A project to restore through rail and road connections between Russia, Georgia, and Armenia via Abkhazia has been unveiled in Moscow. The initiative bears the working title "Putin’s Path."

The project was developed by Vladislav Gasumyanov, Director of Russia’s National Research Institute for the Development of Communications. It was presented on September 28 at a conference titled "Prospects for the Development of Transport and Logistics Networks in the South Caucasus." Participants in the discussion included the National Research Institute for the Development of Communications, the Center for Russian Studies at Yerevan State University, and the Center for the Study of Russian-Armenian Relations at the Institute of Oriental Studies.

Aram Safaryan, Director of the Center for Russian Studies at Yerevan State University and a conference participant, stated that unblocking rail connections had once again become a relevant issue following the shift in the political landscape of the South Caucasus. He noted that the possibility of restoring the Moscow-Tbilisi route via Abkhazia had been under discussion since 2016, though the negotiation process had stalled at the time. Safaryan proposed viewing the new project as part of the region's overall transport and logistics system rather than as an alternative to other initiatives.

Tatul Manaseryan, head of the "Alternativa" research center, also advocated for restarting rail connections, linking the move to the potential development of the entire South Caucasus region.

The project's authors and supporting Armenian experts link it to the Armenian government's "Crossroads of Peace" concept, proposing that solutions for unblocking regional transport links be sought independently of political disputes.

Manaseryan also noted that Tbilisi has been reassessing its approach to relations with Russia in recent years. In his view, Georgian policy is increasingly driven by the country's national interests rather than solely by a pro-Western orientation.