27.04.2010
Russian State Duma on Apr 27 ratified agreement between Russia and Ukraine about prolongation of Russia's Black Sea Fleet (BSF) deployment in Ukraine. There was a live broadcasting of parliamentary session on "Rossiya 24" TV channel. All 410 lawmakers involved have voted for ratification.
Liberal Democratic Party (40 MPs) refused to participate in voting. Prior to the session, leader of the party Vladimir Zhirinovsky questioned that Ukraine would fulfill the agreement.
Earlier on, this agreement was ratified by Ukraine's Supreme Rada. Despite disorders in the parliament chamber, 236 MPs supported ratification while 226 votes were enough.
The agreement was signed last week by the presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Viktor Yanukovich in Kharkov. In accordance with the document, Black Sea Fleet will stay in Ukraine till 2042; besides, the parties have a right to extend the agreement for 5 years. Beginning from May 2017 Russia will annually pay $100 mln to Ukraine as a lease payment for the naval base. In addition, once the document becomes effective, Russia will grant a rebate on gas purchase for Ukraine.
