In October 2023 "the president" of Abkhazia, a region of Georgia occupied by Russia, announced the construction of a new naval base for the needs of the Black Sea Fleet of the aggressor country.
According to investigative journalism group Bellingcat, fresh satellite images show significant construction progress.
It is noted that Russia has not officially announced anything about the construction of a new Black Sea Fleet base in the occupied town of Ochamchiri. However, according to experts, this base will be of strategic importance for Russia, as it is quite far from Ukraine.
The analysis carried out by Bellingcat shows that there are many buildings and perimeter elements under construction at Ochamchiri Port.
Satellite images from July 22 show several new bases, clearing land for construction and a new perimeter that will greatly expand the size of the base.
To the east of the port, where the railway lines enter the military base, about nine acres of land have been cleared and what appears to be a large concrete foundation, approximately 100 x 40 metres, has been being built over the past few weeks.