Baloha: “Transcarpathia is not no Galicia and not western Ukraine”

Transcarpathian separatism – is it a myth or something real? Is it fueled by Hungary, the management of which sometimes demonstrates pro-Russian stance?

Transcarpathian separatism – a topic occasionally raised by Ukrainian media – is often discussed in times of political instability, caused by failures of the government and rumors of Putin’s new agreements with the leaders of other countries.

A correspondent of the Glavkom touched upon this complex issue while talking to our fellow countryman, MP of Ukraine Viktor Baloha.

"In the metric of my father, born in 1942, it is stated that he is Rusyn, but it was during the Hungarian rule. My mother was born in 1947 – under the Soviet government – and in her documents it is written that she is Ukrainian. And this situation is common for most of Transcarpathian families. And I’ve never gave any significance to this. And Transcarpathians mostly consider themselves Ukrainian. In 2008, President Yushchenko suggested to grant Rusyns their own nationality, because there had been many appeals about this. But I answered him – Viktor Andriyovich, we have so many "friends", especially at the right political sector, that this will be a big minus both for Transcarpathians and especially for you. So, we should shelve this issue and forget about it for a few years. He and those, who initiated this issue, understood me" – Viktor Baloha said.

Another galling point in defining the place and role of Transcarpathia in the Ukrainian political map is an increased interest and influence of neighboring countries on this "piece" of Europe, because of its multiculturalism. Along with the "Rusyn issue", Transcarpathia is accused of noticeable dependence on and vulnerability to the position of its western neighbors.

"Hungary is a strategic neighbor for Transcarpathia in terms of cultural and economic relations. Transcarpathia was a part of Hungary for thousands of years, until 1944 when Stalin incorporated it into the USSR. To say that Hungary can fuel Transcarpathian separatism is disrespect to both Hungary and Transcarpathia. We have very close working relationship with Hungary and it has always been beneficial for all parties," – Viktor Baloha says.

In general, the MP described the issue of Transcarpathian "separatism" as follows: "I remind that in 1991, the regional council voted for the autonomy of Transcarpathia, but Kravchuk came here and the issue was removed from the agenda. When the country is strong and the quality of life is equal to that in the neighboring countries, we can return to it. But it would be harmful for a very young country to allow lumpens to decide where the region should move and how to identify itself."