Russia to construct naval base in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia.
OAN’s James Meyers
11:45 AM – Thursday, October 5, 2023
Russia has signed a deal for a new permanent naval base on the Black Sea coast of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia.
Aslan Bzhania, the leader of the occupied Moscow-backed region, said the new base will be built in the Ochamchira district, according to the Izvestiya newspaper.
“All this is aimed at increasing the level of defense capability of both Russia and Abkhazia, and this kind of cooperation will continue, because it ensures the fundamental interests of both Abkhazia and Russia, and security is above all,” he said. “There are also things I can’t talk about.”
The announcement comes after Ukraine has increased its attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, including when Kyiv struck Russia’s fleet headquarters in Crimea weeks ago.
Amid the announcement, Georgia’s foreign ministry said it would “represent a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and another provocative attempt to legitimize the illegal occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia” and expressed concern over “the inclusion of the indivisible Abkhazia region of Georgia in the integration processes initiated by Russia.”
Additionally, Bzhania made the announcement on Thursday after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin the day before.
“In the near future there will be a permanent base of the Russian Navy in the Ochamchira district,” Bzhania told Izvestiya.
“This is all aimed at increasing the level of defence capability of both Russia and Abkhazia, and this kind of interaction will continue,” he said. “There are also things I can’t talk about.”
Abkhazia is one of two breakaway regions of Georgia, the other being South Ossetia, which Russia recognized both areas as independent states in 2008.
In September, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council and former President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that Russia could annex both regions, although the South Caucasus state’s foreign ministry said that Abkhazia is a “steadfast ally of the Russian Federation,” and the idea of joining Russia “is not a subject for debate.”
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is located in Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
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How does the establishment of this new naval base impact the geopolitical tensions in the region?
Russia Signs Deal for New Naval Base in Abkhazia, Georgian Region
Russia has signed a deal to establish a new permanent naval base on the Black Sea coast of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. Aslan Bzhania, the leader of the occupied Moscow-backed region, announced that the new base will be located in the Ochamchira district. The news was reported by the Izvestiya newspaper.
Bzhania stated that this development aims to enhance the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia. He emphasized the importance of this cooperation, which he believes serves the fundamental interests of both parties. However, he refrained from disclosing certain details about the agreement.
The announcement comes amid increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine, particularly in the Black Sea region. Ukraine has recently carried out attacks against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, including a strike on the fleet headquarters in Crimea a few weeks ago.
In response to the news, Georgia’s foreign ministry condemned the move, stating that it constitutes a violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. They view it as an attempt by Russia to legitimize the illegal occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia. The ministry also expressed concerns about the inclusion of Abkhazia in Russia’s integration processes.
Bzhania made the announcement following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. He confirmed that a permanent naval base of the Russian Navy will be established in the Ochamchira district.
Abkhazia, along with South Ossetia, is one of two breakaway regions of Georgia. Russia recognized both regions as independent states in 2008. In September, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council and former President, suggested that Russia could annex both regions. However, Georgia’s foreign ministry dismissed this idea and reaffirmed that Abkhazia is a loyal ally of Russia, but joining the country is not open for debate.
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is currently based in Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
The establishment of the new naval base in Abkhazia signifies Russia’s increasing presence and influence in the region. It also raises concerns about the security and stability of Georgia and the wider Black Sea area.
Overall, this development deepens the geopolitical tensions in the region and highlights the ongoing disputes between Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. The situation requires careful monitoring and diplomatic efforts to maintain stability and ensure the respect for the sovereignty of all countries involved.
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