Publication:  N43 / Review period:  July 1-31, 2022

Overview of the Kremlin Policy in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region is being prepared within the framework of the project - Roadmap to Kremlin's Policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region. The purpose of the publication is to review important developments related to Russia’s policy in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. 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 Kremlin policy in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Bzhania’s Meetings in the Kremlin

On July 28, as part of his visit to Moscow, the de facto President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, met with the Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration, Dmitry Kozak, who supervises the direction of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region in the Presidential Administration. The meeting discussed the issues of bilateral relations such as restoring air traffic with the de facto republic and the implementation of the 2022-2025 program promoting the socio-economic development of Abkhazia. On July 27, Bzhania also met with the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev. One of the main topics discussed during the visit to Moscow was the transfer of the area surrounding the “state” country house in Bichvinta to Russia, which caused quite a stir in Abkhazia.

Russia’s New “Ambassador” in Abkhazia

A newly appointed “Ambassador” of Russia to the de facto Republic of Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin, presented the credentials to Aslan Bzhania. The solemn event was held at the “President's” residence on June 21. Shurgalin is the third “ambassador” of Russia to Abkhazia. The first “ambassador” was Semyon Grigoriev, the second - Aleksey Dvinianin who unexpectedly left his post last year. Later, Shurgalin also met the de facto Prime Minister, Alexander Ankvab.

Aslan Bzhania and Mikhail Shurgalin. Source:  presidentofabkhazia.org

Government Official’s Visit to Sokhumi

On June 30, the de facto President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, hosted Igor Maslov, the Head of the Directorate for Interregional Relations and Cultural Contacts with Foreign Countries of the Russian Presidential Administration. He oversees the direction of the occupied regions of Georgia in the Presidential Administration. On July 1, Maslov and Bzhania visited the Sokhumi airport the restoration of which was one of Bzhania's “presidential promises.” On the same day, Maslov met with the de facto Prime Minister, Alexander Ankvab. Later, Maslov was hosted by “deputies” and the Speaker of the de facto parliament, Lasha Ashuba.

On July 2, Maslov and Bzhania visited the so-called Eastern Abkhazia, as well as the Bedia and Mokvi temples and the port of Ochamchire. The guest honoured the grave of the second de facto president, Sergei Bagapsh, in the village of Jgerda. Maslov personally knew Bagapsh. Later, Maslov visited vineyards of the Wine and Beverages of Abkhazia company in the village of Labra.

Meetings in the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs

The de facto Minister of Internal Affairs of the Tskhinvali region, Valery Gazaev, paid a working visit to Moscow. He met with the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia, Igor Zubov, who supervises the occupied regions of Georgia in the ministry. The issues of bilateral relations were discussed at the meeting.

The de facto Minister of Internal Affairs of Abkhazia, Valter Butba, was also in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, who met with the heads of departments of the central apparatus of the ministry. The main topics discussed at the meetings were: combating organized crime, improving the technologies for forensic activities, order and security in “border areas.” Butba also took part in the ceremony of awarding diplomas to Abkhazian graduates of the Moscow University of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Military Exercises

The Russian Federation sent the major contingent of servicemen of the 4th and 7th military bases to fight against Ukraine in the Donbas region. Therefore, the number of military exercises in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region has significantly reduced.

• On July 7, Aslan Bzhania convened a joint meeting of representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and heads of the de facto Ministry of Defense of Abkhazia. The parties discussed the implementation of the “Agreement between Abkhazia and Russia on a joint Russian military base on the territory of Abkhazia.” Bzhania emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of security and noted that considering the recent developments in the world, “military cooperation with Russia is becoming even more urgent.”
• The Ministry of Defense of Russia transferred military equipment to the Armed Forces of the Tskhinvali region. The handover of the engineering-military equipment and a technical service point took place at a ceremonial event, which was also attended by the de facto President, Alan Gagloyev.

A detailed review of the activities of the Russian Military forces in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region in July 2022 can be found here.

Investment Program for 2020-2022 was Discussed in Abkhazia

Aslan Bzhania held a meeting related to the implementation of the investment program promoting the social and economic development of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia in 2020-2022. A total of RUB 1.350 billion is allocated for the current year within the framework of the investment program which is fully financed by Russia. The program provides for the construction of 96 facilities, 68 of which have already been completed. The remaining 26 facilities are scheduled to be completed by December of this year.

Aslan Bzhania Visited the Republic of Tatarstan

Aslan Bzhania met with the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, in Kazan. The parties talked about cooperation in the industrial, infrastructural and innovative fields. According to Minnikhanov, Tatarstan wants to increase the “exports” of KAMAZ trucks, automobile tires, engineering and petroleum products, medical and pharmaceutical products to Abkhazia and to deepen sea-transit traffic.

Aslan Bzhania and Rustam Minnikhanov. Source:  presidentofabkhazia.org

Russia’s “Soft Power”

Inal Ardzinba Meets with Dmitry Fedotov

On July 8, the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Inal Ardzinba, met with the Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo  office, Dmitry Fedotov. As a result of the meeting, it was agreed to increase the number of educational quotas for Abkhaz applicants wishing to receive higher education in Russia. The parties talked about the implementation of joint projects in such areas as sports, culture, support of young leaders, etc.

Students from the Tskhinvali Region Become Finalists of a Russian Project

A total of five students from the Tskhinvali region became finalists of the Big Change all-Russian competition - the largest Russian competition in which schoolchildren and students participate. The competition has been held since 2020. Its organizer is the Russia - the Country of Opportunities presidential platform.

Rossotrudnichestvo’s Another Competition Ended in Tskhinvali

On July 8, another competition of the Rossotrudnichestvo office in the Tskhinvali region ended. The In the Family Circle competition  was held in connection with the International Family Day.

Abkhazian Delegation Participated in a Russian Festival

A delegation of Abkhazia took part in a Russian youth festival. The “Manzherok” festival was held in the Republic of Altai, Russia, on July 5-10.

Films in the Open Air Project in Tskhinvali

The Films in the Open Air project was officially launched on the Theatre Square in Tskhinvali. The first movie screened was the Soviet film - Officers. More than a hundred of citizens came and watched the movie. Later, the Soviet cartoon Well, Just You Wait! was also screened. French, Italian and Indian films are also planned to be shown in the future.

Films in the Open Air. Source:  cominf.org