Red Army captures Crimea after defeating White Army in 1920

The Sivash region, also known as the 'putrid sea', is located on the Crimean Peninsula and is characterized by a series of shallow, multicolored lagoons filled with a variety of algae. A satellite photo taken by Landsat 8 on September 5, 2014, showcases these striking lagoons, which contain high levels of salinity and silt. In addition to their visual appeal, the Sivash lagoons are ecologically significant, housing diverse salt-resistant plant species and large populations of migratory water birds. The area is protected under the International Convention of Wetlands. However, the geopolitical landscape shifted in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, regaining control over the region. Historically, the Sivash was strategically important, playing a role in various conflicts, including the Siege of Perekop during the Russian Civil War in November 1920. The Red Army launched a successful surprise attack against the White Army by traversing the lagoons at night, which ultimately led to the Soviet forces seizing the Crimean Peninsula. The conflict marked a significant moment in the shifting power dynamics of the region, as the Bolshevik forces aimed to consolidate control over Ukraine amidst the chaos of civil war. This historical precedent has further complicated the modern-day struggle for sovereignty over Crimea, highlighting the long-standing tensions within the area.