Analytics, Baltic States – CIS, Direct Speech, Latvia, Legislation, Russia

"Crimea can "survive" only if it is connected with Russia or the breakaway states in Ukraine," Dauksts believes. "A further aim would probably be the establishment of new areas reaching Odessa and the Transnistrian region."

Dauksts said that Russia has to make an official announcement, especially concerning the coming presidential elections in Ukraine. He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already confirmed that the coming elections could be legitimate, but it is yet unclear how Russia intends to involve the unrecognized Ukrainian states in the discussions.

"[The Chancellor of Germany Angela] Merkel practically has also agreed that these breakaway states could be involved, according to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe standards," Dauksts said, stressing that the uncertainty of possibilities, desires and necessities will last until Ukrainian presidential elections.

"The moment the current Ukrainian government and the breakaway states representatives get involved in discussions, the presidential elections will be recognized. This is one of Russia's aims."