SEVASTOPOL. May 12 (Interfax-AVN) - The approved extension to the Russian Black Sea Fleet's stay in Sevastopol, Ukraine, will provide protection to both countries' borders in the years ahead, the fleet's commander, Alexander Kletskov, said.
"Everyone felt confident that the Black Sea Fleet will continue to reliably protect the southern borders of two friendly states, Ukraine and Russia. This agreement gives prospects for development of our fleet, which was and remains an important link between the two fraternal countries and nations," Kletskov said in an interview published in the Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) newspaper.
"Currently, plans are being made to not only re-arm the fleet, supply new ships and weapons, but also, equally importantly, to provide proper infrastructure for the Black Sea Fleet base in Sevastopol and other garrisons in the Crimea," the commander said.
The port currently being built in Russia's Novorossiisk, called the Military Haven, "will become one of the Black Sea Fleet's bases," Kletskov said.
"Three berths have already been erected. Shore protection structures are nearing completion. The fences are almost three kilometers long. They will become super reliable," he said.
Although all work is due to be completed in 2020, ships will be allowed to stop at the Military Haven much earlier.