The Soviets took most of their ships and equipment with them at independence, leaving the naval installations little more than piles of concrete and decades-old weaponry.
“Whatever they didn't want, that's what they left here,” said Reshetnik, the local businessman.
The town now depends on summer tourists for much of its income. The population almost doubles again during the key summer tourist months, with thousands attracted by the chance of a cheap holiday along the water.
Many fear the standoff could scare away the travellers.
“The tourist season will be totally screwed,” grumbled Reshetnik. “People are already broke.”