Ukrainian MFA: Russia cannot afford buying of cruiser Ukraina

13.10.2010 Russia does not purchase Ukrainian uncompleted cruiser Ukraina due to lack of money, said Oleg Voloshin, the head of Information Policy Dept, Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The talks about sale of cruiser Ukraina are held at the level of certain authorities. We've already done our part of the matter, and as far as I know the question is an elementary and simple thing – money", he said.

The official reminded that "on the one hand, Russian leadership voiced intentions to purchase this cruiser. It is well-known that there are no any political obstacles from our side. We've even renamed the cruiser and are ready to hand over this cruiser to Russia on the only condition that Moscow would execute all financial obligations".

According to Mr. Voloshin, Ukrainian defense ministry has more detailed information as of the course of negotiations.

Viktor Yanukovich stated in May 2010 after the meeting with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev that Russia would complete cruiser Ukraina which is analog to Black Sea Fleet flagship missile cruiser Moskva; the cruiser has been staying at Nikolayev shipyard since the breakup of the USSR.

The delegation of Russian Navy arrived to Nikolayev in July 2010 and confirmed the potential procurement of the uncompleted cruiser.

Almost at one time with that the Supreme Rada [Ukrainian parliament] ratified the decision to rename the ship into 1164. Appearing in the parliament, defense minister Mikhail Yezhel admitted the fact that the ship would face "further realization".

Russian magazine National Defense wrote that after 20 years of idle staying at the shipyard's quay Ukraina anyway needs modernization.

"Apparently, it is necessary to calculate what will it cost and decide whether the game is worth the candle", underlined the editors.