The Crimean Peninsula is a region located on the northern coast of the Black Sea in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by the Sea of Azov to the northeast and is connected to the mainland of Ukraine by the narrow Perekop Isthmus. The peninsula has a diverse landscape, featuring mountains, beaches, and fertile plains. Historically, the Crimean Peninsula has been a site of significant geopolitical interest, having been controlled by various powers, including the Ottoman Empire and Russia. In 1954, it was transferred from Russia to Ukraine, but in 2014, it was annexed by Russia, leading to ongoing international disputes.