Russia's Black Sea Fleet must prepare for its withdrawal from the Ukrainian territory from now on, Ukrainian Defense Minister Anatoly Gritsenko said on Tuesday.

Work must begin now on a concrete plan for withdrawing the Russian fleet in accordance with the time frame agreed on by Ukraine and Russia, the minister said.

According to a 1997 accord, Russia's Black Sea Fleet can remain in Ukraine until 2017, and during that period, Ukraine will provide all necessary conditions for the Russian troops to fulfill their duty, he said.

The two sides will continue consultations over Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine, Gritsenko added.
 
After years of bitter argument, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement in 1997 on the division of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet that allowed the Russian Navy to remain in the Crimean port of Sevastopol until 2017 for an annual rent of US$93 million.

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2006)