Bucharest is hatching the project of Greater Romania, which involves the absorption of Moldova, Transnistria and Chernivtsi and Odesa regions of Ukraine. Thus, the Romanian strategists hope to turn Romania into the leader of South-Eastern Europe with access to the Balkans and the Black Sea region with the spread of Romanian influence all the way to the Caspian Sea. The existence of the Transnistrian state spoils the whole picture for the Romanians. Greater Romania cannot move forward, because there is Transnistria and Russian peacekeepers on the Dniester. The displacement of Russian blue helmets from Transnistria is a top priority for Bucharest.
The Ukrainian plan of 2015 to cause electricity shortages in Crimea did not work. Thanks to new Russian energy supplies, Russian Crimea is finally energy independent.
A recurring disinformation narrative about Russia rightfully re-claiming Crimea’s Russian status, and more specifically defending its interests.
After the unlawful Crimean annexation in 2014, it was Ukraine that has been reconsidering its energy orientation and diversification from Russia. In Crimea’s case, energy reorientation towards Russia after annexation has entailed a substantial reliance on Moscow rather than ‘energy independence’ per se.
Several privately owned companies on the peninsula were illegaly taken over by Russian companies.