ROME – The Forum of Ukrainians in Italy was held on July 12 at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Italy’s capital in what was the first national assembly of more than 50 Ukrainian organizations from across the country since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
The event was jointly organized by the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy, the Lastivka Association, the Association of Ukrainian Women Workers in Italy, and NAU — the Network of Associations for Ukraine.
The forum opened with a moment of silence in memory of all those killed by Russia’s aggression. During the official opening, UWC President Paul Grod and Forum moderator Oles Horodetsky, leader of the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy, addressed the audience of Ukrainians and Italians.
During the official opening, UWC President Paul Grod and Forum moderator Oles Horodetskyy, Bishop Hryhoriy Komar, Apostolic Administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Apostolic Exarchate of Italy, led a heartfelt prayer for Ukraine.
The Forum focused on key themes including: the shift from support to victory and rebuilding Ukraine; countering Russian propaganda as part of the information war; addressing daily challenges faced by Ukrainians in Italy; and strengthening unity in action — both locally and globally.
In attendance were also members of the clergy, diplomats, politicians, activists, and leaders of international associations.
The Forum marked a historic milestone for the Ukrainian community in Italy. Participants adopted a final resolution outlining clear priorities for future work: real and comprehensive support for Ukraine, stronger cooperation between communities, and greater advocacy for the interests of Ukrainians in Italy through engagement with local authorities, the government, and civil society.
The document also emphasized support for spiritual and religious life, the development of Ukrainian education, youth engagement, and boosting resilience to Russian disinformation and propaganda.
Italian Senator Cinzia Pellegrino, a member of the Commission on European Union Policy and the Extraordinary Commission for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights of the Senate of the Republic, addressed participants with a welcome letter.
The UWC delegation’s visit continued on July 13 with a “People’s March” in central Rome, held immediately after the Ukraine Recovery Conference. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine and was joined by several dozen participants.
The march was widely covered in Italian media, including by the country’s leading newspaper La Repubblica.
“In Rome, it became clear to everyone: the best path to rebuilding Ukraine is victory in the war and the defeat of Russia,” UWC President Paul Grod said during his speech. “We must hold Russia accountable. Moscow must be charged with war crimes. Putin is a war criminal.”
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