Yep, it was understood as GDP, but estimates of the GDP allocated to the territory that's now Russian ranges from 65 - 95%. MacGregor claimed 95% back in Sept.
Yep, this is a great contribution and observation. Consider the following:
Russia knew about the reserves when the rest of the world knew about them, if not before. For 9 years, Russia did nothing to take active control over those reserves. It refused to recognise DPR/LPR where the frackable shale gas is, and did not do more than secure Crimea and provide covert support to the DPR/LPR. It then backed the Minsk agreements that would have effectively resulted in Ukraine retaining control over the gas and oil reserves. If Minsk had been satisfied, DPR/LPR would have remained part of Ukraine.
if Russia was focused on taking active control of the reserves, it would have pursued different actions much earlier than 2022 when Ukraine was much weaker militarily and less stabilized politically, post coup.
It only formally recognised DPR LPR 2 days before it invaded.
That Russia now controls the reserves because of its invasion could be considered spoils of war.
Yep, it was understood as GDP, but estimates of the GDP allocated to the territory that's now Russian ranges from 65 - 95%. MacGregor claimed 95% back in Sept.
Yep, this is a great contribution and observation. Consider the following:
Russia knew about the reserves when the rest of the world knew about them, if not before. For 9 years, Russia did nothing to take active control over those reserves. It refused to recognise DPR/LPR where the frackable shale gas is, and did not do more than secure Crimea and provide covert support to the DPR/LPR. It then backed the Minsk agreements that would have effectively resulted in Ukraine retaining control over the gas and oil reserves. If Minsk had been satisfied, DPR/LPR would have remained part of Ukraine.
if Russia was focused on taking active control of the reserves, it would have pursued different actions much earlier than 2022 when Ukraine was much weaker militarily and less stabilized politically, post coup.
It only formally recognised DPR LPR 2 days before it invaded.
That Russia now controls the reserves because of its invasion could be considered spoils of war.