Ukraine is about to impose new taxes on Russian naval base in Sevastopol, writes Kommersant on Feb 15.
The issue of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) deployed in Crimea was raised on Feb 14 at the meeting of Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and his Ukrainian counterpart Konstantin Grischenko on occasion of 20-th anniversary of Russo-Ukrainian relations. According to Kommersant referring to a source in Ukrainian delegation, Kiev wants either to lay taxes on BSF assets not used for intended purpose or return them into Sevastopol municipal property.
In addition, Ukraine is going to put tax on some goods delivered from Russia for needs of Black Sea Fleet based in Sevastopol. “ Russians say the cargo is, say, foot wraps. What if there are yachts instead? We should clear it up” , explained the interviewee.
According to current agreements, Russian Navy may have base in Sevastopol till 2047. The lease extension issue was settled in 2010 in exchange for gas discount for Ukraine, reports the newspaper.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 16, 2012