Abkhaz authorities have proposed obtaining Russian passports in Sochi.

The issuance of Russian passports to Abkhaz citizens who also hold Russian citizenship is being carried out on the basis of an agreement on the settlement of dual citizenship issues, which entered into force in April 2025. On July 17, 2025, Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing the issuance of internal Russian passports in Abkhazia.

According to Astamur Kolbai, head of the passport department of the republic's Ministry of Internal Affairs, documents will be available in Sochi for residents of Abkhazia who hold Russian citizenship and have applied for internal Russian passports.

"The issuance of prepared documents for already submitted applications will be carried out at the migration department of the Adler District Police Department of the Sochi Internal Affairs Directorate," Interfax quoted Kolbai as saying today.

Gunba: They are trying to politicize the issue of Russian passports

In turn, Abkhazian President Badra Gunba announced on February 13 that he intends to ask the Russian authorities to resume the issuance of general civil Russian passports in the republic. passports.

"I will definitely appeal to the leadership of the Russian Federation to request the possibility of resuming the acceptance of documents for obtaining internal Russian passports in Abkhazia," the president said.

According to him, the possibility of obtaining an internal Russian passport in Abkhazia is not a requirement; it is voluntary for those who wish to have such a document. "Moreover, in Abkhazia, general civil Russian passports were issued under a simplified procedure; registration in the Russian Federation and military registration are not required," Badra Gunba said in an interview with Abkhaz state television.

According to the president, they are "attempting to politicize" the issue of documenting Russian citizens permanently residing in Abkhazia.

A number of Abkhaz politicians criticized their colleagues, whose statements prompted the Russian side to close the issuing points, and local Activists supported the decision.