Do not be fooled by this article. Ukrainians are not doing this because they are pro Russia, they struck the deal because of cheaper oil. People were actually brawling over this in the parliment, however you will not see this on this Pro Russian web site.

Freedom, I do not think that RT is hiding the fact that some Ukrainians are against this landmark deal between Russia and Ukraine. However, Russia is at least purchasing a prolong lease of the Ukraine base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet with cheap Russian gas! Now, compare that to the U.S military occupation of Japan where Japanese government subsides U.S occupation military bases in that country. So, in comparison to the 100,000 strong anti-U.S showing in Okinawa, it is clear that the Russians are using lot of carrots to gain access to this strategic base.

I would love so much to have seen the look on Viktor Yuschenko's face (no bad joke intended) when this was passed!! Priceless!! I'd say this will also serve to keep Saakashvili in check

Someone play the imperial theme from Star Wars for comedic effect :)

American, With "imperial" do you mean the U.S.? Do you know there are many American bases in Western Europe, two of them in Spain which were built under the Franco Dictatorship, and we don´t receive much in exchange for those bases? The truth is that Ukraine and Russia have more in common from a historical and cultural point of view than with any Western European nation. Anyway, it is also true that bein the European Union the largest Market in the World, a $15 Trillion economy, it is logical that Ukraine, Turkey and Morocco want to be part of it. Probably all them will end joining the European Economic Area (EEA) as Norway.

Enrique, "The truth is that Ukraine and Russia have more in common from a historical and cultural point of view than with any Western European nation". If they have so much "in common" why there should be any Ukraine. It is HISTORIC ERROR, isn't it?

It seems to be a love-hate relationship. The Ukrainians love the money that comes in from the lease, but hates the presents of Russia and their fleet. in the Ukrainian, is, exactly the same situation the United States has with its bases around the world. It would be in the best intrest for Russia and its fleet to stay in Russia. I just hope the government of the United States would learn from this (taking the hint) and close down and pull out from the 130 military bases we have around the world. Good luck to you Russia and what ever decission you make. Pax.

Evertje, Good for Russia that the Black Sea Fleet will be allowed to stay an additional 25 years in Sevastopol. But more interesting is the question, " How did Russia lose possession of the Crimea, which used to belong to Russia since 1783?" Very strange!