Zatulin Warns of Strained Russia-Abkhazia Relations After Agreement Rejection

SUKHUM / AQW’A —  The Abkhazian Parliament has decisively rejected a controversial "investment agreement" with Russia. During an extraordinary session on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, deputies overwhelmingly voted against ratifying the agreement, which had been signed in Moscow on 30 October. The decision has sparked sharp criticism from Moscow, with Konstantin Zatulin, a prominent Russian politician, warning of potential long-term damage to Russia-Abkhazia relations.

The refusal by the Abkhazian Parliament to ratify the investment agreement with Russia will likely result in a cooling of relations between Moscow and Sukhum, Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, stated in an interview with RTVI.

According to Zatulin, the parliamentary decision was influenced by those behind the November protests in Abkhazia, which led to the resignation of former President Aslan Bzhania. He described the events as a “campaign aimed at overthrowing the current government,” adding that the situation has strained bilateral relations.

Zatulin noted that the protests, which he characterised as a "near coup," forced the Abkhazian leadership to seek compromise through the president’s resignation and the announcement of early elections. He criticised those pushing for the agreement’s rejection, accusing them of pursuing their own agendas at the expense of relations with Russia.

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+ Protests in Abkhazia: Causes and Context, by Oleg Shein 

In response to the crisis, Moscow has taken several measures. Since September, financial subsidies for Abkhazian state employees have been frozen, and from 29 November, electricity supplied from Russia to Abkhazia is being charged at commercial rates. Zatulin highlighted that up to 45% of this electricity is consumed by cryptocurrency mining, which previously benefited from subsidised prices.

“This is an example of the consequences of strained relations between the Russian Federation and Abkhazia, arising from the refusal to honour commitments,” Zatulin said. He emphasised that these obligations were initially undertaken by the Abkhazian executive branch with parliamentary awareness.

Zatulin also warned that if tensions continue, the damage to bilateral relations will deepen. He expressed sympathy for Abkhazian citizens, stating they are "hostages to the reckless behaviour of those exerting pressure on the parliament." He criticised some Abkhazian politicians for a pattern of failing to meet their obligations, undermining both trust and the nation’s stability.

Zatulin concluded by urging Abkhazian leaders to consider the long-term consequences of their actions, both for their own people and for relations with Moscow.

Aslan Kobakhia: "You Can Bend a Bureaucrat, But Not the People"

Meanwhile, several prominent Abkhazian figures have expressed their views on the Parliament's decision to reject the investment agreement.

Hero of Abkhazia, Aslan Kobakhia, strongly defended the Parliament’s decision and urged critics to understand the reasons behind it. "To those who intend to criticise Abkhazia for rejecting the agreement, my advice is this: carefully read the oppressive contract that was being forced upon us. I am convinced that 99 percent of those criticising us have never even seen this document," he stated. Kobakhia emphasised that a proud nation has the right to say no, even to friends, when national interests are at stake. "Abkhazia remains where it has always been. To our true brothers and friends, you are always welcome here! We have never betrayed you!" he affirmed.

Leuan Lagulaa, Editor-in-Chief of ApsnyHabar, characterised the Parliament's decision as a response to the policies of former President Aslan Bzhania rather than an act against Russia. "This decision can be seen as a definitive conclusion to the chapter of Bzhania’s presidency and a vote of no confidence in his administration," Lagulaa noted. He pointed out systemic issues within Abkhazia's governance, stating that the super-presidential system lacks effective oversight mechanisms. Lagulaa stressed that while the Parliament's action reflects the will of the Abkhazian people, significant challenges remain, requiring strong leadership and diplomatic skill from the next president.

Journalist Inal Khashig commented that the rejection of the agreement signals an inevitable reset in relations between Sukhum and Moscow within their allied partnership. "In reality, there is no alternative to this course," he observed. Khashig suggested that new leadership in Abkhazia might undertake this reset, warning that if the current leadership remains after the upcoming elections, the crisis could deepen. He also anticipated that Moscow might make organisational changes in its approach to Abkhazian affairs, potentially engaging with a broader range of political forces to prevent future crises.

Ibrahim Chkadua, a prominent director and war veteran, underlined the critical need for systemic reform in Abkhazia. Expressing his readiness to vote in the February 2025 elections for a candidate committed to initiating significant reforms, he proposed a two-year mandate to implement these changes, followed by voluntary resignation to allow simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections in 2027. “This is the only way to pave the way for a comprehensive reform programme and to secure the future of our nation,” he asserted.