Ukraine-Russia links marred by Luzhkov’s claims to Sevastopol

Ukraine foreign ministry has seriously taken Luzhkov’s claims to Sevastopol, believing they run counter to the recently established constructive and good-neighborly relations between the two countries, director of FM information policy Oleh Voloshyn told The Korespondent on July 19. 

Voloshyn assured Russian political leadership is strongly committed adhere to the territorial integrity ands sovereignty of Ukraine.

The continuation for 25 years of the lease by Russia of the Sevastopol naval base has laid a long-term foundation of stability in our relations. No radical declaration can damage this stability, Voloshyn added. 

July 19, Mayor Luzhkov told journalists in Moscow that he didn’t change his attitude as to the status of Sevastopol as a Russian city. His claims to Sevastopol are well substantiated and nothing has changed or will change in his attitude, Luxhkov confirmed.

May 11, 2008, speaking in Sevastopol Luzhkov said the city is a naval base of the USSR and had never been ceded to Ukraine.

In retaliation, Ukraine security service banned Luzhkov entry in Ukraine, with the then president, Yushchenko, condemning such declarations.

When the Regions came to power in 2010, Luzhkov’s name was dropped from the black list of unwelcome visitors. On July 10, Luzhkov attended the birthday festivities of Viktor Yanukovych in Crimea.