Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region de facto leader, Anatoly Bibilov, announced plans to take legal steps to unite with Russia in the near future.

Bibilov's statement about so-called South Ossetia "becoming part of historical homeland Russia" was published on the official website of Russia's ruling party.

"The Russian world today defends the interests of those who are loyal to it, those who oppose Nazism, respect universal human values, and the fundamental rights and norms accepted throughout the international community," Bibilov says in a statement.

According to him, the revival of the Russian world started in Tskhinvali region in 2008, when Russia recognized its independence, guaranteeing "peace and development of the people of South Ossetia".

"However, the main historical, strategic goal of the Ossetian people - the divided people - is to unite within the borders of one state. This state is the Russian Federation. Our people have repeatedly set this goal, we had the opportunity to fulfill our centuries-old dream in 2014 [when Russia annexed Crimea], we missed the chance then, but we will not allow it to happen again," the so-called president said.

Bibilov's statement was followed by comments from Russia's ruling party deputy chairman for international cooperation. Andrey Klimov, who at a time serves as Duma MP, said that he sees no legal barrier for the occupied region to become part of Russia. According to Klimov, Russian law provides for the procedure of admitting countries to Russia as subjects, which requires the Ossetian people to express their will in a referendum.

"We have long known the desire of our neighbor, South Ossetia, to make its choice - to unite. Therefore, in my opinion, when all legal formalities are observed, there will be legal barrier to fulfilling the long-standing desire of the people of South Ossetia - to become part of Russia," Klimov stated.

Georgian FM Davit Zalkaliani reacted to Bibilov's announcement the following day, saying that talking about referendums in light of occupation is unacceptable. According to FM Zalkaliani, Georgia's occupation is confirmed not only politically, but legally.

"The decision of the Strasbourg court that the occupation is taking place in the occupied regions of Georgia, therefore, no referendum will have any legal force, especially in the light of the fact that hundreds of thousands of our citizens are expelled from their homes as a result of ethnic cleansing, and they are not allowed to return home," Zalkaliani said.

Bibilov's plans for taking legal steps to unite with Russia was also responded to by Georgian opposition.

According to leader of Lelo, MP Davit Usupashvili, Putin wants to create a success story, no matter where, for propaganda purposes.

"He will say - 'we couldn't make it in Ukraine, but we annexed South Ossetia'. Therefore, Georgia must be principled, we must not start a war, but we must be ready for defending ourselves, we must stand on the path that Ukraine is on, the path that the whole West follows," Usupashvili said.

Bibilov's statement was assessed by Reform Group faction chairwoman MP Khatuna Samnidze too. According to her, the announcement should be adequately responded to by Georgian authorities.

"At least, an expanded Security Council meeting should be convened," Samnidze said.

Occupied Tskhinvali's message was also acknowledged by Abkhaz side. In connection with Bibilov's plans, the so-called secretary of the security council of occupied Abkhazia, Sergei Shamba said that there is no sentiment to join Russia in Abkhaz political circles or society. "We have paid a high price for independence, it is the result of the long struggle of several generations of our people," Shamba added.

For the record, On March 14, Vladimir Putin submitted an agreement on dual citizenship between Russia and so-called South Ossetia to State Duma for ratification. According to the document signed in 2021, a person who receives the so-called dual citizenship, will have the right to social security, education and medical care under the legislation of the country in which he/she will live permanently. This norm also applies to the military service.

The occupied Tskhinvali region plans to hold the so-called presidential elections on April 10. In early February, Russia's ruling party voiced its support for Anatoly Bibilov who is seeking so-called reelection.

As for so-called South Ossetia's engagement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukraine General Staff's latest report, Moscow sent 3 armored carriers, as well as about 1,200 Russian and Ossetian servicemen to Ukraine from the 4th military base located in occupied Tskhinvali.