Publication:  N49 / Review period:  January 1-31, 2023

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.

Sergey Lavrov about the Occupied Territories

At a press conference held in Moscow, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, spoke about Georgia, its position on imposing sanctions on Russia, and, among other issues referred to the occupied regions - Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. According to Lavrov, Russia “supports Abkhazia and South Ossetia to settle relations with Georgia.” As he said, there are mechanisms for conducting the dialogue, in which Russia also participates.

Konstantin Jusoev Visits Moscow

The Chairman of the government of the de facto republic of the Tskhinvali region, Konstantine Jusoev, is on a working visit to Moscow. Jusoev met with heads of VTB Bank. The meeting discussed the partnership between the bank and the de facto government within the framework of the Russia-financed investment program financed for 2023-2025. In addition, Jusoev met with heads of the state development corporation “ВЭБ.РФ” with whom he discussed the investment program and future mutual cooperation under the program. Jusoev met with Minister of Agriculture, Dmitry Patrushev as well.

Minister of Health of the Tskhinvali Region Pays a Working Visit to Moscow

The Minister of Health and Social Development of the de facto Republic of the Tskhinvali region, Agunda Plyeva, met with the Minister of Health of Russia, Mikhail Murashko. At the meeting, the “parties” discussed the progress of a project – “Modernization of the Healthcare System of the Tskhinvali Region in 2019-2022” in the de facto republic.

Meeting Between the Ministers of Health 

De Facto Parliament Discussed the “Border” Crossing Issue

The crossing of the so-called “border” connecting Russia and Abkhazia has recently become particularly relevant. The issue is discussed at all levels and is aimed at simplifying procedures for the movement of tourists and the transportation of cargo. This time, the Speaker of the de facto parliament, Lasha Ashuba, discussed the issue at a meeting with the Russian “Ambassador” to Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin.

Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia, Tamila Mirtskhulava, met with the Representative of the Russia’s Trade Mission in Abkhazia, Zalina Kobesova. The meeting discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation. According to Mirtskhulava, the de facto government of Abkhazia is eager to promote Russian export products so that more Russian services and products appear on the Abkhazian market.

Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry  

Russia's “Soft Power”

Gift of Russian House

The Federal Agency for CIS States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Affairs (Russian House) handed over 7,000 textbooks to the “State University of South Ossetia.” Sergey Skvortsov, the Head of the Russian House office in the Tskhinvali region, said that the textbooks given within the framework of the Development of Education Russian state program will promote the popularization of the Russian language in the Tskhinvali region.

Quotas for Abkhaz Entrants

According to Dmitry Fedotov, the Head of the Federal Agency CIS States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Affairs (Russian House) office in Abkhazia, a total of 110 quotas have been allocated for students living in occupied Abkhazia to study at Russian higher education institutions in the 2023-2024 academic year.