The Cupertino tech giant has updated its navigation, Apple Maps to show dispute territory “Crimea” as part of Ukraine but only outside Russia. When Russia had occupied and annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Apple Maps showed the territory as part of Russia but as neutral territory to the rest of the world. However, the recent Russian attack on Ukraine has pushed the tech to revert the location of Crimea on Apple Maps.
In late February, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine claiming it be an act of self-defense against NATO’s expansion in the region and to reclaim its historic land. In just seven days, since the crisis began, more than one million refugees have fled Ukraine and several lives have been lost.
Resolved to fight the invading forces till the end, Ukrainians are also seeking help from international leaders and tech companies to force Russia to stop its military offense. Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov wrote to Apple CEO Tim Cook to explain the situation of the country after the Russian military attack and requested to stop selling Apple products and services in Russia. Later the tech giant stopped selling products on its official online store and limited its services in Russia.
Apple Maps and Weather apps show “Crimea” as Ukrainian territory
As noted by Mashable, both Apple Maps and Weather apps now display “Crimea” as Ukrainian territory, almost after seven years. Previously, in an official statement, Apple announced certain changes as a deterrent to the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Apple paused purchases via its online store in Russia and said that it is supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The company also reported that it has disabled traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine for the citizen’s safety, along with limiting certain services. It did not mention changes to Maps and Weather apps.
“We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region.
We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports into our sales channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services have been limited. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App Store outside Russia. And we have disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with the relevant governments on the actions we are taking. We join all those around the world who are calling for peace.”
However, Mashable reports that Apple services are still live in Russia. And suspension of Apple Pay is related to financial sanctions on some Russian banks by the international community.
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