An ardent defender of Ukrainian sovereignty, Mr. Podolny rejects the view that Sevastopol's glorious past belongs to Russia.

According to a documents uncovered during the United States diplomatic cables leak U.S.-diplomats defend Ukrainian sovereignty in meetings with other diplomats.

The vote came despite a warning from Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk that Kiev "has enough power to force respect" of Ukrainian sovereignty.

Kravchuk has warned that Kiev "has enough power to force respect" of Ukrainian sovereignty.

Russian officials have acknowledged Ukrainian sovereignty over the peninsula, a position also repeated in recent days by the United States and British Governments.

Since taking office, Mr. Kuchma has strengthened himself by standing up for Ukrainian sovereignty while nearby countries, like Belarus, have tried to move closer to Moscow.

While sensitive, Mr. Kuchma's strong action to keep Ukrainian sovereignty over Crimea is regarded as an important backdrop to the signing of today's deal.

States that fought to depose the Ukrainian government and surrender the Ukrainian sovereignty in favor of Moscow.

The Russian Congress is regarded here as a hotbed of imperialist reaction, which would like to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.

Support for Ukrainian sovereignty has become an important component of Polish foreign policy.