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As a symbol of imperial modernity and military heroism, the city of Sevastopol is a major issue for the Russian Federation. More than a simple defence agreement, the renewal of the Russian lease on the naval base could be explained by Moscow’s will to highlight the Russian-speaking minorities abroad, with a view to influence. Indeed, the deep connections between the city of Sevastopol and its Russian garrison show the existence of a particular local identity that illustrates the geopolitical aspirations of contemporary Russia.