Знижка до 1% на Персональні Кредити uculifeline

Lesya Babiy
Branch Manager - Mississauga

Хочу поділитися з вами хорошою новиною. Прислухавшись до побажань наших членів, Української Кредитової Спілки Лимитед (УКС) від початку червня і до кінця вересня 2014 року пропонує хороші персональні позички на різні потреби такі як: купівля авта, для реновації житла, позички на навчання, консолідація боргів, а також позички на відпочинок зі знижкою до одного процента (1%).

Але вам напевно цікаво дізнатися як ви можете отримати таку знижку? Це досить швидко і просто. Перш за все, якщо ви переводите безпосередньо вашу заробітню плату або пенсію на ваш рахунок в УКС, то вам автоматично належить знижка 0.25%. Тоді якщо ви придбаєте Single Premium Life Insurance на позичку, заробите ще додаткову знижку 0.25%. Ви також можете отримати знижку 0.25% при отриманні Single Premium Disability Insurance і 0.25%- Single Premium Critical Illness Insurance. Разом це нараховує до 1%. В додаток отримаєте парасолю з лого "70-ліття УКС". Або ж як і раніше, якщо ви відмовляєтеся від запропонованих умов, платите відсоток який пропонує УКС на той час. Процент також буде залежити від вашого персонального "Credit Score" і історії з УКС.

Навіщо мені ця страхівка?

Crisis in Ukraine - July 31 briefing from UCC

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing
31 July, 7PM Kyiv time

1. Malaysian Aircraft shot down over eastern Ukraine
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission was able to reach the crash site of flight MH-17 today for the first time in almost a week. The Monitoring Mission was accompanied by four Dutch and Australian experts. Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg, head of the repatriation mission, stated that “In the coming days we will persist every day in trying to reach the crash site. This will only be possible to a limited extent during the first several days, on the one hand because we only have permission to have 40 to 50 experts in the area, and on the other hand because the logistic chain can only now be organised at our current location there.” Full statement is available at http://www.government.nl/issues/mh17-incident/news/2014/07/31/press-statement-by-pieter-jaap-aalbersberg-head-of-the-repatriation-mission.html.

2. Russia’s proxy war against Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
The active phase of the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk continues. The National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) reports that near Moslyne, Donetsk oblast, over 50 Kremlin-backed terrorists were killed. The National Guard took control of three roadblocks previously controlled by Kremlin-backed terrorists near Debaltsevo, narrowing the circle around the Kremlin-backed terrorists grouping in Pervomaisk-Stakhaniv-Alchevsk. A battle to liberate Pervomaisk, Luhansk oblast, from Kremlin-backed terrorists is ongoing as of 12PM Kyiv time. The State Border Service of Ukraine reported that from 3:20AM-3:50AM Kyiv time on 31 July as a result of mortar and grenade launcher fire, 5 border guards were killed and 11 wounded near Vasylivka. The State Border Service stated that the Russian Federation continues to deploy forces to the border, and to supply heavy armored vehicles and weapons to Kremlin-backed terrorists.

3. Parliament reaffirms Yatseniuk as PM, passes budget and tax code measures

Kobzar Park in Timmins getting a new Shevchenko statue

The Ukrainian Cultural Group of Timmins' Kobzar Park Rejuvenation Project is one of great significance to the community there. Kobzar Park's old Taras Shevchenko monument has been vandalized beyond repair, and UCU is proud to contribute toward replacing the old monument with a brand new bronze statue valued at $17,000.

In addition to the statue, the park will undergo extensive landscaping and become a beautiful place to stroll and reflect, not just for Ukrainians but the entire Timmins community. New walkways, lanterns and garden beds will create a welcoming new home for the new Taras, designed by Tyler Fauvelle.

At a recent cheque presentation, Helen Yaschyshyn 
(President of the Ukrainian Cultural Group of Timmins) accepted a donation 
from Ukrainian Credit Union Limited representative Angela Andlar (left) 
towards the Kobzar Park Rejuvenation Project.

We can't wait to see the renewed park, and perhaps one day stroll through it ourselves!

You can’t take it with you! - Estate Planning: Part 3

Anna Procio,

Estate and Administration Officer

Testamentary trusts, guardians and power of attorney 
In the first two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) of this series, we looked at why estate planning is important, what you need to think about when creating your plan, appointing executors and identifying beneficiaries. In this final part we will examine testamentary trusts, appointing guardians and power of attorney.

There are three main types of testamentary trusts that can be created by your Will – spousal trusts, trusts for minor children, and trusts for adult children. Each of these trusts has its own specific objectives.

• Spousal trusts – established for the benefit of the surviving spouse for his/her lifetime.
• Trusts for minor children – supports the children until they reach the age of majority, or some later age identified in the Will.
• Trusts for adult children – used to provide care for dependent adult children, to safeguard assets where the child is unable to prudently manage their own affairs or to protect an inheritance from potential creditors or a divorce settlement.

Trusts can last for a very long time – decades in some cases. So it is important to clearly outline what the purpose of the trust is, how it is supposed to operate, and what happens with any remaining funds when the trust terminates.

Фінансовий Коментар - фінанси, енергетика і гірнича галузь серед найбільш успішних

Канадський фондовий ринок не cпинити 

Або принаймні так виглядає на даний момент. S&P/TSX Composite Index продовжує бити рекорди. На рівні приблизно 15,450 пунктів індекс в даний час десь на 400 пунктів вище свого докризового рівня, який був встановлений шість років тому, влітку 2008 року. Зараз стало загальним місцем стверджувати, що цей рік став дуже вдалим для канадського фондового ринку, оскільки S&P/TSX Composite Index виріс майже на 13.5% з початку року, що є найкращим результатом серед індексів розвинених фондових ринків. Але насправді індекс неухильно зростає вже більш ніж 12 місяців, з кінця червня 2013 року. За цей час він виріс на 30.5%.

Три найбільших сектори канадського фондового ринку, а саме, фінанси, енергетика і гірнича галузь, були серед найбільш успішних за цей період. S&P/TSX Capped Financial Index виріс на більш ніж 34% за цей період завдяки стабільно високим результатам канадських банків, страхових компаній та інших фінансових організацій. S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index виріс майже на 39% на постійно високих цінах на нафту.

S&P/TSX Capped Diversified Metals & Mining Index мав досить нестабільний 12-місячний період через нестабільні ціни на сировинні товари. Однак минулий місяць був для сектора дуже вдалим, і індекс виріс на 14%. В результаті, протягом останніх 12 місяців індекс виріс на 42%.

Деякі аналітики очікують, що S&P/TSX Composite Index уповільнить своє зростання у другій половині року або навіть пройде корекцію, яка означатиме падіння на 10% або й навіть більш глибоке зниження. Це може статися з технічних причин на тлі періоду тривалого зростання, навіть якщо для падіння не буде фундаментальних причин. Водночас, для корекції може не бути достатньо лише технічних причин. Наприклад, фондовий ринок США зростає без серйозних корекцій вже протягом майже двох років.

Українська Кредитова Спілка Лимитед

Financial Comment - Big gains on Canadian Market

There is no stopping Canadian stock market
Or at least it appears that way right now. The S&P/TSX Composite Index keeps making new all-time highs this year. At around 15,450 points, the index is currently about 400 points above its pre-crisis peak which was set six years ago, in the summer of 2008. It has become a common place that 2014 has been a strong year for the Canadian stock market – the S&P/TSX Composite Index has risen almost 13.5% year-to-date – the best year-to-date performance among developed market stock indices. But in fact, the index has been steadily growing for more than 12 months now, since late June 2013. Over this period, it has risen by 30.5%.

The three biggest sectors of the Canadian stock market, namely, financials, energy and metals and mining, have been among the biggest gainers over this period. The S&P/TSX Capped Financial Index is up by more than 34% over the period on the continuing strength of the Canadian banks, insurance companies and other financial organizations. The S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index is up by almost 39% on strong oil prices.

The S&P/TSX Capped Diversified Metals & Mining Index has had a choppy 12-months period due to volatile commodity prices. The past month has been quite good for the sector as the index has climbed 14%. As a result, in the past 12 months, the index has risen by 42%.

Some analysts are expecting that the S&P/TSX Composite Index will slow its ascent in the second half of the year or even undergo a correction, which could mean a 10% or even more pull back. Even with strong fundamentals, this could occur strictly due to technical reasons. At the same time, technical issues may not be enough for a correction. For instance, the U.S. stock market has been rising without a major correction for almost two years now.

By: Ukrainian Credit Union Limited

Crisis in Ukraine - July 30 Briefing from UCC

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing

30 July, 7PM Kyiv time

1. Malaysian Aircraft shot down over eastern Ukraine
Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg, head of the recovery mission, stated that “Yesterday and today two reconnaissance drives have been made, led by the OSCE. The goal was to determine whether the route is safe between Donetsk and the crash site of flight MH17. Until now the route is considered to be unsecure. Therefore we did not manage to travel to the crash site with the group of experts.

Unfortunately, we don’t expect the security situation to improve enough the next couple of days. The chances look slimmer for us to reach the crash site on short notice. There is too much fighting going on that prevents our people to travel through the area.” Ukrainian deputy-PM V. Groysman stated that the Ukrainian side is not carrying out any military actions in a 20km zone around the crash site and does not intend to use military means to renew control over this territory. On 29 July, President P. Poroshenko stated that he has asked Belarusian President O. Lukashenka to hold a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on 31 July in Minsk, on two questions – the freeing of all hostages, and the provision of access to international experts to the MH-17 crash site. On 29 July, after a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister P. Klimkin, US Secretary of State J. Kerry stated that “It’s been 10 days since this plane went down. And investigators have still not received full, unfettered access to the crash site…They still can’t even ensure that all of the victims’ remains have been removed, and that is an unsupportable burden for any family to have to bear, and it is an unacceptable standard for behavior, period. The site has to be cordoned off. The evidence has to be preserved. And Russia needs to use its considerable influence among the separatists in order to be able to help ensure this basic approach of common decency.”

2. Russia’s proxy war against Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts

Rock out and meet TiK this September at Bloor Fest!

Your chance to meet TiK
Everyone loves a good polka - and fortunately for us, not only is ska music easy to polka to, we've got some of Ukraine's best coming to the Toronto Ukrainian Festival this year!

The band TiK will be closing out the main stage show on both nights of the festival this year, which is running from September 12-14, 2014. Somewhat ironically, TiK is actually an abbreviation of the Ukrainian aphorism "Тверезість і культура" (Sobriety and Culture). In any case, it will definitely be a good party - and UCU is proud to sponsor a meet and greet with the band on September 13th at 3PM at the UCU Wealth Strategies offices located at 2265 Bloor Street West.

Stay tuned for information about some of the after parties!

Spotlight on.. Oksana Zbyranyk!

One of the newest members to the Ukrainian Credit Union Limited family, Oksana Zbyranyk will be celebrating her one-year anniversary as the Financial Services Representative of the Ottawa Branch on August 8th, 2014, and has she got a cool story!

Oksana's lived in many fascinating places in her life, but is currently really enjoying her latest stop, our nation's capital! If you're ever visiting Ottawa, you might run into her skating the Rideau Canal, running along the Ottawa River, or hiking in the forests of Gatineau Park (of course you can also see her at the UCU Ottawa branch!). Oksana is a big outdoors fan and loves spending time being active and getting a bit of fresh air any way she can. She is very passionate about sustainability in business, particularly how it pertains to the social and economic factors in the communities which they are being implemented.

She is SO interested in this in fact, that in the fall of 2012 she defended her Master's Thesis on Environmental Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

Crisis in Ukraine - UCC Briefing for July 28

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing

28 July, 2014, 6 PM Kyiv time

Map of ATO Area (July 28m 2014)

http://mediarnbo.org/?p=3486&lang=en

1. Malaysian Aircraft shot down over eastern Ukraine

The National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) reported that experts from the commission on investigating the cause of the crash of Flight MH17 stated that according to data from the flight data recorders, the cause of the destruction and downing of the aircraft was a “massive explosive decompression” which occurred due to numerous shrapnel hits from a rocket explosion. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission reported that their monitors, together with Australian and Dutch experts, were unable to reach the crash site today due to security reasons. They have returned to Donetsk. 

2. Russia’s proxy war against Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts

The active phase of the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk continues. The Ministry of Defense reports that ATO forces liberated Savur-Mohyla from control of Kremlin-backed terrorists. Savur-Mohyla is a strategically important highland from which Kremlin-backed terrorists were firing upon Ukrainian forces and several towns, including Marynivka. ATO forces have entered the towns of Shakhtarsk, Torrez and Lutuhine. The RNBO reports that ATO forces are preparing for the liberation of Horlivka, Donetsk oblast. In Horlivka, Kremlin-backed terrorists are using “Grad” systems and mortars to fire into residential areas, leading to civilian casualties. The State Border Service of Ukraine stated that there were mortar and "howitzer" attacks on the border crossing at Dovzhansky, Luhansk oblast, from Chernikov, Russian Federation, from 10AM to 1:05 PM and 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM Kyiv time on 27 July. More than 250 shells were fired; four Ukrainian border guards were killed and two wounded. 

3. US releases evidence of shelling of Ukraine from Russia by Russian forces

Фінансовий Коментар - Чи високотехнологічні акції є занадто дорогими?

Чи показники оцінки високотехнологічні  виглядають зависокими? 

Два місяці тому, в середині травня, ми писали про акції малих і високотехнологічних американських компаній, що перебували на стадії падіння, і задавали запитання, чи були причиною того зниження зависокі показники оцінки таких акцій. У той момент були також побоювання, що почнеться загальна корекція ринку. Незабаром після цього, зниження акцій малої капіталізації змінилося ростом і весь американський (як і канадський) фондовий ринок з тих пір почуває себе досить добре. Тим не менше, питання про те, чи високотехнологічні американські акції є переоціненими, не зникло з порядку денного.

Минулого тижня, Голова Федеральної резервної системи США Джанет Йеллен заявила, що "показники оцінки більш дрібних фірм, а також соціальних медіа і біотехнологічних фірм, виглядають зависокими." Це викликало падіння таких акцій як Twitter і Facebook, трохи більше ніж на 1% 15-го липня. Facebook на той час мав 12-місячний фактичний показник P/E на рівні 87, а Twitter взагалі у останні 12 місяців мав чистий збиток, і саме ці показники нагадують про інтернет-бульбашку 2000-го року. За даними опитування менеджерів інвестиційних фондів, яке провела BofA Merrill Lynch у липні, 21% глобальних керуючих активами вважають фондові ринки переоціненими, що є найвищим рівнем з 2000 року.

Водночас, на тлі покращення показників американської економіки, зростання акцій високотехнологічних і медіа-компаній має одне просте обгрунтування: очікування зростання їх прибутків. Акції Facebook з минулої п'ятниці виросли на 11% на новинах про стрибок чистого прибутку за другий квартал цього року на 138% порівняно з тим самим періодом минулого року. Лише вчора показник P/E Facebook, який розраховувався на основі чистого прибутку без урахування другого кварталу, складав 92, а з урахуванням прибутку за другий квартал скоротився до 77. Аналітики прогнозують, що P/E Facebook на основі чистого прибутку за 2014 рік знизиться до 59, а прогнозний показник 2016 року складає 31. Ці показники не є дуже низькими, але як для швидко зростаючої компанії, ці форвардні мультиплікатори не є аж такими дорогими. Ось чому акції Facebook продовжують рости.

Українська Кредитова Спілка Лимитед

Financial Comment - Are high-tech stocks overvalued?

Are we seeing a "stretch" in equity valuations?

About two months ago, in mid-May, we wrote about small, high-tech American stocks that had entered negative territory and many analysts wondered aloud whether that drop was due to overstretched valuations. There were also worries at that time that a general market correction was coming. Shortly after that, the decline of smaller stocks turned into a recovery and the whole U.S. (and Canadian) stock market has since done quite well. However, concerns about high-tech American stocks being overvalued have not fully dissipated.

A couple weeks back the U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said that "equity valuations of smaller firms as well as social media and biotechnology firms appear to be stretched." This drew such stocks as Twitter and Facebook down by slightly over 1% each on July 15, 2014. At that time, Facebook’s trailing 12-months P/E was 87 times, while Twitter’s trailing 12-months net profit was (and remains) negative, which is strongly reminiscent of the 2000 Internet bubble. According to the BofA Merrill Lynch Fund Manager Survey for July, 21% of global asset managers see stock markets as overvalued, the highest level since 2000.

At the same time, signs of improving economic conditions in the U.S. support the argument that the U.S. economy is getting stronger, leading to a belief that the strength of high-tech and social media stocks has one simple explanation: expectations for higher profit growth. Facebook’s stock has now grown 11% from last Friday on the news that earnings jumped 138% in the second quarter of 2014 as compared to year earlier. The stocks’ P/E multiple just before the second quarter financials came out was 92 times while based on the new net income it came in at a more reasonable 77 times. Analysts forecast that Facebook’s P/E based on its 2014 net income will go down to 59 times while its forecast 2016 P/E is 31 times. While not exactly cheap, these forward multiples are not so expensive for a fast growing company. With this kind of earnings growth, expect to see Facebook shares to maintain their strength.

By: Ukrainian Credit Union Limited

НИНІ ВЕЧІР: Лекція на тему «Екологічне вирішення конфліктів»

Українська Католицька Освітня Фундація (УКОФ) разом з Четвертою Хвилею сьогодні організовує лекцію на тему «Екологічне вирішення конфліктів». Лекція Українською мовою відбудеться сьогодні о 7 год вечора у ресторані Золотий Лев.


Ростислав Шемечко (Ph.D.) - заступник директора Інституту психічного здоров’я Українського Католицького Університету.
Освіта: доктор педагогічних наук (Папський Салезіянський Університет, Італія), магістр богослов’я (Люблінський католицький університет, Польща), магістр психологічного консультування за напрямком КПТ (Університет Реджіна Апостольорум, Італія),  сертифікований КПТ терапевт (УІКПТ, Оксфордський центр КПТ), фахівець НЛП та Коучінгу (Міжнародний Університет НЛП), травмо-терапевт (Інститут EMDR Австрії), Схема-терапевт (Український інститут когнітивно-поведінкової терапії), фахівець сімейного консультування.

Ukrainian Day On The Bay! Hamilton Harbour Family Boat Cruise

UCC Hamilton invites you to its 4th Annual Ukrainian Day on the Bay!

This lovely boat cruise through Hamilton Harbour will feature LIVE Ukrainian music and entertainment, food, and lots of fun activities for the whole family.

Tickets ($25 for adults, children under 12 FREE) are available from at UCU by calling one of the numbers below.

To purchase tickets in:

Hamilton call our branch at 905-545-1910

Toronto call Yuriy at 416-763-5575 x208.

EXTRA SPECIAL!!!!
When you sign up for a UCU Mastercard, receive $5 off the price of your ticket.

CALL TO ACTION! STOP TERRORISM IN UKRAINE! From UCC NATIONAL

Directly from UCC National Press Office, get details on how you can take action by Reading More:

CALL TO ACTION!

STOP TERRORISM IN UKRAINE!

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress calls on the Government of Canada to provide immediate support for Ukraine to stop Russian state-sponsored terrorism and illegal occupation of Ukraine. We also call on all Parliamentarians to support this effort and to condemn the Russian Federation for its illegal invasion and occupation of sovereign Ukrainian territory in Crimea and for sponsoring a terror campaign in eastern Ukraine, which has led to the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 and the death of 298 people. Despite this tragedy, these Russian-led mercenaries continue their fighting in Ukraine and today downed two more Ukrainian military aircraft. Despite warnings from the international community, Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, including kidnapping Ukrainian soldiers and holding them in Russian prisons on contrived charges.

СТО100: Coast-to-Coast Memorial Plaque Unveiling

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Canada's First Internment Operations, a great injustice in which thousands of innocent persons of enemy alien descent were interned in forced labour camps for years, simply because of their heritage. 

On August 22nd at 11AM, 100+ commemorative plaques will be unveiled at various locations of significance from coast to coast. (Get details here, or keep reading.)

This tremendous commemorative effort, though organized by the Ukrainian Civil Liberties Foundation, extends to a variety of diasporas and communities that were similarly targeted and interned by the Canadian government during war time.

School Zone, Not War Zone: Help Kids from eastern Ukraine get ready for school!

Donate now and share with your community http://bit.ly/SchoolZoneUA.

UCC Toronto and Euromaidan Committee have recently launched the "SCHOOL ZONE, NOT WAR ZONE" fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $10,000 in ten days to help children who are refugees from Eastern Ukraine to get ready for school.

Fifty three kids from Slovyansk, Luhansk and Donetsk had to escape from their cities due to the military conflict, and they need your help!

They had to leave home and all their belongings. Buildings, and school infrastructure have been destroyed by war. Now these children live in Kyiv region and survive with support of local volunteers. It is not safe for them to go back yet, and they will start their school year away from home.

Help them feel safe and cared for, and allow them to start off their year on the right foot!

Here is a full video story about the kids - http://vimeo.com/m/100779040

Let's give the children a chance to live in a SCHOOL zone, NOT WAR zone!

Зі собою не забереш - Планування Cпадку: частина 3

Анна Процьо,

Estate and Administration Officer

Заповідальні трасти, опікунство та доручення
У перших двох частинах (Ч1 i Ч2) цієї серії статей ми проаналізували, чому планування спадку є важливим, про що ви маєте подумати при складенні вашого плану, про призначення виконавців і спадкоємців. У цій заключній частині ми розглянемо питання заповідальних трастів, призначення опікунів і доручень.

Заповідальні трасти
Існує три основних види заповідальних трастів, які ви можете включити до заповіту, — подружні трасти, трасти для неповнолітніх дітей і трасти для дорос- лих дітей. Кожен із цих трастів має свою мету.

• Подружні трасти — для підтримки подружжя протягом усього життя.
• Трасти для неповнолітніх дітей — для підтримки дітей до досягнення повноліття або старшого віку, визначеного в заповіті.
• Трасти для дорослих дітей — для догляду за дорослими дітьми, які перебувають на утриманні, для захисту активів дітей, які не можуть керувати своїми власними фінансовими справами, або для захисту спадщини від потенційних кредиторів.

Crisis in Ukraine UCU Briefing for July 17

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing
17 July, 2014, 8 PM Kyiv time

1. Malaysian aircraft shot down over eastern Ukraine
At approximately 4:20 PM Kyiv time, a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed in Donetsk oblast.  According to reports 295 people were on board. According to President Poroshenko's Press Secretary, the President stated: “This is not an incident, this is not a catastrophe, this is a terrorist act.” The press service of the President of Ukraine emphasized “that the Armed Forces of Ukraine didn’t commit any actions to strike the targets in the air. On behalf of the state, the President of Ukraine expressed the deepest and the most sincere condolences to friends and relatives of the deceased in this dreadful tragedy. All possible search-and-rescue operations are being conducted. The Head of State addressed the Cabinet of Ministers to immediately establish the State commission to investigate the given tragedy. The President offered to involve experts from ICAO and other international structures, as well as representatives of Netherlands and Malaysia in the work of the given Commission. We are confident that those responsible for the given tragedy will be brought to justice.”

On the Vkontakte social media page of the Russian terrorist “leader” Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), Strelkov stated that “In the Torrez area an An-26 plane was just downed, somewhere near the mine ‘Progress’…We warned them not to fly ‘in our sky’” as the first reports surfaced that the Malaysian plane went down. There are no reports of any missing or downed AN-26 aircraft in Ukraine today.

2. Russian Federation’s escalation of conflict in Eastern Ukraine

You can’t take it with you! - Estate Planning: Part 2

Anna Procio,

Estate and Administration Officer

We are back with our three part article on estate planning. Last week we looked at the things you need to inventory in order to get started on your estate planning. This week, in Part 2, we are going to look at figuring out what you want to do with it all.

Defining your goals
You need to define your personal and financial goals for such a time that you will pass away or become incapacitated and no longer competent to manage your own affairs. To help you define these goals, you need to ask yourself questions such as:

- Who will take care of my children and with what funds?
- Who will take charge of my assets?
- Who will make medical decisions for me if I am incapacitated?
- Who are to be my beneficiaries and what do I want to leave to each of them?
- Should some or all of the inheritance be held in trust?
- If a beneficiary dies before I do, what happens to their share of the inheritance?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you can begin drawing up instructions for your executors. Most people immediately think of a will. And this is indeed one of the most common and important documents associated with estate planning. With professional assistance you can develop, refine and implement the right combination of estate planning solutions that meet your unique needs.  The Will allows you to do several things including naming an Executor, identifying beneficiaries, designating how the assets are distributed, and appointing a guardian(s) if needed.

The Executor (also known as an Estate Trustee in Ontario) of your will is the person (or persons) who will look after settling your estate. This can be a highly demanding and often time-consuming task, so you want to appoint a trustworthy person who you think is up to doing the task. Even relatively simple estates can take from 12 to 18 to settle. If there are complications, or worse, legal disputes, it can take much, much longer. Of course, since you are taking the route of building a good estate plan ahead of time, you are making it more likely that your executor will have a smoother path to travel.

Зі собою не забереш - Планування Cпадку: частина 2

Анна Процьо,

Estate and Administration Officer

Сьогодні продовжуємо статтю про планування спадку. Минулого тижня ми розглянули речі, які
треба інвентаризувати для того, щоби розпочати роботу з планування спадку. У другій частині з’ясуємо, що саме треба робити із цією інформацією.

Визначте вашу мету

Потрібно визначити ваші особисті фінансові цілі на той час, коли ви відійдете у вічність або станете недієздатним і некомпетентним у плані керування власними справами. Щоби це визначити, ви повинні дати відповіді на такі запитання:

• Хто буде піклуватися про моїх дітей і за які кошти?
• Хто візьме на себе відповідальність за мої активи?
• Хто буде ухвалювати медичні рішення за мене, коли я буду недієздатним?
• Кого призначити моїми спадкоємцями, і що я хочу залишити для кожного з них?
• Чи має весь спадок або його частина перебувати в довірчому рахунку (held in trust)?
• Що відбудеться із часткою спадщини спад- коємця, котрий помре швидше за мене?

Після того, як відповісте на ці запитання, ви можете почати складання інструкцій для вашого виконавця заповіту (еxecutor). Більшість людей у цій ситуації відразу ж думає про заповіт. І це — справді один із найпоширеніших і найважливіших документів, пов’язаних із плануванням спадку. Із професійною допомогою ви можете розробити та впровадити правильне поєднання комплексу рішень, які задовольнять ваші конкретні потреби в плануванні спадку. Заповіт дозволяє вам робити кілька речей, зокрема назвати виконавців, визначити спадкоємців і розподіл активів, а також, якщо потрібно, призначити опікуна.

Crisis in Ukraine - UCC Briefing for July 15

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing

15 July, 2014, 6 PM Kyiv time

1. Kremlin-backed violence in Eastern Ukraine
The active phase of the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts continues. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that on 14 July “with the goal of discrediting units of the armed forces of Ukraine and other security forces taking part in the ATO, militants again fired on residential districts (districts Myrniy, Stepnyi, and Olkhovsky) of Luhansk with a BM-21 ‘Grad’[truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher]. There are casualties among city residents. After the attacks, Russian TV crews quickly arrive on the scene and film provocative videos, that [these attacks] were supposedly carried out by Ukrainian soldiers.” The Ministry reports that Kremlin-backed armed extremists fired on 16 checkpoints and positions held by Ukrainian armed forces. The National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) reports that at about 7 am Kyiv time on 15 July, an unknown aircraft bombarded Snizhne city, Donetsk oblast. The bombs fell on the central street of the city, and there is information about casualties among residents of the city. The RNBO stated that “from yesterday, airplanes of the armed forces of Ukraine, from the beginning of the search and rescue operation to find the Ukrainian personnel of the downed AN-26, have not made a single flight. Thus, the morning raid on Snizhne is qualified as a cynical and bloody provocation, calculated to discredit Ukrainian soldiers. A special investigation on this incident has been opened.” The RNBO reports that Kremlin-backed armed extremists are setting up positions in residential areas of cities. At 5 PM Kyiv time the RNBO stated that 4 of the 8 Ukrainian personnel of the AN-26 aircraft downed yesterday were rescued, 2 have been taken prisoner by militants, and the fate of the 2 others is unknown. The search and rescue operation continues.

2. Donetsk Oblast Governor: 150 children threatened with deportation to Russia by “DPR”
The head of the Donetsk Oblast State Administration (Governor) S. Taruta issued a statement on 14 July, in which he said that “Now in Donetsk, about 150 children, citizens of Ukraine, are threatened with forced deportation to Russia. These are orphans from the Maryinka and Donetsk orphanages” which are being held by so-called Donetsk “Peoples’ Republic.” Taruta stated that this is not the first attempt to illegally deport children by the so-called Donetsk “Peoples’ Republic,” who previously removed children from an orphanage in Snizhne and took them to Russia, who were later returned. Taruta stated that “now the scenario is being repeated – terrorists are once again threatening to take Ukrainian children to Russia, violating not only the rule of law, but also the basic fundamentals of ethics and morality.”

3. Ukraine presents evidence of Russia’s support for militants to diplomatic missions

Crisis in Ukraine - July 14 Briefing from UCC

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing

14 July, 2014, 7 PM Kyiv time

1. Ministry of Defense: Ukrainian forces transport plane shot down 
At about 12:30 PM Kyiv time, contact was lost with a Ukrainian forces AN-26 airplane. The plane was shot down. The crew of the airplane parachuted out of the plane. The whereabouts of all the crew members have not yet been established. Minister of Defense V. Heletey briefed Ukrainian President P. Poroshenko on the incident, and stated that the plane was shot down while flying at an altitude of 6500 meters, and that Kremlin-backed terrorists are not in possession of anti-aircraft weapons capable of shooting down a plane at such altitude. “Therefore the plane had to be shot down with more powerful weapons, which were likely used from the territory of the Russian Federation. At this time, based on data provided by Ukrainian pilots, two versions are being investigated – that the [plane was fired upon] by the surface-to-air weapon system ‘Pantsir’ or an X-24 air-to-air missile, from a Russian plane, which may have taken off from Milyerovo airport.”

2. Kremlin-backed violence in Eastern Ukraine
The active phase of the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts continues. The National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) reports that in the last 24 hours, Oleksandrivsk, Bile, and Rozkishne have been liberated, and the blockade around the Luhansk airport has been broken. 5 airstrikes were carried out by Ukrainian forces in the last 24 hours against positions and materiel held by the Kremlin-backed armed extremists. The RNBO reports that “the enemy suffered heavy losses in manpower and materiel. The airstrikes paralyzed the actions of the terrorists…Fear and panic is spreading in the terrorist groups. It is worth nothing that all the coordinates for the airstrike targets were provided by people who have fled from the gangs.” A spokesperson for the ATO reported on July 12 that Kremlin-backed armed extremists took heavy losses at a base camp of Kremlin-backed armed extremists near Holmovskiy was destroyed; 500 Kremlin-backed armed extremists were killed, 2 tanks, and 10 armored vehicles were destroyed. A base near Dzerjinsk was also destroyed – up to 500 Kremlin-backed armed extremists were killed there as well. The State Border Service of Ukraine reports that at about 4:30 AM Kyiv time, Kremlin-backed armed extremists carried out a mortar attack near Dyakove, Luhansk oblast. The Mayor of Donetsk, O. Lukyanchenko, has fled Donetsk and is in Kyiv. According to Lukyanchenko, he received an ultimatum from Kremlin-backed armed extremists to assist them in their military needs, which he refused to do. The RNBO reports that in the last 24 hours, 3 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 12 wounded in battles with Kremlin-backed armed extremists.

3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacts to Russia’s accusations

Фінансовий Коментар - Перша половина року стала вдалою для акцій

Усе продовжує рости 

До нашої літньої відпустки, в середині червня, ми проаналізували шанси американського фондового ринку подолати феномен "продай у травні і тікай". У той час, спростовуючи цей феномен, ринок був у досить хорошій формі – всі сегменти ринку сильно росли, від високотехнологічних та малих акцій до акцій крупних компаній. Останнім часом ринки продовжували триматися на високих позначках і, як наслідок, перша половина 2014 р. виявилася досить успішною для американських акцій: індекс S&P 500 виріс на 6.1%, а індекс NASDAQ Composite - на 5.5%. Перша половина року стала ще більш вдалою для багатьох канадських акцій: індекс S&P/TSX Composite виріс на 11.8%.

Три тижні тому ми також відзначили зацікавленість інвесторів у облігаціях, що підвищило їх ціни, особливо у сегменті так званих "високоприбуткових" або "сміттєвих" облігацій. Це явище одночасного зростання цін акцій і облігацій є незвичним, оскільки ці два класи активів, як правило, рухаються в протилежних напрямках, а інвестори відповідно перекидають кошти з одних активів у інші. Це незвичне явище триває. Згідно marketwatch.com, компанія Bespoke Investment Group підрахувала, що біжуча шестимісячна кореляція між S&P 500 і ф'ючерсом на 30-річні облігації США в даний час знаходиться на рівні 0.60, або на своєму чотирирічному максимумі. Це дійсно є феноменом останніх декількох місяців – минулого року зв'язок між американськими акціями та облігаціями був обернений.

Як зазвичай після періоду сильного росту різних активів, інвестори починають бути обережними (зауважте, багато інвесторів очікують корекцію ринку вже більше року). Вчора інвестор-мільярдер Карл Айкен заявив, що учасники американського фондового ринку повинні бути обережними і досить вибірковими. Це відбулося на тлі падіння акцій американських компаній через побоювання щодо рішення одного з великих банків Португалії відкласти погашення заборгованості, що послужило моторошним нагадуванням про проблеми європейських банків. У певний момент вчорашніх торгів індекс S&P 500 був упав на 1.0%. Водночас, багато інвесторів розглядають вчорашнє падіння як нетривалу корекцію на тлі покращення економіки США, де кількість людей, які звернулися за допомогою з безробіття в перший тиждень липня, впала до свого семирічного мінімуму.

Українська Кредитова Спілка Лимитед

Financial Comment - Canadian, US markets keep growing

Everything keeps growing

Before our summer break, in mid-June, we looked at the chances for the American stock market to weather the “sell in May and go away” phenomenon. At that time, markets were in pretty good shape as all segments were holding strong, from small-caps and high-tech stocks to large caps. Over the past month, the strength has been fairly stable, and as a result, the first half of 2014 turned out to be quite successful for the U.S. stocks: the S&P 500 index grew by 6.1% while the NASDAQ Composite went up by 5.5%. The first half of the year was even better for many Canadian stocks with the S&P/TSX Composite Index rising by 11.8%.

Three weeks ago, we also noted investor interest in bonds, where prices remained strong, especially high-yield or “junk” bonds. This kind of simultaneous strength in stock and bond prices is unusual as these two classes of assets often move in opposite directions and investors move their funds between these two asset classes. This phenomenon continues. According to marketwatch.com, Bespoke Investment Group has calculated that a rolling six-months correlation between S&P 500 and futures on the U.S. 30-year bond is currently at a four-year high, 0.60. This has really been a phenomenon of the past several months, while the relationship between American stocks and bonds was inverted last year.

As usual, after such strong run-ups for different assets, investors are becoming wary and cautious (mind you, many investors have been expecting a market correction for over a year now). Billionaire investor Carl Icahn said yesterday that U.S. stock market investors should be careful and selective about U.S. stocks. This happened on the background of a hiccup in the markets last Thursday on concerns about the decision of one of Portugal's big banks to delay a debt repayment which served as a chilling reminder about problems in the European banking sector. The S&P 500 index fell by 1.0% at one point that day. At the same time, many investors see yesterday’s drop as short-lived thanks to a stronger U.S. economy where the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits in the first week of July, fell to a seven-year low.

By: Ukrainian Credit Union Limited

You can’t take it with you! - Estate Planning: Part 1

Anna Procio,

Estate and Administration Officer

Estate planning is a bit of a ghoulish topic to some. Few people want to think too much about their eventual demise or about the arguments that might erupt among greedy relatives fighting over their “fair share”. And yet, the better you plan for the future the more likely your wishes are going to be carried out the way you want. And despite the worst-case scenario of heirs fighting it out in court over your hard earned assets, a carefully considered and up-to-date estate plan is one of the most caring gifts you can leave those you care most about.

Now did you know Estate Planning is one of many services Ukrainian Credit Union is able to offer our members? Through our partnership with Concentra Trust we offer services both for you as well as for the executors and beneficiaries of your estate. We recommend working with a professional estate planner. However, knowing ahead of time what an estate plan entails will help you make informed, carefully considered decisions about the things that matter most to you - your family and friends; your own care should you become unable to care for yourself; and the ownership, management and distribution of assets during your lifetime and upon your death.

This article is the first of a three-part series that will look at the basics of estate planning from the perspective of what you need to think about when planning for your eventual passing.

When should I start thinking about an Estate Plan?
It’s never too early to start planning. You’re not just preparing for some distant point in the future. Just by going through the estate planning process you are going to get valuable insight into what your current financial situation is like and what you need to do to achieve your goals. It eliminates uncertainties and helps you maximize the value of your estate. Here’s a look at some of the steps involved in estate planning:

Державні ґранти для людей з інвалідністю! Частина 1: Зареєстрований ощадний рахунок для інвалідів (RDSP)

Катерина Литвинюк

Investment Specialist

У цій статті, та двох наступних ми розглянемо кілька питань про те, як канадський уряд допомагає людям-інвалідам заощадити кошти для майбутніх фінансових потреб. Особи з інвалідністю мусять вирішувати специфічні матеріальні проблеми протягом усього життя. Питання про фінансове забезпечення догляду за інвалідами є актуальним для багатьох сімей.

Для допомоги таким людям уряд Канади 2008 року започаткував Зареєстрований ощадний рахунок для інвалідів (RDSP). Завдяки RDSP і щедрим ґрантам та ґарантіям від федерального уряду людям з інвалідністю стало набагато простіше заощаджувати кошти для забезпечення своїх довготермінових фінансових потреб.

Що таке RDSP?
RDSP є ощадним рахунком, звільненим від оподаткування, який було створено урядом Канади з метою допомогти батькам і іншим особам у заощадженні коштів для забезпечення довготермінових потреб людей з інвалідністю. Кошти від уряду, які відповідають сумам, унесеним самим вкладником, а також додаткові кошти для малозабезпечених інвалідів є складовими RDSP.

УКС і Credential Financial — відкриваємо можливості для наших членів

Роман Млинко, CIM, CFP 

Wealth Management Consultant

Люблю розмовляти із членами Української кредитової спілки (УКС), зокрема, тому що ці розмови завжди дають якусь нову інформацію про кредитівку. Наприклад, нещодавно я відповідав на запитання щодо інвестиційних можливостей для членів УКС.

Коли я розповів, що завдяки співпраці УКС із компанією Credential Financial Services члени УКС мають доступ зі своїх інвестиційних рахунків до пайових фондів та інших цінних паперів, мій співрозмовник подумав, що через цей канал доступні лише певні пайові фонди. Це відкрило мені очі на той факт, що деякі наші члени мають не зовсім правильну інформацію про послуги, які надають інвестиційні фахівці УКС.


Послуги Credential Financial
Credential Financial Services є інвестиційною брокер- ською компанією, створеною канадськими кредитними спілками для надання доступу кредитівкам до різних цінних паперів. Через компанії Credential Securities Inc. та Credential Asset Management члени УКС, які відкривають інвестиційні рахунки через УКС, отримують доступ до широкого спектру цінних паперів, у тому числі всіх пайових інвестиційних фондів, а також акцій, обліґацій та індексних фондів (Exchange Traded Funds).

Зі собою не забереш - Планування Cпадку: частина 1

Анна Процьо,

Estate and Administration Officer

Планування спадку для багатьох людей є сумною темою. Не всі хочуть замислюватися про можливу смерть або суперечки, які можуть спалахнути серед родичів під час боротьби за спадок. Від того, як ви сплануєте своє майбутнє, залежить, чи ваші побажання буде виконано так, як ви того прагнете. І хоча існує ймовірність найгіршого сценарію, у якому спадкоємці будуть боротися за ваші кровно зароблені активи в суді, ретельно продуманий заповіт є одним із найкращих подарунків, який ви можете залишити для тих, кого найбільше любите.

Чи знаєте ви, що планування спадку є однією із численних послуг Української кредитової спілки (УКС), які ми пропонуємо нашим членам? Завдяки нашому партнерству з Concentra Trust ми пропонуємо послуги як для вас, так і для виконавців (executors) і спадкоємців (beneficiaries) вашого майна. Ми рекомендуємо співпрацювати саме з професійними планувальниками спадку. Ми також рекомендуємо спершу з’ясувати, що містить у собі планування спадку. Це допоможе вам прийняти правильні рішення про те, що має для вас найбільше значення, — про сім’ю і друзів; догляд за вами, коли ви вже не зможете подбати про себе; а також про управління та розподіл ваших активів протягом вашого життя й після вашої смерті. Ця стаття є першою в серії з трьох частин, у яких обговорюватимуться основи планування спадку.

Коли починати думати про планування спадку?
Розпочинати планування спадку ніколи не зарано. Адже в процесі планування ви не просто підготуєтеся до якихось далеких подій, а й зможете отримати цінну інформацію про вашу нинішню фінансову ситуацію та те, що потрібно зробити задля досягнення вашої фінансової мети. Планування усуне невизначеність і допоможе збільшити вартість ваших активів. Ось погляньте на деякі кроки, із яких складається планування спадку:

Classical music in support of Ukraine

We are offering a few pairs of tickets to this upcoming concert, read below the image for all the details. To qualify you must act by end of Monday July 14.

Marianna Humetska, piano Gerdan Duo and special guest Lynn Kuo, violin TICKETS - 35$ adults, 30$ students, 40$ at the door Can also be purchased in person at Ukrainian Credit Union (UCU): ·
North York branch on 5799 Yonge St, just north of Finch
Mississauga branch on 3635 Cawthra St, corner of Cawthra & Burnhamthorpe
Etobicoke branch on 225 East Mall, across from Cloverdale Mall, Dundas & 427
St Demetrius branch on 135 La Rose Ave, at St Demetrius church
Bloor West branch on 2397 Bloor West, just east of Jane
You can also purchase tickets at Future Bakery at 106 North Queen, call for hours of operation (416) 231-1491 Or by phone - call Adrian Kos @ 647-525-9545 PROGRAM Part I 1. Bohdana Frolyak ( b.1968 ) - Nocturne for Violin and Piano 2. Levko Revutsky (1889-1977) - Song for Piano solo 3. Anatol Kos-Anatolsky (1909-1983) - "Гомін Верховини" ("Highlands sounds") for Piano solo 4. Duo Gerdan - tunes on typical Hutsul instruments inspired by the spirit of Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains to demonstrate the beauty and variety of those instruments. Tunes arranged by Gerdan. Carpathian Ornaments on Tylynka Mother’s Lament Bukovynian Spring Duet Polka Dvodentsivka 5. Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)- Milonga en re for Violin and Piano 6. Myroslav Skoryk (b. 1938) - "Шуміла Ліщина" ("Hazel Bush Murmur") Intermission Part II 1. Anatol Kos-Anatolsky (1909-1983) - "Коли Заснули Сині Гори" ("While Blue Mountains Felt Asleep") 2. Myroslav Skoryk (b. 1938) - Melody & Hutsul Dance 3. "Ой Ходить Сон Коло Вікон" ("The Dream Walks by the Window"), Ukrainian folk song, used by George Gershwin as The Summertime tune 4. George Gershwin- Igor Frolov - "Porgy and Bess" Concert Fantasy for Violin and Piano

#BoycottPutinNow Twitter Storm Extended! Keep Up The Pressure!!!

Yesterday's #BoycottPutinNow Twitter Storm generated a reach of approximately half a million people, but the pressure must be kept up to ensure that FIFA and the media hears the message loud and clear: that Putin should NOT be rewarded with the World Cup in 2018!!!

KEEP TWEETING 'TIL THE END OF THE WORLD CUP!

Click here for a list of pre-made tweets that require only a click or two each to post. It is VERY simple to join twitter if you're not on it already, and the links above make it even easier to post and contribute to this important campaign.

More information about this campaign can be found on the DigitalMaidan facebook page at DMaidan.com/FB or through the SUSK website.

Crisis in Ukraine - UCC briefing for July 8

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing

8 July, 2014, 6 PM Kyiv time

1. Kremlin-backed violence in Eastern Ukraine
The active phase of the Anti-Terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts continues.  Retreating Kremlin-backed armed extremists continue to set mines on roads and infrastructure. The Ministry of Defense stated that “By mining railroad tracks and roads, the terrorists’ goal is to disrupt the delivery of humanitarian goods that ATO units are delivering to residents of liberated cities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast.” The National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) reports that since the beginning of the ATO, half of the territory in Donetsk and Luhansk oblast that had previously been under control of Kremlin-backed armed extremists has been liberated. As of 12 PM Kyiv time, Kremlin-backed armed extremists carried out attacks on 12 Ukrainian checkpoints and positions in the last 24 hours; including using tanks to fire on the Luhansk airport.

The RNBO reports that Kostyatynivka, Donetsk oblast, was liberated on 7 July, and that the Ukrainian government continues to ensure the delivery of water, food, and medicine to recently liberated cities, as well as beginning work for the renewal of infrastructure. In recently-liberated Slovyansk, the Minister of Internal Affairs stated that humanitarian aid will continue to be delivered until stores are again working normally. Conflicts continue to emerge amongst groups of Kremlin-backed armed extremists; the RNBO stated that the inner circle of Ihor Hirkin (aka Strelko – the so-called “Minister of Defense” of the so-called "Donetsk Peoples’ Republic,” and an officer of the Intelligence Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation), “have been accused of treason and appropriation of property plundered in Slovyansk. According to operational information, local criminals have given Hirkin two days to return the money given to him by the Russian Federation to finance mercenaries.”

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchate) stated that one of their priests, Yuriy Ivanov, was abducted in Donetsk.

Give peace a chance - and win some tickets!

We've got some more tickets to offer. Just follow the instructions on the image below.

Contest closes at 5pm on July 11, 2014.

Read more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/664778750275742/
Learn more about the Ukrainian Canadian Activists Society here: https://www.facebook.com/UCanActivists

CHANGE THE GAME! #BoycottPutinNow twitter storm on Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

On Tuesday, July 8th, 2014 join United For Ukraine, SUSK, and #Digitalmaidan in a #BoycottPutinNow twitter storm! For more information as to why, visit www.boycottputinnow.com.

From the organizers:

"United with Ukraine, the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK), and #DigitalMaidan ask you to join the "Boycott Putin Now!" Twitter Storm: Help us take the 2018 World Cup away from Russia. On Tuesday July 8th, 12pm ET, our Twitter storm will educate FIFA's sponsors about Putin's human rights crimes. 

The World Cup promotes peace and anti-racism; Putin proudly opposes its values. Eugene Melnyk, Chairman of the Campaign Advisory Committee for United with Ukraine, talked to the Ottawa Citizen about the international boycott: 'We have Presidents and Prime Ministers of Western nations looking for additional economic sanctions to further punish and isolate Russia. And, we have this opportunity standing right in front of us to have FIFA strip Russia of its 2018 World Cup hosting rights which is estimated to be worth $20 billion to that country. I can think of more than 100 countries that would be far more deserving of that $20 billion than Russia.'"

The Ukrainian peoples' organized, effective, and passionate efforts to raise awareness of their struggle on Euromaidan proved to the world a many number of things; one of which was the outstanding power that social media has to raise awareness of issues, encourage discourse and participation, and change outcomes of events that have a real impact on peoples' lives. The crimes and hypocrisy of the Putin regime should not go without consequence!


Set yourself up with a friendly reminder by joining the Event page on Facebook

OR visit the UCU Community Events Calendar here.

While we may not have all been able to walk through the barricades or offer our support directly to the brave souls on the streets of Kyiv and all over Ukraine, we can ensure that their efforts and hopes for a better future persevere and continue to inspire others around the world by spreading their message!

(Also don't forget that donations are still being accepted through the Canada Ukraine Foundation. For more information and links to donate, visit this page.)

Crisis in Ukraine - July 2 Briefing form UCC

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing

2 July, 2014, 7 PM Kyiv time

1. Kremlin-backed violence in Eastern Ukraine
On the night of 30 June-1 July, Ukrainian President P. Poroshenko ordered the resumption of offensive operations by Ukrainian armed forces against positions held by Kremlin-backed armed extremists. The National Security and Defense Council reports that since the resumption of the active phase of the Anti-terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, three towns have been liberated – Zakotne, Staryi Karavan and Druzivka. As of 12 PM Kyiv time, Kremlin-backed armed extremists are trying to break out of encirclements and attacked positions held by ATO forces near Karachunska hora, and near Slovyansk, Donetsk oblast. All attacks were repelled. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and 10 wounded. Kremlin-backed armed extremists attacked ATO positions near Porichya, Kryva Luka, Dyakove, Olenivka, Svatove, Slovyansk, Kramatorsk, and My'love. 3 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, 10 wounded. The National Security and Defense Council reports that the casualties on the side of the Kremlin-backed armed extremists number in the hundreds. The Council reports that as of 12 PM Kyiv time, Kremlin-backed armed extremists are evacuating the Donetsk Oblast State Administration building that had been previously seized; according to the Council the building is being guarded by mercenaries from Chechnya.  The State Border Service of Ukraine reports that on 1 July, control of the border crossing Dovzhansky, Luhansk oblast, was re-established. On the night of 1-2 July, Kremlin-backed armed extremists fired mortars at the border point Novoazovsk, Donetsk oblast.  The National Security and Defense Council stated that the Russian Federation closed three border crossings on 1 July. The checkpoints are equipped with heavy armored vehicles, and that there is evidence that the Russian side is prohibiting armed militants who are trying to flee Ukraine from entering Russia. Two Ukrainian journalists taken hostage on 30 June by Kremlin-backed armed extremists were released.

2. OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Resolution