Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, reiterated a cautious optimism about the prospects of closer ties between Russia and Georgia. His remarks, reported by TASS, reflect a belief that long human histories often set the stage for eventual reconciliation even after deep ruptures.
In addressing whether the day may come when the two countries restore friendly relations, the politician emphasized that history tends to measure time in long arcs. He suggested that a renewal of friendship could occur, though he did not pinpoint a moment. Medvedev asserted confidence that such a development is not distant, framing the potential rapprochement as a natural outcome of enduring historical processes.
Since 2008, when the Russian government recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia severed formal diplomatic contact with Moscow. Diplomatic dialogue has continued only through limited channels, including discussions focused on regional security and stability in the Transcaucasus, often mediated by other states and international organizations. The shift altered regional dynamics and left both sides seeking durable arrangements that could reassure regional stability and align with broader European and North American security perspectives.
During a recent publication, Medvedev mentioned the idea of incorporating Abkhazia and South Ossetia into Russia, describing it as an option that could be considered for sound reasons. The former vice-chairman of the Security Council underscored that such a move might be pursued if it serves legitimate goals, while acknowledging the complexity of the decision in the context of international law, regional security, and the interests of Georgia and its people. This stance fed into regional debates about sovereignty, self-determination, and the future alignment of security architectures in the Caucasus region.
In related regional commentary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the fate of Georgia and its former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned. Zelensky linked the situation to broader Western policy dynamics, suggesting the West has used Saakashvili as a means to advance its own strategic aims. The remarks contributed to a broader conversation about how Western alliances and regional partners navigate complex histories, legal orders, and political narratives when considering governance and accountability across borders.
Separately, it was announced that a major aviation carrier has proposed a new air route connecting Moscow and Georgia, signaling continued economic and people-to-people exchanges despite political tensions. This development underscores the practical dimensions of interregional connectivity and the potential for economic links to influence political relations in the long term. It also reflects a broader pattern in which travel and trade can serve as bridges for dialogue, even amid rivalries that persist in official channels.