“Russian Black Sea Base Worries Georgia and EU Over Potential Conflicts.”
In early November, 50 opposition Members of Parliament in Georgia directed their appeal to Nato and EU member states, urging a unified stance against Russia’s proposed establishment of a permanent naval base in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia. This move by the Kremlin has instilled concerns that it might entangle Georgia, an aspirant for EU membership, into Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and potentially jeopardize Tbilisi’s aspirations for a Black Sea port.
The MPs issued a joint statement vehemently condemning Russia’s actions, denouncing the occupation and militarization of Georgia’s territories, especially the initiation of a permanent Russian naval base in Ochamchire port. Abkhazia, though internationally recognized as part of Georgia, has been under the control of Russian and separatist forces since the 1990s.
Georgian authorities, while condemning Russia’s plan as a violation of sovereignty, have downplayed the immediate threat posed by the naval base, focusing instead on more imminent concerns such as the safety of citizens near the occupation line separating Georgia from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They emphasized that their attention is directed towards existing threats rather than potential future ones.
Satellite analyses conducted by BBC Newsnight and BBC Verify revealed ongoing dredging and construction at Ochamchire port, implying alterations and enhancements since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Abkhazia’s de facto administration confirmed that the dredging would allow larger cargo ships of up to 13,000 tonnes to access the port, prompting Ukraine’s intelligence agency to assert that this could facilitate Russian military vessels from the Black Sea Fleet.
There are concerns that if Russia uses Ochamchire to attack Ukraine or if Ukraine targets Russian naval boats there, Georgia could be drawn into the conflict. Experts like Natia Seskuria of the Royal United Services Institute express apprehension that Putin might maneuver Georgia into the war for his interests, leveraging the naval base as a tool.
Furthermore, the impending Russian base and geopolitical tensions could impede Georgia’s plans for a significant infrastructure project—a deep sea port in Anaklia. This port, seen as crucial for enhancing commerce along the “Middle Corridor,” has been viewed favorably by the World Bank for its potential to expedite cargo transportation between Asia and Europe, bypassing Russia as a land conduit.
The Georgian government’s cancellation of the Anaklia port contract in 2020, previously awarded to a Western-backed consortium, raised suspicions of serving Russian interests. Mamuka Khazaradze, a figure within the opposition, accused the government of derailing the port’s development to appease Moscow, emphasizing the proximity of the Russian base’s construction along the Black Sea coast as evidence.
Amid accusations of being pro-Russian, Georgian officials defend their actions, pointing to agreements and relationships established with the EU. However, they acknowledge the delicate balance required in dealing with Russia due to historical conflicts and the absence of NATO security coverage.
As Georgia awaits a decision on its EU candidate status, tensions persist, with the government emphasizing the need for European solidarity while cautioning against Russian interference aimed at undermining Georgia’s stability and European integration efforts.
