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 Education Ministry Criticizes Presentation of New Abkhaz Language Textbook at Party Office
Abkhazia’s de facto “education ministry” has criticized the presentation of a new Abkhaz language textbook after it was unveiled at the headquarters of the “pro-government” political party United Abkhazia.
The textbook, Learning the Abkhaz Language Together, is intended for non-Abkhaz schools and was authored by Ada Kvarchelia, a member of the de facto public chamber. The project was financed by Beslan Agrba, chairman of the Moscow Abkhaz diaspora, and organized with the support of the United Abkhazia party.
In a statement, the de facto “education ministry” expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with the move to present the textbook at the headquarters of a political party, emphasizing that educational materials should be presented, discussed, and evaluated exclusively in educational and scientific institutions. The de facto ministry reiterated that any textbook intended for use in schools must first undergo mandatory pilot testing and receive official approval before it can be introduced into the education system.
At the same time, the so-called ministry noted that it had itself initiated this series of primary school textbooks and expressed appreciation to Beslan Agrba for his financial support of publishing projects. It reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with authors and benefactors while emphasizing that all educational materials must comply with the established approval procedures.
- Gunba Proposes New Electoral Amendments
Following the de facto parliament’s failure of proposed amendments to Abkhazia’s “electoral legislation,” de facto leader Badra Gunba has introduced a new package of “electoral reforms.”
One of the proposed amendments would require newly elected “deputies” to take an oath of office in the Abkhaz language before assuming their “mandates,” pledging allegiance to the so-called constitution and the people. The text of the oath and the procedure for administering would be determined by the de facto parliament.
A second proposal would tighten eligibility requirements for “parliamentary candidates” by barring individuals convicted of intentional serious crimes from running for office for ten years after their convictions are expunged, and those convicted of especially serious crimes for fifteen years. Some local observers argue that this amendment is aimed at opposition politician Kan Kvarchia, who was convicted in Russia in the so-called “political technologists” case.
The third initiative would introduce phased language requirements for “parliamentary candidates.” Under the proposal, candidates of Abkhaz ethnicity would be required to demonstrate proficiency in the Abkhaz language beginning on 1 January 2027, while the same requirement would apply to candidates of other ethnicities only from 1 January 2032. According to the proposal, the phased implementation is intended to avoid social tensions while reinforcing the status of the Abkhaz language as a cornerstone of “national identity.”
The language proposal has drawn particular criticism from the opposition. Critics argue that it contradicts Abkhazia’s existing “legislation,” which requires all public officials, regardless of ethnicity, to know the “state language” while recognizing Russian, alongside Abkhaz, as a language of “state institutions” and “official administration.” They also note that amendments adopted in 2022 already require all “parliamentary candidates” to pass an Abkhaz language proficiency test upon registration, with that requirement set to enter into force in 2027.
Opponents have also accused Gunba of proposing amendments that violate the “constitution” by applying different rules to citizens based on ethnicity, claiming that legal norms should apply equally to all citizens without distinction.
- Prosecutors Uncover Irregularities in Ochamchire Waterfront Renovation Project
The de facto prosecutor general’s office of Abkhazia has reported financial irregularities totaling more than 2.4 million rubles in the renovation of the Ochamchire waterfront.
In particular, an inspection of the Ochamchire district administration’s municipal construction company, Gorstroy, found that the work completed did not correspond to the volume of construction certified in an acceptance report signed on 22 November 2024. Investigators determined that 1,773 square meters of sidewalk paving had been recorded as completed despite the work not being carried out.
Following the inspection, the district administration was instructed to address the violations. As a result, Gorstroy Director Ruslan Kvitsinia and his deputy, Astamur Kvekveskiri, had been dismissed from their positions. In addition, officials of the Ochamchire district administration were formally warned over their negligent oversight of the municipal enterprise and informed that any repeat violations could lead to disciplinary measures.
The de facto prosecutor general’s office also reported that, at its request, work on the waterfront improvement project has resumed, with construction crews currently continuing the installation of sidewalk paving.
- Newly Appointed Russian “Ambassador” Holds Meetings with Abkhazia’s De Facto Officials
Newly appointed Russian “ambassador” to Abkhazia, Vyacheslav Gladkov, held a series of introductory meetings with de facto officials.
He first met with de facto foreign minister Oleg Bartsits to discuss the current state of Abkhaz-Russian relations and prospects for expanding bilateral “cooperation.” According to a press statement, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close political dialogue and advancing cooperation across a broad range of areas.
During the meeting, Bartsits described Russia as Abkhazia’s “principal strategic ally and partner,” emphasizing Moscow’s role in providing security guarantees and supporting the region’s socio-economic development. The talks also focused on expanding humanitarian, cultural, educational, and healthcare cooperation, including opportunities for Abkhaz students to study at Russian universities and strengthening youth exchanges.
Gladkov also met with de facto president Badra Gunba. The two discussed the current agenda of Abkhaz-Russian “cooperation” and prospects for further strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting took place ahead of the formal presentation of Gladkov’s credentials.
Tskhinvali
- In Moscow Meeting, Putin Backs Kambolov Ahead of Tskhinvali ‘Presidential Election’
Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed Marat Kambolov’s candidacy in the occupied Tskhinvali region’s upcoming so-called “presidential election” slated for September 18 during a meeting in Moscow, the Tskhinvali-based Res outlet reported on July 13.
According to the report, Kambolov thanked Putin for Russia’s support for “the people of South Ossetia,” saying that Tskhinvali would never forget what Russia did in 2008 for “the people of the republic” and that the region’s “strategic partnership” with Russia remains “of great importance.” Putin, meanwhile, congratulated Kambolov on his appointment as Tskhinvali’s “prime minister.”
Russia’s Rossiyskaya Gazeta, which also reported on the meeting, said Putin wished Kambolov success in the upcoming “election” and “expressed hope for the support of the republic’s residents.” “For our part, we will do everything we can to support you,” Putin was quoted as saying.
- Events Held in Tskhinvali Marking the 34th Anniversary of the Deployment of the ‘Joint Peacekeeping Forces‘
The events marking the 34th anniversary of the deployment of the “Joint Peacekeeping Forces” were held in occupied Tskhinvali, Res reported. The main event was a flower-laying ceremony at “the stele commemorating the heroic deeds of Russian and South Ossetian servicemen,” attended by representatives of the occupied region’s de facto leadership.
On July 14, 1992, the “Joint Peacekeeping Forces” were deployed to the region following the agreement “On the Principles for the Settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian Conflict,” signed in Sochi in June, by the leaders of Russia, Georgia, South Ossetia, and North Ossetia. It consisted of three motorized rifle battalions from Russia, Georgia, and local forces. The mandate of the peacekeeping operation lasted until August 2008, when Russia started a war against Georgia.
On the occasion of this day, the acting leader of the occupied region, Marat Kambolov, posted a message on his Telegram channel, in which he thanked the peacekeepers and the Russian Federation.
- Occupied Tskhinvali’s’Emergency Situations Ministry’ Prepares an Assistance Program for Families of Those Killed in the War Against Ukraine
Tskhinvali’s de facto “ministry of emergency situations” (MES) intends to strengthen social support measures for the families of its employees killed during the Russian-Ukrainian war, Res reported.
The head of the department, Vladimir Pukhaev, has ordered that information on deceased employees be collected and systematized, and that proposals be prepared for providing their relatives with regular targeted assistance funded by the MES budget. According to the department’s press service, particular attention is to be paid to families in difficult social circumstances.
“In addition, those in charge have been tasked with compiling lists of ministry employees who participated in repelling the Georgian aggression in 2004 and 2008, were wounded, and require regular medication,” the statement said.
- Conference ‘Nuremberg: No Right to Rehabilitation’ Held in Tskhinvali with the Participation of Russian and ‘Local Experts‘
A “scholarly-practical conference” titled “Nuremberg: No Right to Rehabilitation” was held at the “South Ossetian State University.” According to local sources, the event was devoted to “preserving the memory of the Nuremberg trials and addressing the inadmissibility of rehabilitating Nazism.”
The conference was attended by representatives of the occupied region and Russia, as well as staff from scholarly institutions and public organizations. Presentations were given by Russian political scientist Vladimir Sergienko, representatives of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Historical Society, as well as “experts” from occupied Abkhazia.
- De facto Authorities Intend to Simplify Certain Procedures for Obtaining Citizenship
The de facto “parliament” of the Tskhinvali region reviewed the draft law “on citizenship,” which had previously been adopted in its first reading and is now being revised, Res said. As claimed by participants in the session, the need to adopt the law stems from appeals by residents facing difficulties in obtaining citizenship. Particular attention was paid to the mechanism for granting residence permits to stateless persons in the region.
De facto MPs and executive branch representatives proposed making greater use of this mechanism to resolve the status of people who arrived under the family reunification program and were left without valid documents. During the discussion, it was also proposed to clarify provisions on invalidating documents issued based on false information and to include military service records among the documents confirming citizenship. Taking the proposed amendments into account, the draft law has been sent for further consideration by the “presidium” of the “parliament.”
- Occupied Tskhinvali’s “Central Election Commission” Approves Decisions on Preparations for Early “Presidential Elections”
The “Central Election Commission” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, at its regular session, considered issues related to preparations for the early “presidential election” scheduled for September 18 and the functioning of the electoral system.
According to the Res agency, the “CEC” approved the procedure for forming territorial and precinct commissions, established a “Control and Audit Service” to strengthen financial oversight, and approved sample seals and commission member credentials.
Moscow-Tbilisi
- Zakharova Backs Kobakhidze’s criticism of the OSCE and Western Institutions
“We are talking about the leader of a sovereign state who knows and loves his country and represents its people,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said when asked whether Moscow shared Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s recent statement on the OSCE, noting that his remarks – in which Kobakhidze accused the OSCE of being “drawn into” a process driven by the “deep state” to change the Georgian government – “do not require our confirmation.”
She further noted that “Tbilisi’s desire to pursue an independent, nationally oriented policy” is seen by the “collective West” as “a direct challenge,” adding that Western actors are prepared to use “every available lever of influence” to remove Georgia’s government because it “serves the interests of its own people.”
- Russian Court Sentences Georgian Soldier to 29 Years in Prison in Absentia
A Moscow court sentenced Georgian soldier Gocha Khorava in absentia to 29 years in prison and a penal colony, claiming he fought “as a mercenary” on Ukraine’s side, the Russian state news agency TASS reported.
The outlet said he was also found guilty of “illegally crossing the Russian border,” “smuggling firearms and ammunition,” “illegal arms trafficking,” and “committing a terrorist attack.” Russian authorities placed him on a wanted list.
- Russia-founded ‘Eurasia Award’ Announces the Acceptance of Applications from Participants in Georgia
The Russian Interest Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia announced that participants from Georgia are invited to apply for the newly launched “Eurasia” International Award, established by the Russian-linked nonprofit organization Eurasia. According to the organizers, the award recognizes contributions to international cooperation, “traditional values,” and cultural ties across the Eurasian region, with projects spanning culture, sociology, volunteerism, humanitarian initiatives, and the preservation of “historical memory.”
Although formally an autonomous nonprofit, Eurasia reportedly works closely with Russian state institutions and promotes Russian-backed “Eurasian integration,” the Russian language, and humanitarian cooperation across the post-Soviet space.
- Section of Russian Interests in Georgia Invites Young People to Apply to MGIMO
The Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia has also announced the ongoing admissions campaign for foreign applicants to MGIMO (the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Russian Foreign Ministry).
The Russian section’s post on Facebook, which is deemed an “extremist” social media platform and is banned in Russia, stated that the university offers bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, preparatory, and short-term courses in Russian and English. It also noted that the university has students from more than 90 countries.
- Batumi Concerts of Russian Pop Duo t.A.T.u., Ukrainian-Russian Singer Ani Lorak Canceled
Concerts of the Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. and Ukrainian-Russian singer Ani Lorak, scheduled to take place in Georgia’s Black Sea city of Batumi on August 1 and August 14, respectively, have been canceled, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported.
TASS said the cancellations were confirmed by the administration of the Batumi Tennis Courts, where the performances were due to be held, as well as by ticketing platform Biletebi.ge and the [Adjara] Department of Tourism, adding that no official reason for the cancellations has been announced.
However, the cancellations come amid broader discontent among part of Georgians over artists who either support the Kremlin’s policies, including its full-scale war against Ukraine, or have remained silent about them, performing in Georgia. Another t.A.T.u. concert previously scheduled to take place in Georgia in January 2026 was likewise canceled without an official explanation.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian-born Karolina Kuiek, known as Ani Lorak, who has made a career in Russia, has faced criticism for failing to condemn Moscow’s actions publicly. In November 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a National Security and Defense Council decision stripping Lorak of the honorary title of “Honored Artist of Ukraine” as part of measures targeting individuals deemed to have “betrayed Ukraine.”
T.A.T.u., the pop duo that rose to international fame with its daring, queer-themed image and songs, has also faced criticism in recent years for remaining silent about Moscow’s policies, continuing to perform in Russia, and staging a 2025 reunion concert in Russian-occupied Crimea.
In 2021, before the duo officially reunited, then-former member Yulia Volkova ran in the primaries of United Russia, the Russian ruling party, in Russia’s Ivanovo region ahead of the State Duma elections. Volkova publicly endorsed the party, recorded a campaign video, but lost the primary and was not included on its final candidate list.
Also Read:
- 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
