Russia approves bill on Black Sea Fleet's movement in Ukraine

The Russian government has authorized the Russian Foreign Ministry with the participation of the Defense Ministry to conduct negotiations with Ukraine and sign the agreement without making any amendments of a principle character.

The draft agreement envisages that the Black Sea Fleet's command is obliged to inform a duty officer of the Ukrainian Navy about a planned route of the Russian servicemen on the territory of Ukraine 72 hours before the scheduled troops' move and 24 hours at least in emergencies.

In April 2010 Russia and Ukraine agreed to extend the term of presence of the Black Sea Fleet on the territory of Ukraine for 25 years - until 2042, after the previous deadline set for the Black Sea Fleet's presence in Ukraine expires on May 28, 2017.

Russia pays Ukraine 100 million dollars per year for the lease of the Ukrainian territory plus additional funds Ukraine gains at the expense of lowering the price of gas Russia supplies to Ukraine.