Russia has signed a deal for a permanent naval base on the Black Sea coast of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. Aslan Bzhania, the self-styled president of Russian-backed Abkhazia, announced the agreement, stating that it aims to increase the defense capability of both Russia and Abkhazia. The naval base will be located in the Ochamchira region, and Bzhania emphasized that this collaboration would continue to strengthen. The Russian-backed Abkhaz authorities did not respond to the report, and the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, redirected inquiries to the defense ministry. The West has previously expressed concerns over Russia’s involvement in the region. The recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states by Russia in 2008 after repelling a Georgian attempt to retake South Ossetia sparked tensions with NATO members. Most of the world recognizes Abkhazia as part of Georgia. Russia’s establishment of a naval base in Ochamchira, which was previously home to a Soviet naval base, indicates potential alternatives and an expansion of its military presence along the Black Sea coast towards Turkey. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Russia has withdrawn most of its Black Sea Fleet from its main base in annexed Crimea due to Ukrainian attacks. President Vladimir Putin did not comment on the naval base during his meeting with Bzhania but expressed interest in participating in integration processes initiated by Russia. For more information, read the full article.