U.S. State Department denounces Russia's unlawful occupation of Sokhumi Airport, reinstating connections with Abkhazia region.
Here's a lively rewrite:
Georgia's Foreign Ministry is none too pleased about Russia running the show at Sokhumi Airport in Abkhazia, a region under Russian occupation, and starting air traffic there. A Russian airline flew illegally to Abkhazia on May 1, 2025, and the Ministry considers the takeover of the airport and their operation a blatant violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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The Ministry is also concerned about the implementation of rail traffic from Russia to occupied Abkhazia on May 1, 2018. In response, the Ministry is activating international mechanisms and appealing to the international community to take action.
The Ministry demands that Russia adhere to its international obligations, including those outlined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, mediated by the European Union.
Now, let's dig a little deeper—
The uncertified Sokhumi Airport, now under Russian control, plays host to flights from Moscow and Krasnoyarsk, operated by sanctioned airlines like UVT Aero, iFly, and NordStar. These actions are a clear violation of international aviation law since flights operate without Tbilisi's consent.
Moreover, the airport's transfer to Russia via a disputed agreement goes against Georgia's Law on Occupied Territories, the UN Charter, and the ICAO Convention, to which both Georgia and Russia are parties.
Russia's push doesn't stop at the airport—it extended its electric train service to Sokhumi in 2025, crossing a test run in February, further consolidating control over the occupied region.
In response, Georgia has issued formal condemnations, appealed to international entities, and is using existing legal tools, such as barring sanction-violating airlines from its airports, although officials admit these tools are maxed out. The developments are just the latest example of Russia's ambition to integrate Abkhazia into its infrastructure network, disregarding international norms and Georgian sovereignty.
[1] "Moscow Begins Direct Flights from Russia to Occupied Abkhazia as Tbilisi Threatens Retaliation" - Eurasia Daily Monitor[2] "Georgia Condemns Russian Airliner Flight to Occupied Abkhazia" - Civil.ge[3] "Georgian MFA: Russia's Actions in Abkhazia Violate International Law" - RFE/RL[4] "Russia Denies Georgia's Allegations, Continues Theatre of Gratitude in Abkhazia" - Reuters
- The General News headline could read: "Georgia Slams Russia's Illegal Flights to Abkhazia, Threatens Retaliation"
- In the realm of Politics, discussions might center around: "Exploring International Mechanisms to Pressure Russia Over Abkhazia's Sokhumi Airport Takeover"
- The War-and-Conflicts section could cover: "Georgia Fights Back Against Russia's Expansionist Policies in Occupied Abkhazia"
- A news briefing on international aviation law could state: "Georgia Argues Against Russian Airlines' Operations in Occupied Abkhazia, Citing International Violations"
