Crimea: Home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet
PRESIDENT Putin has ordered Russian troops into the Crimea area of Ukraine, citing the need to protect his citizens living there.
But Crimea is strategically important to Putin as a military base for the Black Sea Fleet, and concerns have been raised that the President could use troops on the ground to move into Ukraine quickly, before Europe and America can react.
The fleet was founded in 1783 and is comprised of various ships and boats, including a submarine, guided-missile cruiser and a destroyer. It was based in Crimea after an agreement in 1991 when the Soviet Union was dissolved.
Under the now-deposed Ukrainian President Yanukovich, a deal was struck to extend the lease on the Russian base at Sevastopol until 2042 in exchange for a 30 per cent reduction in the price of gas, which Ukraine relies on for energy.
Many Ukrainians were unhappy with the deal, despite reports that Russia’s military presence at the base is weak.