While the war between Russia and Ukraine continued, the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol was recently hit. Allegedly, the headquarters was hit during a meeting of Russian senior commanders and it was stated that the fleet commander was killed. There has been no statement from Russia yet on this issue.
CRITICAL MOVE
After the latest development, a critical move came from Russia. Russian media announced that Putin signed an agreement to establish a permanent naval base in the Abkhazia region. It was announced that the agreement was signed a day after Putin met with the pro-Russian leader of the Abkhazia region, Aslan Bzhania.
ABHAZIAN LEADER ANNOUNCED
The Abkhazian leader stated that a base to host the Russian navy will be established in the Ochamchire region and said, “All these aim to increase the defense capacity of both Russia and Abkhazia, and such interactions will continue.”
‘ALTERNATIVE TO SIVASTOPOL’
The Ochamchire move was interpreted as a sign that Russia was looking for alternatives to Sevastopol.
NATO VOICED ITS CONCERNS
NATO expressed concern when talk of a Russian base in Ochamchire began in 2009.