Under which ruler did Russia annex the Crimea, part of Poland , Western Ukraine and Byelorussia? Select one answer: Catherine II (the Great) Peter I (the Great) Anna Ivanovna Peter II

The correct answer is Catherine II (the Great). Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796. During her reign, Russia annexed Crimea, which was previously part of the Ottoman Empire. This event occurred in 1783, following the Treaty of Kuchuk-Kainchi, which ended the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774. Catherine II's annexation of Crimea significantly expanded the territory of the Russian Empire and increased its influence in the region.