The newly elected president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych has suggested he would allow Russia's Black Sea Fleet to remain in his country beyond 2017.
Mr Yanukovych, during his first visit to Moscow since his election last month, said he would open a "new page" in relations with Russia.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he hoped the "black streak" in ties between the two nations would be over.
Tensions rose under Ukraine's previous Pro-Western administration.
Mr Yanukovych's predecessor, Viktor Yushchenko, had wanted Ukraine to join Nato - a move strongly opposed by Moscow.