Removal of Russian Fleet from Sevastopol Is Tragic Error

The exit of the Russian fleet from Sevastopol could prove to be the second unforgivable tragic error since the fall of the USSR, in the opinion of Crimean Parliamentary Speaker Leonid Grach. He said that the 'political idea of the re-deployment of the Black Sea Fleet came about because of a strengthening of the pro-NATO mood.

'The presence of the Black Sea Fleet is the only protection for Russia, the Ukraine and many other CIS countries in this explosive southern area,' said Grach. 'Bringing up questions on the re-deployment of the fleet to outside Crimea is equivalent to sinking the Black Sea Fleet, sinking its history, its pride and its perspectives.' In the speaker's opinion, a serious understanding between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine could solve the question of the re-deployment of the Black Sea Fleet.