Russia has announced that an agreement has been reached to establish a permanent naval base on the Black Sea coast in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia.
In a significant turn of events, the development occurred just one day following the leader's highly anticipated meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
Russia to Deploy Naval Base on Occupied Territory of Georgia
In Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is stationed, a series of attacks by Ukrainian forces have been reported. These incidents come in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is worth noting that the Crimean Peninsula was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014.
In a recent statement, Aslan Bzhania, the self-proclaimed president of Abkhazia with Russian support, announced the signing of an agreement pertaining to the establishment of a permanent naval base in the Ochamchira region.
According to Firstpost, Bzhania announced that an agreement has been reached, paving the way for the establishment of a permanent base for the Russian Navy in the Ochamchira district.
The speaker emphasized that the primary objective of these actions is to enhance the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia. Furthermore, he confirmed that this collaborative effort will persist in the future. In a recent statement, the individual mentioned that there are certain matters they are unable to discuss.
The West has accused Russia of effectively annexing Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The allegations gained momentum when discussions arose in 2009 regarding a potential Russian base in Ochamchira. Expressing their concern, the NATO military alliance has closely monitored these developments.
It has been revealed that three of the states situated along the Black Sea coast are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). These states include Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania
According to reports, the majority of nations worldwide acknowledge Abkhazia as a constituent territory of Georgia. In addition to Russia, Abkhazia has been recognized as an independent state by Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria.
Reports have emerged regarding the establishment of a Russian base at Ochamchira, a location that once housed a naval base for the Soviet Union. This development raises speculation that Russia may be exploring alternative options to Sevastopol, while simultaneously expanding its military presence along the Black Sea coast towards Turkey.
Russia Withdraws Its Black Sea Fleet
Russia has reportedly withdrawn the majority of its Black Sea Fleet from its primary base in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia, citing attacks from Ukraine as the reason.
During his meeting with Bzhania on Wednesday, Putin remained tight-lipped regarding any remarks about a naval base. Bzhania expressed his desire to partake in the integration processes initiated by the Russian side.
Three Russian milbloggers have shared satellite images dated October 1 and 2, revealing a significant repositioning of the Black Sea Fleet's largest ships, as per Newsweek.
The vessels in question have reportedly moved from the port of Sevastopol in Crimea.In recent weeks, Russia's Black Sea Fleet has faced a series of setbacks as Kyiv intensifies its offensive to regain control of the Black Sea peninsula, which was annexed by Putin in 2014.
