Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Aslan Bzhania, Abkhazia pose for a photo during their meeting in the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 (AP)

Russia secured an agreement to establish a permanent naval base along the Black Sea coast within the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. This development comes after a meeting between the leader of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Reuters, citing the Russian newspaper Izvestiya.

Strengthening Military Presence in the Black Sea

The establishment of this naval base in the Ochamchira region marks a notable step in Russia's efforts to bolster its military presence in the strategically vital Black Sea region.

Bzhania, head of the self-proclaimed government of Abkhazia, confirmed the signing of the agreement, stating, "We have signed an agreement, and in the near future, there will be a permanent Russian Navy base in the Ochamchira district. This move is aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia, and this form of cooperation will persist." However, specific details remain undisclosed, as Bzhania noted, "There are also things I can't talk about."

Limited Official Statements and Kremlin's Response

Despite the significance of this development, both the Kremlin and the Russian-backed Abkhaz authorities have maintained a low profile. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refrained from offering further comments and directed inquiries to the defense ministry. As of now, no official statement has emerged from the Abkhaz side regarding the naval base agreement.

NATO Concerns and Regional Dynamics

The decision to establish a naval base in Abkhazia has raised concerns within NATO, particularly among Black Sea littoral states such as Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. NATO had previously expressed apprehension when the prospect of a Russian base in Ochamchira was first pitched. This development aligns with Russia's overarching strategy to expand its military presence along the Black Sea coast, potentially reshaping the security dynamics in the region.

Recent reports indicate that Russia has scaled back its Black Sea Fleet from its primary base in Crimea, adding that these actions are attributed to ongoing Ukrainian attacks.

Meeting with Putin and Integration Initiatives

Notably, during his meeting with Putin, Aslan Bzhania did not disclose any public remarks from the Russian leader regarding the establishment of a naval base. However, Bzhania expressed his interest in participating in "the integration processes initiated by the Russian side." That said, this statement hints at further developments on the horizon.

The context for this action lies in Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in 2008, following a five-day war with Georgia. This recognition had previously strained Russia's relations with Western nations. While Russia effectively repelled Georgia's attempt to reclaim South Ossetia, the majority of the international community still regards Abkhazia as an integral part of Georgia.