to Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, while its southern portion is, de facto since 2014, a part of the Russian Republic of Crimea. The entirety of the spit was occupied during the annexation, although Russia withdrew its forces from the northern Kherson side in December 2014. The entire spit has been back under Russian control since 25 February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 5 January, Vladimir Saldo, head of the Russian occupation authorities in Kherson Oblast, stated that a new city would be planned on the split. He urged preferential mortgages be offered to attract residents from the Russian Federation. Populated places The rural communities of Henicheska Hirka, Shchaslyvtseve and Strilkove are located in the northern section of the spit, within the Kherson Oblast. The community of Solyane is located in the southern part of the spit, administered as part of the Republic of Crimea. Tourism Arabat Spit is a popular place for summer vacation among Ukrainians because of the warm water of the Sea of Azov. There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses on the first line of the sea. Arabat Spit is popular among kitesurfers and windsurfers. See also Spits of Azov Sea Bay of Arabat Barrier island Notes References Bibliography Shutov, Yu. "Арабатская стрелка" (in Russian) Tavria, 1983 External links Detailed map of the Arabat Spit Spits of Crimea Spits of the sea of Azov Russia–Ukraine border Divided regions