Moscow promised Abkhazia "humanitarian" electricity supplies
From December 23, Russia will begin humanitarian supplies of electricity to the unrecognized republic of Abkhazia.
"In response to Abkhazia's appeal, the Russian leadership once again extended a helping hand and is beginning to implement a humanitarian flow of electricity to the republic. On behalf of the people of Abkhazia, I express my sincere gratitude to the Russian leadership," said Acting President Badra Gunba.
A few days ago, Abkhazia asked the Russian Federation for help due to an energy collapse. Earlier, Moscow banned tourist trips to Abkhazia. Recently, the republic's Prime Minister Valery Bganba asked the Russian government to resume co-financing the salaries of public sector employees. The authorities of the unrecognized republic stopped paying salaries to public sector employees, new power outage schedules were introduced on December 9, and schools and kindergartens were closed on December 10. There is also a shortage of funds for salaries of security forces.
Before this, Abkhazia refused to sign an economic agreement with Russia on investments, as its possible adoption caused mass protests. This agreement was the subject of harsh criticism from the opposition. Many residents feared that the arrival of Russian business in the unrecognized republic would leave them without work.
