MOSCOW, October 25 (AVN) -- Russia's military security will largely depend on Ukraine in the many years to come, Alexei Arbatov, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee for Defence, said on Monday.
Ukraine's geostrategic position, its 400,000-strong army, 4,000 tanks, 1,000 planes and 20 naval ships are key elements of the strategic balance of power between the NATO and the Union of Russia and Byelorussia, Arbatov said. According to him, it is very important to maintain partnership with Ukraine, as even in case tensions mount between Russia and the NATO, Ukraine's neutraility will enable Moscow to maintain security by its interior resourses.