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Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Russia fleet 'may leave Ukraine'
2008-10-19
Russia's deputy PM has told the BBC the country's Black Sea Fleet will vacate its naval base in Sevastopol in 2017 if the Ukrainian government demands it. Speaking exclusively to Panorama, Sergei Ivanov said Russia would seek to renew its lease on the Crimean port, but will move the Fleet if it cannot.
I wouldn't take this as gospel ...
The move will anger nationalists who consider Sevastopol a part of Russia. It is feared the port could become a flashpoint in already strained relations between Russia and the West.

Asked if he could envisage the Fleet not being based in the Crimea - its home for the last 225 years - Mr Ivanov, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's number two who oversees Russia's military and industry, said: "Yes I can imagine that easily after 2017. Why not, if the Ukrainian government then in power decides not to prolong the lease?"

It will also surprise the West where in the wake of the war in Georgia many fear Moscow could seek to reclaim parts of the Crimea by force to secure the Fleet's future.
Posted by:john frum

#5  No mention whether the Russians have any intention of Crimea remaining Ukrainian in 2017.
Posted by: ed   2008-10-19 19:51  

#4  Per Wikipedia, according to the 2001 Ukrainian government census, 71% of the population of Sevastapol is Russian already.
Looks like a good excuse for Russia to invade the Sudetenland, er Crimea, to protect their citizens.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia   2008-10-19 15:21  

#3  I suggest as a first step making them get visas.
Posted by: Tranquil Mechanical Yeti   2008-10-19 13:18  

#2  Russia has been quietly doing in Crimea what it did in Ossetia, providing ethnic Russians with valid Russian passports.

It would therefore be a very good idea for Ukraine to start a very gradual policy of encouraging Russians to leave Crimea--more carrot than stick, as they have about eight years grace if they are lucky. The fewer Russians living there when the time comes, the better.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2008-10-19 12:54  

#1  at least all that can sail under their own power
Posted by: Frank G   2008-10-19 12:38  

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