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In 1990, human rights activist Elena Gorolová, a Czech Romani woman, found herself in a moment of vulnerability at Vitkovice Hospital. Sedated from childbirth, she was coerced into signing papers for sterilization, unaware of its implications. Only later did she ask the attending doctor: “What is sterilization?” In response, she received an answer that would […]
The World
“Veselka: The Rainbow On The Corner at the Center Of The World” is a New Documentary About the Choices One Makes When the World is Collapsing
Veselka. It’s the Ukrainian restaurant on the corner of Ninth and Second Avenue – the one with sunflowers imprinted on the pavement leading up to its door and the unending line of people huddled under the glass window decals (which read, “OUR HEARTS BEAT FOR UKRAINE,” “VESELKA IS LOVE,” and “PEACE TODAY, PIEROGI TOMORROW”). Its […]
Ukrainians demand more support for war against “terrorist state” Russia
Dozens of Ukrainians, Ukrainian Americans, and their supporters marched through the rain from Times Square to Herald Square in Manhattan on Saturday, October 7, demanding an increase in aid to Ukraine, and a continuation of the fight against Russian imperialism. The group, covered in blue and yellow and carrying Ukrainian flags, chanted slogans like, “Russia […]
The war in Ukraine reaches New York dance studios
After decades of immigration from the former Soviet Union, the ballroom dance world in the United States was predominantly Slavic in origin. But in February 2022, everything changed, as Putin’s war in Ukraine divided dancers living in New York City. Complicated allegiances and an interwoven heritage have now put a tight-knit community on uncertain ground.
Finding home in a bowl of borscht
“Not everybody likes this joke” Alexander Martynov, the 48-year-old owner of Prague’s Ukrainian restaurant The Borsch says, his smile widening. “I’m saying they lose their borscht virginity here.” If you happen to wander into The Borsch, located in the Vinohrady area of Prague, you’ll find a colorful display of culture and cuisine. Printed pillows hang […]
‘No genocide of ethnic minorities!’: Russian Kalmyks say Putin’s military draft is targeting them disproportionally
On Sept. 23, a group of Kalmyks — an Asian ethnic minority in Russia — called for the end of partial mobilization (military draft) in Russia, which was announced by Vladimir Putin two days prior. They claimed that the process targets the ethnic population in disproportionately large numbers. The protest took place outside of the […]
Frozen in Fear: Have We Stopped Caring About the News We Watch?
It can feel like nothing. Perhaps a tinge of hopelessness, a feeling of lethargy and despair, just not one large enough to be unmasked. In February, the news broke that Russia had launched a military invasion of Ukraine — the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II. As with most news, I learned about […]
Ukrainian Museum of New York provides sanctuary for Ukrainian culture
Tucked away between bustling Second Avenue and Cooper Square, on quiet 6th Street lies the Ukrainian Museum of New York, where for only $8, New Yorkers can both discover and immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture. While visiting, guests can admire the traditional pysanky — Ukrainian Easter eggs covered in colorful dyes and intricate designs — […]
“My Life Flipped 180 Degrees”: Ukrainian NYU student grapples with war’s fallout
Come to the United States to broaden horizons. Get into a good university. Graduate with a Bachelor’s – and Master’s degree. Then after nine years of studying and living abroad, return to life back at home. Take a break. Reconnect. Find a job. That was Yelyzaveta Kindyeyeva’s plan before the crisis in Ukraine started. “Now, […]
The East Village Rallies Around Ukraine
The Saint George Ukrainian Catholic Church stands, as it has since 1911, on East Seventh Street, sandwiched between Second and Third Avenue in New York City’s East Village. The stone steps that, just a few weeks ago, were pristine are now covered with an ever-increasing number of flower bouquets and a few still-lit candles. A […]