Russia and Georgia: The Ongoing Conflict over Abkhazia

Aysegul Er writes for EA:

Last Wednesday, Russia deployed a surface-to-air missile system in Abkhazia, the territory which it claims has broken away from Georgia. Air force commander South Ossetia declared that the S-300 system will help to ensure the security of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Moscow also claims has established its independence from Georgia.

The latest Russia comes after more than 20 years of conflict. In 1989, as Georgian nationalist militias entered Abkhazia, the Soviet Union's Ministry of Interior sent in troops to halt what it claimed was an emerging anti-Abkhaz pogrom.

At the same time, Georgia annulled the acts of the Soviet period, foreseeing an alliance between Georgia and Abkhazia. In response, the Supreme Soviet of Abkhazia (SSA) adopted a declaration of state sovereignty.

Three years later, after the break-up of the Soviet Union, Georgia attacked Abkhazia. The war ended on 30 September 1993, with the regions of Gagra, Ochamchira and Gali given to Abkhazia.

This was far from a resolution, however. Some Abkhazians sought the protection of Russia. Moscow rebuffed the approach, declaring that it would just be a mediator in the conflict. Georgia continued to pursue an autonomous Abkhazia in a unified Georgian State.

In a 1999 referendum, 97.7% of Abkhazians supported the creation of an independent and democratic state, and Abkhazia adopted an Act of State Independence.

In 2008, Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia amidst its escalating conflict with Georgia. A five-day military clash, which began with Georgian operations in South Ossetia, saw Russian troops, tanks, and armoured vehicles pouring into South Ossetia and Abkhazia and advancing into Georgian cities.

Given this history, the Russian step to replace its missiles in Abkhazian territory is not a surprise. The argument, as expressed by commander Zelin, is that the system is aiming to prevent violations of Abkhazia's airspace, countering any aircraft who enter without permission. The political signal, however, may go well beyond that.