All of the world's eyes are on Crimea as the threat of a war between Ukraine and Russia hangs in the air. While the capital city of Kiev has largely been the scene of Ukraine's recent uprisings, the tension shifted last week to this southern peninsula on the Black Sea that's located in a contested area and steeped in Russian history.
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Now Crimea is the epicenter of a standoff between so-called "self defense" forces siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's newly formed — and grossly underprepared — government. Home to one-fourth of Russia's Navy, Crimea is officially part of Ukraine, but operates under different rules. After armed soldiers in unmarked uniforms — who are believed to be working for the Russian government — descended on the region in the last week of February, Ukrainian leaders and Western supporters are cobbling together plans in case the worst happens.
The map above details the region and its relation to the areas that surround it. Explore the biggest events in Crimea, its ethnic diversity and language differences that make it one of the most important places in the world right now.
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