Georgia launched major ground and air attacks to seize control of South Ossetia on Friday, prompting Russia to send in tanks and hundreds of troops. Around 2,000 civilians have since died in Tskhinvali, according to Russia. A total of 34,000 people are also reported to have fled across the Russian border.
"We have temporarily suspended sea links with the port of Batumi. According to the information at our disposal, the port of Batumi is closed," Simon Mamaladze said.
Russia resumed sea links with Georgia in late March 2008, two years after it halted air, post and sea links with the former Soviet republic.
Also on Monday, Russia suspended postal communication with Georgia
"Currently letters and parcels to Georgia are not being accepted due to a suspension in air links," Yelena Laskina, a spokesperson for the Russian communications ministry said, adding the suspension was also affecting money transfers between the two countries.
Russia's Transport Ministry said earlier that air links with Georgia, had been suspended from August 9.
