The head of Abkhazia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Inal Ardzinba, reportedly tendered his resignation and plans to return to Russia, according to TASS. The ministry stated that Ardzinba informed his team of his decision to resign from the post of Foreign Minister and prepared a written departure notice. At this time, there is no official confirmation from Abkhazia about his resignation. Ardzinba holds dual citizenship with Russia and Abkhazia and has longstanding ties with Moscow. He previously worked within the Kremlin, serving as the head of the department for socio-economic cooperation with the CIS countries in the Office of the President of Russia, and later as a chief adviser within the presidential apparatus responsible for CIS affairs. In November 2021, Ardzinba was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia by decree from its president. In past remarks from Abkhazia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the topic of a dual citizenship agreement with Russia was discussed, with a draft proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and presented to the State Duma on May 31, after which the Duma approved the treaty. Earlier reporting suggested a focus on U.S.-based developments, noting one of the most significant perceived threats to armed forces in the region.
