No. 5, February 1, 2015

20 Pages·2015·6.39 MB·English

Part 3 of
THE YEAR
IN REVIEW
pages 5-12
The Ukrainian Weekly
Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association
Vol. LXXXIII No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 $2.00
Congressional Ukrainian Caucus Europeans keep Russia sanctions
introduces resolution calling
amid growing terrorist attacks
for release of Savchenko
by Zenon Zawada
WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Sander Levin (D-Mich.),
Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), KYIV – European leaders decided
Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), and Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) – all mem- this week to pursue extending existing
bers of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus – on sanctions against Russian politicians
January 26 introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for and enterprises, and to consider a new
the release of Ukrainian fighter pilot and member of round after the deadliest attack on civil-
Ukraine’s Parliament Nadiya Savchenko. This resolution ians in Ukraine thus far that occurred in
is part of the global community’s effort to bring atten- the city of Mariupol on January 24.
tion to her plight and demand her immediate release. The European Union’s Foreign
“We continue to call on Russian authorities to Ministers Council voted on January 29
immediately release Nadiya Savchenko from custody. to recommend extending Crimea-
We are gravely concerned by reports of her ill health related sanctions until September and
since the commencement of a hunger strike on imposing new economic sanctions. The
December 14, 2014, now into its seventh week. We are day before, the Parliamentary Assembly
equally troubled by Ms. Savchenko’s lack of access to of the Council of Europe (PACE) voted to Nikolay Ryabchenko/UNIAN
her counsel and adequate medical attention. We extend sanctions restricting Russian The result of rockets fired by forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic into
demand that Russia abide by its international obliga- activity in the organization until the end residential areas of Mariupol on January 24; 31 residents were killed and
tions and the rule of law, and we join the United States of April. over 100 were injured.
Department of State in calling for Nadiya Savchenko’s The measures were welcomed by
immediate release,” said Rep. Sander Levin, co-chair of Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and “We need to try to resolve the crisis Council recommendations, which both
the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. its PACE delegation, which fiercely lob- by means of combining sanctions with cited the direct responsibility of the
“The transnational abduction of Nadiya Savchenko bied for them amid intense Russian dialogue, otherwise we will end up Russian government. It was also con-
by pro-Russian militants and subsequent unlawful efforts to lift them. Yet, the Europeans under threat of a more serious mili- demned by U.S. Secretary of State John
detention in Russia is clear a violation of her human have begun to reveal doubts about tary conflict,” he added. Kerry, who also blamed the Kremlin
rights. It is simply unacceptable that Nadiya Savchenko their sanctions approach, which so far The consideration of new sanctions for the Mariupol violence.
has been held in isolation awaiting her day in Russian has only restrained, not deterred, was prompted by the January 24 Their claim of Russian involvement
court for seven months. The time is now for Russia to Russia’s military aggression and ter- morning terrorist attack by pro-Rus- was confirmed by audio-recordings
release Nadiya Savchenko and allow her to freely return rorism in Ukraine. sian forces on a residential neighbor- released on the day of the attack by
to her family in Ukraine,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell. “If new sanctions helped us to hood of Mariupol, a key port city in the the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU),
“It’s clear President [Vladimir] Putin has no interest resolve the crisis, then I would be in Donetsk Oblast that remains under which proved that pro-Russian terror-
in reconciling the violence Russia has brought to favor of further sanctions. However, I Ukrainian government control. As a ists aimed to inflict damage on a resi-
doubt that the crisis can be resolved result, 31 residents were killed and dential area.
Ukraine. Despite signing the Minsk Protocol, Russia
with new sanctions,” European more than 100 were injured. The SBU also confirmed that a
continues to imprison Nadiya Savchenko in Moscow.
Parliament President Martin Schultz The attack was condemned by the Russian citizen was among the attack-
Today’s resolution makes the opinion of the U.S.
said in a January 28 interview with an January 28 PACE resolution and the
Congress clear, we stand with Ukraine and demand Austrian television network.
January 29 EU Foreign Ministers (Continued on page 17)
that Ms. Savchenko be released,” said Rep. Quigley.
Washington events honor Ukraine’s unity, protest Russian terror, support Savchenko
by Yaro Bihun
WASHINGTON – Hundreds of Ukrainian Americans
came together at three events here to honor Ukraine’s his-
toric struggle for its unity and independence, and to
express their support for Ukraine’s current fight against
Russia’s attempt to undermine it again.
The series of gatherings began on Friday, January 23,
when the Embassy of Ukraine hosted an evening reception
honoring Ukraine’s historic 1919 “Day of Unity.” It was fol-
lowed by two demonstrations: in front of the White House
on Sunday afternoon, January 25, in support of Ukraine’s
current fight against Russian aggression, and on Monday,
January 26, in front of the Russian Embassy, demanding
the release of Nadiya Savchenko, the Ukrainian military
pilot imprisoned in Russia who has been on a hunger strike
since mid-December.
In his remarks at the Day of Unity reception at the
embassy, Ambassador Alexander Motsyk noted that the
January 22, 1919, signing of the “Akt Sobornosty,” which for Paul Hadzewycz
With American and Ukrainian flags and anti-Putin placards in hand, Ukrainian demonstrators gather in front of
(Continued on page 18) the White House on January 25.
2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 No. 5
ANALYSIS
Lavrov unilaterally reinterprets Rada labels Russia as “aggressor state” Europe (PACE) is no grounds for the
release of Lt. Nadiya Savchenko, a
KYIV – Ukraine’s Parliament on January
Ukrainian pilot who is in the seventh week
ceasefire agreement with Ukraine 27 adopted a statement branding Russia an of a hunger strike in a Russian jail. Aleksei
“aggressor state,” a move that deputies hope
Pushkov told journalists on January 26 that
by Vladimir Socor ment in any conceivable way. Mr. Lavrov is will pave the way for punishment under PACE’s demands for the release of Lt.
Eurasia Daily Monitor now linking it to Russia’s implementation of international law. The Verkhovna Rada also Savchenko “have no legal grounds” because
the armistice agreement, as a new pretext voted that day to define separatist self-
she is accused of a crime committed before
German Chancellor Angela Merkel had for stonewalling on implementation. styled “people’s republics” in the eastern
hoped to see the Minsk armistice process Mr. Lavrov misquoted the Minsk armistice regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as “terror- she was elected to Ukraine’s Parliament. He
rehabilitated at the Normandy Group’s agreement as, in his own words, “envisaging ist organizations,” and to appeal to the inter- spoke after PACE granted Lt. Savchenko
January 21 meeting in Berlin (see Eurasia a special status for the territories of the pro- national community for additional nonlethal immunity and PACE members said that sta-
Daily Monitor, January 22, 23). Prefacing claimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s military aid and stronger sanctions against tus obligates Russia to release her immedi-
that meeting of the German, French, republics.” In fact, the agreement (September Russia. Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs ately. Lt. Savchenko won a seat in the
Russian and Ukrainian ministers of foreign 5, 2014) never mentions those “republics” or Minister Grigory Karasin called the Verkhovna Rada in October 2014 and was
affairs, Ms. Merkel declared: “The Minsk their “territories.” Moscow, meanwhile, Ukrainian statement “thoughtless and irre- named as a member of its PACE delegation.
agreement remains, of course, the basis for demands negotiations on a “special status” sponsible,” and said it was aimed at blocking (RFE/RL, based on reporting by TASS and
talks. All partners, including Ukraine and (so as to legalize the secession process) while efforts to end the conflict between govern- Interfax)
Russia, continue adhering to the Minsk dragging out the negotiations on the unful- ment forces and pro-Russian rebels that has EU mulling “terrorist” designation
agreement, and I hope that this will remain filled military terms of the ceasefire. killed more than 5,000 people in eastern
so”
T (hBautn sdteastekmaneznlte roivne.drelo, oJakneuda trhye 2 e1v)i.dence troRl au s3s0ia0n-k ailnodm petreorx sye fcotriocnes o cf uwrhreant tisly l ecgoanl- Ukraine since April 2014. (RFE/RL) newBsR UreSpSoErLtsS, E–u Arocpcoearnd iUngn ioton Joafnfiuciaarlsy a2r8e
that Russia had de facto scuttled the ly the Ukrainian side of the Russia-Ukraine Poroshenko to Putin: Free Savchenko considering designating pro-Russian sepa-
September 2014 Minsk agreements soon border. The armistice agreement envisages ratists in eastern Ukraine “terrorists” as
after their signing. But, even as Ms. Merkel securing that border under monitoring by OSWIECIM, Poland – Ukrainian President they prepare potential fresh sanctions
was grasping at straws in Berlin, Russian the Organization for Security and Petro Poroshenko has called on his Russian against Moscow over its role in the Ukraine
Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Mr. Lavrov, counterpart Vladimir Putin to release the crisis, diplomatic sources in Brussels say.
overtly reneged on the Minsk armistice however, is setting a chain of preconditions jailed Ukrainian pilot Nadia Savchenko. Mr. The addition of Ukraine’s self-styled break-
terms, in a public statement in Moscow. This to perpetuate the existing situation: “To Poroshenko told Polish media on January away “people’s republics” of Donetsk and
m
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the agreement’s wording, with a sense of Meanwhile, Russia is inviting the OSCE to Savchenko was captured by pro-Russian freeze/visa ban list. The two rebel groups,
impunity reflecting Russia’s military negotiate border-monitoring arrangements separatists in eastern Ukraine last June and which Western governments say are sup-
supremacy in the conflict theater. with the two “people’s republics.” According taken to Russia, where she is imprisoned, ported by Russia, could be slapped with the
Mr. Lavrov was speaking at his start-of- to Mr. Lavrov, “the matter of OSCE border awaiting trial on charges of complicity in the designation as part of a new round of sanc-
year press conference, his traditional net- monitoring can be resolved even now, if the killing of two Russian journalists during the tions targeting Moscow and that are likely
assessment review of Russian foreign poli- OSCE is interested. Let the OSCE negotiate conflict in eastern Ukraine – charges she
to be adopted by EU leaders at a summit in
cy. Ukraine, and the Minsk ceasefire agree- with those who are currently in control of denies. To protest her detention, Lt.
Brussels next month. But securing consen-
ment specifically, featured front and center the border-crossing points on the Ukrainian Savchenko has gone on a hunger strike, now
sus among the EU’s 28 member states on a
J
cid
“anTeintod iFuhodeiananirsrsyac ytl’e,sri t2 heoym1me,v , ioe mi2anrs2r tptt k)rhlu.oyserdi gn (ueegIcxn eittsthd etpa irantrf igainot x erawi,wrt myoR ,pu iIusolAdtnli i qctNieauc okeatevsel torcpimosrtnesi-:, mobtshipuodeaetnent n i.ast”s so tr T veattehpouhr uiteesphd i rogsfieaonarvtirmttieymoien enasut n tlioUdniafmt ks eiUtroemeak naiprdn aors.eiotwn opfeerpo’orsssim nsesgo she v toxahereretre scaiogeinsfcn gietaneysng-; irlRaneuwp SisotmTssriRt aisAnknegSec d Brob eOnysp aUdRuy RetmsuGy tio , omeFnrnrmsta h)Snu.a cn(veRic t–hFy AE egn /srRkeaonLni ,tco ebard asR sebueysd s tiohane tMnwgroeioevlwlsse cb rworenow amdu,r iyendffn dioipct f luo oinlmfmt bGgpariortvoiesceaie nsdc goe a ue h anrcanceoredwsnsh o oeiRmntruh imBsecsr ei usaaEas-sUsfnure cirlcetesoin sosu doannlynys-.
ably, is the launching of a direct dialogue None of this should have come as a sur- Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of (Continued on page 14)
among all political forces in Ukraine, so as to prise. Russia had overtly derailed the Minsk
discuss and agree on the country’s constitu- armistice agreements during the OSCE’s
tional structure.” This allusion to Ukraine’s year-end meeting in Basel. There, Mr. Lavrov
“federalization” is standard fare, but the The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933
matter is not a part of the armistice agree- (Continued on page 4)
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KYIV – The United States has pledged $2 After the signing, Ms. Jaresko said that Postmaster, send address changes to:
billion in loan guarantees to Ukraine to the loan agreement will allow Ukraine “to The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz
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No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 3
Ukrainians carol at Canadian prime minister’s residence
OTTAWA – Ukrainian Canadian carolers performed tra-
ditional Ukrainian Christmas and New Year’s carols – “koli-
ady” and “shchedrivky” – at the Canadian prime minister’s
residence here on January 8.
At the beginning of the Ukrainian Christmas season
(January 7 to 19, according to the Julian calendar), a group of
carolers composed of members of Ottawa’s Akord Ukrainian
Men’s choir performed a series of carols in Ukrainian.
Weathering bone-chilling weather in Ottawa, the carol-
ers arrived at 24 Sussex at 6 p.m. They greeted Laureen
Harper with the traditional Ukrainian Christmas greeting,
“Khrystos Narodyvsia,” and then asked “Do you welcome
carolers?” Mrs. Harper invited the group into her home and
the carolers sang “Dobryi Vechir Tobi.” The carolers then
performed “Po Vsiomu Svitu Stala Novуna” (Throughout
the World, a New Event).
This was followed by a traditional Ukrainian Christmas
greeting, a “vinshuvannia,” recited in English by Michael
Reshitnyk.
The choir then continued the performance with “Na
Sviatyi Vechir” (On Holy Night), followed by “Shchedryk”
(known in English as “Carol of the Bells”) and “Shchedryi
Vechir, Dobryi Vechir.” UCC
The carolers concluded by offering their Christmas Ukrainian Canadian carolers at the residence of the prime minister of Canada. Seen in the center is Prime Minister
greetings. Mrs. Harper graciously provided hot chocolate, Stephen Harper’s wife, Laureen Harper.
tea and homemade “rohalyky” to the carolers.
The caroling was organized by the National Office of the Katruszenko; the group included Ostap Pruchnicky, Oleh Demian Snih, Bohdan Nakoneczny, George Replansky,
Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Belkin, Daniel Lega, Volodymyr Katrushenko, Marko Lukash Monczak, Michael Koros, Walter Bernyck and
The carolers performed under the direction of Olya Yanishevsky, Andriy Sawchuk, Mr. Reshitnyk, Tom Tytor, Mykhailo Dutka (Father Demian).
Canadians assist in delivery of military gear for Ukraine
KYIV – To mark the arrival of Canadian the Ukrainian business community. The UCC Ukraine on November 28. Thousands of Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine from its
non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian military via thanked and recognized Roman Sawycky items were unloaded from the transport first days in November 2013 and its mem-
transport plane, the Ukrainian Canadian and Bryan Disher for their contribution. The plane to a central army warehouse, massive bers donated their time to shoot, edit and
Congress collaborated with Babylon ‘13 to Canadians worked in tandem with inventory counts were undertaken, all produce this film (the six-and-a-half-minute
produce a film highlighting the cooperation Ukrainian volunteers led by Bohdan overseen by volunteers. Within a week of film may be viewed at https://www.you-
between the Ukrainian Canadian communi- Kovalev, a member of the Volunteer Council the plane landing in Ukraine, boots, jackets, tube.com/watch?v=l5-fHMa3Kkk&
ty and the government of Canada to ensure appointed by Ukrainian President Petro pants and gloves were already being worn feature=youtu.be).
that these desperately needed military Poroshenko and overseen by Yuriy Biryukov by soldiers in forward bases prior to UCC President Paul Grod said, “We wish
grade winter uniforms, boots and other and David Arakhamia, who are assisting the deployment to the frontlines,” she noted. to thank the government of Canada for its
assistance reached Ukrainian soldiers on Ukrainian government in reforming the “Our volunteers look forward to meeting unwavering commitment to Ukraine during
the front lines. Ministry of Defense. the next shipment of Canadian non-lethal these challenging times precipitated by
According to a January 9 news release, “What impressed us most was how aid that is arriving by ship this week in Russia’s invasion and occupation of Crimea
the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) quickly the aid was sent to Ukraine by the Odessa, Ukraine,” Ms. Koszarny added. and the Russian-led and sponsored aggres-
requested that Canadian volunteers partici- Canadian government then deployed by the This short film documents the arrival of sion in Eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian
pate in this mission, and they served under Ukrainian Defense Ministry and volunteers the aid in Kyiv, then distribution to one of Canadian community applauds the princi-
the stewardship of Canada’s Ambassador to to soldiers in need of warm clothing,” stated the army bases, to the soldiers of the 93rd pled stance adopted by Canada in its sup-
Ukraine Roman Waschuk. Ms. Koszarny. “The aid was announced by B a t t a l i o n s t a t i o n e d o u t s i d e o f port of Ukraine. I would like to express our
Lenna Koszarny, chair of the UCC Ukraine Canadian Defense Minister Rob Nicholson Dnipropetrovsk, prior to their deployment sincere gratitude for this much-needed
Advisory Council, led the Canadian volun- on November 26 [2014]; the transport to the frontlines. Babylon ‘13, a Ukrainian non-lethal aid, training and other support
teers, who are long-term, active members of plane left the next day and arrived in art collective, began documenting the provided to the Ukrainian military.”
OBITUARY
Quotable notes
“Corruption alienates and angers citizens, which can cause
Michael Komichak, noted radio host,
them to lose faith in the state, or, worse, fuel political instability
and violent extremism.
community leader in Pittsburgh, 95 “Just look at Ukraine. The protesters on Maidan had many
grievances, but one of their most pressing – part of what drove
PITTSBURGH – Michael Komichak, a prominent Ukrainians into the streets in frigid temperatures – was that
ethnic radio broadcast personality who had been the they were fed up with the sleaze, graft and cronyism that had
host of Pittsburgh’s Ukrainian Radio Program since been robbing the country of its promise for far too long. They
July 1950, died on December 28, 2014. He was 95. resented a kleptocra
tic regime parading around in democratic
The Ukrainian Radio Program in Pittsburgh, now in
trappings.
its 65th year of continuous service to the Ukrainian
“Nominal ‘public servants’ like [Viktor] Yanukovych and his
American community in western Pennsylvania, east-
cronies not only enriched themselves at the cost of schools,
ern Ohio and northern West Virginia, is heard each
Sunday at 1-2 p.m. on Radio Station WPIT-AM (730), roads and hospitals, but they also weakened public institutions
and can be heard on the Internet at www.wpitam.com. and created wormholes in key sectors like energy and the
Mr. Komichak, a noted Ukrainian American commu- media that malicious actors continue to exploit. Corruption
nity leader, presented the program in Ukrainian and had weakened service delivery, scared off investment, and crip-
English, and featured traditional and contemporary pled the justice system. Businesses, and even foreign countries
Ukrainian music, news, commentaries, and Ukrainian had for years bought and bribed their way into political influ-
social and community activity announcements. The ence over Ukrainian legislative and procurement decisions.
program’s objectives have been to champion the cause Michael Komichak, who hosted the Ukrainian “And as public frustration boiled, Russian interference esca-
of freedom and independence for Ukraine, to promote Radio Program in Pittsburgh. lated. Ukrainian security institutions that were needed to fend
Ukrainian culture and consciousness, to preserve, Through his radio program over the years, Mr. off Russian aggression struggled to mount an adequate
maintain and nurture the Ukrainian identity and heri- Komichak supported and promoted the activities of defense. For years, they had been starved of funding or weak-
tage of its listeners through music, language, history Ukrainian fraternal, cultural and civic organizations ened by graft, rendering them less effective. This left the
and traditions, and to reflect the best image of and the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Ukrainian people vulnerable to outside aggressors. …”
Ukrainian-Americans. For many listeners, the radio Churches on the national and local levels, and spon- – Sarah Sewall, undersecretary for civilian security, democracy
program is the primary source of current information sored, organized and promoted Pittsburgh-area and human rights at the U.S. Department of State, speaking in
about Ukraine and Ukrainian activities on the local, Brussels on January 20.
national and international scenes. (Continued on page 15)
4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 No. 5
A Christmas message COMMENTARY: Reporting on a visit
from the frontlines to Canadian Museum for Human Rights
by Father Andriy Zielinsky far, from our own side and from the foreign- by Lubomyr Luciuk tion and dialogue.” In the accompanying
ers. This is the Bethlehem cratered by the Commentary to the Legislative Summary
This year, my Bethlehem is completely sound of gunfire. My Bethlehem. I’ve been there and here’s what I think. there is only a one-line reference to includ-
torn to shreds by an endless expanse of gap- Here, distance and time change their The Canadian Museum for Human ing a Holocaust gallery. And, as Dr. Clint
ing holes. It is sown and braided with punc- appearance. The neighboring building Rights (CMHR) was boosted as “Canada’s Curle, the CMHR’s director of stakeholder
ture marks of machineguns and automatic becomes the next battle position and to museum.” It’s not. Instead it’s a pretty shell relations, himself a historian and lawyer,
fire, fragments of mines, grenades, Grad reach it without appropriate precautions and whose appearance distracts from what’s confirmed (December 13, 2012) even this
rockets. Wherever you turn, holes are ubiq- armed escort is not always possible. Every within, much like one of Winnipeg’s courte- Commentary “is not legally binding.“
uitous – in the facades of buildings, in fences, step in my Bethlehem is a process of recogni- sans of the curb, catching your eye, making Privately, some ministers, and many
retaining walls, windows and roof tiles, trees tion and careful analysis: you look around you forget she’s carrying the clap. MPs, have long recognized the CMHR was
and automobiles – all strafed with holes. you, you calculate, you reach a decision. After following a path consecrated the controversial and would remain divisive.
This year, my Bethlehem emerges from a Because there is whistling. And occasionally, “Israel Asper Way” you mount ramp after So they have stayed away, even from the
porous, pock-marked world, positioned in your immediate vicinity you can’t just sail ramp in this hollow temple, clambering into
“final opening” – ineptly and inaptly sched-
tab
tsehoboreomurTerudndoegded wshiraseht ny e bnet adelironynset d wh osot tihfehnr leu att wnsmhPot enif tasy hsmknewaeya faim retrS’htsgeiay n itasn,n hdolnd elwboase ed nsinrntrsdeweignef a.uei drmesg asneDa,n oghoodniurn n sem hactsiarhadktyne-, taflsfirehonkonrmedmIoc t aue’n s aogsc on,nhwr toase iotobt’tsoh.r m fYct eofhroreoro,wu t resia ghmlsh uedhiadletiave sisiea ntr ta b rgtoanouo i tcm unlhcoetner. o ao ibmknwfo geoluo ,ita ngbihlohdyoant enl tlfrmger- asysespqhot suesau tratrastt rel tfoerien neeodgetf todcfrhonooecw Tm hW“hnlI esieu bnar paetnCe eliMtodplh w eAHeagr spRa.ep pi’ Inseet ’rh’ntsc a Tdeosnxoaro aewgamc eteit eslyrgy w or aotouhlhfl u a egHant epo bdtbrp o toeleouetm.” tvtle oeiFesrolr el. oekldWovm dolaahok ttnaiwihndti’ngs. uhdvlwaeilebhvetreoiod nr steafhuosntoro rstn wr.h RseOee dew hdfm u,uh Itupeo ukm p fdrno.eib ord Brwf ,a ut,r nhtcs cmeaowein-roa ah Drniploekdaé y -a.ws s,cA ooacis ulnso ef r ronava hrtefo efirtmrlhy yot e- cnhta ohtcen moardtlnoe-
ing place from the ruthless, ragged prolifer- the sides – and not to forget about snipers, one community’s suffering above all oth- munity – and they always end up in the
ation of punctured holes. Wherever you set not to stand in the road, so the wind does ers. How the Holocaust got pride of place in dustbins of history.
your foot – everywhere there is the gaping not blow a stupid bullet into your spine. a taxpayer-funded Canadian museum has Those who marketed prejudice over
depravity of a bullet-riddled essence: an As in every Bethlehem, in mine the local been much debated. Perhaps, as The pedagogy are now dizzy with success,
expanse of condensed destructiveness, a fauna seek out human companionship. National Post’s Jonathan Kay opined, there thinking they have lorded it over those who
frozen moment of senseless dispersion. My Nature, confused by the cruelty and aggres- was an “Olympics of Genocide” and “the wanted all exhibits in the CMHR to be com-
pockmarked world looks utterly senseless sion, cold and hunger, drags itself to human Jews got the gold and the Ukrainians only a parative, thematic and inclusive. But those
– without reason. beings, seeking protection, warmth, bronze.” Was there a competition? Or were barkers are in for a surprise. This is, after
In my Bethlehem, people reside in unlit humanity. Frightened and abandoned ani- these games fixed? As long as the umpires’ all, a national museum. Whose tales it tells,
undergrounds. Darkness is everywhere. mals cuddle up to one another and gather identities are no more transparent than the and why, and how, will be reviewed.
The wooden entryways into their base- around their camouflaged friends. Every building’s alabaster ramps and opaque Eventually, the obvious partialities will be
ments are traced with bullet-holes. Beyond battle station has its own manger. windows, we will never know. undone. Already the contrived applause
the doors there is only darkness. In front of In my Bethlehem, as one would expect, But what is certain is that on March 31, crafted to herald its opening is fading.
the next set of doors – a flimsy covering – at there is its own secret – hidden from the 2008, Arni Thorsteinson, chair of a federal No matter how often the shills shout on
l
tehaes ct oslodm. Beethyoinngd ttoh okseee pd ooourts t–h em worine dd arnkd- peyresh eonf stihbele s toro tnhge acnledv tehre a mndig thhtey , winicsoem o-f Padavrliisaomrye ncto mJomséiett eVe,r nperor,v tihdend mMienmisbter of about this being an “ideas museum,” what
ness. After that, another pair of blanket this world, there is its own human dream. Canadian heritage, with a rank ordering of Canadians actually got for our money is a
screens. Beyond that, more darkness. Serhiy dreams that after the war he will fin- the themes Canadians wanted in ‘their’ mausoleum, bad enough for being a con-
Light does not live here. This is where ish constructing his own house. Pasha- museum: aboriginal (First Nations), 16.1 ceit, even worse for promoting the indefen-
my people live: Raven, Panda, Zachar, Cyborg thinks about a driver’s license for percent; genocides, 14.8 percent; women sible “idea” that some victims are more
Apostle, Taxi Driver, Bronik, Student, the his son. Andriy is planning to get married. 14.7 percent; internments, 12.5 percent; worthy of memory than others.
Baron, Monk, Beekeeper, Beetle, Brunette Tolya is hoping that maybe he will be able war and conflicts, 8.7 percent; Holocaust, 7
and Giant, a furniture salesman and actor to return to his old job. percent; children, 5.9 percent; sexual orien- Lubomyr Luciuk, Ph.D., visited the
from Kyiv, a lawyer from Dzerzhynsk, an IT So, in this cratered, bullet-ridden reality tation, 4.9 percent; ethnic minorities, 3.8 Canadian Museum of Human Rights on
techie from Kovel, a student from of my Bethlehem, in its darkened under- percent; slavery, 2.9 percent; immigration, December 7, 2014. His most recent publica-
Makiyivka, a railway man from Lviv. People ground and on its devastated backstreets, 2.6 percent; Charter of Rights, 2.3 percent, tion is “Jews, Ukrainians and the
from the bullet-ridden darkness. They take besides the cold and lonely emptiness, she disabilities, 2 percent and Universal Euromaidan” (Kashtan Press, 2014).
refuge here from the spray of gunfire dur- lives – hope. You can only sense it, carefully Declaration [of Human Rights], 1.8 percent.
ing breaks in the fighting. They hide from peering through bullet holes in the general The Holocaust wasn’t anywhere near the
human mindlessness that prowls through direction of heaven. Hope that someday the top choice, simply because most Canadians LETTER TO THE EDITOR
the back streets of this shot up settlement. snows will melt away and all the deeply fro- already know about it. What the public
of Tthoeuirg hmt isosri olinf:e nitoste tlof tloe ts ali thearl thyr otruaginh tziemne i cwei lfl orewtus rwn;i ltlh bart etahkis adpeaprta vaend suprienagl- waenrete pdr womasi seodm aenth “inidge uans iqmuues. eAunmd .”s oW theayt Ukraine needs
the open wounds of their body of reality. ism will live until its final chord, that the that proved to be is a caricature of a muse-
For my people in the basements, it gets final note wil jangle and fal, not reaching its um, a near-empty box whose conflated and weapons from U.S.
lonely – and cold. Somewhere far away there final destination, that final bullet… In the often confusing messaging ranges from the
are those who love them and wait for them light of a new sunrise forever will be snuffed juvenile to the trite to the tendentious, the Dear Editor:
lton ceolmy. eW hhoemne t–h eb ugte hnerea,t tohre yb raeraek cso dldo awnnd, tohuet trhees idaeynst so fo hf uthmisa nh imstionrdilceasls-napesosc alnydp tailcl end result a Tower of Babel on the Prairies. Andrew Fedynsky (January 4) stated
they light a candle. When it gets lonely, they drama – my people – will be able to return Some insist this project was orchestrat- that “The U.S. and Europe have been stead-
light up pleasant memories. At least those to their homes to the sincere applause of ed to get the public purse to pay, in perpe- fast in their support [of Ukraine].” This is
who already have them… It seems that life international gratitude – ALIVE!!! tuity, for a Holocaust museum. Yet Bill-C42, not true. President Barack Obama has
finds sanctuary here in the shadows of extin- God came into this world, wounded by the legislation which turned a once-private refused to give military weapons to
guished sunrises, human dreams dispersed evil, in order to heal the gaping holes in the initiative into a publicly funded museum, Ukraine even though Ukraine has urgently
by winter winds and bullet-shredded expec- human heart, to warm with His Love, illumi- mandated no such outcome: “The purpose requested tem.
tations. And the darkness is sometimes so nate with the light of His Hope. He came small of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Talk is cheap. What Ukraine needs is
thick that you want to wash it off under a and fragile, impoverished, humble and help- is to explore the subject of human rights, military equipment, which so far is not
shower. Except that in my Bethlehem water less. But He came! And He came for all time! with special but not exclusive reference to forthcoming from Mr. Obama.
e
Wxitshts t hoinsl ys oinrt wofe lclos ldin waa sterm yi-ofuro czaen nsetavteer. IEnm tmhisa nliuees lt!h Ze Nesasmenyc eB oohf !e v(Geroyd B ise twhliethe ums !–) Cunandeardsat,a nind ionrgd oefr h tuom eannh raingchets t, htoe ppruobmlioct’es Roman Kernitsky, M.D.
wash away the darkness… Hope – this is always the challenge – and respect for others and to encourage reflec- Colts Neck, N.J.
In my Bethlehem, in contradiction to every challenge demands a brave heart, in
Aristotle, silence and noise live simultane- order for faith to become reality. Hope needs
ously and in the same location. You can’t hear a brave heart, to become Love, capable of vic- Kyiv and their leaders (Interfax, December 5,
children’s laughter, parents’ admonitions, the tory… Even in this pockmarked, bullet-ridden Lavrov... 2014; see EDM, December 16, 2014).
hum of transport, the whisper of neighbor- reality, hope can take up residence. Through (Continued from page 2) Since mid-January, Russian and proxy
hood gossip, the beating of hearts in love. Life the holes, even from bullets, you can always forces have resumed offensive military
here has descended into the underground. see heaven. It all depends on whether you claimed that the ceasefire clauses should be actions against Ukraine. They seek to con-
And yet, here in my Bethlehem, the noise is are looking in the right direction… solidate the gains already achieved beyond
implemented according to a certain
very loud, unbearably loud. Sound here is With the Birth of Christ, my people!!! the armistice line; compel Kyiv to accept
cruel, it erupts and strikes to open wounds, sequence, in a serial order that Moscow pur- those losses de facto; and further devalue
blows holes through the air, shatters time Father Andriy Zielinsky is a military chap- ports to determine itself. He listed the serial the Minsk agreements, to the point of forc-
and human fates. This noise knows how to lain serving in Donetsk with various order as: recognition by Kyiv of the ing their re-negotiation.
burn through the whitest of whitest snow Ukrainian units. The original Ukrainian- November 2, 2014, elections in two “people’s
with deep red drops of blood. It howls, language text, written on the occasion of republics,” enactment of a Ukrainian law on The article above is reprinted from
shrieks and whistles, rattles, thunders… and Julian calendar Christmas (January 7), was special status for them, re-establishment of Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from
it is always painful. Shots ring out when I translated by Alexander Kuzma. It is printed economic links by Kyiv with those two its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation,
awake and when I drift asleep, from near and here with Father Zielinsky’s permission. “republics,” and a political dialogue between www.jamestown.org.
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 5
2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Ukrainians in the U.S.:
advocates for Ukraine
krainians in the U.S. were active in advocacy events,
protests, commemorations and various other
Uactions largely focused on the developments in
Ukraine.
The year 2014 began with a meeting that was orga-
nized on January 2 by the Ukrainian National Association
with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman of the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, at his office in
Newark, N.J., to express to the senator the ongoing con-
cerns of Ukrainian Americans who reside in New Jersey in
light of the widespread Euro-Maidan protests in Kyiv and
throughout Ukraine. Sen. Menendez stated: “We stand
with the citizens of Ukraine who meet in Kyiv’s Maidan
Square seeking their human rights and dignity.”
Presentations were made by Prof. Alexander Motyl, as
well as by Myroslaw Smorodsky and Victor Rud of the
Ukrainian American Bar Association. Tamara Olexy, presi-
dent of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America,
urged U.S. government sanctions against the corrupt
Ukrainian government officials, as well as against Russia
for its involvement and economic aggression toward Paul Hadzewycz
Ukraine. Sen. Menendez promised to raise the issue at the Members of the Ukrainian diaspora march in Washington on May 3 in protest against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington and
pushed for Magnitsky Act-type legislation targeting responsible for violence against the Euro-Maidan protest- Cooperation in Europe. Sen. Schumer said that Ukraine
Ukrainian and Russian government officials. ers as well as those officials responsible for the unrest. needed diplomatic and economic assistance, but did not
Similar meetings were held with: Sen. Chris Murphy More than 2,000 protesters – who arrived by busload mention anything on the military front to deter Russian
(R-Conn.) at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in New from Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, aggression.
Haven, Conn., on March 1. A town hall meeting with the Boston, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut The Ukrainian community in Parma, Ohio, hosted a
senator was held at the Ukrainian National Home in – gathered in front of the White House in Washington on Maidan benefit concert on March 15. More than 700 peo-
Willimantic, Conn. Also in attendance were Sen. Richard March 6 to protest the Russian invasion of Crimea and ple attended the concert at St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic
Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), and President Vladimir Putin’s violation of international laws. Church that featured the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus
State Rep. Susan Johnson (D). Memorial services were The protest was organized by the UCCA, with support (UBC), the Zorya Female Vocal Ensemble and the Bayda
held at Ukrainian churches across Connecticut on from Crimean Tatars, Poles, Estonians, Lithuanians, Quartet. Co-sponsored by the Cleveland Maidan
February 23 and March 2, with various state and federal Latvians, Circassians, Turks, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks Committee and the United Ukrainian Organizations of
representatives in attendance. and Georgians. The event featured songs of protest, Ohio, along with participants from 50 Ukrainian organiza-
Demonstrations in the U.S. in support of the Euro- prayers by Orthodox and Catholic Church leaders, and tions in northern Ohio, the concert was also viewed live
Maidan protests in Ukraine were held on January 26 in remarks by former ambassadors, political analysts and via a live web broadcast on the UBC’s YouTube channel.
New York, Washington and Austin, Tex. Other protests community activists as well as politicians. After two hours The evening raised nearly $100,000 for assistance to fami-
were held on February 2 in Washington near the White in front of the White House, the protest moved to the lies affected by the Euro-Maidan protests. Bishop John
House, and more than 100 people gathered in New York’s Russian Embassy for another hour. Bura of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in
Columbus Circle on February 16 for a recreation of piano Ukrainian Americans in New Britain, Conn., picketed at Parma led 12 priests of various denominations in a prayer
performances during the Euro-Maidan protests on Central Connecticut State University on March 5 to demand service to commemorate the Heavenly Brigade victims.
Independence Square in Kyiv. Religious, political and com- that President Barack Obama defend Ukraine and impose On March 30, the Ukrainian community of New Haven
munity leaders convened in New York on February 23 in sanctions on Russia for its unlawful invasion of Crimea. met with Sen. Blumenthal at St. Michael Ukrainian
support of the Euro-Maidan protests in Ukraine. Leading On March 15 Ukrainians in the Albany area protested at Catholic Church hall. Topics included foreign policy in light
participants included: Dania Lawro of the Ukrainian the local Lukoil gas stations, to remind consumers that of events in Ukraine, aid for Ukraine, sanctions against
American Youth Association branch in New York; Rabbi Lukoil revenue is funding Russian terrorism in Ukraine. Russia, as well as U.S-Russia relations. Similarly, on March
Yaakov Bleich, chief rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine; Ms. Olexy, Protests were held in Albany, Watervliet and Schenectady, 1 the community met with Sen. Murphy, and with Rep.
president of the UCCA; Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.); and N.Y., and received support from passers-by. In Rosa DeLauro on March 9. Sen. Blumenthal and New
Tom Birchard, owner of the Veselka Restaurant. Following Philadelphia, similar protests were held at Lukoil gas sta- Haven Mayor Toni Harp attended a requiem service at St.
the violence that erupted at the Euro-Maidan protests in tions on March 15, with protesters shouting, “Lukoil sup- Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church on February 23 in
Kyiv in late February, Ukrainians in the U.S. mobilized for ports Putin’s war effort, don’t buy Russian gas!” honor of the fallen heroes of Ukraine.
demonstrations in Washington at the Russian Embassy The United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, in The election observer missions that had been orga-
and in Cleveland on February 21 with a 250-car Auto- coordination with the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S., col- nized by the UCCA were in full swing again for the planned
Maidan and a protest at the Cleveland City Hall that lected funds for the National Guard and Ukrainian Army, presidential election on May 25. The UCCA has sent elec-
attracted 400 protesters. as well as their families. Funds were collected with coop- tion observers to Ukraine since 1991, with the goal of
Heavyweight boxing world champion Wladimir eration from the Ukrainian American credit unions based ensuring fair and free elections through the reporting of
Klitschko met with Ukrainians in New York at the Ukrainian in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and New England, as election irregularities and violations. On May 5 a team
National Home on February 3 at an event organized by the well as MB Financial Bank (Chicago and Philadelphia). from the UCCA’s observer mission, including long-term
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Calling atten- Funds were also collected for the victims and their fami- observer Reno Domenico, met with members of Ukraine’s
tion to the Euro-Maidan protests in Ukraine, thanking the lies of those killed during the Euro-Maidan protests. Central Election Commission. Security issues were dis-
diaspora Ukrainian community for its support, and the Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) met on March 20 cussed, especially procedures for short-term observers
need for more action, Mr. Klitschko later joined a flashmob with Ukrainian American constituents, and leaders of area and changes to election laws. As of May 7, the CEC regis-
outside the venue for the singing of the Ukrainian national Ukrainian organizations – including the Ukrainian tered 114 UCCA observers, with an additional 90 observ-
anthem and photos with fans. Presentations were made by Congress Committee of America, Ukrainian National ers who were awaiting accreditation.
the Razom organization, as well as UCCA leaders, who Association, Ukrainian American Youth Association, Plast On May 20 Andrew Futey, vice-president of UCCA and co-
stressed the importance of each person’s actions to call Ukrainian Scouting Organization – at the Ukrainian chair of the UCCA International Election Observation
attention to the plight of the people of Ukraine. American Cultural Center of New Jersey in Whippany. Rep Mission (IEOM), met with Prime Minister Arseniy
Ukrainians and their supporters took to social media Frelinghuysen, who chairs the Defense Subcommittee of Yatsenyuk. Mr. Futey was joined by representatives of the
messaging service Twitter to digitally bombard subscrib- the House Committee on Appropriations, soon after wrote Ukrainian World Congress and its IEOM, which was chaired
ers with targeted messages to specific media and high- a letter urging President Obama to designate Ukraine as a by Judge Bohdan Futey. By the time of the meeting, the
profile recipients, with Twitter “storms” occurring on Major Non-NATO Ally. He added in his letter, “It has been number of UCCA election observers had grown to 222. The
January 20 and 27 worldwide. The effort, known as Digital said that the West won the Cold War ‘without firing a prime minister was briefed on recent work in Washington,
Miadan, gained momentum following the initial Twitter shot.’ History must not record that we lost this confronta- through the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS).
storms. Leading the effort were: Lara Chelak, Andrea tion without lifting a finger.” The prime minister expressed thanks for these efforts and
Chalupa, Alexandra Chalupa, Constatin Kostenko and oth- A similar meeting was held with Sen. Charles Schumer reported on the efforts of law enforcement to provide
ers. The Digital Maidan also highlighted the Internet and (D-N.Y.) on February 28 in his New York office, at the security for the elections throughout Ukraine.
social media as the most popular means for Ukraine’s citi- request of the UCCA, to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. The On May 12-20 the UCCA conducted a civic education
zens to get the latest news. Ukrainian community urged that the U.S. boycott the G-8 program, “Electing the New Ukrainian President,” in a
The New Jersey Ukrainian community met with Rep. Bill summit that was to be held in Sochi, Russia, as well as the town-hall style that was broadcast to oblast radio stations
Pascrell (D-N.J.) on February 21 at his office in Paterson, expansion of the Magnitsky Act to include Russian officials in seven cities of eastern and southern Ukraine –
N.J. Representatives from Clifton and Passaic were in atten- who support Russia’s actions in Ukraine, in addition to Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk,
dance who learned of Rep. Pascrell’s support of HR 447 suspending the Russian Federation from the World Trade Zaporizhia and Odesa. More than 7 million listeners tuned
that would sanction the Ukrainian government officials Organization and the Organization for the Security and in to hear the hour-long programs. Candidate Andrii
6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 No. 5
2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Ukraine’s Embassy in the U.S. hosted a roundtable
meeting on how to help Ukraine on June 16 in
Washington. Ambassador Olexander Motsyk stressed the
need for: 1) getting political, financial, military, expert and
humanitarian assistance; 2) initiating sanctions to stop
Russian aggression; 3) promoting international coopera-
tion in the area of trade and investment; and 4) helping to
bring about reform in Ukraine’s social-economic sectors
and its integration into Europe with the help of interna-
tional organizations. UNIS Director Michael Sawkiw Jr.
stressed the need to be precise and to prioritize, with mili-
tary aid and defense programs. Nadia Diuk of the National
Endowment for Democracy highlighted the need to identi-
fy short- and long-term goals. Many of these ideas, added
Ms. Olexy of the UCCA, could be used in the approaching
Vitaliy Dubil Ukrainian Days advocacy event in Washington that was
held on July 16.
Sen. Menendez met with Ukrainian pop star and Euro-
Maidan stalwart Ruslana at his Newark office to recognize
her work during the protests in Kyiv and to confer with
New Jersey Ukrainian Americans in learning more about
the community’s concerns. In attendance were Walter
Zarycky of the Center for U.S.-Ukraine Relations, Roma
Lisovich, treasurer of the UNA; Yuriy Symczyk, UNA frater-
nal coordinator; Ms. Olexy, president of UCCA; and Michael
Koziupa of Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit
Union in Whippany, N.J. The representatives argued for
greater humanitarian assistance, as well as military aid for
Ukraine. Sen. Menendez explained the difficulties these
efforts are meeting in Washington.
Ihor Fedoriw Following the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 by
To manifest the unity of the Ukrainian diaspora with Ukraine, flashmobs were organized in various cities on August Russian-backed militants in eastern Ukraine, protests
22, as a lead-in to the 23rd anniversary of the re-establishment of Ukraine’s independence. The flashmobs were the erupted in reaction to the disaster that claimed 298 lives.
initiative of the organization Razom for Ukraine. Seen here are flashmobs in Washington (above) and Wildwood, N.J. On July 17 Prof. Serhii Plokhii of Harvard University spoke
as a guest on the WBZ Radio program with Dan Rea. Dr.
Hrynenko and representatives of candidates for Olha that were recommended for shipment to Ukraine included Plokhii stated: “It is clear that the Malaysian plane was shot
Bohomolets, Yurii Boiko, Anatoliy Hrytsenko, Dmytro anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment, border control down by a Buk missile released by pro-Russia terrorists in
Yarosh, Vasyl Kuibida, Mykola Mlomuzh, Petro equipment, communications gear, mine-clearing equip- eastern Ukraine, and that there were at least three Russian
Poroshenko, Oleh Tiahnybok, Sergey Tigipko and Yulia ment vehicles, ammunition, fuel and medical gear. “Shame advisors with them. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
Tymoshenko took part. Financial support was provided by on the U.S. for being fooled once, by believing that Russia has said that he has the names of the three and he would
the National Endowment for Democracy and additional did not have designs on Crimea,” and “we should not allow not do so if he was not sure of his information.” The follow-
support came from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. Russia to fool us again with respect to its subordination or ing day, on July 18, the community gathered on Boston
On May 26, the UCCA released its preliminary observa- invasion of the rest of Ukraine.” In the volatile climate of Common for a two-hour long silent candlelight vigil to
mourn the victims. On July 20, the Boston branch of the
tions, stating, “the May 25 elections met international international terrorism, the UABA underscored that the
UCCA requested requiem services to be held across
standards for free and fair elections and accurately reflect U.S. cannot appear to be weak, even temporarily, as
Massachusetts and Rhode Island for the MH17 victims and
the will of the Ukrainian electorate.” Despite minor infrac- Russian aggression threatens U.S. national security and
for all victims of the latest Russian aggression in Ukraine.
tions in a few instances, the “voting process was conduct- the lack of response threatens U.S. credibility.
In Pittsburgh, Prof. Adriana Helbig on July 21 declared a
ed in a peaceful and transparent and democratic manner.” Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), chairman of the U.S.
week-long hunger strike to call attention to the events in
UCCA election observers were deployed to 600 polling Helsinki Commission and a senior member of the Senate
Ukraine. In Philadelphia on July 18, Ukrainians took to the
stations across the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano- Foreign Relations Committee, met with Ukrainian
streets with Ukrainian flags and placards as they demon-
Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Americans from Maryland on April 14 in Washington to
strated on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. While in
Poltava, Sumy, Zakarpattia, Zaporizhia and Zhytomyr discuss the situation in Ukraine. Community members
Washington, Ukrainian Americans gathered at the Embassy
oblasts, as well as at Ukraine’s diplomatic posts in the U.S. called for continued humanitarian support, tougher sanc-
of the Netherlands to offer solidarity on July 18 with flow-
In the east of Ukraine, the UCCA statement condemned tions against the Russian aggressor and its oligarchs, the
ers, candles and cards left at the Embassy. One card by
the Soviet-style methods used by Russian-backed mili- need for energy diversification in Ukraine, as well as mili-
“Iryna” simply stated, “Ukraine mourns with Holland.”
tants, but applauded the efforts of residents of Donetsk tary support for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. The sen-
In an effort to secure more defensive aid for Ukraine,
and Luhansk oblasts, as well as the thousands of Crimean ator said he supported non-lethal assistance for Ukraine’s
co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Reps. Jim
residents, including Crimean Tatars, who cast ballots in military and focused on ensuring the transparency and
Gerlach (R-Pa.), Sander Levin (D-Mich.) and Marcy Kaptur
the presidential election. The efforts of the CEC and the fairness of the upcoming presidential election on May 25.
(D-Ohio), introduced H.R. 5190, the Ukraine Security
Ukrainian government to ensure that the elections took The Shevchenko Scientific Society in New York hosted a
Assistance Act, on July 24. The bill authorized the presi-
place were noted. Razom roundtable on April 5 to discuss the role of
dent to assess Ukraine’s military, intelligence and security
Ms. Olexy recalled her experience as an election Ukrainians beyond the borders of Ukraine during the crisis.
needs, and provide adequate and necessary assistance in
observer and as co-chair of the IEOM for UCCA. With Razom was formed just a few months prior, at the end of protect Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty. The legisla-
Independence Square still scarred by the remnants of the 2013, after its president, Lyuba Shipovich, and future mem- tion was supported by the UCCA, the U.S.-Ukraine
Euro-Maidan events and the images of the fallen heroes of bers had met at protests across the East Coast. The organi- Business Council and the Ukrainian Federation of
Ukraine as a backdrop for an election, this time was differ- zation has grown to include a global network of volunteers America. Mr. Sawkiw, director of UNIS, added,
ent, she said. The potential for trouble was everywhere engaged in fund-raising, media campaigning, investigating “Furthermore, the UCCA urges the United States to impose
and it was real, but so was the potential for change in a corrupt activities, as well as working with government harsher sectoral sanctions on Russia, and for President
country that had enough of the status quo. However, representatives and human rights organizations. Barack Obama, as leader of the democratic free world, to
Ukrainians held the presidential elections in a peaceful On April 15 Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.) met with constit- utilize all of his effforts to persuade the leadership of
and democratic manner in the face of Russian aggression uents at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Europe to match U.S. resolve.”
– and determined a president in the first round. Ms. Olexy Kerhonkson, N.Y. More than 50 members of the communi- The UCCA urged Ukrainians in the U.S. to press the U.S.
cited the work of the CEC, the government of Ukraine and ty discussed the situation in Ukraine and how the U.S. can government to grant Ukraine Major Non-NATO Ally
the election observers who worked to ensure the triumph deter Russian aggression with sanctions and military aid. (MNNA) status during its efforts to support Ukraine in its
of democracy. Concerns were also voiced for the persecution of the conflict with Russia. President Petro Poroshenko made the
Detroit-area Ukrainians met with Sen. Debbie Catholic faith in Crimea and eastern Ukraine by Russia. request for MNNA status while speaking live on CNN on
Stabenow (D-Mich.) on March 18 at her Detroit office to Ukrainians converged in solidarity on May 3 at the July 21. The military and financial advantages of Ukraine
discuss the situation in Ukraine. Sen. Stabenow listened to White House in Washington for the “World united in sup- be granted MNNA status would expedite the lease of mili-
the community’s concerns and recommendations for a port of Ukraine” rally. Speakers included journalist tary equipment through U.S. funding, anti-terrorism coop-
plan of action by the U.S. government. On March 9, Myroslava Gongadze, George Pazuniak of the UABA, Dr. eration, exemption from the U.S. Arms Export Control Act,
Ukrainians of New Haven met with Rep. DeLauro at St. Christine Hoshovsky of the Rochester Ukrainian Group, the purchase of depleted uranium anti-tank munitions,
Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, and urged the con- Orest Deychakiwsky of the U.S. Commission on priority deliver of military equipment and supplies, the
gresswoman to support tougher sanctions against the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The basing of Department of Defense reserve stockpiles, coop-
Russian government and its leading oligarchs who sup- rally continued with a march to the Lincoln Memorial, erative research with the DOD, bidding on certain DOD
port Russian aggression in Ukraine. where participants formed a human “Chain of Unity.” Out contracts, as well as reciprocal training. The MNNA status
The Ukrainian American Bar Association (UABA) of this event, the coordinators formed an NGO called (which 15 countries currently have) does not entail a
released a statement on April 9 urging immediate military Ukraine Abroad to serve the Ukrainian American commu- security commitment from the U.S. or NATO, but is a
assistance to Ukraine by the U.S. and NATO allies. Items nity and to promote a free and united Ukraine. means by which the U.S. can assist Ukraine to defend itself.
No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 7
2014: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
With the mobilization of the Ukrainian American com-
munity in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine,
the UCCA saw signs of expansion and growth, with the July
25 inclusion of the Ukrainian American Society of Texas
(UAST) as its latest member organization. The application
was reviewed by the UCCA Membership Council, and
approved by the UCCA National Council. Chrystia
Geremesz, president of UAST, was welcomed as the orga-
nization’s representative on the National Council.
Chicago Ukrainians showed solidarity with Ukraine
during a vigil held on July 19 at Water Tower, following the
downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. The Illinois branch
of the UCCA organized the event, with support from
Ukraine’s Consul General Andriy Pravednyk in Chicago.
Protesters called for the designation of Russia as a state
sponsor of terrorism, and military support from the U.S.
and NATO to Ukraine to counter the threat to global secu-
rity posed by Russia. Area clergy offered prayers for those
who lost their lives in the attack on the commercial jetlin-
er. The event received news coverage as well as support
from the Lithuanian, Latvia and Polish communities.
Ukrainian Americans converged on Washington multi-
ple times in 2014 for the advocacy events called Ukrainian
Days that were organized by the UCCA in February, July,
September and November. The participants urged mem- Yaro Bihun
bers of Congress to support military assistance for Ukraine Ukrainians in the U.S. converged on Ukraine’s diplomatic posts in four cities – New York, Chicago, San Francisco and
so that the country could defend itself, its territorial integ- Washington – on October 26 to cast their votes for Ukraine’s parliamentary elections. At Ukraine’s Embassy in
rity, sovereignty and independence. The September install- Washington, more than 300 voters cast ballots.
ment was held in conjunction with the Central and East
European Coalition (CEEC), of which the UCC