As the Ukrainian opposition fought against a deal extending Russia's use of a naval base in Crimea, 75 Russian paratroopers headed for Kiev on Tuesday to take part in Ukraine's Victory Day celebrations.
The deal, which was ratified amid violent scenes inside the parliament chamber, extends the lease on a Russian base in the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol for 25 years after the current lease expires in 2017, and may be further extended by another five years. In return, Ukraine will receive a 30% discount on Russian natural gas.
"In accordance with the invitation received from the Ukrainian leadership, a unit of the Russian Armed Forces will take part in the military parade in Kiev to mark the 65th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War," the press office of the Russian Airborne Troops said.
The troops are expected to return home on May 10, the day after the anniversary, the press office said.
MOSCOW, April 27 (RIA Novosti)