This week in history

Dec. 16 1917: The Council of People’s Commissars (Sovnarkom) adopts a manifesto addressing the Ukrainian people and containing an ultimatum, to the effect that Russia will declare war on Ukraine if its government fails to meet the Sovnarkom requirements within 24 hours

2004: The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopts a statement stressing that all those guilty of falsifying the presidential elections in Ukraine must be brought to justice.

Dec. 17 1897: Kharkiv’s factory manufactures Ukraine’s first steam locomotive.

2004: Kyiv hosts a roundtable stating that the Orange revolution has bestowed Ukraine’s media with a revolution in the information sphere.

Dec. 18 1942: Soviet forces enter the Ukrainian village of Pivnivka, marking the start of an operation aimed at clearing Ukraine of the Nazi aggressor.

2004: AP carries two versions of an interview with Viktor Yushchenko, concerning his poisoning.

Dec. 19 1990: The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine registers the Organization of Soldiers’ Mothers of Ukraine.

2004: President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine signs the Law “On Presidential Elections in Ukraine.”

Dec. 20 1616: Kyiv Pechersk print shops puts out the first dated publication.

2004: Presidential candidates Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych take part in a runoff televised debate in Kyiv.

Dec. 21 1944: A Council for Aid for Western Regions of the Republic is formed as part of the Soviet Ukrainian government.

2004: The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine votes down a bill whereby all physically handicapped citizens can cast their votes at home.

Dec. 22 1917: Soviet power is established in Kharkiv.

2004: Kyiv’s Maidan (Independence Square) gathers several dozen people who take part in a rally under the slogan “Fair Elections!” precisely one month from the date of the Orange revolution.