ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXXIII No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 $2.00 Oral history project focuses on children Reforms are too few, too slow, experts say by Zenon Zawada “In order to launch a rocket into the Committee of Voters of Ukraine. outer space, it needs to gain the first For the first quarter, 14.5 percent of of Holodomor survivors KYIV – It’s been four months since level of cosmic speed. If it flies slower, coalition requirements were fulfilled, TORONTO – The Ukrainian Canadian Research and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s it can’t overcome the pull of gravity. or eight of 55. Seven were partially ful- Documentation Center (UCRDC) announced the second Cabinet of Ministers took over, The same applies to Ukraine – if we filled, and 19 weren’t. launch of its Children of Holodomor Survivors Oral and there’s no denying they’ve contin- reform too slowly, we can’t surpass the It’s as though Mr. Yatsenyuk and his History Project, funded by the Temerty Family ued down a path of unprecedented empire’s pull with which it holds us Cabinet are doing the bare minimum Foundation. Interviews with children of the survivors reforms. back. We need to make a leap,” said to satisfy the public, both domestically of the Ukrainian Holodomor, the genocidal famine of Never has Ukraine been indepen- Ihor Koliushko, the board chairman of and abroad, numerous leading publi- 1932-1933, commence this month. dent of Russia for natural gas, shifting the Center for Political-Legal Reforms cations and independent experts The project’s coordinator, UCRDC Archivist Iroida to cheaper European sources (for the in Kyiv. reported. Wynnyckyj, stated: “The Ukrainian Canadian Research same Russian gas, no less). Revenue Even the Presidential Administration The Cabinet’s prime motivation and Documentation Center has the experience and from sin taxes have been shifted to has admitted the snail’s pace of during its first 100 days was to shield infrastructure needed to undertake an oral history starving local governments. State bod- reforms. the main corruption schemes, take interview project of this kind, and indeed, it will be the ies in Kyiv have dismissed hundreds of Of the 290 requirements in the par- control of financial streams and fill the first such project about the second generation of survi- career bureaucrats and hired dozens liamentary coalition agreement signed treasury exclusively using tax and fis- vors to be embarked on.” of business executives. in late November, 15 have been ful- cal measures, the Ekonomichna The history of the Ukrainian Holodomor has been All that’s nice but not good enough, filled, or 5.2 percent, said Dmytro Pravda news site reported, based on studied and amply written about. What is missing is a said half a dozen political and eco- Shymkiv, a deputy head at the its analysis. That was demonstrated study of the second generation of Holodomor survi- nomic experts contacted by this corre- Presidential Administration and its with hiked taxes for private and state vors, the survivors’ children, the UCRDC notes. Studies spondent. They described the govern- reforms spokesman, who previously enterprises that didn’t take into exist of the intergenerational transmission of trauma ment efforts as fragmented, not served as general director of Microsoft account the consequences for the and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children reflecting consistent structural Ukraine. Of the 290 requirements, 34 respective economic sectors, the news of Holocaust survivors and in studies of the Armenian reforms with a long-term strategy, and percent don’t have a deadline, he also site said. and African genocides, with some of these studies certainly not enough to inspire confi- noted in late March. reaching into the third generation. There is even an dence in Ukraine’s future. A similar estimate was offered by (Continued on page 4) “International Handbook of Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma,” edited by Yael Danieli. History according to successive generations, or the generational aspect of a legacy of survivorship, is high- ly valuable information to gather for further research. Ukraine turns to poppies in rebuke For example, a sense of longing, mourning, burden or distrust, degrees of communicativeness and coping, and the strength and resilience of survivorship all have of Soviet World War II narrative an impact on the successive generation’s identity and RFE/RL feelings of cohesiveness with their communities. “The purpose of this oral history project is not to KYIV – Ukraine is making the crim- record the history of the Holodomor’s genocidal trau- son poppy flower a symbol of the vic- ma, but rather, what became of the children of the sur- tory over Nazi Germany, part of a shift vivors of the Holodomor and what do they see as the away from Soviet imagery Kyiv says Holodomor’s legacy for Ukrainians,” stated the project’s the Kremlin is using to influence interviewer, Sophia Isajiw. “The fact that the project is neighbors and promote self-serving being done in North America is equally valuable myths about World War II amid a con- because it will enable a discussion of how the flict in eastern Ukraine. Holodomor has become a diaspora marker of First Lady Maryna Poroshenko Ukrainian identity. Oral history interviews with the chil- attended a “Remembrance Poppy” dren of survivors – some of whom are themselves now ceremony on April 7 as part of events in their 60s to 80s – will provide a springboard for this marking the 70th anniversary of the discussion and further research,” she elaborated. Nazi surrender in May 1945. The project has two objectives. The main one is to “The time has come when we have ascertain whether the knowledge of the parents’ hav- to look for the ideas that unite our country and nation,” she said, accord- ing gone through and survived the Holodomor had any president.gov.ua influence on the descendant. This can be physical, ing to a statement on the presidential Volodymyr Vyatrovych speaks during a ceremony at the Mystetskyi Arsenal emotional or spiritual. How the participants have dealt website. “The second world war in Kyiv, where the “Remembrance Poppy,” Ukraine’s new symbol of victory with this is also an important question. The second affected each and every Ukrainian over Nazi Germany in World War II, was unveiled. objective is to learn about the respondent’s own life family. The poppy is a symbol of story in a description of his or her family, schools remembrance that pays tribute to all flict that has killed more than 6,000 “Last year, we saw that the myth attended, work history, migration and the like heroes who sacrificed their lives for a people. about the Patriotic War, the Soviet war, Respondents are chosen using the “snowballing better future.” The head of the Ukrainian Institute had become not only an instrument of method,” which is to interview as many of the children Russian celebrations of the World of National Memory, Volodymyr propaganda but also an instrument of of Holodomor survivors as possible. The interview War II victory as the product of unity Vyatrovych, said that Soviet-era com- war against Ukraine,” he said, accord- method of oral history allows for respondents to freely among Soviet republics are ringing memorations of the Allied victory had ing to the website. express themselves and draw on their memory as wrong to many in Ukraine because of turned the “dreadful tragedy” of “The red poppy is a traditional much as possible. Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and World War II into a celebration of the Ukrainian symbol of the shed blood of its support for separatists fighting “triumph of Communist ideas” and (Continued on page 13) Ukrainian government forces in a con- created a “cult of war.” (Continued on page 5) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15

ANALYSIS

Russia reinforces Crimea as military Poroshenko on regional power vote occurred at about 4 a.m. at the entrance of a building that houses a bank branch. It KYIV – Ukrainian President Petro damaged doors and shattered windows of Poroshenko said on April 6 that he does not conceals underlying conventional weakness the building. Several bombs have exploded object to a referendum on giving more pow- vice and security. Thirteen airfields, radar in recent months in the southern port city by Roger McDermott ers to restive regions in eastern Ukraine. stations, repaired ports and other facilities of Odesa and the eastern city of Kharkiv, Eurasia Daily Monitor When the conflict between Russian-backed allow forces to return quickly ‘in a threaten- both outside the area held by separatists in separatist rebels and government troops Russia’s recent “snap inspection” military ing period.’ And to control the surrounding eastern Ukraine but seen as being coveted began last year, protesters in the east exercises in the Western and Southern sea and air space – a rather sufficiently by the Russian-backed rebels. Ukraine’s demanded a vote on giving their regions Military Districts (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, compact grouping based here on a perma- Security Service (SBU) on April 1 detained more autonomy. Such calls were rejected by March 19) and the Defense Ministry’s plans nent basis” (Lenta.ru, March 22). The three people suspected of involvement in the Ukrainian government at the time. several bombings in Odesa between to reinforce conventional deployments in author then suggests that these exercises However, after meeting a parliamentary December and March. (RFE/RL, with Crimea (see EDM, March 27) generate an are driven by Moscow confronting the commission that is drafting amendments to reporting by UNIAN and Interfax) impression of revived Russian military state’s military weaknesses, by recognizing the Constitution of Ukraine, Mr. Poroshenko power. However, Russia’s relatively careful a lack of military manpower to defend the said that, if the commission decides such a Soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine and low-scale use of military power in entire country, thus forcing increased atten- vote is necessary, he would not stand in the KYIV – Six Ukrainian soldiers were killed Ukraine since February 2014, problems tion to generating forces in any strategic way of a referendum. The president said he on April 5 in the east of the country in two identified during the various snap inspec- direction in order to support forces still opposes the idea of federalization, separate incidents as the conflict in eastern tion exercises, as well as limitations in the deployed during a crisis on a particular axis. which Russia has advocated, but he is in Ukraine entered its second year. The Internal capacity of the Defense Ministry to solve However, despite this explanation con- favor of decentralizing power in favor of the Affairs Ministry said a military vehicle was water supply issues in Crimea appear to cerning the need for enhanced strategic regions. Mr. Poroshenko pointed out that hit as it drove across a bridge in Schastia, a offer ample evidence of deep and systemic maneuvers, Mr. Kramnik cites Col. (retired) decision-making on security, defense and government-held town about 170 kilome- Russian military weakness (Voyenno Viktor Murakhovskiy on self-sufficient foreign policy would remain in the hands of ters northeast of the city of separatist-held Promyshlennyy Kuryer, April 1). force groupings: “Today we do not have a the central government. The president also Donetsk. The ministry accused Russian- Although the weaknesses in Russian single self-sufficient grouping on any of our said he was against making Russian a sec- backed separatists of firing the shell, but that conventional military power stem from [strategic] directions. This is the main rea- ond official language, saying “Ukrainian has report could not be independently con- manpower issues such as the underman- son for the great attention the armed forces been and will be our only state language.” firmed. It said initial reports showed “mili- ning of units or the presence of large num- leadership allocates to the potential for (RFE/RL, based on reporting by the tants had fired a laser-guided antitank mis- bers of conscripts and an absence of a pro- redeploying forces.” Indeed, Mr. Kramnik Associated Press and Interfax) fessional non-commissioned officer corps, emphasizes that Russia’s military strategic sile.” Ukraine’s anti-terrorism center has as well as continued weapons and hard- mobility is also hampered by inadequate Explosion in Kharkiv targets memorial identified all four of the servicemen, adding that they came from the Kharkiv region. The ware modernization, these have a particu- progress on the modernization of the fleet KHARKIV, Ukraine – A bomb was deto- lar manifestation in the area of strategic of transport aircraft (Lenta.ru, March 22). information center for the so-called Luhansk nated on April 7 under a national flag People’s Republic denied reports its forces mobility. Russia’s “snap inspection” exercis- Further evidence of the limits of the memorial in Kharkiv. The local prosecutor’s es in all strategic directions since 2013 transformed logistical support system, were involved. The pro-Russian separatists office says the incident took place at 3:40 claimed the Ukrainian military vehicle hit a have prioritized testing and modifying stra- Material-Technical Support (Materialno- a.m. The explosion damaged part of the tegic mobility capacity: that is, the capabili- Tekhnicheskogeo Obespechenia – MTO), landmine placed on the bridge by Ukrainian memorial and shattered windows at the forces. In a separate incident less than an ty to move troops and equipment rapidly has emerged, linked to supplying water to nearby Medical University building. from one part of the country to another Crimea. The MTO will commence laying hour later, a Ukrainian military vehicle hit a Nobody was hurt in the blast, and no group landmine near the town of Shyrokyne, east designated area to reinforce troop group- trunk pipelines in Crimea from April 1, to claimed responsibility for the attack. Bomb ings. These exercises, also used to intimi- provide fresh drinking water in Kerch, of the city of Mariupol, killing two service- blasts have hit Kharkiv and another gov- men and wounding one other. The previous date Ukraine and for Feodosia and Sudak ernment-controlled city, Odesa, in recent strategic messaging and help agricultur- day, the government reported the deaths of The reliance on play- months. Most of the attacks seemed to tar- another three soldiers when a mine explod- purposes to the al enterprises. This get organizations with ties to soldiers bat- United States and ing the nuclear card will involve around ed near the town of Avdiyivka, a govern- tling pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s ment-held town north of Donetsk. (RFE/RL, the North Atlantic in Crimea offers 500 conscripts and east. Ukrainian authorities blamed the Treaty Organization contract MTO per- based on reporting by Reuters, Agence explosions on Russia and the rebels who France-Presse and Interfax) (NATO), involve dif- strong evidence that sonnel laying a total hold parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. ferent types of com- the Kremlin is all too of 378 kilometers of (RFE/RL, with reporting by UNIAN) Inflation spikes in Ukraine bat elements, com- trunk pipelines in KYIV – New figures show that inflation bined with combat aware of the limits of Crimea (Krasnaya No casualties in Kyiv bomb blast in Ukraine during the first quarter of this support and combat Zvezda, March 30). Russian convention- KYIV – A bomb exploded in downtown year increased 20.3 percent compared to service support. Of al military forces. Yet, expert esti- Kyiv early in the morning on April 2. No course, these exer- mates concerning casualties were reported in the blast that (Continued on page 12) cises have revealed water requirements continued deficiencies in strategic mobility. on the peninsula linked to agriculture, The most recent snap inspection, which industry and tourism suggest up to 244 began with a focus on the Arctic region and million cubic meters could be needed FOUNDED 1933 then developed across other parts of the annually – which cannot be resolved by this The Ukrainian Weekly country, is consistent with efforts to rein- latest effort to use the MTO (Nezavisimoye force Crimea and strengthen force group- Voyennoye Obozreniye, March 30). An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., ings in the Arctic and in western Russia Depending on the specific demands pro- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. (Interfax, March 18; RIA Novosti, March 17; duced by supporting forces in conflict situ- Nezavisimaya Gazeta, March 16). ations, the MTO can easily be exposed to Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) The large-scale snap inspection exercise, overstretch. staged over six days, also rehearsed troop These weaknesses are important in the The Weekly: UNA: deployment to Kaliningrad. According to ongoing crisis in Ukraine and have implica- Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Russian military analyst Ilya Kramnik, tions for NATO. The Russian armed forces Moscow’s renewed interest in using strate- lack the capacity to deploy and sustain mili- Postmaster, send address changes to: gic operational exercises to test strategic tary forces beyond the country’s borders The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas mobility stems from Zapad 2009. The spe- over lengthy periods. During the Ukraine crisis, Moscow has used small-scale inser- P.O. Box 280 cific interest in the reinforcement of Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] Kaliningrad has witnessed increased tions of forces, fueled local rebellions and generally fanned the flames of a conflict on momentum since the mid-2000s. The recent The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com exercise involved military units from almost its border. However, it is unlikely that every branch and arm of service delivered Moscow would want to commit to a much larger insertion of forces, due to issues sur- The Ukrainian Weekly, April 12, 2015, No. 15, Vol. LXXXIII by land, sea and air to conduct training in rounding force sustainment and potential Copyright © 2015 The Ukrainian Weekly unfamiliar settings (Lenta.ru, March 22). diminution of its control over conflict esca- Mr. Kramnik stressed the importance of lation (Rossiya 1, March 15). Indeed, in this mobility in terms of the Arctic Region, since context, it is highly unlikely that Russia can they are so tied to air- and sea-based inser- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA withstand the severe demands placed upon tion. “It relies first and foremost on re- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 its combat service support to help sustain establishment of infrastructure, which sup- and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 operations during a wider regional conflict. e-mail: [email protected] ports, if necessary, the redeployment of Moreover, it simply lacks the conventional troops by sea and by air and not requiring Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] large numbers of personnel for daily ser- (Continued on page 14) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 3 Bildt assesses EU’s mistakes regarding Russia: ‘Brussels was... asleep’ RFE/RL keen to have the Union Mediterranean with in Riga is coming up in May. Looking at a separate arrangement or whatever, we the draft declaration, it looks like it is In an interview with RFE/RL in Brussels, were keen to make the Eastern Partnership going to be a very ambitious summit, as former Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Carl completely integrated with the [EU] institu- such. Should the EU be more ambitious Bildt talks frankly about the mistakes made tions. That was very good. It is now solidly at least towards the three countries – by the European Union with regard to part of the EU institutions [in terms of] the Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine – that are Russia, what he thinks the Russian presi- calendar and what not. So the commitment slowly approaching the EU? dent’s next moves are likely to be, and why is clearly there. I have no doubts about that. I think the most important signal coming the bloc needs to engage more deeply with On [your other question], Radek and out of Riga is going to be that we stay the Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Mr. Bildt myself, we were sort of ahead of the game in course. There has to be a deeper engage- spoke on March 22 with RFE/RL’s Rikard a sense that we – too late perhaps, but earli- ment with the three perhaps in the form of Jozwiak on the sidelines of a Brussels Forum er than others – saw what was going to hap- helping them in implementing these [asso- held by the German Marshall Fund. pen, saw where Russia was heading. I think ciation] agreements. These agreements are more or less everyone has caught up with Carl Bildt/Facebook very ambitious agreements that will us by now. There were those who said that Looking back at the run-up to the Carl Bildt require a lot of efforts by them. I think that ‘Putin is not going to do this, Putin is not Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius they probably need more help than we going to do that,’ and since then Putin has been wrong, including myself – is that at in November 2013, all the way up to have envisaged so far in actually doing that. done virtually everything. So, unfortunately, the moment, for a couple of months, [there today, what could the EU have done dif- Then the critical issue is also how we I would say we have been proven right. will be a] calming down, consolidating, ferently in its policy toward the East? engage with others: What do we do with then accusing Ukraine of violating the Is the EU still behind the curve? Armenia? How do we treat Azerbaijan and I think we should have reacted more Minsk agreement, trying to get out of sanc- Belarus in terms of their somewhat luke- strongly towards Russia when they started That is a difficult question. Because what tions, hoping there will be division inside warm commitment to human rights, to put to misbehave in the summer of 2013. has been proved is that Russia is somewhat Ukraine, hoping there will be divisions it very mildly? That needs to be addressed. Clearly, when they started the sanctions more unpredictable. Will Putin, sort of, let inside the West, and then being ready to against Ukraine, we didn’t see clearly the his tanks roll in the direction of Odesa and exploit those weaknesses. So, no light at the end of the tunnel? implications of that, and I remember that Kyiv? I wouldn’t say that it’s excluded, but I In other words, no EU perspective for So what should the EU do right now? [former Polish Foreign Affairs Minister] don’t think it is likely at the moment. Do we them? Radek [Sikorski] and myself were trying to focus enough attention on trying to find I think the most important thing is what The light at the end of the tunnel, in my alert Brussels and Brussels was more or out? We are focusing far more attention was done by the European Council [on opinion, is there anyhow – Article 49 [of the less asleep. Would that have made a differ- now than we used to do. Should we focus March 19-20] – that is, essentially, to say EU treaty stating that any European coun- ence? I don’t know. But that is clearly a mis- more? Yes, I think we should. the sanctions [against Russia] are going to try can become a member of the EU] take. be in place all this year. It has not been What do you think will be Putin’s next applies. If we talk about a membership per- You and Sikorski are not foreign min- legally said like that, but politically that was move? spective, Article 49 of the Treaty of Rome isters anymore. You were considered to the decision that was taken. I think that is a I think at the moment he is keen to build applies. Then there are sort of, as you know, be hawkish towards President Vladimir very good signal. Then I think we should up the enclaves – these “people’s republics” [various] degrees of enthusiasm for that Putin’s Russia and at the same time shift focus to strengthen Ukraine in differ- virtually without peoples, by the way, but inside the [European] Union and that can strong supporters of the EU’s Eastern ent ways. I think that the IMF program was nevertheless – strengthen them militarily. I only be tested when any of these [aspiring] Partnership. When you look at the EU very important. I think it is important that think he would like them to be able to countries are ready to take that particular today, do you still think there is the other countries are coming [forth] on top of undertake military operations more on step. That is quite a number of years in the same commitment towards the Eastern that – Sweden did, the U.S. is doing [it], but their own because he knows the political future. Partnership and the same hawkishness other European countries should be doing price associated with him sending in the towards Putin’s Russia? that as well. And then make certain that we regular Russian army time after time is too Copyright 2015, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted truly help them with all the reforms neces- I think that the commitment is clearly high. He is waiting to exploit weaknesses with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ sary because Ukraine is going to go through there. One of the good things that we did – either in Ukraine or in the West. He believes Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, a tough time and they need our solidarity, going back to 2008, because in 2008 two that he has time on his side and that the Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org ( see sympathy and support. These things, I things happened – there was the Union for West will get bored with the entire thing. http://www.rferl.org/content/carl-bildt- the Mediterranean and there was the My best guess – and I am saying this think, are the priorities.” interview-putin-russia-ukraine-georgia-mol- Eastern Partnership. While the French were with the reservation that everyone has The EU Eastern Partnership summit dova/26914296.html). IN THE PRESS: Kramer on lessons from Russian invasion of Ukraine Quotable notes “German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Following are excerpts from David J. Kramer’s article “The Western policies over the years have not been perfect by Minister David Cameron have rightly turned down Ukraine Invasion: One Year Later,” which appears in the jour- any means, those who argue that NATO enlargement, EU Vladimir Putin’s invitation to go to Moscow on May 9 to nal World Affairs. Mr. Kramer is the senior director for outreach to Russia’s neighbors, or American policies over mark the 70th anniversary of the Allies’ victory in Europe, human rights and human freedom at the McCain Institute in the years are to blame make an unconvincing case. … and President [Barack] Obama may soon follow suit. … Washington. He previously served as the president of The West should understand that it is time to stop talk- “Instead of commemorating V-E Day in Moscow, Freedom House. (The full text of the article is available at ing about easing sanctions – U.S. Secretary of State John they should go to Kiev [sic]. … http://worldaffairsjournal.org/article/ukraine-invasion- Kerry and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter “Given the conflict that Russia has conducted one-year-later.) Steinmeier are especially guilty of such talk – unless and against Ukraine, Western leaders could not sit in a until there is a real change in Russian policy. Sanctions are reviewing stand on Red Square and watch parading …The crisis is far from over for Ukraine, much less for as much psychological as they are punitive, and loose chat- Russian troops, whose comrades had so recently Russia, but there are conclusions one can draw that will be ter about lifting them prematurely will indicate to Putin a waged — and might continue to wage — war in east- important for the remaining two years of the Obama lack of resolve on the part of the West. He knows what he ern Ukraine, just 500 miles to the south. administration, for the new Congress and for 2016 needs to do to ease the sanctions – he simply chooses not “In recent years, [Vladimir] Putin has tried to arro- American presidential aspirants. to do it. Rather than step back, Western leaders should gate for Russia the Soviet Union’s victory in World War The first one is that Vladimir Putin is a threat to virtually instead tell him that more sanctions are coming unless he II. That understandably angers Ukrainians and others in the post-Soviet space, whose parents and grandpar- everything the West stands for. The system he has overseen reverses policy, including, it bears remembering, on ents also fought, suffered and died in great numbers. … at home for the past 15 years is antithetical to our own; the Crimea. … “Kiev offers a logical alternative to Moscow for V-E effects of his foreign policy have been damaging to Western A major mistake on the part of the West, and especially Day. …And the events could be designed to remember interests. Putin has consciously supported Bashar al- of the Obama administration, has been the refusal to pro- the losses suffered by all the Soviet people. Ukrainian Assad’s slaughter of the Syrian people by arming Syrian vide Ukraine with the means to defend itself. Indeed, the veterans groups could, for example, invite veterans forces; he has agreed with the mullahs to construct new public and repeated rejection of Ukrainian requests for from Russia and the other post-Soviet states. …” nuclear reactors in Iran; he has menacingly reminded the antitank and antiaircraft weapons, among other things, “Marking the May 9 anniversary in Kiev would allow world of Russia’s nuclear weapons capability; and, continu- sent Moscow a green light. An opportunity was missed Obama, Merkel, Cameron and other leaders to pay hom- ing his energy blackmail by other means, he has challenged when Congress unanimously passed legislation in age and respect to the millions who fought so bravely NATO states and others with provocative military flights December authorizing the provision of such military assis- and died in stopping Hitler’s war machine on the eastern and submarine maneuvers. Given these challenges, we tance to Ukraine, and the White House failed to say any- front. But they could do so on their terms, not Putin’s. should set aside the reset button as long as he’s in power. thing about its intentions in this regard in the signing state- “Gathering in the Ukrainian capital would also send Second, we are in a crisis because of Putin, not because ment. Since the onset of the crisis, Ukrainians have been a powerful message to the Russian populace of the iso- of us. We should stop seeing him as anything other than a disappointed by the Obama administration’s lack of sup- lation of their country’s leader because of his aggres- paranoid authoritarian leader who oversees one of the port in this area, and they are right to feel so. Had we pro- sion against Ukraine. …” most corrupt regimes in the world. Preventing his corrup- vided such assistance soon after Russia’s aggression, Putin – Former U.S. Ambassadors to Ukraine Steve Pifer, tion from infiltrating and infecting our own systems should might have thought twice before he sent in Russian forces John Herbst and William Taylor, in a March 16 op-ed in be a top priority. The West had no interest in picking a fight in late August as the Ukrainian military was making head- the Los Angeles Times. with Russia and turned to sanctions reluctantly. While way in retaking parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. … 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15

People’s Front party of serving Mr. special pensions. All decentralization legislation must be Reforms... Kolomoisky’s interests. Only Economic Development and Trade passed by Parliament in two readings by While the billionaires battle for assets, Minister Aivaras Abromavicius made sig- July, before the Constitutional Court reviews (Continued from page 1) average Ukrainians see nothing tangible nificant progress on this front, dismissing them and a final vote can be held in the About 82 percent of 57 bills drafted by improving in their lives, said Yulia 30 percent of his staff and restructuring its autumn. Mr. Groysman said in early March. the new Parliament that were examined by Tyshchenko, the director of programs to operations. “I parted with all my old depu- As for accomplishments so far, the the Center for Political-Legal Reforms pose support democratic processes at the ties – the desire among them to reform was Cabinet of Ministers has simplified the pro- “systemic risks of corruption.” All nine of Ukrainian Independent Center for Social close to nil,” he said in mid-March, as cedure for local governments to access the approved bills that the center examined Research in Kyiv. reported by epravda.com.ua. “In the loans. contain such risks, the center reported. Instead their real wages have plummet- reduced structure, not more than half the The Kyiv government has also trans- “The president and the prime minister, ed following the 57 percent devaluation of departments are led by old staffers.” ferred the collection and spending of with their parties, are not the vanguard of the hryvnia and subsequent inflation, Last year’s commotion over urgent numerous revenue streams to local levels, society’s development,” Mr. Koliushko said. which the National Bank of Ukraine esti- changes to the Constitution of Ukraine has including payments for administrative ser- “Maybe I don’t know the complications and mates is as much as 50 percent in the sec- largely dissipated. vices, customs fees, real estate taxes that conditions they face, but months have ond quarter alone. Paradoxically, a 302-vote parliamentary now include commercial property, a tax on passed, and these complications haven’t Imports have become exceedingly expen- coalition had emerged in late November large-engine automobiles, a 10 percent revealed themselves. There’s a lack of sive, particularly gasoline and automobiles. 2014 – enough to make urgent amend- profit tax, an ecology tax hiked to 80 per- knowledge and desire of doing what needs Jobs are being cut, and crime rates are ris- ments to the Constitution – and yet the cent from 35 percent and a 25 percent tax to be done. And that generates distrust in ing. Small businesses are failing at greater president waited four months to approve a on minerals. all those around them, which undermines rates without the legislative reforms they constitutional commission, which he did on Local governments will also collect a five their effectiveness.” need to make doing business easier, said March 31, with a motley collection of 72 percent retail sales tax on alcohol, tobacco Global organizations recognize the lack National Deputy Oksana Prodan. members, said Mr. Koliushko. and oil products. The measures will trans- of effort, as the International Monetary Numerous experts expressed concern Among the faces are Ukraine’s first three fer 45 billion hrv ($1.8 billion) for local Fund (IMF) responded with the very mini- that Ukrainian citizens, particularly those presidents, widely blamed for the nation’s government use, the Finance Ministry esti- mum in mid-March in the form of a $5 bil- living in the Russian-leaning regions, will current travails; former Prime Minister mated in mid-February. lion tranche of its $17.5 billion loan, report- lose patience with the new government Yulia Tymoshenko, the controversial for- Further reforms in this direction consist ed Dr. Anders Aslund, a senior fellow at the and welcome a course that takes them back mer prime minister widely suspected of of transferring the administration of local Peterson Institute for International to the economic stability under Viktor corruption; and Serhii Holovatyi, a career roads, and the corresponding funds, to Economics in Washington. Yanukovych, during which the hryvnia was politician who in the span of two decades oblast state administrations. The construc- Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko had entirely stable. went from the National Rukh of Ukraine to tion and repair of local roads would be asked for a $10 billion first tranche. Only three political parties have public the Party of Regions. transferred from a single state company to “Ukraine has a new chance to reform and support at this point, according to a It will be led by the 37-year-old several state firms, which would later be save itself, but the situation remains precar- Razumkov Center poll conducted in early Volodymyr Groysman, the career politician privatized, according to the Cabinet’s ious,” Dr. Aslund wrote in a column pub- March of 2,009 respondents. who represents the interests of President changes to its plan for reform of the system lished on March 17. “The risks are many About 14 percent of Ukrainians support Poroshenko. Dozens of judges are also on of state administration of roads, as pub- and great. Most notable are Russian war- the Poroshenko Bloc, 9 percent support the the commission, some of whom have next lished on April 3. fare, the very poor state of the economy, too pro-Western Self-Reliance party and 7 per- to no experience in constitutional law, Mr. The judiciary little reform, limited funding and the spec- cent support the Opposition Bloc, which is Koliushko said. ter of a popular uprising against poverty.” oriented towards the Kremlin. “A lot could have been voted on three No reforms in Ukraine’s notoriously cor- The rivalries between the most powerful “Russia is putting us in a situation in months ago – decentralization and changes rupt judiciary will be felt by the public for politicians haven’t helped. It took a phone which our economic and social condition is to the judiciary – when there was enthusiasm years, no matter how intensely it works, call from U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden to worsening,” Mr. Koliushko said. “That can’t and the coalition agreement was drafted and Mr. Koliushko said. Yet the overall theme of get billionaire Igor Kolomoisky to remove go on forever. Sooner or later, society will many deputies were planning to fulfill it,” Mr. “some reforms, but far from what’s neces- armed forces, allegedly under his control, get tired and the exhaustion will ripen.” Koliushko said. “Today, when everyone sary” applies especially to the judiciary, he from Ukrnafta headquarters on his conflict Structural reforms sees the attitude of the president and gov- said. with the president, reported National ernment towards the coalition agreement To the government’s credit, the Deputy Serhiy Leshchenko on his Facebook Little has changed in terms of organizing is that it’s an unneeded document, the Verkhovna Rada in mid-February approved page. government, decision-making processes, enthusiasm of deputies has also elapsed.” the bill submitted by the president, “On “According to my sources, Biden called the hiring and dismissal of state workers, A 15-member temporary parliamentary ensuring the right to a just court,” which upon Yatsenyuk and his political force to and relations between state bodies, Mr. committee was also formed to prepare bills established a contest-based selection of demonstrate unity with President [Petro] Koliushko said. to amend the Constitution, but it has yet to judges and their recertification. New disci- Poroshenko in regards to restraining State bodies were supposed to begin a submit any bills for review, with the dead- plinary charges were introduced with Kolomoisky,” wrote Mr. Leshchenko, who process of downsizing, but instead they cut line extended by a month to May 15. deadlines for criminal prosecution. has long accused Mr. Yatsenyuk and his costs by eliminating benefits, bonuses and Also troubling is the fact that eight of the For the first time, the selection of judges 15 committee members voted for the at appellate levels and higher will take January 2014 bills severely limiting the place based on open competitions, rather rights of Ukrainians, commonly referred to than on appointments by the president. as the dictatorship laws, reported the Independent assessments, rather than Center for Legal-Political Reforms. presidential appointments, will determine judges’ promotions. Yet the catch in all this Decentralization is that Mr. Poroshenko retained the right to Decentralization is what can improve the dissolve or liquidate courts. social climate within a few years’ time very “He kept all the levers of political influ- significantly and should be the govern- ence on the judicial system with the ment’s top priority, Mr. Koliushko said. Yet Presidential Administration and kept the no initiators of decentralization have been unconstitutional authority of transferring included in the president’s constitutional judges from court to court, which was the commission, he noted, adding his belief that very instrument used effectively by Mr. Poroshenko might have other plans, Yanukovych to maintain control on the despite advocating the need for giving local judiciary,” Mr. Koliushko said. governments more authority. “If Poroshenko doesn’t want to refrain In particular, the president’s biggest from this invented authority that’s not in challenger, Mr. Kolomoisky and his state the Constitution, that means that he or oblast administration deputy, Gennady someone in his entourage doesn’t rule out Korban, have been vocal about the need for the need to return to a similar tactic, and fiscal decentralization. that’s very bad,” he said. Yet their recent conflict with the presi- To the government’s credit, the selection dent, in which they allegedly dispatched of the Higher Justice Council has become armed men to Kyiv to maintain control of more transparent, on a competitive basis. Ukrnafta, might have prompted the presi- Yet it hasn’t been active in more than a year. dent to think twice about his decentraliza- All judicial rulings will be included in a tion plans, said Kyiv political consultant register, eliminating numerous exceptions. Mykhailo Basarab. And for the first time, anyone will be able Mr. Poroshenko has repeated since last to video record court proceedings without year that decentralization does not mean needing permission from the presiding federalization, which is being demanded by judge. Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yet once again, reform is lacking in Most Ukrainian leaders believe the addressing the large-scale issues, such as proper balance needs to be reached with- lustration. Legislation passed in May out tipping into federalization, or what Mr. proved insufficient in prosecuting and dis- Koliushko referred to as “regionalization.” missing corrupt judges, which requires Mr. Basarab believes that a moratorium constitutional amendments, Mr. Koliushko must be placed on any decentralization of said. “Without a doubt, it’s too little, too state authority until the war is over. slow,” he said. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 5

For tHe reCorD Amnesty International: New evidence of summary killings Deputy Secretary Blinken’s remarks of captured Ukrainian soldiers must spark investigations LONDON – Shocking new evidence of pro-Russian forces in Debaltseve between “execution-style killings” by pro-Russian February 12 and 18 when the defending at NATO Transformation Seminar armed groups in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces were encircled there. Following are excerpts of remarks by As all of you know very well, when the illustrates the urgent need for action to tack- The revelation follows a report by the Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken at Soviet Union dissolved, it left successor le the escalating human rights and humani- Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post on April 6 the Atlantic Council’s NATO Transformation states, three of which had nuclear weapons – tarian crisis in the area, Amnesty featuring a phone interview, allegedly made Seminar 2015 held in Washington on March Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine – thou- International said in an April 9 news release. by Arseniy Pavlov, better known by his nom- 26. The text was provided by the U.S. sands of nuclear weapons. One of the great “The new evidence of these summary de-guerre “Motorola.” Mr. Pavlov, reportedly Department of State. achievements of the Clinton administration killings confirms what we have suspected a Russian national and the leader of the pro- and of our European partners at the time was for a long time. The question now is: what Russian armed group known as the Sparta …I was in Berlin and a student asked me, to convince those successor states to give up are the separatist leaders going to do about Battalion operating in eastern Ukraine, “Why are you so focused on Ukraine? Why the nuclear weapons they inherited. And, of it?” said Denis Krivosheev, Europe and claimed he had “shot dead” 15 soldiers cap- does it actually matter? Russia’s actions course, in the case of Ukraine, that required a Central Asia deputy director at Amnesty tured from the Ukrainian armed forces. He is don’t pose a threat to you; they don’t really solemn vow and commitment from three International. “The torture, ill-treatment and alleged to have killed Mr. Branovytsky. pose a threat to Germany. What’s so impor- countries to support Ukraine’s territorial killing of captured, surrendered or wounded “This chilling ‘confession’ from a separat- tant about what’s happening in Ukraine?” integrity and sovereignty – the United soldiers are war crimes. These claims must ist fighter, alongside video evidence and tes- And so I tried to explain that our concern in Kingdom, the United States and Russia. be promptly, thoroughly and impartially timony from witnesses, and the mounting the first instance was helping a European That we would allow that commitment to investigated, and the perpetrators prosecut- evidence of abuses of captives by both sides, state attain its democratic aspirations, that be trampled upon not only does a grave ed in fair trials by recognized authorities.” highlights the urgent need for an indepen- Ukraine is not whole if its people are not injustice to Ukraine, but think about what it Footage reviewed by Amnesty dent investigation into this and all other alle- free. If the country is not at peace, then in says at this very moment when, as we speak, International shows Ukrainian soldier Ihor gations of abuses in this conflict which began some fundamental sense neither is Europe. our secretary of state, the secretaries of Branovytsky, one of the defenders of a year ago,” said Mr. Krivosheev. But I also explained that, as each of you state from our major partners are working Donetsk airport, taken captive and interro- “Summary killings are a war crime, plain know, the crisis that we’re facing now goes to convince Iran to forego nuclear weapons. gated. The video, posted on YouTube, and simple,” he underscored. “The leaders beyond Ukraine and beyond even Europe. It would be understandable that Iran would shows signs that he was hit in the face. He of the self-styled ‘Donetsk People’s As Russia and the separatists that it backs want certain assurances in order to do that. remained in captivity until he was killed. Republic’ in eastern Ukraine must send descend on eastern Ukraine, they’re doing What does it say to Iran today when a com- A number of individuals claim to have their members a clear message: those who more even than violating the borders of one mitment like the one that was made in the seen Mr. Branovytsky being shot and killed fight with them or on their behalf must country. They are threatening the principles Budapest memorandum is grossly violated? point-blank by a separatist commander. His respect the laws of war. They must urgently on which the trans-Atlantic partnership was …it is imperative in our judgment that we body was returned to his family earlier this remove from their ranks anyone suspected founded and upon which the international continue to stand together to affirm these month and he was buried in Kyiv on April of responsibility for ordering or commit- order we seek to build depends. Moscow’s principles, to end the conflict peacefully, to 3. The Ukrainian security services have ting serious violations of international actions, from manufacturing the phony restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial opened an investigation into his killing. humanitarian law and human rights abus- Maidan-in-reverse in eastern Ukraine, integrity. And the best way to do that is Amnesty International has also seen vid- es, and fully cooperate with any indepen- deploying thousands of heavy weapons and through full and comprehensive adherence eos documenting the captivity, and pictures dent investigation.” troops across the border, to supporting a to the September Minsk agreements and to of the dead bodies, of at least three other As parties to the armed conflict, armed reign of violence through the separatists the February Minsk implementation plan members of the Ukrainian armed forces, groups such as the Sparta Battalion are that it controls – they threaten to set a new that President [Francois] Hollande and reportedly being held in a morgue in legally bound by the rules of international precedent whereby basic principles are up Chancellor [Angela] Merkel did such a good Donetsk. There are signs of bullet wounds humanitarian law – the laws of war – which for debate. job in negotiating. to their heads and upper parts of their bod- prohibit, among other things, torture and These principles [are] that the borders I want to emphasize one point here. The ies, apparently the result of execution-style other ill-treatment and the killing of detain- and territorial integrity of a democratic state most critical step in that plan is the last step killings. The soldiers had been captured by ees, Amnesty International noted. cannot be changed by force; that it is the – the restoration of Ukraine’s international inherent right of citizens in a democracy to border. Until that is done, this crisis will not make their country’s decisions and deter- be resolved because Russia will have the mine its future; that linguistic nationalism, ability until that is done, at will, to turn up something we thought was confined to the the volume, to pour troops and arms back dustbin of history, must not be allowed to be across the border and into Ukraine. And so resurrected; and that all members of the until that last step is completed, it’s impera- international community are bound by com- tive that we sustain the pressure on Russia, mon rules and should face costs if they don’t that we continue to support Ukraine, and if live up to the solemn commitments they Russia continues to violate its obligations, make… then we should increase the costs. …

extremely important to honor the victims Ukraine turns... and heroes of this war in a Ukrainian man- ner, because Ukraine was one of the main (Continued from page 1) arenas of the second world war. According the Kozaks. On the other hand, it is a to various estimates, about 10 million European symbol that commemorates vic- Ukrainians were victims of the war. tims of the first and the second world Ukrainians made a decisive contribution to wars,” Mr. Vyatrovych said. the victory over Nazism in the Red Army, He noted that the initiative of commem- the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, the armies orating fallen Ukrainians with the of Poland, France, Great Britain and other Remembrance Poppy had been established countries. Together, they made the victory the previous year. This year, the initiative over fascism possible.” gained legislative basis in the form of a presidential decree that made May 8 the With information from the official website Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation. of Ukraine’s president, http://www.presi- Mr. Vyatrovych also stated: “It is dent.gov.ua. Subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly Only $90 $80 for UNA Please contact members Subscription Dept. [email protected] For an additional Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3040 $5 get an online subscription as well Published by the Ukrainian National Association 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15

easter pastoral The Ukrainian Weekly Hate speech is not free speech May peace, love and unity Social media and the news media were abuzz this week about the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s (TSO) decision to cancel pianist Valentina Lisitsa’s guest appear- always be among us ance at concerts to be held at Roy Thomson Hall on April 8 and 9. At first the decision Following is the Paschal Epistle of the Today the dominion of the devil is was presented by some media as discrimination against the pianist for her political Permanent Conference of Ukrainian destroyed, today the bonds of death are views. Indeed, Musical Toronto on April 6 carried this misleading, and misinformed, Orthodox Bishops beyond the Borders of broken, the victory of evil and hell is over- headline: “TSO Dumps Upcoming Soloist Valentina Lisitsa Over Political Views.” Ukraine. come. By His Resurrection, Christ has Ms. Lisitsa’s supporters reacted by crying “censorship” and by sharing a photo of opened to us the path to salvation.” the pianist with tape across her mouth, captioned “Toronto Symphony, Let Valentina To the God-beloved presbyters, honor- The Pascha of Christ has especially great Play!” The photo illustration was made by Ms. Lisitsa herself and posted on her able monastics, and all faithful children of meaning for every Ukrainian this year. We Facebook page along with a plea to her fans to tell TSO “music can’t be silenced” and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the dias- all believe and pray that the Resurrected to share the illustration. She claimed in a post on Facebook that she is just “a regular pora and in Ukraine: Christ will assist our Ukrainian people and human being – a daughter, a mother, a wife” who was seeing a fratricidal war in “my “Angels in heaven, O Christ Savior, praise our homeland of Ukraine to be victorious beautiful Ukraine.” your Resurrection with hymns, make us over her enemy and overcome all difficul- But readers of The Ukrainian Weekly who are familiar with Ms. Lisitsa’s recent non- worthy here on earth to glorify You with a ties and obstacles which our people are fac- musical work know otherwise. We refer you to Adrian Bryttan’s “News and Views” pure heart.” (Paschal Stykhyra) ing. We know that Christ the Savior also piece titled “When ‘high culture’ merges with terrorism,” published in our December experienced a Golgotha, after which came 14, 2014, issue. Her Tweets are vulgar, callous, hateful, racist, uncivilized. Mr. Bryttan Right Reverend, Very Reverend and the Resurrection. These words give hope to commented in an online post on April 8: “Ms. Lisitsa’s corner wants everyone to believe Reverend Fathers! our Ukrainian nation that we will be vouch- her ban by the Toronto Symphony is a witch hunt over free speech and political Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! safed exceptional joy, peace and unity fol- opinions, but that is a smokescreen. This is really about accountability. It’s about Ms. Christ is Risen! lowing the cruel war and enmity. Our faith Lisitsa accepting responsibility for her actions. The TSO, like every arts institution, On this joyful and holy day of the Most- would not exist without the Resurrection of recognizes it was formed by the community and its mission is to enrich its commu- glorious and Divine Resurrection of our Christ. There would be no eternal life with- nity. Canadians expect their core values reflected in their institutions.” Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, we out faith. Consequently, our purpose and Toronto Symphony President and CEO Jeff Melanson was absolutely correct when extend most heartfelt greetings to all you the essence of our spirituality is our belief he told The Canadian Press: “This is not about free speech, this is not about a political Orthodox Christians with the feast of the in the Risen Christ. The Resurrection of perspective or persuasion, this is about very offensive, intolerant comments about Lord’s Pascha! The magnificent feast of the Christ has become the heart and founda- people.” He said Ms. Lisitsa was replaced after TSO received complaints from hun- Resurrection of Christ calls all of us to con- tion of Christianity. The Holy Church dreds of people. Furthermore, he told Classical FM radio: “We sent her seven pages of sider again the eternal treasures of prayerfully calls upon heaven and earth in Tweets that really are not political Tweets, but rather something much beyond that, Christian teaching and offers a golden celebration of this divine joy: “Let the heav- very, very offensive commentary. We’d hoped to have some clarity around those, giv- opportunity to fill our hearts with good- ens worthily rejoice, and let the earth be ing her the opportunity to basically explain that these were not her words, which was ness and love for God and neighbor. The glad. Let the whole world, both visible and something that was originally suggested, that perhaps someone else was writing for Resurrection of Christ unites us all through invisible, keep the feast; for Christ, our her or something along those lines. So, unfortunately, she just confirmed finally last faith in the victory of light over darkness, Eternal Joy, is Risen” (Tropar of the 1st Ode week that these are her words and her beliefs, and we had to make a change.” goodness over evil and life over death. The of the Paschal Canon). May this bright Incidentally, the vitriol had another victim: Stewart Goodyear, the pianist who was Holy Apostle James reminds us that “as the Paschal joy encourage us once again to to replace Ms. Lisitsa in performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. He wrote: body without the spirit is dead, so faith offer our thanks to the Lord for His great “With all due respect to the pianist who I was going to replace, one must own one’s without works is dead also” (Jam 2:26). and limitless love for us! opinions and words, and have the courage to defend her position without hiding And so, on these joyful days of Pascha, we How should Christians respond to this - should endeavor with especial diligence to Divine Love and sacrifice for us sinners? ceived her as pro-violence and anti-love. Her most recent ‘plea’ to her fans and fol- prayerfully alleviate the suffering of those We should orient our whole life towards behindlowers tothe attack pseudonym, the orchestra ‘NedoUkraїnka.’ that released Her wordsher of offendedher performance many people schedule who perwas oppressed by sorrow, encourage the down- gratitude to God, to the fulfilling of His unfortunate. Free speech has consequences, and one must own one’s position. cast, perform acts of mercy, love and com- Dragging other people who have nothing to do with her position does nothing con- passion, and help those in need, who are love one another as God has loved us. The structive. Her attitude, and the mob-like behavior of her devotees, censored waiting for us to offer our aid. Сommandmentspath to realizing and this to learninggoal has how been to Rachmaninoff’s second concerto. It is no longer on this week’s program. Many peo- Every person, and perhaps even whole revealed to us by the power of the ple demanded that I respond to their Twitter tirades. Here is my response: I am an nations, experience in their lives various Resurrection of Christ. artist, not a politician; a lover of all people, not an ambassador for hatred; a human hardships, derision, suffering, and at such Following the Resurrection, the Lord being with a name, not a pseudonym.” times often talk about the victory of evil appeared to the Apostles and greeted them Ms. Lisitsa has responded to critics by referring to all the “vicious haters” who over good. How many times in our own with the words “Peace be unto you.” After tried to silence her as a musician. Aha. Yes, Tweets like this one – “Dear conscious lives have we ourselves fallen into despair? hearing Christ’s words, the Apostles felt this Ukrainians: I will never get tired of reminding you that you are dog feces. Thank you And so, in order to avoid disenchantment peace in their hearts and they felt joy and kindly for your attention.” – have a lot to do with music... Just who is the hater here? and discouragement, we must remember the Peace of God instead of fear. Today, the And Ms. Lisitsa has refused to retract her words. In fact, Mr. Melanson told The Globe that evil and untruth are overcome and words “Peace be unto you” are very impor- and Mail: “We did give her many opportunities to clarify or retract her Tweets, and it conquered through the Resurrection of tant and relevant for the Ukrainian people. was our sincere hope that she would do so.” Christ. With faith in the Risen Christ many The peace which is brought by Christ is also Some commentators have suggested that Ms. Lisitsa’s comments might violate generations of Christians have finished the peace between nations and people. Canadian laws on hate speech. She says this is all a misunderstanding of her views, a their earthly journey, accomplished their In celebrating the Pascha of Christ, we mistranslation of her comments, a misinterpretation of her Tweets. But it’s too late. ascetic struggle of fasting and prayer, should remember that the world today has As Ukrainians would say “vylizlo shylo z mishka,” or the jig is up. It’s clear to all that patiently endured suffering and sorrow many conflicts and injustices that give rise this case has nothing to do with freedom of speech or Ms. Lisitsa’s political views, and accepted death, firmly believing in the to resistance and opposition. We are not objectionable as they are. Hate speech is not free speech. And inciting hatred is sim- coming resurrection and eternal life with lacking in this respect. And so, may the ply not to be tolerated. Not in Toronto, not anywhere. Christ. St. John Chrysostom stated, “Today greeting of Christ the Savior – “Peace be people have joined together with the unto you” – resound throughout the world, angels, and, clothed in flesh, together with the bodiless powers now offer hymns. (Continued on page 16) April Turning the pages back...

Twenty years ago, on April 15, 1995, President Boris Yeltsin delayed signing the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and 15 Partnership Between Russia and Ukraine. “It will be correct to 1995 sign major political documents between Russia and Ukraine only after we are convinced that the relations between Symferopol and Kyiv do not infringe on the interests of Crimeans.” Other issues delaying the signing of the agreement, initially scheduled for September 1994, included the division of the Black Sea Fleet. Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrei Kozyrev, in Moscow during a meeting of the Council for Foreign Policies, said, “the possibility of using direct force to protect ethnic Russians abroad is not ruled out. There is a large arsenal of means to protect our compatriots – from the expression of mild dissatisfaction by an anonymous representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry to the application of political and economic sanctions. In certain instances, the use of direct military force might be necessary to protect our compatriots abroad.” The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America responded on April 17, 1995, that Mr. Yeltsin’s statements represented “a new and intolerable phase in the assault upon Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”

(Continued on page 14) Easter traditions as depicted by Jacques Hnizdovsky. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 7

WINDOW ON EURASIA Putin conducting ‘hybrid genocide’ against Crimean Tatars, says journalist

by Paul Goble the forced silencing of Crimean Tatar TV ATR and plans to replace it with a malleable Moscow officials are asserting and some pro-regime clone, a top figure in Russian- From Shylock to Sheptytsky in the West are accepting the notion that occupied Crimea has proposed that the “When we think of the [sic] Ukraine, we In addition to excerpts from speeches by local officials in Crimea are to blame for any ‘cult’ of May 18 – the anniversary of the think of pogroms.” With some such words, I various dignitaries, the booklet contains a problems with the registration of Crimean deportation of the Crimean Tatar People in heard a BBC correspondent introduce an brief biography of Sheptytsky by historian Tatar media outlets such as ATR television, 1944 should be stopped and Crimeans interviewee around 1990. Now it is true Paul Robert Magocsi. A rare letter that but that is a lie in the case of the former and should instead celebrate a ‘day of joy’” that history has traditionally focused on Sheptytsky wrote in Hebrew in his own a self-deception on the part of the latter, (khpg.org/index.php?id=1428361378). dramatic events like war or revolution. hand to the Jewish community of Zavaliv in Ayder Muzhdabayev says. The Ukrainian commentator cites the Thus, the popular image of Ukrainian histo- 1903 is introduced, translated, and anno- The Moscow journalist, himself a words of Dmitry Polonsky, the first deputy ry emphasized the massacres of Jews dur- tated by Leon Chameides, M.D., who as a Crimean Tatar, says the occupation authori- prime minister of the occupation regime, as ing the Khmelnytsky uprising, as well as boy was sheltered by the metropolitan. In a ties simply were waiting for the Kremlin’s given to Lenta.ru. They are truly frightening 19th and 20th century pogroms. Socio- tribute delivered at the April 24 banquet, decision. Had that been other than to close in their implications for anyone who economic and religious factors bred mutual Dr. Chameides pointed out that saving 150 Crimean Tatar outlets, they would have remembers how Hitler and Stalin lied distrust. Yet for nearly all of a thousand Jewish lives “must have taken the silent extended ATR’s license “instantly” because about what they did at the time and how so years, Christians and Jews in Ukraine lived cooperation of hundreds of priests and this is “a routine bureaucratic” step (nv.ua/ many fell for their words (lenta.ru/arti- in peaceful coexistence, even symbiosis. their households. And yet, despite the dan- opinion/muzhdabaev/ot-voyny-k-gibrid- cles/2015/04/03/krymtatary/). Symbolic of this was Andrey Sheptytsky’s ger, there was not a single case of betrayal nomu-genocidu-xxi-veka--42709.html). According to Mr. Polonsky, “a joint con- custom of addressing Jewish communities and, after our liberation in 1944, not a sin- Consequently, he argues, the Kremlin ference of all major civic Crimean Tatar in Hebrew during his episcopal visitations. gle case of a child being kept by the Church and Vladimir Putin organizations” on During the Holocaust, Metropolitan against the family’s wishes” (p. 21). personally must be April 2 – a statement Sheptytsky went further than other Also noteworthy are the remarks by held accountable for The world must that itself is a lie Christian leaders, speaking out against vio- Jason Kenney, then Canadian minister of citi- this most unfortunate speak out against because all Crimean lence and sheltering Jews from the Nazis. It zenship, immigration and multiculturalism, action as well as for this latest case of Tatars who oppose is this aspect of his legacy that is the sub- at the banquet; the address by Major the fact that Moscow the occupation were ject of “Archbishop Andrei Sheptytsky and Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the has begun “ethnic “ethnic cleansing,” excluded – the Ukrainian Jewish Bond.” Meticulously Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church at the April cleansings” in the this time against the “expressed the opin- edited by the Rev. Dr. Peter Galadza and 25 symposium; and James Temerty’s accep- Ukrainian peninsula ion that it is long jointly published last year by the tance speech in Kyiv the following year. as a first step to what Crimean Tatars. time to remove the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Mr. Kenney observed that the sight of an he calls “a hybrid accent from May 18. of Eastern Christian Studies (MASIECS) and Orthodox rabbi, an Orthodox Christian genocide” of the Crimean Tatar nation. This is undoubtedly the anniversary of a the Ukrainian Jewish Encounter (UJE), this patriarch, a Greek-Catholic major archbish- The entirely “intentional” Moscow lies tragedy, a day of mourning, however it publication appeared in time for the 150th op, and an imam all sitting together was about what is happening in Crimea is “the should be held in memory of the dead, by anniversary of Sheptytsky’s birth (as a note certainly striking. Taking up the sensitive latest link in a chain of lies about the real going to the cemetery and remembering on the inside back cover explains, there are fact that many Ukrainians, including situation of the Crimean Tatar people the innocent victims at home.” several ways to spell his name). Sheptytsky, initially welcomed the German under the jurisdiction of the Russian “The cult of May 18 among Crimean To readers of Shakespeare, the reference army in 1941, he provided some historical Federation and has the following goal: hav- Tatars was for decades artificially created to a Ukrainian Jewish “bond” may recall the context for that short-lived reaction. ing hidden this reality from the world com- by the leaders of the so-called Mejlis in Jewish moneylender Shylock’s hardhearted Patriarch Sviatoslav pointed out the con- munity, to continue the persecution of the order to give people an inferiority com- insistence on the pound of flesh promised temporary significance of Sheptytsky’s Crimean Tatars in an ever more harsh way.” plex,” Mr. Polonsky said. “It’s impossible to by Antonio as a bond to guarantee his readiness “to go beyond human calculation, This situation threatens to take the form build plans about the successful develop- friend Bassanio’s debt of 3,000 ducats: “I’ll and embrace sacrificial love – a love that of “a repetition of the worst examples of ment of a people on the basis of a tragedy. have my bond; speak not against my respects all life – from conception to natural the policies of Stalin and Hitler.” And in the That, incidentally, was the great mistake of bond/I have sworn an oath that I will have death.” Criticizing today’s “moral escapism” near term, Mr. Muzhdabayev says he is the Ukrainian authorities that constantly my bond” (The Merchant of Venice, Act III, and stressing the continuing importance of “certain that soon the leaders and employ- tried to create a cult out of various trage- Scene iii, 4-5). Yet in Act III, Scene 1 moral absolutes, Patriarch Sviatoslav cited ees of ATR will be subjected not only to dies, whether the Holodomor or the depor- Shakespeare gives Shylock an eloquent his predecessor’s belief that every human threats but to administrative and criminal tation. It’s impossible to build a strong defense of the dignity and humanity of the being has a right to be loved – and that such persecution with equally false accusations.” nation on failings.” Jews (lines 49-69). And it was consider- compassionate love is only possible through devotion to God (pp. 26-28). Foreign diplomats need to recognize that Mr. Polonsky said that the Crimean Tatar ations of dignity and humanity that prompted Sheptytsky, ignoring the nega- Mr. Temerty, noting that more than half Moscow is lying to them and is moving activists in the pocket of the regime had tive stereotypes, to defend this historically of North American Jewry can trace its roots quickly to “liquidate” the only Crimean Tatar proposed an alternative Crimean Tatar hol- maligned people. to present-day Ukraine, quoted a Hebrew television and radio channels. That is bad iday to occur on April 21, “the day that the More than a brochure but not quite a cof- University course description stating that enough, but “still worse” is that it is becom- President of Russia Vladimir Putin signed a fee-table book, this large-format, soft-cover “There is no Jewish history without ing “a signal for the beginning of a new degree about the rehabilitation of victims publication’s imaginative graphic design Ukraine, and there is no Ukrainian history phase of repressions against the Crimean of the deportation …From a day of mourn- invites perusal. Skillfully blending a variety without Jews” (p. 34). If Ukraine wants to Tatars,” repressions designed to force some ing we must nonetheless move to a day of of colors, typefaces and rare photographic join Europe, he argued, it must also join to “’voluntarily’” deport themselves. joy. … You need to remember the dead qui- images, the composition constantly chang- international efforts to memorialize its The actions, if not the words, of Russian etly, and rejoice loudly.” es, carrying the eye forward through its 48 Jewish dead and to introduce Holocaust officials show that that is what they are pages. Even the group photographs – an education in its schools (pp. 37-38). planning and that the world must speak Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on ordinarily boring though obligatory feature For today’s young Ukrainians, in fact, out against this latest case of “ethnic ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia – are presented in an engaging manner. Andrey Sheptytsky is an excellent historical cleansing,” this time against the Crimean who has served in various capacities in the “Archbishop Andrei Sheptytsky and the role model. Not only was he a true hero in Tatars. And they must begin with a recogni- U.S. State Department, the Central Ukrainian Jewish Bond” tells us about the wartime, serving the cause of life rather tion that “the resolution of the national Intelligence Agency and the International churchman’s activity as a friend and rescu- than death, but in peacetime he employed question” in Crimea is the work of Mr. Putin Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice er of Jews during the Holocaust in Ukraine. firm but charitable diplomacy towards the personally not some unknown local official. of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio It also documents recent related events, Poles, the Latin-rite Catholics, and that The time to speak out against and stop Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for chiefly the unanimous passage of a resolu- most difficult to please constituency, the this “hybrid genocide” is now, Mr. International Peace. Mr. Goble writes a blog tion in the Canadian House of Commons on Ukrainians. Let us hope that the commem- Muzhdabayev underscores. called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- April 24, 2012, honoring the archbishop’s orative statue planned for St. George The situation is truly dire. As Halya woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). The article heroism; a banquet that evening; a Square in Lviv gives him his due. Coynash points out, “As well as lies about above is reprinted with permission. MASIECS symposium held the following Today, with the return of anti-Semitism day at St. Paul University in Ottawa; the to Europe, the value of an institution dedi- awarding of the annual Metropolitan cated to Sheptytsky’s ideals and actions The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries Andrey Sheptytsky Medal of Honor to should be evident. With our support, UJE on a variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Donbas-born Canadian entrepreneur and MASIECS can help to ensure that when Ukrainian Canadian communities, as well as the Ukrainian diaspora. James Temerty (founder of UJE) in Kyiv on people think of Ukraine, they think not of June 24, 2013; and the posthumous pre- pogroms, but of righteous Gentiles who Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are sentation to the metropolitan of the B’nai saved Jews. their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly B’rith Anti-Defamation League’s Jan Karski editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. Courage to Care Award on October 31 of Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at that year. [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15

NEWS AND VIEWS Students from Friends Seminary visit UIA Maidan exhibit by Kitty Samuels levels and times of the crisis, first of course and Martin Rather the revolution and the beatings of the pro- testers, then the sham Crimean referendum NEW YORK – In many ways, it was only and subsequent U.N. Security Council meet- fitting that the day our class visited the ing, the eastern separatist movements, the Ukrainian Institute of America was cold crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17, and dreary. On our 15-minute walk from summing up with the current situation and the subway to the Institute, the grey skies likely future courses of action. Each simula- opened up, soaking all twenty of us as we tion became more contentious and aggra- travelled uptown from Friends Seminary in vating, as the groups were unable to get Manhattan’s East Village. anything productive done due to Russia’s Walking through the front doors and up continued rhetoric. the eloquent staircase in the Institute, we Injustices left and right, yet Russia, stick- noticed a wooden shield with a message ing to their roles, kept denying others’ scrawled in Ukrainian, that when translated requests for discussion and the U.N. and the for us, read “DO NOT KILL.” We were then U.S. could provide little to no real assis- told by our guide and the exhibit curator tance. Ukraine, currently in a transitional Foma Fomenko, through a translator, that state attempting to stabilize after the huge “it took two and a half months worth of revolution and creating a new people’s peaceful protests in Kyiv, in five-degree democracy, had the least power in the sim- weather, protected by nothing but these ulation. All that the representatives from shields, before people started to react.” Ukraine could do was explain how Russia Having just walked five blocks in near- was bombarding them, when really it felt freezing rain, the idea of being outside in like the only way to fix the situation was for much colder weather while passionately Russia to stop trying to create spheres of protesting all day, for months on end, was influence and thus further its dictatorial an idea that we could not fathom. Foma Serhiy “Foma” Fomenko of Mandry (seventh from left) with Stefan Stawnychy empire. was incredibly articulate in his ability to (right, rear row), who is history instructor at Friends Seminary, with his students at Our conclusion: politics, especially inter- explain how the protests shaped the the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York. national affairs, is exhausting and disheart- Maidan. We were particularly interested to ening. However, we came away with the hear that the Maidan has now returned to After we learned the basics of foreign the E.U., and some American. We began by knowledge that we must start advocating the way it was pre-revolution, with the relations and the inner workings of a state, extensively researching the Ukrainian for those in need and change our current exception of the memorials to the fallen. Stefan Stawnychy, our teacher, decided to Revolution of Dignity, looking into the cor- system of international relations. Our class Our academic instruction was brought to test as well as enhance our understanding ruption of [fugitive former president will forever be advocates for Ukraine and life by hearing and seeing the real-life sto- of politics by giving us the grand challenge Viktor] Yanukovych’s administration, and with no doubt will be a part of a large com- ries and art at the Institute. Our interest in of simulating the current crisis in Ukraine. examining the Ukrainian people’s desire for munity calling for reform in the harsh glob- learning more about the Ukrainian revolu- We were all assigned roles, some tangible democratic change. Next, we had al political system, both now and in the tion was truly heightened. Russian, some Ukrainian, some members of weekly simulations to talk about different future.

THE SHEVCHENKO SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY, INC. (NTSh-A)

informs its members that the triennial

GENERAL MEETING OF NTSh-A WITH REPORTS AND THE ELECTION OF A NEW GOVERNING BOARD

will take place on

Saturday, May 16, 2015 At 1:00 p.m.

MORNING SESSIONS OF THE SCHOLARLY SECTIONS 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

at the Shevchenko Scienti c Society Headquarters 63 Fourth Avenue (between 9th and 10th Streets) New York, NY 10003

For additional information please call or write: 212-254-5130 • [email protected] No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 9 Renowned Ukrainian writer Andrey Kurkov says Ukraine does not need a third Maidan EDMONTON, Alberta – The Euro-Maidan media/pro-ukranskih-patrotv-kanadi). of 2014, also known as the Revolution of Mr. Kurkov is a world-renowned Dignity, was centered on Kyiv’s main square, Ukrainian novelist, movie scriptwriter, and as was the 2004 Orange Revolution. On the essayist. A member of PEN International, occasion of the first anniversary of the Euro- he has published 18 novels, seven books for Maidan revolution, the Canadian Institute of children and more than 30 filmscripts. His Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) organized a three- works have been translated into 36 lan- day symposium and invited the Ukrainian guages, including English, Spanish, French, writer Andrey Kurkov to deliver the 49th Italian, Dutch, German, Swedish, Turkish, annual Shevchenko Lecture, which served Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew. Among as the keynote event of the symposium. Russophone writers in the post-Soviet Mr. Kurkov’s talk, delivered on March 9 space, Mr. Kurkov commands the largest before an audience of almost 200 at the international audience and is also Ukraine’s University of Alberta, was titled “How best-selling author abroad. Many Maidans Does Ukraine Need to In his novels, Mr. Kurkov satirizes life in Become Different?” post-Soviet Ukraine, often using strategies In the first part of his lecture, Mr. Kurkov of the animal fable to deal with political and gave a personal account of his development social issues. An example of this approach as a writer in the context of the changes is his novel “Death and the Penguin” (1996; taking place during the late Soviet period, English, 2001). when the Soviet state and economic system CIUS In 2004 Mr. Kurkov openly supported began to unravel. It was in this period that Andrey Kurkov delivers the 49th annual Shevchenko Lecture at the University of Alberta. Ukraine’s Orange Revolution, after which Kurkov began to leave the Soviet past presses in Russia refused to publish his behind and identify himself with Ukraine, war have all politicized people. The result is Studies Program and Oseredok. works. An independent thinker and fine which became independent in 1991. that Ukraine has entered a period of In Toronto, Mr. Kurkov gave a lecture at essayist, Mr. Kurkov has frequently partici- According to Mr. Kurkov, one of Ukraine’s nation-building that is also a period of dan- the University of Toronto’s Munk Center, pated in the civic life of Ukraine, using his consistent problems since independence ger, as the country faces a difficult road which was co-sponsored by the Petro Jacyk excellent command of English, German, has been the lack of state-builders among ahead, Mr. Kurkov noted. Center for the Study of Ukraine, the Center French, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian to its political elite. In the years following inde- It is clear that many Ukrainians want to for East European Russian and Eurasian represent the interests of Ukraine’s artists, pendence, Ukrainian politicians never con- live under the rule of law, but corruption is Studies, and CIUS. In Toronto, Mr. Kurkov reformers, and human-rights activists sidered Ukraine as national property. difficult to root out, especially when the also met with John Ralston Saul, president internationally. Using the analogy of building a house, country is at war. Russia’s leaders hope that of PEN International, and other Canadian Mr. Kurkov’s most recent work, “Ukraine where the owner begins by fencing the dire economic circumstances will exhaust writers. Diaries: Dispatches from Kiev,” documents property on which the house is to be built, Ukrainians, leading them to abandon the In conjunction with his speaking tour in the Euro-Maidan revolution from its incep- Mr. Kurkov pointed out that no agreement struggle with Russia and turn against their Canada, Andrey Kurkov gave two interviews tion in late November 2013 through April with Russia was ever concluded to delimit government. Mr. Kurkov concluded that if that were published in Canadian newspa- 2014. The diaries dispel many colonial Ukraine’s territory. The failure to protect there are no reforms, there may be a third pers; one appeared in the Edmonton Journal myths and portray Ukraine as a political national territory extended to Ukraine’s Maidan revolution caused by mounting and the other in the Toronto Star. Following nation. The book has appeared in German, informational and cultural space. In the economic and social problems, which his departure from Canada, Mr. Kurkov wrote French, Italian, Estonian and English, and Donbas and the Crimea, media and infor- would be disastrous for Ukraine. about the symposium and his impressions recently in Ukrainian. Polish, Russian and mation outlets were controlled by local Following his talk and the subsequent related to his trip to Canada (http://cultua. Japanese editions will appear shortly. elites, who used them to maintain a Soviet- question-and-answer session, Ihor Kruk, type mentality among the local population. president of the Ukrainian Professional and Last year’s Euro-Maidan revolution was Business Club of Edmonton, which co-spon- provoked by the actions of Viktor sored of the Shevchenko Lecture, thanked Yanukovych, who, ironically, wanted to avoid Mr. Kurkov for his presentation. The other JACQUES HNIZDOVSKY such a scenario, having lost power following co-sponsors of the 2015 Shevchenko the 2004 Orange Revolution. The goal of the Lecture were CIUS and the Department of PRINTS DRAWINGS PAINTINGS demonstrators in 2004 had been to secure Modern Languages and Cultural Studies honest elections, which was achieved, but (MLCS) at the University of Alberta. CIUS William Greenbaum Fine Prints has been in business now disillusionment followed when politicians Director Dr. Volodymyr Kravchenko spoke for more than 50 years. We currently have 35 signed prints failed to initiate fundamental reforms. This briefly at the beginning of the event and by Mr. Hnizdovsky for sale and we are seeking to purchase allowed Mr. Yanukovych to come to power in served as moderator, while Dr. Natalia more of his prints as well as his drawings and paintings. 2010. He sowed the seeds of the Euro- Pylypiuk of MLCS introduced the speaker. Maidan revolution when he began posting Mr. Kurkov also participated as a com- officials from the Donbas to positions of mentator at the opening session of the sym- authority throughout the country, alienat- posium on the Euro-Maidan revolution and ing local officials and businessmen. subsequently met with students at MLCS. During the first stages of the Euro- Before coming to Edmonton, Mr. Kurkov Maidan, demonstrators had no clear goals also gave lectures in Winnipeg and Toronto. and the Maidan became a forum for discus- In Winnipeg he gave two talks – one at sion, resembling a type of open university. the University of Manitoba and the other at Those discussions, the readiness of a the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational minority of demonstrators to confront the Center (Oseredok). These were co-spon- authorities with force and the subsequent sored by the Central and East European

History told by witnesses With Ukraine in Our Hearts Memoirs of the Graduates of the Ukrainian Studies Program in Szczecin (1959-1963)

Author, Compiler, Editor ALL PRINTS NOW ILLUSTRATED ONLINE AT: Mykola Duplak www.greenbaumprints.com Published in 2015, this hardcover book Please email us at [email protected] has 693 pages with many illustrations, and or phone us at 508-284-7036. is written in Ukrainian and partly in Polish. It can be purchased in the U.S. for $30, William Greenbaum Fine Prints shipping included. Please contact: 98 South Street Rockport, MA 01966 Mykola Duplak, 123 Sunridge Ave., Camillus, NY 13031 Open By Appointment Tel.: (315) 679-1676 • E-mail: [email protected] Th e book can also be purchased on Amazon.com Member: International Fine Print Dealers Association 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15 No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 11

Poster for the documentary film “Crimea Crimean pottery; the plate in the upper left features the “tamga” symbol used by Eurasian nomads. Unveiled.” “Crimea Unveiled”: Documentary film spotlights Crimean Tatars and Ukraine

Ayla Bakkalli at the United Nations Permanent Forum on A recurring image from “Crimea Unveiled” shows an artisan’s hands The director of “Crimea Unveiled,” Olga Indigenous Peoples. at a potter’s wheel. Morkova.

by Adrian Bryttan film related how almost all Crimean Tatar mentioned is the current penalties for not Russia are just Moscow propaganda taking artists and artisans died off in Uzbekistan, embracing Russian citizenship (which advantage of a different group, the Khazar NEW YORK – The red potter’s wheel where the entire Crimean population was amounts to de facto recognition of Crimea Tatars, instead of the Crimean Tatars, who whirls anti-clockwise, turning round and forcibly exiled in cattle cars by the Soviets in as part of Russia): no right to work in the are all pro-Ukraine. round while artisan hands expertly coax a 1944. More than 100,000 deportees per- public sector, no driver’s license and no Responding to a question about why new vase from a lump of clay – it’s a recur- ished from starvation and disease. Following opportunity to study in state schools. Most there is so little official action from Turkey ring image in director Olga Morkova’s docu- the re-establishment in 1991 of Ukraine’s civil servants are now Russians. Coupled and other Muslim states, Ms. Bakkalli stated mentary film “Crimea Unveiled” that was independence, about 250,000 returned. with harsh censorship, police state moni- there are currently 5 million Crimean Tatars screened at the Ukrainian Institute of Then, in 2014, came the “little green men.” toring and an absence of democracy, it is no living in Turkey. While there is widespread America in New York on March 25. The film’s director, Ms. Morkova, a wonder that Tatars fear Crimea becoming grass-roots support, Turkish-Russian ener- This potter’s wheel was a symbol for the Ukrainian of Russian origin from another Ossetia or Abkhazia scenario. gy agreements complicate the political situ- central figure of the film, artist Rustem Sevastopol, explained how “Crimea According to the United Nations High ation. She continued: “Even much of the Skibin, a Crimean Tatar forced to relocate to Unveiled” afforded her the opportunity to Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over Muslim world is hearing of Crimean Tatars Kyiv upon the Russian invasion of the show “the other Crimea, not just like other 20,000 uprooted Crimeans fled across the for the first time. The Middle East is volatile Ukrainian peninsula. The plight of one destitute and wretched displaced peoples newly established borders to find a safe with its own issues, which does not leave skilled craftsman, a vanishing art form, the in the world, but artists [who are] commit- haven in Ukraine. And the systemic human much room for Crimean Tatars.” tragic decline of a culture and a whole ted to carry on their culture.” The sponsors rights abuses by Russian occupiers keep In a private conversation with this nation – these were the larger themes of listed for her documentary include the U.S. escalating, with the banning of public author, Ms. Bakkalli added: “The Crimean the documentary. Embassy in Kyiv, the Fulbright Association events and restrictions on elemental free- Tatars are much more modern; our women Mr. Skibin now continues to produce his and the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation. Ms. doms of association. Hardly reported were do not wear veils. We also need to remem- traditional ethnic pottery in Kyiv. But the Morkova has now initiated her next project: the recent severe beatings of two Tatars on ber that Crimean Tatars were content to consequences of the Russian invasion and a documentary about Mustafa Dzhemilev, a Crimean bus just for speaking their native live in a democratic Ukraine for almost a annexation continue to be disastrous for leader of the Crimean Tatar National language. Others fared much worse. Ms. quarter of a century.” indigenous Tatars in Crimea. Movement and a member of the Ukrainian Bakkalli described one 39-year-old who Perhaps the most important point made The film ends with Ms. Morkova’s words: Parliament since 1988. This will be pro- wanted to enlist in the Ukrainian army; he by Ms. Bakkalli was the significance of the “We don’t know what will happen, but we duced by Crimea SOS Initiative in Kyiv. was killed and his mutilated body thrown April 2014 official declaration by Ukraine must be patient. We will wait and submit In her talk, Ms. Bakkalli said there is no out in a bazaar. Even non-activists are that the Crimean Tatars are the indigenous ourselves to the whirl of the universe.” For question where Tatars’ sympathies and found hung or killed. people of Crimea and the recognition of Crimean Tatars, the potter’s wheel keeps allegiance lie: “We Crimean Tatars told our One of Ms. Bakkalli’s slides showed a their self-governance by the Mejlis. (Ms. turning. Russian neighbors, we are more Ukrainian young Tatar woman under a Crimean flag Bakkalli is also advisor on indigenous mat- Following the film, Ayla Bakkalli, U.S.A. than you. The Russians were always impe- during the Maidan. On a light blue back- ters to the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to representative of the Indigenous Crimean rialists, never the Ukrainians. Our genocide ground, this official flag features a golden the United Nations.) Tatar Mejlis (their highest executive-repre- began with Catherine II and her confisca- symbol, the “tamga,” which suggests an With this decisive action, Crimea now sentative body), expanded on the history tion of our lands. We assess historical facts inverted “tryzub” or trident, but is actually falls under international norms and and present situation of Crimean Tatars. to fight Russian propaganda. All Crimean an abstract tribal seal historically used by becomes part of a much larger global forum (Ms. Bakkalli traces her ancestry back to Tatars want to be with Ukraine because a Eurasian nomads. The captions revealed this of 370 million indigenous peoples world- two strands of Tatars in Crimea – one to the strong Ukraine means peace. Currently we Tatar girl spoke in Ukrainian: “Maidan is a wide. For Ukraine, this is critical because it 12th century and the other to nomads sev- see a return to horrific Soviet times; now Tatar word… we are proud to be Ukrainian.” provides additional compelling legal argu- eral millennia ago.) the world has been destroyed…” Ms. Bakkalli cautioned that any videos ments against Russian claims and annexa- Ms. Morkova’s beautifully crafted short Ms. Bakkalli added that what is rarely showing “Crimean Tatar” support for tion of the Crimean peninsula. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15

begin handing out passports. The decree Ukraine’s volunteer Aidar Battalion, is series of geopolitical events: the ouster of NEWSBRIEFS said the passports will be in Russian and charged in connection with a June 2014 Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in available to people 16 years of age or older. mortar attack that killed two Russian jour- February 2014; Moscow’s takeover of (Continued from page 2) The regulation comes into force on April nalists covering the conflict between gov- Crimea in March; and Russia’s support for the January-March period in 2014, and that 21. The territory, which is on part of ernment forces and Russian-backed sepa- armed separatists who have seized parts of last month alone it rose by 45.8 percent. Ukraine’s Luhansk region, was declared by ratists in eastern Ukraine. She says she was eastern Ukraine. The dispute raised fears of The State Statistics Service released infor- Russian-backed rebels in April 2014. It has kidnapped by separatists in June and ille- reduced deliveries to the European Union, mation on April 6 that showed the dramat- no international recognition except from gally transferred to Russia. (RFE/RL, based which gets about 40 percent of the gas it ic downturn for the economy last month. Georgia’s breakaway region of South on reporting by TASS and Interfax) imports from Russia via pipelines crossing The service reported that the price of basic Ossetia. The rebel entity also announced on Ukraine. Gazprom supplies about half the Savchenko lawyer claims probe foods and nonalcoholic beverages went up April 3 that it had opened its own bank and gas used in the EU. In a statement posted 15.6 percent in March, and prices for cloth- started paying pensions in Russian rubles. MOSCOW – A lawyer for Nadia on his ministry’s website earlier on April 2, ing and shoes increased by 13.5 percent. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by Interfax, Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force officer Ukrainian Energy Minister Volodymyr However, the cost of housing rose only 1.1 NTV and Lifenews.ru) who is on hunger strike in a Russian prison, Demchyshyn called the agreement a “victo- percent. The National Bank of Ukraine has ry” for an economic rather than a political Savchenko eating ‘to survive until trial’ says Russian authorities are investigating forecast inflation running at between 26 to him for potential “extremist” language approach to relations between Naftohaz 34 percent for 2015. The State Statistics MOSCOW – Ukrainian military pilot posted on his Twitter account. Mark Feigin and Gazprom. Russia stopped supplying Service noted that the figures do not Nadia Savchenko, who has been on hunger tweeted on April 1 that an investigator gas to Ukraine in June, citing debt and a include “occupied Crimea and Sevastopol, strike to protest being held in a Russian jail, from Russia’s Investigative Committee lack of advance payments, as the conflict in and also areas where anti-terrorism opera- has reportedly resumed eating small called him earlier in the day to inform him eastern Ukraine escalated. Global prices for tions are being conducted” referring to the amounts of food. Mikhail Fedotov and that the authorities were examining wheth- oil have fallen precipitously after reaching a Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Yelizaveta Glinka, members of Russia’s er he violated Russian laws on extremism high for 2014 in June, driving gas prices Ukraine, which are largely under the con- presidential human rights council, say Ms. in connection with his Twitter activities. down and weakening Russia’s hand in trol of pro-Russian separatists. (RFE/RL, Savchenko has begun eating dairy products There was no immediate confirmation negotiations with Ukraine over supplies. based on reporting by UNIAN, Agence with the aim of staying alive until her trial, from investigators that a probe is under (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters, France-Presse and TASS) which has yet to be scheduled. The way. Mr. Feigin said authorities may try to UNIAN, TASS and Interfax) announcement came after Mr. Fedotov and remove him as Ms. Savchenko’s attorney Self-proclaimed LNR to issue passports Moscow on U.S. national security strategy Ms. Glinka visited the pilot at Moscow’s but vowed to “not back down” in his LUHANSK – The self-proclaimed Matrosskaya Tishinka prison on April 3. defense of the pilot. Mr. Feigin said he sus- MOSCOW – Moscow says the new U.S. Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) says it This is the second time Savchenko, 33, has pected investigators may be examining his national security strategy is “anti-Russian.” will begin issuing passports to residents of interrupted her hunger strike. Citing health tweets related to the February 27 slaying of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists concerns, she briefly resumed eating in Russian opposition politician Boris said on March 25 that “in the long term, the in eastern Ukraine. The Luhansk rebels’ early March after more than 80 days with- Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister United States along with its allies will con- “Council of Ministers” said it signed a regu- out solid food. She returned to her fast on and one of President Vladimir Putin’s tinue to push for political and economic lation on April 3 allowing the entity to March 16. Ms. Savchenko, a member of harshest critics. “But that is just a pretext,” isolation of Russia.” The White House he told Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti released Washington’s updated national news agency. “This is, of course, pressure in security strategy last month, portraying connection with the Savchenko case.” Mr. Russia as a regional aggressor and threat to Feigin, who has represented numerous stability after its annexation of Ukraine’s high-profile clients, including members of Crimean region and support for separatists TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL Walter Honcharyk (973) 292-9800 x3040 the dissident punk collective Pussy Riot, in eastern Ukraine. The council added that or e-mail [email protected] tweeted hours after Mr. Nemtsov’s killing “significant efforts” will be made by the that responsibility for the attack lies “com- United States to create an anti-Russia pletely with the Kremlin.” Mr. Putin has “political course” in countries friendly with SERVICES PROFESSIONALS called the assassination-style shooting of Russia while trying to reduce Russian influ- Nemtsov a “shame” and a “tragedy,” and the ence in former Soviet republics. The council Kremlin has vehemently denied that it had said the United States may try to “engineer” anything to do with the slaying. In all, five political change in Russia using tactics the suspects have been arrested in connection Kremlin claims Washington used to topple with Nemtsov’s killing. Russian authorities Moscow-backed Ukrainian President in recent years have targeted the online Viktor Yanukovych last year. Mr. activities of government critics. In January, Yanukovych’s sudden decision in Russian state media watchdog November 2013 to spurn a key agreement Roskomnadzor blocked the website of with the European Union in favor of closer opposition figure and anticorruption blog- ties with Moscow prompted huge protests ger Aleksei Navalny after he called for peo- in Kyiv, known as the Euro-Maidan, and he ple to attend an unsanctioned rally later fled to Russia in February 2014 as his grip that month. In February, the agency on power collapsed. (RFE/RL, based on accused Twitter of violating Russian laws reporting by Reuters) and said the social-media site had repeat- edly ignored its demands to block “extrem- Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation ist” content. Mr. Putin said in October 2014 KYIV – Ukraine will mark May 8 as a Day that Russia was not planning to limit access of Remembrance and Reconciliation for to the Internet or put it under “total con- those who lost their lives during World War trol,” but will need to ensure the stability II. Culture Minister Vyacheslav Kyrylenko and security of its Russian segment. (RFE/ told reporters on March 24 that “like all RL, with reporting by TASS, RIA Novosti SERVICES European nations, we will commemorate and Agence France-Presse) those who lost their lives during the war,” Gazprom confirms new deal with Ukraine adding that all Ukrainians who fought for Ukraine’s independence “deserve honor MOSCOW – The head of Russian gas and remembrance.” Mr. Kyrylenko said that giant Gazprom has confirmed the signing of May 9 will be marked as Victory Day as an agreement on gas supplies to Ukraine usual. Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker for the next three months. Gazprom CEO Ivan Krulko told the Interfax news agency Aleksei Miller said Kyiv will pay $247.18 that May 8 would remain a working day per 1,000 cubic meters of gas in the second and May 9 might be turned into a working OPPORTUNITIES quarter under the deal with Ukrainian state day as well. Ukraine’s move is a significant energy company Naftohaz. The agreement shift from traditional celebrations of extends an EU-brokered “winter package” Victory Day on May 9. Russia and many Earn extra income! that was signed in October and expired on other former Soviet republics commemo- March 31. Mr. Miller said Gazprom would The Ukrainian Weekly is looking rate the May 9 anniversary with parades for advertising sales agents. not insist on a “take-or-pay” arrangement and celebrations and have officially For additional information contact requiring Ukraine to pay for gas regardless declared it a day off from work. Many Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, of whether it uses it. He called that clause a Western European countries celebrate the The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. “stumbling block” to negotiations. Ukraine end of World War II on Victory in Europe still must pay in advance for Russian gas Day (VE Day), which falls on May 8. (RFE/ supplies. The “winter package” led to the RL, based on reporting by tsn.ua, UNIAN Run your advertisement here, resumption of deliveries to Ukraine months and Interfax) in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. after Gazprom turned off the taps in a price and debt dispute that was exacerbated by a (Continued on page 13) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 13

was already enough evidence to charge Mr. dom of expression, dressed up as an by setting the standards of truth, pluralism NEWSBRIEFS Ponomaryov. Mr. Ponomaryov, who has lived administrative procedure,” and “a crude in the United States since last year, denies attempt to stifle independent media, gag the authorities to do their utmost in order (Continued from page 12) wrongdoing and says the embezzlement dissenting voices and intimidate the toand support openness,” implementation Ms. Mijatović of thesaid. law.” “I urge The Ukraine among most dangerous countries allegations are politically motivated. Mr. Crimean Tatar community.” Activists, com- representative had commissioned a legal Ponomaryov has already said he has no munity leaders, and rights groups say review on a public broadcasting law in WASHINGTON – A new study has listed intention of returning to Russia. Ekho Crimean Tatars have faced discrimination, 2013 and provided Ukrainian authorities Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Ukraine Moskvy radio last month quoted him as say- pressure and abuse for their opposition to with recommendations. (OSCE) among the world’s 10 most dangerous ing, “What’s the point of just voluntarily Russia’s annexation of the peninsula. (RFE/ Ukraine party in Scythian gold lawsuit countries. Based on terrorist and rebel going to prison?” (RFE/RL, based on report- RL, with reporting by Agence France- activity, the study by the Washington-based ing by Ekho Moskvy, TASS and Interfax) Presse and Reuters) AMSTERDAM – A Dutch court has grant- IntelCenter lists Iraq and Syria as the ed Ukraine’s request to be a party in the world’s most dangerous countries. OSCE on media freedom legislation Turkey decries abuses in Crimea high-profile Scythian gold lawsuit. Afghanistan was ranked fifth and Pakistan VIENNA – OSCE Representative on Amsterdam’s district court ruled April 8 was listed as the world’s eighth most dan- VILNIUS – Turkish Foreign Affairs that Ukraine is eligible to claims rights to gerous country. Ukraine was listed as the Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has described April 7 welcomed new legislation to foster the disputed objects. Ukraine will now have world’s ninth most dangerous country. the situation on the Ukrainian peninsula of theFreedom development of the Media of public Dunja broadcasting Mijatović onin to file an application to participate in the Others in the top 10 were Nigeria, third; Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in Ukraine. On that day, Ukrainian President proceedings by May 20. A collection of Somalia, fourth; Libya, sixth; Yemen, sev- March 2014, as “unacceptable.” Addressing Petro Poroshenko signed a bill amending more than 1,000 gold items representing enth, and Egypt, 10th. (RFE/RL, based on a news conference in Lithuania on April 3, the public broadcasting law, which includes ancient Scythian civilization, was sent to reporting by The Economic Times and The Mr. Cavusoglu said that the Crimean people, the legal status of and the basis for the cre- the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Times of India) particularly Turkic-speaking Tatars, have been “oppressed.” He added that Turkey ation of public broadcasting, establishes in February 2014 for an exhibition titled Duma acts against dissenting deputy will send an “informal mission to observe supervisory and editorial councils and “Crimea: Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea.” human rights violations in Crimea soon.” introduces changes to the system of fund- The artifacts came from five Ukrainian MOSCOW – The lower house of Russia’s ing. The bill was adopted by the Verkhovna museums, four of which are located in Parliament voted almost unanimously to Turkey has close cultural bonds to Crimea’s indigenous Muslim Tatars, who bitterly Rada on March 19. “This is one more asser- Crimea. In March 2014, following Crimea’s strip the immunity of lawmaker Ilya tive and important step made by the annexation by Russia, the Ukrainian gov- Ponomaryov, the only member of the State opposed Russia’s seizure of the Black Sea peninsula last year. Ankara did not join authorities to transform state media into a ernment demanded the entire collection be Duma who voted against the annexation of public broadcaster in Ukraine,” said Ms. returned to Kyiv. Crimea’s Kremlin-backed Western sanctions over the annexation, but Crimea last year. Meeting on April 7, Duma authorities have dismissed the claims. The Mr. Cavusoglu insisted Turkey would deputies voted 438 to one to remove Mr. and Cooperation in Europe. “Public broad- exhibition closed on August 31, 2014, but “never recognize the illegal annexation” of Ponomaryov’s immunity, which paves the castingMijatović should of the reflect Organization the diversity for Security of the the items remain in the Netherlands. Last the peninsula. The Turkish minister’s state- way for criminal charges to be brought entire population, offer quality content, and November, the four Crimean museums filed ment came two days after Crimea’s only against him. Authorities say Mr. Ponomaryov, practice editorial independence free of the a lawsuit to a court in Amsterdam demand- Tatar-language television broadcaster, ATR, one of the very few opposition lawmakers in direct and indirect political and commercial ing that the Allard Pierson Museum return was shut down after it failed to register the the State Duma, is suspected of embezzling pressures. I also strongly believe that true the Crimean part of the collection. (RFE/ channel with Russian authorities by a some 22 million rubles (about $400,000) and independent public broadcasting has RL, based on reporting by TASS and Ekho earmarked for Skolkovo, an innovation-hub March 31 deadline. Several ATR affiliates great potential to deter hostile propaganda Moskvy) project outside Moscow. First Deputy were also shut down. Rights watchdog Prosecutor-General Aleksandr Buksman Amnesty International has called the refus- attended the Duma session and said there al to register ATR a “blatant attack on free- With deep sorrow we inform family and friends that on March 31, 2015, passed away our beloved Russian paper removes article mother, grandmother, aunt about soldier wounded in Ukraine св. п. Russia denies it has sent troops or weap- Maria Chervoniak Woroch Journalists used scissors to cut story ons into Ukraine. widow of Wolodymyr , was born April 29, 1920 from 50,000 copies of newspaper The chief editor of Novaya Buryatia (New in the town of Kryvenke, Ternopil obl. Buryatia), Timur Dugarzhapov, told RFE/RL RFE/RL’s Russian Service on April 7 that staffers in recent days cut an article about Mr. Batonmukuyev out of the Parastas was held on Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Peter Jarema Funeral ULAN-UDE, Russia – Journalists at a newspaper’s entire April 3 print run by Home in new York City Siberian newspaper say they spent three hand and deleted it from the website. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 4th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. days using scissors to cut an article about a Mr. Dugarzhapov said the paper had not Russian soldier who was wounded fighting been ordered by the authorities to remove George Ukrainian Catholic Church, New York, followed by interment at alongside pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine the article, but decided to do so after “too St. Andrew Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J. out of 50,000 copies of the publication. many hateful comments appeared in the She will be deeply missed by her: Tank crewman Dorzhi Batonmukuyev’s Internet.” accounts of fighting in eastern Ukraine Moscow-based independent newspaper daughter Zwenyslawa have added to what Kyiv and NATO say are Novaya Gazeta published an interview last son Lubomyr with his wife Barbara incontrovertible evidence of direct Russian month in which Mr. Batonmukuyev, who suf- grandchildren Chrysanna-Anizia, Luboslav, Tatiana military support for the rebels in a conflict fered severe burns and remains hospitalized, Lubomyr with his wife Linda with government forces that has killed described in detail how Russian armed forc- Andrea DeWitt with husband Brian more than 6,000 people since April 2014. es had taken part in the battles in Ukraine. sister Osypa Kachaluba with son Boris and daughter Martha with family in-laws Vera Tomashivsky ect’s technical consultant, Andy Holowaty. Oksana Woroch Oral history... The Temerty Family Foundation’s opera- nieces and nephews Bohdan Tomashivsky tions consist primarily of researching pro- (Continued from page 1) Woroch - Rosanna, Bohdar, Roman, Sviatoslav grams and projects of various registered with families “If you or someone you know are children charities and donating funds to those regis- Leonid Huta, Nadia Bodnar, Marusia Oliynick, of Holodomor survivors and would like to be tered charities carrying on research or Inya Yasynovsky with families projects of interest to the foundation’s interviewed for this project, you are very extended family in Ukraine, USA and Canada welcome to contact the UDRDC office as soon board members in order to aid those par- as possible and let us know,” Ms. Isajiw said. ticular registered charities in carrying out Вічная пам’ять! – Eternal Memory! Each interview is video recorded in English their charitable activities and mandates. and transcribed, and will be accessible for The Ukrainian Canadian Research and In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the following: further study in the UCRDC archives. Documentation Center is a community St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church “By recording these participants, human- institution that collects, catalogues and pre- 30 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003 kind will have more data available for wide serves material documenting the history, (212) 674-1615 distribution to researchers, academics, jour- culture and contributions of Ukrainians nalists, teachers and the general public to throughout the world. The UCRDC is a non- Ukrainian Catholic University –Lviv; c/o UCEF help prevent a similar atrocity from ever profit organization that produces docu- 2247 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 happening to innocent victims again. The mentary films, prepares educational mate- (773) 235-8464 opportunity to hear a new generation’s rials, and sponsors lectures, conferences interpretation and analysis of their relatives’ and exhibits on various topics related to Ukrainian Institute of America testimonies will also add to a broader Ukrainian issues. For more information 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10028 understanding of the Holodomor from about UCRDC, readers may visit its website (212) 288-8660 many new points of view,” stated the proj- at http://ucrdc.org. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15 Zuk Piano Duo performs at Queens University Lisitsa replaced over provocative comments she “exercised the right to free speech.” RFE/RL Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian TORONTO – The Toronto Symphony Canadian Congress, said Ms. Lisitsa calls the Orchestra has cancelled appearances by a Ukrainian government “Nazi” and claims it Ukrainian-born classical pianist, Valentina sets up “filtration camps” for ethnic Russians. Lisitsa, because of her commentary on Ms. Lisitsa, who was born in Kyiv in social media in support of pro-Russian sep- 1973, emigrated to the United States in aratists in eastern Ukraine. 1991. She says her ethnic background is Toronto Symphony Orchestra CEO Jeff Russian and Polish. Melanson said in a statement that “Lisitsa’s Canada is home to some 1.25 million provocative comments had overshadowed people of Ukrainian heritage and Ottawa past performances.” He said the symphony has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s has replaced her with another musician in fight against Russian-backed rebels. April 8 and 9 performances Ms. Lisitsa said on Facebook on April 6 Based on reporting by wqxr.org, that the symphony had dropped her because TheGlobeandMail.com and CTVNews.ca.

President Vladimir Putin authorizes it, Russia reinforces... carry nuclear warheads (RT, March 30). The latter is consistent with Mr. Putin’s (Continued from page 2) Owen Egan remarks during the recently broadcast doc- The Zuk Piano Duo: Ireneus and Luba Zuk. capacity to commit forces to a general umentary on seizing Crimea, in which he European war, which means that as its said he was willing to place nuclear forces by Thomas Davidson There was also a performance of George Fiala’s, “Ukrainian Dance” (1979). The con- involvement in future conflict escalates, so on alert had certain scenarios unfolded. He KINGSTON, Ontario – The 2014-2015 trapuntal nature of the composer’s style too would its reliance upon nuclear first use. undoubtedly meant this as a warning to Faculty Artist Series at Queen’s University was especially effective in the acoustic clar- A notable example is in Moscow’s efforts other state actors to weigh carefully their came to a successful close with an artistic ity of this new concert hall. Fiala, who has to reinforce Crimea. While much attention appetite to risk conflict escalation during performance by the esteemed Zuk Piano written works specifically for the Zuk Duo, has focused on the conventional reinforce- the present crisis. However, this reliance on Duo on Sunday, March 22. The Zuks provid- has had a longtime personal and musical ment, which according to Defense Minister playing the nuclear card also offers strong ed an afternoon performance full of intimacy association with them since his arrival in Sergei Shoigu has involved creating an evidence that the Kremlin is all too aware and personal charm. Their notable control of Montreal in the 1950s. additional 96 military units on the peninsu- of the limits of Russian conventional mili- sound and nuance was projected with clarity The other two Ukrainian composers la since March 2014, there is clear evidence tary forces (Rossiya 1, March 15). in the wonderful new surroundings. were Ihor Bilohrud (Sonatina Op. 20) and that nuclear reliance lurks in the back- This was the inaugural season of the Fedir Akimenko (“Pièces Ukrainiennes”). ground. That is coupled with the creation of The article above is reprinted from newly constructed, state-of-the-art Isabel The Bilohrud was probably the most new units in Crimea and heavy weapons Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Bader Center for the Performing Arts, affec- “romantic” work on the program, and the transfers; there is also reportedly move- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, tionately known as “The Isabel.” The excep- performance captured its song-like quality ment of the platforms that could, if www.jamestown.org. tional acoustic and aesthetic environment admirably well. The Akimenko pieces, quickly established the Isabel Concert Hall which opened the concert, set an intimate as a leading performance venue for and contemplative mood. countries – Ukraine and Russia; de facto, it Canadian and international artists. Since the “Dances from Greek Isles” by Yannis Turning... is controlled by Russia.” Moscow warned Zuks have earned such a fine reputation on Constaninidis, and “Ronde Villageoise” by that if the Black Sea Fleet issues could not the national and international performing Clermont Pépin finished the first and sec- (Continued from page 6) be resolved, the terms of economic treaties scene, it was most appropriate to have them ond halves of the program respectively. Due between Ukraine and Russia would likely The UCCA continued: “These statements conclude the series in this exceptional space. to its lively nature, “Ronde villageoise” is a be revised. Ukraine owed $2.5 billion in gas demand a swift and firm response from Their program, inspired by folk elements, great work to end a program. Pépin, a debts to Russia that it was required to pay Ukraine’s allies. Referring to the Crimea’s contained works by five Ukrainian compos- Montrealer who passed away in 2006, was prior to July 1995, with the money taken sizeable population of Ukrainian citizens of ers. Two of these were composed specially a valued colleague and personal friend of from credits given to Ukraine by interna- Russian descent, President Yeltsin asserted for the Zuks: “Five Ornaments” by Halyna the Zuks. He was also welcomed as a tional financial organizations. that Russia ‘has considerable interests in Ovcharenko (1997) and “Ancient Dances of Distinguished Michener Visitor by Queen’s Ultimately, Mr. Yeltsin confirmed the Verkhovyna” by Yevhen Stankovych (2002). University during the 2003-2004 academic the Crimea.’ He went on to unacceptably treaty’s wording that “the two parties Both works employ folk elements in differ- session. impugn Ukrainian sovereignty by referring respect and confirm the inviolability of ent ways. Ovcharenko used pre-Christian to Symferopol and Kyiv as capitals of two each other’s existing borders.” During the ritual chants in a highly atmospheric man- Thomas Davidson is assistant professor of equal sovereigns and urging respect for the ner, while Stankovych followed characteris- piano and musicianship at Queen’s discussion in Moscow, he added, “The ‘will of Crimeans.’” Crimea will never be the source of discord tic models of indigenous rhythmic songs University in Kingston and McGill University As President Bill Clinton was scheduled and dances to create energy and drive. in Montréal. between Russia and Ukraine.” to attend the Victory in Europe (V-E Day) Russia and Ukraine formally signed the parade on May 9, 1995, in Moscow, the treaty on May 31, 1997, and the treaty was UCCA reminded: “Moscow must under- ratified by Russia on March 2, 1999. stand that the era of the tsars and commis- Russia’s Duma unanimously denounced the sars have receded into history and that treaty on March 31, 2014. The Kharkiv Pact only a democratic Russia respectful of its signed in 2010, which also dealt with the national minorities and neighbors will earn basing of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in a place in the world community, with all the Crimea, was ratified by the parliaments of accompanying privileges, economic and Ukraine and Russia on April 27, 2010. The political. If Russia wishes to belong the Duma unanimously denounced that treaty world’s democracies, it should learn to on March 31, 2014. Russia formally initiat- behave like one. This message should be ed Crimea’s annexation to the Russian relayed in advance of the joint celebration Federation during a treaty signing at the of the victory over fascism. Otherwise, the Kremlin on March 18, 2014. U.S. will have merely acceded to a dubious victory of one fascist power over another.” Source: “Force may be used to protect Ukraine’s Acting Prime Minister Yevhen Russian compatriots, Ukraine-Russia treaty Marchuk noted that while he was working in doubt as Yeltsin cites interest in Crimea,” to resolve issues related to the Black Sea by Marta Kolomayets, The Ukrainian Weekly, Fleet, “De jure, it is a fleet owned by two April 23, 1995.

Making contact with The Weekly Readers/writers who send information or queries to The Ukrainian Weekly are kindly asked to include a daytime phone number and a complete mailing address. Please note that a daytime phone number is essential in order for editors to contact correspondents regarding additional information, clarifications, questions, etc. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 15

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Chicago concert raises funds to help war’s victims in Ukraine by Solomiya Chuyko We Stop the Fire” – a tribute to the Revolution of Dignity and a young person’s CHICAGO – The Second Presbyterian expression of desire for peace in his native Church, in the heart of Chicago’s South Ukraine. Loop, hosted a fund-raising concert for A special guest, singer-songwriter Serhiy Ukraine on March 28 to support humani- Fomenko of Kyiv, took to the stage, bringing tarian aid for families and children in audience members to tears with renditions Ukraine affected by the war. The concert of Ukrainian songs, including two selec- was the idea of Kyiv native and violinist tions to the words of Taras Shevchenko. Mr. Maria Storm. The well-attended event was Fomenko, known as Foma, was a key figure co-hosted by the Kyiv Committee of of the Maidan whose countless stage per- Chicago Sister Cities International, the U.S.- formances kept protesters hopeful. Ukraine Business Council and the Second Currently, he is the curator of the traveling Presbyterian Church of Chicago. exhibit titled “Maidan. Ukraine. Road to Opening comments were delivered by Freedom,” a collection of artifacts, photos Kyiv Committee Chicago Sister Cities and stories of the revolution. The intent is for International Chair Vera Eliashevsky and this exhibit to travel the world and for peo- Business Subcommittee Chair Lev Holubec. ple from all corners of the globe to become Present in the audience were a number of aware of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom. notable attendees, including the consul Foma’s music engaged the audience even general of Lithuania in Chicago, Marijus further as the program neared its conclu- Gudynas, and the consul general of Ukraine Volodymyr Duda sion. He was joined by the St. Nicholas in Chicago, Andriy Pravednyk, whose clos- Serhiy Fomenko (Foma) performs “Ne Spy, Moya Ridna Zemlia” accompanied by the Cathedral School Children’s Choir for a beau- ing remarks reaffirmed the importance of St. Nicholas Cathedral School Choir. tiful version of his song “Ne Spy, Moya Ridna helping Ukraine overcome this socio-politi- Zemlia” (Do Not Sleep, My Native Land), cal crisis. under the direction of Irene Dychiy, opened ist Jessy Langen, Constance Volk’s powerful marking the first time he has performed this This event attracted an audience of mul- the program with the American and contralto further underscored the spiritual piece with children. It was “one of the most ticultural music lovers interested in bene- Ukrainian national anthems. focus of the message about humanitarian special days of my life in the recent past,” he fiting a humanitarian cause. Following the Ms. Storm began the concert with and aid. Ms. Volk’s covers of hits by Led said as he turned to thank the children while events of the Euro-Maidan – the Revolution excerpt from Johann S. Bach’s “Chaconne.” Zeppelin and Maria McKee illustrated the the audience applauded vivaciously. of Dignity encompassing a period of pro- Her performance sent the audience into a power music has in connecting people – The epitome of the evening was the per- tests that demanded closer European inte- state of transcendence, and her heartfelt something that was evident throughout formance of “Plyve Kacha po Tysyni” by gration for Ukraine – the situation took a commentary about the war and Ukraine Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity. Trioda, a trio of male singers from Ternopil, turn for the worse as Russian aggression elicited an overwhelmingly positive The audience was then treated to two- Ukraine. This song, delivered as a funeral sparked fighting in eastern Ukraine. This response. Accompanied by her New York- time Grammy-nominated rock and folk hymn for each of the Heavenly Hundred at benefit concert was a remarkable opportu- based friend and pianist Emiko Sato, Ms. singer-songwriter Matthew Santos, whose the Maidan funeral in February 2014, has nity to raise money for a nation in dire need Storm followed with the first movement of ethereal vocals and simple acoustic guitar since become an international symbol of of medical supplies, military equipment Robert Schumann’s Sonata for Violin and seemed to bring to life the angels of this Ukraine’s current struggle for freedom. and international awareness. Piano in A Minor, Op. 105, and Ernest beautiful church. In a soft-spoken voice Mr. In short, the evening was an incredible The Second Presbyterian Church, a Bloch’s “Nigun.” The Storm/Sato duo ended Santos, a colleague of Ms. Storm, said “Music pro bono effort by musicians in support of National Historical Landmark with an Arts the first, classical half of the concert with has the power to unite – no matter when or a humanitarian cause. The concert’s pro- and Crafts style sanctuary and 175 repre- Bela Bartok’s “Romanian Folk Dances,” a where, it is truly a universal language.” ceeds will assist the Ukrainian Federation sentations of angels throughout the majes- dramatic piece with Gypsy undertones. The concert’s final section comprised an of America in continuing to provide relief in tic structure, was a truly inspiring location Following a brief intermission, the latter inspiring Ukrainian program introduced by the form of food, water, clothing and medi- for this night of musical indulgence. The St. half of the concert featured a more contem- St. Nicholas Cathedral School eighth grader cal supplies to families and children in Nicholas Cathedral School Children’s Choir, porary repertoire. Accompanied by guitar- Alex Tymouch reciting his poem “I Hope Ukraine affected by the war.

St. John’s Parish in Hunter celebrates Shevchenko’s birthday by Xenia Ferencevych Some of St. John the Baptist Church’s youngest members were the first to pay JEWETT, N.Y. – Following divine liturgy tribute during the program. Laura Briegle on Sunday, March 22, parishioners of St. opened with a sincere rendition of the poem John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church “Selo” (Village). Lev Ferencevych enthusias- here in the Hunter area marked the 201st tically sang “Poklin Tobi, Tarase” (We Bow birthday of Taras Shevchenko with a heart- to You, Taras), while Adriana Briegle recited felt and intimate program of poetry and an excerpt from “A ya Shevchenka Znayu” (I song. The parish event joined that of count- Know Shevchenko). Luba Ferencevych less others honoring the great bard that voiced the poem “Tarasovi Kvity” (Flowers take place annually within Ukrainian com- for Taras), and Oleh Pavelyk stirringly recit- munities around the world. ed Shevchenko’s classic “Subotiv.”

At the Shevchenko celebration: (back row, from left) Oleh Pavelyk, trustee Borislaw Bilash II, the Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak, emcee Xenia Ferencevych, trustee Stepan Korostil, (front) Lev Ferencevych, Luba Ferencevych, Adriana Briegle and Laura Briegle. During the second half of the program, parallel the bard’s own struggle for human church trustee and cantor Stepan Korostil rights and freedom for the Ukrainian nation. sang two non-traditional, yet relevant The Shevchenko birthday celebration songs: “Molytva za Ridnyi Krai” (A Prayer culminated in an emotional rendition of the for My Native Land) and a love letter to the Ukrainian national anthem, followed by an city of Ivano-Frankivsk called “Misto Moye” opportunity for parishioners to mingle and (My City). These pieces were intentionally enjoy homemade baked goods and coffee. chosen as an act of solidarity, as the current For more information about St. John the Borislaw Bilash II tensions in Ukraine and war in the country’s Baptist Church in the Hunter area, readers Church cantor Stepan Korostil sings “A Laura Briegle of Prattsville, N.Y. Prayer for My Native Land.” east being fought by Shevchenko’s brethren may visit UkrainianMountaintop.org. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15 Pysanky on exhibit in Portsmouth PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – The Portsmouth Free Public Library is featuring an exhibit of 61 pysanky that includes 34 pysanky written by pysankar Ihor Slabicky and 27 from his collection. They are being shown on a background of embroidered rushnyky. The exhibit opened on March 30 and will remain on display through the end of April. Mr. Slabicky approaches pysanka writ- ing with the goal of creating or writing a new design each year. He creates pysanky that are a continuation and a furthering and exploration of the possibilities of the strong and graphic geometric designs that have been written in the past. He says, “They are what a writer of those designs back then could be writing now. If the Ihor Slabicky early ethnographers and collectors had vis- The pysanka exhibit at the Portsmouth Free Public Library features pysanky by Ihor Slabicky. ited that little village that they had decided not to, they would have seen eggs written Mr. Slabicky has previously exhibited his “Pysanka: Safeguarding an Ancient University of Alberta in Edmonton, and in with these designs.” What all his pysanky pysanky at the “2008 Pysanka Symposium” Tradition” in 2000. His pysanky are also many private collections have in common is strong, geometric in Washington and at The Ukrainian included in the collections of the Pysanka The library is located at 2658 E. Main design elements and traditional colors. Museum’s annual pysanka exhibition Museum in Kolomiya, Ukraine, at the Road in Portsmouth, R.I.

May peace... ПЛЕМ'Я ПЛАСТУНОК „ПЕРШІ СТЕЖІ“ (Continued from page 6) влаштовує especially in our Ukraine. For our part, let us also hear the voice of the Resurrected „ДЕННИЙ ТАБІР ПТАШАТ ПРИ ПЛАСТІ“ Christ, for only sincere and patient love для дітей від 4 до 6 років, які володіють brings us the gift of this long-awaited Peace. (розуміють і розмовляють) українською мовою During these joyful spring days, the hopes and expectations of the people for a better future awaken along with the blos- • Дитина мусить мати повні 4 роки до 31 серпня 2015 р. Винятків немає. soming earth. Therefore, let us strive to • Дитина мусить мати всі приписані щеплення. increase our good deeds and positive • Дитина, яка склала Заяву Вступу до новацтва, не може брати участи в таборaх для Пташат. thoughts, which will contribute to the renewal and unity of our Ukrainian nation. On the occasion of these festal Paschal Табір відбудеться на Союзівці у двох групах: days, we again extend our most heartfelt • від неділі 21 червня до суботи 27 червня 2015 р. greetings to the clergy, deaconate and • від неділі 28 червня до суботи 4 липня 2015 р. monastics of our Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the diaspora, to our youth and У справі кімнат просимо порозуміватися прямо з Адміністрацією Союзівки: children, to all the pious Ukrainian Orthodox people in Ukraine and in the SOYUZIVKA, P. O. Box 529, 216 Foordmore Road, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 Diaspora, and especially to our brothers (845) 626-5641; www. Soyuzivka.com; Fax: 845-626-4638 and sisters in Ukraine, who are experienc- ing various kinds of difficulties and tribula- • Tаборова оплата: $110.00 ($20.00 незворотні); оплата за два тижні 215.00 дол. tions defending their homeland. We believe and pray that a unified • Зголошення і таборову оплату (чек виписаний на Plast – Pershi Stezhi) надсилати до: Orthodox Church will be established in Ukraine with the Lord’s help. Only under Mrs. Oresta Fedyniak, 2626 W. Walton Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 the conditions of spiritual unity will the Tel.: 773-486-0394 (від 8:00 до 10:00 ранку) Ukrainian people achieve a united nation. A strong Ukrainian society cannot exist with- • Реченець зголошень: 1 червня 2015 р. • Після реченця зголошень не приймаємо. out spiritual unity. Thus, may peace, love and unity always be among us! On this joy- ous day of the glorious Resurrection of Christ, let us forgive one another all insults КАРТА ЗГОЛОШЕННЯ НА ТАБІР ПТАШАТ-2015 and offenses, embrace each other and joy- fully sing: “Christ is Risen from the dead, Ім’я і прізвище дитини ...... по-українськи і по-англійськи trampling down death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life!” Дата народження ...... Truly, Christ is Risen! Адреса ...... With archpastoral blessings, Телефон ...... E-mail ...... † YURIJ, Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Просимо залучити посвідку про дату народження дітей, що вписуються на табір вперше. † ANTONY, Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., ☐ від 21 червня до 27 червня 2015 р. ☐ від 28 червня до 4 липня 2015 р. Locum Tenens of the Ukrainian Величина таборової сорочинки дитини: ☐ 6-8, ☐10-12, ☐14-16. Orthodox Church in Diaspora ☐ Залучую чек на суму $...... ☐ Резервую кімнату на Союзівці † IOAN, Archbishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora ...... † JEREMIAH, Archbishop, Ukrainian ім’я і прізвище матері (подати дівоче прізвище) Orthodox Eparchy of Brazil and South America Завваги ...... † ILARION, Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox ...... Church of Canada ...... † ANDRIY, Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada ...... Підпис батька або матері † DANIEL, Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 17

Through April 30 Exhibit by Maria Turchenkova, “The People’s Republic April 18 Concert, featuring Mandry, Webster Hall, New York of Chaos: Donbas, Eastern Ukraine,” Columbia New York www.ticketweb.com University, Harriman Institute, 212-854-4623 April 18-19 St. Thomas Sunday pilgrimage, Metropolia Center of Through April 30 Pysanka exhibit, featuring the collection of Ihor South Bound Brook, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., Portsmouth, RI Slabicky, Portsmouth Free Public Library, NJ www.uocofusa.org 401-683-9457 or http://portsmouthlibrary.org April 18-19 Exhibit, “An Exhibition of the Beginnings of the April 13 Lecture by Timothy Snyder, “Ukraine, Russia and the Somerset, NJ Ukrainian Insurgent Army,” Ukrainian Cultural Center, 732-469-1018 New York Future of Europe,” Columbia University, http://harriman.columbia.edu April 19 Concert, featuring Mandry, Ukrainian Educational and Jenkintown, PA Cultural Center, April 14 Panel discussion, “Southern European Energy Corridor: https://mandry-philadelphia.eventbrite.com Washington Status, Prospects and Geopolitics,” Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center, Ronald Reagan Building and April 19 Singing workshop, “Songs from the Steppe to International Trade Center, 202-691-4000 New York Slobidschyna” with Ihor Perevertniuk of Drevo, Ukrainian Village Voices, Plast New York building, April 14 Presentation by Taras Malkovych, “Contemporary [email protected] New York Poetry: A Cultural Bridge Between Ukraine and the April 24 Kozak System and Taras Chubai, Logan Square U.S.A.,” Columbia University, 212-854-4623 Chicago Auditorium, www.moloko.us April 16 Presentation, “Assessing U.S. Sanctions: Impact, April 25 Kozak System and Taras Chubai, White Star Club, Washington Effectiveness and Consequences,” Kennan Institute, Detroit www.moloko.us Woodrow Wilson Center, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 202-691-4000 April 25 Volleyball tournament, Ukrainian American Youth Yonkers, NY Association, Lincoln High School, 914-589-2078 or April 17 Concert, featuring Mandry, Crystal Restaurant, [email protected] Parma, OH https://mandry-parma-oh.eventbrite.com April 25 Concert, featuring violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv and the April 17 Presentation by Olga Bertelsen, “A Social History of Gallipolis, OH Ohio Valley Symphony, Ariel Ann Carson Dater Toronto the Holodomor: Voices from Kharkiv Oblast, 1926-1934,” Performing Arts Center, 740-446-ARTS St. Vladimir Institute, April 25 Benefit concert “Rock, Reforms and Relief,” featuring facebook.com/events/85610301444504 Toronto Serhiy Fomenko of Mandry, Lemon Bucket Orkestra April 17-May 3 Art exhibit, “Capture a Moment,” Ukrainian and Michael Shchur, Kings Banquet Hall, Etobicoke, ON Canadian Art Foundation Gallery, 416-766-6802 or www.dopomoha-ukraini.org or [email protected] http://kumfgallery.com Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events April 18 Charitable fashion show, “Olena Dats’: European Style advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Jenkintown, PA with Ukrainian Soul,” Ukrainian Federation of America, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 215-782-1075 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15 UKELODEON For The Next Generation Houston teen earns Eagle Scout rank HOUSTON – Joseph G. Kuchta is conducted by a representative of recently earned the rank of Eagle Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Sam Scout – the highest rank in Boy Houston Area Council, and adult Scouts. members of Crew 251. Results of Joseph’s journey in scouting be- the Eagle Board of Review were gan in the 1st grade as a Tiger Cub sent to the BSA national office for Scout in Pack 798 and continued final review and approval. Once through 5th grade when, he earned final approval was given by BSA, the Arrow of Light and crossed over Crew 251 announced that an Eagle from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts. Scout Court of Honor was to be held As a Cub Scout, Joseph earned the for Joseph. two religion emblems available to At the solemn ceremony that Catholic scouts. took place on Sunday, January 18, As a scout in Troop 251 and Joseph was asked if he would accept Crew 251, Joseph earned 28 merit the responsibility of being an Eagle badges, which included the 12 merit Scout for the remainder of his life. badges required for the rank of After professing his acceptance, Eagle, earned the Light is Life reli- Joseph was presented with his Eagle gious emblem for Eastern Catholics, badge, neckerchief and emblem. hiked 50 miles, camped 57 nights, During the Court of Honor, Joseph’s performed 68 hours of scouting journey in scouting from Tiger to service and completed his Eagle Eagle was reviewed, and recognition Crew 251 Committee Member Luis Santiago presents Joseph Kuchta with project – the planting of 12 trees and congratulations received from the Eagle Scout badge and emblem, while his mother adjust his Eagle Scout along a nature walking trail. local, state and national leaders neckerchief. Upon completing the require- including President Barack Obama ments for the rank of Eagle, Joseph were acknowledged. the Mother of God Ukrainian Catho- Irene Majnich-Kuchta and the was required to have a scoutmaster Joseph, 17, is a junior and varsity lic Church, a member of Houston’s grandson of the late Ihor and Jose- conference and present himself for baseball player at Westside High Ukrainian Dancers, and a member phine Kuchta of Hillside, N.J., and an Eagle Scout Board of Review. School, an altar server and student of the Ukrainian National Associa- Maria and the late Petro Majnich, The Eagle Scout Board of Review of religious studies at Protection of tion. He is the son of Eugene and formerly of Willimantic, Conn.

Girl Scout troop honors Ukraine at World Thinking Day by Alexandra Chalupa Northwest D.C. and had about 150 countries with Girl Scouts and Girl The World Association of Girl to 200 attendees and participants. Guides, including Ukraine. Think- Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) WASHINGTON – On Sunday, Every year, girl scouts come ing Day is traditionally celebrated selected as this year’s theme United February 22, Girl Scout Brownie together to celebrate World Think- on or near February 22, the birthday Nations Millennium Development Troop 4883 presented an exhibit on ing Day – the day they think about of both Lord Robert Baden-Powell, Goal 8: “Develop a global partner- Ukraine at this year’s World Think- and honor sister Girl Scouts and the founder of Boys Scouts and Girl ship for development.” Girls world- ing Day celebration in Washington. Girl Guides in other countries. Girl Guides, and Lady Olave Baden- wide say, “We can create peace The event took place at the Blessed Scouts U.S.A. is part of a global Powell, who was a leader in both the through partnerships.” Sacrament School auditorium in community – one of nearly 150 scout and guide movements. This year, the ethnically diverse Grade 2 Murch Elementary School Brownie Troop 4883 chose to honor Ukraine because of Ukraine’s developing democracy and de- termination to become a strong global partner for development, despite Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine that has left more than 5,000 people dead and more than 1 million displaced. It was also an op- portunity to honor the fallen heroes of Ukraine on the first anniversary of the Maidan – the peaceful move- ment of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians that eventually led to Jeff Roof the overthrow of Ukraine’s corrupt Troop leader Alexandra Chalupa with Alexandra Chalupa government. her two oldest daughters, Mika Roof, 5, Julia Rosenthal who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine in 1992, and Sophia Roof, 8, who is in the troop. and her daughter Anneliese Rosenthal, 7. (Continued on page 19) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 19

Alexandra Chalupa Sophia Roof, 8, shows other Girl Scouts some of her favorite photos from the Brownie Troop 4883 makes a presentation about Ukraine at Girl Scout World display the children helped make. Thinking Day in Washington.

impacted the children. Several of so one of the photos used was of A photo of Ukrainian children Girl Scout... the girls participated in a Skype Plast scouts to teach the audience drawing pictures for Ukrainian (Continued from page 18) interview with Stepan and Solomiya, about Ukraine’s most popular scout- soldiers was the image used to with their father, Peter Teluk, as the ing organization. represent the war, as Stepan shared Two of the 14 girls in Troop 4883 translator. In addition to photos of maps, some of the many ways he and other are of Ukrainian heritage: 8-year- The answers to the interview Ukrainian foods and the Maidan, children in Ukraine do their part to old Sophia Roof, whose mother, questions were then turned into a there was also a photo of My Little help their country, including donat- first-generation Ukrainian American story told in the first-person by each Pony. Throughout the Skype inter- ing clothes and helping their parents Alexandra Chalupa, is the troop of the girl scouts presenting a part of view, even though the children from raise money and medical supplies. leader, and 7-year-old Anneliese what life may be like for a child her the U.S. and Ukraine didn’t speak The presentation started with the Rosenthal, whose Ukrainian Ameri- age living in Kyiv. During the pre- the same language, they enjoyed image of a Ukrainian flag in the can mother Julia Rosenthal is of sentation, each girl wore her vinok directly communicating by showing introduction and ended with a peace Jewish heritage. Ms. Chalupa’s and Girl Scout sash while holding each other their favorite toys, and it symbol in Ukrainian colors. During grandparents were from Odesa and a photo representing the part of the turned out that Solomiya shares the the interview, Stepan told the girls “I Donetsk, and her parents were born story she read. During the interview, same passion for My Little Ponies as think Ukraine will win. Ukraine will in displaced persons camps in Ger- Stepan had worn his Plast uniform, the girls in Washington. win. There will be peace again.” many before immigrating to the U.S. when they were young children. Ms. Rosenthal was born in Cherkasy and immigrated to the United States in 1992. Alexandra and Julia were I was Taras Shevchenko the lead organizers working with the girls in the troop on their Ukraine by Oriana Kateryna Makar project. I am a student in fifth grade at The presentation included a booth Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale, display with photos and artifacts N.Y., in Westchester. My teacher covering three topics: basic facts recently gave my class an as- about Ukraine, Ukrainian culture, signment to choose any historic and Ukrainian children and scout- hero that changed the world. She ing in Ukraine. To prepare for the wanted this to have a “wax mu- presentation, the girls learned about seum” effect. Since I wanted to Ukraine in their troop meetings. share my Ukrainian heritage, I They watched videos of traditional decided to select the famous poet Ukrainian dancing and music, made and artist Taras Shevchenko. For headdresses (vinky) that they wore the assignment, I had to create a at the event, studied and selected timeline about the important times pictures to include in their display, of his life and a brief summary, learned about the Maidan, and and deliver a speech based on the discussed what they had heard in summary and timeline displayed the news about the war in Ukraine. on a poster board. February 11 was the day of the The Ukrainian Embassy provided Grade 5 Wax Museum. We all had Oriana Kateryna Makar dressed as Taras Shevchenko. some of the books and materials for to be unrecognizable as ourselves, the troop to use in the display and but to look like the historical grey mustache. To complete my Shevchenko was a revolutionary helped promote the event. figures we learned about. To make costume, I held a “Kobzar.” man, a poet and an artist and a na- The Girl Scout troop also con- myself look like the older Taras Our classroom was dark. When tional hero of Ukraine. I was proud ducted an interview with children Shevchenko I wore a man’s Ukrai- one of the visitors or parents came to teach my American friends close to their age living in Ukraine’s nian embroidered shirt (vyshyvan- to my desk and pressed a “wax about my Ukrainian culture. capita, Kyiv: 8-year-old Stepan Te- ka), black pants, blazer and black museum” button, I put a flashlight luk and 5-year-old Solomiya Teluk. wool hat. I had to look like a man, under my face and recited the life Oriana Kateryna Makar, 10½, The girls worked together as a group so I also tucked my hair back into of Taras Shevchenko (by memory). is from Hartsdale, N.Y. She is in to come up with the interview ques- a braid with my black wool hat. No This was a very fun and cre- Grade 5 at the New York Self-Re- tions, asking about favorite foods one can be the older Shevchenko ative way to have an opportunity liance Ukrainian School and is a and toys, hobbies, school, as well without a mustache. I went to a to look like someone who made member of Plast Ukrainian Scout- as about the war and the Maidan costume store and bought a long a big change in the world. Taras ing Organization in New York. and how the crisis in Ukraine has 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 No. 15

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, April 18 for museum members and seniors; $5 for students. Tickets are available online or at NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific the door. The Ukrainian Museum is locat- Society invites all to an event dedicated to ed at 222 E. Sixth St., between Second and the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Third avenues; phone number, 212-228- Ukrainian composer Leonid Hrabovsky. In 0110; website, www.ukrainianmuseum. 1954-1959 he studied composition under org. the supervision of Borys Liatoshynsky and Lev Revutsky at the Kyiv Sunday, April 26 Conservatory. His master’s thesis “Four NEW YORK: Join us at 2 p.m. for a sympo- Ukrainian Songs for Chorus and sium titled “Experiment, Expression and Orchestra” (1959) won first prize in an the International Scene: The Ukrainian all-union competition. In early 1960s Mr. Avant-Garde Stage in the 1910s and Appears May 3, 2015, Hrabovsky taught theory and composi- 1920s.” Presenters include Prof. Mayhill tion at the Kyiv Conservatory. He Fowler (Stetson University), Prof. Lynn in The Ukrainian Weekly belonged to the Kyiv avant-garde and was Garafola (Barnard College), Prof. Irena one of the first Soviet composers to adopt Makaryk (University of Ottawa) and minimalism as a music genre. His works Virlana Tkacz (Yara Arts Group). include dramatic, orchestral, chamber Myroslava Mudrak (professor emerita, We invite readers and community organizations and vocal music pieces. In 1990 he moved The Ohio State University) will moderate to submit articles, plus photos, on upcoming to the U.S. at the invitation of the the panel. Admission (includes reception Ukrainian Music Society. The program and gallery access) is $15; $10 for muse- summer camps, courses, workshops includes Alla Zagaykevych’s essay about um members and seniors; $5 for stu- Mr. Hrabovsky, video and the composition dents. Tickets are available online or at and other events “Sea” (1970). The event will be at the soci- the door. The Ukrainian Museum is locat- ety’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between ed at 222 E. Sixth St., between Second and Editorial deadline: APRIL 20 Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For addi- Third avenues; phone number, 212-228- tional information call 212-254-5130. 0110; website,www.ukrainianmuseum. [email protected] Saturday, April 25 org. NEW YORK: Don’t miss the Chornobyl Sunday-Friday, June 14-19 Songs Project Concert at 7 p.m. with eth- KERHONKSON, N.Y.: The Ukrainian We welcome advertisements nomusicologist/singer Maria Sonevytsky National Association hosts Seniors’ Week (Bard College) and the ensemble Hilka at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center. The pro- for this special issue. performing the polyphonic village singing gram features fun and games, good food, a styles of Ukraine’s Chornobyl region. The wine and cheese reception, a banquet Yara Arts Group will join the perfor- (Thursday evening, June 18) and two Advertising deadline: mance, as will the Veveritse Brass Band, prominent speakers daily. Cost for single playing dance music inspired by the occupancy begins at $590 per person. For Romani bands of the Balkans. The event is reservations or information call APRIL 16 co-sponsored by Yara, the Center for Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641 (space is limit- Traditional Music and Dance and The ed). For information call 973-292-9800, [email protected] Ukrainian Museum. Admission (includes ext. 3071. Come one, come all. Guests are reception and gallery access) is $15; $10 welcome.