Soon, the situation in occupied Abkhazia may become unbearable for the majority of Abkhazians, forcing them to consider taking Georgian passports and resettling on the non-occupied territory of Georgia. It is important to note that any decision to take Georgian passports should be made independently and without coercion from any party.

Abkhazian society has not yet recovered from the shock of the transfer of Pitsunda to the Kremlin. However, it received news that reveals the true attitude of the occupiers and their separatist puppets towards Abkhazians. On 1 January 2024, the Abkhazian telegram channel RESPUBLICA published the following information:

According to a source in the presidential administration, the authorities have sent a list of Abkhazian citizens allegedly associated with NGOs to Moscow for deprivation of their Russian Federation citizenship. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RA and SSS of the RA are actively engaged in this work under the personal control of Aslan Bzhania.

On the eve of the 2008 war, the Russian Federation distributed Russian passports to residents of separatist Abkhazia and so-called 'South Ossetia'. On the eve of the 2008 war, the Russian Federation distributed Russian passports to residents of separatist Abkhazia and so-called 'South Ossetia'. While many Abkhazians were initially pleased with this move, believing that it would grant them permanent Russian citizenship and the associated rights and opportunities, it has become clear that the Russian passport is merely a tool for the occupiers to maintain control over the residents of Abkhazia. While many Abkhazians were initially pleased with this move, believing that it would grant them permanent Russian citizenship and the associated rights and opportunities, it has become clear that the Russian passport is merely a tool for the occupiers to maintain control over the residents of Abkhazia. Individuals deemed 'recalcitrant' can have their Russian citizenship revoked at any time. This revocation results in losing the ability to travel outside of Abkhazia, receive Russian pensions and allowances, and other related benefits.

The initiation of repressions against Abkhazians has already garnered attention on social media. The telegram channel 'ABKHAZIA CENTRE' reports that activists from Abkhazian NGOs and other residents of Abkhazia are being deprived of their Russian citizenship as a 'technically convenient solution'. This allows authorities to prohibit entry to Russia via Psou, restrict travel, create domestic problems, and intimidate those who are hesitant. The language used in the original text has been adjusted to adhere to the desired characteristics of clear, objective, and value-neutral language, with a formal register and precise word choice. Additionally, the sentence structure has been improved to ensure a logical flow of information and causal connections between statements. No new content has been added to the text.

The telegram channel suggests that individuals who feel offended and trapped may be compelled to obtain Georgian passports. Upon doing so, they may realize that they should have obtained them earlier instead of holding onto a sub-sanctioned passport with an eagle emblem. The language has been made more objective, concise, and clear, with a focus on avoiding biased and figurative language. Technical terms have been explained, and the sentence structure has been simplified. The grammar, spelling, and punctuation have been corrected. No new content has been added to the text.

In principle, 'Caucasus Plus' has long stated that all Abkhazians have the right to obtain Georgian citizenship. This provides them various opportunities, including visa-free travel to the EU, which is impossible with a Russian passport. For many young Abkhazians, this is a chance to improve their lives.

It is important to note that the Kremlin has not shown any intention to end the war in Ukraine. Experts believe that a new wave of mobilisation in the Russian Federation is inevitable. This mobilisation could result in Abkhazian youth being sent to the Ukrainian front as cannon fodder by the occupiers.

Depriving young people of their citizenship in Russia may be seen as a chance to stay alive, despite the obvious violation of their rights. However, the occupiers are likely aware of this as well. As a result, probably, they will first revoke the citizenship of Abkhazians who are not subject to the draft.

Abkhazians who care about the future of their country and people and who do not want to become hostages of manipulations of the occupiers may consider obtaining citizenship of Georgia. The future of the Abkhazian people is connected to Georgia, not the Kremlin.  Pitsunda is just the beginning; if Abkhazians do not act, they risk losing their land and way of life.  Some young people may be sent to fight in the Ukrainian war, while others may face repression. It is important to note that the KGB-FSB has extensive experience in the latter.

Alexandre Zakariadze