Russia’s signature of “a so-called ‘treaty on alliance and strategic partnership’ with Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia is detrimental to ongoing efforts to stabilise the security situation in the region,” EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement late on November 24.

“Just like earlier agreements signed between the Russian Federation and Abkhazia, this violates Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, contradicts principles of international law and the international commitments of the Russian Federation, including the 12 August 2008 Agreement and its Implementing Measures of 8 September 2008,” reads the statement.

“The EU reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders,” the EU foreign policy chief said.