Ukrainians in Latin America present a little-known story shaped by generations of migration, resilience, and cultural exchange.
Since the late 19th century, they have left enduring marks on the social and economic fabric of countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, contributing to agricultural innovation, professional achievements, and vibrant cultural traditions.
Among all countries with Ukrainian communities worldwide, only in Brazil the term "Brazilian Ukraine" has been coined and widely used. It reflects the profound impact of one of the world's oldest and largest Ukrainian diasporas, with over 500,000 people.
The story begins in the late 19th century during the "Brazilian Fever" when Ukrainians from Galicia and Bukovyna embarked on a perilous journey across the ocean. Settling primarily in Paraná state, these pioneers faced harsh conditions but proved instrumental in Brazil's agricultural development.
They cleared tropical forests, established mills, introduced cooperative farming, and cultivated both familiar crops like wheat and rye alongside local staples such as coffee, black beans, and mint.
Immigration continued in distinct waves. Between 1907 and 1914, Ukrainians arrived to work on railroad construction, a perilous task, as it occasionally led to conflicts with the local Indigenous population.
The final significant wave came after World War II (1947-1951), bringing a new demographic of displaced intellectuals and professionals who would diversify the community's contribution to Brazilian society.
While 70% of Ukrainian-Brazilians remained in agriculture, others integrated into urban life as entrepreneurs, industrial workers, and professionals.
Their impact is perhaps most visible in Prudentópolis, Paraná, also known as the capital of "Brazilian Ukraine,"where 75% of the population claims Ukrainian descent and Ukrainian holds official language status alongside Portuguese.
The Ukrainian-Brazilian community has produced many prominent figures across various fields, enriching Brazil's professional and cultural landscapes. Among these notable individuals - from entrepreneurs Roberto and Rui Demeterko to medical and legal professionals such as Affonso Antonyuk and Taras Savytsky - filmmaker Guto Pasko emerges as an important cultural icon.
As the former president of the Paraná State Association of Video and Cinematography and director of Brazil's Association of Documentary Cinema, Pasko has made substantial contributions to Brazilian cinema.
Beyond filmmaking, Pasko's influence extends to politics, where he served on Curitiba's Municipal Council for Cultural Affairs, helping to shape the city's cultural landscape.
Pasko grew up speaking only Ukrainian until the age of 11, embodying the community's strong cultural preservation. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent cultural leader, politician, and filmmaker exemplifies the dynamic evolution of the Ukrainian-Brazilian identity.
His documentary "Made in Ucrania" captures the enduring spirit of Ukrainians in Paraná, serving as a testament to their lasting influence on Brazilian society.
The Ukrainian presence in Argentina mirrors Brazil's story in many ways, yet carries its own unique significance.
With over 350,000-500,000 members and their descendants, Argentina's Ukrainian community stands as the seventh largest Ukrainian diaspora globally and the second largest in Latin America
, building its legacy for more than a century.
The first organised wave of Ukrainian migration to Argentina began in 1897, with settlers primarily from Galicia seeking opportunities in the challenging lands of Misiones province, particularly around Apóstoles.
These pioneers faced formidable obstacles - from subtropical forests to poisonous wildlife - but their perseverance transformed the wilderness into productive farmland. Their agricultural innovation was particularly notable in the cultivation of mate, tobacco, and rice - crops crucial to Argentina's economy.
Other major waves of immigration occurred between 1920 and 1939, from 1946 to 1960, and during the 1990s.
The Ukrainian influence extended beyond agriculture into industrial development. By the 1970s, Soviet Ukrainian-made energy equipment powered significant portions of Argentina's electrical grid
, including major hydroelectric plants like Salto Grande, Piedra del Águila, and Yacyretá, ultimately contributing to 37% of the country's electricity generation.
Ukrainian-Argentines have excelled across numerous fields: Gustavo Grobocopatel emerged as an agricultural mogul across multiple countries, Oscar Pablo Dudik serves in provincial government.
The community has also produced notable artists such as folk musician "Chango" Spasiuk, while making marks in literature through poet Alejandra Pizarnik and writer César Tiempo, and in sports through Olympic medalist Pedro Stetsiuk and football coach José Néstor Pekerman.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories is that of Yuriy Poliansky, whose journey from World War II refugee to celebrated scientist exemplifies the Ukrainian-Argentine legacy of resilience and achievement. Arriving in Buenos Aires in 1947, Poliansky initially worked in mines despite holding a doctorate, before joining Argentina's national geological survey.
His research in the Andes revealed crucial insights about glaciation processes and established that the mountain range had the world's highest snow line fluctuation. As a professor at the University of Buenos Aires, he authored the country's first geology textbook and mentored generations of geologists.
His contributions earned him membership in the National Academy of Sciences and the National Prize of Argentina in 1964, while his publications in Spanish and English ensured that his influence extended far beyond Argentina's borders until his death in 1975.
The Ukrainian presence in Chile tells a different story from its Latin American neighbours - smaller in scale but rich in impact. Unlike Brazil or Argentina, Chile's limited agricultural prospects initially attracted few Ukrainian settlers.
Today's community of around 1,000 people consists mainly of professionals, business owners, and families who arrived through various circumstances.
The first Ukrainian footprint in Chile was cultural rather than migratory - in 1897, renowned opera singer Solomiya Krushelnytska captivated Santiago audiences for five months with her performances in Aida, The Masked Ball, and Faust.
The first significant Ukrainian presence emerged in 1948-49 when approximately 300 refugees arrived from European camps, including former Ukrainian Insurgent Army soldiers and those fleeing Soviet control following World War II.
These newcomers quickly established themselves in Santiago, founding a Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish and a choir led by L. Hizhievsky that gained recognition through performances at universities, monasteries, and on Chilean radio.
Among Chile's Ukrainian heritage stories, Roberto Kozak's stands out as particularly remarkable. Born to Ukrainian immigrants in Argentina, Kozak's actions during Chile's military dictatorship earned him the title "Latin America's Schindler."
When General Augusto Pinochet's 1973 coup unleashed a wave of repression, Kozak transformed his diplomatic office into a sanctuary for political dissidents.
Despite great personal risk during armed searches, he successfully orchestrated the safe evacuation of approximately 33,000 people. His legacy is now honoured at Chile's Museum of Memory and Human Rights.
Other notable figures of Ukrainian descent have enriched Chilean society across various fields: philosopher Felix Schwarzman-Turkenich, pianist Fedora Aberasturi, Miss Chile 2008 Nataly Nadeska Chilet Bustamante, and footballer Serhiy Lytviak, who helped win the Chilean Cup in 1954.
Meanwhile, a telling testament to Ukrainian entrepreneurship in Chile was the Tridente workshop in Santiago, operated by Galician immigrant Mykola Lyakhovych from the 1950s to early 2000s.
Specializing in polar footwear for Chilean Antarctic expeditions, the workshop's legacy lives on through preserved boots and patches that tell the story of Ukrainian craftsmanship meeting Chilean exploration needs.
The journey of Ukrainians in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile reflects a powerful story of resilience and deep integration into their host societies. Their contributions across agriculture, industry, arts, and science not only enriched these nations but also built enduring bridges of shared history and mutual respect.
This human dimension offers a valuable foundation for fostering stronger ties between Ukraine and Latin America, highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration grounded in a legacy of connection and shared values.
This article was produced in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute, Ukraine's major cultural and public diplomacy institution.
