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
- Waste Management Remains a Growing Environmental Challenge in Abkhazia
Waste management remains a significant environmental and infrastructure challenge in occupied Abkhazia. The de facto authorities continue to transport most of Sokhumi’s municipal waste to a landfill in the Shashikvara village of Gali district, despite the site having initially been intended as a temporary solution.
According to Sokhumi de facto administration head Timur Agrba, the city generates around 1,200 cubic metres of waste per day, increasing to approximately 1,500 cubic metres during the tourist season. Around 850 waste collection points are serviced by 16 garbage trucks, with 12 trucks making two to three daily trips to the Gali district. The Gali landfill receives up to 1,900 cubic metres of waste daily during the tourist season, most of it from Sokhumi. The situation is creating serious environmental challenges on the ground, including recurring fires, groundwater contamination, and unpleasant odours affecting nearby communities.
An alternative landfill in the Gulripshi district has largely been constructed but is not currently receiving waste from Sokhumi. A waste-sorting facility in the village of Vladimirovka also remains unused. The waste landfill in Alakhadzi village, Gagra district, is also nearing the end of its capacity.
De facto officials and experts have called for longer-term solutions, including modernising existing landfills, introducing waste separation and composting, and developing a unified policy on waste management.
The limited volume of waste generated across Abkhazia, low waste-collection tariffs, and weak payment collection, estimated at only 20–25%, are cited as major obstacles to attracting private investment in waste-processing infrastructure. One option under preliminary discussion is cooperation with waste-processing companies in Sochi. The de facto committee for ecology and nature protection has argued that exporting waste to Sochi for processing could be considered if adequate facilities are established there. At the same time, environmental officials have warned that the continued use of inadequately equipped dumps poses increasing risks to soil, groundwater and air quality.
Notably, specialists from the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources are expected to assess the condition of authorised waste disposal sites in Abkhazia in early October.
- Abkhazia Prepares for Winter Amid Concerns Over Electricity Supply
The de facto authorities in Abkhazia are taking measures to prepare the energy system for the winter period, amid expectations of increased electricity consumption and a potential supply deficit. The issue was discussed at a meeting between de facto president Badra Gunba and the leadership of the local electricity company Chernomorenergo.
According to Chernomorenergo, around 26,000 electricity meters have been installed as part of an ongoing program aimed at improving electricity accounting and collection. The program initially targets apartment buildings before expanding to private houses, while the replacement of internal electrical wiring in apartment buildings is also underway. The latter works have been completed by 52%. Payment collection has also improved, reaching around 70% over the past month.
The authorities are also preparing for a potential electricity deficit during the winter. Chernomorenergo director Timur Dzhindzholia said preliminary talks were underway with the Russian company Inter RAO on the commercial purchase and supply of electricity from Russia. According to Dzhindzholia, such supplies may be needed to maintain the water level in the Enguri HPP reservoir and ensure sufficient reserves ahead of the winter season. If necessary, commercial electricity supplies from Russia could begin in the second half of September and continue through October, November and December.
The current water level in the Enguri reservoir stands at 510 metres, described as the maximum level that can currently be reached. However, electricity consumption is expected to rise significantly during the colder months, which could lead to a decline in the reservoir level. The remaining deficit would have to be covered through additional electricity purchases and corresponding financial resources.
- Number of “Polling Stations” for Russian State Duma Elections Increased in Abkhazia
The number of so-called polling stations for the Russian State Duma elections in Abkhazia has been increased from 35 to 50. The elections are scheduled for 20 September 2026.
Russian “ambassador” to Abkhazia Vyacheslav Gladkov said the expansion is intended to make voting more accessible and provide more convenient conditions for Russian citizens in Abkhazia. According to Gladkov, around 100,000 Russian citizens are currently in Abkhazia as tourists, and efforts are underway to inform both residents and visitors from Russia about the voting arrangements.
The de facto authorities in Abkhazia have announced their full support for the organization of the elections. De facto president Badra Gunba said the Abkhaz side would provide the necessary conditions for the Russian diplomatic mission to conduct the vote. Meanwhile, the entire personnel of the de facto interior ministry will operate under an enhanced security regime from 19 to 21 September.
- Adgur Ardzinba Calls for Dialogue and Practical Cooperation with Tbilisi
Opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba has called for greater dialogue between Sokhumi and Tbilisi, suggesting that, despite the lack of progress in resolving the long-standing conflict, practical cooperation and economic ties can still be developed.
In an interview, Ardzinba said there was a demand among the Abkhaz population to resolve the conflict and stressed that “nobody wants war.” He argued that both Sokhumi and Tbilisi are losing economically because of the existing restrictions and lack of connectivity. As an example, he pointed to the movement of tourists across European countries and described a scenario in which visitors could travel from Sochi to Abkhazia and then continue to the rest of Georgia along the Black Sea coast.
Ardzinba specifically raised the possibility of developing transit links, arguing that both sides currently face restrictions on movement. He said the issue could be addressed from an economic perspective, including an assessment of what both sides could gain from “transit”, without making political recognition a prerequisite. He added that he would be ready to discuss the potential economic benefits with Georgian economists.
Addressing recent signals of a possible improvement in Georgia-Russia relations, Ardzinba said that Abkhaz politicians should also consider sending signals in support of dialogue. At the same time, he stressed that official Tbilisi should take into account what he described as the existing reality of Abkhazia as an “independent state”, adding that statements by Georgian officials that Abkhazia has no prospects for international recognition could lead to an impasse. He also argued that the issue of status, however, should not become a stumbling block, pointing to examples such as Northern Cyprus, Kosovo and Transnistria, which, according to him, are not recognised by the countries from which they separated, but this does not prevent international travel, the movement of people or economic engagement.
Ardzinba also addressed the risk of renewed conflict. He said that his calls for Abkhazia to maintain and strengthen its defence capabilities were not an expression of a desire for war, but reflected his view that weakness could increase the temptation to resort to force. According to Ardzinba, strengthening Abkhazia’s “armed forces” could help deter a potential decision to launch a new conflict and prevent the possibility of war.
- Abkhazia Sets Five Million Tourist Target by 2030
The de facto authorities in Abkhazia have set a target of receiving up to five million tourists annually by 2030. The prospects for the tourism sector and plans for its development were discussed by de facto president Badra Gunba and Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Sergey Nazarov.
However, Sokhumi-based blogger Kirill Bazilevsky has questioned the feasibility of the target, citing the current state of Abkhazia’s infrastructure and recent tourism trends. In a blog post, he noted that Abkhazia received a record 1.88 million tourists in 2025, while the target for 2026 is to exceed two million. At the same time, he cited tour operators as reporting a 19% decline in demand for holidays in Abkhazia in July and August 2026 compared with the same period last year. According to Bazilevsky, the decline was attributed to fewer flights from Russian regions, rising inflation that has made holidays in Abkhazia more expensive, Russia’s broader economic situation, and other factors affecting activity in the tourism market.
According to Bazilevsky, Abkhazia’s accommodation capacity is currently estimated at 2.1–2.2 million beds per season, meaning that reaching five million visitors would require a substantial expansion of the sector’s capacity. He also pointed to weaknesses in energy infrastructure, wastewater treatment, waste management and staffing as major constraints on further growth.
Bazilevsky further argued that Russia’s previous large-scale initiatives, including proposals for apartment hotels and an investment agreement, had led to political crisis and demonstrated the risks of pursuing major projects. Plans announced for the construction of a ski resort were also met with scepticism, with concerns raised over potential environmental risks and the limited capacity of the energy infrastructure.
Based on all the above, Bazilevsky concluded that reaching five million tourists annually by 2030 would be unrealistic. He added that even during the Soviet period, when conditions were considerably more favourable, Abkhazia had never reached such a level of tourist arrivals.
- Gunba Calls for Intensified Efforts to Expand Abkhazia’s International Recognition
De facto leader Badra Gunba has called for intensified “foreign-policy efforts” aimed at expanding Abkhazia’s international recognition, while reaffirming Russia as a key “strategic and allied partner.” The issue was discussed at a working meeting with de facto officials.
Gunba said that expanding international recognition remains the strategic goal for Abkhazia and called for strengthening existing relations with states that currently recognise the territory while also developing contacts with countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and other regions. He also stressed the need to make greater use of existing international agreements and turn them into practical cooperation.
Gunba also highlighted security cooperation with Russia, saying that necessary measures are being taken within the framework of allied relations. He added that some aspects of security cooperation should not be discussed publicly, but assured that the relevant work would continue. Meanwhile, the de facto foreign minister Oleg Bartsits said that his agency is working with the Russian side to ensure that Abkhaz students with “dual citizenship” are not placed on military registration in Russian military enlistment offices, as they are considered liable for military service in their place of permanent residence in Abkhazia.
- Nordwind Airlines to Redirect Flights from Sochi to Sokhumi
Russian airline Nordwind Airlines will operate part of its flights to Sokhumi Airport in occupied Abkhazia instead of Sochi from September 18 to October 24, according to information released by the airline.
The airline has not specified the reason for the change. However, the decision comes amid increasingly frequent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Sochi, which have repeatedly led to temporary airport closures and significant flight delays.
Nordwind Airlines is currently subject to U.S. export restrictions and Ukrainian sanctions.
- Another Abkhazia Resident Summoned by “Security Service” for an Apology
A resident of Abkhazia, 71-year-old Varzhenika Lyadova, has publicly apologised for remarks considered insulting to the people and “state” of Abkhazia, according to the press service of the de facto security service.
The incident followed the publication of a video by a Russian blogger, who filmed a conversation with two elderly women at a market in Sokhumi. The women were selling second-hand shoes and other goods on a pavement near a pile of garbage. During the conversation, which reportedly centred on the blogger’s claim that he had lost a wallet containing 1,000 Russian rubles, one of the women referred to Abkhazia as an “ape republic.”
Following the publication of the footage, Lyadova was summoned for a “preventive talk” with the de facto security service. In a subsequent recorded video, she said that she had made the remarks while highly irritated and that they had “slipped out” unintentionally. She added that she had lived in Abkhazia all her life and intended to continue living there.
Tskhinvali
- “Presidential Election” Underway in Occupied Tskhinvali Region
The so-called “presidential elections” began on Friday in the occupied Tskhinvali region. 70 polling stations have opened across the region, as well as five stations outside its territory, including four in North Ossetia and one in Moscow. Four candidates are running for the post of “president”: Acting “President” Marat Kambolov, Zurab Kokoev, Murat Valiev, and Kazbek Kodoev. A total of 40,000 ballots were printed. Voting will continue until 8:00 p.m.
More than 60 representatives from Russia, Venezuela, Argentina, Belarus, Armenia, occupied Abkhazia, Bulgaria, India, and other countries are observing the “elections,” according to the local news agency Res.
Under current rules, the results must be approved within five days after voting. The “elections” may be declared invalid if voter turnout is less than 50% of registered voters or in the event of violations that prevent the results from being reliably determined. “Law enforcement” officers have been placed on high alert. According to local authorities, voting is proceeding in a calm atmosphere with high voter turnout.
Meanwhile, 11 polling stations have opened in the occupied region for voting in the elections for deputies to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. Voting will take place from September 18 to 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. During the first two days, mobile voting is scheduled in a number of settlements. In addition, voters who, for valid reasons, are unable to visit a polling station on their own may submit a written or telephone request to the precinct commission by 2:00 p.m. on September 20 to arrange for in-home voting.
- Raffle with Over 100 Prizes Organized in Tskhinvali on “Presidential Election” Day
A raffle featuring more than 100 prizes has been organized on the day of the “presidential election” in occupied Tskhinvali. Free tickets are being distributed starting at 8:00 a.m. at special distribution points near polling stations, where registration will also take place. The distribution points will close two hours before the raffle begins to allow for the delivery of tickets from remote areas. The raffle is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. at Tskhinvali’s Theater Square.
- Kambolov Advocates for Construction of New Tunnel Between Occupied Region and Russia
On the eve of the so-called “presidential election” scheduled for September 18, acting “president” Marat Kambolov stated the need to create an additional transportation route between the occupied Tskhinvali region and Russia. According to him, in addition to the existing connection via the Roki Tunnel, another tunnel needs to be built, which he believes is feasible with modern technology.
Currently, the only highway connecting the region with Russia is the Transcaucasian Highway (TransKAM). The local news agency Res reports that the route passes through challenging mountainous terrain and regularly faces natural hazards. During the off-season, traffic is hampered by mudslides and rockfalls, while in winter, avalanches pose a danger. One of the most challenging sections is the stretch between the village of Buron and the northern portal of the Roki Tunnel, where hundreds of avalanche-prone areas are located, creating a risk of disruptions to transportation.
- Participation of Russian Senators in Observing “Presidential Election” Discussed in Occupied Tskhinvali
Representatives of the de facto “parliament” met with a delegation from the Russian Federation Council, who arrived in occupied Tskhinvali to observe the “presidential election.” The parties discussed preparations for the vote and interparliamentary cooperation.
The speaker of the de facto “parliament,” Alan Margiev, emphasized the importance of Russian senators’ participation in monitoring the elections and thanked Russia for its support of the region. The head of the delegation, Viktor Bondarev, first deputy chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, stated that the necessary measures for conducting the vote have been taken and that the elections must be held in accordance with current legislation.
The meeting also addressed the activities of the commission on cooperation between the region’s “parliament” and the Russian Federation Council. The commission’s next meeting is scheduled to take place this fall in Tskhinvali.
- Tskhinvali’s “Foreign Ministry” Accuses Ursula von der Leyen of Interfering in Internal Affairs
The “Foreign Ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region criticized statements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding a possible proposal to the Syrian authorities to reconsider their recognition of Tskhinvali’s and Abkhazia’s independence. The de facto ministry called such statements political pressure on Syria and interference in the internal affairs and sovereign decisions of the country.
The statement asserts that such an approach contradicts the norms of international law and the principles of democracy. The de facto ministry also accused European institutions of applying a policy of double standards and claimed that the residents of the occupied Tskhinvali region and Abkhazia have independently determined their own future. It also said that external actors have no right to influence this choice or dictate the future development of the occupied regions.
Moscow – Tbilisi
- Russian General Grunis Who Fought in 2008 Russia-Georgia War Killed in Ukraine
Novaya Gazeta Europe media outlet reports that Major General Anton Grunis, commander of the Russian Armed Forces’ 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, was killed in the war in Ukraine. This was reported by Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Akhmat unit, and the Suvorov Brotherhood (Suvorovskoye Bratstvo) channel for graduates of Suvorov Military Schools. In July, Grunis reported to Putin on the capture of the city of Konstantinovka; however, Russian troops still do not control the city. According to the outlet, the circumstances, date, location, and cause of Grunis’s death are not specified. The publication writes, citing the BBC, that Grunis participated in the Second Chechen War, the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, the annexation of Crimea, and the Russian campaign in Syria.
- Zakharova Praises Georgian “Volunteers”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the creation of the so-called “Georgievsk” volunteer unit and the participation of Georgian “volunteers” in humanitarian missions on the Russian side, drawing a parallel with the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk and saying Russia and Georgia remain “allies” in defending “traditional and religious values.” Zakharova claimed that ethnic Georgians are providing humanitarian assistance to Russian regions and fighting on Russia’s side, while accusing Western countries of trying to undermine Georgia’s historical memory and social values. She further expressed support for the “Georgievsk” unit, describing its activities as a struggle for historical memory, traditions and “truth.”
- Zakharova Invites Georgian Youth to Russia
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova invited Georgian youth to visit Russia and “see for themselves,” after the leader of Georgia’s pro-Russian Solidarity for Peace party asked about Moscow’s assessment of young Georgians’ interest in contacts with Moscow despite the lack of diplomatic relations. Zakharova welcomed the lifting of the visa regime and resumption of air links between the two countries, saying these moves allow Georgian youth to visit Russia, receive information “first-hand” and form their own views on bilateral relations.
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