Moscow - The Ukrainian troops stationed in Crimea can either leave their base and go to mainland Ukraine or stay in Crimea and serve in the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
“All the Ukrainian military servicemen in Crimea have been offered to make a free choice: either to leave their bases and head to mainland Ukraine to serve there or engage in civilian activities, or stay in Crimea and continue serving in the Black Sea Fleet, but the Russian Black Sea Fleet,” he told State Duma on Thursday, when asked about the fate of the Ukrainian Navy servicemen.
“As far as I know, many have made a choice in favor of staying and serving in the Black Sea Fleet,” the minister said.
“Those who decide otherwise have no problem relocating from Crimea, they, I heard, are even getting material and organizational assistance from the Crimean authorities to ensure all this is done properly,” Lavrov said.
“The people of Sevastopol respect the Ukrainian servicemen who make either decision,” the foreign minister said.
