Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Abkhazia's President Sergei Bagapsh shake hands after talks in Sukhumi, August 12, 2009. REUTERS/RIA Novosti/Pool/Alexei NikolskyFrom Times Online:
Vladimir Putin made his first visit to Abkhazia, Georgia’s breakaway region, and pledged massive spending to turn it into a Russian military fortress.
Mr Putin chose the first anniversary of the ceasefire that ended Russia’s war with Georgia to travel to Abkhazia’s capital, Sukhumi. He promised almost $500 million (£320 million) to build a military base and reinforce the de facto border with Georgia.
“Russia is going to deploy its armed forces in Abkhazia and take the necessary efforts to build a modern border guard system in co-operation with the relevant Abkhazian authorities. All these factors are serious guarantees of the security of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” Mr Putin said.
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Update: Putin makes surprise visit to Abkhazia, pledges Russia defense -- Deutsche Welle
My Comment: Russia is putting on notice to all of its neighbors that Russia will support breakaway regions that are aligned with Russia.
This puts a chill in countries like Georgia, Ukraine, all of the Baltic States, and Central Asian Republics.