Russia's `killing many targets with one stone` when setting up a naval base in Abkhazia 0
(Dan Tri) – The fact that Russia is said to have begun building a naval base in Ochamchira in the Abkhazia region is considered a move to `kill many birds with one stone`.
Image of a vehicle carrying equipment to Ochamchira in Abkhazia (Photo: Getty).
Information that Russia began building a naval base in Ochamchira appeared on December 28, 2023.
BBC news analyzed satellite images showing that dredging and construction activities were carried out at Ochamchira port after Russia launched a military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.
The number and type of Russian ships stationed at Ochamchira are unknown.
In a recent statement, Mr. Aslan Bzhania, leader of the Abkhazia region, said Russia will soon establish a naval base in Ochamchire, about 40km from the administrative boundary with Georgia.
According to experts, the persistent specter of war surrounding Ukraine’s counteroffensive is pushing Russia to withdraw a large part of its Black Sea naval forces from the Crimean Peninsula in search of safer options.
Map of the Ochamchira area in Abkhazia (Photo: FT).
Most of the naval forces there have withdrawn to the Novorossiysk region, although some may be deployed closer to the southeast, to Ochamchire.
After several Ukrainian missile attacks on the navy and Black Sea fleet, Moscow withdrew its troops to the eastern Black Sea.
Currently, Russia is planning a long-term move east, away from the Ukrainian territories that Moscow controls.
While the Georgian government has been quite cautious with Russia since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, they have now expressed wariness about Moscow’s plan to build a base this time.
In addition, the presence of Russian naval forces in Abkhazia could turn this region into an additional front or flexible reserve force, facilitating Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.
However, many experts are concerned that an Abkhazian naval base would not only help Russia carry out attacks from the Georgian coast, but also expose Tbilisi to the risk of being deeply affected by the Ukrainian war and becoming
In 2008, Russia recognized the independence of the two regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Therefore, according to experts, with the establishment of this new naval base, Russia will gain new leverage for economic activities in the Black Sea and establish indirect influence on the construction of the port project
Many experts also believe that the existence of such a naval base proves that Russia is ready for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to the South Caucasus, the establishment of another base in the Black Sea amid fierce fighting shows that Russia hopes to easily blockade Ukraine, especially the transportation of agricultural products to Africa and Asia.
This puts the import and export activities of Caucasus countries at risk.
