Russian 'land grab' sparks tensions on Georgia borders

The EU has warned of increased tensions amid claims that Russia has redrawn a section of Georgia's de facto border with South Ossetia.

Georgia says Russian troops installed signs marking the "state border" of the breakaway region of South Ossetia further inside Georgian territory.

The move has left a small portion of the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline under Russia's effective control.

Russia has brushed off accusations about its role. Its troops have been patrolling the administrative border since the 2008 Russian-Georgian war over South Ossetia.

An EU foreign policy spokesperson said the installation of new signposts "had led to tension in the area, with potentially negative effects on the local population, their livelihood and freedom of movement".

"Steps that could be perceived as provocative must be avoided," the office of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

"The EU reaffirms its full support for Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders."

Reports say markers have been placed at least 300m further south into Georgian territory. The new border is now just 500m away from Georgia's main highway linking the Black Sea to Azerbaijan.

On Tuesday Georgian Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili condemned the border move as a continuation of "creeping Russian annexation".