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
- Russia Removes Abkhaz Journalist Inal Khashig from Foreign Agents Register
Russia’s Ministry of Justice removed Abkhaz journalist and political analyst Inal Khashig from its register of foreign agents on June 19, stating that he no longer met the criteria for designation as a foreign agent.
Khashig was designated a foreign agent on March 7, 2025, with Russian authorities alleging that he had disseminated false information about Russian government policies and the electoral system and had maintained contacts with foreign political figures. Russian authorities have also designated Izida Chania, editor-in-chief of Nuzhnaya Gazeta, and Nizfa Arshba, editor-in-chief of Aiashara, as foreign agents, with both of them remaining on the register.
The decision to remove Khashig has prompted speculation among some observers, who have linked it to his family ties to the de facto “president” Badra Gunba, who is married to Khashig’s niece. Commenting on the decision, Khashig himself said he had not sought assistance from any authorities and was unaware of the reasons behind Moscow’s reversal. “I hope that the Kremlin’s reconsideration of my status is a political decision aimed at smoothing over the problematic issues that emerged in Russian-Abkhaz relations during Aslan Bzhania’s presidency,” Khashig wrote. He also expressed hope that similar decisions regarding his colleagues would follow the move.
- De Facto Abkhaz Foreign Ministry Criticizes Georgian School Competition on Abkhazia
The Georgian educational competition for school students titled “When I Return to Abkhazia” has not gone unnoticed in the occupied region. The de facto foreign ministry responded with a statement describing the initiative as part of what it called Georgia’s long-term policy of promoting a distorted perception of Abkhazia’s history and “statehood.”
In a statement, the de facto ministry argued that initiatives presented under the themes of “peace,” “dialogue,” and “Christian values” are used to promote political narratives among Georgian youth. According to the agency, such activities contribute to the creation of “an artificial myth” and foster a generation that does not recognize existing political and legal realities and has a distorted understanding of historical events.
The statement further claimed that, while radical views have less influence on Georgian youth today than in the past, certain ideological narratives continue to be promoted, encouraging support for what the so-called ministry characterized as “unrealized revanchist ambitions.” According to the de facto authorities, the competition reflects “Georgia’s unwillingness to acknowledge responsibility for the outbreak of the Georgian-Abkhaz war.”
- Fuel Shortage Reported in Abkhazia as Supplies from Russia Face Disruptions
Fuel shortages have been reported in occupied Abkhazia, with some petrol stations limiting the amount of fuel that customers can purchase. Abkhazia imports its fuel from Russia, where repeated Ukrainian drone strikes have damaged oil refineries, causing supply disruptions and restrictions on fuel distribution.
The situation appeared to ease after the fuel supplier Abkhaztop received a shipment of 300 tonnes of fuel, which has been distributed to petrol stations across Abkhazia. The company’s director general, Ramaz Jopua, stated that the delivery should be sufficient to meet the region’s fuel needs for approximately one month. Jopua also acknowledged that some filling stations may continue to experience temporary shortages, attributing them to increased demand as motorists purchase fuel not only for their vehicles but also to fill additional containers.
The fuel shortages sparked reactions on social media. The Telegram channel Abkhazia Center even posted: “Don’t panic. The Georgian side is in reserve. They won’t leave us alone.”
- Another Drone Incident Reported Over Abkhazia
The de facto defence ministry has warned that fragments of a downed but potentially unexploded drone may wash ashore along the Black Sea coast. According to the statement, Abkhazia’s so-called air defense forces repelled an attempted drone attack in the “border area.” It said one of the drones crashed into the Black Sea, approximately 300 meters offshore.
The “ministry” warned that sea currents and weather conditions could cause drone debris to wash ashore, posing a potential danger. De facto authorities urged residents and tourists to exercise caution by avoiding any unidentified objects found on the shore, refraining from touching them, and not attempting to move suspicious metal objects or drone fragments on their own.
Tskhinvali
- Gagloev Resigns, Kambolov Takes Over as Interim Leader
Alan Gagloev has resigned as the de facto leader of occupied Tskhinvali/South Ossetia and has been appointed adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid the so-called “Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation” between Tskhinvali and Moscow, which Tbilisi sees as another step toward the region’s annexation.
The resignation came a week after Marat Kambolov, a longtime official in Russian federal government bodies, was appointed the de facto “prime minister” of Tskhinvali. Kambolov assumed the region’s interim leadership until Gagloev’s successor is elected, with no information yet available on the election date or potential candidates. Read more here.
- Peskov on Tskhinvali Changes:
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked by a reporter whether “it’s possible” to say that the recent leadership change in Tskhinvali/South Ossetia is linked to the process of possible annexation of the region by Russia, to which Peskov responded: “it’s not [possible to say]” – or, in Russian, “Нельзя” – Russian outlet RBC reported.
- Kambolov Demands that Queues at Nizhny Zaramag Checkpoint Be Eliminated Immediately
Marat Kambolov, the acting de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, conducted an unscheduled inspection of the Nizhny Zaramag checkpoint connecting the region with Russia, amid complaints of queues lasting several hours, the local news agency Res reported. Kambolov noted that citizens traveling to work, school, or medical appointments are facing serious inconveniences. During Kambolov’s visit to the checkpoint, several violations were identified: the absence of the customs post supervisor, poor organization of operations, and an actual halt to infrastructure work. Kambolov stressed that superficial explanations are unacceptable and instructed the customs and “border” services to promptly propose specific measures to normalize the situation. According to him, “border” operations must be organized in such a way that people do not become exhausted even before entering the country.
- ‘Prosecutor’s Offices’ of Moscow and Tskhinvali Strengthen Partnership
Russian Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan and the “prosecutor general” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, Grigory Sobaev, signed cooperation documents in St. Petersburg, including a three-year cooperation program and an agreement between the military “prosecutor’s offices.” According to the local news agency Res, the parties intend to exchange expertise in the areas of digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence, the fight against cybercrime, and the protection of cyberspace, as well as oversight in the tax, budgetary, and customs sectors. Special attention will be paid to countering the spread of fake news and illegal operations involving virtual currencies. Res also reports that the signed documents aim to strengthen cooperation within previously reached agreements and deepen coordination in ensuring law and order.
- Russian Justice Ministry, Tskhinvali Approve Cooperation Program for 2026–2027
The Russian Ministry of Justice and the “Ministry of Justice” of the occupied Tskhinvali region signed a cooperation program for 2026–2027 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum. According to the Res news agency, the document provides for the exchange of expertise and consultations in the areas of the legal profession, notary services, civil registry, forensic examination, and the activities of nonprofit organizations. The same news agency reports that the program includes opportunities for professionals to undergo advanced training at the All-Russian State University of Justice. Special attention is given to the development of legal information systems and resources with the participation of the Scientific Center for Legal Information of Russian Ministry of Justice. The agreement aims to strengthen professional cooperation and improve the legal infrastructure of both parties, Res reports.
- Tskhinvali Denounces Georgian Public Defender’s Report as Attempt to Maintain Illusion of Tbilisi’s Influence
The “foreign ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region criticized a part of the Georgian Public Defender’s report concerning the region, calling it politicized and not reflective of the actual situation. According to the local news agency Res, officials in Tskhinvali believe that the assessments presented distort reality and are aimed at maintaining the illusion of Tbilisi’s influence. It is also noted that the Georgian side, “instead of addressing internal problems and genuinely protecting the rights of its citizens – an issue that European institutions have repeatedly highlighted recently,” continues to pursue a destructive course. A spokesperson for the region’s “foreign ministry” called on Tbilisi to abandon confrontational rhetoric and focus on building more constructive relations.
- Tskhinvali Denounces ECtHR Ruling on Murder and Torture of Georgian Prisoners of War in 2008 as ‘Political Show Trial‘
The “foreign ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region criticized the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights holding Russia responsible for killing and torture of Georgian prisoners of war in 2008, calling it a “political show trial” and a manifestation of bias. According to the Res news agency, the de facto ministry believes that the court’s conclusions ignore the historical context and interpret the events one-sidedly. Tskhinvali stated that the ruling did not consider the assessments of international commissions or the consequences of the hostilities for the local population. It is also claimed that European institutions are not paying due attention to the fates of the victims and those missing in action. The statement emphasizes a commitment to further cooperation with Russia and “friendly countries.”
- Kremlin Reportedly Preparing to Resolve ‘Strategic Issue’ of Status of Occupied Tskhinvali
The resignation of Alan Gagloev from his post as leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region is linked to internal stagnation in the region, sources close to the Kremlin told the Russian publication Kommersant. According to them, the Russian leadership intends to move toward resolving the “strategic issue” of the region’s status and further development, including a way out of political and economic isolation. The outlet’s article notes that, in this context, amendments were made to the “constitution” that ease residency requirements for civil servants.These steps are seen as part of a course toward deepening integration with Russia, as enshrined in a previously signed so-called agreement. Gagloev’s appointment as an adviser to the Russian president and personnel reshuffles within the region’s leadership also fit into the new model of governance and rapprochement.
Moscow – Tbilisi
- Zakharova Criticizes Protesters on Russian Language Day in Tbilisi
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova called on the Georgian authorities to conduct a legal assessment of the actions of participants in the June 6 rally in Tbilisi, who, according to her, shouted anti-Russian slogans and insults during events marking Russian Language Day. She described the incident as the actions of “extremists” and expressed her expectation that they would be appropriately classified as such. Zakharova emphasized that this day holds international significance and is traditionally observed in Georgia by representatives of civil society and the cultural community, including the laying of flowers at the Pushkin monument and the reading of his works. According to her, similar events in Batumi took place peacefully. Zakharova also noted the contribution of Georgian cultural figures to the study and popularization of Russian literature and emphasized the symbolic significance of the holiday as an element of cultural ties.
- Russian and Belarusian diplomats Hold Events in Tbilisi to Mark Anniversary of Start of “Great Patriotic War”
Staff members of the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia, together with representatives of the Belarusian Embassy in Georgia, held commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War and laid flowers at memorials in Tbilisi. The ceremonies took place at the Obelisk of Military Glory at the Kukia Cemetery and at the St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, where participants honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence and lit candles. According to RIA Novosti, “diplomats, Russian compatriots, and city residents took part in the events.” The report notes that the events were timed to coincide with the 85th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s attack on the USSR and were dedicated to the memory of the war victims.
- RIA Novosti: U.S. Reconnaissance Aircraft Conducts Patrol over Black Sea
A U.S. Bombardier Challenger 650 ARTEMIS II reconnaissance aircraft conducted a patrol over the Black Sea, Russian RIA Novosti reports. It notes that, according to flight analysis, the aircraft took off from Constanta, Romania, and approached the Georgian coast to within approximately 140 kilometers, after which it continued flying in a circular pattern. By midday, the aircraft had completed several circuits and remained in the patrol zone. RIA Novosti specifies that ARTEMIS II is a converted business jet equipped with radio-technical reconnaissance systems for intercepting and analyzing data at significant distances, and that such aircraft are used by the Pentagon for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
- Medvedev on 2008 War and West’s Role:
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, according to TASS, that Western countries did not “satisfy their thirst for blood” in the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president back in 2008, said that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the West used “puppet regimes” against Russia as a battering ram, citing Georgia as an example, which he claimed carried out aggression in 2008 against Abkhazia and [Tskhinvali]/South Ossetia, while Russia conducted a “peace enforcement operation” to stop the bloodshed.
He added, “In the end, Europe and the United States wisely chose not to get involved in the conflict, and we reached what is known as a bad peace. But unfortunately, on the other side, they did not satisfy their thirst for blood and took into account their own shortcomings.”
Also Read:
- 19/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 12-18, 2026
- 12/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 5-11, 2026
- 05/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 29-June 4, 2026
- 29/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali Digest – May 21-28, 2026
- 22/05/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 15-21, 2026
