Summary
The Sea of Azov, previously shared by Ukraine and Russia, was taken over by Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This significantly damaged Ukraine's economy, particularly impacting industries and exports that relied on the sea.
Key Facts
- The Sea of Azov was divided between Ukraine and Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
- Russia took control of the Sea of Azov after invading Ukraine in 2022.
- This invasion caused hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to flee, including Mariya Bubnova, a businesswoman from Mariupol.
- Mariupol is the largest port on the Sea of Azov and was severely damaged during the conflict.
- The loss of the Sea of Azov cost Ukraine about 10 to 12 percent of its GDP, largely due to the destruction of steel industry facilities.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the Sea of Azov as Russia's "domestic sea" and banned Ukraine from using it in 2023.
- Ukraine’s total economic losses, including resources from other occupied areas, are estimated at $12.4 trillion.
