Ruska Put' is a remarkable mountain pass in the Ukrainian Carpathians that has been a crossroads of civilisations since the Neolithic age. Sitting at 1217 m above sea level on the border between Lviv and Zakarpattia oblasts, it rewards visitors with authentic Carpathian scenery and a palpable sense of history.

The pass cuts through the Verkhovyna Watershed Ridge, just northwest of Mount Pikui (1406 m). The landscape here is quintessentially Carpathian — rolling alpine meadows, dense spruce forests and sweeping views across both slopes of the ridge. Summer brings lush greenery and peaceful solitude, autumn sets the beech forests ablaze with colour, and winter drapes everything in snow. A large metal cross standing at the pass marks the spot and sets a memorable atmosphere for any visitor.

• From the village of Lybоkhora (Lviv oblast) — hiking trail connecting Lybоkhora with Bilasovytsia, moderate difficulty, allow a few hours depending on your starting point.
• Tourist route 'Ridges of the Watershed Range' — runs from the village of Sianky to Mount Pikui passing through the pass; a demanding route suited to experienced hikers.

• The pass sits on an administrative boundary — carry an offline map or GPS device.
• Best season: summer and early autumn; winter access can be difficult due to snow and lack of infrastructure.
• The metal cross inscribed 'Руська путь' ('Ruska Put') is a great photo subject and a key landmark.

During World War II, the Soviet 1st Guards Army stormed this pass for 18 consecutive days without artillery support — the gun tractors simply could not handle the rocky ascents. That determination is written into every stone of this ancient route.