🥔🇨🇺 Lukashenko met with the Vice President of Cuba and assured that Belarus is ready to do for his country “everything it can and everything the current situation allows.”
“We are well aware of what is happening around our friendly country. We are ready to do everything we can and everything the situation allows for Cuba. We will strictly implement what we agreed upon. If you have additional proposals, we are ready to consider them,” he stated.
— @Maks_NAFO_FELLA May 29, 2026
Day: May 29, 2026
Trump’s room to maneuver narrows as US, Iran close in on framework deal reut.rs/3PIEHGf reut.rs/3PIEHGf
— @Reuters May 29, 2026
JUST IN:
Intelligence agents have found a russian passport next to the recently attacked building in Romania. A deliberate act of war by Putin, NATO Article 5 now!! /s
— @Alex_Oloyede2 May 29, 2026
JUST IN:
Intelligence agents have found a russian passport next to the recently attacked building in Romania. A deliberate act of war by Putin, NATO Article 5 now!! /s
— @Alex_Oloyede2 May 29, 2026
Categories
Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Digest
Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali /South Ossetia.
Sokhumi
- Abkhazia Proposes Stricter “Election” Rules and Ban on Foreign Involvement
De facto MPs are considering sweeping “amendments” to the “constitutional law” governing so-called parliamentary elections. The proposed amendments were unanimously approved by the de facto “parliamentary committee on state and legal policy” for further consideration in a “second reading”.
According to the draft “legislation”, foreign citizens, stateless persons, foreign and international organizations, as well as international public movements, would be prohibited from participating in or influencing “electoral processes” in Abkhazia. In addition, conducting public opinion polls or sociological research related to the elections will be prohibited from the moment they are officially announced. Criminal liability for violations would be introduced, with penalties including substantial fines or imprisonment for up to three years.
The initiative reportedly originates from the de facto presidential administration. An explanatory note attached to the “bill” states that the measures are aimed “exclusively at protecting national sovereignty”.
Another key part of the “reform package” concerns eligibility requirements for “parliamentary candidates”. If adopted, only “citizens” of Abkhazia with higher education who have permanently resided in the region for at least five consecutive years before “election” day would be eligible to run for “parliament”. More specifically, “candidates” would be disqualified if they spent more than two months abroad in any given year during that period.
The draft “law” would also introduce mandatory examinations in Abkhaz and Russian. The testing would be conducted by a special linguistic commission under the de facto central election commission.
The proposals have already sparked debate among political actors and the public. The “United Abkhazia” has argued that some of the proposed restrictions could negatively affect political participation and social stability.
In particular, the party criticized plans to raise the minimum age requirement for “parliamentary candidates”, claiming that young people have historically played a significant role in Abkhazia and should not be artificially excluded from public life.
The party also voiced concern over the proposed residency restrictions, noting that many Abkhazians study, receive medical treatment or conduct business in Russia, and that the restrictions could unintentionally affect them. Its members additionally cautioned against the possible politicization of the proposed language testing system, arguing that it should remain transparent and not become a mechanism to exclude opponents from “elections”.
The “amendments” are expected to continue moving through the de facto parliament in the coming weeks.
- Appeal by Abkhaz Political Groups Ahead of Armenian Elections Sparks Controversy
Several opposition groups in Abkhazia have sparked controversy after issuing a joint appeal to the Armenian community in Abkhazia ahead of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections on June 7.
In the statement addressed to the head of the Armenian community, the signatories described the vote as a crucial moment for Armenia’s future and for stability in the South Caucasus. They urged Armenian citizens to support opposition forces that consider alliance and “unbreakable friendship” with Russia to be fundamental principles.
The appeal was signed by several opposition organizations, including the Veterans’ Organization Aruaa, the Forum for National Unity, and the Abkhaz People’s Movement led by opposition figure Adgur Ardzinba. The first two groups recently joined the “consultative council of political forces” established by de facto president Badra Gunba to facilitate political engagement, while Ardzinba has repeatedly expressed readiness for dialogue with Gunba in recent months.
The appeal triggered criticism from another part of the opposition, which described it as interference in the internal political affairs of another state. According to a statement by Aidgylara, against the backdrop of the deeply negative reaction within Abkhaz society to external interference in Abkhazia itself, attempts to influence the elections in Armenia appear particularly questionable, especially given the serious and still unresolved consequences of foreign political technologists’ unlawful involvement in the “electoral process”. Notably, Aidgylara is led by the opposition leader and de facto MP Kan Kvarchia, who is facing imprisonment in Russia in connection with the “political technologists” case.
- Abkhazia Criticizes Georgian Statements on “Reunification”
The de facto foreign ministry of occupied Abkhazia has responded to the recent statements by Georgian political and religious leaders regarding the “future reunification” of Georgia with Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, calling the rhetoric a “threat to Abkhazia’s sovereignty and security”.
The de facto ministry claims that references to “reconciliation” and “reunification” may appear peaceful to the international community, but are perceived in Abkhazia “through the prism of real threats and historical experience”.
According to the statement, Georgian rhetoric about the “inevitability” of reunification ignores the will of the Abkhaz people and their right to self-determination. The de facto ministry also pointed to Adjara as what it described as an example of a region that “lost its political identity and autonomy within Georgia”.
The statement argued that if Tbilisi genuinely sought peaceful relations, it should officially acknowledge responsibility for the 1990s conflicts, recognize Abkhazia’s “independence” and sign a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force.
The de facto ministry also claimed that the concept of “mythical reunification” masks what it described as “revanchist plans for renewed aggression by a five-million-strong state against the small Abkhaz people,” and called on Georgian political leaders to abandon “false rhetoric and illusions”.
- Heavy Flooding Hits Occupied Abkhazia
A special working commission has been established in Abkhazia to coordinate efforts to deal with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by heavy rains in the eastern districts of the region.
The heaviest damage was reported in the Tkvarcheli district, where 11 settlements were flooded. Strong water flows damaged bridges and washed away roads, cutting several villages off from outside access.
Landslides were also reported in two villages in the Gali district. According to local de facto authorities, the affected areas were quickly cleared through the joint efforts of Russia’s FSB “border guards” in Abkhazia, municipal workers and local residents.
Heavy rainfall hit the Gulripshi, Ochamchire and Tkvarcheli districts during the night of May 24-25. De facto President Badra Gunba visited the affected districts and instructed local “administrations” to assist in recovery and cleanup efforts.
Tskhinvali
- Gagloev Highlights Russia’s Role in Remarks Marking Anniversary of “Independence Act”
Alan Gagloev, the de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, delivered an address marking the anniversary of the adoption of the “Independence Act” by the self-proclaimed region on May 29, 1992, highlighting it as “the final stage in the formation of statehood.”
“We remember well how it all began. In the late 1980s, the nationalist authorities of the Georgian SSR launched a policy of repression against the Ossetian people: the suppression of the Ossetian language, the rewriting of history, and the restriction of political and cultural rights. For our people, this was a direct challenge, an attempt to strip them of their dignity and their right to be masters of their own land,” Gagloev stated.
He noted Russia’s role in supporting the region after the war and the development of allied relations. The address also highlighted the tasks of further developing economic and social spheres, the priority of citizens’ well-being, and the responsibility of youth for the future.
- Gagloev Donates Icons to Churches in Tskhinvali, Emphasizing Importance of Spiritual Values
Alan Gagloev, the de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, donated two icons to churches in Tskhinvali, the local news agency RES reports.
The Holy Trinity Church received an icon of the Mother of God, painted about 200 years ago in the Kuban region and delivered via a clergyman from Russia. It was delivered by members of the Night Wolves motorcycle club for the May 9 events. The Holy Mother of God Church received the Resurrection of Christ icon, previously donated by representatives of the People’s Front. During the ceremony, the significance of such gifts “for strengthening spiritual traditions and social unity” was emphasized. Gagloev noted the importance of preserving religious values, expressing confidence that the icons would become a symbol of faith, peace, and prosperity for the region’s parishioners.
- Russian MFA: Tskhinvali, Moscow Have Reached a Level of Deepened Integration
Akhsar Dzhioev, the so-called head of the occupied Tskhinvali region’s “foreign ministry,” held a meeting with Marat Kulakhmetov, the “ambassador” of the Russian Federation in Tskhinvali, who conveyed to Dzhioev a congratulatory message from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Galuzin on the occasion of “Diplomatic Worker Day.”
Galuzin’s message highlights “the selfless work of the leadership and staff of the South Ossetian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in strengthening the country’s international standing following the republic’s declaration,” the local news agency RES reports.
Special attention was paid to the signing by Putin and Gagloev on May 9 of the “Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation.” According to Kulakhmetov, “thanks to the joint efforts of the foreign ministries of the two countries, it was possible in a relatively short time to elevate Russian-South Ossetian relations to the level of an allied partnership, and currently – onto the path of deepened integration.”
- Putin Signs into Law Treaty with Tskhinvali “On Deepening Cooperation”
Vladimir Putin signed a law ratifying the treaty with the occupied Tskhinvali region on deepening cooperation in the political, economic, and defense spheres, the local news agency RES reports. The treaty was signed in Moscow on May 9, 2026.
The treaty stipulates that Moscow and Tskhinvali “will take further steps aimed at creating a single economic space, improving the well-being and standard of living of citizens, and ensuring a phased transition to a unified system for external borrowing and foreign investment,” the report notes.
Also Read:
- 22/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 15-21, 2026
- 08/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 1-7, 2026
The post Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Digest – May 21-28, 2026 first appeared on The South Caucasus News – SouthCaucasusNews.com.
Categories
Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Digest
Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali /South Ossetia.
Sokhumi
- Abkhazia Proposes Stricter “Election” Rules and Ban on Foreign Involvement
De facto MPs are considering sweeping “amendments” to the “constitutional law” governing so-called parliamentary elections. The proposed amendments were unanimously approved by the de facto “parliamentary committee on state and legal policy” for further consideration in a “second reading”.
According to the draft “legislation”, foreign citizens, stateless persons, foreign and international organizations, as well as international public movements, would be prohibited from participating in or influencing “electoral processes” in Abkhazia. In addition, conducting public opinion polls or sociological research related to the elections will be prohibited from the moment they are officially announced. Criminal liability for violations would be introduced, with penalties including substantial fines or imprisonment for up to three years.
The initiative reportedly originates from the de facto presidential administration. An explanatory note attached to the “bill” states that the measures are aimed “exclusively at protecting national sovereignty”.
Another key part of the “reform package” concerns eligibility requirements for “parliamentary candidates”. If adopted, only “citizens” of Abkhazia with higher education who have permanently resided in the region for at least five consecutive years before “election” day would be eligible to run for “parliament”. More specifically, “candidates” would be disqualified if they spent more than two months abroad in any given year during that period.
The draft “law” would also introduce mandatory examinations in Abkhaz and Russian. The testing would be conducted by a special linguistic commission under the de facto central election commission.
The proposals have already sparked debate among political actors and the public. The “United Abkhazia” has argued that some of the proposed restrictions could negatively affect political participation and social stability.
In particular, the party criticized plans to raise the minimum age requirement for “parliamentary candidates”, claiming that young people have historically played a significant role in Abkhazia and should not be artificially excluded from public life.
The party also voiced concern over the proposed residency restrictions, noting that many Abkhazians study, receive medical treatment or conduct business in Russia, and that the restrictions could unintentionally affect them. Its members additionally cautioned against the possible politicization of the proposed language testing system, arguing that it should remain transparent and not become a mechanism to exclude opponents from “elections”.
The “amendments” are expected to continue moving through the de facto parliament in the coming weeks.
- Appeal by Abkhaz Political Groups Ahead of Armenian Elections Sparks Controversy
Several opposition groups in Abkhazia have sparked controversy after issuing a joint appeal to the Armenian community in Abkhazia ahead of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections on June 7.
In the statement addressed to the head of the Armenian community, the signatories described the vote as a crucial moment for Armenia’s future and for stability in the South Caucasus. They urged Armenian citizens to support opposition forces that consider alliance and “unbreakable friendship” with Russia to be fundamental principles.
The appeal was signed by several opposition organizations, including the Veterans’ Organization Aruaa, the Forum for National Unity, and the Abkhaz People’s Movement led by opposition figure Adgur Ardzinba. The first two groups recently joined the “consultative council of political forces” established by de facto president Badra Gunba to facilitate political engagement, while Ardzinba has repeatedly expressed readiness for dialogue with Gunba in recent months.
The appeal triggered criticism from another part of the opposition, which described it as interference in the internal political affairs of another state. According to a statement by Aidgylara, against the backdrop of the deeply negative reaction within Abkhaz society to external interference in Abkhazia itself, attempts to influence the elections in Armenia appear particularly questionable, especially given the serious and still unresolved consequences of foreign political technologists’ unlawful involvement in the “electoral process”. Notably, Aidgylara is led by the opposition leader and de facto MP Kan Kvarchia, who is facing imprisonment in Russia in connection with the “political technologists” case.
- Abkhazia Criticizes Georgian Statements on “Reunification”
The de facto foreign ministry of occupied Abkhazia has responded to the recent statements by Georgian political and religious leaders regarding the “future reunification” of Georgia with Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, calling the rhetoric a “threat to Abkhazia’s sovereignty and security”.
The de facto ministry claims that references to “reconciliation” and “reunification” may appear peaceful to the international community, but are perceived in Abkhazia “through the prism of real threats and historical experience”.
According to the statement, Georgian rhetoric about the “inevitability” of reunification ignores the will of the Abkhaz people and their right to self-determination. The de facto ministry also pointed to Adjara as what it described as an example of a region that “lost its political identity and autonomy within Georgia”.
The statement argued that if Tbilisi genuinely sought peaceful relations, it should officially acknowledge responsibility for the 1990s conflicts, recognize Abkhazia’s “independence” and sign a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force.
The de facto ministry also claimed that the concept of “mythical reunification” masks what it described as “revanchist plans for renewed aggression by a five-million-strong state against the small Abkhaz people,” and called on Georgian political leaders to abandon “false rhetoric and illusions”.
- Heavy Flooding Hits Occupied Abkhazia
A special working commission has been established in Abkhazia to coordinate efforts to deal with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by heavy rains in the eastern districts of the region.
The heaviest damage was reported in the Tkvarcheli district, where 11 settlements were flooded. Strong water flows damaged bridges and washed away roads, cutting several villages off from outside access.
Landslides were also reported in two villages in the Gali district. According to local de facto authorities, the affected areas were quickly cleared through the joint efforts of Russia’s FSB “border guards” in Abkhazia, municipal workers and local residents.
Heavy rainfall hit the Gulripshi, Ochamchire and Tkvarcheli districts during the night of May 24-25. De facto President Badra Gunba visited the affected districts and instructed local “administrations” to assist in recovery and cleanup efforts.
Tskhinvali
- Gagloev Highlights Russia’s Role in Remarks Marking Anniversary of “Independence Act”
Alan Gagloev, the de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, delivered an address marking the anniversary of the adoption of the “Independence Act” by the self-proclaimed region on May 29, 1992, highlighting it as “the final stage in the formation of statehood.”
“We remember well how it all began. In the late 1980s, the nationalist authorities of the Georgian SSR launched a policy of repression against the Ossetian people: the suppression of the Ossetian language, the rewriting of history, and the restriction of political and cultural rights. For our people, this was a direct challenge, an attempt to strip them of their dignity and their right to be masters of their own land,” Gagloev stated.
He noted Russia’s role in supporting the region after the war and the development of allied relations. The address also highlighted the tasks of further developing economic and social spheres, the priority of citizens’ well-being, and the responsibility of youth for the future.
- Gagloev Donates Icons to Churches in Tskhinvali, Emphasizing Importance of Spiritual Values
Alan Gagloev, the de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, donated two icons to churches in Tskhinvali, the local news agency RES reports.
The Holy Trinity Church received an icon of the Mother of God, painted about 200 years ago in the Kuban region and delivered via a clergyman from Russia. It was delivered by members of the Night Wolves motorcycle club for the May 9 events. The Holy Mother of God Church received the Resurrection of Christ icon, previously donated by representatives of the People’s Front. During the ceremony, the significance of such gifts “for strengthening spiritual traditions and social unity” was emphasized. Gagloev noted the importance of preserving religious values, expressing confidence that the icons would become a symbol of faith, peace, and prosperity for the region’s parishioners.
- Russian MFA: Tskhinvali, Moscow Have Reached a Level of Deepened Integration
Akhsar Dzhioev, the so-called head of the occupied Tskhinvali region’s “foreign ministry,” held a meeting with Marat Kulakhmetov, the “ambassador” of the Russian Federation in Tskhinvali, who conveyed to Dzhioev a congratulatory message from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Galuzin on the occasion of “Diplomatic Worker Day.”
Galuzin’s message highlights “the selfless work of the leadership and staff of the South Ossetian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in strengthening the country’s international standing following the republic’s declaration,” the local news agency RES reports.
Special attention was paid to the signing by Putin and Gagloev on May 9 of the “Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation.” According to Kulakhmetov, “thanks to the joint efforts of the foreign ministries of the two countries, it was possible in a relatively short time to elevate Russian-South Ossetian relations to the level of an allied partnership, and currently – onto the path of deepened integration.”
- Putin Signs into Law Treaty with Tskhinvali “On Deepening Cooperation”
Vladimir Putin signed a law ratifying the treaty with the occupied Tskhinvali region on deepening cooperation in the political, economic, and defense spheres, the local news agency RES reports. The treaty was signed in Moscow on May 9, 2026.
The treaty stipulates that Moscow and Tskhinvali “will take further steps aimed at creating a single economic space, improving the well-being and standard of living of citizens, and ensuring a phased transition to a unified system for external borrowing and foreign investment,” the report notes.
Also Read:
- 22/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 15-21, 2026
- 08/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 1-7, 2026
The post Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Digest – May 21-28, 2026 first appeared on The South Caucasus News – SouthCaucasusNews.com.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing earlier this month, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) asked General Christopher LaNeve about the Army’s simulation center in Orlando, Florida.
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During a House Armed Services Committee hearing earlier this month, Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) asked Commander of U.S. Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper about U.S. military strikes in Iran.
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Innovent Biologics, Pfizer strike $10.5 bln cancer drug deal amid China biotech boom reut.rs/42YLMWa reut.rs/42YLMWa
— @Reuters May 29, 2026
US President Trump’s comments about gaining control of Greenland have triggered fear, anger and political recalculation across the Arctic island, where many residents still carry deep resentment over Denmark’s colonial-era abuses reut.rs/3RRAqAN @specialreports
— @Reuters May 29, 2026