In 2008, Nauru recognized Kosovo as an independent country, and in 2009 Nauru became the fourth country, after Russia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, to recognize Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia. Russia was reported to be giving Nauru $50 million in humanitarian aid as a result of this recognition. On 15 July 2008, the Nauruan government announced a port refurbishment programmer, financed with US$9 million of development aid received from Russia. The Nauru government claims this aid is not related to its recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia.