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Notes -
Market speculators seem quite optimistic about the potential gains that can be made in Ukraine after the fighting dies down. Or so they say on the news. I don't see a reason to doubt that claim considering the wealth of resources in the region.
The immigration conditions in the 2010's would not be the same as in the hypothetical where Russia is actively trying to repopulate the region. Considering the wild differences between those who live in cities and those who live in more isolated rural areas, I'd think the chance to move to a more centralized city with guaranteed employment would be quite enticing to many.
This is counterfactual. Russia accepts immigrants from all of the countries I listed. I specifically listed them because they are some of the countries that have had the highest levels of immigration outside of Ukrainians into Russia. To reiterate, considering the prior condition that this would be an option Russia wanted to take advantage of I don't see the relevance of your objections.
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