Russia Asserts Crimea's Status in UN Map Debate
Maria Zabolotskaya, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, stated that Crimea and other territories, the ownership of which was discussed by several delegations during the Equal Earth map projection discussion, are part of Russia.
Consensus
- The Equal Earth map projection was approved by the UN General Assembly.
- The map shows Crimea as part of Russia in the Russian-language version.
- The Russian-language version of the map includes a note stating Crimea is under Russian control and its status is disputed by Ukraine.
- Ukraine abstained from voting on the resolution.
- The U.S. opposed the resolution.
- The resolution is non-binding and recommends updating educational materials and using more accurate map projections.
- The Equal Earth projection was developed as an alternative to the Mercator projection to better represent true land area proportions.
- Russia's UN envoy Maria Zakharova stated that Crimea has been part of Russia for centuries and that its reunification was based on free referendums.
- Zakharova referenced the UK's position on Crimea and urged it not to say 'never' about recognizing territorial realities.
Points of divergence
- Zakharova said the territories were part of Russia for centuries and their people expressed desire to return through free referendums, emphasizing that self-determination was realized in accordance with the UN Charter. — vm
- In English and Spanish versions of the Equal Earth map, Crimea is shown in gray without additional notes or status clarifications, unlike the Russian version. — vesti
- The UK representative previously stated that London does not recognize Russia's claim to Crimea. — riamo
- Ukraine's UN envoy Andrei Melnyk said Kyiv considers it unacceptable to depict territories under Russian control on the map, as it contradicts Ukraine's position on sovereignty and territorial integrity. — vesti
- NASA showed a map during a solar eclipse broadcast in August where Crimea was marked as part of Russia, separated from Ukraine by a line indicating state border. — vm
Coverage (3 sources)
- Zabolotskaya: Crimea is part of Russia, this is confirmed by referendums — РИАМО
- Zabolotskaya: Crimea and other territories are part of Russia — Вечерняя Москва
- Equal Earth marked Crimea on the map in the same color as the Russian Federation — Вести