Abkhaz Citizens Denied Entry to Russia, Deported Amid Presidential Elections
Passengers arriving in Adler from Istanbul were stopped by Russian border authorities.
SUKHUM / AQW’A — Abkhaz citizens arriving in Russia to participate in Abkhazia’s presidential elections have been denied entry and issued deportation orders, raising concerns about political interference in the electoral process.
Passengers who landed in Adler from Istanbul intending to cross into Abkhazia were stopped by Russian border authorities and informed they were barred from entering the country. Among those affected was Ümit Ashba, an Abkhaz citizen who has travelled to Abkhazia regularly for three decades.
In a video statement, Ashba claimed that his deportation was politically motivated:
"I flew to Sochi this morning to take part in the elections. Upon arrival, the Russian authorities informed me that I had been deported until 2034. I firmly believe my only ‘crime’ is opposing Badra Gunba and Bzhania. If I had committed an actual crime, I would have been arrested long ago and banned years before today."
"For the past 30 years, I have traveled to Abkhazia once or twice every year. I firmly believe that my only ‘crime’ is opposing Badra Gunba and Bzhania. If I had actually committed a crime, I would have been arrested long ago, and my entry into Russia would have been banned years before today. That is why I call on all my fellow citizens: Do not vote for Badra Gunba."
— Ümit Ashba
Ashba is now waiting for the 8:00 PM flight back to Türkiye, along with other deported individuals.
Renowned Abkhazian Musician Baras Kudzhba Deported
Among those denied entry was Baras Kudzba, a well-known Abkhazian musician, who was stopped at the Abkhaz-Russian Psou border. Since Kudzba is not a Russian citizen, he was handed a deportation order and banned from entering the Russian Federation.
Kudzba’s deportation has fuelled speculation of Russian interference in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, with critics accusing Moscow of backing pro-government candidate Badra Gunba.
Kudzba rose to prominence as a leading youth figure in the protests against former president Aslan Bzhania. His deportation on election day has heightened concerns over the suppression of dissenting voices in Abkhazia.
His father, Ali Kudzba, reacted defiantly, stating:
"Now I know that Baras has been deported from Russia for 10 years. My family and I are ready for exile for 100 years if that’s what it takes to ensure today’s elections conclude peacefully. Let’s not fall into the trap of those who want to provoke us."
Journalist and war veteran Roin Agrba condemned the deportations, describing them as a continuation of historic forced exiles:
"Abkhaz citizens who were travelling to Abkhazia to vote after the closure of the polling station in Türkiye are now being arrested and deported. The arrests are taking place at Adler Airport, with individuals being issued 10-year deportation orders and sent back to Türkiye. Is this yet another forced exile?"
Agrba also directly criticised Gunba’s supporters, questioning their silence:
"What exactly are you trying to achieve? To break us? To humiliate us? To turn us into sheep? You speak of opportunities for young, talented people—but what do you really want? Obedience and submission?
For once, speak up and justify yourselves! Say something today! Your silence will be seen as betrayal!
I am addressing the supporters of Badra Gunba—with what conscience will you congratulate your candidate if he wins? A victory over our future?
Yesterday, you defeated the diaspora—and today…?"
The deportations of opposition figures and voters have sparked outrage among the Abkhaz diaspora and opposition groups, who see them as a coordinated effort to suppress dissent and manipulate the outcome of the elections.
While Russian officials have yet to comment on the situation, the denial of entry to Abkhaz citizens further underscores Moscow’s direct involvement in Abkhazia’s political process. These events leave little doubt that Russia’s assurances of non-interference in the elections were nothing more than an outright lie.
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