The numerical strength of the Russian military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia will be reduced by means of the deployment of part of these bases in the Russian territory, Russian First Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Kolmakov said on Tuesday.

“Maybe there is no sense in the full stationing of our bases in the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Part of these forces may be stationed in the RF territory,” the first deputy defence minister told journalists.

“At present the issues of the bases’ arrangement and installation are being considered. But we can say already now that the numerical strength of these combat formations will be no less than a brigade each,” he noted.