Putin arrived in Crimea

The Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Crimea to hold talks with his Ukrainian colleague, Viktor Yanukovych and to attend the meeting of the Russian-Ukrainian Interstate Commission.
The meeting of leaders of Russia and Ukraine and the meeting of the Interstate Commission will be held in the Livadia Palace.

Following the meeting, 12 documents are expected to be signed. In particular, the agreements and memorandums on cooperation in emergency situations, on promoting cooperation in nuclear energy, economy, science and education are preparing for signing. However, no gas documents will be signed, although the discussion of this issue will be one of the important topics on the agenda of Putin's visit to Ukraine.

According to the Russian leader’s aide Yuri Ushakov, the talks will be focused on the expanding trade and economic relations, the analysis of the implementation of existing agreements and the elaboration of new tasks and multi-faceted bilateral cooperation.

Moreover, the enlargement of Caucasus - Crimea auto/passenger ferry, showed an increase in passenger traffic and cargo traffic by 20% in 2012, will be discussed.

It is planned to approve the further measures to promote cooperation in the nuclear field. This foresees the signing of the memorandum providing for the creation of two joint holdings in the nuclear fuel cycle and power engineering fields.

Following the Interstate Commission meeting, it is expected that the Presidents will sign a joint statement on maritime delimitation in the Black and Azov Seas.

The parties will also discuss the extension of the contractual basis for the stay of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia in Ukraine. In particular, it is planned to sign an agreement on cooperation for prevention of emergency situations related to the activities of military units of the Black Sea Fleet on the Ukrainian territory and the relieving of consequences.