With the image on the map of disputed territories, the New York Times adheres to a "consistent policy", since it has always been a "sensitive issue," the American newspaper said. At the same time, the designation in this capacity of Crimea does not mean that Russia's position on the status of the peninsula is accepted, said the representative of the publication, Daniel Roades. "We believe that the map and our article gave a clear and accurate description of the situation in the Crimea" - quoted by RIA Novosti,. According to him, the peninsula "was clearly designated as a disputed territory". Earlier in the article of the American newspaper was published a map on which the Crimea was marked as a "disputed territory" and shaded by its one color with Russia, and the border of the peninsula with Ukraine was dotted. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed concern about this, said that he would appeal to the New York Times with a request to make corrections to the map. Crimea returned to Russia following the results of March 2014. referendum.

However, Ukraine regards the peninsula as its territory, and speaks of its temporary occupation. Residents of Crimea voted for reunification with Russia in a democratic way, in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter. And the question of Crimea "is closed finally," said Russian President Vladimir Putin. The New York Times is the second most widely circulated newspaper in the US and one of the most influential publications in the world. Only NYT has more than 100 Pulitzer Prizes.