Professional Documents
Culture Documents
No.33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 $1/$2 in Ukraine
UCC national executive meets with controversial Liberal leader “He sent the message that Ukrainian
society doesn’t have the right to choose
its own president, but instead, choose one
TORONTO – Liberal Party Leader that’s most fitting for Russia,” said
Michael Ignatieff met on July 31 with Oleksander Paliy, a political expert of the
members of the national executive of the Foreign Policy Institute at the Diplomatic
Ukrainian Canadian Congress. The UCC Academy of the Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs
delegation included Paul Grod, president, Ministry.
Alexandra Chyczij, vice-president, and In his August 13 response to the letter,
Andrew Hladyshevsky, president of the President Yushchenko stated that he was
Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras “very disappointed with its unfriendly
Shevchenko. character,” acknowledging serious prob-
“We are pleased that we were able to lems in relations between the two coun-
share with Mr. Ignatieff many of the tries but expressing surprise that Russia
UCC’s objectives and that we addressed failed to recognize its responsibility for
many important issues to our community that as well.
and to all Canadians,” said Mr. Grod. “Our state never abandoned the princi-
“Our discussion touched on a number of ples of friendship and partnership estab-
important issues, which included Canada- lished in the 1997 great agreement [Treaty
Ukraine relations, multiculturalism, on Friendship and Cooperation], did what
immigration, as well as a host of other was maximally possible for the consistent
issues.” and mutually convenient development of
Among those issues was Mr. Ignatieff’s Seen during the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) meeting with Liberal Party bilateral relations,” the Ukrainian presi-
disparaging writings about Ukraine and leader Michael Ignatieff (from left) are: Oleh Romanyshyn (League of Ukrainian dent stated. “Moreover, in accordance
Ukrainians. In his 1995 book “Blood and Canadians), Zenon Potichnyj (Canada Ukraine Chamber of Commerce), Member with the mentioned agreement, our coun-
Belonging: Journeys into the New of Parliament Walt Lastewka, Mr. Ignatieff (leader of the Official Opposition), tries should build relations one-on-one,
Nationalism,” Mr. Ignatieff wrote: Paul Grod (president, UCC), Alexandra Chyczij (vice-president, UCC), Danylo particularly on the principles of mutual
“Ukrainian independence conjures up Korbabicz (Ukrainian Canadian Students Union), Ann Szyptur (UCC and Plast respect and sovereign equality.”
images of embroidered peasant shirts, the Ukrainian Scouting Organization) and Andrew Hladyshevsky (Ukrainian The Ukrainian Presidential Secretariat’s
nasal whine of ethnic instruments...” Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko). response to the Russian president likely
He also wrote: “My difficulty in taking prompted Mr. Medvedev’s decision to
Ukraine seriously goes deeper than just Russian disdain for these little Russians.” that my book and documentary ‘Blood and approve Mr. Zurabov’s appointment rath-
my cosmopolitan suspicion of nationalists At this meeting with UCC representatives Belonging’ contained statements that are er than postpone it further, said Grigory
everywhere. Somewhere inside I’m also Mr. Ignatieff repeated comments that he offensive. I used derogatory terms, with Perepelytsia, director of the Foreign
what Ukrainians would call a great made in Edmonton on June 30 and again in
Russian and there is just a trace of old Winnipeg on July 2, saying. “I understand (Continued on page 19) (Continued on page 18)
2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33
ANALYSIS
NEWSBRIEFS
International assistance granted Ulianchenko cites ‘imperial complexes’ position of the Our Ukraine party regard-
ing the Russia-Georgia conflict remains
to support Ukrainian economy KYIV – One day after a blunt message
from the Russian president to the
unchanged: violations of fundamental
principles of international law can have
Ukrainian president, Kyiv responded, but tragic consequences. She underscored that
by Pavel Korduban immediately (www.bank.gov.ua, August 4).
the answer did not come from Viktor the civilized world has not recognized the
Eurasia Daily Monitor This tranche allocation was smooth com-
Yushchenko and or the Foreign Affairs self-proclaimed states of South Ossetia
pared to the discussions between the IMF Ministry. Responding to Dmitry Medvedev
Several recent international decisions and the government of Prime Minister Yulia and Abkhazia. She also said, “The current
relating to Ukraine have shown that attitudes was Vira Ulianchenko, the chief of the
Tymoshenko that preceded the allocation of processes in Ukraine are irreversible. The
toward the local economy have improved Presidential Secretariat, whose response
the second $2.8 billion tranche in May. The revival of our national identity, historical
following signs of stabilization. The was released not as that of an administra-
IMF apparently trusts that Ms. Tymoshenko memory and culture is a large-scale move-
International Monetary Fund (IMF) tion official, but as chairperson of the
will follow its recommendations to proceed ment.” She called on the two countries’
approved the allocation of another loan political council of the Our Ukraine party.
with reform and abstain from economic citizens “to isolate themselves from the
tranche; a rating agency expressed optimism Ms. Ulianchenko said she believes that the
populism despite admonitions from her aggressive policy to which the latest mes-
on the sovereign ratings; and the European address of President Dmitry Medvedev
arch-rival President Viktor Yushchenko. sage of the Russian president, unfortunate-
Commission (EC), the executive arm of the demonstrates the existence of “old imperi-
The IMF in its press release praised the ly, refers.” (Ukrinform)
European Union, organized a loan to help al complexes” among the young Russian
recent increase in the domestic price of gas leadership, which constantly cultivate “the Opposition supports Medvedev message
Naftohaz Ukrainy, the state-owned oil and by 20 percent aimed to bring into in line image of a foreign enemy and replace an
gas behemoth, pay for Russian gas. This with international prices in order to reduce KYIV – The leader of the opposition
equitable dialogue with all neighboring
should help Ukraine to prepare for a possi- the budget deficit of Naftohaz. The IMF Party of Regions of Ukraine (PRU), Viktor
countries with the language of insults and
ble second wave of the financial crisis dur- also noted that the central bank had demon- Yanukovych, said on August 11 that there
threats.” Ms. Ulianchenko recalled compo-
ing the fall when the country faces payments strated its readiness to tighten fiscal policies is currently no hope for the improvement
nents of “Moscow’s wrongful policy in
on several large foreign debts. Moreover, to withstand inflation and exchange rate of Ukrainian-Russian relations. He was
terms of economic relations – Russia’s
pressure on the national currency is mount- pressures (www.imf.org, July 28). commenting on Russian President Dmitry
failure to fulfill agreements on the opera-
ing, which will present further challenges Following the IMF’s positive decision, Medvedev’s message addressed to
tion of a free-trade zone between Ukraine
for the Ukrainian economy. Standard and Poor’s (S&P), the internation- and Russia, the gas conflict inspired by the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
Initial uncertainty over the IMF’s loan al rating agency, revised its outlook on Russian side, and economically unjustified “Unfortunately, there is practically no hope
decision triggered the hryvnia’s plunge Ukraine’s debt obligations from “negative” and politically biased provisions of the for the normalization and improvement of
against the main currencies in late July, to “positive.” S&P said this reflected the agreements on gas delivery to Ukraine. relations with Russia under the current
showing the extent to which the weak recent progress in structural reform in the The Our Ukraine party leader stressed that [Ukrainian] authorities,” Mr. Yanukovych
national economy depends on foreign budget and financial sectors, which allowed Mr. Medvedev’s thesis about a single gas said. “Therefore, the first thing we’ll do
financing. Although the hryvnia’s official Ukraine to qualify for the IMF loan. S&P transport system for Russia and Ukraine after rising to power will be the revival of
rate dropped by only 1 percent in July, the also praised the “strong and coordinated cannot but surprise. “With this logic we normal, neighborly, equal and mutually
street rate plunged by as much as 4 percent banking measures” that helped to improve should also speak about single gas and oil beneficial relations with our strategic part-
to over 8 hrv per $1 (U.S.). The central depositor confidence as the outflow of pri- resources on the territory of Russia, as it ner Russia. Such relations will open pros-
bank suggested that this had resulted from vate deposits from banks stopped by the was like in ‘the good old times of the pects for both states,” he said. The Russian
the payments of Ukrainian banks and com- summer. Similarly, S&P noted that political Soviet Union,’” she noted. Ms. president accused Ukraine of having an
panies on foreign loans being increased in and economic risks remain ahead of the Ulianchenko also said that the words of anti-Russian policy and deviating from the
July raising the demand for foreign curren- January 2010 presidential election, which the Russian president alleging oppression “principles of friendship and partnership,
cy and weakening the hryvnia. of the Russian-speaking population in stipulated in the 1997 treaty,” and post-
prevented it from upgrading Ukraine’s
The news about the IMF’s approval of Ukraine are beneath criticism, as Ukraine poned the arrival of a new Russian ambas-
weak ratings, rather than just the outlook on
the $3.3 billion third tranche of the $16.4 runs more than 1,400 Russian schools and sador in Ukraine. Ukraine’s acting Foreign
the country’s economy (www.standarda-
billion standby loan to Ukraine, which came every Ukrainian general education school Affairs Minister Volodymyr Khandohiy
on July 29, stabilized the hryvnia almost (Continued on page 22) teaches the Russian language and litera- said at a briefing on August 11 that
ture. Funds are allocated from the President Yushchenko would officially
Ukrainian state budget for effective opera- respond to the Russian president’s mes-
SEEN AT SOYUZIVKA
The second session of “Tabir Ptashat,” held on July 5-11 at Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian heritage center of the Ukrainian
National Association, attracted 58 campers. Above, the campers are seen doing arts and crafts and during a game. Below, Read the Ukrainian
the campers and counselors of this Plast day camp for preschoolers are seen in a group photo. The camp director for the
second session of Tabir Ptashat was Roman Ponos, while Oksana Isajiw served as administrator. The camp – which this National Association’s
year marked the 20th anniversary of its founding – is organized by the Perzhi Stezhi sorority of Plast Ukrainian Scouting newspapers online:
Organization. The sorority’s Tabir Ptashat Committee functions under the leadership of Neonila Sochan, chair, and Oresta
Fedyniak, head administrator. www.ukrweekly.com
www.svoboda-news.com
Our online archives are made pos-
sible by our
generous sponsors:
Self Reliance New York Federal
Credit Union
Shevchenko Scientific Society
U.S.A.
Selfreliance Ukrainian American
Federal Credit Union
Heritage Foundation of 1st Security
Federal Savings Bank
Alexander Pikas
Young UNA’ers
Markian Fil, son of Peter and Adrienne Ella Olena Bodnarskyj has joined her Solomia and Zoriana Sonevytsky, daughters of Markian and Jessica Sonevytsky
Fil of Latham, N.Y., is a new member of sister, Nina Marie, as a member of UNA of Metuchen, N.J., are new members of UNA Branch 25. They were enrolled by
UNA Branch 13. He was enrolled by his Branch 360. The girls are daughters of their grandmother Natalka Sonevytsky.
grandparents Nicholas and Maria Fil. Roman and Rachel Bodnarskyj of
The new UNA’er’s grandfather is an Darien Center, N.Y. Ella was enrolled by Call the UNA Home Office, 973-292-9800, to find out how to enroll your Young UNA’er!
advisor on the UNA General Assembly. her grandmother Maria Bodnarskyj.
COMMENTARY
THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY
Russia flexes its muscles Why some Russians are ready
It seemed that Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill had just completed his “pastoral”
visit to Ukraine (which was going to be the topic of this week’s editorial), when
to acquire Ukrainian citizenship
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev fired his twin salvos at Ukrainian President by Paul Goble nents who Moscow portrays as “extremist”
Viktor Yushchenko: the first an open letter to the Ukrainian president and the second a or interested in “exacerbating” relations
videotaped speech on his website that was clearly aimed at reaching the people of Patriarch Kirill’s suggestion that he is among ethnic and religious groups.
Ukraine and the worldwide community. ready to acquire dual citizenship in Fourth, the site continues, “conditions
Mr. Medvedev accused his Ukrainian counterpart of “anti-Russian” policies and Ukraine has prompted activists of the of service in the [Ukrainian] army are
said Ukrainian leaders had violated “the principles of friendship and partnership with Russian National-Democratic Movement much more tolerable” than those in the
Russia.” He charged that Kyiv was supplying arms to Georgian forces during the (RNDM), a nationalist but not statist Russian military. In Ukraine, RNDM says,
Russo-Georgian war, had bypassed Russia in an energy agreement with the European group, to conduct a survey in regions of there are “practically no cases of suicide or
Union, was creating problems for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet stationed on Ukrainian ter- the Russian Federation bordering Ukraine deaths of those in uniform.”
ritory, was driving the Russian language out of Ukraine and was rewriting history to on whether they would like to take Fifth, “the conductions for conducting a
the detriment of Russia. And that’s only a sampling. (The English-language texts of Ukrainian citizenship. business [in Ukraine] are more civilized”
both the open letter and the videotaped speech appear on page 3 of this issue. Mr. While many writers have discussed than they are in Russia. In Russia, the
Yushchenko’s response, which was released on August 13, was not available in whether Ukrainian citizens might like to RNDM says, “it is impossible to conduct a
English as of press time.) take Russian citizenship, this is one of the legal business” because businessmen must
In a highly aggressive and demeaning tone, Mr. Medvedev castigated Mr. very few efforts to determine how Russian pay off “bandit structures which consist to
Yushchenko for his administration’s stance on NATO. “Ignoring the views of citizens might feel about moving in the a large extent of the workers of the MVD,
Ukrainian citizens as well as Russia’s well-known position, the political leadership of opposite direction. And while the number the FSB and the senior officials of the
Ukraine stubbornly continues to pursue accession to NATO,” he wrote in his open let- of people polled is too small to be reliable, Russian government.”
ter. And he pooh-poohed notions of a “Russian threat,” which “as you are well aware, the reasons the activists suggested they Sixth, the level of crime is much lower
does not and cannot exist.” might have for doing so are intriguing. in Ukraine than it is in Russia.
“In Russia we hope that the new political leadership of Ukraine will be ready to According to RNDM, there are eight Seventh, medical care is “much more
build relations between our countries that correspond to the genuine aspirations of our reasons “why [ethnic] Russian people accessible.”
peoples and help strengthen European security,” the Russian president wrote. He con- might express a desire to receive Ukrainian And eighth, according to the RNDM
cluded his videotaped address – titled “Relations between Russia and Ukraine: A New citizenship. First, the movement says, the activists, Ukrainian men currently live lon-
Era Must Begin” – with the words: “There can be no doubt that the multifaceted ties population of Ukraine is far more uniform- ger, an average of 62 years, compared to
between Russia and Ukraine will resume on a fundamentally different level – that of ly Slavic than that of the Russian their Russian counterparts who now die on
strategic partnership – and this moment will not be long in coming. I hope that the Federation, thus allowing “ethnic Russians average at 59.
new leadership of Ukraine will be ready for the breakthrough. We will in turn make to feel comfortable (www.anvictory.org/ The article on the ANVictory.ru website
our best for it to happen.” index.php?name=pages&op=view&id=42 reporting these conclusions also features a
Clearly, Russia once again is asserting its “special interest” in neighboring Ukraine. 0). discussion of ethnic Ukrainians in Russia,
And, it is doing so only three weeks after the visit to Kyiv of U.S. Vice-President Joe While in the Russian Federation, a group Moscow says numbers fewer than
Biden and just weeks before the official campaign opens for Ukraine’s presidential “peaceful and unarmed Slavic indigenous 3 million but one that may be three times
election of January 17, 2010. As Reuters put it: the Russian president has “waded into residents” are frequently attacked by as large not only in the regions adjoining
neighboring Ukraine’s presidential election campaign.” “armed bands” from the Caucasus, thus Ukraine itself but also in the Far East, a
However, there might be even more at stake. creating what might be called “an inter- region Ukrainians call the “Zelenyi Klyn”
One of Ukraine’s former ambassadors to the U.S., the highly regarded Dr. Yuri ethnic war,” “in Ukraine, there has been or “Green Triangle.”
Shcherbak, was quoted as warning that Moscow might be considering an invasion of only one case of such an attack,” the After providing a brief history of how
Ukraine, home to a large Russian and Russian-speaking minority, in order to partition RNDM activists say. these Ukrainian communities arose on the
its territory. Readers and observers worldwide will recall that it was exactly a year ago Second, in Ukraine but not in the territory of what is now the Russian
in August that Russia sent its troops onto Georgian territory. Russian Federation, religious organiza- Federation, the site points out Russian
Alexander Dugin, leader of the extreme right Eurasian Movement, said the tions can register “freely.” Many religious officials have done everything they can to
Medvedev letter was actually a declaration of war against the United States on the groups, including Old Believers, find it force the Ukrainians to give up their lan-
entire post-Soviet space. He also said that Crimea and eastern Ukraine could be difficult if not impossible to conduct their guage and national identity and become
Russia’s next targets and spoke of a “Georgian scenario” in Ukraine. affairs in Russia, but the same people, Russians ethnically as well as politically.
Apparently President Medvedev has decided to flex his muscles and put Ukraine it RNDM activists say, would have absolute- At present, it suggests, Ukrainian has
its place. ly no problem if they were in Ukraine. been reduced to the status of “rare lan-
What would make Russia happy in its bilateral relations with Ukraine? It’s quite Third, the Ukrainian government, unlike guages” by Russian state policy. “There
simple, really: a president who is a puppet of the Kremlin, a government that won’t the Russian one, is not against the titular are only a few Ukrainian language schools
make a move without consulting “neighborly” Russia, an administration that is grate- nationality. No senior Ukrainian official, in the Russian Federation now (in
ful for Moscow’s guiding hand, a nation that doesn’t know and/or doesn’t care about the activists say, would permit himself to Moscow, Belgorod oblast and Krasnodar
its past, and a people willing to disappear into a great Russian melting pot. suggest that “Ukraine is not for kray) and only a single library of Ukrainian
However, President Yushchenko, in a measured and thorough response to his Ukrainians,” while nearly all senior literature in Moscow.”
Russian counterpart, underscored that “Ukraine continues to remain an advocate of Russian Federation officials are appalled The staff of that library, ANVictory.ru
broad cooperation with the Russian Federation on the basis of mutual respect, equal by any suggestion that “Russia is for the continues, has been subject to persecution
rights and via constructive dialogue, including on the highest level.” Russians.” not only for “propagandizing Ukrainian
Insulting and degrading letters in which one president publicly attacks another Moreover, the RNDM activists note, language and culture” but also “for several
do not fit that scenario. Mr. Medvedev’s pronouncements this past week can only Ukraine lacks an article in its Criminal letters [they have written] to the Ministry
be seen, to use the words of Vira Ulianchenko, chair of Our Ukraine’s political Code like Paragraph 282 under the terms of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
council, as evidence that the “Russian leadership is turning into a hostage of old of which Russian Federation officials rou- Federation and the president of Ukraine.
imperial complexes.” tinely seek to suppress those of their oppo- Moreover, as Ukrainian scholars have
pointed out, Russian textbooks present a
Paul Goble is a lecturer at the highly distorted image of the history of
Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy in Baku. Ukraine, one far more problematic than
August He is a long-time specialist on ethnic and the distortions in Russian history by
Turning the pages back... religious questions in Eurasia who has Ukrainians and others that Russian schol-
Soccer negotiations with challenger Alexander the gold medal. Ukraine’s team was ranked European Cup Combined Events Super
Povetkin of Russia. Povetkin was to face sixth among 56 countries. League in Szczecin, Poland, on June 30.
• Ukraine defeated England 2-0 at home Klitschko last December, but was injured Ukraine’s men’s and women’s teams were
and won the UEFA Under-19 Championships Olympics ranked in third place.
and was replaced by Hasim Rahman. Other
at RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium in Donetsk. potential contenders include Eddie • Twenty of Ukraine’s Olympians for the
Ukraine made history with the victory as the Fencing
Chambers, who became the WBO challenger 21st Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver,
only team in the UEFA Under-19 after he defeated Alexander Dimitrenko. British Columbia, in 2010 will be awarded Olha Kharlan defeated Russia’s Yekaterina
Championships to win on home soil. Denys Klitschko retained his IBF, IBO and WBO scholarships by the International Olympic Dyachenko (15-7) in the European Fencing
Garmash scored in the first half, and Dmytro titles on June 20 against Ruslan Chagaev of Committee from July 1 through February Championships finals in Plovdiv, Bulgaria,
Korkishko opened up the second half with a Uzbekistan with a 10th round TKO. 2010. Ukraine’s National Olympic on July 16. Halyna Pundyk and Yana
curling corner. Garmash and Kyrylo Petrov Committee requested that the Vancouver Shemyakina won bronze medals.
were named among the top 10 players of the Chess
2010 Olympic Solidarity program quota of
championships. World Games
Ten players from Ukraine were named 10 be extended to 20. The scholarship recipi-
• One of Ukraine’s most famous strikers, among the world’s top 100 by the World ents will receive $1,000 monthly. Olena Movchan and Yulia Domchevska
Serhiy Rebrov, 35, announced his retirement Chess Federation (FIDE). Ruslan • Viktoria Klochko won gold in women’s won the gold medal in women’s synchro-
from the sport on July 20. According to FC Ponomariov was the highest-ranking player discus throw at the 10th European Youth nized trampoline finals at the World
Dynamo Kyiv’s website, the former Dynamo in 16th place, Sergey Karjakin in 20th place, Olympic Summer Festival in Tampere, Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, held on July
striker will return to the club as assistant Pavel Eljanov in 21st place, and Vassily Finland. Nataliya Ilkiv (52 kg) and Kateryna 16-27. Mykola Popov and Mykola
senior coach of the youth team. Rebrov has Ivanchuk in 30th place. Kateryna Lahno, Lyalina (57 kg) won gold and bronze, respec- Shcherbakov won gold in men’s duo acro-
played for FC Shakhtar Donetsk (1991), Ukraine’s highest-ranking female chess play- tively, in women’s judo. Dmytro Altanov (50 batic gymnastics. Roman Urazbakiev,
Dynamo Kyiv (1992-2000, 2005-2008), er, was in 20th place. kg) and Andriy Kushkov (55 kg) won bronze Andriy Bilozir, Andriy Lytvak and Denys
Tottenham Hotspurs F.C. (London, England, medals in men’s judo. Yevhen Strokan won Kruichkov won bronze in the men’s group
2000-2003), Fenerbahce S.K. (Istanbul, Tennis the bronze medal in the men’s triple jump acrobatic gymnastics finals. Yulia
Turkey, 2003-2004), West Ham United F.C. Alona and Kateryna Bondarenko won the and Oleksandr Oliynyk won bronze in men’s Odintsova, Natalia Vinnik and Kateryna
(London, England, 2004-2005), and FC ECM Prague Open women’s double final in 3-km race. Ukraine won seven medals and Kalyta won bronze in the women’s acro-
Rubin Kazan (Russia, 2008-2009). During the Czech Republic on July 19. The No. 2 was ranked 15th in the medals count. batic gymnastics. Viktor Nykyforenko won
his career with Dynamo Rebrov played 355 seeded sisters from Ukraine defeated first bronze in men’s tumbling competition.
matches and scored 161 goals. Track and field
seed pair Iveta Benesova and Barbora Alevtyna Tytarenko won gold in body fit-
• FC Dynamo Kyiv striker Artem Zahlavov Strycova 6-1, 6-2. • Oleksander Osmolovych won the sil- ness, and in weightlifting, Beyla Baloh (80
Milevsky was awarded the Golden Ball of ver in the 800-meter race and pole vaulter kg) and Oleksandr Bilous (85 kg) won
Ukraine by football.ua, based on his play Wrestling Maksym Mazuryk won gold with 5.70 gold, Vyacheslav Makahon (70 kg) won
during the 2008-2009 Ukrainian Premier • Alina Makhyna (67 kg) won gold and meters at the Open Moscow international silver and Natalia Dychkivska (55 kg) won
League Championship. Milevsky was in Iryna Husyak (59 kg) won silver at the tournament on July 1. This was an Area bronze.
contention for the prize with Shakhtar 2009 FILA Junior World Championships Permit Meeting Qualifier for the
Donetsk’s Darijo Srna, with the former earn- Baseball
in Ankara, Turkey, on August 6. International Association of Athletics
ing 5,140 points, to the latter’s 4,706 points. Ukraine’s women’s team was ranked in Federations (IAAF) World Athletics Tour. Ukraine’s Kirovohrad Technical
Teammate Oleg Gusiev was awarded the second place out of 40 teams with 50 • Natalia Fokina-Semenova won bronze University won the Euro Cup, defeating
honor in 2007. points. In men’s freestyle, Stanislav in the discus throw with 61.53 meters and Croatia in the final 5-4 in Trnava, Slovakia.
• Ukraine’s women’s team advanced to Zinchenko (66 kg) and Andriy Nahorny Oleksandr Pyatnytsia won bronze in the Ukraine ended with a 5-1 record, and suf-
the group stage in the UEFA women’s Euro (74 kg) won bronze medals. javelin throw with 81.42 meters at the fered its lone defeat to Sweden 4-7. In two
Cup 2009 in Helsinki, Finland. The tourna- • Yulia Ostapchuk (63 kg) won gold at Grand Prix Lille Metropole international games, hurler Dmytro Cimarenk allowed six
ment continues from August 21 through the 20th European Juniors Greco-Roman tournament in Villeneuve d’Ascq, France, hits in 14 innings, striking out 12. Lead bat-
September 10. Ukraine, in Group A, will Wrestling Championship in Tblisi, on June 30. ter Maksym Symchyna finished with a 0.409
play Denmark, the Netherlands and Finland. Georgia, on July 2-4. Maxym Fesenko (84 • It has been 15 years since Serhiy average, going nine for 22, with seven RBI’s.
• Ukraine’s Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar kg), Ruslan Oleskenko (74 kg), Anzhela Bubka set the world pole vault record of The team finished with an astoundingly low
Donetsk are ranked among the top teams by Kleshcheva (44 kg), Iryna Netreba (67 kg), 6.14 meters. Bubka, who is president of 0.43 ERA. In the cadet championships on
the International Federation of Football Yulia Kuzmiv (48 kg) and Yulia Blahinya the National Olympic Committee of July 7-11 in Brno, Czech Republic, Ukraine
History and Statistics, with 2009 UEFA Cup (55 kg) won bronze medals. In men’s free- Ukraine, set the previous world records 35 finished in eighth place; and in the juvenile
Champions Shakhtar in fifth place and 2009 style, Mykola Aivazian (55 kg) won the times (17 outdoor and 18 indoor records) championships on July 13-18, in Dupnitza,
Ukrainian Premier League Champions silver medal. Ukraine’s women’s team was and his current record still stands. Bulgaria, Ukraine finished with a 3-2 record
Dynamo Kyiv in 11th place. Shakhtar ranked in second place out of 27 countries for seventh place.
Donetsk was recently eliminated from the Basketball
with five medals.
UEFA Champions League after a series of Mountain climbing
The Basketball Federation of Ukraine
loses during the qualifying round. Weightlifting (BFU) announced in July the creation of a A team of mountain climbers from
• Ukraine’s Premier League was ranked Serhiy Tahirov (105 kg), Halyna single Ukrainian Super League for the Donetsk, Ukraine, composed of athletes and
by the International Federation of Football Alekseyenko (58 kg), Yulia Vlasenko (75 2009-2010 season. A total of 16 teams are coal miners, has scaled the summit of one of
History and Statistics (IFFHS) in ninth place kg) and Anna Kozenko (+75 kg) won bronze expected to participate. This came as a Tian Shan’s peaks on August 3. The moun-
in the world and Ukraine’s team was recently medals at the European Junior Weightlifting result of the Ukrainian Basketball League tain range extends from Kyrgystan to north-
ranked sixth in Europe. Championships in Landskrona, Sweden, holding a championship in April 2008 west China. The team named it “The Peak of
held from July 25 through August 2. without the BFU or the Super League. Ukrainian Miners” in honor of Donetsk’s
Futsal
coal miners, as part of the “Coal of Donbas
Shooting Martial arts
• Ukraine’s policemen’s futsal (indoor on the World Peaks” program. The previous-
soccer) team won its second consecutive Ukraine’s rapid-fire pistol team of Ukraine won six medals at the Cadet ly unnamed peak was reported by climber
championship at the Worldwide Indoor Oleksandr Petriv, Taras Mahmet and Roman European Judo Championships in Koper, Serhiy Kovalev to be 5,123 meters high.
Soccer Police Association Tournament in Bondarchuk won the bronze medal in the Slovenia, on June 26-28. Natalia Ilkiv (52
Aukland, New Zealand, on July 22. Triathlon
25-meter range at the EPSO European kg) won the gold. Hanna Hutsu (44 kg),
Ukraine defeated the host country team Shooting Championships in Osijek, Croatia, Khrystyna Mykhaylenko (70 kg), Oksana Oleksiy Siutkin won the gold medal at the
2-0 in the finals. Along the way, Ukraine on July 12-28. Kyrylo Soyko won the silver Darchuk (+70 kg), Dmytro Atanov (50 2009 ITU Triathlon European Cup in Egirdir,
defeated WISPA-1 and WISPA-2, 7-0 medal in men’s junior 25-meter standard pis- kg) and Abriy Mikitin (70 kg ) won bronze Turkey, on August 4. Andriy Hlushenko fin-
(each game), China 3-0 and Brazil 5-1, tol event. Kateryna Dyomkina won bronze medals. ished in fourth place, and Roman Korol fin-
and tied Russia 1-1. in the 25-meter junior women’s pistol event ished in fifth place.
Heptathlon
• FC Time Lviv defeated Shakhtar and Ukraine’s junior women’s team won
Donetsk 5-4 in penalty kicks, after a 4-4 bronze in the same event. Ukraine’s men’s Anna Melnychenko won this year’s – compiled by Matthew Dubas
draw, and won the Green Ball Cup interna- team won the 25-meter standard pistol event.
tional futsal (indoor soccer) tournament in Ukraine’s women’s 50-meter three-position
Teplice, Czech Republic, on August 9. rifle team won bronze. Darlya Sharipova
won bronze in the women’s junior 50-meter
Boxing
three-position rifle event. Vladyslav
• Vitali Klitschko’s scheduled bout against Prianishnikov won the men’s 50-meter run-
David Haye of England on September 12 ning-target mixed event and Ukraine’s men’s
has been cancelled. Klitschko’s management team won silver in the same event.
team stated that the negotiations fell through
Diving
after what they said was the unprofessional
behavior of Haye’s promoters. Chris Arreola, Ukraine’s athletes won 31 medals at the at
who is currently undefeated, is the next man- the Universiade in Belgrade on July 12, with
datory WBC challenger for Klitschko and a seven gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze medals.
date for the bout has yet to be announced. Konstantin Milayev won the gold medal in
• Wladimir Klitschko has been obliged by men’s 10-meter platform diving. Olympic
the International Boxing Federation to hold archery champion Viktor Ruban also won
12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33
BOOK REVIEWS
FOCUS ON PHILATELY
by Ingert Kuzych
NEWSBRIEFS
CLASSIFIEDS
Ukrainian counterpart, Viktor Yushchenko.
Mr. Lytvyn called for an “urgent” meeting
(Continued from page 2) to be held at the level of the Ukraine-
harsh tone of Russian President Dmitry Russia interparliamentary commission. He
TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 Medvedev’s message addressed to expressed confidence that the involvement
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko of intellectual, scientific and spiritual elites
OR E-MAIL ADUKR@OPTONLINE.NET in the process of “people’s diplomacy”
only plays into the hands of Mr.
Yushchenko as the number of his support- would be effective in order to avoid “rows
SERVICES ers will grow against the backdrop of “any in mutual relations between Ukraine and
external threat from Russia.” The expert Russia.” (Ukrinform)
said that Mr. Yushchenko’s ratings would MFA: no problems with Kirill visit
grow, first and foremost, in Ukraine’s
western regions. The director of the Penta KYIV – The Ukrainian Ministry of
Center for Applied Political Studies, Foreign Affairs received thanks for its
Volodymyr Fesenko, also said that such assistance during the visit of Patriarch of
statements by Mr. Medvedev would Moscow and All Russia Kirill to Ukraine,
increase Mr. Yushchenko’s ratings. “Russia acting Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr
is indirectly trying to influence the presi- Khandohiy told a briefing on August 11.
dential election campaign [in Ukraine]. “We have no information about posing any
PROFESSIONALS However, this could have an opposite problems to this visit on the part of
effect. It’s not ruled out that this will add Ukraine. Quite the contrary, the country’s
votes to President Yushchenko from authorities provided the pastoral visit and
nationalistically minded voters,” he said. worked constructively. …We received
Jaroslaw Lemega The director of the Institute for Global thanks from the Patriarch’s retinue,” he
Architect & DesignBuild Contractor
Custom Residential & Commercial Strategies Vadym Karasiov, also said that noted. In his letter addressed to President
Design & Construction Service the Ukrainian president’s ratings would Viktor Yushchenko, Russian President
Tel 732 872 2512 grow. He said that “statements of this kind Dmitry Medvedev spoke about the “inter-
Serving all of New Jersey could have only an opposite effect” for ference” of Ukraine’s authorities with the
Russia and “favor political development” affairs of the Orthodox Church. In particu-
in Ukraine. He said that the Russian presi- lar, he mentioned unfavorable conditions
dent’s statement was a symptom of a deep that had allegedly been created before and
crisis in Ukrainian-Russian relations, during the pastoral visit of Patriarch Kirill
which, in his opinion, was not Ukraine’s to Ukraine. (Ukrinform)
fault. (Ukrinform)
Patriarch Kirill extends thanks
EP leader sees Russian interference
KYIV – Patriarch of Moscow and All
KYIV – Tough statements by the Russia Kirill sent a letter to Ukrainian
Russian President against the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime
leadership demonstrate that Russia is seek- Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Party of
ing to interfere with the election process in Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych to
Ukraine, said Marek Siwiec of Poland, thank them for assistance during his pas-
MERCHANDISE vice-president of the European Parliament. toral visit to Ukraine, Ukrinform reported
In an August 11 interview with Radio on August 12, quoting the Moscow
Liberty, he said this is the start of interfer- Patriarchate’s press service. In his mes-
ence into the election process in Ukraine. sage to President Yushchenko Patriarch
Mr. Siwiec added that the European Union Kirill said that “our frank talks seem to
right now has no grounds to intervene in help improve understanding of the needs
the Ukraine-Russia row, but Brussels and expectations of the believers on the
should thoroughly monitor developments. part of the public authority.” In his letter
(Ukrinform) to Ms. Tymoshenko, he wrote: “The
Ukrainian Orthodox Church, like Ukraine
Yatsenyuk warns Kremlin of interference on the whole, has lots of unsolved prob-
KYIV – The leader of the Front for lems, including those that had been
Change, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, warned the addressed during our talk. In this connec-
Kremlin about interfering with the election tion I hope for a continuation of the
process in Ukraine. Speaking live on Echo church-state dialogue and cooperation
of Moscow radio on August 11, he said: intended to completely take into account
“If it continues, this will be the greatest the legal interests of the Ukrainian believ-
mistake.” Mr. Yatsenyuk noted that ers.” Writing to Mr. Yanukovych, the
Ukraine would not change as a state, but patriarch said: “A positive experience of
the relations’ format could be modified. cooperation between the Church and you
“Any participation of any foreign country and other Ukrainian politicians brings
FOR SALE hopes that this cooperation could promote
in the election campaign of other country
means troubles for this country,” the politi- a spiritual revival of people and bring
cian stressed. (Ukrinform) many good fruits.” (Ukrinform)
FLORIDA CONDO FOR SALE
Ex-PM criticizes Medvedev message “Tit for tat” in expelling diplomats
Furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath,
KYIV – The leader of the Russian KYIV – Russia is using a principle
third floor unit at St. Andrew unacceptable to Ukraine, that is, “tit for
Ukrainian Village in North Port, People’s Democratic Union, Mikhail
Kasyanov, on August 12 called the open tat,” when expelling diplomats, acting
NOTES ON PEOPLE
Receives YWCA Sister Lydia marks
achievement award 25th anniversary
FLINT, Mich. – Michelle Oksana FOX CHASE MANOR, Pa. – Twenty-
Rosynsky, Ed.D. was awarded a YWCA five years ago, inspired by the Sisters of
Women of Achievement Award for her out- St. Basil the Great who taught her at
standing contributions to the University of Immaculate Conception High School in
Michigan-Flint, where she serves as the Hamtramck, Mich., Sister Lydia Anna
director of the Women’s Educational Center. Sawka joined the Order of St. Basil the
Under her leadership, the center has experi- Great. On June 13, the Order, Sister
enced growth in its program offerings and Lydia’s family and the Ukrainian com-
in 2007 was awarded the Outstanding munity came together to celebrate Sister
Campus Program Award from the Michigan Lydia’s 25 years of dedication with a
American Council on Education Network divine liturgy celebrated by Archbishop-
for Women Leaders in Higher Education. Metropolitan Stefan Soroka with the
Much of Dr. Rosynsky’s career has Bishop John Bura, Msgr. Peter Waslo,
focused on women’s issues and college stu- the Rev. Philip Sandrick, OSBM, and the
dent leadership development. While serving Rev. George Worshak.
as director of programming for the Douglass Sister Lydia has been an important
Project at Rutgers University in 1992-1998, Dr. Michelle Oksana Rosynsky part of the Ukrainian Catholic communi-
Dr. Rosynsky developed programs for pre- ty, teaching at St. Josaphat School in Sister Lydia Anna Sawka
college and college women interested in workshops. She is also the author of several Parma, Ohio, St. Nicholas School in
science and math related fields. successful project grants. Chicago and Immaculate Conception in Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization
Subsequently, she served for several years In 2003 Dr. Rosynsky received a doctor- Elementary School in her hometown of and its camps, and taught at Immaculate
as assistant director of residence life at ate in educational administration from Hamtramck. She has also served as voca- Conception Elementary School in
Douglass College-Rutgers, overseeing staff Rutgers University. Her dissertation focused tional directress and directress of youth Hamtramck, where she returned to teach
development and special interest housing. on the experiences of women leaders in for the Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of many years later.
Dr. Rosynsky currently serves on a vari- higher education. She is a member of the Chicago. Additionally, Sister Lydia has For the past eight years, Sister Lydia
ety of university and community commit- Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society in served the Order of St, Basil the Great in has been served as the personal secretary
tees, including the Diversity Council, Education, National Association for Student Rome as general secretary and as a trans- to Metropolitan Soroka. One of her great-
Student Services Social Justice Team, Personnel Administrators and the National lator for meetings of the Sisters of Order est passions is working with the youth of
LGBT Center Advisory Board, Marketing Women’s Studies Association. of St. Basil the Great. the Ukrainian community in greater
Council and the YWCA Domestic Violence Dr. Rosynsky and her husband, Mykola Before joining the Order of St. Basil Philadelphia, particularly through the
Fatality Review Team. Newmerzyckyj Jr., reside in Goodrich, the Great, Sister Lydia had organized a Ukrainian American Youth Association
In addition to her administrative work, Mich., and are active members of St. Mary’s nursery school, worked as a scout leader and Plast.
Dr. Rosynsky has taught leadership devel- Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in
opment courses and has facilitated many Southfield, Mich.
GREAT RATES
es the lives and families of the many who signing and a brief reception with casual
grew to adulthood under the loving and conversation with Dr. Lushnycky.
watchful eyes of the Basilian Sisters. The Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the
Great are a worldwide religious community.
The memorable evening started with a
In leading uniquely effective and innovative
brief prayer ceremony led by Metropolitan-
Archbishop Stefan Soroka, with co-cele-
ministries in education, spiritual direction, CALL 800-253-9862
evangelization, and lay collaboration, they
brants Msgr. Peter Waslo and the Rev.
George Worschak. This event, as noted by
bring the rich traditions and mysteries of the FOR MORE DETAILS
Eastern Church to those they encounter. For
Sister Laura Palka, OSBM, provincial supe- more information readers may call
rior in her welcome and introduction was 215-379-3998 or visit www.stbasils.com.
COMMUNITY CHRONICLE
The Russification...
(Continued from page 7)
Firtash’s involvement through Inter have led
to Mr. Yatsenyuk being described as either a
“television project” or a “big business
project.”
Secondly, Mr. Pinchuk’s preference for
using Russian election and political con-
sultants over Ukrainian or Western con-
sultants ultimately sheds light on his dis-
position and ideological orientation. Why
do Mr. Pinchuk and many other members
of Ukraine’s elites fetishize Russian polit-
ical consultants as if they could perform
voodoo magic?
Mr. Pinchuk has been cultivating a
“pro-Western” image for the last six years
through his NGO, Yalta European
Strategy, and most recently in his finan-
cial contributions to the Brookings
Institution and Institute for International
E c o n o m i c s i n Wa s h i n g t o n . T h e
Russification of the Yatsenyuk campaign,
at the insistence of Mr. Pinchuk, shows
Mr. Pinchuk’s pro-Westernism to be
opportunistic and vacuous.
Who then is the “pro-Russian” candi-
date in the January 2010 elections? If we
use political consultants as a guide, we
have to conclude it is Mr. Yatsenyuk.
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 23
PREVIEW OF EVENTS
Soyuzivka’s Datebook Saturday-Sunday, August 22-23
CHICAGO: The Ukrainian Congress
Federal Credit Union. For more informa-
tion call 716-847-1281 or visit www.
UkrainiansOfBuffalo.com.
Committee of America, Illinois Division,
August 9-22 Dance Camp session 2 September 11-13 Salzburg Reunion presents Ukrainian Festival 2009 at Monday, August 24
Chicago’s Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand
JENKINTOWN, Pa.: The Ukrainian
August 21-22 Friday evening: Hrim September 14-17 Berchtesgaden, Ave. (corner of North Campbell Street)
from noon to 10 p.m. both days. This is Community Committee to commemorate
unplugged on the Tiki Deck Karsfeld, Landshut, Regensburg, the 18th anniversary of the independence
the largest Ukrainian festival in the
Saturday: Dance Camp Recital, 3pm; Bayreuth Reunions Midwest; it featured performers from of Ukraine is sponsoring a gala concert
Zabava with Hrim, 10 pm Ukraine and Canada, as well as local tal- marking Ukrainian Independence Day at
September 18-19 Wedding week- ent. Festivities include: Ukrainian food, the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural
August 23-29 Joseph’s School of end crafts, music, dance groups and much Center (UECC), 700 Cedar Road. The pro-
Dance (Ballroom Dance) more. Pony rides and children’s attractions gram will include: keynote speaker the
Friday: recital, 8 pm September 25-27 Wedding week- add to the entertainment for the whole Rev. Dr. Taras Lonchyna; the Prometheus
end family. The celebration of Ukraine’s Ukrainian Male Chorus, singer Lidia
Independence Day will begin on Sunday at Bychkova; the Holubka Female Vocal
August 27-30 Church of Ensemble; and Vira Hubitska, recitation.
Annunciation Weekend September 28-30 Mittenwald 1:30 p.m. For more information contact
Pavlo T. Bandriwsky, 773-772-4500. Doors open at 7 p.m. Metropolitan-
Reunion Archbishop Stephen Soroka and
August 29 Wedding weekend BUFFALO, N.Y.: A concert and zabava Archbishop Antony will deliver prayers.
(dance) will be held Saturday evening at Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia will
August 31-September 7 Labor Day the Ukrainian Cultural Center Dnipro, 562 personally welcome the Ukrainian com-
week Genesee St. Tickets are $5; proceeds bene- munity of Philadelphia on this occasion.
Weekend entertainment to be fit the historic restoration of the Dnipro For more information call the UECC,
announced building. On the program: Myron & the Id 215-663-1166.
(rock, polkas, indie, Ukrainian folk), 6 Saturday, September 5
p.m.; John & Mary and the Valkyries
(national recording artists, formerly with LA MESA, Calif.: The House of Ukraine
10,000 Maniacs), 9 p.m. The concert will will screen the newly released short film
be held outside, under a tent. Food and “Holodomor: Ukraine’s Genocide of
Euro refreshments will be available. The 1932-1833” on Saturday at 6 p.m. at St,
Ukrainian American Day Festival will be John the Baptizer Ukrainian Catholic
held on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. Church, 4400 Palm Ave. For more infor-
Traditional Ukrainian food (holubtsi, mation see www.houseofukraine.com or
pyrohy), pastries and beverages will be call 619-460-5733.
available. Featured will be games, raffles, Sunday, September 6
and arts and crafts for the children. The
cultural program will include performanc- SAN DIEGO, Calif.: The Ukrainian
es by the Ukrainian American Youth Family Festival will be held from noon to
Association and the local School of dusk at the House of Ukraine in Balboa
To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 Ukrainian Studies, plus music by Karpaty. Park. The Chervona Kalyna Dance
216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 Admission is free; there is ample parking. Ensemble from Los Angeles will perform
Kerhonkson, NY 12446 The event is sponsored by the Ukrainian at 2 p.m.; food sales begin at noon. For
E-mail: Soyuzivka@aol.com Congress Committee of America, Buffalo more information see www.houseo-
Website: www.Soyuzivka.com branch, and the Ukrainian Home Dnipro fukraine.com or call 619-460-5733.
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