( CNN ) -- Russia will begin the construction of a new naval base this year in Georgia 's pro-Russian separatist region of Abkhazia , according to a Russian media report Monday . Russia 's Black Sea fleet is based in Sevastopol under a lease agreement with Ukraine that expires in 2017 . Russia 's Itar-Tass news agency quoted an unnamed official at Russian naval headquarters as saying it wanted to station vessels at the Abkhaz port of Ochamchire on the Black Sea , Reuters.com reported . `` The fundamental decision on creating a Black Sea Fleet base in Ochamchire has been taken , '' the official told Tass , in quotes carried by Reuters.com . `` This year we will begin practical work , including dredging , along Abkhazia 's coast . `` It will take more than a year to implement all works . '' The official added that the deployment was to protect the breakaway region from Georgian attacks . Georgia launched a campaign against South Ossetia , a Russian-backed separatist territory , on August 7 last year . The following day , Russian tanks , troops and armored vehicles poured into South Ossetia and Abkhazia , advancing into Georgian cities outside the rebel regions . The two sides blamed each other for starting the conflict and have made accusations of ethnic cleansing . Moscow has since recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent regions -- a move which angered many Western governments who suspect Russia of acting to thwart Georgia 's ambitions of joining NATO . This latest development comes despite comments made last year by Abkhazia 's leader that his territory would not be hosting Russian military bases . `` There will be no new bases , '' Sergei Bagapsh told Russia 's Novosti news agency , adding that Russia 's Black Sea Fleet will not be based in the republic either . `` Only units of Russia 's ground forces that have always been based here will continue to be stationed in Abkhazia , '' he said . Russia 's Black Sea Fleet is currently based in the port of Sevastopol which belongs to Ukraine -- another former Soviet state which , like Georgia , aspires to NATO membership . The fleet is due to leave Ukraine for good in 2017 , in line with a 20-year lease deal signed in 1997 . However , Russia 's diplomats and military have said they want the fleet to stay at its traditional home base after the expiry of the deadline , Reuters.com reported .
Official : Russia to station vessels at Abkhaz port of Ochamchire on Black Sea . Moscow recognizes Abkhazia as independent region following war with Georgia . Georgia and Russia blame each other for starting last year 's conflict . Comment: