является частью Грузии, де-факто Министерство иностранных дел Абхазии опровергло его утверждение, подчеркнув, что Абхазия является независимым государством и не подлежит юрисдикции Грузии. В министерстве заявили, что любые комментарии, касающиеся статуса Абхазии, должны учитывать мнение и позицию ее народа.

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, K