Seized Ukrainian naval commander refuses to give any testimony until Russia releases his men

Russia’s attempt to justify its seizure of 24 Ukrainian prisoners of war on November 25 by bringing criminal charges against the men has hit major hurdles. All of the men are rightly insisting that they are POWs, and the commander of one of the naval vessels has refused to talk to the so-called “investigator” until his men are released. How can Russia bring criminal charges against his subordinates when they were simply obeying his orders?

Pereletni Ptytsi sorority of Plast celebrates 70th anniversary

WINNIPEG, Manitoba. – Members of the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s senior sorority of Pereletni Ptytsi celebrated the 70th anniversary of their founding with a gathering of members in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the founding of Plast Winnipeg in 1948. 

Spartanky Plast sorority meets for annual conference at Soyuzivka

KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The Spartanky sorority of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization held its annual conference on November 2-4 at the always scenic Soyuzivka Heritage Center. As in years gone by, delighted exclamations of joy were heard from the Main House lobby as approximately 45 participants greeted each other with gleams in their eyes and warm embraces. 

NEWSBRIEFS

U.S. congratulates new Church 

The United States has congratulated Ukraine’s new national Orthodox Church on its autonomy from Russia, a move that has incensed Moscow and further heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. In a statement on December 17, the U.S. State Department said it sent its congratulations to the new Church’s leader, Metropolitan Epifaniy, calling it “a historic moment for Ukraine.” State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement: “The United States maintains unwavering support for Ukraine and respects the freedom to worship unhindered by outside interference. The right to religious freedom extends to all Ukrainians, including those choosing to join – or not to join – the new Orthodox Church.” (RFE/RL)

Bolton: No Trump-Putin meeting 

U.S. national security adviser John Bolton says there will be no meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Moscow still holds the Ukrainian ships and sailors it seized near Crimea. “I don’t see circumstances in the foreseeable future where such a meeting could take place until the ships and the crews are released,” Mr. Bolton told reporters on December 13. Russia seized three Ukrainian Navy ships on November 25 and arrested 24 sailors in the Kerch Strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov.

Newly published Ukrainian sacred music of Roman Hurko

“Liturgy No. 1 (Ukrainian), The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom” and “Liturgy No. 2 (Ukrainian), The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom,” by Roman Hurko. New York: CARO Productions, 2018. 74 pp. and 68 pp., respectively. $15 each.