** Ukraine kicked the Russians out of the Black Sea bases**
Huh?
Better tell that to someone in Sevastopol, you know, the home of the Russian Black sea Fleet.
There is active talk if that area of Ukraine seceding and becoming independent/Dependant on Russia.
The ethnic Russians in that part of Ukraine are referring to the uprising in Kiev as an coup attempt by the US and EU forces.
Yes, Ukraine kicked the Russians out after ‘89. There was then a treaty allowing Russian use of the facilities for a finite amount of time.
Like all Soviet Republics, there are enclaves of Russians who demand to be part of Russia; think Sudetan Germans.