Russia warns of harsh response to Georgian provocations

Russia's Defense Ministry issued a stern warning to Georgia on Tuesday over its actions in its conflict zones, and pledged to deploy more Russian peacekeepers in the area.

The ministry said that violence against Russians in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, breakaway Georgian provinces, would be met with tough reprisals from the Russian side.

"Any attempts by Georgia to use force to resolve the conflicts, or to employ violent measures against Russian peacekeepers or Russian citizens living in Abkhazia and South Ossetia will encounter an appropriate and tough response," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement said Georgian aggression has forced Russia to increase peacekeeping numbers in the conflict zones.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Georgia is preparing to launch a military operation against Abkhazia.

Georgia is amassing troops, weaponry, ammunition, food and material supplies in the upper Kodori region on the border with Abkhazia, the statement said.

"The number of troops and police exceeds 1,500... The composition of the contingent indicates that Georgia is preparing to launch a military operation against Abkhazia," the ministry said.