Georgia refuses to restore relations with Russia without de-occupation

Georgia does not intend to restore diplomatic relations with Russia until Moscow changes its position regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Tbilisi demands that the Russian Federation abandon the recognition of independence of the two regions and recognize the territorial integrity of Georgia within internationally recognized borders.

Georgian authorities emphasize that any possible normalization of relations with Moscow is directly tied to the issue of the occupied territories. As long as Russian troops are in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, and Russia considers them as independent states, the restoration of full-fledged diplomatic relations is ruled out.

Earlier, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili also stated that while the Russian occupation continues, it is impossible to discuss not only the restoration of diplomatic relations, but also the resumption of railway communication through the occupied territories. According to her, territorial integrity remains a fundamental question of the country's foreign policy.

Tbilisi demands the withdrawal of Russian troops

Another condition cited by the Georgian side is Russia's fulfillment of the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, concluded with the mediation of the European Union. Tbilisi insists on the withdrawal of Russian military personnel from the territory of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region and the cessation of further integration of these territories with Russia.

Georgia once again put forward these demands in the summer of 2026 at the Geneva International Discussions. At the talks, the Georgian delegation stated the necessity for Russia to fully implement its obligations under the 2008 agreement, as well as the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

Additional exacerbation was caused by an agreement concluded in May 2026 between Russia and the authorities of unrecognized South Ossetia on deepening allied cooperation. Tbilisi considers this document legally void and views it as another step towards the de facto annexation of Georgian territory.

Why there are no diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia were severed on September 2, 2008. This happened after the five-day war and Moscow's decision on August 26 to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.

Georgia considers both regions to be its territory under Russian occupation. This position is supported by the European Union, the Council of Europe and other international partners of Tbilisi. The Council of Europe in May 2026 once again confirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and called on Russia to completely and unconditionally withdraw its forces.

Moscow, in turn, has repeatedly stated that the decision to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia will not be revised. At the same time, Russian authorities favor the development of relations with Georgia in those areas where cooperation is possible without the restoration of diplomatic ties.

Despite the absence of official diplomatic relations, economic and humanitarian contacts between the countries have never completely ceased. The diplomatic interests of Georgia in Russia are represented by an interests section at the Swiss Embassy, and the Geneva International Discussions, with the participation of Georgia, Russia, the USA, the EU, the UN and the OSCE, remain the main international format for discussing the consequences of the war.

Thus, Tbilisi's current position does not imply a new rupture with Moscow, but confirms a long-standing condition: political normalization is only possible after a change in Russian policy towards Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Materials from: Anadolu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, First Channel Georgia