The crisis in Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora

Abstract

Sociologist Vic Saskewich was correct in his observation that one of the unintended consequences of the Russian annexation of the Crimea was the reinvigoration of the Ukrainian diaspora's interest in and support of Ukraine from abroad. By contrast, the eastern diaspora was characterized largely by the emigrants who left for places within the Russian Empire from central and eastern Ukraine. One of the unintended consequences of Russia's actions in the Crimea was to reinvigorate the Ukrainian diaspora's interest in and support of Ukraine from abroad and to put to the test their ability to leverage their global presence for the benefit of those in the country itself. The Ukrainian diaspora therefore is a political force and it has played a role during the crisis in Ukraine. Geographically, the Ukrainian diaspora extends over several continents and, through historical circumstances, for a while was divided between so-called western and eastern branches.