3
Russia had the right to defend ethnic Russians in the former republics.
7
Thus, if a country was
home to soldiers of a neighboring country that posed a serious military threat, logically the
country should have demanded the immediately withdrawal of the foreign troops. Yet, only
Estonia demanded and secured an end to Russia’s military presence.
8
There was little opposition
in Estonia to the decision to secure the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. The troops
were viewed as a real security threats and as symbols of Russian occupation.
Conversely, Kazakhstan opted for extensive cooperation with Russia. In March 1994, the
presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia concluded a leasing arrangement that gave Russia total
operational control of Baikonur, but Russia agreed to secure approval for all launches.
9
Kazakhstan originally gave Russia a twenty-year lease, with a ten-year renewal option, for $115
million annually. The agreement also gave Russia the right to invest in the infrastructure of
Baikonur. The two countries later extended the leasing agreement to 2050.
10
Although, the
Russian Space Administration gradually assumed control of Baikonur from the Russian military,
Russia could easily turn it into a military base in the event of a conflict with Kazakhstan, China
or another power in the region. Thus, why would Kazakhstan allow its former colonial ruler to
maintain a strategic presence in the country?
Ukraine also decided that cooperation with Russia was in its national interest. Kiev agreed
to lease the crucial ports and installations of the fleet to Russia for twenty years, with a five-year
renewable option if neither side objects.
11
The two sides agreed to an equal split of the fleet, but
Ukraine agreed to sell Russia 31.7% of its half for $526.5 million. The lease was worth $1.95
billion, but the proceeds from the lease and the sale of Ukraine’s share of the fleet were deducted
from its debt ($3.047 billion) to Russia. The agreements also included additional debt-relief for
the tactical nuclear weapons that were removed from Ukraine in 1992. Although Ukraine did not
Convention