On May 23, Sergei Shamba, the de-facto Secretary of the Security Council of the separatist Abkhazia, stated that Sokhumi does not view the scenario of establishing confederal relations between Georgia and Abkhazia as realistic. He noted that the perception among many experts that Russia intends to refuse to recognize Abkhazia's independence and instead create a confederation with Georgia has emerged due to the situation in Georgia.

Shamba acknowledged the existence of such speculations but emphasized that they do not consider this scenario realistic. He expressed hope for an alternative approach, suggesting that it could involve a different integration format, potentially leaning towards a union state with Russia and Belarus.