The swift annexation of Crimea from Ukraine by Russia is one of the biggest international incidents of recent years, with global condemnation leading to sanctions and the worrying possibility of armed conflict.

It raises an uneasy question: Is Crimea worth it?

In symbolic terms, it's a huge loss. The Crimean Peninsula holds an important place in the region's history, and the inability to prevent the region from joining Russia is a serious test of leadership for the new Ukrainian government in Kiev.

In practical terms, however, what Crimea means for Ukraine is less clear. In an article last week, The Post's Will Englund noted that Crimea may end up costing Russia more than it might like. And what does Ukraine really lose?

This graphic from The Post's graphics team puts it in perspective.



(Darla Cameron and Gene Thorp / The Washington Post)

For a larger version of this map, click here.