Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – October 2-8, 2026

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

• ‘Forgotten Victims: Before Bucha was Abkhazia’ Documentary Screened in Italian Senate

The documentary “Forgotten Victims: Before Bucha was Abkhazia” was screened in the Italian Senate, featuring first-hand accounts of Russian crimes in the 1992- 1993 war in Abkhazia and drawing parallels with Russia’s current actions in Ukraine. The opposition Federalist Party leaders Tamar Chergoleishvili and Giga Bokeria brought the documentary to Italy.

• Garry Tsvizhba Detained in Abkhazia Over Illegal Election Financing

On 3 October 2026, Garry Tsvizhba was detained in Sokhumi during a joint operation conducted by the de facto state security service and the so-called city prosecutor’s office. He had been wanted since February 2026 on suspicion of violating regulations governing the financing of the 2025 “local election campaign”. The case links to events on 5 November 2025 at the Abkhaz Herald newspaper’s office, where local opposition leaders and activists discovered several Russian nationals believed to be political consultants involved in the “electoral process”. According to the investigation, the publication may have been used to conceal the illegal foreign financing of a candidate in the de facto local elections.

Tsvizhba, associated with the newspaper’s founders and a group of local supporters, left Sokhumi following the publication’s closure in November 2025. On 3 February 2026, the Sokhumi “prosecutor’s office” placed him on the wanted list.

The investigation has proceeded along two tracks. While the de facto authorities pursued allegations of illegal “election-related” activities involving Russian nationals, criminal proceedings were also initiated against local opposition figures accused of participating in an attack on the newspaper’s office.

• Gunba Calls for Non-Use of Force Agreement Between Sokhumi and Tbilisi 

Abkhazia’s de facto leader, Badra Gunba, said that the current moment is an appropriate time for signing a non-use-of-force agreement with Tbilisi, warning that renewed hostilities could have catastrophic consequences for both sides and the wider Caucasus region.

In an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Gunba stated that the Abkhaz side had repeatedly called for a non-use-of-force agreement, but no such agreement had been reached. He stressed that Abkhazia did not seek confrontation and urged politicians to exercise caution in their public statements. Gunba also highlighted Russia’s military support, describing it as a key factor in ensuring Abkhazia’s “security”.

Addressing the prospects for reconciliation between Abkhaz and Georgian societies, Gunba said that it should begin with Georgian authorities acknowledging what he described as the “aggression against Abkhazia in 1992”. He also called on Tbilisi to end what he characterised as pressure on countries recognising Abkhazia and efforts to restrict Abkhaz participation in international sporting, cultural, academic and educational events.

Gunba said that the Georgian authorities should demonstrate their readiness for dialogue by ending these practices, adding that relations should be established between “two independent states”. He concluded by stressing that Abkhazia did not want war or to pass on hostility to future generations.

• Gunba Congratulates Putin on His Birthday

Abkhazia’s de facto president, Badra Gunba, has congratulated Russian President Putin on his birthday, praising his role in strengthening “bilateral relations” and expressing confidence in the continued development of the “strategic partnership” between Moscow and Sokhumi.

In his congratulatory message, Gunba commended Putin for defending Russia’s national interests, strengthening its sovereignty and security, and enhancing its international standing. He also praised what he described as Russia’s commitment to a fair and equal international order.

Gunba highlighted Putin’s personal role in developing Abkhaz-Russian relations, noting that cooperation between the two sides had expanded across security, economic, social, and humanitarian fields. He also expressed gratitude for Russia’s longstanding support for Abkhazia, stating that Putin enjoyed considerable respect in the Abkhaz society. 

• De Facto Authorities Prepare Pension Reform to Link Payments to Work Experience

Abkhazia’s de facto government has prepared a draft “pension reform” aimed at overhauling the existing pension system and taking employment history into account when determining pension payments.

According to the so-called minister of social security and demographic policy Kama Adzynba, the proposed “legislation” seeks to consolidate regulations governing employment-based, insurance, and funded pensions, as well as payments for special services to Abkhazia.

Under the current system, the standard pension in Abkhazia amounts to 6,000 Russian rubles (approximately USD 70), regardless of a recipient’s work history. Pensioners who also hold Russian citizenship and receive a Russian pension are entitled to only 500 rubles (approximately USD 6) from Abkhazia.

The proposed reform aims to address these disparities by linking pension payments to citizens’ employment records. It would also introduce benefits for the loss of a breadwinner and other forms of social assistance exceeding the basic social pension.

The draft “legislation” further envisages special pensions for individuals recognised for exceptional service, including recipients of “state orders” and “veterans” of the 1992-1993 armed hostilities.

Tskhinvali

• UK Sanctions Tskhinvali’s Current, Former De Facto Leaders, Georgian Pro-Russian Figures in Russia Measures

The UK has sanctioned several Georgia-linked individuals, including the former and new de facto leaders of the Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region and four pro-Kremlin figures, as part of a new package targeting individuals and entities involved in activities threatening “the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.”

Those listed include Alan Gagloev, the former de facto leader of Tskhinvali region; Marat Kambolov, who was recently “elected” the region’s new de facto leader; Mamuka Pipia, international secretary of the pro-Kremlin Solidarity for Peace party; Giorgi Iremadze, a pro-Russian commentator and member of the party’s political council; Nikoloz Mzhavanadze, founder of the Russian-language, pro-Russian Sezoni TV channel; and Paata Abuladze, a pro-Kremlin figure reportedly related of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. More here.

• Jioev on Russia’s Role as Security Guarantor, Absence of External Threat

Akhsar Jioev, acting “foreign minister” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, stated that Russia remains the region’s primary security guarantor, the local news agency Res reports. According to him, existing agreements between Russia and the occupied region provide for a “unified defense and security framework,” as well as cooperation between relevant agencies. Jioev noted that part of the cooperation in this area is not public, but it demonstrates Russia’s readiness to continue its support. He also emphasized that “there is currently no external threat to the region,” and called on residents to unite internally to maintain stability.

• Res News Agency Links Europe’s Rearmament to Rising Tensions in Relations with Russia

The analytical department of the local news agency Res published an article asserting that the increase in military spending by European countries, the implementation of EU rearmament programs, and the expansion of military-technical cooperation with Ukraine are strengthening the European Union’s role in security and defense matters.

The authors highlight the increase in NATO member states’ defense budgets, the EU’s initiative to develop the defense industry, and plans to expand joint arms production with Ukraine. The article also cites Russian officials as saying that these developments will affect regional security. To reduce tensions, the authors propose resuming negotiations and seeking compromise solutions.

• Jioev Says Border Delimitation with Russia Has Reached Its Final Stage

Akhsar Jioev, acting “foreign minister” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, stated that work on the delimitation and demarcation of “the border” between Russia and the region is in its final stages, according to the local news agency Res. He noted that most issues have already been agreed upon, and the parties are preparing the final document for signing. Jioev made these remarks following his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Separately, the issue of the region’s administrative border with the rest of Georgia, according to Jioev, is being raised during international discussions in Geneva. He noted that the Tskhinvali/South Ossetian and Russian delegations are consistently conveying to the Georgian side the need to discuss the international legal formalization of the “border.”

• Jioev: Expanding International Contacts Remains One of Tskhinvali’s Foreign Policy Priorities

Akhsar Jioev, acting “foreign minister” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, reported on his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to him, the parties discussed the implementation of the so-called “Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation” signed in May, issues of regional security, Geneva International Discussions, and the coordination of interagency cooperation. Jioev noted that particular attention was paid to expanding the region’s contacts with countries beyond its immediate neighborhood, which remains one of its foreign policy priorities.

• Jioev Notes Absence of Preconditions for Negotiations between Tbilisi and Tskhinvali

Akhsar Jioev, acting “foreign minister” of the occupied Tskhinvali region, said in an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS that he currently sees no grounds for initiating “bilateral negotiations” with Tbilisi. He stated that Tbilisi is not ready for an equal dialogue with the region, and the rhetoric coming from the Georgian authorities does not contribute to a rapprochement of positions.

Jioev also noted that ongoing international meetings and negotiation formats allow for hope that compromises can be reached. According to him, progress toward mutually acceptable solutions is possible provided there is political will on the part of all participants and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

• Tskhinvali’s Security Service Launches Criminal Case Against Five Followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The security service of the occupied Tskhinvali region reported launching a criminal case against five of its residents whom the agency has classified as members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious organization. The security service stated that the investigation began on October 7 under the article concerning the organization of activities of an extremist organization. The suspects have all been placed under a restraining order requiring them to remain in the region. The agency added that investigative measures are underway to determine the circumstances of the case and collect evidence.

Moscow – Tbilisi

• Kalugin Says Moscow is Seeking to Move Geneva Discussions to ‘Neutral’ Location

Mikhail Kalugin, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department for CIS countries, said Moscow, together with Sokhumi and Tskhinvali, is seeking to move the Geneva International Discussions to another country, arguing that Switzerland lost its neutrality after joining EU sanctions against Russia. Representatives of Russia and the occupied regions have made similar calls in the past.

• UN Human Rights Council Adopts Resolution on Georgia’s Occupied Territories by Consensus

The UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus a resolution on “Cooperation with Georgia” in Geneva, addressing the human rights situation in the country’s occupied territories, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported on October 7.

Submitted annually by Georgia since 2017, the resolution reaffirms support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and expresses concern over discrimination and human rights violations against ethnic Georgians in Russia-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions. Read in full here.

• Kalugin on Georgia-EU, Georgia-Russia Relations

In an interview with the Russian propaganda outlet Russia Today, Mikhail Kalugin, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Fourth Department for CIS Countries, stated that relations between the European Union and Georgia have become strained due to disagreements over the country’s domestic and foreign policies. He noted that Tbilisi seeks to act in accordance with its own national interests, including by refusing to join anti-Russian sanctions, while the EU criticizes this course.

Kalugin noted the growth of economic ties between Russia and Georgia, including an increase in trade and tourist flows, and also pointed to the development of Georgia’s cooperation with China. Commenting on the prospects for restoring diplomatic relations between Moscow and Tbilisi, Kalugin emphasized that, in Russia’s view, the initiative must come from the Georgian side.

Special mention was made of the “3+3” regional platform involving Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, which Georgia has not officially joined. According to Kalugin, the format has the potential to foster cooperation in the fields of transportation, logistics, energy, telecommunications, culture, and education. He also reported on the launch of expert discussions on the platform, as well as the preparation of new meetings dedicated to regional interaction and energy cooperation issues.

• Zakharova Says Russia Ready to Further Develop Relations with Georgia

Commenting on a statement by Kakha Kaladze, secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow views Tbilisi’s decision to refrain from taking steps that could harm the country’s national interests in a positive light. According to Zakharova, Russia and Georgia are linked by historical, cultural, and humanitarian ties, as well as by rapidly developing trade and economic cooperation and tourism ties.

She noted Russia’s readiness to further develop relations between the two countries. At the same time, Zakharova asserted that Georgia is being influenced by external forces interested in confrontation with Russia, and expressed support for the Georgian authorities’ efforts to pursue an independent policy and defend the country’s sovereignty.

• Zakharova Condemns British Sanctions Against Georgian Journalists, Offers Reaching Out to Clooney

Commenting on the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom against pro-Russian Georgian journalists and other individuals, including Nikoloz Mzhavanadze, director of the Tao News agency, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that she considers such measures a manifestation of double standards and a restriction on freedom of speech. Zakharova suggested that Mzhavanadze write an open letter to George and Amal Clooney, who have previously spoken out publicly in defense of freedom of speech and journalists’ rights, to gauge their reaction to the sanctions imposed by the UK.

According to Zakharova, sanctions, the freezing of accounts, and restrictions on access to information platforms contradict the principles of protecting journalists’ rights espoused by the West. Zakharova also asserts that London seeks to hinder the development of ties between countries in the region and uses sanctions as a tool for political pressure. The Russian side, she said, views such actions as censorship and condemns them.

Also Read:

• 02/10/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 25-October 1, 2026
• 25/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 18-24, 2026
• 18/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 11-17, 2026
• 11/09/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – September 1-10, 2026