Russia's Construction of Naval Base in Abkhazia Raises International Concern

Georgian officials downplay immediate threat, but opposition lawmakers condemn the move as a violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russia appears to be constructing a new naval base in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, raising concerns in Georgia and the international community.
Satellite imagery indicates new dredging and construction work at the port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, which could now host larger cargo ships and potentially Russian battleships.
Georgian officials have downplayed the immediate threat, stating that it will take at least three years to construct the base and that they are more focused on immediate threats such as kidnappings by Russian forces.
The new base could potentially drag Georgia into Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine and hinder Tbilisi's plans for a mega-infrastructure project on the Black Sea coast.
Georgian opposition lawmakers have condemned Russia's plan, calling it a gross violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.