Russia supports “normalization of situation in Abkhazia” amid crisis, Peskov

Russia has expressed its support for the normalization of the situation in the de facto republic of Abkhazia, according to Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Peskov emphasized that “bilateral relations” between Russia and Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia region “are a key priority” for Moscow, and the country supports the “swift stabilization of the situation within the republic, ensuring it remains within constitutional bounds”.

This marks Moscow’s first official comment since November 15, when Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned Abkhazia’s opposition forces for escalating the conflict. Zakharova criticized the opposition for failing to resolve differences through “civilized, mutually respectful dialogue,” instead resorting to actions that went beyond the legal framework. The Russian Foreign Ministry statement called for the situation to be resolved solely through “peaceful political means, without interfering in Abkhazia’s internal affairs”.

On the same day, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development urged Russian tourists to avoid traveling to Abkhazia and advised those already in the region to return to Russia. The opposition in Sokhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, continues to control the government complex, with reports indicating that armed individuals are preventing the de facto Cabinet of Ministers employees from working. Acting de facto Minister of Culture Dinara Smir confirmed that the entrance to the “administrative building” had been blocked by armed persons.

Abkhaz de facto leader Aslan Bzhania has expressed his willingness to resign only after opposition forces vacate the government complex. However, the opposition is demanding his immediate resignation. The opposition’s current proposal involves either the resignation of the de facto President, Vice President, and Prime Minister, with the Speaker of Parliament, Lasha Ashuba, taking over the presidency, or a temporary appointment of a compromise figure as de facto Prime Minister, who would also assume presidential duties.

Negotiations between the de facto government and opposition are ongoing, with mediators facilitating talks. Local sources indicate that opposition representatives have been meeting in the session hall of the de facto parliament since the morning of November 18. These meetings are being held behind closed doors.