5 Jul 2015 15:59

Kyiv hopes for return of naval ships remaining in Crimea

KYIV. July 5 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Col. Gen. Stepan Poltorak during a visit to Odesa region discussed issues related to the future of the Ukrainian Navy and voiced hope that the Ukrainian naval vessels remaining in Crimea since 2014 will be returned in the end.

"The talks with the Russian side on the return of our naval ships never stopped, therefore there is hope for a positive solution of the important issue," the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry quoted the minister as saying on Sunday.

Earlier reports said that Moscow is ready to transfer to Kyiv over 20 Ukrainian naval ships remaining in Crimea after peace is restored in Donbas.