On October 4, 2023, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, met with the de facto leader of occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, in Sochi. Following the meeting, the Russian news portal Izvestia published an interview with Bzhania that shed light on various issues supposedly discussed during the meeting with Putin. One of the most controversial announcements was the confirmation of plans to establish a permanent Russian naval base in Ochamchire. The base is set to be located at an existing port, which has been used by the Russian military since 2009.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia, Sergey Shamba, who was appointed as "Minister" on August 6, gave an interview to the Russian News Agency TASS. According to Shamba, „no (Russian) naval base is planned in Ochamchire.“ As he added, border boats are stationed in the port and the de facto republic is ready for any turn of events.   

Author: Arsen Araqelov