Ruuben Kaalep: Estonia Could Consider Recognising the Independence of Abkhazia

SUKHUM / AQW’A — Recently, intriguing political developments in Estonia have reignited discussions about Georgia and its role in regional dynamics. Amid these debates, Ruuben Kaalep, a leading figure in the opposition party ERK, has sparked significant interest by suggesting a bold foreign policy step: Estonia could consider recognising the independence of Abkhazia.

Speaking yesterday, Kaalep remarked: "As a foreign policy step, Estonia could consider recognising the independence of Abkhazia. Unlike the puppet regime of South Ossetia, Abkhazia is a nation-state with a long history. The issue of recognising Abkhazia has been taboo until now, mainly based on an alliance with Georgia. But if this alliance disappears, Estonia and other European countries will have to consider reassessing their position."

Kaalep's statement comes amidst rising scrutiny of Georgian politics, particularly accusations of Russian influence over the ruling Georgian Dream party. Estonia recently imposed travel bans on 11 Georgian officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the influential founder of Georgian Dream, and Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri. According to Kaalep, such actions send a clear message that European nations are closely monitoring events in Georgia.

Kaalep’s comments are not the first time Estonia has been linked to the idea of recognising Abkhazia. In 1996, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), led by late Estonian intellectual Linnart Mäll, urged Estonia to recognise Abkhazia’s statehood.

At the time, Mäll asserted, “The Abkhazian state undoubtedly exists, as it controls its own territory. Estonia could be the first to recognise Abkhazia, after which other countries would follow. This step would be particularly meaningful for Estonia, especially because many Estonians live in Abkhazia, who are essentially the indigenous people of this land and loyal to their country.”

+ Estonian Orientalist Linnart Mäll and his role in activities of the UNPO during the Georgian-Abkhazian Conflict, by Aivar Jürgenson

+ Correspondence between Abkhazia and UNPO (Linnart Mäll Archive)

+ Report of a UNPO mission to Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Northern Caucasus (November 1992).

Estonian newspaper Kodumaa [Homeland] 6 July 1996.

Earlier, in 1993, the Estonian Parliament had considered a softer draft petition titled “For the Protection of Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Territory of the Former USSR.” While the petition sought to support self-determination for unrepresented peoples, it was ultimately excluded from the agenda.

+ Estonians in Abkhazia by Aivar Jürgenson

+ August Martin: An Estonian as a Member of Abkhazia’s Parliament, by Aivar Jürgenson

+ Establishment of the Estonia village on the bank of the Kodor River at the end of the Tsarist era, by Marika Mikkor

Historical Ties Between Estonia and Abkhazia

Abkhazia and Estonia share a lesser-known historical connection dating back to the late 19th century. Following the Russo-Caucasian War (1864) and the subsequent deportation of much of the Abkhazian population, Abkhazia became a destination for colonisation within the Russian Empire. Estonian settlers established several villages, including Upper and Lower Linda and Estonia in the Sukhum district, as well as Salme and Sulevi. By the 1880s, Estonian communities had become an integral part of Abkhazia’s diverse demographic landscape.

By 1926, there were 1,633 Estonians living in Abkhazia, a figure that grew to 2,282 by 1939. Estonians also played a role in the cities of Sukhum and Gagra, further strengthening the historical ties between the two nations.