Russia Continues Construction of Naval Base in Occupied Abkhazia, Ochamchire
According to the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), which published satellite images of Ochamchire, Russia is continuing to expand its naval base in the occupied region of Abkhazia, specifically in Ochamchire.
The expansion work on the existing port became visible in satellite images from July 2024. By August, the construction had grown more extensive, showing significant changes including the enlargement of buildings and infrastructure. Satellite images from January 2025 reveal a new structure about 100 meters long in the northwest part of the port, along with active excavation work.
NZZ notes that the Ochamchire port is relatively small and shallow, raising doubts whether military ships will be able to dock there.
“Ochamchire port will also be smaller than other facilities used by Russia. The main base of the Russian Navy was previously in Sevastopol, on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian attacks have forced Russia to relocate ships to other locations,” the newspaper writes.
Military expert Yuri Fedorov told the online broadcast The Breakfast Show that, at present, Ochamchire is outside the operational range of Ukraine’s unmanned combat boats targeting the Russian navy, so Russian ships can dock and operate relatively safely from there.
“The only combat missions currently possible for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet are attacks on Ukraine with ‘Kalibr’ cruise missiles and sea-launched missiles. As I understand, Ukraine’s armed forces are trying to reduce such attacks by using unmanned boats. The Russian sailors want a safe base, which is why they are building the port in Ochamchire.”
Fedorov emphasized that Ochamchire is not a full-fledged naval base but rather a logistical service point.
“There is a pier suitable for small military vessels. In principle, corvette-class ships could be stationed there. Crews can rest, refuel, and conduct minor repairs,” he said.
For context, Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and another Georgian region, so-called South Ossetia, after the August 2008 war. The international community considers both regions integral parts of Georgia.
The opening of a new permanent base for the Russian Navy in occupied Ochamchire has been planned. This information was shared by the then so-called “leader” of occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, on October 5, 2023. In the same month, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based on satellite images, reported that Ochamchire’s port has limited infrastructure and a sandy shoreline that is largely unsuitable for military naval construction, but Russia could potentially expand the infrastructure and use the port as an additional base in the future.
Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Russia’s plans, calling them a gross violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the government noted that the new base would not pose an immediate direct threat to Georgia.
Opposition parties have expressed different views. They fear that the base could drag Georgia into the war Russia is waging against Ukraine. They also pointed out risks to the Anaklia deep-water port project, which is planned to transform a Black Sea village located just 35 kilometers from Ochamchire into a major regional trade and logistics hub.
