http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47727000/jpg/_47727769_bsea_rex.jpgA Russian Black Sea fleet has been stationed in Sevastopol, Ukraine, since the late 18th Century. The lease was due to run out in 2017, but Ukraine has extended it to 2042 in return for cheap Russian gas.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47727000/jpg/_47727770_766ga.jpgThe base is home to more than 16,000 Russian servicemen, as well as a rocket cruiser, a large destroyer and about 40 other vessels.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47727000/jpg/_47727771_766_12.jpgIn 2008 the Mirage was among the ships deployed during the conflict between Russia and Georgia - a war that angered Ukraine’s then pro-Western government.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47727000/jpg/_47727772_511.jpgThe Moscow was the biggest warship of the Black Sea fleet, built under the Soviets in 1967. Like many other vessels, it remained in port and was eventually sold for scrap following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47727000/jpg/_47727773_s.jpgBut a monument to the Soviet sailors who died in World War II that still stands in Sevastopol recalls the era.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47727000/jpg/_47727774_766dddd.jpgThe corvette Ternopyl was the first navy ship launched in Ukraine in the last 12 years. It is seen here is berthed in Sevastopol in front of other Ukrainian navy ships in 2006.
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