Russia waits for Kiev's acceptable decision on the missile cruiser sale

28.02.2011 Moscow waits for acceptable offer from Ukraine regarding potential procurement of missile cruiser which has being built at Nikolayev shipyard (Ukraine) for 20 years, said Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov at press conference in Vladivostok.

"We expect acceptable decision", said the minister.

His Ukrainian counterpart Mikhail Yezhel said in his turn that the issue would be resolved in the nearest time and that many things had been negotiated.

"Without any anticipation and being a former sailor, I won't order to dismantle this 95% completed ship, especially after a visit to same-class Pacific Fleet cruiser Varyag", said Yezhel.

He emphasized that the cruiser previously named Ukraina now has no name; it is just "order No".

"I think, my Russian counterpart wants to have one more ship of this class in Russian Navy", said Yezhel.

"Yep, but for free", ironically added Serdiukov.

Answering the question about possible basing site for this ship, Russian defense minister concisely said: "In the Black Sea".