Brazil has the 3rd largest Ukrainian community in the Americas. Over half a million Brazilians have Ukrainian origins, with most of them descendants of 19th century labor migrants.
In this episode, we navigate through the unexpected links between the two countries, and analyze why relations between Brazil and Ukraine are difficult today.
The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites you to a conversation at the PEN Ukraine / UkraineWorld event with Brazilian authors. The conversation took place in Kyiv, at PEN Ukraine’s headquarters, in September, 2024.
The event was held within PEN Ukraine’s programme “Solidarity with Ukraine” supported by the International Renaissance Foundation.
UkraineWorld is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of Ukraine’s largest media NGOs.
Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine
The podcast episode explores the historical ties, cultural connections, and current challenges in the relationship between Brazil and Ukraine.
“Our diplomatic tradition is one of independence and peace. We don’t take sides, as taking sides could disrupt that balance. This makes it hard for Brazil to fully support Ukraine in the way Ukrainians expect.”
told Flávia Tavares.
While Brazil has consistently voted against Russia’s aggression at the UN, its public positions have caused confusion and disappointment in Ukraine.
“Lula (President of Brazil) condemned the invasion but hasn’t been as vocal or supportive as Ukrainians might hope. There’s a gap between Brazilian diplomacy’s actions at the UN and its public statements.” told Sérgio Utsch.
Flávia highlighted the complexities of Brazilian foreign policy: “Lula’s behavior reflects Brazil’s focus on neutrality and the Global South. While he’s tried to avoid siding with either Ukraine or Russia, his remarks have caused disappointment among Ukrainians.”
She added that brazilian diplomacy is rooted in peace and independence and it often makes taking sides in conflicts like this a delicate issue.
Sérgio notes that Russian narratives have some influence in Brazil, particularly among the left and far-right, but the broader Brazilian public leans toward understanding Ukraine as the victim: “They understand it’s one country invading another — this fact is crystal clear.”
Flávia Tavares highlighted:
“The war in Ukraine is seen by some Brazilians as part of a larger battle for power in Europe, rather than about Ukraine itself. This makes it challenging to counter misinformation effectively.”
Brazil has the third-largest Ukrainian diaspora in the Americas, with over 500,000 people of Ukrainian origin.
“I grew up speaking Ukrainian and only learned Portuguese when I was eight. My family brought Ukraine to Brazil, and I’ve spent years making films to rediscover that heritage.” shared Guto Pashko.
Guto described his journey to Ukraine to connect with his family’s origins and document the experiences of Ukrainian immigrants in Brazil: “I made films about Ukrainian migration to Brazil to rediscover my history. Visiting Ukraine, I realized what genuine Ukraine means in the mindset of my ancestors.”
Flávia paid attention to women's role in the war: “What struck me most in Kyiv were the women walking with their children. They carry so much strength, holding society together amidst the chaos.”
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This episode is produced in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute, the country’s major public and cultural diplomacy institution.
