The History of the Emergence and Current State of the Georgian-Abkhazian Conflict

Abstract

The article examines the causes of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, shows the phases of its development and its current state. The Georgian-Abkhaz confrontation began during the period of the existence of the USSR. It turned into an armed conflict in 1992-1993, which ended with the defeat of the Georgian troops and Abkhazia establishing control over the territory of the republic (with the exception of the Kodor gorge) with the help of military support from Russia. Since that time, Abkhazia has become a de facto independent state, which is practically outside the power of the Georgian government.

After that, a multi-year negotiation process began in various formats, which did not bring the desired results in the settlement of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict. In view of this, in August 2008, Georgia made an unsuccessful attempt to restore control over Abkhazia by force. This led to a five-day Russian-Georgian armed conflict, during which Abkhazia, with the help of the Russians, established complete control over its entire territory. Shortly thereafter, Abkhazia was recognized as an independent state by the Russian Federation and some of its satellites. After that, two Russian military bases were placed on the territory of Abkhazia, and Russian servicemen began to be stationed throughout Abkhazia.

Despite this development, Georgia rightfully considers Abkhazia its territory occupied by Russia. The absolute majority of countries in the world, including Ukraine, support the territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia, of which Abkhazia is a constituent part. Given the high level of Russian presence in Abkhazia, it can be predicted that in the near future Russia will absorb Abkhazia and include it “at the request of the Abkhazians” as another subject of the federation.