CONSOLIDATION OF THE UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY IN GREECE TO SUPPORT UKRAINE AFTER THE FULL-SCALE INVASION BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Abstract

This article examines the processes of consolidation within the Ukrainian community in Greece following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. It explores how self-organized initiatives by Ukrainians in Greece during the initial phase of the full-scale war transformed into institutionalized forms of civic and volunteer engagement, and assesses their contribution to providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as well as supporting Ukrainians granted temporary protection in Greece. The study highlights the activities of Ukrainian civil society organizations, grassroots initiatives and volunteers, focusing on the collection and delivery of humanitarian aid, the implementation of information campaigns in support of Ukraine, and the provision of comprehensive assistance to newly arrived Ukrainians. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between these structures, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Hellenic Republic, Greek governmental institutions, and local civil society organizations, which facilitated effective coordination, optimized resource allocation, and strengthened the overall capacity of the Ukrainian community. A pivotal moment in the development of the Ukrainian diaspora in Greece was the 2022 unification of various Ukrainian associations into a United Ukrainian Diaspora in Greece. This consolidation enhanced communication, organizational coherence, and the visibility of the Ukrainian community within Greek society. The article also traces the role of diaspora institutions in preserving Ukrainian identity through Sunday schools, cultural initiatives, educational programs, and artistic projects. The findings suggest that the consolidation of the Ukrainian community in Greece has not only been a critical factor in increasing the volume and effectiveness of humanitarian support to Ukraine but has also served as a vital mechanism for developing a robust civic resource capable of playing a significant role in the post-war reconstruction and development of Ukraine.