Based on my research, here is my analysis of this claim:

Reasoning:

• Ukraine declared political independence on August 24, 1991, and this was overwhelmingly confirmed by a nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991, with 92.3% of voters supporting independence¹². Russia formally recognized Ukraine's independence on December 5, 1991².
• However, political independence did not equate to "total autonomy," particularly in economic and business matters. Between one third and one half of Ukraine's trade remained with the Russian Federation after independence².
• Ukraine remained heavily dependent on Russia for energy, with up to 75% of annually consumed gas and close to 80% of oil coming from Russia after 1991². Russian firms owned and/or operated the majority of Ukraine's refining capacity³.
• In 1992 and 1993—immediately following independence—Russia suspended gas exports to Ukraine multiple times due to payment disputes, demonstrating ongoing energy dependence rather than autonomy⁴.
• Ukrainian businessmen continued making deals with Russian state firms, serving as middlemen for energy transshipment across Ukraine⁵. The dissolution of the Soviet Union split the pipeline system but created major ongoing economic interdependencies⁶.
• Many Ukrainian enterprises lost suppliers and receivers in Russia after administrative restrictions were imposed, but this reflects the deep entanglement of their economies rather than true separation⁷.

Overall validity: 85%

1. Ukraine is reliving a promise it made on this day in 1991 | Russia-Ukraine war | Al Jazeera
2. Russia–Ukraine relations - Wikipedia
3. Economy of Ukraine - Wikipedia
4. Russia's Use of the Energy Weapon: How Russia Manipulates Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltic States
5. Reflections on Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. in the Post-Soviet World
6. The role of Russian gas in Ukraine – European Council on Foreign Relations
7. Trade Relations between the Russian Federation and ...