Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Abkhazian leader Badra Gunba on Victory and Independence Day.

"Dear Badra Zurabovich, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Victory and Independence Day. This glorious holiday symbolizes the resilience, courage, and unity of the people of Abkhazia, who upheld their legitimate right to a free and peaceful life," reads the message published on the Kremlin's website.

In his message, Putin noted that relations between Moscow and Sukhum are "friendly and allied in nature" and expressed confidence that they would continue to strengthen "for the benefit of our peoples and in the interest of ensuring regional stability and security."

"Russia will continue to actively assist its Abkhazian partners in addressing pressing tasks related to state-building and socio-economic development," the Russian President assured.

On September 30, 1993, Abkhazian armed forces—alongside Russian units and detachments of North Caucasian volunteers fighting on their side—took control of the entire territory of the autonomous republic. Following this, a significant portion of the population was forced to leave the region.

It is worth noting that on September 27—the anniversary of the capture of Sukhum—the embassies of the United States, Germany, France, and Sweden in Tbilisi reaffirmed their support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and honored the memory of those who lost their lives. The French diplomatic mission also reiterated the right of displaced persons to return. On the same day, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that restoring territorial integrity through peaceful means is "one of our paramount national objectives," emphasizing that "neither Baramidze, nor Gvaramia, nor Berdzenishvili—nor anyone else, regardless of the orders or assignments they receive—can change this."

"This is indicated first by Baramidze’s statement, then by Gvaramia’s statements, and prior to that, by Berdzenishvili’s statement. They have a new line, a new directive; they have received a new assignment aimed at relegating the issue of restoring territorial integrity to the background—something that must under no circumstances be allowed to happen," the Prime Minister concluded.

He had previously stated that Tbilisi would not restore diplomatic relations with Moscow as long as it recognizes the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Kremlin, conversely, urges Tbilisi to recognize the "new geopolitical realities" and to conclude non-use-of-force agreements with the self-proclaimed republics.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia have remained severed since 2008.

To date, in addition to Russia, the independence of Abkhazia is recognized by Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Syria. The majority of the world's states consider the region to be part of Georgia.