Ukraine is about to raise lease payment for Russian BSF

12.04.2010 Ukraine considers possibility of raising lease payment for Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) naval base in Sevastopol, said Ukrainian premier Nikolai Azarov.

Nikolai Azarov intends to inform the sum of a new lease payment during meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

According to Azarov, Russia has not offer Ukraine to extend terms of BSF presence in exchange for any privileges.

Annual lease payment for BSF basing in Sevastopol makes $90 mln, Ukraine receives these money under agreements of liquidation of gas debt which is $2.3 bln, reminded Azarov. However, since 1995 and 1997 when were signed the treaties of BSF to be based at Ukrainian territory till May 28, 2017 Russia has increased gas price in several times.

Black Sea Fleet is an operational-strategic formation of the Russian Navy which primary objective is maintenance of Russia's military security at the Black Sea. Black Sea Fleet HQ is located in Sevastopol. Here are some BSF naval bases: Novorossiysk, Sevastopol, under construction are bases in Novorossiysk and Ochamchira (Abkhazia). Since July 17, 2007 BSF Commander is Vice Admiral Kletskov Alexander Dmitrievich. Manpower of Black Sea Fleet numbers about 25,000. The fleet comprises somewhat 50 warships, including ASW ships, landing craft, diesel submarines, missile boats, minesweepers. Breakup of the Soviet Union affected Black Sea Fleet adversely: according to bilateral agreements between Russia and Ukraine tied in 1995 and 1997, Russian Black Sea Fleet and Ukrainian Navy were established on the basis of Soviet BSF. At present, greater part of BSF infrastructure is located at Ukrainian territory, being a firing line between governments of the two countries; Ukrainian leaders has continuously tried to incriminate Russian BSF in violations of signed agreements.