Russia sends 1,500 newly drafted soldiers to Abkhazia
About 1,500 Russian conscripts have arrived at the Russian military base in Abkhazia for further military service, as reported by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the manning of the personnel units at the Russian military base in Abkhazia has been completed as part of the 2017 spring draft campaign.
"Before arriving at the military base, the recruits received a course in combined arms training and took a military oath on the territory of the military unit of the Southern Military District located in Adygea. All servicemen underwent thorough medical examination, and passed tests for professional and psychological fitness," said the statement.
The Russian Defense Ministry notes that about 30% of the young soldiers have higher education, and up to 40% have specialized secondary education.
About 25% of the personnel were trained in the schools of Russia’s Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy (DOSAAF), and have military registration specialties, among them drivers of "C", "D", "E" category motor vehicles, automobile pneumatic-wheeled cranes, and fuel-filling facilities.
Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia after the Russian-Georgian military conflict in August 2008. Abkhazia’s independence is currently recognized only by Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru. The United Nations regards Abkhazia to be part of Georgia, and Tbilisi insists that Moscow has occupied the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.