News- Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested formally recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, potentially overturning America’s long-standing stance against the annexation. Crimea.
About Crimea
- Location– Crimea is an autonomous republic located in southern Ukraine.
- Maritime Borders– It is bordered by the Black Sea to the west and south and the Sea of Azov to the northeast.
- Other connections:
- It is connected to mainland Ukraine by the narrow Perekop Isthmus (8 km wide) and separated from the Sea of Azov by the Arabat Spit.
- The Kerch Strait links Crimea to Russia, now connected via the strategically significant Crimean Bridge.
| Historical Significance: Historically known as the Tauric Peninsula, Crimea has been a contested territory, witnessing the influence and rule of various empires, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Russians. Its location has historically made it a prized geopolitical asset in the Black Sea region. |
Topography and Natural Resources:
- The southern coastline is dominated by the Crimean Mountains, with Ai-Petri as a prominent peak.
- Rivers like the Salhir and Alma traverse the interior regions.
- The Kerch Peninsula in eastern Crimea is rich in iron ore, mud volcanoes, and mineral springs, promoting mining and spa industries.
Administrative and Strategic Centres:
- Simferopol is the administrative capital of Crimea.
- Sevastopol, a deep-water port, holds strategic military significance as the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
