Nato warned Russia on Wednesday that it was "escalating tension" and threatening a Western ally by increasing the number of troops in two breakaway regions of Georgia.

The warning came a day after Moscow announced that it was sending extra "peacekeeping" forces to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two regions demanding independence from Georgia. Russia claims that Tbilisi is preparing invasion plans.

"This is not easing tensions, it is raising tensions. Nato is watching with concern," an alliance spokesman said.

"The allies are unanimous in supporting and endorsing Georgia's territorial integrity and will not recognise or support steps that undermine that sovereignty. Have no doubt, everyone is watching very carefully what is happening on the ground."

Georgia, a breakaway from the old Soviet Union, is a key Western ally on vital energy transit routes and is an applicant for Nato membership.

Tensions in the region rose last week after a Russian MiG-29 shot down a Georgian spy plane over Abkhazia. Russia denied involvement.

Moscow announced on Tuesday that it was sending extra troops to Abkhazia. But Nato has insisted that deployments must be approved by both sides.

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