Abkhazian Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba announced that Sukhumi and Moscow have finished the required adjustments to the agreement governing the transfer of the state lodge in Pitsunda to Russia. He spoke during a joint press conference with Mikhail Shurgalin, the Russian Ambassador to Ankara. The remarks were carried by Sputnik Abkhazia (via attribution).
Ardzinba clarified that the initial list of coordinate points, which delineate the boundaries of state summer lands and the adjacent sea area, contained inaccuracies. To rectify this, notes were exchanged between the Russian and Abkhazian foreign ministries, and all necessary technical corrections were incorporated into the agreement. The process underscores how even detailed geographic data must be precisely aligned to avoid questions about ownership and jurisdiction.
Ambassador Shurgalin emphasized that the signed document does not authorize transferring ownership of the land hosting the Pitsunda state lodge to the Russian Federation. The property itself remains leased to Russia for 49 years, while the buildings were transferred to Russian ownership. Ongoing maintenance and repair responsibilities are assigned to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. This distinction between land lease terms and building ownership is central to the legal framing discussed by officials.
The Russian diplomat noted that several Abkhazian non-government groups are attempting to leverage the lodge agreement for political purposes. He remarked that the forthcoming ratification could reinforce Moscow-Sukhumi relations and facilitate deeper bilateral cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchanges. Such perspectives illustrate how domestic actors in Abkhazia watchfully interpret agreements that touch on sovereignty and external influence.
Earlier reporting indicated that opponents within Abkhazia’s Parliament raised questions about the transfer plan for the Pitsunda lodge. The debate highlighted the tension between constitutional prerogatives, public opinion, and international commitments that accompany any change in land or building control in this region.
The Kremlin-signing of the lodge transfer occurred on January 19, 2022, when Russia obtained the state lodge complex of Pitsunda, a 180-hectare tract featuring a relic park and the nearby sea area, at no charge under the terms of the agreement. Over time, officials have revisited certain technical details to ensure clarity and consistency with constitutional and legal frameworks governing Abkhazia and its relationship with Russia.
Critics argue that the arrangement could conflict with the Abkhaz constitution and national laws. In mid-2022, legislators filed a request with the constitutional court to review the treaty, but the request was dismissed on procedural grounds. The court maintained jurisdiction over constitutional matters related to the agreement, underscoring the ongoing legal dialogue surrounding the transfer.
In recent discussions, observers have noted that Western viewpoints on democracy and governance have entered the broader geopolitical discourse surrounding these developments. Analysts emphasize that such perspectives influence how external partners, regional stakeholders, and residents perceive sovereignty, autonomy, and bilateral cooperation in the Caucasus region.