Russia may be planning attack on Georgian port

Russia may be preparing a major escalation of its conflict with Georgia as a Russian ship is floating outside of Georgia's port of Poti. The ship is reportedly enforcing a 50-mile exclusion zone around the port, effectively blocking the city's access to the Black Sea.

At the same time Russia acknowledges Georgian allegations that troops had been sent to Poti though denied it was an attack. Russia claimed the troops were sent to conduct a reconnaissance mission. At the same time the Russian occupation of Senaki had effectively cut off Poti from eastern Georgia. While Russia withdrew they also destroyed a military base there and are in a prime position to reoccupy the city with no resistance if the need arises.

Together these developments could suggest Russia is planning an operation against Poti. The Russian ship would cut Poti off from support from the sea, the occupation of Senaki would cut it from ground assistance, and the reconnaissance mission would allow invading troops to prepare a way to quickly take the city and eliminate resistance. Russian air strikes against the port could also greatly increase before an operation is launched. If Russia could succeed in taking the port it would cut Georgia off from the sea and also cut off much of Georgia's oil exports.

In another development a Russian MP is calling for an emergency session to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. If such a session is called recognition would be a certainty and likely escalate the conflict even further.