On May 17, 2019, so-called Academy of Science of Abkhazia signed agreement with the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. The agreement aims at developing cooperation between the Scientific Centers of Russia and Abkhazia and support talented scientists in Abkhazia.

At the Ministry of North Caucasus Affairs of the Russian Federation ceremonial meeting was held to celebrate 5th anniversary of the Ministry establishment. The Ministry achievements were also discussed at the meeting. Lev Kuznetsov, the first Minister, participated in the meeting.

On May 16, 2019, the 2nd session of Russia and Tskhinvali Region joint so-called Border Demarcation Committee was held in Tskhinvali. The Committee was established in 2012. Its 1st session took place in Moscow, September of 2018. According to Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region, the Committee has almost completed its task. Bibilov stated, he hopes that someday Tskhinvali Region border with Russia will obtain administrative status.

Starting from May 15 till May 25 inclusive, applicants, eager to receive high education at the institutes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, can enroll at de facto Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tskhinvali Region. Following to the Inter-Agency agreement signed in November 2009, representatives of law enforcement agencies and school graduates enroll at Russian universities every year.

On May 10, 2019, Anatoly Bibilov, de facto President of Tskhinvali Region visited Donetsk to celebrate the 5th anniversary of declaration of independence of self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. The delegation of Bibilov comprised of Dmitry Medoyev, de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ibragim Gasseyev, de facto Minister of Defence, and others. In Donetsk, Republic Day was celebrated on May 11. On the same day in 2014, illegitimate referendum was held which was followed by declaration of independence. During the visit in Donetsk, Bibilov received the Order of the Republic from Denis Pushilin, self-proclaimed Leader of Donetsk.

On May 14-20, group of doctors of Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia will conduct medical examinations for Sukhumi population. Medical examinations for the population of Abkhazia have been started on April 5, 2019 from Gali district and will be completed on June 9, in Gagra district. The group of Agency doctors comprises of 50 specialists and 12 units of medical equipment.  

Military engineers of the 4th military base of Russia in Tskhinvali Region started clearing polygons, military shooting ranges and training facilities of explosive devices. 3 hectares of the territory should be cleared. More than 100 military servicemen, 20 units of military and specialised equipment and specially trained dogs are involved in clearing activity.

Military units of the Russian Federation deployed on the territory of occupied regions of Georgia celebrated the 74th anniversary of the victory over fascism in Sukhumi and Tskhinvali.

Reconnaissance units of the 7th military base of Russia in Abkhazia conducted special-tactical exercises. During the exercises, the latest armoured vehicle „Tigr-m“ manufactured by “GAZ“, which the base received in February 2019, was used for the first time.

Raul Khajimba, de facto President of Abkhazia, summarized Abkhazian-Russian joint military exercises. Khajimba noted that progress and results of the exercises indicate that it is necessary to pay special attention to commanding posts and communication means, also ensure functioning of additional control points in all regions of Abkhazia.

On  the event celebrating May 9, at the 4th Military Base of the Russian Federation in Tskhinvali Region, 30 schoolchildren joined National Military Patriotic Social Movement Association “Yunarmiya“. Young Army Cadets gave an oath and received organization membership certificates.

Group of sappers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation paid the 4th visit to Tskhinvali Region with humanitarian mission. Specialists of „Leader“, the center of the Ministry for conducting especially risky rescue operations, cleared Tskhinvali Region of mines.

Anti-terrorist units of the Southern Military District and Military Police of the Russian Federation conducted joint exercises in Armenia, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. Military servicemen practised in self-defence and protection of military settlement territories.

On May 2, 2019, Timur Dziba, Mufti of the Spiritual board of Abkhazian Muslims and Askarbia Kardanov, Mufti of the Spiritual board of Adygea Republic and Krasnodar Krai Muslims signed an agreement on cooperation at the mosque of Maykop city. This is the first signed agreement on cooperation between the Muftis of Abkhazia and Adygea.

In April 2019, the Kremlin appointed new curator to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. In April several important delegations visited Tskhinvali Region, including delegation chaired by Rashid Nurgaliyev, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. In Kremlin was also decided the issue of Tskhinvali Region financing for 2020-2022. In this article, you will be able to learn about important developments of April 2019, connected to the Kremlin’s policies in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region.