Monthly Review

Review of the Activities of the Russian Military Forces in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region

2022 / 07 / 01

Publication:  N22 / Review period: June 1-30, 2022 /Author: Ani Zirakashvili

A review of the Activities of the Russian Military Forces in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region is being prepared within the framework of the project - Roadmap to the Kremlin's Policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region. The purpose of the publication is to review trainings of the military forces of the Russian Federation deployed in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, as well as other important events related to the Russian 7th and 4th military bases in these regions. The review is a monthly publication and will be useful for everyone – decision-makers, public employees, media representatives, and other people who are interested in the activities of the Russian military forces in the occupied regions of Georgia.

*Note: The review does not include information about military personnel of the 4th and the 7th military bases and volunteers from Abkhazia or the Tskhinvali region who are fighting in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

** Note: The Russian Federation dispatched a major part of military personnel of the 4th and 7th military bases to the Donbas region to fight against Ukraine. Therefore, the number of military exercises in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region has been significantly reduced.

Russian Military Forces in Abkhazia

Other Events

  • On June 4, military personnel of the 7th military base cleaned the coastline of the Black Sea, over 50 thousand square meters, from debris. The collected waste was disposed in accordance with ecological standards. The Clean Beach action is held twice a year - in June and October and involves not only military personnel, but also their family members.
  • On June 21, the memory of Russian “peacekeepers” was honored in Abkhazia. Servicemen of the de facto Armed Forces of Abkhazia laid flowers at the memorial of the fallen Russian soldiers. According to local reports, the Russian “peacekeeping” operation officially ended on September 1, 2008.
  • On June 21, the Candle of Memory action was also held in Sokhumi, which was dedicated to the 81st anniversary of the beginning of the "Great Patriotic War". Participants of the event laid flowers at the grave of the Unknown Soldier.

Russian Military Forces in the Tskhinvali Region

Other Events

  • At the beginning of June, Russian military equipment was delivered to the region. Based on the joint agreement, Russia continues supplying military equipment and weapons to the Tskhinvali region as per a predetermined schedule. Military personnel are given theoretical and practical training on how to correctly operate new equipment. They will study the tactical and technical characteristics, rules of use and safety requirements.

Military Equipment Transferred by Russia to the Tskhinvali Region

  • Journalists of the Zvezda TV channel of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation are making a film about the August 2008 war. They have already interviewed the de facto Minister of Defence and war veterans. The film will highlight the role of the Russian Armed Forces in resolving the conflict.
  • The registration of those wishing to study at higher military schools of the Ministry of Defense of Russia was extended from May 11 to May 20. Entrants could apply to 17 higher military schools. The entrance exams started on June 20. The entrants have already undergone medical examination and psychological testing; They also passed physical norms, Russian language, and other internal tests.
  • On June 22, a volunteer fighting on the Russian side in Ukraine, Marat Dzhioev, was buried. By order of the de facto president, Dzhioev was awarded (posthumously) the Defender of the Fatherland medal.
  • On June 29, veterans of the de facto Armed Forces, who fought against the Georgian “aggression” in 2004-2008, were awarded departmental medals. Medals were presented to them by Colonel Vladimir Pukhaev.
  • Conscripts of the de facto Armed Forces undergo physical training. Exercises are aimed at improving their physical qualities such as endurance, strength, speed, and agility.

 

After the August 2008 war, Russian occupation forces were deployed in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. In 2010, Russia signed agreements with the de facto republics of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region on the deployment of combined Russian military bases on the territories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region for the next 49 years. The Russian 7th military base is located on the territory of Abkhazia, and the Russian 4th military base - in the Tskhinvali region. Both regions are part of the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation