Carpathian Ruthenia, a province located in the northeastern part of Czechoslovakia, became the center of geopolitical tension in the aftermath of World War II. After the war, the region, which had undergone significant demographic changes, found itself amidst the expanding Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. By 1945, the geopolitical landscape of Europe had shifted dramatically, with the Soviet Union emerging as a dominant power. The annexation was marked by significant territorial claims based on alleged historical ties and national interests of the local population, which included ethnic Ukrainians and Hungarians.

The Soviet push for annexation was a systematic approach to consolidating its borderlands and extending its control. The outcome was largely predetermined by the Yalta Conference agreements, where the Allies had decided upon spheres of influence. By integrating Carpathian Ruthenia into the Ukrainian SSR, the Soviets not only extended their territory but also solidified their strategic hold over Central Europe. The local population's response was mixed, with some supporting the change due to aspirations for greater autonomy and others opposing the Soviet dominance.

Post-annexation, the region faced significant changes, including shifts in governance, cultural repression, and economic transformations as Soviet policies were implemented. The move drew criticism from the international community but was largely accepted given the context of the immediate post-war period. The annexed region served as a critical component of the Soviet security buffer against the West amid the onset of the Cold War.