Publication

This paper discusses the risks of destabilization in Ukraine's southwestern Zakarpattia Oblast following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The author states that while there are similarities between Zakarpattia and Crimea, such as the independence of local elites and the desire for autonomy among ethnic groups, it is unlikely that what happened in Crimea will be repeated in Zakarpattia as Russia only has limited influence in the oblast. However, he also suggests that demands for decentralization in Zakarpattia - if not addressed by Kiev - could lead to destabilization in the territory.