The Times of London said Friday that while a similar port call by U.S. naval vessels was canceled due to concerns they could escalate tensions in the Georgian republic, the USS Mount Whitney is now in the port city where Russian troops remain.

Tensions have been high in Georgia since its forces attacked the breakaway republic of South Ossetia, only to have Russia respond with a similar military action in parts of Georgia.

The U.S. ship's arrival also corresponded with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's comments Thursday regarding his goal of making Georgia a member of NATO.

While there was concern the Whitney's presence in Poti could stoke opposition in Russian, Russian foreign ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko downplayed the port call.

"Naval ships of that class can hardly deliver a large amount of aid," Nesterenko told The Times. "Such ships of course have a hold for keeping provisions for the crew and items needed for sailing. How many dozens of tonnes of aid can a ship of that type deliver?"