Crimea: A Disputed Territory
Background
The Crimean Peninsula is a major disputed territory located between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. As of April 2014, Crimea was still displayed as part of Ukraine on Google Maps. However, in April 2014, Google Maps began displaying Crimea as a disputed territory to most viewers, except for the Russian and Ukrainian versions of the map.
The 2014 Referendum
On March 16, 2014, an illegal referendum was held in Crimea. The referendum was conducted by unmarked Russian soldiers supported by some of the peninsula's ethnic Russian population. The referendum resulted in a 97% vote in favor of annexation by Russia. However, the referendum was widely condemned by the international community as illegal and illegitimate.
Russia's Annexation of Crimea
On March 21, 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to annex Crimea into the Russian Federation. The annexation was widely condemned by the international community, and sanctions were imposed on Russia in response.
Current Status of Crimea
Crimea remains a disputed territory. The majority of the international community recognizes Crimea as part of Ukraine, while Russia considers it to be part of its territory. Crimea is currently controlled by Russia, which continues to maintain a military presence on the peninsula.
Conclusion
The status of Crimea is a complex and unresolved issue. The annexation of Crimea by Russia has had a significant impact on the region and has raised tensions between Russia and the West. The future of Crimea remains uncertain, and it is likely to remain a disputed territory for the foreseeable future.
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