A New Political Party Emerges in Western Ukraine: Scrutinizing the Founders and Baloha Family Ties of 'Strong Transcarpathia'

A New Political Force Emerges

According to Главком: A new political entity named 'Strong Transcarpathia' was established in Western Ukraine on January 6, 2026. The party is led by Vasyl Khainas, the director of the Novodavydkivska secondary school in the Mukachevo district. This development is noteworthy as the party was originally registered in Odesa under the name 'Gypsy Party of Ukraine'. Khainas confirmed the acquisition of this political vehicle, stating he resides in Transcarpathia and decided to form the party there. He emphasized that 'Strong Transcarpathia' will focus on local elections, particularly in anticipation of the war's eventual conclusion. The formation of such regional parties often signals shifting political dynamics ahead of local electoral cycles.

Party Office and Alleged Connections

The party's office is located at 21 Andrey Sheptytsky Street in Mukachevo. This address is notable as it houses a shopping center owned by local businessman Pavlo Baloha, the son of non-aligned Member of Parliament Viktor Baloha. Several businesses registered at this same address-'Sebereg', 'Lavky Park', and 'Sedid'-are directly or indirectly controlled by Pavlo Baloha.

This connection raises questions, as another party, 'Team of Andriy Baloha', is already active in the region. Andriy Baloha, Viktor's elder son, has served as the mayor of Mukachevo since 2015. However, associates close to Viktor Baloha have denied any link between the Baloha family and 'Strong Transcarpathia', describing it as a purely local project. As one interlocutor stated,

“This is a local political project to which the Baloha family has no relation.”

Thus, 'Strong Transcarpathia' has entered Ukraine's political arena with ambitions to influence local elections, while simultaneously prompting scrutiny over its potential ties to influential regional political figures. The party's emergence highlights the complex interplay between new political ventures and established power structures in Ukraine's regions.