Russia's new naval base in Abkhazia may draw EU‑aspiring Georgia into Ukraine conflict

A statement was issued by the Georgian opposition deputies on this matter. They stated, "We unanimously and strongly oppose Russia's occupation, militarization, and their actions intended to annex Georgia's occupied regions, the most recent evidence of which is the establishment of a lasting Russian naval base in Ochamchire's port."

The Georgian Foreign Affairs Ministry also criticized Russia's plans, describing them as a "blatant disregard for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

According to the BBC, fears have been raised by the Kremlin's plans, stating that these plans could potentially pull Georgia, which has an ambition to join the EU, into the conflict in Ukraine, thereby jeopardizing Tbilisi's plans for a Black Sea port.

Satellite images analyzed by BBC Newsnight and Verify showed that since the onset of the harsh Russian invasion of Ukraine, dredging and construction have been taking place at the port.

Natia Seskuria from the Royal United Services Institute think-tank stressed that if Russia were to attack Ukraine from Ochamchire, or if Ukraine were to target Russian warships stationed there, then Georgia would inevitably be drawn into the conflict.