Diplomatic relations between the Argentine Republic and Ukraine have existed for decades. The importance of relations centers on the history of Ukrainian migration to Argentina. Ukrainians in Argentina form the second largest Ukrainian community in Latin America (after Brazil) numbering approximately 250,000 Ukrainians and their descendants.[1]
History
Between 1897 and 1914, the first wave of Ukrainians arrived to Argentina with approximately 10,000 Ukrainians immigrating to the South American nation.[2] Soon after World War I, approximately 70,000 Ukrainians immigrated to Argentina.[2] In February 1921, Argentina became the first and only country in Latin America to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Ukraine.[3] In 1922, Ukraine lost its independence and became part of the Soviet Union. Soon after World War II, an additional 6,000 Ukrainians immigrated to Argentina.[2]
On 5 December 1991, Argentina recognized the independence of Ukraine after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union. On 6 January 1992, Argentina and Ukraine established diplomatic relations.[4] In 1993, both nations opened embassies in each other's respective capitals. In 1995, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma paid an official visit to Argentina. In 1998, Argentine President Carlos Menem paid an official visit to Ukraine.[5]
On December 10th, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the inauguration of newly elected Argentine president Javier Milei. During his visit, he thanked Milei for his strong stance in support of Ukraine. He also asked him to help organise the Ukraine-Latin America summit.[9]
As part of assistance during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Argentina sent twelve shipments of humanitarian aid directly to Ukraine.[10]
In February 2023, the Argentinian foreign ministry said in a statement "Argentina reaffirms its commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and human rights, permanent pillars of our country's foreign policy, it rejects the use of force as a mechanism to resolve conflicts and, in this way, reiterates its condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukrainian territory."[11] In February 2024, Argentina donated two Mi-171E helicopters to Ukraine. Argentina originally acquired these helicopters to resupply its Antarctic stations but unable to acquire parts to repair the helicopters to continue their operations due to sanctions against Russia.[12] Argentina is also considering to donate five mothballed Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard fighter jets to Ukraine.[13]
Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as an Agreement on the Protection of Investments (1995); Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation (1996); Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation (2000); Agreement on Abolition of Visas (2011) and an Agreement for mutual recognition of higher education degrees from both nations (2015).[5]
Trade
Building hosting the Embassy of Argentina in Kyiv
In 2016, trade between Argentina and Ukraine totaled US$60.5 million.[17] Argentina's main exports to Ukraine include: fish and crustaceans; fruit and nuts; seeds and oleaginous fruits; tobacco and its substitutes. Ukraine's main exports to Argentina include: fertilizers, ferrous metals and machinery.[1] Argentine multinational company Molinos Río de la Plata operates in Ukraine.[citation needed]
