Putin Claims No Desire for Bases

Russia's saying they have no plans for military bases outside their borders. That said, I'll bet if the Ukraine tells them to take their Black Sea Fleet and go home, you'll have a quick change of heart and a naval base suddenly sprout in Abkhazia.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday the country has no plans for new military bases outside its borders.

The Russian leader's comment came as Russia signed a 25-year lease extension for its naval base in Ukraine. Putin called that base "a unique case that has evolved historically," RIA Novosti reported.

Putin said Russia has no need to build military bases in other countries and requested "our partners" not to request a Russian military presence.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a diplomatic visit to Estonia, said she thinks Ukraine is engaged in a "balancing act" with its foreign policy as Kiev looks to strengthen relations with the United States while continuing to work with Russia.

"I think your underlying question is our view about Russia's actions toward its neighbors," Clinton said. "And we've been very clear that we believe that there is no sphere of influence, that there is no veto power that Russia or any country has over any country in Europe or in this region concerning membership in organizations like NATO or the EU."

And why is Putin the one doing all the talking? I thought Medvedev was in charge? Hahahahaha - I kill me...

By: Brant