Are Gali IPRMs about to resume? – Tskhinvali ‘elections’ – Zakharova on Georgians and Russians ‘missing each other’
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
- Gali IPRM: Could the Mechanism Resume?
Local Telegram channels have reported that the next round of the Geneva International Discussions could be a breakthrough round, potentially leading to the resumption of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali.
According to local reports, several conditions remain to be agreed upon before the Gali IPRM can resume. If these issues are resolved, the mechanism could provide a renewed channel for communication on security and humanitarian concerns affecting the local population.
Notably, earlier in September, de facto Abkhaz Foreign Minister Oleg Bartsits visited Gali, where the possible resumption of the IPRM and prospects for further engagement on the issue were discussed.
The Gali IPRM was established within the Geneva International Discussions to address security and humanitarian concerns and help prevent and respond to incidents on the ground. The mechanism has been suspended since 2018.
- Shamba: Abkhazia and Russia Have Allied, Not Partnership, Relations
De facto Abkhaz presidential aide for international cooperation Sergey Shamba emphasized the distinction between allied and partnership relations, stating that Sokhumi and Moscow have “allied relations.”
According to Shamba, allied relations imply security guarantees and an obligation for one side to provide protection to the other in the event of a threat. He also highlighted the significance of the ongoing „geopolitical struggle over the reordering of the international system,“ in which Russia is involved.
Shamba said the outcome of this struggle would affect Abkhazia’s future, arguing that a Russian defeat could spark a new conflict with Tbilisi.
- Two Russian Citizens Attack De Facto Supreme Court Judge in Sokhumi
Two Russian citizens temporarily residing in occupied Abkhazia were detained after attacking a woman in Sokhumi who appeared to be a “judge” of the de facto Supreme Court of Abkhazia.
According to the de facto Interior Ministry, the woman was attacked by two individuals who struck her with blunt objects, reportedly stones. She sustained a closed head injury, a hematoma around her left eye, and a lacerated-contused injury to her upper eyelid.
“Police officers” who arrived at the scene detained the two Russian citizens. They were subsequently taken to a drug treatment facility, where, according to the de facto Interior Ministry, they refused to undergo medical testing to determine whether they had used narcotic or psychotropic substances.
The two men were each sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest. A procedural decision will be made following the completion of the ongoing investigation.
Tskhinvali
- Kambolov ‘wins’ Tskhinvali’s so-called “presidential vote.”
Acting de facto leader Marat Kambolov was declared a winner of the early so-called “presidential vote” held on September 18 in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as the process has drawn condemnation from Tbilisi but also from Western partners, including the EU, Norway, and the UK.
According to the preliminary results of the local “central election commission,” Kambolov secured 84.95% of the votes, in a predictable development after the candidate had received open endorsements from both local political groups and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tbilisi and international partners also condemned State Duma elections held in Georgia’s occupied territories on September 18-20.
Read in full here.
- Putin Congratulates Kambolov on Winning Election
During a phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Marat Kambolov on his victory in the “presidential election” of the occupied Tskhinvali region. Local news agency Res reports, citing Russian media, that Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin noted the high voter turnout and the significant level of support for Kambolov from the region’s residents.
According to Peskov, the Russian leader described the election results as a convincing victory and wished Kambolov success in implementing his election program. During the conversation, Putin also expressed hope for the successful work of the region’s new leadership. The Russian side released a statement about the conversation after the election results were announced.
Along with Putin, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev also congratulated Kambolov on his victory in the “elections.”
- Tskhinvali ‘Foreign Ministry’: ‘Republic’s Formation Took Place Under Pressure from Georgia‘
The de facto “Foreign Ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region issued a statement on September 20, marking the 36th anniversary of the proclamation of the “Republic of South Ossetia.” Local news agency Res reports that the declaration of sovereignty adopted on September 20, 1990, served as the foundation of “statehood.” The “ministry” claims that this decision was made to ensure the safety of the region’s residents and was in accordance with the legal norms of that time.
The statement also notes that the establishment of the “republic” took place amid political and military confrontation with Georgia, and that the path to “independence” was marked by severe trials and human casualties.
In addition, the “Foreign Ministry” stated that “its own statehood” created the conditions for preserving national identity, language, and culture. The “ministry” expressed gratitude to the people who participated in the formation of the region’s first government institutions.
- On ‘Republic Day,’ Putin Vows to Continue Supporting Tskhinvali Region
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Marat Kambolov, the de facto leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, and local residents on “Republic Day.” The congratulatory telegram was published on the Kremlin’s website. According to Putin, this day “embodies the courage and resilience” of the region’s residents, who, he said, “defended their legitimate right to a free and peaceful life in a difficult struggle.” Putin promised to continue “close cooperation to further strengthen multifaceted partnership ties.” He stated that “Russia will continue to provide every possible assistance to the authorities and people” of the region.
- United Russia Wins 67.6% of Votes in Tskhinvali Region
In the elections for deputies to the Russian State Duma in the occupied Tskhinvali region, which took place from September 18 to 20, the largest number of voters supported the United Russia party, local news agency Res reports, citing the press service of the so-called “embassy” of the Russian Federation in the region. “According to the final tally, United Russia received 67.6% of the vote, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) – 10.6%, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) – 5%, the New People party – 3.2%, and the Communists of Russia party – 2.1%,” the statement said.
- Occupied Tskhinvali’s “Foreign Ministry” Accuses Tbilisi of Unwillingness to Engage in Direct Dialogue
The “Foreign Ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region criticized a statement by Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made at a summit during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly. The “ministry” stated that Tbilisi’s position on the issue of “occupation” remains unchanged and is based on what they refer to as the myth of the “occupation of 20% of Georgia’s territory.” The statement claims that the region’s residents sought the right to self-determination and security, and that the declaration of independence was the result of a long-standing confrontation with the Georgian authorities.
The statement also calls on Tbilisi to focus on practical steps, including signing an agreement on the non-use of force and beginning the process of border delimitation. The statement claims that such remarks by the Georgian leadership indicate its unwillingness to engage in an equal dialogue with Tskhinvali.
Moscow-Tbilisi
- Zakharova: Peoples of Russia and Georgia ‘Have Missed Each Other‘
The Russian and Georgian peoples “have missed each other,” and the lifting of visa restrictions was long-awaited, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an interview with TASS following the International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg.
“I think this is not the first time you have seen a Georgian delegation at this event [the International Youth Festival]. Yes, we do not have official diplomatic relations, but at the same time, our trade, economy, and humanitarian cooperation are actively developing. Finally, in this case I will use the word ‘hallelujah,’ because this was so long-awaited—visa restrictions have been lifted. And what was essentially only affordable for a handful of groups – delegations from Georgia that used to come to this forum – is now within reach for every resident of that country, every citizen,” she noted, responding to a question about the significance of broad representation of countries at the forum. “We are waiting for everyone. We have really missed you all. Here is the best way to put it: we have missed each other.”
Zakharova added that Georgia, as a tourist destination open to Russians, is developing. “How well our people are welcomed there, what excellent service is provided. And I can say the same about Russia. We look forward to tourist flows, as well as visits for any other humanitarian, economic, or business purposes, including at venues for international events,” she said.
“We have never erected barriers or stood in the way of those who came to us in peace. Whether they were representatives of countries with unfriendly regimes or representatives of countries that are our allies – there has never been any segregation,” she emphasized.
- Georgia Listed Among Top Three Most Affordable International Destinations for Russian Tourists for New Year
The travel service OneTwoTrip has included Georgia among the most affordable international destinations for Russian tourists for the 2027 New Year’s holidays. According to the company, Belarus and Armenia also made the top three most budget-friendly countries for winter vacations. The average cost of a flight from Moscow to Georgia is estimated at USD 248, while hotel accommodations cost approximately USD 144 per night. Belarus was named the most affordable destination, followed by Armenia and Georgia. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan also made the list of affordable countries for New Year’s vacations.
