Misconceptions and Misinformation in Russian Media on Abkhazia, by Sergey Markedonov
Sergey Markedonov is a senior research fellow at MGIMO and the editor-in-chief of the journal "International Analytics."
Discussions about Abkhazia in Russian media are often characterised by inaccuracies, exaggerations, and a fundamental lack of understanding. Misinformation, whether through negligence or deliberate distortion, contributes to misconceptions about Abkhazia’s political landscape and its relationship with Russia.
In this piece, renowned Russian political scientist and international affairs expert Sergey Markedonov critically examines how Russian commentators misrepresent events in Abkhazia, often reinforcing misleading narratives that undermine Russian-Abkhazian relations.
This article is sourced from Sergey Markedonov’s Telegram channel and is translated from Russian.
1. A Letter from Sukhum
Let me begin with a recent news development. The Acting President of Abkhazia, Valery Bganba, has written an open letter to Vladimir Putin. I see little practical value in summarising the entire letter, but two key points deserve attention.
First, Bganba asserts that there is a pro-Russian foreign policy consensus among the Abkhazian elite. Second, he calls on the Russian president to bring some order to the Russian media’s coverage of Abkhazia.
2. Russian Media’s Inaccuracy and Negligence
Although Sukhum’s appeal to Moscow may formally resemble the traditional petitioning of a vassal to his sovereign, its substance is entirely justified. The portrayal of Abkhazia in Russian media is so distorted that reading it has become almost unbearable. No effort by the U.S. State Department, the CIA, or Georgian intelligence could inflict as much reputational damage on partially recognised Abkhazia as certain Russian commentators do.
To illustrate, I will refrain from naming specific individuals or media outlets to avoid giving them undue publicity, but let me highlight one particularly telling example: some commentators recently confused Bganba with Gunba, mistakenly attributing Bganba’s statement to a different politician altogether. This oversight is not just an embarrassing blunder—it epitomises the ignorance, lack of understanding, and sheer arrogance with which Abkhazian politics is often treated in Russian discourse.
Let me clarify. Bganba has twice served as Acting President of Abkhazia. After Aslan Bzhania’s resignation, Vice President Badra Gunba was initially appointed as interim leader. However, as he was also a candidate in the upcoming extraordinary elections—an example of real political competition in Abkhazia, the role of interim leader transferred to the Prime Minister. Consequently, in November 2024, Valery Bganba assumed the post for the second time.
3. Russia as Abkhazia’s Patron: Responsibilities and Shortcomings
Russia is commonly regarded as Abkhazia’s political patron. Indeed, Moscow’s support and Sukhum’s dependency suggest a patron-client relationship in substance, if not in form. However, for such a model to function effectively, Russia’s "patron elite"—its officials, journalists, and analysts, must possess an in-depth knowledge of Abkhazia’s political landscape (as well as that of South Ossetia). Unfortunately, this is where serious shortcomings emerge.
It would be one thing if certain commentators merely confused Bganba with Gunba. Instead, they fabricate narratives about a supposed "Turkish influence," exaggerate fears of "Islamic fundamentalism" among Abkhazians, or speculate about clandestine "deals" with Tbilisi that supposedly undermine Abkhazia’s interests. These individuals have never set foot in the region, have no real understanding of the political situation, and have never engaged in discussions with Abkhazian politicians, yet they insist on shaping public opinion.
This level of misrepresentation is not only unhelpful but actively detrimental to Russian-Abkhazian relations. Great powers do not sustain their influence through condescension and misinformation, they crumble under their weight.
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A Database on Russia’s Relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia
The Value of Researching Primary Sources
4. A Database on Russia’s Relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia: The Value of Researching Primary Sources
In this commentary, I would like to share a link to an expert research project developed under my supervision by a team of young researchers at MGIMO (both students and postgraduates). We have compiled a database of agreements between Russia, on one hand, and Abkhazia and South Ossetia, on the other. A few days ago, it officially received its state registration.
5. Importance of Examining Treaty Frameworks
The database is publicly accessible through MGIMO’s repository, where you can find a summary report, a description of our methodology, and other key details. A thorough and meticulous study of these agreements reveals the nuances of Russia’s asymmetric alliance with these two republics, where patronage prevails, where mutual interests align, where the legal framework matches political reality, and where gaps or contradictions exist. It details what is included in these agreements, what is absent, and why there is a demand for new treaties. Facts, figures, legal provisions, and practical implications, this is what matters, not outdated conspiracy theories or speculative narratives.
This project was developed under my supervision by Matvey Tsarev, Artem Baranov, Nikita Tikhonov, Evgeniya Komarova, and Nazar Kurbanov—my students, protégés, and active members of our university’s post-Soviet studies club. Some of them accompanied me on fieldwork in Abkhazia, conducting expert interviews with key political figures. If you aspire to imperial ideals and dream of national greatness, no one is stopping you. But then conduct research in the manner of Chokan Valikhanov and Grigory Potanin, Vasily Potto and Lavr Kornilov, Peter Uslar and Jan Witkiewicz, or the Haruzin brothers—Nikolai and Mikhail. Study our country and neighbouring lands firsthand, from direct sources and primary accounts.
6. The Database: Open for Further Development
Explore, analyse, and learn from this resource. We may continue expanding the database in the future. After all, "life does not end tomorrow..."