Now they need permission to return
Ukraine`s president says Russian navy ships that were deployed to the Georgian coast will need authorization to return to the base Russia leases from Ukraine, according to AP.
Viktor Yushchenko`s decree Wednesday requires Russia`s Black Sea Fleet to submit a request to return to its base in the Crimea 10 working days before its planned return.The Russian navy squadron was deployed to Georgia`s coast as part of Russia`s onslaught on Georgia beginning last week.
Yushchenko`s announcement is certain to further strain ties between the Kremlin and pro-Western Ukrainian government.
Under a 1997 lease agreement, Russia`s Black Sea Fleet is permitted remain in the port of Sevastopol through 2017, but Ukrainian officials have said they want it out after that