“A very expensive welcoming present for Russia. The vote was the fun part; now the bill is coming due.”
In the long term, this is an investment with the likelihood to pay off, big-time.
A secure blue-water port for Russia’s growing oil and gas exports is huge in itself. And the new Kerch Straights Bridge will be a combination car and rail connection to the Russian Mainland.
No more having to pay Ukraine rent on the Navy base in Sevastopol.
If its turned it into a few trade zone like Kaliningrad Oblast, it could even become a lucrative cash cow for Russia.
And Crimea again would become a summer playground for the Russian elite.