Russia Black Sea Fleet may remain in Crimea after 2017, Yanukovych says

“Our relations should be friendly, pragmatic. We will return these relations in the format of historically friendly relations between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples,” Yanukovych told Rossiya-24 TV channel, UNIAN reports Feb. 13.
Asked about the future of Russia naval base in Sevastopol, Yanukovych said the issue will be considered in a packet with other security issues.

“I think, Russia Pres Medvedev’s initiatives on security are acceptable for Ukraine,” Viktor Yanukovych said. The BSF issue won’t be resolved at the detriment of Russia, it will be resolved in the interests of Ukraine. “I do not rule out that BSF will stay in Crimea after 2017,” Yanukovych said.