(RFE/RL) -- Ukraine has agreed to a lengthy extension for the Russian Black Sea Fleet's base in Crimea in exchange for a major discount on Kyiv's imports of Russian gas.
The lease on the base will be extended for another 25 years beyond the current term, which was due to expire in 2017. In return, Russia has pledged to cut the price Ukraine pays for Russian natural gas.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced the landmark agreement today after talks with newly elected Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
"Russia needed certainty about its navy base stationed [in Crimea] and now we have that certainty. We have signed an agreement that extends the stay of the Russian base on Ukrainian territory for another 25 years," Medvedev said.
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