After Ukrainian independence in 1991, most of the peninsula was reorganised as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The Soviet fleet in Crimea was in contention, but a 1997 treaty allowed Russia to continue basing its fleet in Sevastopol.

Crimea, autonomous republic, southern Ukraine. The republic is coterminous with the Crimean Peninsula, lying between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. In 2014 Russia covertly invaded and illegally annexed Crimea, a move that was denounced by the international community.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Crimea was formed in 1992, although the republic was abolished in 1995, with the Autonomous Republic of Crimea established firmly under Ukrainian authority and Sevastopol being administered as a city with special status.

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The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed a major overnight strike on Russian air defense systems, radars, and a logistics depot in occupied Crimea, alongside attacks on Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Perspective: Crimea was Putin’s trophy. Ukraine is turning it into a test of command, supply lines and political nerve.

While the takeover of Crimea was nearly bloodless, the situation in eastern Ukraine quickly descended into a state of open warfare that claimed more than 10,000 lives over the next four years.

Crimea, formerly known as the Tauric Peninsula, is a peninsula in Eastern Europe surrounded by the northern coast of Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Simferopol is the capital city of the Crimea, officially part of Ukraine.

Crimea seems set for more suffering, however, as Ukraine’s campaign appears to be mounting.