Georgian civil society denounces Russia’s creeping annexation of occupied territories

Representatives of Georgian civil society have issued a strong appeal to the international community, calling for a firm response to Russia’s ongoing annexation policies in Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), according to EUalive’s partner media Netgazeti.ge.

The statement, addressed to the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM), OSCE, NATO, and Georgia’s key international partners, condemns Russia’s systematic steps to integrate the occupied territories and warns of growing risks to Georgia’s sovereignty and regional stability.

Key concerns highlighted in the appeal

The civil society statement points to a clear pattern of escalation, describing it as a phased annexation process. Among the most alarming developments cited:

The 9 May agreement signed in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the de facto leader of Tskhinvali, Alan Gagloev. This so-called “treaty on deepening allied cooperation” allows Russian citizens to hold key positions in the occupied region’s administration, facilitates the transfer of property and resources to Russian ownership, and deepens the economic and infrastructural integration of the territory with Russia.
Direct Russian control: The appointment of Russian official Marat Kambolov as the de facto Prime Minister of Tskhinvali represents the removal of even the façade of local governance and a shift toward overt Russian administration.
Similar trends in Abkhazia: Russia is advancing “legal harmonisation,” opening real estate markets to Russian capital, and strengthening economic absorption of the region. These processes are reportedly coordinated at the highest levels of the Russian Presidential Administration, including by curator Sergei Kiriyenko.
Military threats: Particular concern is raised over the transformation of the Ochamchire port in Abkhazia into a base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, along with threats directed at Tbilisi. These moves directly endanger security in the Black Sea region.

The statement notes that these actions are taking place against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and Moscow’s attempts to compensate for its weakened influence in the South Caucasus by tightening control over Georgian territories.

Civil society also criticises Russia’s demand for a “non-use of force” agreement between Tbilisi and the de facto authorities in the occupied regions, rather than with Russia itself, as a provocative attempt to legitimise the occupation and prepare the ground for further integration.

Calls to the International Community

The appeal urges international organisations and partner states to take concrete action, including:

Firmly reaffirm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Strongly condemn Russia’s aggressive rhetoric and annexationist steps at the international level.
Consider targeted sanctions against individuals directly involved in the illegal annexation and militarisation processes.
Maintain and strengthen the policy of non-recognition of the occupied regions’ so-called “independence.”
Increase support for Georgia’s civil resilience and capacity to counter hybrid threats.

The statement emphasises that timely and coordinated action by Georgia’s partners is essential so that Russia pays a high political and economic price for its aggression, ethnic cleansing, and violations of international law. Georgian civil society reaffirms its commitment to de-occupation, peaceful conflict resolution, and the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic future.

The appeal which carries 56 names remains open for additional signatures from Georgian civil society representatives and other interested parties.

Background on Abkhazia and South Ossetia

In August 2008, a brief but intense war erupted between Georgia and Russia after Georgian forces attempted to retake control of the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Russia responded with a large-scale military intervention, quickly defeating Georgian forces and advancing deep into undisputed Georgian territory. The conflict ended with a French-brokered ceasefire, but Russia subsequently recognised the “independence” of both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, establishing military bases and tight political, economic, and security ties with the de facto authorities in both regions. Georgia lost effective control over the territories, which it continues to regard as occupied.

Internationally, only a handful of countries (notably Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria) recognise them as independent states; the vast majority of the world, including the EU, US, and UN, consider them integral parts of Georgia under Russian occupation. Tbilisi maintains a policy of non-recognition, offers engagement packages for the local populations, and seeks peaceful de-occupation through diplomacy and international pressure.

The pro-government (Georgian Dream) side, seen as pro-Russian, generally responds with a more restrained and conciliatory tone compared to the sharp criticism from opposition-minded civil society.

The article in Georgian by EUalive’s partner Netgazeti can be found here.

Caption: Map of occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia [Wikipedia]