Ukrainians in Italy

Ukrainians in Italy are largely recent labor migrants. As of 2020, the population of Ukrainians with valid permits in Italy was 223,000. A considerable number of Ukrainian women work as caretakers for the elderly, terminally ill, children, or entire families. Due to a lack of in-home caregivers among native Italians, who often view this profession as physically demanding and emotionally taxing, Ukrainians have been welcomed as a solution to this shortage.

The historical ties between Ukraine and Italy date back to the 15th century, exemplified by scholar Yuriy Drohobych from present-day Western Ukraine, who served as the rector of Bologna University. Notable Ukrainian figures such as Hryhoriy Skovoroda and Lesya Ukrainka visited Italy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Following the Union of Brest, Rome became a significant center for the Ukrainian Catholic Church. During World War I, many Ukrainian prisoners of war were detained in Italy, and in the aftermath, the Ukrainian People's Republic established a diplomatic mission in Italy from 1919 to 1920, led by Dmytro Antonovych, along with a separate mission for the West Ukrainian People's Republic. The Interwar period saw prominent Ukrainian political and cultural figures reside in Italy, including Yevhen Konovalets, and a Ukrainian community was founded in Rome in 1933. After World War II, approximately 15,000 Ukrainians, including soldiers from the Ukrainian National Army, were present in Italy.

According to a report by the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), there were 223,782 Ukrainians in Italy as of 2012, with around 80% being women. However, estimates of the total Ukrainian population in Italy, including those working or residing illegally, range from 600,000 to 1 million. While many Ukrainian immigrants express a desire to return to Ukraine, some are opting to remain in Italy permanently. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 112,098 refugees arrived in Italy by May 2022, comprising 58,334 women, 15,256 men, and 38,508 minors.

A survey conducted by ISTAT in 2011 and 2012 revealed the religious affiliations of Ukrainians in Italy. Approximately 90.8% identified as Christians, with 68% being Orthodox Christians, 22.5% Catholics, and 0.3% Protestants. Additionally, 0.1% identified as Muslims, 5.6% as non-religious, and 3.5% adhered to other religions.

Among the cultural contributions of Ukrainians in Italy is the amateur theatre group 'Berehynia,' which reflects the community's artistic engagement and cultural heritage.