Crimea's Economy: Ukrainian Model vs. Russian Model - Econ Lessons

[TexasTowelie]

If Crimea is returned to Ukraine, what will the future economy look like compared to the Russian illegal annexation? My video explores two diverging economic futures for the region. Under Ukrainian governance, Crimea could evolve into a thriving, innovation-driven hub—like Estonia, Ireland, or Taiwan—integrated with Europe and open to global markets. Imagine tech parks, sustainable tourism, and startup ecosystems along the Black Sea.

In contrast, the current Russian model resembles a fortified outpost—isolated, heavily subsidized, exploitative of the environment, and cut off from foreign investment, more like Kaliningrad than Singapore. With sanctions deepening and trade restricted, is Crimea on a path toward stagnation or revitalization?

I compare these competing economic visions through real-world models, asking: Which future best serves the people of Crimea and the region?