A move from Russia that will stir things up

The conflict in the Ukraine war has entered its 20th month. As part of the 'counter-offensive' launched to reclaim lost territories, the Kyiv administration is primarily targeting Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and the Black Sea Fleet.

Since Ukraine accelerated its attacks in the Black Sea and Russia withdrew in July from an agreement that guaranteed the safe passage of cargo ships to Ukraine's Black Sea ports, both Moscow and Kyiv have continued their attacks on the key waterway.

TO BE ESTABLISHED ON THE COAST OF ABKHAZIA

Finally, following the attack on the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters last month, which resulted in dozens of deaths, Moscow has made a notable move.

According to information reported by the AFP news agency, the leader of the Russian navy announced today that a base will be established on the coast of Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia.

"WE HAVE SIGNED AN AGREEMENT"

Aslan Bzhania, the pro-Russian leader of the Abkhazia region, stated in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia, "We have signed an agreement, and in the near future, a permanent deployment point for the Russian navy will be established in the Ochamchire region.

All of this is aimed at increasing the defense capacity of both Russia and Abkhazia." he said.

Bzhania, who is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, also emphasized that their cooperation with Russia will continue, stating, "This protects the fundamental interests of both Abkhazia and Russia. Security comes before everything else."

COULD BE AN ALTERNATIVE BASE

While Russia's move has caused a stir, reports in Western media have claimed that the military base to be established in Ochamchire is being considered as an alternative to Sevastopol.

Russia has permanent military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, another Moscow-backed breakaway region. Russia recognized these two regions as independent states following the war it fought with Georgia in 2008.