Mr Putin and Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh laid a wreath at the monument to those killed in action at the Glory Memorial in Sukhumi.

Mr Putin and Mr Bagapsh spoke to the mothers and widows of the casualties.

One of them thanked Mr Putin for visiting the republic and said, "Thank you very much for our freedom."

"Thank you for your courage and spirit," the Prime Minister told the people.