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EDITOR’S WORD: In December we sum up the results of our activity during the whole year.

This year was not an easy one for all of us, but — nevertheless — we want to believe that our triumphs outnumber our failures.

The biggest triumph of Ukraine this year has been the gaining of the visa-free regime for our country. Not so many people took it real, too many people used to laugh at it but the facts are stubborn things. Also, we are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Ukrainian Diplomacy this year. Our diplomacy can be worshiped, anyway — though the attempt to gain independence one hundred years ago was the abortive one.

We have taken into account the one hundred years old mistakes and failures and — because of that — we look forward with hope and optimism.

Congratulations, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Sincerely Yours, Editor-in-Chief of “Fashion of Diplomacy” Anna Avramenko

«Fashion of Diplomacy» №7 Editor-in-Chief — Anna Avramenko Chairman of the Supervisory Council – Iryna Reznik The number was realized by: Ihor Skrypnyk, Alina Arkhipova, Nataliya Zatyshna, Kateryna Zhmud, Borovikova Tetiana and Artem Shulga Literary editor — Natalia Germanovich Translation into English — Aksinia Sinko Photographer — Yevhenii Zatyshny Photomaterials provided: Additional photo materials are provided by: Google source, www.freepik.com, www.thenounproject.com Concerning advertising, please, call +38 /044/ 228 06 48; +38 /094/ 828 06 48 Editorial adress: prosp. Stepana Bandery, 6, office 605, Kyiv info@fashion-diplomacy.com www.fashion-diplomacy.com Publisher — LLC «AMEDIA COMPANY» Printed in LLC «Univest Marketing» Company Circulation — 5 000 copies Certificate of State Registration of the print media KV № 22712-12612Р as of May 30, 2017 The editorial board of the magazine is not responsible for the stylistics and reliability of the information contained in the promotional materials.

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Full or partial use of the materials is possible with the written consent of the editorial board and with reference to the magazine.

All materials are protected by the copyright law of Ukraine

IN THIS ISSUE:

10

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINIAN DIPLOMACY FROM EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADORS

PAVLO RIABIKIN. BORYSPIL AIRPORT IS A WINDOW TO THE WORLD WITH A MODERN SERVICE FOR 10 MILLION PASSENGERS.

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SERHII POHORELTSEV. “100 VISA-FREE COUNTRIES FOR THE UKRAINIANS”, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROSPECTS OF THE CONSULAR SERVICE OF UKRAINE

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TARAS DEMKURA. CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IS A “FORM OF “SOFT POWER”, WHICH SHOULD BECOME AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS INSTRUMENTS.

38 THE WAY OF UKRAINIAN DIPLOMACY IN THE PERIOD OF 100 YEARS. THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF UKRAINE IS ONE OF THE MOST ARRANT DEFENDERS OF OUR NATIONAL INTERESTS AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY.

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VLADYSLAVA RUTYTSKA. HOW UKRAINE REORIENTED THE MARKET OUTLETS DURING THE WAR, WHY WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR.

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NEWS

PLANS OF THE KYIV CITY STATE ADMINISTRATION

Kyiv City State Administration intends to build an industrial park with a total area of 106.68 hectares in the Desnianskyi district.

This is reported by the press service of the Metropolitan State Administration.

At the moment, the project of the industrial park is under preparation for the implementation in the structure of the industrial hub project “Kyiv Business Harbour” in Desniansky district. The following year, the four plots of land with a total area of 106.68 hectares and the Concept of the industrial park will be prepared — it was informed by the press service, citing the words of the Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, Hennadiy Plis.

According to preliminary estimates of the business, the pharmaceutical industry, production of electrical equipment and optical equipment, technologies in the field of engineering and information technologies, precision engineering, electronics and light industry will become the priority in the development of the project.

The first Deputy Head of the KCSA believes that the project will give an impetus to the creation of thousands of jobs, promote the development of infrastructure, the introduction of high technology production, increase in the volume and range of competitive production output and, as a result, there will be increased in revenues to the local budget.

Construction is provided in the Puhivska Street in the production-storage and recreation area, which borders on the TPP. Editorial staff

MYKOLAIV IS EUROPE

The Ukraine Air Navigation Information Service has agreed to use airspace in the area of Mykolaiv airfield.

This was announced by the Head of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration Oleksiy Savchenko.

According to him, as a result of fruitful cooperation with the state enterprise “Ukraeroruh”, and in particular, with the direct participation of the Chairman of this state enterprise Dmytro Babeichuk, Mykolaiv International Airport received from all relevant services, including from the Air Navigation Information Service of Ukraine, the consent to the Instruction on the implementation of flights in the area of the airfield “Mykolaiv”.

In addition, in accordance with Mr. Savchenko’s words, “Ukraeroruh” professionals received the approach patterns, a text description of the procedures for departing and arriving at the estimated limits of the aerodrome flight information zone for the “Mykolaiv” airfield.

On November 29, the Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration held a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine and the Head of the State Aviation Service regarding further steps of launching the Mykolaiv Airport.

It should be noted that starting from 2010, Mykolaiv Airport actually has not worked, probably because of its low profitability.

Editorial staff

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#7, December 2017

THE REAL HISTORY OF UKRAINIAN INDUSTRIALIZATION companies operating in the region and became the main source of the research. The work on the topic was also facilitated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Ukraine, which had a sincere desire to revive and preserve the common historical and cultural Ukrainian-Belgian heritage.

The development of the mining and metal industry in Donetsk-Prydniprovsk area was due to the attraction of entrepreneurial capital from England, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, as well as to the experience of foreign engineers. The influence of Belgian entrepreneurial capital, which ranked first in terms of the number of companies created and the total volume of investments (until 1911), was particularly large.

On November 15, 2017, a presentation of a book

by Valentyna Lazebnyk “Steel in the Steppe: A View from Ukraine” was held at the press centre of the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre (Ukrainian House in the European Square, Khreshchatyk St. 2). The book is the first special research on the topic of Belgian investment and entrepreneurship in Ukraine, and therefore it is not surprising that Mr. Luc Jacobs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine took part in the presentation. Nadiia Kapustina, the Director of Dnipropetrovsk National Historical Museum named after D.I. Yavornytsky, Honoured Worker of Ukrainian Culture Valentyna Lazebnyk, the author of the book, the Head of the Department of Scientific Researches of the History of Ukraine of Dnipropetrovsk National Historical Museum named after D.I. Yavornytsky; Dmytro Pirkl, a medallist and a patron; Yurii Maliienko, the designer of Dnipropetrovsk National Historical Museum named after D.I. Yavornytsky, also took part in the presentation.

The book by Valentyna Lazebnyk “Steel in the Steppe: a View from Ukraine” was prepared on the basis of museum collections of Dnipropetrovsk National Historical Museum named after D.I. Yavornytsky and is the logical conclusion of a lively interest in the theme, which was caused by the exhibition “Foreign Investments in Ukraine.

The End of the 19th Century - the Beginning of the 20th Century. Part One: Belgium.”

Patron Dmytro Pirkl bought and handed over to the museum valuable historic documents of that time - stocks and bonds of foreign joint stock

The research destroys the myth of the Soviet industrialization of the centre, the east and the south of Ukraine — in fact, according to historians’ conclusions. It is known that on the eve of the First World War, Ukraine, judging by the level of heavy industry sectors development, outpaced many Western European countries. One of the main sources of Soviet industrialization was the nationalization of industry. It was in Ukraine where dozens of private industrial enterprises, which belonged to foreign, in particular Belgian capital, were nationalized.

The publication solves the problem of popularizing a complex and little-known historical theme. It illustrates 270 historical documents of those times and events: securities of Belgian societies, photographs and portraits of Belgian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs, heads and founders of factories, mines, coalmines. The photographs reproduced giant metallurgical plants with blast furnaces, images of which impressed the imagination of contemporaries.

Advertising was helping the business — colourful, artistic, in Russian and French languages. The photos of Orthodox and Catholic churches, theatres, settlements built by means of investments, photos of workers and the administrations of factories and enterprises are unique.

We hope that the book will allow us to adjust and expand existing views on the history of economic development of Ukraine and will give a boost to further studios on this topic, both in Ukraine and in Belgium.

Editorial staff #7, December 2017

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CONGRATULATIONS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADORS OF THE FOREIGN COUNTRIES ACCREDITED IN UKRAINE

DEVOTED TO 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN DIPLOMACY

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA H.E. MELISSA O’ROURKE Congratulations to Ukraine on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic service. Since I arrived in Kyiv, I have been impressed by the calibre and professionalism of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and appreciative of its support.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Dr Mykola Kulinich, is a strong advocate for you.

Ukrainian diplomats serve with distinction around the world to advance Ukraine’s interests. They have proven to be reliable and effective partners for Australia, especially in multilateral fora.

This year marks 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Ukraine. In that time, our bilateral ties have gone from strength to strength. A highlight was having President Poroshenko’s visit to Australia in 2014. We are working to expand trade links, cultural exchange and peopleto-people connections. This is underpinned by the active 46,000-strong Ukrainian diaspora in Australia.

I look forward to working in Ukraine, and with its warm and welcoming people, to take our bilateral relationship to new heights. I am sure Ukraine’s MFA will bring the same enthusiasm and dedication to working with Australia as they have displayed across the history of their diplomacy. #7, December 2017

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CONGRATULATIONS DEVOTED TO 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN DIPLOMACY

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF GEORGIA IN UKRAINE GELA DUMBADZE Dear readers, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and colleagues!

This year Ukraine celebrates the anniversary of its national diplomacy.

100 years ago on December 22nd 1918 the General secretariat for the international affairs of the independent Ukrainian State was set up. But today I would like to remind that next year 2018 we will celebrate another one joint anniversary — the 100 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Georgia.

On July 4th 1918 Prime-Minister of Georgia Noe Zhordania sent a letter to the head of the Ukrainian foreign policy minister Dmytro Doroshenko in a which he presented the authorized representatives of the Georgian Democratic Republic in Ukraine and in the beginning of the September of the year 1918 the diplomatic mission of Georgia started to fulfill its duties in Ukraine. The result of its activity was the elaboration by Georgian and Ukrainian colleagues the Ukrainian-Georgian Interstate Agreement of cooperation in the commercial, economic and political spheres. But the further development of the diplomatic relations between independent states was interrupted by the Bolshevik invasion‌ Now the Ukrainian-Georgian relations are the stable and, in the same time, dynamically developing relations of strategic partners in the spheres of the economy, of the international policy, of the trade, of the tourism, of the culture and of the education. And I am, as a head of the diplomatic mission of Georgia in Ukraine, very pleased to partake in all these processes. Let me to wish for all of you peace and prosperity, and first of all, good health and happiness in the coming New Year 2018!

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#7, December 2017

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA PROF. DR.YUDDY CHRISNANDI On behalf of the Republic of Indonesia, please accept my congratulations to you and the people of Ukraine on the 100th anniversary of diplomacy in Ukraine.

The strong ties of friendship between our two democracies is a point of pride for both our nations. The 25 years old Indonesia-Ukraine diplomatic relationship, which we inaugurated in 2017, and Mr. President’s acceptance credentials from me as the ambassador of Indonesia are also a special present to the 100th anniversary of diplomacy in Ukraine.

Indonesia and Ukraine have much in shared. We are committed to the same principles and on many issues, we share the same visions. At the same time Indonesia and Ukraine are two very unique nations. With different strengths and different challenges. Our commonalities and our diversity bring with them a huge potential and are in fact opportunities, which can be turned into complementarity and friendship.

At this momentum of 100th anniversary of diplomacy in Ukraine, we believe Ukraine has a long history and great experience that can be shared with the world.

I am sure that in line with the forward-looking views and political will of the two countries’ leaders and by adopting new strategies, we will witness new steps in the development of ties in the 21st century.

We highlighted our historical and friendly relations as well as the two ides’ abundant capacities and hoped for deepening of relations between Kyiv and Jakarta. On behalf of the Indonesian people, I offer my warmest wishes for Ukraine’s continued prosperity and success. #7, December 2017

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CONGRATULATIONS DEVOTED TO 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN DIPLOMACY

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS IN UKRAINE MR. LOUIS TELEMACHOU Upon establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Cyprus and Ukraine developed bonds of mutual respect and friendship. Today, Cyprus is one of the biggest investors into Ukraine’s economy. Year after year, Ukrainian holidaymakers choose our island as top-10 travel destination.

However, the ties between our nations go far beyond prolific economic cooperation, proving solid people-to-people communication and intensive cultural sharing.

Through the EU, Cyprus is lending continued support to Ukraine in these crucial times of the country’s fundamental transformation. The Government of the Republic has taken the unwavering and principled position on the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

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#7, December 2017

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA IN UKRAINE, H.E. LEE YANG GOO It is my great honour to congratulate Ukraine on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Diplomacy, as well as the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea.

German Chancellor once said that “Diplomacy decides the destiny of a country”. Ukraine has a great future ahead, taking into consideration the advantages of geographical position, human resources, high technologies and natural resources.

The right diplomacy can make Ukraine a hub of manufacturing, logistics and export, based on digitalization and that will make Ukraine a leader at the Eurasian continent. In this regard, the role of diplomacy is really important. I wish Ukrainian diplomats to continue their great work with keeping the main values of diplomacy — patriotism, pioneer spirit, and professionalism.

Ukraine has been supporting Korea on the international arena, and I would like to thank Ukraine’s government and people for such constant support.

The bilateral ties between the two countries have also a great perspective, taking into account a lot of similarities and a complimentary character. I hope that bilateral ties will further outreach the regional level to the global level to facilitate the Eurasian integration and to achieve the common goal and the noble mission — to bring peace and prosperity in the world. #7, December 2017

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CONGRATULATIONS DEVOTED TO 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN DIPLOMACY

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA IN UKRAINE H.E. DATUK AYAUF BACHI Dear Members of Ukrainian Diplomatic Community, On behalf of the Embassy of Malaysia and my fellow countrymen I have the honour to congratulate you on this memorable day — 100th anniversary of Ukrainian diplomacy.

Since 1917 Ukrainian diplomats have done great work for ensuring the better future of their home country and broadening the horizons of its international cooperation.

I hope that our continuous friendly relations between Ukraine and Malaysia will prosper and strengthen further for the benefits of our people.

I wish prosperity and peace for the Ukrainian people and all the best success for the members of its diplomatic service.

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#7, December 2017

EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA IN UKRAINE H.E. JUDIYA ALHATHAL First of all let me express my sincere greetings to the political leadership of Ukraine, to the diplomatic corps of Ukraine, to the friendly people of Ukraine as well as to your edition “Fashion of Diplomacy” on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Diplomacy.

During my mission that has been lasting for more than 7 years I was delighted to be a witness of the serious and important steps that had been done by Ukraine on the path of the development and progress. Undoubtedly, we ought to thank for this the activity of the Ukrainian Government and Ukrainian Diplomacy, their outstanding achievements in this direction.

Relations between Riyadh and Kyiv have been based upon the mutual respect and common interests, these relations are characterized by the consequent development, considering the capacities and potentials of the both countries that suggest better future.

Thus, recently, the 1st of December 2017 witnessed the visit of H.E. President of Ukraine Mister Petro Poroshenko to Riyadh. We are sure that this visit will have a positive influence on the development of the relations between our countries.

Finally, I wish friendly Ukraine, the Ukrainian Diplomacy, as well as, your edition “Fashion of Diplomacy” the constant progress, success and prosperity. #7, December 2017

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INTERNATIONAL VECTOR

You do not need to queue at the airport check-in. You can do it by yourself, you can choose a convenient place and print a boarding pass through the established self-check-in racks that have recently appeared at Boryspil airport. About how the main airport of the country is changing, the introduction of the newest technologies, improvement of passenger service, we are talking today to the General Director of the Boryspil airport, Mr. Pavlo Riabikin.

“AT THE MOMENT, WE HAVE AMBITIOUS PLANS, IN PARTICULAR, OVER THE NEXT 4 YEARS, WE ARE PLANNING AN INVESTMENT PROGRAM ABOUT 10 BILLION HRYVNIAS WORTH”.

The New Year’s period is time when people talk about the passing year victories and prospects for the future. What can you define as your victory during almost one year term in the office?

It seems to me that deeds talk best. If our users-passengers can feel the changes, they may be my small victories. We are working hard to implement the latest technology and to improve the quality of our services. At the moment, we are fruitfully working over a strategic plan for the development of the company that we are going to present in the nearest future.

But confirm these ambitious plans we can only through the project implementation. In

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#7, December 2017

particular, we will complete the new bus departure gates; we will extend the luggage area and the area for transit passengers. These are the infrastructural changes that passengers will be able to see in the nearest future.

What is the maximum plan for you over 2018?

To continue the preliminary response, I can add that in 2018 we are planning to complete the infrastructure changes that have been started this year. Among those things that have not yet been named there is the parking. Next year, we are planning to put 1000 car spaces into operation, which comprises the half of the parking designed capacity.

Besides that in 2018, we have a major task — to consider and to approve the strategic plan for the development of the Boryspil airport because the further development of the company should take place in a planned way and should be connected with the growth of passengers traffic.

The state-owned enterprise you run has a dynamic development. The passengers traďŹƒc is growing; revenues in the state budget are increasing. How can this be done in a country at war?

First of all, we have a significant increase due to the transfer passengers provided by the basic carrier — the UIA airline. From our part, we are trying to adjust our infrastructure to the needs of airlines. The increase of the transfer passengers number this year has put us in demand of the reconstruction of this new terminal.

Talking about the structure of financial revenues, we regularly receive the first amount of payments from the basic carrier, the second one - from the Lufthansa group, and the third from the duty free shops. All other companies pay less than duty free stores, in the structure of airport revenues.

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#7, December 2017

In fact, these things are interconnected and require constant investment: we are increasing the transfer area and extending the waiting area in the departure section. There will be additional areas for placing duty free shops.

What are the advantages of Boryspil in comparison with the competitors in neighbouring countries? Why should passengers that travel from Asia to Europe choose Ukraine as a transfer country?

In fact, the competitive advantage for a passenger who is chosing to fly through a certain country is not associated with choice of the airport. This is a much more complicated question: the time of transfer, the airline services, the time of arrival to the intended country, etc. At the same time, we, together with the basic airline, are working over this joint product that should

INTERNATIONAL VECTOR and foreigners will know Ukraine first at the airport. What additional services do you plan to launch in order to make passengers more comfortable?

Recently we have installed the self-checkin racks. This is a world-wide experience that is now also available to our airport’s passengers. To register for a flight, you do not need to queue any more — you can do it by yourself, choose a convenient place and print a boarding pass. The next step is the automated luggage delivery racks and the introduction of the ability to print at home not only the boarding pass, but also a baggage badge with the subsequent handing it out in the automatic mode upon arrival at the airport.

In addition, we are preparing for the fact that biometric passports, which replaced the usual ones, dictate their terms of time and service. In particular, there are automatic devices for biometric passports that print a ticket at Ben-Gurion Airport, in Israel. If you have printed a ticket without problems, you are approaching the turnstile after the border guard, affix this ticket, and the code is updated, so you cross the border. If not, it is necessary to do all formalities with border guards personally. Of course, this is a question of the readiness of our border services more, but we also have to be ready to introduce the best experience, since we share the same client and this client is a passenger.

What was the reason of such growth of passengers traffic this year? Is there any other reason for visa-free regime with the EU? increase our competitiveness in comparison with other hub airports. For example, a large percentage of our transfer passengers are from China and they fly through Kyiv to Europe or America. Therefore, a special Chinese employee was hired to work with the Chinese passengers at the airport. Such a person was really very helpful. He performs the role of a conductor for them, since it is not possible to translate all the signs into Chinese, and a large number of the Chinese do not master English written language.

I have already noted that the number of transfer passengers served by the Boryspil airport is increasing, so we will be looking for new and new options to improve our services.

68% of all passenger traffic in the country passes through Boryspil Airlines. It means that most Ukrainians discover the world through you,

We are a planned industry. Rather, the visafree regime affects the level of occupancy of the previously scheduled departure of an airplane.

That is, if they have a weight load factor, let’s say 75%, then it can increase up to 80%. But for more accurate data it is necessary to take the statistics of airlines itself and to watch growth rates till the eleventh of June and afterwards.

In fact, the reason for the growth of passengers traffic is a well-chosen hub model that can show the results only through the mutually beneficial cooperation with the basic carrier of the Boryspil airport. In particular, this year we are planning to transport about 10 million passengers. Thus about 3 million of them are transit passengers and it takes 30% in the structure of our passenger traffic. So the growth occurs at the expense of people that use Boryspil not as a departure or arrival point, but #7, December 2017

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INTERNATIONAL VECTOR as a point of transfer while changing routes. This is due to the fact that the basic carrier builds its marketing policy so that the map of flights is based on convenient for a passenger joints in Boryspil.

At the same time, if we are talking about an increase in the structure of direct passengers (passengers flying from Ukraine and to Ukraine), then it is very insignificant.

How can the Ukrainians more effectively use the visa-free regime conditions regarding air travel?

Of course, the visa-free regime has opened new opportunities for air passengers. The majority of the air companies provide various promotions, discounts, offer special conditions regularly. As a rule, the main precondition for the purchase of an airline ticket at a lower price is the advanced planning of a trip or flight on certain dates. Such flexibility became available to our citizens just after the visa-free regime implementation, our citizens can plan a trip for any period of time and visa does not matter a lot.

So my main advice for air travellers is to plan trips in advance, not to change dates and, if possible, to choose a fare only with hand luggage.

Such fares are now offered by both — classical air carriers and so-called low cost companies. These factors will allow the passengers to purchase the most profitable airline ticket.

You are one of the top ten taxpayers in the country. Is there enough money to develop a business?

I will give you some figures: for the nine months of this year, the net profit of the airport has increased up to 1.63 billion UAH, and payments to the budget have increased up to 1.44 billion UAH. Let’s compare, in 2014 Boryspil finished with a loss of 44 million UAH, 2015 with a profit of 467 million UAH, and in 2016, it improved the indicators up to more than 1.2 billion UAH. Accordingly, the dynamics of deductions to the state budget, which you mentioned in your question, changed: in 2014 — 183 million UAH; 2015 — 265 million UAH; 2016 — 924 million UAH. At the moment, we have ambitious plans I have talked about. In particular, over the next 4 years, we are planning an investment program that is about 10 billion UAH worth and, of course, reducing the amount of deductions, at least in terms of paying dividends, would be extremely appropriate.

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#7, December 2017

What was your goal when you competed for the post of the General Director of Boryspil? Have you achieved all the goals you planned?

When I decided to take part in the competition, I clearly understood that I must save the things that had been achieved before.

My goal is to improve the company’s activity, but in no way to break it. This is not the case when an enterprise is in a state of crisis, and it must be disassembled on a brick and re-assembled.

Everything that has been planned by us is gradually implemented. First of all thanks to our team’s coordinated work. That is why my answer

is yes.

How have you changed over this year?

Did not you think about returning to politics?

When I decided to take part in the competition for the position of the General Director of the airport, I wanted to distance myself from the politics that I had used to deal with before. I expected that this position is not associated with the politics. But as the case with a well-known Irish carrier showed, it is associated enough. Nevertheless, in my activity I am guided only by economic factors. And I want to place the emphasis on this. I do not plan to return to

politics in the nearest future, and I want the amount of politics to be as small as possible in my work.

What will the Boryspil airport be like in 2020? How do you dream it would look in 10 years?

I am more pleased when we talk about an airport that will carry 20 million passengers or 50 million passengers. “Boryspil�, with such a passenger turnover, I want to see as a serviceoriented, high-tech enterprise. And these are the goals that we put into the strategic development plan of the airport.

The conversation was held by Anna Avramenko #7, December 2017

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UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS

Serhii Pohoreltsev, a Ukrainian diplomat, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, exclusively for “Fashion of Diplomacy” speaks about the state of work on introduction of a visa-free regime, opportunities for trade and economic relations development, achievements and prospects of the consular service of Ukraine.

In November 2017, during the visit of the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, to the United Arab Emirates, an agreement was reached with the Prime Minister of the UAE, the leader of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, on visa-free regime between the two states. As a result of negotiations, a Memorandum was signed between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the UAE on the abolition of visa requirements.

“The Ukrainians will be able to travel freely to the other extremely important and attractive country for us. And the value of the Ukrainian passport continues to increase,” pointed out Petro Poroshenko.

OUR GOAL IS 100 VISA-FREE COUNTRIES FOR THE UKRAINIANS What does the UAE visa-free regime mean for the Ukrainians and Ukraine?

— During the meeting between Petro Poroshenko and the King of Saudi Arabia, in early November this year, the agreements were reached to reduce the amount of visa fees and movement to facilitate people-to-people contacts.

Achieving agreements on visa-free travel of the Ukrainian citizens to the UAE and facilitation of visa procedures with Saudi Arabia is an expansion of opportunities for establishing people-to-people contacts, establishing business contacts, facilitating conditions for learning the culture of peoples and, finally, spiritual enrichment.

The signing of the memorandum with the UAE is a very important step, which makes it possible for the citizens of Ukraine — the biometric passport holders — to travel freely. It is important because there is a demand: during 2016, 200 000 Ukrainian citizens visited the UAE, so it is expected that this number will increase, and the visafree regime will enable many tourists to visit this country without unnecessary complications.

How long did the negotiations last? Whose party initiated them?

— The work started as early as in the beginning of this year, consular negotiations were held in Abu Dhabi, during which Ukraine’s readiness to promote the idea of introducing visa-free regime of travelling for the citizens of both countries was announced for the first time ever.

At that time, the UAE side did not express readiness to introduce a visa-free regime, however, a joint, teambased hard work yielded its results: during the visit of the President of Ukraine in early November this year to the UAE, it was agreed to start a visa-free regime and an appropriate memorandum was signed. This document provides that a visa-free regime for biometric passport holders will begin 30 days after the parties exchange the latest note on the completion of all internal procedures. We did our best to make this regime work by the end of the year. Naming a specific date is difficult — it depends not only on the Ukrainian party. However, since the decision has been made, the memorandum has been signed, there will be no delays on either the part of Ukraine or the UAE. #7, December 2017

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UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS In the overall aspect, obtaining another country in the list of visa-free countries is very good, as it corresponds to the President’s course — “100 Visa-Free Countries for the Ukrainians” — and we are moving forward in this direction.

How will it affect trade relations between the countries?

— World practice proves that it is a big plus for the economy, as businessmen will have the opportunity to visit the partner country without unnecessary complications. After all, business is a very dynamic thing, and today the businessman is ready to go, but tomorrow — no, he does not have time for procurement of visa. Of course, this will facilitate business trips, which, in turn, will contribute to the development of trade and economic relations between our countries.

Are there any preconditions for deepening our economic relations with the UAE, let’s say, like with Canada, with which an agreement on free-trade zone has been signed?

— The Department of Consular Service is monitoring the annual increase in the number of visa processing for businessmen, that is, the dynamics is positive, there is demand and interest in investing in the Ukrainian economy by the UAE. This was felt during the negotiations in January this year, when the Emirate party demonstrated its interest in developing trade and economic ties. The quantity is turning into quality, and these indicators will surely lead to the fact that more business people will go, enter into contracts, invest in our country, and our companies will be able to expand the market for their products in the UAE. A visa-free regime will undoubtedly contribute to the development of trade and economic ties.

Ukraine greatly expands the geography of countries with visa-free regime.

What is it connected with?

— Following the statement formulated by the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, “100 Visa-Free Countries for the Ukrainians”, during 2016–2017, the agreements were reached in the field of visa liberalization with a number of European, North and South American countries, the Persian Gulf and Asia, in particular: • Intergovernmental agreement on the facilitation of the visa processing with Switzerland has been completed;

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• Bilateral agreements on visa-free travel of citizens from Saint Kitts and Nevis and Albania have been completed; • Visa-free regime for the citizens of Ukraine and Costa Rica and Mauritius has been introduced; • Mutual trips of citizens of Ukraine and Turkey with internal passports (ID-cards) were introduced; • According to the results of the work carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by the decisions of the US Department of State, the deadline period of validity for certain types of nonimmigrant visas for Ukrainian citizens was increased from 5 to 10 years.

With the aim of developing an agreement reached concerning the visa-free regime of travelling for the holders of diplomatic passports to Japan (introduced as of June 01, 2016) and further liberalization of the visa regime, Japan is considering the possibility of canceling visa requirements for holders of Ukrainian service passports. At the same time, as of January 01, 2018, Japan is introducing a number of visa simplifications for Ukrainian citizens who use the usual foreign passports (extension of categories of applicants for obtaining multiple-entry visas for business, cultural and scientific purposes, extending the validity of visas from 3 to 5 years, reducing the list of necessary documents, etc.).

In addition, the possibility of concluding agreements on the mutual abolition of visa requirements is considered by the Governments of Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru and Uruguay. As part of the negotiation process with Australia and the UK, the Foreign Ministry has introduced a number of proposals for contracting parties to introduce a simplified travel regime for citizens. At the same time, given the planned implementation of the reform of the immigration system in Australia during 2017 and the necessity of the development and legal implementation of the procedure of the UK’s secession from the EU, the Australian and British parties informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the unpreparedness to substantially study visa facilitation issues at this stage.

The partners are expected to respond to the requests by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the prospects for introducing a visafree travel regime for Ukrainian citizens to the French overseas territories (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, French austral and Antarctic lands) and overseas departments

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS (Reunion Island, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-etMiquelon, Mayotte, French Guiana), as well as the Netherlands’s overseas territories of Aruba, Curacao and Sint-Marten.

How many countries can our citizens travel to without a visa? With how many of them are the negotiations ongoing?

travel of Ukrainians to Europe took place in 2016 and 2017. The systemic actions of the foreign policy department of our state to fulfill the “visafree” tasks as a prerequisite for the abolition of visa requirements for the Ukrainians for travelling to the EU became the key to bringing the ambitious plans of our country’s leadership into a practical plane. The titanic efforts of the

— As of November this year, Ukrainian citizens can visit 84 countries without visas. The negotiations are underway on the abolition of the visa regime or the simplification of visa requirements with 23 countries more. I am convinced that we will gradually increase the number of visa-free countries for the Ukrainians, and it will take a little time to get the figure — 100 visafree countries for the Ukrainians.

Is there a deadline for reaching this hundred?

— A clear deadline was not defined, since this process is rather difficult, with some countries it can be stretched over time. Everything was happening slowly with the UAE, the visit of Petro Poroshenko and his resolute attitude to a visa-free regime became the driving force.

In this regard, the President of Ukraine is the “locomotive” of the visa-free regime philosophy, and he personally made significant efforts to implement such a global project as “visa-free regime with the EU”, which is difficult to overestimate in terms of political and practical profit.

Which current situation do we have with a visafree regime with the European Union? How many Ukrainians have already used the service?

— The final stage of the negotiation process between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as preparatory measures for the introduction of visa-free #7, December 2017

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UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin and the team of like-minded people, as well as the systematic work of ministries and departments, were successful. On May 17, 2017, a legislative act on the abolition of visas for the Ukrainians was solemnly signed in Strasbourg.

Visa-free travel of the Ukrainians to the European Union has become a reality since June 11, 2017. Citizens of Ukraine were able to visit all EU countries without a visa, with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which are the members of the European Union, but which are not part of the Schengen zone. At the same time, the Ukrainians can travel freely to countries that are not the EU members but are members of the Schengen zone - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Currently, about 350 thousand citizens have already used this regime, the statistics are very positive; there are very few registered failures (approximately 60 cases) for absolutely objective reasons.

What is the role of visa-free regime with the EU for our country based on?

— Visa-free regime has eliminated barriers to free movement of the Ukrainians in European countries, mediation in the provision of services and excessive time spent waiting for a visa. Visafree regime has become a free movement of free people forward, and one of the applied measures of European integration of Ukraine. The year 2017 will enter the newest history of Ukraine as a year of a visa-free regime for the Ukrainians, thanks to the introduction of a visa-free regime for the Ukrainian citizens by the European Union.

This is confirmation of the civilization choice of Ukraine as part of the European space.

What challenges and ambitious plans is the department facing in 2018?

— The protection of the rights and interests of our citizens abroad: individuals and legal entities is an important component of the consular service department activities, the quintessence of our work. There are a lot of cases when our compatriots were in a difficult position, and the consuls have had to make significant efforts to free our political prisoners, sailors, citizens who, due to various circumstances, were in prisons or other places of detention. Such cases are the subject of discussion during consular negotiations, consultations; we are constantly analyzing this situation. There is no episode of the detention of a Ukrainian who would have

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been left out of attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine, the Foreign Minister personally control the release of prisoners from Russian captivity.

One of the priority areas of work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the maintenance of a comprehensive dialogue with the states of the so-called “white” list of countries participating in the Schengen agreement. As of November 2017, the list includes 62 countries. The citizens of Ukraine have the right to visa-free entry to up to 39 of them: with the 20 states visa-free entry regime is introduced on a bilateral basis, 19 states introduced a visa-free travel regime for the Ukrainian citizens unilaterally.

Achieving agreements on visa-free travel of the citizens is a mutually beneficial twoway process. Ukraine is open to the world; it is interesting as a new market, a country of great opportunities.

Demonstrating our openness and the desire for cooperation, we do a lot to improve and simplify the visa processing for entering Ukraine.

Not so long ago, we introduced new visa rules that provide for simplification of visa documents processing for foreigners, unification of tariffs for consular fees, shortening of visa application processing time, the possibility of filing visa applications to authorized visa centres, etc.

In one of the interviews, you talked about the use of the latest information technologies to improve consular activities. What did you mean?

— Speaking about the improvement, I would even say, modernization of the consular service.

It is necessary to outline the following main directions of this work.

Firstly, starting from mid-January 2018, visa centres will begin to operate in 8 countries of the world, which will substantially unload our consulates and allow us to accept foreign citizens more quickly.

Secondly, our plans include the introduction of an electronic visa for the citizens of 47 countries of the world, which will also improve and simplify the procedure for visa processing and reduce the burden on consular offices. As a result, a foreigner in online mode will be able to apply, make all necessary procedures and arrive in Ukraine with an electronic visa.

Thirdly, in 2018, the introduction of a visitor flow control system (the so-called “electronic queues”) will be introduced at the consular

offices with the ability to fix an appointment via the Internet or mobile application. We are trying to use the experience of leading countries to eliminate mediators and misunderstandings in queues.

Fourthly, in order to raise awareness of the Ukrainian citizens, as well as to warn them about possible extraordinary events abroad, in the country where they plan to go, we have introduced an electronic system of voluntary registration of the Ukrainian citizens while travelling abroad — “FRIEND”. The software program “FRIEND” is developed with the use of the latest advances in the field of IT and focused on the modern consumer. The first release of the system is an interconnected web resource and mobile application for smartphones. This program is the debut of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the world of mobile applications.

And in the end, this year we have started the process of creating a system of the so-called “Electronic Consul”, which will allow automating all consular processes and reduce them to “one denominator”. This applies to the issue of procurement visas, passports, legalization, notary, citizenship, etc. The development of the system will take place in several stages: creation of the electronic journal of registration

of consular operations and electronic dossiers, connection to available information resources and, at the final stage, development of mobile application for the possibility of remote filing of documents by applicants and payment of consular services. We have been actively starting to work on implementation of the project this year, and the next one — the system will be in operation completely.

All this complex of actions to modernize the consular service will bring it to a qualitatively new level and bring it closer to the best world standards.

Congratulations on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian diplomacy: I am pleased to congratulate the staff of the magazine and your desire to communicate directly with the diplomatic service of our state. It is nice to see your understanding that the consular service is very important in terms of protecting the rights and interests of our citizens, and I hope our contacts will continue from now forth. I wish success, creative inspiration and peace to all of us.

The conversation was held by Yurii Poita #7, December 2017

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UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS Popularization of Ukraine is one of the main tasks today that our “Fashion of Diplomacy” magazine puts forward. In each issue, we disclose and show how the authorities, various structures, public figures and patrons work on this issue.

Today, we are talking to Taras Demkura, Ph.D. in Economics, VicePresident for Regional Development of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Ukraine, a collector, a well-known entrepreneur and patron of the state.

What definition of “cultural diplomacy” would you suggest?

Cultural diplomacy is a form of “soft power” that should become an important component of international relations instruments. The Ukrainian society has already formed a request for a policy of cultural diplomacy, that has been recognized as an effective tool for building a positive image of the country in the world, which puts the respective tasks not only to the state, but also to international public associations and to every citizen of Ukraine.

As we all can see, political diplomacy does not always manage to react in time and adequately to the challenges of the modern epoch. The actual

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world is too difficult for political diplomats only.

At the same time, Ukraine has enormous cultural potential — unfortunately, it is not yet fully discovered and appreciated.

Six years ago, the destiny brought me to the famous art historians, now, I regret to say, deceased Borys Voznytsky, the director of the Lviv Art Gallery, the academician of the Ukrainian Academy of Arts, the Hero of Ukraine, and to the Ternopil art historian, and journalist, Vira Stetsko, who discovered the works of Johann-Georg Pinzel as the Ukrainian creator of the Baroque epoch for me. In 2012, when the artist’s work was presented in Paris at the Louvre, we issued the album “The Secret of

Pinzel” and released a movie “The Secret of Pinzel — from “Buchach to the Louvre”.

It was a triumphant ascent of the Ukrainian Baroque sculpture to the artistic Olympus and the prominent discovery of artistic Ukraine itself by the European community. Exhibition attracted hundreds of thousands of grateful visitors, dozens of reviews in the press and television coverage! These were the first steps of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy; and the exhibition in Paris had been a tremendous contribution to the popularization of our cultural and historical heritage.

As far as we know, after the Louvre, you continued to work on promotion of the works of “Ukrainian Michelangelo” Johann-Georg Pinzel After the exhibition, we organized its closure at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Paris, where the Commissioner of the exhibition Guillaume Sherf and famous art historians were invited.

The Louvre took 100 albums for its bookshops, libraries and archives. Then, together with the author of the album, Vira Stetsko, we conducted over 60 presentations of the creative work of the artist both in Ukraine and abroad, and more than 700 albums were distributed to libraries, museums, schools and universities.

And already in 2017, continuing the work we started, within the framework of the 24th Forum of Publishers in Lviv, we organized a cultural and art project “Under the Star of Pinzel”, where the second edition of the album was presented. The Minister of Culture of Ukraine, Yevhen Nyshchuk, opened the holiday. Subsequently, a series of presentations of the cultural and art project “Under the Star of Pinzel” was organized in the cities of Buchach, Hodovytsi, Chernivtsi, and other regional centres of Ukraine. This is the true cultural diplomacy in our understanding...

Why are you engaged in cultural diplomacy and what inspires you?

My wife and me, we feel our personal responsibility for what we will leave for the future generations. There is no more responsible task than to be involved in the revival of the cultural heritage of the land where you were born and where you reside. And, first of all, in the revival of the historical memory of our people.

The artists, famous cultural figures, geniuses of the spirit leave for history, but they leave behind themselves not only wise words, but also good deeds for the good of people, for the glory of Ukraine. #7, December 2017

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As a Vice-President of the International Chamber of Commerce, do you successfully implement both cultural and economic projects?

Membership in the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Ukraine is a unique opportunity for me to promote and realize the economic, social, cultural and historical potential of Ukraine in the world. This is daily public and representative activity in these vectors. We are really holding exhibitions and presentations of our heritage within the framework of economic forums, which has a very positive effect on the image of our country. We organized and conducted thematic events on popularization of cultural heritage in France, Argentina, Germany and the Czech Republic.

A lot of efforts were directed towards the organization of trans-border cooperation of Ternopil region within the framework of the project “TRANSIMPERIA”. This project was presented at the 10th International Economic Forum “Europe-Ukraine”, which was held in the city of Rzeszów (the Republic of Poland).

Now we are witnessing a positive dynamics in establishing of cooperation with international organizations that represent the Ukrainians around

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the world. What can cultural diplomacy do at these “fronts”?

It must be taken into account that the dynamics of the changes of the modern world prompts us to establish close contacts with the activists of a new wave of volunteer support for contemporary events in Ukraine. We have established good relations with people from Ukraine that live in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Spain, France and other countries in Europe and America.

On May 5–10, 2016, during the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the emigration of the Ukrainians in Argentina, the negotiations were held with the Head of the Prosvita cultural association in Argentina, Yurii Danylyshyn, and the Head of the Ukrainian community of Brazil, Vitorio Syrotiuk, as well as with the representatives of the Ukrainian communities in Australia and Spain.

On July 9–10, 2017, we organized a program of the visit of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Argentina, Yurii Diudin, in Ternopil region.

Meetings with the leaders of the city and region were held to intensify cooperation with the Misiones Province and the city of Apostoles of the same Province in Argentina. The Memorandum on the further cooperation was

UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATICS signed, the opportunity to promote the tourism potential of Ternopil abroad was discussed.

In August, Ternopil hosted an Argentinean delegation of 120 people with a concert program.

It is known that you and your wife Iryna have been collecting authentic applicative Ukrainian things for many years. What did the opening of the “Heritage” Ethno-gallery from your private collection in Ternopil mean for you?

of the gallery space with excursion tours, the ethno-gallery “HERITAGE” was attended by 18 foreign delegations. Sponsorship of all the development and promotion directions of the theme of preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Ukrainians encourages the continuation of activities and causes a true interest, proposals for cooperation from international organizations.

This year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian diplomacy.

What would you like to wish the Ukrainian diplomats?

All activities of the ethno-gallery “HERITAGE” are primarily aimed at preserving the historical heritage. But at the same time, it is a powerful tool for the development of cultural diplomacy of Ukraine. Since the opening of the ethnogallery, exhibits of authentic styles and applicative things of the Ukrainians of the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries have been numerously represented at international allUkrainian exhibitions, festivals and presentations abroad.

As for me, celebrating the centenary of Ukrainian diplomacy goes beyond the bounds of the profession and applies to the entire state — to our society; in particular, each of us is the envoy of national diplomacy, the bearer of national values in the world. I am convinced that this event will be a good opportunity to understand that by respecting ourselves we will help the world respect us.

The highest popularity among all-Ukrainian mass media and Internet publications has been received by the following projects: the presentation of the ethno-gallery in France and Argentina; the exhibition “Blessed Ternopil Land”; the Day of Vyshyvanka (embroidered shirt) in Prague; International Tourist Exhibition UITT-2017, Kyiv; ethno-demonstrations in Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Lviv (in honour of the 50th anniversary of the UWC); Ornamental DNA project (held in Ankara, Turkey in October 2017).

I highly appreciate the skillful and professional work of Ukrainian diplomats as a significant contribution to strengthening the position of Ukraine — an authoritative member of the world community. The activity of Ukrainian diplomacy in the international arena is a worthy example of defending, assertion and advancing the interests of the Ukrainian state. I wish to everybody the inspiration, creative forces, vigor of spirit, health and all sorts of good things on this way.

During the incomplete year of existence

The conversation was held by Ihor Skrypnyk

· Ecological materials · Natural woods · The modern trends of the production

Exclusivity in each detail

Perfection in the nature

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UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS

Celebrating the centenary of domestic diplomacy, we must recognize the fact that today the Ukrainian foreign policy office is a locomotive of Ukrainian European integration and, together with national security, defense and law enforcement agencies, is one of the most arrant defenders of our national interests and territorial integrity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has an interesting and uneasy history and, of course, a whole series of differences from its predecessors — the foreign policy departments of the UPR (the Ukrainian People’s Republic), the WUPR (the West Ukrainian People’s Republic), Ukrainian State and the Directory.

When in 1991, an independent Ukrainian state arose, its leadership began the process of state construction, taking into account the mistakes and losses of the first Ukrainian republic — the UPR. Let us recall, that the first attempt of the Ukrainians, in the twentieth century, to gain independence was unsuccessful, not least because of the lack of qualified diplomatic personnel. This negative experience was taken into account in the Ukrainian SSR, from which independent Ukraine grew up: in 1991, there was the own Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the own representation in the United Nations and in a number of international organizations.

Of course, the international status of the Ukrainian SSR was purely decorative and almost sham, which, of course, did not exclude the presence of international political experience and the presence of educational institutions in which diplomatic personnel were trained. At least most of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of independent Ukraine were hardened in the diplomatic department of the Ukrainian SSR, and this hardening was surprisingly strong.

1991–1994

1994–1998

2007–2009

2009–2010

1998–2000 2010–2012 2000–2003 2012–2014 2003–2005

2005–2007

2007

2014

from 2014

UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS

Anatoliy Zlenko 1991–1994 2000–2003

Leading the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry twice befell him — from 1991 to 1994 and from 2000 to 2003. Both periods were complicated for Ukraine, and the complexity was too different in origin. He was the FIRST Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

In spite of general pacifist intentions and declarations, the new state was considered mainly an accessible and easy prey. The United States then preferred to deal with supposedly democratic Russian Federation of Boris Yeltsin, stubbornly failing to notice Ukraine. An unprecedented pressure was put on our state, in order to deprive it of the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal.

In addition, in the early 1990s, the relations with neighbouring Romania, which urged Ukraine the territorial claims to Northern Bukovyna and separate administrative districts of the Odessa region, became rather aggravated. And if it was not possible to defend the nuclear arsenal, then we were able to give a decent repulsion of Romania by diplomatic means. In the domestic foreign policy department, the diplomatic demarche of the first Foreign Minister almost turned into a legend when he declined an official visit to Romania because of the fact that chauvinistic hysteria in this country began to go beyond any permissible limits. At least such kind of soft pressure was quite effective. In addition, during the first ministerial cadence of Anatoliy Zlenko, the foundations for the strong and stubborn European integration vector of our foreign policy, which were failed to shatter despite the repeated change of presidential headquarters in Bankova Street, began to appear. During his second cadence, when Ukraine slipped on the blood of journalist Gongadze, the Minister had to use almost titanic super efforts to prevent the path of Ukraine to the West being blocked. He coped with this task brilliantly.

— A diplomat has to restrain themselves in any, even the most critical, situations; otherwise it is a violation of not only diplomatic but also ethical norms. Think what you say - this is the first and most important law of diplomacy...*, that was how the first Foreign Minister of independent Ukraine summed up his professional credo.

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*http://gordonua.com/news/politics/eks-glava-mid-zlenkoslova-deshchicy-o-putine-absolyutno-nedopustimy-27342.html

UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS

Hennadiy Udovenko 1994–1998

Even among the old diplomatic guard, Hennadiy Udovenko, who headed the MFA in 1994–1998, differed by an unusual political experience. From 1985 to 1992, he was the head of representation of, at first, the Ukrainian SSR, and then independent Ukraine in the United Nations. This is exactly how Hennadiy Udovenko remembered the times of his tenure in this respectable organization during his four years of governing in Mykhailivska Square. Bankova began to dabble at the political multi-vector, which is almost anathematized now, but which at that time allowed buying gas from the Russian Federation as cheaply as possible, while strengthening the NATO-EU direction of domestic foreign policy. The Minister never concealed his political sympathies, although he headed the People’s Movement of Ukraine, without holding a ministerial post, the influence of the leadership of this political force of the openly pro-Western liberal genre was bound to exist. Among the loudest failures of foreign policy at times of Udovenko, one can only mention the only failure, when the United States took to an outright pressure on Kyiv to disrupt the joint Ukrainian-Iranian nuclear power plant construction in the Iranian city of Bushehr. Then neither the above-mentioned political leadership of the state nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in fact, was able to defend this profitable project. As for the benefits, it is a powerful and persistent development of Ukraine’s own representative infrastructure abroad and the beginning of membership in such a powerful and prestigious international organization as the World Trade Organization (the WTO). Moreover, it was during tenure of Udovenko, that Ukraine began to actively cooperate with NATO, which became even more active and even more powerful under the leadership of his successor.

— I have always been a supporter of joining NATO and I still believe that this would be a very good step for Ukraine**, said prophetically and wisely Mr. Udovenko back in 2011.

**https://comments.ua/digest/255579-gennadiy-udovenkomoskvi-viriti.html

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UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS Like many other Ministers, Borys Tarasiuk was in that post twice. For the first time in 1998–2001, when Ukraine, because of the external pressure, was making adjustments to its foreign policy doctrine. The change of power in the Russian Federation, the coming to power of the revanchist group of security forces headed by Putin, could not but influence the policy of Kyiv. In particular, political and economic lobby of Russia strengthened enough to put pressure on ministerial appointments. However, Tarasiuk’s iron character and definition of his style of doing business as “non-diplomatic diplomacy” remained in the memory of officials both in Mykhailivska Square and Bankova Street. His line was openly pro-Western and Atlantic, he was not afraid of conflict with domestic intelligence, which considered the MFA to be its partner. Such a confrontation was one of the main reasons for his first resignation, without taking into account the external pressure from Moscow.

Borys Tarasiuk 1998–2000 2005–2007

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— NATO’s extension to the east means expanse of democracy and stability... It is in active participation in these institutions that we see our vocation and our duty***, said Tarasiuk, already knowing about his resignation.

The second term of Tarasiuk in ministerial post is 2005–2006, after the so-called first or “orange maidan”. His policy of that time and conflicts with Yanukovych, who, in 2006, blackmailing Bankova with civil war, returned to the Prime Minister’s post, as best as possible reflected the collapse of the hopes of the whole generation of the Ukrainians that Ukraine would come to Europe in the cadence of President Yushchenko. However, it was during his second term in Mykhailivska Square that Borys Tarasiuk so tightly and firmly entrenched the Euro-Atlantic direction of Ukrainian foreign policy that even the representatives of the Donetsk clan, who eventually occupied the highest posts in our country, lacked the courage to finally deny this direction — at least until 2013.

***https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/488-boris_tarasyuk_ototgnyu_rozshirennya_ nato_na_shid_z_posilennyam_demokratiii_ta_stabilnosti_na_kontitenti_4503.html

UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS In 2007–2009, when the revenge of the Donetsk clan was suspended, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was headed by a man who, without exaggeration, can be called the most consistent and most persistent Atlanticist and European integrationist in the post of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Ohryzko made every effort to obtain the action plan for Ukraine (the so-called MAP) concerning NATO membership, and just already repeatedly mentioned Russian pressure led to the failure of this important for our country foreign policy step.

Particularly noteworthy is Mr. Ohryzko’s foreign political activity during the Russian war against Georgia. Unfortunately, his recommendations and political forecasts were almost not heard in Bankova, and only a bitter experience in 2014 convinced the domestic political establishment in the rightness of the person who headed the Foreign Ministry in 2007–2009.

Volodymyr Ohryzko 2007–2009

— Exactly three months after Russia’s tough military aggression against Georgia, everything was back to square one. In Europe, actions of Moscow have been forgotten. It was said: of course, it is bad, but you understand, it is Russia, you need to be friends with it. Putin understood this signal very correctly: for .... the inappropriate actions, he will not be punished. And if so, why not continue such actions in Ukraine? If, then, in August 2008, harsh sanctions had been imposed against Russia, then there would certainly not have been aggression of Russia against Ukraine****, — thus the former Minister recalls those times.

****https://ru.narodna-pravda.ua/2017/08/08/vladymyr-ogryzko-nasamom-dele-vojnu-protyv-gruzyy-v-2008-godu-rossyya-proygrala/

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UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS The future Prime Minister and one of today’s most influential politicians headed the Foreign Policy Department from March to December 2007 and, despite a rather short term, actually continued the line of Tarasiuk and Ohryzko, meaning a consistent and persistent Euro-Atlantic line. For the sake of justice, we must note that Mr. Yatsenyuk did not have any special victories (as well as defeats) in this post, which is again due to the relatively short duration of governing.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk 2007 The fifth President of Ukraine headed the domestic MFA from 2009 to 2010 and was, in fact, the Minister who had to see the fateful transition of power from pro-European President Yushchenko to a true Eurasian Yanukovych. Of course, the present President was and is a man of pro-Western views, and therefore saying whether he could work with Yanukovych and his administration or not is not necessary. The creation of not formal, but powerful Atlanticist lobby in the Foreign Ministry, which actually still administers this department, should be included in the merits of Petro Poroshenko as the Minister.

Petro Poroshenko 2009–2010 46

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UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS This Minister also had to head the Foreign Ministry twice — in 2003–2005 and in 2010–2012. The first term was an attempt to reconcile the pro-Western-Atlantic and pro-Russian-Eurasian fractions in power, although in the air there was already a smell of the first ‘maidan’ and radical Western spirit, and therefore Gryshchenko (ultimately, reasonably) was labeled as the “man of Yanukovych.” If, during the first term, the Minister still had to portray himself as an Atlanticist-European integrator, who at the same time did not want to quarrel with Moscow, during the second term, Gryshchenko had to face the gradual but persistent derogation of Ukraine, already headed by Yanukovych, from the Euro-Atlantic aspirations and commitments. The most problematic was that he and his agency would have to provide the technical support for this derogation. It is not known for sure what caused the resignation, but there is an implicit rule that the Foreign Minister resigns only when he does not agree with the President’s line.

Konstyantyn Gryshchenko 2003–2005 2010–2012 Headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2012–2014, during the peak of Donetsk domination over Ukraine. He can certainly be called “the President’s man”, in this case, the man of President Yanukovych.

— We have hundreds of other things to discuss with the European Union, and many EU member states support Ukraine on the issue of signing an association agreement despite Tymoshenko’s case*****, he argued when the former head of the Ukrainian government, or rather, her imprisonment, caused a real international scandal.

Leonid Kozhara 2012–2014

During his leadership, the gradual retreat, we have already mentioned, from the Euro-Atlantic strategy of all the previous Ministers, caused a muffled and moderate, but still present, opposition in the Ministry. However, the reorientation of Ukraine to the East, the support of the Asad and Chavez regimes, the strengthening of political and economic cooperation with not so odious, but still anti-Western regimes, were slowly but consistently implemented. This geopolitical orientation was finished by EuroMaidan and the fall of Yanukovych. The same factors put an end to Mr. Kozhara’s diplomatic and ministerial career.

*****http://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/ politics/2013/05/130508_kozhara_usa_ukraine_dt

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UKRAINIAN POLICY MAKERS The victory of EuroMaidan meant the return of Ukraine to the Euro-Atlantic route. This return, at first, from February 2014 to June 2014 — was taken care of by Andrii Deshchytsia, a young and promising diplomat, a “foster-child” of the Atlanticist lobby we already mentioned. Unfortunately, Mr. Deshchytsia’s ministerial career was interrupted because, in an attempt to prevent the capture of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kyiv by furious radicals, Mr. Minister was forced to sing along with them a wellknown and frankly brutal song about the President of the Russian Federation. Mr. Deshchytsia was criticized for this rigorously and strictly in our country and abroad, but this very action of his prevented the raid at the Russian Embassy, as the consequences of this could become extremely serious and even tragic for our state.

Andrii Deshchytsia

— What did Russia go to, one should ask Russia itself about it******, said Mr. Deshchytsia at that time.

2014 Has headed the Foreign Ministry from June 2014 to the present time. This Minister experienced the most dramatic events in modern Ukrainian history. The positive achievements of Mr. Klimkin include the creation of a powerful pro-Ukrainian bloc, the imposition of sanctions against the Russian Federation, and the establishment of relations with the new (Republican) administration in Washington, procurement of visa-free regime with the countries of the European Union.

— ...sanctions should remain until Russia literally leaves Ukraine. I believe that people and countries have the right for free choice. And this is your choice, this is the choice of Ukraine, which is destined to become truly successful, — says the Head of the Foreign Ministry himself.

Pavlo Klimkin from 2014

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******https://dt.ua/POLITICS/deschicya-rozpoviv-nayaki-postupki-pishla-ukrayina-u-zhenevi-141930_.html

Those who criticize the Foreign Ministry should not forget that the Ukrainian diplomatic corps is part of the people. It was like that 100 years ago, when the Ukrainian diplomacy just made its first steps in the international arena. It was like that in 1991, when our diplomats had to actually remind the world that we existed and we were an independent state, too. It was like that in 2014, when the treacherous aggression against our country began. So it is now. It will always be like that.

Happy holiday, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian diplomacy!

WHO ARE YOU MRS. RUTYTSKA?

We Need a Horizon of State Planning for 20 - 40 Years Ukraine is a rich and promising country. If we have enough political will, a political desire to develop as a state, thus everything will be good in the country. And the world has opened the door for domestic exports even today.

Vladyslava Rutytska, a member of the National Reforms Council, a Vice-President of SigmaBleyzer and AgroGeneration, told the “Fashion of Diplomacy” how Ukraine reoriented the market outlets during the war, why we should be proud of the achievements of the agricultural sector and how to develop it.

She was the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

— THE COUNTRY WILL BE PROSPEROUS ONLY WHEN INVESTMENTS FEEL SAFE Vladyslava Rutytska Ukraine has to make a quantum leap, then we will develop rapidly. You said so in one of your interviews. What are we doing now for this? Are the changes felt?

— Today we have a better situation than it was in 2014–2015. As you know, I am a member of the National Reforms Council. In 2017, we launched the implementation of the next reforms, without which the leap, as you said, will not be possible to be made. In particular, the reform of education, health care, pension, civil service and privatization.

We took as a basis the results of 2016, when the reforms and changes that were implemented yielded a positive result. In particular in banking.

It was painful, but it improved the economy of Ukraine. Over the past year, the issuance of loans by individual banks in a currency for 5–7 years at interest of 5–8% has become the evidence of the possibility of obtaining cheaper funds for a clear term. Unfortunately, not all the banks provide such an opportunity and not all businesses can claim such quality of financing. Profitability, transparency, limpidity, export orientation need to be proven. But we all remember the interest rates for 2014–2016, so the examples of companies-producers that have attracted a loan for such a period and under such interest are a good signal of a qualitative change in the system.

In addition, I am waiting for the moment when AgriApexLoan, the agreement between Ukraine and the European Investment Bank for #7, December 2017

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WHO ARE YOU MRS. RUTYTSKA? 400 million euro, which I facilitated being the Deputy Minister, start working. It is the support of investment projects for those who are engaged in grain and oilseeds. I expect that this line will be fully opened by partner banks at the end of 2017, and from the beginning of 2018 it will be fully operational.

Which of the reforms is most timely to stimulate economic development?

— Probably, I will mention the main ones: 1. Deregulation. We have taken a lot of steps to deregulate and facilitate business. This allowed Ukraine rising in the Doing Business rating. If the Cabinet of Ministers continues the open policy in this direction, then there will be a qualitative reaction from the sidelines of business and investment climate. The richer our country will become, the better we can think about the strategic future.

2. Privatization, more precisely — the new Privatization Act. There are more than 3,500 enterprises in state ownership under the Ministries in Ukraine today. There are 301 state-owned enterprises in neighbouring Poland and a completely different approach to the management of state property. In Hungary, there are 371 state-owned companies, but also not thousands like we have. There are three state-owned enterprises in the USA, none in Canada, there are two state-owned companies in Switzerland, eight — in Japan. And in Ukraine, I repeat that again — 3500! Most of our stateowned companies are corruption feeders, because the efficiency of doing business is almost zero. At the same time, their debt obligations are increasing. The new Law “On Privatization of State Property” will be submitted to the Parliament for days, and the investors are waiting for its rapid passage. It abolishes the need to assess the enterprise before its privatization.

This has always slowed down the privatization process. In case of privatization of a large stateowned company (according to the new bill), the investment advisor recommends the price and the main task is to attract the maximum number of potential buyers to obtain the maximum price.

In case of small privatization, the starting price is determined as the balance cost and the most important task is to create maximum competition at an e-auction that is similar to Transparent. It is very important that the bill provides for the possibility of concluding an agreement of sale and purchase in accordance with the foreign law.

Until our judicial system is reformed, it will create trust from foreign investors. Primary candidates for privatization in the agricultural sector: • State Food and Grain Corporation of Ukraine (SFGCU) — autumn, 2018 • Agrarian Fund — autumn, 2018 3. The reform of the state service. The reform of the state service is being implemented by the Prime Minister and his office. 11 Ministries will take part in the pilot project. With the help of funding from the EU, new employees will be hired to work for the Ministries, with high, transparent and white wages. The task for new civil servants will be to transfer the Ministry from the operational management of state-owned enterprises to their immediate role: policymaking. The effect of the introduction of these specialists, that should create competition for the working employees of the Ministry, will lead to the renewal of the organizational structure and functions of this government body.

What kind of industry is the thing of the future of Ukraine?

— There is a good thesis: “Ukraine is an agrarian state”. It is often denied: “We could have been a country that builds planes, space vehicles, that makes breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, that creates modern equipment.” We have these industries really well developed. But if to look at the structure of exports, then more than 47% are the products of the agrarian sector. You can accept it, you cannot accept it. But there is a fact: we are an agrarian country. And there is nothing to be ashamed of here, but on the contrary — we should be proud. As an example, over the years, we have become the number one country in the world in exports of sunflower, sunflower oil, number four in the world in the exports of grain, etc.

WHO ARE YOU MRS. RUTYTSKA? How was it managed?

— Let me explain on a real example. We were the largest exporter of sunflower seeds.

The Parliament has decided to ban its export. It was the moment that became a turning point for attracting investment.

Many oil extraction plants were built. Our companies began to export the product of value added processing: sunflower oil. And the world gradually got used to it, its taste and quality: different countries began to redefine their cuisine, recipes and tastes.

Do we have victories in the agrarian sector as well? As the Deputy Minister, you lobbied for the promotion of Ukrainian goods abroad.

It was done quite successfully. For what Ukrainian products is there a demand?

At the end of 2014, the most important issue was export and international markets, as our country received an embargo from Russia. When I analyzed the half-year according to the European quotas, which we had, and saw how difficult it was to enter their market, to find qualitative European partners for our manufacturer, it was clear that this should be changed.

Then I, having been the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy for just 2 months, said, that we were asking the European Union to increase quotas for Ukraine, in one of my first statements. Just now, looking back at the events of these days, I imagine what shock there was in Brussels when they heard it. But when you face the task of national interests, when an agricultural producer, our agro sector, #7, December 2017

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WHO ARE YOU MRS. RUTYTSKA?

produces every day a product that Ukraine is accustomed to deliver to the Russian market, and it is closed, it was urgent to decide how to sell, diversify markets and earn.

I flew for the first time to Brussels, explaining why such statements came out. I am very glad that the Prime Minister (at that time, Arseniy Yatsenyuk) and the Cabinet of Ministers supported, and we attracted very high-quality institutions, I mean the international structures of FAO, EBRD, which helped and sponsored to

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#7, December 2017

some extent the analytical part of the reviews, which related to the rationale for increasing quotas, what we produce, where we deliver it, what is the forecast for the next three years, what the situation with prices and bank interest for our enterprises is, how much they meet the international requirements, how safe their products are.

We have done a huge job with profile Associations in each sector. I collected all agrarian associations, carried out work with them, wrote

WHO ARE YOU MRS. RUTYTSKA? out all the data that we needed and how to represent them.

We recommended a large package of analytical reviews as the position of the Ministry and country in Brussels three times. I am very glad that we finalized this process. A few months before my departure from the state post, we had received confirmation from the European Commissioners in Brussels that Ukraine will receive a package of preferences that has started already in 2017.

We worked 16 hours a day and opened more than ten new markets in two years.

Now, we are already supplying more than 35% of exports to the EU, where there are reliable distributors, strong currency and high quality. And this is good for the domestic market, too — because we consume the same products that have been made for European markets.

More than 50% is exported to Asian countries. This is the most interesting market for us. There is an increasing number of people and there is economic stability. We will be oriented there next 1015 years. Approximately 15% is exported to Africa, where the population is increasing too, and in many countries economic quality and situation are increasing.

Can Ukraine become more attractive for foreign investors?

— While the military actions will continue in our country, we will be in the “red zone” of investments. However, I want to note that if we can properly carry out judicial reform and step onto the path of corruption elimination, investors will have more faith in investing in Ukraine.

Now, among the big pros, we have the fact that the reforms are conducted under the strict control of Western partners. Ukraine has a lot

to do. However, every year, the state actively simplifies investment legislation, conducts deregulation, and supports those, who want to create production. Ukraine is a country that does not have the equal in potential in the region, despite the typical for the whole Eastern Europe problems; our country demonstrates the fastest pace of reforms. Here people want to change and do everything in order to gain trust.

Your fund continues to work here — Our SigmaBleyzer fund has invested in Ukraine more than a billion dollars over the past 20 years. It is a stable, reliable investor. Our main partners are such huge structures as OPIC, EBRD, private foundations of very wealthy families in Europe and the United States. But they all ask: “How safe is it to conduct business in Ukraine?

How much profit will be gained from invested money?“

It turns out that we have quite high chances to become successful. What is slowing down then?

— We have such kind of a national trait: everything is bad. We have to fight with it. There are luxurious cars in the streets, restaurants are mostly crowded, Ukrainian fashion develops; there is no such differentiation in language as before. The country has become more united.

The main thing is not to stop. What does it mean fast? It is slow and constant. Our main task is not to lose the pace and constantly work. The country is very rich, very fast in the revival, whichever trials we are given. These are both a war and a revolution. But at the same time, the main thing is that there will be no huge shadow market and corruption in the country. If we have enough political will, political desire to develop as a state, thus everything will be fine in Ukraine.

This is all possible when you have a strategic idea of managing a country not for three years, but at least for 10–20 years. For example, in its policy, China always adheres to what result there will be in 20–40 years. We have to strengthen our country so that we have such a horizon of planning as well.

I recall the quotation by Lee Kuan Yew. He said: “When I became the Head of the country, I had two ways: 1) I could have become a billionaire and my immediate relatives and friends would have become; 2) I could have built a country where everyone would become rich. I have chosen the second one”.

The conversation was held by Alina ARHYPOVA #7, December 2017

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OUR SHIP HAS SET A COURSE FOR THE WEST, AND THIS CANNOT BE CHANGED, WE HAVE CROSSED THE POINT OF NON-RETURN “We must take responsibility for our history, territory and culture” Oleg Skrypka Ukraine has set a course for the West not only in politics and economy, but also in culture. However, the Ukrainians still have a lot to do. In particular, create the own cultural and informational space. Well-known Ukrainian artist Oleg Skrypka told about that in an interview with “Fashion of Diplomacy”.

You are on stage for about 30 years. When was it easier to work at the beginning of the career or now?

— Objectively — everything has changed a lot. I have also changed a lot. It is easier for me now therefore I have great experience. Sometimes you go to the stage; there may be problems with sound, fatigue, or anything else. But you’re still singing, doing your part, and the listener is grateful for that.

Where is more grateful listener — in Ukraine or abroad?

— The listeners are grateful when they are in the same cultural context with us. Recently we have played in Israel. The audience that knows all our songs arrived. We have been to America, and there was our audience there too. One American came up to me. He did not speak Ukrainian at all, he had never been to Ukraine and had never heard of it. He came up with the words: “Real rock-and-roll”. This is our audience. Once, we performed at YES conference. There were diplomats of the highest rank. You should have just seen how they lived it up to our music! This is our audience. And sometimes it happens in Ukraine, especially in small towns, when the audience is

57

gathering on the open air grounds, and look at us as at the aliens and falls entirely out of the rock-and-roll context. So-called pop intoxication.

You have been popularizing Ukraine abroad for many years. Do authorities help in this?

— Recently, this year, we performed in the Netherlands, and I have just returned from Mexico. And we can be proud of it, the organizers of the concert, in cooperation with the Diaspora and the Ukrainian Embassy, have done everything well. The Embassy contributed to our performance, and we represented Ukraine well.

For the first time this year, I really felt that our state was involved in the process of popularizing Ukraine.

What has changed in Ukrainian culture for 26 years of independence?

— This year I have been to the international forum of professionals of ethnic music in the world — “Vomax”. This year, it was held in Poland. And it immediately catches into the eye: the professionals supported by the state are represented best. I always say: while the state is not fully engaged, will not appreciate in modern way its advantages, weaknesses and will not start a correct, understandable and effective strategy — the intensive development will not

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begin.

What can you say about your ambitious project “Country of Dreams”?

— Without support of the state, it is also extremely difficult to maintain the livelihoods of this large-scale festival. The project is 14 years old. And honestly, for today, the future of “The Country of Dreams” remains doubtful. Perhaps, in the near future, the vector will be changed.

You have a lot of projects. Which of them is the most native?

— The musical project — Vopli Vidopliasova — it was the start of work on a professional stage for me. Social project “The Country of Dreams”. The festival gave birth to many parallel projects: “Vechornytsi” (“evening parties”), artistic balls, charity events.

Since the beginning of the war in the East, you are demonstrating your active civic stance. Not all fellow workers supported you. Why so?

— The rock scene, by the way, unanimously supports our soldiers. However, this is a personal choice of every person — whether to support Ukraine’s future or take a neutral position. But in fact, it is better to choose the bright future, than to dream of the Soviet past.

ARTISTIC UKRAINE People and artists, in particular, have divided.

Why so?

— The search for the whipping boy is underway now. And, one of the artists, at times, is wanted to be made such a whipping boy. Someone from Ukraine goes to work to Moscow, someone from Russia or Europe went to earn money in the Crimea... But this is a question, first of all, for diplomats and the government.

If the state or society considers such things to be inadmissible, it simply needs to be made impossible. Instead of being in the absolute passivity, putting up the information waves and throwing own helplessness at the artists.

And are we succeeding in building cultural independence now?

— Very slowly. I have recently learned: it turns out that in Georgia, at the legislative level, it was decided to ban low quality music. My friends have recently come back from there.

They say: “There is high quality music on the radio”. And this is extremely important!

Just the Georgian one?

— Any! Both Georgian and foreign. You know, this question, first of all, is not about a language, but quality.

If our cultural space is with a huge advantage occupied with Russian-language material — it is a matter of quality of our cultural space, security and independence.

How often do you have concerts in the ATO zone?

— I played solo and with the VV for our soldiers, at the front or on the rotary with acoustics. But we always tried to get to the fighters, playing #7, December 2017

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ARTISTIC UKRAINE

them with high-quality professional sound.

Eventually, we implemented this project and in the summer of 2016 “Vopli Vidopliasova” carried out the “Frontline Tour of VV”, speaking to the fighters at the front in Marinka, Konstantynivka and Selidovo. I was having the idea of performing at the front matured for almost two years.

Despite Ukrainian fighters, many civilians gathered. These people are real patriots. They are striving to listen to Ukrainian music, watching Ukrainian cinema, hearing their native language.

In conversations, they honestly acknowledge how much they lack it. For a long time I have not seen such spiritual unity, as during our VV frontline tour.

What is retained in the memory from such concerts?

— Looks. Handshake. The guys who saw the war do not speak much. They are used to act. Life sets everything clearly there: there is friend and foe; there is white and black; to save life or lose it. When they say “thank you” after the concert — this is a great thank you.

We were scared here, in the rear, especially at the beginning of the war. But when you meet the soldiers — it becomes calm. You gain confidence

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from them. You know personally those people who are on your side who are protecting your peace and the ability to create.

And is this change felt in the mentality of the Ukrainians?

— People have changed. I see everything in the context of aesthetics. As for me, the West is aesthetic, and the East — in the form of Russia — is brutal. The Ukrainians have become more aesthetic.

You actually revived the anthem of the OUN “We Were Born at the Great Epoch.” What was the reaction?

— We, the Ukrainians, and about time too, should have been writing modern history and getting priorities straight in our history. In the Soviet times, we had a propaganda version of our past; today we have to take responsibility for our history.

You say that we need to take responsibility for our history. Where this should be manifested in?

— In actions. We must stop crying. The Ukrainians, on the one hand, are very lyrical, romantic, and this is good for art, but for the

state creation — it is ineffective. Foreigners say: “Why didn’t you protect your Crimea? Why did you allow entering your home? Why do we have to be pitiful to you if you did not protect yourselves?“. And we: “Please pity us and do all the dirty work for us”. Nobody will do that for us. They are just looking at us like at infantile people. We must grow up, be responsible for our history, territory, culture, for our songs and for the country of our future, where our children will live.

I want to ask a question, you are asked, probably, by everyone: why do you love Ukraine? After all, you are not of Ukrainian descent.

— Ukraine is cultural, historical jewelry, which at first sight is invisible, sometimes deeply hidden. It needs to be extracted, washed, cleaned and used. I, like many other artists, just feel the value, the beauty of Ukraine. There is such a sense of historical justice, curiously enough; there is a large deficit of Ukrainian things in Ukraine. We, the Ukrainians, must justly have our own ballet, jazz, painting, theatre, Ukrainian operetta, cuisine and much more. This is historical justice.

Feeling that potential, I realize how much more good things can be done.

Share your plans for the next year — As for VV — it is to write a new album.

Now we are considering how to conduct the “The Country of Dreams” festival at a high level.

What can you advise the Ukrainians before Christmas and New Year holidays?

— I want to wish to the Ukrainians merry holidays. The holiday is born in the heart, somewhere in the soul. It must be shared with the own relatives. I wish we spent the holiday with our relatives, shared good emotions with friends.

I think 2018 will be the beginning of a new era in Ukraine. It is necessary for us to take this responsibly and to understand — everything depends on us. We can build a new, beautiful country. And for this we need to understand who we are, to move forward bravely, to be progressive, and then we will definitely make a beautiful Ukraine, and we will be consuming the fruits of our own work within the lifetime.

The conversation was held

by Anna Avramenko #7, December 2017

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DIPLOMATIC CALENDAR

01

FESTIVAL OF LIVING HISTORY The venue: “Izone” space, Kyiv, Naberezhno-Luhova St. 8

DECEMBER

02

DECEMBER

05

DECEMBER

06

DECEMBER

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On the program of the Festival of Living History: • discussions on topics: controversial historical heritage, in particular the Soviet one; the experience of forced resettlement; female experience in conflicts; modern methods of commemoration; • exhibition of participants’ of the “Studios of the Living History” program initiatives; • master classes; • first screening; • theatrical performances; • performances of contemporary Ukrainian artists; • presentation of a set of works on how to work with the history through educational projects, where the tried and tested “Studios of the Living History” experience of students will be presented.

LECTURE “THE IMAGES OF HISTORY IN THE UKRAINIAN ART OF THE LATE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES” The venue: Art Museum of Ukraine, Kyiv, Hrushevskoho St. 6 The lecture is devoted to the problems of perpetuating the historical memory of the Ukrainian people in the conditions of its being in the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empire, the peculiarities of the creative methods of Ukrainian artists of that time and the technique of performing of artistic works.

SIXTH ALL-UKRAINIAN PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “THE HR-UKRAINE AWARD 2017” The venue: The Parkovy Congress and Exhibition Centre, Kyiv, Parkova road 16 On the conference program: • the best innovative projects nominated for the “Digital in HR Award”; • the most successful decisions in the HR, which have changed the Ukrainian business; • discussions of the first persons in the business about the responsible leadership and engagement, technology of the future and transformation of the HR role; • the results of the “Digital HR-brand” research; • the results of the “Best Employers in Ukraine” research; • discussion among the members of the Expert Award Jury of HR trends; • solemn ceremony of awarding the winners “HR-brand Award Ukraine”.

PRESENTATION OF THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH “DUKES OLELKOVICHY-SLUTSKY” The venue: Museum of the History of Ukraine, Kyiv, Volodymyrska St. 2 Despite the authors of the book the presentation will also be attended by Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine Marius Janukonis, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Ukraine Jan Pieklo, Editor-in-Chief of Baltic-Print Publishing House Virginius Strolia, Project Coordinator Genute Kirkene, General Director of the National Museum of History of Ukraine Tetiana Sosnovska.

AT THE GREAT CONFERENCE HALL OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF UKRAINE THE CELEBRATION EVENT OF THE IARTAS «GOLDEN FORTUNE» WILL BE HELD.

#7, December 2017

DECEMBER/2017

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INTERNATIONAL CHARITABLE EVENING “PARADE OF NATIONS” The venue: FREEDOM EVENT HOLL, Kyiv, Kyrylivska St. 134

DECEMBER

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian diplomacy and on the eve of the Day of the Worker of the Diplomat and Consular Service of Ukraine, in order to unite nations for peace and prosperity through knowledge of the culture, history and traditions of different countries, the international diplomatic magazine “Fashion of Diplomacy” organizes the International Charitable Evening “Parade of Nations”.

Such an event takes place for the first time in Ukraine. The event is being attended by the Presidents of Ukraine, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine from 1991 to 2017, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors of other countries.

The program will start with the welcoming words of the invited guests on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian diplomacy and the Diplomat Day. The evening will be continued with a concert program, that will consist of performances by participating countries. The performance of each country involves the demonstration of the national flag, national clothing and creative number, which will give the audience opportunity to plunge into the traditions of different countries.

The final number of the program will be the performance of Ukraine, which will demonstrate talents in culture and art.

REMARKABLE DATES / INDEPENDENCE DAYS OF THE COUNTRIES World AIDS Day Great Union Day of Romania

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FR

2

SA

Independence Day of Finland Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

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WE

12 TU

Day of Honouring the Participants in the Liquidation of the Consequences of the Accident at the Chernobyl NPP

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SA

Independence Day of Kazakhstan National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain

18 MO

19 TU

Birthday of the Emperor of Japan

Independence Day of Kenya

14 16

Day of Proclamation of the Republic of Niger

Independence Day of the United Arab Emirates

St. Nicholas Day United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

23 SA

25 MO

Day of the Diplomatic and Consular Service Worker of Ukraine Christmas, celebrated by Roman Catholics, Greek Catholics and Protestants according to the Julian calendar

NEW YEAR!

December 31 – January 1, SU–MO

fashion-diplomacy.com