Sokhumi plans “large-scale operational-tactical exercises” – Ergneti IPRM – Russian Interests Section promotes projects for Georgians
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
- De Facto Foreign Minister Visits Gali District
Sokhumi’s facto foreign minister Oleg Bartsits paid a working visit to the Gali district, where he met with the so-called Gali district head Konstantin Pilia to discuss current issues of cooperation, including the provision of “consular services” to residents. Bartsits also visited the Enguri checkpoint, where he reviewed its operations and was briefed on the current situation at the crossing. The visit also included discussions on the possible resumption of Gali’s Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) and prospects for further engagement on the issue.
- Gunba Orders Tighter Oversight of Grant Spending
Abkhazia’s de facto leader Badra Gunba has ordered tighter oversight of grants allocated under the de facto Ministry of Agriculture’s “Agricultural Development for 2025” program and the de facto Ministry of Economy’s program supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, the latter implemented with direct financial support from Russia.
“We have neither the right nor the possibility to implement projects knowing that they will ultimately produce no effect,” Gunba said, stressing the need for greater efficiency in the use of public funds.
Gunba also raised the possibility of violations in the implementation of the programs, given the significant volume of funding. He said that any identified violations should be addressed and that those responsible should return the funds to the local budget. Oversight of the programs was assigned to the de facto prosecutor general’s office, interior ministry, and state security service, which were instructed to establish an “interagency commission” to monitor their implementation.
The decision to involve law enforcement agencies was interpreted within Abkhaz society as an indication that there are significant irregularities in the programs. Notably, the announcement came shortly after a visit to Abkhazia by Sergey Kiriyenko, the Kremlin official overseeing relations with the region, who regularly visits Abkhazia and reviews programs and infrastructure projects financed by Russia.
- Abkhaz Security Service Detains Local Resident Over Alleged Remarks About 1992–1993 Armed Conflict
The de facto security services of Russia-occupied Abkhazia arrested local resident Roman Darsalia on allegations of making remarks about the Abkhaz “committing genocide of the Georgian people” during the 1992-1993 armed conflict. The de facto security service also published a video apology, where Darsalia introduces himself as a “citizen of Abkhazia” and apologizes for “unintentionally hurting the feelings of our people.”
In a non-original video of the livestream uploaded by Abkhaz sources, Darsalia is seen introducing himself to a Ukrainian blogger, Andriy Popyk, as being “from Abkhazia” but being ethnically “Megrelian” rather than “Apsua” (ethnic Abkhaz). During the conversation, Darsalia is heard agreeing with the blogger as the latter says that during the Abkhazia armed conflict, “there was a genocide of Georgian people; they drove everyone out.” However, it isn’t specified during the section who committed the genocide, and neither does the section show Darsalia making the genocide remarks himself. (More here).
Following his apology, Darsalia was released. However, the de facto Interior Ministry later reported that a search of his home had uncovered and seized ammunition, and that a criminal case had been opened against him.
- Abkhazia Expands Cooperation with Bashkortostan
Abkhazia’s de facto president Badra Gunba paid a visit to Russia’s Republic of Bashkortostan, where he met with its Head Radiy Khabirov to discuss expanding “cooperation” in the economic, trade, transport, tourism, education and cultural sectors. During the talks, Gunba described cooperation between Abkhazia and Bashkortostan as having reached an “unprecedented level” and emphasized the importance of direct contacts with Russian regions. He also thanked Bashkortostan for its assistance with the reconstruction of Sokhumi’s waterfront.
According to Gunba, trade turnover between Abkhazia and Bashkortostan increased 15-fold in 2025. The sides discussed expanding the supply of Abkhaz agricultural products to Bashkortostan, as well as opportunities for Abkhaz businesses to use the region for storing and marketing their produce.
Transport and tourism cooperation were another focus of the visit. Direct flights between Ufa and Sokhumi were launched in May 2026 and have reportedly maintained high occupancy rates. Gunba noted that demand for the flights remained strong even after the end of the tourist season. Gunba invited Khabirov to visit Abkhazia on September 30, the so-called “Victory and Independence Day.”
- Sokhumi to Hold “Large-scale Operational-tactical Exercises” in October
Badra Gunba has approved a plan for “large-scale operational-tactical exercises” to be held from October 12 to 16.
According to Apsnypress, the exercises will involve “units on permanent alert” and reservists from Abkhazia’s so-called armed forces, as well as servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces. The exercises are intended to “practice modern forms and methods of troop deployment, as well as the most complex aspects of commanding formations during combat operations,” the agency reported.
The training will reportedly include “the use of artillery, armored vehicles, and aviation,” with attention paid to “the use of high-tech weapons, command and control systems, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.”
Tskhinvali
- Tskhinvali Detainee Released
An illegally detained Georgian citizen was released from custody in the occupied Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region and transferred to Tbilisi-controlled territory, the State Security Service of Georgia said on September 1. The man, identified by Res, a Tskhinvali-based news agency, as 31-year-old Giorgi Uznadze, had been detained there since March 18.
- Tskhinvali, St. Petersburg Discuss Closer Ties
In Tskhinvali, the de facto acting leader of the occupied region, Marat Kambolov, met on September 4 with the visiting St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov. They discussed expanding cooperation between the Russian city and the occupied region, including humanitarian projects, education, and healthcare.
- Tbilisi, Tskhinvali Hold 134th IPRM Meeting
The 134th meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place on September 8 in the village of Ergneti, near the occupation line in Georgia’s Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region.
During the meeting, Tbilisi again raised the issues of illegal detentions and so-called borderization, as well as the need to hold accountable those responsible for the killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi. Representatives of Tskhinvali’s de facto authorities, meanwhile, again called for the removal of the Chorchana/Tsnelisi police checkpoint and raised concerns about the well-being of Tamaz Goloev, a Tskhinvali resident currently in custody in Georgia proper on espionage allegations. More here.
- Security and Public Diplomacy Issues Discussed as Part of Kambolov’s Election Campaign
A “roundtable” on national security and public diplomacy was held in Tskhinvali, organized as part of the activities of the public support headquarters for Marat Kambolov, a candidate for “president” of the occupied Tskhinvali region. Participants discussed factors affecting the preservation of statehood, security, and international cooperation in the occupied region. The event concluded with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the Beslan tragedy.
- Kochiev Hails Geneva Discussions as Key Mechanism for Maintaining Stability in South Caucasus
Konstantin Kochiev, “state advisor” to the leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, said that the Geneva International Discussions remain an important mechanism for conflict prevention and maintaining stability in the South Caucasus. Local news agency “Res” reports that he made these remarks during a “roundtable” on national security and public diplomacy, organized as part of the activities of the public support headquarters for “presidential” candidate Marat Kambolov.
According to Kochiev, 67 rounds of negotiations have taken place over the years, one of the results of which was the creation of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism. Kochiev also identified the agreement on the non-use of force, border delimitation, and discussions on the refugee issue as priorities for the region. He emphasized the need to preserve the Geneva format as a channel for dialogue and for advancing the interests of the occupied regions—Tskhinvali and Abkhazia, as well as Russia.
- Tedeev Calls Russian Military Base Key Factor in Region’s Security
Vadim Tedeev, rector of “South Ossetian State University”, stated that the 4th Russian military base, located in the occupied Tskhinvali region, remains one of the key factors in ensuring security and maintaining the balance of power in the South Caucasus. According to a report by the local news agency Res, he made these remarks during a “roundtable” on national security and public diplomacy.
- De Facto Interior Ministry Reminds of Deadlines on Russian Passports
The de facto ministry of internal affairs of the occupied Tskhinvali region reminded residents of the opportunity to obtain a Russian internal passport through a simplified procedure without leaving the region. Local news agency Res reports that the current application process will be available through August 1, 2028. The agency urged citizens not to delay submitting their applications to avoid a potential surge in applications as the program nears its end.
- Kambolov Appoints Former Regional ‘KGB’ Officer as Head of His ‘Administration‘
Marat Kambolov, the de facto acting leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, appointed Ruslan Khabalov, born in 1990, as head of his “administration.” According to a report by the local news agency Res, Khabalov previously served in the region’s security service and held the position of first deputy head of the ‘State Protection Service.’ He holds a Ph.D. in Law and is a graduate of educational institutions of the Russian FSB.
- Security Service Threatens Legal Action for Discrediting
The “security service” of the occupied Tskhinvali region stated that publications have appeared in the media and on social networks which, according to the agency, contain offensive statements and false information directed against it. According to a report by the local news agency Res, the statement specifically mentions a September 7 post by the United Ossetia party, which the agency characterized as an attempt to discredit the authorities and destabilize the socio-political situation.
Moscow-Tbilisi
RFE/RL’s Georgian Service reported that it had been informed of details of the deadly crash of the bus transporting passengers from Tbilisi to Moscow. According to the outlet, the crash, which happened on August 30 near the Russian city of Zheleznovodsk, claimed six lives, while 26 were injured, including nine children. Some 95% of the passengers were “Georgians,” the outlet said, citing a family member of one of the passengers.
- Moscow Sees ‘Significant Potential’ for Cooperation with Georgia
Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov said Russia sees “significant potential for cooperation” with countries such as Iran, Mongolia, North Korea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and others. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Russian news agency Interfax cited him as saying that Russia can offer “beneficial models of interregional cooperation,” noting such ties are already in place with China, Belarus and Kazakhstan. He added this should move beyond “simple trade and the exchange of goods toward the creation of joint production chains.”
- Tbilisi Court Approves Extradition of Russian Opposition Figure
Tbilisi City Court on September 4 greenlit the extradition of Russian citizen Mikhail Timofeyev, a former aide and political associate of imprisoned ex-Khabarovsk Governor Sergei Furgal, to Russia. Lawyers fear he may face ill-treatment if handed over to Moscow, and the ruling came amid wider concerns that Georgian authorities are resuming extraditions to Russia following a temporary suspension.
- Russian Interests Section Promotes Educational, Cultural and Youth Projects for Georgians
The Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia shares information on its Facebook page about a number of educational, cultural, and youth initiatives designed for different groups of Georgian citizens.
In particular, the section shared information about the first All-Russian Georgian Language Dictation to be held in Russia. The organizers are positioning the event as an initiative to preserve the identity of the Georgian diaspora in Russia and to promote the Georgian language and literature. Participants will be able to take the dictation both in person and online.
In addition, the section is providing information about the project “Russia and Georgia: The Poetics of Open Dialogue,” which is taking place at North Caucasus Federal University in Stavropol. The program is designed for students and language teachers from Georgia and includes an educational course for students as well as a professional development program for teachers.
In addition, the Russian representative office is distributing information among Russian-speaking youth in Georgia about the “Dostoevsky. RU” contest, dedicated to the 205th anniversary of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s birth. Participants aged 16 to 25 are invited to submit essays, videos, illustrations, comics, and other creative works. Winners will receive certificates, prizes, and publication of the best works.
Special attention is being paid to youth exchanges. Dmitry Olisov, head of the Russian Interests Section, held a meeting with Georgian participants in the 2026 International Youth Festival. During the conversation, they discussed a trip to Yekaterinburg, the forum’s program, and opportunities to establish professional, educational, and personal contacts with participants from other countries.
- Karasin Declares Moscow’s Readiness to Support Georgia’s Current Government
Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, declared Moscow’s readiness to support Georgia’s current government, Russian propaganda outlet “Eadaily” reports. He drew attention to statements by leading Georgian politicians that they oppose an escalation in Georgian-Russian relations. Karasin noted that this once again demonstrates Tbilisi’s sensible approach to the most important issues.
“At the same time, the West and Ukraine continue to promote their Russophobia, but they are met with principled resistance in Tbilisi. Here, officials state that not everything that benefits Berlin, London, and Vilnius serves the country’s national interests. We are ready to fully support such trends,” Karasin said. According to him, it appears that the adventurism of the Saakashvili era is a thing of the past.
Also Read:
- 17/07/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – July 10-16, 2026
- 10/07/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – July 3-9, 2026
- 04/07/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 26-July 2, 2026
- 19/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 12-18, 2026
- 12/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 5-11, 2026
