Marat Kambolov, the de facto acting leader of the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region, stated that the region is not currently prepared to establish transit traffic with Georgia.

Speaking on September 12 at a meeting with residents of Tskhinvali living in North Ossetia, Kambolov was asked about the possibility of reopening the border with Georgia and allowing transit traffic through the region. Kambolov remarked that such a step was not yet possible because the necessary conditions were lacking both socially and legally.

According to Kambolov, any decision on opening a transit route would require reliable guarantees, particularly regarding security. The de facto acting leader argued that economic benefits should not take priority over the safety of the population, citing the experience and losses associated with the war.

The idea of restoring transit through Tskhinvali has periodically been raised in Russia and the region. In 2024, North Ossetian lawmaker Dzambolat Tedeev emphasized that the reopening of the route would depend on Russia and could provide an economic benefit to the de facto authorities.

Kambolov’s comments come as preparations continue for the September 18 de facto presidential election in Tskhinvali, where he is the leading candidate and is supported by the main political forces in the region.