Ukrainians condemn Apple's Crimea map change Published duration 28 November 2019

Ukrainian politicians and bloggers have added their voice to condemnation of Apple's decision to show Crimea as a Russian territory on its maps.

Russian ex-world chess champion Garry Kasparov added his voice, calling the decision "unacceptable appeasement".

Apple is yet to comment on the move.

The changes were announced by the State Duma, Russian parliament's lower house, in a statement, which described the former listing as an "inaccuracy".

"Crimea and Sevastopol now appear on Apple devices as Russian territory," the statement read.

image copyright Apple Maps image caption Apple Maps does not show a border between Crimea and Russia, to the east

Russia treats the naval port city of Sevastopol as a separate region.

The changes, which apply only in Russia, affect both Apple's Map and Weather apps.

Apple has been in talks with Russia for several months and had hoped to keep Crimea as an undefined territory, part of neither Russia nor Ukraine.

Google, which also produces a popular Maps app, also shows Crimea as belonging to Russia when viewed from the country. The changes happened in March.

When Google Maps is viewed from Ukraine, the maps show no clear border between Crimea and Ukraine but also no border between Crimea and Russia, according to BBC Monitoring.

Garry Kasparov's tweet read: "Apple changing its maps inside Russia to make Crimea part of Russia is a huge scandal. Regionalisation of facts is unacceptable appeasement."

He added: "Software is soft power. American tech companies should stand up for the values of innovation that made their success possible, not bow down to dictators for a little extra cash they don't even need."

Apple 'boycott'

Meanwhile Mr Prystaiko said: "Let me explain in your terms, @Apple. Imagine you're crying out that your design and ideas, years of work and piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb [somebody] ignorant doesn't give a damn about your pain. That's how it feels when you call #Crimea a Russian land."

"We guess Ukrainians not giving any thanks to @Apple this #Thanksgiving. So let's all remind Apple that #CrimeaIsUkraine and it is under Russian occupation - not its sovereignty," it tweeted.

Former Ukrainian foreign minister Volodymyr Ohryzko suggested that a boycott of Apple products might be one way to deal with issue.

"Trust me, they will hear [us] quickly. And will change everything quickly. Are there volunteers?" he asked on Twitter.

"Apple's actions are a disgrace. We need to show them that we are outraged. Send me your iPhones, MacBooks and iPads. I will burn them, honestly."