Vladimir Putin held meetings in Moscow with the de-facto leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, highlighting strengthened economic, infrastructural, and political ties, signing an agreement to deepen allied cooperation with South Ossetia and emphasizing expanding integration, historical memory, and bilateral development with both regions.

Meeting with Badra Gunba

On May 9, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, stated during a meeting in Moscow with Badra Gunba, the de-facto President of the separatist Abkhazia, that interstate relations between Russia and Abkhazia were developing successfully. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and broader interstate ties. Putin stated that the relationship between Moscow and the separatist region continued to strengthen across multiple areas. He noted in particular that trade turnover between Russia and Abkhazia had increased by 16 percent in the previous year, describing this development as "a strong indicator." "I would like to note that our interstate relations are developing successfully," Putin stated.

The Russian President also referred to Abkhazia’s role during the Great Patriotic War, emphasizing what he described as the historical contribution of the Abkhazian people. According to him, preserving the memory of wartime sacrifices remains a natural and important element of Abkhazian society. Putin noted that more than 55,000 residents of Abkhazia participated in the war, with 17,000 killed and 23 individuals awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. "For Abkhazia—for the Abkhazian people—honoring the memory of their ancestors, their heroic ancestors, is a completely natural thing," Putin stated.

Gunba for his part highlighted the role of Russia in supporting infrastructure development in the region, particularly in aviation. He specifically pointed to the reopening and expansion of the Sukhumi airport, stating that cooperation with Russia had contributed significantly to its operation. According to Gunba, economic activity across various sectors was growing, supported by expanding transport connectivity. He stated that by the end of 2025, more than 120,000 passengers had been transported through regular air services connecting Sukhumi with Russian cities. Currently, flights operate between Sukhumi and Moscow, St. Petersburg, Khanty-Mansiysk, Ufa, and Nizhny Novgorod, while new routes to the Stavropol Territory and Mineralnye Vody are expected to open in the near future. Gunba emphasized that the expansion of air connectivity was contributing to stronger economic ties and increased cooperation. "The geography of our flights is expanding; naturally, this adds further momentum to our mutual relations and economic development," Gunba stated.

Meeting with Alan Gagloev

On the same day, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and Alan Gagloev, the de-facto President of the separatist South Ossetia, signed a treaty in Moscow aimed at deepening allied cooperation between Russia and the separatist region. During the signing ceremony, Putin stated that the document had been under preparation for some time and was intended to strengthen the existing treaty and legal framework between the two sides. According to him, the agreement would allow further expansion of cooperation, particularly in trade, economic development, and social policy areas affecting the population of South Ossetia. "I know that you have been working on this document. It serves to enhance our treaty and legal framework, and it will enable us to further deepen our relations—primarily in the trade and economic sphere, as well as in addressing social issues in the interests of the citizens of South Ossetia," Putin stated.

Gagloev described the signing as a significant milestone in the development of allied relations between Moscow and Tskhinvali. He stated that the agreement marked a new stage in bilateral ties and characterized it as a step toward what he called the "reunification of the Ossetian people." Gagloev emphasized that it was symbolic for the agreement to be signed on May 9, noting that he considered it a great honor. He further stated that relations between South Ossetia and Russia were entering a new level of cooperation and strategic alignment.