Kyiv could up price for Russian Black Sea Fleet in gas dispute

Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Yekhanurov said Friday that Kiev could raise the rent Russia pays for naval bases on the Black Sea if the price of Russian natural gas supplies to Ukraine increases.

In comments that echoed recent statement by the Ukrainian leadership, Yekhanurov told a caller-in on a radio station that the rent hike would be a natural move, RIA Novosti informed.

Yekhanurov, however, ruled out any revision of the agreement on the Russia's fleet stay in Ukraine.

"We are not reviewing any agreements," he said, adding that the situation should not be politicized.

The prime minister also said that the matter concerned the appropriate use of property. "We do not want anybody, either in Ukraine or in Russia, to misuse anything, taking advantage of the situation," he said.

The move comes against the backdrop of a bitter dispute between Russia and Ukraine over the price for Russian natural gas and transit fees for Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine.