Although the Swallow’s Nest castle high on the cliff above the beautiful Black Sea has become an icon for Crimea, Crimea is so much more than a castle or resorts along the Black Sea. Here are some of Crimea’s amazing natural wonders and ancient ruins. Photo #1 by Fr Maxim Massalitin
Bear Mountain (Ayu-Dag) in Crimea, a natural heritage site in Ukraine. One of 10 Crimean natural places entered into Ukraine’s top 100 Natural Wonders. National Geo listed Crimea as one of the best trips in 2013, but you can’t go see it right now. In fact, according to Wikitravel: WARNING: Crimea has officially been closed by both pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian forces. Armed pro-Russian gangs of young men have been said to be patrolling the streets at all hours and brutally beating and robbing anybody suspected of being Ukrainian or western. As the Russian invasion of Crimea continues, the US State Department encourages all travelers to divert non-essential travel to Crimea. If you must go be sure to exercise extreme caution, as the situation could quickly escalate. DO NOT in any case wear clothing with insignia of USA, EU, or Ukraine. Photo #2 by Oillin
It’s said that about 60% of Crimea’s population is Russian, since Crimea was part of Russia until it was ceded to Ukraine in 1954 by the Soviet Union. You may have heard that in the news, but we want to show you beauty and not strife. Did you know that Crimea has a Grand Canyon? This is one of the waterfalls in the Crimean Grand Canyon. Photo #3 by Сергій Криниця (Haidamac)
On the way to the Crimea Grand Canyon, Uch-Cosh clove. Photo #4 by idlhero
Campers at Fiolent Cape, Crimea. Cape Fiolent is along the Crimean peninsula between Sevastopol to Balaklava. It has volcanic origin and has numerous rocks of varying sizes from stones to minature islands. Photo #5 by dmitryburge
The lost lighthouse, Crimea. Photo #6 by wind of renovatio
A waterfall the photographer called “Jur-Jur” in Crimea. Photo #7 by Irene Mei
The Kara Dag (Black Mountain) is a volcano on the Black Sea in Crimea. There is also a Kara Dag Nature Reserve. Photo #8 by Max Bashirov
Golden Gate natural arch, Karadag nature reserve as seen from the Black Sea. The reserve was created in 1979 to protect Europe’s only Jurassic period rocky shoreline massif. Formations on the reserve came from extinct volcanoes. Photo #9 by Andrew (polandeze)
Crimean winter landscape, also tagged Ai-Petri, “the most famous mountain” from which to contemplate the beauty of Crimea. Photo #10 by Irene Mei
Above Laspy Bay, these rocks are called Devil Fingers. Photo #11 by Сергій Криниця (Haidamac)
Massive panorama of Balaklava Bay. Photo #12 by Petar Milošević
Balaklava underground was formerly a classified submarine base; it was operational until 1993. Photo #13 by Kyrylo Kalugin
St. Vladimir’s Cathedral overlooks the extensive excavations and Ruins of Chersonesos, Crimea. Chersonesus “is an ancient Greek colony founded approximately 2,500 years ago in the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula. The ancient city is located on the shore of the Black Sea at the outskirts of Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine, where it is referred to as Khersones. It has been nicknamed the ‘Ukrainian Pompeii’ and ‘Russian Troy’.” Photo #15 by Dmitry A. Mottl
Cave on Mt. Ay-Petri, Crimea. Photo #16 by thisisbossi
Esky-Kermen (Eski Kermen) cave town in Crimea was a medieval city-stronghold. Photo #17 by thisisbossi
Both Chufut Kale and Mangup Kale are cave-towns. Kale means “fortress” and Mangup is the biggest cavern fortress on the Crimean peninsula. There are ancient defensive walls, now ruins, still standing in Mangup. There are also caves, some still used as monasteries or temples. The biggest and the most unique cave is “Baraban Koba. There is a column inside it, and if you hit it, it makes a drumming sound.” The photographer called this Mangup shot, “A stone apartment.” Photo #18 by Nikolai Vassiliev
Mammoth bones in Marble Cave, Crimea. Although Marble Cave was not named as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Ukraine, it was nevertheless notable enough to be given a hat tip. Photo #19 by lizzzka_l4u
Chufut-Kale cave city served as another fortress in the middle ages. There are around 200 caves at Chufut that have been used as shelters, as churches, mosques, and prayer houses over the centuries. Photo #20 by thisisbossi
Adalary, island rocks of Gursuf, Crimea. Photo #21 by Сергій Криниця (Haidamac)
Looking toward Yalta from the ridge Kizil-Kaya, the Yalta mountain nature reserve. Yalta is a beautiful resort town along the Black Sea; the town has numerous historically famous and modern attractions. Photo #22 by Mevo (Павел Можаев)
Church of Christ’s Resurrection in Foros, Crimea. Photo #23 by Lexis_2k
Black Sea and tree growing on the rocks of the Crimean Mountains. Photo #24 by Fr Maxim Massalitin
Para-sailing by the Black Sea over the amazing Koktebel Valley landscape. Photo #25 by a’Shioji
Cape Martyan, near Nikita Botanical Garden, Crimea. Cape Martyan Reserve consists of 590 acres (240 hectares) divided almost evenly between land and the adjoining Black Sea. Photo #26 by Tada008
Besides these natural wonders, Crimea has incredible architecture and many man-made wonders like the Swallows Nest, a castle built for love, but steeped in sad history. Photo #27 by Fr Maxim Massalitin
Autumn waterfall in the forest of Crimea. Photo #28 by Irene Mei
Sunlight and Crimea mountains as seen from a helicopter. Photo #29 by Vlad Аrchic
View of Balaklava as seen from the Genoese fortress. Photo #30 by Tomasz Wojtyś
Genoese fortress in Sudak, Crimea. It was founded in 1371. The fortress was built atop an ancient coral reef formation now located 492 ft (150 m) above sea level. Photo #31 by TPG
The area around Crimea has seen many wars over the centuries and has many ruins. The photographer wrote, “This photo was taken during a hike nearby Sudak. The hills were gently rounded and the landscape was somewhat similar to that presented in ‘Fallout’ video games (out-of-order gas stations, giant rusted tanks etc., no people at all). We came upon something looking like a small, abandoned farm. The place was so perfectly and precisely ruined it looked almost like a movie set! It seemed that the only inhabitants were this cow and a pig, resting in mud nearby.” Photo #32 by Lukasz Kryger
The Russia – Ukraine conflict, more stormy times ahead for Crimea? Cloudwave over Khaphal. Photo #33 by Kyrylo Kalugin
Double rainbow over Village Tankovoe, Bakhchisaray district, Crimea. Photo #34 by Kosun
Storm, water spout, on the Black Sea. Photo #35 by Sergey Galyonkin
Different perspective in Crimea, yellow cable car over Yalta. Photo #36 by Alex Akopyan
“The Ring” — creepy capture in a Crimean cave. Photo #37 by Anton Bielousov
Crimea, lighthouse at dawn. Crimea…Ukraine’s or Russia’s? Not even taking into account the fabulous resort temperatures or seaside military advantage, it’s not hard to see why any country might want Crimea as their own. Photo #38 by Anton Bielousov
WOW!! I had no idea this country had showcases like this.
How beautiful; what a wonderful place to visit, relax and enjoy the fabulous architecture and sample their traditional foods.
If only that was possible – unfortunately it isn’t and such a shame.
These photos are amazing, never in my wildest dreams di I believe one place can be so beautiful.
Thank the sponsors of these wonderful pictures. Will keep them on my computer, as I do a community
TV channel for seniors that all love beautiful thins,
I enjoyed viewing this beautiful scenery, which, without your sharing i would never be able to know how wonderful the country of Crimea truly is. The castles/fortress’ and strongholds retain their majestic wonder through all the years . I thank you very much for posting these photographs.
Crimea is NOT a “country.” jms
Why not?
that would be like calling new jersey a country. it’s a section of the ukraine, which IS a country, containing crimea.
And you are not a human…
Ukraine is a beautuful country
Beautiful !!! Thanh you very much for sharing these pics.
I love traveling by computer. You bring such varied, interesting and beautiful sites to the screen, and I can stare ar them as long as I like. Thank you
[…] ΠΗΓΗ […]
I do too, see so much wonderful areas when one is not able to go there because of health, money or afraid to venture there because of the political climate.
[…] ΠΗΓΗ […]
wonderful
Makes me wish I had been able to tour this country before it has so many trials and is no longer safe Iwould have loved to see all these places in person .
I’ve been to Crimea 3 times, as part of a team of Christian business leaders teaching business to owners of companies in Crimea, a lovely corner of our planet, and full of wonderful people. These photos bring back pleasant memories.
What does being Christian have to do with it? It clearly reveals “business” isn’t the business you were interested in.
Why does it disturb you so much that someone describes themselves as a “Christian businessman?” There is nothing offensive about it. It should immediately identify the fact that his teaching of business will include a strong personal/professional ethic for honesty and fair play. It also opens the door to discussions of faith and Truth. As Christians, we are obligated to spread the Gospel message to others. It always seems to me that those who complain because someone is willing to identify as a Christian publicly are troubled souls who know they are wrong in believing there is no God or are afraid to accept the possibility that their unbelief might be in error. By the time you find out for sure that you are wrong, it will be tooooooo late. Sad but true. I pray you see the light in time. God Bless.
Tom Stark,
Perfect response to a hurting searching soul. I pray that someone else comes across Wades path with some more answers for him and at some time he will make a decision for Christ.
BTW, those are beautiful pictures.
do you seriously think that one is either christian or an atheist that doesn’t believe in god? get real! the attaching a statement of faith to a secular endeavor would seem to me to cheapen the religion and compromise the business aspects. one can teach business or one can be a missionary for jesus, but to try and combine the two puts one in an immediate, and major, conflict.
my question is, do you reserve teaching business practices if they won’t listen to lessons about christianity? i have seen that sort of thing happen before. if so, it immediately undermines any claims to honesty and fair play.
Breathtaking pictures.truely eye candy.
These are among the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. They are a must see!!!
Magnificent! I had no idea that Crimea such beautiful scenery as this.
The photos are fascinating and appealing. But so are photos of Mars. Not a lot of difference in terms of habitability.
geesh… how about air and water?
Beautiful. Too bad it’s being pillaged and a pawn of egos.
Ron & JerriAnn, Thank you for sending us on this breathtaking journey this morning, our almighty God has made some beautiful places for us to enjoy, we would never have been able to see this if not for your thoughtfulness in sharing. God bless both of you. Jim & Janice
God is Beauty and Magnificence and all that is Good and Glorious. We can not begin to comprehend the beauty of our heavenly home with Jesus Christ! Thank you, God, for giving us just a glimpse of Your glory here! Bless you for sharing this!
Gorgeous photos. There is just so much beauty in this world.
Thank you for putting a “face” on an unknown land. Such beauty and history!
No wonder the Russians want to retain Crimea. It is quite uniquely beautiful. kas
Not too much more to write as the above clearly expresses my feelings. Thanks
sad pictures make me i think i wouldlike to go there its like so many beautiful places you have to be so wary
I am not at all surprised that the Rusians would want to have control of such a beautiful part of our world.
What a hard life this portrays. Beautiful, but very rough living. Of course the architecture is amazing engineering and very lovely. But the common folks and all the wars must be so hard.
It is beautiful, but will Russia maintain it while being in control in the time? Stolen goods are not always appreciated.
Looks like a lovely place to live.
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL
Interesting and beautiful area. As usual, perhaps only politicians or preachers can spoil it … lets hope they don’t.
The Crimea has often been fought over. Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote “The Charge of the Light Brigade” about the Crimean War in about 1854. It starts out with “Half a league, half a league, half a league onward, on to the valley of death rode the six hundred.” It’s a beautiful area and the Ukrainians are wonderful people. They are not ethnically Russian, just like Lithuanians are not.
Nancy, You brought memories back from The Blindside when Mr. Tewey was talking to Michael Orr about writing an essay about The Charge of the Light Brigade. Thanks for giving me even more of a reason to read it. Loved all the pictures. Beautiful country – hope it can stay that way and maybe one day be a destination to which I can travel.
Don, Thanks so much for sharing. Crimea is gorgeous but so sad they have had such trouble.
Hi Augie, I’ve been to all these places and I’m sorry about what is happening in the Ukraine-no country deserves that fate, I’ glad however that our countries and Europe are staying out of it- else we would be blamed for everything.
I wish them all to get where they want to be.
Inge
I cannot express the sadness I feel for these people. Another fanatic starting his claim to rule the world. BEWARE !
These photos exemplify peace. Unfortunately, they are not living it .
C’EST D,UNE GRANDE BEAUTÉ
An amazing beautiful country, and I sincerely hope and pray that the people of the Ukraine will be left in peace very soon.
Rene, Have you ever worked at AWC in Baton Rouge, La.
Beautiful place. Some of my ancestors came from Crimea to th BlackSea town of Turkey. I would have loved to see the place.
Breathtaking sights! Who knew?
I went to the Ukrain back in 2004, but to my sorrow I didn’t get to go to Crimea. I had no ideaa that it is so beautiful IT’S TRULY A BEAUTIFUL PLACE
Very impressive indeed — never realized such beauty in the Ukraine.
Remember the people of Crimea voted to be part of Russia. It was always part of Russia and the majority of people speak Russian. They do not want to be part of the EU or NATO. Can you blame them?
The people who voted for Crimea to be a part of Russia were the Russians living in that region, and people bussed in from Russia (one poll had 124% in favour of the union….) and probably Russian military personnel stationed there.
The Ukrainians, ethnic Crimeans, and other groups there did not vote in any significant number.
Grand photos of a still (relatively) pristine/unspoiled Crimean Peninsula -a gift to Ukraine by then Soviet & Communist Party leader Krushchev ‘honoring with affection our fraternal friends & neighbors’! Now Putin (& his proxies/stooges) have forcefully grabbed it back! That is hardly surprising given Russia’s lack of other warm water/ice-free ports, & Putin’s all-too-apparent fear that a new revolutionary & more nationalist Ukraine gvmt that is clearly Moscow-resistant-(God forbid!)-meaning they assert their right to steer their own country on it’s own course & to fulfill its own destiny independent of constraints by Moscow! However post-WWII history clearly shows that for any country within -or adjacent to- Moscows sphere/orbit to assert such a right particularly whenever & wherever the term ‘fraternal relations’ have been applied to it -is- in Moscow’s eyes & those of most Russians (& I’m married to one) conveniently tantamount to- fascism!! If Putin feared that could well have led to an ending by Kiev of the Russian leasing of those ports or maybe Kiev’s leveraging of Russian access to them to procure lower Russian gas pricing-then-it becomes hardly surprising that he chose to abbrogate Krushchevs gift of Crimea & grab it back! He did that handily via military pressure & by ‘stacking’ Russian residency-votes-so-yes-hardly surprising! It does certainly ‘give the lie’ however to any past or recent Russian statements of “fraternal relations’ which of course-as post-revolution history shows- was & still apparently is- merely a euphemism for “you my friends belong to us! You are ours”!! Little has changed in that regard since Comrades Stalins/Krushchevs/Breshnev’s days! —and so -my friends- it goes!
Absolutely Beautiful Breathaking scenery,pictures A place to see and admire
who wouldn’t want to visite this place ,
I love seeing the World through the eyes of others. I am also astonished at time by my own ignorance. I had no idea of the Crimea, but do now. Thank you.
Unique and beautiful ! As for ‘ownership’. in historical terms,
it evaporates with time.
What a beautiful part of Gods creation and the knowledge given to mankind
GOURGEOUS!!! Thank you.
I’ve never been to the Crimea. Would love to visit it one day.
There are many wonderful places everywhere in the world, and many of them are at war not because of ethnic Russians or their political leaders. Russians are not warlike.
There are over 100 ethnic groups living in Russia who are not ethnically Russian.
Muy bello. Traducir al español o francés GRACIAS
Tres beau. Very beautiful.
What amazing history.too bad us Americans know little of this place.
The pictures show the beauty of the country.
Thanks be to Almighty God for creating such beauty!
travelling with a skilled photogrpaphers eye is the way to learn.maps dont work for me.hope people there will get along and preserve the beauti…..
thanks
Such a beautiful country ! …politics aside, places like these are few and far between Preserve !!
These take ones breath away. Beautiful. What valuable treasure.
What a beautiful place, hope that it remains that way.
I knew a summit, with Churchill, FDR and Stalin was held at Yalta, but did not know exactly why it
was there. Such a gorgeous place. Now I know.
It is amazing that such beauty has been fotographed in the Crimean area. I only hope that now, that the Krim is back under russian administration, will allow to be visited by all that love such beauty!
Boy,oh boy what a beautiful country blessed by God.Whatever the politics of the day let them preservere the beauty of this place for ever.I only know of its existence in detail because of current events happening there.Or else faintly remember the infamous ‘CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE” FROM MY SCHOOL DAYS.Thank u so much for the wonderful pictures.
I lived in Ukraine all my life!
It’s a beautiful peace of land, nobody knows about.
Now this beauty in Satan hands Russia.
I feel for Ukranian people.
FYI 80% is Russian speaking in Ukraine who doesn’t know.
It was mandatory Laungauge when it was USSR.
And no Ukranians was voting to be part of Russia. Russians
are thefts big time in our beautiful peaceful Ukrainian land.
Beautiful area I’m shocked not to see Putin on a surf Board
Ron..Thank you so much for sharing this truly magnificent 37 pictures of Crimea beauty of which (20 of them some I had seen in Australia itself).I am in awe…The breathtaking scenery, has some replica like, depicting one of Australia’s awesome fascinating landscapes. The God sculpture wonders are in Tasmania Australia, with or without snow, rock formations, the breathtaking splendour beauty of the waterfalls and farms depicts on Australia beauty as well…
I love to travel online and see the unique world, but I also wants and love to travel on foot, before too long, I hope I get this opportunity to see God natural wonders again.
The medieval fortress and castles are of unique art of truly a labour of love in engineering intelligence…must be the place, is not prone to earthquake tremors or extreme bad weather. The ethnic Crimeans portrays a hard life living yet they know how preserved their history.
Thanks again my friend for sharing this amazing formations of natural wonders and it’s people. God bless and have a blissful weekend.
ty ne maja holubko siwa, i ne maja krasa teaja,
…. czto ty diwczyno ne maja !
Crimea was given to the Ukraine by Nikta Kruschev in 1954, prior to that it was part of Russia. The Russians said he was drunk at the time he gave away Crimea. Well if that is true, then he must have been drunk!
Wow absolutely beautiful photos
Ukraine is the Hidden Pearl inside the shell.Until all the unrest of the past year, Ukraine was a destination that seemed skipped from most travelers to Europe/Eastern Europe.I’ve been to Kyiv & L’viv I thought L’viv was an “Absolute Gem” with Kyiv being a close second. The most underestimated country of the the region.How just think that no foreigners were allowed into Sebastapol until Independence from the Soviet Union.
IT IS BREATHTAKING.BEAUTIFUL.
V BEAUTIFUL PLACE–MUST TRY AND C THE PLACE
Beautiful indeed. How I wish I also could be at Crimea with my family. A day may come and I long for it.
Hats off for making the beauty into pictures for the world to cherish.
The photographers need to be honored for their fabulous pictures of fabulous Crimea!!
Absolutely stunning….
breath taking sights. My parents fled Russia in 1923——mother was born in the Crimea–never been back–nor have I ever been or seen such beauty. she often spoke of the beauty of it-=-but we never had any photos–in those days it was all about survival. thanks so much 4 the insights. M
I was lucky to have visited Ukraine and Crimea in particular a couple of yeas ago and I was surprised myself for the beauty and histoy of the place. Crimea and Yalta in particular was the Summer destination of rich Russians something like Florida is for the Americans. The Tsars had Summer Palaces there one of them called Livadia palace where last Tsar Nicholas and Alexandra lived with their family.
In February of 1945 the Yalta conference took place where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met to divide the world after WW2.
Also in near by city of Alupka is the Summer Palace of Vorontsov a must see in a beautifull setting overlooking the Black See.
You can look up on Google all these and more about the Crimea peninsula. The amazing cathedral of Alexander Nevsky with its golden domes.
I almost didn’t visit he Museum of Panorama which houses the largest war painting by Franz Roubaud “The siege of Sevasopole” because I wasn’t interested in war paintings.
Thank God I desided last minute to see it because it was the most amazing thing I ever saw. It was a 360 degrees “balcony” overlooking the battle of Sevastopole,and you thought it was happening right there in front of your own eyes.
If you ever go there DO NOT miss it. And so many many other beautiful places.
And to think that it was the last place I ever wanted to visit.
Have a deep Russian military heritage. Was glad to see the photos! Have visited most sites.
I am so glad & happy that Crimea is now part of the Russian Federation ! I am confident Crimea will be maintained as world top class tourist site. Am saddened that irrigation water in the North part of Crimea was turned off by Ukraine..Why! WHY??? Water is a renewable resource !!< but Putin's Russian Federation is solving that..
God’s handiwork is truly awesome. How can anyone doubt His existence? With all the negatives we hear concerning that part of the world, it is humbling to see such beauty. Keep the photos coming. What beautiful work you do.
Those wonderful photographs show that when humans are not present, the world is a beautiful place.
One of the most beautiful places on earth. My wife is from Crimea, her family is Russian. We go back every year…except this year after the illegal annexation of territory by Russia. My wife’s family has a place just down from the old fortress in Sudak which is pictured above. A very beautiful place. In the 20 years of Ukrainian independence from Russia’s domination Crimea received little attention or investment. Russia’s take-back of Crimea was all about preservation of their navy base and potential profit for Putin’s cronies, the gobbling up of real estate. For the people of Crimea I hope to see better conditions for the future, same for Ukraine. Hopefully the systemic corruption which has robbed the common people in both countries (Russia and Ukraine) ends and progress is made which benefits more than the “connected” few parasites which have taken advantage of the rich resources both nations possess. Sure wish Crimea had become independent of both Russia and Ukraine. It would have become more of a tourist destination and opportunities for working people would improve. Wonderful people in Crimea, they deserve a government that works to their benefit, allows their economic progress, and ensures their safety and judicial fairness. Same could be said for many places…
Beautiful and fascinating sites. Ah, to be able to freely roam and appreciate these wonders. By the way, the word “country” can be used to refer to an area as opposed to a political state, which accounts for one stating it is a beautiful country.
Beautiful pictures! I had heard of the “Russian Riviera”, but these pictured sites are so lovely!
I wish that I had been able to travel there. Thank you for vicariously taking me there!
Betsy
Wow! What a beautiful surprise this morning to see those amazing pictures.
My wish is for peace between the two country. It very sad to see what is happening,and seem there is no end to this war,it;s getting worse.
Will it bring the 3rd war?….
SO very beautiful, & to think that it will be destroyed,
by GREED. AS the BIBLE STATES, THOSE OF GREED, WILL BE
DESTROYED BY THEIR OWN GREED. IT’S A SHAME.
Thank you so much for these incredible beautiful photos of Crimea ….
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing, and I shall forward to friends to view and enjoy. Would love to visit this peaceful place. It’s truly a 7th wonder of the world.
Have been all over Ukraine and spent some time at Yalta just love the place and the people are so great
Visited the sub base and ports also lots of the castle so much history wish there was some pease for everyone and not greed from some factions plan to visit many more times
God is truly the master artist. Who and Why would anyone doubt it.
Why is is that everything beautiful is gods doing. When a disaster hits god will take care of the people.the people in the surrounding area will take care of the now homeless, hungry.
Why don’t your god keep the isis from destroying great statues and other symbols. I would like to see what man has built, carved over the many, many years. I have traveled some what, but god must have forgotten these toys of people like the isis.
I have nothing against one that has their god. I go to meetings that some ‘joker’ is asked to bless the food, welcome back, etc. I stand and put up with the nonsense. However, some one will say 99% like it, never knowing the 10-12% just put up with it.
well, I got to go back and look at the pictures of god’s creation.
[…] satellite image of Sivash Lake in Crimea. Sivash is also known by the unfortunate names of the Putrid Sea or Rotten Sea. Earth Snapshot said […]
I was very fortunate to have visited Ukraine and Crimea on two occasions, which I enjoyed totally. I had a feeling that Ukraine was accepting too many Russians into the Country. It seems that my feelings were well founded, with the problems now in progress. On that subject, we were in Poland a few years ago and the tour guide, very proudly, told our group that Poland “kicked” the Russians out of Poland. In retrospect, it seems that Ukraine should have taken the same action, which probably would have prevented the crisis that is now occurring in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
Yes your thought on the Ukraine are ours also we have toured many times the Ukraine as my wife is from Kharkov and visit her son just love down at Yalta and spent many months walking the trails and up on the mountain.
We have many friends there and feel upset what Russia has done at home in NZ we watch Russian TV as I have a business in this field and have travel 100 of places in the world .
We love Ukraine and wish things would go better for them and not the currptionwithe people in charge
sir Roger A K