Former cruiser Ukraina will be completed with Russia involved – Ukrainian defense minister

31.03.2011 A Project 1164 cruiser (formerly known as Ukraina) will be completed with participation of Russia, said Ukrainian defense minister Mikhail Yezhel during press conference at 61 Communards Shipyard, Nikolayev.

"The cruiser's future will be determined in negotiations with Russian party. But I'm sure the decision will be positive", underlined Yezhel.

According to the minister, he had discussed this issue with his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdiukov on March 25 in Moscow, reports ITAR-TASS.

"We're elaborating the options for this ship", said the minister. "Russian defense minister is going to come to Ukraine in April, and we'll definitely visit the shipyard", he said.

While inspecting the yard, Yezhel checked the Project 1164 missile cruiser and "made sure the ship was in proper condition", reported defense ministry's press service.

The ship has been under construction since 1986. Such ships are designed to counter carrier strike groups. In July 2010 Ukrainian parliament deprived the cruiser of the name Ukraina.