Russia's Naval Base Ambitions in Breakaway Georgian Region Raise Concerns

Russia has signed a deal for a permanent naval base in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia, triggering criticism from Georgia, which considers it a "gross violation" of its sovereignty. The move comes as Russia has withdrawn most of its Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol in Crimea due to Ukrainian attacks. The establishment of the naval base in Abkhazia suggests that Russia is seeking alternatives to Sevastopol while expanding its military presence along the Black Sea coast towards Turkey.