INSIDE: l Euro-Maidan activist fights to save his child’s life – page 8 l New research on migration of highly qualified professionals from – page 11 l Plast scouts in the U.S. carry on despite impact of COVID-19 – page 13 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXIX No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 $2.00 Government ousts chief, Top U.S. envoy Blinken visits , says Washington undermining corporate governance standards considering more military assistance to Ukraine by Roman Tymotsko 2016-2020. But in 2020 the company reported negative financial results. KYIV – Ukraine’s government appointed Together Messrs. Kobolyev and Vitrenko as the new CEO of state- influenced the success of Naftogaz, working owned giant Naftogaz on April 28, replacing side by side from 2014 until 2020 when , who had led the enter- they parted roads due to conflicting visions prise since 2014. The move, which occurred for the company’s future. the day after the national oil and gas com- The company won a historic victory for pany reported a loss in 2020 of $684 mil- Ukraine in an arbitration case decided in lion, was taken by Ukraine’s Cabinet of Stockholm when both Messrs. Kobolyev Ministers, which used a legal loophole to rid and Vitrenko managed Naftogaz. That arbi- themselves of Mr. Kobolyev. tration proceeding between Ukrainian and The Cabinet of Ministers dismissed the Russian national gas companies ultimately entire Naftogaz Board of Directors for a day became the largest commercial arbitration and rehired all but Mr. Kobolyev a day later. ever. During the short interval when the board Mutual claims in that case amounted to was technically absent, the government roughly $125 billion, which threatened to added Mr. Vitrenko as the new CEO of bankrupt both and Naftogaz. The Naftogaz, Ukraine’s largest taxpayer in the Stockholm arbitration satisfied Naftogaz’s Office of the country. Mr. Kobolyev was not informed of claim for compensation of $4.63 billion for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) met with U.S. Secretary of State the government’s decision. Gazprom’s failure to deliver the agreed vol- Antony Blinken in Kyiv on May 6. “I learned about the ‘dismissal’ from the ume of gas transited to Ukraine from . news,” Mr. Kobolyev wrote on Facebook Following Naftogaz’s recent reported by Mark Raczkiewycz Victoria Nuland as the delegation met with shortly after the government’s decision losses, the Cabinet of Ministers made the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, went public. decision to remove Mr. Kobolyev, a move KYIV – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Foreign Most of Ukraine’s state-owned compa- largely viewed as undermining the compa- Blinken on May 6 paid a one-day visit to Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba, presiden- nies used to be highly unprofitable, drain- ny’s corporate governance system. The use Ukraine where he reiterated U.S. govern- tial office head Andriy Yermak, parliamen- ing the country’s budget. However, after the of that system was one of the reasons ana- ment support for the country’s sovereignty tary faction heads and leaders of civil soci- Revolution of Dignity, some became profit- lysts said the company became profitable and territorial integrity in the face of ety organizations. able due to corporate governance reforms. in the first place. Russia’s ongoing aggression. Mr. Blinken said the U.S. “is seriously Naftogaz was among the profitable group, The top U.S. diplomat was accompanied considering increasing security assistance,” showing net gains four years running, from (Continued on page 9) by Undersecretary for Political Affairs while noting that much of the more than 100,000 Russian troops and military hard- ware that amassed at Ukraine’s state bor- der remain there following military drills Last suspect in killing of journalist Sheremet last month. “We are monitoring the situation close- ly,” he added. Regarding the war with released from jail, placed under house arrest Russian-led forces in eastern Ukraine, Mr. Blinken said “there are daily casualties by Mark Raczkiewycz along the contact line, and cyberattacks, KYIV – After 506 days in jail, the last of the three suspects in and use of force…thus we are against the high-profile murder of journalist was Russia destabilizing the situation in released on April 30 and placed under round-the-clock house Ukraine.” arrest with an electronic monitoring device. By making Ukraine his first destination Upon hearing the judge partly grant his defense motion in a in Eastern Europe early into U.S. President Kyiv court, Andriy Antonenko, 49, said the first emotion he felt ’s term, the secretary of state was of denial. underscored Washington’s commitment to “I was perplexed…at first, I didn’t believe they were going to the two countries’ strategic partnership. release me,” he told The Ukrainian Weekly in an exclusive inter- The visit comes amid Kyiv’s vociferous view conducted over the phone on May 5. aspiration for NATO membership, requests Mr. Antonenko, who had been in pre-trial detention since for additional military assistance and per- December 2019, said he wasn’t satisfied that the case against him mission to purchase more advanced arms wasn’t closed “because the real issue here is it’s all a fabrication – from allies to defend against an increasing- they should’ve thrown the case out because my guilt has never ly belligerent Russia. been proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said in reference to Facebook page of Andriy Antonenko Since 2014, the U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $4.6 billion in assis- -born Russian citizen Pavel Sheremet who was killed in a Andriy Antonenko car explosion in the early morning hours of July 20, 2016. tance, including security and non-security At the time of his murder, Mr. Sheremet was employed at environment of impunity for attacks on activists and journalists aid. Radio Vesti and as a columnist for the online Ukrainian news who challenge vested interests and people of power in Ukraine. During the meeting, Mr. Zelenskyy source Ukrayinska Pravda. In his work he criticized the authori- On December 12, 2019, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mr. expressed hope that at the NATO summit ties in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Avakov and then-chief prosecutor Ruslan Ryaboshapka jointly on June 14, discussions will begin on the His murder, which Internal Affairs Minister Arseniy Avakov prospect of Ukraine receiving an Action has attributed to his professional work, was a reminder of the (Continued on page 15) (Continued on page 12) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

NEWS ANALYSIS

One-on-one with Putin: G-7 seeks to counter ‘irresponsible’ behavior G-7 ministers said they were “deeply con- cerned about the deteriorating human The G-7 has wrapped up its first in-per- rights situation in Russia, and the systemat- a reckless adventure for Zelenskyy son meeting in more than two years with a ic crackdown on opposition voices, human pledge to bolster collective efforts to coun- prehensive list) would be a trophy for Mr. rights defenders, independent civil society, by Vladimir Socor ter Russia’s “irresponsible and destabiliz- Putin from a meeting with the Ukrainian and media.” (RFE/RL) ing” behavior, but offered little concrete “We should not let Mr. Zelenskyy and his president. action aside from expressing support for Russia says half a million passports issued team off the hook, but let them twist [wriggle, Mr. Yermak had guided Mr. Zelenskyy Ukraine. “We are deeply concerned that squirm] there,” Russian Foreign Affairs into accepting the Steinmeier Formula in the negative pattern of Russia’s irresponsi- Russia’s Internal Affairs Ministry says Minister Sergei Lavrov recently told reporters October 2019 as a ticket to the December ble and destabilizing behavior continues,” that more than 527,000 people in parts of (RIA Novosti, April 28). This is Mr. Lavrov’s 2019 Normandy summit; he agreed with the top diplomats of Britain, Canada, eastern Ukraine where Moscow-backed own style of signaling to Ukraine that Russia Mr. Kozak on a “consultative council” equal- separatist formations are waging a war France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the holds the commanding position to set the izing Kyiv with Donetsk-Luhansk in March against Kyiv have been granted Russian cit- United States said in a joint statement on agenda of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 2020, as a price for the hoped-for April izenship over the past two years. The min- May 5 following talks in London. The minis- ardently sought meeting with his Kremlin 2020 Normandy summit (aborted following istry’s press service made the announce- ters cited “the large buildup of Russian mil- counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian civil society’s backlash); and he ment on May 2 to the state news agency itary forces on Ukraine’s borders and in Elaborating on Mr. Putin’s pre-conditions guided his president into accepting the July TASS. It said around 40 percent of applica- illegally annexed Crimea, its malign activi- (see EDM, April 28, 29) to such a meeting, tions had been rejected, citing expulsions 2020 agreement, again equalizing Kyiv with ties aimed at undermining other countries’ Russia’s top diplomat reaffirms that Mr. or restrictions on entry to Russia. Russian Donetsk-Luhansk (see above), which is why democratic systems, its malicious cyberac- Putin and himself (Mr. Lavrov) would not President Vladimir Putin in April 2019 Kyiv has backtracked on it since then. At tivity and use of disinformation.” The state- answer phone calls from their Ukrainian issued an order for a simplified and expe- present, Mr. Yermak holds out the tempting ment also said, “We nevertheless will con- counterparts as long as the latter attempt to dited citizenship process for residents of prospect to his president that a one-on-one tinue to bolster our collective capabilities discuss the conflict in Donbas with Russia. those areas. Moscow’s policy of handing meeting of Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelenskyy and those of our partners to address and “The Ukrainians want to portray Russia as a out citizenship in Ukraine has come under “could become a landmark historical event” deter Russian behavior that is threatening party to the conflict. But they must discuss intense international criticism as a bid to (Ukraina 24 TV, Liga.net, April 27). the rules-based international order, includ- settling this conflict with Donetsk and further destabilize the area, where more Mr. Putin has announced that he would ing in the areas of cyberspace security and Luhansk, not with us.” Mr. Lavrov continued, than 13,000 people have been killed since put the “restrictions” on the Russian lan- disinformation.” The G-7 meeting set the “If, however, [the Ukrainians] wish to dis- the fighting started in April 2014. Ukraine guage and Russian Orthodox Church in tone for next month’s summit of the cuss normalizing bilateral relations with us, Ukraine on the agenda of any meeting with has condemned the Russian naturalization we are ready at any time […] at any loca- group’s leaders in Cornwall, England. It of Ukrainian citizens as part of a hybrid- Mr. Zelenskyy. The latter is almost certainly came amid heightened tensions between tion” (RIA Novosti, April 28). aware that concessions to the Kremlin on warfare campaign being waged by Moscow In order to qualify for a president-to-pres- Russia and the West over issues including and a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. those issues would carry prohibitive politi- Russia’s military threats to Ukraine, alleged ident meeting, Mr. Lavrov reminded Ukraine cal risks for him in Ukraine. The Kremlin’s Russia has provided military, economic and that it should accept the terms of the 2015 meddling in elections in the United States political support to the separatists in parts spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has indicat- and other democracies, alleged state- Minsk “agreement” unchanged in their con- ed that normalizing overall bilateral rela- of Ukraine’s Luhansk and Donetsk regions. tent and their sequence. It should fulfill the backed hacking, and the poisoning and jail- Despite overwhelming evidence to the con- tions would be on the agenda, if a meeting ing of Kremlin foe Alexei Navalny. Russia’s December 2019 Normandy summit’s “deci- takes place (TASS, April 29). trary, Moscow maintains it is not involved sions,” mainly by legislating a “special status” recent military buildup near the Ukrainian in Ukraine’s domestic affairs. The develop- Ukrainian leaders have consistently border and in Crimea, seized by Moscow in in negotiations with Donetsk-Luhansk and experienced fiascos when making deals ments come at a time of heightened ten- incorporating the Steinmeier Formula. And March 2014, has raised concerns about a sions between Russia and Ukraine in recent with their Russian counterparts bilaterally, major escalation of the conflict in eastern it should return to compliance with the July outside an international framework or weeks, when Russia launched a major mili- 2020 “enhanced” ceasefire agreement, nego- Ukraine, where fighting between govern- tary buildup along its border with Ukraine international law: Leonid Kuchma in 2003 ment forces and Moscow-backed separat- tiated between Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk in (Kerch Strait–Azov Sea agreement), Viktor and in the Black Sea Ukrainian region of the Minsk Contact Group. According to Mr. ists has killed more than 13,000 people Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Yushchenko in 2005 (RosUkrEnergo natu- since April 2014. The Russian military said Lavrov, reinstating this agreement is the ral gas deal), Yulia Tymoshenko in 2009 On April 8, Mr. Putin’s deputy chief of staff, foremost topic in Mr. Putin’s telephone con- last week that most of its troops had Dmitry Kozak, said Russia could “be forced (long-term contract with Gazprom) and returned to their permanent bases. U.S. versations about Ukraine with German in 2010 (Kharkiv agree- to come to the defense” of Russian citizens Chancellor Angela Merkel and French Secretary of State Antony Blinken was fly- in Ukraine, a statement that was repeated ment on the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s bas- ing to Kviv after the G-7 meeting to “under- President Emmanuel Macron, among the ing in Crimea). Russia’s open assault on the following day by Kremlin spokesman Normandy group’s top diplomatic advisers, score unwavering U.S. support for Dmitry Peskov. In November 2020, Mr. Ukraine since 2014 has thus far precluded Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integ- and in the Minsk Contact Group (RIA those sorts of one-on-one deals. Mr. Zelens­ Peskov said, “Russia has always protected Novosti, April 28). rity in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggres- and will continue to protect the interests of kyy, however, is now willing and indeed sion” and to “encourage progress on Behind the megaphone diplomacy, how- eager to return to the practice of bilateral Russians, regardless of where they live.” ever, Mr. Putin’s and Mr. Zelenskyy’s top Ukraine’s reform agenda,” according to the deal with the Kremlin. He is vulnerable on State Department. In their statement, the (Continued on page 10) advisers, Dmitry Kozak and Andriy Yermak, many counts, some of which he has himself respectively, are confidentially negotiating unwittingly displayed: extreme aversion to the agenda, date and venue of a possible even low-rate military casualties; “ending president-to-president meeting. Mr. Putin’s the war” as a domestic political platform; a FOUNDED 1933 emphatic refusal to discuss the war in the supplicant’s posture in his quest to meet The Ukrainian Weekly Donbas with Mr. Zelenskyy (see EDM, April with Mr. Putin; relegating competent diplo- 28) is a public posture, and Mr. Lavrov’s mats to secondary roles in the Normandy An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., listing of Ukrainian qualifications for such a and Minsk processes and the bilateral a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. meeting (see above) can be seen not as pre- negotiations with the Kremlin. conditions but as a Russian-desired out- The absence of hands-on advice in Kyiv Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. come of a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting. The from the United States is another serious (ISSN — 0273-9348) Kremlin may well seize the opportunity of handicap to Mr. Zelenskyy, as long as both a meeting with Mr. Zelenskyy in order to The Weekly: UNA: of the key posts – U.S. ambassador in Kyiv Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 bring up the Donbas war and press him and State Department special envoy on into some commitments regarding the Ukraine – remain vacant. Secretary of State Postmaster, send address changes to: armistice at the front and the political pro- Antony Blinken’s imminent visit to Kyiv The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Andrew Nynka cess. Reinstating the July 2020 “enhanced” might perhaps elucidate those matters. 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas ceasefire agreement, co-equal between Meanwhile, the notion of some of Mr. P.O. Box 280 Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk, is currently Zelenskyy’s advisors that he “does not need Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] Russia’s foremost priority in the Minsk to be ‘chaperoned’ in order to meet with Contact Group and the Normandy process Mr. Putin” (Novoye Vremya, April 29, 30) is The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com (see above). Another Zelenskyy cave-in on a risk-fraught notion. The president has this issue alone (out of Mr. Lavrov’s com- justifiably lost confidence in the Normandy The Ukrainian Weekly, May 9, 2021, No. 19, Vol. LXXXIX format. But this does not justify venturing Copyright © 2021 The Ukrainian Weekly to meet Mr. Putin one-on-one. Mr. Correction Zelenskyy can delay further steps in that In the April 25 issue of The Ukrainian direction until U.S. advice is in place and ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Weekly, the SportsShorts section included operating in Ukraine’s interest. an entry for Powerlifting. The correct Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 headline for this entry should have been The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] Weightlifting, which is recognized as an Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Olympic sport. The correction has been its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] made online. www.jamestown.org. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 3

White House advisor briefs Ukrainian American representatives on U.S.-Ukraine relations WASHINGTON – The Steering Committee help Ukraine fight corruption since, Regarding Crimea, Mr. Smith noted that Ukraine. With this in mind, a strong candi- of Ukrainian Americans for Biden and rep- through corrupt actors, Russia gains inter- the United States recently implemented date needs to be selected as the next U.S. resentatives of Ukrainian American organi- nal leverage; and the U.S. is committed to new sanctions on individuals and groups ambassador to Ukraine and the Biden zations received a briefing on April 26 from work with Ukraine on economic and ener- for human rights violations in Crimea, administ ­ration seeks to get “one of the Chris Smith, director for Ukraine, Belarus, gy reforms. Improving Ukraine’s energy including repression of the religious rights best” to fill this important role, Mr. Smith and the Caucasus at the National infrastructure is paramount to Ukraine’s of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars. said. Security Council. The briefing, held via security and essential for Ukraine to In terms of priorities, Andrew Futey, Michael Sawkiw, Jr., executive director of Zoom, was a comprehensive 75-minute achieve long-term goals, he said. president of the Ukrainian Congress the Ukrainian National Information Service overview of topics that included plans to The issue of Russian disinformation in Committee of America, said the Biden (UNIS), reminded attendees that the battle Russian disinformation, sanctions the United States and in Ukraine was raised administra ­tion should introduce additional Ukrainian American community has strong against Russia, Nord Stream 2, Russia’s several times during the briefing. Arch­ sanctions against Russia, Russian corpora- allies in Congress, strong bipartisan sup- increasingly threatening activity in the bishop Daniel (Zelinsky) of the Ukrainian tions and individuals, including additional port, and members of Congress are willing Black Sea, human rights violations in occu- Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., who recently sanctions on Nord Stream 2. Banning Russia to help the Biden administration imple- pied Ukrainian territory, visa and travel returned from Ukraine, explained that from the SWIFT International Banking ment pro-Ukraine policies. He noted that restrictions and a recent $50 million alloca- Ukraine is losing the information war Systems should be a serious option, he both the Magnitsky Act and Global tion to Ukraine for COVID relief. against Russian disinformation in occupied added. Mr. Futey suggested that Ukrainian Magnitsky Act are powerful tools to The briefing, on national security and Donbas and Crimea. Religious freedom President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be enhance protection of human rights that U.S.-Ukraine relations, was organized by there is severely restricted, he noted. invited to the G-7 summit, and that a per- can be used in addition to sanctions man- the Office of Public Engagement at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church faithful and manent U.S. ambassador to Ukraine should dated by the Executive Branch. White House at the request of Ulana Muslim Crimean Tatars are unable to prac- be appointed. Mr. Smith concurred that Ukraine enjoys Mazurkevich, Ukrainian Americans for tice their faith, and the Russian Orthodox Mr. Biden has been clear for years, Mr. strong support in Congress and Ukrainian Biden (UAB) Steering Committee member Church plays a key role in the disinforma- Smith said, that Nord Stream 2 is “a bad American engagement is critical in ensur- who serves on the Democratic National tion campaign, the archbishop said. deal for Europe,” and is not an energy deal, ing that the Biden administration continues Committee Ethnic Advisory Council. Mr. Smith replied that the U.S. is develop- but a geopolitical project of control for to develop a bilateral agenda with Ukraine. William McIntee, the associate director ing a plan with Ukraine to establish a rapid Russia. The Biden administration is work- Mr. Symczyk thanked both the Ukrainian of the White House Office of Public response group that seeks to combat disin- ing to combat the completion of this pipe- Congress Committee of America and UNIS Engagement, opened the meeting by formation. Mr. Smith said that the circum- line. Construction of the Nord Stream 2 for their work in raising awareness in acknowledging the 35th anniversary of the stances are challenging since Russia contin- pipeline began in 2017 and was 90 percent Washington of issues important to the April 26, 1986, Chornobyl tragedy. Ms. ues to undermine Ukraine and the assis- complete before being halted by congres- Ukrainian community, both in the United Mazurkevich briefly explained the activities tance provided by the West. The plan is to sionally mandated sanctions in early 2020. States and Ukraine. of the UAB and introduced Ukrainian help Ukraine establish a disinformation Flouting sanctions, Russia plans to com- “As one of our Ukrainian American com- American representatives. response center, Mr. Smith said. Polina plete the remaining 10 percent this year. munity’s most important organizations, Mr. Smith began the briefing by affirm- Chyzh, who helped establish the National Mr. Smith also said that the United States UCCA’s work over the years, in particular ing the Biden administration’s commitment Anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine, has supports an open-door policy on NATO the Washington office of UNIS, underscores to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and terri- been tapped to lead the effort. membership so that Ukraine, and the importance of having ‘on-the-ground’ torial integrity. President Joe Biden, he Following the meeting, Yuriy Symczyk, Moldova may eventually join the alliance. representation in our nation’s capital,” Mr. noted, is well versed in Ukrainian affairs, the Ukrainian National Association’s chief Ukraine’s recent recognition as an Enhanced Symczyk said. and fully understands the importance that operating officer (COO), said the proposal Opportunities Partner demonstrates that Meeting attendees also said that they Ukraine holds for Europe and Eurasia. to establish a disinformation response cen- the West holds Ukraine in high regard and He explained that the strategy to counter ter blends well with the UNA’s goals. signals that the U.S. is committed to (Continued on page 7) Russia’s aggression against Ukraine includes “The issue of countering disinformation diplomacy and a high-level international and Russian propaganda, and being a voice response. He added that another compo- for a suppressed Ukrainian people – and nent to counter Russia’s aggression is secu- this includes Ukrainian Americans as well – rity assistance for Ukraine, in keeping with has been a mission for the UNA since its OSCE PA holds meeting on Ukraine the benchmarks outlined in the Ukraine inception in 1894,” Mr. Symczyk said. “The Security Assistance Initiative, including UNA publications have fought these issues Sen. Cardin, Rep. Hudson pledge sup- raise the cost of Russia’s occupation of joint military exercise and training. for close to 90 years in the case of The port to Ukraine in bilateral call between the peninsula, with the ultimate goal of The United States has three major lines Ukrainian Weekly and 128 years with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delega- de-occupation; the effects of the Nord of effort in Ukraine, Mr. Smith said. The U.S. Svoboda. These newspapers have taken a tions. Stream 2 pipeline on Russian influence in supports Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspira- lead in providing facts and truth to counter Europe; and the importance of continued tions, such as integration into NATO; it will both Soviet and now Russian propaganda.” WASHINGTON – In response to reform processes in Ukraine, including in increased Russian aggression against ensuring the rule of law and the indepen- Ukraine, Helsinki Commission Chairman dence of the judiciary and of Ukraine’s Sen. Ben Cardin (Md.) and Commissioner anti-corruption bodies. Rep. Richard Hudson (N.C.) initiated an Sen. Cardin and Rep. Hudson reiterat- UCCA pens letter to Secretary of State Blinken exceptional bilateral meeting with mem- ed Congress’ strong, bipartisan support bers of the Ukrainian Delegation to the for the sovereignty and territorial integri- calling on U.S. to reaffirm support for Ukraine Organization for Security and ty of Ukraine. Sen. Cardin underscored Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary that the United States stood with Ukraine WASHINGTON – With the announce- U.S. financial assistance for Ukraine aimed Assembly (OSCE PA) on April 30. in the face of Russian aggression, which ment of U.S. Secretary of State Antony at strengthening trans-Atlantic stability; Sen. Cardin, who serves as head of the “violated every principle of the Helsinki Blinken’s trip to Ukraine in early May, the enhance a comprehensive sanction regime U.S. Delegation to the Assembly, and Rep. Final Act.” He added that the Ukraine Ukrainian Congress Committee of America to stop the Nord Stream 2 political pipe- Hudson, who is a member of the delega- Security Partnership Act unanimously (UCCA) penned a letter to the secretary of line; hold NATO military exercises in tion and chairs the OSCE PA’s General approved by the Senate Foreign Relations state requesting that the United States reaf- Ukraine; expand a Russia-sanctions regime Committee on Political Affairs and Committee on April 21 codified the U.S. firm its commitment to Ukraine’s sover- to include sectoral sanctions; and it calls Security, sought the meeting to express security commitment to Ukraine and eignty and independence. The letter accen- for the immediate withdrawal of Russian the support of the United States for support for the Crimean Platform initia- tuated the strategic partnership which forces in occupied eastern Ukraine and Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sover- tive, among other measures designed to exists between the two countries, while Crimea. eignty and to solicit the Ukrainian law- strengthen the bilateral relationship. also highlighting key issues of continued In concluding the letter, the authors reit- makers’ perspectives on the ongoing cri- The United States remained “strongly support for Ukraine as Kyiv fends off erated the importance of U.S. support for sis. Ukrainian participants included par- and firmly united in our support for Russian aggression and malign influence. Ukraine as a strategic partner. liamentarians Mykyta Poturaiev, head of Ukraine,” Rep. Hudson said, pledging con- “Russia’s unrelenting aggressive behav- “The U.S. must take definitive action to delegation, and Artur Gerasymov, deputy tinued resolve in ensuring this message ior vis-à-vis Ukraine is dangerously desta- help stabilize the transnational, trans- head of delegation. was clear to Russian authorities. Rep. bilizing the international legal system,” Atlantic security framework, which clearly The exchange, which focused on the Hudson, recalling a statement issued in wrote UCCA President Andrew Futey and serves our national interests as Americans, recent massing of Russian forces on his capacity as OSCE PA committee chair Executive Vice President Michael Sawkiw, or the crisis in Ukraine is likely to escalate,” Ukraine’s eastern border and in occupied on April 7, also expressed readiness to Jr., who both signed the letter. the authors wrote. Crimea, and the closure by Russia of engage fully in the parliamentary dimen- “As the bastion of democracy in the free The UCCA leadership also requested a parts of the Black Sea and the Azov Sea, sion of the Crimean Platform. world, the United States must take the lead meeting with Mr. Blinken upon his return also covered the following topics: the mil- In addition, the U.S. and Ukrainian del- in promoting international norms and con- from Ukraine to discuss areas of furthering itarization of occupied Crimea and wide- egates discussed plans for the 2021 solidating geo-political stability,” the cooperative measures and enhancing the spread violations of fundamental free- Annual Session to be held remotely in authors wrote. bilateral relationship between Ukraine and doms there, with particular persecution late June and early July. The correspondence urged the secretary the United States. directed toward Crimean Tatars; the of state to accelerate a Membership Action Crimean Platform, a Ukrainian diplomatic Source: Commission on Security and Plan (MAP) for Ukraine as an initial step Source: Ukrainian National Information initiative to mobilize world leaders to Cooperation in Europe toward full membership in NATO; bolster Service. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

Ukrainan Americans organize protests against Nord Stream 2 pipeline, gain international traction

by Andrij Bilyk earlier on a tennis court in the suburbs of Washington. The American tennis-playing WASHINGTON – Members of Ukrainian group, which began calling themselves The diaspora communities in Australia, Canada, Coalition Against Putin’s Neo-Fascism, the United States, France and Germany held gathered a worldwide like-minded follow- protests on April 30 in front of German ing. embassies and consulates in order to voice In Paris, Irene Witochynsky organized a their opposition on completion of the Nord group of five protesters, while in Berlin Stream 2 pipeline. Luba Pokotylo, a Ukrainian activist, took The protesters gathered in front of similar action aided by support from German embassies, consulates, as well as in Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany Andriy Berlin, where they delivered letters to Melnyk. In Canada, the ad hoc group was German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The let- organized by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn, the ters asked her to stop construction of the daughter of a Ukrainian incarcerated in pipeline, calling it a Trojan Horse. Auschwitz during World War II. Many of the protesters carried signs in In Ottawa, the protests included the Hon. various languages that read “NS2 = Molotov- David Kilgour, a nominee for the Nobel Ribbentrop,” “Kill Nord Stream Two,” “Stop Prize; Vicki Karpiak, daughter of Canadian Fascist Putin’s Trojan Horse” and “Putin’s Sen. Paul Yuzyk; and Olya Moscicky.

Poison Pipe Dream,” among others. The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Ukrinform The idea for the demonstration and Organizations, led by Stefan Romaniv, Ukrinform correspondent Yaroslav Dovgopol interviews a German Embassy employee delivery of the letter was born two weeks issued the following statement: as Zenon Stakhiv (second from the right) listens to the discussion.

“Australia’s Ukrainian community lead- Mr. Romaniv also noted that Paul Grod, ership presented letters to representatives president of the Ukrainian World Congress, of the German government in Australia call- wrote in the Kyiv Post that, “the completion ing on Chancellor Merkel to stop Nord of Nord Stream 2 is a serious threat to Stream 2, requesting the letters be passed peace and security in Europe … Russia’s onto Chancellor Merkel via diplomatic continued intimidation, deceit and disre- channels.” gard for international law demonstrates Bohdan Wolodymyriw, president of the that its leadership cannot be trusted and Ukrainian Council of NSW, and Leshia must be contained.” Bubniuk, the public relations officer for the At the German Embassy in Washington, Ukrainian Women’s Association, visited the the event was covered live by Ukrainian TV office of Germany’s consul general in and Ukrainform via their correspondent Sydney to deliver the letter. Yaroslav Dovgopol. Slavko Kohut, president of the Association­ Reflecting on the results of their ad hoc of Ukrainians in Victoria (AUV), visited the effort, the three principal mainstays of the honorary consul of Germany in Melbourne, group, Jaroslaw Martyniuk, Zenon Stakhiv Michael Pearce, and delivered the letter. and George Woloshyn, said they were both The Australian Federation of Ukrainian surprised and pleased that their spur-of- Ukrainian American demonstrators gathered in front of the German Embassy in Organizations (AFUO) sent a copy of the let- Washington to protest completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. ter to the German ambassador in Canberra. (Continued on page 7)

ANALYSIS Ukraine consolidates partnerships with allies near and afar

by Bohdan Nahaylo The harsh treatment by Russia of oppo- and disinformation. before they all convened, the Polish and sition activist Alexei Navalny and his fol- The following day in London, Mr. Ukrainian leaders met separately, and their The first week of May was an important lowers, the scandals resulting in the expul- Blinken met with French Minister for continuing close partnership produced one for Ukraine in the diplomatic sphere. It sion of Russian diplomats from the Czech Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le more important results. produced several significant results, paving Republic and other Western countries, fol- Drian. According to the official U.S. account At their joint press conference, both sig- the way forward not only for Kyiv, but for lowed by Moscow’s retaliatory measures, of the meeting, “the secretary and foreign naled that they were content with the cur- Eastern Europe as a whole. as well as the ferment in Belarus, have in minister… affirmed unwavering U.S. and rent state of Polish-Ukrainian relations and Although the visit to Kyiv on May 5-6 of fact created a situation in which Ukraine’s French support for Ukraine’s sovereignty the way they were developing. Polish two key officials responsible for foreign pol- voice and aspirations may be better heard and agreed to monitor closely Russia’s President accepted Mr. icy in the administration of U.S. President and received. aggression against Ukraine.” Zelenskyy’s invitation to participate in the Joe Biden tended to overshadow what had On May 3 two events at different ends of Mr. Blinken also met with German celebrations on August 24 of the 30th anni- occurred in the preceding days in Warsaw, Europe provided a splendid opportunity Foreign Affairs Minister Heiko Maas. They versary of Ukraine’s declaration of inde- the fruits of President Volodymyr Zelens­ for Kyiv to test the changing diplomatic emphasized the importance of supporting pendence and in the Crimean Platform ini- kyy’s meetings in the Polish capital deserve temperature. Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression. tiative, which was designed by Kyiv to end to be properly appreciated. Similarly, the In London, there was the first meeting of According to the U.S. account of that meet- Moscow’s occupation of Crimea. importance of a joint statement adopted the G-7 foreign affairs and development ing, “The secretary also raised the The Polish leader declared his country’s there by the leaders of five Eastern European ministers in two years. Before the meeting Administration’s strong opposition to the support for Ukraine’s quest to join the EU countries should also be appreciated. began, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Nord Stream 2 pipeline,” though Germany and NATO. has therefore become While it continues to confront Russia’s Blinken met with U.K. Foreign Affairs is determined to complete the project. the second country after that has aggression, Ukraine needs both the con- Secretary Dominic Raab. At their joint press All of this boded well for Kyiv in advance signaled it is ready to openly support tinuing strong support of the U.S. and its conference, Mr. Blinken stressed that “the of Mr. Blinken’s visit to Kyiv on May 5-6. He Ukraine on the issue of membership in the Euro-Atlantic partners and that of its U.S. is closely following Russia’s actions and was to be accompanied by Under Secretary . Eastern European friends. The latter maintains a clear and consistent position of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, Mr. Duda affirmed that Poland and remain not only sources of political sup- on its readiness to respond to the Kremlin’s a seasoned American diplomat whose sup- Ukraine’s other NATO friends support the port, but also lobbyists on Kyiv’s behalf as malicious actions at any time.” port for Ukraine in the past has drawn the provision of a NATO Membership Action Ukraine seeks to accelerate its integration Mr. Blinked added that “President ire of Moscow. Plan (MAP) to Ukraine in the nearest future. into NATO and the European Union. Biden’s been very clear for a long time, While the G-7 foreign affairs ministers Mr. Duda said the two leaders had “dis- Although Russia set off alarm bells last including before he was president, that if were meeting in London, Mr. Zelenskky cussed the upcoming NATO summit to be month with a mass deployment of mili- Russia chooses to act recklessly or aggres- joined four other Eastern European presi- held in Brussels in mid-June ... The summit tary forces on Ukraine’s eastern border sively, we’ll respond.” dents in Warsaw – all members of the EU participants will discuss a formal definition and its effective closing off of the Sea of For his part, while emphasizing that and NATO – for what might turn out to of the path which Ukraine should follow Azov, this bullying tactic appears to have Britain and the U.S. share this approach have been a historic summit. towards membership in the North Atlantic backfired. These and other developments toward Russia and support Ukraine’s sov- The occasion for the gathering of the Alliance – a roadmap to this membership.” that have incriminated Moscow have ereignty, Mr. Raab revealed that that the presidents of Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, According to Mr. Duda, this is now “a fun- raised concern among Ukraine’s Euro- G-7 countries would consider a proposal and was to celebrate the damental cause” for which Ukraine is fight- Atlantic partners about the need to more from London to build a rapid response 230th anniversary of the adoption of firmly stand up to Moscow. mechanism to counter Russian propaganda Poland’s historic May 3 Constitution. But (Continued on page 7) No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 5 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly U.S. Secretary of State Blinken In honor of Marta R. Skorupsky: in Ukraine a recollection of her time with us U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Kyiv on May 6, where he met Marta R. Skorupsky, a noted Ukrainian Marta also often organized literary with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It marked the first visit to American editor, translator and journalist events, usually to support new publica- Ukraine by a senior official in the administration of President Joe Biden, and Mr. who contributed to the popularization of tions or to introduce a new writer, poet or Blinken reaffirmed the position that the United States believes Ukraine is a key Ukrainianism in the English world, passed artist to the general public. The events ally in the fight against Russian aggression. away on April 19, 2021. The following com- were held mostly at the Ukrainian “We stand strongly with you,” Mr. Blinken said in Kyiv. The secretary also mentary was written by her husband, Institute of America in New York City. assured Ukraine that “we’ll continue to strengthen our security partnership and Bohdan Gerulak. Eventually, Marta and I went to Toronto, where I met her father, a very in-flux collaboration with you to make sure Ukraine can defend itself against by Bohdan Gerulak aggression.” While Mr. Blinken also noted that, “We look to Russia to cease reck- erudite and cheerful person. She once told me that her father never really paid less and aggressive actions,” it seems Russia has not removed the more than Marta R. Skorupsky was born during much attention to her as a student, but he 100,000 troops it has amassed on its border with Ukraine. the war years in Morshyn, a spa town in western Ukraine. Her mother died two started taking her seriously after she From our perspective, perhaps the most significant of the topics discussed years afterwards from acute pneumonia could argue him down. In that house between Messrs. Blinken and Zelenskyy was Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO. and Marta was raised by one of her aunts, there were endless discussions, with her Mr. Zelenskyy pushed Mr. Blinken on Ukraine’s desire to join the military alliance, whom she came to regard as a mother father’s baritone voice dominating. Later, asking the secretary of state for U.S. support in Kyiv’s effort to secure a who cared for her during their long jour- Marta reminded me that he had written Membership Action Plan to be granted Ukraine at the coming summit of the alli- ney escaping from the advancing Red poetry throughout his life. Many of his ance in June. Army. The family wound up in Austria, works were published. I found one titled The powers that control Ukraine’s potential access to NATO membership, and near Salzburg, when war ended. They emi- “Spokonvichni Luny” (Primitive moons), the United States is among them, have made it clear that Kyiv must first take sig- grated to Edmonton in 1949 where they which also had my sister’s illustrations. nificant steps to counter the corruption and graft that have long been endemic in had relatives. While in high school, Marta After Marta left Prolog, she translated the country. also became a sports writer for the local and researched of all the sources in the During his trip to Kyiv, Mr. Blinken was asked by Andrea Mitchell of MSNBC press and attended many games. She first volume of Mykhailo Hrushevsky’s whether the news that the Ukrainian government fired the head of the state- completed graduate studies at the “History of Ukraine-Rus,’” which took owned gas company Naftogaz demonstrated that the country has not yet demon- University of Toronto and worked for years to complete. That seminal work strated it can implement the reforms required to be a NATO member. Canadian Facts with Margaret Attwood. In received rave reviews from Profs. George Mr. Blinken replied that Ukraine has the very difficult task of dealing with 1967, she moved to New York City to work external aggression from Russia. But it must also address an internal threat “in for Prolog Research and Publishing Corp., of that effort also helped fund translation terms of corruption that potentially eats away at its democracy, oligarchs who are a Ukrainian corporation where she edited ofShevelov the later and editions Ihor Ševčenko. of Hrushevsky’s The success semi- advancing their own interests instead of the interests of the Ukrainian people,” and worked on publications. In one nota- nal work. Mr. Blinken said. ble endeavor, she single-handedly pub- Marta also worked closely with the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences “We’ve had detailed conversations with our Ukrainian counterparts about the lished “Digest of the Soviet Ukrainian (UVAN) and many other organizations on efforts they’re making to reform,” Mr. Blinken told Ms. Mitchell on May 6. “They’ve Press,” translating important articles from Soviet publications into English. various publications, especially with the taken some good steps, but there are other areas where real progress is needed, How did I meet Marta? The short Ukrainian Museum in New York City. which they acknowledge. Corporate governance is one of them. So is making answer is in a bar, but here’s how it hap- Beginning in the 1990s, she researched all sure that the judiciary is reformed. So is making sure that there’s a truly indepen- pened. I left the U.S. in 1960, and, except of the material and wrote program notes dent anticorruption board, something we [the U.S.] helped establish way back in for short visits, I had been away from the for the Ukrainian Institute of America’s 2015. All of those things are vital, but the reason they’re vital is because this is country for 10 years. On one particular “Music at the Institute” series. how you make sure that the government is actually delivering for the people and Sunday – my second week back in New When the trial of John Demjanjuk in not for some special interest, also because corruption is a tool that Russia uses to York City – I decided to go downtown to Jerusalem was announced, the editor-in- try to erode Ukrainian sovereignty from the inside.” meet an old friend who took me to the chief of the Ukrainian newspaper We believe that the best way for Ukraine to ensure its democratic future is Ukrainan restaurant Orchidea. There was “Svoboda” requested that Marta attend and through NATO membership, and taking that road means Kyiv must make signifi- to be a large party in New Jersey, and I represent the Ukrainian press. She sub- cant strides to fight corruption at all levels in Ukrainian society. knew that an old Chicago friend would be mitted articles, a full report, and was on there. I asked around if anyone would be record in front of the world press as pro- going and Marta volunteered, saying that testing when the head of Yad Vashem in his she would also be going and would find speech referred to all Nazi guards as some transportation for us. The party was Ukrainians. The Israeli court completely May at the famous painter Yuriy Soloviy’s dismissed all of the charges and acquitted Turning the pages back... place. It was a very lively affair, attended Mr. Demjan­juk, but one U.S. security agen- by practically every Ukrainian “arts” per- cy [Ed. note: Office of Special Investiga­ 14 Sixty years ago, on May 14, 1961, some 20,000 people son in the Western Hemisphere (there tion.] fully accepted Soviet fabrications attended the blessing of the cornerstone for the Manor College were even people from Brazil). When it and pursued charges against Mr. Demjan­ 1961 building in Fox Chase, Pa. ended, one poet drove us back to Times juk in Germany. Ultimately, it became a Bishop Joseph Shmondiuk that afternoon blessed the cor- Square, which was empty on that very late farce when the German court found Mr. nerstone, in a ceremony attended by representatives of the and rainy night. Afterwards, Marta and I Demjanjuk guilty of Nazi atrocities com- mitted by Germans. Government of Pennsylvania, Ukrainian organizations, as well as pilgrims and members met frequently and she introduced me to There’s also a story about Marta’s of religious orders. Founded by the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, the educational facilities many people. I was amazed at how hard father. During the German occupation of included a high school for girls (Saint Basil Academy), the junior college, as well as resi- she worked, bringing work home with her. Eventually, Marta became the editor of Ukraine, he helped to hide the writer Ivan dence for the students and a monastery for the Sisters. the journal “Suchasnist,” a popular literary Bahrianyj in an attic in Morshyn, Ukraine. That year’s annual Mother’s Day pilgrimage to the Basilian Spirituality Center monthly based in Munich, Germany. While in hiding, Bahrianyj wrote the novel (Sisters of St. Basil the Great) in Fox Chase attracted people from cities across the east- During the Cold War, Prolog was active in “Tyhrolovy” (Tiger Hunters), which was ern United States. The morning was filled with divine liturgies celebrated by the countering Soviet propaganda, and Marta subsequently published in Germany after Redemptorist and Franciscan Fathers, punctuated by a divine liturgy celebrated by the became very active in supporting the dis- the war ended. Rev. Dmytro Bybliv with responses sung by a 120-voice student choir from St. John the sident movement in Ukraine. One year she In Marta’s father’s house in Edmonton, Baptist School in Newark, N.J. travelled to Ukraine and met with notable and later in Toronto, she grew up in a The Junior College building was constructed under the supervision of the Building people in the Ukrainian cultural world. On home that often hosted celebrities such as Fund Committee, with its honorary chairman, Gov. David L. Lawrence. An estimated her return trip she managed to smuggle Ulas Samchuk, Vasyl Stefanyk’s son Yuriy 8,000 people walked the Stations of the Cross and paid homage at the grotto of the out important dissident material, includ- and many other writers and artists. Marta Blessed Virgin Mary located on the grounds of Manor College. Also in attendance was ing Valentyn Moroz’s “Beria Reservation.” told me how she once managed to shock the Very Rev. Mother M. Zenobia, Superior General of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, This was a very risky and dangerous their guests, including her mother, who who was instrumental in starting the building of Manor College. She arrived from Rome move, as she was lucky to evade the KGB. was known to be an accomplished, profes- to attend the event. In New York City, for Yevgeny sional-grade cook. As Marta was in town, Saint Basil Academy is scheduled to close at the end of the current academic year, and Yevtushenko’s performance at Madison she told her mother that she would pre- the Sisters of St. Basil the Great and the Toll Brothers sponsored an online community Square Garden, Marta and her friends pre- pare dinner. She made spaghetti carbon- meeting on May 3 to discuss future development plans for the property. pared handouts that were given to the ara for the main course, done in a tradi- public to correct propaganda from the tional coal-miner’s way. Everyone was Source: “Thousands witness blessing of Manor College cornerstone,” The Ukrainian , which Yevtushenko repre- Weekly, May 20, 1961. sented at the time. (Continued on page 14) No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 7

Western European players, such as Berlin Ukraine consolidates... and France, who want to be recognized as COMMENTARY forces to be reckoned with. The statement (Continued from page 4) also reaffirmed core civilizational values ing. Poland and “other friends from this part which the EU is supposed to represent. And, of Europe” support Kyiv on this path. importantly, it recognized the legitimate Thank you, but... Mr. Duda also noted that in a week right of other Eastern European nations vailed despite their party leader. would host a summit of the lead- trapped between the EU and Russa (Ukraine, by Askold S. Lozynskyj Members of Congress need to lead rep- ers of the Bucharest Nine (Eastern Moldova and, by implication, Belarus), but We need more. The recent apparent resenting the will of their constituents. European NATO member states , which also share these values required to be Ukrainian Americans overwhelmingly sup- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, , accepted into the European fold. pullout of Russian troops from the border , and the ) Moreover, in this case, four EU members with Ukraine provides time and opportuni- port NATO MAP for Ukraine. Sen. Bob to discuss security issues. invited a non-EU country – Ukraine – to ty for reassessment. No one believes that Menendez (D-N.J.) must lead. Messrs. Biden “Ukraine and Belarus will be very join them in making such an emphatic dec- hostilities between Russia and the rest of and Blinken will come along. important topics, especially Ukraine and laration. the world have ended, least of all A most positive development during this the Russian presence near the borders of Quoting key excerpts from the declara- Ukrainians. What has become more appar- last crisis was that which transpired in Ukraine,” the Polish leader emphasized. tion, the five presidents said they “consider ent is that fortunately the Western world is Germany, historically and notoriously a President Zelenskyy expressed his coun- that the solidarity of nations under current more sensitive and prepared to oppose pro-Russian nation and state going back try’s gratitude. “Poland always supports threats to common security is one of the Russian aggression, albeit to what extent centuries to the rule of the Romanovs. Ukraine, the Ukrainian people. And so, I cornerstones of peace, stability, develop- remains unclear, in this case fortunately. German Foreign Affairs Minister Heiko had to be here. ... I also want to thank ment, prosperity and resilience.” What is also clear is that Ukraine’s Maas underlined Berlin’s support for Kyiv Andrzej Duda, for once again assuring The statement also said that they President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may be a during his first visit to the front line in east- Ukraine of support, in advocacy of our “express the conviction that the prosperity neophyte yet he is not a clown actor but a ern Ukraine. He criticized waning interna- country regarding NATO membership. This of our common heritage and common leader with a clear agenda, even if that tional attention. Finally, he addressed is a very important signal for us.” home, rooted in the European civilization, agenda is not fully embraced by the global Ukraine, saying, “We will not leave you Strong support for Ukraine was also demands that, just like home, Europe also civilized community. Throughout the recent alone when it comes to resolving the con- voiced during the subsequent meeting in be built on the basis of fundamental values crisis Mr. Zelenskyy has lobbied seeking flict here in the east...we stand with Ukraine which the presidents of the three Baltic and principles. These are with no doubt Western commitment to the defense of on these issues and that will not change.” states also participated. freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, Ukraine. In that regard he has been success- In an interview with Redaktionsnetz­ Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid democracy, the rule of law, equality and sol- ful. In each instance Mr. Zelenskyy has werk Deutschland (RND), German Defense affirmed that her country and Poland idarity. A uniting Europe should remain raised the NATO Membership Action Plan, Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer should demonstrate solidarity with, and open to all countries and nations which recognizing that membership in the defense announced a further increase in military support for, their partners in the east, in share the above-mentioned values.” alliance is the only long-term solution spending and a massive rearmament pro- particular Ukraine. One of the mechanisms Buoyed by this display of solidarity, Mr. against Russian aggression. gram over the coming years. She threat- to support Ukraine, she suggested boldly, is Zelenskyy responded in the more forthright The Senate Foreign Relations Committee ened Russia and China, and remarked, to provide assistance with funds from the tone that he has adopted in recent weeks. recently passed (in bi-partisan fashion not “Russia is with its nuclear arsenal of weap- . The EU should demonstrate real support surprisingly) Ukraine’s Security Partner­ onry, unlike China, a very imminent threat, This arrangement involves 12 countries for the European aspirations of Ukraine, ship Act of 2021. This is welcome, howev- both with conventional and nuclear weap- located between the Baltic, Black and which continues to fight for its indepen- er, clearly too little. In fact, the level of sup- ons...” The recognition by the Defense Adriatic seas. Those countries are Estonia, dence, he said during the discussion held port afforded is surprising given the com- Minister of Germany that an aggressive Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech by the presidents before the press. mittee chair’s long-standing relationship Russia being on Europe’s and thus Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, “Ukraine is a powerful state that will only and familiarity with Ukraine. NATO is men- Germany’s doorstep was very important. Austria, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. strengthen the European Union,” he said. tioned many times, but NATO MAP is omit- Several German experts have opined that Although Ukraine is not a member of the “We should be seen in the EU as an equal ted entirely and glaringly. Nord Stream 2 is not an economic issue for EU, it could benefit from the funding and integral partner.” Statements by President Joe Biden and Russia but a geo-strategic one. This is a schemes linked to it. While Ukraine’s direct and indirect Secretary of State Antony Blinken have new Germany. “We can use our possibilities to help neighbors in Eastern Europe remain sup- been largely perfunctory as well. In fact, These may be positive developments yet Ukraine get closer to our economies and to portive, doubts remain about the extent U.S. action arming Ukraine has been much they lack the ultimate recognition that the our understanding of Europe’s future. The that Germany, France and others within more resolute and effective than its pro- only way to stop Mr. Putin and Russia is by Three Seas Initiative can help in this con- Europe are prepared to move from words nouncements. positioning NATO at its borders. The set- text,” the Estonian president explained. to deeds in backing Kyiv and antagonizing The aforesaid act should be sent back to ting is in place. Russia has invaded Ukraine But the highlight of the summit was the Moscow. The Ukraine side will be looking the committee to include very specific lan- and threatens further aggression. The ulti- to Washington, London and Ottawa to help adoption of a joint statement encapsulating guage that the United States supports mate strategy is clear to everyone as well. the principles uniting the five countries it overcome these obstacles in the crucial NATO MAP for Ukraine. Otherwise, the Act The only thing missing is resolute action to that underlie their cooperation and vision months ahead. will do more harm than good as it will make the point very clearly and precisely – of the future. It was groundbreaking on The preliminary results of Mr. Blinken’s appease the ill-informed and stave off fur- NATO is a defense alliance with a mission of several levels. meetings in Kyiv with the Ukrainian leader- ther lobbying. It will give the Biden protecting its members from what was the First, as an expression of the growing soli- ship on May 6 were reassuring. They reaf- Administration an excuse. USSR and now Russia, its successor in darity and cooperation of Eastern European firmed that if Ukraine delivers on reform While an argument is often advanced every way, including adopting the same countries frustrated with their effective mar- and efforts to combat corruption, it can that the initiative of Congressional mem- aggressive behavior once displayed by the ginalization by Brussels and the major continue to rely on strong U.S. support. bers from any party should not veer from Soviet Union. Ukraine is the linchpin in that the position of its party leader, I would like alliance. The late Prof. Zbigniew Brzezinski to remind my fellow Democrats that if that called Ukraine the “keystone in the arch.” Steering Committee members Christine were the case, then Ukraine would have White House... Balko Slywotzky, Orest Deychakiwsky, received no support from the United States Askold S. Lozynskyj is an attorney at law (Continued from page 3) Marta Farion, Andrew Fedynsky, Irene during the term of Donald Trump. based in New York City who served as presi- Jarosewich, Khristina Lew, Ulana Mazurke­ However, Senators like the late John dent of the Ukrainian World Congress in appreciated the efforts made by the new vich, Halyna Traversa, Tania Vitvitsky, and McCain and Robert Portman often pre- 1998-2008. Administration to engage in a dialogue UAB Advisors Marta Fedoriw, Mark Muro­ with representatives of the Ukrainian dias- wany and Mark Temnycky. pora in the United States. Organizational representatives included “Overall, I’m grateful for the level of Dora Chomiak (RazomForUkraine); Andrew Stream 2. Our initiative could be the pro- cooperation and enthusiasm from the Futey (Ukrainian Congress Committee of Ukrainan Americans... verbial straw … that breaks the camel’s White House, and appreciate the initiative America); Metropolitan Archbishop Borys (Continued from page 4) back,” Mr. Martyniuk said. undertaken by the organizers who set up Gudziak (Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, He added that, “our cause is helped by this first meeting with the Biden admini­ Archeparchy of Philadelphia); Lydia the-moment effort to protest construction the fact that on May 3 the Nature and stra ­tion,” said Mr. Symczyk. “Not only is it Jachnycky (Ukrainian National Women’s of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline gained Biodiversity Conservation Union filed a vital for the Ukrainian American communi- League of America); Alex Kuzma (Ukrainian international support. lawsuit.” The lawsuit is “against the con- ty to have a direct channel to the White Catholic Education Foundation); Andrew The organizers also welcomed the sup- tinued construction of the pipeline, House, Mr. Smith made it clear that this for- Nynka (editor-in-chief, The Ukrainian port of Ed Skibicki, who founded the demanding that the Federal Maritime and mat for communication would continue Weekly and Svoboda); Michael Sawkiw, Jr. Facebook group “1,000,000 people around Hydrographic Agency (BSH), which earlier between the White House and community (director, Ukrainian National Information the world in support of Ukraine’s fight for had granted Nord Stream 2 a permit on representatives moving forward.” Service/U.S. Holodomor Committee); Yuriy freedom.” Mr. Skibicki not only drove January 14 to continue construction in Mr. Smith, who served as a foreign ser- Symczyk (chief operating officer, Ukrainian down with his family to participate in the German waters only until the end of May, vice officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine National Association); Marianna Zajac (pres- protest in Washington, but he also set up compensates the damage to marine eco- during the years immediately following the ident, Ukrainian National Women’s League Zoom calls to help organize the demon- systems caused by the construction.” Revolution of Dignity and Russia’s invasion of America); Walter Zaryckyj (Center for strations. Protest organizers said they also hope of Ukraine, is the recipient of the Warren U.S.-Ukrainian Relations); Archbishop Daniel Mr. Martyniuk said he was pleased with that more mainstream Ukrainian American Christopher Award for Outstanding (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.). the results and encouraged that the group organizations might join their effort. Achieve ­ment in Civilian Security for his had gained supporters. “Hopefully, this may also inspire some work in Ukraine. Source: Steering Committee of Ukrainian “It appears that now we have some indifferent fence sitters to become more Attending the briefing were UAB Americans for Biden powerful allies in our effort to stop Nord active,” Mr. Martyniuk said. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

Euro-Maidan activist who fought against Russian aggression now fights to save his child’s life

by Marta Zahaykevich try has not even started the approval pro- sky, is no stranger to seemingly insur- cess. If there is any hope for the Svichyn­ mountable obstacles. He is widely regard- NEW YORK – Imagine watching your skys that Zolgensma can be used to treat ed in Ukraine as the man who fought to baby struggle with each passing day to their son Dmytro, they must raise $2.3 mil- save Odesa from Russian occupation. breathe and swallow food. Imagine know- lion to cover the full cost of the treatment, Christian Caryl, an opinion editor at The ing that your baby’s last breath is not far which is among the most expensive medi- Washington Post, wrote about Mr. Svichyn­ away, all while knowing that children cations on the planet. sky’s activism in a story titled “The Self- afflicted with the same terminal genetic With this daunting task ahead of them, Defense of Odesa” that appeared in the disorder can access a treatment that halts the Svichynskys, together with the organi- April 16, 2014, issue of Foreign Policy mag- the illness, allowing them to not only live, zations Razom for Ukraine, the Ukrainian azine (see https://foreignpolicy.com/ but develop normally. American Business and Professionals 2014/04/16/the-self-defense-of-odessa/). This is the situation in which Ukrainians Association and the ad hoc group Save As volunteer soldiers began defending Mariia and Vitaliy Svichynsky find them- Dmytro North America, held a marathon Donbas against the “little green men” in selves. Their baby, Dmytro, is running out fundraiser live on Facebook on April 10 to 2014, so, too, did Vitaliy begin defending of time to receive a cutting-edge, though raise the necessary funds. Odesa against Russian-led provocateurs extremely expensive, medication that can Multiple experts took part in the event, who vowed to create a new republic of treat his condition. providing information about the illness, its Odesa. Dmytro Svichynsky, now five-months- treatment, and why Ukrainians need to Mr. Svichynsky organized and led an old, was born with Type 1 Spinal Muscular overcome great hurdles to obtain it. Odesa self-defense battalion of 150 stu- Atrophy (SMA), a variant of the disease that Dr. Dmytro Morderer, a researcher at the dents and former military personnel. A targets the body’s motor neuron cells, leav- Mayo Clinic who studies neurodegenerative brilliant strategist, Mr. Svichynsky and his ing them weaker by the day until they even- disorders, said the disease is a rare condi- battalion devised plans to defend critical tually stop working. Ultimately, these cells tion that causes the deterioration of motor Mariia (left) and Vitaliy Svichynsky hold sites in the city. lose all function and die, making essential neurons in the spinal cord. These neurons their son, Dmytro, who has Type 1 Activists such as Mr. Svichynsky under- activities like breathing, eating and moving supply nerves to skeletal muscles and stim- Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a terminal stood that they were on their own to increasingly difficult. Eventually they ulate muscle contraction. As these muscles genetic disorder which targets the body’s defend Odesa. Their efforts were buoyed become impossible and the child cannot deteriorate – for example, the muscles in motor neuron cells. by the motto of Euro-Maidan: “Each person survive. the diaphragm used for breathing – the is but a drop; together we are an ocean.” For the Svichynsky family there is reason patient’s body is unable to perform even independently. As Mr. Svichynsky and his wife engage in for hope, though that hope comes with a the most basic functions needed to survive. In order for the medication to have its the fight to save their son’s life, the family is staggering price tag of $2.3 million for a Most children afflicted with Type 1 SMA greatest impact on Dmytryk, he must using the same motto. They are asking for a single life-saving dose of a cutting-edge don’t live past age 2. receive the treatment before he turns six small drop from many people in the hopes gene therapy medication. Known commer- There are three treatments available for months old. that they can raise the staggering amount cially as Zolgensma, the medication is patients with SMA. Two, Spinraza and Speaking during the Facebook fundrais- needed to pay for their child’s life-saving approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Evrysdi, are supportive therapy treatments er, Volodymyr Zhovnir, director of Ohmadyt medication. They are asking for the price Administration (FDA) for use in children that have to be administered throughout a Specialized Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, said of a cup of coffee. under age 2 in the United States. In all of patient’s life, while Zolgensma is a one-time his hospital is equipped with a highly Over the past two months, the family has the countries where Zolgensma is approved infusion given intravenously. trained multi-disciplinary staff to adminis- raised more than 55 percent of the funds for use, the government negotiates the price Approved by the FDA, the medication ter Zolgensma and perform the required needed for Zolgensma. and largely covers the cost. has been administered to 700 children follow-up treatment. He has baked cookies and sold them to While it is available in Canada, South worldwide. Novartis says that children What remains for the Svichynsky family soccer players. He has walked the streets of Korea, Argentina and much of Europe, it is treated with the medication are able to sit is to raise the money needed to save their not approved for use in Ukraine – the coun- by themselves, to crawl and even walk child’s life. The boy’s father, Vitaliy Svichyn­ (Continued on page 9) No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 9

Nova UA Federal Credit Union awards $50,000 in grants

by Tom Hawrlyko CLIFTON, N.J. – Nova UA Federal Credit Union, located on Allwood Road in Clifton, N.J., continues its mission to help “communities succeed and grow” as it disbursed $50,000 in grants to eight local non-profits on April 15. Recognizing the negative economic impact COVID-19 had in its service area, Nova requested and received a third grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of N.Y. which it dispersed to eight additional non-profits in the region. The $50,000 grant is on top of two previous grants of $100,000 shared by food banks, youth and veteran’s orga- nizations, as well as churches, schools and cultural cen- ters. The Nova grants have helped 32 organizations restore operating funds lost during the pandemic. “We are much more than just a credit union that offers competitive financial services and great member support,” Val Bogattchouk, Nova’s CEO, said. “We also take initiative to help our communities succeed and grow. Our focus is on taking care of our members and the community we serve. We are happy to help.” Tom Hawrlyko Readers can learn more about Nova by visiting Val Boggattchouk (second from left), CEO of Nova UA FCU, presents a check for $50,000 to members of eight local their website at novafcu.com. non-profits located in Clifton, N.J., on April 15.

nance of state-owned companies, free from political inter- would likely provoke a massive management change dur- Government... ference, is crucial to Ukraine’s competitiveness, prosperity ing an already volatile period in Ukraine. (Continued from page 1) and fulfillment. This situation sends a threatening message to other The European Union, the European Bank for state-owned enterprises. The government may try to con- “The net consolidated loss of the Naftogaz group of com- Reconstruction and Development, the European trol companies even though installing corporate gover- panies in 2020 amounted to UAH 19 billion,” a statement Investment Bank, the World Bank and the International nance was one of Ukraine’s most essential reforms in from the Ukrainian government said. “At the same time, Finance Corporation in a joint statement expressed serious recent years. the company’s financial plan approved by the Cabinet of concern over the change in Naftogaz’s management. “If the government thinks supervisory boards don’t mat- Ministers provided for a profit of UAH 11.5 billion. “We call on the Ukrainian leadership to ensure that criti- ter, then this is a whole new reality,” Mr. Kobolyev said on According to the results of the general assembly of share- cal management decisions in state-owned enterprises are May 1. “I don’t believe Western partners will agree because holders, the work of the Supervisory and the Management taken in full compliance with the recognized principles of this is a return to, at best, ineffective management and, at Board of Naftogaz in 2020 was considered unsatisfactory,” corporate governance standards. We hope that the worst, deep corruption. If corporate-governance reforms the Cabinet of Ministers said in their statement announcing Ukrainian authorities will reaffirm their commitment to are nullified, it will be a huge and unpleasant blow to eco- the decision to remove Mr. Kobolyev. pursue reforms that unlock investments to help overcome nomic growth” in Ukraine. “Accordingly, the powers of the Supervisory Board of the crisis and realize their potential,” the statement reads. Naftogaz’s ex-CEO also said that the enterprise has more Naftogaz and the Chairman of the Board, Andriy Kobolyev According to the authors of the statement, in recent than $ 2 billion of free funds on its account and 7 billion will be terminated,” the government’s statement said. years, Ukraine has made significant progress in imple- cubic meters of natural gas owned by the company in Announcing their decision to retain the rest of the board menting corporate governance reform in the public sector underground storages. of directions, the government said, “On the outcomes of the to ensure transparency, accountability and independence. “Thus, with the financial plan, which was not approved meeting of the general assembly of shareholders of “There is a critical need to strengthen the progress for us for this year, we were going to ensure the safety of Naftogaz, the current members of the Supervisory Board made to improve the investment climate in Ukraine and the next winter, ensure all investments in production and were re-elected in the same composition.” attract much-needed private sector investment,” the EU transfer, in addition to all standard tax payments,” Mr. In response to the news of the dismissal, the company and leading financial institutions said in their statement. Kobolyev said, adding that he believes that the Cabinet of issued a press release calling Mr. Kobolyev’s sacking a Members of Naftogaz’s Supervisory Board disagreed Ministers replaced him to gain access to those funds. He “legal manipulation,” arguing that the Cabinet of Ministers with the Cabinet’s decision to underestimate the Board’s also said that he was planning to challenge his dismissal in has the right to appoint and dismiss Naftogaz’s chairman performance, arguing that the damage was due to circum- court. only at the request of the Supervisory Board. The company stances beyond the company’s control. Given these circum- On May 5, the financial director of Naftogaz reported said that the Cabinet of Ministers fired the Supervisory stances, the Supervisory Board assessed the results of the that the company generated a net income of UAH 12.6 bil- Board for a day in order to fire Mr. Kobolyev. They called Board as very high, if not excellent. lion ($ 450 million) in the first quarter of 2021. the move an insult to state-owned enterprises’ corporate Late in the evening of April 30, the Board of Naftogaz “Earlier, we announced that we expected Naftogaz to be governance principles. announced that all of its members present at the extraordi- profitable in the first quarter,” the company’s financial Naftogaz noted that such a decision demonstrates a return nary meeting had submitted written notices of early termi- director, Peter Van Driel, wrote on his Facebook page. “I to manual management of state-owned enterprises and nation. The statement did not specify whether the entire am pleased to announce that the net income in the first sends a clear signal to investors that the working conditions Supervisory Board was present during the extraordinary quarter of 2021 is UAH 12.6 billion (unaudited preliminary of state-owned enterprises in Ukraine are unpredictable. meeting. result subject to further review). Net income for the same U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said via his The outgoing Board also cited a potential conflict of period in 2020 was UAH 3.2 billion.” Twitter page that “respect for corporate governance, trans- interest with Mr. Vitrenko. He had previously insisted on The financial director also added that, “The business parency and integrity in energy sector personnel appoint- the government assessing the Supervisory Board perfor- environment shows clear signs of recovery with higher ments – whether government or state-owned enterprises – mance as unsatisfactory and pushed for firing Mr. prices and more demand than last year. The expected is key to maintaining confidence in Ukraine’s commitment Kobolyev. The resignation of Naftogaz’s top manager result shows our resilience with three quarters in a row of to reform.” brings additional uncertainty to the transition process at improved profitability. Our transformation efforts are pay- The G-7 ambassadors also responded to the govern- the enterprise. Mr. Vitrenko is expected to fire loyalists of ing off. Naftogaz staff have stepped up and delivered an ment’s decision on Twitter, noting that effective gover- Mr. Kobolyev’s from the management team. The result outstanding result this quarter.”

University, agreed that Ukraine needs to adopt a systemic Euro-Maidan... approach to the problem of treating children with rare (Continued from page 8) genetic disorders. “When I joined Dmytryk’s fundraising team, I saw how his home town Odesa and asked for people’s time, skills parents of SMA children were raising money on their own and talents that can be auctioned off – a manicure, a class and quickly realized that the SMA problem has to be solved in marketing, lunch with an actress, a poet’s recitation, a on a state level.” meeting with a rock star. Meanwhile, Ms. Yarychkivska has joined Mr. Svichyns­ Mr. Svichynsky has asked bars and shops to donate a ky’s new advocacy campaign, Life for SMA Kids, which day’s earnings. He has asked friends from afar to offer a aims to address the SMA problem in Ukraine. She has been stay in their hotel in Bali. Ukrainians from the band Dakha Donations to the cause can be made via GoFundMe so profoundly impacted by Mr. Svichynsky’s spirit of volun- Brakha, as well as famed musician Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, (left) and Paypal by scanning the QR code with the teerism, patriotism and leadership that she believes he will writer Serhiy Zhadan, and the filmmaker and political pris- camera in a mobile phone. one day head the country. oner Oleg Sentsov have donated their support. “Mark my words, Vitaliy Svichynsky will be president of The cause has grown for Mr. Svichynsky, who wants to Mr. Svichynsky said the cause is much greater than sav- Ukraine one day,” Ms. Yarychkivska said. help all children with SMA and other rare illnesses. He is ing his son’s life. He believes the work will help improve Donations can be made by check and sent to Big Dreams advocating for changes to Ukraine’s healthcare laws to healthcare throughout Ukraine. Children’s Foundation, 25 Old Kings Highway North, Suite allow for faster negotiations in contracting new medicines. Dr. Olya Yarychkivska, a geneticist at Rockefeller 13, #115, Darien, CT, 06820. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

ing the “unsatisfactory” results of the com- NEWSBRIEFS pany’s operations last year, when it posted (Continued from page 2) a loss of nearly $700 million. The Supervi­ sory Board, which was temporarily sus- Viktor Vodolatsky, deputy chairman of the pended in order to dismiss Mr. Kobolyev, TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 Russian State Duma’s Committee on CIS issued a statement on April 30 saying that or e-mail [email protected] Affairs and Eurasian Integration, told TASS all its members were submitting notice of on April 24 that Russia could issue up to 1 their resignations, effective May 14. “The SERVICES PROFESSIONALS million new passports to Ukrainians by the Supervisory Board will use the coming two end of the year. On March 20, a Russian weeks of its notice period to help the com- presidential decree came into force ban- pany as much as it can to deliver an orderly ОКСАНА СТАНЬКО ning non-Russian citizens from owning transition and will inform the shareholders Ліцензований продавець Страхування Життя land in most of Crimea. “The European in detail early next week,” the statement said. The unexpected move to fire Mr. OKSANA STANKO Union does not recognize the illegal annex- Licensed Life Insurance Agent ation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia, Kobolyev threatens to complicate talks to Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. which is a clear violation of international access a $5 billion bailout from the Inter­ law,” said an EU statement at the time. national Monetary Fund, with Ukraine’s Tel.: 908-872-2192 “Therefore, the European Union does not international partners warning that integri- email: [email protected] recognize this decree and considers its ty and transparency in such decisions were entry into force as yet another attempt to key to maintaining confidence in the coun- forcibly integrate the illegally annexed pen- try’s commitment to reform. The European insula into Russia.” (RFE/RL, with report- Union, the European Bank for Reconstruc­ ing by TASS, UNIAN and The Atlantic) tion and Development, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank and the Kyiv eases COVID-19 restrictions International Finance Corporation said in a Ukraine’s capital has eased tough lock- joint statement on April 30 that they were down measures imposed in March to pre- “seriously concerned” about recent events vent the rapid spread of COVID-19. Starting at Naftogaz. “We call upon the leadership of on May 1, Kyiv authorities have allowed Ukraine to ensure that crucial management cafes, restaurants, shopping malls and decisions at state-owned enterprises are sports clubs to reopen, and they have also taken in full accordance with the basic permitted the operation of transport ser- tenets of recognized corporate governance OPPORTUNITIES standards,” they said. The U.S. State Depart­ PERSONAL vices without restrictions, although the numbers of passengers and customers will ment earlier said that the “calculated be limited. Wearing masks remains manda- move” showed “disregard for fair and trans pa­ rent corporate governance practic- EARN EXTRA INCOME! tory in transport and public places. Schools A 35 y.o. highly educated and good es.” The matter is set to be on the agenda The Ukrainian Weekly is looking and kindergartens are to open their doors looking man wishes to meet a lady when Secretary of State Antony Blinken for advertising sales agents. from May 5, officials said. In March, city of Ukrainian descent for a long- visits Ukraine on May 5-6. Ukraine’s For additional information contact authorities closed schools and kindergar- term relationship. Please email: Western backers tied financial aid for the Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, tens, theaters and shopping centers, while [email protected] country to concrete steps to clean up state The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. cafes and restaurants were only allowed to enterprises such as Naftogaz, one of the provide takeaway food. Kyiv public trans- country’s largest companies by revenue. port is now operating on special passenger Naftogaz has long been the object of cor- OPEN HOUSE , MAY 15/16 22/23 & 28/29 10am – 3pm passes for those working for critical infra- ruption schemes by officials and oligarchs, SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT Call 201-916-6099, structure enterprises. Despite the mea- but the situation began to change after the 201-964-9224 OR EMAIL REQUEST TO [email protected] sures, Kyiv recorded some of the highest 2014 upheaval that swept pro-Kremlin numbers of new infections among FOR SALE $219,ooo President Viktor Yanukovych from power. Ukrainian regions in April, but new cases “FOREST SONG “ (vacation oselia) “ LISOVA PISNYA” IS SITUATED IN THE Naftogaz’s new CEO, Yuriy Vitrenko, told have dropped significantly over the past SHAWANGUNK MOUNTAIN AREA, JUST 2 m. FROM UNF SOYUZIVKA HERITAGE reporters on April 30 that the concerns of week. Ukraine has registered more than 2 CENTER & HOLY TRINITY UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 6 m. FROM LAKE international partners were “understand- million infections and over 44,400 deaths MINNEWASKA & 12 m. FROM CYM (SUMA) CAMP. able” and “a number of problems needed to since the pandemic started last year. (RFE/ Our 3-season home is secluded from the main road with a 1.3 acre vista that can be resolved.” The company needed to RL, based on reporting by Reuters and be enjoyed from a 40 ft veranda. TURN KEY ready for your complete enjoyment return to profit, said Mr. Vitrenko, who was RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service) this summer. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms sleep 10, two full baths, eat-in-kitchen, serving as acting energy minister before his comfy furnished TV/living room, utility room with washer. Ductless heating and Naftogaz Supervisory Board resigns appointment. Naftogaz has said the 2020 cooling system thruout (currently being installed). loss reflected lower demand, lower gas The Supervisory Board of Ukraine’s prices and provisions for bad debts. Mr. state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz Kobolyev’s moves toward transparency is resigning following the government’s won him support among Western investors decision to replace the firm’s CEO – a move and donors. He was credited with oversee- 1152 Route 10 West, Suite N, Randolph, NJ 07869 that has raised concerns among Kyiv’s ing an energy overhaul that helped Ukraine Western backers. On April 28, the govern- to narrow its budget deficit, and leading the 862-219-5344 ment announced the dismissal of Andriy Kobolyev, Naftogaz’s chief since 2014, cit- (Continued on page 12)

YAROSLAVA TKACHUK, Realtor Real estate sale and purchase in Hunter, NY, and surrounding area.

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New research gives insight on migration of highly qualified professionals from Ukraine to the U.S.

by Oleh Wolowyna Table 1. Number of Ukrainians* in selected occupation categories: non-4th wave and Fourth Wave immigrants is also partially 4th wave immigrants: U.S., 2018. due to their younger age structure. The most recent migration wave from The high level of education of all Fourth Ukraine to the U.S., known as the Fourth Occupation category non-4th wave 4th wave sum % 4th wave Wave immigrants already provides an indi- Wave, was probably the most important cation that Ukraine is losing many highly event in the history of Ukrainians in the U.S. Systems analysts 2,493 2,221 4,714 47 educated citizens. As this analysis is since the First Wave at the turn of the 20th Engineers 2,797 2,233 5,030 44 focused on highly educated migrants with century (Fourth Wave immigrants are per- Physical scientists 2,017 1,224 3,241 38 professional occupations, the following fil- sons born in Ukraine who migrated to the Mathematicians 446 233 679 34 ters are applied to the two analysis groups U.S. after 1987). The full story of this migra- Biological scientists 949 351 1,300 27 (the data is as of 2018). Besides being 25 tion wave remains to be written. Some gen- Social scientists 2,983 422 3,405 12 years or older, they completed at least five eral information about this migration can years of college and have professional Health professionals 10,628 2,500 13,128 19 be found in several publications (see list at occupations. The “professional occupa- Teachers (elementary and HS) 25,876 5,424 31,300 17 the end of this article). Here the emigration tions” category, as defined by the Bureau of of highly qualified professionals from Lawyers and judges 8,495 1,138 9,633 12 the Census, is rather wide. It includes occu- Ukraine to the U.S. and its implications for Artists, writers and athletes 3,657 2,195 5,852 38 pations from physical therapists and social the community of organized Ukrainians in workers to aerospace engineers and math- the U.S. are analyzed. Based on this exam- * 25 years or older and with five or more years of college. ematicians. For this analysis the higher-end ple, we point out the precarious position of professional occupations and occupations research on Ukrainians in the U.S. in the for 2018 are 1.1 million Ukrainians with terms of their level of education. The level of of interest to the organized Ukrainian com- field of ethnic studies. 320,000 or 28 percent Fourth Wave immi- education of persons aged 25 years or more munity have been selected. The Fourth Wave started in 1988, with grants. The massive migration from is also analyzed in order to understand The occupation categories listed in Table 5,500 persons arriving in the U.S. that year Ukraine to the U.S. is practically over. It is whether they have completed their educa- 1 can be classified into three groups: sci- (Figure 1). This number jumped to 17,700 important to study the effects of this migra- tion. The category “less than next year and hovered around 19,000 per tion on the organized life of Ukrainians in high school” (< H.S.) year until 2000. This was followed by a the U.S., as this provides important clues includes no schooling, kin- “One can conclude that sharp decline that reached a minimum of for the community’s future. dergarten, elementary or Ukraine made a significant 5,300 immigrants in 2010. There was a The following analysis is structured by incomplete high school. The temporary increase during 2014-2016, dividing Ukrainians in the U.S. into two category H.S. means com- contribution to the American perhaps related to the invasion of Ukraine groups: Fourth Wave immigrants (Fourth pleted high school. Fourth economy and society.” by Russia, and then a resumption of the Wave) and the rest labeled non-Fourth Wave immigrants have high- declining trend. Wave persons (non-Fourth). Recent immi- er percentages than the non- The potential impact of this migration grants are highly selected by age; they have Fourth persons in all levels of education ence occupations, three categories of spe- on the Ukrainian community in the U.S. can a younger age structure than non-Fourth except the first (Figure 2). The higher per- cial interest and a category with occupa- be summarized with the following statis- persons. One indicator of this age-selectivi- centages for the Fourth Wave immigrants in tions of interest to the organized Ukrainian tics. There were 747,000 persons of ty is the percent of people age 25-44 in the the completed high school and three catego- community in the U.S. (The category “law- Ukrainian ancestry in the U.S. in 1980. By two groups: 41 percent among Fourth ries of college-level are at the expense of the yers and judges” is composed of only these 2000 their number increased to one mil- Wave immigrants and 21 percent among large difference between the two groups in two occupations. Unfortunately, judges are lion, out of which 217,000 or 22 percent, non-Fourth persons. the percent with incomplete high school, 11 not listed separately from lawyers). were Fourth Wave immigrants. The figures Recent immigrants are also selected in percent for Fourth Wave and 20 percent for non-Fourth. The higher level of education of (Continued on page 14)

The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Institute of America is deeply saddened to share that our Member and Benefactor

MARTA SKORUPSKY passed into eternal rest on April 19, 2021

Ms. Skorupsky was instrumental in establishing the Ukrainian Institute of America’s Music at the Institute (MATI) series, which was launched in 1989 by Irena Stecura. Marta Figure 1. Yearly number of migrants from Ukraine to the United States: 1988-2018. researched material, wrote program notes and continued to be involved with MATI for more than 30 years. Also, she served as Associate Member of the UIA Board of Directors for more than 20 years.

In addition to her invaluable contributions to the UIA, Ms. Skorupsky was a New York-based translator with decades of experience translating works on a wide range of subjects from Ukrainian into English. She translated volume 1 of Mykhailo Hrushevsky’s History of Ukraine-Rus (1997) along with other books and articles, and edited works from the Interwar period.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Skorupsky’s husband, Bohdan Gerulak, and her relatives, as well as the many Members of the Ukrainian Institute of America and the Ukrainian community whose lives she touched.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Вічная пам’ять! Figure 2. Percent distribution of education level: 4th wave migrants and non-4th wave persons: US, 2018. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

Top U.S. envoy... (Continued from page 1) Plan for membership in the defensive alli- ance. “We ask for the assistance of the United States in initiating this process,” he added. The Ukrainian president in addition thanked the U.S. for its “bipartisan support” in providing technical, humanitarian and security aid. He confirmed that “only about 3,500 Russian troops and hardware have left [occupied] Crimea after military drills, but there is less sniper fire [in the east] Office of the President of Ukraine from which most of our casualties derive this year.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (pointing) gestures U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (center) and while speaking to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Undersecretary of Political Affairs Victoria Nuland in Kyiv on Altogether, the Ukrainian president said Kyiv on May 6. May 6. Russia has 75,000 troops deployed in Crimea, occupied parts of Luhansk and ber one foreign threat,” Mr. Blinken said cultural land a commodity – a moratorium ecutor’s office, are part of our agenda both Donetsk oblasts and near the state border. Ukraine’s biggest domestic threat “are oli- on the sale and purchase of farmland is in the context of Euro-Atlantic integration The previous day, the Wall Street garchs, corruption and other people who scheduled to be lifted on July 1. and a criterion for continuing cooperation Journal, citing sources at NATO’s headquar- put their personal interests above the “Laws are important, but their imple- with the International Monetary Fund and ters in Brussels, and The New York Times, nation’s interests.” mentation is also important,” Mr. Blinken the World Bank,” he said. reported that “senior Defense Department He urged Kyiv to forge ahead with judi- said. “The Ukrainian public wants to see Prior to visiting Ukraine, Mr. Blinken officials said that close to 80,000 Russian cial reform, a key bottleneck to establishing this… regarding the fight against corrup- took part in a meeting of the Group of troops remained near various strips of the the rule of law. Mr. Blinken mentioned tion.” Seven (G-7) democracies in Britain where country’s border with Ukraine, still the big- strengthening “corporate governance” at Afterward, the U.S. envoy held a separate they pledged to combine efforts to counter gest force Russia has amassed there since state-owned enterprises in reference to meeting with Prime Minister Denys Russia’s “irresponsible and destabilizing” Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.” Naftogaz, a state-run gas conglomerate. Shmyhal. behavior, but offered little concrete action More than 14,000 people have been The U.S. government previously criti- Mr. Shmyhal stressed that Ukraine is aside from expressing support for Ukraine. killed in the Donbas war, which has entered cized recent actions that were taken by the unswervingly committed to the course of “We are deeply concerned that the nega- its eighth year. More than 30 Ukrainian sol- Cabinet of Ministers to fire the gas compa- reforms, in particular fighting graft and tive pattern of Russia’s irresponsible and diers have been killed this year, including ny’s chief executive by circumventing its enforcing the rule of law. destabilizing behavior continues,” the top 14 in April. One Ukrainian soldier was Supervisory Board. There is renewed con- “Ensuring the effective operation of anti- diplomats of Britain, Canada, France, killed from artillery fire on the day of Mr. cern that political interference could once corruption institutions, the integrity and Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States Blinken’s visit. again take hold of state-run companies, independence of the judiciary and the pros- said in a joint statement on May 5 in London. Mr. Blinken said Washington is working putting their independence in danger. on advancing “the peace process…to find a Mr. Blinken also urged Ukraine’s parlia- way to promote diplomacy to resolve the ment to complete the adoption of a bill to Kobolyev’s moves toward transparency issue but Russia…doesn’t want to act in revamp the SBU, the country’s domestic NEWSBRIEFS won him support among Western investors good faith concerning the Crimea and intelligence agency – mainly, to strip it of its (Continued from page 10) and donors. He was credited for overseeing Donbas, to restore [Ukraine’s state] bor- financial crime investigation unit, a source an energy overhaul that helped Ukraine to ders, its territorial integrity.” of the spy agency’s corrupt activities. former Soviet republic to a multibillion-dol- narrow its budget deficit, and leading the After naming Russia as Ukraine’s “num- He lauded progress made to make agri- lar win in a legal dispute with Russian ener- former Soviet republic to a multibillion-dol- gy giant Gazprom in 2018. He also faced lar win in a legal dispute with Russian ener- criticism for increases in heating costs. gy giant Gazprom in 2018. He also faced (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters) criticism for increases of heating costs. His successor, Yuriy Vitrenko, said on April 30 EU, U.S. criticize sacking of Naftogaz CEO that Naftogaz will continue to cooperate Kyiv’s Western backers have raised deep with international partners and that the concerns over the Ukrainian government’s company needed to return to profit. Mr. Vitrenko was serving as acting energy min- unexpected decision to replace the head of ister before his appointment as CEO. state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz. Ukraine’s Western backers tied financial The government said on April 28 that aid to the country to concrete steps to clean Andriy Kobolyev, Naftogaz’s chief since up state companies such as Naftogaz, one 2014, was dismissed from the post due to of the country’s largest companies by reve- “unsatisfactory” results of the company’s nue. Naftogaz has long been the object of The UNA ANNoUNces operations last year, when it posted a loss corruption schemes by officials and oli- of nearly $700 million. The move threatens garchs, but the situation began to change ScholarShipS and awardS to complicate talks to access a $5 billion after the 2014 upheaval that swept pro- bailout from the International Monetary Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych from for StudentS attending college Fund. Peter Stano, the lead spokesman for power. (RFE/RL, with reporting by AFP, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said Reuters and Bloomberg) in the 2021-2022 academic year. Brussels had “serious concerns” over the decision, and called on “the leadership of No agreement reached on Easter truce Ukraine to ensure that the management Negotiators in the conflict in eastern Students wishing to apply for a UNA scholarship or award must meet decisions at state-owned enterprises are Ukraine have failed to agree to a truce the following criteria: taken in full accordance with basic tenets of ahead of Easter according to the Julian cal- recognized corporate governance stan- l Have been an active, premium-paying UNA member for at least endar amid a surge in fighting since the dards.” The U.S. State Department earlier two years by June 1st of 2021; start of the year. A cease-fire that took hold said the “calculated move” showed “disre- l Have had a life insurance policy or an annuity, valued at a minimum in July has been unraveling, with deadly of $5,000 during the last two years (term policies excluded); gard for fair and transparent corporate gov- clashes sharply increasing between ernance practices.” Spokesman Ned Price l Be enrolled in an accredited college or university in USA or Canada. Ukrainian forces and Moscow-backed sepa- told reporters on April 29 that, ratists in a war that has killed more than The application for a UNA scholarship or award must be postmarked no “Unfortunately, these actions are just the 13,000 people since April 2014. A Russian later than June 1, 2021. latest example of ignoring best practices troop buildup in recent weeks near and putting Ukraine’s hard-fought econom- Ukraine’s borders and in Russian-occupied For complete details and applications, please call the UNA Home Office ic progress at risk.” He added that the or visit the Our Benefits page on the UNA website at: Crimea has raised concerns of a major United States “will continue to support escalation of the conflict in Kyiv and its www.UNAInc.org Ukraine in strengthening its institutions, Western backers, but Moscow claimed on including advancing democratic institu- April 29 that almost all its troops had now tions and corporate governance reforms, returned to their permanent bases after Ukrainian National Association, Inc. but Ukraine’s leaders must do their part.” participating in massive drills. Participants 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ambassadors from the G-7 major industri- in a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group 800-253-9862 ext. 3035 alized nations said in a tweet that “effective (TCG) comprising Ukraine, Russia and the management and governance of state- Organization for Security and Cooperation owned enterprises, free from political in Europe (OSCE) “reiterated their commit- interference, is crucial to Ukraine’s compet- ment” to the cease-fire, the special repre- itiveness, prosperity and Ukraine fulfilling its international commitments.” Mr. (Continued on page 13) No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 13

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE How has COVID-19 affected Plast and Plastuny in the United States?

by Larissa Pawliczko country are very proud of what they are doing to keep Plast alive during this time, CARMEL, N.Y. – During this global pan- as they are doing an amazing job keeping demic, many people have been affected by stanytsias up and running. COVID-19. It has been especially hard for Podruha Daria Jakubowycz, head of the members of Plast Ukrainian Scouting branch in Cleveland, Ohio, is also doing an Organization in the U.S.A. to keep the “plas- amazing job of keeping everything up and tovi zakony” (the rules of Plast) alive during running, even if everything is on Zoom. this time. But members all over the coun- “Although we would prefer to have scho- try continue to amaze us. With all camps dyny clearly and not through zoom, such having been cancelled in the past year and ‘virtual’ schodyny gave us the opportunity weekly meetings also cancelled or conduct- to meet with plastuny all over America and ed virtually via Zoom, Plast members con- even the world,” Podruha Jakubowycz said. tinue to find ways to make the best out of “Yunatstvo [scouts age 12-18] and educa- the situation, as they are trained to do. tors from other cities joined our meetings, Different stanytsi (regional branches) and, at training, educators even from throughout the United States have dealt Europe and Ukraine taught us! And it made with the situation in their own unique our world a little smaller.” ways. Some have held Zoom meetings, Druh (scout leader) Lesyk Holian of completing proby (scouting ranks) and Yonkers, N.Y., also made it apparent that it Ulana Slabicky vmilosti (merit badges) all online. One sta- has been hard for much of yunatstvo dur- Members of the Plast branch in Yonkers, N.Y., take part in an opening gathering, the nytsia in particular is very determined to ing these times. “vidkryttia” with which members always start their events. keep plast alive for everyone online. “We pivoted really quickly,” Druh Holian Podruha (counselor) Talia Danysh, head said. There were “online schodyny by April, vo, are showing how plastuny have perse- Sokil held one-week virtual camps for of the New York City stanytsia, said she was March was rough, we are able to carry out vered through this pandemic. novatstvo and yunatstvo. especially proud of what her branch has schodyny on Zoom. We were also able to do Along with all of the virtual activities Virtual activities included virtual camp- accomplished over the past 11 months. an in-person zakryttia [closing ceremony] comes a lot of emotional strain on plastuny. fires, games and completion of vmilosti. “The New York City stanytsia deter- which extended the year because of a Plast is all about interaction with your com- Although the situation was obviously differ- mined it was important to continue our missed month… Some positives though – munity and fellow plastuny all over the ent than previous years, all kids and admin- Plast activities,” Podruha Danysh said. “In a you can use technology to pull people country and world. Things like the world- istration still had a wonderful time during matter of two weeks our Stanychna together from different places, technology wide Plast jamboree, a specialized camp in the virtual camps, which is another exam- Starshyna (branch leadership) developed a helped people from other places come which Plast members from across the ple which demonstrates how plastuny are plan of action to hold virtual weekly scho- together for national vmilosti [merit badg- entire world congregate in one different adapting to these strange circumstances. dyny [meetings] from 1:30-2:30 p.m. every es] which is particularly unique. It has country every 10 years, helps plastuny all Other camps which were impacted by the Saturday as is customary in New York City… brought some stanytsias closer together. over the world interact and stay connected. pandemic included Morskyi Tabir, a camp While we await the end of this ‘unusual’ For example, zoom schodyny with stanytsi. When things like this are cancelled, or even specifically focused on water sports; ski time period, we are also grateful to have the From a national perspective it kind of weekly schodyny, it can be an incredible camp; and the annual Orlykiada weekend. opportunity to continue with our online unites people. Virtual rada can happen, you strain on active members of Plast. This was also extremely heartbreaking for Plast activities thanks to the dedication of can do things that you couldn’t normally Also lost are all of the memories made many scouts, as these are some of the most our vychovnyky [counselors] and to tech- do… there were no camps, such as ski camp by yunatstvo during camps, meetings, or popular camps and events in the United nological advances. We look forward to the and regular three-week camp and it has other Plast events. That loss is immeasur- States. Vyshkoly, camps specifically days when we can meet again in person been really tough on the kids. [The camps able and can never be replaced. Even being designed to train counselors, also changed. and celebrate our ‘druzhnist’ [friendship].” are] ‘the glue that keeps the team together.’” stuck at home is difficult for plastuny, as Standard vyshkil, in which attendees com- Podruha Danysh also said her vycho- Scout leaders, such as Podruha Daria, camps and outdoor activities are a main plete a series of rigorous lectures and Podruha Talia and Druh Lesyk, are so vnyky have been extremely dedicated and part of the Plast curriculum. Plastuny assignments, and which everyone needs to proud of what their branches have accom- are making most of these activities and haven’t changed their views on the organi- complete in order to become a counselor continuations possible, as these counselors plished, and how they really embody how zation, but they have started to figure out for novatstvo, was held virtually for nine are all over the country yet remain engaged Plast and plastuny have kept the Plast spirit unique ways to help their friends and com- days. in the branch activities. alive during these trying times. People like plete scouting tasks. Many members of All in all, this pandemic has been really Many different branches around the them, as well as vychovnuyky and yunatst- Plast believe the organization plays a large rough for plastuny. Events cancelled, not role in their lives, and they couldn’t imagine being able to see peers, and doing every- their lives without it. Friendships made at thing online is not traditional for members Plast events often last a lifetime. Yunatstvo of Plast. But as plastuny, we have continued and older members of the organization to persevere, and stay dedicated to our continue to reminisce about their memo- amazing organization that has given us so ries of how things used to be, and are confi- much hope and joy in our lives. Even dent they will be better soon. though everything might not be perfect Last year because all camps were can- right now, we have definitely adapted to celled, all Plast scouting camps in the our circumstances, as we are trained to do. United States held virtual camps over The future is bright for Plast in the United Zoom. This included any regular camps, States, and we will continue to do our best such as the standard three-week camp for to fight for normalcy and recovery. both yunatstvo (scouts age 12-18) and novatstvo (scouts age 6-11). Over a period Larissa Pawliczko is a Plast scout in New Larissa Pawliczko of three weeks, the normal time period for York, a Grade 11 student at Mahopac High The author, Larissa Pawliczko (top row, second from the right), and other counselors summer camps, the scouting camps at School in Mahopac, N.Y. She has been and scouts take part in a virtual Pochatkoviy Tabir (Beginner’s Camp). Vovcha Tropa, Pysanij Kamin and Noviy involved in Plast for more than 10 years.

on a final text. Russian representative Boris impediments to the freedom of movement their home base. Gen. Valery Gerasimov, NEWSBRIEFS Gryzlov blamed the Ukrainian side, telling of the OSCE SMM is negatively affecting” chief of the General Staff, said that more (Continued from page 12) Interfax that Kyiv had “blocked Russia’s the implementation of its mandate, the dip- than 300,000 troops, nearly one-third of proposals on specific mechanisms to pre- lomat said, adding that unmanned aerial Russia’s 1 million-strong military, took part sentative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office vent violations” of a cease-fire. The Easter vehicles used by the international monitors in the exercises earlier this month, along in Ukraine, Ambassador Heidi Grau, said on holiday was celebrated on May 2. More “are targeted daily by small-arms fire as with about 35,000 combat vehicles, 900 April 29. “However – regrettably – no than 30 Ukrainian soldiers have been well as by jamming.” Meanwhile, the com- aircraft, and 180 ships. Western officials agreement was reached upon a TCG state- reported killed since the beginning of 2021, mander of Russia’s Western Military did not immediately comment on the ment on responding to cease-fire violations compared with 50 in all of last year. The District reported that most of his troops Russian announcements. The U.S. and and their elimination in the future,” she separatists have reported at least 20 of were now back at their garrisons after tak- NATO have said that the Russian military added. Interfax-Ukraine quoted the spokes- their fighters killed. Ms. Grau noted that the ing part in major maneuvers around the buildup was the largest since 2014, when man of the Ukrainian delegation, Oleksiy OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to areas of eastern Ukraine. Speaking during a Russia annexed Crimea and threw its mili- Arestovych, as saying that the six hours of Ukraine (OSCE SMM) “continues to record meeting of top military brass, Col. Gen. tary, political and economic support behind talks on an “Easter truce” had been “con- a high level” of cease-fire violations. The Aleksandr Zhuravlev said that just one separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine. structive” but that there was no agreement “growing number of restrictions and trainload of troops was still on its way to (RFE/RL, with reporting by AFP and AP) 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19

Table 2. Number of Ukrainians* in selected occupations: non-4th wave and 4th wave on most ethnic groups can be found in arti- New research... immigrants: U.S., 2018. cles published in professional journals and (Continued from page 11) scholarly books. Unfortuna­tely, this is not Selected occupations non-4th wave 4th wave sum % 4th wave the case for the Ukrainian ethnic group. More than 40 percent of all professionals There is very little published academic in the “system analysts” and “engineers” Industrial engineers 164 240 404 59 research on Ukrainians in the U.S. The idiom categories are Fourth Wave immigrants. Physicists and astronomers 102 130 232 56 in physical sciences that “nature abhors a The categories “physical scientists” and Civil engineers 476 511 987 52 vacuum” also applies to the social sciences. “mathematicians” also have high percent- Electrical engineers 381 404 785 51 As demonstrated in the example above, if ages of Fourth Wave immigrants. As Chemists 229 235 464 51 this research is not done by Ukrainians, then expected, the category “social scientists” Aerospace engineer 159 143 302 47 somebody else will do it for them. has the lowest percent of Fourth Wave Mathematicians 379 209 588 36 The Center for Demographic and immigrants. The three categories of special Kindergarten teachers 355 278 633 44 Socioeconomic Studies of Ukrainians in the interest also have low percentages of Dentists 1,231 482 1,713 28 U.S. at the Shevchenko Scientific Society Fourth Wave immigrants. The category was created to try to change this situation. Physicians 7,424 1,656 9,080 18 “artists, writers and athletes,” on the other Researchers there have constructed an Dancers 0 42 42 100 hand, has a relatively high percent of extensive database with official data on Fourth Wave immigrants. More detail on Entertainers and performers 170 430 600 72 Ukrainians in the U.S., starting with the this is provided in Table 2, with data on Artists 132 218 349 62 1920 census. The most current data is for specific occupations. Designers 468 641 1,109 58 2018 and there are plans to update the Occupations listed in Table 2 can be Musicians and composers 199 208 407 51 database next year with the 2020 census divided into the same three groups as in Athletes 217 137 355 39 and survey data. The database is available Table 1. Fourth Wave immigrants account for interested researchers. It has very for more than half of all scientists in five * 25 years or older and with five or more years of college. detailed data on the demographic, social, science-related occupations: industrial, civil economic and cultural characteristics of and electrical engineers, physicians and in the U.S. An analysis of these profession- Fourth Wave is practically absent in Ukrainians in the U.S. For example, the astronomers and chemists. Surprisingly, als by year of emigration and level of edu- American ethnic studies. The few excep- occupation data presented here can be ana- mathematicians have the lowest percent- cation at the time of migration shows that tions, as shown by the following example, lyzed in more detail by age, sex, year of age of Fourth Wave immigrants among the more than half of them had five or more are quite disappointing. immigration, and use of language at home listed science occupations. years of college. This means that Ukraine The excellent overview of immigration for each state for many metropolitan areas. The occupations listed in the second paid for most or all their education, and the to the U.S. since 1965 (Mary C. Waters and Additional information group are for readers with specific inter- U.S. profited from this investment. Those R. Ueda, 2007) provides a comprehensive about Fourth Wave immigrants ests. The data show the total number of who obtained most of their education in description of the latest research results on physicians and dentists of Ukrainian origin the U.S. can be considered a potential loss immigrants of different ethnic groups in the Some data on the Fourth Wave can be in the U.S. with their proportions of Fourth for Ukraine, assuming that they could have U.S., with chapters on many countries/eth- found at the web site of the Center for Wave immigrants. Members of these two achieved their potential in Ukraine. One nic groups. The book has chapters on Demographic and Socioeconomic Research professions can speculate on why there is a can conclude that Ukraine made a signifi- Russia and Poland but not Ukraine. The of Ukrainians in the U.S. (Center) of the higher proportion of Fourth Wave immi- cant contribution to the American economy chapter on Russia has a few comments Shevchenko Scientific Society (http:// grants among dentists than among physi- and society. about recent emigration from Ukraine, but www.inform-decisions.com/stat). The cians. A surprising finding is the relatively Regarding possible benefits from these it has serious mistakes (Gold 2007). The “Atlas of Ukrainians in the U.S.” has maps high number of kindergarten teachers professionals to the Ukrainian community following paragraph illustrates the author’s about the distribution of Fourth Wave among Fourth Wave immigrants. Perhaps in the U.S., these can also be divided into understanding (or misunderstanding) of immigrants by state and metropolitan area knowledgeable readers can explain this. two groups. The benefits to Ukrainian the Fourth Wave of immigrants to the U.S. (http://shevchenko.org/books/atlas-of- Professionals with occupations listed in institutions from professionals in the “art- from Ukraine: ukrainians-in-the-united-states-demo- the third group are likely to have found ists and writers” occupational category “Whether ethnically Russian or not, graphic-and-socio-economic-characteris- work in Ukrainian organizations. They have already been addressed. Two ques- recent immigrants from Russia and the for- tics/). A general overview of the Fourth probably filled a pressing need in our orga- tions can be posed about the other profes- mer Soviet Union are party to the Russian Wave of migration can be found in the arti- nizations for Ukrainian-speaking cultural sionals: first, to what extent did they culture, language, and way of life to a great- cle in “The Annales Universitatis Paedago­ and educational professionals. This is con- became active in the organized Ukrainian er extent than immigrants in the past. gicae Cracoviensis” (http://shevchenko. firmed by the very high percentages of community? And if not, what is their atti- Because of their involvement with Russian org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ Fourth Wave immigrants in these occupa- tude and behavior in their professional and culture, many develop ties to the greater Demographic-Historical_analysis_ tions. The data on professional athletes personal interactions with Americans? Russian-American community when they Wolowyna.pdf). have also been included for sports fans. Answers to the second question determine arrive in the U.S. Regardless of their ethnic- These results raise several questions. to what extent their emigration to the U.S. ity and religion, they tend to speak Russian Oleh Wolowyna is Director of the Center The first question regards the cost to may benefit Ukraine and/or the Ukrainian and have similar tastes and cultural out- for Demographic and Socio-economic Ukraine of the emigration of this special- community in the U.S. looks.” Research of Ukrainians in the U.S. at the ized workforce. The Fourth Wave profes- One of the many characteristics of the The U.S. is a country of immigrants. A Shevchenko Scientific Society, and research sionals in the U.S. can be divided into two Fourth Wave, based on official U.S. data, has branch of sociology called ethnic studies fellow at the Center for Slavic, Eurasian and groups: those who left Ukraine after having already been described. The description of was developed to analyze the different eth- Eastern European Studies at the University finished most of their higher education and the Fourth Wave in the U.S. academic litera- nic groups in the U.S. and document their of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He can be those who obtained most of their education ture is very different. For the most part, the contributions to American society. Research reached via email at [email protected].

she met many celebrities and their dogs, Ukrainian “kudlatyj”), Timur-Khan and In the most important way, the medical In honor... among them Sonya Haddad who did all of Kiku-no-Hime, or “Princess Chrysanthe­ profession failed Marta, as all of the routine (Continued from page 6) the musical programs for the Metropolitan mum.” At one time we had two dogs and medical and laboratory tests did not detect Opera. Marta often consulted with Ms. five cats, which were practically invisible in a life-threatening condition early enough. shocked at the audacity of serving pasta Haddad as she worked on “Music at the a large apartment in New York City with The condition wasn’t found until it was too (“klusi”) and not meat, but the dinner was Institute” programs. floor-to-ceiling bookshelves around all of late. Her stubbornness and determination a roaring success. Later we acquired a house in the Catskill the walls. to live at all cost kept her alive for almost Marta was also very thoughtful. During Mountains near Hunter, N.Y. At first we In Manhattan during the 1980s and two years, but will power alone cannot a business trip to Vienna, she sent home to went there only in the summers, but some 1990s, the city was a booklover’s paradise overcome the inevitable. The last time I New York the real Sacher Torte, and its fine 15 years ago Marta decided to live there and I really overindulged. Today, the saw Marta was in the hospital when she wooden box still sits on our book shelf. permanently, as she could do all of her work Manhattan apartment and the Catskill was heavily sedated. I was told that the Marta’s mother, who died at the age of 100, on a computer and stay in touch with every- house have many thousands of books, many night before Marta requested that all life- was celebrated by the City of Edmonton one and walk the dogs in the forest around of them Marta’s, mostly Ukrainian literature support be disconnected, and so she died a Public Library because she had read all of the lake. and history, though the bulk are mine. few hours later during the night. Marta the library’s books (well, almost), and was Marta was an absolute animal lover. She Marta loved music and especially opera. now lives in our memories for her unbeliev- granted a special commendation with full was given a first cat named Rabbit, and She sometimes reminded me that she had a able courage and for her full knowledge of press coverage. soon my friend’s adopted daughter asked if degree from the conservatory and I did not. when it is time to live and when it is time to We were married twice. In Washington she could leave a cat during her trip. The When writing her musical notes for various die. we had a civil ceremony, while in Toronto at daughter showed up, handed Marta the box programs, she loved to do thorough Funeral services for Marta will be held a Ukrainan church we had a large ceremony and ran. There were two cats inside, one research and hated to see careless mistakes on May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Lexington with relatives and friends, as Marta had bright red and another black, a calico. We elsewhere. To relax, Marta often did cross- Cemetery, a scenic mountainside location many long-time friends in Canada. In New called them Lel and Polel. Marta’s devotion word puzzles and worked on them whenev- near Hunter, N.Y. The exact location is near York City, we lived on the West Side of to these little ones was extreme. When Lel er she had time, including during her last the intersection of Rt. 23A and Rt. 42. In Manhattan near the river, and every day we became sick and required insulin and cath- days in the hospital. She also had a lifelong lieu of flowers, donations can be made to walked our dogs in Riverside Park. I took eterization, Marta kept him alive and well passion for detective literature and mystery the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences them early in the morning and late at night, for the next 12 years. Our Japanese Akita fiction. She read most of the best authors in the U.S. located at 206 West 100th St., and Marta took them during the day, when dogs were named Kudlai-Khan (from and also read political spy novels. New York, N.Y., 10025. No. 19 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 15

May 11-13 Online conference series, “Ukraine in Washington,” U.S.- May 23 Online literary presentation by Irene Zabytko, “The Days Online Ukraine Foundation, www.usukraine.org New York of Miracle and Wonder,” Ukrainian Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or 212-288-8660 May 12 Book panel discussion with Margarita Balmaceda, Paul Online D’Anieri, Andras Deak and Andrian Prokip, “Russian Energy May 25 Online literary event, “The Countries Between Us,” with Chains: The Remaking of Technopolitics From Siberia to Online Vasyl Makhno, Askold Melnyczuk, Alexander Motyl, Oksana Ukraine to the European Union” by Margarita Balmaceda, Lutsyshyna, Dzvinka Orlowsky and Irene Zabytko, PEN Harvard University, www.huri.harvard.edu Ukraine and PEN America, https://fb.me/e/2gohZ9iVE May 12 Online performance, featuring soprano Stefania Dovhan, Online Shenson Chamber Music Series, co-sponsored by The May 25 Webinar with William Pidzamecky, “Thoughts of Home: A Washington Group Cultural Fund, National Museum of Online Study of Rus’ Contacts with Scandinavia During the Viking Women in the Arts, https://nmwa.org Age,” Ukrainian Genealogy Group – National Capital Region, http://ukrainiangenealogygroup-ncr.org/ May 16 Varennyky-making workshop with Mykola Rutkay, “My Online Baba’s Varennyky,” www.stvladimir.ca May 26 Webinar with Lucas Makowsky, “Sports, Education and Life Online Aspirations: An Evening with Lucas Makowsky,” Ukrainian May 16 Performance, “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” with cellist National Federation Ottawa-Gatineau Branch, New York Sophie Shao, violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv and pianist Tanya www.facebook.com/UNFOttawaGatineau Bannister, featuring music by Nadia Boulanger, Bohdanna Froylak and Antonín Dvořák, Music at the Institute, May 29 Graduation commencement, St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union (Philadelphia), Somerset, NJ Theological Seminary, [email protected] Ukrainian Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org (recorded version available online on May 23) Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events May 19 through Online art exhibit, “Max Vityk: Paintings,” Ukrainian advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions September 5 Institute of America, www.ukrainianinstitute.org or from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors New York 212-288-8660 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

rounding his murder,” the report said. show on May 1. Last suspect... Since 2015, the report said 60 instances “Yes, of course…Compensation may be (Continued from page 1) have been registered “of threats to the paid for the entire time he is kept in the security or activities of journalists in remand center…there are appropriate pro- held a news conference where they Ukraine.” cedural guarantees,” he said. announced the arrest of Mr. Sheremet’s If found innocent, Mr. Antoneno is eligi- The Kyiv Shevchenko District Court on “probable killers.” ble to receive monetary compensation August 25 ruled that the murder case will Besides Mr. Antonenko, Yulia Kuzmenko from the state, Justice Minister Denys be tried by a jury, a relatively new concept and Yana Duhar were named as suspects, Malyuska said during a televised news talk in Ukrainian jurisprudence. all of whom have a connection to the war in eastern Ukraine where Russian-led forces have occupied certain parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions since April 2014. A trial date has not yet been set since prosecutors have said additional evidence is needed – the case currently includes 38 volumes of evidence, most of which is filled with files of forensic test results. Facebook page of Pavel Sheremet The manner in which the names of the Pavel Sheremet defendants was announced has been criti- cized by rights groups and Mr. Antonenko. Battalion, which is a unit of the National “It was a gross violation of the principle Guard. He was often in contact with of presumption of innocence,” he said. Belarusian members of the unit. Days At the conference, Yevhen Koval, then before the murder, the slain journalist had chief of the criminal police force, said the flown to Moscow where he often met for- motive for killing the journalist was to mer Tax and Duties Minister Olesksandr “destabilize the situation in the country by Klymenko, who at the time was considered killing a famous person.” the beneficiary owner of Radio Vesti. Mr. Antonenko, a former special opera- The case went international in January tion forces officer, reiterated his innocence when audio recordings were made public in the interview, saying he was 1.5 kilome- of Belarus’ former spy chief Vadim Zaitsev ters (almost 1 mile) away from where the discussing Mr. Sheremet’s assassination. journalist was killed and that he wasn’t “the Igor Makar, a former special forces offi- male figure shown in the video [released by cer in Belarus had released to certain news police]” who allegedly planted a bomb outlets, including the EU Observer, the together with a woman in the vehicle Mr. recordings and accused Belarusian Sheremet was using. President Alyaksandr Lukashenka of allo- Police suspect Ms. Kuzmenko, a pediat- cating $1.5 million to fund political assassi- ric surgeon in Kyiv who volunteered her nations. services in the war, of taking part in plant- The one-hour-long recording from 2012 ing the explosive device. Ms. Duhar alleged- shows a voice similar to Mr. Zaitsev saying: ly conducted surveillance of the area where “We’ll plant [a bomb] and so on and this the car exploded in a downtown section of [expletive] rat will be taken down into Kyiv. [expletive] pieces – legs in one direction, They all deny the allegations. arms in the other direction. If everything “I’m not involved at all [in the murder],” [looks like] natural causes, it won’t get into Mr. Antonenko said. people’s minds the same way.” Ms. Kuzmenko was released from pre- The , the European trial detention and placed under house Union’s main human rights body, on April arrest in August 2020. Ms. Duhar has been 28 specifically mentioned the Sheremet free on her own recognizance since May murder case in its yearly report on the safe- 2020 after posting bail and an electronic ty and protection of journalists. monitoring device was removed two “Finally, in light of new evidence of the months later. Belarusian KGB’s possible involvement in On the night before his murder, Mr. the murder of Pavel Sheremet, we urge the Sheremet met in front of his residence with Ukrainian authorities to undertake a fresh a group of six members of the Azov investigation into the circumstances sur- 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021 No. 19