Crimea Map

Crimea: A Contested Peninsula

A Historical Overview

Crimea is a peninsula jutting into the Black Sea south of Ukraine. Various maps depict the region as part of southeastern Europe, though its ownership has been contested for centuries.

Current Conflict

The current conflict over Crimea began in 2014 when Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine. This move was widely condemned by the international community, which does not recognize Russia's sovereignty over Crimea. Ukraine and most Western countries view the annexation as illegal and have imposed sanctions on Russia.

Ongoing Tensions

Since the annexation, tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated. Russia has increased its military presence in Crimea and has been accused of human rights abuses against the Tatar minority, who are ethnically Turkic and indigenous to the region. Ukraine, for its part, has been strengthening its military and has vowed to retake Crimea.

Impact on the Global Stage

The Crimean crisis has had a significant impact on the global stage. It has damaged relations between Russia and the West and has escalated tensions in the region. The crisis has also raised concerns about the potential for further Russian aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere in Eastern Europe.