Russia Announces New Base in Occupied Georgia to Avoid Ukrainian Missiles and Drones, Zelenskyy Vows to Reach Them Everywhere
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Vadym Skibitsky, the spokesperson of the Main Intelligence Division of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, provided information about Russia's activities in the port of Ochamchire, a territory in Georgia that is under Russian occupation.
Skibitsky stated that some of the ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have been relocated to the port of Novorossiysk. However, due to its limited capacity, Novorossiysk cannot accommodate all the ships. As a result, the Kremlin has chosen to use the occupied territory of Georgia and the active work is currently underway in occupied Ochamchire.
"Active work is underway in Ochamchire. The Russians have conducted dredging works and upgraded the port infrastructure to support the warships stationed there. However, it will remain a small place," said Skibitsky.
The so-called President of Russian-occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, stated in an interview with one of the Russian publications on October 5 that Russia intends to establish a permanent military-naval base in the occupied Abkhazia region. According to Bzhania, the Russian military base, which, according to him, will soon be located in the occupied Ochamchire region, will enhance the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during an online speech at the second parliamentary summit of the Crimean Platform that while Russia may try to place its military assets farther from Ukraine, it won't prevent Ukraine from having the capability to reach those assets wherever they are located.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has not yet achieved full control over fire capabilities in occupied Crimea, but he believes it's only a matter of time.
"The Russian military fleet can no longer operate in the western part of the Black Sea and is gradually retreating from Crimea. This is a historic achievement. Recently, the head of Russia was compelled to announce the creation of a new base for the Black Sea Fleet, or more precisely, its remnants, in the occupied territory of Georgia, specifically in the southeastern part of the sea. The aim is to position it as far as possible from Ukrainian missiles and naval drones, although we can reach them anywhere," Zelenskyy stated.
According to Ukraine's President, Russian terrorists no longer have a secure base and reliable logistical route in Crimea, and pro-Ukrainian sentiments are becoming increasingly visible. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's primary objective is the complete de-occupation of its territories, including Crimea.
