ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА СУЧАСНОГО СТАНУ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ДІАСПОРИ КРАЇН БАЛТІЇ ЗА РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМИ ПОЛЬОВОГО ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ

Abstract

Background. Ukrainian communities are extremely active abroad, and the Baltic countries are no exception. Comparing Ukrainian communities in these geographically close countries, it should be noted that they have many differences in their development. Every year, the number of Ukrainians in these countries increases, especially after the Revolution of Dignity and the beginning of ATO in Eastern Ukraine. It is worth noting that Ukrainian communities in these countries have similar historical prerequisites for their creation. Formed at the beginning of the 20th century, Ukrainian communities were just beginning their active activities, which were almost stopped by the Soviet regime. Public associations of national minorities did not operate during this period due to state policy. But despite this, the number of ethnic Ukrainians here was constantly increasing. The source base for further research was formed on the basis of a survey of Ukrainians living in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Currently, there is no single thorough work that would investigate and compare the life of the Ukrainian community in the Baltic states in the modern period. Methods. The research used observational methods that allow the most complete interpretation of the obtained results. In the form of a highly specialized observation, the process of activity of the Ukrainian community in the Baltic countries as an object of research is considered. The included observation consisted of the author's direct presence in the Baltic countries, attending community events and their centers, as well as during private conversations and interviews with community members. Results. At the same time, a significant number of respondents in all three countries noted that they see themselves and their families in these countries even after 5 years. That is, we can understand that local Ukrainians have decided on their country for life and do not consider the Baltic countries as a temporary "refuge". Given that the survey itself took place before the full-scale invasion of Russia into the territory of Ukraine, the data obtained may differ, but they are important for further scientific work, as they will serve as a source for comparison in subsequent surveys and studies. Сonclusion. Therefore, it is the systematization and analysis of information about the activities of the Ukrainian community in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia that are extremely relevant, and the research conducted by the author is of an extremely important nature. After all, the Ukrainian community abroad is an important driving force for Ukrainian culture and the popularization of our traditions.