“Embassy” of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia

Various structures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation jointly wage information warfare against Georgia on the international arena, support occupied Georgian regions diplomatically and ensure the strengthening of Russian interests there.

The actual relations with Georgia and the occupied regions in the Ministry are curated by the 4th CIS Department (4ДСНГ). The spheres of responsibility of the Department are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and, since 2008, occupied regions of Georgia. The Ministry conducts its policies with regard to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region through the 4th CIS Department and the “Embassies” of Russia in the occupied regions, which engaged in their work since the 2008 August War between Russia and Georgia.

Russian “Embassy” in Abkhazia 

The issue of opening Russian “Embassy” in Abkhazia entered the agenda after August 26, 2008 recognition of Abkhazia’s independence by Russia. Diplomatic relations were established between the parties on September 9, 2008, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia exchanged diplomatic notes. On October 25, 2008, the President of Russia, Dimitri Medvedev, appointed Semyon Gregoriev as the first “Ambassador” of Russia to Abkhazia. Gregoriev presented his letters of credence to the de facto President of Abkhazia, Sergei Baghapsh, on December 16, 2008. On February 9, 2009, at the order of the Government of Russia, the “Embassy” of Russia to Abkhazia was officially established. On April 30, 2009, Gregoriev arrived to Sokhumi together with his five coworkers and the work of the “Embassy” began. 

At first, the “Embassy” was located in the headquarters of the former CIS peacekeeping forces, on the territory of Sukhumi sanatorium. The new “Embassy” building was opened on April 18, 2017, during the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov. 

Representatives of Russian Ministries and other structures are also accredited at the “Embassy”. These include the representatives from the 4th CIS Department, Federal Agency for Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and the Customs Service. A total of 17 diplomats are currently working at the Embassy. 

First Russian “Ambassador” to Abkhazia 

The first “Ambassador” of Russia to Abkhazia, Semyon Gregoriev, has been in diplomatic practice since 1983. Gregoriev is quite knowledgeable in the issues regarding Georgia. In 2003-2006, in his position as Deputy Director of the 4th CIS Department, he curated Russian-Georgian relations and worked on the issue of removing Russian military bases from Batumi and Akhalkalaki as a member of the Russian delegation. He worked as a Deputy Director of the 4th CIS Department in February-December 2008 as well. He curated the issues of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. Later, Gregoriev was appointed to the position of “Ambassador” to Abkhazia. 

After the end of the Russia-Georgia War, Gregoriev has been awarded with an Order for strengthening friendship between Russia and Abkhazia two times, in 2010 and 2013. In 2013, the de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia awarded him with a medal for his “services”. In Russian political circles he is considered to be a fine diplomat who is knowledgeable about the eastern affairs. 

New “Ambassador” of Russia to Abkhazia 

On March 30, 2018, at the order of the President of Russia, Aleksey Dvinianin was appointed to the position of the new “Ambassador” of Russia to the de facto Republic of Abkhazia. He replaced Semyon Gregoriev. Much like the old one, the new “Ambassador” is also considered to be knowledgeable of South Caucasian affairs. Dvinianin’s Abkhazian career started on May 15, 2018, when he presented his letters of credence to the de facto leader of Abkhazia, Raul Khajimba.