Tag: carpathians

So far, there’s no telling what Ukraine’s response might entail……………

May 14, 2026–

****this peice has been updated from its original publication********

This is going wildly under-reported in Western media circles, aside from Hungarian propaganda which still persists despite the fall of Orban (cue the smut peddling Hungarian Conservative) .

But since I follow some of the more underground Ukrainian journalists, it got on my radar.  One of these is Milana – not to be confused with Melania— who is conducting special coverage on Ukrainian – Hungarian Politics, and I recently read her analysis which stated, “The comments under Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Anita Orban her post on condemnation of russia were even more interesting: the Hungarians assumed that the attack on Transcarpathia (for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia) was a provocation of the Kremlin aimed at a new government led by Madiar. And so: we need to unite with the Ukrainians.”

In response to the russian attacks on Transcarpathia, Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar,, has “summoned” the russian ambassador to the “carpet”…….

russian politicians are carpet baggers in my country too….and I understand they take it blood red…….

Will Hungary’s summons be an effective source of pressure to protect the region from russian terror… or will a more effective response be called for……. And who ever could make such a thing happen…………..

These are the questions that remain left wide open, especially for an active imagination……………………..

Transcarpathia is a mountainous region in far Western Ukraine. Since I follow military circles in Ukraine I have picked up on an interesting cultural note, some of the American foreign fighters in Ukraine seem to think that you can hang out in the mountains and be “safe”. Just take a look at this dialogue i got from the Ukraine foreign legion reddit page from one soldier who suggested to the other soldier to “hang out” until the winter is over ……….

And NBC reported at the beginning of the war, what seems like ages ago but in the grand scheme of things is a short period of time, that the Carpathians are viewed by civilians as a safe harbour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFkZ3huoFw 

In Southwest Florida where I live, I have even encountered a Ukrainian man who escaped the war by wandering through the forests of these mountains with his friend for 2 days straight… only to be spit out into Polish territory, to be reunited with his woman who fled to the states with his two very small children.

What other secrets can be kept hidden by this region, is an endless sea of possibilities i am sure…. 

But up until now, Transcarpathia, which comprises of both Ukrainian and NATO territory, has been considered one of the safer regions in Ukraine. 

Even while the war grinds on, there are all types of activities and major festivals that continue to be hosted, such as the major international sports event coming up in Bukovel known as B.E.S.T.….

And if the kiss-fest at the foreign legion is safe, surely we’re all safe…………

 But now, can we carry on at ease, knowing four years into the war, the Carpathians have been hit for the first time ????????

I asked my friends mother who resides there now if it would be safe to go and bring my children. She does not even bring her own children. She says, due to russian energy terrorism, there are still alarms….still rotations of electricity that even affect the Hungarian side.I gave her a newspaper to bring back to the region, which featured an article I wrote about a certain military Commander who is also from the region. I thought it would be a nice souvenir to know how the Americans continue to stand with Ukraine in spite of the Trump admins botched diplomacy………which has been compensated with by deep strikes into russia’s urals……among other swampy territories of russian persuasion……….

I have not yet been to the Carpathians, but I hope to go there soon…. And I know how mountain life can be as each year I spend time in our mountains here on America’s East Coast, the Appalachia….. Because of their isolated nature, these regions maintain a very strong and distinct culture resilient to the zig-zagging of states borders with its uniquely preserved history that is not quite conveyed as it is across the rest of the nation………. And as far as warfare goes, from which the last domestic military conflict in America was over 1 and a half centuries ago during the civil war. During those tragic times, our mountains provided not only refuge for communities…but given its rough terrain and secret hide-outs for ambush, a slowing point for invasion………..

In our mountains, I have aimed to bring a little bit of Ukraine every year. Whether it be posting flyers to raise funds for the military, or visiting my friends like a Judge I know from Tennessee… who in the middle of this tiny mountain town, hangs a Ukrainian flag right at his office location. 

One of my favorite things about mountains is its unique agriculture……. The Appalachia is called as it is because of its “Apple” orchards…. But for me, as a goat farmer, the most special is it’s a perfect location to raise goats……………..as goats are adept at ranging pasture in those hard to get peripheries ……….

I am linked with some folks from the Carpathian region, among them are law students, financial advisors, artists, doctors, heads of churches….even a former American governor….

The Carpathians are in the protection of the territorial defense forces and border guards which include the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, the 101st Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and the 5th Zakarpattia Infantry Battalion, 

This past year, I have had the privilege of meeting a Sergeant from the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade. He has been in my country doing important diplomatic work at the US Capitol, and his figure has been quite elevated in Ukrainian American political circles, and can speak both Ukrainian and English quite perfectly…  among his activities, was recovering from a severe wound, and now went on now to help his comrades recover ,,,,,. 

And, maybe because it’s because I’m an idealist

Or because there are few things that have the power to make my mind wander like the Ukrainian military does…

But especially that Transcarpathia has been hit……..

And though it would be a pity to interrupt such important diplomatic efforts here in America, particularly, navigating such Special geopolitical terrain……steep and dangerous…. just like the Mountains…………….

I cannot help but be deeply inspired by the image of the same soldier, in a most noble and valiant tale……………like the Cossack brothers who came before him…with him….and most importantly, after him……. Drawn out from deepest depths of mordar…with accompaniments and notes from the doctrines of US military…and prove if what they say really is true………if what they profess is actually superior to all else………in a return to the most elevated position at the highest altitude…….riding in on his stallion up difficult terrain….. to grace those mountains once more….

As the Gospel Revival from America’s bible belt adorned by the great smokies and blues is proudly sung………..

“go tell it on the mountain………”

– Alexandra Zakhvatayev

Kyiv Free Press