The Ukrainian Weekly 2009, No.51

36 Pages·2009·6 MB·English

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T U W
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Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association
Vol. LXXVII No.51 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 $1/$2 in Ukraine
Poroshenko satisfied with results VOA’s Ukrainian Service
of four-day visit to Washington marks 60th anniversary
by Yaro Bihun December 12, following a full range of high-
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly level meetings in Washington – with senior
U.S. government officials, congressional
WASHINGTON – Ukrainian Foreign and business leaders, representatives of the
Affairs Minister Petro Poroshenko conclud-
International Monetary Fund (IMF) – and,
ed his four-day visit to the United States on
while in New York, with the United Nations
leadership.
The focal point of the visit was his meet-
ing with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,
held in conjunction with the inaugural ses-
sion of the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic
Partnership Commission, established last
summer to assist Ukraine in the various
aspects of its development and to strengthen
the U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relationship.
Both officials expressed satisfaction fol-
lowing their meeting. Secretary Clinton
expressed the Obama administration’s com-
mitment to assisting Ukraine “on the path to
democracy and prosperity” and supporting
its independence and “further integration”
with NATO and the European Union. Yaro Bihun
Minister Poroshenko was equally posi-
Among those attending the VOA Ukrainian Service’s 60th anniversary celebra-
tive in his remarks about U.S. assurances
tion in Washington was its oldest living former staff member, Stefan Maksymjuk,
about security, economic and other impor-
who joined the staff in 1954. Standing next to him are the two newest members of
tant issues for Ukraine. As he listed some of
the staff – who came on board more than a half-century later – Mariya Yunko
Yaro Bihun
the problems the two countries “should deal
and Tetyana Vorozhko.
Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Petro
with together,” he underscored – as he did in
Poroshenko responds to reporters’ ques- by Yaro Bihun from President Viktor Yushchenko con-
subsequent remarks during the visit – the
tions outside the U.S. State Department urgent need for the renewal of the “crucially Special to The Ukrainian Weekly gratulating and thanking the Ukrainian
following his meeting with Secretary of Service for its “long-standing support of
State Hillary Clinton. (Continued on page 26) WASHINGTON — The Ukrainian the democratic movement in Ukraine, for
Service of the Voice of America (VOA) the contribution to the victory over the
marked its 60th anniversary on December totalitarian Soviet regime and to the
Canadian businessman is latest victim 11 at VOA headquarters here with a half- revival of Ukrainian nationhood.”
day celebration that included greetings On a personal level, the ambassador
of unscrupulous partners in Ukraine from the president of Ukraine, members added that having grown up and having
of the U.S. Congress and diplomats, as
spent a good part of his early life in the
well as two panels of experts discussing
Soviet Union, he should understand better
by Zenon Zawada his Ukraine venture. some of the important issues facing
than most the important role played by
Kyiv Press Bureau “I had no idea of the level of corrup- Ukraine today. VOA in bringing down, as he described
tion. I knew it was greater in Ukraine The first Ukrainian-language program
it, the “Berlin Wall in the minds of the
KYIV – Canadian entrepreneur than America, but you can’t compare was transmitted via short-wave radio
millions of people who were born, raised
Steven Chepa is among the world’s the countries at all. My experience in from VOA’s New York studios on
and educated and were living under a
biggest supporters of the Rusyn people life doesn’t fit here at all – I’m just a December 12, 1949. Five years later the
totalitarian regime.”
of the Carpathian Mountains, the home- fish out of water. I knew there were Ukrainian Service was moved to VOA’s
His American counterpart in Kyiv dur-
land of his parents. risks, but I didn’t realize how big the present headquarters in Washington,
ing the latter part of the 1990s,
He was inspired, and his emotions risks were.” where it continued and expanded its
Ambassador William Green Miller, also
stirred, when two native Ukrainians Mr. Chepa is the latest diaspora broadcasting to a peak of five hours a day
shared his experiences and views about
presented a plan to renovate a sawmill investor brave enough to put his money at the height of the Cold War.
the role of the Voice of America. It was,
in the Zakarpattia town of Vylok on the where his mouth is and try to boost the After Ukraine gained its independence,
he said, “a great endeavor” that should be
Hungarian border, potentially creating Ukrainian economy, only to have been radio programs were scaled back and
celebrated and continued.
100 stable jobs in the depressed region. burned by the government’s failure to were transmitted over local Ukrainian
Little did Mr. Chepa know that it deal with corruption. stations as was the new weekly half-hour U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio),
was a blueprint for a multi-million- Ukraine ranked 146th in the 2009 TV magazine program “Window on who co-chairs the Congressional
dollar heist. Corruption Perception Index prepared America.” Ukrainian Caucus, also spoke from per-
On November 6 a working group by Transparency International and A local correspondents network was sonal experience about how difficult it
commissioned by First Vice Prime released in October. It is on the same established, and, more recently, a week- was to travel to the Soviet Union and pass
Minister Oleksander Turchynov con- level as war-devastated Sierra Leone and day 15-minute TV news show “Chas- information to those living there during
firmed that Mr. Chepa was the victim of Zimbabwe, a country ruled by a dictator Time” was added, as well as an Internet the Cold War. She recalled how a friend
a corporate raid by his Ukrainian-born and without a functioning economy. news website (http://www.voanews.com/ described to her how they listened to
business partners and recommended that Mr. Chepa visited his father’s village ukrainian/). VOA – after first closing all of the cur-
law enforcement authorities investigate. for the first time in 2001, returning to Radio broadcasts in Ukrainian were tains and huddling on the floor by their
“I thought these people were from Ukraine several times to support to sup- taken off the air on December 31, 2008. short-wave radio.
Ukraine and knew how to handle port the cultural activity of Ukraine’s Among those expressing their greet- “For six decades, the Voice of America
things,” said Mr. Chepa, an otherwise has provided an unfiltered flow of infor-
ings at this anniversary was Ukraine’s
successful entrepreneur, humbled by (Continued on page 3) mation to the people of Ukraine, a people
Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Oleh
Shamshur, who also read a statement (Continued on page 6)
2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 No. 51
ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS
Russia’s Gazprom agrees
Poroshenko on dialogue with Russia December 15 amended the state budget
not to penalize Naftohaz law for 2009 to allocate 608 million hrv
KYIV – Ukrainian Foreign Affairs
for combating the influenza epidemic in
Minister Petro Poroshenko pointed to a
Ukraine. The Health Ministry of Ukraine
by Pavel Korduban eries early in 2009 with funds borrowed renewal of dialogue between the foreign
has already confirmed 501 deaths due to
Eurasia Daily Monitor from Ukrainian state-controlled banks, and affairs ministries of Ukraine and Russia, flu and acute respiratory virus infections
is going to pay in December with money speaking at a meeting of his ministry’s pub-
(ARVI) between October 29 and
Gazprom and Naftohaz Ukrainy on borrowed by Ukraine from the International lic council on December 15. “It’s very good
December 14 in all 24 regions of Ukraine,
November 24 signed addenda to their earlier Monetary Fund (IMF), just like it did in that the dialogue has resumed, that this dia-
the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and
contracts according to which Naftohaz will November. logue has become less emotional,” Mr.
the cities of Kyiv and Sevastopol. A total
not pay fines for buying less gas in 2009 However, Mr. Yushchenko believes that Poroshenko emphasized. He said the effi-
of 2,546,622 flu and ARVI patients have
than stipulated by the contracts. Gazprom Naftohaz did not go far enough in the talks ciency of contacts “is on a satisfactory
been registered since October 29, includ-
also allowed Naftohaz to buy less gas in with Gazprom, and he suspects that Moscow level.” At the same time, he cited an “alarm-
ing 83,137 over the past 24 hours. Since
2010 – 33.75 billion cubic meters (bcm) received some promises of both a political ing” trend of a negative perception of
the beginning of the epidemic 151,660
rather than 52 bcm. and economic nature from his arch-rival Ukraine by Russian residents. According to
patients have been rushed to hospital, and
Naftohaz in 2009 will import far less than Tymoshenko in exchange for concessions. the latest Russian opinion polls, “we could
119,740 of them have been released.
the 33 bcm of gas stipulated by the January The president’s energy aide Bohdan see an absolutely disturbing, to my mind,
(Ukrinform)
2009 contracts, and consequently fines could Sokolovsky warned that the main risks for trend when the state of the negative percep-
amount to as much as $8 billion if the “take- Naftohaz had not been removed by the tion of Ukraine and Ukrainians has been Ukraine elected to UNIDO
or-pay” clause in the contracts had been November 24 accords. Among the remain- rapidly growing, whereas there is an abso-
enforced by Gazprom. This would have ing risks he listed, “the unjustified high price lutely different trend among our people.” KYIV – Ukraine has been elected into
sunk Naftohaz. Ukrainian President Viktor of gas for Ukraine, a transit rate twice as low He added, “This state of affairs is absolutely the governing bodies of the United
Yushchenko suspects that Prime Minister as it should be, and the asymmetric penal- inadmissible … and we are surely interested Nations Industrial Development
Yulia Tymoshenko reached secret agree- ties” for breach of contract (www.president. in breaking this trend.” the minister claimed. Organization (UNIDO) at the 13th
ments with the Kremlin in exchange for the gov.ua, November 25). Mr. Poroshenko also said that a significant Session of the General Conference of
concessions. Mr. Yushchenko claimed that Ukraine number of biased and negative reports UNIDO taking place in Vienna. Ukraine
If the original January 2009 contracts had would pay a political price for Russia’s about Ukraine appear in the global media was elected to the Industrial Development
been enforced on Naftohaz, the state-owned waiving the fines for Naftohaz. He specified space. He said that sometimes such reports Board (IDB) and the Program and Budget
oil and gas company simply would have that Ms. Tymoshenko, if she is elected presi- are task-oriented, for example, reports alleg- Committee (PBC). Ukraine’s permanent
nowhere to send so much gas. Ukraine will dent in 2010, could allow the Russian Black ing Ukraine is unable to guarantee the tran- representative to the international organi-
consume relatively little gas this year as its Sea fleet to stay in Crimea beyond 2017. He sit of gas across its territory. (Ukrinform) zations in Vienna, Volodymyr Yelchenko,
GDP is expected to plunge by 14-15 percent delivered a statement on behalf of GUAM
also suggested that Ukraine under
due to the global financial crisis. Gas con- Russia in Ukrainian media space (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova)
Tymoshenko would make concessions to
sumption by industrial enterprises in member-states concerning the develop-
Russia on NATO membership plans and the KYIV – Russia is occupying the
Ukraine should shrink from 30 to 17.6 bcm ment of cooperation with UNIDO. He
ownership of Ukraine’s gas transit network. Ukrainian media space, according to par-
in 2009, and there is already more than expressed interest in deepening of coop-
Asked how he knew about it if the agree- ticipants of a December 11 roundtable
enough gas in Ukraine’s underground stor- eration in introducing energy-saving tech-
ments had been secret, Mr. Yushchenko meeting dedicated to issues of informa-
age facilities for the country to live through nologies, developing and using renewable
said, “I read the presidential post” (Inter TV, tion security. A member of the National
the winter. energy sources, raising competitiveness
November 27). Council on Television and Radio
In exchange for the concessions on the of domestic industry and promoting tech-
Naftohaz CEO Oleg Dubyna spoke about Broadcasting, Ihor Kurus, said that
volume of gas secured from Gazprom, nology transfer. (Ukrinform)
the actual agreements reached with Gazprom Europe looks at Ukraine through the eyes
Naftohaz withdrew its request to apply the
in detail at a press conference in Kyiv on of Russia due to its expansion. The direc- Ariana sailors are released
take-or-pay principle to Gazprom’s gas tran-
November 27. He specified that Naftohaz tor of the Agency for Strategic Studies,
sit to Europe via Ukraine in 2010 would not be fined by Gazprom if it bought Dmytro Panko, said that in Ukraine only KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko
(Kommersant-Ukraine, November 25). Mr. 27 bcm of gas in 2009. This is more than the the president openly calls for active mea- hailed the successful completion of oper-
Yushchenko insisted on introducing the ations to secure the release of 24
26 bcm predicted earlier by Ukrainian sures to be taken to protect Ukraine from
clause in relation to transit in his November Ukrainian sailors from the Ariana bulk
Economy Minister Bohdan Danylyshyn. the Russian informational aggression.
18 letter to Russian President Dmitry cargo ship that had been held captive by
Naftohaz plans to buy 3.6 bcm of gas in “Other [officials] are absolutely paying
Medvedev (Eurasia Daily Monitor, Somali pirates since May 2, the presiden-
November and some 4 bcm in December in no attention to the problem of informa-
December 1). tial press service reported on December
order to comply with the requirement, Mr. tion security in their speeches or pro-
Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kupriyanov 10. Mr. Yushchenko stressed that hard
Dubyna said (Ukrainski Novyny, November grams,” he noted. (Ukrinform)
explained that Gazprom “forgave” Naftohaz work and “difficult and tense negotia-
27). This is much more than average month-
simply because it understands that the debt- Rada earmarks funds for epidemic tions” prefaced the successful operation.
ly deliveries from Gazprom earlier in 2009.
ridden Naftohaz has no money to pay (Ekho
The government earlier admitted that the KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on (Continued on page 28)
Moskvy, November 25). It is true that
deliveries in December would be paid with
Naftohaz has no money, as it defaulted on
funds received from the IMF.
its $500 million Eurobond payment on
September 30, paid Gazprom for gas deliv- (Continued on page 34) T U W
he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933
CAMPAIGN WATCH
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election district, which was formed ahead December 9, the Central Election Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
of the January 17, 2010, presidential elec-
Commission approved a list of 25 states
tion in Ukraine, Central Election Postmaster, send address changes to:
in which many Ukrainian voters live. A
Commission Vice-Chair Zhanna Usenko- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz
total of 376,332 Ukrainians live in these
Chorna said on December 7. She 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas
countries. The greatest number of
explained that these citizens who were P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv)
Ukrainian voters live in Germany
registered at Consulates in host countries Parsippany, NJ 07054
(101,928), Moldova (71,357) and Russia
and included on election lists at polling
(57,209). The smallest number of
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stations operating at Ukraine’s diplomatic
Ukrainian voters lives in Italy (1,109).
institutions abroad. All other Ukrainians
living abroad can also vote in the presi- Convicts should not run The Ukrainian Weekly, December 20, 2009, No. 51, Vol. LXXVII
dential election. To do so, they should Copyright © 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly
KYIV – The majority of people polled
visit the polling stations of Ukraine’s dip-
by the Razumkov Center with the support
lomatic representations. (Ukrinform)
of the International Renaissance
ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA
114 polling stations abroad Foundation said individuals who have
been convicted of crimes should be barred Walter Honcharyk, administrator [phone], ext. 3041
KYIV – The Central Election
from running for the presidency. e-mail: [email protected]
Commission has set up 114 polling sta-
According to the results of the public Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager [phone], ext. 3040
tions of the foreign election district, the
opinion poll, published on the center’s fax: [phone]
commission’s press service has reported
website on November 25, 57.5 percent of e-mail: [email protected]
on December 10. The law on the election
respondents say a person with a past con- Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions [phone], ext. 3042
of the Ukrainian president foresees that
e-mail: [email protected]
foreign election districts are formed at (Continued on page 29)
No. 51 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 3
Canadian... was spun in only a year’s time, thanks to As a counter-offensive, Mr. Chepa has
Ukraine’s legal and judicial anarchy. recruited the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv
(Continued from page 1) Among the alleged crimes are forging to his cause, which twice petitioned the
loans and documents, fraudulent sales, Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet of
Rusyns.
misrepresentation, theft and resisting law Ministers to take action.
He wasn’t fooled immediately. Peter
enforcement authorities. An Interdepartmental Commission
Prytula and Aivor Khourkine, two
Once the conflict ignited, Mr. Prytula on Counteracting Illegal Takeovers and
Mississauga businessmen, came to Mr.
and his brother-in-law Oleg Isachenko Raids created a regional working group,
Chepa with several proposals to invest
issued $4.8 million in promissory notes, which held its first hearing in April in
in Canada. He rejected them, only before
fraudulently dated on June 8, 2008, on Uzhhorod.
revealing his soft spot.
behalf of Starwood for Mr. Batkov in late Yet it was not until November 6 that it
“I made a terrible mistake,” he said. “I
December 2008, pledging the sawmill’s reached a decision, determining that Mr.
told them my father was born in Malyi
property as security. Chepa was the victim of corporate raid-
Bereznyi in Zakarpattia, it’s very poor
“We do not believe this document was ers and instructing Zakarpattia police to
there, and I’d like to do something for
in existence on June 8, 2008,” Mr. Chepa investigate. By then, much of the assets
the people. They went away, and guess
said. “And at no time did Prytula and were allegedly sold and money misap-
what? The next time they came back with
Isachenko have the authority to sign such propriated.
a proposal for Zakarpattia. Now they had
a document. It is not supported by the Following the ruling, Canada’s
the hook in.”
transfer of assets, movements of funds, Ambassador to Ukraine Daniel Caron and
His excitement led him to skip the stan-
by banking records, or any other valid a former Canadian senator, Trevor Eyton,
dard due diligence, he admitted. Mr. Chepa
liability in Canadian or Ukrainian law. joined Mr. Chepa in meeting with Justice
decided in November 2006 to partner with
In other words, this credit agreement is a Zenon Zawada Ministry officials in mid-November.
Bulgarian lawyer Todor Batkov, who
recruited Messrs. Prytula and Khourkine complete fraud.” Canadian investor Steven Chepa is It’s Mr. Chepa’s otherwise successful
to be his representatives in Canada. Mr. Prytula shut the factory and dis- fighting to defend his Zakarpattia saw- business career that has enabled him to
By June 2008, Mr. Chepa had invest- missed its 60 workers in late January. The mill against corporate raiders. recruit diplomats and politicians to his
Batkov group filed a barrage of lawsuits cause.
ed $1.8 million and the sawmill was up
throughout Ukrainian courts, gaining that happened hundreds of miles away. He has earned a fortune in manufactur-
and running in Vylok, a town about 60
seven favorable rulings. Mr. Chepa’s law- Businessmen in need of a particular court ing smoke and gas detectors in Canada,
miles from his father’s native village in
yers appealed and overturned all except ruling often shop around for judges in Mexico and China, and distributing them
Ukraine. It was producing about $100,000
one. Ukraine, paying bribes for a custom-tai- worldwide. He has founded, co-founded
worth of kiln-dried flooring blanks per
During their battle, Mr. Chepa said his lored ruling. or directed more than a dozen enterprises,
month after being dormant for years.
representatives made six attempts to serve Mr. Chepa’s lawyers argue that a Kyiv including the Mississauga-based Norstone
The plan was for the factory to pro-
court notices at the factory to block the court had no legal right to rule on a facto- Financial Corp. in 1975, a solely owned
duce unfinished hardwood flooring, lami-
sale of its assets without court approval. ry in Zakarpattia. Furthermore, the court merchant bank that has prospered from
nated boards and fuel pellets from saw-
Court officials accompanied by police ruled without notifying Mr. Chepa and numerous multi-million-dollar invest-
dust waste.
were thwarted by Mr. Prytula’s private his lawyers, in violation of Ukrainian ments.
Just then, Mr. Prytula told Mr. Chepa
armed guards, hired by Mr. Isachenko. judicial principles. Mr. Chepa has committed much of
that Mr. Batkov would no longer invest in
Most recently, on December 15, Mr. The Batkov group claims it’s the right- his wealth to preserving Rusyn culture,
the sawmill, which included renovations,
Chepa’s representatives, accompanied ful owner of the assets and should keep becoming the founder and president of
new equipment, ongoing production of
by a bailiff and police officers, arrived at the $12 million invested by Mr. Chepa. In the World Academy of Rusyn Culture,
unfinished flooring and launching pro-
the Vylok plant to enforce another court- a humorous attempt at compromise, they an organization promoting Rusyn cul-
duction of laminated boards.
backed order preventing removal of any offered “to pay $4 million some day in ture around the world. He established
Mr. Batkov also backed out of financ-
equipment. They again failed to gain exchange for immediate ownership of $12 the fellowship in Rusyn studies at the
ing their venture’s Toronto-based opera-
access after a two-hour standoff with the million in assets today,” Mr. Chepa said. University of Toronto, among other many
tion, Starwood Manufacturing Inc.,
armed guards. Messrs. Batkov and Prytula didn’t funds.
which makes hardwood flooring and was
“Private armed security guards proved respond to e-mails sent by The Weekly Mr. Chepa is reconciled to his losses,
the planned distributor of the unfinished
to be more powerful than the law and for comment. Mr. Khourkine contacted but remains determined, even after his
flooring produced at the Vylok plant.
the government officials attempting to The Weekly by telephone and said he nightmare scenario, to renovate the fac-
His withdrawal should have served as
enforce it,” said Mr. Chepa, who has been would call again, but didn’t follow up by tory so that it provides the local residents
a red flag for Mr. Chepa. He now believes
unable to get the Ukrainian government the editorial deadline. with jobs. His appeal of the Sviatoshyn
it was engineered to induce him to invest
to protect his property from being sold by Mr. Chepa alleged at least $1.7 million Court ruling is tangled up in the judi-
millions more into the venture.
his enemies. was misappropriated by Messrs. Prytula cial bureaucracy, not yet scheduled for
Mr. Chepa agreed to buy assets and
Mr. Prytula invited potential buyers and Khourkine. Mr. Prytula used about review.
shares from Mr. Batkov and become the
to visit the Vylok factory several times, $44,000 of the stolen money to pay for He stands to lose the chance to retrieve
sole owner: $2.4 million in cash and $4.8
Mr. Chepa said: “On more than one occa- his children’s private education in the his allegedly stolen assets if the appeal’s
million in promissory notes that would be
sion, our observers at Vylok have blocked United Kingdom, he alleged. review exceeds legally imposed deadlines.
payable if the business was successful.
attempts to remove several truckloads of Despite all the damage they’ve caused, “Everybody expected things to get better
Unbeknownst to Mr. Chepa, his pur-
processed wood products from the factory.” the Batkov group demonstrated they’re after the Orange Revolution, and they may
chase was already rife with fraud. As
Even before their conflict erupted, Mr. not yet finished. Mr. Prytula opened a have a little bit after the first year,” he said.
he later learned, the closing documents
Chepa said the Batkov group allegedly bank account for Starwood Zakarpattia “But since that time it’s been straight deteri-
misrepresented $480,000 in purchased
sold $850,000 in equipment in February on November 2, the same day the State oration, and things now are worse than they
accounts receivable, which turned out 2008 without his knowledge, forward- Tax Service issued him a value-added tax were before the Orange Revolution. There’s
to be uncollectible. Inventory purchased ing the proceeds to their own private refund worth 3 million hrv ($375,000), a lot of disillusionment among people who
for $1.1 million was later appraised at accounts. Mr. Chepa’s lawyers said. hoped for better times.”
$553,000 – half the sale price. The biggest setback to Mr. Chepa’s
Throughout autumn 2008, Mr. Chepa efforts to save the factory was a ruling
sent millions more in cash to his part- registered on August 10 by Sviatoshyn Quotable notes
ners to refurbish the factory and buy new District Judge Bondarenko (in Kyiv) that
equipment. At the same time, he made enabled the Batkov group to claim that
repeated requests for accounting records, ownership of Starwood Zakarpattia and “…Today as we stand shoulder to shoulder in celebrating freedom, let us
which were duly ignored. assets worth $5.5 million were legally pledge to never again allow Europe to be divided, let us reject the so-called ‘near
On November 24, 2008, Mr. Chepa transferred to Mr. Batkov in November abroad’ and those who would appease the Kremlin. Let us reject the new ‘ism’
dismissed Messrs. Prytula and Khourkine 2008. being spawned by the Kremlin: Putinism.
as the directors and officers of the firm. Not coincidentally, this alleged sale “Europe must embrace the nations of the East who so clearly strive for free-
Two weeks later, Mr. Prytula refused occurred four days before Messrs. Prytula dom and democracy, as was demonstrated by the will of the people during
to allow Mr. Chepa’s representatives to and Khourkine were removed as owners Ukraine’s Orange Revolution. Europe must embrace them into their institutions;
review his books to confirm the where- and directors. In fact, Mr. Prytula was in NATO, the EU.
abouts of about $12 million that Mr. no legal position to authorize the alleged “Friends, we are the most fortunate of generations, we have lived to see the
Chepa had invested. sale of Starwood Zakarpattia to Mr. fulfillment of the dreams of independence and freedom of the ancestral home-
“Their plan was to fraudulently gain Batkov because he had been dismissed by lands of our parents and grandparents. …
ownership of Starwood Zakarpattia, then, Mr. Chepa said. “Let us not be the generation that sees a new appeasement and the loss of that
despite the fact that their investment was “They claim this sale of Starwood dream.
“Let us stand firm so that every child born in Europe, whether in Portugal or
zero,” Mr. Chepa said, referring to the Zakarpattia’s corporate rights took place
in Georgia, whether in France or Ukraine, is born into a Europe united in democ-
company he established to renovate the in November 2008, yet in February 2009
racy and freedom and its consequential prosperity. …”
Vylok plant. they came to me with a proposal to buy
By then it was too late, as the Batkov back the very assets they now claim were
– Member of Parliament Borys Wrzesnewskyj, speaking on November 9 at
group had already employed intricate theirs all along,” Mr. Chepa said.
Nathan Phillips Square of Toronto’s City Hall, on the occasion of the 20th anni-
fraud schemes involving at least half a Judge Bondarenko backdated his rul-
versary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
dozen alleged crimes, but likely more as ing to March 10, but Mr. Chepa’s lawyers
alleged by Mr. Chepa. didn’t learn of it until September 18, hav-
The lack of law enforcement in ing lost many months during which they
Ukraine allowed the Batkov group to could have appealed. To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly,
commit one alleged crime, usually some In Ukraine’s Byzantine legal system,
form of fraud, opening the door to anoth- dozens of precedents have been set in call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042
er crime, creating a vast web of fraud that which a court has ruled on a conflict
4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 No. 51
Lecturing in Chicago, Motyl says ‘Ukraine is here to stay’
by Maria Kulczycky to Dr. Motyl, is what kind of state will it
be?
CHICAGO – “Ukraine is here to stay,”
Ukraine’s future is colored by several
stated Dr. Alexander Motyl during a lec-
concerns. First, Ukraine is burdened by
ture sponsored by the Ukrainian Business
Russia’s overbearing presence, its hege-
and Professional Group of Chicago in
mony. Russia is big, and it sets the rules.
mid-November. It was a reassuring con-
It spans 11 time zones, has 150 million
clusion for a lecture promoted to discuss
people and an enormous nuclear arsenal.
“Is Ukraine headed for a breakdown?”
However, its gross domestic product is
Dr. Motyl, professor of political sci-
comparable to Belgium’s and it is “far
ence at Rutgers University in Newark,
weaker than it pretends to be.” It is, in
N.J., noted that seeing cracks in the infra-
fact, “an Ivory Coast with a bomb,” he
structure in Ukraine troubled him deeply
said.
(“Did the cracks portend collapse or
Add to the mix of Russia’s fragility
catastrophe?”). The concern wasn’t miti-
that “It’s a one-man state. Its oil and gas
gated when he returned to New York and
reserves are a mixed blessing, corruption
saw worse conditions of the infrastruc-
is widespread. A recent tally indicated
ture. “It’s because we sense that Ukraine
corruption had increased fourfold in terms
is fundamentally a fragile place,” he
of what the man in the street has to pay to
observed.
obtain services,” he added.
Despite its fragility, however, some
More likely than invasion or war might
portents of doom are unlikely, he said.
be a scenario in which Russia instigates
The first fear is that Ukraine will dis-
an incident or provocation by a local
appear as a state. This is not something Dr. Alexander Motyl (second from right) with Chicago Group members (from
group, to provide justification to intrude,
we should be worried about, at least for left) Orysia Cardoso, Zenon Babij, Anna Mostovych and Maria Kulczycky.
for instance, in Sevastopol. Dr. Motyl
the next 50 to 100 years, Dr. Motyl noted,
because “states just don’t disappear proposed that Russia might do this Verkhovna Rada elections will still be Professional Group of Chicago sponsors
today.” because “it’s the nature of the regime.” two years away, the lack of campaigning networking events and seminars that fea-
Will Ukraine become a failed state, What better way to rally nationalist senti- will create a welcome lull in rhetoric. ture a balanced discussion of issues per-
such as Somalia? Dr. Motyl gave that ment around the flag? Second, Viktor Yushchenko will lose. taining to Ukraine, the Ukrainian diaspora
eventuality a 5 percent probability. While Ukraine has to deal with Russia, “Unfortunately, he has become unpopu- and the post-Soviet world. Members are
The third fear is that Ukraine will it has room to maneuver, according to Dr. lar, an object of derision. Whatever he primarily Ukrainian American profession-
become engaged in an all-out war with Motyl. “Essentially, it is doomed to pur- supports is immediately scorned,” Dr. als interested in establishing new personal
Russia. This, too, is unlikely, he conclud- sue a multi-vector foreign policy. It can’t Motyl explained. and professional contacts while support-
ed. A full-fledged conflict involving inva- get rid of its big neighbor to the east, but Third, “The most unstable form of ing Ukraine’s economic development and
sion, tanks and military engagement is it can increasingly navigate around it,” he political entity is one with three princi- democratization.
difficult to envision given the current noted. “It’s a hegemony Ukraine can live pals. Ukrainian politics have been under- Recent speakers included Adrian
nature of the Russian regime, he said. with.” mined because they are dominated by Karatnycky of the Atlantic Council,
“Russia is fundamentally decrepit. It is But, at least in the near term, Ukraine’s three major players, each with a public Roman Kupchinsky of AS East Group
barely able to extricate itself from a politics are headed in a positive direction office. After the election, there will only and Anne Applebaum of The Washington
10-year war in Chechnya. And it can’t be for several reasons, according to Dr. be two, which will lead to stabilization,” Post.
sure that Ukraine won’t fight back.” Motyl. he predicted. “And they will be able to For additional information and a sched-
Given the likely continued existence of First, once the elections are held, the deal more successfully with Russia.” ule of upcoming events, readers may
a Ukrainian state, the question, according campaigning will end. Because the The Ukrainian Business and e-mail [email protected].
Photo album about Galicia Division presented in Toronto
by Oksana Zakydalsky logue of the photographs in English.
At the presentation, three excerpts of interviews
TORONTO – A unique photo album was published
with division members held in the archives of the
in September in Lviv – “Ukrainska Divizia
UCRDC were shown. The center has 46 such inter-
‘Halychyna’” (Ukrainian Galicia Division) – was pre-
views – 13 on video and 23 on audio tape. The
sented in Toronto on December 6.
excerpts were taken from interviews with Vasyl
Subtitled “A history in photographs from its found-
Veryha, Bohdan Bihus and Volodymyr Molodeckyi –
ing in 1943 to the discharge from prisoner-of-war
the fact that all three are now deceased underlined the
camp in 1949.” The 254-page book, in Ukrainian,
importance of the work in compiling this oral docu-
contains 278 captioned photographs, contributed
mentation.
mostly by division members. The compiler and editor
Information was given out about the Divisia Fund
of the photo album is former division officer Bohdan
at the UCRDC, which is designated for various divi-
Maciw of Montreal.
sion-related projects: doing more interviews proving
The photographs were selected with help from
digitizing existing interviews, grants for students
Prof. Roman Serbyn, who also wrote the afterword in
doing research on the history of the division and pre-
which he examines the division in the context of
paring of a film about the division using materials in
Ukrainians in various armed formations in World War
the UCRDC archives. The fund has designated five
II.
levels of financial support, and the center plans to
A presentation of the photo album was organized
implement more intensive fund raising.
by the Ukrainian Canadian Research and
A large number of young people attended the pre-
Documentation Center. Evidence of the wide interest
sentation and, on the initiative of Motria Ilnyckyj-
in the history and fate of the division, was seen in the
Rieve (daughter of division member Stephan Ilnyckyj) Cover of a new photo album about the Galicia Division.
attendance of over 120 people at the event. All copies
a Descendants of Divizia
of the book, especially ordered from Ukraine, were
Members group was
sold out.
announced, with plans to
One of the most interesting chapters of book fea-
engage the younger genera-
tures photos illustrating the enlistment of volunteers
tion into examining the issue
in various cities, towns and villages of western
of the division both in its his-
Ukraine. Although the volunteers are obviously
torical aspect and its current
young, in their suits and ties they look more serious
political context.
than they probably were.
To order the book
The album describes the training of officers, nurses
“Ukrainska Divizia
and youths provided by the Germans and explains
‘Halychyna,’ ” readers may
how, on July 15, 1944, the still only partly trained
contact: Bohdan Maciw, 43
division was thrown into the battle of Brody, in which
it endured massive losses. Further photographs show Aldercrest, Dollard des
the fate of those who fought in the battle and the reor- Ormeaux, Quebec, H9A
ganization of the division after Brody – in Slovakia, 1V1, Canada; telephone,
Yugoslavia and Austria. 514-684-8212. Please include
Photographs taken after the war include: prisoner- your full address, telephone
of-war captivity and internment in Italy and Britain, number and a check or
during which the division developed a rich cultural money order for $35 payable Oksana Zakydalsky
life. to Mr. Maciw. (The book will The audience at the book launch held at the Ukrainian Canadian Research and
The album has a summary of the text and a cata- be mailed from Ukraine.) Documentation Center.
No. 51 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 5
6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 No. 51
The Washington Group celebrates its 25th anniversary
by Yaro Bihun Ambassador Oleh Shamshur, who was out
of town that day. Calling TWG one of the
WASHINGTON — The Washington
strongest and most active Ukrainian
Group (TWG), an association of Ukrainian
American organizations, the ambassador
American professionals known for its
referred to its members as professionals and
Ukraine-related socio-political, cultural and
patriots, who live and work on another con-
economic community activities in the
tinent without forgetting the needs of their
national’s capital, celebrated its 25th anni-
Ukrainian homeland, helping in its drive for
versary with a jubilee reception December 4
independence and working in its behalf.
at the Embassy of Ukraine.
Ambassador Miller, in his remarks, also
The festive gathering to mark the occa-
focused on how the Ukrainian American
sion brought together more than 100 mem- professionals in TWG decided early on to
bers of the organization, three former U.S. assist Ukraine, adding that he, too, gained
ambassadors to Ukraine, and other U.S. and from their commitment. “I’ve benefited
Ukrainian diplomats and government offi- from so many here before going to Ukraine,”
cials, as well as a lady recognized by all he said. Since his service there in the 1990s,
from her travels into space – Navy Capt. he added, Ukraine has become part of his
Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, the life.
Ukrainian American astronaut known for “Ukraine is on the way to becoming the
her two NASA Shuttle flights to the orbital great nation it was destined to be,”
space station and five space walks during Ambassador Miller said, adding that he was
her NASA career. very proud to have Ukrainian friends and to
Welcoming the guests, after a prayer led know “that we are brothers in a glorious
by the Rev. Taras Lonchyna, pastor of the endeavor, which is the celebration of life, of
Holy Trinity Particular Ukrainian Catholic freedom in a democratic society, a goal that
Church, TWG President Andrew Bihun both of our countries share.” Yaro Bihun
noted the presence of the former U.S. The head of the Embassy’s cultural-infor- Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Green Miller recounts The
ambassadors to Kyiv — William Taylor, mation section who helped organize the Washington Group’s efforts in behalf of Ukraine. Standing next to him at the
Steven Pifer and William Green Miller — event, Oleksandr Mykhalchuk, and his col- organization’s 25th anniversary reception at the Ukrainian Embassy are its min-
their colleague William Courtney, who was league Yevhen Schehlakov performed a ister-counselor, Olexandr Aleksandrovych (left), and U.S. Assistant Surgeon
the first U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan, musical tribute to TWG, singing new lyrics General, and Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak.
and Lawrence R. Silverman, the director of Mr. Schehlakov wrote to the popular
Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus affairs at the Ukrainian song “Marichka.” in attendance. In a message from Ms. Sluzar and other cultural events since its founding
State Department. During the reception that followed, Mr. (who has moved out of the D.C. area) read 15 years ago by Laryssa Courtney, who was
The first U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bihun noted the nine TWG presidents that by Ms. Stec, she said that it was “an honor introduced along with Marta Zielyk and the
Roman Popadiuk, now the executive direc- preceded him — Natalie Sluzar, Daria Stec, and pleasure to watch this organization, start- current director, Chrystyna Kinal. Svitlana
tor of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Yaro Bihun, Lydia Chopivsky-Benson, ed with such youthful exuberance, continue Shiells, who headed the fund after Laryssa
Library Foundation in Texas, could not Nicholas Babiak, George Masiuk, Orest to be a vital force in the Ukrainian American Courtney, now lives in Vienna, Austria.
attend but relayed his congratulations. Deychakiwsky, Ihor Kotlarchuk and Adrian community in the Washington area.” Mr. Bihun noted that the organization’s
Speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian Pidlusky. Except for Ms. Chopivsky-Benson Also present were three of the four direc- next major event will be a leadership confer-
Embassy, Minister-Counselor Olexandr and Ms. Sluzar, who was the moving force tors of the TWG Cultural Fund, which has ence in Washington in February, following
Aleksandrovych read a greeting from in the founding TWG, his predecessors were been active in organizing concerts, exhibits the presidential elections in Ukraine.
Orest Deychakiwsky of the Helsinki Commission and Nadia Diuk of the National
Endowment for Democracy analyze Ukraine’s economic and political situations Yaro Bihun
during a panel discussion at the VOA Ukrainian broadcasts 60th anniversary event. Former Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer focuses on Ukraine’s foreign rela-
tions issues during a panel discussion with (from left) David Kramer of the
VOA’s Ukrainian... sion she placed in the Congressional German Marshal Fund, Myroslava Gongadze (moderator) and James Greene,
Record. former head of the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine.
(Continued from page 1) Accepting the plaque, the chief of the
who were and still are thirsty for the truth Ukrainian Service, Adrian Karmazyn, greeting also from Andriy Shevchenko, ry event consisted of two panel discus-
– the truth about the present, the truth thanked her and her co-chairs on the vice-chairman of Ukraine’s Parliamentary sions of current important issues for
about the past, and, hopefully, a keyhole Congressional Ukrainian Caucus – Reps. Press Freedom and Information Ukraine.
on the future,” Rep. Kaptur said. Jim Gerlach (D-Pa.) and Sander Levin Committee, who, before embarking on The first, which focused on Ukraine’s
“During the Cold War, the Voice of (D-Mich.) – the chairman of the Helsinki his political career, was a journalist and, economic and political situation, featured
America could not be stopped,” she Commission, Rep. Benjamin Cardin for a time, a local stringer for the VOA Adrian Karatnycky of the Atlantic
Ukrainian Service. Council, Morgan Williams of the U.S.-
added, “by the troops on the border, the (D-Md.), and commission member Rep.
From the Ukrainian American commu- Ukraine Business Council, Nadia Diuk of
tanks on the ground, or concrete walls.” Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) for their statements
nity, Michael Sawkiw read a greeting the National Endowment for Democracy
In appreciation, she presented a plaque in the Congressional Record as well.
from the Ukrainian Congress Committee and Orest Deychakiwsky of the Helsinki
with a copy of the statement on this occa- Mr. Karmazyn noted that he received a
of America. Commission.
The audience at the commemoration The second panel – on Ukraine’s for-
included a number of VOA Ukrainian eign relations – included former ambassa-
Wherever you are,
Service members not occupied with the dor to Ukraine Steven Pifer (now of the
preparation of that day’s programming Brookings Institution), David Kramer of
The Ukrainian Weekly can be there with you
and some former members, among them the German Marshal Fund and James
Stefan Maksymjuk, the oldest living Greene, former head of the NATO Liaison
Check out The Ukrainian Weekly online at member, who began working at VOA in Office in Ukraine.
1954 in New York and then, the follow- Moderating the panels were Mr.
www.ukrweekly.com ing year, in Washington. Karmazyn and Myroslava Gongadze, TV
The second part of the 60th anniversa- anchor for the VOA’s Ukrainian Service.
No. 51 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 7
T U n a F
he krainian aTional ssociaTion orUm
What does the Ukrainian National Foundation support?
by Roma Lisovich lished and these are distributed yearly In recent years Soyuzivka has seen a Soyuzivka. This year, the foundation
UNA Treasurer through the UNA Scholarship Program. substantial growth in the numbers of chil- commenced plans to build a full-size soc-
By creating a specific individual fund, dren who participate in camp programs, cer field to be used by the Sports Camp
Since the Ukrainian National one can memorialize a fund, specify a such as the Heritage Camp, where chil-
Program.
Foundation was created by the Ukrainian particular study or designate other crite- dren of Ukrainian descent learn about the
• UNF Ostroh Academy Preparatory
National Association, various funds have ria. All student members of the Ukrainian culture of their ancestors. Over 600 chil-
Program Fund – sponsors a one-year aca-
been established by caring and dedicated National Association qualify for these dren participated in the various camp pro-
individuals. The UNF permits each donor scholarships. grams at Soyuzivka during the summer of demic preparatory program for students
to specifically allocate his or her donation • UNF Soyuzivka Fund – all donations 2009 alone. from rural schools for entrance into the
to a particular fund or the general fund, are allocated to educational and cultural The Ukrainian National Foundation National University of Ostroh Academy.
depending on which he prefers. The UNF programs established at Soyuzivka and also organizes the Ukrainian Cultural • UNF Ostroh Academy Fund – spon-
can also create specific funds to suit an capital projects where indicated. The mis- Festival at Soyuzivka, which showcases sors exceptional students who cannot
individual’s request. Thus, the UNF and sion is to create a vibrant center responsi- local talent, allows for the best talent of financially afford to attend the university
its donors have a true partnership in ble for cultural, educational, athletic, Ukraine to bring their music and song to and expends money for the building of a
enriching our communities. artistic and informational programs for an American public and provides a forum
state-of-the-art library.
Please note the following established the Ukrainian diaspora community and through “Family Day” for amateur groups
• UNF General Fund – funds that are
funds: for those wanting to learn about Ukraine and children throughout the United States
not specifically earmarked are allocated
• UNF Press Fund – funds earmarked and its culture. Through its programs, the to perform and experience their unique
to various educational, cultural and
for either Svoboda or The Ukrainian Soyuzivka Heritage Center seeks to Ukrainian heritage.
Weekly enable these newspapers to con- achieve its key goal: preservation and Within the UNF Soyuzivka Fund, sep- humanitarian causes, for example, pub-
tinue their unique service. Svoboda, development of the cultural identity of arate funds exist for special projects and lishing children’s literature, aiding vic-
founded in 1893, is the oldest continu- the Ukrainian people in the countries of interests. tims of the natural and man-made disas-
ously published Ukrainian-language pub- their residence. The Dance Academy Fund helps the ters (such as recent floods in the
lication in the world. The Ukrainian In facilitating the transmission of propagation of the Ukrainian folk dancing Zakarpattia region, mining accidents in
Weekly was established in 1933 to serve knowledge about the Ukrainian heritage through dance camp programs, in partner- the Donbas) and many other projects.
as a forum in which American-born gen- and traditions, the Soyuzivka Heritage ship with the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky
Remember: The UNF depends upon
erations could express themselves. Here Center promotes self-esteem and pride Dance Academy. A recent project includ-
public donations to continue its work.
these generations can familiarize them- among Americans of Ukrainian descent. ed the installation of a specially padded
Thank you for your continuing support of
selves with Ukrainian history, culture and The center also improves understanding floor, designed specifically for dancers.
the Ukrainian National Foundation!
tradition, and keep up with the most cur- among all Americans in the great cultural Part of this program includes scholarships
rent information on national and political mosaic of the United States and encour- to the Soyuzivka Summer Dance Our donors are very important to us.
struggles. ages an appreciation of Ukraine, its tradi- Workshop. Please feel free to contact Roma Lisovich
• UNF Scholarship Fund – several par- tions, history and contributions around The Soyuzivka Sports Fund is dedicat- at 973-292-9800 or via e-mail at una@
ticular scholarship funds have been estab- the world. ed to maintaining sports programs at unamember.com.
The UNA: 115 yeArS Of SerVice TO OUr cOmmUNiTy
8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 No. 51
CHRISTMAS PASTORAL
T U W
he krainian eekly
The great light of Christmas
On Lutsenko’s watch
“The people that walked in darkness have
President Viktor Yushchenko demanded the resignation of Internal Affairs Minister
seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in
Yurii Lutsenko on December 10 for his failure to fulfill his most basic responsibility of
the land of gloom a light has shone.” (Isaiah
ensuring the constitutional rights and freedoms of Ukrainian citizens. “Unfortunately,
9:1)
the police under Lutsenko’s leadership are demonstrating a progressive inability to
handle the threats to public safety and civic order,” the president’s press secretary
The winter solstice arrives, and with it the
Iryna Vannykova stated a week later.
dreaded darkness. Like the poet Dylan
It’s a shame the president waited until now, in the heat of an election campaign, to
Thomas, we “rage, rage against the dying of
propose what millions have been complaining about ever since Mr. Lutsenko’s return
the light.” We long for the fading light, hop-
as police chief in January 2008 (with the president’s support). The timing confirms
ing that the sun will return with renewed
suspicions that Mr. Yushchenko’s demand is a political maneuver, aimed at removing
vigor, bringing light to our darkness and
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s control on the police force ahead of the elections.
warmth to our winter. We raise our hopeful
Better late than never though. Replacing Mr. Lutsenko with a competent, indepen-
eyes to the fickle moon, which waxes and
dent career law enforcement officer would go a long way in alleviating the anarchy
then wanes – tantalizing us with its glow,
that currently confronts Ukraine.
only then to withdraw it again. We look
The Ukrainian Weekly, this week and next week, is examining three victims of
longingly to the faithful stars, whose pin-
Ukraine’s corruption-plagued legal system, including the dysfunctional police force.
points of light fascinate us with their artistry
Canadian entrepreneur Steven Chepa has tried six times to serve court notices at
and draw our minds beyond our darkened
his Zakarpattia factory to block the illegal sale of its assets without court approval.
world.
Bailiffs have arrived escorted by police, only to be thwarted by armed guards hired by
In the dark winter sky appears the wan-
the former business partners he’s battling with. “Private armed security guards proved
dering star which would come to rest over
to be more powerful than the law and the government officials attempting to enforce “Christmas” by John Jaciw (from a
Bethlehem, the City of David. Two other
it,” he said in shock. Ukrainian National Association card).
wanderers also made their way to Bethlehem
In Kyiv, police officers stood by as thugs, hired by real estate developers, beat
Dr. Vadym Berezovskyi for attempting to defend a hospital’s property from illegal in the night: a carpenter named Joseph, and God (Psalm 41).
construction. No arrests were made, and instead Dr. Berezovskyi, a state laureate and his pregnant wife, Mary. Darker than the We are drawn to warmth and light of the
flight surgeon to astronaut Dr. Leonid Kadenyuk, was charged with hooliganism. night around them was the human darkness Church, where God speaks to us in symbols
Meanwhile, police have ignored the charges he’s filed against his attackers. “That’s that they encountered: doors of inns and far richer than words. At the preparation
the work of our glorious police,” Dr. Berezovskyi commented. doors of human hearts were closed to the table, where gifts of bread and wine are pre-
In Odesa, police have allowed the city’s oligarchs and mafia bosses to usurp the homeless couple in need. As a result, the pared for the Divine Liturgy, we find a metal
local media as instruments in vicious turf wars that threaten the city’s tranquility. They Divine Child about to be born received no frame referred to as the “star” because it
use the media to slander, libel and incite criminal activity, civic activists said. Their hospitality except that of a dark cave, and should include a small hanging star; as the
recklessness in spreading lies and distortions, whether attacking political opponents or lowly animals provided the only warmth – celebrant places the “star” over the bread
smearing Jews and ethnic Ukrainians, encourages anti-social behavior among youths warmth that cold and hardened human hearts which will consecrated, he says words remi-
and adolescents, in particular, activists said. The results were evident in the September had refused. niscent of the Christmas story: “The star
2, 2007, bloody attack on ethnically conscious Ukrainians, in which police merely It was in the dark cave that the impossible came and stood over the place where the
stood by, and the April 17 murder of Ukrainian nationalist Maksym Chaika, in which happened: a virgin became a mother, and the Child was.” Indeed, these words are from the
no arrests have been made. God of heaven came into the world as a frag- Gospel of the day, which recounts the story
These cases are only the tip of the iceberg of the legal anarchy into which Ukraine ile Child. These strange happenings give of the Magi. The Wise Men sought Jesus
has descended during the last five years. For most of that time, Mr. Lutsenko was in words to our Ukrainian Christmas carol, under the star; wise men (and women) still
charge of the country’s 270,000 police officers. “Ñ˂̇ çÓ‚Ë̇:” “Wondrous tidings! seek Him under the “star,” recognizing Him
Kyiv civic activist Volodymyr Chemyrys, a former comrade-in-arms of Mr. Today in Bethlehem the one Virgin Mary as present on our altar and in our Church.
Lutsenko’s during the Ukraine Without Kuchma movement of 2001, said power gave birth to a Son.” Hoping to be among the wise ones who
corrupted the former street activist, whose policies resemble those of the authoritar- When the Boy was born, the darkness of seek Christ, we come to church, where
ian leader he once fought against. Under Mr. Lutsenko’s direction, the police have the cave was overcome: as the Nicene Creed everything speaks to us of Him. We see the
become rent-a-cops for politicians and oligarchs, acting on the orders they’re given, tells us, He Himself is “Light from Light, great lamp proclaiming to all that Christ, the
which often is to stand by and do nothing as crimes are brazenly committed and even true God from true God.” How appropriate Light of the World, is our light as well. As
recorded on cameras for the world to see. that the coming of Jesus, Who is the Light of the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the
On December 10 Mr. Chemerys joined other human rights activists in awarding the World, should be proclaimed in the heav- altar at the time of the Great Entrance, we are
Mr. Lutsenko the “Thistle of the Year” award, a distinction named for the prickly plant ens by a brilliant star! Not only did the star reminded that we are to be like the angels
and given to politicians who fail miserably in upholding their responsibilities. shed its light upon the darkened earth, but it who sing God’s praises: “we who mystically
The reason millions of Ukrainians supported the Orange Revolution was they also led the Magi to look beyond the dim represent the cherubim and sing the Thrice-
believed Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. Tymoshenko would introduce the basic elements of light of their astrology, allowing themselves holy Hymn to the life-giving Trinity”; in our
a healthy society – rule of law, government transparency, equality before the law. Today to be led to the Child Who Himself is the caroling, we join our voices to the angelic
its failures are epitomized by an impotent police force that prostitutes its services to aid Light beyond all human understanding. In voices that filled the heavens and the earth
Ukraine’s illegal builders, fraudsters and oligarchs. A new police chief is in order. the Baby, they found not only the goal of on the first Christmas: “Glory to God in the
their search, but the fulfillment of their highest, and peace to all on earth.” The Christ
hearts’ desire. who came seeking the welcome of the inn-
Not all are as wise as the Magi, however. keepers comes to us in the Eucharist and
Dec. Darker than the winter night, darker than the asks us to welcome Him into our very hearts.
Turning the pages back...
cave is the darkness brought into the world If we indeed receive Him with faith, our
20 by human beings who flee the light. Greater lives are transformed, and we are inspired to
than the pangs of birth is the pain of those sing: “We have seen the true Light. We have
who suffer injustice at the hands of those received the heavenly spirit. We have found
2000 Nine years ago, on December 20, 2000, the International who, like Herod, ruthlessly grab for power the true faith. We worship the undivided
Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that it would renew a $2.6 bil- and control. Colder than the winter’s night Trinity for having saved us.”
lion Extended Fund Facility loan to Ukraine, after more than a are the hearts of those who act like the inn- Our transformation is not just for our-
yearlong freeze on loans by the IMF to Ukraine that began in keepers of Bethlehem: thinking only of selves: we are to become convincing icons
September 1999. themselves, they selfishly enrich themselves of Christ for a world so desperate for the sal-
The decision to resume the loan was made based on the progress Ukraine made in areas while depriving others of what is needed for vation that only He can give. At the great
of economic reforms, including implementing a sound budget and tightening non-cash life. compline of Christmas, we sing “God is with
transactions in government finances and privatization law. In the latest transfer, the National Jesus was born in a cold, dark cave us!” God is not only with us, but for us and
Bank of Ukraine received a $246 million tranche, contributing to the $1.2 billion total because He had been scorned; in this as in so through us as well. When others look at us,
received from the IMF. Additional tranches were based on adherence by Ukraine to the many ways, Jesus came to share every aspect may they recognize the Christ Whose light
terms of the loan program. of our life: the darkness, the coldness, the we are called to reflect, Whose love we are
Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko said that the resumption of IMF crediting was a pain. We see hints of this in the icon of the called to share.
“green light” for Ukraine to press on with its economic development and attract foreign Nativity: the manger in which the Baby lies Christ is born! Let us glorify Him!
investment. First Deputy Managing Director Stanley Fischer noted that the banking system looks like a sarcophagus, the swaddling
needed to be strengthened to combat increasing inflation. clothes remind us of the shroud in which His
+Stefan Soroka
Prior to the IMF loan freeze on Ukraine, relations between the two parties soured after crucified Body would be wrapped, the cave
Metropolitan-Archbishop of Philadelphia
allegations in Western media suggested that Ukraine had diverted the IMF funds. But in which He was born is reminiscent of the
Ukraine was exonerated after an audit by Price Waterhouse cleared the NBU of charges of tomb in which His lifeless Body would be +Richard Seminack
misappropriation, but confirmed the central bank had misrepresented the size of its currency laid. Jesus shared all our sufferings; in shar- Eparch of St. Nicholas in Chicago
reserves. Ukraine paid back the contested sum of money as a sign of good will. ing them, however, Jesus overcame them,
+Paul Chomnycky, OSBM
In 2000 Ukraine was in seventh place in terms of debt owed to the IMF ($3.24 billion), and He shows us the way to do likewise. He
Eparch of Stamford
between the Philippines and Brazil, and repaid nearly $1.3 billion in the previous 15 months. calls to us with the arms that He would open
for us on the Cross, and our hearts want to +John Bura
Source: “IMF resumes lending to Ukraine,” by Yarema A. Bachynsky, The Ukrainian respond: “Like a deer that yearns for running Apostolic Administrator
Weekly, December 31, 2000. streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my of St. Josaphat in Parma
No. 51 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 9
fOr The recOrD: UccA
PERSPECTIVES
statement on Stalin statue
The following statement was released on of reasserting Russia’s imperialist drive. The by Andrew Fedynsky
December 11 by the National Office of the shock of civilized society at Russia’s
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. attempts to rehabilitate this murderer pales
with the anguish felt at the foundation’s Ukrainian holiday reflections
The Ukrainian Congress Committee of shameful plans to include his bust in a
America (UCCA), the representative organi- sacred place of honor in the United States.
zation of the 1.5 million Americans of This country, which has served as a It was the morning of December 6, the more, as far as I know.)
Ukrainian descent, is outraged that a bust of beacon of hope and liberty for generations, Feast of St. Nicholas and our 6-year-old Drawn from the soil and nectar of flow-
Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin will be includ- sent its sons and daughters to defend those son, Mykhas, was explaining to his 2-year ers, the recipe for kutia hasn’t changed in
ed at the National D-Day Memorial in ideals. The Ukrainian American communi- old sister, Olesia, how “Mykolai” had thousands of years, going back to when
Bedford, Va. ty sent its sons and daughters to defend brought the Christmas tree to our home people observing how the sun stayed just
To include this brutal Communist dictator those ideals in the ranks of the Allied forc- during the night while we were all sleeping. a bit longer every day, began celebrating
in the pantheon of World War II heroes, side es. Unlike comrade Stalin, the Ukrainian As proof he pointed to the trail of pine nee- the Winter Solstice as the turning point
by side with such leaders as Franklin D. American community lost children on that dles stretching from our living room to the toward spring. And so, Ukrainian-style
Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, is not fateful day in Normandy. Further, our front door and from there to the porch out- Christianity blends the mystery of Christ’s
only morally reprehensible, but historically community suffered first-hand the horrors side and the driveway. Having dropped off birth with ancient pagan traditions: kutia,
inaccurate. The response [by the National perpetrated by Stalin. UCCA membership a tree, installed the lights and then hurried putting a sheaf of wheat (“didukh,” or
D-Day Memorial Foundation] that Stalin consists not only of U.S. veterans, but also upstairs to leave gifts beside the children’s grandsire) in a place of honor to personify
secured the Eastern front for the Allies is veterans of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army pillows, Mykolai apparently was too rushed the souls of departed ancestors, etc.
nonsense. Stalin’s attempt to expand and who fought against both of the 20th centu- to clean up. The angels assisting him were A week after Christmas, we celebrate
consolidate his empire is hardly the equiva- ry’s most devastating war machines, the also busy preparing a plateful of yummy New Year’s Day, marking the turn of the
lent of the Allies’ liberation of Western Nazis and the Soviets. Our membership cookies that all of us enjoyed as we deco- calendar, another number in the parade of
Europe. also consists of those who survived the rated the tree the next day. years since the birth of Christ (A.D.) and
Doubtless, the foundation is aware of the Holodomor, Ukraine’s genocide of That’s how the “holiday season” used those that preceded Him (B.C.). Six days
fact that it was Stalin and Hitler who started 1932-1933 in which 10 million people – 3 to be in the Fedynsky household. Over the later on January 6, we celebrate Epiphany,
the second world war and that comrade million of whom were children – were past few years, Mykolai – nearly 2,000 or Jordan, marking Christ’s Baptism in the
Stalin played no role whatsoever in the brutally starved to death by Stalin to sup- years old now – has slowed down and no river of the same name.
Normandy invasion and D-Day. press their opposition to his regime. Mass longer delivers the tree. Now, we buy our And that completes the winter season...
Furthermore, between 1939 and 1941 the murder is Stalin’s legacy and genocide is own and put it up ourselves. Kids grow up only it doesn’t.
Soviet Union was allied with Nazi Germany Stalin’s true “narrative thread.” and times change. Still, deeply rooted tra- God’s time is not human time and the
and Hitler under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Memorials are monuments to fallen ditions live on and Mykolai is one of rotation of our planet around the sun does
treaty, and together these dictators had heroes, individuals whom our children can those. not exactly track a 365-day year, and so
designs to conquer the world. More impor- emulate and admire. Contemplating the St. Nicholas (270-346) was a bishop in the calendar fell so seriously out of synch
tantly, the decision to include Stalin, a tyrant inclusion of one of the pre-eminent monsters Asia Minor in the early years of with the seasons that Julius Caesar decid-
who sought to physically destroy those non- in human history in a memorial designed to Christianity, known for his miracles and ed to fix it in 46 B.C. He did a good job,
Russian forces who actually fought the Nazi reflect the ideals of the “Greatest philanthropy. Today, he’s still very much but didn’t quite succeed and 17 centuries
invaders, is incomprehensible. Generation” is not only indecent, but it dis- with us. To Ukrainians, he’s Mykolai. later the calendar was off by ten days. In
The claim that the inclusion of Stalin in honors the fallen, rejects their principles Americans know him as Santa Claus. He 1582 Pope Gregory XIII decreed another
the memorial is to preserve the “the narra- and, regrettably, exposes the moral and ethi- even managed to infiltrate the Communist adjustment, only many Protestant and
tive thread” of D-Day is an argument that is, cal bankruptcy of the foundation. system, disguised as “Did Moroz” Orthodox countries, for political-religious
at best, disingenuous. Rather, it appears that (Grandfather Frost). reasons, didn’t go along. By the 20th cen-
the foundation seeks to preserve the “narra- (N.B.: The Ukrainian Weekly published What’s amazing about Mykolai is how tury, secular authorities everywhere, bow-
tive thread” of current extremists in Russia an editorial on this topic in its November 29 every year he makes a local appearance, ing to practical considerations, aligned the
who look to rehabilitate Stalin in the hopes issue.) taking on the look of people you actually calendar with the Gregorian model, but in
know. When I was a little boy, we’d go to the religious realm the Julian model
the Ukrainian National Home on West remained. And that’s why Ukrainians cel-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR 14th Street for a full-fledged play with ebrate twice.
songs, dances and a scary plot where the Those of us who lived through the 1960s
devil himself showed up. Then, at a cru- and 1970s remember the bitter calendar
The commitment tity in the forefront of the Ukrainian cial moment, Mykolai would always wars waged in many Ukrainian Catholic
nation-building process (both nationally appear, walking in a stately manner from parishes when the date for Christmas was
of the Yushchenkos and internationally) has earned him the the back of the hall to the stage, where he moved from the traditional January 7 to
honor of a monument for this achieve- calmly swept the demon away. Then, after December 25. Mercifully, that’s past and
ment. While his personal motivation for exhorting the children to be good boys wounds have largely healed. Now families
Dear Editors: undertaking this mission is important, it and girls, he distributed gifts. For a time, pick one calendar or the other and invari-
I am utterly dumbfounded by the con- is hardly the primary basis on which we Mykolai looked like Dr. Volodymyr ably end up observing both.
cluding statements in the article “The should judge the sincerity and great Bodnar, my father’s best friend. A couple For us, it would start with Mykolai on
Yushchenkos and the Holodomor” meaning of this action. years later, he more closely resembled my December 6, repeated thirteen days later
(November 29) by Zenon Zawada. As a Let us not belittle the courage and uncle Modest Wolchuk. For several years, on December 19, when he came at St.
scholar and historian I am shocked to magnitude of the Yushchenkos’ commit- he reminded me of Zenon Kwit. One year, Pokrova in Parma. (He still does.) Then
read Mr. Zawada’s uncritical presentation ment and its much larger meaning to the he looked like my friend Ihor Kowalysko. there’s Christmas on December 25, repeat-
that “The Yushchenkos’ critics argue they identity and continued development of Mykolai has been good to me. There’s ed on January 7, with New Year’s in
should address the present-day genocide” Ukraine as an independent, sovereign never been a year when he hasn’t left between. On January 13, there’s a
instead, citing numbers provided by the nation. something. I really appreciate the early Malanka ball, followed a week later by
Institute of Demography and Social 1950s when he came to our poor immi- one of my favorites, Jordan at St.
Myron O. Stachiw
Research at the National Academy of grant family struggling to establish itself Vladimir’s Cathedral in Parma where on
Kyiv
Sciences of Ukraine which estimates that in a new country. Somehow he knew. January 19 assembled clergy stand in front
“the nation’s population fell by an esti- Even in 1966 when I was studying in of a massive cross of ice, presiding over
mated 1.2 million people during the We welcome your opinion Europe, he sent me a package with good- the blessing of the water.
Yushchenko presidency, about one-third ies. And ever since, he’s remembered me In December and January, things slow
of the Holodomor’s 3.2 million deaths.” The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters in one form or another, year after year. down. Schools and offices close, and we
This statement is delivered without any to the editor and commentaries on a vari- The “holiday season,” however, is not take time off to celebrate, rest and wor-
commentary on the outrageous nature of ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian about Santa Claus or Mykolai. It’s about ship. Ukrainians, for better or worse, have
such a comparison. First of all, of the 1.2 American and Ukrainian Canadian com- the birth of Jesus Christ. Ukrainians have found a way to extend the season, a period
million decline in population, how much munities. Opinions expressed by colum- been celebrating His nativity, death and I’ve heard described fondly as “Ukrainian
nists, commentators and letter-writers are
is due to voluntary immigration? How resurrection since the 10th century. Ramadan.” Whatever…
their own and do not necessarily reflect
much to death resulting from illness? Like millions of other Ukrainian fami- Our traditions, rituals and faith have
the opinions of either The Weekly edito-
Most importantly, as to the absurb claim rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian lies, we get together on Christmas Eve for withstood the test of time, making winter
of genocide, made by the president’s der- National Association. “Sviat Vechir” (Holy Evening). brighter and warmer as we enjoy family,
ractor’s were there direct government Letters should be typed and signed (anon- Technically, we’re fasting because it’s ancestry and community. This year, the
orders to destroy a particular group or ymous letters are not published). Letters are meatless, but actually it’s a 12-course end of the season in Ukraine coincides
segment of society? accepted also via e-mail at staff@ukrweek- feast. Invariably, someone jokes about with a momentous election on January 17.
While there are many reasons to be ly.com. The daytime phone number and tossing “kutia” to the ceiling to see what May God guide the candidates and elec-
critical of and disappointed in the address of the letter-writer must be given sticks. Kutia, for the uninitiated, is a desert torate this holiday to make good choices
for verification purposes. Please note that a
Yushchenko presidency, I feel that Mr. made of honey, poppyseed and boiled for their country and families. And to all:
daytime phone number is essential in order
Yushchenko’s focus on placing the criti- wheat kernels. The ritual, whose origins Veselykh Sviat!
for editors to contact letter-writers regarding
cal discussion, evaluation and commemo- clarifications or questions. are lost in time, divines the future based
ration of Ukrainian (in its widest sense) Please note: THE LENGTH OF LETTERS on the pattern the spatter leaves on the Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is
cultural and historical memory and iden- CANNOT EXCEED 500 WORDS. ceiling. (No one actually does this any- [email protected].
10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 No. 51
HURI co-sponsors exhibit on Mazepa’s impact on non-Ukrainian art
by Peter T. Woloschuk tion inspired by Hetman Mazepa given by of the concepts of betrayal, disloyalty and Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.;
Dr. Lubomyr Hajda, associate director of treason; and, for still others, a national hero Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 1-5 p.m.;
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard
HURI, in the library’s Spaulding Room, on and liberator. and Sunday, 1-10 p.m.
University’s Ukrainian Research Institute
Monday evening, November 9. The lecture The multiplicities of Mazepa’s life, per-
(HURI) and Loeb Music Library have
also served as the opening event of the insti- sonality and deeds, and their ongoing impact
joined forces to co-sponsor the exhibit
tute’s International Conference on Poltava are vividly represented in the selected liter-
“Hetman of Ukraine, Ivan Mazepa, and drew almost 100 conference partici- ary, musical and artistic works on display.
1639-1709, The Cultural Legend,” which pants, as well as members of Harvard’s aca- The exhibit is arranged in such a way that it
explores the impact that the story of Hetman demic community and greater Boston’s is also clear that the various represented
Mazepa’s turbulent youth, political promise Ukrainian community. works mutually reinforced and inspired the
and ultimate tragic fate had on poets, novel- Soldier and poet, statesman and intriguer,
artists who produced them.
ists, composers, and painters around the lover in youth and old age, patron of the
The exhibit is on display in the library’s
world, and, most particularly, in the 19th Church, architecture and the arts, Hetman
Richard French Gallery in five large cases
century. Mazepa has provided, and continues to pro-
and two vitrines, and consists of some of
The exhibit was conceived as part of the vide, rich material for the creative imagina-
the original scores for the 19 known operas
institute’s commemoration of the 300th tion for the last 300 years. For some, he
dealing with Mazepa, as well as other
anniversary of the Battle of Poltava and was became the Promethean archetype of unre-
musical texts; copies of novels, poems and
opened with a lecture on the artistic produc- strained genius; for others, the embodiment
other printed works; and artistic works
including paintings, lithographs, woodcuts
and ceramics.
The exhibit runs through Friday,
January 29, 2010. The Loeb Music
Library is located in Harvard’s Music
Building, 1 Oxford St., and is open
Two depictions of Ivan Mazepa from the Dnipropetrovsk Museum: Above, a por-
trait by an unknown artist of the young Hetman Ivan Mazepa shortly after his elec-
tion while he was still a courtier of Peter I. At left, a 19th century French painting
by Emile Vernet showing Mazepa tied to the back of a wild horse and driven into
the steppe where he was pursued by wolves. The punishment was meted out by the
Polish Nobleman Pasek, who charged that Mazepa had seduced his wife.
Holodomor exhibit held at United Nations
Program honors Raphael Lemkin, Gareth Jones
NEW YORK – On Monday, November pared to expose the true nature of the totali-
23, in the presence of many United Nations tarian Soviet regime that resulted in the
diplomats, an archival photo exhibit dedicat- 1932-1933 Famine.”
ed to the 76th anniversary of the Holodomor She continued by stating that the panels
was opened at the United Nations. The eve- are “displayed in chronological order to pro-
ning also honored the distinguished legal vide the viewer with an overall picture of
scholar Raphael Lemkin and the courageous the motives and methods used to kill up to
journalist Gareth Jones. 10 million innocent men, women and chil-
The event was hosted by Ukraine’s dren… in the hopes that this educational
Permanent Mission to the United States, and exhibit will shed light on one of darkest
Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev opened the pages of Ukraine’s history… and perhaps
proceedings by paying tribute to the millions the most extreme example of the use of food
of innocent victims who perished during the as a weapon.”
Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 and thank- The program continued with the ambas-
ing the diplomats in attendance for their sador’s introduction of Nigel Colley, the
“solidarity, sympathy and participation.” He grandnephew of Jones, “the fearless, uncom-
noted that, “We are confident that through promising Welsh journalist who traveled to
such commemorations we are achieving Ukraine during the Holodomor.” Thanking
[our] main goal – avoiding similar crimes in Dr. Colley for his work, Ambassador
the future.”
Sergeyev emphasized that a “huge part of
Thanking the Ukrainian Congress
this tragic history would have been lost for-
Committee of America for preparing the
ever” had Jones not recorded his findings in
exhibit, Ambassador Sergeyev then intro-
his personal diaries.
duced Ivanka Zajac, president of the
Mr. Colley opened his remarks by noting
UCCA’s New York City branch, who briefly
that just last week 180 newspapers across
relayed the horrors of the Holodomor and
the world reported the remarkable story of
described the display, stating that the archi-
Jones and his graphic eyewitness accounts
val photos were recently released by the
security services and the exhibit was “pre- (Continued on page 27)
Nigel Colley in front of panels at the Holodomor exhibit at the United Nations.