Fighting for rights or separatism?
Rusyns, indigenous people of Zakarpattia, are demanding recognition as a nation. Ukrainian government refuses to provide their rights. Meanwhile the media are accusing Rusyns of separatism. Who is right?
Living in the Soviet times, Mykola Starosta had never known that he was a Rusyn. Everything changed when he found the birth certificate of his grandmother which was issued by the Hungarian Empire, where in the column for ethnicity, it was written "Hungarian Rusyn". The discovery paved to way to Mykola's Rusyn's activism. At that time Starosta didn't know that he belonged to an ethnicity that was blamed in ruining territorial integrity.
Later Starosta got to know that Rusyns are indigenous people of Zakarpattia who lived in western Ukraine from the time of Kyivan Rus'. According to national census that was held in 2001, 10,100 individuals identified themselves as Rusyns. Professor Paul Robert Magosci (Head of Ukrainian Studies, University of Toronto), estimates that there are 773,000 Rusyn minority in western Ukraine . They are represented by 10 Rusyn organizations.
Rusyn movement is closely weaved with charges of separatism and being financed by other countries such as Hungary and Russia. Several Rusyn representatives were accused of separatism. Because of that, they put separatism label on all Rusyn activists who are also accused of working for Moscow.
While government and special services convenience they are protecting country, activists claimed on rights restrictions and demand recognition of Rusyn nation.The threat of separatism in the region could either be real or be used in internal games of Ukrainian politics. Rusyn movement is precisely favorable to someone.
Later Starosta got to know that Rusyns are indigenous people of Zakarpattia who lived in western Ukraine from the time of Kyivan Rus'. According to national census that was held in 2001, 10,100 individuals identified themselves as Rusyns. Professor Paul Robert Magosci (Head of Ukrainian Studies, University of Toronto), estimates that there are 773,000 Rusyn minority in western Ukraine . They are represented by 10 Rusyn organizations.
Rusyn movement is closely weaved with charges of separatism and being financed by other countries such as Hungary and Russia. Several Rusyn representatives were accused of separatism. Because of that, they put separatism label on all Rusyn activists who are also accused of working for Moscow.
While government and special services convenience they are protecting country, activists claimed on rights restrictions and demand recognition of Rusyn nation.The threat of separatism in the region could either be real or be used in internal games of Ukrainian politics. Rusyn movement is precisely favorable to someone.
1
People of Zakarpattia
A lot of Rusyns are afraid to fight for their rights.
Ladyslav Letsovych
The head of the "Society of Subcarpathian Rusyn"
Locals have been sympathetic to Moscow from the 19th century, when Zakarpattia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Intellectuals saw the Russian Empire as a hope because it was the only independent Slavic country that could resist Hungarian conquerors.
Zakarpattia was a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I and a part of Czechoslovakia in 1921-1939. It was occupied again by Hungary until 1945 when it became part of the Soviet Union. The Soviet policy was aimed on assimilation of Rusyns and uniting them with Ukrainians. It led an increase of ethnic Ukrainians from 63 percent in 1921 to 80.5 percent in 2001.
In 1991 a referendum was held in Ukraine. Zakarpattian people voted not only for independent Ukraine but also for a self-governed territory of Zakarpattia. Kyiv did not consider the results of the second choice.
The UN Committee on liquidation on racial discrimination urged Ukrainian Government to recognize Rusyns as a national minority. They are recognized in all countries where they live but not in Ukraine. Ukrainian government does not allow Rusyn to have autonomy nor recognize Rusyn language. It leads to active movements that are fighting for their rights.
Political analyst Yaroslav Kovalchuck thinks that Kyiv has been marginalizing Rusyn movement and has done a lot to portray them as separatists and create negative image of their activists. Media helped Ukrainian government to promote the enemy image of Rusyns. "Media use stereotyped prejudices and do not publish opinions of other Rusyn groups".
This image was created in previous decade and did not change a lot after the beginning of conflict in eastern Ukraine, Kovalchuck says. "Antiterrorist operation reinforced the negative trends to the certain extent. Media report more often about danger in Zakarpattia and not provide full understanding of the situation," explained Kovalchuck.
Foreign countries use this situation to destabilize situation in the region. There were some attempts to secede the region with the help of Russia but they failed. The court made several decisions and SBU made dozens of warnings.
There are different groups of Rusyn activists in Zakarpattia. They are called pro-Ukrainian, pro-European and pro-Russian. Rusyn movement is not homogenous and some activists are even quarrelling between themselves.
Zakarpattia was a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I and a part of Czechoslovakia in 1921-1939. It was occupied again by Hungary until 1945 when it became part of the Soviet Union. The Soviet policy was aimed on assimilation of Rusyns and uniting them with Ukrainians. It led an increase of ethnic Ukrainians from 63 percent in 1921 to 80.5 percent in 2001.
In 1991 a referendum was held in Ukraine. Zakarpattian people voted not only for independent Ukraine but also for a self-governed territory of Zakarpattia. Kyiv did not consider the results of the second choice.
The UN Committee on liquidation on racial discrimination urged Ukrainian Government to recognize Rusyns as a national minority. They are recognized in all countries where they live but not in Ukraine. Ukrainian government does not allow Rusyn to have autonomy nor recognize Rusyn language. It leads to active movements that are fighting for their rights.
Political analyst Yaroslav Kovalchuck thinks that Kyiv has been marginalizing Rusyn movement and has done a lot to portray them as separatists and create negative image of their activists. Media helped Ukrainian government to promote the enemy image of Rusyns. "Media use stereotyped prejudices and do not publish opinions of other Rusyn groups".
This image was created in previous decade and did not change a lot after the beginning of conflict in eastern Ukraine, Kovalchuck says. "Antiterrorist operation reinforced the negative trends to the certain extent. Media report more often about danger in Zakarpattia and not provide full understanding of the situation," explained Kovalchuck.
Foreign countries use this situation to destabilize situation in the region. There were some attempts to secede the region with the help of Russia but they failed. The court made several decisions and SBU made dozens of warnings.
There are different groups of Rusyn activists in Zakarpattia. They are called pro-Ukrainian, pro-European and pro-Russian. Rusyn movement is not homogenous and some activists are even quarrelling between themselves.
Mukachevo, Zakarpattia Oblast
One of the centers of Rusyn activism
One of the centers of Rusyn activism
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Pro-Ukrainian group
"We are not Ukrainians, we are Rusyns"
The organization "People's Republic of Zakarpattian Rusyns" unites almost 90 percent of all Rusyns organizations in the region. Its head, Evhen Zhupan, is one of the main leaders in Rusyn movement. He demands autonomy for the region. Rusyn activist Ladyslav Letsovych said that Zhupan is afraid to speak publicly about his real plans because he could lose his post as the head of a children's regional hospital.
"My father told me we were Rusyns with our special and unique culture, that's how I started to be active in Rusyn movement", explained Zhupan.
He started his political activism when the Soviet Union collapsed. Then Rusyn organizations appeared.
"Our aims are to be recognized by Ukraine and to have our own self-governing territory as decided by the referendum in 1991", he said.
Zhupan supports the idea of a Rusyn nation. "We are not Ukrainians, we are Rusyns. But our state is Ukraine".
He sees Zakarpattia as a part of Ukraine but with its autonomy. This idea is hard to spread in Ukraine because of strong influence of nationalism.
"Some people spoiled our reputation, but it doesn't mean that all Rusyns are like that".
After the beginning of conflict in eastern Ukraine, they always blame Rusyns in separatism despite they have never broken the law, the activist assured. He is angry at the media who created myth of separatism in Zakarpattia.
"Neither USA, nor Slovakia, nor even Russia gives us money. If we really get donation from those countryreal, Rusyns could have at least their own newspaper. The only help from abroad is donation from Canadian businessmen for Rusyn schools", Zhupan said. He added they even don't have money to publish Rusyn magazine.
"Our donors were afraid to mention their names because after that, Ukrainian Fiscal Service starts to pressure them. Now we don't have any donation. The local authority rarely helps us to organize some events", Zhupan said.
He confirms that MP Viktor Baloha supports Rusyn movement. Zhupan was a member of his party "The United Center". "Baloha supports a lot of minorities including us. But he is firstly the patriot of Ukraine. He doesn't give money directly to the organization but supports me and other individuals".
Evhen Zhupan does not play an important role in Zakarpattian policy, Kovalchuck thinks. The only role of his Council is organizing cultural events.
"Zhupan is Baloha's puppet. Baloha tries to demonstrate to Kyiv that he controls the Rusyns," Kovalhuck says.
Rusyn activist Mykola Starosta agree with Kovalchuck. Starosta for a short period was cooperating with Zakarpattian Rusyn's People's Council and Yevgen Zhupan. Starosta cut the contact with the organization because, according to Starosta, "they are financed by Ukrainian Member of Parliament from the Region of Zakarpattia, Viktor Baloga", and Starosta has a "political conflict" with him. Starosta thinks that Baloga has been using the Rusyns to threaten the government in Kyiv, to show that he is in control of the situation in Zakarpattia. "When the second Rusyn's congress was held by Zhupan's organization, they proclaimed the independence of Zakarpattia, the event was financed by Baloga", Starosta said.
"My father told me we were Rusyns with our special and unique culture, that's how I started to be active in Rusyn movement", explained Zhupan.
He started his political activism when the Soviet Union collapsed. Then Rusyn organizations appeared.
"Our aims are to be recognized by Ukraine and to have our own self-governing territory as decided by the referendum in 1991", he said.
Zhupan supports the idea of a Rusyn nation. "We are not Ukrainians, we are Rusyns. But our state is Ukraine".
He sees Zakarpattia as a part of Ukraine but with its autonomy. This idea is hard to spread in Ukraine because of strong influence of nationalism.
"Some people spoiled our reputation, but it doesn't mean that all Rusyns are like that".
After the beginning of conflict in eastern Ukraine, they always blame Rusyns in separatism despite they have never broken the law, the activist assured. He is angry at the media who created myth of separatism in Zakarpattia.
"Neither USA, nor Slovakia, nor even Russia gives us money. If we really get donation from those countryreal, Rusyns could have at least their own newspaper. The only help from abroad is donation from Canadian businessmen for Rusyn schools", Zhupan said. He added they even don't have money to publish Rusyn magazine.
"Our donors were afraid to mention their names because after that, Ukrainian Fiscal Service starts to pressure them. Now we don't have any donation. The local authority rarely helps us to organize some events", Zhupan said.
He confirms that MP Viktor Baloha supports Rusyn movement. Zhupan was a member of his party "The United Center". "Baloha supports a lot of minorities including us. But he is firstly the patriot of Ukraine. He doesn't give money directly to the organization but supports me and other individuals".
Evhen Zhupan does not play an important role in Zakarpattian policy, Kovalchuck thinks. The only role of his Council is organizing cultural events.
"Zhupan is Baloha's puppet. Baloha tries to demonstrate to Kyiv that he controls the Rusyns," Kovalhuck says.
Rusyn activist Mykola Starosta agree with Kovalchuck. Starosta for a short period was cooperating with Zakarpattian Rusyn's People's Council and Yevgen Zhupan. Starosta cut the contact with the organization because, according to Starosta, "they are financed by Ukrainian Member of Parliament from the Region of Zakarpattia, Viktor Baloga", and Starosta has a "political conflict" with him. Starosta thinks that Baloga has been using the Rusyns to threaten the government in Kyiv, to show that he is in control of the situation in Zakarpattia. "When the second Rusyn's congress was held by Zhupan's organization, they proclaimed the independence of Zakarpattia, the event was financed by Baloga", Starosta said.
"I have nothing to lose"
Ladyslav Letsovych is a member of Zhupan's organization. He is 80 years old, he speaks Rusyn language/dialect. He was born in Mukachevo (the town in Zakarpatska oblast) where he lives now.
He has been the head of the "Society of Subcarpathian Rusyn" for 21 years and want to see Zakarpattia as an autonomous region. He recalls the referendum of 1991 when 78% people in the region voted for the "self-governing territory" but the new Ukrainian government didn't give that status to Zakarpattia.
"Today a lot of Rusyns are afraid to fight for their rights, but not me. I am retired and I have nothing to lose," he said.
He criticizes Ukrainian government, which "has made Ukrainians poor " and doesn't recognize Rusyns as a nation. He considers Ukraine as an invader in Rusyn land.
Letsovych regrets the past when Zakarpattia was a part of Hungary and Czechoslovakia as autonomous region. He studied in one of 464 Rusyn schools in Zakarpattia in the 40s.
When Soviet Union occupied Zakarpattia in 1945, Ladyslav was 8 years old. People didn't understand Russian soldiers and saw them as the invaders, he said.
Letsovych started working since he was 15 years old in Russia and in Donbas. From 1996 he has been a Rusyn activist.
12 years ago he wrote a letter to Vladimir Putin, saying that 58 states recognized Rusyns but not Ukraine, nor Russia, nor Belarus. The administration of the President of Russian Federation responded that they recognized Rusyns as an old Slavic nation.
"No one from abroad has gave me a penny. Our sponsors are people who sympathizes with the Rusyns. They are afraid and asked not to mention their names publicly. Some of them were fired after giving donations".
Letsovych convinces that member of parliament Victor Baloga does not help his organization.
Despite the threats from nationalists Letsovych tries to communicate with them and to explain them his position. He was also a candidate from Hungarian party KMKS and collaborated with Hungarian radical nationalist party "Jobbik" because of which he got a warning from the SBU.
Letsovych doesn't think Hungarians or Russians could use Rusyn problems for their motives.
"They raise the question of Rusyns. If they support us, I will cooperate with them. Why not?"
People from SBU spoke to him 54 times. They asked not to call Zakarpattia as a land of Rusyns but a Ukrainian land.
"I talked with them like with children. I told them that they are also Rusyns. Roots can not be destroyed, the root gives life to everything."
Letsovych is sure that Ukraine is a "criminal, oligarchic and police country". The activist wants Ukraine to be a legal, democratic state with the rule of law.
"We will not stand against Ukraine. We don't want to separate. We want an autonomy," highlighted Letsovych.
Evhen Zhupan thinks that Letsovych is also used by different parties including a radical Hungarian one. He warned Letsovych not to proclaim himself anti-Ukrainian statements but Letsovych didn't follow this advice.
Analyst Kovalchuck believes that Letsovych represents the older generation that has a strong connection with their Rusyn past, but they are not active and do not influence regional politics.
He has been the head of the "Society of Subcarpathian Rusyn" for 21 years and want to see Zakarpattia as an autonomous region. He recalls the referendum of 1991 when 78% people in the region voted for the "self-governing territory" but the new Ukrainian government didn't give that status to Zakarpattia.
"Today a lot of Rusyns are afraid to fight for their rights, but not me. I am retired and I have nothing to lose," he said.
He criticizes Ukrainian government, which "has made Ukrainians poor " and doesn't recognize Rusyns as a nation. He considers Ukraine as an invader in Rusyn land.
Letsovych regrets the past when Zakarpattia was a part of Hungary and Czechoslovakia as autonomous region. He studied in one of 464 Rusyn schools in Zakarpattia in the 40s.
When Soviet Union occupied Zakarpattia in 1945, Ladyslav was 8 years old. People didn't understand Russian soldiers and saw them as the invaders, he said.
Letsovych started working since he was 15 years old in Russia and in Donbas. From 1996 he has been a Rusyn activist.
12 years ago he wrote a letter to Vladimir Putin, saying that 58 states recognized Rusyns but not Ukraine, nor Russia, nor Belarus. The administration of the President of Russian Federation responded that they recognized Rusyns as an old Slavic nation.
"No one from abroad has gave me a penny. Our sponsors are people who sympathizes with the Rusyns. They are afraid and asked not to mention their names publicly. Some of them were fired after giving donations".
Letsovych convinces that member of parliament Victor Baloga does not help his organization.
Despite the threats from nationalists Letsovych tries to communicate with them and to explain them his position. He was also a candidate from Hungarian party KMKS and collaborated with Hungarian radical nationalist party "Jobbik" because of which he got a warning from the SBU.
Letsovych doesn't think Hungarians or Russians could use Rusyn problems for their motives.
"They raise the question of Rusyns. If they support us, I will cooperate with them. Why not?"
People from SBU spoke to him 54 times. They asked not to call Zakarpattia as a land of Rusyns but a Ukrainian land.
"I talked with them like with children. I told them that they are also Rusyns. Roots can not be destroyed, the root gives life to everything."
Letsovych is sure that Ukraine is a "criminal, oligarchic and police country". The activist wants Ukraine to be a legal, democratic state with the rule of law.
"We will not stand against Ukraine. We don't want to separate. We want an autonomy," highlighted Letsovych.
Evhen Zhupan thinks that Letsovych is also used by different parties including a radical Hungarian one. He warned Letsovych not to proclaim himself anti-Ukrainian statements but Letsovych didn't follow this advice.
Analyst Kovalchuck believes that Letsovych represents the older generation that has a strong connection with their Rusyn past, but they are not active and do not influence regional politics.
Khust, the city of pro-European Rusyns
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Pro-European group
Mykola Starosta founded the organization "Sub-Carpathian Rusyn's People's Council" in 2002. His organization was small, and was not too active, the activities which the organization organized were limited to cultural events.
"We stopped our activities these months because there was a big fear among the people of separatism in Zakarpattia, so we do not want to pour oil to the fire", Starosta explained.
He said that the position of his organization is pro-European. Mykola is also a member of World Council of Rusyns. The organization's objectives are purely cultural (preserving and disseminating Rusyn culture), not political. The organization does not demand a special status for Zakarpattia.
"I believe that Zakarpattia should be part of Ukraine, it would be hard economically for Zakarpattia to separate from Ukraine", he said.
Starosta denied of having any donors for his organization. According to him, all of the activities of his organization were financed by his own money, because he is a businessman, and with help from other members.
Starosta has a half-brother with the name of Ivan Bushko, the former member of Yanukovich's "Party of Regions".
Zhupan suspects Starosta of working for some services or politicians, especially his half-brother Ivan Bushko.
Starosta said that now his brother is not helping him anymore, although he was financing some activities of Starosta's organization in the past. Starosta said that the organization is getting support, including financial one, from the local government.
Letsovych knows Mykola Starosta and thinks that he is "a stupid person who works for SBU".
Starosta explained that people think that way because when Sydor was actively organizing political activities, Starosta made a loud statement about the absence of separatism support from the people of Zakarpattia. Starosta also wrote a letter to the Russian President and Parliament saying that there was no support of separatism in Zakarpattia. "The special committee of Russian Parliament examined my appeal and it influenced their decision to stop separatism in Zakarpattia, that is why it looked like that I was supported and worked with SBU to handle this situation", Starosta said. He stressed that "he has never worked for Ukrainian Secret Services, and never will".
Kovalchuck does not think that Mykola Starosta, the head of "Sub-Carpathian Rusyn People's Council", works for SBU. "It's just a fight between him and other organizations that blamed him for nothing".
Kovalchuck is sure that the most active in pro-European Rusyn movement are World Rusyn Congress and Padiak publishing house. Valeriy Padiak, who publishes a lot of books about Rusyns, is financed by Canadian philanthropist Stiven Chepa, the expert says.
"We stopped our activities these months because there was a big fear among the people of separatism in Zakarpattia, so we do not want to pour oil to the fire", Starosta explained.
He said that the position of his organization is pro-European. Mykola is also a member of World Council of Rusyns. The organization's objectives are purely cultural (preserving and disseminating Rusyn culture), not political. The organization does not demand a special status for Zakarpattia.
"I believe that Zakarpattia should be part of Ukraine, it would be hard economically for Zakarpattia to separate from Ukraine", he said.
Starosta denied of having any donors for his organization. According to him, all of the activities of his organization were financed by his own money, because he is a businessman, and with help from other members.
Starosta has a half-brother with the name of Ivan Bushko, the former member of Yanukovich's "Party of Regions".
Zhupan suspects Starosta of working for some services or politicians, especially his half-brother Ivan Bushko.
Starosta said that now his brother is not helping him anymore, although he was financing some activities of Starosta's organization in the past. Starosta said that the organization is getting support, including financial one, from the local government.
Letsovych knows Mykola Starosta and thinks that he is "a stupid person who works for SBU".
Starosta explained that people think that way because when Sydor was actively organizing political activities, Starosta made a loud statement about the absence of separatism support from the people of Zakarpattia. Starosta also wrote a letter to the Russian President and Parliament saying that there was no support of separatism in Zakarpattia. "The special committee of Russian Parliament examined my appeal and it influenced their decision to stop separatism in Zakarpattia, that is why it looked like that I was supported and worked with SBU to handle this situation", Starosta said. He stressed that "he has never worked for Ukrainian Secret Services, and never will".
Kovalchuck does not think that Mykola Starosta, the head of "Sub-Carpathian Rusyn People's Council", works for SBU. "It's just a fight between him and other organizations that blamed him for nothing".
Kovalchuck is sure that the most active in pro-European Rusyn movement are World Rusyn Congress and Padiak publishing house. Valeriy Padiak, who publishes a lot of books about Rusyns, is financed by Canadian philanthropist Stiven Chepa, the expert says.
Vladyslav Sverdlovych organized the Rusyn group that fought for the separatists
Photo: www.facebook.com/vladislav.sverlovich
Photo: www.facebook.com/vladislav.sverlovich
4
Pro-Russian group
Vladyslav Sverdlovych created the Rusyn group that fought for the separatists in Donbass, according to his messages in social media. According to Ukrainian court, Sverdlovych lives in Moscow. Ukrainian police is looking for him. He was accused for threatening territorial integrity of Ukraine because of his public speeches and burning an Ukrainian flag. Sverdlovych, who called himself a Rusyn, called to fight for an independent Zakarpattia.
Another Russia-backed Rusyn is Petro Hetsko. In 2016, investigators of Security Service of Ukraine in the Zakarpattia region sent to the court indictment regarding the self-proclaimed "prime minister" of the so-called republic "Carpathian Ruthenia" Petro Hetsko for his conviction in absentia. "Suspected of having committed crimes against national security of Ukraine and for a long time hiding from justice in Russia," - SBU wrote.
While Sverdlovych and Hetsko are hiding in Russia, Sydor lives in Uzhgorod.
Zhupan believes that Russian intelligence used Rusyn activists Petro Hetsko and Dymytry Sydor. To his mind, the main foundation for pro-Russian Rusyn movement is orthodox church of Moscow patriarchate. They provide church service in Rusyn language.
According to SBU, "in October 2008 during the 2nd European Congress of Subcarpathian Rusyns, Sydor publicly called for violation of the Constitution of Ukraine by changing the boundaries of the territory and the state border of Ukraine".
In 2012 the High Specialized Court of Ukraine upheld the sentence of the Court of Appeal Zakarpattia region for Sydor that sentenced him to a three years imprisonment with probation for 2 years.
Dymytry Sydor refused to talk. "All journalists work for SBU. You distort the words. I won't communicate with you," he said.
Letsovych says he communicates with the priest Sydor. They met last time on December 17th during the Congress of Rusyns.
"I supported him in the court. I was the main key witness. I thought they would have also sent me to a prison and I asked them to judge me too because I also took part in the Sejm," said Letslovych.
He adds Sydor withdrawn from politics after he was accused of separatism. Letsovych believes Sydor doesn't communicate with Petro Hetsko.
"He is full and provokes SBU," Letsovych thinks and still believes Sydor doesn't get money from Moscow. "It is a rumor made up by SBU".
According to Starosta, Sydor organized a lot of activities which discredited Rusyn movement.
Because of his actions, all Rusyns look like separatists. "I think that Ukrainian Special Services also did a lot of things to discredit the Rusyns", Starosta added.
"It is obvious that Moscow is the one who is financing Sydor, because he is a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Moscow is supporting him through the church", Starosta said.
Starosta believed that Russia prepared special operations for the secession of Zakarpattia. "There were Russian subversive groups in the mountains near Khust. That group also worked in Abkhazia. Here they created their government and so-called Republic headed by Petro Hetsko, but they didn't have real support in Zakarpattia", said Starosta. He thinks there was a real threat of separatism in 2009, but not now.
In 2015 Sydor and the head of Russian organization "Russian world" Borys Tymofeev created "Institute of philology and history". Kovalchuck thinks that it is a propagandistic organ associated with Petro Hetsko who lives in Moscow.
What is the role of Tymofeev in the story is hard to tell. No one has never heard about him. He doesn't answer his phone. The head of the organization "Rus" Volodymyr Saltykov who cooperates with all Russian activists in the region does not know Tymofeev.
It looks like Russians have now influence in regional policy, Kovalchuck said. According to Saltykov, the budget of "Rus" is his pension (2 thousand hryvnas). He denied any financial support from Moscow.
"The government of Moscow gave us a computer as a gift and paid for our almanacs "Russian culture of Zakarpattia" 10 years ago. Four years ago they also invited me to the embassy to celebrate the diplomat's day. That's all the support we got," Saltykov assures.
Another Russia-backed Rusyn is Petro Hetsko. In 2016, investigators of Security Service of Ukraine in the Zakarpattia region sent to the court indictment regarding the self-proclaimed "prime minister" of the so-called republic "Carpathian Ruthenia" Petro Hetsko for his conviction in absentia. "Suspected of having committed crimes against national security of Ukraine and for a long time hiding from justice in Russia," - SBU wrote.
While Sverdlovych and Hetsko are hiding in Russia, Sydor lives in Uzhgorod.
Zhupan believes that Russian intelligence used Rusyn activists Petro Hetsko and Dymytry Sydor. To his mind, the main foundation for pro-Russian Rusyn movement is orthodox church of Moscow patriarchate. They provide church service in Rusyn language.
According to SBU, "in October 2008 during the 2nd European Congress of Subcarpathian Rusyns, Sydor publicly called for violation of the Constitution of Ukraine by changing the boundaries of the territory and the state border of Ukraine".
In 2012 the High Specialized Court of Ukraine upheld the sentence of the Court of Appeal Zakarpattia region for Sydor that sentenced him to a three years imprisonment with probation for 2 years.
Dymytry Sydor refused to talk. "All journalists work for SBU. You distort the words. I won't communicate with you," he said.
Letsovych says he communicates with the priest Sydor. They met last time on December 17th during the Congress of Rusyns.
"I supported him in the court. I was the main key witness. I thought they would have also sent me to a prison and I asked them to judge me too because I also took part in the Sejm," said Letslovych.
He adds Sydor withdrawn from politics after he was accused of separatism. Letsovych believes Sydor doesn't communicate with Petro Hetsko.
"He is full and provokes SBU," Letsovych thinks and still believes Sydor doesn't get money from Moscow. "It is a rumor made up by SBU".
According to Starosta, Sydor organized a lot of activities which discredited Rusyn movement.
Because of his actions, all Rusyns look like separatists. "I think that Ukrainian Special Services also did a lot of things to discredit the Rusyns", Starosta added.
"It is obvious that Moscow is the one who is financing Sydor, because he is a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Moscow is supporting him through the church", Starosta said.
Starosta believed that Russia prepared special operations for the secession of Zakarpattia. "There were Russian subversive groups in the mountains near Khust. That group also worked in Abkhazia. Here they created their government and so-called Republic headed by Petro Hetsko, but they didn't have real support in Zakarpattia", said Starosta. He thinks there was a real threat of separatism in 2009, but not now.
In 2015 Sydor and the head of Russian organization "Russian world" Borys Tymofeev created "Institute of philology and history". Kovalchuck thinks that it is a propagandistic organ associated with Petro Hetsko who lives in Moscow.
What is the role of Tymofeev in the story is hard to tell. No one has never heard about him. He doesn't answer his phone. The head of the organization "Rus" Volodymyr Saltykov who cooperates with all Russian activists in the region does not know Tymofeev.
It looks like Russians have now influence in regional policy, Kovalchuck said. According to Saltykov, the budget of "Rus" is his pension (2 thousand hryvnas). He denied any financial support from Moscow.
"The government of Moscow gave us a computer as a gift and paid for our almanacs "Russian culture of Zakarpattia" 10 years ago. Four years ago they also invited me to the embassy to celebrate the diplomat's day. That's all the support we got," Saltykov assures.
SBU answer
Volodymyr Saltykov
5
Moscow voice
All Russian organizations and institutions which we asked to provide us information about whether they are supporting Zakarpattian NGOs either didn't respond or wrote that they do not have this data.
The Ministry of Justice of Russia does not have information on the financing of nonprofit organizations abroad. "This information can be provided directly by the nonprofit organizations," Vladimir Titov, head of the Department for the Affairs of NGOs wrote in response to the information request. The Russian Foreign Ministry also advised to write to NGOs.
Organizations "The Russian world" and "Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad" did not respond to our information requests.
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation reported that funding issues for NGOs are not within the competence of the agency.
"Promoting the development of ties and contacts with compatriots living abroad is the responsibility of the Russian Foreign Ministry," Lomelyko Yulia, Deputy Director of the Budget Policy Department in the social sphere and science of the Ministry of Finance of Russia, wrote in response to the request.
"Within the framework of exercising its powers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia coordinates and controls the activities of its Federal Agency for the Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States Living Abroad and for International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo).
Beginning in 2012, budgetary allocations are made to provide subsidies to the non-profit organization "Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad" "in order to provide compatriots living abroad with comprehensive support," the Ministry of Finance said.
At the same time, the Ministry of Finance of Russia does not have information on the distribution of these funds.
The Ministry of Justice of Russia does not have information on the financing of nonprofit organizations abroad. "This information can be provided directly by the nonprofit organizations," Vladimir Titov, head of the Department for the Affairs of NGOs wrote in response to the information request. The Russian Foreign Ministry also advised to write to NGOs.
Organizations "The Russian world" and "Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad" did not respond to our information requests.
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation reported that funding issues for NGOs are not within the competence of the agency.
"Promoting the development of ties and contacts with compatriots living abroad is the responsibility of the Russian Foreign Ministry," Lomelyko Yulia, Deputy Director of the Budget Policy Department in the social sphere and science of the Ministry of Finance of Russia, wrote in response to the request.
"Within the framework of exercising its powers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia coordinates and controls the activities of its Federal Agency for the Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States Living Abroad and for International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo).
Beginning in 2012, budgetary allocations are made to provide subsidies to the non-profit organization "Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad" "in order to provide compatriots living abroad with comprehensive support," the Ministry of Finance said.
At the same time, the Ministry of Finance of Russia does not have information on the distribution of these funds.
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6
Mediators
According to Kovalchuck, influential figures are politicians Vicktor Medvedchuck and Nestor Shufrych. They could be mediators between Russian government and Rusyns and Russian organizations in Zakarpattia. Kovalchuck believes that Dymytryi Sydor, who was accused of separatism, could get money from Medvedchuck. Now Sydor does not influence on Zakarpattia politics because of SBU control.
According to Kovalchuck, Moscow could also recruits workers from Zakarpattia as SBU told.
In 2015, the Office of Security Service of Ukraine in the Zakarpattia region declared an official warning to leaders of the Regional organization protecting the rights of migrant workers and in the presence of their lawyer warned about criminal responsibility for crimes against national security, SBU told us.
It is confirmed by court's adjudications. In one case, a person who went to Russia was recruited by intelligence services and was given money to organize a protest in Zakarpattian city Khust under the slogan of providing Zakarpattian autonomy, recognition of Rusyns as a separate nation and establish an independent state of Carpathian Ruthenia. "However, due to the patriotic conviction when he returned home in Zakarpattia, he abandoned this task, but organized a peaceful action, which took place on August 6, 2015 in Khust" it's written in the adjudication dated by 25th July 2016.
The person was pardoned from his actions because he came to SBU and told the story.
According to Kovalchuck, Moscow could also recruits workers from Zakarpattia as SBU told.
In 2015, the Office of Security Service of Ukraine in the Zakarpattia region declared an official warning to leaders of the Regional organization protecting the rights of migrant workers and in the presence of their lawyer warned about criminal responsibility for crimes against national security, SBU told us.
It is confirmed by court's adjudications. In one case, a person who went to Russia was recruited by intelligence services and was given money to organize a protest in Zakarpattian city Khust under the slogan of providing Zakarpattian autonomy, recognition of Rusyns as a separate nation and establish an independent state of Carpathian Ruthenia. "However, due to the patriotic conviction when he returned home in Zakarpattia, he abandoned this task, but organized a peaceful action, which took place on August 6, 2015 in Khust" it's written in the adjudication dated by 25th July 2016.
The person was pardoned from his actions because he came to SBU and told the story.
Uzhgorod, the administrative center of Zakarpattia Oblast
6
Who is who?
Political analyst Yaroslav Kovalchuk is convinced that Rusyn movement is mistakenly associated with separatism. He gives some reasons for that.
"Hungarian and Rusyn minorities are associated with two states – Hungary and Russia. Rusyns are represented in public sphere like Russian collaborators. The last separatist statements were made by Russian-backed Rusyns headed by the priest Dymytriy Sydor. Some Rusyns who live in Russia threaten to start the war in Zakarpattia. Media reported about them a lot, not paying attention to other organizations that do not want to succeed", analyst explains.
All activists who called themselves victims of distorted media image agree with him, Those who proclaimed independent Zakarpattia are hiding from Ukrainian police in Russia. Russian and Rusyn activists who stay in their home region do not want to secede and are limited in their activities due to lack of funds.
"This situation is used by extreme right organizations in Zakarpattia to create the image of enemy and accuse all Rusyns as separatists. In reality, separatist threat is minimal in the region", Kovalchuck summarized.
"Hungarian and Rusyn minorities are associated with two states – Hungary and Russia. Rusyns are represented in public sphere like Russian collaborators. The last separatist statements were made by Russian-backed Rusyns headed by the priest Dymytriy Sydor. Some Rusyns who live in Russia threaten to start the war in Zakarpattia. Media reported about them a lot, not paying attention to other organizations that do not want to succeed", analyst explains.
All activists who called themselves victims of distorted media image agree with him, Those who proclaimed independent Zakarpattia are hiding from Ukrainian police in Russia. Russian and Rusyn activists who stay in their home region do not want to secede and are limited in their activities due to lack of funds.
"This situation is used by extreme right organizations in Zakarpattia to create the image of enemy and accuse all Rusyns as separatists. In reality, separatist threat is minimal in the region", Kovalchuck summarized.
