivka was crowned during the dance featuring ities make employers less likely to hire tion and youth studies and disability stud- the band Udych. Maya Lew, Soyuzivka’s front office and events manager, organized them. Nationally, the employment rate of ies; she hopes to embark on a career in and oversaw the Miss Soyuzivka contest this year. people with disabilities is only 37 percent, – Soyuzivka Heritage Center and Illinois is only slightly better at 38 per- (Continued on page 18) No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 15

Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the United Metropolitan... States and Ukraine under the sacred pro- tection of the Birth-Giver of God. (Continued from page 1) Following the visit to St. Andrew the primary goals of the hierarchs of the Memorial Church, the delegation of the Church was the granting of autocephaly to Orthodox Church of Ukraine was treated to the Church of Ukraine. The Church in the a walking tour of the entire 53 acres of the diaspora remained as a living torch of pres- Metropolia of the Ukrainian Orthodox ence in the Orthodox world, constantly Church of the U.S.A., including St. Andrew reminding everyone of the historic right to Cemetery, St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox autocephaly of the people and the Church Theological Seminary, the Ukrainian of Ukraine. Cultural Center and Archives, the Responding to the words of Metropo­ Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox litan Antony, Metropolitan Epifaniy Church of the U.S.A. and the Ukrainian expressed strong sentiments of spiritual History and Education Center. joy and for the people of Ukraine and The first stop on the tour was made in Ukrainians in the diaspora as they now the crypt of the Holy Resurrection enjoy the most sacred union through the Mausoleum of St. Andrew Memorial Church, where the remains of the first spiri- motherly care of the Ecumenical Christine Syzonenko Patriarchate of Constantinople. The OCU tual leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Archbishop Yevstratiy, Metropolitan Epifaniy, Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Church – Patriarch and Metropolitan primate thanked both hierarchs of the UOC Daniel during the panakhyda at the sarcophagus of Patriarch Mstyslav. of the U.S.A. for their service in the process Mstyslav Skrypnyk – rest. In honoring the of the formal canonical synodal granting of that was accomplished by Archbishop tive silver coins, honoring the historic memory of the spiritual leader of the the Tomos of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Daniel, while serving in Ukraine and repre- granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly. In Church in the diaspora and later in Ukraine, Church of Ukraine. senting Ecumenical Patriarch addition, an embroidered icon of the Metropolitan Epifaniy honored the memo- Moreover, Metropolitan Epifaniy turned Bartholomew. Protection of the Birth-Giver of God was ry and service of countless hierarchs, clergy his attention to Archbishop Daniel, the for- Assisted by Archbishop Yevstratiy of presented to the UOC of the U.S.A., com- and faithful of the Church in the diaspora mer exarch of the Ecumenical Throne to Chernihiv, Metropolitan Epifaniy presented memorating the decision of the Council of and Ukraine who throughout centuries Ukraine, and offered gratitude for the work the UOC-U.S.A. with gifts of commemora- Bishops of the UOC of the U.S.A. to place the prayed for the day of spiritual freedom.

Roman Pitio, councilman for Irvington, and Turning... Michael Bottone, Newark councilman. During the evening, some 80 activists of (Continued from page 6) Sitch were honored at the banquet with USCAK; Dr. Yaroslaw Bernadyn of the medals and certificates for services ren- Providence Association; Nestor Barniak, dered to the club on and off the field of play. vice-president of the local UCCA branch; This year, the Sitch organization marks With great sorrow we announce the passing of and Stephania Bukshowany on behalf of 95 years since its founding in 1924. Since the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine 2006, the club has been based out of the Col. Stephen D. Olynyk (ODWU). Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New on September 3, 2019. Rep. Joseph G. Minish (D-N.J.) extended Jersey in Whippany. greetings to Sitch and voiced strong sup- Source: “Newark ‘Sitch’ marks 50th with Stephen D. Olynyk was born on July 18, 1930 in Pidnistriany, Ukraine. port for the Ukrainian people’s struggle for banquet,” The Ukrainian Weekly, November After World War II, while still in his teens, he emigrated to the U.S. as a freedom. Other local politicians included 1974. war-time orphan. He settled in NY and in 1955 he received his BA in Social Studies from the City College of New York . He received his Masters in International Studies and PhD in Philosophy from Georgetown anymore. The urgent need for energy inde- University in Washington, DC. From 1955 to 1969 he worked in the Can renewable... pendence is just an additional argument for Library of Congress where he dealt with questions about the Soviet renewables,” Mr. Yeremenko notes. Union. Stephen Olynyk attended the Command and General Sta (Continued from page 3) College in 1971 and the National War College in 1978. His military energy supplies will be a significant share Copyright 2019, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted career spanned a period of 32 years. After his retirement as a Colonel in our energy balance,” he explains. with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ in the U.S. Army, he became a consultant on National Security for the “The conflict with Russia spurred ener- Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Department of Defense. In 1992 he left the Pentagon and began work in Kyiv as a consultant for National Security and mobilization readiness gy-efficiency efforts, leading to less gas Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see with the Consultant Advisory Council under the aegis of the Verhovna used, and also new contracts signed with https://www.rferl.org/a/can-renewable- Rada and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. In 2003 Stephen Olynyk European gas suppliers, which still pump power-reenergize-ukraine-/30228294. was awarded the Legion of Merit by the President of Ukraine. He was an Russian gas but not under Russian rules html?ltflags=mailer). active member of the National Institute for Global and Regional Security, the Taras Shevchenko Society, and many other professional groups here and in Ukraine. He is also the author of many scienti c papers and books Ukraine Parliamentary Program, which on military subjects and literary and historic themes. A tribute... provides an opportunity for Ukrainian stu- dents to learn about the principles of dem- He is survived by his cousin Marta Huley Legeckis and family, his niece (Continued from page 7) ocratic government and parliamentary pro- Marta Olynyk and family and nephew Alexander Olynyk and family as with government delegations from cedures in Canada. well as close relatives in Ukraine. Ukraine, met several times with Mustafa Ms. Duncan also pushed both Dzhemilev (chairman of the Mejlis of the Conservative and Liberal governments to A memorial Service will be held on Friday Nov. 8, 2019 at 7 PM at the Crimean Tatars and commissioner of the impose stronger sanctions against Russia, Ukrainian National Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 Harewood Rd. NE, Washington. DC. 20017 president of Ukraine for the affairs of in particular against those like the Russian oil monopoly boss Igor Sechin who had Crimean Tatars), and participated in events In lieu of  owers, the family requests that tax deductible donations be expressing support for their rights. considerable interests in Canada. Although made in memory of Stephen D. Olynyk to: Her first visit to Ukraine was as a mem- representing a different party, Foreign Revived Soldiers Ukraine, 9542 Tavistock Rd., Orlando, FL 32827 ber of a study mission of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland herself or online at http://www.rsukraine.org Committee of Foreign Affairs examining the personally acknowledged “the longstand- erosion of democracy and rule of law under ing commitment of the member for the government of then-President Viktor Edmonton-Strathcona to Ukraine and the Yanukovych. The committee met with rep- work she has done over many years in sup- resentatives of the national, regional and porting Ukraine, very much in collabora- local governments, human rights organiza- tion with and on behalf of her constituents.” tions, media, and family and legal counsel The retirement of three very pro-active for arrested or expelled elected officials. It parliamentarians from the CUPFG will tabled a report in Parliament calling for leave a huge vacuum in that organization reforms, including a supplementary report that needs to be filled. Because, despite by the NDP calling for additional action by representing three different parties, Sen. Canada. Andreychuk and MPs Wrzesnewskyj and Another major cause she championed Duncan have left an indelible mark on was that of film director Oleh Sentsov, who Parliament and upon the Ukrainian com- was arrested by the Russians for opposing munity’s relationship with government. For their illegal annexation of Crimea, and she that they deserve acknowledgement, our has especially embraced the Canada- gratitude and many happy years. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

prominent reformer,” he stressed. launching an investigation. Mr. Arakhamia seeking to jumpstart the judicial reform Scandals... “According to foreign observers, Gontareva insisted that his party colleagues need to that the Servant of the People party claims is under pressure from Kolomoisky for the prove their innocence, while Mr. Dubinsky was “sabotaged” by the Poroshenko admin- (Continued from page 1) decision on PrivatBank. They also don’t challenged his efforts and denied the charg- istration. On October 18, a law revamping friend Yevhen Koshovyi, accompanied by understand how much the current govern- es. the National Agency for Prevention of the Veryovka Choir, transformed the folk ment is independent of Kolomoisky and All this was was highly embarrassing for Corruption also came into force. Among song “The pine burned” (Horila, Sosna, other oligarchs. Kvartal 95 is associated President Zelenskyy, who won the presi- other things, it abolishes e-declarations for Horila) into a parody about a house going with the authorities. And jokes against dential election in April promising to fight anti-corruption activists. up in flames “out of shame” and a woman Gontareva can and will be seen as confir- corruption and not to tolerate it within his Several high-profile arrests have been in London (Ms. Gontareva lives there) mation of ties between oligarchs and the team or party. Responding on October 23 made of former officials suspected of large- reduced to tears. authorities.” from Japan, where he was attending the scale corruption, including former Deputy “The mocking of human grief is impossi- Mr. Kolomoisky’s reaction was to declare coronation of the new Japanese emperor, Secretary of the National Security and ble to imagine in a civilized society,” Ms. that Mr. Mylovanov should promptly resign he urged members of the Finance Defense Council Oleh Hladkovsky and the Gontareva told RFE/RL. Echoing the view because his response made it clear that he Committee, the alleged center of the scan- ex-Deputy Minister of the Economy Yuriy held by critics of the comedy group created is a moron, and that it was “very sad that dal, to take a polygraph test. Brovchenko. by Mr. Zelenskyy, she added: “There was no the minister of economics of Ukraine is a He warned: “I will not allow anyone On the other hand, President Zelenskyy doubt about the cynicism of Kvartal 95 for a moron.” The minister was more generous from the [party’s] representation [in has made more dubious appointments that long time. But the participation of a nation- in his response. Refraining from prolonging Parliament] or from outside to cast a shad- contradict his avowed commitment to do al choir in this is a shame for the whole the recriminations, he replied that “the ow on the political force that obtained a away with cronyism. On September 30 he country.” scandal has exhausted itself, because every- majority mandate from the Ukrainian peo- appointed to the High Council of Justice the The sense of outrage was expressed by one has had their say.” What’s important he ple.” If the lie detector test “reveals even the daughter of a top prosecutor from the numerous political and cultural figures. added, diplomatically, is “that we see a dis- slightest possibility that any of the lawmak- Yanukovych era. More recently, on October Petro Kraliuk, vice-rector of the National cussion within society,” a “free society.” ers took bribes for their votes in the com- 21 he appointed a Studio Kvartal 95 show- University of Ostroh Academy, and a Despite his apparent bravado, the oli- mittee, then anti-corruption agencies must man and producer, Serhiy Syvokho, as advi- respected author and publicist, described garch himself has reason to be nervous. deal with them,” he wrote. sor for Donbas re-integration and rehabili- the involvement of the Veryovka Choir in The court hearing to address his claims to Mr. Yatsenko has denied the charges and tation to the secretary of the National the skit as “the apogee of cynicism and undo the nationalization of PrivatBank has refused to take a lie detector test. Mr. Security and Defense Council. national nihilism.” He and others have been repeatedly postponed. On the last Dubinsky, a former journalist on 1+1 Last but not least, on October 24, the called for the resignation of its director, occasion, on October 17, it was because of a agreed to do so, but rejects the accusations. controversial head of the President’s Office, Zenoviy Korinets, while still others consid- bomb hoax. President Zelenskyy is under It was unclear how many other lawmakers Andriy Bohdan, who was Mr. Kolomoisky’s er that the choir has become unworthy of great pressure both at home and abroad would agree to take the lie detector test attorney, met with G-7 ambassadors to dis- performing the national anthem in the not to be identified with Mr. Kolomoisky, and how the scandal would unravel. But cuss priorities for economic reforms and Parliament on official occasions. and further support for Ukraine from the one thing is certain, divisions within the cooperation with international partners. With President Zelenskyy out of the International Monetary Fund appears Servant of the People party have been He briefed the diplomats on policies being country, Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk dependent on the outcome of the exposed, raising questions about loyalties developed to encourage economic growth sought to calm emotions. He assured jour- PrivatBank case. and competing interests. It is a major test and improve the investment climate, and nalists that Mr. Zelenskyy was deeply con- Meanwhile, a London court has just for the credibility of the party and its lead- assured them that “regardless of decisions cerned about the arson attack on Ms. ordered Mr. Kolomoisky and his partner ership, and whether discipline within the taken by [Ukrainian] courts, there is no rea- Gontareva’s house and is pushing for a Gennady Bogolyubov to pay PrivatBank ranks can be maintained. son to return state-owned PrivatBank to its thorough investigation into what hap- $14 million (U.S.) for legal expenses There have been a number of other former shareholders.” Observers were left pened. “It’s wrong to link the president’s incurred after it successfully won a jurisdic- noteworthy developments. On October 16, wondering why this official known for his stance [on the arson attack] with comedy,” tion claim against its former owners. And the Parliament passed a whistleblower law sense of self-importance had carried out he said. Mr. Honcharuk intimated that, the names of both businessmen were men- that also established monetary rewards for such a briefing and not the prime minister although he personally does not approve of tioned again earlier this month in in con- those who expose large-scale corruption or a minister responsible for economic and jokes “making fun of people’s misfortunes,” nection with another fraudulent scheme. schemes. On the same day it adopted a law financial matters. humor cannot please everyone. The other major scandal in Kyiv has Significantly, while President Zelenskyy been generated by claims in the press has remained silent on the matter, two offi- about the alleged involvement of some cials nominated by his team have con- national deputies of Servant of the People national interests. This stands in sharp con- demned the skit. The minister of culture, in a corrupt scheme that has subsequently Reflections... trast to those running a shadow foreign policy towards Ukraine who appear to care youth and sports, former media manager triggered a response from the law enforce- (Continued from page 7) Volodymyr Borodyansky, apologized to Ms. ment agencies. only about their own personal political and Gontareva on October 20 in a Facebook According to media reports, 11 about what is right. They are patriots. And I financial interests. post. “In my value system, rejoicing that a Verkhovna Rada lawmakers from Mr. can tell you beyond the shadow of a doubt, Despite the current adversity, I remain person’s house burned down is malevo- Zelenskyy’s party accepted up to $30,000 having watched and worked with them hopeful that U.S. political support to Ukraine, lence, which promotes over-permissive- in bribes to oppose a bill to eliminate cor- over the years, they care deeply about as well as concrete assistance – both security ness. This behavior model cannot be sup- ruption schemes allegedly benefitting Ukraine. Like other public servants at the and non-security – will continue. Thankfully, ported or justified,” Mr. Borodyansky wrote. property companies linked to another law- State Department, the Pentagon and other there are enough serious people in Tymofiy Mylovanov, the minister of eco- maker, Anton Yatsenko. He belongs to the executive agencies, as well as in Congress, Washington’s national security and foreign nomic development, trade and agriculture, parliamentary group For the Future that they have worked hard to strengthen U.S.- policy establishment and in the Congress – said the signal sent by the parody jeopar- includes Mr. Kolomoisky’s allies. Ukraine’s Ukraine relations. They recognize that an both Democrats and Republicans – who dized the investment climate in Ukraine. Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s independent, secure, democratic and pros- understand the importance of supporting “Most foreign investors see Gontareva as a Office announced on October 23 that it was perous Ukraine is profoundly in America’s Ukraine at this critical juncture. No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

essary reporting requirements and assist- Selected... ed in coordinating the Robotics Process Ukrainian Museum and Library in Stamford Automation (RPA) initiative across the (Continued from page 14) whole-of-government. presents exhibition project of Oksana Tanasiv and served as an election observer for the Mr. Kulchyckyj is married with four chil- Organization for Security and Cooperation dren, lives in Arnold, Md., and is presently in Europe in Ukraine. pursuing a doctorate in international In his role as a White House Leadership affairs at Johns Hopkins SAIS. Development Fellow, he supported the Mr. Kulchyckyj’s Ukrainian community President’s Management Agenda and con- activity includes teaching in schools of centrated on reducing the burden of unnec- Ukrainian studies in Philadelphia and Washington, and serving as a scout leader in Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. Activist aims... (Continued from page 14) education and disability advocacy. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization led by people with disabilities and their allies, Some of Oksana Tanasiv’s works on display as part of her exhibit “Code U. Related RespectAbility works with policymakers, Millenniums.” educators, philanthropists, journalists and STAMFORD, Conn. – Ukrainian folk art is details of the work, to read the ornament the entertainment industry to promote not only beauty and richness; it carries a scheme, to find and decipher ancient sym- accessibility and inclusion for people with unique code that has come down over the bols, some of which are from the Trypillia disabilities. Its free tools and resources aim centuries in the ancient symbolism of orna- culture that existed in Ukraine more than to help people with disabilities achieve ments and colors. 5,000 years ago. equal opportunities in education, training, In her colorful collection “Code U. Ms. Tanasiv was born in Ukraine’s jobs, security and good health. Related Millenniums,” Ukrainian American Ternopil region. In 2004, she immigrated to Ms. Kohout is one of 169 graduates of artist Oksana Tanasiv demonstrates her the United States and has since been RespectAbility’s National Leadership own fascination with folk art. Taking its involved in professional artistic activities. Program. To learn more about the program, patterns from a decorative context, the She participates in many group and solo readers may go to www.respectability.org/ author zooms in on them as if under a mag- exhibitions, including international art about-us/fellowship. nifying glass, analyzes their rhythms, har- shows, gallery exhibitions and creative * * * mony and encrypted messages of their events, and collaborates with galleries and Ms. Kohout is a member of Plast ancestors. She translates them into the lan- museums in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Ukrainian Scouting Organization and was a guage of contemporary art. The curator of the project is Anna counselor of “novatstvo” (children age 7-11) At first glance, the geometric composi- Perekhodko, art expert and curator of the for three years in the Chicago Plast branch. tions exhibited at the Ukrainian Museum Department of Fine Arts and Educational Last summer, she received a grant from and Library in Stamford, Conn., are simple, Programs of the Ukrainian Museum and Beloit College that allowed her to travel to but made in sophisticated copyright tech- Library in Stamford. The exhibit is on view Ukraine and interview Ukrainian niques. Ms. Tanasiv experimented with dif- through November 2. Paralympians as she researched how they ferent materials, adding to a painting a col- The museum is located at 161 live, how their disabilities effect their lives, lage, printed inserts, graphic elements and Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT 06902; tele- how the government supports them, and sheets of gold or silver foil. The artist phone, 203-939-7163. Museum hours are generally what life is like with a physical/ encourages the viewer to consider the Wednesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. visual disability for an athlete in Ukraine. No. 43 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 19

Through Embroidery workshop, with instruction by Lubow November 1-2 Conference, Ukrainian American Bar Association, November 9 Wolynetz, The Ukrainian Museum, Washington “The Tenacity of Ukraine’s Democracy: Overcoming New York www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 Obstacles and Aggression,” Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, www.uaba.org or [email protected] Through Exhibit, “From Darkness to Light: The Paintings of November 30 Mikhail Turovsky,” The Ukrainian Museum, November 1-3 Triennial congress, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, New York www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 Ottawa http://congress.ucc.ca

Through Exhibit, “Everything Old is Cool Again,” November 2 125th anniversary celebration concert, Ukrainian February 29 Ukrainian Museum of Canada (Ontario Branch), Morristown, NJ National Association, Dolan Performance Hall, The Toronto 416-923-9861 College of Saint Elizabeth, www.purplepass.com/UNA125

October 30 Presentation by Viktoriya Sereda, “A Home Stolen by November 2 Ukrainian of the Year Award, to be presented to Cambridge, MA War: Ukrainian IDPs and Their Search for Belonging,” Presto, PA Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu or of the U.S.A., Ukrainian Technological Society, at 617-495-4053 The Club Nevillewood, [email protected]

November 1 Pyrohy supper, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church November 2 Roundtable discussion, Theodisius Dobzhansky Prince Albert, SK Auditorium, 306-764-2423 New York Genetics Club, with Drs. Roman Shirokov, Ola Yachkivska and Iryna Ivasyk, Shevchenko Scientific November 1 Benefit concert, featuring Oksana Mukha, Revived Society, 212-254-5130 Buffalo, NY Soldiers of Ukraine, Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center, 213-926-6627 or wwwrsu-concert.eventbrite.com November 2 Yevshan Fundraising Wedding, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Saskatoon, SK Orthodox Cathedral hall, 306-220-3874 November 1 Benefit concert, featuring violinist Oleksandr Bozhyk, Chicago Revived Soldiers Ukraine, Ukrainian Institute of Modern November 2 Fall Bazaar, Ss. Peter ad Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Art, www.uima-chicago.org or Wilmington, DE Church, 302-798-4455

November 1 Conference, “Russian, East European and Eurasian November 3 Fundraiser, Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, Stanford, CA Studies at Stanford University in Historical and New York The St. Regis Hotel, 800-599-3671 or www.ucef.org Contemporary Perspectives,” Stanford University, http://creees.stanford.edu November 3 Exhibit, “A Conversation: Five Years of War in the New York Donbas,” by Volodymyr Kaufman and assistance by November 1 Album release concert, “An Evening of Jazz,” with Fima Natalka Shymin, The Ukrainian Museum, New York Chupakin Quintet, celebrating the release of “Water,” www.ukrainianmuseum.org or 212-228-0110 Ukrainian Institute of America, 212-288-8660 or www.ukrainianinstitute.org Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events November 1-2 Conference, “Five Years of War in the Donbas: Cultural advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions New York Responses and Reverberations,” Columbia University, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors 212-854-4697 or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 No. 43

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, November 2 Cathy and the Lorelei Band, and perfor- mances by talented singers Natalya NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Bratash-Smeltz and Marina. An auction and Society’s Medicine and Biology Section raffle will be held on Sunday; winner need invites all to a roundtable of the not be present. There is free parking on Theodosius Dobzhansky Genetics Club. Dr. site. Admission is $3 for adults, free for Roman Shirokov, assistant professor of children under age 12. For information call Rutgers University’s Department of 727-576-1001 or 727-465-8455 or see Pharmacology, Physiology and http://www.epiphanyukrch.com. Neuroscience, will introduce the event with his speech “Theodosius Dobzhansky’s Sunday, November 10 Paradise.” Ola Yarychkivska (Rockefeller ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Washington Group University) will speak about “Life and Cultural Fund continues its Sunday Music Death of Cells” and Iryna Ivasyk Series with an afternoon of Ukrainian song (Biomedical Fellow at Rockefeller with the a cappella group SPIV-Zhyttya, University) about “Genes, Social Behavior bandurist Larissa Pastuchiv-Martin, and and Ants.” In closing, Dr. Shirokov will pres- the one and only Victor Morozov. You will ent “Genetics of Proteins: Observations and hear classical gems, new jazzy settings of Forecast.” The event will take place at the old favorites and rollicking modern blues. society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (Ninth The afternoon will span over a century of and 10th streets), at 5 p.m. For additional music, including works by Mykola Lysenko, information call 212-254-5130. Mykola Leontovych and Oleksandr Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10 Koshetz, contemporary pieces by Roman Hurko and Myroslav Skoryk, and batyar ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.: The 39th annual and blues tunes by Mr. Morozov. The musi- Ukrainian AutumnFest will be held at cians will also pay tribute to SPIV-zhyttya’s Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic own beloved soprano, Nadia Diuk, with a Church at 434 90th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, set of songs she held dear. A reception to FL, 33702, on Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and meet the artists will follow the perfor- Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival will fea- mance. The concert will be held at 3 p.m. at ture authentic Ukrainian food (borshch, The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., holubtsi, varenyky and potato pancakes, all Alexandria, VA 22314. Suggested donation: available for take-out), Ukrainian beer, $20; free for students; unreserved seating. Ukrainian arts and crafts, vendors, church For more information visit http://www. tours, a children’s bounce-house and twgcf.org or e-mail twgculturalfund@ games, music for dancing both days by gmail.com.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. Items should be no more than 100 words long. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication. Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Information should be sent to: preview@ ukrweekly.com.

Halloween Weekend Boo! at Soyuzivka! Boo! October 25th - 27th Spook-tacular events throughout the weekend to include: - Friday night Pub Night in Trembita Lounge, live music with Pete Reszytniak Saturday: • Children’s crafts & parade • Zabava with Svitanok! $125/night plus tax includes breakfast for two. Zabava entry $20/person.