You're reading: Lavrov: Russia, Ukraine not going to start ‘political games’ with Black Sea Fleet

The basic Russian-Ukrainian agreements over the Russian Black Sea Fleet are not called into question, however, talks continue over a number of agreements, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"There are situations where the absence of a legal framework creates problems. But under the current Ukrainian leadership we have an absolutely reciprocal understanding that instead of trying to start some political games, given the lack of specifics of these agreements, one should sit down and settle these issues professionally and competently," he said in an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station.

"Basic agreements over the Black Sea Fleet have been signed, they are absolutely beyond anyone’s doubt, but these basic agreements stipulated that various details regarding matters that will arise during the presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet on Ukrainian territory will be agreed upon in additional agreements," Lavrov said.

"And several dozen such agreements – additional, sectoral, industrial, if you will – have already been signed. There remain some draft documents which are in the negotiating process. They focus on the procedure of movement of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet servicemen in Ukraine in situations where they have to move from one base to another, which involves crossing territories not covered by the basic agreements. These are absolutely practical issues – they need to be resolved," the minister said.