Rusyn erasure refers to a process or tendency that results in Rusyns being misrepresented, delegitimized, or appropriated. The most common example of Rusyn erasure today is in the state policies of Ukraine, which has on different occasions done many of these actions. Rusyns in Subcarpathian Rus are often portrayed as agents of foreign states and are unable to voice their true opinions in state media. In addition, inaccurate census results like the 2001 census in Ukraine which stated that there were only 10,100 Rusyns in the entire oblast are used to discount Rusyn identification across the region.

Reinforcement of these systems of erasure by ethnic Ukrainians in social settings is common though not widespread throughout the entire population or only limited to them. In Slovakia and Poland, there have been efforts to cover up crimes committed against Rusyns during the 20^th century and to downplay the Rusyn heritage of certain regions. Often both the government and ethnic citizens of these countries will attempt to displace the blame from themselves and onto the former Communist system.

Fighting back against Rusyn erasure is not a simple task, and often times you may be in danger by doing so (especially in Ukraine). Take extreme caution unless you are skilled in how to deal with potential backlash. As a general rule, the first thing one can do is to not debate with definitions and conclusions that are based on Rusyn erasure. For example, if someone argues that the issue of Rusyn rights in Ukraine is not a legitimate concern because they are less than 1% of the population in Subcarpathia, do not argue based on this fact. Instead, refocus the conversation on why that fact is wrong and that systematic erasure has led to the current condition of the Rusyn people. Highlight the responsibility of the person and the state in this discussion. If they are progressively orientated and interested in European values, focus on how these actions are misaligned with those concepts.