The operation of centers issuing Russian passports and driver’s licenses in occupied Abkhazia has been suspended. The announcement was made by the so-called Russian Embassy in Sokhumi.

According to the statement, the issuance centers for Russian internal passports were opened in January 2026 “in accordance with the agreement on resolving dual citizenship issues, signed by the parties in 2022 and entering into force on April 25, 2025,” following a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In addition, centers issuing Russian driver’s licenses were opened in Abkhazia in 2025.

“Since Abkhaz political figures, including members of the People’s Assembly, have questioned the legality of the operation of the above-mentioned centers, the Russian side, which respects the sovereignty of the independent Republic of Abkhazia, will be forced to decide on suspending their operation",the statement reads.

According to the so-called embassy, the process of issuing these documents to “citizens of Abkhazia” will be relocated to the territory of the Russian Federation.