Key Persons

Andrey Kudimov

Head of the Border Division of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia

Military Career

  • Prior to his appointment in Abkhazia, Colonel Andrey Kudimov was the First Deputy Head of the Border Division of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in the Sakhalin district.
  • On May 15, 2019, the Day of the Border Division of the Federal Security Service was celebrated in the Sakhalin district. In 1925, on this day, border guards first began to guard the northern borders of Sakhalin. The event was attended by employees of the division and veteran-guards. Kudimov addressed the audience with a solemn speech.
  • On September 22, 2019, a cross erected at the extreme southern point of Sakhalin was consecrated. Border guards of the Border Division took part in the cross raising ceremony. Kudimov also took part in the solemn event.
  • On January 21, 2021, Russia's “Ambassador” to Abkhazia, Aleksey Dvinianin, met with Aslan Bzhania, the de facto President of Abkhazia. The “Ambassador” introduced Kudimov as the new head of the Border Division of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia. At the meeting, the issue of the absence of serious problems at the de facto border was stressed. Kudimov replaced Aleksey Trubetski, who has served in this post since 2018.
  • Kudimov is a Major-General.

Relations with Abkhazia

  • On April 8, 2021, the Border Division of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia held a commemorative event to Lieutenant Colonel V. Kvitko, who died in the Gali district, on April 8, 2011. Employees of the Russian “Embassy” in Abkhazia and Badra Gunba, the de facto Vice-President of Abkhazia, participated in the event together with Kudimov.
  • April 30, 2021 marks the 12th anniversary of the establishment of the Border Division of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia. Kudimov also participated in the event.
  • On May 28, 2021, the de facto President of Abkhazia congratulated Kudimov on his professional day – the Day of the Border Guard.
  • On September 30, 2021, Kudimov congratulated the de facto President and Prime Minister of Abkhazia on Victory and Independence Day.
  • On April 30, 2022, the de facto President of Abkhazia congratulated Kudimov on the professional day of border guards.
  • On October 14, 2022, the de facto President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, met with the Russian “Ambassador” to Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin. The meeting discussed the mutual cooperation between the two “states” and the coordinated work of special services in the military field. The acting Commander of Russia's 7th military base, Ivan Grebenkin and Kudimov, also participated in the meeting.
  • On September 29, 2023, Kudimov congratulated the de facto President Aslan Bzhania on the 30th anniversary of the victory in the “Patriotic War of the Abkhaz People” (celebrated on September 30).