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Zaporozhye Region to offer Russia military airfield, naval base, says official

"On the other hand, the Melitopol military airfield can clearly be a valuable asset because this is a convenient aerodrome for a full-fledged Russian Aerospace Force base that can accommodate both fighters and bombers, air defense systems and military transport aircraft," Rogov said

MOSCOW, May 29. /TASS/. The Zaporozhye Region in southern Ukraine liberated by the Russian troops can offer Russia a military airfield in Melitopol and a naval base in Berdyansk on the coast of the Sea of Azov, member of the chief council of the regional military-civil administration Vladimir Rogov told TASS on Sunday.

"I believe that we have something to offer because we have at least two military bases on the liberated territory. This is the former Ukrainian Vostok naval base that is located in Berdyansk and is fairly well equipped and all logistics facilities are available. But naturally, it is the leadership of the [Russian] Defense Ministry that should decide whether it needs this base simply because the Sea of Azov has become Russia’s internal sea and, perhaps, there is no need for the presence of the military in Berdyansk," the regional official said.

"On the other hand, the Melitopol military airfield can clearly be a valuable asset because this is a convenient aerodrome for a full-fledged Russian Aerospace Force base that can accommodate both fighters and bombers, air defense systems and military transport aircraft," Rogov said.

The presence of Russian troops on the territory of the Zaporozhye Region is a guarantee of the safety and security of regional residents and the region understands this well, he added.

Deputy Head of the Zaporozhye Region Interior Department Alexey Selivanov earlier told TASS that the Ukrainian army bases and other military facilities stationed in the region could be passed over to the Russian Armed Forces.