INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ukrainian politicians and bloggers have added their voice to condemnation of Apple's decision to show Crimea as a Russian territory on its
maps.Ukrainian foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko tweeted: "Apple, please stick to hi-tech and entertainment
Global politics is not your strong side."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 copyrightApple MapsImage 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
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 TheIndianSubcontinent 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."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."Ukraine's US embassy was equally critical on Twitter."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
And will change everything quickly
Are there volunteers?" he asked on Twitter
But popular blogger Anton Hodza, while outraged, took a more light-hearted approach
"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."
