Latest news with #Abkhazian
OC Media
6 days ago
- Politics
- OC Media
Pilot voyage of ferry between Sochi and Sukhumi runs after 30 year halt
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article The Caucasus is changing — and not for the better. With authoritarianism on the rise across the region, the threat to independent journalism is higher than ever. Join our community and help push back against the hardliners. Become a member The test voyage of a new ferry that would connect the Russian city of Sochi with the Abkhazian capital Sukhumi (Sukhum) has taken place in an effort to revive a sea link between the two cities that has been interrupted since 1993. According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, the Cosmonaut Pavel Popovich, named after a Ukrainian-born fighter pilot and cosmonaut, will accommodate up to 120 passengers with a journey time of 2.5 hours across the 146-kilometre route. Abkhazian President Badra Gunba and First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko met the ferry at Sukhumi port. 'Today we will open another transport hub […] This is a very important area for building logistics capabilities', Gunba said, calling the event historic. Kiriyenko separately highlighted the 'beautiful' nature of a trip along the Black Sea coast of Abkhazia. Details about the cost of the journey and the expected schedule have yet to be announced. Sea service was interrupted between Sochi and Sukhumi as a result of the War in Abkhazia (1993–1994). There have been other recent attempts to revive the link across the Black Sea, including a 2022 catamaran that made two voyages, and a cruise liner that ran several times in 2023, but nothing has stuck as of yet. Advertisement Gunba and Kiriyenko announced plans to revive the regular route between the two cities during a meeting in July, though discussions regarding reviving the old Soviet-era sea route of the Kometa ships has been ongoing since at least 2023. That year, during a tourism forum in Sukhumi, the Vice-President of the Crimean Development Fund, Vasily Dyachenko, presented plans to connect Russian-occupied Crimea to Abkhazia via the cities of Gelendzhik–Novorossiysk–Sochi–Sokhumi.
JAMnews
01-08-2025
- Politics
- JAMnews
Abkhazia launches inquiry into Russian sanctions
Abkhazia launches inquiry into Russian sanctions Abkhazia's parliament has established a commission to investigate why Russia imposed personal sanctions on certain Abkhazian citizens. The commission will look into whether the previous Abkhaz leadership violated citizens' constitutional rights — particularly former president Aslan Bzhania. Many of those affected by the sanctions, as well as members of the public, believe the Kremlin acted on complaints submitted by Bzhania against his political opponents. The commission is expected to complete its inquiry within three months. The move follows what lawmakers described as 'punitive actions' by Russian authorities after the political crisis in Abkhazia in November 2024, which ended with the de facto ousting of the government. For example, two Abkhaz opposition politicians were stripped of their Russian citizenship, and three journalists were designated as 'foreign agents' by Russia's Ministry of Justice. The journalists attempted to challenge the decision in Russian courts, but their lawsuits were not even accepted for review. As a result, they turned to the Abkhaz parliament, requesting a formal investigation to either substantiate the accusations or officially clear their names. Representatives of Abkhaz society — including politicians, cultural figures, and civil society activists — have also addressed an open letter to the new president, Badra Gunba, and members of parliament. In it, they urge the authorities to view the situation not only as a foreign policy episode, but as a development that affects internal stability and public trust in official institutions. The letter reiterates a widely shared view in Abkhazia: that the Russian sanctions were imposed following complaints made by former president Aslan Bzhania. 'The sanctions introduced by the Russian Federation against citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia were based on slanderous allegations made by government officials, led by former President Aslan Bzhania. These claims suggested that Western intelligence agencies were influencing public opinion in Abkhazia to undermine Abkhaz-Russian relations. As a result, the country's leadership deliberately conveyed misleading information to a major international actor — discrediting the Abkhaz state, the memory of those fighting in the 'special military operation,' and the role of the media. In doing so, they undermined the very idea of an independent Abkhaz state,' the letter reads. Toponyms, terminology, views and opinions expressed by the author are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of JAMnews or any employees thereof. JAMnews reserves the right to delete comments it considers to be offensive, inflammatory, threatening or otherwise unacceptable.
JAMnews
25-07-2025
- Politics
- JAMnews
"What Russia is doing is systematic colonization." Opinion from Abkhazia
Russia is taking control of Abkhazia A new stage of Russia–Abkhazia cooperation is, in essence, a controlled integration of Abkhazia into the Russian Federation. This is how the Abkhaz media outlet Aiashara interprets several recent decisions made by the Kremlin regarding Abkhazian citizens. In particular, it refers to the simplification of Russian citizenship procedures and the ban on Abkhaz driving licenses in Russia, accompanied by the issuing of Russian licenses within Abkhazia. Aiashara interprets these Kremlin initiatives as follows: What is the idea behind it? Controlled integration = a strategy of 'absorption without annexation' Russia is applying a tactic of asymmetric absorption. It does not declare official unification but inserts itself into key elements of sovereignty – documents, borders, rights, and governance. At the same time: Russia complicates regular border crossings, But simplifies the switch to a new identity (Russian citizenship). The goal is to make the population 'voluntarily' choose Russian jurisdiction as the only convenient option. Want to travel, work, live? Then give up independence. Russia offers convenience – in exchange for loyalty. This is infrastructural occupation without tanks. Driver's licenses: not about cars, but about legitimacy By banning Abkhaz driving licenses in its jurisdiction, Russia delegitimizes Abkhazia's very statehood. Moscow is effectively sending a clear message: 'Your documents are fake. Only the ones we issue are real.' And by issuing its own licenses on Abkhaz territory, Russia: Extends its jurisdiction directly onto foreign soil; Builds a parallel state; Turns Abkhazia into a regional proxy zone. This is soft colonization – no flag, but full control over daily life. Russia's real but hidden goals: 1. Demographic absorption The more Russian citizens live in the region, the easier it becomes to control – even through military means 'to protect Russian nationals.' 2. Erosion of Abkhaz sovereignty Abkhazia becomes a de facto federal protectorate without formal annexation. 3. Blocking alternative influences By monopolizing legitimacy and documentation channels, Russia eliminates competition. How to resist? 1. Expose the logic of soft occupation People need to be explaimed: Russian citizenship means a gradual loss of national independence; Russian documents are control tools, not gifts; Simplified procedures are traps, not benefits; Russia is not 'helping' Abkhazians — that's a myth. 2. Build alternative legitimacy infrastructure Even without global recognition, Abkhazia must build internal trust. For that, the following are needed: Digital IDs; Third-country agreements; Trusted platforms independent of Russia. No infrastructure – no sovereignty, even if there's a flag. 3. Develop domestic economy and services as an alternative to Russian oversight As long as Russia provides more, people will choose it. But once internal systems start feeding, healing, and transporting people, the incentive to rely on foreign jurisdiction will weaken. Russian agents in Abkhazia | Discussion of Inal Khashig and Astamur Tania 'Georgia must learn to say 'yes'' – view from Abkhazia Conclusion What Russia is doing is systematic colonization through documents. Not guns, but passports. Not annexation, but 'assistance.' Not orders, but 'convenient choices.' Russia is playing the long game: Undermining internal legitimacy; Building direct influence through citizenship; Imposing its legal grid. Resistance is possible – but only by abandoning illusions and starting to play the same game: the game of systems, not slogans. Toponyms, terminology, views and opinions expressed by the author are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of JAMnews or any employees thereof. JAMnews reserves the right to delete comments it considers to be offensive, inflammatory, threatening or otherwise unacceptable. News in Abkhazia
OC Media
22-07-2025
- Business
- OC Media
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak visits Abkhazia, highlights economic partnership
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak arrived in Abkhazia on Monday, where he held high-level meetings with Abkhazian President Badra Gunba and touted the growth of bilateral economic ties. Novak has served as the Kremlin's curator for Abkhazia since 2022, although Sergei Kiriyenko, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration, has increasingly taken centrestage as Russia's representative in Abkhazia. Official readouts from both the Russian government and the Abkhazian state-run media outlet Apsnypress highlighted similar elements of the talks between Novak and Gunba, leading with the increase in bilateral trade turnover since 2020. 'The volume of trade between [Russia and Abkhazia] grew by 60%', Novak said. Gunba concurred, noting that, 'based on the results of 2022–2025, we see positive results: trade turnover has increased significantly, GDP has increased by 187%'. In comments to reporters following the meeting, Novak told journalists that the draft programme for the socio-economic development of Abkhazia from 2026–2030 will be approved by the beginning of November. ''Russia provides support, including financial support, so that the republic can independently ensure its development in the future', Novak said, noting that the new programme will implement new investment projects, provide support for small and medium enterprises, implement the provision of social payments, and work to improve Abkhazia's energy supply. Gunba thanked Russia for its consistent support of Abkhazia and said that surmounting the many problems faced by Sukhumi (Sukhum) would be very difficult without help from Moscow. Advertisement For ease of reading, we choose not to use qualifiers such as 'de facto', 'unrecognised', or 'partially recognised' when discussing institutions or political positions within Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and South Ossetia. This does not imply a position on their status.
OC Media
09-07-2025
- Politics
- OC Media
Abkhazian Cinema Fund head apologises for ‘provocative statements' to Russian tourists
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member The director of the Abkhazian Cinema Fund, Aleksander Basariya, has issued a public apology after making 'provocative statements' in regards to Russian tourists. Earlier in July, videos reportedly appeared across social media showing Basariya complaining about Russian tourists who come on 'cheap tours' and live in 'enclaves', claiming that these actions posed a threat to national security. Basariya also alleged that Russian tour operators were dumping prices in the hotel, excursion, and transport industries, 'causing local small and medium businesses to suffer'. In his subsequent apology video, Basariya said that he now understands 'it is precisely such provocative statements that I allowed myself to make that pose a threat to the security of our country'. He also clarified that the Abkhazian Cinema Fund was a private organisation that had nothing to do with government structures. Following Basariya's comments, Abkhazian Tourism Minister Astamur Logua emphasised that such statements were 'unacceptable' in the framework of relations between Abkhazia and Russia, 'as two fraternal states and peoples'. 'We must remember our traditions of hospitality, what the Abkhazian culture is based on, and perceive the tourist as the main guest whom we receive at home. This is the most important thing, how we should position ourselves and behave', Logua said. The Tourism Ministry also issued an official statement declaring that Russian citizens visiting Abkhazia 'do not and cannot post a threat' to national security while emphasising that Russian tour operators have 'played a significant role' in building Abkhazia's tourism industry. The ministry also called on people to 'ignore provocative statements' and focus only on official statements from the relevant authorities. Advertisement Similarly, the Secretary of the Public Chamber, Guli Kichba, warned people against making statements that could harm Abkhazia's image, while the director of Ritsa National Park, Adamur Bagateliya, highlighted that Russian tourists have always been and will continue to be needed in Abkhazia. 'It's a provocation' On the Russian side, Vadim Prasov, the Vice President of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Russia, called Basariya's comments 'strange', noting that 'states are fighting for the flow of tourists'. 'People come, they spend money, which goes, including in the form of taxes, to the state budget. They are the basis for the business community in terms of revenue. This money is spent on staff salaries, maintenance of facilities, the purchase of food, raw materials, and supplies. This is money that goes into the turnover of Abkhazian hotels, and this benefits the economy', Prasov told Russian state media outlet Sputnik. In turn, Russian MP Svetlana Zhurova suggested that 'special provocative leaks' aimed at discrediting Abkhazia are made every year during the tourist season. 'Who is he [Basariya] anyways? Everyone is doing this on purpose. It's all clear. It's a provocation', Zhurova said. Likewise, Russian politician Alexei Kondratiev told Sputnik that 'these provocations are clearly aimed', noting that they were beneficial to Russia's enemies. 'Therefore, we, both Russians and Abkhazians, must understand this. Understand that we have a common history, a common faith. And no one will force us to turn away from each other', Kondratiev said, adding that Basariya was just one person and unable to represent Abkhazia as a whole. Russian MP Vitaly Milonov also hinted at an external factor, emphasising that such statements were 'manifestations of some third, dark forces' that want to see their homelands fail. In addition to official commentary, Russian state-run media RT published a report claiming that Basariya had filed for personal bankruptcy through the courts in 2024, with a debt of over ₽430,000 ($5,500). According to their report, Basariya worked in Abkhazia's tourism and hotel industry from 2005–2016. As of 2020, he has headed the Abkhazian Cinema Fund, which does not have anyone listed among their board of trustees. 'They don't spend anything' Previously, in June, Kristina Lakerbaya, an employee of Abkhazia's Tourism Ministry, was fired after claiming that Russian tourists were low-budget. 'Those tourists who come here for ₽300 ($4), I assure you, don't spend anything. They'll queue for a glass of juice or water at the hotel, but won't buy anything on the street. They come and buy Doshirak noodles, while we want them to buy souvenirs and our agricultural produce', Lakerbaya reportedly said during a meeting of the Abkhazian Union of Tourists. The comments sparked immediate backlash in both Abkhazia and Russia. In response, Abkhazian President Badra Gunba told the Tourism Ministry that it was 'unacceptable to divide guests by their wealth'. 'We have always been happy to see every tourist — this is a symbol of peace and a return to life', Gunba said on 23 June. 'I am sure that the love of millions of people for our country will not be overshadowed by these thoughtless words of officials', he added. For ease of reading, we choose not to use qualifiers such as 'de facto', 'unrecognised', or 'partially recognised' when discussing institutions or political positions within Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and South Ossetia. This does not imply a position on their status.
