INSIDE: l A blind eye to Putin-Medvedchuk scheming – page 3 l Make sure you’re counted in U.S. Census – page 6 l U.S. Ukrainians and the 2020 elections – page 11 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 $2.00 Coping amid COVID-19: Community Nationwide emergency declared adapts to crisis with online events in Ukraine as coronavirus spreads by Matthew Dubas website are supported through the UCC Educational and Charitable Trust. For more PARSIPPANY, N.J. – During the self-isola- information, readers can visit the Shkola tion and social distancing that have been website or contact Tatiana Sunak, commit- prescribed by governments around the tee chair, at [email protected]. world as a measure to slow the spread of The Ukrainian Congress Committee of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Ukrainian America has recommended that organiza- community life continues, albeit online. tions postpone or move many of their Universities and schools have moved scheduled events online. The UCCA has classes online and incorporated home included a listing on its website (www.ucca. study, and Ukrainian organizations have org) of events that have been cancelled, followed similar paths. Youth groups, including Church services and events, including Plast Ukrainian Scouting Easter bazaars, Ukrainian school events, Organization and the Ukrainian American scholarly events, pysanka workshops Youth Association (as well as its counter- (including at Soyuzivka Heritage Center). part in Canada, the Ukrainian Youth Also noted are closures of museums, nation- Association) now hold meetings online. al homes and other cultural venues, as well Schools of Ukrainian studies – known in as altered operations of Ukrainian credit Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine many communities as the local “Ridna unions (all annual meetings have been post- The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on March 25. Shkola” with classes usually held on poned or cancelled; to cite one example, Saturdays – are exploring options for Ukrainian Selfreliance Michigan Federal Zhytomyr, Donetsk, Ternopil, Lviv and online learning (the Ukrainian Educational by Roman Tymotsko Credit Union will keep its drive-up window Cherkasy oblasts. Council USA website is www.ridnashkola. at the Warren branch open, as phone and KYIV – The Cabinet of Ministers, meeting Kyiv was the first city where quarantine org). Some teachers have recorded videos online banking options remain available). on March 25, imposed an emergency situa- measures were introduced. The metro, the of Ukrainian folktales and similar lessons Among the events that are still going on, tion regime on the entire territory of main transport hub of Ukraine’s capital, has for younger students. with a modified format, are the Friday fish Ukraine, extending the coronavirus quaran- been shut down for the second time in The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and its fry dinners at the Ukrainian Cultural Center tine that was expected to end on April 3 to National Ukrainian Education Committee Kyiv’s history. The first time this happened of Rochester, N.Y. (www.uccofrochester. April 24. At the time of the government’s (www.shkola.ucc.ca) on March 25 was for three days during the culmination org), serving take-out orders only. The announcement, there were 113 confirmed of the Revolution of Dignity. Now the metro announced the launch of its updated web- Easter bazaar at the Ukrainian Homestead cases of COVID-19, with four deaths, in has not been working for a week, and it is site to meet the growing need for online (www.ukrhomestead.com) in Lehighton, Ukraine. entirely possible that its service may be resources. The website has links for audio of Pa., on April 5 is for pick-up only. Readers “It is planned to introduce the emergen- stopped for months. Ukrainian folktales and video appropriate may consult the listing on the UCCA web- cy situation regime for 30 days. The decision to halt underground ser- for youth. site for more updated information. Accordingly, we also plan to extend all vice as a quarantine measure resulted in The website’s goal is to aid communica- The Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian quarantine restrictions for 30 days, until hundreds of people waiting for buses, trol- tion among Ukrainian Canadian communi- Orthodox Churches in the U.S.A. and April 24. Please do not confuse the emer- leybuses and trams at stations, with crowd- ty schools, as well as the sharing of resourc- Canada have maintained their flocks with gency situation with a state of emergency. ing much denser than in the metro. In the es and information. The committee is broadcast liturgies and services online via An emergency situation does not limit the first week of the quarantine, people could working with schools to establish an online Facebook and YouTube. constitutional rights of citizens, but only board public transport with a maximum of platform and continue to offer study The hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox consolidates the efforts to combat the coro- 10 passengers inside. Beginning with the options and online programs while schools Church of the U.S.A., the UOC of Canada, the are closed. The committee and its Shkola navirus,” Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal second week, it was possible to use public Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in Canada, said. The measure could be extended as and Ukrainian Catholic bishops in the U.S., transportation only with special cards necessary, he added. issued to workers of strategic enterprises including Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys The head of government noted that 113 Gudziak of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and medical personnel. Those exclusive laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases cards provided another chance for specula- have encouraged the faithful to pray at had already been recorded in Ukraine and home, while the clergy continue to remain tion, as some people collected more cards said the number of infected patients would than needed and then resold them. available to serve individuals, serving divine further increase, so measures must be liturgies in adherence with prescribed All educational institutions and most taken. Coronavirus has been reported in employers shifted all activities online. The guidelines by government health officials the city of Kyiv and 13 oblasts. and limiting their own and their congrega- streets of Ukraine’s capital are empty, Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers because most of the population is self-iso- tions’ exposure to the coronavirus. endorsed a decree to properly equip the Sunday schools and youth ministry have lating in their homes. All shopping malls, checkpoints in emergency situation zones also moved online, and people are main- cinemas, theaters, restaurants and cafes are with mandatory sanitary inspection of citi- taining their faith through the many offer- closed. Public events are forbidden. The zens, allowing passage only after a medical ings of religious programming on televi- National Police have the authority to fine examination of persons and disinfection of sion, radio and the growing number of individuals or companies that organize vehicles; to ensure thorough disinfection of internet outlets, including websites, events or gather in large numbers. all premises, roads and sidewalks; and to YouTube channels and radio podcasts. Transport connections between cities assist the underprivileged through the Notably, the Ukrainian Catholic University are canceled. Therefore, airports (except in Lviv has begun to broadcast daily prayer involvement of social services, the commu- Boryspil, which is greeting evacuees), and Graphic for the live online sing-along via services via Facebook (https://www.face- nity and volunteer organizations. Earlier, railway and bus stations are closed. It is YouTube, called “Spivayte Plastuny” book.com/ucuspirit). the emergency situation regime was intro- possible to travel within Ukraine only by started by Andriy Michalchyshyn of duced in the city of Kyiv and the Kyiv, Dnip­ Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Continued on page 10) ropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, (Continued on page 4) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13

ANALYSIS

Russia pushes to drastically expand influence MH17 trial resumes briefly Zelenskyy said in a statement on March 22. Ukraine has been in talks with the IMF for over Ukraine and rest of post-Soviet space The trial in absentia of three Russians months about a three-year, $5.5 billion loan and a Ukrainian charged with multiple tied to reforms to help the country meet a counts of murder over the downing of jump in debt repayments this year. Kyiv, by Kseniya Kirillova ally, the United Nations International Court Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over however, has dragged its feet on passing the Eurasia Daily Monitor is considering cases against Russia for financing terrorism and violating the rights eastern Ukraine in 2014 resumed briefly at legislation – which includes a bank law that In recent months, the Kremlin dramati- of Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians in occu- The Hague on March 23 amid coronavirus would prevent tycoons from regaining con- cally stepped up efforts to push its interests pied Crimea (Eurointegration, November 8, restrictions. The Dutch judges in the trial trol over banks that were bailed out with and political agenda across the post-Soviet 2019). Crimean Tatars face brutal repres- read out several preliminary decisions public funds – and the funds have yet to be space as part of various “negotiations” and sion from Russian Crimean authorities, but before ruling to adjourn the case until June released. Now, Ukraine is likely to need to “conflict resolution procedures.” A particu- if Russia is not recognized as a party to the 8 in order to give the defense lawyers of one borrow even more money internationally as larly striking example of this can be seen in conflict, it will be much more difficult to of the accused more time to prepare their it increases spending to fight the spread of the results of the most recent Minsk negoti- prove its guilt (see EDM, March 19). The case. The courtroom was almost empty dur- the coronavirus and support companies and ation process pertaining to the war in east- final decision on the creation of the Advisory ing the 45-minute session, which was individuals negatively affected by the poten- ern Ukraine (Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, March 13). Board is supposed to take place on March livestreamed on the Internet due to restric- tial economic fallout. Some economists have The Russian and Ukrainian presidents’ 25, at the next meeting of the Tripartite tions aimed at slowing the spread of the said Ukraine may need to borrow as much representatives, Dmitry Kozak and Andriy Contact Group in Minsk. coronavirus. MH17 was shot down July 17, as $10 billion. However, the recent surge in Yermak, respectively, met in Minsk on Pushing its agenda in negotiations with 2014, by a Russian-made Buk missile fired borrowing rates for some emerging market March 11. There, they agreed to create a Ukraine is not the only example of the from territory in eastern Ukraine controlled countries due to the pandemic has effective- new negotiating platform, to be called the Kremlin attempting to expand its influence by pro-Russian separatists. The civilian pas- ly shut Ukraine out of international bond Advisory Board, as part of the wider Minsk in the post-Soviet space. On February 27, senger plane was on a flight from markets, making access to IMF loans even talks. The new platform, as proposed, Moscow hosted the presentation of a report Amsterdam to Malaysia when it was shot more vital. The IMF earlier this month set would treat the Ukrainian government and on solving the problem of the so-called “in- down. All 298 passengers and crew were up a separate $50 billion emergency financ- Moscow’s proxies in occupied Donetsk and between states,” where Russia and the West killed. The victims included 193 Dutch citi- ing program specifically for low-income and Luhansk as coequal parties to an intra- vie for influence: Azerbaijan, Armenia, zens as well as 43 Malaysians and 38 emerging market countries like Ukraine to Ukrainian conflict. Russia, meanwhile, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine Australians. The four accused – Russian citi- help them deal with the impact of the coro- would henceforth be considered an impar- (Kommersant, February 27). Specifically, zens Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky and Oleg navirus. Ukraine is eligible for a loan under tial observer in the proceedings (see the report proposes to consolidate the non- Pulatov, and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko that IMF program whose conditions would Eurasia Daily Monitor, March 19). aligned status of the “in-between” states – remain at large despite the issuance of differ from those attached to the $5.5 billion More generally, the move will provide and create a new consultation mechanism international warrants for their arrests. lending program. Ms. Georgieva said the call support for the Kremlin’s agenda for on regional security issues, the permanent Only Mr. Pulatov has appointed defense law- with Mr. Zelenskyy was “constructive” and resolving the situation in the Donbas. members of which would be the United yers to represent him at the trial in the expressed support for Ukraine, but gave no Namely, Moscow would like to see the States, Russia and the European Union. Netherlands. When the trial opened on indication the fund would ease its reform incorporation of constitutional amend- However, any “in-between country” should March 9, it was attended by lawyers, judges, demands before releasing the pending $5.5 ments on decentralization; a special status have the right to participate in regular family members of victims and journalists. billion loan. (Todd Prince, RFE/RL) conferred to Donetsk-Luhansk; general meetings, if the agenda includes issues But the number of prosecutors, lawyers and amnesty for all militants involved in war affecting its interests. At the same time, the other staff on March 23 was reduced over Cabinet submits IMF-required bill crimes; and the passage of a special law on document says Western countries and the coronavirus pandemic. Family and Ukraine’s Cabinet has submitted to local “elections” in the occupied territories Russia should stop pursuing policies aimed media were not allowed to attend the trial Parliament a revised bill on banking regula- (see EDM, March 19). at pulling the “in-between states” into their in person, and judges sat separated from tions needed to meet requirements set by Meanwhile, Ukrainian analysts have respective spheres of influence. one another by empty seats. (RFE/RL, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for highlighted other risks associated with the As Moldovan journalist Sergey Ilchenko reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP and DPA) approval of the protocol considered at Mr. notes, the proposed text is a rather loose a new lending package as the country’s fee- Yermak’s March 11 meeting with Mr. retelling of a recent report prepared by the Zelenskyy, IMF director hold talks ble economy braces for the effects of the Kozak. In particular, the head of the board U.S. think tank the RAND Corporation, coronavirus outbreak. The bill appeared on Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center and whose original passages were “adjusted so the Verkhovna Rada’s website on March 24 member of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar as to please Russia” (Dsnews, March 2). spoke with International Monetary Fund and was agreed upon by the central bank people, Eskender Bariev, noted that recog- Meanwhile, the Russian version of the (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina and the Finance Ministry. Its aim is to pro- nizing Russia as an impartial observer will report is already raising serious questions Georgieva about greater financial support tect the country’s interests following a deci- significantly weaken Ukraine’s internation- from leading U.S. researchers. Paul Goble, as the eastern European country faces a sion to nationalize insolvent or troubled al position. According to him, this amounts an expert on Eurasia and a former analyst possible crisis due to the coronavirus. “We banks and prevent tycoons from regaining to discussion on curtailing the sanctions of the U.S. Department of State, notes that if discussed increasing the amount of support control over their former assets. An imposed on Russia precisely for the inva- this mechanism, in its Kremlin interpreta- for Ukraine from the fund during a time of extraordinary parliamentary session to sion of Ukrainian territory and its occupa- tion, is implemented, the fate of sovereign significant challenges for the economy asso- (Continued on page 10) tion. If Ukraine itself recognizes the war in states will be decided by foreign govern- ciated with the global pandemic,” Mr. the Donbas as an “internal” conflict, it ments, not the peoples of these countries would logically follow that there are no (Krymr.com, March 18). grounds for imposing sanctions on Russia According to Mr. Goble, the wording (Krymr.com, March 21). used in the Russian version of the RAND The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 Irina Gerashchenko, a Ukrainian mem- document does not determine who will ber of Parliament from the European make key decisions on controversial issues An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Solidarity faction, also noted that the cre- and, most importantly, whether the coun- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. ation of the Advisory Board in accordance try whose interests are directly affected Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. with Moscow’s conditions weakens will itself have such a right. The proposed Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. Ukraine internationally (Radio Svoboda, mechanism only notes the right to partici- (ISSN — 0273-9348) March 13). Ukrainian publicist Vitaliy pate in meetings, but not the possibility of Portnikov explicitly calls the creation of the casting a vote (Krymr.com, March 18). The The Weekly: UNA: Advisory Board “part of the Russian plan to former State Department official also notes Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 lift sanctions, and not at all the [appropri- that there are no guarantees Russia will ate] way to de-occupy the Donbas” (Radio comply with the ban on attempting to pull Postmaster, send address changes to: Svoboda, March 14). “in-between states” to its sphere of influ- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz At the same time, Ukrainian experts fear ence, given that Moscow has repeatedly 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas that, having resolved the economic prob- violated international agreements and now P.O. Box 280 lems caused by the sanctions, the Kremlin has even enshrined this right into its new Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] will renew its efforts to attack and take Constitution by declaring domestic laws control of additional Ukrainian territory. In supreme (Krymr.com, January 23). The The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com this case, all legal and material responsibili- deep concerns raised by Ukrainian and ty for the almost 14,000 dead in the Western experts such as Messrs. Bariev, The Ukrainian Weekly, March 29, 2020, No. 13, Vol. LXXXVIII Donbas and its attendant economic devas- Portnikov and Goble collectively raise the Copyright © 2020 The Ukrainian Weekly tation would be transferred to Ukraine. alarm about the consequences of “appeas- Accordingly, Ukraine’s position in interna- ing an aggressor” and advise post-Soviet tional courts will be significantly weakened state leaders not to believe the “peaceful” ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA (Radio Svoboda, March 14). promises offered by Moscow. (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 The European Court of Human Rights Walter Honcharyk, administrator and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 (ECHR) is considering hundreds of cases The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] based on statements by victims of Russia in Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Crimea, including a case involving Moscow’s its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] ban of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis. Addition­ www.jamestown.org. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy turns blind eye to Putin-Medvedchuk scheming

by Vladimir Socor competencies are relevant to Ukraine’s enactment of the party, their television channels. We know about cash Eurasia Daily Monitor Minsk “accords” into Ukrainian legislation. According to Mr. amounts, and [we know] from which country they receive Volodin, a bilateral working group has been set up during all this. This will be a very loud scandal and it will end very On March 10 in Moscow, Ukraine’s leading Russophile this visit (presumably with members of Mr. Medvedchuk’s badly [for them]” (Ukrinform, August 31, 2019). politician Viktor Medved­chuk conferred with Russian delegation). Mr. Medvedchuk­ hopes for the inaugural No investigation has been launched, however. Instead, President Vladimir Putin and Duma leaders about adding Normandy parliamentary meeting to be held in conjunc- multiple criminal investigations are ongoing against former an “inter-parliamentary dimension” to the Normandy tion with the next summit of the four heads of state and President Petro Poroshenko – the Zelenskyy team’s distinc- forum (Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine), which is an government, tentatively scheduled for April in Berlin. tive vendetta. Mr. Medvedchuk’s status as the Russian presi- inter-governmental process. The idea, credited to Mr. The Ukrainian leadership seems to protect Mr. dent’s top local ally apparently grants him immunity from Medvedchuk, is to enlist interparliamentary support for Medvedchuk from public opprobrium and suspicions of Ukrainian legal action, as long as Mr. Zelenskyy appeals to decisions in the Normandy and Minsk processes on special disloyalty. Presidential­ Office head Andriy Yermak, Rada Mr. Putin to deliver “peace.” Mr. Kozak’s recent appointment status and elections in Ukraine’s Russian-controlled Chair Dmytro Razumkov and parliamentary majority lead- as Mr. Putin’s top representative has raised the Zelenskyy Donbas. Those decisions would then be handed down to er David Akharamia all suggest that there is no case for team’s expectations in this regard. the Verkhovna Rada for legislative enactments. legal or parliamentary action. They argue that Mr. Medved­ The ruling team is prepared for “situational” (ad hoc) Mr. Putin gave Mr. Medvedchuk this opportunity to chuk merely expressed his own opinion and that of his parliamentary cooperation with OP-FL, if and when the bypass Ukraine’s state leadership and publicly coordinate party in Moscow, did not carry any official instructions any- presidential party, Servant of the People, cannot muster way, and his delegation did not apply to the Ukrainian par- sufficient votes for its initiatives. Thus, Mr. Zelenskyy was his initiative with the Kremlin. The reaction from Ukraine’s liament to cover the costs of its Moscow visit (UNIAN, recently able to remove Prosecutor General Ruslan presidential team is equivocal and supine. March 13; Ukrinform, March 11, 14). Ryabo­shapka thanks to OP-FL’s votes for the presidential On March 11 in Minsk, the Russian and Ukrainian presi- The proposed interparliamentary forum is designed to: party’s motion of no confidence (Ukrin­form, March 5). dents’ representatives, Dmitry Kozak and Andriy Yermak, 1) increase the pressure on Ukraine, counting on selected Mr. Zelenskyy­ ’s and Mr. Medvedchuk’s parties have there- respectively, agreed to create a new negotiating platform German and French parliamentarians to support a political by tested a possible model for ad hoc cooperation. as part of the Minsk negotiating process. The new plat- settlement on Russian terms; 2) push for those political Changing Ukraine’s Constitution and legislation as per form, as proposed, would cast the Ukrainian side and terms’ implementation without addressing the security the Minsk “accords” would force the presidential party into Russia’s proxies in Donetsk-Luhansk as coequal parties to issues (troop withdrawal/disarmament/demobilization, a combination with the same OP-FL in Parliament. Servant an intra-Ukrainian conflict, while casting Russia as an border control), all of which are omitted from the propos- of the People, with some 250 seats in the 450-seat cham- impartial observer (Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, March 12). al’s public presentation; 3) accelerate and advance the set- ber, lacks the two-thirds majority for constitutional amend- These interrelated moves reflect preparations on both tlement process from the international diplomatic field ments. It might even fall short of a simple majority through sides for a possibly decisive phase in the Normandy and into the Ukrainian legislative field – a major breakthrough defections over such highly contentious issues. Almost 60 Minsk processes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s that could push Ukraine closer to a potentially fatal out- Servant of the People national deputies have signed a letter team hopes to hold local elections in the Russian-controlled come; 4) render Mr. Medvedchuk’s pro-Kremlin party of concern (UNIAN, March 14) regarding Ukrainian Donbas by October, as part of Ukraine’s country-wide local acceptable on the international level, and make this party a Presidential Office head Mr. Yermak’s non-transparent elections. Leveraging Kyiv’s impatience against it, the Kremlin potential stakeholder in a Ukrainian coalition government March 11 meeting with the Russian presidential represen- has responded with Mr. Kozak’s and Mr. Medvedchuk’s that would guarantee this settlement’s implementation. tative for Ukraine issues, Mr. Kozak. The party is subject to proposals. Mr. Zelenskyy’s team has preliminarily accepted It seems highly unlikely for Mr. Medvedchuk and the fissiparous trends over other issues as well (Ukrayinska Mr. Kozak’s but seems mum to Mr. Medvedchuk’s. Kremlin to be able to enlist any but marginal European Pravda, March 18). Mr. Medvedchuk headed a delegation of six parliamen- parliamentarians into this project. Mr. Putin has been using Mr. Medved­chuk as part of a tary deputies from his party (Opposition Platform–For cat-and-mouse game with Mr. Zelenskyy. To boost Mr. Medvedchuk’s party Life) to the talks in Moscow, on the same day when the Medvedchuk’s political rating, Mr. Putin had allowed him to Russian Duma was voting to approve the extension of Mr. Mr. Medvedchuk’s party, Opposition Platform–For Life mediate prisoner exchanges, repatriating whole groups of Putin’s presidential tenure. Mr. Medvedchuk had visited (OP-FL), holds 44 seats in Ukraine’s 450-seat Parliament. Ukrainian captives. Mr. Putin then received Mr. Mr. Putin in Russia many times personally, but the March Despite its limited support, it is the single largest opposition Medvedchuk with maximum publicity in Russia on the eve 10 visit was the first by a Ukrainian parliamentary delega- party, and the only outspoken pro-Russia faction in the of Ukraine’s July 2019 parliamentary elections. Barely two tion in the six years since the start of Russia’s military Verkhovna Rada since the July 2019 elections. In November weeks after that, however, Mr. Putin granted President intervention in Ukraine. The Duma’s plenary session gave 2019, OP-FL and a small number of like-minded Ukrainian Zelenskyy’s wish to replace Mr. Medvedchuk with Mr. this delegation a standing ovation. national deputies created a cross-party group, titled “inter- Yermak for negotiating the release and repatriation of Meeting with Mr. Putin separately, Mr. Medvedchuk pre- parliamentary dialogue for peace, Ukraine-Russia-Germany- Ukrainian captives from Russia. This helped sustain Mr. sented an enlarged version of a concept he had aired in the France.” They failed to connect with the December 9, 2019, Zelenskyy’s domestic popularity but also propelled Mr. wake of Ukraine’s July 2019 parliamentary elections (see Normandy summit in Paris, however, and are now combin- Yermak’s own rise as Mr. Zelenskyy’s indispensable fixer. Eurasia Daily Monitor, August 5, 2019). Mr. Putin blessed it ing with their Russian friends to target the Normandy sum- For a while, Mr. Putin hinted that he might again entrust and encouraged Mr. Medvedchuk to proceed with it in mit due in April or May in Berlin. Well ahead of that event, Mr. Medved­chuk with repatriating Ukrainians from Ukraine and Europe (TASS, Kremlin.ru, March 10, 11; 112. Mr. Medvedchuk visited the French and German parlia- Russian captivity, yet Mr. Putin seems content with the cur- ua, March 12, 13). ments in January to present this proposal and seek mem- rent arrangement. Mr. Putin granted Mr. Zelenskyy this Mr. Medvedchuk insists, as does Mr. Putin, that the bers interested in his interparliamentary project. Credible favor during their August 7, 2019, telephone conversation, Ukrainian Parliament must incorporate the political clauses figures will be hard for Mr. Medvedchuk to find. the same one that triggered a series of unilateral conces- sions from Messrs. Zelenskyy and Yermak in the Minsk of the Minsk “accords” into Ukraine’s legislation, to wit: con- Zelenskyy’s retreat stitutional amendments on decentralization, special status and Normandy processes (see EDM, August 5, September for Donetsk-Luhansk, general amnesty for those involved in Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has retreat- 10, 12, 24, 25, 26, October 3, December 5, 2019). “the events” (war-related crimes) there, a special law on ed from his earlier promise to investigate the covert Drifting from one meeting to the next in those process- local “elections” in the occupied territories, as well as autho- aspects of Mr. Medvedchuk’s connections with Moscow. es, with no clear policy and ever-changing ideas, Mr. rizing negotiations between Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk Last August, for example, Mr. Zelenskyy had pledged to Zelenskyy’s team seems to have one issue firmly in focus: “investigate how Medvedchuk’s party is financed. There toward those goals. The Verkhovna Rada, therefore, needs are big questions as to where they get money for their (Continued on page 15) the “support of our colleagues from Russia’s Duma and the French and German parliaments, persuading our Ukrainian parliamentary deputies that the Minsk accords have no alternative and must be implemented in full through Ukrainian legislation, so as to bring Ukraine closer to peace.” UWC discusses current cooperation issues An interparliamentary forum That would be the agenda of the interparliamentary with Ukraine’s minister of foreign affairs forum, to be designated as the “Normandy parliamentary UWC The UWC leadership presented the full scope of issues dimension” (Mr. Medvedchuk credits Mr. Putin with the facing the global Ukrainian community today due to the paternity of this title). Mr. Medvedchuk asked Mr. Putin to TORONTO – Ukrainian World Congress President Paul restrictive measures imposed in response to the coronavi- intercede with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French Grod held a teleconference with Minister of Foreign Affairs rus pandemic. The issues presented included extending the President Emmanuel Macron, who could encourage mem- Dmytro Kuleba of Ukraine on March 19. term of stay in Ukraine, reimbursing or freezing visa pay- bers of their countries’ respective legislatures to join the pro- Mr. Grod was joined on the call by UWC First Vice- ments due to cancellations of travel to Ukraine, etc. posed Normandy interparliamentary forum. Mr. Putin President Stefan Romaniw, Vice-President Andriy Futey, The discussion also focused on the current political agreed to intercede, but also used the opportunity to shift the UWC Executive Director Mariia Kupriianova and Serhiy issues, in particular, the decision of the Trilateral Contact onus to Mr. Zelenskyy: “I hope that this project becomes suc- Kasyanchuk, director of the UWC Mission to Ukraine. Group to establish a Consultation Council. UWC leaders cessful with the support of Ukraine’s president.” As the international coordinating body for Ukrainian voiced the concerns of the global Ukrainian community The Duma’s chairperson, Vyacheslav Volodin, mean- communities in the diaspora, the UWC offered help and about the threats related to implementing this decision. while, suggests launching a bilateral Russian-Ukrainian support to the essential efforts of Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs The parties discussed the next practical steps within the interparliamentary dialogue, before the quadripartite Ministry, including in disseminating official information to framework of the key UWC and MFA priorities: joining forum would materialize. Mr. Volodin proposes this bilater- Ukrainians abroad and providing humanitarian support on al dialogue at the level of parliamentary committees whose the international level. (Continued on page 4) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13

Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations UWC calls on Verkhovna Rada announces coronavirus community task force to impose “political quarantine” ESSENDON, Australia – The Australian Federation of assist in coordinating communal decisions to ensure that UWC Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO) on March 20 announced actions taken are in accordance with expert advice and do the formation of the AFUO COVID-19 Coronavirus National not create unnecessary panic within the community. TORONTO – The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is Community Task Force. The task force will: provide expert context to enable urging the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to refrain from The role of the task force is to better coordinate dissemi- community members to understand Department of Health discussing and voting on the issues that may cause social nation of information and support services in the commu- advice and what that means for Ukrainian community tensions and controversial reaction in society during a nity during this time. The task force is chaired by Stephan organizations; provide access to a group of experts that can time of national quarantine restrictions due to the coro- Chomyn; co-chairs are Stefan Romaniw and Kateryna assist organizations in making informed decisions; provide navirus. Agyrou; Iryna Andreeva is secretary. information on medical and financial issues; and coordi- In particular, the UWC called on the Verkhovna Rada to Members of the task force include these community nate required support. comply with the previously adopted decision to consider organizations: Association of Ukrainians in Victoria, The AFUO is encouraging member organizations and only draft bills on the prevention of emergence and Association of Ukrainians in South Australia, Association of the broader community to engage with the task force to spread, and on localization and liquidation of COVID-19 Ukrainians in Tasmania, Ukrainian Association of discuss any confirmed cases of COVID-19 at your organiza- Queensland, Ukrainian Association of Western Australia tion; provide advice and support for community members outbreaks. and the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales. in need; and consider the effects this pandemic will have “We share the concern of civil society that adopting Also involved are the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic and on your organization. If you haven’t already activated your politically and socially controversial decisions, including Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, as well as business continuity plan now is the time to do so, the those concerning land reform, Ukrainian language and the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia and the Dnister AFUO advises. information space issues may provoke mass protests and Ukrainian Credit Cooperative. To keep up to date on the coronavirus situation, go to endanger the health and lives of Ukrainian people. The task force will provide community organizations the Department of Health website at https://www.health. Adopting such decisions in an emergency situation creates with context on the information that is being provided by gov.au/. For information about the AFUO, readers may go a threat of long-term destabilization in Ukraine,” stated experts at the Department of Health. The task force will also to www.ozeukes.com. UWC President Paul Grod.

ries, pharmacies, police, border guards and our military. President Paul Grod stated. Nationwide... This is only the first batch of what we need. Active and con- The coronavirus pandemic that has spread to nearly (Continued from page 1) tinuous work is under way to bring additional PCR test sys- every country in the world is growing, the World Health tems, respirators, masks, rapid tests and ventilators to Organization said on March 23. “The pandemic is accelerat- private car or by using ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar. Ukraine from China, South Korea and many other countries ing,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebre­yesus For most Ukrainians, this means they can only be in four already this week,” the president explained. said at a press briefing from the organization’s Geneva locations: at home, or in a supermarket, pharmacy or hos- Previously Mr. Zelenskyy had reported that 1 million headquarters. “It took 67 days from the first reported case pital. COVID-19 tests would be transported to Ukraine. But to reach 100,000 cases, 11 days for second 100,000 cases, Minister of Health of Ukraine Illia Yemets earlier said he something went wrong and 250,000 of them arrived at and just four days for the third 100,000 cases.” favors introducing a state of emergency in Ukraine. “I Boryspil. Now Mr. Zelenskyy does not cite numbers in his Mr. Tedros said he’ll be asking the G-20, the internation- spoke about this from the first day of my work in the gov- promises concerning tests, ventilators and masks. “Our al group of government and central bank leaders, to ramp ernment. It had to be done from the very beginning. If it motto in recent weeks is: ‘We’ll get enough sleep after up production of personal protective equipment for doc- had been done, then there wouldn’t have been such a coronavirus,’ ” said Ukraine’s president, who indeed looked tors and nurses, and to avoid placing export bans on the spread [of the disease], which is now increasing exponen- sleepy as he addressed the nation. life-saving gear. The WHO had already been asking suppli- tially,” he said in an interview, according to the press ser- At its meeting on March 25, the Cabinet of Ministers ers of protective gear to prioritize sending the equipment vice of the Ministry of Health. According to Mr. Yemets, to approved amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine on to the regions most affected by the virus and discouraged effectively combat the spread of COVID-19 in Ukraine, all the criminalization of transport of anti-epidemic goods stockpiling of protective gear by the general public. Ukrainians must make a conscious decision to minimize across the customs border of Ukraine. Those engaged in “We need unity among the G-20 countries who have contacts with others, observe hygiene rules and follow the the illegal export of anti-epidemic goods will be criminally more than 80 percent of the global GDP,” Mr. Tedros said. “If advice of the Health Ministry. liable. “This is a necessary step to secure the domestic mar- we don’t prioritize protecting health workers, many people After the government’s declaration of the emergency ket’s anti-epidemic supplies. We hope that the Verkhovna will die because the health worker who could have saved situation, the Ministry of Health published a statement Rada will support our initiative in the near future,” com- their lives is sick.” commenting on what changes will take effect: “[Minister] mented Prime Minister Shmyhal. As of March 25, a total of 436,481 laboratory-confirmed Yemets initiated tightening of restrictive measures to fight While Ukraine’s Parliament considers the date of its cases of COVID-19 was registered worldwide, of which the coronavirus more effectively. The resolution, initiated next plenary session, news about infected deputies contin- 19,643 were fatal and 111,889 were recoveries. The most by Yemets, stipulates that health-care institutions will have ues to appear. As of March 25, five members of the significant numbers of lethal outcomes are confirmed in the right to mandatory medical examination of persons Verkhovna Rada have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Italy, Spain, Chin, and Iran. For several days now, China has who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been in Meanwhile, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has reported few or zero new domestic cases of the coronavi- contact with persons diagnosed with COVID-19 if those appealed to the Verkhovna Rada to refrain from discussing rus, claiming success in controlling the outbreak that just persons refuse to undergo a voluntary examination; to and voting on issues that could cause social tensions and one month ago saw thousands of confirmations each day. order compulsory hospitalization of such persons; to controversial reactions in society during the time of nation- In his address to the people of Ukraine, President impose quarantine on persons diagnosed with COVID-19 al quarantine restrictions. (See the UWC statement on page Zelenskyy said: “And the traditional advice of what to do who are voluntarily evading treatment.” 4 of this issue.) during the quarantine. Summer is coming; therefore, it is This decision allows authorities to force Ukrainians into “We share the concern of civil society that adopting time to take care about your physical fitness. You can easily hospitals if they have symptoms of coronavirus. However, politically and socially controversial decisions, including find many home workout videos online. According to doc- observers point out that the measures could have the those concerning land reform, Ukrainian language and tors, physical fitness is needed by all, especially today. But opposite effect: if healthy people are forced into hospitals, information space issues, may provoke mass protests and without fanaticism and chasing after records. Keep well, the chance of infections will increase. endanger the health and lives of Ukrainian people. fellow Ukrainians! I wish you 36.6 [the normal body tem- Prime Minister Shmyhal noted that the government is acting on its established plan to combat the spread of coro- Adopting such decisions in an emergency situation creates perature in Celsius]! Let’s take care of ourselves! Save navirus. In addition, it is working with international part- a threat of long-term destabilization in Ukraine,” UWC Ukraine!” ners on this issue. On March 24, the first video call was held with Chinese doctors who shared their experience in battling the pandemic. Also, the Cabinet of Ministers and Naftogaz of Ukraine have approved a decision to cut the UWC discusses... wholesale gas price for the population. “Together with (Continued from page 3) NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, we have provided all the condi- tions for reducing the gas price by approving the decision efforts to counter Russian aggression, advocating for main- to reduce the wholesale price by 14 percent [in March]. We taining the sanctions regime against Russia and assisting to expect relevant actions from local authorities so that peo- develop the powerful state of Ukraine through public diplo- ple can see this reduction in their utility bills next month,” macy. Minister Kuleba emphasized the important role of Mr. Shmyhal said. Work is also under way with the the global Ukrainian community in raising awareness of Presidential Office to increase COVID-19 test deliveries to continued Russian aggression in the east of Ukraine among Ukraine. the international community. “We begin a new week of fighting coronavirus with “We are grateful for the open dialogue and continued good news,” said President Zelenskyy in his address earlier partnership with Ukraine’s MFA in our joint priorities of this week. “Tonight, our first cargo plane from China land- countering Russian aggression, strengthening the state of ed in Boryspil [Kyiv’s international airport]. It delivered to Ukraine and developing global Ukrainian communities. In Ukraine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test systems, as times of extraordinary global threats, we act as a united UWC well as rapid tests, ventilators, masks, protective suits and global Ukrainian nation, coming together to help. MFA Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod during much more. This cargo will be distributed throughout the Ukraine and UWC will continue to implement efficient ways the teleconference of UWC leaders with Ukraine’s regions of our country and provided to hospitals, laborato- of working together in our new reality,” stated Mr. Grod. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 5

UNA Almanac for 2020 is 105th annual release PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The 2020 Almanac of the Ukrainian National Association, which is published by Svoboda Press, was mailed earlier this year to Svoboda subscribers, but it is available for purchase by others who may be interested in this unique publication, which this year marks its 105th annual release. The Ukrainian-language publication is devoted to his- toric anniversaries of the year 2020. The 288-page UNA The UNA ANNoUNces Almanac opens with an article by the late Ivan Kedryn Rudnytsky, the well-known journalist active in Ukraine and ScholarShipS and awardS the United States who was a longtime member of the for StudentS attending college Svoboda editorial staff. This excerpt from his memoirs in the 2020-2021 academic year. speaks about the momentous year 1920 and what it meant for Ukraine. Students wishing to apply for a UNA scholarship or Petro Kraliuk writes about the Treaty of Warsaw of award must meet the following criteria: 1920 through the eyes of a Ukrainian, while Lev l Have been an active, premium-paying UNA Konstantynovych describes the dilemma faced by member for at least two years by June 1st of 2020; Ukrainian political leader Symon Petliura (1879-1926). l Have had a life insurance policy or an annuity, Other sections of the UNA Almanac for 2020 cover his- valued at a minimum of $5,000 during the last toric developments and entities such as the world’s first two years (term policies excluded); democratic constitution, that of Ukrainian Hetman Pylyk l Be enrolled in an accredited college or university Orlyk, dating to 1710; the highly respected Ukrainian in USA or Canada. newspaper Dilo, the first daily newspaper for Ukrainians in The application for a UNA scholarship or award Halychyna, which was founded 140 years ago, and its con- must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2020. nections with the Ukrainian American newspaper For complete details and applications, please call the Svoboda; the Ukrainian Military Organization (known by UNA Home Office or visit the Our Benefits page on the the Ukrainian acronym UVO) that was established in 1920; UNA website at: and the centennial of the Sich Riflemen’s movement as well www.UNAInc.org as that of the Prosvita Society in the Zakarpattia region. The Almanac also contains articles on political science Ukrainian National topics, significant events in the literary and judicial fields, UNA Almanac for 2020. Acossiation, Inc. and the 70th anniversary of the death of Ukrainian 2200 Route 10, Insurgent Army (UPA) Commander-in-Chief Roman taining good health round out the volume, whose editor is Parsippany, NJ 07054 Shukhevych. Petro Chasto. 800-253-9862 ext. 3035 Notable personages and jubilees are the focus of yet Copies of the 2020 UNA Almanac are available for pur- another chapter in the book. Literary works, miscellaneous chase at $20 per book by mailing a check made out to UNA stories about interesting topic, and articles about main- Publications at 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly Make sure you’re counted as a Ukrainian! Underhanded agreement for direct dialogue The National Office of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America released the with Donbas militants crosses a red line following statement on the 2020 U.S. Census on March 23. We publish it here as a guest editorial. (For a graphic related to the Census, please see the full-page advertisement by Halya Coynash It is true that the document agreed on on the last page of this issue.) Kharkiv Human Rights Protection March 11 must be signed at a higher level Group towards the end of March. It is to be hoped Census Day, April 1, is almost upon us, and while the 2020 United States Census that Mr. Zelenskyy will understand the might not be the first online American census, it will be America’s first digital cen- There has been outrage since a docu- anger that this move provoked, as well as sus. This year, American households will receive in the mail a 12-digit census ID ment signed on March 11 in Minsk was the underhanded manner in which it was number, instructing us to go to www.my2020census.gov. (You can still also respond published by the Ukrainian media and it carried out, and will decide to reject it. to your census letter by mail or phone.) As we are all legally obligated to participate became clear what the Ukrainian side had As mentioned, 50 national deputies from in the census, we should all do this by April 1, or at the latest by the end of the tabu- agreed to. Civic activists, political analysts Mr. Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party lation period at the end of July. and even 50 national deputies from the signed a statement on March 13 in which The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the largest representative party associated with President Volodymyr they stressed that any direct negotiation body of Americans of Ukrainian descent, values the importance of registering our Zelenskyy have warned that the agreement with the proxy republics was unacceptable. Ukrainian background and descent in the U.S. Census. On the basis of our church sta- signed by, among others, the head of the They also said they shared civic concern tistics, fraternal and other organizational memberships, the UCCA estimates that the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, would about other statements made by high-rank- number of Americans of Ukrainian descent is as high as 2 million people. Yet in offi- cross a vital red line. ing officials, regarding possible reinstate- cial records, these statistics are not to be found, due to decades of mislabeling It is also extremely worrying that news ment of water supplies to occupied Crimea Ukrainian immigrants’ country of origin and further still the antiquated language of of what appears to be a shift in Mr. and the labeling of the war in Donbas “an the census form. Zelenskyy’s public position emerged only internal conflict.” With respect to the agree- The statistics gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau determine how federal funding because the document signed was reported ment reached on March 11, the authors impacts communities each year, including the amount of funding that state govern- in the media. Small wonder that one of the point to Ukraine’s law on occupied territo- ments and local communities receive from the federal government for the next public statements issued on March 13 sug- ry in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, decade. The more Ukrainians self-identify as such on the 2020 U.S. Census, the more gested that the Zelenskyy administration which clearly identifies the Russian our community will benefit. might be trying to push through this unac- Federation as occupying this territory. The UCCA asks all members of the Ukrainian American community to make sure ceptable move at a time when the coronavi- In a statement (which is open for to fill out the space listed under Question No. 9 (RACE or ORIGIN) by writing in the rus crisis has led to restrictions on mass endorsement here: https://helsinki.org.ua/ word UKRAINIAN in that space. gatherings, including protests. appeals/zaiava-uhspl-shchodo-stvorennia- Since 1960, the U.S. Census Bureau has recognized Ukraine as a separate entity Since 2014, Ukraine has consistently konsul-tatyvnoi-rady-v-mezhakh-mins- and country, and the Ukrainian language as a separate and independent language. rejected Russia’s efforts to force direct koho-perehovornoho-protsesu/) released The Ukrainian American community accomplished this change after years of advo- negotiations with the so-called Donetsk on March 13, the Ukrainian Helsinki cacy efforts led by the UCCA and confirmed to the UCCA by letter from the U.S. and Luhansk people’s republics, since these Human Rights Union warned that the Department of Commerce before the 1960 U.S. Census. are artificial formations that Russia con- March 11 decision carries the risk that For the 2020 U.S. Census, the U.S. Census Bureau has prepared language guides in trols. inadmissible red lines will be crossed. The 59 languages, including a Ukrainian-language guide, and accessible versions in large The document signed on March 11 authors stress that “the Russian Federation, print and American Sign Language, which are available online at https://www.cen- envisages the formation of an “advisory which is the initiator and aggressor in this sus.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/planning-manage- council” with 10 representatives from armed conflict, virtually always has the ment/language-resources.html. Ukraine and 10 from the Russian proxy deciding voice in taking decisions on UPDATE: The 2020 U.S. Census had been scheduled to stop at the end of July, but republics. Russia would have only observer releasing people imprisoned on non-gov- the deadline has now been extended to mid-August because of the spreading novel status, with this effectively likening the ernment-controlled territory. However, it coronavirus. aggressor state to the Organization for must bear responsibility for the conse- Security and Cooperation in Europe quences of its aggression.” (OSCE), Germany and France. Although the “Taking Russia away from the negotiat- council would draw up proposals on, for ing table as a party to the conflict and giv- April example, highly contentious constitutional ing it the status of observer, as seen in Item Turning the pages back... amendments that Russia is seeking and 2 of the document published, is a worrying local elections in the occupied Donbas, any trend towards trying to waive Russia’s lia- Last year, on April 4, 2019, the family of Quinn Lucas Schansman decisions would be of an advisory nature, bility for its aggression,” the union states. 4 filed a lawsuit against Russia’s Sberbank and VTB Bank, as well and not binding. Any legitimization of the illegal formations as the Western Union Co., Western Union Financial Services, Whether or not this council ends up known as the “DPR” and “LPR” or negotia- 2019 MoneyGram International and MoneyGram Payment System. stuck in endless discussion does not tions with such formations about waiving Schansman, 18, was the lone American killed when Russian change the fact that its very creation is liability for grave crimes committed during militants shot down Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. The essentially legitimizing formations which the establishment of the so-called republics lawsuit sought unspecified damages from the companies for the death of Schansman. Russia has, from the outset, funded, would cross a red line and be totally inad- The banks and U.S. money-transfer firms allegedly provided services to Russia-backed manned and controlled. The “republics” missible. have been made a side in negotiations militants that have been identified by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT) as A number of other human rights and which is exactly what Russian President responsible for the downing of the commercial jetliner by a Russian-made Buk missile. media groups issued a separate statement Vladimir Putin has been seeking since The JIT included investigators from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and that also stresses that any direct dialogue 2014. Such direct dialogue with the Donbas Ukraine. The missile was determined to be from Russia’s 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile with the proxy republics is unacceptable militants is something that Mr. Zelenskyy Brigade and was fired from territory held by the Russia-backed militants. Other findings and in breach of the above-mentioned law. has said on several occasions would be by the JIT had been corroborated or supported by evidence gathered by journalists and This law makes recognition in any form of inadmissible. independent investigators, such as the British-based Bellingcat. the so-called authorities in the Donetsk and During a talk show on March 13, Mr. The lawsuit accuses the Russian banks and U.S. money-transfer firms of allowing large Luhansk people’s republics impossible. Any Yermak denied that there had been any sums of money, mainly from Russian-diaspora sympathizers, to be sent to the Russia- negotiations on ending the conflict in the shift in position and asserted that the sides backed militants in the occupied territory of eastern Ukraine. Donbas must be solely with the Russian The funds were used by these militants to acquire heavy weapons and to control many of the conflict at the Trilateral Contact Group meeting in Minsk remain Ukraine Federation and its representatives, with regions in eastern Ukraine, the 63-page lawsuit alleges. international partners as intermediaries. “We realize that we will never get our son back. But we are committed to shedding light and Russia. In a statement forced from him after Dzerkalo Tyzhnia revealed the signed The statement’s authors point out that on – and holding accountable – all who participated in his murder,” the victim’s father, there has, up until now, been a critical dif- Thomas Schansman, said in a statement. document, he asserted that the agreement did not create any legal basis for recogni- ference. Although representatives of the so- The lawsuit is based on a 1992 U.S. anti-terror law that allows U.S. victims of terrorism tion of the militants, and also insisted that called republics were present at the Minsk to sue those who provide material support to those carrying out the attacks. there was no fait accompli as yet, with the negotiations, they did not have the right to “The men who launched the missile may never be hauled before a court to answer for document signed in Minsk being only a vote. “Raising them to the status of autono- their crimes, but all of those who participated in arming them and supporting them must declaration with no legal force. It was an mous players will make it possible for be,” said David Pressman, a former deputy U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and one unconvincing performance, with Mr. Russia and the international community to of the family’s lawyers. Yermak unable to explain who would be treat the armed conflict on Ukrainian terri- Moscow has repeatedly denied responsibility for the downing of the plane and has representing the pseudo republics, but tory as ‘an internal conflict,’ and not the blamed Ukrainian forces for firing the missile. Three Russian nationals – Igor Girkin, claiming that the move was aimed at allow- result of armed aggression by the Russian Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov – and one Ukrainian, Leonid Kharchenko, have been named ing Ukrainians living in occupied territory Federation against Ukraine,” these civil by the JIT as wanted suspects, as the trial continues in their absence because Russia does to “have a voice.” This is at a time when we society organizations state. not extradite its citizens and some are believed to be hiding out in the occupied territories know that expressing any pro-Ukrainian As mentioned, the signatories suggest of Ukraine. sentiments in the so-called republics is like- that Ukraine’s leaders may have taken the Source: “Family of U.S. teen killed in MH17’s downing sues Russian banks, U.S. money ly to get you accused of “spying for firms,” RFE/RL, The Ukrainian Weekly, April 14, 2019. Ukraine” or “treason” and imprisoned. (Continued on page 14) No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 7

COMMENTARY Recalling March 18, 1945

by Lubomyr Luciuk You can find much more than you expect on just a page or two of a good local news- paper. Canada’s publicly funded health care I had a hunch I could track down a partic- For most Canadians, the current debate strongly supported “public solutions to ular story in the March 19, 1945, edition of in the United States over Medicare for all make our public health care stronger.” A The Kingston Whig-Standard. What I first seems like a no-brainer. Medicare for all, or Strategic Counsel survey found 91 percent noticed, however, was not what I went look- what we term Universal Health Care, has of Canadians prefer their health-care sys- ing for. Instead a photograph of two been in place across Canada since 1972 tem to a U.S.-style system. Kingston men in uniform, at the top of page and even earlier in some provinces. (The By contrast, more than 50 percent of 2, caught my eye. One was Leading Aircraft­ administration of health care remains a Americans think that government-run man G. D. Murray. The other was Leading provincial or territorial responsibility, health care will impact their freedom of Aircraftman A. F. Norris. A caption told me although the federal government sets choice. Nearly 25 percent believe that their the latter was a “Regi” boy. The former went nationwide standards and provides freedom of choice will remain the same as to KCVI, another high school in the city. approximately 50 percent of the cost it currently is. Another 54 percent feel that Now when I went to Regiopolis, the rival through transfer payments to the provinc- health care would become less personal as high school was Kingston Collegiate. Yet this es.) a universal health system, and 39 percent photograph showed Murray and Norris as Basic health care in Canada is free and of citizens believe that government-run friends. Since they were previously mem- universal, as it is totally funded through tax insurance will result in a lower quality of bers of the Princess of Wales’ Own dollars. It covers approximately 70 percent health care. Regiment they likely met at the Montreal of Canadians’ health-care needs, including Much of this is due to a common percep- Street Armory. I spent time there myself all essential medical needs, doctors’ visits tion of publicly funded Medicare as “social- while in high school, with the 58th and hospital costs. The remaining 30 per- ized medicine.” While publicly funded Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The icon of Christ Pantocrator and a tri- cent, which relates to services not covered Medicare was initially proposed by demo- Of course, Norris and Murray experienced lingual plaque that were unveiled on through Medicare, such as prescription cratic socialist and social democratic par- something vastly different, serving tours of March 18 at St. John the Apostle Roman drugs, dentistry and optometry, is paid for ties in a number of countries where it now duty with the RCAF’s Night Hawk Squadron. Catholic Church in Kingston, Ontario. through the private sector. However, exists, once in place it was readily accepted When this photograph was taken they were approximately 65 to 75 percent of by centrist and conservative governments near Lille, in northern France, where their immigrants. Many of the latter then still Canadians have some form of supplemen- around the world. (The difference between unit was deployed and remained until April lived in the town’s “north end,” an over- tary health insurance like Blue Cross. democratic socialists and social democrats 1945. Insofar as I can determine, Murray crowded, industrial, somewhat impover- The move towards publicly funded is that, while democratic socialists still and Norris survived the war. I’d like to think ished, working-class area. We once had a health insurance began soon after World believe in replacing the free market system they came home to enjoy decades of good Ukrainian hall there, at the corner of Bagot War II. In 1947, the province of Saskatche­ with a state-run economy, social democrats health and well-deserved prosperity, even and North streets. wan established Canada’s first publicly support a mixed economy where some key stayed friends. Certainly, both did justice to Sandwiched in-between the top and bot- funded hospital insurance plan. Other prov- industries may be nationalized, but the the PWOR’s motto whose words include “I tom sections of this page I found the story I inces, including British Columbia, Albert, bulk should remain in the hands of private Serve.” They did. was after. Titled “Ukrainians Are Lauded For and Ontario, introduced their own insur- owners. Their approach to promoting At the bottom of this same page I was Services,” it has no byline and, unfortunate- ance plans, with varying degrees of cover- social equality is through taxation.) again distracted, by a small advertisement ly, no photograph. As it continued on page age, and varying degrees of success. Looking at the global picture, the United for Brock Jewelers. Harald Marans owned 13, I ended up reading another article about In 1962 Saskatchewan introduced a uni- States is the only developed democracy this business. His storefront on Princess how, on Saturday, March 17, St. John the versal Medicare system which included that does not have a free and universal Street’s north side was a few steps from Apostle Roman Catholic Church hosted a doctors’ fees. This was followed up by the health-care system. Europe, Canada and where the city’s “main drag” intersects with successful St. Patrick’s Day celebration, federal government’s Medical Care Act, just about all of Latin America do. Some Bagot Street. My dad worked for Mr. “Irish Concert Held Saturday.” Unexpectedly, which was passed in 1966 by a vote of 177 countries may have systems that are uni- Marans (I never called him anything but) I discovered Mary Wowk was there. She was to 2 in the House of Commons and estab- versal, but not free, while others are free, for decades. Not only did he give my father the sister of Raymond Wowk, my partner lished the transfer payment formula for but not universal. Aside from the United a good job, but his wife, Katie, and their Katharine’s father. Mary ended up marrying approved expenditures like hospital and States, the only countries that are without family often invited the Luciuks to the Beth a local Irish lad, Jim Lawrence. physician services. Within six years all free or universal health care, are mostly in Israel synagogue. Back then my parents The news report about the Ukrainian provinces had established Medicare sys- Africa, a few in the Middle East (Syria, Iraq, were the strangers in this city, refugees gathering described how a “large” audience tems that fell under the framework of the Jordan and Lebanon), Central Asia helped by the descendants of previous met at St. John’s at noon on Sunday, March 18, 1945, to participate in the first Medical Care Act. This was modified in (Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan) or Ukrainian Catholic divine liturgy held in 1984 with the unanimous passage of the Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia). Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor at the Kingston. Celebrating the mass was the Canada Health Act. What’s more, when it comes to per-capita Royal Military College of Canada in honorary captain, Father Michael Pelech, Universal access to publicly funded spending on health care, the United States Kingston, Ontario. padre for Military District 10, and Canada’s health services is often considered by is by far the highest. first Ukrainian Catholic chaplain. Local dig- Canadians as a “fundamental value that Whether or not the United States estab- nitaries present included Kingston mayor, ensures national health care insurance for lishes a publicly funded Medicare system, Cecil Boyd; Msgr. L. J. Byrne; the local MLA everyone wherever they live in the coun- or continues to be one of the few countries (Member of the Legislative Assembly), Dr. try.” It has strong public support. A 2009 in the world that does not provide one, is Harry A. Stewart; the chief of police, R. J. poll by Nanos Research found 86.2 percent up to American voters themselves. But if Robinson; and Alderman C. P. Dalton, chair- of Canadians surveyed supported or you want the opinion of someone who ben- man of the local Red Cross Society. Chairing efits from such a system in his own country for the Ukrainian Canadian Committee’s Marco Levytsky may be contacted at – take it from me. Like most Canadians, I Kingston branch – which he helped estab- [email protected]. am happy with our system and proud of it. lish in 1942 – was Martin Chepesiuk from Fort William. His career as a physician is distinguished with a named scholarship at Queen’s University’s School of Medicine. Opinions in The Ukrainian Weekly After celebrating liturgy, “in his native language,” Father Pelech addressed every- The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor one in English: “Most of you servicemen and commentaries on a variety of topics of concern to the were born, went to school and were Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian communities, brought up in this country. Your sacrifices as well as the Ukrainian diaspora. are just as great as anyone else’s in Canada. We all feel as one nation. Ukrainians have Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter- been persecuted in their own country and writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opin- that is why we appreciate the freedom of ions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the this country. At times there might be some Ukrainian National Association. misunderstandings but we get this every- where and they always straighten out in a Similarly, paid advertisements do not reflect the opinions of short time.” That final line intrigued me. either The Ukrainian or its publisher. An honorary captain, the Rev. Michael Pelech, in 1942. (Continued on page 13) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Ukrainian Cultural Center of Detroit spotlights members of UNWLA Vera Andrushkiw receives honorary doctorate from UCU

by Oksana Malanchuk WARREN, Mich. – The Ukrainian Cultural Center of Detroit on February 23 held a full-capacity public event on the occasion of “Soyuzianka Day” (a Soyuzianka is a mem- ber of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America [UNWLA]). This year the UNWLA Detroit Regional Council celebrates its 85th anniversary. Emphasis this year was given to the celebration and pre- sentation of several awards to a prominent public figure in the metropolitan Detroit area, Vera Andruskiw. Ms. Andrushkiw – an educator and active member of the Ukrainian American community – led Detroit’s Committee in Defense of Human Rights in Ukraine in the years 1972- 1976. In 1974-1979 and 1981-1888 she taught Ukrainian language, literature, culture and history at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic High School in Hamtramck, Mykhailo Boryslavskyi Mich., where she began the tradition of staging Ukrainian- “Soyuzianky” gathered on the 85th anniversary of the Detroit Regional Council of UNWLA. language plays with her colleagues. She was a lecturer of Ukrainian language and literature Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Defense National honor from the ambassador of Ukraine to the United at Wayne State University in 1985-1999. In 1997-1999, she Security Education Program to internationalize the curric- States, Volodymyr Yelchenko, “For personal contribution in was the director of the Harvard Ukrainian Summer ulum and increase study abroad programs at Historically strengthening a positive image of Ukraine, the develop- Institute and taught Advanced Ukrainian for Business. In Black and Hispanic Colleges and Universities. She also ment of Ukrainian education, promoting the preservation 1985-1999, she taught Ukrainian language and literature organized scholarships for five students at WSU School of of Ukrainian cultural and historical heritage in the territory at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). In 1999-2007 Business Administration through the Russian and Eurasian of the United States, and many years of active public work.” she was the director of the Community Partnerships Awards Program of NAFSA, the association of international She also received a certificate of appreciation from the Program at the US-Ukraine Foundation in Washington. educators. Very Rev. Volodymyr Petriv, the dean of the Detroit As a social activist, Ms. Andrushkiw has also been active- Later she led the Detroit Regional Council of the Parishes in “grateful appreciation and recognition for many ly involved in commemorating and informing the American UNWLA. When the war in eastern Ukraine began, she, years of dedication, diligence and valuable contributions to public about the tragedy of the Holodomor. Last year she along with the Ukrainian community and the Detroit the Parish Communities of the Ukrainian Catholic Church participated in a conference in Lansing, capital of Michigan, Regional Council, was instrumental in helping to send of the Detroit Deanery, Michigan.” and Hope College that introduced participants to the clothing and provisions to Ukrainian soldiers and to inter- The most important and the most moving moment at Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. Along with nally displaced persons in Ukraine. She helped organize the event was the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Doris Duzey, Dr. Olena Danylyuk and Marie Zarycky- and participated in roundtable discussions on the Ms. Andrushkiw from the Ukrainian Catholic University of Cherviovskiy, she prepared proposed educational materi- Revolution of Dignity at Wayne State University. Lviv (UCU) by Vice-Rector Natalia Klymovska. Ms. als – lesson plans on the genocidal Famine in Ukraine so Thanks to UNWLA funding, the Ukrainian Catholic Klymovska spoke eloquently about her experience at that teachers in Michigan could use them to teach the University (UCU) was able to open the Center for Wayne State University School of Business (1995 intern- Holodomor alongside other topics of genocide in U.S. Psychological Counseling “Prostir Nadiyi” (Space of Hope) ship) and what she learned from Ms. Andrushkiw that schools. in which all who are affected by war can receive free pro- served her well in her position as public relations director Since the re-establishment of Ukraine’s independence, fessional psychological/psychotherapeutic assistance and vice-rector at UCU. Ms. Andrushkiw has been actively involved in the develop- under existing international protocols. Present at the event were Joe Solimini and Yulia Komar ment of business education in Ukraine. In 1991-1999 she From the onset of the Ukrainian Catholic Education from the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, who organized and coordinated internships for students from Foundation’s activity in Detroit, Ms. Andrushkiw and Dr. announced the establishment of the Ukrainian Catholic Lviv Institute of Management (LIM) to the School of Danylyuk have been involved in active supporting the Education Foundation – Vera Andrushkiw Scholarship Business at Wayne State University (WSU). In addition, she Ukrainian Catholic University, having previously led a com- Fund. Due to Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy’s enormous effort, received a grant from the U.S. Information Agency to mittee of friends in Detroit that assisted the development generous donations poured in from the community to the exchange faculty of Lviv State University, Lviv Polytechnic of the Lviv Institute of Management. scholarship fund. University and LIM with WSU, so that the visiting profes- During the celebration of Soyuzianka Day, the president The next day, Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak, sors from Ukraine could have the opportunity to work on of the UNWLA Detroit Regional Council, Slava Glinska, sol- president of UCU, called from Rome to congratulate Ms. new courses and new materials and on the translation of emnly awarded Ms. Andrushkiw the title of “Honorary Andrushkiw on the honorary doctorate. economic textbooks for their students in Ukraine. President of the Detroit Regional Council.” All this took place in the presence of many distinguished Ms. Andrushkiw was the visiting lecturer on Ukraine Through the auspices of Ukraine’s Honorary Consul guests, among them, the national president of the UNWLA, during the summers of 1997 and 1998 at the University of Bohdan Fedorak, Ms. Andrushkiw received a certificate of Marianna Zajac; retired U.S. Congressman Sander Levin, a good friend to Ukrainian Americans; U.S.-Ukraine Foundation founders Nadia and Robert McConnell; Prof. emeritus Assya Humesky, the honoree’s mentor from the University of Michigan; Ms. Andrushkiw’s colleagues from Wayne State University, former Dean of the SBA Dr. William H. Volz, Dr. Ahmad Ezzeddine, Prof. Alina Klin, Prof. Dickran Toumajan and his wife, Anahit, Dr. Marta Dmytrenko- Ahrabian and MBA graduates; Ukrainian clergy of Detroit; honored guests from Ukraine and several different U.S. states many; many Detroit Soyuzianky; Ms. Andrushkiw’s family and friends from near and far; her aquaerobic friends, and neighbors and guests from the metropolitan Detroit community. On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the establish- ment of the Detroit Regional Council, its president, Ms. Glinska, received a letter of commendation from UNWLA President Zajac. After the awards and luncheon, Honored Artist of Ukraine Iryna Lonchyna performed an excellent rendition of her well-known songs that added to the festive mood of all present. In addition, the local ladies’ ensemble, Vyshyvanka (UNWLA Branch 76) sang a lovely medley of Ukrainian songs.

Vera Andrushkiw receives an honorary doctorate from Oksana Malanchuk is the press officer (English) of the Natalia Klymovska, vice-rector of the Ukrainian Retired U.S. Congressman Sander Levin congratulates Detroit Regional Council of the Ukrainian National Women’s Catholic University in Lviv. Vera Andrushkiw on her many awards. League of America. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 9 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13

licenses revoked in 2014-2016 were found television network. Leonid Kozhara, 57, three cities where they operate, including NEWSBRIEFS to have been engaged in widespread third- who served as foreign affairs minister for Kyiv. Amid worldwide travel restrictions, (Continued from page 2) party lending. U.S.-based corporate investi- two years under Kremlin-friendly former Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said gative firm Kroll and attorneys at President Viktor Yanukovych, was on March about 21,000 Ukrainian citizens had asked review the bill, as well as other measures to AlixPartners had found a hole of at least 25 immediately taken to court for a custody for assistance in returning home from cope with the coronavirus pandemic, has $5.5 billion in PrivatBank’s balance sheet. hearing, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs abroad and that 57 flights were planned for been pushed back from March 26 to March Mr. Kolomoisky has denied wrongdoing Anton Herashchenko said on Facebook. He their repatriation. “Overall, the number of 28 after a fourth lawmaker tested positive and maintains he is the rightful owner of is accused of killing Serhiy Starytskiy, a citizens planning to return to Ukraine is for COVID-19. While the bill could have PrivatBank. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) 56-year-old advertising magnate who about 38,000,” the ministry said, adding broad implications in Ukraine, it is widely directed the Inter TV network. Mr. Starytsky that more than 27,600 people had returned Former FM detained on murder charge known that its main purpose is to prevent was found dead inside Mr. Kozhara’s subur- to Ukraine in the previous 24 hours. (RFE/ Ihor Kolomoisky, the former co-owner of Ukrainian police have detained a former ban Kyiv home on February 22. He was RL’s Ukrainian Service, with reporting by PrivatBank, from regaining ownership foreign affairs minister on a murder charge fatally wounded by a bullet from a gun Hromadske and Ukrayinska Pravda) belonging to the former minister, police rights to the bank. Most of the 103 banks related to the fatal shooting of the ex-head Menendez on Russian abuses in Crimea that were either nationalized or had their of the country’s most popular pro-Russian said. Mr. Kozhara and his wife, who were both at home during the incident, have said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) has Mr. Starytskiy committed suicide in a sepa- criticized Russia for what he called “serious rate room. However, “investigators and human rights” abuses in Crimea during the prosecutors reviewed the circumstances of six years since Russia’s “illegal occupation the death... and have concluded that he and annexation” of the peninsula from [Starytskiy] could not have shot himself,” Ukraine. “Today, as it was six years ago, TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 Mr. Herashchenko said. Separately, the or e-mail [email protected] Crimea remains Ukrainian territory. Period,” National Police said that based on forensic, Mr. Menendez, the ranking member of the ballistics and molecular genetic tests, they Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on SERVICES PROFESSIONALS had enough evidence to charge Mr. Kozhara. March 18. “On this somber day, I stand in sol- During the evening of the shooting, accord- idarity with the Crimean people, who contin- ing to police, alcohol was being consumed ue to face serious human rights abuses at the МАРІЯ ДРИЧ and an argument erupted between the two hand of their occupiers, including torture, Ліцензований Продавець men, which escalated into a fight. Страхування Життя arbitrary arrests and the erosion of basic “Subsequently, the owner of the house went freedoms of expression and association,” he МАRІA DRICH to the bedroom, picked up a gun and, Licensed Life Insurance Agent said. Sen. Menendez’s criticism came as returning to the kitchen, shot his friend,” Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. Russian President Vladimir Putin began a police said. Mr. Kozhara, who served as for- two-day visit to Crimea, which Moscow 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 eign minister between 2012 and 2014, faces seized in 2014. Moscow deployed military Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 up to 15 years in prison if convicted. (RFE/ e-mail: [email protected] forces across Crimea and secured control of RL’s Ukrainian Service, with reporting by key government buildings in February 2014. Interfax, Hromadske and AFP) The following month, it carried out a hastily Ukraine to test lawmakers for COVID-19 organized referendum on Crimea’s status SERVICES that is considered illegitimate by more than The speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and 100 countries. In a statement, Ukraine’s other lawmakers will be tested for the Foreign Affairs Ministry criticized Mr. Putin’s novel coronavirus after one of their col- visit and denounced Russia’s “cynical” disre- leagues tested positive on March 18, local spect for international law. The visit coincid- media has reported. Authorities are trying ed with Russian military exercises at a train- to trace everyone who has been in contact ing range in Crimea. Russia’s Defense with National Deputy Serhiy Shakhov of the Ministry said the drills involved 600 air- Dovira (Faith) parliamentary group since borne troops. In his statement, Sen. he entered the legislature earlier in the Menendez noted that Congress “has made OPPORTUNITIES week following a trip to an unspecified EU clear” in several pieces of legislation that member state. Mr. Shakhov appeared on “the United States should never recognize Ukrainian television on March 12-13, Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea.” U.S. EARN EXTRA INCOME! according to deputy Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on The Ukrainian Weekly is looking and participated in a meeting of the February 26 said Washington “does not for advertising sales agents. Parliament’s Environment Committee on and will not ever recognize” Moscow’s For additional information contact March 13. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy annexation of Crimea. Mr. Menendez urged Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, said the infected lawmaker’s voter card other countries around the world to “adopt The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. was registered in Parliament on March 17 a policy of nonrecognition of Crimea as and was used to vote, although Mr. Shakhov Russian territory.” He noted: “When world was absent. “Unfortunately, his colleagues leaders do not speak out against Putin’s use are guilty of multiple voting,” Mr. Zelenskyy of violence to alter national borders, it only KULINSKI MEMORIALS said about the widespread phenomenon of emboldens future illegal aggression.” On 809 SOUTH MAIN STREET • MANVILLE, NJ 08835 multiple voting in the Verkhovna Rada that March 16, the European Union said all 27 TEL. 908-722-3130 FAX 908-253-0027 is punishable by law. Ukraine and the capi- members of the bloc remained committed TOLL FREE 800-458-5467 [email protected] tal city, Kyiv, closed its borders to foreigners to “fully implementing“ a nonrecognition for two weeks starting on March 16. policy, including through the use of sanc- • Serving Ukrainian families for over 60 years Authorities have also cancelled air, rail and tions, until Ukraine’s sovereignty and terri- • Over 40 granite colors to choose from bus connections between cities and torial integrity are restored. (RFE/RL, with • Custom etchings regions, and shut down the subway in all reporting by Interfax) • House appointments available • Serving the tri-state area * * * • 5 minutes from South Bound Brook, NJ Coping... Life at The Ukrainian Weekly, as well as (Continued from page 1) its sister publication, Svoboda, has also undergone some adjustments, as staff work Ukrainian songs have also united the from home and we limit our time in the community, just as Italians have famously office. Our advertising/subscription/ shown their solidarity by singing from their administration department, that is, Walter balconies across Italy during this health cri- Honcharyk, has been available for phone sis. A live online sing-along via YouTube, and e-mail communications. called “Spivayte Plastuny!” (enter the name The Ukrainian National Association, our publisher, continues to provide essential started by Andriy Michalchyshyn of services from the Home Office, as a limited inWinnipeg, Ukrainian: Manitoba. Співайте He now Пластуни!) has 108 sub was- number of staffers work on a rotating scribers and plans to host a weekly sing- schedule. UNA executives and staff have along on Monday evenings, with the next largely been working from home. one scheduled for March 30 at 6:30 p.m. As we continue to protect ourselves, our CST (that’s 7:30 on the East Coast). He loved ones and our neighbors, our plays guitar while singing selections from Ukrainian community organizations will the Plast songbook “Pry Vatri” that is avail- need our support during and after this cri- able online (https://pryvatri.de). The first sis passes. We look forward to sharing how Run your advertisement here, video received over 2,000 views, with com- our community organizations help one ments from viewers in Ukraine, New York another through this trying time. Keep us in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. and Boston, among other locales. posted! No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 11

Ukrainians in the U.S. and the November 2020 elections

by Oleh Wolowyna ing a comprehensive data-based descrip- applications that require timely data. According to the 2018 ACS, there were tion of Ukrainians in the U.S., the Atlas pro- Two years ago we posted on the center’s 708,273 potential Ukrainian American vot- Recent events in the United States have vides background information that can be website, in time for the midterm 2018 elec- ers, equivalent to 0.32 percent of all poten- propelled Ukraine and Ukrainians to useful when examining the voting data pre- tions, detailed 2016 data on potential vot- tial voters in the country. An important unimaginable levels of notoriety. The con- sented here and on the center’s website. ers of Ukrainian ancestry, and a summary fact is that 19 percent of these 708,000 are sequences of this notoriety can be consid- To be useful, data has to be updated on a of the data was published in this newspa- Fourth Wave immigrants. This means that ered, in the best of cases, a mixed blessing. regular basis. For many years, census data per. Here we present similar data from the these new immigrants are becoming U.S. Be that as it may, this experience has on ethnic groups in the U.S. was updated 2018 ACS that can be useful for the citizens at a fast pace and increasing the underscored the importance of active par- every 10 years. Since 2005, the data collect- November 2020 elections. No data is avail- pool of potential Ukrainian American vot- ticipation in the political process. The ed by the census every 10 years is now col- able for Ukrainians (or any ethnic group) ers. This presents new challenges for upcoming November 2020 elections pres- lected yearly by the American Community on party membership or voting behavior, encouraging active political participation ent opportunities and challenges for our Survey (ACS). The data becomes available but we have data that allows us to estimate among members of our community, espe- community. about a year after it is collected and the cen- how many persons of Ukrainian ancestry cially in Metropolitan areas (MAs) where We present here data developed by the ter can process it within a year. Thus, we can meet the legal requirements for voting, i.e., they make up more than half of potential Center for Demographic and Socio- have updated data on Ukrainian Americans U.S. citizen and age 18 years or older. We Ukrainian voters like Sacramento, Calif., economic Research of Ukrainians in the U.S. with a lag of two years. This is important for call them potential Ukrainian voters. and Seattle, Wash. (center for short) at the Shevchenko Ukrainian American potential voters Scientific Society in New York (society for Table 1. Potential Ukrainian voters in states have a somewhat older age structure than short) that may be useful during the prima- with 10,000 or more voters by age, 2018 all potential U.S voters. The median age of ry process and the November elections. U.S. voters is 47.5 years and 51.1 years for Age group % age group % Ukrainian voters The comprehensive database on State Sum Ukrainian Americans (median age means 18-24 25-64 65+ 18-24 65+ of total U.S. voters Ukrainians in the U.S. developed by the cen- half are younger and half are older than the ter allows one to analyze different aspects New York 6,111 64,729 32,114 102,954 5.9 31.2 0.78 median age). As shown in Figure 1, the of the Ukrainian-American ethnic group. A Pennsylvania 7,107 52,454 28,128 87,689 8.1 32.1 0.93 percentage of Ukrainian potential voters large amount of information generated California 5,499 44,012 19,481 68,992 8.0 28.2 0.27 age 18-24 at 8 percent is lower than that of from the database is posted on the center’s New Jersey 4,522 34,840 13,881 53,243 8.5 26.1 0.88 total U.S. voters (11 percent) and the per- website (http://www.inform-decisions. Florida 3,236 21,290 16,757 41,283 7.8 40.6 0.28 centage age 65 years or more is higher than com/stat), with interactive indicators, Illinois 3,366 22,471 12,992 38,829 8.7 33.5 0.44 that of all U.S. voters (29 and 21 percent, tables and maps. The website is consulted Washington 6,753 24,507 5,456 36,716 18.4 14.9 0.70 respectively). The older age structure is an daily by many persons and institutions Ohio 3,066 19,764 8,150 30,980 9.9 26.3 0.36 advantage for voting purposes, as older from the U.S., Canada, Ukraine and other Michigan 1,804 17,758 8,393 27,955 6.5 30.0 0.38 persons have a substantially higher voter countries from all over the world. An Maryland 513 12,430 5,589 18,532 2.8 30.2 0.44 turnout than younger persons, and this can important characteristic of this information Texas 2,122 10,474 3,043 15,639 13.6 19.5 0.09 be pointed out when talking with political is that it is reliable and objective, as it is Connecticut 642 9,974 4,981 15,597 4.1 31.9 0.62 candidates about Ukrainian American vot- based on official U.S. data. Massachusetts 1,050 10,228 3,992 15,270 6.9 26.1 0.32 ers. Another product of the center is the North Carolina 887 9,086 3,075 13,048 6.8 23.6 0.18 Besides classifications by age and by recently published “Atlas of Ukrainians in Virginia 375 9,941 2,670 12,986 2.9 20.6 0.22 Fourth Wave immigrant status, potential the U.S.,” the first of its kind for any ethnic voters can be disaggregated by other char- Oregon 2,022 6,777 2,321 11,120 18.2 20.9 0.37 group in the U.S., which is available on acteristics, such as sex, marital status, level Colorado 634 7,172 2,784 10,590 6.0 26.3 0.26 Amazon and the society’s website (http:// Minnesota 1,555 6,890 1,889 10,334 15 18.3 0.26 shevchenko.org/books/). Besides provid- (Continued on page 15)

With deep sorrow we mourn the passing of

(March 12, 1947 - January 16, 2020) Christine M. Bochensky on January 16, 2020 in Santa Monica, California.

She was born on March 12, 1947 in Ellwangen, Germany. During her lifetime, she was an active member in Plast, UNA and Ukrainian Communities in Michigan, New York and California.

Remaining in deep sorrow: sister - Marta with her husband Bohdan, Santa Monica, CA niece - Adriana, Los Angeles CA extended family in Ukraine, and many friends from east to west coast Вічная пам’ять!

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS Death announcements should be sent to the Advertising Department by e-mail to [email protected] or by fax to 973-644-9510. Deadline: Tuesday noon before the newspaper’s date of issue. For further information call 973-292-9800, ext. 3040. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13 No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 13

Crime thriller “East Bay Murders” Young author pens fantasy novel

“East Bay Murders,” by Tanya Chalupa. “Trial of Kings” by Nicholas Paslawsky, Independently published, 2020. Paperback, Castorville, Texas: Black Rose Writing, 2019. 246 pp., ISBN: 9781710996470, $15.99. Paperback: ISBN: 978-1684332731, 251pp,. $19.95. Kindle: ISBN: 1684332737, $6.99. In her third book and first work of fiction, Tanya Chalupa once again focuses on the This fantasy novel by a young Ukrainian San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento American follows the adventures of a com- County. “Because of the work I did in legisla- pany of teens who traverse the treacherous tion and running federally funded pro- Old World and resist the nefarious legion grams, I know Northern California, almost while trying to reach the mythical Bright like the back of my hand, although now I Harbor and discover themselves along the rotate between Washington, D.C. and way. Northern Virginia,” the author notes. It’s been five years since the ancient It was while she was working in Albany, world of Primoria held the Trial of Kings. Calif., Police Department with Lt. Bill “Elvis” The consequence of the final battle shat- Palmini, that DNA conclusively confirmed tered the spirits of the land, ushering in a Charles Junior Jackson as the killer in the time of great uncertainty. Five young com- shocking Albany Vila murder case. Ms. panions set out on a perilous journey Chalupa accompanied Lt. Palmini, who at the across the Old World in search of Luxtra, time was the investigating officer, to meet the city of light, but a brush with the with Alameda County Senior Deputy D.A. Corsair King and a Lord of the Creed would Rock Harmon, regarding the case. During alter their fate. the course of her writing, Mr. Harmon pro- Determined to reach their destination, vided Ms. Chalupa with guidance on the American millennial. with the guidance of a mysterious escort, workings of the prosecutor’s office. Ms. Chalupa was the force behind the five must navigate unknown dangers in December 2018, he graduated from Penn In her new book, “East Bay Murders,” California’s Child Seat Restraint Law and a trying quest. As they push forth in search State University with majors in creative young Assistant D.A. Jack Franko – whose other prevention legislation for babies and of a treasure beyond their understanding, writing and anthropology. He hopes to personality is partial based on Rock small children, She moved into the crime the hidden secrets of the realm and the spend his days writing enchanting stories Harmon and Ms. Chalupa’s late father, genre when the murder of a homeless veter- ones who keep them will challenge their and adventuring around the globe. Olexij Keis – is frustrated that the police an in Albany led to the capture of Robert devoted ambitions for the fabled Bright Mr. Paslawsky’s previous publication, departments in the San Francisco East Bay Silveria Jr., known as the “Box Car Serial Harbor. “Spicy Nuts: A Cookbook for Friends and were not connecting the dots to a serial kill- Killer,” exposing the existence of the railroad The author, Nicholas Paslawsky, was Family” was co-authored by Mr. Paslawsky er. His trap to expose the vicious slayer gang Freight Train Riders of America (FTRA). born in Englewood, N.J., and grew up on a and Cristeen Quinn. backfires when police accuse Franko of the Ms. Chalupa collaborated with Lt. Palmini on suburban farm in Towaco, N.J. For the His new book is available for purchase murders. Franko must prove his innocence the book “Murder on the Rails” and again on majority of his formative years, he spent his from online booksellers and retailers, and catch the brutal predator before he “A Rookie Cop Vs. The West Coast Mafia,” time reading fantasy and science fiction, including Amazon.com. For additional kills again. This is the first time that the based on a high-profile case Lt. Palmini had playing video games and participating in information, readers may visit www.black- hero in a crime thriller is a Ukrainian when he was a detective in Sausalito. Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization. In rosewriting.com.

ing theology in Montreal, he was not fur- them that truth, then offered thanks for evident. So, with the help of Friar David Recalling... ther troubled. He was ordained as a priest their having volunteered for active service from St. John’s, we organized an ecumeni- (Continued from page 7) on July 12, 1919, in Mundare, Alberta, by overseas. By doing so they demonstratively cal and commemorative service on March Nykyta Budka, the Ruthenian Catholic bish- proved Ukrainian Canadian loyalty to this 18 to honor the Kingstonians who fought to Now we can’t be sure about what Father op of Canada. So Father Pelech had person- Dominion and the British Empire, helping preserve our freedom during the second Pelech said next. We read he spoke again al experience of Canada’s first national insulate their community from punitive world war and the many Ukrainian but only “in his native language.” He could internment operations, had borne witness measures of the sort so many suffered Canadians who stood alongside them. have said something about how Ukrainians to thousands of Ukrainians and other needlessly during the first world war. Mark this occasion with a prayer or in the ranks were over-represented in pro- Europeans enduring state-sanctioned Msgr. Byrne’s message was markedly words of thanksgiving recalling the sacrific- portion to the size of their community in indignities – not because of anything they different. He simply said Ukrainian es of all our men and women in uniform. Canada, indeed probably should have. He had done but only because of where they Canadians would always be welcome at St. Meanwhile, an icon of Christ Pantocrator didn’t. Instead he delivered an epistle for had come from, who they were. John’s. Regrettably, his gracious gesture and a trilingual plaque will be unveiled and Ukrainian ears only. When he came to Kingston, Father was forgotten. The soldiers soon dispersed blessed at St. John’s to remind the faithful About what? His life offers clues. He was Pelech probably knew the servicemen while the city’s resident Ukrainian commu- and passers-by in years to come about what a citizen of the Austro-Hungarian Empire “training here” were barracked in the shad- nity remained small. It was not until these happened here 75 years ago and in our when he immigrated in 1905. When the ow of Fort Henry, Canada’s first permanent all-but-forgotten stories from the Whig- time. And please do visit St. John’s when you “Great War” broke out in 1914 he was of internment camp. It is unlikely any of them Standard were read again a few months can. Msgr. Byrne would rejoice in knowing military age and obliged to register as an had any inkling about how this city’s most ago that the importance of March 18, 1945, the kind welcome he offered Ukrainian “enemy alien.” Already enrolled at the prominent fortification once held other in the religious and military history of Canadians decades ago has now been University of Manitoba and, by 1917, study- Ukrainians prisoner. I suspect he first told Kingston’s Ukrainian community became shared with all of you, in his good memory. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13

On the ice: Greg Pateryn perseveres It is common knowledge more time is in February 2017. (The Canadiens traded required to make it in the NHL as a defense- Pateryn and a fourth-round pick for defen- man than it is as a forward. Generally speak- seman Jordie Benn.) He finally got his ing an additional couple of years spent per- chance at full-time duty the next season fecting one’s skating, positional play, coach- and the 2017-2018 campaign was a career es’ strategies and developing chemistry year with the stay-at-home stalwart seeing with fellow rearguards and goaltenders is action in 73 Stars contests, scoring 13 the norm. Then there is the organizational points. In the off-season Pateryn left Dallas depth chart, the hope for an opening on the as a free agent and was rewarded with a blueline, the rapport with the coaches and three-year, $6.75 million deal by the the club’s salary cap situation. An NHL pros- Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2018. pect can control most of his personal devel- Pateryn was signed to add depth to the opment, but several outside factors also Wild’s blueline. He was slotted in to the affect his gaining a full-time NHL spot. For team’s third defense pairing with the some the process takes even longer. expectation he would bring good old fash- Ukrainian Greg Pateryn more than paid his ion toughness the club needed from its dues before earning permanent status in defenders. the world’s best hockey league. Circumstances changed during the sea- NHL.com Since being drafted in the fifth round son when Pateryn was asked to play more Minnesota Wild defenseman Greg Pateryn. (128th overall) by Toronto in 2008, minutes against tougher competition on the Pateryn’s road to an NHL regular shift on team’s second defense pairing due to Matt ricade-the-door defenseman, who will self when the brain gets shut off. He prefers defense was full of stops and detours. Dumba’s injury (which Dumba sustained in never be described as flashy, had made it in murder mysteries, novels by author Dan Shortly after the draft he was traded to a fight on the ice). Pateryn more than held the National Hockey League. Brown, thrillers and an occasional James Montreal with a second round draft pick for his own, made few mistakes and protected Patterson book. “Altered Carbon,” a science Mikhail Grabovski. He proceeded to enjoy a the front of the net for fellow-Ukrainian Off the Ice: Greg Pateryn personal fiction/futuristic drama, was an interesting four-year career at the University of goalie Devan Dubnyk. He also dropped the He first took to the ice in full gear as a lit- and cool viewing on Netflix. Michigan before signing a two-year entry- gloves to stand up for a teammate, another tle tyke at Fraser Arena in Fraser, Mich., level deal with the Canadiens on March 28, asset in short supply with the Wild. with his father, who played a bit of hockey Coyotes commit 2012. In four-plus years in the Montreal Pateryn proved he’s more than service- in high school. Growing up, Pateryn was to Chychrun system he played in 82 NHL games and 163 able in his first year with Minnesota. never motivated or guided by anyone AHL games, seeing the most action with the Playing on a team, which probably under- toward a future in hockey. Instead he devel- The Arizona Coyotes have a ways to go parent club in the 2015-2016 season (36 performed in 2018-2019, Pateryn dressed oped an inner resolve and belief that hard before becoming a perennial Stanley Cup games and 49 penalty minutes). in 80 out of 82 contests and totaled a mod- work and solid advice from experts would contender. Signing promising young play- Pateryn made Montreal’s 2016-2017 est seven points with 41 minutes in penal- result in success. He learned to deal with ers to long-term deals is a major step in the opening night roster, serving as a depth ties. self-doubt, cope with the rollercoaster right direction. Getting Ukrainian defense- defenseman, appearing in 24 games before At the age of 28, 10 years after being moments of playing competitive sports. man Jakob Chychrun to agree to a six-year being dealt to Dallas at the trade deadline drafted into the league, this old-school, bar- He treasures his first NHL goal puck, contract extension in November 2018 is which sits on a plaque in his Minnesota one of those major steps. Now under team control through the home. The score came on a four-on-four 2025 season, he joins teammates Christian against Buffalo on a pass to the point that Dvorak and Oliver Ekman-Larsson as mem- Pateryn one-timed into the back of the net. JACQUES HNIZDOVSKY bers of the Coyotes present and future A huge sense of relief was accompanied by nucleus. Chychrun becomes a key piece and some joyous excitement. He’s also proud of A Great Selection: 60 Prints a core player to team with Ekman-Larsson the various jerseys he’s worn as a pro play- on the back end to build around. er, sometimes reflecting on their different Email or call us for a list with prices: Only 21 years old with two knee surger- numbers, colors and logos. [email protected] or 508-284-7036 ies and three years of NHL service, Surprisingly in this day and age, Pateryn Chychrun’s been limited the past two sea- proudly admits he is 100 percent sons while recuperating from twice tearing Th e D.C. Rare Book and Art Fair, Ukrainian, fluent in the language and his ACL. When healthy, he has exhibited the enjoys teasing Russian players with a few April 17 and 18 at the Gateway Marriott, kind of ceiling a top-pair defenseman can random words on and off the ice. All four of Arlington, VA has been canceled. possess. In 171 career games (through his grandparents emigrated from Ukraine 2018-2019), he’s tallied 16 goals and 38 and, growing up in Michigan, he only spoke assists for 54 points. Chychrun has shown Ukrainian with them. His parents allowed an ability to transition the puck at an elite more hybrid English/Ukrainian talk in their level and serve as a proficient point-man on house and Pateryn’s Ukrainian is currently the power play. a little spotty. Chychrun will have to continue to Looking back at his long path to a regu- improve his defensive game like any young lar spot on the Wild defensive line, Pateryn offensively inclined defenseman still new to believes that everything eventually works the rigors of the NHL. The Coyotes elected out. In struggling times it is important to to buy into the tremendous potential of not get down, but instead find ways to stay their 2016 first-round pick. positive. It is necessary to eliminate doubts Building blocks for an up and coming and bad thoughts while remaining positive NHL club include a starting goaltender, and focusing on the bright side. It helped some premier defensemen, a 200-foot cen- that he grasped this inner philosophy at a ter and a few sniping wingers. In Chychrun, very young age. the Arizona Coyotes have one of those big His road trips and off days are spent rocks. reading, usually a kindle which was a gift from his wife. Pateryn is partial to Netflix as Ihor Stelmach may be reached at an avenue of quality mindless time for him- [email protected]. We have been buying and selling ne prints and art for more than 50 years. Please contact us about selling or purchasing prints, drawings or paintings by Mr. Hnizdovsky. it, can only erode trust in the current Underhanded... administration and their assurances. William Greenbaum Fine Prints (Continued from page 6) President Zelenskyy may genuinely want peace in the Donbas, but playing into Rockport, MA 01966 decision now, making use of the restric- Vladimir Putin’s hands by negotiating with Open By Appointment tions over the coronavirus pandemic to the latter’s puppets will not bring peace avert widespread protests. Whether or not closer. Mr. Zelenskyy should understand Charter Member: International Fine Print Dealers Association this influenced the timing, it is difficult not that this is a price he has no right to make to agree that the move, and secrecy around Ukraine pay. No. 13 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 15

Ukraine fulfills the political clauses of the Ukraine’s President... Minsk “accords.” (Continued from page 3) Mr. Putin has dealt with five Ukrainian presidents in 20 years, but Mr. Medvedchuk­ the humanitarian issue of prisoner is the only Ukrainian politician to have exchanges, no substitute for strategy. enjoyed Mr. Putin’s full confidence this entire time and to have repaid this privilege April 4 Genealogy Conference Online, “Nashi Predky-Our Kremlin’s use of Medvedchuk with seemingly unconditional loyalty. Each Online Ancestors,” 732-356-0132 or [email protected] The Kremlin continues using Mr. of them is, however, an asset of limited value to the other. Given Mr. Putin’s low April 4 Ukrainian Easter Bazaar, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Medvedchuk in several roles in this game: Ottawa Catholic Shrine, 613-723-1673 or First, as a long-time proponent of restruc- popularity rating in Ukraine, his image www.st-john-baptist-shrine.ca turing Ukraine along federal lines with a transfer to Mr. Medvedchuk is confined to weak central government; second, to lead core Russophile groups – the political field April 5 Easter Bazaar, Ukrainian Homestead, pre-order pickup only the Russophile parliamentary opposition, of the OP-FL party. And given Mr. Medved­ Lehighton, PA www.ukrhomestead.com or 610-377-4621 potentially a reserve of votes for the gov- chuk’s quasi-permanent status as an oppo- erning party in “situational” deals if needed sition politician, without an institutional April 5 Pierogi for Peace Fundraiser, Holy Trinity Ukrainian to pass legislation; third, to oversee the power base or access to state resources, he Cheektowaga, NY Orthodox Church, 716-847-1281 media holding that has consolidated capitalizes on the well-advertised connec- Ukraine’s pro-Russia electorate around the tion with Mr. Putin, leveraging this as a April 5 17th annual Easter Egg Hunt, Ukrainian National OP-FL party. power broker with Ukrainian presidents. New Haven, CT Association Branch 414, St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Mr. Medvedchuk is wielding certain At this point, President Zelenskyy must Church, 203-269-5909 scripted talking points to dismiss Mr. choose either “peace” on Russian terms Zelenskyy’s striving for “peace” with Russia with the help of Mr. Medvedchuk’s votes in April 11 Ukrainian Easter Market, Assumption of the Blessed and to pressure him into more concessions. the Verkhovna Rada or, alternatively, make Ottawa Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral hall, Every time Ukrainian soldiers are killed at good on his promise to initiate the revision 613-728-0856 or www.ukrainianorthodox.info the front, Mr. Medvedchuk adduces this as of the unimplementable Minsk “accords.” evidence that Mr. Zelenskyy does not do enough for peace. And when the president The article above is reprinted from Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events raises expectations of progress toward an Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions “end to the war,” Mr. Medvedchuk counters its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors that this will remain out of reach unless www.jamestown.org. and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

Dakota with 0.77, but it has only 4,200 Ukrainians... potential voters. The full list of states with Table 3. Number of potential Ukrainian voters and percent of total US voters: selected counties, New Jersey, 2018 (Continued from page 11) this information is posted at the center’s website. Ukrainian % of total Ukrainian % of total of education, etc. Geographical disaggrega- If we consider all 50 states, the relative County voters U.S. voters County voters U.S. voters tion by state, metropolitan area and select- number of potential Ukrainian votes is ed counties make the data useful for elec- quite low in most states. Their percentage New Jersey 50,860 0.84 tions at different levels: president, senators is under 0.1 in 10 states, and between 0.1 NA 2,352 0.58 Middlesex 5,353 1.03 and congressmen at federal and State lev- and 0.2 percent in 15 states. However, in six Bergen 6,545 1.03 Monmouth 3,891 0.84 els; governors, mayors and other officials at states (listed above) and the District of Burlington 2,258 0.69 Morris 3,840 1.08 state, metropolitan area and county levels. Columbia, the percentage of Ukrainian vot- Camden 2,273 0.62 Ocean 4,103 0.93 Table 1 presents the numbers of ers is 0.5 or more. Although Ukrainians in Essex 1,779 0.35 Passaic 2,288 0.73 Ukrainian American potential voters for the these states have, in theory, more political Gloucester 2,060 0.94 Somerset 2,988 1.30 18 states with 10,000 or more voters in power, this does not mean that Ukrainians Hudson 2,090 0.54 Sussex 1,240 1.15 2018. The data is disaggregated by age in states with lower proportions of voters Hunterdon 1,406 1.51 Union 3,419 0.96 group and includes the percentage of can be less influential. For example, the rel- Mercer 1,645 0.69 Warren 1,330 1.65 Ukrainian voters as part of the total U.S. ative percentage in California is only 0.22, voters in each state. New York State has by but the number of potential Ukrainian vot- far the largest number of potential ers is 73,500, and Illinois and Ohio have – they make up 50 percent or more of all ing counties are reported in the row NA. Ukrainian voters with 103,000, followed by 35,700 and 33,700 potential voters, respec- potential Ukrainian voters. At the other end, Bergen and Middlesex counties have the Pennsylvania with 88,000, California with tively. These numbers can be decisive when only 3 percent of all potential Ukrainian vot- largest numbers of potential Ukrainian vot- 69,000 and New Jersey with 53,000. As very small numbers of votes often decide ers are Fourth Wave immigrants in Detroit ers, 6,500 and 5,300, respectively. Warren expected, Florida has the highest percent- elections. and Pittsburgh. The full list of MAs with County has the highest relative percentage of age of older voters (41 percent are age 65 Table 2 presents the numbers of poten- 5,000 or more potential Ukrainian voters is Ukrainian voters with 1.65, followed by or older), while Washington State and tial Ukrainian voters by age groups for 13 posted on the center’s website. Hunterdon with 1.51, Somerset with 1.30, Oregon have the highest percentages of Metropolitan Areas (MAs) with 10,000 or The ACS gathers data from a represent- Sussex with 1.15, Morris with 1.08, and younger voters (18 percent each in the more voters. Two additional indicators in able sample of approximately 2.5 percent of Bergen and Middlesex with 1.03 each. 18-24 year age group). This is due to the Table 2 are: percentage of Fourth Wave the U.S. population. This means that not all Although these data are not ideal, they fact that these states have the highest per- immigrants and percentage of Ukrainian counties are captured in the sample and serve several purposes. First, they provide centages of Fourth Wave immigrants. voters of the total in each MA. In four MAs – there is no data for some counties. As an a detailed picture of the voting potential of The number of Ukrainian voters in these Philadelphia, Sacramento (California), example, we show in Table 3 data on poten- Ukrainian Americans across the country by states makes up less than 1 percent of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh – potential tial Ukrainian voters for counties in New state and MA, and in many cases at the total of U.S. potential voters. Ukrainians Ukrainian voters make up around 1 percent Jersey. Data for all available counties by county level. Second, they can be used in have the highest percentages in Pennsyl­ of all voters, while this percentage is 0.35 state are posted on the center’s website. contacts with political candidates and party vania with 0.93 percent, New Jersey with or smaller in three MAs. There were 50,860 potential Ukrainian officials to: a) inform them about the voting 0.88, New York with 0.78, Washington State The percentages of Fourth Wave immi- voters in New Jersey in 2018, and they rep- potential of Ukrainians for their candidates; with 0.70 and Connecticut with 0.62 per- grants that are qualified to vote vary signifi- resent 0.84 percent of all potential voters in b) find out about and/or influence their cent. The only other state with a high rela- cantly among the 13 MAs. In three of them the state. There is data available for 17 of the position about foreign policies that may tive percentage of Ukrainian voters is North – Portland (Oregon), Seattle, and Sacramento 21 counties in New Jersey; data for the miss- affect Ukraine.

Table 2. Potential Ukrainian voters in Metropolitan Areas with 10,000 or more voters by age, 2018 % 4th % Ukrainians Metropolitan Area 18-24 25-64 65+ Sum wave of total U.S. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA 7,418 66,974 30,638 105,030 29 0.80 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ 3,312 28,013 13,877 45,202 12 1.03 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI 3,437 22,493 12,754 38,684 21 0.61 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 3,761 15,928 3,325 23,014 51 0.85 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 610 13,590 7,676 21,876 22 0.26 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 922 11,196 5,734 17,852 3 0.58 Pittsburgh, PA 1,495 10,407 5,263 17,165 3 0.98 Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, CA 2,974 12,115 1,739 16,828 68 1.04 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD 755 11,388 3,829 15,972 17 0.39 Cleveland-Elyria, OH 1,226 10,109 4,451 15,786 19 1.03 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 2,567 7,544 1,999 12,110 49 0.68 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 521 8,142 3,112 11,775 19 0.35 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 807 3,975 5,216 9,998 18 0.26 Age structure of potential voters: Ukrainians and total U.S., 2018. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 No. 13