Apple faces backlash after apps show annexed Crimea as part of Russia following pressure from Moscow
- Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 in a move condemned by most of the global community
- The seizure of the peninsula led to an uprising in eastern Ukraine that has claimed more than 13,000 lives
Russian lawmakers said on Wednesday that Apple had complied with a demand from Moscow for Crimea to appear as Russian territory on its maps and weather apps.
“Let me explain in your terms, @Apple,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko wrote on Twitter in response to the news. “Imagine you’re crying out that your design & ideas, years of work & piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb ignorant doesn’t give a damn about your pain. That’s how it feels when you call #Crimea a [Russian] land. “@Apple, please, please, stick to hi-tech and entertainment. Global politics is not your strong side.”
The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States tweeted: “We guess Ukrainians [are] not giving any thanks to @Apple this #Thanksgiving!”
As of Wednesday, the Black Sea peninsula and its largest cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol were being displayed as Russian territory on Apple’s apps when used in Russia.
Moscow has put pressure on foreign companies to recognise the peninsula as an integral part of its territory.
Some Ukrainians responded by calling for a boycott of Apple devices.