The important role Crimea plays in Russia’s Ukraine campaign
Kyiv civilians shelter in metro as Russian missiles rain on Ukraine's capital
Crimea's main strategic importance to Russia lies in its control of the Black Sea and access to warm-water ports.
Russia's claim to Crimea, based on historical settlement and a Russian-speaking majority, ignores Ukraine's historical ties and the forced displacement of local populations.
Trump's suggestion that Crimea should remain under Russian control disregards Ukraine's sovereignty and history.
Russia's seizure of Crimea in 2014, facilitated by pre-existing naval presence, served as a crucial bridgehead for the full-scale invasion of 2022.
Control of Crimea now provides Russia with a logistical hub, air defence base, and command centre for the whole Ukrainian campaign.