Diaspora

Ukrainian Diapora

Emigration of Ukrainians to other countries has an old history. It began in distant times. Middle ages give quite a few evidences of episodical migration of Ukrainians to other countries. Zaporozhian Cossacks were specially characterized with it when they tried to escape from persecutions, took other citizenship or were hired to military service.

Pursecuted Zaporozhian Cossacks were forced to seek refuge even far over the Danube. A lot of exiles joined them after Poltava battle in 1709 when the remaining part of Mazepa hetman’s troops who supported Karl XII found refuge in Bessarabia. The first waves of Ukrainians’ emigration are connected with their mass migration to the countries of Europe and Northern America in the 19th century. It was caused by hard life because Ukrainian lands at that time were most backward rural regions of Russia and Austria-Hungary.

Present day diaspora according to different estimations numbers more than 10 million people and is conditionally divided into western and eastern. Ukrainians’ connections with Motherland are maintained through various public and cultural organizations.

In 2006 State program on cooperation with foreign Ukrainians for the period up to 2010 was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.



Almost nowhere in the world state frontiers coincide with geographical boundaries of nations’ settling. Ethnic groups that make majority of nation in one country, are considered to be a national minority in other countries. An it is quite obvious that any state considers national minorities of the same name with it who live in other countries as object of its own interests. Because diaspora can be not only an important factor of foreign policy, and help develop relations (including economical) with other countries but also help solve domestic problems with the help of Diaspora’s potential.

Most countries that have diasporas developed and realize special cooperation programs with them, wisely using their own diasporas as powerful source of influence. Moreover, some countries view cooperation with compatriots abroad key stone of their foreign policy. Good planning, system approach, great cope, intensity and aggressiveness, big volumes of financing and appropriate staff provision are typical for them. Herewith, work with diaspora is strictly centralized, considering the fact that ideology of cooperation with compatriots abroad should be the authority of the state. Forms of realization of this policy can be various, means and methods for achievement of the goal can differ depending on groups and categories of population on which it is influenced but strictly within the framework of the officially determined ideology of cooperation. Specially created or specially authorized state bodies organize this work as a rule.

Ukraine belongs to the countries with the most numerous diaspora. Now, according to different estimations, from 12 up to 20 million ethnic Ukrainians live beyond the borders of the state, it means almost the third part of Ukrainian ethnos stays beyond the boundaries of its historical Motherland.

The very fact of diaspora’s existence diversifies, enriches and consolidates Ukrainian presence in the world. Development of close cultural, scientific, economical relations with diaspora is necessary, first of all, for Ukraine itself because each foreign Ukrainian community is not only a source of knowledge about our state but is also a pursuer of political influence in the interests of our state in the country of Ukrainians residence. Foreign Ukrainians create material and spiritual values by hard work, frequently in unusual for themselves climatic conditions, improving by this prestige of not only countries of their residence but of their historical Motherland as well.

At the same time foreign Ukrainians often need their rights to be defended by their historical Motherland. Because as practice testifies, Ukrainians can work for the good of the community much better than to defend their own ethnical and cultural rights and needs. Especially in post-Soviet countries. Besides, there is an objective process of assimilation. And in order to resist it, Ukrainians who live beyond the borders of Ukraine, have to do great efforts. The experience proves – to defend rights of national minorities three components are necessary: the ability to be organized and active work of the community itself, willing to stand up for own needs; appropriate legislature the country of their residence, support on the part of historical Motherland.

The third component considerably affects the first two ones. So, future of foreign Ukrainians will considerably depend on the level of activity and consistency of the policy of our state in assisting processes of ethnical self-reproduction of Ukrainian diaspora, defending their rights. It is clear that support on the part of historical Motherland whatever considerable it can be, is not enough to satisfy all needs of diaspora. Therefore overwhelming majority of states that have numerous diaspora communities abroad try to create system of their self-reproduction, self-financing and self-development. As it is obviously clear that weak, unorganized and poor foreign community will not marked influence.

After gaining independence, Ukraine became a centre for Ukrainians all over the world to unite around. Therefore it is quite natural that establishment and intensification of connections with Ukrainian Diaspora became important component of the state ethnical policy.

At the same time, until quite recently a single document developed for realization of the 12th article of the Constitution of Ukraine that concerns satisfaction of national-cultural and linguistic needs of Ukrainians who live beyond the borders of Ukraine was National program “Foreign Ukrainians” for the period up to 2005 approved by Decree of the President of Ukraine of 24.09.2001 ¹ 892/2001. Only on March 4 2012 the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law of Ukraine “On legal status of foreign Ukrainians”.

The law that structurally consists of preamble and 13 articles determines conditions (article 3) and order of providing (article 4), refusal in granting (article 6) and reasons of suspension of status of foreign Ukrainian (article 7); order of entrance and stay of foreign Ukrainian on the territory of Ukraine (article 8); rights, freedoms and obligations of foreign Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine (article 9); guarantees of satisfaction of national-cultural and linguistic needs of foreign Ukrainians (article 11).

It should be noted that determination of the term “foreign Ukrainian” (article 1) was based on the provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine , in preamble of which Ukrainians are defined as citizens of Ukraine of all nationalities. Thus, not only persons who have ethnical Ukrainian origin but also those persons who come from Ukraine can claim to be granted a status of foreign Ukrainian. Herewith, all claimants should be above 16, to be citizens of other states or persons without citizenship and to live beyond the borders of Ukraine. Ukrainian ethnic origin means belonging of persons or their forefathers to Ukrainian nation and recognition of Ukraine as Motherland of their ethnic origin.

A person wishing to obtain a status of foreign Ukrainian submits written application of established pattern (according to the form approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine): on the territory of Ukraine – to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and abroad – to diplomatic organizations of Ukraine. Passport or document to replace it ; documents or evidences of citizens of Ukraine, foreign Ukrainians or public organizations of foreign Ukrainians that confirm Ukrainian ethnic roots or origin from Ukraine supplement this application. These documents can be supplemented with reference-petition of public organization of Ukrainian diaspora a member of which is an applicant.

Decision on granting, refusal in granting or suspension of status of foreign Ukrainian is adopted by specially created under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine the National Commission for foreign Ukrainians within 90 days after the day of application’s registration in the commission. The National Commission consists of representatives of central executive bodies, deputies of Ukraine (by their consent), representatives of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine as well as public organizations that are in charge of matters of foreign Ukrainians with a right of deliberative vote.

In case of positive decision on granting a status of foreign Ukrainian the National Commission personally, though the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine or diplomatic establishments of Ukraine abroad delivers a claimant the certificate of established pattern. Such data are put down in the Ukrainian language into certificate together with photograph: 1) surname and name or names; 2) date of birth and birthplace; 3) citizenship or availability of status of a person without citizenship; 4) country of permanent residence.

It is prohibited to put down other information.

Certificate of foreign Ukrainian is issued for 10 years with its further re-registration. Fee for issuing a certificate or its duplicate (in case of its loss) is determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

In case of refusal in granting status of foreign Ukrainian a copy of appropriate decision of the National Commission is delivered to a person. After elimination of reasons of refusal applicant has can submit repeated application. Reasons for refusal in granting a status of foreign Ukrainian are:

- actions committed by a person that contradict interests of national security of Ukraine;

- submission of consciously untruthful information or forged documents;

Besides, a status of foreign Ukrainian can be suspended. It happens in such cases:

- in case of submitting appropriate application by a person;

- in case of obtaining of citizenship of Ukraine by foreign Ukrainian;

- if this status was obtained through submission of untruthful information or fabricated documents;

- if a person did not inform the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine or diplomatic establishment of Ukraine abroad of change of surname, name, citizenship or place of residence during 6 months ;

- if a person did actions that make reason for refusal in granting a status of foreign Ukrainian.

What rights will have foreign Ukrainians in Ukraine? Foreign Ukrainians - citizens of states with which Ukraine has visa regime, have a right for free issuance of multiple visa for visiting Ukraine without submission of appropriate invitation for 5-year term on the basis of a certificate of foreign Ukrainian. It also concerns husband and wife of foreign Ukrainian. Their wish to immigrate to Ukraine for permanent residence can be realized by foreign Ukrainians and their families out of limits of quotas for immigration under condition of receiving a permit for immigration in the order established by the law.


During stay in Ukraine (on legal grounds) foreign Ukrainians enjoy all rights and freedoms and have obligations similarly to citizens of Ukraine except cases determined by the Constitution, laws of Ukraine or international agreements, ratified by our state.

The law guarantees and ensures defense of rights and interests of foreign Ukrainians – participants of charitable activity and encourages participation in such activity.

According to the law, satisfaction of cultural-language , educational, information and other needs will be executed within the frameworks of national concept of cooperation with foreign Ukrainians (it is in process of elaboration) and on the basis of special national program. Besides, program of return and assistance in settlement arrangement of foreign Ukrainians in Ukraine should be developed (its draft is now in process of approval at the central bodies of executive power and will be submitted for consideration of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in the nearest time).

Thus, with adoption of the Law of Ukraine “On legal status of foreign Ukrainians” one more step is made to standardization of relations of historical Motherland with foreign Ukrainians, to elaboration of mechanism of realization of constitutional norms concerning “satisfaction of national-cultural and language needs of Ukrainians who live beyond the borders of the state” (article 12). The only problem is to fulfill what is adopted.



Now about 18 million Ukrainians live beyond the borders of the state. This figure increases by about 100 thousand with every coming year. Russia, Canada, the USA, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Brazil are countries where there is most numerous Ukrainian Diaspora. A little bit less Ukrainians live in Poland, Argentina and Australia. It is known from history that mass migration of Ukrainians started more than 100 years ago.

After that there were the second, third and postwar waves. Our countrymen tried to keep together not to forget native tradition and language. At first church played a consolidating role that was initially a center to unite Ukrainians, some time later public organizations started to help it. One of them the was World Congress of Free Ukrainians, constituent assembly of which took place in 1967 in New-York. After declaration of Ukraine’s independence, the World Congress withdrew the word free from its title as the of Ukraine has already become a sovereign state.

What is the World Congress of Ukrainians today? Now this organization unites more than 100 Ukrainian public organizations in 31 countries. President of the World Congress of Ukrainians is Yevhen Choliy. The highest legislative body – Congress that takes place every five years. Seven of them were held in New-York and Toronto. Executive body of organization is secretariat, presidium of which is formed from Radas and commissions.

The World Congress of Ukrainians always closely follows events in Ukraine, taking every chance to meet with high officials for solution of Diaspora’s problems. Head of the mission of the World Congress of Ukrainians in Ukraine is former President of the Ukrainian People’s Republic in exile Mykola Plavyuk (by the way, one of the first Presidents of the Congress).

Leadership of the World Congress of Ukrainians mainly President and secretary general who heads secretariat frequently visit Ukrainian communities in different countries, assisting in solution of their problems with the authorities or help financially. Lasting many years fruitful activity of the Congress was recognized at international level and in 2003 it accepted to the UN organization on the rights of non-governmental organization.



Ukrainians started to settle in Canada at the end of the 19th century. The first migrants from Ukraine were peasants from the village of Nebylyv, Galicia – Ivan Pylypyv and Vasyl Yelenyak who arrived to Canada in September 1891. Then other groups of Ukrainian peasants started to arrive.

The initial period of emigration to Canada was most massive. In 1896-1914 170 thousand Ukrainians migrated there. Mainly there were emigrants from Galicia, Bukovina and Zakarpattya that were under the rule of Austro-Hungary. People tried to get away not only from poverty but also from political lawlessness wishing to be well and free abroad.

According to census of 1981, Ukrainians made 3, 1 per cent of Canada’s population that makes 755 thousand persons. More than half of Ukrainians live in provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta. The Ukrainian language, literature and culture are taught in numerous public Saturday and Sunday schools as well in bilingual schools where there are classes with the Ukrainian language of teaching. In total in Canada about 6 thousand children study the Ukrainian language.



The first Ukrainians in Australia appeared in the 19th century. As printed sources testify, in 1832 among Australian medical men name of some John Lyutskyi (possibly Lutskyi), born in Lviv, is mentioned.



1877 is considered to be the beginning of emigration of Ukrainians to the USA. It is at that time that a group of peasants-Rusynians from Zakarpattya arrived to the mines of eastern Pennsylvania. Main part of the next wave of emigration arrived to the USA in the second half of the 1920ies.

In postwar period the third wave of emigration started (the second half of the 1940ies). They were mainly “displaced persons” and refugees from the camps of western zones of occupation of Germany, Australia and Italy.

According to publications of American scientists, there are about 2 million Ukrainians in the USA. The Ukrainian language, geography, literature, history, sociology of Ukraine is taught in 28 Universities and colleges of the USA. Different Ukrainian communities of political, religious and cultural-educational orientation were created there that carry out their activity now. The Ukrainian Catholic Church (almost 250 thousand believers), the Carpathians-Russian Catholic Church (about 200 thousand believers) act in the USA. More than 150 thousand Ukrainians visit the Russian Orthodox Church. There are about 40 thousand Ukrainians-Protestants in the USA.



In Brazil Ukrainians belong to the oldest ethnic groups. The first Ukrainian emigrants appeared in the country before the state formation of Brasil in 1872. Among the first settlers was the family of M. Morozovyna from Galicia.

But mass migration started in 1895 when agents of Italian steamer lines brought here 15 thousand of the poorest inhabitants of Galicia.

Now number of Ukrainians in Brazil reached 250-400 thousand. Only 7-8 per cent of them are born in Ukraine. The remaining part of them are natives of Brazil. 85 per cent of Ukrainians live in rural areas called colonies.

“Prosvita” (enlightenment) that was established in 1902 became one of first public associations of Ukrainians in Brazil. Among other public societies and communities there are farmers-educational union in Curitiba that promotes development of culture and folk arts among Ukrainians, the society of adherents of the Ukrainian language, the Brazilian center of Ukrainian studios, the Ukrainian-Brazilian central representation. In the Ukrainian literature emigration of Ukrainians to Southern America was depicted in I. Franko’s cycle “To Brazil!”.



Zeleny Klyn (Green Ukraine) is a region of Ukrainians settlement in Far East, in the basin of the Amur river and on the Pacific Ocean coast that was called so by Ukrainian settlers.

Mass migration of Ukrainians to these lands started at the end of the 19th century due to construction of railway stations and permission of free transportation of peasants (almost exclusively Ukrainians) by the sea from Odesa.

According to census 1926, more than 300 thousand Ukrainians or 24, 5 per cent of the total population of Far East lived in Zeleny Klyn. As russification strengthened most of Ukrainians consider themselves Russians that makes difficult to determine their actual number.

From the end of the 1980ies the revival of Ukrainian national movement in the Far East started. The Ukrainian community of fellowmen appeared in Amur region, in Vladivostok – the community of Ukrainian culture, in Sakhalin – the community “Ukrainian Rus”, in Khabarovsk – the community of the Ukrainian language and other communities.



This is what the region of compact residence of Ukrainians in Kuban (to the southern east from Rostov region) was called.

It was created in the period from the end of the 18th to the end of the 19th century first as a result of migration of Zaporozhian Cossacks and later on of Ukrainian peasants. After ruin of Zaporizhska Sich Cossacks were dismissed. But in view of the war that was to happen between Russia and Turkey the tsar’s government at the beginning of 1787 formed of Zaporozhian Cossacks so-called army of faithful Cossacks that together with Russian army participated in Russian-Turkish war. In 1788 it was renamed in the Black Sea Cossacks army. The Black Sea Cossacks established in Kuban 40 settlements and gave them the names similar to their settlements (kurens) in Zaporizhska Sich. Some time later part of former Cossacks who after ruin of Sich settled down in Katerinoslav and Kherson regions have been moved there. Settlers considered themselves Ukrainians (many of them consider till now), they preserved language, and maintain folk customs and tradition.



This is how the region of compact residence of Ukrainians in southern-western Siberia and in northern Kazakhstan (general square 460 square km) is called unofficially.

Migration of Ukrainians to Siberia started in the second half of the 19th century and quickly grew after the construction of western and central railway branches of Trans-Siberian railways, the construction of which was done in 1895-1905 from both ends (Vladivostok and Ural). Ukrainians settled mainly near this railways stations, mainly in the villages, and were engaged in farming and cattle breeding. According to census 1897, more than 200 thousand Ukrainians lived in Siberia.

Ukrainians in Kazakhstan, mostly inhabitants of the Left-bank Ukraine started to migrate to this country since 70ies of the 19th century. Migration sharply increased after putting into operation of Orenburg-Arys railway. In the 1950ies many Ukrainians remained in Kazakhstan and settled there after developing virgin lands. All in all about 800 thousand Ukrainians live there now and for the present day diaspora in Kazakhstan is second by its number (in post-Soviet territory ) after Ukrainian diaspora in Russia.



Ukrainian ethnic group in Romania from the distant times lived in southern Bukovina (now Suchavskyi district) and Maromorsk (Maromorsk district).

Besides, Ukrainians who live in Banat and Dobruja are immigrants. Ukrainians got to Banat during migration processes in Austrian empire (later Austro-Hungary) in the 18th-19th century. These were immigrants from Zakarpattya and Galicia. In Dobruja Ukrainians appeared at the end of the 18th – beginning of the 19th century. They got there after ruin of Zaporizhska Sich.

According to last census of population, about 50 thousand Ukrainians live now in Romania. Congresses of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania are held there to promote development of culture and education of the Ukrainian population of the country. Component parts of the Union are organizations of cities and villages of Romania where Ukrainians live.



It is considered that 300-350 thousand Ukrainians live in Poland. They make there national minority whose ancestors from time immemorial lived in historical regions of Boikivshchyna, Lemkyvshchyna, Pydlyashshia, Kholmshchyna, Nadsyanna.

In 1947 by to the decree of Polish government, “Vistula” operation – forced migration of Ukrainians from southern-eastern lands to inland Poland: to the north and northern-western areas of the country. This operation was justified by the fact that Ukrainian population was a considerable material and human base for Ukrainian Insurgent Army detachments which complicated their liquidation.

Major part of Ukrainian population are dispersed till now in western and especially in northern territories – in Olshtynsk, Gdansk, Koshalynsk and other provinces.

Ukrainians in Poland keep their national roots. The Union of Ukrainians of Poland, the Union of Ukrainian women in Poland carry out their activity there, the “Nashe slovo” (Our word) newspaper is published, there are departments of Ukrainian studies in higher educational institutions.



First Ukrainians from eastern Galicia started to arrive to Argentina in 1897. Over the period before the World War I about 10 thousand immigrants from Ukraine arrived to this country.

Between two wars emigration from Western Ukraine intensified (including from Volyn and Polyssya) and number of migrants reached 50 thousand people. Postwar Ukrainian emigration was small – about 6 thousand people.

General number of Argentinean Ukrainians makes about 200-250 thousand people. They mainly settled in northern provinces – in the capital and province of Buenos Aires, Misiones, Chaco, Mendoza, Formosa, Cordoba, Rio-Negro and were engaged mainly in farming.

In the north of Argentina and adjoining to it southern regions of Brazil as well in Paraguay and Uruguay Ukrainians and citizens of Ukrainian origin live in compact groups that makes them closer to each other and slows down the process of assimilation.