24.11.2009
Source:
Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko who runs for a second term promised in his election program to withdraw Russian Black Sea Fleet by 2017.
"Russian Black Sea Fleet will be withdrawn from Ukraine by 2017 in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine and signed agreements", says Yuschenko's program promulgated Monday on website of Central Election Commission.
Previously, Yushchenko expressed hope that the Russian fleet would leave Ukraine by May 28, 2017. According to Russian-Ukrainian treaty of 1997, Russian ships are based in Sevastopol for a term of 20 years with possible prolongation. Ukrainian officials deprecate renewal of the agreement.
Framework agreement with Ukraine about Black Sea Fleet dated 1997 authorizes Russia to have over 100 warships of any type and up to 25,000 servicemen in Crimea and Sevastopol. Current manpower of BSF makes about 18,500. As of January 2009, there are 34 combat vessels in the Black Sea Fleet. Nevertheless, Yushchenko speaks out against Russia's escalation of military presence in Crimea.
