[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 155 (Tuesday, December 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING VOICE OF AMERICA, UKRAINE SERVICE ON THE OCCASION OF 
                         THEIR 65TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 16, 2014

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Voice of 
America, Ukraine Service on the occasion of their 65th anniversary. For 
65 years, from the dark days of Stalin's rule to Putin's current 
aggression against their country, VOA's Ukrainian Service has been a 
crucial source of news and information for the people of Ukraine. 
Throughout the Euromaidan revolution and Russia's campaign of 
aggression against Ukraine, VOA's Ukrainian Service has served an 
essential role as a unique and comprehensive source of news, 
information and discussion about the year-long crisis and the U.S. 
response.
  Nearly every moment of television airtime has been devoted to U.S. 
official and expert commentary and analysis regarding the Ukrainian 
people's drive to overthrow authoritarian rule and integrate with the 
West, Russian President Vladimir Putin's determination to stop them by 
any means, and American and European efforts in support of Ukraine. 
This surge in Ukraine-related content was accompanied by an expansion 
of broadcasts, and both initiatives, combined, resulted in remarkable 
ratings, with the Service reaching more than 18 percent of the adult 
audience in Ukraine in a given week and maintaining VOA Ukrainian's 
position as the most popular Western international broadcaster in 
Ukraine.
  VOA began broadcasting in Ukrainian on December 12, 1949. Throughout 
the Cold War, it was a beacon of freedom for the citizens of Soviet 
Ukraine, who were living under repressive rule. With the collapse of 
the U.S.S.R., VOA Ukrainian took advantage of new opportunities offered 
by Ukraine's declaration of independence. After decades of jamming, VOA 
was able to sign contracts with the government broadcast channel and 
local FM stations for transmission of VOA radio programs on Ukrainian 
airwaves. In 1993, the agency launched VOA's first television program, 
a weekly Ukrainian-language TV magazine, Window on America.
  Every week, VOA's Ukrainian Service reaches millions of people in 
Ukraine, a strategically located country of 45 million with a 
persistent Soviet legacy but with strong European aspirations. 
Ukrainian news organizations have a very limited reporting presence in 
the United States, thus VOA provides viewers in Ukraine with a unique, 
thoughtful and revealing window on America life, and remains the 
leading international broadcaster in the country. Through its daily 
reporting on U.S. politics, foreign policy, social issues, business, 
culture and the arts, VOA provides comprehensive, accurate and 
authoritative information that Ukrainians can employ in strengthening 
their nascent democracy, market economy and independent statehood.
  This past year, perhaps more than any other, the service of VOA 
Ukraine has been a crucial lifeline between the people of the United 
States and Ukraine. It is with great pride that I warmly congratulate 
VOA Ukraine and their highly capable staff, notably chief Adrian 
Karmazyn, on this extraordinary milestone and wish them another 65 
years of success in the public service.

                          ____________________