Abkhazia Stops Issuing Russian Passports

Russian passport and driver's license issuance offices in the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia are being suspended. The decision was made by the Russian Embassy in Sukhumi following statements from Abkhaz parliamentarians questioning the legality of these offices.

Moscow emphasizes its respect for Abkhazia's sovereignty and announces that the issuance of documents will be transferred to Russia. The offices were opened in January 2026, and driver's license offices have been operating since 2025.

On February 4, at a closed meeting of the Abkhazia Defense and National Security Committee, deputies expressed bewilderment over the issuance of passports and driver's licenses from another country, calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to close the offices, although the parliamentary press service stated that no decisions had been made.

Most residents of Abkhazia hold dual citizenship. It is noted that in 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin simplified the process of obtaining Russian citizenship and issuing passports/licenses to citizens of Abkhazia until 2028 and 2026, respectively.

Последние новости
Pashinyan: Georgia is a strategic 'bridge' for Armenia's European integration
Politics
Pashinyan: Georgia is a strategic 'bridge' for Armenia's European integration
11 March 2026

Speaking in the European Parliament, Nikol Pashinyan identified the lack of active dialogue between the EU and Georgia as the main obstacle to Armenia's European integration. According to the Prime Minister, Georgia is a strategic 'bridge', and its candidate status has prompted Yerevan to begin the EU accession process.

In Stavropol, the family of a man killed by a police officer has been awarded compensation
Human rights
In Stavropol, the family of a man killed by a police officer has been awarded compensation
11 March 2026

The family of Khalit Mustafayev, who died as a result of a police officer's shooting in 2020, has been awarded 3.8 million rubles in moral damages. This decision was made by the Predgorny District Court of Stavropol Krai, according to the "Team Against Torture."

Marta Kos: Georgian authorities are deceiving the people by claiming they are leading the country into the EU
Politics
Marta Kos: Georgian authorities are deceiving the people by claiming they are leading the country into the EU
11 March 2026

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, speaking about Georgia's prospects for European integration, concluded that Georgia's example demonstrates "what happens when Russia wins." The EC representative is convinced that Georgia's "autocratic system suppresses" democracy, further distancing the country from a European future.

Putin thanked the President of Azerbaijan for the evacuation of citizens from Iran
Politics
Putin thanked the President of Azerbaijan for the evacuation of citizens from Iran
11 March 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Russian leader expressed gratitude for the prompt assistance in evacuating Russian citizens from Iran and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.