Satellite photos show alleged location of Russia's new Black Sea naval base

Russia could be paving the way for the construction of a new Black Sea naval base in a breakaway territory, new satellite imagery appears to show, in a move that could risk widening the Ukraine war as Moscow attempts to shield its naval assets from Kyiv's forces.

Satellite images captured in the past few years, including since invading Russian troops crossed over into Ukraine in February 2022, indicate construction work and dredging at the port of Ochamchire in Abkhazia, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

The port could now handle larger cargo ships, the outlet said, citing officials in control of Abkazia.