The development comes as Ukraine steps up its attacks on Russia’s Black Sea fleet
Russia wants to set up naval base on Black Sea coast in Abkhazia autonomous regionin Georgia, regional leader Aslan Bzania said on Thursday, according to Izvestia newspaper, a day after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, the BBC reports.
Aslan Bzania told Izvestia that his “Moscow-backed region will soon host a permanent deployment point” for Russia on the Black Sea coast.
Development comes at a time when Ukraine is increasing its attacks on the Russian Black Sea fleet. Two weeks ago, Kiev struck the fleet headquarters in Crimea.
The Kremlin declined to comment on the alleged deal.
From his side, Georgia’s foreign ministry said it would be a “flagrant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Abkhazia, which it already hosts a Russian military baseis located in the northwest corner of Georgia and borders Russia.
The region fought to break away from Georgia in 1992-93 and declared independence in 1999, but has received little international recognition.
Since the 2008 Georgia-Russia war, Moscow has recognized it as an independent state. Georgia says it is occupied by Russia.
Bzania said the new naval base in the Ochamchire region would boost the defense capability of Russia and Abkhazia and “secure the fundamental interests” of both. “Security is above all,” he told Izvestia.
He himself met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week and expressed his support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Facing more Ukrainian attacks in occupied Crimea, the “activities” of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea are moving to the east, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Many Russian ships were relocated from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
The location of the alleged new Abkhazian base is 500 kilometers southeast of Novorossiysk, along the Black Sea coast.
The representative of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov did not answer questions and referred the journalists to the Ministry of Defense.
Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet is considered the flagship of its navy as its ships have fired missiles at Ukraine.
Consequently, it has made it a major target for Kiev, which in late September struck its fleet headquarters in Crimea.
Source :Skai
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