The growth of Russian propaganda and the implementation of large infrastructure projects in Abkhazia continue, which is due to the election of a Russian-backed presidential candidate and further deepening of relations with Moscow. After a 32-year pause, on May 1, the Sokhumi airport resumed operations in the de facto territory of Abkhazia. At the same time, the Dioscuri railway line has been opened, connecting Sokhumi with Sochi. Along with air traffic, the opening of the railway line will especially contribute to the full integration of Abkhazia into the Russian Federation.

Another step in the process of the de facto Abkhazian authorities moving closer to Russia is the encouragement of students living in the Gali district to continue their studies at Abkhazian and Russian universities and to abandon Georgian education. According to reports, an independent audit conducted in two Gali public schools in 2025 showed that a significant majority of 70 applicants, 60 students, preferred to continue their studies at higher education institutions located in the territories under Georgian jurisdiction. Accordingly, representatives of the de facto Abkhazian republic and the Russian authorities are increasing pressure on students in order to change the existing reality and strengthen control and influence over future generations.

A striking example of the strengthening of Russian propaganda is the full financing of events dedicated to the day of remembrance of World War II in de facto Abkhazia: parades, concerts, and the invitation of Abkhazian ensembles to the solemn event in Moscow. In addition, the Russian Federation allocated funds for the restoration of monuments dedicated to World War II in the amount of 82,000,000 rubles (1,006,838 USD). Russia uses this event to spread Soviet propaganda - against the background of blaming the West, the Soviet era and the unity of peoples are romanticized. The emphasis is placed on how ‘great’ the Soviet Union was with its unity and friendship, while the West is presented as the force that ruined it all.

In fact, recent developments in Abkhazia, especially infrastructure projects and propaganda efforts, along with the apparent shift in the Georgian government’s geopolitical orientation, point to a further complication of relations between Tbilisi and Sokhumi, which will serve as an obstacle to reconciliation in the near future.

The rejection of the European future by the Georgian Government and the growth of Russian influence in both Tbilisi and Sokhumi will only strengthen Russia’s annexationist policies and contribute to the consolidation of Kremlin’s influence in the region.