Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – March 20-26, 2026

2026-03-27 - 13:12

Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations. Sokhumi Russian Energy Delegation Inspects Enguri HPP The delegation from the Russian Ministry of Energy carried out a working visit to Abkhazia, during which energy cooperation between Moscow and Sokhumi was discussed. The delegation conducted an inspection tour and reviewed the current operating conditions of the Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station. They also observed the ongoing implementation of the Russian-funded program to install electricity metering devices in Sokhumi. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening “bilateral” cooperation, emphasizing the importance of modernizing Abkhazia’s power grid and expanding metering systems to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the region’s energy system. Armenia’s Ex-President Kocharyan Backs Railway Route Through Abkhazia to Russia Armenia’s economy, heavily reliant on Russia, could benefit from a shorter trade route through Abkhazia, according to former Armenian President and opposition “Armenia” bloc leader Robert Kocharyan. He noted that transporting goods via Azerbaijan adds an extra 700 km compared to a route passing through Georgia, including Abkhazia. “The current moment offers the most favorable conditions to begin negotiations on opening this route [through Abkhazia]. With Georgia’s EU membership process currently stalled, the country should be interested in establishing railway links with Russia. This would benefit Georgia, as well as Russia and Abkhazia,” Kocharyan said. Citing the political relations between Tbilisi and Sokhumi as the main obstacle, he proposed separating economic initiatives from political disputes. Discussions on the potential restoration of the railway connection have gained momentum in Abkhazia, especially following the agreement on the “Trump route” in the South Caucasus. The issue has also been raised at the official level in Russia. De facto Authorities Consider Expanding Labor Restrictions for ‘Foreign Citizens‘ The de facto parliament has reviewed amendments to the so-called Law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens,” which simplifies the mechanism for imposing restrictions on “foreign citizens” employment in certain sectors, this time focusing specifically on taxi operations. According to the explanatory note, the proposed amendments would allow the de facto authorities to introduce restrictions on “foreign citizens’” access to specific professions or positions, when deemed necessary, without amending the existing “law.” Instead, such restrictions will be imposed through decisions of the de facto Cabinet of Ministers. Following the discussions, the relevant “parliamentary committee” recommended adopting the amendments in the first reading at a “plenary session”. The so-called Law “On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens”, adopted by the de facto authorities in 2015, has been widely viewed as disproportionately affecting the ethnic Georgian population in Abkhazia by significantly restricting their fundamental rights. While the current amendments may not specifically target the population of Gali and may instead be aimed at Russian citizens temporarily residing and working in Abkhazia, they are also likely to affect ethnic Georgians who do not hold the so-called Abkhaz passport. Muftis of Kabardino-Balkaria and Abkhazia Sign Cooperation Agreement Muftis of Kabardino-Balkaria and Abkhazia signed a cooperation “agreement” that foresees the exchange of experience in religious, educational, outreach, and charitable activities aimed at strengthening the consolidation of Islamic and broader civic society in addressing pressing social issues. Clergy representatives will organize joint sermons, lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions in mosques and educational institutions. The Spiritual Administrations of Muslims of Kabardino-Balkaria and Abkhazia also intend to implement joint initiatives focused on youth development, as well as support publishing and media activities, including the co-production of informational materials, books, brochures, and video content. Abkhazia’s De Facto Justice Minister Proposes Expert Chamber in ‘Parliament’ Anri Bartsits, the de facto Minister of Justice of Abkhazia, has proposed establishing a bicameral parliament. Under his plan, one chamber would continue to consist of de facto MPs representing the direct will of the people, as it currently does, while the other would serve as an expert body composed of distinguished professionals, including scholars, lawyers, economists, and cultural figures. According to Bartsits, the proposal pursues two main goals. First, to strengthen public trust in “state institutions” by ensuring that decision-making reflects professionalism, logic, and responsibility, rather than “cheap populism”. Second, to establish a permanent professional center for advancing reforms, where decisions are based on knowledge rather than emotion. Tskhinvali Simplification of Customs Procedures for ‘Citizens’ of ‘South Ossetia’ Discussed at ‘Nizhny Zaramag‘ Representatives of the customs committee of the occupied Tskhinvali region and the North Caucasus Directorate of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation held a meeting at the “Nizhny Zaramag” border crossing point. The discussions focused on simplifying and expediting the temporary import of private vehicles belonging to South Ossetian citizens into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as well as on changing the traffic flow scheme to increase the checkpoint’s throughput capacity. It was proposed that the Federal Customs Service ease its measures towards South Ossetian “citizens” regarding vehicles not removed from the EAEU customs territory. Cases involving participants in the “Special Military Operation” [Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine] were considered separately, with decisions to be made individually. Kadiy Speaks of Threats to Tskhinvali’s ‘Statehood’, Points to ‘Foreign’ Influence Speaking at a meeting of the “Ministry of Internal Affairs,” Yuri Kadiy, head of the occupied Tskhinvali region’s security service, identified key threats to the region, including gaps in legislation regarding the media and NGOs, and the growing influence of anonymously funded, foreign-backed resources attempting to destabilize the situation. He also noted the increased activity of foreign intelligence services and the risk of “citizens” being drawn into sabotage and cybercrime. “Today, part of the republic’s information space is in the hands of anonymous actors whose activities are funded from abroad,” Kadiy emphasized. He also reported on the rise in juvenile crime and drug-related threats. Tskhinvali Issues 703 Work Permits to ‘Foreigners’ in 2025 Erislav Mamiev, the “Minister of Internal Affairs” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, announced that 703 work permits had been issued to “foreigners” over the course of the year. “We inspected 720 households and six farms where 1,654 foreign citizens are temporarily residing. A sum of 1,406,000 rubles was deposited with the National Bank,” he stated, adding that employees of the “Migration Department” had identified 42 violations of migration laws and that the total amount of fines had amounted to 99,000 rubles. Gagloev Invited to Moscow by Putin to Attend May 9 Parade Alan Gagloev, the leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, has received an official invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Moscow on May 9. According to Gagloev’s press secretary, Natalya Bosikova, he will take part in the Victory Day Parade on Red Square as part of the visit. Representatives of Russian, ‘South Ossetian’ Defense Agencies Meet in Tskhinvali A meeting took place in Tskhinvali between the “Ministry of Defense” of the occupied region and the Russian Defense Ministry, where they discussed a joint plan to strengthen the region’s armed forces, including the operation and repair of specialized equipment. Yuri Yarovitsky, the occupied region’s “Minister of Defense”, noted the importance of Russian support. Moscow-Tbilisi EADaily Reports on Georgia’s Growing External Dependence amid Rising Public Debt Georgia’s external debt reached USD 9.3 billion by the end of 2025, increasing by USD 703 million, Russian propaganda outlet EADaily reports, citing Vage Davtyan, a researcher in the Caucasus Studies Department at the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Davtyan notes that the growth appears moderate, but its structure indicates a deepening dependence on external institutions. A significant portion of the increase is linked to infrastructure projects, including a loan from the Asian Development Bank for the construction of the Batumi–Sarpi road. Another factor is the strengthening of the euro, in which most of the liabilities are denominated. This has effectively increased the dollar value of the debt, thereby raising the cost of servicing it. According to him, the main creditors remain the ADB, the World Bank, and the EIB, which form the core of the portfolio. “However, the strategic risk lies in the fact that dependence on these external institutions is gradually increasing. Not only do they act as sources of financial capital, they also influence management decisions when determining economic priorities,” Davtyan states. The expert noted that European and Asian financial institutions prefer not to mention this aspect of lending policy. However, the approach that emerged under the “Washington Consensus” – linking loans to institutional reforms – is still in place. Moscow Links Normalization of Relations with Georgia to Tbilisi’s Willingness to Move Toward Rapprochement Russia has declared its readiness to normalize relations with Georgia. However, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, further progress depends on the position of Tbilisi, which severed diplomatic ties after the 2008 war. In an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia, Galuzin stated that “Everything depends on the Georgian side. It was not Russia that severed relations with Georgia, but the Saakashvili regime... We are ready to go as far as Georgia itself is willing to go in the process of normalizing relations.” Moscow emphasizes the immutability of its decision to recognize Abkhazia and “South Ossetia,” while Tbilisi links the restoration of relations to “de-occupation.” Izvestia notes that despite political differences, economic ties remain strong: trade volume grew to USD 2.7 billion in 2025, and tourism and air travel are developing rapidly. It also states that church relations remain an important factor. Following the death of Patriarch Ilia II, Georgia is preparing to elect a new Patriarch. The article notes that Metropolitan Shio is considered the leading candidate. The authors cite Mamuka Pipia, a pro-Kremlin figure and international secretary of the Solidarity for Peace party, who told the outlet: “We are confident that Shio will succeed because he is the successor to our patriarch’s work. He appointed him as locum tenens while he was still alive. We all trust his choice.” The article also states that “supporters of the unity of the Russian and Georgian Orthodox Churches fear that the new Patriarch may recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Although the Georgian Orthodox Church has not actually agreed to its autocephaly, this issue was discussed at length in 2018–2019. While there are supporters of recognizing the OCU within the Georgian clergy, the official position remains cautious.” The article also notes that the ruling Georgian Dream party is seeking to maintain its influence over the church’s choice while continuing on its official course towards the EU and NATO. RIA Novosti Links Story of Father Gabriel’s Prophecy to Ukraine’s Fate The RIA Novosti article describes the personality and spiritual legacy of Father Gabriel Urgebadze, a Georgian monk canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church. It recounts his early conversion to the faith, his path to becoming a monk, his role as a holy fool, and the persecution he faced during the Soviet era, including his arrest for burning a portrait of Lenin and his subsequent forced treatment. The article also mentions that he is credited with prophecies about disasters and spiritual trials, including a vision of “Tbilisi in flames.” The outlet then cites Archpriest Mirian Alibegashvili’s account of a meeting with Father Gabriel in 1992, during which the latter allegedly uttered the phrase “The jester will destroy them all, will destroy Ukraine,” a prediction that would later be regarded as prescient. The article is accompanied by a photo of protests in Tbilisi, featuring a demonstrator waving a flag in front of flames, as well as an image of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.