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Inside:

• Russian president’s open letter, speech regarding Ukraine – page 3.


• Canada Post’s new pysanka stamps – page 13.
• Community Chronicle: Sacramento, Detroit – page 19.

The Ukrainian Weekly


Vol. LXXVII
Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

No.33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 $1/$2 in Ukraine

Uzhhorod mayor accused Medvedev blasts Yushchenko


of attacking campaign worker for “anti-Russian position”
by Danylo Peleschuk Jewish network of money and crooked by Danylo Peleschuk tial decree officially appointing Mikhail
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly courts in Ukraine, led by industrial and Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Zurabov as Russia’s ambassador to
media magnate Victor Pinchuk and Dmytro Ukraine just hours after President
KYIV – The alleged beating of a cam- Firtash, a partner in RosUkrEnergo. KYIV – Russian Federation President Yushchenko issued a firm response to his
paigner for presidential candidate Arseniy Meanwhile, in his August 7 statement Dmitry Medvedev blamed Ukrainian letter. Mr. Zurabov is Russia’s former
Yatsenyuk by the mayor of Uzhhorod, and Mr. Ratushniak alleged that Mr. Yatsenyuk President Viktor Yushchenko for the minister of health and social develop-
his subsequent anti-Jewish statements, ignit- exploited his Jewish influence to build his worst bilateral relations between the two ment.
ed the latest election campaign scandal campaign with “criminal money,” along nations since the Soviet period, calling Along with the letter, the Kremlin
amidst a summer already riddled with high- with a youth movement that lacks merit. upon the next president of Ukraine to released a video statement, recorded at
ranking lawlessness. “Throughout the regions, he gathered his launch a new era of relations. the president’s residence on the Black Sea
Serhii Ratushniak, a politician with a drug dealers and bandits, who have abso- In the August 6 letter posted on the coast and posted on Mr. Medvedev’s
long history of alleged violence, was lutely no legal or moral grounding, trash our Kremlin’s website five days later, Mr. Internet blog, in which the Russian presi-
accused of beating and strangling 21-year- city, obstruct the peaceful lives of our citi- Medvedev scolded Mr. Yushchenko for dent vented his grievances over the
old Natalia Butrymko, who was handing out zens and degrade the standard of living mishandling numerous critical issues, cit- Ukrainian government’s policies.
pamphlets promoting Mr. Yatsenyuk’s Front here,” said Mr. Ratushniak. “Soon he’ll fool ing alleged arms delivery to Georgia dur- Besides military and economic mat-
of Change (Front Zmin) civic organization, people into thinking that the nearest river ing the South Ossetian War, energy agree- ters, Mr. Medvedev criticized campaigns
on August 6. runs because of his Front of Change.” ment violations and recent diplomatic “to oust the Russian language from the
Local prosecutors filed criminal charges Mr. Ratushniak offered no apologies expulsions. Ukrainian media, education, culture and
of hooliganism and abuse of office against when referring to Jews as “Zhydy,” which “What we have witnessed during the science.”
the mayor on August 7, then dropped them many Jews and Ukrainians consider offen- years of your presidency cannot be inter- “The Ukrainian leadership’s outwardly
the next day alleging further investigation sive. However, “Zhyd” was the standard preted as anything other than the smooth-flowing rhetoric fits ill with the
was needed. Mr. Ratushniak then returned Ukrainian and Polish word for Jew and con- Ukrainian party’s departure from the prin- overt distortion of complex and difficult
to his mayoral duties without a hitch. tinues to be widely used and accepted in ciples of friendship and partnership with episodes in our common history, the trag-
The alleged attack erupted into an inter- western Ukraine. Currently, the word Russia,” Mr. Medvedev said, speaking ic events of the great famine in the Soviet
national controversy when Mr. Ratushniak “Yevrei” (from the same root as the word about two months before the official start Union, and an interpretation of the Great
embarked on a tirade against Mr. Yatsenyuk “Hebrew”) is used. of Ukraine’s presidential campaign. Patriotic War as some kind of confronta-
himself, labeling him an “insolent little Jew” On August 12 the Zakarpattia Oblast Mr. Medvedev said he would postpone tion between two totalitarian systems,” he
in a formal statement released by the city’s Procurator General filed criminal charges approving the next Russian ambassador said.
press service on August 7. to Ukraine, citing the “anti-Russian posi- The video message was aimed at
against Mr. Ratushniak for his anti-Jewish
In an Ukrayinska Pravda interview pub- tion of Ukrainian authorities.” reaching a wide television and Internet
statements.
lished on August 11, Mr. Ratushniak ranted Yet, in a sudden turn of events, Mr. audience to influence Ukrainian voters to
about what he alleged is a tightly controlled (Continued on page 9) Medvedev signed an August 13 presiden- select a more Moscow-friendly president
in the January 17, 2010, vote, experts
said.

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-

U.S.-Ukraine “tough love”: tion of Russian theaters, museums and cul-


tural centers; meanwhile, Russia does not
offer similar support to Ukrainian institu-
sage. (Ukrinform)
Experts see boost for Yushchenko

the feeling is mutual tions on its territory. Ms. Ulianchenko was


also indignant over the desire of some
KYIV – The director of the Gorshenin
Institute of Management Issues, Kostiantyn
Russian politicians to recognize all Bondarenko, said on August 11 that the
by Vladimir Socor President Viktor Yushchenko, Ukrainian Russian-speaking Ukrainians as ethnic
Eurasia Daily Monitor leaders and parties made clear during Mr. Russians. She also underlined that the (Continued on page 14)
Biden’s visit that they do not expect unilat-
U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden’s visit to eral U.S. favors; and also that Russia is a
Ukraine (Eurasia Daily Monitor, July 28) factor to be taken into account in Ukraine,
underscored the shift from enthusiastic sup-
port of Euro-Atlantic integration goals to
conditional support, depending on Ukraine’s
particularly in an election year.
Vice-President Biden spoke with extraor- THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY FOUNDED 1933
dinary frankness about the dysfunctional An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc.,
own performance. Dubbed “tough love,” aspects in Ukraine’s political and economic
this revision in U.S. policy was long in the a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
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making, but had not received official high- Kyiv. Portraying its political leaders as less
level expression until now. Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices.
mature than their own people, he wondered (ISSN — 0273-9348)
A “tough-love” U.S. policy had begun to “why communication among leaders has
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lived burst of support for Ukraine’s NATO sidies to consumers, and openly invoked the
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toward a “tough-love” policy. International Monetary Fund lending to
Thus, the Obama administration is for- Ukraine, and reminded his audiences that The Ukrainian Weekly, August 16, 2009, No. 33, Vol. LXXVII
malizing and articulating a policy change “friendship requires honesty.” Based on Copyright © 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly
that was already developing under its prede- shared goals, however, “the United States
cessors. As expressed by the Bush adminis- and Ukraine will work together in the
tration’s senior State Department official months and years ahead to strengthen the
handling Ukraine, David Kramer, the United ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA
strategic partnership” (Vice-President Joseph
States can help the country to the extent that Biden, speech at Ukraine House and news Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041
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“Biden’s Critical Trip to Ukraine and releases, July 21-22). Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040
Georgia,” GMF Policy Brief, July 17), Both sides were careful to de-emphasize fax: (973) 644-9510
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The tough-love feeling, however, turned e-mail: ukrsubscr@att.net
out to be mutual. Excepting the weakened (Continued on page 22)
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 3

FOR THE RECORD: Medvedev’s message to Yushchenko


Following is the text of the message actions threaten the ability of our coun- Ukrainians have been and remain not just guard the friendship between Ukrainians
from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev tries to reliably use what is, in fact, a uni- neighbors, but also a fraternal people for and Russians in every possible way,
to the president of Ukraine, Viktor fied gas transmission system that ensures whom we will always cherish the very strengthen the foundations of our cooper-
Yushchenko. The text, which appears on the energy security of Russia, Ukraine best feelings, with whom we share a com- ation for the mutual benefit and prosperi-
the Official Web Portal of the President and many European nations. mon history, culture and religion, ties ty of our countries. It is unacceptable to
of Russia, notes that the message “reads Despite our repeated appeals at various stemming from close economic coopera- subject centuries-old relations to such
in part” as follows. levels, virtually nothing has been done to tion, and strong kinship and human rela- serious tests for the sake of short-term
stop the violation of property rights of tions. developments, thereby encouraging
Problems in bilateral cooperation Russian investors in Ukraine. All this has I am convinced that the leadership of younger generations to harbor a mutual
have, of course, existed before. This was essentially undermined the formerly solid Russia and Ukraine is obliged to cherish grudge by playing with nationalist com-
natural following the disintegration of the economic foundations of our bilateral these neighborly feelings, this wealth that plexes.
Soviet Union, when we had to develop partnership. is also our common competitive advan- In Russia we hope that the new politi-
relations between two sovereign states. Russian-Ukrainian relations have been tage in a globalizing world. The challenge cal leadership of Ukraine will be ready to
However, what we have witnessed during further tested as a result of your adminis- of responsible public figures is to resist build relations between our countries that
the years of your presidency cannot be tration’s willingness to engage in historical the temptation to artificially divide our correspond to the genuine aspirations of
interpreted as anything other than the revisionism, its heroization of Nazi collab- peoples for any geopolitical projects or our peoples and help strengthen European
Ukrainian party’s departure from the prin- orators, exaltation of the role played by political machinations, but rather safe- security.
ciples of friendship and partnership with radical nationalists, and imposition among
Russia, embodied in the Treaty of 1997 the international community of a national-
[Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and
Partnership between Russia and Ukraine].
istic interpretation of the mass famine of
1932-1933 in the USSR, calling it the
Medvedev’s speech on relations
I already wrote to you about this in “genocide of the Ukrainian people.” The
November last year and the situation has
not improved, but rather degraded.
ousting of the Russian language from pub-
lic life, science, education, culture, media
between Russia and Ukraine
Let me cite a few examples that char- and judicial proceedings continues. Following is the text of Russian tragic events of the great famine in the
acterize the current state of affairs created In this context, the harmful practices of President Dmitry Medvedev’s speech Soviet Union, and an interpretation of
by the conscious actions of your adminis- intervention by the government of “Relations between Russia and Ukraine: the Great Patriotic War as some kind of
tration. Ukraine in the affairs of the Orthodox A New Era Must Begin,” which was confrontation between two totalitarian
A negative public reaction was caused Church beg attention. The conditions that delivered on August 11. The text below is systems.
by Ukraine’s anti-Russian stance in con- were created artificially on the eve and from the Official Web Portal of the Our economic relations are in a
nection with the brutal attack on South during a recent pastoral visit to Ukraine President of Russia. (http://www.kremlin. somewhat better situation and are devel-
Ossetia by Saakashvili’s regime. A year by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All ru/eng/), which also contains a video of oping, but we have not yet succeeded in
after those tragic events, once again the Russia could hardly be described as the speech. tapping their full potential. Again, the
question of why civilians and Russian favorable. Against this background, it is problem is that Russian companies fre-
peacekeepers in Tskhinval [sic] were particularly gratifying to see the genuine A few days ago, I sent a letter to the quently face open resistance from the
killed with Ukrainian weapons has arisen. and broad support for the unity of President of Ukraine. It was not an ordi- Ukrainian authorities. Bypassing Russia,
Those in Kiev [sic] who supplied the Orthodoxy demonstrated by Ukrainians nary document, I should say, as it con- Ukraine’s political leaders do deals with
Georgian army with weapons and, by the who welcomed the patriarch. tains a number of complex and unflatter- the European Union on supplying gas –
way, do not intend to stop doing so, fully Among the obstacles that authorities ing characteristics of the actions by the gas from Russia – and sign a document
share with Tbilisi the responsibility for accountable to you have devised to hinder top political leadership of Ukraine. In my that completely contradicts the Russian-
the committed crimes. the positive development of Russian- today’s address I would like to explain Ukrainian agreements reached in
Ignoring the views of Ukrainian citi- Ukrainian relations is the provocation, the reasons behind my step. January this year.
zens as well as Russia’s well-known posi- unprecedented in the entire post-Soviet There has been public concern in But no matter what the complexes or
tion, the political leadership of Ukraine space, by expelling two of our diplomatic both Ukraine and Russia of late over illusions motivate the actions of indi-
stubbornly continues to pursue accession representatives from Ukraine without any the state of our bilateral relations. vidual Ukrainian officials, we will
to NATO. And as a so-called argument justification. This attack – that incidental- Ukrainian politicians themselves have always value our fraternal ties with the
you hint at a “Russian threat” to ly, immediately preceded the patriarch’s admitted that relations are at an Ukrainian people and will strive to
Ukrainian security, something which, as visit – conveys the essence of the current extremely low point today, and it is strengthen our humanitarian coopera-
you are well aware, does not and cannot Ukrainian authorities’ approach to rela- hard not to agree. The strain in rela- tion. It is with this aim in mind that we
exist. Unfortunately, the logical continua- tions with Russia. Naturally, we could not tions between our countries has indeed plan to open branches of the Russian
tion of this destructive reasoning is the but retaliate to this unfriendly measure. hit unprecedented levels. Science and Culture Center in several
incessant attempts to complicate the I would like to inform you that in view I have on many occasions stated that Ukrainian cities and will do all we can
activities of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in of the anti-Russian position of the current Russia seeks to be a predictable, strong to support Ukrainians living in our
violation of the fundamental agreements Ukrainian authorities I have decided to and comfortable partner for its neighbors, country in their efforts to develop their
between our countries governing the postpone sending a new Russian ambas- all the more so for a country with which national culture.
parameters of its base in Ukraine. sador to Ukraine. Specific date will be we share common historical and cultural Patriarch Kirill’s recent pastoral visit
At the same time, it seems that Kiev determined later in light of the future roots. We are more than just neighbors; to Ukraine was also an event of great
[sic] has consistently sought to sever development of Russian-Ukrainian rela- our ties are those of brothers. significance. I had a meeting with the
existing economic ties with Russia, pri- tions. Nikolai Gogol, the great writer and son patriarch following the visit, and he
marily in the field of energy. These For Russia, from time immemorial of both Ukrainian and Russian peoples, shared his impressions and said many
said, “There are no bonds more sacred cordial words. We both are of one and
than the bonds of brotherhood.” As we the same opinion that the two fraternal
COMMENTARY celebrate the 200th anniversary of peoples may not be separated as they
Gogol’s birth, we remember these words share common historical and spiritual

Dmitry Medvedev’s disinformation blog


once again. These celebrations are yet heritage.
another vivid illustration of our peoples’ I am confident that our relations with
spiritual closeness. Ukraine’s people will overcome any
by Roman Kupchinsky order to turn them into an instrument of Set against this background, the diffi- problems. They cannot be destroyed by
Jamestown Foundation anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western propa- cult – to say the least – relations our politicians’ selfish interests, fickle
ganda and prolong the ongoing anti- countries have been experiencing make changes in the global situation, or indi-
The Kremlin never fails to astonish its Ukrainian campaign that began in 2004. an even stronger contrast. Let’s take a vidual leaders’ mistakes, and all the
worldwide audience. The Kremlin’s disinformation cam- look at what is actually happening. more so, cannot be undone by empty
In what can best be described as an paign that the Ukrainian Orange The leadership in Kiev [sic] took an words and pseudo-historic research.
open letter to Ukrainian President Viktor Revolution in 2004 was not a popular openly anti-Russian stand following the I am certain that a new era will begin.
Yushchenko posted on the Russian one, but was funded and organized by the military attack launched by the Nevertheless, in the current situation, I
President’s website on August 11, Dmitri government of the United States, remains Saakashvili regime against South have made a decision to refrain from
Medvedev took the proverbial gloves off alive and well in the imagination of many Ossetia. Ukrainian weapons were used sending the Russian ambassador to
and lashed out at the democratically elect- Russians. “Democratically elected” is a to kill civilians and Russian peacekeep- Ukraine. The new ambassador will
ed Ukrainian President. term which is still widely misunderstood ers. Russia continues to experience commence his duties at a later stage,
The pretext of his letter was a directive on the streets of Russia. problems caused by a policy aimed at and naming the exact date for it will
he signed that day postponing the The letter to Mr. Yushchenko appears obstructing the operations of its Black depend on the positive dynamics in
appointment of a new Russian ambassa- to have been carefully crafted by the Sea Fleet, and this on a daily basis and bilateral relations.
dor to Ukraine. Kremlin’s spin- doctors in order to incite in violation of the basic agreements There can be no doubt that the multi-
By publicizing his private communica- an anti-Ukrainian backlash among the between our countries. Sadly, the cam- faceted ties between Russia and Ukraine
tion on his website and his video blog Mr. Russian folk. Mr. Medvedev’s letter paign continues to oust the Russian lan- will resume on a fundamentally differ-
Medvedev turned what should have been includes denunciations of Ukraine’s sup- guage from the Ukrainian media, the ent level – that of strategic partnership –
a civil debate on differing views between port of Georgia during last year’s Russian education, culture and science. The and this moment will not be long in
him and Mr. Yushchenko on the nature of invasion of that country; Ukraine’s con- Ukrainian leadership’s outwardly coming. I hope that the new leadership
the Ukrainian-Russian relationship, into a tinued efforts to join NATO; and attempts smooth-flowing rhetoric fits ill with the of Ukraine will be ready for the break-
new confrontation. to diversify gas supplies – denouncing overt distortion of complex and difficult through. We will in turn make our best
The Russian president did everything episodes in our common history, the for it to happen.
in his power to popularize his views in (Continued on page 21)
4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

Providence Association announces merger with Ukrainian Fraternal Association


The press release below was issued by the Providence nal agents and counselors. The integration of the societies’
Association and the Ukrainian Fraternal Association and
was published in their respective newspapers, America
newspaper and other periodical operations will enhance
overall circulation and more efficiently disseminate news
More on the merger agreement
and Narodna Volya. that is important to the Ukrainian American community. The Agreement of Merger between the Ukrainian
Although the surviving charter, by-laws and governing Fraternal Association and the Providence Association
PHILADELPHIA – On June 17 the Providence bodies will be Providence’s, it is important to note that the of Ukrainian Catholics published in Narodna Volya on
Association (Providence) and The Ukrainian Fraternal merger agreement, at the grass-roots level, will preserve June 30 provides more details beyond that given in the
Association (UFA) signed a historic merger agreement UFA’s active branches, branch sales, and other branch official press release issued by the two fraternal organi-
that results in a fraternal benefit and life insurance society officers and branch representatives. The integration will zations. Below are some highlights of the agreement,
composed of nearly 19,000 members, over $50 million of lead to greater growth, strength and stability at all levels. which was signed on June 17 by Bishop John Bura and
life insurance in force and assets of over $21 million. The Providence Association will assume all of the Eryna Cvikula Korchynsky of Providence and Jaroslaw
The governing bodies of both entities mutually con- UFA’s life insurance certificates (policies) and will honor Gawur and Christina Shablovsky of the UFA.
cluded that combining the two societies into a common and preserve all of the obligations and responsibilities to
effort will help: to provide greater financial security to all the UFA membership. Providence will also honor all cur- • 1.1 UFA shall merge into Providence, resulting
of the members, especially in these turbulent economic rent Narodna Volya subscriptions with issues of the in a single fraternal benefit society (the “merger”)
times; to preserve the societies’ and their members’ com- America newspaper. The certificate (policy) obligations with the surviving entity to be know as the
mon cultural and ethnic heritage; and to foster and to pro- will be reserved and guaranteed with the entire claims Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics in
mote their fraternal missions within the Ukrainian paying ability of the merged entity. The merger will have America (the “surviving society”). The surviving
American community at large. no effect whatsoever on Providence life insurance or society shall continue to operate under Providence’s
The UFA’s members and the chapters (branches) into annuity certificates (policies). existing Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and
which they have traditionally organized themselves will The merger agreement also creates a five-member By-laws. UFA shall no longer exist as a separate legal
now participate and be a significant part of Providence’s Advisory Council to Providence’s governing body known entity, but as a division of Providence as set forth in
strategic growth and marketing plans. They will also be as a General Assembly. The UFA has already appointed this agreement.
able to take advantage of a more diverse portfolio of these five people. Providence has also committed to a cel- • 2.4 After the effective date of the merger, in order to
insurance products, including annuity savings certificates, ebration of the UFA’s 100th anniversary in the year 2010, honor and preserve the history and traditions of UFA as
IRA annuities, higher available policy limits and a premi- even as it prepares to celebrate its own centennial in the a fraternal benefit society and to enable its centennial
um structure tailored to the 2001 CSO mortality table. year 2012. celebration, Providence shall commit for a period of
Equally important to both societies were the benefits of The full text of the agreement of merger appears is time through the end of 2010, or longer at the discretion
streamlined operations and a growth in the number of also available on-line on Providence’s website, www. of Providence to:
active lodges, fraternal officers, and professional and frater- provassn.com. Establish the Ukrainian Fraternal Association
Division of the Providence Association of Ukrainian
Catholics in America;
Apppoint from the membership of the UFA a three-
The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: July member advisory committee or panel of Providence’
General Assembly, in accordance with Providence’s
By-laws, for a period of time through the end of 2010;
Amount Name City Myron Groch Fonthill, ON
and
$250.00 Plast Tabir Ptashat Kerhonkson, NY Anatol Grynewytsch Newport News, VA Undertake the centennial celebration of UFA in 2010
Soyuzivka Gloria Horbaty Wallingford, CT in accordance with the outline of events and budget set
$100.00 Anya and Jurij Petrenko Ashton, MD Lubomyr Iwaskiw Venice, FL forth in Exhibit “B.” [Editor’s note: Exhibit “B” pro-
$55.00 Jennie Kopystianskyj New York, NY Alexander Leskiw East Hanover, NJ vides for a budget not exceeding $20,000 to cover pub-
Maria Polanskyj Matawan, NJ Valentina Poletz Minneapolis, MN lication of a double issue of the Forum magazine to
George Popel Monmouth, NJ Jakym and Alice White Plains, NY commemorate the UFA centennial, and, if funds allow,
$50.00 Joseph Luczka Hartford, CT Teniuch a 100th anniversary banquet.]
George Pryjma Glenview, IL $15.00 Bohdan Trojan Chicago, IL
Paul Pundy Arlington Heights, IL $10.00 Ellen Barlit North Falmouth, MA In the “Addendum to that Certain Agreement of
Shalauta Family Launa Niguel, CA Roman Bilak Kenosha, WI Merger” (signed on June 17), it is further agreed that:
(in memory of Bohdan Ivanna Chirovsky Tempe, AZ • All Narodna Volya newspaper [the official publi-
Obuch) Lubomyra Droczak- Auburn, NY cation of the UFA] subscribers will automatically
Katherine and Gloria Clinton Township, MI Lysiak receive the America newspaper [the official publica-
Stoiko Rodion Folis Villas, NJ tion of Providence] for the duration of time as the
Jarema Woloshenko Brookline, MA Arcadia Kocybala Cronton-On-Hudson, NY subscription monies in the subscriber’s account allow.
$45.00 Anna Chomyak New York, NY Liliana and Bohdan Kendall Park, NJ At that point, in due course, Providence will offer all
Andrei Harasymiak New York, NY Kotys Narodna Volya subscribers and opportunity to contin-
Myron Hirniak Dulles, VA Myroslaw Kulynych Jackson Heights, NY ue their subscriptions to American at the them obtain-
Larissa Levine Waterville, ME Taras Laszyn Trenton, NJ ing rates.
Neil and Dr. Luba Levy Keller, TX C. Mociuk Palos Park, IL • Providence accepts and appoints the five-member
Zenon Matkiwsky Short Hills, NJ Eugene Moroz Concord, MA advisory committee that the UFA elected to serve as the
Joseph and Martha T. Danville, CA Oresta Pereyma Buffalo, NY committee referenced in Paragraph 5 of this Addendum:
Mazuryk Bohdan Pestrak Whitestone, NY Orysia Dail, Christina Shablovsky, Stephen Kostecki,
$35.00 Petro and Halyna Massillon, OH Beatrice Salywon Tempe, AZ Paul Ewasko and Mykola Bojczuk.
Pryshepa Daria Samotulka Hillsborough, NJ
$30.00 Henry Bolosky Kingston, PA Andre Traversa Park Ridge, IL
Irene Durbak Madison, WI Orest and Chris Pittstown, NJ
Walter Kizel
Jaroslawa Komichak
Dearborn, MI
Upper St. Clair, PA
Walchuk
Mychajlo Zacharko Manville, NJ
Ukrainian elite urges West
Andrew Zakala
$25.00 Tatianna Demchuk
Sun City West, AZ
Cary, NC
$5.00 Lana Chutko
Michael Danylyshyn
Orchard Park, NY
Pittsford, NY to cooperate with Kyiv
Walter Dobushak Bruceton Mills, MV Iwanna Holowaty Venice, FL
Bohdan Guran Venice, FL Merle and Bonnie Toledo, OH RFE/RL
Ann Daria Jakyma Parma Heights, OH Jurkiewicz KYIV – A group of Ukrainian intellectuals has sent an
Olha Maria Jaruch Astoria, NY George Kaniwec Southington, CT open letter to leaders of the European Union and the
Inna Bazylevsky-Lysloff Bayside, NY Theodore Mackiw Albuquerque, NM United States urging them to develop greater coopera-
Mykola Mychalczak Manlius, NY Edward Mikol Staten Island, NY tion with Ukraine, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service reports.
Sonia Prokopetz Toronto, ON Maria Motyl North Babylon, NY The letter says Ukrainian intellectuals want to see
George Stecyk Scottsdale, AZ Erin Niedzwiecki Jamesburg, NJ their country as an “important and rightful member” of
B. and O. Yaremko Livingston, NJ Boris Onufreiczuk Wathchung, NJ the world’s democratic community and Europe.
$20.00 Robert Beck Lubbock, TX Taras Popel Somerset, NJ They say that the security of Europe and Euro-
Victor Decyk Culver City, CA Walter Strzalka Perth Amboy, NJ Atlantic space is not possible without Ukraine being
George Forys Leetsdale, PA Maria Szczebetiuk Allentown, PA secure and, therefore, understand that the EU’s Eastern
Christine Hruszkewycz Derwood, MD Partnership program is an important tool for moderniza-
Maria Kudryk-Case Cedar Lake, IN TOTAL: $2,245.00 tion of Ukraine and other countries involved.
Nestor Lytwyn Fridley, MN One of the signatories, Ukrainian writer and scholar
Askold Mosijczuk Clearwater, FL Mykola Ryabchuk, told RFE/RL that NATO and partner-
Marijka Nazarewycz Phoenix, AZ Sincere thanks to all contributors to ship with Europe should not be considered as a threat to
Walter Salmaniw Victoria, BC The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. Eastern European countries, including Ukraine.
Roman Wolchuk Jersey City, NJ As of July 28, the letter was signed by 79 Ukrainians,
Anna Zawadiwsky Parma, OH The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only fund including writer Yuriy Andrukhovych, former National
$15.00 Marko Bodnaruk Brecksville, OH dedicated exclusively to supporting the work of this Security and Defense Council Secretary Volodymyr
Andrij Cehelsky Rochester, NY Horbulin, human rights activist Yevhen Zakharov, poet
Nicholas Deychakiwsky Brighton, MI
publication.
and publisher Ivan Malkovych, and former political pris-
oner Vasyl Ovsienko.
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

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.
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Federal Credit Union
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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.

THE UNA: 115 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY


6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

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-

19 served in various capacities in the U.S.


State Department, the Central
Intelligence Agency and the International
ars, commentators and propagandists rou-
tinely complain about.
As a result, many ethnic Ukrainians in
2008 Last year, on August 19, 2008, the North Atlantic Council
(NAC) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held a
Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the
Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/
the Russian Federation also have an inter-
est in taking Ukrainian citizenship in order
special session of 26 foreign affairs ministers in Brussels 11 days Radio Liberty and the Carnegie to be in a position to return to their home-
into Russia’s invasion of Georgia. Endowment for International Peace. Mr. land – a trend very different than most
The participating ministers hoped that the meeting would take place during Russia’s Goble writes a blog called “Window on analysts have assumed and yet another
withdrawal of its troops. To the dismay of the ministers, it became clear that Russia did not Eurasia” (http://windowoneurasia.blog- way in which Patriarch Kirill’s recent
have the intention of leaving Georgia anytime soon. Their meeting focused on the French- spot.com/). This article above is reprint- remarks are likely to have unintended con-
brokered ceasefire agreement that called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from ed with permission. sequences in Russia.
Georgia’s interior.
The text of the Franco-Russian armistice treaty urged prompt, good-faith implementation
of the ceasefire, politely ignoring its loopholes. In an official statement, NATO clearly
The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a variety
endorsed Georgia’s territorial integrity, which the ceasefire agreement cast aside.
of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian communities.
“We have resolved that we cannot continue business as usual [with Russia]. We call on Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do
Moscow to demonstrate both in word and in deed its continued commitment to the princi- not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the
ples upon which we have agreed to base our relationship,” the alliance stated. Ukrainian National Association.
The statement from the meeting did not indicate the principles in question or how the alli- Letters should be typed and signed (anonymous letters are not published). Letters are
accepted also via e-mail at staff@ukrweekly.com.
(Continued on page 17)
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 7

NEWS AND VIEWS

The Russification of Yatsenyuk’s


presidential election campaign
by Taras Kuzio
Just as U.S. President Barack Obama was
divided into “three types.” One of the lead-
ers of the Russian group of consultants is An old immigrant
Vladimir Granovsky, who worked in the
landing in Moscow for an important visit to As he told the story later, it had all started kered a settlement. Then he returned with
underground Mr. Yanukovych campaign in
“re-set” the button in U.S.-Russian relations, with an argument about taking grain to the his wife to America.
2004 headed by Andrii Kluyev, which pro-
pro-ua.com (July 3) and Ukrayinska Pravda miller. Ambrose lost his temper. He decided The young couple opened a bakery in
duced grotesque black propaganda and dirty to leave home. At least that was what he
(July 6) published similar investigative Garfield, N.J. They worked hard, opening at
tricks. Mr. Granovsky is thought to be told me in his Galician country dialect, pep-
reports into the Russification of political 5 a.m. for the workers on their way to the
behind the idea of Ukraine divided into pered with Americanisms, during the
technologists running Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s factory. When Ambrose made deliveries, he
“three types” that was used in the anti-Yush- steamy New Jersey summer of 1965, sitting
election campaign. Although Mr. Yatsenyuk had to memorize the exteriors of his cus-
chenko posters. in the apartment that he shared with his wife
told ICTV on July 6 that “I have never tomers’ houses because he couldn’t read the
Using Russian political technologists and invalid son above the Van Houten
worked with political technologists,” this street signs. They prospered: “Never have
casts a negative shadow over Mr. Yatsenyuk. Bakery in Clifton.
was obviously untrue. to starve again.” He named his first son after
Although he is often seen as Mr. But when his granddaughter interviewed
Ukrainian political technologists head- the brother who had paid his way to
Yushchenko’s protégée, Mr. Yatsenyuk he him (in English) six years later, he told a
ed by Prof. Rostyslav Pavlenko of the America. Another son followed in his
would not seem to hold the same emotional somewhat different story. After his father, a
National University of Kyiv Mohyla father’s footsteps as a baker; a third left
and ideological connections to the Orange cobbler, had died in a fall from a horse, his
Academy (NUKMA) have been forced home at 17, eventually to become an Air
Revolution. widow and nine children fell on hard times.
out. Prof. Pavlenko is a protégée of well- Force officer. One daughter married a baker,
Messrs. Yushchenko and Yatsenyuk are Ambrose often went hungry. He quit school
known NUKMA Prof. Olexiy Haran and the other a physician.
in fact cut from the same cloth as both are after six years and went to work in a bakery.
worked as head of the analytical service During the Depression, Ambrose bought
very reluctant revolutionaries. If Mr. “Always plenty food there,” he reasoned.
in the Presidential Secretariat in two houses and a vacant lot in nearby
Yushchenko had not been removed as prime Soon he was bringing bread home to the
2005-2007. This writer knew him when Clifton, and built a new bakery on Van
minister in April 2001, he would have faith- family. But then he heard about America –
he worked on Viktor Yushchenko’s 2004 Houten Avenue. Often, when customers
fully served President Leonid Kuchma to “rich country, plenty work and good place
election campaign and we spoke together couldn’t pay, he let them have the bread for
the end of his term, even seeking to be to make money.” And so he decided to
at a conference on Ukraine in Vienna that free. Katherine scolded him, but secretly did
endorsed by Kuchma as his “successor.” Mr. leave. His mother gave him some cash and
year. Prof. Pavlenko has returned to the Yushchenko described his relationship with the same.
Presidential Secretariat. provisions for the trip. His elder brother After World War II, Ambrose brought his
Mr. Kuchma as akin to in a bizarre manner Tomko, who had attended university and
Mr. Pavlenko’s first foray into election as like “father and son.” younger brother to America. Alex had
consultancy was working in 2002 for the was embarking on a legal career, paid his fought for Ukrainian independence, then
Throughout the anti-Kuchma protests of passage.
Winter Crop Generation (KOP), the first 2000-2003 Mr. Yushchenko either con- served as a judge in Poland. But World War
political project financed by Victor Pinchuk The town he left behind was called II left him a refugee and common laborer in
demned them (as in the famous February Komarno. Situated on the river Vereshytsia
with the aim of taking votes away from Mr. Vienna. He arrived in Clifton with his fami-
2001 open letter signed with Mr. Kuchma just southwest of Lviv, it had a population
Yushchenko’s newly established Our ly in March 1947. Ambrose welcomed him,
and Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ivan of around 5,500, comprising over 2,000
Ukraine. but expected to get his money back. The
Pliusch). Or, he wavered between support- Jews, some 2,000 Greek-Catholic
Two leading figures in KOP were Valerii former judge went to work in a confection-
ing the protests and negotiating a deal with Ruthenians (Ukrainians), and about 1,000
Khoroshkovskyi, an ally of Inter and ery plant.
Mr. Kuchma whereby Mr. Yushchenko Poles (see “Komarno i Rudky ta Okolytsia,”
RosUkrEnergo owner Dmytro Firtash, and At some point Ambrose, who was bap-
would return as prime minister. New York, 1987, pp. 27-28). It was an
Inna Bohoslovska, a fierce critic of Yulia tized a Greek-Catholic, had joined the
Mr. Yushchenko’s hesitancy as a “rev- important center of the Jewish Hasidic
Tymoshenko who was elected to Parliament Russian Orthodox Church. There were, in
olutionary” has been clear throughout his movement, home of the renowned
in 2007 by the Party of Regions of Ukraine fact, two Russian Orthodox parishes in
presidency. Mr. Yatsenyuk’s similar dis- “Komarno Rebbe” (1806-1874). Its inhabit-
(PRU). In the 2006 elections Mr. neighboring Passaic. Both had been found-
position and career background would ants were known for their cunning, notably
Bohoslovska had campaigned in a second ed in the 1890s by Greek-Catholic immi-
indicate that he would be little different if demonstrated when they helped Polish King
failed Pinchuk project, Viche. Last month grants from Galicia (Halychyna),
he were to be elected president. Certainly Jan Sobieski defeat the Turks in 1672. Its
Mr. Bohoslovska resigned from the PRU Transcarpathia (Zakarpattia), and the
he would be no “revolutionary” seeking swampy environs favored mosquitoes,
although she refused to resign her seat, Lemko region (Lenkivschyna). They soon
“change,” and most definitely no whence its name.
which she had won by being on the party’s accepted the authority of the Russian bish-
“Ukrainian Obama.” A Ukrainian media Accompanied by an older relative and a
closed llist, not as an individual candidate. op. At first, they were called “Russian
consultant told me, “I do not like him. He local Pole, 17-year-old Ambrose made his
Pro-ua.com reported that, “Now the Orthodox Greek Catholic,” perhaps to
is an empty vessel. Of course he will way across Germany to Antwerp. They
entire Mr. Yatsenyuk campaign is being smooth the transition. But both eventually
lose.” boarded the steamship Kroonland on August
undertaken under the leadership of Russians joined the Moscow Patriarchate, where they
Pro-ua.com reported that attempts by 4, 1906, arriving in New York 10 days later.
who control the flow of every dollar in the remain to this day. There was, to be sure, a
Mr. Yatsenyuk to imitate Barack Obama’s According to the passenger list, he was
headquarters.” The headquarters of the Front Greek-Catholic church in Passaic as well.
election campaign, such as seeking dona- Polish. He had $10 in his pocket, and the
for Change is in the Kyiv district of Podil But it was rumored that Ambrose had quar-
tions from below via the Internet, have address of a cousin in Philadelphia.
with the Front occupying the fourth floor of reled with the priest. In any case, like most
failed and has been closed down. The Ambrose worked in a bakery in
a building and the Russian technologists western Ukrainians of his time, Ambrose
influence of Russian political technolo- Philadelphia, but was drawn to New York.
occupying the fifth. called himself a “Rusyn.” To many, that
gists have been seen in the billboards now With a friend he rented a room and started
The most striking revelation is that the translated into English as “Russian.”
seen throughout Kyiv that have been looking for a job. Before long he was penni-
candidate with the allegedly “new face” of Ambrose died in America’s bicentennial
heavily criticized by Ukrainian election less and so painfully hungry that he consid-
the “younger generation” is neither a new year. His progeny are scattered throughout
and advertising specialists. Pro-ua.com ered killing himself. Then he got a job
face nor representative of young Ukrainians. the country. They may have some notion of
wondered if the Russian political technol- sweeping floors, and then an opportunity to
In fact, the Russification of the Yatsenyuk their Ukrainian roots, but they are basically
ogists “either do not believe in his victory demonstrate his skill in a bakery in New
election campaign shows to what degree he Americans. Should we condemn Ambrose
or else do not want a full-scale campaign Jersey. He must have worked hard and lived
has not learned lessons from Ukraine’s past. for not having been more like us? His men-
and, therefore, a Yatsenyuk victory.” frugally, for in four years he had enough
Of the three main presidential candidates tality was more typical of the old Ruthenian
The Russification of the Yatsenyuk money to open his own business.
– Ms. Tymoshenko, Viktor Yanukovych immigration, of American immigrants in
election campaign sheds light on two other But first, he had to get married. So he
and Mr. Yatsenyk, only the latter is using general and, in some ways, of today’s mil-
factors. returned to Komarno – “I was rich
Russian political technologists. Mr. American now” – and in June 1910 married lions of desperate global migrants.
Yanukovych and the PRU changed their Firstly, Mr. Pinchuk is now the largest
contributor to the campaign. According to Katherine, a girl of nearly 18 with a full Some five years before his death, his
Russian political technologists for round face and classically proportioned fea- granddaughter had asked Ambrose whether
Americans in autumn 2005. The pro-ua.com and Ukrayinska Pravda, Mr.
Pinchuk was behind the Russification of the tures. Meanwhile, the family had been feud- he had had a happy life. “Yeah, OK,” he
Tymoshenko bloc, Mr. Yushchenko and Our ing over a piece of land. This was common, replied. “Work plenty. Build nice house.
Ukraine have always used Western political Yatsenyuk campaign.
In addition to Mr. Pinchuk’s financial lar- for the custom of dividing property among Raise nice family. Now have nice grand-
consultants. the children resulted in bitter contests over children. Mama, she good woman. Work
The Russian political technologists head- gesse, Mr. Yatsenyuk has received a large
amount of free television time on Ukraine’s parcels barely sufficient to sustain a family. hard in business with me.”
ing the Yatsenyuk campaign produced the As Ambrose explained to me, the Jewish It is an honorable epitaph.
black propaganda of Mr. Yanukovych’s most popular television channel, Inter. Mr.
Granovsky is a member of Inter’s ruling lawyers had an interest in perpetuating the
2004 campaign, such as alleging that Mr. dispute. He sat the family down at a table, Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at
Yushchenko believed Ukrainians were board of directors and an influential “ideo-
logue” on the channel. brought out horilka and sausage, and bro- samboritanus@hotmail.com.
Inter channel owner Mr. Firtash, who is
Dr. Taras Kuzio is a research associ- one of the owners of the corrupt
ate and former visiting professor at the RosUkrEnergo gas intermediary, has pro-
Institute for European, Russian and vided indirect support to Mr. Yatsenyuk
Eurasian Studies, George Washington
University, and a senior research fellow
through the provision of costly free access Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com
to Inter. Mr. Pinchuk’s finances and Mr.
at the Chair of Ukrainian Studies,
University of Toronto. (Continued on page 22)
8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Little League In the fifth inning Kirovohrad added three


runs to lead 4-0 until Symferopol mounted a
We e k l y, I h a v e e n c o u n t e r e d
some strange, thought-provoking articles
check (open ballot voting); bank take-
overs; government-controlled universal
comeback with two runs, but left the tying
baseball in Ukraine
through the years, but Zenon Zawada’s healthcare (government officials exempt
runs on in the final inning. So close. “Battle of Poltava recalled on its 300th from participation); instructing propo-
Final score: Kirovohrad 4 - Symferopol anniversary” (July 19) compels me to nents of the healthcare program to report
Dear Editor: 2. This allowed Kirovohrad to represent respond. dissenting bloggers to the White House;
The 10th Ukraine Little League Baseball Ukraine at the European Regional Personally, I am absolutely opposed to orchestrating invitation-only town hall
Championships for children age 11-12 was Championships beginning on August 8 in celebrating our greatest catastrophe as meetings stacked with union campaign
held in Rivne, the first time this champion- Kutno, Poland. Good luck to our Ukrainian though it were a national holiday. Let supporters and paid operatives where
ship was held in western Ukraine. It was a young men. If the unexpected occurs and alone celebrate it with our worst enemies only pre-approved questions may be
pleasure hearing the Ukrainian language Kirovohrad wins the regional, then off they – the cause of this tragedy. Having said asked; using union members to intimidate
will go to Williamsport, Pa., for the Little that, I wholeheartedly support the idea of peaceful opposition to the administra-
everywhere, especially from the ball play-
League World Series beginning on August commemorating this event on a national tion’s health care program; appointing
ers, the future of Ukraine. I was in Ukraine
17. All will be invited to root our boys on. level, with church services and prayers more czars reporting directly to the presi-
for the championships – on trip No. 53 as a
I’d like to sincerely thank the lead spon- offered for our fallen heroes and those of dent than the entire Russian empire had
volunteer.
sor of the 10th annual Ukraine Little League their allies. This should be an occasion to in 100 years.
I was very impressed with the local Rivne
Championships, the Self Reliance New York make our youth aware of the true mean- Do these policies represent a democracy
Little League organization, which arranged
Federal Credit Union, as well as President ing of Poltava and long-suppressed and or a socialist totalitarian state? What kind of
for housing, meals and a cultural program
Bohdan Kurczak and the board of directors, distorted facts about who Hetman Ivan America will it be, indeed?
for six all-star teams. All-star teams arriving
for their continued financial support of my Mazepa really was and what he stood for,
on June 17 were from Lviv, Kirovohrad, Stefa Charczenko
work with the children of Ukraine. to at long last elevate him to his rightful
Donetsk, Symferopol, Cherkassy (the first New York
Other contributors were Ukraine’s status as one of Ukraine’s greatest states-
time for a team from that city) and the host
Ministry of Sports, George Logush, CEO of men.
city, Rivne. Teams were grouped by three.
Kraft-Ukraine, Leonid Rybachok, director This is where I start to have a problem
Seventy children participated, including
one young lady from Donetsk. There were a
total of 11 games played. After the games
of Chervona Kalyna mineral water, and the
city of Rivne. Thank you all for helping me
with the commemorations. For starters, I
had difficulty determining who the object Take on Obama
help the children in Ukraine.
each day, skills competitions were held. One
day I held the pitching accuracy contest in Basil P. Tarasko
of the festivities was – Hetman Mazepa et
al, or ex-Ambassador Viktor Chernomyrdin. is dead wrong
which each player threw six pitches at a Bayside, N.Y. I also feel that referring to the Muscovite Dear Editor:
strike zone. Another day each player ran 180 tsar as Peter the Great was a bit much and For years I have avoided commenting
feet against the stopwatch. On another day The letter-writer is district administrator at least on this occasion inappropriate. Tsar about U.S. domestic politics. Dr. Myron
the city of Rivne arranged for a free trip to of the Little Leagues in Ukraine. For more Peter or Peter I would do just nicely. While Kuropas, a highly esteemed community
the local zoo. The most popular activity was information readers may log on to www. we are on the subject, I was always under leader, who once worked in the White
the Saturday lottery, where each player was ukrainebaseball.org. the impression that the Kozaks and Swedes House, does so frequently, and at times
guaranteed a prize or two, ranging from a were fighting the Muscovites, not the with great insight.
T-shirt to a set of catcher’s gear. There were Russians, for the simple reason that the However, his take on the Obama presi-
smiles all around on the young faces of the
players.
Poltava events: name change occurred later, around 1720 or
so. (It’s kind of like writing that the cow-
dency (June 28) is not only premature; it
is evil and dead wrong. It has no rele-
debasing spectacle
The final game pitted Kirovohrad against boys were fighting Native Americans. Same vance to the administration’s policy
Symferopol on Sunday, June 21. Both pitch- thing but different.) toward Ukraine, which he haphazardly
ers dominated early with no score until the In my opinion the only positive side of weaved into his column so it would be
Dear Editor: the article is that in presenting this sorry,
fourth inning when Kirovohrad led off with read by Ukrainian Americans and help
a triple and scored on a ground out to short. As a long-time reader of The Ukrainian debasing spectacle, this utter lack of self- turn them again the administration.
respect and dignity, we should all be The former high school principal from
filled with resolve to do everything in our Chicago, who served a stint in the White
power to always stand up for what’s ours House advising the president on ethnic
and to never be intimidated into feeling groups, tore into President Barack Obama
inferior. Only then can we aspire to with a viciousness rarely seen outside of
become a true nation with respect for the lunatic ravings of the Republican far
each other while earning the respect of right.
others. Charges that Mr. Obama’s father’s had
Oleksander Terleckyj alleged and unproven connections to the
Port Charlotte, Fla. Mau Mau, and about Obama’s so called
“socialism” (why then did he rescue the
EDITOR’S NOTE: Numerous sources capitalist banking system in America and
indicate that the term “Russia” was used bail out capitalist companies such as GM
well before 1720. In fact, the Encyclopedia and Chrysler – which were almost
of Ukraine (University of Toronto Press) destroyed by the pro-capitalist policies of
says that the Battle of Poltava was “the President George W. Bush?) are all part
turning point in the Great Northern War of the last gasps of a discredited ideology.
between Sweden and Russia” (not Dr. Kuropas’ opinion that Obama
Muscovy). believes America is a “diseased depraved
nation in need of major surgery” is far off
base. Was the war in Iraq really rational?
Did any of America’s allies really support
What kind of Gitmo prison, and was waterboarding
legal? Might it have indeed been
America will it be? depraved? Was torture in Iraqi prisons a
lesson in democracy or was it a vital com-
Dear Editor: ponent in the war against terrorism –
which we have not made much headway
In his June 28 column, Dr. Myron against? Read the latest news reports
Kuropas stated incontrovertible facts about from Pakistan and Afghanistan about how
the current president’s personal history, the Taliban are doing.
which created a maelstrom of defensive Dr. Kuropas’ outrageous charges and
responses. innuendos will only serve to discredit the
If Dr. Kuropas had enumerated some of Ukrainian American community in Chicago
the policies that the Obama administration – and elsewhere.
has attempted to, or in some cases, has This columnist’s writings creates the
already inflicted upon the American people, illusion that the Ukrainian American com-
perhaps the similarities to the former Soviet munity is a supporter of the Rush
Union would be a startling revelation to Limbaugh-Sarah Palin crowd of born-
some misinformed readers. again reactionaries and thus are a great
Among those policies are: a state-con- disservice to the Ukrainian community.
trolled auto industry; coercing networks And while he is entitled to a forum, does
to pre-empt shows in lucrative prime time Dr. Kuropas really believe that he is the
slots in order to run press conferences prophet of the Ukrainian American wing
wherein the president attempts to enamor of the Republican Party?
the public into his partisan policies;
income redistribution and salary caps; fir- Roman Kupchinsky
ing CEOs in the private sector; union card Arlington, Va.
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 9

For Ukrainian satirist, irony is ‘a way of overcoming gravity’


Dmytro Chekalkin is credited by many in our publishing house. you experienced any repression because Of course, this is our “proffessor.” [Eds:
Ukrainians for tearing down the Soviet- Real free satire came into being in 2004 of your satire projects? a reference to Yanukovych, who in his
era convention that humor and politics are when we started the “Merry Eggs” (“Veseli 2004 presidential candidate application
Threats were made, but for the most
a dangerous mix. Mr. Chekalkin, a former Yaytsia”) project after Viktor Yanukovych made numerous spelling and grammatical
part these were anonymous threats. Often
military interpreter and Ukrainian consul was hit with an egg in the city of Ivano- mistakes, including misspelling his former
word-of-mouth criticism reached me. Once
to Israel, first rose to satirical prominence Frankivsk and tumbled to the ground. This vocation as an economics professor.
my door was spattered with rotten eggs in
during the 2004 presidential race that led was perhaps an answer on the part of our “Proffessor” became Yanukovych’s com-
developing civil society to the authorities, 2004. Sometimes when we have meetings
to the Orange Revolution. mon nickname during the 2004 campaign.
who were trying to push one single presi- with political opponents in public places
The Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper ran a
dential candidate through. unpleasant exchanges can ensue, but thank
Perhaps his best-known project at the full reproduction of Yanukovych’s applica-
I was particularly struck by some poll God there have never been any direct
time was “Merry Eggs,” a series of tion.]
numbers that I came across then: 60 per- threats made or carried out.
Internet cartoons featuring a pair of eggs He has made so many mistakes in his
singing satirical songs and exchanging cent were ready to cast their votes for Ukraine is poised for another presi- life, he’s mixed up the office he has held
jokes. Five years later, Mr. Chekalkin says Viktor Yushchenko, but only 15 percent dential election that is likely to see and made many mistakes in the writing of
Ukraine is still hungry for humor, even if believed he would win. This was a very Viktor Yanukovych, Viktor Yushchenko his own titles and positions. This is a chal-
the novelty of overtly political content has serious diagnosis for me, that people do and Yulia Tymoshenko all squaring off lenge to all of society when a person who
faded. He spoke to Irena Chalupa, the not believe in their own strength, and the against each other. What do you see as is running for the highest office in the land
director of RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service. majority are in a state of apathy. satirical fodder in this process, and who wouldn’t, according to current Ukrainian
Humor is one of those things that can can be satirized effectively in this cam- law, have the right to even serve in the
Is there a tradition of political satire get rid of fear and apathy and we used this paign? armed forces as a soldier, but lays a claim
in Ukraine? fully. Our puppets traveled with
Well, in fact they are all worthy of being to the presidential office and the position
During the years of Soviet rule in Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko during of commander-in-chief of all of Ukraine’s
the 2004 presidential campaign and per- laughed at. I always remind people that in
Ukraine you couldn’t even mention politi- armed forces. Unfortunately, today he
cal satire. Satire was in a very infantile formed politically satirical songs in over countries such as North Korea and Cuba,
where politicians are glorified and wor- again has a realistic chance of running for
stage then. There were some attempts at 80 Ukrainian cities. During that time we office, so certainly he will remain the main
political satire, but it was only with the received many responses from people all shiped as idols, the people live in poverty
and dire conditions. But in those countries subject of political satire in this country.
permission of the Communist Party. over Ukraine, who were grateful to have
Just this morning I was reading an inter- had an opportunity to smile and at the where the politicians are under the con- Can we expect a revival of “Merry
view with [Soviet-era Russian satirist] same time shed their fear and apathy. stant eyes of the media, where they are Eggs”?
Mikhail Zhvanetsky. He was allowed to [Eds: Chekalkin also ran a series in made fun of and satirized, there people “Merry Eggs” haven’t stopped being
tackle difficult topics only because 2004 featuring a family whose family attain the highest standard of living, in merry. Every day thousands of people visit
[Leonid] Brezhnev himself liked listening members each supported a different politi- countries such as Great Britain, the United our site, listen to our shows on Ukrainian
to his sketches. Everything was under cal force in Ukraine.] States, France or the Scandinavian coun- radio programs. The “Merry Eggs” contin-
complete control; the political elite con- tries, where political satire is an indivisible ue to sing their songs. Today they don’t
Can satire do what other forms of part of political and media life.
trolled the level of permitted satire the way expression, such as the printed word or have the political overtones that they once
we control the volume on our radios. This cinema, cannot achieve? Do you believe there is a point that had. We’ve left politics a bit behind
was not free expression – it was something cannot be crossed when doing satire? because people are exhausted by politics,
that was completely controlled from the I believe that irony and self-irony are we noticed that particularly on our site,
the most appropriate form of interacting Probably yes. Satire should be ruthless,
top. where the level of discussion had become
with our world; it’s a way of overcoming but there are topics that should be closed
Roughly the same continued during the much less political and new and promising
gravity. Through laughter we not only get to satire, such as one’s nationality, physical
Kuchma era. The only Ukrainian newspa- political figures begging to be satirized
rid of our fears, but we also overcome our disabilities, sexual tastes. There are sub-
per which was allowed to print caricatures have not presented themselves.
shortcomings. The sense of life is in find- jects that are not worth being made topics
of Leonid Kuchma was the English-
ing the right way of laughing at your mis- of satire. We should not make fun of what
language Kyiv Post, whose American pub- Copyright 2008, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted
lisher sometimes would go into hiding, fortunes and troubles. You know, they say a person cannot control, such as their out-
with the permission of Radio Free Europe/
who was often not granted visas to enter that a smile is one of the most pleasant ward appearance, but rather what the per-
Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW,
Ukraine. Printing companies would regu- things that you can do with your lips. son says and does.
Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org.
larly refuse to print his newspaper. I was You’ve been involved in political sat- Is there someone on the Ukrainian (See http://www.rferl.org/content/For_
the director of the Kyivske Viedomosti ire for some time now. Have you ever political scene who, more than anyone, Ukrainian_Satirist_Irony_A_Way_Of_
media holding and printed his newspaper had any difficulty because of this? Have else begs to be satirized? Overcoming_Gravity/1683911.html.)

Uzhhorod mayor... Mr. Ratushniak denied those claims in


the August 11 interview, alleging Ms.
real situation in the country. This is a
chain of feudalism, banditry and the ani-
he has done, but they remain silent.”
Oleh Soskin, director of the Kyiv-
(Continued from page 1) Butrymko had falsified all her claims. mal face of the current government.” based Institute of Society Transformation,
Observers said Mr. Ratushniak’s com- In his version of events, he approached Dubbed “Rata” in local circles, Mr. claimed the incident was a political prov-
ments have no place in Ukrainian politics, the Front of Change tent and asked her to Ratushniak gained a reputation for his ocation by the camp of Mr. Yatsenyuk,
and his words and actions only serve to show Ms. Butrymko permit, which he rampant temper and politically charged whose presidential campaign is financed
reflect his incompetence as a political figure. had every right to do. In return, she struck assaults. His rap sheet boasts 10 violent by Mr. Pinchuk and his father-in-law, for-
“It’s shameful how Ratushniak allowed a bad attitude, he claimed, telling him to incidents, according to television reports. mer President Leonid Kuchma.
himself to express his feelings,” said leave her alone, after which she allegedly While still a national deputy, in May Mr. Ratushniak was a one-time mem-
Olexiy Haran, a political science professor “pounced on him like a panther,” hit him 2003 he stormed the office of Zakarpattia ber of Mr. Kuchma’s clan but turned
at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla on the head with her cellphone, scratched Oblast Councilman Stanislav Ponomarov against him in the late 1990s, Dr. Soskin
Academy. “It’s stark reflection on not just him and ripped his shirt. and allegedly beat him. Later that year he said. This incident was a way of getting
him, but Ukrainian society in general. He’s Meantime, Ms. Butrymko maintains was allegedly involved in a brawl with back at him through Mr. Yatsenyuk, who
embarrassing Ukrainians and creating she was simply minding her own business the oblast’s tourism chair, Serhii is “by no means an independent figure,”
another reason for people to label us as when the mayor approached, visibly Slobodianiuk. he commented.
anti-Semites.” angry and began unreasonably threaten- In December 2003 Mr. Ratushniak “[Mr. Yatsenyuk] is a puppet controlled
The Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry ing the small group of activists. allegedly attacked a dentist from a local by Pinchuk, who in turn answers to
weighed in on the incident, with its spokes- Mr. Ratushniak allegedly insulted Ms. clinic and his wife while they dined in a Kuchma,” Dr. Soskin alleged. “So
man Yigal Palmor stating Israel considers Butrymko before tearing down the olive- city restaurant. In 2005 he allegedly Pinchuk offered his skills to an ally as a
any anti-Semitic or racist slogans inadmissi- colored campaign tent. Then he allegedly assaulted Volodymyr Pipash, the oblast competent provocateur. What happened
ble in political life. Israel, therefore, hopes grabbed her, began strangling her and head of the People’s Rukh of Ukraine on with Ratushniak was no accident. It was a
for the good sense and decency of Ukrainian threw her to the ground, resulting in a an overnight train. planned provocation, because Yatsenyuk
politicians, who must suppress such state- concussion, she said. More recently, on June 28 Mr. needs a greater base. He has the
ments, Mr. Palmor said. “He began to run away and screamed Ratushniak allegedly assaulted the leader Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia oblasts, and
Ms. Butrymko suffered a concussion and at bystanders that I was the one attacking of the Zakarpattia Oblast organization of now he needs to make a greater push
was left with bruises around her neck and him, but none of them would believe it,” the Reforms and Order party, and several across the west.”
clavicle from the altercation with the Ms. Butrymko said in a television inter- others. Other experts believe the incident was
Ukrainian Uzhhorod mayor. view following the incident. Mr. Butrymko, the vicitm’s father who a simple lashing-out on the mayor’s part.
Authorities said she would require 21 Mr. Yatsenyuk commented on the inci- worked in the oblast’s organized crime Though the Front of Change is trying to
days of medical treatment after the incident, dent only four days later, alleging Mr. investigation unit, claimed he himself gain more electoral popularity, any alleged
which took place outside of a Front of Ratushniak was trying to discredit a polit- was assigned to investigate Mr. provocation would’ve been too complex
Change campaign tent erected in front of ical campaign that has gained momentum, Ratushniak for prior criminal offenses, and ambiguous to organize, Mr. Haran
Uzhhorod National University. particularly in western Ukraine. including financial fraud, but no one ever said, especially given Mr. Ratushniak’s
The victim’s father, Volodymyr Butrmko, “[Ratushniak] set a goal of hindering convicted him. influence with local officials and possible
told Ukrayinska Pravda that several com- the information campaign about the true “Not a single criminal charge against connections to criminal gangs.
muters had filmed videos of the incident on situation in the country,” the 35-year-old him ever made it to court because of his “To say that this was some sort of spe-
their phones from inside a bus, but Mr. candidate said in a press statement. relatives, who hold high government cial provocation, that Ratushniak was
Ratushniak’s security guards promptly “The tents of the Front of Change offer positions in Zakarpattia,” said Mr. lured into such a trap, is incredibly hard
shook them down and erased the footage. factual, reliable information about the Butrymko. “Everyone here knows what to believe,” he said.
10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 11

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

Ostarbeiters: victims Brzezinski, Scowcroft discuss


of Nazis and Soviets future of U.S. foreign policy
“Ostarbeiter – A Bitter Word,” by Viktor “ A m e r i c a a n d t h e Wo r l d :
Pedak (in Ukrainian) Lviv: Ukrainian Conversations on the Future of
Technologies Publishers, 2009. 318 p.p, 165 American Foreign Policy” by Zbigniew
photos. $21 (includes handling). Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft, moderat-
ed by David Ignatius. New York: Basic
by Roman Ferencevych Books, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-465-01501-6.
Hardcover, 290 pp., $27.50.
This is a book about victims of two dicta-
torships: Nazi and Soviet Russian. by Markian Hadzewycz
Ukraine’s World War II experience has
always been as controversial as it was tragic, The collapse of the Soviet Union and
with the country torn between Hitler and end of the Cold War led many to believe
Stalin. One of the many subjects that were that a new, more peaceful world would
considered taboo was the plight of the ostar- emerge. Instead, the bipolar world
beiters [German for workers from Eastern became a more complex one, with many
Europe], or slave laborers, forcibly deported new emerging powers that would rise to
to the Third Reich. challenge the United States. While the
The use of vast numbers of foreign work- U.S. remains a top player, it is clear that
ers was planned before Germany went to its strength has waned, that it is not as
war and was in itself an integral part of the capable as it once was. Where did we go
Nazi conspiracy for waging aggressive war. wrong in recent years, and can we get
The theory of the “master race,” which back on the right track?
underlay the Nazis’ labor policy in the East, These are the questions raised and dis-
was perhaps best expressed in the following to the Soviet Union many POWs were sent cussed in the book “America and the
words by Erich Koch, reichskommissar for straight to Soviet Gulag in Siberia. World: Conversations on the Future of
Ukraine, at a meeting of the National American Foreign Policy.” The average Ukraine not breaking up into its constitu-
Although some of the slave workers were
Socialist German Workers’ Party on March citizen rarely gets such an intimate ent parts, as Yugoslavia was already start-
spared this fate, nonetheless they did suffer
5, 1943, in Kyiv: “We are the master race glimpse into the thought processes of the ing to do. It was a warning against the
from state-sanctioned stigmatization, with
and must govern hard. I will draw the very world’s most influential foreign policy perils of disintegration – which is why it
special references in their passports (and the
last out of this country. I did not come to heavyweights. Moderated by esteemed was made in Kiev [sic] and not Moscow.”
passports of children and relatives) mention-
spread bliss. I have come to help the Führer. Washington Post columnist David Both Dr. Brzezinski and Mr. Scowcroft
ing their time in Germany during the war.
The population must work, work and work Ignatius, two former national security agree that the USSR’s break-up was deep-
Many jobs were off limits to anyone unlucky
again.” advisors – Democrat Zbigniew Brzezinski ly traumatic for Russians because, despite
enough to carry such a status, and during
Over 2 million Ukrainians were forcibly of the Carter administration and all the rhetoric about a Soviet brother-
periods of repression former slave laborers
taken to Germany during the 1941-1944 Republican Brent Scowcroft of the Ford hood of peoples, the USSR was also a
would often be ostracized by the wider
occupation as slave workers. Many were and Bush administrations – debate solu- continuation of tsarist imperial expansion
Soviet community. Many victims have testi-
forced to work on armaments projects in tions to the United States’ most intracta- and domination. Hence the popularity of
fied that since the war they have suffered a
abysmal conditions, where life expectancy ble problems and challenges on the world a figure such as Vladimir Putin, who talks
lifetime of abuse and suspicion from their
ran to mere weeks. More fortunate victims stage. Their conversations on foreign pol- of restoring national greatness and plays
fellow countrymen, many of whom have
ended up as maids or nannies in middle- icy took place in Washington during the the Russian nationalism card.
accused them of being traitors who helped
class German homes. spring of 2008, before the presidential Speaking of Mr. Putin, then Russia’s
the Germans and lived comfortably in the
Initially, there was an effort to recruit president, Dr. Brzezinski says: “…he’s
Third Reich while Ukraine burned. election would bring in a new administra-
willing workers. But soon news begun to not going to try to create a new Soviet
Unfortunately, even current books on tion.
filter back about the terrible conditions many Union. But he is going to try to isolate
Ukrainian history rarely mention the tragedy Though they come from two different
Ostarbeiters faced in the Third Reich and the central Asia in order to keep the West out
of an entire generation of young Ukrainians political parties and served different
pool of volunteers soon dried up. As a result, as much as possible. …Secondly, he’ll try
of the World War II period. administrations, there is much common
the Germans were forced to resort to mass to subordinate states such as Ukraine and
Now, finally, a new book by a journalist ground between Dr. Brzezinski and Mr.
round-ups, often using the ploy of targeting Georgia because they are geopolitically
from Zaporizhia Viktor Pedak, who devoted Scowcroft: both call themselves foreign
large gatherings such as church congrega- critical. Ukraine, because if Ukraine goes
over 15 years to researching and studying policy realists, agree the U.S. must keep
tions and crowds at sporting events, with there’s no longer any chanced of a Slavic
this topic, covers all aspects of the tragedy. engaged with the changing world rather
entire groups simply marched off at gun- union and Russia becomes only a national
It is based on exhaustive research of all than react against it, and agree on the
point to waiting freight cars and deported to state. Georgia, because it’s critical in the
available sources and numerous first-person need for flexibility and openness when
Germany. Caucasus, and the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline
eyewitness accounts of individuals who interacting with both friends and enemies.
Upon liberation after the end of World gives us access to the Caspian, which the
lived through the Ostarbeiter experience and Issues from all corners of the world are
War II, the fate of these prisoners was often Russians would like to cut.”
its aftermath. discussed: the Israeli-Palestinian dispute,
little better than that which awaited Soviet The “semijustification, or sweeping
The book provides the general reader American involvement in Iraq, the nucle-
prisoners of war who survived years of under the rug” of the Soviet-Russian leg-
with an objective, solidly researched and ar weapons programs of Iran and North
incarceration in Nazi concentration camps. acy, as Dr. Brzezinski puts it, not only
deeply moving account of a hitherto little- Korea, the war on terror in the
Stalin condemned anyone who fell into makes it difficult for Russia to come to
known chapter of 20th century Ukrainian Afghanistan-Pakistan region (known in
enemy hands as a traitor. Upon their return terms with its own past, but makes it
history. foreign policy circles as AfPak), Central
more difficult for Moscow to have normal
The book is available for $21 (includes Asian energy security, and the economic
Roman Ferencevych, a Washington- relations with its ex-Soviet neighbors,
handling) by e-mailing ridnaknyha@gmail. and political rise of China.
based journalist, is a former Ostarbeiter. particularly Ukraine. For the Kremlin,
com or calling 215-646-8411. As both men were leading figures dur- any talk of more sovereignty for former
ing the Cold War, there is much discus- vassal states, be it in the fields of energy
sion of NATO, Eastern Europe, the col- security or NATO expansion, are immedi-
Basilian Sisters host lapse of the Soviet Union and the motiva-
tions of a resurgent Russia.
ately viewed through the prism of a zero-
sum game.
Mr. Scowcroft comments that Mikhail
book-signing by Lushnycky
Dr. Brzezinski favors the U.S. and
Gorbachev “grossly underestimated Russia seeking common ground on mutu-
nationalist sentiments in the various parts al issues wherever possible, but says we
of the Soviet Union.” And he adds: “He must also see the creation of “geopolitical
FOX CHASE MANOR, Pa. – Beginning Alexander Lushnycky provided insight on had this notion of restructuring the Soviet
in 1912, the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil and told anecdotes about the history of the contexts in which the Russians will even-
Union into a kind of confederation. He tually” agree that it is in their own best
the Great ran a well-populated orphanage in Chesapeake City orphanage. actually developed a framework, and the
Chesapeake City, Md. This orphanage pro- Speaking to a crowd of over 50 at the interests to reform and join an “Atlantic
various republics voted on it. When community” in Europe. This is one rea-
vided not only food and shelter for the chil- Sisters’ Basilian Spirituality Center, Dr. Ukraine voted against it, that was the sign
dren in its care, but also love, education and son he favors steps to encourage Ukraine
Lushnycky gave a very mesmerizing pre- that Gorbachev was finished. It was a
a sense of purpose. The orphanage closed its toward NATO and the EU, as this will, in
sentation on the orphanage and its success. paper project. It didn’t deal with the reali- his view, increase the probability of
doors in the 1980s, when there were no lon- This information had been compiled by Dr. ties of what was developing in the Soviet
ger orphans who needed care from the sis- Russia also moving Westward on the path
Lushnycky, while researching his newly Union.” to reform. Russia cannot remain so large
ters. released book “Ukrainians of the Delaware Asked about the so-called “Chicken and control so many resources without
But, for one all too brief evening, the Valley.” Kiev” speech of 1991 (in which President eventually integrating with the West.
sound of orphan children playing, sleeping, Though the orphanage has been closed George Bush warned of “suicidal nation- Mr. Scowcroft is less optimistic about
swimming, learning and growing to maturi- for many years, it still touches and influenc- alism” – ed.), Mr. Scowcroft claims: Russia following Ukraine’s lead in the
ty were alive in people’s minds again. On “That speech was not about Ukraine stay-
Thursday, July 23, renowned author Dr. (Continued on page 17) ing with the Soviet Union. It was about (Continued on page 21)
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 13

FOCUS ON PHILATELY
by Ingert Kuzych

Canada Post issues pysanka stamps


During the early years of this decade,
Canada Post issued several stamps featur-
ing Ukrainian-related topics. However, it
has been more than five years now since
the last such stamp – honoring Ramon
(Ray) Hnatyshyn, Canada’s first governor
general of direct Ukrainian descent – was
released in March of 2004.
I am happy to report on two new
Canadian stamps released in July of this
year depicting a Ukrainian topic – this
time a Ukrainian Easter egg, or pysanka.
But not just any pysanka. The stamps
show what is easily the world’s largest
pysanka, a massive sculpture in
Vegreville, Alberta, at the entrance to Elk
Island National Park.
Vegreville is a farming community
with what is reputed to be the largest
Ukrainian settlement in Canada. The idea
of an egg monument came from Town
Council member Kay McKenzie. The
timing and funding of the project were
related to the 100th anniversary of the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The egg, built in 1975 but dedicated the
following year for the anniversary, is
appropriately and simply titled
“Pysanka.”
About the sculpture An opened self-adhesive “Roadside Attractions” stamp booklet. Each of the four stamp designs, including the pysanka
The egg was designed by Ron Resch, a stamp, is shown twice.
professor of computer science at the
University of Utah specializing in sculp- as follows. Beginning at either end of the
ture and industrial design. The concept of egg in sequence are five distinct symbols
an egg sculpture was so unique that it that make up the overall design. The radi-
required the development of new comput- ating gold stars on each of the end sec-
er programs to tackle the modeling of the tions, symbolize life and good fortune.
shape of an egg. Next are a series of three-pointed stars in
The “Pysanka” sculpture is really an alternating gold and silver, which symbol-
immense jigsaw puzzle containing 524 ize the Trinity and represent the strong
star patterns, 2,206 equilateral triangles, devotion Ukrainians have to their Christian
3,512 visible facets, 6,978 nuts and bolts, faith. The silver bands that circumscribe
and 177 internal struts. the egg display no end and no beginning,
As a result of Prof. Resch’s work and and so symbolize eternity. On the central
leadership, “Pysanka” is recognized barrel section one can discern six-pointed
around the world as not only a unique stars in gold and silver. Officially, these
artistic masterpiece but also an achieve- are described as six-vaned windmills that
ment of nine mathematical, architectural symbolize a rich harvest. Pointing to the
and engineering “firsts.” center from the silver band are large zig-
To make the egg a reality, Prof. Resch zags, which are the most prominent motif
also took on the task of fabricating the of the design. They represent silver
tiles and designing the ingenious way the wolves’ teeth and symbolize the protection
tiles are bolted together. It requires an and security afforded to the pioneers of the
onsite viewing of the installation tech- area by the RCMP.
niques used to truly appreciate the awe- The coloring of the tiles also has sym-
some assembly of this sculpture. bolic meaning. For the color arrangement
Thousands of tourists from around the Prof. Resch was assisted by Paul
world visit Vegreville annually to marvel Sembaliuk, an Albertan artist and authori-
at “Pysanka,” which is 25.7 feet long, ty on Ukrainian culture and traditional
18.3 feet wide and 31.6 feet high. It is Easter egg design. Mr. Sembaliuk used
one of the premier tourist attractions on three main metallic colors – bronze, silver
the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway. and gold – to symbolize Prosperity.
The egg’s 2,000-pound aluminum skin Bronze, the predominant color of the
is attached to the central mast at a design, suggests the “good earth,” the
30-degree angle with 177 turnbuckle land on which the early settlers struggled
struts. The massive internal support struc- for survival and existence.
ture weighs 3,000 pounds, and the entire
Stamp details
sculpture rests on a 27,000-pound base of
concrete and steel. The “Pysanka” stamp design is part of The souvenir sheet of the “Roadside Attractions” stamps.
“Pysanka” was designed to be kinetic a set of four stamps in a new Canada Post
and turn in the wind like a weathervane. series titled “Roadside Attractions.” The by Nova Scotia artist Bonnie Ross. She there are really two distinct stamp types.
This attribute was incorporated to mini- curiosities depicted on the other stamps included some people in each of her Four million booklets were prepared, while
mize the loading that could occur on the are: “Mr. PG” a giant “log” man (roughly paintings in order to give an idea of scale. only 250,000 souvenir sheets were printed
sculpture from the 100-mile-per hour 26 feet high) who has welcomed visitors On the “Pysanka” stamps, two young (lithography in seven colors). First day of
winds that can sweep across the Canadian to Prince George, British Columbia since men stand next to the stand supporting issue ceremonies occurred on July 6 in
prairie. 1960; the Watson Lake Signpost Forest in the egg. They hold in front of them an Prince George, British Columbia. (Orders
Symbolism the Yukon Territory (a collection of road unfurled Ukrainian flag – a nice touch by can be placed through Canada Post at
signs begun in 1942 that today numbers Canada Post. www.canadapost.ca/collecting.)
The symbolism on the egg is described over 64,000 signs); and the giant The stamps are available in two for- Eight additional stamp designs are
“Inukshuk” (Inuit sculpture) at Hay River mats: self-adhesive stamps in booklets of planned in this series featuring roadside
Dr. Ingert Kuzych may be contacted at in the Northwest Territory, built in 1978. eight (Figure 1; two examples of each of attractions further east in Canada. It
P.O. Box 3, Springfield, VA 22150, or via The 54-cent stamps were designed by the designs) or gummed and perforated remains to be seen if any of those will
e-mail at ingert@starpower.net. Fraser Ross using original oil paintings (13+) in souvenir sheets (Figure 2). So, have any Ukrainian connections.
14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

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

MAY WE FL. $140,000. Phone:


440-842-1993
letter of Russia’s President Dmitry
Medvedev to Viktor Yushchenko “unprec-
Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister
Volodymyr Khandohiy said on August 11.
“The Russian Federation is expelling our
HELP YOU?
edented and inadmissible both in tone and
content.” Mr. Kasyanov, who is a former diplomats without any reasons,” Mr.
Khandohiy noted, adding that the
OPPORTUNITY prime minister of Russia, called Mr.
Medvedev’s message a demarche, which Ukrainian party had expelled Russian
“looks like the creative development of a diplomat Vladimir Lysenko “for weighty
To reach The Ukrainian theory of limited sovereignty of post-Sovi- reasons,” adding that he had violated a
EARN EXTRA INCOME! provision of the Vienna Convention, but
Weekly all (973) 292-9800, et states.” He added, “Instead of moving
noting “we do not comment on the cause
The Ukrainian Weekly is looking toward Ukraine and the start of correcting
and dial the appropriate for advertising sales agents. mutual political mistakes, Medvedev has behind the expulsion.” As reported earli-
er, a counselor at the Ukrainian Embassy
headed for a complete break of relations
extension (as listed below). For additional information contact with Russia’s closest neighbor.” in Moscow, Ihor Berezkin, left Russia
Maria Oscislawski, Advertising (Ukrinform) after Russian authorities proposed that
the Ukrainian ambassador terminate the
Editorial – 3049, 3088 Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly,
Lytvyn proposes meeting of deputies mission of one of his counselors in
(973) 292-9800, ext 3040.
Production – 3063, 3069 KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman
response to the expulsion of Mr. Lysenko
from Kyiv. Ukraine was also asking that
Administration – 3041 Volodymyr Lytvyn on August 12 called on
the parliamentarians of Ukraine and Russia
the authority of Russian Consul General
Run your advertisement here, to Odesa Aleksandr Grachev be terminat-
Advertising – 3040 to hold a constructive dialogue instead of ed. However, the Russian party, in
in The Ukrainian Weekly’s making mutual accusations. He was com- response, threatened to expel Ukraine’s
Subscriptions – 3042 CLASSIFIEDS section. menting on Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev’s statement addressed to his (Continued on page 15)
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 15

NEWSBRIEFS and several other local residents had


entered onto the range, ignoring a warning
million members of precinct commissions
will work during the presidential election,
partnership between Ukraine and Russia.
He said he is confident that the staffs of
(Continued from page 14) notice. (Ukrinform) and the bulk of the budgeted funds will Ukraine’s NSDC and Russia’s Security
Consul General to St. Petersburg Natalia be spent on payments to them. The presi- Council play an important role here.
MFA contacts NATO’s new leader dential election is scheduled for January “These institutes should build a new poli-
Prokopovych. The diplomatic row has
now moved to the status quo: the Russian KYIV – Acting Minister of Foreign 17, 2010. (Ukrinform) cy, where diplomatic protocol is not used,
Affairs of Ukraine Volodymyr Khandohiy but working discussions are held in search
party will recognize the authority of the Yushchenko on Eastern Partnership
sent a letter to NATO Secretary General for a new model of strategic partnership.
Ukrainian Consul General to St.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The MFA press KYIV – Ukrainian President Viktor As the old model of strategic partnership,
Petersburg as much as the Ukrainian party
service reported on August 4 that Mr. Yushchenko said on July 30 that he is which exists rather virtually, is out of date
will recognize the authority of the
Khandohiy assured NATO’s new chief of anxious about the slowdown of negotia- now,” the official said on July 28. Mr.
Russian Consul General to Odesa.
Ukraine’s standing course to achieve tions with the European Commission on Havrysh said Ukraine-Russia relations
(Ukrinform)
NATO membership criteria within the filling the European Union’s Eastern lack an exchange of opinions at the level
Yanukovych tops presidential poll framework of the First National Program Partnership initiative with real content. of top officials. In this connection Mr.
Ukraine-NATO. Ukraine also expressed The presidential website quoted Andrii Havrysh noted that it is of great impor-
KYIV – If the presidential election had tance to search for new working mecha-
hope for active support from the secretary Honcharuk, deputy head of the
been held last Sunday, Party of Regions Presidential Secretariat, as saying: “The nisms for the two states to keep in con-
general for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspira-
of Ukraine (PRU) leader Viktor president says the level of specific con- tact. (Ukrinform)
tions. (Ukrinform)
Yanukovych would receive 22 percent of tent in discussions between Ukraine and
t h e v o t e , P r i m e M i n i s t e r Yu l i a Yushchenko meets with congressmen Yanukovych on relations with Russia
the EU on practical implementation of
Tymoshenko – 13 percent, and Front for Eastern Partnership projects is rather KYIV – The leader of the opposition
Change leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk – 11 KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko
on August 7 met with a delegation of the low.” Mr. Yushchenko is convinced that it Party of Regions of Ukraine (PRU),
percent, according to the results of a sur- is necessary to work on new mechanisms Viktor Yanukovych has promised to
vey conducted by the Razumkov Center U.S. Congress headed by the House
Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio). that would help lead toward real integra- improve Ukraine’s relations with Russia,
on July 20-28. A total of 2,006 respon- tion between partner nations and the it was reported on August 3. “I’m sure
dents from all Ukrainian regions partici- “Our relations with the U.S.A. are signifi-
cant for us. We think they are developing European Union. “Future projects of this that the policy conducted in respect to
pated in the study. The poll’s margin of initiative must have an innovative charac- Russia will be based on the desire of the
error does not exceed 2.3 percent. very rapidly,” said Mr. Yushchenko as he
opened the meeting. He expressed the ter, and they must leave a positive impact Ukrainian people to revive their relations
Razumkov Center Director for Social on the areas they will involve, including with Russia and revive Ukraine’s econo-
Programs Liudmyla Shanhina presented belief that the two countries have clear
priorities for the development of bilateral institutional development, regional devel- my. I will conduct such a policy as soon
the results of the study in an article pub- opment, creation of an integrated system as I rise to power,” he said. (Ukrinform)
lished in the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia newspa- relations, particularly the Strategic
Partnership Charter and the Ukraine- of border management in keeping with
per. According to the survey, President EU standards, and deepening of coopera- Turkish Airlines launches route
Viktor Yushchenko and Communist Party United States Action Plan. The Ukrainian
president also noted the active diplomatic tion in power industry,” Mr. Honcharuk KYIV – Turkish Airlines has launched
leader Petro Symonenko would each added. The key principles and goals of
relations between our countries. “It is a new airline route from Istanbul to Lviv,
receive 4 percent of the vote, while the partnership are described in the joint
very important for us that the Ukrainian it was reported on July 28. Flights will be
Parliament Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn declaration signed in Prague on May 7,
policy of democratization of political pro- conducted three times a week – on
would get 3 percent. Around 10 percent during the summit of the European
cesses has large internal and external sup- Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, in
of respondents said they would not par- Union’s Eastern Partnership initiative.
port,” he said, pointing to such support both directions. The company’s press ser-
ticipate in the election, while 15 percent (Ukrinform) vice said that the promotional price for
said they were not sure whether they from the U.S. government. He expressed
appreciation for the congressmen’s initia- NSDC on relations with Russia round-trip tickets would be EUR 99 euros
would vote in the election. If Messrs. in the first month of the new service. Lviv
tive to visit Ukraine, saying that this is
Yanukovych and Yatsenyuk entered the KYIV – Stepan Havrysh, the first dep- is the Turkish Airlines’ sixth destination
very important, especially in the context
second round of the presidential election, uty secretary of the National Security and in Ukraine after Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk,
of the recent visit by U.S. Vice-President
they would get 32 and 28 percent of the Defense Council (NSDC), says it is nec- K y i v, O d e s a a n d S y m f e r o p o l .
Joe Biden. “It means a lot for us to have
vote, respectively; 21 percent of those essary to find a new model of strategic (Ukrinform)
active dialogue with the American author-
polled said they would vote against both
ities and American opposition,” empha-
candidates. If Ms. Tymoshenko and Mr.
sized the president. Rep. Boehner said,
Yatsenyuk entered the second round, they
“We are interested in developing a better
would get 19 and 26 percent, respectively,
understanding of democracy in Ukraine
while 31 percent said they would vote
and prospects of its further advance.” With deep sorrow we announce that
against both candidates. (Ukrinform) Among the topics discussed during the
Police arrest sex slavery gang meeting were: strengthening the energy
security of Ukraine, the Euro-Atlantic
Lydia Salenko
KYIV – The Ukrainian police smashed integration course of Ukraine and over- was called to the Heavenly Father
an international gang that had sold more coming the financial crisis, including on Thursday, July 30, 2009.
than 500 Ukrainian women into sexual development of cooperation between She was 86 years old.
slavery. Several citizens of the United Ukraine and the International Monetary
Arab Emirates, Iraq, Russia and Ukraine Fund. The delegation included Reps. Dan Lydia was a devoted member of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral,
were arrested. They earned around EUR 9 Boren (D-Okla.), Jo Bonner (R-Ala.), New York, NY. She was treasurer of the New York School of Bandura in New
million euros from human trafficking, the Dave Camp (R-Mich), Tom Latham York City for many years, and she also enjoyed working at The Ukrainian
Segodnya newspaper reported on August (R-Iowa) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.). Museum in New York City. Lydia loved Ukrainian music, art, and poetry. She
7. According to officials with the Internal (Ukrinform) played the violin and piano beautifully and was very talented in the decorative
Affairs Ministry, the slave traders placed art of Ukrainian embroidery. Lydia most enjoyed spending time with family and
an advertisement on the Internet for girls Czech Consulate in Lviv resumes operation friends at her summer home in Glen Spey, NY.
seeking jobs abroad. If a girl passed the KYIV – The Consulate General of the Panakhyda was performed by Rev. Nestor Kowal at Jarema Funeral Home in
“casting,” she then went to a “job.” Czech Republic reopened its doors in New York City on Friday, July 31. Funeral services and interment were held at
Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko Lviv after a four-month break, it was St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery, South Bound Brook, NJ,
said more than 200 girls between the ages reported on August 6. The Consulate will on Saturday, August 1.
of 16 and 25 were sent last year to the again accept applications for short-term
UAE, Great Britain and Germany. visas of up to 90 and over 90 days In deep sorrow:
(Ukrinform) (excluding long-term visas for purposes
husband - Vsevolod
Woman injured during combat exercise of employment, doing business and func- son - Jaroslav with wife Martha
tioning as legal entity), as well as docu- grandchildren - Alexandra and Yaroslaw
KYIV – The Ukrainian Ministry of ments requesting long-term stays and per- cousins - Maria Bachir
Foreign Affairs hopes that Russia will manent residence in the Czech Republic. - Anne Yarusso with husband Ron
bring to responsibility those soldiers who The Consulate serves residents of - Danusia Tkacz with husband Kris
on July 31 injured Olha Lytvynenko of Ukraine’s Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk nephew - Zenon Bachir
Ukraine during combat firing at the and Zakarpattia regions. (Ukrinform) nieces - Eva Markus with husband Bohdan
Sevastopol range leased by the Russian and daughter Alexandra
Election to cost 1.5 billion hrv - Anna Tkacz
Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine’s acting Foreign
Affairs Minister Yurii Kostenko on August KYIV – Ukraine’s Central Election Lydia was predeceased by her parents, Pauline and Stefan Decker, and by her
6 delivered a verbal note to Russia’s Commission (CEC) on July 29 endorsed stepmother, Maria Decker.
Temporary Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine spending of 1.532 billion hrv (7.69 hrv =
Vsevolod Loskutov. Mr. Kostenko $1 U.S.) on the upcoming presidential Donations in Lydia’s memory may be made to: St. Volodymyr Ukrainian
expressed strong concern over violations election. The sum will be put into the Orthodox Cathedral (“Choir Fund”), 160 W 82nd St, New York, NY 10024 or to
by the Russian Black Sea Fleet command 2010 budget request. CEC Deputy Chair The Ukrainian Museum, 222 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003.
of the agreement on the fleet’s stationing Andrii Mahera said the sum was arrived
in Ukraine and rules about conducting There will be a 40th day Panakhyda service for Lydia at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian
at due to the laws in effect, according to
Orthodox Cathedral, 160 W 82nd St, New York, NY, on Sunday, September
military exercises utilizing small arms. which each presidential candidate has the 13th, following the 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
The Ukrainian diplomat said the MFA also right to send two delegates to territorial
hopes that the woman will be paid for the or precinct electoral commissions. Eternal Memory!
physical injury she suffered. The Russian According to CEC forecasts, 13,500
Black Sea Fleet said that Ms. Lytvynenko members of territorial and up to 2.031
16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 17

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.

“Notes on People” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members of


the Ukrainian National Association and the Ukrainian community. All submissions should
be concise due to space limitations and must include the person’s UNA branch number (if
applicable). Items will be published as soon as possible after their receipt.
20-YEAR
Basilian sisters... held on the feast of Our Lady of Pochayiv, TERM LIFE INSURANCE
who is honored in the sisters’ grotto and
(Continued from page 12) shrine. The evening concluded with a book-

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.

Turning the pages... Ukraine’s neutral status. And Russia’s


attack on aspirant NATO countries could
(Continued from page 6) bar it from participating in future joint
ance would change its stance in working exercises.
with Russia. A permanent Georgia-NATO commis-
Prior to the meeting, officials stated that sion was created out of the meeting in
NATO would suspend joint activities with Brussels to focus on post-conflict recon-
Russia, including military exercises and struction in Georgia. It was believed that
some political-level meetings, until Russia’s such a social project would dilute the alli-
troops withdraw from Georgia, whereupon ance’s core mission and dissipate its
such joint activities would resume. resources.
The temporary loss of these exercises Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s envoy to
NATO, reacted to this development with
and meetings favored Russia more than
NATO, and it was believed that the suspen- scorn, calling NATO’s statement “empty UNA AND THE COMMUNITY:
sion of these collaborations would not affect words” and saying that “a mountain gave
Russian behavior in the least. birth to a mouse.” PARTNERS FOR LIFE
One of the major casualties of the Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s minister of for-
Russia-NATO fallout was the annual eign affairs, warned the United States, UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
Operation Active Endeavor in the which pledged military support for Georgia,
Mediterranean with Russia’s Black Sea and NATO that they need to make a choice 2200 ROUTE 10, PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054
Fleet, based in the Crimean port city of between working with Georgia or Russia. 800-253-9862
Sevastopol. During the war, that same
Russian flotilla, based on Ukrainian terri- Source: “NATO ministers deal gingerly Since 1894
tory, was used to block Georgian ports with Russia’s war on Georgia,” by Vladimir
and helped to land thousands of troops on Socor (Eurasia Daily Monitor), The
Georgian territory, in violation of Ukrainian Weekly, August 31, 2008.
18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

Medvedev blasts... a whole.


“Unfortunately, the young Russian
condemning Moscow’s actions in the
South Ossetian War.
Ukrainian weapons legally through the
global free market of armaments.
(Continued from page 1) leadership is turning into a hostage of old A year after the war, the Kremlin (Editor’s note: Russia is by far the largest
Policy Research Institute in Kyiv. imperial complexes, and it constantly remains fiercely critical of the buyer of Ukrainian-made armaments,
Moscow understands only a show of needs to cultivate the idea of a foreign Yushchenko administration’s decision to acquiring billions of dollars’ worth annu-
power, he said, interpreting President enemy and substitute neutral dialogue support Georgia during the conflict, char- ally.)
with its neighboring countries with a lan- acterizing such policy as an attack on Mr. Medvedev accused Ukraine of
Yushchenko’s response as a reciprocal
guage of threats and insults,” she wrote. Russia itself. “incessant attempts to complicate the
force admirable enough to earn the long-
The Cabinet of Ministers led by Prime “A year after those tragic events, once activities of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, in
awaited ambassador. violation of the fundamental agreements”
Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said it would again the question of why civilians and
“The key, from Russia’s perspective, is Russian peacekeepers in Tskhinvali were between Russia and Ukraine.
r e f r a i n f r o m r e s p o n d i n g t o M r.
to react in a worthy, strong-headed fash- Medvedev’s message, claiming instead killed with Ukrainian weapons has aris- Yet the recent diplomatic row surfaced
ion,” he said. “If Ukraine wants to main- that foreign relations are the president’s en,” the letter said. “Those in Kyiv who because of Russia’s violations, as
tain good relations with Russia, it must prerogative. supplied the Georgian army with weap- Ukrainian authorities alleged, in which its
stay this course.” Throughout the conflicts between ons and, by the way, do not intend to stop sailors were caught twice by Ukrainian
A day earlier, Vira Ulianchenko, head President Yushchenko and the Kremlin, doing so, fully share with Tbilisi the authorities illegally transporting naval
of the political council of the pro-Yush- Ms. Tymoshenko has remained on the responsibility for the committed crimes.” missiles through Sevastopol.
chenko Our Ukraine party, issued a sting- sidelines as part of what some political President Yushchenko’s response on After Ukraine expelled Russian diplo-
ing response on the party’s website, observers allege is a strategy to better August 13 attempted to dispel such dis- mat Vladimir Lysenko from Kyiv on July
denouncing Mr. Medvedev’s letter as accommodate Moscow and expand her tortions and many others, pointing out 28, Russia expelled Ukraine’s General
offensive and intrusive, and claiming it electoral support in eastern and southern that Georgia, a state without any interna- Consul in Moscow, Ihor Berezkin, three
was an attack on the Ukrainian nation as Ukraine. Most notably, she refrained from tional embargos placed upon it, obtained days later. He left on August 10.
Mr. Medvedev’s criticisms extended to
European leaders for “bypassing Russia”
in deals with Ukraine to supply Russian
natural gas, signing a document that
“completely contradicts the Russian-
Ukrainian agreements reached in January
this year.”
The European Union, Ukraine and
international lending institutions reached
a July 31 agreement on gas sector reforms
that include $1.7 billion in loans to pro-
vide for winter natural gas deliveries.
Mr. Medvedev’s statements carried
particularly critical timing – about a year
after the South Ossetian War, on the eve
of the presidential campaign and on the
heels of high-profile visits to Kyiv by
U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill.
Thus, a geopolitical tug-of-war was ignit-
ed when the two dignitaries visited – Mr.
Biden in late July and Patriarch Kirill in early
August – to tout their visions for Ukraine.
“Ignoring the views of Ukrainian citi-
zens as well as Russia’s well-known posi-
tion, the political leadership of Ukraine
stubbornly continues to pursue accession
to NATO,” the letter said. “And, as a so-
called argument, you hint at a ‘Russian
threat’ to Ukrainian security, something
which, as you are well aware, does not
and cannot exist.”
As Mr. Biden voiced full U.S. support
for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration,
Patriarch Kirill expressed the desire for
closer political and economic ties with
Ukraine on behalf of his Church, which
enjoys the Kremlin’s backing.
“These struggles all began from the
moment Ukraine gained independence,”
Mr. Perepelytsia said. “But Russia simply
can’t live with Ukraine acting as its own
sovereign entity. Today, the Kremlin sees
a historical chance to once and for all cor-
rect its mistake of letting Ukraine go.”
Viktor Yanukovych, leader of the pro-
Russian Party of Regions of Ukraine,
wasted no time in capitalizing on Mr.
Medvedev’s statement, stating on August
11 that Russia won’t see an improvement
in relations with Ukraine while Mr.
Yushchenko remains in office.
He assured the public that relations
would improve upon his election as presi-
dent. Mr. Yanukovych would certainly
fulfill Moscow’s desire for a “political
marionette” as president of Ukraine, Mr.
Perepelytsia commented.
Mr. Medvedev’s letter indicated his
government would continue to stir
Ukraine’s domestic tensions by harping
on sensitive language and cultural issues.
“Russian-Ukrainian relations have been
further tested as a result of your adminis-
tration’s willingness to engage in historical
revisionism, its heroization of Nazi collab-
orators, exaltation of the role played by
radical nationalists, and imposition among
the international community of a national-
istic interpretation of the mass famine of
1932-1933 in the USSR, calling it the
‘genocide of the Ukrainian people,’” the
Russian president wrote.
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 19

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

St. Andrew’s Church in Sacramento celebrates 25th anniversary


SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The parishio- served by a dozen other priests, among
ners of St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic whom was the Rev. John Lucas of the
Church in Sacramento, Calif., celebrated Ruthenian Eparchy, whose motto, despite
the 25th anniversary of their parish on poor attendance at liturgy, was “as long as
June 7. there is one soul present I will be here.”
The day began with divine liturgy cele- The success of St. Andrew Church was
brated by the pastor, the Rev. Petro Kozar, also made possible, in part, by the Rev.
with the help of altar boys Victor Nezhura Edward J. Kavanagh, a local Irish priest
and Michael Oskolovskyj. Following the who allowed the parish to use his property
liturgy, the over 130 people in attendance in Sacramento for liturgies from 2001 until
enjoyed a dinner prepared by several the parish bought a two-acre lot in 2008.
women of the parish. The Rev. Kavanagh cited the similarities
The dinner celebration was opened by between Irish and Ukrainian histories as
Ola Olinyk, who introduced Alex and the reason for his generosity and willing-
Joanne Kachmar as some of the first ness to help by allowing the Ukrainian
parishioners of St. Andrew. Mr. Kachmar Catholic parish to use the converted farm
then gave a report on the history of the garage on the property. Some of the original parishioners of St. Andrew’s Church in Sacramento (from
parish, which began in 1982, when a hand- Following Mr. Kachmar’s report, his left): Taras Kachmar, James Kachmar, Yuriy Oliynyk, Joanne Kachmar, Alex
ful of Ukrainian families decided to leave wife, Joanne, gave a report on the priests Kachmar, Mychajlo Kachmar and Walter Gerlach.
the local Ruthenian Catholic church. who had served St. Andrew Church during
At that time, several ethnically its 25-year history.
Ukrainian parishioners, including Ted Fedir Shvet then read an original poem
Wroblickkyj, Steve Yastyshok and Mr. about the Ukrainian people’s love and
Kachmar, decided the time had come to struggle for their Church. Then, Walter
build a Ukrainian parish in northern Gerlach, one of the attendees of the first
California. Mr. Kachmar and Mr. liturgy at St. Andrew, expressed his pride
Wroblickyj, along with their wives, trav- about his role in the building of the parish.
eled over 200 miles south to Santa Clara to After the presentations group photos
enlist the Rev. Andrew Mykyta, the priest were taken and a collection for the con-
who served the Ukrainian Catholic parish- struction of a new church to be built on the
es in San Francisco and Santa Clara. two-acre property was taken.
Despite the long distance, the Rev. Mykyta The dinner was prepared by Oksana
agreed to serve the start-up parish. The Buvanyk, Lydia Girak, Halyna Dlugan,
parish celebrated its first divine liturgy on Mrs. Kachmar, Tetania Kryvyj, Olesia
June 3, 1984. Kuzo, Halyna Parashchak, Olha Shevchyk,
After the Rev. Mykyta was transferred Lessia Sokolovich and Antonia
to San Diego in 1986, the parish was Doroshivska. Parishioners of St. Andrew’s at the church’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Michigan veterans unveil monument to all who served their nation


by Ihor Kunynskyj officer was the keynote speaker, deliver-
ing the remarks of UAV National
HOLLY, Mich. – On a calm but over- C o m m a n d e r, B r i g . G e n . L e o n i d
cast Saturday morning, June 20, members Kondratiuk, on behalf of the UAV
o f U k r a i n i a n A m e r i c a n Ve t e r a n s National Executive Board.
(Michigan) Post 101, The Ladies When the granite monument, which reads
Auxiliary, the Brotherhood of Veterans of “Dedicated to the memory and honor of all
the 1st Division of the Ukrainian National men and women who served in the armed
Army (UNA) and members of the Greater forces. We salute those who laid down their
Detroit community assembled at the lives to protect the democratic ideals, tradi-
Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, tions and integrity of our country” was
Mich., to unveil a memorial monument unveiled, the sun broke through the clouds,
dedicated to all who served the nation. a fitting and uplifting tribute to such a mean-
Richard Anderson, director of the Great ingful event.
Lakes National Cemetery, welcomed every- The dedication ceremony continued
one to the dedication, after which the colors with a prayer and memorial service
were posted. (panakhyda) delivered by the Rev. Mario
Opening remarks were made by Dacechen, OSBM, pastor of St. Josaphat
Commander Oleh Cieply, who stated in that Ukrainian Catholic Church of Warren,
this is a landmark event, both in the history Mich. and the Very Rev. Paul Bodnarchuk Michigan’s Ukrainian veterans at a memorial to their comrades.
of the post, as well as in the history of the of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
American and Ukrainian communities of of Southfield, Mich. (Michigan) Post 101 for their contribution and a seven-man rifle squad who volleyed
Metropolitan Detroit. Concluding the ceremony, Richard and service to our nation. a 21-gun salute. Bagpiper Mike Jacoby
Myroslav Pryjma, immediate past Anderson highlighted the contribution of The ceremony was supported by the performed a solemn tribute during the cer-
commander of UAV (Michigan) Post 101 all service men and women make to our Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 154 emony and taps were played by bugler
and the current UAV national welfare country and thanked the members of UAV Color Guard, commanded by Mike Brink, Joann Foster.

UCC national... “I have a clear appreciation of the chal-


lenges Ukraine has faced in the past, and
The Liberal Leader expressed dismay
about funding cuts to Radio Canada
tance of Ukraine to Canada; and an affir-
mation of the fundamental principles of
(Continued from page 1) may face in the future, concerning its International, which resulted in the cancel- the Multiculturalism Act, to ensure that,
which I wish to disassociate myself. These sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am lation of broadcasting in the Ukrainian in its implementation, this legislation
prejudices are wrong and I reject them abso- already on the record for saying that no language. “It is unfortunate that Ukraine meets the needs of all of Canada’s multi-
lutely. I believe that the Ukrainian people one but the Ukrainian people should was singled out. This flies in the face of cultural communities and that all commu-
are a great nation and support the sovereign- decide their nation’s destiny,” he added. Canada’s commitment to the democratic nities receive the benefit of this legisla-
ty and independence of Ukraine.” Mr. Grod commented: “We had a very development of Ukraine. In a country tion in proportion to the size of their com-
Mr. Ignatieff, who aspires to become fruitful discussion about immigration where many parts of the population have munity in Canada.
the next prime minister of Canada, also from Ukraine and were delighted that Mr. access only to Russian media, this will “We were particularly pleased to
stated: “I look forward to an ongoing dia- Ignatieff has pledged his support for a deprive many Ukrainians who listened to receive Mr. Ignatieff’s assurances of the
logue with the Ukrainian Canadian com- Canadian Consulate in Lviv to facilitate this broadcast of a valuable source of inde- deep affection and respect he has for the
munity about important issues to them greater numbers of immigrants from pendent information,” Mr. Ignatieff said. Ukrainian people,” said Mr. Grod.
and to all Canadians. The UCC can be Ukraine, which is the homeland of many During the meeting, the following top- The UCC reported that both Mr.
assured of the Liberal Party’s and my per- prominent Canadians, including the late ics were also addressed: development of Ignatieff and Mr. Grod said they agreed
sonal support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic Justice John Sopinka, former Governor mutually beneficial bilateral relationships that the July 31 meeting in Toronto has
integration and in particular, Ukraine’s General Ramon Hnatyshyn and Alberta’s between Canada and Ukraine; the strate- enabled them to move forward in a posi-
admission into NATO.” Premier Ed Stelmach.” gic, geopolitical and economic impor- tive spirit of cooperation.
20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

Pittsburgh’s Ukrainian Technological Society awards scholarships


PITTSBURGH – The Ukrainian belief in the importance of higher educa-
Technological Society (UTS) of Pittsburgh tion in an increasingly competitive and
presented its 2009 scholarship awards to demanding world.
undergraduate students from Western Dr. Korchynsky introduced the featured
Pennsylvania in ceremonies at Posvar Hall speaker for the awards ceremony, Vitaly
on the University of Pittsburgh campus on Cherednichenko, a three-time recipient of
Sunday, July 26. UTS scholarships and 2009 graduate of
Students, family members, UTS mem- Carnegie Mellon University. Mr.
bers and guests were welcomed by UTS Cherednichenko completed his Bachelor of
Executive Board President Roksana Science degree in electrical and computer
Korchynsky, who provided an overview of engineering and has accepted a position with
the UTS – now in its 40th year – and its the National Security Agency.
activities. He spoke to the young scholars about his
Dr. Korchynsky thanked the many own experiences and lessons learned and
donors who have continuously offered their encouraged them to take full advantage of
financial support to the scholarship pro- the excellent education opportunities at their
gram. She noted that the society was espe- fingertips and to relish this unique time in
cially grateful for all the donations received their lives when they can “learn to learn”
this year given the challenging economic and find their passions. At the Ukrainian Technological Society’s scholarship awards presentation (from
environment that many are facing. He also reminded the awardees that their left) are: Christine Wachnowsky, Arianna L. Rock, Eryna Y. Honchar, Maryann
Dr. Korchynsky gave special thanks to Ukrainian heritage is one of hard work, Kokus, Janel Sudiak, Zachary Kapeluck and George S. Honchar.
long-time UTS patrons, Mrs. Kateryna determination, discipline and responsibility;
Dowbenko, for making arrangements for each individual is a vital contributor to his or awards made totaling $159,500 to 247 dif- Scholarships were presented to Amy
the use of Posvar Hall for the day’s event her community and should strive to impart a ferent students. Dolnack of Verona, Pa.; Zachery
and to Michael Komichak, director of the lasting positive impact on others through • The Korchynsky Family Scholarship, Kapeluck of Carnegie; Anastasia Markiw
Ukrainian Radio Program, for promoting their actions. underwritten by Dr. Korchynsky, Marina of Pittsburgh; and Janel Sudiak of
the society’s activities. Nickolas C. Kotow, UTS secretary, along Korchynsky Morari, and Michael Pittsburgh.
Dr. Korchynsky noted that the scholar- with Motria Hodowanec, UTS board mem- Korchynsky Jr., was awarded to Maryann Following the awards presentation, enter-
ships awarded for 2009 will likely cover ber, then awarded the nine scholarships Kokus, of Ebensburg, Pa. tainment was provided by a trio of sisters –
only a fraction of the cost of a year in col- totaling $5,500. • The Chester Manasterski Memorial Nadiya Andreyev, Diana July and Lybov
lege, but represented the support of an This marked the 37th year of the UTS Scholarship, underwritten by Olga Zolotov – and their mother, Olga Didik,
entire community that shared a common Scholarship Program, with 361 separate Manasterski and her sons, Myron and who sang Ukrainian melodies a cappella.
Gregory, was awarded to Arianna L. Rock Refreshments and a social hour followed the
of Butler, Pa. program in the Posvar Hall Galleria.
• The Ukrainian Selfreliance of Western To learn more about the UTS, its scholar-
Need a back issue? Pennsylvania Federal Credit Union ship program and other activities, readers
Scholarship was awarded to George S. may visit the website at www.utspgh.org.
If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, Honchar of Carnegie, Pa. Donations toward the 2010 scholarship pro-
send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: • Receiving Akim and Tatiana Kutsenkow gram are being accepted. Donations are tax-
Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, Memorial Scholarships, underwritten by Dr. deductible, as provided by law, as the UTS
2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 and Mrs. Michael Kutsenkow, were Eryna has Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) desig-
Y. Honchar of Carnegie, and Christine nation. Donations or inquiries may be sent
Parsippany, NJ 07054. Wachnowsky of Oakdale, Pa. to the UTS at P.O. Box 4277, Pittsburgh, PA
• Ukrainian Technological Society 15203; e-mail, uts@utspgh.org.
No. 33 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 21

Dmitry Medvedev's... Virtual gallery for Ukrainian artists


Ukraine anytime. History has not taught
Russia anything.”
(Continued from page 3) “Ukraine is an artificial state”
Ukraine’s agreement to allow the
European Union to have a say in the main
[Vladimir Putin once whispered this same
theory into the ear of former U.S. is launched at UkrainArt.com
Ukrainian pipeline which brings gas to President George Bush] “something cre-
ALEXANDRIA,
Europe. ated by the Bolsheviks after their coming
Va. – A joint U.S.-
Mr. Medvedev did not fail to include to power…”
Ukrainian effort on
historical issues such as the role of the “I am a Russian citizen unfortunate to
July 17 launched
Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and its be living in Odesa… I was against the
UkrainArt.com, a
struggle for Ukrainian independence collapse of the USSR and observed the
era of Gorbachev-Yeltsin which was very unique website that
against both the fascist invaders and the serves as a virtual gal-
Red Army during World War II, which he strange... I am very grateful to you,
Dmitri Anatolevich about what concerns lery for Ukrainian art-
characterized as the “glorification of Nazi ists in Ukraine, as well
collaborators” and his rejection of the Ukraine...”
Ukraine’s acting Foreign Affairs as many diaspora coun-
Stalin’s man-made Famine in Ukraine as
Minister Volodymyr Khandogiy’s tries, including the
“genocide.”
response to Mr. Medvedev’s letter was United States, Canada,
That same day, Mr. Medvedev met
with veterans of the “Great Fatherland low-key: “I am not personally upset by Australia and most
War” at a roundtable and went out of his this, but it does evoke a somewhat disap- European Union mem-
way to praise Ukrainian Red Army veter- pointing feeling.” ber-states.
ans. The product of a
The Russian president’s video blog site The article above appeared on the joint effort by LvivArt
received a number of comments by visi- Jamestown Foundation blog (http://jame- LLC, based in
tors on Mr. Medvedev’s letter to Mr. stownfoundation.blogspot.com/) on Alexandria, Va., and
Yushchenko on the site, and they reveal a August 12. Roman Kupchinsky is an ana- the LvivArt Gallery in
stark microcosmic view of Russian atti- lyst for the Jamestown Foundation in Lviv, the site allows
tudes towards Ukraine. Washington. The article is reprinted here Ukrainian artists to
“We can get a knife in the back from with the author’s permission. promote and sell their
works in a fully bilin-
gual English-Ukrainian
environment that pre-
Brzezinski... the U.S. a society that has thrived on
diversity, ingenuity and a natural can-do calculates for buyers
spirit, but also these meetings show that shipping costs and The painting “Kozak Mamai” by Merited Artist of
(Continued from page 12)
politics can stop at the water’s edge, that applicable duties/taxes Ukraine Orest Skop is among the hundreds of artworks
foreseeable future, believing overly ambi- for their individual
we can unite when facing common trou- displayed on UkrainArt.com.
tious efforts in getting Ukraine to join countries of residence.
bles.
NATO will only antagonize Moscow even Payments are rendered through the picture, if an artist opts for them, are created
Leading political figures can “get out-
further. After all, he reasons, NATO was popular PayPal, a secure service used by free of charge. However, a $189 annual fee
side of the narrow party lines and limits,
the mortal enemy for decades and this and talk together to try to come up with online merchants worldwide that also ($99 semi-annual or $59 quarterly) is
struggle easily plays into the siege men- new ideas about very tough problems,” allows for regular credit and debit card charged for site maintenance, artist page
tality. concludes Mr. Ignatius, addressing the transactions. Shipping to most countries changes/updates and promotion.
Despite the arduous situations in which two foreign policy experts. “And if the is by UPS. All shipments are insured with Artists are free to use their pages for
the U.S. finds itself on many fronts, Dr. two of you can do it, I hope the new pres- tracking numbers provided to customers. independent online marketing of their
Brzezinski, Mr. Scowcroft and Mr. ident and the Congress can do it too,” he Individual artists’ pages in both languag- works, such as on social networking sites,
Ignatius remain optimistic. Not only is adds. es, complete with biography and a personal with no financial obligation to LvivArt.
22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

U.S.-Ukraine... negatively by saying that “between war and


peace, I have chosen peace.” While the other
Shortly before Mr. Biden’s visit, the
United States and more than a dozen NATO International assistance...
(Continued from page 2) presidential aspirant, Front for Change lead- member-countries had to cancel the U.S.-led (Continued from page 2)
Atlantic integration” (upholding any coun- er Arseniy Yatsenyuk, calling for a “new Sea Breeze-2009 exercise in Ukraine. The ndpoors.com, July 31).
try’s right to opt for it) and made only one agenda” in Ukraine-U.S. relations, Verkhovna Rada declined to grant the neces- Finally, Ms. Tymoshenko’s efforts to bor-
direct reference to NATO: “The United announced that he discussed economics, not sary authorization for the participating row money to help the debt-ridden Naftohaz
States also supports Ukraine’s deepening NATO with Mr. Biden (Interfax-Ukraine, troops’ entry to Ukrainian territory (EDM, pay for Russian gas have proven successful.
UNIAN, July 21-22). June 23). Awaiting the presidential election, The EC declared on July 31 that internation-
ties to NATO and to the European Union.
Support for closer relations with NATO and with a defense ministry lacking a minis- al financial institutions were ready to lend a
But again, we recognize that they are your
has become an internal political liability in ter and other top officials, there seems to be total of $1.7 billion to Naftohaz: $750 mil-
decisions, not ours, whether you choose the Ukraine. Among the potential candidates in no movement on Ukraine’s Annual National
EU and NATO. ... How far and how fast to lion should come from the European Bank
the January 2010 presidential election, Mr. Plan, the substitute for MAP. for Reconstruction and Development, $450
proceed is, again, a uniquely Ukrainian Yushchenko – with a popularity rating in the Any real progress in Ukraine-NATO rela-
choice, not ours.” million from the European Investment Bank
low single-digits – no longer has anything to tions will be contingent on the presidential and $500 million from the World Bank. The
Among the top politicians, President lose; Ms. Tymoshenko has everything at election’s outcome. Unlike the previous E.C. said that the loans should allow
Yushchenko alone spoke out for Ukrainian stake; Mr. Yanukovych and his party are on election in 2004, Russia and the United Ukraine to ensure the uninterrupted transit
membership in NATO during Vice-President record against a NATO membership track; States do not seem to support any particular of Russian gas to Europe (Kommersant-
Biden’s visit, describing this as the only real and Mr. Yatsenyuk has been removed from candidates in the upcoming election. Ukraine, August 3). Ukraine asked Russia
protection against a Russian sphere of influ- the Parliament’s chair, in part for having co- last winter for a $5 billion loan for Naftohaz,
ence (Interfax-Ukraine, UNIAN, July 22). signed last year with Mr. Yushchenko and The article above is reprinted from but Prime Minister Vladimir Putin following
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko avoided Ms. Tymoshenko the application letter for a Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from the March Ukraine-E.C. accords on gas sec-
the subject altogether. Party of Regions lead- Ukrainian Membership Action Plan (MAP) its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, tor reform, with which he was unhappy,
er Viktor Yanukovych alluded to NATO with NATO. www.jamestown.org. advised that Ukraine should turn to the
European Commission. Ms. Tymoshenko
did so, but she asked for less ($4.2 billion).
The E.C., however, decided that $1.7 billion
would suffice to ensure that Naftohaz buys
enough gas for storage in the winter.
This does not solve all of Naftohaz’s
problems as it will have to redeem its $500
million Eurobond on September 30. Here
the IMF came to rescue again: the entire
$3.3 billion third tranche can be used by the
Ukrainian government to service foreign
debts, including Naftohaz’s Eurobond as
well as payments for Russian gas deliveries,
the IMF said (www.imf.org, July 29).
Support from international financial bod-
ies is very important for Ukraine ahead of
the peak of payments on its foreign debts
this year, which is expected in August and
September. In particular, Ukraine will have
to redeem sovereign Eurobonds worth $500
million and $250 million worth of
Eurobonds of the state-controlled
Ukreximbank in August, and sovereign
Eurobonds worth 768 million Swiss francs
($720 million) in addition to Naftohaz’s
Eurobonds in September (Zerkalo Nedeli,
August 1).
Another issue to note is that Ukraine
should boost Russian gas purchases later in
the year to compensate for low purchases in
early 2009 when gas was more expensive,
so payments to Gazprom are also set to
grow possibly up to $1 billion per month.

The article above is reprinted from


Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission
from its publisher, the Jamestown
Foundation, www.jamestown.org.

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

OUT AND ABOUT


August 21 Beer pong and pool benefit tournament, Ukrainian Chicago Modern Art, 773- 227-5522
Philadelphia League of Philadelphia, 215-684-3548
September 18-20 Ukrainian Festival in the Bloor West Village,
August 22 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, Ukrainian Toronto 416-410-9965
Sunny Isles Beach, FL Cultural-Educational Center of Miami, Town Center
Park, 305-798-0190 or 954-893-5288 September 19-20 Ukrainian Festival, St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox
Silver Spring, MD Church, standrewuoc.org
August 22 Ukrainian Festival, St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic
Toms River, NJ Church, 732-505-6053 September 26 Uketoberfest, St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic
Chicago Cathedral hall, klopitband@yahoo.com
August 22 Bandura Camp final concert, All Saints Camp,
Emlenton, PA amurha@aol.com
Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to
August 22-23 Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian Congress Committee events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome
Chicago of America – Illinois Division, Smith Park, submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discre-
773-772-4500 tion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to mdubas@
ukrweekly.com.
August 22-23 Eurasia Arts Festival, Eurasia Dance Society,
Glen Spey, NY Mountain View Manor, zenia@eurasiadance.org or
202-841-8325

August 22-23 Ukrainian American Day Festival, with concert and


Buffalo, NY dance, Ukrainian Cultural Center Dnipro,
716-847-1281

August 23 Ukrainian Independence Day Festival, Ukrainian


Horsham, PA American Sports Center – Tryzub, 215-343-5412

August 23 Ukrainian Independence Day picnic, Tidewater


Virginia Beach, VA Ukrainian Cultural Association, First Landing State
Park, 757-692-6881 or www.tuca.us

August 23 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration,


North Port, FL St. Andrew Cultural Center (Oseredok),
941-613-5923

August 23 Ukrainian Independence Day, Ukrainian Congress


Union, NJ Committee of America – Essex/Union counties of
New Jersey, Union Township Municipal Building,
973-375-0156
Olvin Vladyka Pavlo Lopata
August 28 All-ages dance, Kmelnychenky Plast fraternity,
Wildwood Crest, NJ Wildwood Crest Pier Recreation Center,
Adrian@telligys.com
ATTENTION ARTISTS
by Oksana Trytjak, UNA National Organizer
August 29 Concert, featuring Vasyl Popadiuk and Papa Duke,
Hamilton, ON Hamilton Place Studio Theater, It does seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas cards, when we are just
www.ticketmaster.ca or 905-527-7666 entering the glorious summer season and just experienced a very successful 3rd
Annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka. But the Ukrainian National
August 29 Alexander Slobodyanik memorial concert, Association is already preparing for the next Christmas card project. As you well
Jewett, NY featuring Larysa Krupa, Natalia Khoma, Volodymyr know this project is multifaceted- it encourages and popularizes Ukrainian art-
Vynnytsky and the Leontovych String Quartet, ists, the proceeds are allocated to support the renaissance of Soyuzivka, and last
Grazhda Music and Art Center of Greene County, but not least it promotes and recognizes the spirit of Christmas and goodwill. In
518-989-6479 the past few years the community has been very supportive and this UNA project
has received funds averaging $40,000 a year that have been allocated to
August 30 Ukrainian Day, Ukrainian American Coordinating Soyuzivka and its rebirth, specific donations to Svoboda, The Ukrainian Weekly
San Francisco Council of Northern California, Golden Gate Park, and the UNF foundation. UNA will continue this project as long as we are fortu-
650-363-1476 nate enough to have artists participate and the community share in supporting
the project.
August 30 Concert, featuring Vasyl Popadiuk and Papa Duke,
Toronto Assembly Hall Theater, 416-521-9555 or We encourage and invite Ukrainian artists to join in this year’s UNA Christmas
encore1@rogers.com Card Project. Over the years, UNA was very pleased to have had very many tal-
ented Ukrainian artists participate such as: Jaroslav Adamovych, Anatoli Balukh,
August 30 Ukrainian Music Fest, Friends of the Ukrainian Krystyna Baransky - Nana, Bohdan Borzemsky, Anatolij Burtovyj, Marta Cisyk,
Edmonton, AB Village Society, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Mykhajlo Dmytrenko, Tatianna Gajecky, Maria Harasowska-Daczyszyn, Jacques
Village, www.ukrainianvillage.ca Hnizdovsky, Petro Holovatyj, John Jaciw, Natalia Josypchuk, Oleksander
Kaniuka, Andriy Khomyk, Moki Kokoris, Danylo Koshtyra, Natalia Kovalenko,
September 4-5 Volleyball tournament weekend, Oselia Verkhovyna, George Kozak, Yarema Kozak, Zenowia Kulynych, Zoya Lisowska, Pavlo
Chertsy, QC WerchowynaVball@cym.org Lopata, Oksana Lukaszewycz-Polon, Vitaliy Lytvyn, Andrij Maday, Roman
Markovych, Marta Anna Shramenko-Rondazzo, Luba Maksymchuk, Liudmyla
September 5-6 Swim Meet, Ukrainian Sports Federation of U.S.A. Mosijchuk, Leo Mol, Natalka, Chrystyna Nykorak, Lydia Palij, Rev. Serhij
Kerhonkson, NY and Canada, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, Pastukhiv, Aka Pereyma, Lidia Piaseckyj, Orest Poliszczuk, Myron Ryzhula,
908-851-0617 Christina Saj, Martha Savchak, Ilona Shyjiuk, Ivan Skolozdra, Roman
Smetaniuk, Christine Sobol Jaroslav Stadnyk, Olena Stasiuk, ` Youlia Tkatchouk,
September 6 Ukrainian Festival, House of Ukraine, Balboa Park, Yurij Trytjak, Irene Twerdochlib, Halyna Tytla, Markijan Vitruk, Yurij, Viktiuk,
San Diego, CA housandiego@aol.com Olvin Vladyka.
This year, again, the UNA will be publishing approximately 150,000 cards. We
September 12 26th annual golf tournament, Ukrainian Golf encourage artists to submit their works. The theme of the art should be Ukrainian
Ottawa Association, The Meadows Golf and Country Club, Christmas in diversified genres; oil, watercolor, tempera, computer graphics,
913-834-9935 or 613-599-5310 gouache, woodcuts, mixed media or others. Please participate and submit either
a slide, photo, original work or forward copy of art by e-mail that can be repro-
September 12-13 Ukrainian Festival, Patterson Park, 410-967-0501 duced by September 30, 2009 to:
Baltimore, MD UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280
September 12-13 Ukrainian Village Festival, Ss. Volodymyr and Olha Parsippany, NJ 07054
Chicago Ukrainian Catholic Church, 312-829-5209 Attn. Oksana Trytjak
OKSANAUNA@COMCAST.NET
September 13 through Art exhibit, featuring works by Wasil Kacurovsky 973-292-9800 x3071
October 25 and Alexanra Kowerko, Ukrainian Institute of
24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2009 No. 33

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.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES


Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a
Being Ukrainian means: service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the
Ukrainian community.

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written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type
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it and mail it to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly,
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Or simply call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042.
A spellbinding true account – part history,
part biography, part love story – focuses on
the lives of two young refugees caught
between Stalin and Hitler, their escape, sur-
vival in DP camps, journey to freedom and
their emotional return to post-Soviet
Ukraine half a century later.
Available in hard or soft cover through:
Surma Books, New York – 212-477-0729
KootaOoma Books, Toronto – 416-762-2112
Ukrainian Bookstore, Edmonton – 780-422-4255
Online www.yevshan.com – 800-265-9858

For excerpts, please visit www.andrewmelnyk.com


For additional information please call 905-895-9414

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