Moscow - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the Georgian breakaway region of Abkhazia on Wednesday after holding out the offer of increased aid.

Putin met the region's pro-Kremlin president, Sergei Bagapsh, in the capital, Sukhumi, before the two men laid a wreath at a monument to those who died in the 1992-93 separatist war, Interfax news agency reported.

A visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to another breakaway Georgian province, South Ossetia, drew a strong protest last month from Georgia.

South Ossetia broke away from Georgia in August 2008 after a brief war in which Russian troops were involved.

Georgia still regards South Ossetia and Abkhazia as part of its territory, although Russia has recognized their independence and has a large number of troops based in the two regions.

Putin said the Russian state budget had earmarked 2.5 billion roubles (60 million euros) for Abkhazia for this year and also for 2010. (dpa)