Medvedev: BSF base in Sevastopol is essential for Europe and NATO

18.05.2010 As for Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, Black Sea Fleet (BSF) base in Sevastopol is important not only for Russia but for Ukraine, Europe and NATO as well, since it maintains stability and security in the Black Sea region.

Russia and Ukraine agreed to extend deployment term of Black Sea Fleet (BSF) in Crimea for 25 years after 2017 when the previous agreement is expired; the new document provides possible further prolongation.

"It is critical for Russia to maintain this base, because it's a component of security system. It seems to me that BSF base does no harm to anybody; furthermore, it preserves a status quo in the region", said Medvedev at the meeting with students and professors of Kiev State University, Ukraine.

Russian leader reminded that with dissolution of the Warsaw Pact late 80's the balance was disrupted. As for Medvedev, that led to "tectonic changes at Europe's political map". Most of armed conflicts were triggered just because of that, said Medvedev.

"I'm always wary of changes in security system. That is why – and you know Russia's stance – we're displeased of further expansion of NATO. I don't mean that we go against NATO; we do have partnership relations with the Alliance. However, NATO is a military block and Russia is not a member. So, the closer NATO to our frontiers, the more uncomfortable we feel", underlined Medvedev.

Therefore, Russia's benefits of Black Sea Fleet deployed in Sevastopol are obvious, said Russian president. "In my opinion, no less apparent are advantages for Ukraine and Europe, since we're maintaining an old-established risk sharing system", he said.

"To me, that is the true point to maintain the naval base [in Sevastopol] and prolong the lease agreement [till 2042]", added the president.

Medvedev pointed out that strategic stability was among other reasons to pay equivalent $40 bln to Ukraine for lease term extension of BSF base. There were different points of view on this decision in Russia, reminded the president.

"In Russia there are different opinions on that issue. Some say this [prolongation of BSF deployment in Ukraine] is really good, for Russia keeps its base and that component of stability which I mentioned before. Others think that the price is too high comparing to foreign examples. The U.S. and NATO pay less, indeed", said Medvedev.

"But it is our understanding that this is not just a sort of equivalent exchange. That's an element of our Eurostrategic stability and our strategic relations with Ukraine, after all", underlined Medvedev.