Publication:  N53 / Review period:  May 1-31, 2023 / Author: Arsen Araqelov

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.

Visits to Moscow

Alan Gagloyev’s Visit

On May 30, the President of the de facto republic of the Tskhinvali region, Alan Gagloyev, met with the Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration, Dmitry Kozak, who oversees the occupied regions of Georgia.

Gagloyev and Kozak discussed mutual cooperation and prospects, as well as the course of the Russian-financed investment program for 2023-2025 promoting the socio-economic development of the de facto republic. In addition, the parties reviewed the gasification plan of districts of the de facto republic and the increase in the salaries of “public servants” which is partially financed by Russia.

Alan Gagloyev's Meeting with Dmitry Kozak

Aslan Bzhania's Visit

On May 3, the President of the de facto republic of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government, Alexander Novak, who supervises the occupied regions of Georgia. The meeting discussed development of the electric energy complex, reconstruction of Sokhumi Airport and other issues of bilateral relations. The de facto Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy, Kristina Ozgan, also participated in the meeting.

Gagloyev's Visit to Chechnya

On May 15-16, the President of the de facto republic of the Tskhinvali region, Alan Gagloyev, paid a visit to the Republic of Chechnya to celebrate the Days of Ossetian Culture. During his stay in Chechnya, Gagloyev visited the Museum and the grave of Akhmad Kadyrov, Ramzan Kadyrov’s (leader of the republic) father. 

Gagloyev's visit to the Russian Special Forces University which was founded on the initiative of Ramzan Kadyrov is worth of mentioning. The de facto president also met with Chechen fighters who were preparing to participate in the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The Days of Ossetian Culture was ended with a solemn concert, which Gagloyev attended together with Kadyrov. At the end of the ceremony, Kadyrov awarded Gagloyev with the medal – “100 years since the establishment of the Republic of Chechnya.”Gagloyev was seen off by Kadyrov himself. This was the first visit of the de facto President to the Republic of Chechnya.

Seeing Off Alan Gagloyev

Agreement Between the Ministries of Culture of Abkhazia and Russia

On May 27, the Ministries of Culture of Russia and the de facto republic of Abkhazia signed a cooperation program for 2023-25. According to the program, the parties will promote the establishment of direct contacts between representatives of culture and art. The program also provides for further cooperation between theatres, libraries, museums of the two countries, the development of the cinematographic field, and the preservation of historical and cultural heritage sites. The document was signed by the de facto Minister of Culture, Daur Kove, and the Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia, Andrey Malyshev.

Ratification of an Agreement on Dual Citizenship

On May 31, while discussing the ratification of a dual citizenship agreement with the de facto republic of Abkhazia at the Federal Assembly, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, appointed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Galuzin, as his representative. Galuzin supervises the post-Soviet countries and the occupied regions of Georgia in the ministry.

The agreement on the settlement of issues related to dual citizenship was signed between Russia and the de facto republic in Moscow, on September 27, 2022.

May 9 Celebration in the Occupied Regions

May 9, the day of victory over fascism, is annually celebrated in the occupied regions with various large-scale events. In connection with the date, May 6-9 was declared a day off in the occupied regions.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, sent a congratulatory letter on the 78th anniversary of the victory of the Patriotic War to the people of different countries, including of Georgia and the occupied regions.

The largest event of the Victory Day celebration was the Immortal Regiment action held on the central street of Tskhinvali on May 9. People participating in the march held portraits of 27 dead fighting on the Russian side in 2022 and Ossetian fighters killed in 1989-2008. In addition, a military parade was held in the de facto republic which involved special equipment.

Military Parade in the Tskhinvali Region

On May 9, “eternal flame” was delivered in the de facto republic of Abkhazia and was lit at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The de facto President, Aslan Bzhania, laid flowers at the grave after which a military parade began in Sokhumi with the participation of 600 Abkhaz and Russian soldiers. In addition, Sokhumi hosted the Immortal Regiment large-scale action. The participants of the rally organized a march in the city center after the military parade.

Immortal Regiment Procession in Sokhumi