Russia, Ukraine prolonged BSF deployment on 25 years

21.04.2010 Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement extending Black Sea Fleet (BSF) deployment in Crimea after 2017, reports RIA Novosti.

The document was signed on Apr 21 after negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Viktor Yanukovich held in Kharkov, Ukraine.

According to Medvedev, duration of Russian BSF deployment in Crimea has been prolonged on 25 years with potential further extension on 5 years.

As for Viktor Yanukovich, Ukraine views on BSF deployment in the context of European collective security system; Russian fleet would become a guarantor of such security.

Russia encouraged Kiev's clearness in BSF issue and will abate gas prices for Ukraine, added the Russian President.

Gas discount for Ukraine will be $100 per 1,000 cubic meters, but not more than 30%; the discount will be actual for 30 bln cubic meters in 2010 and 40 bln cubic meters in further years. Russia will support Ukraine with gas resources to the amount of $40 bln and also provide participation of Black Sea Fleet in socioeconomic development of Sevastopol, added Medvedev.

New agreement should be ratified by Ukraine's Supreme Rada [parliament], said Oleg Voloshin, director of information policy department of Ukrainian foreign ministry. According to Nikolai Tomenko, speaker of Supreme Rada, prolongation of BSF deployment at Ukrainian territory is possible only after amendment of the Constitution and all-Ukrainian referendum.

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 Alexander Kletskov. 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.