Ruska Roma

The Ruska Roma (Руска Рома), also known as North Russian Gypsies (севернорусские цыгане) or Khaladytka Roma (Халадытка Рома; lit. 'Roma Soldiers'), are the largest subgroup of Romani people in Russia and Belarus, with smaller remnants of the group living in Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, the United States, France, and Canada. They formed in the Northwestern part of the Russian Empire from the Polska Roma who immigrated to the country in the 18th century. Ruska Roma are divided into territorial subgroups, whose names come from the locality. For example, Pskovska Roma (from Pskov), Smolyaki (from Smolensk), Siberyaki (Siberian), Zabaykaltsi (Transbaikalian) and Bobri (beavers). Furthermore, Ruska Roma are related to Belaruska Roma: they have a common origin and were traditionally called Chaładytka Roma. The Ruska Romani language contains Russian, Polish, and German lexicon, as well as some Russian and Ukrainian grammar. Most Ruska Roma are Orthodox Christians.