The issue of simplifying the crossing of the border between Russia and separatist Abkhazia along the Psou River was discussed in the State Duma of the Russian Federation at a meeting of the working group on the topic "Strengthening political and economic ties between Abkhazia and Russia" with the participation of the de-facto Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia Inal Ardzinba and representatives of various Duma factions.

“The main issue that we discussed is the issue of simplifying the regime for crossing the Abkhazian-Russian border. This is an issue that today is of particular relevance in connection with the emerging international situation. It is very important that Russian citizens can cross the border calmly and more actively. In addition, the issue related to the construction of the airport was discussed, where we would ask for support,” Ardzinba said after the meeting.

The meeting was attended by First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Kazbek Taysaev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Education, representative of the Just Russia - For Truth faction Yana Lantratova, and State Duma deputy Alexander Yushchenko

In April, an expanded meeting of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs and the Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots is planned, at which these issues will be discussed.

According to Ardzinba, during the meeting it was decided to establish a commission to discuss topical issues of Abkhazian-Russian relations. The head of the Foreign Ministry noted the productivity of the meeting and expressed hope for further intensification of interstate Abkhaz-Russian cooperation.

The de-facto Ministry of Defence of separatist Abkhazia is ready to assist in the “denazification” of Ukraine

The separatist Republic of Abkhazia, and the de-facto Ministry of Defence in particular, fully support the ‘special military operation’ conducted by the Russian Federation in Ukraine. This was stated by the Minister of Defence of Abkhazia Vladimir Anua, summing up the results of the training of the armed forces.

“We are closely monitoring the processes taking place both in Ukraine and in the Black Sea region as a whole. The NATO-Georgia-2022 exercises have clearly shown that Tbilisi has not abandoned its belligerent rhetoric and course towards joining the North Atlantic Alliance,” the de-facto minister noted.

In this regard, given the difficult military-political situation in the region, the armed forces of the republic were put on high alert. Relevant mobilisation activities were carried out, as well as unscheduled gatherings and exercises with the personnel of reserve units and formations and the personnel of the Ministry of Defence, the head of the department said.

“In the event of an aggravation of the situation, the armed forces are ready to fulfil their duty to protect the state sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Abkhazia,” Anua emphasised.

“The separatist Ministry of Defence, in accordance with allied obligations and the decision of the President of Abkhazia, will provide military assistance in achieving the goals set by the Supreme Commander of the Russian Federation for the Armed Forces of Russia,” the head of the Ministry of Defence of Abkhazia said.