EU criticizes Russia for initiating commercial air travel to disputed Abkhazia region
In a bold move that's sparked international furor, Russia ignited controversy in May 2025 by launching direct passenger flights from Moscow to Sukhumi, the capital city of the disputed Abkhazia region. This provocative action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities, is yet another blow to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, issued a sharp statement, reading, "This action, lacking both Georgian consent and the necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is another blatant violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation."
Russia, in defiance of international laws, resumed regular flights with Sukhumi on May 1, with the city's airport welcoming its first commercial flight in three decades. Sanctioned airline carrier UVT Aero oversees the operations.
Abkhazia, an internationally recognized region belonging to Georgia, remains under de facto Russian control. Russia gained a foothold in Abkhazia following the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, during which it deployed troops and declared Abkhazia, along with the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia, as independent states—a declaration that wasn't endorsed by most countries or international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) cancelled Sukhumi's aviation code in 2006, having refused to honor Russia’s occupation of the region.
The European Union, unwavering in its support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, strongly stated, "The European Union reiterates its firm support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."
As Russia continues its aggressive moves to assert control and influence over former Soviet states, Georgia constantly finds itself in the crosshairs. The Kremlin has repeatedly tried to manipulate relations with Georgia, with the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, facing criticism for steering Georgia closer to Russia while hindering its EU accession.
The disputed election in late 2024 led to a wave of mass protests from Georgian citizens concerned over perceived democratic backsliding, as well as Russian influence in domestic affairs. Since the election, several Western countries have imposed sanctions on Georgia in response to the perceived democratic backsliding, with the European Union even suspending parts of its visa facilitation agreement with Georgia on January 27, 2025.
Unrest and geopolitical tensions in Abkhazia continue to simmer, posing significant challenges for both Georgia and the international community. The EU's condemnation serves as a stark reminder of the geopolitical implications that Russia's actions in the region can have.
- The resumed flights from Moscow to Sukhumi, Abkhazia, have added fuel to the ongoing political tensions, as the European Union (EU) strongly contends that this move violates Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- In a policy-and-legislation stand, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) withdrew Sukhumi's aviation code in 2006, citing Russia's occupation of the region as an unrecognized act.
- The EU's Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, emphasized that Russia's continued control over Abkhazia, including the resumed flights, is yet another blatant violation of international aviation codes and Georgia's territorial integrity.
- Since the controversial election in late 2024, the political landscape in Abkhazia has been marked by general news of unrest and geopolitical tensions, with the EU's condemnation of Russia's actions serving as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by both Georgia and the international community.
