The price for the lease of the Russian Black...

The deal, signed by the Russian and Ukrainian presidents on April 21, extends the lease on the Russian base in the Ukranian port of Sevastopol for 25 years after the current lease expires in 2017, and may be further extended by another five years. In exchange, Ukraine is to recieve a 30% discount on Russian natural gas supplies.

"The price asked for [the lease of the base] is out-of-limits," Vladimir Putin, who is currently in Ukraine on an official visit, said.

"But for us [Russia] this issue is not only a matter of money, but a matter of cooperation with Ukraine, cooperation in the military sector, which undoubtedly raises the level of trust and possibilities for credible work in economic and social sectors. This is most important," Putin said.

The Russian prime minister reiterated that under the signed agreement on the lease of the base Russia would pay over $40 billion over ten years.

"We could build several bases for this money," Putin said adding

Pages: [1] 2