Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations.
Sokhumi
- Occupied Abkhazia Launches Forum of Big Deals and Even Bigger Expectations
The first-ever “International Economic Forum” has been opened in Sokhumi, bringing together de facto President Badra Gunba, Russian Presidential Administration official Sergey Kirienko, South Ossetian leader Alan Gagloev, as well as other “officials” and business figures.
In his opening remarks, Gunba described the forum as an important step toward strengthening Abkhazia’s economy and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, highlighting the region’s untapped economic potential and growing investor interest.
The forum aims to promote “dialogue and partnerships”, with plans to sign multiple agreements, memorandums, and business deals – a volume of cooperation the de facto authorities say is unprecedented in the post-recognition period.
- Gunba, Kirienko Discuss ‘Abkhaz–Russian Cooperation’ in Sokhumi
A working meeting between de facto Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba and Russian Presidential Administration official Sergey Kirienko was held in Sokhumi. According to the official press release, the sides discussed key areas of “Abkhaz–Russian cooperation”, including the implementation of joint projects in the social, economic, and infrastructure sectors. Gunba also conveyed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the reopening of Sokhumi airport and for what he described as Russia’s continued support for Abkhazia’s development. On April 2, a new terminal at Sokhumi Airport was inaugurated, featuring a 5,000 m² facility equipped with 20 passport control booths, nine check-in counters, and two baggage claim belts, with a capacity of up to 400 passengers per hour.
Kirienko was appointed as the Kremlin’s curator for Abkhazia following the political developments in the region in late 2024, during the so-called “presidential campaign”. This change was widely perceived as a shift in Russia’s approach toward Abkhazia, replacing pressure tactics with soft power to pursue its objectives. Often described as an experienced crisis manager, Kirienko was born in Abkhazia, which is frequently cited as underpinning his personal connection to the region.
This marks Kirienko’s seventh visit since his appointment, this time in connection with an “international economic forum”. His frequent visits are viewed in Abkhazia not only as inspections of Russia-funded projects, but also as a signal that Moscow is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and remains prepared to respond in case of political escalation.
- De facto MFA Rebuts Kobakhidze’s Statement
In response to a recent statement by Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze saying that all of Georgia, including “Abkhazia and Samachablo” [Tskhinvali region], unanimously supported independence in the 1991 referendum, the de facto Foreign Ministry of Abkhazia issued a rebuttal, calling such claims a “distortion of facts”.
The statement argues that the will of the Abkhaz population was instead expressed during the Soviet Union referendum of March 17, 1991.
“The will of the Abkhaz people was clearly expressed in the results of the All-Union referendum of March 17, 1991, in which an overwhelming majority of the population of the Abkhaz ASSR voted to preserve the USSR and affirmed their right to determine Abkhazia’s future status independently. This plebiscite was not a ‘separate referendum,’ but was conducted within the legal framework of the union-wide All-Union referendum”, the agency stated.
It further claims that while Georgia restored its independence following the 1991 referendum, references to its pre-Soviet status overlook Abkhazia’s position, which it describes as equal under the 1921 Union Treaty. According to the de facto MFA’s statement, such interpretations reflect a selective reading of history and cannot undermine the “Abkhaz people’s legitimate right to determine their own future”.
- Armenian Tourists May Get Visa-Free Access to Abkhazia
Sokhumi’s de facto authorities proposed granting “visa-free” access to the occupied territory to Armenian tourists. Currently, a “visa-free regime” applies to citizens of countries and territories recognizing the “independence” of Abkhazia. Exceptions are already in place for citizens of Belarus and Kazakhstan.
If the decision is approved, Armenian citizens will be able to visit Abkhazia “visa-free” for up to two weeks. Notably, representatives of the Armenian travel company Kiwi Travel are currently visiting Abkhazia as part of an “international economic forum” being held in Sokhumi.
- Schools for Russian Servicemen’s Children Set to Open in Abkhazia
The de facto Parliament has reviewed a “draft law” on the ratification of an agreement with the Government of the Russian Federation concerning the establishment of a general education institution operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense in Abkhazia.
The agreement was signed in Moscow on May 7, 2025. It provides for the opening of a school where children of servicemen and civilian personnel of the Russian military base, as well as Russian citizens temporarily residing in Abkhazia, will be able to receive primary, basic, and secondary general education in accordance with Russian educational standards.
- ‘United Abkhazia’ Party Pushes Back Against Western Policy in the South Caucasus
A roundtable titled “Abkhazia as a Subject of Geopolitics in the Caucasus Region: Strategic Alliance with Russia and Countering Western Policy in the South Caucasus” was held in Sokhumi, organized by the “government”-affiliated party “United Abkhazia”. Among the participants were members of Russia’s ruling party, “United Russia”, Russia’s so-called ambassador to Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin, and the de facto head of the Gali district administration, Konstantin Pilia.
According to the organizers, the discussion comes amid what they describe as growing geopolitical competition in the South Caucasus. They argued that efforts by the “collective West”, including the United States, EU structures, and NATO, to reshape the region through “soft power” and political pressure necessitate strengthening security mechanisms.
During the roundtable, three main issues were discussed:
- Western strategy in the South Caucasus: including what speakers characterized as expanding Western engagement in neighboring countries, perceived risks of NATO enlargement, and information campaigns targeting the “Russian-Abkhaz alliance”.
- Abkhazia’s role: described by participants as a military-political outpost aligned with Russia, with emphasis on shared historical narratives, “traditional values”, and the participation of Abkhaz fighters in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Proposed measures: increased engagement in international platforms, closer coordination between Russian and de facto Abkhaz security structures, and deeper economic integration as a response to sanctions.
Tskhinvali
- Primakov Calls Ossetians ‘Nation of Heroes and Military Leaders‘
In a video address to a roundtable held in Tskhinvali, Yevgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Russia’s agency for strengthening the country’s humanitarian influence worldwide, stated that the centuries-old history of the peoples of Russia and “South Ossetia” has shaped the image of the Ossetians as a nation of heroes and military leaders. He recalled that, as far back as the 18th century, the mountain dwellers had guarded the Georgian Military Road and served in the commanders’ escorts in the Caucasus.
“The names of military leaders such as Baev, Kusov, Abatsiev, and Mistulov are inscribed in gold letters in the history of the Russian Empire. The Soviet era gave us the names of Generals Pliev, Khetagurov, and Mamsurov. The Great Patriotic War preserves the memory of Ostayev, Dzusov, Kochiev, Kesaev, and Tskhovrebov,” Primakov stated. He added that the mission of Rossotrudnichestvo is to organize “such meetings, which are honest, scientifically grounded, and aimed at defending historical truth and passing it on to the younger generation.”
- Gagloev Announces Spring Conscription for Military Service
Alan Gagloev, the leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, has signed a decree on the spring conscription for military service. The campaign will take place from April 1 to July 15, 2026. The document provides for the discharge of servicemen into the reserves who have completed their required term of service. Male citizens who reach the age of 18 by the time of conscription and are not eligible for deferment, as well as older individuals who have lost their right to deferment, are subject to conscription.
- Authorities in Tskhinvali Increase Supplements for Drama Theater Employees to 200%
The de facto “government” of the occupied Tskhinvali region approved an increase in monthly supplements for employees of the state drama theater – starting April 1, 2026, they will rise from 100% to 200% of the base salary.
- Tskhinvali Proposes to Expedite Signing of Contracts for Conscripts
The “parliamentary committee” on defense and security of the occupied Tskhinvali region reviewed amendments to the law “On Military Duty and Military Service.” According to Soslan Gagiev, “chairman of the committee,” the changes should expedite the signing of contracts between conscripts and the “Ministry of Defense.” It is proposed to allow conscripts to sign a three-year contract after three months of service.
Moscow-Tbilisi
- Koba Khabazi Charged in Donetsk for Fighting in Ukraine
The Russian-occupied Donetsk region has charged Koba Khabazi, a 58-year-old Georgian citizen, former member of the Georgian Parliament, and one of the prominent figures in the opposition National Movement, over fighting in Ukraine. According to the Russian investigation, Khabazi arrived in Ukraine via Poland in March 2022 to join the Georgian National Legion as a mercenary. The investigation found that he underwent training and allegedly participated in combat operations against Russian forces until January 2026, earning approximately 3.6 million rubles. The Russian prosecutor’s office has issued an international arrest warrant for him.
- Overchuk: Transit to Armenia Benefits Everyone, Georgia Plays Key Role
Russia claims that the launch of rail transit to Armenia via Azerbaijan would benefit all parties. However, the article also emphasizes the importance of Georgia, as the route passes through its territory. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, agreements on the transport of Russian and Kazakh cargo to Armenia were reached within a few days, and the first grain shipments have already arrived. The route includes transit through Azerbaijan and Georgia, which, according to Overchuk, creates a new source of revenue for Tbilisi and strengthens regional ties.
He thanked Georgia for its “constructive cooperation,” noting the expansion of the range of goods – from grain to fertilizers. Russian experts attribute the revitalization of the route to post-war initiatives to unblock communications in the South Caucasus, where Georgia is viewed as a key player in the logistics scheme. The article emphasizes that the route’s prospects will depend on demand from Armenian importers.
Also Read:
