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
- Kan Kvarchia Criticises Russia and Calls for Dialogue with Tbilisi
Abkhaz “opposition” leader Kan Kvarchia, recently sentenced by a Sochi court to 10.5 years in prison, has sharply criticised the ruling, describing it as a dangerous precedent for relations between Sokhumi and Moscow.
Speaking at a press conference, Kvarchia argued that the case represents an unprecedented attempt by a Russian court to exercise jurisdiction over an Abkhaz “citizen” for actions allegedly committed in Abkhazia.
While reaffirming the importance of maintaining strategic relations with Russia, he argued that “bilateral ties” have deteriorated in recent years. “Relations must be built on mutual respect. When one side benefits at the expense of the other’s position, that is not cooperation. We are always ready to extend a hand of friendship and brotherhood, but there is no need to impose a particular vision on us. The Abkhaz people have their own perspective,” he said, arguing that Russia has alienated many of its traditional partners, naming Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. “What is happening in Russia gives the impression that the country is slowly but steadily moving toward a serfdom system, where people lack rights and freedom. We in Abkhazia do not intend to accept such a situation,” he added.
The “opposition” figure was particularly critical of Sergey Kirienko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration and the Kremlin’s curator of Abkhazia. “Who is Kirienko? Is he our prime minister, our youth minister, or perhaps our foreign minister? Who is this person? Why is he implementing these programs here? What should we call this? And since when has he become our benefactor? I have not forgotten that when he was Russia’s prime minister, our borders were closed. Back then, he did not seem to be thinking about us,” Kvarchia said.
A significant part of the press conference focused on relations with the rest of Georgia. The de facto MP, who participated in the 1992-1993 armed conflict, argued that the era of direct military confrontation and mutual accusations belongs to the past. “I fought in the war, and I fought with dignity. But the war ended. For me, the concept of a ‘soldier’ ceased to exist, and only the concept of a ‘patriot’ remained. Life goes on,” he said. Kvarchia drew parallels with post-war reconciliation processes in Europe, emphasizing that former adversaries can eventually establish political, economic, and cultural relations. “We cannot remain in isolation forever, constantly waiting for permission to cross the Psou border without problems,” he stated.
In the same context, Kvarchia stated that Abkhazia should seek to improve connectivity with countries such as Armenia and Turkey. He recalled that before Russia recognized Abkhazia in 2008, maritime links with Turkey had operated regularly.
Kvarchia also rejected the common division of political actors into “pro-Russian” and “pro-Western” camps. “I am a pro-Abkhaz politician. How can it be otherwise? What does it mean to be a ‘pro-Russian’ or ‘pro-Western’ politician in our country? We must first and foremost be pro-Abkhaz politicians,” he said.
The remarks sparked a heated debate among the public and political figures in Abkhazia.
De facto president Badra Gunba responded with a strong defence of relations with Moscow, describing Russia as Abkhazia’s “key ally” and “strategic partner”. In a statement, Gunba stressed that Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia in 2008 remains a historic milestone and credited Russian support with strengthening Abkhazia’s security, economy, education, and cultural development.
Gunba also strongly defended Sergey Kirienko, calling criticism directed at him “unacceptable and unfair.” He described Kirienko, who was born in Abkhazia, as “a friend of Abkhazia” who has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the “republic” through practical support and initiatives. Gunba did not address the opposition politician’s comments regarding dialogue with Tbilisi.
Meanwhile, de facto vice president Beslan Bigvava focused specifically on Kvarchia’s remarks concerning the rest of Georgia. Speaking as a participant in the 1992–1993 war, Bigvava said he was surprised to hear such statements from a fellow “war veteran.” He argued that meaningful normalization remains impossible while Tbilisi has not signed a peace agreement with Sokhumi, continues to reject its “independence,” and opposes its interests in international forums.
Similar statements were issued by the pro-government parties Amtsakhara and the People’s Front, while other members of the de facto parliament, including “speaker” Lasha Ashuba, declined to comment directly on Kvarchia’s statements, describing them as the personal views of an individual politician. At the same time, they stressed that the so-called parliament does not question the strategic nature of Abkhazia’s relationship with Russia.
- Timur Gulia Added to Ukraine’s Myrotvorets Database
Head of the public organisation Aruaa (“Warriors”), Timur Gulia, has been accused of encroaching on Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Gulia’s personal details and a list of accusations were published on the Ukrainian website Myrotvorets. The accusations include undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, supporting the Russian Federation, and engaging in war propaganda.
Myrotvorets, launched in August 2014, presents itself as the “online platform of the Centre for Research into Crimes Against the Foundations of Ukraine’s National Security, Peace, and the Security of Citizens.”
- Abkhazia Seeks International Flights from Sokhumi
De facto president Badra Gunba said in an interview with RIA Novosti that Sokhumi airport currently operates flights exclusively to Russian cities, which he described as the airport’s priority direction. However, he noted that the launch of international routes remains possible in the future once “more favorable geopolitical conditions” are in place.
“Definitely, of course, we are focused on this work,” Gunba said when asked whether the airport plans to begin flights to foreign countries. He added that strained relations with Tbilisi remain the main obstacle to expanding international air connections.
“Except for Russia, it is currently impossible to operate flights to other countries, unfortunately, because Georgia blocks this through ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organization),” he said, expressing hope that the issue could be resolved in the near future.
- De Facto Foreign Ministry Criticizes UN Vote on Refugees and IDPs
The de facto “foreign ministry” of Abkhazia has once again criticized the latest UN General Assembly resolution on refugees and internally displaced persons from the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, adopted on 4 June 2026.
In a statement, the de facto agency described the resolution as a politically motivated document that “fails to reflect realities on the ground and ignores the position of Abkhazia.” According to the statement, the annual discussion of the issue at the UN remains one-sided, as representatives of Abkhazia are not allowed to participate in General Assembly debates.
De facto authorities also questioned the significance of the voting results, arguing that support for the resolution was secured through diplomatic pressure exerted by Western countries on developing states.
The statement further argued that the resolution has little practical impact and does not alter what it described as the “existing political and legal realities.” It stated that “Abkhazia’s sovereign status, which it claims was restored through the will of the Abkhaz people in accordance with Soviet and international law, is firmly guaranteed by bilateral agreements with Russia.” The statement added that Georgia’s characterization of the situation as an occupation is merely a “propaganda narrative aimed at obscuring its responsibility for launching the 1992-1993 armed conflict.”
The statement also rejected allegations of ethnic cleansing and disputed Georgian accounts of displacement. It maintained that Abkhazia had taken steps to facilitate the return of displaced persons, particularly to the Gali district, and claimed that tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians have returned to the territory since the conflict.
The de facto ministry concluded by calling on the Georgian government to abandon what it described as politically motivated initiatives and instead sign a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force with Sokhumi.
- Oleg Bartsyts: Georgia’s “Peaceful” Rhetoric Regularly Gives Way to a Hardline Stance at Geneva Talks
Speaking at the roundtable discussion “Geopolitical Processes in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea Macro-Region: History and Contemporary Developments,” de facto foreign minister Oleg Bartsyts said that “pacifist rhetoric in Georgia tends to emerge only when it is politically advantageous for the authorities.”
According to Bartsyts, at the Geneva International Discussions, Tbilisi behaves as though it is negotiating solely with Russia. He noted that the Georgian delegation regularly uses terms such as annexation and occupation regime, refers to the “state border” along the Enguri River as an administrative boundary, and continuously seeks to challenge what he described as existing realities on the ground.
“We persistently work to break through these barriers from one round to the next. Our task is straightforward, and we harbour no illusions. We understand that no diplomatic miracle will happen tomorrow,” Bartsyts said.
He also stressed that withdrawing from the Geneva Discussions would be counterproductive. “Leaving the format would mean only one thing: the discussions would continue without us. Our problems and the realities of the region would still be discussed, but without our authoritative voice being represented in the process,” he added.
- Sochi Blogger Apologizes to Abkhazians for Wearing Hat with Georgian Symbolism
A Russian blogger, Ksenia Alypova, sparked criticism from some residents of occupied Abkhazia after posting social media stories from Gagra while wearing a Panama-style hat with an image of the Georgian flag.
Following the backlash, Alypova recorded a video message addressed to the “people of Abkhazia,” saying she had not intended to make any political statement through her choice of clothing. “I recognize Abkhazia as a sovereign independent state. I visit here about ten times a year and greatly appreciate the warmth and hospitality of this city. Therefore, I offer my sincere apologies,” Alypova said.
Despite her apology, criticism continued on social media, with some residents arguing that tourists displaying Georgian symbols in Abkhazia should face stricter measures, including being barred from entering the region.
Tskhinvali
- Tadtayev Resigns as Former Russia Official Kambolov Nominated as De Facto PM
Dzambolat Tadtayev, the de facto prime minister of Georgia’s occupied Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region, resigned on June 8, as Alan Gagloev, the region’s de facto leader, has nominated Marat Kambolov, a former Russia official, to lead a new cabinet. While Kambolov’s Russian citizenship is not confirmed, he has reported extensive work experience in Russia’s federal government bodies. The so-called parliament of the region has yet to approve Kambolov’s nomination.
The resignation of Tadtayev, who chaired the de facto government since February, and the nomination of Kambolov, who has been Gagloev’s adviser since May 27, came amid a so-called “Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation” signed by Tskhinvali and Moscow on May 9 and already ratified by both sides. Tadtayev submitted his resignation during a June 8 meeting of the de facto government, where the cooperation with Russia and implementation of agreements with Moscow, including the May 9 treaty, were reportedly discussed. Gagloev, who chaired the meeting, reportedly said that a “new stage” is beginning in Tskhinvali’s relations with Russia.
- Illegally Detained Georgian Citizen Released From Tskhinvali Custody
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) said on June 9 that a Georgian citizen illegally detained by Russian occupation forces in the vicinity of the Sachkhere municipality has been released and is now in Tbilisi-controlled territory.
While the SSSG did not disclose the individual’s identity, in line with its recent practice, the RES news agency of the occupied Tskhinvali region identified the man as 48-year-old Mamuka Bagauri and said that he had been detained on June 6 for “violating state border regulations.”
- Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Comment on Istanbul Declaration
On the Istanbul Declaration, signed on June 8 by the foreign ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, which reiterated, among others, the “utmost importance of the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders,” de facto authorities in occupied Sokhumi and Tskhinvali issued statements.
Abkhazia’s de facto foreign ministry said such provisions are “entirely devoid of legal grounds and completely disregard indisputable historical facts,” while Tskhinvali’s so-called foreign ministry called the term “internationally recognized borders” outdated, saying it no longer reflects the realities that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union and insisting the region “has nothing to do” with Georgia’s “so-called territorial integrity.”
- ‘South Ossetia’ Newspaper: Georgia Returns to Pro-Western Course, Distances Itself from Russia
An article in the newspaper “South Ossetia,” published by the RES news agency, analyzes Georgia’s current foreign policy course, which, according to the author, demonstrates a growing orientation toward Western structures and a refusal to engage even in limited direct dialogue with Russia. As an example, the article cites Tbilisi’s decision not to participate in a meeting of the “3+3” regional platform, which is interpreted as a rejection of regional cooperation mechanisms involving Moscow.
The author notes that, against the backdrop of statements about the pragmatism of its foreign policy, the Georgian government is intensifying contacts with the U.S., NATO, as well as with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Particular attention is paid to integration with the North Atlantic Alliance, which is once again identified as a key priority.
Additionally, the article discusses the expansion of military and intelligence cooperation with Azerbaijan, which is linked to a broader regional configuration involving Turkey. A separate section is devoted to the role of the United States: it is claimed that Washington is setting conditions for deepening relations, while Tbilisi is demonstrating a willingness to comply with them.
Domestic political processes, including high-profile detentions on charges of ties to foreign intelligence services and the intensification of the pro-Western opposition, are viewed as part of the overall trend. In conclusion, the report concludes that a tougher foreign policy course is taking shape and that geopolitical competition in the South Caucasus is on the rise.
- Occupied Tskhinvali’s “Ministry of Defense” Reports Start of Field Exercises by Special Forces
The local RES news agency reports that scheduled field exercises have begun for fighters of the special-purpose battalion under the so-called “ministry of defense” of the occupied Tskhinvali region. “The special forces fighters quickly moved out from their permanent deployment site and completed a multi-kilometer forced march in full gear with standard-issue weapons, successfully reaching the training center’s location within the set timeframe,” the report notes. It also states that the program includes tactical, live-fire, and physical training exercises, as well as the study of topography and engineering. It is noted that theoretical classes are regularly reinforced with practical training at training grounds, aimed at improving combat readiness and unit coordination.
- Russia Ratifies Agreement with Tskhinvali on Pension Benefits for “Customs Officers”
Russia has completed the ratification procedures for an agreement with the occupied Tskhinvali region on pension benefits for “customs officers” and their family members, the RES news agency reports. The report notes that the document was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the agreement itself was concluded in Tskhinvali on November 7, 2025. The article emphasizes that “upon dismissal from service, a person’s pension will be assigned in the territory of the country where they were dismissed,” while payments will be made at their place of permanent residence. A similar principle applies to survivors’ pensions for family members.
- Gagloev Calls Russia Day Symbol of “Shared Destiny” and Friendship with Russia
Alan Gagloev, the de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day, in which he noted that this “holiday” is viewed in the region as a “symbol of a shared historical destiny, brotherhood, and unshakable friendship,” the RES news agency reported. The text emphasizes the role of Russia, which, according to Gagloev, “saved [the region] from genocide” and recognized its “independence.” It also highlights Russia’s significance as a “world power.”
Moscow-Tbilisi
- Georgia Detains Internationally Wanted Person, Reportedly Russian Citizen, in Coordination with FBI
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) announced on June 5 that it has detained a person wanted internationally for “various serious crimes” in coordination with the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Later, reports in Russian and Georgian media sources suggested that the detainee is a Russian citizen, Tatyana Kurashkevich, “an entrepreneur and a postgraduate student at MGIMO [the Moscow State Institute of International Relations],” who has been placed on the INTERPOL wanted list and faces allegations related to sanctions evasion.
- One of Two Persons Arrested by Georgia in Mass Crypto Laundering Scheme Is a Russian Citizen, TASS Reports
Georgia arrested two foreign nationals, one of whom was later reported by TASS to be a Russian citizen, in a mass international cryptocurrency laundering scheme in a joint operation with U.S. and Polish authorities, saying the organized criminal group the suspects belonged to laundered cryptocurrency worth “several hundred million US dollars” over three years. According to TASS, the Russian detainee was wanted by law enforcement agencies in the United States and Poland.
- Zakharova Praises Georgian Authorities’ Ability to “Resist Western Pressure”
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the policies of the Georgian authorities and their relations with the West during her June 10 briefing. Citing Vladimir Putin, she noted that one can “only marvel at the courage and character” of Georgia’s leadership, which, in her assessment, “did not allow the West to interfere in the affairs of its country.”
Zakharova also noted that the resilience of the Georgian authorities is due to internal factors, emphasizing that “Georgia’s faith, culture, and history have become its lifeline.” She stated that Tbilisi “has apparently made a firm and conscious choice in favor of restoring the country’s sovereignty” and is also striving to resist external pressure.
The statement emphasizes that Moscow “understands Tbilisi’s attempts to put an end to external dictates” and is ready to develop bilateral relations. Russia, according to Zakharova, is “open to expanding cooperation” on a mutually beneficial and equal footing. “Moscow is open to expanding cooperation where it brings mutual benefit and is built on a basis of mutual respect,” Zakharova added.
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