Tensions between Georgia and Russia rose yesterday after Tbilisi released footage of what it claimed was a Russian fighter jet shooting down a spy plane over a breakaway region.

The Georgian military said its unmanned drone was destroyed by a MiG-29 over Abkhazia, which Russia has supported in its bid for independence. It released a video of the alleged attack and said radar showed the MiG had taken off from a former Soviet base inside Abkhazia.

But Moscow denied any involvement, saying Sunday was a day of rest for the Russian air force.