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
- Bartsits Voices Discontent over EU Statement on Syria
The de facto foreign minister of Abkhazia, Oleg Bartsits, criticized the European Union’s statement issued following the first session of Syria’s People’s Assembly, accusing the bloc of “attempting to influence the positions of states that recognize the state sovereignty” of Abkhazia. Syria is one of five countries that recognize the independence of Georgia’s Russia-occupied territories.
On July 16, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc and its member states stand ready to engage with Syria’s newly established People’s Assembly to support good governance and “to work together towards achieving commong goals, including ensuring respect for international law and the UN Charter.” The following day, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, sharing Kallas’ statement on X, specified that this would include “revoking Assad-era decisions that recognized violations of Ukraine and Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Bartsits said on July 21 that following the political changes in Syria in late 2024, the Georgian leadership made “persistent attempts” to include the Syrian side’s position, saying such efforts were pushed through European institutions and the Turkish leadership. “As we know, none of those efforts succeeded. We continue to maintain inter-state partnership relations with the Syrian Arab Republic,” he said.
According to Bartsits, Kallas’ statement was “biased,” and her reference to the UN Charter was “one-sided” because, he argued, the Charter also enshrines the right of peoples to self-determination.
Bartsits further stated that cooperation with Syria continues to expand across political, economic, cultural, and educational fields, including through educational exchange programs. He expressed confidence that the current Syrian leadership would continue pursuing what he described as an independent foreign policy and reaffirmed the de facto authorities’ intention to further strengthen bilateral ties.
- De Facto Parliament Introduces New Requirements for “Election Candidates”
The de facto parliament of occupied Abkhazia adopted amendments to the so-called election legislation submitted by de facto president Badra Gunba.
Under the amendments, candidates will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Abkhaz and Russian through a test administered by a special linguistic commission, with a positive result becoming a mandatory condition for registration. However, the Abkhaz language requirement will apply to candidates of Abkhaz ethnicity from 1 January 2027, while candidates from other ethnic backgrounds will be subject to the same requirement from 1 January 2032.
The amendments also require newly elected “members” to take an oath exclusively in the Abkhaz language before assuming office.
In addition, individuals convicted of intentional serious crimes will be prohibited from running for “parliament” for 10 years after their conviction is cleared, while those convicted of especially serious crimes will face a 15-year restriction.
The amendments also introduce criminal liability for the involvement of foreign citizens or international organizations in “election campaigns.”
At the same time, lawmakers rejected several opposition-proposed amendments, including extending the ban on publishing “election”-related opinion polls from 10 to 30 days before voting day, restricting changes to citizens’ registration during the “election” period, banning “state-funded” construction works before “elections,” and introducing a five-year residency requirement for “parliamentary candidates.”
- Russia Expands Transport Infrastructure Links with Abkhazia
Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin visited Abkhazia to review ongoing transport infrastructure projects and discuss further development of connectivity between Russia and the occupied region.
During the visit, Nikitin inspected Sokhumi Airport, including its newly opened terminal, as well as the ongoing reconstruction of the Adler-Psou “border” crossing. He also met with de facto president Badra Gunba to discuss key areas of transport cooperation.
Nikitin highlighted the growing importance of Abkhazia as a destination for Russian tourists and said that improving transport accessibility remains a priority. According to him, infrastructure development contributes to economic growth and improved connectivity.
A key project is the reconstruction of the Adler-Psou checkpoint. Once completed in 2028, the project is expected to increase its capacity to more than 14,000 vehicles and 80,500 people per day.
The visit also highlighted the expansion of air connectivity. Following the reopening of Sokhumi Airport in 2025, the number of Russian regions connected with Sokhumi increased from four in 2025 to 13 destinations in the 2026 summer season. In the first half of 2026, Russian airlines transported nearly 30,000 passengers to Sokhumi, almost three times more than during the same period a year earlier.
The development of transport links also includes road, rail, and maritime connections. According to Russian officials, new and expanded routes, including maritime services between Sochi and Sokhumi and increased railway connectivity, are aimed at strengthening economic and tourism ties between Russia and Abkhazia.
- Gunba Organizes Meeting Between Advisory Council Members and Russian “Ambassador”
Upon the initiative of de facto leader Badra Gunba, a meeting was held between members of the so-called presidential advisory council and Russia’s newly appointed “ambassador” to Abkhazia, Vyacheslav Gladkov. During the meeting, council members emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with Russia.
Timur Nadaraya, leader of the People’s Force organization, described the gathering as a positive initiative, noting that it demonstrated a common position among different political forces regarding Abkhazia’s “foreign policy” direction despite internal disagreements
Another council member, Timur Gulia, chairman of the veterans’ organization “Aruaa,” positively assessed the meeting, stating that it reaffirmed unity in Abkhazia’s “foreign policy” and Russia’s role as a “strategic partner and ally.” He also claimed that the meeting disproved speculation about the existence of anti-Russian forces or alternative “foreign policy” orientations in Abkhazia.
Gulia also said that Gunba announced plans to expand the advisory council by including additional political and public organizations, which he said would contribute to strengthening internal dialogue and addressing disagreements through negotiations.
Established in May by Badra Gunba, the council serves as a platform for communication between the de facto authorities and representatives of various political and public groups, including some opposition forces. However, not all opposition forces are represented in the council. Despite expressing readiness for cooperation, Adgur Ardzinba, Gunba’s main rival in the recent de facto presidential election, has not joined the council. Kan Kvarchia, leader of the opposition Aidgylara party and a de facto member of parliament, is also not among its members.
- De Facto Authorities Report Large-Scale Cyberattack
The de facto authorities reported a large-scale cyberattack targeting “government” websites and tourism-related online services.
According to the de facto agency of communications, the attack primarily involved DDoS attacks that overwhelmed servers with millions of fraudulent requests, making several websites temporarily inaccessible. It was also reported that attempts were made to deface several websites by replacing their content with false information.
The de facto authorities added that no personal data had been compromised and that critical “government” information systems continued to operate securely.
- Locals Observe Drone Activity in Gali District
Residents of the Gali district said that several unmanned aerial vehicles were observed in the area, while gunfire was heard throughout the evening. According to local accounts, the de facto authorities attempted to bring down the drones using so-called air defence systems, but the attempts were unsuccessful.
Tskhinvali
- Tskhinvali on EU and Syria
Along with Abkhazia’s de facto foreign minister, the Tskhinvali region’s so-called “foreign ministry” expressed dismay over EU statements on Syria, accusing the bloc of exerting “pressure” on the new leadership in Damascus over its recognition of Georgia’s occupied territories.
“We regard such rhetoric by the EU as a gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state,” the de facto “foreign ministry” of the Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region stated on July 21, adding that “while the European Union claims to be committed to the principles of international law and respect for state sovereignty, in practice it is attempting to dictate to an independent Syria which foreign policy decisions it should make and which it should revoke.”
According to the de facto ministry, Syria’s 2018 recognition of Georgia’s occupied territories as independent states was an act of a sovereign state’s free will, based on “objective historical reality and the right of peoples to self-determination.”
“This decision was taken in full compliance with international law and is not subject to revision under pressure from external forces,” the de facto “foreign ministry” said, adding that “Brussels’ attempts to use economic and political leverage to revise the existing geopolitical realities in the South Caucasus are futile and counterproductive.”
- Res: Tskhinvali Residents’ Participation in War on Russia’s Side Represents Key Factor in Military Development
In an article by the Analytical Department of Res, a local news agency in the occupied Tskhinvali region, the experience of the region’s citizens participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine is presented as a key foundation for the development of its armed forces.
The authors claim that modern combat operations require a re-evaluation of approaches to the training of military personnel, as well as the introduction of unmanned systems, electronic warfare capabilities and digital command and control systems. The article specifically highlights the participation of around 2,000 residents of the region in combat operations on Russia’s side, whilst “veterans” are regarded as bearers of new combat experience and instructors for the younger generation.
Particular attention is paid to deepening military cooperation with Russia, developing joint training programs, modernizing communications and tactical medicine, and establishing a Centre for Unmanned Systems and Electronic Warfare. According to the authors, these measures should enhance the defense capabilities of the occupied region.
- Tskhinvali, North Ossetia Discuss Passportization Issues
Res reported on July 17 that a meeting was held between Rodion Gabaraev, the de facto ‘interior minister’ of the occupied Tskhinvali region, and Anfisa Kandaurova, deputy interior minister of North Ossetia. The sides discussed issues related to the granting of Russian citizenship to residents of the region and the issuance of Russian internal passports within the region.
According to the de facto ‘interior ministry’, an analysis of the current progress of passport issuance was carried out, and additional measures to simplify the procedure for obtaining documents were considered. The de facto ministry stated that a mechanism for cooperation between the relevant agencies has already been established. Gabaraev also expressed his gratitude to the Russian side and his hope for the further development of integration processes between law enforcement agencies.
- Tskhinvali Concerned over Georgia’s Increasing Purchases of Drones
In an article by the Analytical Department of Res, the rise in drone imports to Georgia is examined through the prism of regional security. The authors note that in the first half of 2026, UAV imports increased by almost 40%, with the UAE and China becoming the largest suppliers. The article emphasizes that the current scale of procurement does not indicate the creation of significant strike capability; however, in the context of unresolved conflicts, it may exacerbate mutual mistrust.
The authors also draw attention to Georgia’s development of anti-drone systems. In their view, further modernization of military infrastructure without political dialogue and guarantees against the use of force could contribute to rising tensions in the South Caucasus.
- Voting Organized in Occupied Tskhinvali Region for Russian State Duma Elections
The Res news agency reported, citing the press service of the Russian ‘embassy’ in Tskhinvali, that polling stations will be open in the region from 18 to 20 September 2026 for voting in the Russian legislative election. According to the news agency, the decision to hold the elections was taken based on a decree by President Vladimir Putin dated 16 June 2026. Residents of the region who hold Russian citizenship will be allowed to vote locally.
The 133rd meeting of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IRPM) took place on July 23 in the village of Ergneti, near the occupation line in Georgia’s Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region.
Igor Kochiev, representing the de facto authorities in the occupied Tskhinvali region, said after the meeting that participants discussed, among others, alleged “airspace violations” over the region, approaches to “sanitary fences” along the occupation line, the Georgian police checkpoint in Chorchana-Tsnelisi, and the case of Tamaz Goloev, an Akhalgori resident detained in Tbilisi on espionage charges.
Moscow – Tbilisi
- Russian Writer Alexander Arkhangelsky Reports on Entry Ban to Georgia
An article by Russian media outlet Lenta.ru reports on a statement by the publicist, writer and former presenter of the Russian state television channel ‘Kultura’, Alexander Arkhangelsky, who has been added to the ‘foreign agents’ register by the Russian Ministry of Justice. According to Arkhangelsky, in April 2023 he was denied entry to Georgia after arriving in the country to give a speech. He explained that Georgian border guards informed him of the entry ban and advised him not to return. However, Arkhangelsky stated that he harbors no ill will towards Georgia and hopes that the restriction will be lifted in the future. The outlet does not cite the reasons behind the Georgian authorities’ decision.
- Lenta.ru: Russian Tourism Industry and Politicians Describe Kakheti incident as Personal Disagreement
An article by Lenta.ru focuses on last weekend’s incident at the Agarani Estate hotel in Telavi in Georgia’s easter region of Kakheti. The outlet notes that the incident caused a widespread public outcry in both Russia and Georgia. However, the majority of experts interviewed do not link it to general policy or Georgian society’s attitude towards Russians. Representatives of the tourism industry and Russian politicians describe the incident as a personal disagreement and emphasize that Georgia remains a popular and safe destination for Russian tourists. The article cites data on the significant role Russians play in Georgian tourism and the views of Russians living in the country, who generally do not report systematic discrimination. At the same time, criticism on social media and support for the attacker from some users are causing concern amongst certain Russian residents of Georgia.
- Milonov Attributes Conflict Involving Russian Tourist in Georgia to Misunderstanding between Parties
Vitaly Milonov, a deputy of the Russian State Duma, stated that the attack on a Russian tourist at a hotel in Kakheti should not be seen as indicative of Georgian society’s attitude towards Russians, and urged people not to stop travelling to Georgia. Another article by Lenta.ru notes that, according to the MP, the conflict arose against a backdrop of misunderstanding between those involved, and that the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is still ongoing.
Milonov expressed hope that the situation would be resolved and spoke positively of the residents of Kakheti. The article also notes that the attacker was detained and subsequently released on bail.
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