Speaking of missile defense bases, Russia “expects” to be allowed access to parts of those bases. “A non-permanent presence, meaning limited visits, changes nothing except to reinforce our suspicions,” Prime Minister Lavrov said. “We welcome the idea of a permanent Russian presence and a permanent check, both physical and technical, and this would assuage our fears.” (AFP)

According to a Russian state arms exporter, Russia is not discussing with the Ukraine plans to buy an unfinished missile cruiser for the Russian Navy. In 2005, Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov mentioned Russia as a potential buyer of a missile cruiser. But the exporter’s first deputy general director said the company “has no instructions to buy the cruiser [from Ukraine], although I cannot deny that we were interested in this ship.” Another case of he said/he said? (RIA Novosti)