Hmm, I think we're coming up against the weirdness of racial categories here. I'd say Ukrainians - to much the same extent as Hispanics - aren't quite considered white in American terms (which has virtually zero to do with one's skin color). Or not Caucasian, at least. (Yes, despite the fact that they come literally from the Caucasus, while Americans don't.) But it's impossible to come to an exact agreement on these things.

That interesting diversion notwithstanding, I think his being deaf is probably what accounts for his inclusion, which is consistent with the spirit of what that person was saying.