Russia has started supplying electricity to the Russian-occupied Abkhazia region in Georgia, which is grappling with a severe energy crisis, local authorities confirmed to Russian state agency TASS on December 23.
Abkhazia's energy provider, Chernomorenergo, implemented an electricity rationing schedule beginning November 1, leaving residents without power for four hours per day.
Previously, outages lasted between nine to eleven hours daily, exacerbating the region's energy struggles.
The crisis prompted Badra Gunba, the region's acting leader, to appeal to Moscow for assistance on December 21.
The energy shortages intensified following a dispute between Abkhazia and Russia over a proposed investment agreement. Local protests led the regional council to vote against the deal, angering Moscow.
In response, Russia drastically reduced funding to Abkhazia, including financial support vital for the energy sector.
The situation reached a breaking point on December 11, when Abkhazia experienced a complete blackout after the Enguri hydroelectric power station—a key energy source—shut down due to critically low water levels in its reservoir.
This was reported by The Kyiv Independent.
Geopolitical Context
Russia has occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia since its war with Georgia in 2008, supporting breakaway leadership in both regions. Despite Moscow’s backing, the international community recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia as part of Georgia’s sovereign territory.
