NEWS ARTICLES PAGE
Ambassador's Blog - Freedom of the Media in Ukraine26.01.12Kyiv This post is also available in: UkrainianBack in July 2010 I wrote a blog called How to stop censorship in Ukraine. Based on a discussion with journalists, I noted both areas for concern and...
Ryanair to fly to Ukraine?25.01.12Interfax News Agency has reported that Ryanair Holdings Plc (RYA) may begin flights to Ukraine in May.Citing the country’s Infrastructure Minister Borys Kolesnikov's comments following...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Taxing Ukraine22.01.12WORLD AFFAIRS. Paying Taxes 2012, the annual study from PricewaterhouseCoopers, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, was released a few weeks ago. The study “measures...
Can you help?21.01.12 APPEAL:My father Peter Baczkur, is known in the Ukrainian community in Peterborough and recently has been having serious health problems. In 2002, aged 45, he was diagnosed with leukaemia, which...
Younger members capture the heart of the Lord Mayor19.01.12ManchesterTwo younger members of the Ukrainian community managed to get an autograph from the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Harry Lyons, at the Christmas Concert held in Manchester last Sunday. It made...
Ambassador's blog - Meanwhile in Antarctica18.01.12 This post is also available in: Ukrainian One hundred years ago, the great British explorer Captain Scott and his companions arrived at the South Pole. To mark this occasion, British Prime...
AUGB on Ukraine's World Service Radio16.01.12Ukraine's World Service Radio last week approached the AUGB for information about its work and history. Fedir Kurlak provided an interview on behalf of the organisation, which will be aired as a...
BBC broadcasts on the Holodomor13.01.12 BBC. Truth-tellers and cover-up artists: John Sweeney takes a classic example from Stalin's great famine of the 1930s which killed up to 10 million peasants, with a famous and feted journalist...
Ambassador's Blog - How to learn English12.01.12British diplomats spend a lot of time learning foreign languages. Before each of my last four postings (in Vienna, Moscow, Berlin and Kyiv) I had the privilege of spending between four weeks and...
Ambassador's Blog - Is Ukraine Democratic?06.01.12 In January 2011, I wrote a blog called “Is Ukraine free?” In it, I noted that for 2011, in the ranking produced by the US-based NGO Freedom House, Ukraine fell back into the “Partly...
Ambassador's Blog - 12 Blogs of Christmas30.12.11With the New Year looming, here are 12 of my blogs from 2011:January: Is Ukraine Free? (Freedom House rankings)February: MI6, Art and Freedoms (“A Year with MI6”)March: Brilliant British Business...
Ambassador's Blog - BBC Book of the Year29.12.11One of my favourite events in Kyiv is the BBC Book of the Year Award, sponsored by the BBC Ukrainian Service. I’ve presented the winner with the prize for the last four years, including in...
Ambassador's Blog - EU-Ukraine Summit interview22.12.11Ahead of the 19 December EU-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv, I did an interview on 15 December with the Levyi Bereg website. It was published today. You can read the full interview here (in Russian)....
Ukraine pact with EU founders over Tymoshenko case20.12.11Kyiv Kyiv Post. A summit intended to bring Ukraine into Europe's mainstream foundered on Monday after the EU said it would not sign a landmark political and trade deal until Kyiv resolves the case...
‘Svyatyy Mykolai’ in Rochdale19.12.11RochdaleThe annual show commemorating St. Mykolai’ (St. Nicholas) was held at the Rochdale AUGB Branch on Saturday 17th December. This year’s show was called “Nebesniy Mishok” (“The...
Ukrainian Christmas tree in Rome16.12.11 VATICAN CITY (AP) — Ukrainian pilgrims sang folk songs and carols and recalled the late Pope John Paul II's visit as the Vatican lit its Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square, a 25-meter (82-foot)...
Ambassador's Blog - Britain – Open for Business14.12.11Several people have asked me this week what the outcome of last week’s meeting of EU Heads of State and Government, the European Council, means. I can’t do better than point you towards...
Ambassador's Blog - Donetsk, Ukraine and the EU06.12.11What would the great Welshman and founder of Donetsk, John Hughes, think of Ukraine today?I was privileged to be invited to Donetsk recently to give the inaugural John Hughes memorial speech. My audience...
Ambassador's Blog - The First Mosque in Kyiv05.12.11Shortly after I arrived in Ukraine in 2008, the Mufti of Ukraine, Sheikh Akhmed Tamim, invited me to visit him at the site of the proposed new Kyiv mosque, the first in the city. I was pleased to...
Journalism - a dangerous game30.11.11 The case of Georgiy Gongadze is well known, but attacks on journalists and murders are not a thing of the past.14 media-related organisations, including Reporters without Frontiers, the Ukrainian...
EU-US summit30.11.11At the annual summit of the Council of the European Union and the US Government, both sides once again reiterated their calls to the Ukrainian government to make good on their commitments to uphold democratic...
Ambassador's Blog - EU Help for Ukrainian Borders30.11.11Last year I wrote a blog about three big seizures of cocaine in Ukraine. So I was interested when the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) held a seminar on counter-narcotics recently for Ukrainian...
Ambassador's Blog - Brilliant British Education #929.11.11I always seem to be talking about education in these blogs. That’s partly because the UKhas some of the best universities in the world as well as a schools sector which attracts people from...
Holodomor Expo opens at Bolton Museum22.11.11Bolton The Bolton Branch of AUGB organised the showing of an Exhibition on the Holodomor in Bolton Museum. It will be open to the public from 14-26 November. The exhibition, situated on the mezzanine...
Sad news21.11.11AUGB has received the sad news that Dr Margaret Siriol Colley passed away yesterday aged 86.For over a decade she worked tirelessly with her son Nigel to publicise some extraordinary previously...
Ambassador's Blog - Ukrainians Studying Worldwide #217.11.11Three young Ukrainians approach me at a conference. Having confirmed my identity, they take me to one side to say how much they have enjoyed doing Masters degrees in the UK and how different it was...
AUGB Stockport celebrates 60th Anniversary14.11.11StockportAUGB Stockport Branch held an evening of song and dance on Saturday evening to celebrate the 60th Anniversary since its formation. Performing to a packed hall, the local Ukrainian choir, dance ensembles...
Ambassador's Blog - Ukrainians... Together10.11.11The metal of the factory gleams in the sun. Around it, gathered on walkways around three steel structures and massed in the space in front, stand hundreds of workers, some in hard hats, others in...
Ambassador's Blog - Why I Wear a Poppy09.11.11Once again, as November begins and temperatures dip towards freezing in Kyiv, Ukrainian friends and contacts are asking why I am wearing a small, red flower on my jacket lapel. I can do no better...
Ambassador's blog - EU/Ukraine: Signing by Christmas?04.11.11Kyiv"So it seems to me," the Ukrainian business leader says, "that Ukraine is so important to the EU that they'll overlook Mrs Tymoshenko and recent declines in democratic standards and we'll sign the Association...
Ambassador's blog - Making Chornobyl Safer04.11.11Kyiv Did you know that one of the largest moveable structures ever assembled is being created in Ukraine over the next four years? That it will cost around Euro 1.54 billion? And that the...
European Parliament supports resolution on Ukraine27.10.11BrusselsKyiv Post | Interfax-Ukraine. The European Parliament on Thursday supported a joint resolution on Ukraine by a simple majority. The vote took place during a plenary session in Strasbourg without...
Ambassador's blog - What next for Ukraine #224.10.11KyivI was in London last week meeting ministers; experts dealing with Ukraine in a number of government departments; and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine, made up of members of the House of Commons...
Going nowhere... fast22.10.11Hanna Herman, President Yanukovych’s PR rep last night insisted that Ukraine’s Euro-integration will take place because it is ”embedded in law”. Speaking on the Shuster Live...
No to freedom of speech bill21.10.11KyivA proposed bill aimed at curtailing the powers of Ukrainian Secret Police officers (SBU) was rejected by Ukraine's parliament today. The bill, which was put forward by opposition MP Arseniy Yatseniuk,...
UK Ambassador at AUGB Central Office20.10.11LondonHE Leigh Turner, the UK's Ambassador to Ukraine, met with the AUGB's Vice President and CEO Iryna Terlecky and Fedir Kurlak yesterday morning at the organisation's Central Office in Notting Hill....
EU calls off Yanukovych visit18.10.11RT News. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich will not visit Brussels on Thursday to discuss the EU Association Agreement. The visit was cancelled after a court sentenced former Ukrainian...
EU calls off Yanukovych visit18.10.11RT News. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovich will not visit Brussels on Thursday to discuss the EU Association Agreement. The visit was cancelled after a court sentenced former Ukrainian...
Ambassador's blog - Bessarabia, Ukraine and Europe17.10.11Kyiv The towers of the fortress rise above the Black Sea. Within mighty walls, bastions soar. Our guide says it's hard to be sure who built which bits: over the past two millennia, the site...
Chornobyl: 25 Anniversary Commemorated17.10.11A national commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Chornobyl catastrophe took place at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Manchester on Saturday. Organised by the Association of Ukrainians...
Ambassador's blog - What Next for Ukraine?14.10.11KyivThis week, for almost the first time since I arrived in Ukraine in June 2008, Ukraine has been the number one item on the BBC World News website and in other media around the world. Friends have...
Fresh criminal case against Tymoshenko13.10.11KyivAccording to an AFP report released this afternoon, Ukraine's Security Service has said that it has opened a fresh criminal case against Ukraine's former PM, Yulia Tymoshenko. The charges relate...
UK Foreign Secretary expresses deep concern12.10.11 FCO. 11 October 2011 Foreign Secretary William Hague calls the sentencing of Yuliya Tymoshenko, deeply concerning as she is sentenced to 7 years in prison. Speaking after the verdict the Foreign...
AUGB Letter to Ambassador Khandogiy12.10.11The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) has expressed its deep disappointment over the sentencing of Yulia Tymoshenko.In a letter to the Ukrainian Ambassador in London, Volodymyr Khandogiy,...
UPDATED: Tymoshenko sentenced to 7 years11.10.11Kyiv(16.00 Kyiv time) Ukraine's ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been found guilty of exceeding her powers and causing an almost US$200 million loss to the Ukrainian budget when concluding...
Yahukovych: Court ruling not final11.10.11During a press conference held this afternoon, Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych declared that the dicision of the Pechersk District Court regarding Yulia Tymoshenko was not final.According to Yanukovych,...
EU keeps talks with Ukraine on track despite trial30.09.11Warsaw, Poland.KYIV POST | Associated Press — The European Union says it expects to finalize association talks with Ukraine by the end of the year despite the imprisonment and trial of Ukraine's former...
Ukraine calls strategic pause in Tymoshenko trial30.09.11KYIV POST | Reuters - The trial of Ukrainian ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, on a charge of abuse of office, was adjourned on Friday for 11 days to give the political leadership time to...
A deserved recognition29.09.11During a celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Genk, Belgium, over the weekend, Rev Bohdan Matwijczuk of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in the UK was bestowed with the title of Archpriest Mitrat...
Ukraine, EU brace for Tymoshenko trial outcome29.09.11 KYIV POST: Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko gave an emotional, four-hour closing argument in her abuse of office trial approaching its denouement. The state prosecutor asked a judge...
Celebrating Ukraine's Independence Day in Rochdale26.09.11RochdaleTwenty years of Ukraine's Independence was marked with a celebratory concert at the Ukrainian AUGB Centre in Rochdale yesterday. The programme included performances by the local choir of the Association...
Ambassador's blog - Tymoshenko in Yalta20.09.11 The tiger is gigantic, looming against a glowing golden background. Behind it, cubs frolic. Near the work, Tiger Club by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, Ukrainian and foreign politicians...
EU official sees release of Tymoshenko16.09.11KYIV POST. Today at 19:55 | Reuters YALTA, Ukraine, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Ukraine has assured the European Union that former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is on trial on a charge of abuse-of-office,...
Ambassador's blog - Ukrainian sport and London 201212.09.11KyivOne of the best things about being an ambassador is the opportunity to meet a wide range of people. So I was delighted on 10 September to attend the Day of Physical Culture and Sport in Kyiv to talk...
Ambassador's blog - Andy Warhol and Ukraine09.09.11Kyiv To the Mironova Gallery in Kyiv for the opening of the exhibition "Pop Art and its Kings", featuring rare, recently rediscovered 1963 and 1964 photos of cult pop artists Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana by...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Yanukovych turns West?03.09.11WORLD AFFAIRS. What is one to make of President Viktor Yanukovych’s recent entry into the ranks of the English-language commentariat? First he shocks the world with the announcement on August...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Ukraine After Yanukovych27.08.11WORLD AFFAIRS. It’s become part of the conventional wisdom about Ukrainian politics that, for all the dissatisfaction with President Viktor Yanukovych, there is no alternative. He may be...
My Independence Day in Kyiv26.08.11KyivIt seems like an age ago since I landed in Kyiv one week ago with the AUGB’s President, Zenko Lastowiecki. Countless meetings later (including the three-day World Forum of Ukrainians, the equally...
20th Anniversary of Independence marked in Keighley25.08.11Keighley Members of Keighley Town Council joined members of the Keighley Ukrainian Community last night to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence. The event took place at the Ukrainian...
V World Forum ends22.08.11KyivThe V World Forum of Ukrainians ended in Kyiv yesterday with the election of Mykhailo Ratushnyj as Chair of the Ukrainian World Coordinating Council (UWCC). The three day event was attended by 300...
Controversy at V World Forum of Ukrainians21.08.11The V World Forum of Ukrainians in Kyiv has been marked by more controversy than many would have expected. First, President Yanukovych, who had been invited to give a keynote address to the Forum,...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Ukraine turns 2021.08.11 WORLD AFFAIRS. Independent Ukraine turns 20 on August 24th. Some Ukrainians are celebrating, some are demonstrating. Most are too busy making ends meet, going on vacation, tending to their...
AUGB at V World Forum of Ukrainians17.08.11AUGB's President and General Secretary, Zenko Lastowiecki and Fedir Kurlak, will fly out to Kyiv tomorrow to represent the AUGB in the fifth three-day World Forum of Ukrainians, which will bring together...
Former Ukrainian PM, Yulia Tymoshenko arrested05.08.11BBC. A Ukraine judge has ordered that former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko be taken into custody during her trial on charges of abuse of office.Police escorted Ms Tymoshenko out of the courtroom,...
Inauguration of Apostolic Exarch02.08.11LondonThe recently elected Patriarch of the Ukrainian Catholic Church (UCC), Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, led a special service in Central London today to formally inaugurate the new Apostolic Exarch for...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Ukraine’s New Left22.07.11WORLD AFFAIRS. Are the sixties finally coming to Ukraine? The appearance of a New Left movement suggests that the answer may very well be yes. It’s still small and centered in Kyiv, but there’s...
Ambassador's blog - Kyiv beaches and gas #320.07.11KyivIn June 2009 I wrote a blog extolling the virtues of Kyiv’s beaches and noting the challenges Ukraine was then having paying its monthly bills for gas from Russia. I noted the views of the...
Ambassador's blog - Odesa Film Festival19.07.11The red carpet heaves with talent including John Malkovich, Russian filmmaker and actor Nikita Mikhalkov and many legendary Odesa comedy stars including the "Masks" of Chaos Shakespeare fame. Above, gleaming...
Minister for Europe on Britain-Ukraine partnership15.07.11LondonThe UK's Minister for Europe, the Rt Hon David Lidington MP, delivered the fourth Yalta Memorial Speech on Wednesday evening under the heading: “Britain and Ukraine – Partners for Reform”....
Ambassador's blog - Swing dancing in Kyiv15.07.11KyivThe music is infectious. The urgent rhythm sends dancers sweeping around the room, partners gyrating and in some cases being thrown bodily through the air. At the end of the track, entitled...
Ambassador's blog - Ukrainians to Newcastle14.07.11KyivYou don’t get much better people-to-people links than by bringing a group of British and Ukrainian young people together to play football on the beach, explore theatre projects and check out urban...
"Molodtsi" Hoverla!13.07.11July 9th 1986 represents a very important date in Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble's calendar when it became only the second Ukrainian Dance group from England (and the first 2nd generation born...
66th National Annual General Meeting of the AUGB11.07.11UKDelegates from all over the UK took part in the AUGB's 66th Annual General Meeting, which was held and ably hosted in the AUGB's newly-built Branch hall in Manchester on Saturday. The event was chaired...
Hoverla success Lllangollen Eisteddfod 201110.07.1125 years after triumphing at the 1986 Llangollen Eisteddfod, Derby's Hoverla Dance Ensemble's latest generation of dancers achieved an excellent second place in the Choreographed Folk Dance Competition...
Ambassador's blog - Justice and Politics in Ukraine05.07.11KyivI first had the idea of writing a blog about justice and politics in Ukraine in autumn 2009. At that time the campaign leading up to the presidential elections of February 2010 was in full swing....
Ambassador's blog - Ukrainians Studying Worldwide30.06.11KyivNineteen young men and women stand in a semi-circle as various luminaries (including me) give short speeches about them and their plans. They then sign a contract under which, in return for financial assistance...
RL/RFE: U.S., EU Condemn Tymoshenko Trial27.06.11RFE/RL. The United States and the European Union have condemned the upcoming trial of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko for alleged abuse of power. U.S. State Department spokeswoman...
Ambassador's blog - Wonderful kids in Ukraine24.06.11What do Arsenal Football Club, British and Ukrainian charities, the Chernihiv regional authorities and former British ambassadors in Kyiv have in common? Answer: all have helped support a remarkable...
Ambassador's blog - Ambassadors in high heels #217.06.11KyivHow much should an ambassador know about Louboutins? My recent blog Ambassadors in high heels prompted some interesting comments (eg from one female British diplomat: "there is no doubt that when...
Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainian Catholics confirmed15.06.11 The official website of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) yesterday reported that Pope Benedict XVI officially ratified a recent decision of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC and appointed...
Service of Remembrance held at Tarasivka13.06.11Several hundred people from across the UK braved bad weather conditions yesterday to attend the annual Service of Remembrance held at Tarasivka in Weston-on-Trent, Derbyshire. The event was organised...
Yulia rises to the challenge13.06.11Following the amazing success of her first year exhibiting in the UK, Yulia Podolska, resident artist at The School Creative Centre Rye, once again rises to the challenge of creating a new sculpture, this...
AUGB interview for BBC1's Heir Hunters programme10.06.11AUGB's CEO, Fedir Kurlak, today gave an interview for the latest series of Heir Hunters on BBC1. The series follows the work of probate researchers who trace the beneficiaries to estates, when people have...
Ambassador's blog - The teenage traffic victim03.06.11The teenager is lying motionless in the road. The driver of the black Porsche Cayenne stands over him, horrified. A couple of passers-by are on their mobile phones, perhaps calling the police...
Radio decision to be reviewed31.05.11According to a report in Telekrytyka (30 May), the chair of the State Committee for Television and Radio, Yuriy Plaksiuk, has halted the "reorganisation" of the Ukrainian language broadcast's on Ukraine's...
Mother's Day in Rochdale29.05.11 Traditionally, Ukrainian Eastern Rite Churches revere the Mother of God during the month of May and many many years ago it became custom in Ukrainian towns and villages to designate one special day...
Representatives of AUTE at AUGB's Central Office28.05.11LondonThe chair and representatives of the Association of Ukrainian Teachers and Educators (AUTE) - Jaroslaw Wasyluk, Genia Mandzij, Maria Sawdyk and Maria Danylchuk - yesterday visited AUGB's Central Office...
AUGB seeks Ambassador Khandogiy's assurance27.05.11In a letter to the Ambassador of Ukraine in London, Volodymyr Khandogiy, the AUGB today expressed its dismay at the unnanounced closure of Ukraine's World Service Ukrainian language broadcasts. The...
AUGB: "Soviet flag incompatible with Euro values!"23.05.11The AUGB sent out letters today calling on leaders of various European institutions to urge Ukraine's President and Government to immediately review the amended Law of Ukraine, № 3298-VI, ““on...
Ambassador's blog - Visit Britain23.05.11I don't usually write about my holidays in this blog, and I won't make an exception now. But by way of illustrating what terrific places there are to go on holiday in the UK, check out the photos...
"NO"! to Stalin and his flag19.05.11In a letter dated 18 May 2011, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has called upon the European community to demand that the Ukrainian government authorities immediately denounce the glorification of Stalinism...
Ukrainian docu-film on the Halychyna Division19.05.11The Ukrainian Division "Halychyna" has never been far removed from controversy. Within the Ukrainian community it has been viewed as a formation that took up arms to fight only against Stalin's Red...
Lutsenko and Amnesty International18.05.11 AUGB has today written to Amnesty International's Urgent Action Network concerning the condition of Ukraine's ex-Interior Minister, Yuri Lutsenko, who has been held in prison since his arrest...
Ambassador's blog - UK-Ukraine military co-operation12.05.11KyivA couple of people have commented on my recent Oxford speech that they were surprised to see how much military co-operation went on between Ukraine and the UK. Having listed various other areas of...
Call for student volunteers12.05.11The Oxford Volunteers for Chornobyl Scheme is launching its call for applications for the summer of 2011. Every summer since 2007, Oxford University Ukrainian Society, together with its partners in Ukraine,...
Demjaniuk - Court decision today12.05.11BBC News Europe. A court in Germany is expected to give its verdict in the case of alleged death camp guard John Demjanjuk. The 91-year-old is accused of having helped to murder 27,900 Jews at the...
Demjaniuk Court Ruling - Guilty.12.05.11BBC News Europe. A German court has found John Demjanjuk guilty of helping to murder more than 28,000 Jews at a Nazi death camp in World War II. He was sentenced to five years in prison, one year...
Chornobyl 25 in Ashton11.05.11AshtonAUGB Ashton Branch has erected a small display of facts, personal accounts, pictures and statements from the current Ambassador to Ukraine, Leigh Turner, and US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, in the...
Ukraine's piano players (AKA Parliamentarians)11.05.11UkraineIt is some time since we flagged up a snippet of video-news from Ukraine.The link sent to us earlier today looks at the issue of voting in the Ukrainian Parliament, which we appreciate is already a known...
Ambassador's blog - How Ukraine can lead Europe10.05.11KyivOf what 47-member body is Ukraine about to assume the Chairmanship, followed by the United Kingdom? The answer is of course the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), whose Chairmanship...
Chornobyl 25 commemorated06.05.11The 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster was last night commemorated at AUGB's Central Office with the opening of an exhibition of original photographs from the collection of the National Museum...
Ambassador's blog - Life Lessons from Deep Purple06.05.11From the moment the lights go down and the familiar heavy metal chords ring out through the vast indoor space, it is clear that Deep Purple have lost none of their ability to rock. We’re...
Ambassador's blog - How to sell land05.05.11KyivIs it good or bad for Ukraine to allow the sale of agricultural land and, if so, under what conditions? There is muted excitement in Ukraine that the authorities may soon bring forward proposals to allow...
Ambassador's blog - Bad piano-playing in Kyiv03.05.11KyivHow can the Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, best ensure that it meets the democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people? I've blogged before about the unfortunate propensity of members of the Rada to...
Bolton News on Chornobyl Anniversary Commemoration03.05.11BoltonBolton News today published an article entitled "Victims of Chernobyl Remembered", which details local commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the world's worst nuclear disaster. It follows on...
World's worst nuclear disaster remembered27.04.11UKCommemorative services and events were held in various cities around the UK yesterday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster. In central London an ecumenical service led by Bishop Hlib...
Ambassador's blog: Chernobyl 25th anniversary21.04.11KyivThis week Kyiv has seen one of its largest ever gatherings of international leaders as Presidents, Prime Ministers and other political figures and experts congregate on Kyiv for two conferences to mark...
Ambassador's blog - What I think about Ukraine14.04.11Kyiv I’ve been blogging about Ukraine for a while now – over 170 entries, plus the web-diary I started in 2009 before the blog went live. It’s been a fascinating time and I hope...
Shevchenko Concert in Rochdale14.04.11RochdaleA concert about the life and works of Taras Shevchenko took place on the Saturday 26th March in the hall of the AUGB branch in Rochdale to mark 150 years since his death. The ladies of the Association...
Ambassador's blog - Ukraine in Oxford... and Europe12.04.11OxfordI recently wrote about the centre of Kyiv turning British. So it's good to find the centre of Oxford turning Ukrainian. The occasion is the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Programme Oxford Model...
Ambassador's blog - Where are you going, Ukraine?05.04.11I'm in the UK this week to speak at the Oxford Model Ukraine Conference "Ukraine's Domestic and Foreign Affairs: Quo Vadis?" (Quo vadis means "Where are you going?" in Latin.) It will be good to...
Ambassador's blog - Is Ukraine really reforming?04.04.11I often ask business and political contacts what they think about the progress of reform in Ukraine. Responses are mixed: some say things are getting better, some that they are getting worse, and...
Holodomor book presentation in London01.04.11A special book-launch of “Holodomor – the Great Famine in Ukraine 1932-33” took place last night at the AUGB’s central office in London. It was presented by its authors -...
Letter of good wishes to new Church Leader30.03.11The AUGB has sent a letter expressing good wishes to the newly elected Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Major Archbishop and Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk. The new Church leader takes over...
Ambassador's Blog - Chernobyl Charity Walk 29.03.11Can you walk 110 kilometres in 24 hours? That’s the distance from the centre of Kyiv to the edge of the Chernobyl exclusion zone north of Kyiv.With the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster...
Ambassador's Blog - Down Syndrome: “Let Us In!” 22.03.11Imagine a child knocking on a door and being let in by a smiling family or friend. That’s the scene from a moving film presented by the charity Down Syndrome Education International, featuring...
Save our BBC World Service07.03.11In February the AUGB sent a submission to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Inquiry concerning the proposed closure of the BBC World Service's Ukrainian language radio broadcasts.As soon as...
Ambassador's Blog - How to sell your city 01.03.11KyivThe chocolate flows down in an endless stream, pouring like a waterfall over the freshly-baked crispy wafers. Further down the production line, individual sticks are wrapped and packed in boxes. ...
Ambassador's Blog - My Welsh Great-Grandfather 28.02.111 March is St David’s Day, named after the patron saint of Wales who died in 589. I'm part-Welsh: my great-grandfather John Derfel (photo below) came from the the town of Llanderfel in...
Ambassador's Blog - Culture, diversity and art 25.02.11What do an artist from Afghanistan and a Ukrainian dancer have in common? The answer is that both are big fans of Ukraine who are enriching the country's cultural life. I'm delivering a short speech...
Ambassador's Blog - MI6, Art and Freedoms 18.02.11Back in Kyiv after a holiday in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho and a short working visit to London, I am intrigued to see advertised on the Foreign Office website an exhibition by British artist James...
Cardinal Huzar resigns10.02.11The highly respected Patriarch and Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cardinal Lubomyr Huzar, has resigned at the age of 77. According to the UNIAN news agency, Pope Benedict...
Ambassador's Blog - Skills for millions 07.02.11A guest blog from Margaret Jack, Director, British Council Ukraine Sixty Education Ministers developing policies for half a billion young people to help ensure that progress beyond the United Nations'...
Got to Dance - "Swashbuckling Podilya"31.01.11The Ukrainian Youth Association's Podilya Dance Ensemble from Manchester "brought bags of Ukrainian heritage and culture to the stage with their colourful...performance" in the first of four semi-finals...
BBC Ukrainian Service Axed27.01.11The FINANCIAL. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced that it will stop broadcasting in the Ukrainian language on April 1. The BBC’s Ukrainian service announced...
AUGB 65th anniversary reception25.01.11On Saturday 22 January, AUGB's head office at 49 Linden Gardens hosted an exhibition and reception to mark the 65th anniversary of the Association, which was founded on 18-19 January 1946 in Edinburgh.Bishop...
Ambassador's Blog - Is Ukraine free? 24.01.11KyivWhich is the country which is most free in the CIS? Can we say confidently that it is Ukraine? Or how about a new pretender to that crown – Moldova? There are many ways to measure...
See all news24.01.11We have posted a number of items over the past 24 hours (including articles dated earlier). Be sure not to miss anything by clicking "see all news".
Got to Dance - Got to Vote!23.01.11The Ukrainian Youth Association's Podilya Dance Group has successfully won through to the first of four semi-finals of the Got to Dance programme which will be screened live on Sky 1 on Sunday 30 January. ...
Ambassador's Blog - Swimming with icebergs 20.01.11KyivA guest blog from John Foreman, Defence Attaché, British Embassy19 January is Epiphany, an ancient Christian feast day which, in the Orthodox tradition, celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the...
AUGB - 65th Anniversary Today19.01.11On 18-19 January 1946, the inaugural General Meeting of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain took place in St Mary’s church hall, Edinburgh.The participants of that Meeting, who through...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Shooting Fish in a Barrel 17.01.11WORLD AFFAIRS. Gosh, Viktor Yanukovych makes it too easy.Two of his latest doozies concern personnel appointments to important government jobs: the head of the National Bank and the general director...
Ukrainian Christmas in the North-West17.01.11Ukrainians in the North West saw another successful Christmas Concert at the AUGB Bolton Community Hall yesterday evening. The concert was organised by AUGB Manchester Branch with great support from the...
CNN heads to Ukraine for the first i-List of 201116.01.11CNN brings its monthly i-List series to Ukraine for the week of Monday 17th - Friday 21st January.CNN’s focus on Ukraine comes as the region’s two primary geopolitical centres of gravity –...
Holodomor on Austrian radio16.01.11Austria's main radio station, Ö1, yesterday aired a 55-minute programme, Horbilder, on the Holodomor.You can listen to the broadcast by clicking on the following link: http://oe1.orf.a...
Archbishop's visit14.01.11London (49 Linden Gardens)The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church's Archbishop of Kharkiv and Poltava, Ihor Isichenko, yesterday visited AUGB's Central Office where he met with the AUGB's CEO and Curator of the...
Bandera14.01.11According to a statement issued by the Press office of President Viktor Yanukovych, which has appeared on his website, a Decree issued by former President Viktor Yushchenko bestowing Stepan Bandera with...
Staying in power and corporate revenge13.01.11The BBC news website today carries a piece by the Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov analysing President Yanukovych's first year in office. He describes the government's legal action against Yuliya Tymoshenko...
Sad loss. Svitlana Hluvko dead.12.01.11London born Svitlana Hluvko, a highly acclaimed restorer and expert in her field, passed away in Italy on 9 January 2011 aged 46.She authored/co-authored numerious academic works.Daughter of Ukrainian...
Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy in London11.01.11LondonPatriarch Lubomyr Huzar is in London this week for meetings with bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Today and tomorrow have been set aside for a working group to meet, discuss and formulate...
A Happy New Year and Apologies04.01.11We apologise for not being able to post news items onto the website over the past couple of weeks. Regular features that have appeared on this site in the past will be posted here shortly according...
Ukraine's Orange Blues - Who Needs Education? 20.12.10WORLD AFFAIRS: Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science is now the Ministry of Education, Science, Youth, and — no kidding, honest — Sports. This bizarre transformation took...
Ambassador's Blog - Holidays in Chernobyl 16.12.10The UK and international press have reacted with intrigue to the suggestion that Chernobyl, site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, could be a new tourist hotspot. In fact as some reports have noted,...
Ambassador's Blog - BBC Book of the Year 2010 11.12.10KyivThe lofty, historic hall of the Kyiv Mohyla Academy is packed with journalists, TV cameras and microphones. The occasion is the prize-giving for the BBC Ukrainian Service Book of the Year Competition. ...
Ambassador's Blog - Human rights in Ukraine 09.12.10KyivIn the mid 1970s I flew from London to Johannesburg via Madrid in order to get the cheapest fare. During the stopover at Madrid airport I was waiting to buy a newspaper at a shop when I was elbowed...
Ambassador's Blog - Where everywhere is home 07.12.10KyivThis year, the UK is between Turkey (fabulous balloons) and Egypt (delicious traditional snacks). Yes, it’s the International Women’s Club of Kyiv (IWCK) annual seasonal charity bazaar. ...
Australian Minister with Ukrainian roots06.12.10AustraliaMatthew Guy MLC has been sworn in as the new Minister for Planning in the Government of Victoria, Australia.In a press release issued by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Stefan Romaniw...
Delay in delivery of Dumka03.12.10Dumka went to print as normal on Wednesday evening but due to the bad weather, we have been advised by the printers that it will be delivered to us in London on Monday. Subscribers should note that...
International "First National" channel launched01.12.10A new Ukrainian TV channel "First Ukraine International" began broadcasting FTA off the Sirius satellite at 4.8 degrees East earlier today. The channel is an international version of "First National"...
New Ambassador at Buckingham Palace01.12.10LondonThe newly appointed Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, Volodymyr Khandogyi, today attended Buckingham Palace where he presented his credentials to Queen Elizabeth II.During the private audience...
WikiLeaks, Prince Andrew and the Holodomor30.11.10Whilst media observers are today focusing on certain passages attributed to Prince Andrew by the US Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Tatiana Gfoeller, there is one reference in the WikiLeaks...
Eternal memory. Execution by famine: living pages29.11.10Illustration from the book Famine in the Soviet Ukraine: 1932-1933 (Harvard University, 1986) AN ILLUSTRATION BY HALYNA MAZEPA TO MYKOLA PONEDILKO’S COLLECTED NOVELLAS ONLY THE FIELD SPEAKS…...
Holodomor memorial plaque opened in Huddersfield29.11.10A memorial plaque to commemorate the millions of victims systematically starved to death in 1932-33 in Ukraine was officially unveiled and blessed in Huddersfield yesterday afternoon. The event was...
1932-33 Holodomor commemorated in Manchester28.11.10Manchester's Ukrainian community yesterday paid its respects to the victims of the 1932-33 Holodomor by holding a Panakhyda Service of Remembrance and commemoration at the Church of the Assumption...
Rochdale remembers forgotten victims of ‘Holodomor’27.11.10ROCHDALE ONLINE. The Rochdale Friends of Lviv group and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain held a commemorative ceremony today (Friday 26 November 2010) at the Holodomor Memorial Stone...
Holodomor Press Release by Embassy of Ukraine in UK27.11.10The Embassy of Ukraine in London has issued a press release to mark the commemoration of the 1932-33 Holodomor in Ukraine, during which millions of Ukrainians were systematically starved to death.Memorial...
Barroso: EU-Ukraine Summit "successful"23.11.10BrusselsRepresented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the EC, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, the European Union yesterday hosted the 14th EU-Ukraine Summit in Brussels. Ukraine...
UWC outraged by ban on public meetings in Kyiv23.11.10The Ukrainian World Congress has expressed its concern about reports that Kyiv’s District Administrative Court yesterday banned all protest meetings planned to take place in the capital between...
Ambassador's Blog - Why school No.92 is brilliant 23.11.10There's nothing like meeting lively young people to fuel your optimism about a country. So I'm delighted to accept an invitation from Kyiv School No.92 to meet English language students of the 9th...
EU-Ukraine Summit today - what hopes?22.11.10The EU and Ukraine will hold their annual summit at the Chateau Val Duchesse in Brussels today. According to euobserver.com, the headlline deliverable at the summit is expected to be an Action Plan...
Ambassador's Blog - Please don't get a visa ban 22.11.10I recently attended an event at a university in Kyiv where a dismayed student told me she had been subject to a ten-year visa ban by the UK. This had been the result of misrepresenting a small piece...
General Council Meeting21.11.10London (49 Linden Gardens)AUGB's General Council ("Rada SUB") held its second post-AGM meeting yesterday. Also in attendance was the AUGB's honorary President, Wasyl Oleskiw, who raised a number of issues, including: integration...
Ukrainian World Congress calls for signatures21.11.10The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is circulating an online petition which calls on Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych to "publicly recognise the Holodomor as an act of genocide against Ukrainian...
Shameful removal of Josyf Slipyj memorial plaque19.11.10It is a sad day indeed when my email inbox is inundated with messages from various organisations and individuals worldwide condemning the removal of an innocent memoral plaque embedded in the wall of a...
Ambassador donates large collection of books19.11.10London (49 Linden Gardens)Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK, Volodymyr Khandogiy, visited AUGB's Central Office earlier today. He was accompanied by First Secretary Dr Kateryna Bila and the Embassy's Cultural Attache, Orysia...
Ukraine local Election - unconfirmed results16.11.10Anyone wishing to know at a quick glance the unofficial results of the recent local election in Ukraine can do so by following this link to Ukrainska Pravda. Simply hover your mouse over any...
Ambassador's Blog - Boosting Ukrainian healthcare 16.11.10KyivHow does the life expectancy of the average Ukrainian compare with the world average - or that of any other country? To find out, check out this brilliant World Bank web-site. All you have...
Visiting professor15.11.10LondonProf. Leonid Rudnytzky received a very warm welcome last Friday when he visited the AUGB's Head Office where he met with the AUGB's CEO and the Curator of the Shevchenko Library and Archive. He...
Remembrance Day Panakhyda Service in London15.11.10LondonThe last Amen of our Sunday Service softly echoed across the incense filled air of the Cathedral. The congregation readied themselves to step up to kiss the cross and head home for their Sunday lunch…Parish...
History of Ukrainian Community online15.11.10Petro Szczur has for many years been a prominent member of the AUGB's Branch in Keighley. Earlier this year he published "A Short History..." of his local community covering the period...
Ambassador's Blog - Remembrance Day in Kyiv14.11.10KyivThe British and Canadian embassies in Kyiv organised a short ceremony at the Park of Glory on 11 November to mark Remembrance Day. There was a good turnout. The ceremony, which included prayers,...
Ambassador's Blog - Dynamism in Donetsk 11.11.10I was recently privileged to attend the Champions League match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal at the splendid Donbass Arena in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk. You can see a photo from the...
Ambassador's Blog - Why I wear a poppy 09.11.10KyivSeveral Ukrainian friends have asked me recently why I am wearing a small, red flower – a poppy – on my jacket lapel. It’s because the United Kingdom together with other Commonwealth...
Europe keeps a close eye...05.11.10Radio Svoboda has tonight reported that the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, expressed concern at the reports of a number of observer missions, who flagged up violations...
Stop it now, Mr President!05.11.10Amnesty International (AI) yesterday urged Ukraine's authorities to stop the harassment of a trade union activist who remains in hiding after a court ordered him to undergo a forced psychiatric examination.AI's...
Burns collection launched in Kyiv05.11.10The National Museum of Print in Kyiv was the venue earlier this week for the launch of a unique book of Ukrainian translations. “Robert Burns. Selected Works” is the result...
Germany's first female rabbi since 1935 is Ukrainian04.11.10A Ukrainian - Alina Treiger, born in Poltava in 1979 - will today be ordained as Germany's first female rabbi since 1935. Leading rabbis from around the world, together with the President of Germany...
Ukraine Local Election Results - Please wait.02.11.10So what did happen in the local elections that took place in Ukraine last Sunday? Actually, it is still a bit too early to say. In fact the final official results are unlikely to be out...
Ambassador's Blog - Kyiv fishing frenzy 02.11.10KyivPeople in Kyiv love fishing. Whether in the summer, with blow-up boats dotting the Dnieper or in the winter with stoic mummified forms monitoring blow-holes in the frozen river, fishermen (sic) are...
EU will not compromise on freedoms in Ukraine25.10.10According to a report by UNIAN, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, told one of its correspondents that European Union is ready to compromise...
West ignoring Russian takeover says Tymoshenko20.10.10The Daily Telegraph has reported that the former Ukrainian PM, Yulia Tymoshenko has accused the West of turning a blind eye to a Russian takeover of the country.Click here to read the full report.
More on Britain's Minister for Europe in Ukraine20.10.10Last week we reported on the visit to Ukraine of Britain's Minister for Europe, David Lidington. It was quite revealing that many Ukrainian news agencies and internet sites picked up on Mr Lidingham's...
Venice Commission working group to visit Ukraine19.10.10Last week we reported that during its 84th plenary session, the Venice Commission would additionally be looking at the constitutional situation in Ukraine following the recent decision by the Constitutional...
AUGB representatives meet with Ambassador Khandogyi18.10.10LondonThe AUGB’s President, First Vice-President and CEO (Z. Lastowiecki, I. Terlecky and F. Kurlak) met earlier this evening with the new Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Volodymyr Khandogyi. The...
Letter to Chilean Ambassador14.10.10UKThe AUGB has today sent a letter to the Chilean Ambassador in London, Rafael Moreno, expressing the following:"We have been totally moved and transfixed by events in your country to save the lives of the...
UK Minister for Europe in Ukraine13.10.10The Minister for Europe, David Lidington, is in Ukraine today on a 24-hour visit. In interviews with the BBC and with the Ukrainian newspaper Den', he has made clear that Britain supports Ukrainian moves...
European Council President meets Ukrainian PM13.10.10The European Council President, Herman van Rompuy, met in Brussels today with Ukraine's Prime Minister, Mykola Azarov. In his remarks following the meeting, Mr van Pompuy said that the two men had...
Democracy Watch #912.10.10The latest issue of Democracy Watch deals with issues surrounding the Constitutional Court's Judgment of 1 October. For previous issues, go to: http://peoplefirst.org.ua/?lang=en
So long! Farewell...11.10.10London (49 Linden Gardens)Good wishes abounded during a small but very special reception at Head Office last week for Anna Mikulin, who has now moved to another job.Anna first joined the AUGB's Head Office team back in 1989. ...
Lifeline Help for Ukrainian Children11.10.10Lifeline is a UK based charity that for 10 years has been supplying chemotherapy drugs & treatment to treat several hundred children with cancer in the Ukraine. The number of requests has doubled...
Community fundraising success11.10.10AshtonAUGB Ashton held its first table top sale yesterday to raise funds for the community. Proving a great success with a large number of visiting customers, the Branch is already considering plans to turn...
Hunger-strike in bid to expose electoral rigging08.10.10UkraineThe Press Service of the BYuT-Batkivshchyna party has issued a statement on the use of “administrative resources” being directed against Ukraine’s largest opposition party ahead of the...
Deleting the Holodomor: Ukraine Unmakes Itself06.10.10WORLD AFFAIRS: The first thing Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich did after his February 25 inauguration was delete the link to the Holodomor on the president’s official Web site. Yanukovich’s...
Ukrainian-born wins gold for England06.10.10IndiaA Ukrainian-born Greco-Roman wrestler, Myroslav Dykun, won a gold medal for England on day 3 of the Commonwealth Games in India.Dykun, 27, who now lives in Prestwich near Manchester, beat Canadian...
UEFA says all Euro 2012 hosts venues confirmed04.10.10REUTERS. All eight proposed venues in Poland and Ukraine will host matches at Euro 2012 as planned ending months of doubt about the co-hosts' readiness for the event. "We feel that Ukraine is fully...
AUGB Conference02.10.10UKRepresentatives from most Ukrainian communities in the UK converged at AUGB Leicester Branch earlier today to discuss the implementation of a programme of general internal restructuring.In the absence...
Opinion: Playing hardball with Yanukovych01.10.10Opinion is divided as to what the diaspora's position should be with regard to the new President of Ukraine and his government. On the one hand everyone would like to see a free and democratic...
Ambassador's Blog - Freedom of speech - in Iran30.09.10KyivAmidst the debate on freedom of speech and the media ahead of the local elections in Ukraine, I learn that Hossein Derakhshan, a well-known blogger in Iran, has been sentenced to 19 years of prison, banned...
Article in Mail on Sunday28.09.10Many of you will already be aware of an article by Peter Hitchins in the Mail on Sunday which was highly critical of Ukraine and virtually denied Ukraine's right to existence as an independent nation....
Permanent Ukrainian studies at Cambridge University25.09.10Professor Simon Franklin of the Russian Studies Department at Cambridge University told an UNIAN press conference yesterday that there will now be a permanent programme of Ukrainian studies at the University. ...
Let's see it... this freedom and democracy24.09.10According to the website of the UN, the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, said last night that solidarity between States, mutual support and responsibility were essential to the world’s well-being. ...
Ambassador's Blog - Ukrainian lessons #4 24.09.10KyivSeptember 26 is "Multilingual Blogging Day". Readers of this blog will know that it's been produced from the start in both English and Ukrainian, so this is a good occasion to express my thanks to...
Meeting at FCO23.09.10LondonAUGB CEO, Fedir Kurlak, today met at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with the Head of the Eastern Europe and Neighbourhood Policy Team, Chris Kendall, and Ukraine Desk Officer, Richard Bielby. ...
President's webmasters play games with Holodomor21.09.10UkraineYesterday afternoon we reported on the reinstatement of the Holodomor portal on the website of the President of Ukraine.A number of sources who independently viewed the site yesterday said that...
Ambassador's Blog - Ukraine's nearly bonanza21.09.10KyivIf you want a reminder of how prosperous Ukraine could be and of some of the reasons why that desirable state has not yet been reached, try visiting some of the nation's fabulously rich farming country. Farming...
Can you help?20.09.10UKFrom time to time in the past we have highlighted issues relating to the deterioration of Human Rights, press freedom and democracy generally in Ukraine.Though President Yanukovych has repeatedly indicated...
Reinstatement of Holodomor portal20.09.10UkraineThe website of the President of Ukraine has today reintroduced a Holodomor portal which was removed earlier this year shortly after President Yanukovych took the oath of office.The Ukrainian World Congress...
Ambassador's Blog - Can Ukraine learn from the Stasi?19.09.10KyivWant to see how a Berlin schoolgirl volunteered to work with the East German State Security Ministry (Stasi)? How Dynamo Dresden striker Peter Kotte was relegated to the 7th Division in 1980 on suspicion...
The Tailor of Inverness travels to Ukraine18.09.10It is not very often that UK theatre groups travel out to Ukraine so we were particularly delighted to hear that the Dogstar Theatre Company is preparing to tour Ukraine in October with...
'Investigation of Gongadze case is complete'16.09.10LondonThe Ukrainian ambassador to Britain told an NUJ delegation today that the investigation into the murder 10 years ago of internet journalist Gyorgy Gongadze has been completed and court proceedings could...
Seeking justice for murdered journalist Gongadze16.09.10These are the points an NUJ delegation wants to raise about the murder 10 years ago of internet journalist Gyorgy Gongadze in a meeting at the Ukranian Embassy in London today.General points on the Gongadze...
Academics petition Ukraine's Security Service15.09.10Kyiv Post today reported that the following open letter was sent to the State Security Service on Sept. 15.On 9 September 2010 SBU agents detained the historian Ruslan Zabilyi and confiscated...
Open letter to Ambassador Khandogiy10.09.10UKThe AUGB has today sent open letter to the new Ukrainian Ambassador in London, Volodymyr Khandogiy expressing its extreme concern about the deterioration of press freedom and violations of Human Rights...
Latest "People First" newsletter07.09.10In May this year we wrote about a meeting with representatives of the People First Foundation. About a month later we flagged up the Foundation's concerns about the deterioration of democratic principles...
Thank you Canon!06.09.10KeighleySunday 5 September marked almost 10 years to the day when the Rev. Canon Shaun Gilligan arrived at the Catholic Church of St. Anne’s in Keighley.Peter Szczur, Chairman of the Ukrainian Association...
Ukrainian World Congress Annual General Meeting01.09.10Przemysl, PolandMore than 60 representatives from 12 countries took part in this year’s Annual General Meeting of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) held at National House in Przemysl, Poland, on 22-23 August. ...
Concerns grow over missing journalist26.08.10Radio Free Europe reports that the International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed concern about the safety of Ukrainian journalist Vasyl Klymentyev, who has been missing since August 11.Vasyl Klymentyev...
Ambassador's Blog - A Unique and Chilling Museum 18.08.10KyivEver wondered what the button looked like which would signal armageddon? Now you can find out. Before 1991, Ukraine contained, on one estimate, enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world three...
Ambassador's Blog - Creating global IT jobs in Kyiv 10.08.10KyivIt's always a good feeling to be in a room with a lot of brain-power. When Barclays Capital and EPAM Systems recently held an event at the residence to mark the launch of their new global technology...
Pastoral visit to Scotland06.08.10ScotlandScotland's Ukrainian Catholic community was delighted to recently welcome the Apostolic Administrator for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain and Ireland, Bishop Hlib Lonchyna. It was the bishop's first pastoral...
Media freedom battle grips Ukraine02.08.10Ukraine“The World Today” programme broadcast earlier this morning on the BBC World Service carried a report by David Stern on a media freedom battle currently gripping Ukraine. The piece...
E-Poshta collection of articles02.08.10The Ukrainian independent news magazine, e-poshta, regularly publishes articles relating to current affairs in Ukraine. The latest issue covers a range of topics that visitors to this website...
Yulia Podolska visits AUGB Head Office29.07.1049 Linden Gardens, LondonThe very talented young Ukrainian sculptor, Yulia Podolska, visited the AUGB’s Head Office earlier today and gave a lengthy interview for Dumka (see next issue).Yulia studied art and classical...
The Tablet publishes AUGB response28.07.10Two weeks ago we wrote about an article published in The Tablet about Fr. Borys Gudziak's and his Memorandum, penned shortly after a visit from Ukraine's Security Service.Under a sub-heading "University...
Get your kit off!27.07.10SOS/iRB Kit SOS Kit Aid was founded by a rugby dad, (John Broadfoot), who saw for himself the plight of Romanian youngsters during a school rugby tour to Romania. The sight of a smiling Romanian eight...
Congratulations to Stockport's "Sokil"27.07.10LlangollenThe "Sokil" Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Stockport achieved a fantastic runner's-up spot in the Choreographed Folk Dance Competition at this year's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.Finishing...
Manchester Hall build moving apace26.07.10ManchesterIt is over five years since a fire destroyed the AUGB's community hall in Manchester. Construction work on its replacement commenced earlier this year and, as these photos taken last week show, the...
Ambassador's Blog - Extreme climbing in Kyiv26.07.10KyivThere's sometimes an inverse relationship between the quality of an experience you're undergoing and your ability to photograph it. Especially when the experience involves scrambling up a ladder...
Ambassador's Blog - Ukrainian high achievers 23.07.10KyivWhat do 11 Downing Street and the Ambassador's residence in Kyiv have in common? One thing is that both get sweltering hot in warm weather. Another is that both have in the past few weeks hosted...
AUGB response to The Tablet's denial14.07.10The AUGB has reacted to an article written by Jonathan Luxmoore and published in Saturday's edition of The Tablet (10 July) entitled: "Claims of state persecution dismissed".The full text of...
AUGB's 65th Annual General Meeting held in London12.07.10UKDelegates from as far north as Edinburgh took part in the AUGB's 65th Annual General Meeting, which was held in London on Saturday and was very ably hosted by the Association's local London Branch. The...
Ambassador Kharchenko's message to Ukrainian community12.07.10LondonThe Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, Dr Ihor Kharchenko, has sent out a message to the Ukrainian community in this country on the occasion of the 20th anniversary Ukraine's sovereignty (16 July 1990),Click...
HM Ambassador to Ukraine visits AUGB Head Office09.07.10LondonAUGB’s First Vice-President, Iryna Terlecky, and AUGB CEO, Fedir Kurlak, yesterday held an hour-long meeting with the UK’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Leigh Turner.Various issues relating to the...
Ambassador Kharchenko to be replaced08.07.10LondonAmbassador Ihor Kharchenko is set to leave his post at the Ukrainian Embassy in London later this month. He will be replaced by the current First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Volodymyr...
Ambassador's Blog - How to stop censorship in Ukraine 07.07.10KyivIs there a risk of an upsurge in censorship in Ukraine? If there is, what can Ukrainians do about it? And what if anything should outsiders such as foreign governments and diplomats be doing? These...
Congress on diaspora held in Lviv04.07.10Lviv, UkraineThe Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), of which the AUGB is a member organisation, has taken part in an International Congress - the third of its kind - organised by the International Institute of Education,...
Apologies03.07.10Unfortunately we have been unable to update the website over the past 10 days. Hopefully, normal services will now be resumed and we will start by bringing you up to date with the Ambassador's blogs...
Ambassador's Blog - UK visas: apply in good time 02.07.10KyivIt's summer and the number of people wanting to travel is reaching a peak. That's great, particularly for those of you travelling to the United Kingdom - we're looking forward to seeing you.The fact...
Ambassador's Blog - How to avoid being conned 30.06.10KyivHave you ever had someone contact you to offer you an attractive-sounding job overseas? How about someone saying that you've won some money? If so, you may have been in danger of falling victim...
UWC representatives meet with President Yanukovych23.06.10KyivThe President and General Secretary of the Ukrainian World Congress held a meeting on Monday with the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Costantin Hryshchenko, and with...
Ambassador's Blog - Village Green Cricket in Kyiv22.06.10Kyiv"So," my Ukrainian friend asks me. "What are the rules of cricket?""Well," I say. "It's a lot simpler than football." One of the joys of being an ambassador is that people expect you to...
Surprise visitor21.06.1049 Linden Gardens, LondonThere was a surprise welcome visitor to AUGB’s Head Office late on Friday evening when a family member of the AUGB’s first President, Mykyta Bura, unexpectedly called. Christopher...
Annual Report released19.06.10The AUGB released its Annual report yesterday, three weeks ahead of the forthcoming AGM. The 40 page document highlights key areas of the AUGB’s activities over the past year and includes...
Ambassador's Blog - The toughest exam in Ukraine 10.06.10KharkivWhat's the toughest thing you can do to a Ukrainian student sitting an important English oral exam? How about bringing in the British ambassador to watch your conversational efforts, together with...
Overcome evil with good!09.06.10Lviv, UkraineFr Borys Gudziak has today sent out a letter of thanks in which he pays tribute to everyone for the massive outpouring of public support in prayer and action following his recent meeting with a representative...
Something new...08.06.10You might not have noticed that we have split Ukrainian TV and Radio into two seperate boxes to make them more manageable. We hope that you now find them more user friendly, particularly the links...
Troubles in Ukraine 04.06.10We are indebted to one reader who very kindly forwarded us a copy of an article published last week in the American National Review, written by George Weigel, who is a distinguished senior fellow...
Ambassador's Blog - Beautiful Ukraine 01.06.10The pelican seems to have trouble getting airborne, powering along the surface of the water before lifting off with beating wings. But in the air it soars and swoops, circling over our boat as the...
Ambassador's Blog - Closer to Europe in Sverdlovsk 31.05.10What do a massive steelworks and children in traditional Ukrainian costumes have in common? Answer: both feature in the second day of a visit by EU ambassadors to easternmost Ukraine. After a visit...
AUGB AGM date30.05.10The AUGB's General Council (Rada) met yesterday to discuss a range of issues. One item that we should like to put out into the public domain immediately is that the date of the 65 AUGB AGM has now...
New book on Shukhevych27.05.1049 Linden Gardens, LondonJeanne Vronskaya is a Russian author of many books and writer of numerous articles that have appeared in most broadsheets in this country.Born in Russia but living in London since 1969, her latest work,...
Ambassador's Blog - Masters in five cities27.05.10KyivIt’s not often that when I give a talk I sit with my back to the audience. But that’s what happens when I visit the National Academy of Public Administration in Kyiv to address students doing...
Ambassador's Blog - XIII Century Kyivan Rus?23.05.10KyivTwo heavily-armoured knights close on each other in a wooden stockade. In a flurry of swords they're at each other, hacking at shields, helmets, and anything else they can reach. As smiting...
Ambassador's Blog - Invest in Ukraine? 20.05.10What contrasts. Last year, when I flew into London for the 5th Ukrainian Investment Summit, a) I'd never heard of a volcano called Eyjafjallajökull; and b) investors at the conference were...
For democracy in Ukraine20.05.10LondonAUGB's First Vice-President and CEO, Iryna Terlecky and Fedir Kurlak, met with key representatives of the People First Foundation yesterday (Victor Tkachuk, Martin Nunn and Neil Pattie) to discuss...
One special woman...19.05.1049 Linden Gardens, LondonGuests, family and friends gathered at the AUGB’s Central Office last night for the book launch of Ivanna Maszczak's memoirs and the opening of an exhibition of her watercolours and sketches.The...
Excellence at Sydenhurst13.05.10ChiddingfoldWe are delighted to report that following an unannounced inspection today by the Care Quality Commission, Sydenhurst has once again been awarded the highest possible rating of 3* - "excellent".This...
Ukrainian Catholic University Rector at AUGB HQ12.05.10AUGB's CEO, Fedir Kurlak, today met with the Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU), Rev. Borys Gudziak, who is a leading intellectual and historian in post-Soviet Ukraine.We have written...
Ukraine ponders Putin's gas deal 'impromptu'11.05.10The BBC's Business reporter, Konstantin Rozhnov, has reported that controversial talks between energy officials from Ukraine and Russia could take place soon. Ukrainian politicians - both...
An open letter to President Yanukovych10.05.10The newly formed National Committee for the Defence of Ukraine is planning a day of protest in Kyiv and elsewhere in Ukraine on Tuesday 11 May.The Committee comprises members of 10 opposition parties and...
AUGB AGM date change05.05.10UKThe date of the 65th AUGB AGM, originally scheduled to take place at the end of this month, has been postponed and will now take place either on 19 June or 10 July. Confirmation of the new date will...
Stalin not "bust"05.05.10UkraineThe President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, last week told the Partliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) that he was "not aware of efforts to build a monument to Stalin" in Ukraine, "although...
New Committee formed04.05.10UKOn Saturday 1st May 2010, Tarasivka witnessed the inaugural meeting of the Bandera Action Committee. Present at the meeting were representatives of all central hromadsky organisations. Throughout...
Shevchenko Concert in Rochdale04.05.10RochdaleA commemorative concert to Taras Shevchenko took place at the Ukrainian Centre on Mere St. in Rochdale on the 28th March 2010.The concert opened up with the traditional singing of “Zapovit”...
Многая Літа пане Голово! Happy Birthday!02.05.10Very best wishes go out to AUGB President, Zenko Lastowiecki, who celebrates his 50th birthday today.Zenko is a longstanding active member of the AUGB and the Ukrainian community generally in the UK. ...
UWC response to recent events in Ukraine01.05.10WorldwideThe Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has reacted angrily to this week's events in Ukraine.It condemned the Parliamentary ratification of the Kharkiv Agreement and President Yanukovych's remarks in Strasbourg...
Ukraine's Day of Shame29.04.10Statement from AUGB's Governing Council27 April 2010 – Ukraine’s day of shameUkrainians in the diaspora have always strived to uphold the good name of Ukraine. Through the dark days of Soviet rule, we defended the Ukrainian language,...
Remember victims of the Chornobyl Disaster26.04.10BoltonEvery day The Bolton News highlights top stories in the news and asks its readers for comments. You may be interested to read a comment posted by Yaroslav Tymchyshyn of AUGB Bolton Branch on the subject...
Chornobyl anniversary commemorated26.04.10ManchesterA Panakhyda (Memorial) Service was held yesterday at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Manchester to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.The service was attended by members of the...
Ambassador's Blog - English Lessons part 225.04.10UkraineA long time ago on a faraway posting I went to address a group of young entrepreneurs on the subject of economic growth. I spoke enthusiastically about different models of economic development, including...
Ambassador's Blog - Cleaning up in Kyiv 25.04.10UkraineWhat do Pampers; Coca-Cola; Obolon, Lvivski and Tuborg beer; Marlboro cigarettes; and Nemiroff Vodka have in common? They're all brands whose packaging (or in some cases, products) a team of volunteers...
Chornobyl anniversary24.04.10WorldThe Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has called on Ukrainian communities worldwide to honour the victims of the Chornobyl disaster.26 April 2010 will mark the 24th anniversary since the world’s worst...
Hugh Masekela: Welcome to South Africa23.04.10UKBBC 4 TV. Friday 30 April 2010. 21.00 hrs. South African musician Hugh Masekela celebrates his 70th birthday and reflects on his career in performance and interview, from first picking...
Nick Clegg - Ukrainian???22.04.10UKAt the outset I should make it very clear that the purpose of this piece is not an attempt to influence anyone on how to vote during the forthcoming General Election. Everyone has a democratic right...
Ukrainian film wins top prize21.04.10WorldThe feature documentary film, "Bereza Kartuzka", produced and directed by Yurij Luhovy, has won first prize, a Platinum Remi Award, at the Worldfest Houston International Film Festival held in Texas. ...
Germany accused...14.04.10MunichJohn Demjaniuk's attorney, Dr. Ulrich Busch, yesterday read out a two page statement on behalf of his client to a Munich courtroom questioning the legitmacy of the prosecution's case. Demjaniuk,...
Letter to PM on monuments to Stalin13.04.10UKAs indicated in a previous posting, the AUGB has written today to the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, expressing its concern regarding reports which indicate that there are serious moves to erect one or...
Ukrainian World Congress message of condolences13.04.10The Ukrainian World Congress yesterday sent a letter of condolences to the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk.For details please follow the links for the press releases in English and Ukrainian.On Monday...
Polish air crash condolences12.04.10UKThe Association of Ukrainians has today sent a letter to the Polish Ambassador in London, Mrs Barbara Tuge-Erecińska, expressing deepest condolences to the Polish nation as it tries to come to terms...
Stalin Statue? UPDATED10.04.10UKIn any normal society it would be unthinkable for anyone to even ponder the possibility of erecting a statue to a mass murderer.Yet this is what is on the cards today in Ukraine. There are serious...
UWC condemns proposed Stalin monument09.04.10In a letter to the President of Ukraine dated 9 April 2010, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), of which the AUGB is a member organisation, has expressed its “deep concern with regard to the...
Circular information06.04.10UKA circular has been sent out to all AUGB Branches announcing that the date of the 65 AUGB AGM is to be the 29 May 2010. The annual audit will now take place next week. Paperwork formalities...
Ambassador's Blog - Ping-Pong Diplomacy30.03.10KyivOne of my great pleasures and privileges in Kyiv is inviting key senior contacts to a 1:1 lunch at the residence. Over a pre-dinner drink - perhaps by the open fire, if the day is snowy - and a light meal,...
Gregor Kruk returns home (cont.)28.03.10LvivThe AUGB’s Shevchenko Library and Archive collection of Gregor Kruk’s sculptures, acquired in 1985 and displayed earlier this month in Kyiv during the highly prestigious Great Sculpture Exhibition...
Ambassador's Blog - Can human resources save Ukraine?26.03.10KyivThe display is outstanding. On a giant screen are links to English language teaching resources for adults, children and teachers; podcasts; and details of English language teaching centres and exam...
Ambassador's Blog - The White Guard24.03.10Some people say you can measure the gravity of Shakespeare's tragedies by the dividing the number of characters left standing at the end by the number of corpses strewn across the stage. By...
BBC Wales programme on Gareth Jones23.03.10BBC Radio Wales aired a programme on Sunday in which Phil Carradice investigated the life and work of Gareth Jones, the Welsh journalist who courageously reported some of the key events of the early 30s.Contributors...
Ambassador Leigh Turner visits AUGB Manchester Branch22.03.10ManchesterMembers of AUGB Manchester Branch committee met with Mr Leigh Turner, the British Ambassador to Ukraine, on Thursday 18 March 2010. The Ambassador had specifically requested to meet with local officers...
European Parliament Resolution on Bandera15.03.10Many will already be aware of the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 25 February about the situation in Ukraine, and the amendment which was added by a group of MEPs ‘deploring’...
Post-Election Round Table10.03.10Portcullis House, House of Commons, London, was the venue for a Round Table discussion on the Ukrainian Presidential Elections of 2010. The event, which took place on the 8 March, was hosted by the...
Comment - ‘A Week is a long time in Politics’09.03.10A week is a long time in politics, quoted by the UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1964 can aptly be applied to recent political events in Ukraine.Since his inauguration on February 25th, Ukraine’s...
Petition to Euro Parliament09.03.10A petition has gone into circulation calling on the European Parliament to revisit the content of its recent resolution on Stepan Bandera.We have already written about this previously following the Ukrainian...
Gareth Jones on BBC Radio Wales23.02.10AUGB’s CEO gave an interview today to Geoff Ballinger, producer at BBC Radio Wales, for a programme about the life of Gareth Jones, which will be aired on BBC Radio Wales on 21 March at 2.00 pm. ...
Post-election articles22.02.10We are providing a link below to the latest "Action Ukraine Report" (#951) featuring 27 articles/analysis/commentaries written in the aftermath of the Ukrainian Presidential Election up to and including...
Ambassador's Blog - Computer-aided Kyiv19.02.10I always enjoy presenting prizes to worthy winners. So it's a pleasure to host at the residence a group of academics and students who have a real achievement under their belts. It's the annual...
Visit to Sydenhurst12.02.10AUGB's CEO Fedir Kurlak yesterday visited Sydenhurst (Residential Home) and met with managers, David White and Amanda Boxhall. Discussions centred on matters arising out of Sydenhurst's annual...
Interviews for BBC's Russian Service12.02.10Following Sunday’s Presidential election in Ukraine, the BBC’s Russian Service is preparing a special edition of “Fifth Level” («Пятый этаж») live from Kyiv...
Don't Bury Freedom and Democracy!10.02.10It is heartening to note the OSCE describe the run-off Presidential election in Ukraine as ‘an impressive display of democracy’. This represents very significant progress compared to the Presidential...
Ambassador's Blog - Voting day in Kyiv #207.02.10Kyiv7 February, the day of the second round of the Ukrainian presidential elections, dawns clear and bright in Kyiv (weather forecast, for a perfect winter's day, is here). I'm pleased to see press reporting...
Furthering cultural links with Ukraine06.02.10LondonA delegation of 24 Ukrainians (art-curators, coordinators, journalists, artists, critics etc.), headed by the director of the Arts Support Fund (Kyiv), www.foundart.org.ua , Yuri Krulikovsky, arrived in...
Council gives Keighley community massive boost02.02.10KeighleyLeeds-Bradford International Airport was sold in 2007 by the 4 councils that owned it. As a result, community projects in the Bradford District are benefiting from the sale.Keighley Ukrainian Community...
FT - Lviv aims for ethics and expertise01.02.10The Financial Times has today published an article written by Yuri Bender which we trust will be of some interest to visitors of this website. Please click on the link below:http://www.ft.com/cm...
TELEVISED DEBATE TODAY: Tymoshenko-Yanukovych01.02.10Ukraine's "First National" channel will be broadcasting a live televised debate today between the two candidates for President of Ukraine: Yulia Tymoshenko and Victor Yanukovych. The programme will...
Embassy meeting29.01.10LondonAUGB's Chief Executive, Fedir Kurlak, and the Curator of the Shevchenko Library & Archive, Dr Ludmila Pekarska, today met with the Ukrainian Ambassador, Dr Ihor Kharchenko.The purpose of the meeting...
New links27.01.10We have today added two new menu options to visit on the AUGB's homepage (see left hand side): "Quick Links" and "Ukrainian Radio and TV". These areas will be populated further over the coming days...
Vera Rich Obituary25.01.10LondonAn obituary of Vera Rich has been published in today's issue of The Times.See: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article7000659.eceThe text of it reads:Vera Rich: translator, journalist,...
Ambassador's Blog - Bulgakov? Be happy.25.01.10KyivA chilly Sunday in Kyiv: perfect for a visit to the Bulgakov Museum at 13 Andriyivsky Uzviz. The novelist Mikhail Bulgakov is a symbol of many things, including the complex relationship between Russia...
Stefan Bandera - "Hero of Ukraine"22.01.10The President of Ukraine has today posthumously honoured Stefan Bandera with the title "Hero of Ukraine".Speaking during commemorations marking the 91st anniversary of the proclamation of Ukrainian Statehood,...
Anniversary22.01.10LondonTo mark the 91st anniversary of the Act proclaiming the union of the Ukrainian National Republic and Western Ukraine's National Republic into one free and independent sovereign Ukrainian state, the Ambassador...
BBC1 Heir Hunters on the case of a Ukrainian21.01.10George Reminnij passed away in Cardiff. He was a well liked, hard-working man but also one full of mystery. His friends knew nothing about his past and as Celtic Research investigate his case they begin...
Election afterthought...21.01.10LondonOne overriding memory that followed President Bill Clinton’s victory over George Bush senior during the US Presidential campaign of 1992 was the latter’s graciousness in defeat. When...
Ambassador's Blog - Good news about electoral fraud?14.01.10KyivFor months now, Ukrainian political parties have been accusing each other of preparing massive fraud during the first and second rounds of the Ukrainian presidential election on 17 January and 7 February. ...
Vera Rich's last poem - "Belated Greetings"13.01.10Entitled "Belated Greetings", the poem below is regarded as Vera Rich's final farewell poem seemingly written shortly before she died on 20 December. (Note the reference to "five...
An opportunity to be a research assistant12.01.10Dear Colleagues,Click here on a link for further details about a call for Research Assistants (paid hourly) to help run a survey (in Ukrainian and/or Russian) of Ukrainian voters who are migrants...
Ambassador's Blog - Ukrainian Election Interview11.01.10KyivI've blogged before about the importance of the OSCE/ODIHR electoral observer mission for the Ukrainian presidential elections on 17 January and 7 February and how all the parties in Ukraine can use OSCE/ODIHR...
Ambassador's Blog - Is there a "real" Christmas?06.01.10KyivI was interested to see Chris Wilson's blog about snow in Beijing. It's been chilly in Kyiv too: when I arrived back from London this week the day-time temperature was minus15 degrees Celsius. ...
God rest her soul!04.01.10LondonMourners gathered today at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Mayfair, London, for the funeral service of Vera Rich, who peacefully passed away in her sleep on 20 December 2009.The Parastas (Eastern Rite...
Ambassador's Blog - I Can Burn Your Face28.12.09You've got to admire the Dutch secret service, the AIVD, for their low profile. In fact when I see references to them in a show by US artist Jill Magid at the Tate Modern in London I log onto...
Holodomor on the South Bank Show24.12.09On Monday 28 December, the last ever South Bank Show will feature the work of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and will focus on the preparations for the production of The Grain Store by Natal'ia Vorohzbit....
Very sad news...23.12.09It is with great sadness that we write this news item to inform everyone of the unexpected death of Vera Rich. An obituary and details of her funeral will appear on this website in due course but...
VIP Visit17.12.09LondonThe Chair of the British Ukrainian All-Parliamentary Group, John Grogan MP, visited the AUGB’s Head Office this afternoon during which he gave a comprehensive interview to the editor of “Ukrainian...
Bradford Council Recognises Holodomor as Genocide16.12.09BradfordLast night, a full meeting of the City of Bradford Council considered a motion to recognize the Holodomor as an act of genocide.The motion was presented by Cllr Ian Greenwood, leader of the Council Labour...
Brief visit to Ukraine (updated)15.12.09As has already been reported, a conference marking the 110th anniversary of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine (NMHU) took place in Kyiv last week (9-11 December). Academics and representatives...
Christmas celebrations13.12.09NationwideUkrainians everywhere are preparing for Christmas. Many branches will be celebrating the feast of St Nicholas, where St Nicholas himself will be giving presents to those children who have been good all...
Kirklees Council recognises Holodomor as genocide10.12.09This evening, at a full meeting of Kirklees Council, over 20 members of the Ukrainian community in Huddersfield attended the Council Chamber to present a motion to recognise Holodomor as genocide. This...
AUGB CEO in Ukraine09.12.09The Association's CEO, Fedir Kurlak, is on a two-day visit to Ukraine at the invitation of the National Museum of History of Ukraine, who are holding a conference to celebrate their 110th anniversary.Since...
BBC announces death of Ukrainian journalist09.12.09The BBC World Service has announced that Dima Kostenko, producer with BBC Learning English, died on 7 December.Dima worked for the BBC for 17 years, starting in 1992. He joined the BBC as a producer...
UWC Newsletter for November 200906.12.09The Ukrainian World Congress has issued a newletter for November 2009 covering a number of issues which it has dealt with over the past month.Click here for the full text (Ukrainian language only).
Holodomor commemoration at UN02.12.09USAACTION UKRAINE HISTORY REPORT (AUHR) #13Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, December 1, 2009 OPENING OF EXHIBITION AT THE UNITED NATIONS, 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1932-33 HOLODOMORYuriy Sergeyev, Ivanka Zajac,...
Sad news from Cananda - Victor Pedenko dead... UPDATED01.12.09CanadaFormer Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) General Secretary, Victor Pedenko, passed away on 29 November aged 72.A recipient of many merited awards, Victor Pedenko worked tirelessly throughout his life for...
Ukrainians hold Day of Sorrow in Bradford01.12.09BradfordThe Ukrainian Community in Bradford commemorated a Day of Sorrow on Saturday 28th November 2009. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Cllr John Godward and Mrs Jean Godward, ...
Holodomor Anniversary Commemorated30.11.09HuddersfieldOn Sunday 29th November the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Kirklees Council, together with Councillors from all political parties attended the Ukrainian Centre to view the Holodomor Exhibition and...
Ukrainians in Edinburgh and Scotland30.11.09EdinburghFor more information about current (and forthcoming) Ukrainian activities and events in Scotland, click here to read the latest newsletter produced by AUGB Edinburgh Branch.
Presidential Election Observers23.11.09There is an opportunity to be an accredited observer during the forthcoming Presidential elections in Ukraine, scheduled to take place on 17 January 2010. By registering as an impartial observer,...
Embassy reception for European delegates14.11.09LondonRepresentatives of Ukrainian organisations from across Europe attended a reception held yesterday evening at the Embassy of Ukraine in London. They are in the capital to attend the 12th General...
Two important articles appear today about Gareth Jones13.11.09LondonACTION UKRAINE HISTORY REPORT (AUHR) #8Washington, D.C., Friday, November 13, 2009 TWO IMPORTANT ARTICLES ABOUT GARETH JONES: Fearless young British reporter who exposed the true horrorof the manmade...
More on Gareth Jones in the Daily Telegraph13.11.09LondonThe Daily Telegraph has today published an article about the diaries of Gareth Jones going on public display for the first time.Jones risked his own life in exposing the 1932-33 Holodomor famine in Ukraine...
London gears up for arrival of European delegates10.11.09Delegates representing over 20 member organizations of the European Ukrainian Congress (ECU) will begin arriving in London from Thursday this week to attend the XII General Meeting of the ECU,...
More on A/H1N1 virus in Ukraine05.11.09In light of the outbreak of the A/H1N1 virus in Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine wrote to the AUGB on Tuesday asking for assistance in the form of humanitarian aid. As reported, the AUGB immediately...
AUGB asks UK Government to help03.11.09The AUGB has today written to the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP at the Department for International Development (DFID) seeking an assurance that HM Government (1) is aware of the current flu epidemic in...
Frost interview with Yushchenko31.10.09David Frost's interview with Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko can now be seen online. Question ranged from current opinion polls to Ukraine's present day relations with Russia.Simply click here...
Meeting with Stefan Romaniw30.10.09London (49 Linden Gardens)The General Secretary of the Ukrainian World Congress and Leader of the OUN, Stefan Romaniw, yesterday visited AUGB's Head Office where he held talks with AUGB's CEO, Fedir Kurlak.In the evening Mr Romaniw...
AUGB in talks over TV programme28.10.09LondonFlame Television's Assistant Producer, Mandeep Dillon, of the TV programme "Heir Hunters", which is screened on BBC1, met yesterday with AUGB CEO Fedir Kurlak and the SHevchenko & Archive Curator,...
Bandera and OUN Anniveraries commemorated in UK25.10.09BradfordAUGB Bradford’s Cultural Centre was the venue for a concert yesterday to commemorate three key anniversaries: 80 years of the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), 100 years since the...
Pastoral visit21.10.09NottinghamNottingham’s Ukrainian Catholic parish and community was delighted to welcome the new Apostolic Administrator for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, Bishop Hlib Lonchyna, over the weekend. ...
Bandera exhibition opened in Kyiv19.10.09KyivThe official opening ceremony of the “Stepan Bandera – documents testify” exhibition took place in Kyiv last Thursday, 15 October.Organised and hosted by the National Museum of the History...
Strike actions means late Dumka10.10.09Due to strike action by postal workers in London yesterday, Dumka subscribers will not receive their newspaper today or Monday. The precise delivery date is beyond our control and we apologise to readers...
Collections from UK at Bandera Exhibition in Kyiv05.10.09LondonStepan Bandera was born on 1 January 1909. His name became synonymous with Ukraine’s struggle for Freedom and Independence. He was assassinated by a Soviet agent in Munich on 15 October 1959.The...
Joy as new Bishop is installed28.09.09LondonThe Permanent Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, headed by Patriarch and Cardinal Lubomyr Huzar, took place in London last week. The three day meeting discussed matters concerning...
Cardinal Huzar in London25.09.09LondonThe Patriarch of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cardinal Lubomyr Huzar, addressed a packed hall at the Ukrainian Institute in Holland Park last night. Speaking with very purposeful and thoughtful...
Link to BBC Holodomor report24.09.09LondonBBC Radio 4's "Today" programme broadcast a piece by Nick Higham this morning about the Holodomor and the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "The Grain Store".Click below for the link to the...
New Press Attache visits Central Office24.09.09London, 49 Linden GardensThe Ukrainian Embassy's newly appointed Press Attache, Mr Rostislav Ohryzko, visited AUGB Central Office earlier today. He met with the Editor of the Ukrainian Thought, ("Dumka"), Oleksa Semenchenko,...
Maria Volkova recounts horrors of Holodomor23.09.09NottinghamThe BBC's respected Arts and Media correspondent, Nick Higham, travelled to Nottingham today to meet up with and interview Holodomor survivor, Maria Volkova.The "Today" programme on 24 September (0600-0900...
Silver Medal for Alexej Gorlatch16.09.09LeedsPlaying Beethoven's Concerto no. 5 in E flat major, op. 73 Emperor, the talented young Ukrainian musician, Alexej Gorlatch, won the silver medal in this year's final of the prestigious Leeds...
Ashton remembers 1932-33 Holodomor victims15.09.09AshtonAround 70 members of the Ukrainian community in Ashton-under-Lyne attended their Cultural Centre on Stockport Road last Saturday (12 September) to witness the official unveiling and blessing...
President of World Congress of Ukrainians in Britain14.09.09LondonAccompanied by the AUGB's CEO, the President of the World Congress of Ukrainians (WCU), Eugene Czolij, today met with representatives of the BBC's Ukrainian Service in London, Marek Bekerman, Oleksandr...
An award10.09.09The Embassy of Ukraine yesterday confirmed that by a Decree signed by President Yushchenko, the AUGB's CEO, Fedir Kurlak, has been awarded an Order of Merit (III) for his contribution to the strengthening...
Special visitor04.09.09LondonAUGB's Chief Executive, Fedir Kurlak, held a meeting today at AUGB Central Office with the new Apostolic Administrator for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, Bishop Hlib Lonchyna. The meeting...
Sydenhurst celebrates in style03.09.09Chiddingfold, SurreyA very successful two-day event marking Sydenhurst Residential Home’s 60th anniversary took place over the bank holiday weekend (for photo's see slide-show on augb hompage - more photos will follow...
Sydenhurst - down memory lane02.09.09Chiddingfold, SurreyIn preparation for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations which took place at Sydenhurst over the weekend (report to follow), we looked back through the Ukrainian Thought ("Dumka") and discovered a very well...
Sydenhurst ready to celebrate28.08.09Chiddingfold, SurreyFinal preparations are taking place to welcome guests and all arriving to join in Sydenhurst's 60th anniversary celebrations this coming Sunday and Monday (30-31 August).The fabulous "Hoverla" Ukrainian...
Visitors to Central Office29.07.09LondonThe past few days have seen an influx of visitors to AUGB Central Office. Amongst them were members of the AUGB's Finance Committee, Zenko Lastowiecki and Wolodymyr Karpynec, who yesterday principally...
HOLODOMOR DVD Promo on YouTube06.07.09LondonA promotion extract of the newly released DVD of the Holodomor Commemorations held in London last November can now be seen on YouTube. Simply click here to view.Contact 020 7229 8392 to purchase the film.
AUGB Presydia meeting02.07.09NottinghamThe Presydia of the General Council held its first post-AGM meeting last Saturday, 27 June, in Nottingham.Items on the agenda included: • Release of the DVD film documenting the commemoration...
Sydenhurst retains "excellent" rating02.07.09Chiddingfold, SurreySydenhurst Residential Home has again received a glowing report following a recent inspection carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is the independent regulator for health and social...
Job opportunity24.06.09AUGB Nottingham Branch recently secured funding to employ a Centre Manager. Anyone interested in applying can find out more by clicking here for further details. Please note that the closing date...
Holodomor DVD Release date24.06.09LondonThe AUGB commissioned film of the Holodomor National Remembrance Day held in London last November will be released on 2 July. Price: £10 + p&p. We hope to sell this...
Visitors from Lviv at Central Office19.06.09LondonMembers of Lviv-Ratusha’s Rotary Club visited AUGB’s Central Office earlier today and held a meeting with the AUGB’s CEO and were given a tour of the Shevchenko Library and Archive by...
Annual Service of Remembrance at Tarasivka08.06.09Several hundred people braved the poor weather conditions yesterday to attend the annual Service of Remembrance held at Tarasivka in Weston-on-Trent, Derbyshire.The event was organised by the Association...
64 AUGB AGM30.05.09StockportDelegates from across the country took part in the AUGB's 64th Annual General Meeting over the weekend which was this year very ably hosted by the Association's Branch in Stockport. The event was...
Ukrainians in Parliament21.05.09WestminsterPoliticians, diplomats and representatives of various businesses and organisations with an interest in Ukraine took part last night in a Ukrainian Beer and Wine Evening held in the Houses of Parliament. ...
Successful IT Mission30.04.09LondonAs part of the European Union’s Programme for Ukraine, representatives of 10 Information Technology Companies from Ukraine attended an IT Mission in London 28-29 April 2009.The 10 participating...
Manchester community commemorates Chornobyl26.04.09Ukrainians in Manchester held a special service to commemorate the known and unknown victims of the Chornobyl disaster.It is 23 years since an explosion and fire at the Chornobyl nuclear power...
Preparations afoot for Ukrainian week in Bradford07.04.09AUGB in Bradford has been working with the City Council’s Civic Affairs Office to organise a programme of events to celebrate the presence of Ukrainian communities in the Bradford district for the...
Ukraine succumb to late England winner01.04.09LondonUkraine succumbed to a late 85th minute goal by John Terry to lose 2-1 against England's all-stars at Wembley tonight. A Peter Crouch goal in the 29th minute separated the sides at half time. ...
British Ambassador visits AUGB Central Office27.03.09The UK's Ambassador to Ukraine, HE Leigh Turner, yesterday held a meeting at AUGB Central Office with the AUGB's General Secretary, Fedir Kurlak. A number of issues were discussed and the...
AUGB's Annual Report for 200827.03.09The AUGB's Annual Report for 2008 will appear as a supplement in the next issue of Dumka (28.03.08.). The special 12 page pullout contains information on some of the Association's main activities...
Documentary film aimed at students26.03.09Stuart Wells, a documentary film maker from SAE Institute in London, recently approached the AUGB’s Shevchenko Library and Archive in London to help him research the 1932-33 Holodomor. Since...
England v Ukraine info26.03.09The Ukrainian Sports Supporters Club have issued details for Ukraine fans attending next Wednesday's World Cup Qualifier beween England and Ukraine. For full details see: http://www.ukrainiansupporters.org.uk/england.htmlFor...
AUGB Rada Meeting10.02.09NottinghamThe AUGB General Council held its first meeting of the year in Nottingham on 31 January.Among the items discussed were AUGB finances and structure, sale of property in Cheltenham, Holodomor, website, proposals...
Law Society looks to strengthen links with Ukraine06.02.09LondonIn actively looking to strengthen links between the UK and Ukraine in 2009, the Law Society last night co-hosted an event with the British-Ukrainian Law Association (BULA) and the British Ukrainian Society...
British Ukrainians honoured22.01.09LondonDuring a celebratory evening held at the Embassy of Ukraine in London tonight, two leading figures within the Ukrainian community in the UK were honoured with awards for their services to Ukraine. Anna...
President Yushchenko on his meeting with Gordon Brown16.01.09Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko held a 50 minute meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown here in London late yesterday afternoon.Mr Yushchenko followed this up with a meeting with journalists outside...
President Yushchenko on one day visit to UK15.01.09President Victor Yushchenko of Ukraine arrived in London earlier today for a meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss the gas-crisis.In an interview with journalists from Ukrainian and Russian...
New Human Rights Thriller set in Ukraine14.01.09Fair game: THE STEPS OF ODESSA (Spire Publishing: ISBN: 1-897312-72-5; £7.99) is James Watson's 10th novel aimed at Young Adults. Previous settings of his stories have been Spain (The Freedom...
More moves to recognise Holodomor22.12.08BradfordFollowing the Holodomor commemoration held in Bradford on 23 November, the local AUGB Branch Chair, Orysia Chymera, presented a petition regarding recognition of Holodomor to the leader of Bradford...
Settlement Agreement18.12.08A mediation meeting took place on 4 December in Manchester to consider the AUGB's claim in respect of under insurance on the premises damaged by fire in February 2005.It was agreed that the sum of £350,000...
Bolton Council to consider Holodomor motion11.12.08On 10 December a delegation from AUGB Bolton Branch comprising Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn, Oksana Jurczyszyn and Petro Hrycaj handed over a “Holodomor recognition and condemnation”...
Keighley news - 4 December08.12.08Local civic dignatories from Keighley were very warmly welcomed at the Holodomor commemorations in London. Their participation in the national event was rightfully reported on by the local Keighley...
Mediation meeting in Manchester03.12.08A Mediation meeting is to take place in Manchester on Thursday 4 December to consider AUGB's insurance claim on the property at Smedley Lane following the fire which destroyed the community hall there...
Holodomor Commemorations in Edinburgh28.11.08The 75th anniversary of the Holodomor was commemorated at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Pochayiv and St Andrew in Edinburgh on Sunday 23 November 2008. The Sunday Liturgy at 11 am was followed...
Prayers at Westminster Abbey for Holodomor victims27.11.08LondonAs the commemoration drew to a close at Westminster Central Hall, the Dean of Westminster Abbey, Dr John Hall and Canon Robert Reiss were preparing for Evensong in Westminster Abbey which those attending...
UK Holodomor Commemoration Report26.11.08LondonAround 2000 people attended Saturday’s National Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor at Westminster Central Hall and Westminster Abbey. Among distinguished guests were representatives...
National Day of Remembrance24.11.08The National Day of Remembrance of the Holodomor took place on Saturday before a large gatherings at Westminster Central Hall and Westminster Abbey. Details and photos to follow soon.
British PM sends message of deepest sympathies20.11.08In a historic message, the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has extended his deepest sympathies on the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor. In his brief but very sincere message the Prime Minister...
Holodomor Commemoration - full capacity attendance19.11.08The commemoration of the Holodomor on Saturday will take place before a capacity audience of 2000 people. There are no more tickets available for the event at Westminster Central Hall. Among...
Holodomor message from UK Foreign Secretary19.11.08On the eve of the worldwide commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Holdomor, the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon David Miliband MP, has issued a message in which he reaffirms that the United Kingdom...
Bilozir cancels19.11.08Three weeks after agreeing to take part in the forthcoming Holodomor National Day of Remembrance, Oksana Bilozir has announced that she has cancelled all plans to attend the event in London this weekend. ...
Holodomor Exhibition opens in Parliament17.11.08LondonAn exhibition, “Holodomor: Through the Eyes of Ukrainian Artists”, was officially opened today in Parliament by the Rt Hon William Hague MP. The exhibition, organised by the...
Holodomor Committee publishes Newsletter #611.11.08The Holodomor Committee today published more details about the 75th Anniversary National Holodomor Commemoration due to take place in London on 22 November at Westminster Central Hall and Westminster Abbey.Click...
Manchester Branch hall-build UPDATE05.11.08Following the public meeting held in Manchester on Oct 19th in relation to the community hall rebuild, an article appeared on the AUGB website and was subsequently re-printed in the Ukrayinska Dumka...
Historic Day as Rochdale Council Remembers Holodomor17.10.08Rochdale Council has unanimously called upon the Government to recognise ‘Holodomor’ as an official act of genocide. Holodomor was the systematic starvation to death of at least 7,000,000 Ukrainians...
More information on Holodomor Commemoration16.10.08The AUGB has today sent out a further circular regarding the National Holodomor Commemoration which is due to take place in London on 22 November.Tickets for the event are now available and can be obtained...
Fall-out continues - President calls fresh Election09.10.08UkraineUkraine`s President Viktor Yushchenko has called a snap election to take place on 7 December after dissolving the Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday evening. The move means that Ukrainians will...
Weekend of celebrations in Nottingham21.09.08AUGB Nottingham Branch held a weekend of celebrations to mark the long-awaited opening of its community hall. On Saturday evening the new hall buzzed to full capacity as the people of Nottingham...
Holodomor film-makers ask for help16.09.08Holodomor the Movie LLC is appealing to Ukrainians worldwide to support its documentary film project “HOLODOMOR; Ukraine’s Genocide of 1932-33” . This is the...
Holodomor witness speaks out24.07.08A British journalist, Donna Richardson, has uncovered yet another witness testimony about the horrors of the Holodomor. In an exclusive interview with eighty-two-year old Maria Volkova, the voice...
Welsh Assembly Members call for Holodomor Recognition.11.07.08CardiffThe visit of the Holodomor Torch to the Welsh National Assembly on July 3 produced an immediate result. The Assembly Members who received the Torch are calling for recognition of the Holodomor as genocide....
OSCE Draft Resolution on Holodomor10.07.08According to a BBC report dated 9 July, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) during its Annual Meeting in Astana in Khazakhstan ratified...
AGM Minutes reach wider audience09.07.08The minutes of the 63 AUGB AGM which took place on 31 May were released late last week. This year, possibly for the first time in the AUGB's history, they were sent out to every subscriber of Dumka...
The Torch of Remembrance in Nottingham04.07.08“Everywhere the cry, we have no bread, we are waiting for death”. These are the ‘lost’ voices of Ukrainian peasants who were starved to death during the Soviet attempt to achieve...
The Torch of Remembrance at the London Assembly03.07.08LondonUkrainian Londoners, although they had greeted the Torch at its arrival at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and then at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Sunday 29 June had been disappointed that Boris...
Torch of Remembrance in Gloucester03.07.08Gloucester Yaroslav Nebesniak received the memorial torch on behalf of the Ukrainian community in Gloucester, from Askold Lozynsky, President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Vladislav Rohoviy from the Ukrainian...
Holodomor Torch in Edinburgh02.07.08EdinburghThe Holodomor torch was received by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh in the very grand and appropriately named European room at the City Chambers. Amongst the local Ukrainian Community present were invited...
The Torch of Remembrance in Stockport01.07.08StockportAround 100 members of the Ukrainian community in Stockport, together with the Lady Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Pam King, gathered at the Ukrainian centre to receive the Torch of Remembrance on Tuesday...
The Torch of Remembrance in Manchester01.07.08ManchesterOn 1 July 2008, at 19.00, the Holodomor Torch of Remembrance arrived at Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square in the hands of the representative of AUGB Stockport Branch, Mr Mike Kuziw, who handed the...
The Torch of Remembrance in Ashton01.07.08AshtonOn 1 July 2008,on the steps of the Ukrainian centre and in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Tameside, local Councillors, distinguished guests and three generations of the Ukrainian community,...
The Torch of Remembrance in Rochdale01.07.08RochdaleOn Tuesday 1 July, in front of Rochdale Town Hall, members of the Rochdale, Bury and Todmorden Ukrainian communities, together with guests, welcomed the Torch of Remembrance. As the town hall bell...
The Torch of Remembrance in Derby30.06.08DerbyThe Torch was greeted officially by The Mayor of the City of Derby, Councillor Barbara Jackson, on the steps of the historical Council House Building. Joe Kupranec ((Branch Vice-Chairman) handed...
The Torch of Remembrance in Bradford30.06.08BradfordAround 250 Ukrainians from Bradford and neighbouring communities gathered in Centenary Square, at the bottom of the stairs into City Hall. Miss Natalka Pylak began by explaining why the Torch was coming...
The Torch of Remembrance in Barnsley30.06.08The Holodomor Commemorative Torch was received by the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Kenneth Sanderson. He was accompanied by Cllr Stephen Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Council and Mr Phil Coppard, Chief...
The Torch of Remembrance in Keighley30.06.08Mayor of Keighley addresses guests in Keighley Town Hall Council ChamberOn the morning of the arrival of the Torch, Mykola Lajszczuk, Peter Szczur and Stefan Pryimuk from AUGB Keighley Branch were interviewed for 20 minutes on BCB (Bradford Community Broadcasting), to...
The Torch of Remembrance in Coventry29.06.08CoventryOver 100 people gathered at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Coventry to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor. Neighbouring communities from Rugby, Leicester and Wolverhampton were also represented....
Annual General Meeting 200831.05.08Nottingham'Honouring our past – facing the challenges of the future'One of the few sunny days in recent weeks saw almost 100 AUGB branch delegates and guests, including representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine,...
AUGB Annual Report issued24.05.08“A year of change, a turning point in the development of AUGB…”, says AUGB President, Zenko LastowieckiThe Annual Report for 2007 (PDF, 4.74Mb) was published on 24 May, ahead of the...
22 November commemoration details released06.05.08We can now confirm that the commemoration will be held at Westminster Central Hall, starting at 14.00 on Saturday 22 November (at the same time as commemorations will be starting in Kyiv and in many other...
Torch Rally dates confirmed04.05.08The UK dates have now been confirmed. The torch will arrive here from Chile on Saturday 28 June and leave for Sweden on Saturday 6 July.We have looked at several options for getting the Torch to as many...