RIA Novosti: “Abkhaz opposition preparing for Republic’s return to Georgia”

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti has published an article titled, “Abkhaz opposition preparing for republic’s return to Georgia” authored by Irina Alksnis. The article critiques the Abkhaz opposition, labeling it as a leading contender for what the author terms a “Darwin Award in state politics.”

The piece discusses Georgia’s breakaway region Abkhazia’s geopolitical position, situated between two nations: Georgia, which fought a war for its independence 30 years ago and ‘continues to aspire to reclaim the region,’ and Russia, which has been ‘Abkhazia’s patron’ in all spheres. Alksnis notes that Abkhazia’s only meaningful connection to the world relies on Russia, as the region lacks international recognition and self-sustainability.

“Over more than three decades, Russia has defended, supplied, and funded Abkhazia, effectively serving as the guarantor of its existence,” Alksnis writes. She adds that Moscow has grown increasingly frustrated with the “one-sided relationship” and is now adopting a more measured approach to its ties with the breakaway republic.

The article focuses on the opposition’s claims that recent agreements with Russia threaten Abkhazia’s sovereignty, arguing they could pave the way for Russian oligarchs to take over the region. Alksnis dismisses these concerns, suggesting that sovereignty comes with a cost that Abkhazia has failed to bear independently.

In a sharp conclusion, she writes, “If the Abkhaz opposition rejects Russia’s offer, Georgia awaits them with open arms.”