“Talks on the prospects of Russia BSF withdrawal should be high on our agenda. It’s time we started discussing the withdrawal – it is a civilized approach to be taken in our mutual relations, Pres Yushchenko stressed.

According to Yushchenko, the withdrawal implies redeployment of over 100 vessels and sizable infrastructure. To redeploy the fleet in accordance with the existing agreement, Russia must have ample time. That is why we have to face that this sensible moment in our relations has come and we have to face the fact, Yushchenko added.

The incumbent referred to the country’s constitution banning the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. “I am the guarantor of the constitution, and I must speak about such things openly,” he stressed.