Russia to Strengthen Presence In Abkhazia

Russia has announced it will spend half a billion dollars upgrading its military presence—reinforcing bases, strengthening borders—in Abkhazia, the breakaway region of Georgia that, along with South Ossetia, was a focal point in last year’s war between the two countries.

The BBC:

Russia is to spend almost $500m (£300m) next year reinforcing its military bases in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia, the prime minister says.

Vladimir Putin’s announcement came as he arrived in Abkhazia for talks.

He said Russia was committed to defending and financing the small strip of land in Georgia’s north-west corner.

Moscow officially recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the war a year ago between Russia and Georgia.

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AP / Musa Sadulayev

Russian tanks on the move during last year’s war against Georgia.