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Russia to build naval base in Georgia infographic
Graphic shows location of the planned Russian naval base.
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MILITARY

Russia to build naval base in Georgian separatist region

By Jordi Bou

October 5, 2023 - Russia has signed a deal for a permanent naval base in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, its leader says. Georgia says the move is a “gross violation” of its sovereignty.

Aslan Bzhania told the Izvestia tabloid his Moscow-backed region would soon host a permanent naval base in the Ochamchira region.

The news of the Russian base at Ochamchira, where the Soviet Union had a naval base, could indicate that Russia is seeking alternatives to Sevastopol while also expanding its military presence down the Black Sea coast towards Turkey.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Russia had withdrawn the bulk of the fleet from its main base in Sevastopol, in annexed Crimea, due to Ukrainian attacks.

Russia recognised Abkhazia and another breakaway region, South Ossetia, as independent states in 2008 after Russian troops repelled a Georgian attempt to retake South Ossetia in a five-day war which ended on August 12, 2008.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 05/10/2023; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Kremlin
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