AGP Executive Report

Abkhazia Fuel Row: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says about 680 tons of fuel have been delivered from Georgia-controlled territory to occupied Abkhazia, calling it coordinated “humanitarian” support to “restore trust” and dismissing claims it helps Russia’s war effort; opposition figures counter that most shipments sustain occupation forces. Opposition Pushback: Nika Gvaramia attacks the government’s “restoration of trust” framing as empty, warning of a broader political shift away from Europe and toward Russia. Fuel Supplier Dispute: Solidus says it is negotiating new fuel purchases after Repsol/Connect stopped “additional supplies,” while also disputing inflated public claims about delivery volumes. Local Impact in Abkhazia: A fire destroyed much of Gal-Media’s studio and equipment in Gali, with authorities investigating the cause as broadcasting restoration begins. Border Logistics: Azerbaijan-Georgia freight congestion worsened at the Red Bridge customs checkpoint, with truck lines stretching for days. Governance Project: Georgia’s ruling party set up a special commission for the “Government City” plan in Tbilisi, led by Kobakhidze, with details still emerging. EU Connectivity: The EU backs Middle Corridor expansion via the South Caucasus and Black Sea, aiming to mobilize major funding for transport links. International Watch: Georgia is flagged in a White House report as a potential node in illegal transshipment networks used to evade US tariffs.

Pro-European Street Pressure: Tbilisi protesters marked a 628th day of demonstrations, again calling for free elections, release of political prisoners, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic path. Energy Crisis: A major blackout hit Georgia and Abkhazia, with officials pointing to failures during stress tests at IngurHPP and cascading outages that shut down metro and rail in Tbilisi and left Abkhaz settlements without power. Occupied Abkhazia Fuel Politics: Georgia-linked fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia remain a live political flashpoint, with reports of controversy over sanctions and Russia-linked routes. South Ossetia Election Setup: South Ossetia’s election commission registered acting president Marat Kambolov as a candidate for early presidential elections on Sept. 18. Public Order & Courts: Former PM Irakli Garibashvili alleges Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and the government are blackmailing him into a plea deal and quitting politics. EU Foreign Policy: Georgia again stayed out of the EU’s updated Iran sanctions package, with Georgian Dream arguing decisions depend on “country interests.” Local Governance & Safety: Tbilisi begins cleanup after heavy rains, while Adjara TV journalist Koba Partenadze was detained over alleged insults to police and minor hooliganism.

Press Freedom & Policing: Adjara TV and Radio journalist Koba Partenadze was detained in Batumi/Zestafoni under administrative charges after repeated verbal insults toward police and minor hooliganism, according to Georgia’s Interior Ministry and his lawyer. Courtroom Politics: Giorgi Gakharia’s lawyer demanded that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze be questioned as a witness in the Chorchana case, arguing “Georgian Dream” claims about land loss are propaganda. Abkhazia Fuel Row: Fuel shortages in Russian-occupied Abkhazia are deepening, with filling stations imposing limits and de facto authorities blaming disruptions tied to Russia’s refining problems; Georgian Dream officials say fuel deliveries from Georgia were done by private businesses under the Law on Occupied Territories, while opposition figures call it a sanctions-bypass corruption scheme. Occupied Territory Crackdown: Russia designated a Batumi-based Russian émigré group “Russians in Batumi” as “undesirable,” escalating pressure on anti-war civil activity. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s ambassador met PM Kobakhidze to discuss expanding the strategic partnership, including energy and transport links. Local Governance: Tbilisi began cleanup and repairs after August 14 heavy rains, with drainage and pumping work across multiple districts. Economy & Investment: Geostat reported FDI rose 19.3% to $1.9bn in 2025, led by reinvestment.

Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators kept up daily street action for a 627th day, calling for new parliamentary elections, Eurointegration, and the release of political prisoners; the mood at the parliament area was described as calm, with EU and Georgia flags visible. Abkhazia Fuel Row: Georgia’s fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia remain a political flashpoint as Kobakhidze confirmed shipments from Tbilisi-controlled territory via a private company, while Repsol says it has stopped supplying the intermediary Solidus after public backlash. EU Democracy Watch: An EU annual report flags “significant backsliding” in Georgia, citing curbs on civil society and independent media, police violence concerns, and a stalled EU engagement and candidate process. Courtroom/Crime: Prosecutors charged one foreign national and four Georgians with large-scale fraud and attempted fraud tied to extorting money for residence-permit and border-crossing help. Police Action: In Batumi, authorities arrested a foreign citizen over alleged large-scale narcotics facilitation, seizing methadone packs.

Abkhazia Fuel Row: Repsol says it has stopped gasoline shipments tied to Solidus after backlash, while Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze insists fuel deliveries from Georgian-controlled territory were handled by private businesses under the Law on Occupied Territories—opposition figures call it treason and warn it could ultimately serve Russian military needs. EU Democracy Watch: The EU’s latest annual report flags “significant backsliding” in Georgia, citing pressure on civil society, independent media and opposition, and says EU engagement and candidate-status progress have effectively stalled. Prosecutor’s Office Case: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office charged one foreign national and four Georgian citizens with large-scale fraud and attempted fraud over a scheme promising residence permits and border-crossing help for $14,500 and $5,000 payments. Tbilisi Crime Crackdown: Police arrested three people for extortion at gunpoint, forcing victims to take online loans from different banks. Protest Politics: On the 626th day of Tbilisi demonstrations, pro–Eurointegration marchers demanded Eurointegration and the release of political prisoners. Media Regulation: Georgia’s communications regulator fined opposition TV Pirveli for bias and subjectivity in broadcasts.

Media Regulation: Georgia’s Communications Commission fined opposition TV Pirveli 5,000 lari for bias and lack of objectivity, citing problematic phrasing in broadcasts. Pro-European Protests: On the 626th day of daily actions in Tbilisi, protesters marched despite heavy rain, demanding Eurointegration and the release of political prisoners. Abkhazia Fuel Row: Opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria called fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia “high treason,” alleging the deal was coordinated with Moscow and the ruling Georgian Dream. Energy Cooperation: Armenia approved a KfW-backed loan to expand the Armenia–Georgia power link, aiming to raise electricity exchange capacity toward 1,050 MW. Public Safety: Tbilisi police detained five minors over group theft and robbery, with investigators citing CCTV footage and damages exceeding 30,000 lari. International Context: Russia’s Justice Ministry labeled the Georgian-based NGO “Russians of Batumi” “undesirable,” escalating pressure on anti-war groups operating from Georgia.

Abkhazia Fuel Crisis: Georgia’s political fight over fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia escalated as Elene Khoshtaria, writing from prison, called the imports a “Russian special operation” carried out with “Georgian Dream,” while Abkhaz residents complained that queues and high prices persist despite claims of eased shortages. Pro-European Mobilization: On the 625th day of rallies, supporters gathered in pouring rain at Georgia’s parliament and city hall, demanding political prisoners’ release, repeal of repressive laws, and free elections, with Abkhazia war refugees also marking the 34th anniversary. Russia-Georgia Tensions: Georgia’s stance on Russia remained firm in the background of renewed debate over sanctions and diplomacy, while a Georgian citizen convicted for illegal border crossing with South Ossetia was released and handed back to Georgia. Regional Defense Ties: Georgia and Azerbaijan continued defense cooperation talks, with Azerbaijan’s newly appointed defense attaché presented to Georgia’s defense minister. Energy Cooperation: Armenia approved steps to expand electricity exchange with Georgia toward 1,050 MW, linking power systems via new high-voltage infrastructure. Public Safety: Tbilisi police detained five minors over group theft and robbery, including stealing from pharmacies and grocery chains.

Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: Supporters of Euro-Atlantic integration gathered at the Parliament and City Hall for the 625th straight day, despite heavy rain, renewing calls for political prisoners’ release, repeal of “repressive laws,” and free elections. Abkhazia Anniversary & Memory Politics: On the 34th anniversary of the start of the Abkhazia war, refugees and activists marked the day at the Heroes Memorial, keeping the conflict’s legacy central to today’s political debate. Defense Diplomacy: Georgia and Azerbaijan held defense talks, with Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani stressing the strategic partnership for regional security and discussing bilateral and trilateral cooperation formats. South Ossetia Prisoner Returned: South Ossetia handed over Giorgi Kharaishvili to Georgia after his sentence expired, following his December 2025 detention for illegal border crossing. Fuel-Import Controversy: Georgian opposition and officials continued trading accusations over fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia, with the government insisting business entities—not the state—supplied the shipments amid shortages. International Sports: FIVB coaches’ courses continued in Tbilisi, while Azerbaijan hosted a junior badminton tournament featuring Georgia among participants.

Fuel to Occupied Abkhazia: A Georgian company says it legally shipped about 300 tonnes of petrol to Abkhazia under an authorization extended by PM Irakli Kobakhidze, aiming to supply Gali-area stations—while opposition figures argue the scheme likely served Russia to dodge sanctions and demand details on routes, quantities, and legal consent. Parliamentary Pushback: The Gakharia for Georgia party has filed a parliamentary question pressing Kobakhidze for the government consent, the business entities involved, and the procedures used to move fuel into the occupied territory. Strategic Partnership With Azerbaijan: Kobakhidze met Azerbaijan’s ambassador Faig Guliyev, with both sides stressing the strategic importance of agreements signed during the PM’s Azerbaijan visit. Tbilisi Politics & Public Pressure: Sinatle marked its first anniversary supporting independent online media under state pressure, recalling a day when 22 outlets went offline for an hour as a warning about press freedom. Disinformation Watch: Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-generated fake Facebook accounts amplifying Georgian Dream talking points tied to Kobakhidze. Tbilisi Cityscape: Demolition has begun on the controversial Rike Park “pipes,” a Saakashvili-era project left unfinished for years.

Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: On the 624th day of daily demonstrations, activists gathered near Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall, calling for the release of political prisoners, repeal of “repressive” laws, free elections, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic course, with the protest route split due to Rustaveli Avenue repairs. Fuel to Occupied Abkhazia: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia, while opposition figures and analysts argue it amounts to a security risk; meanwhile, Radio Liberty reports the company Solidus says it supplied about 300 tons via the Enguri bridge for Gali-area gas stations. South Ossetia Elections: The South Ossetian election commission says candidate registration for early presidential polls on Sept. 18 is complete, with five candidates submitting documents. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan reiterated a push for 100% energy independence and discussed Metsamor, rail management, and EU/EAEU ties amid Azerbaijani infrastructure talk. EU Sanctions Bypass Watch: EU imports of Russian-derived petroleum products via intermediaries reportedly doubled in July, with Turkey, India, and Georgia named as key hubs.

Fuel to Occupied Abkhazia: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze says petrol deliveries to occupied Abkhazia came from private business, not the government, citing compliance with the Law on Occupied Territories—while opposition parties demand the supplier, volume, and destination be disclosed. EU Integration Under Fire: Grigol Gegelia reacts to the EU’s latest human rights and democracy assessment, arguing Georgia’s European path is effectively suspended and democracy “destroyed.” Germany’s Diplomatic Signal: Germany appoints Barbara Voss as its new ambassador to Georgia, replacing Peter Fischer, with a message of continued support for Georgia’s democratic and pro-European course. Energy Diplomacy in the Region: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev highlights plans to export electricity to Europe via Georgia and Türkiye; Armenia’s Pashinyan reiterates 100% energy independence but keeps open electricity trade and possible cooperation with Azerbaijan, including amid AI-driven demand. International Security Spillover: Poland detains a Russian national in Warsaw accused of plotting the assassination of a dual US-Ukrainian citizen on Russian intelligence orders. Local Life & Safety: A woman dies after being struck by a passenger train near Tbilisi Botanical Garden; services respond and the train reportedly halts. Culture & Identity: Georgian National Ballet director Nino Sukhishvili says she will not tour Russia, citing Georgia’s occupied territory.

2008 War Anniversary & Diplomacy: Georgia’s political class is trading fresh accusations as officials and opposition figures revisit the August 2008 war, with the government again blaming Saakashvili/UNM while Russia pushes “pragmatic ties” and warns against “Russophobia.” Occupied Abkhazia Fuel Row: PM Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed gasoline shipments to occupied Abkhazia from Georgian-controlled territory, saying it was done by private business under the “Law on Occupation,” while the opposition demands the delivery company’s name and argues it could support Russian military bases. Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: On the 623rd day of daily demonstrations, protesters gathered at Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall calling for a return to the Euro-Atlantic path, release of political prisoners, and free/fair elections. EU Human Rights Pressure: The EU’s human rights and democracy reporting is being cited by protesters as evidence of tightened restrictions and “repressive mechanisms.” Regional Energy & Transit Politics: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s Nakhchivan remarks—plus renewed focus on corridor and electricity transit via Georgia—keep South Caucasus energy diplomacy in the spotlight. Sanctions & Crypto: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned a Georgia-based crypto firm over alleged IRGC-linked transactions, adding to pressure on Tbilisi to curb sanctions evasion.

2008 War Anniversary Politics: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the Aug. 12, 2008 ceasefire “an act of capitulation,” arguing Georgia surrendered control of 125 settlements and that the deal later helped consolidate Russian de facto control. Occupied Territories & Fuel: Kobakhidze confirmed fuel was delivered to occupied Abkhazia from Georgian-controlled territory, but insisted it was done by private business, not the government, and said any future easing would be within the “Law on Occupied Territories.” Opposition Security Concern: Economist Roman Gotsiridze warned the fuel could amount to supplying Russian military bases and urged disclosure of the company, volumes, and whether Russian forces used it. EU Integration Clash: Opposition MP Grigol Gegelia said an EU report shows Georgia’s European path has ended, while Georgian officials continue to frame EU pressure as part of a “deep state” campaign. Energy Connectivity: Kobakhidze and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev pushed connectivity plans linking Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye, including the Black Sea submarine cable and electricity transit to Europe. Tbilisi City Hall Oversight: Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation contractor Smart Solutions LLC was fined four times for not working “around the clock.” Crypto Crackdown: Georgia’s Investigation Service arrested a manager of an unregistered VASP, seizing cash and crypto, amid sanctions-evasion concerns. International Spotlight: Romania’s Morandi performed in occupied Abkhazia, drawing criticism and non-recognition reminders from Bucharest.

Georgia-Russia Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Tbilisi won’t restore diplomatic ties with Russia unless Moscow revokes its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent, reiterating a peaceful settlement goal ahead of the 18th anniversary of the 2008 war. Tbilisi Protests: Pro-European demonstrators marked the August war in Shindisi with posters at Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall, again demanding political prisoner releases, repeal of “repressive laws,” and a return to a Euro-Atlantic course. Regional Security: Romania says its navy divers destroyed two Gerbera-type drones drifting near the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea after Ukrainian partners confirmed they weren’t Ukrainian. Armenian Church Court Fight: Armenia’s Catholicos Karekin II and other bishops face obstruction of justice charges tied to a dispute with the government over church leadership decisions. Energy & Economy (Georgia-linked): A new Rotana-branded ski resort project is planned for Gudauri, while Georgia’s broader energy debate continues amid reports of fuel shortages in Abkhazia.

Russia-Georgia Relations: PM Irakli Kobakhidze repeated that Russia is the only occupier of 20% of Georgia’s territory and said diplomatic ties can’t resume while Moscow recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia, while Russia’s deputy FM Mikhail Galuzin urged “pragmatic” cooperation and claimed political contacts are stalled because Tbilisi is “not ready.” Occupied Territories & Security: Opposition figure Giorgi Baramidze said he doesn’t rule out being extradited to Russia after remarks tied to the Abkhazia war, as Georgian officials and critics trade accusations over who started the 2008 conflict. Human Rights & Rule of Law: Transparency International Georgia says Aleksandre Elisashvili’s 13-year “terrorism” conviction lacks proof of “terrorist purpose,” calling it potentially political. Sanctions & Finance: The US sanctioned Shelbit, a Georgia-linked crypto firm tied to alleged Iran-linked sanctions evasion, while Georgia’s National Bank said it isn’t a regulated VASP. Domestic Public Order: Two people were arrested in Batumi over threats and violence against Adjara TV presenter Koba Partenadze, including a knife threat and homophobic slurs. Economy & Food Security: An EPRC report warns Georgia remains highly dependent on Russian imports for key food and fuel items, especially Russian wheat and flour. Regional Snapshot: Abkhazia residents complained about worsening fuel shortages and long queues at gas stations.

Pro-Russian Protest in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up daily demonstrations in front of parliament and the city council, calling for an end to “persecution of protesters,” release of political prisoners, and repeal of “repressive laws.” Russia-Georgia Relations: A senior Russian diplomat told TASS Moscow is ready to expand “pragmatic ties” with Tbilisi, while admitting there are no current political contacts. 2008 War Anniversary Politics: Georgia’s leadership and officials marked the August 2008 conflict with renewed messaging linking the war to Russia’s actions and arguing for withdrawal of Russian forces, as European partners reiterated support for Georgia’s territorial integrity. Digital Infrastructure: Silknet broke ground in Tbilisi on Georgia’s first Tier III certified commercial data center, aiming for 2 MW of high-resilience capacity and operation by 2027. Foreign Disinformation Probe: Georgian authorities launched an investigation into a foreign disinformation campaign targeting Russian tourists, amid claims of “anti-Russian tourism” narratives. Regional Energy Transit: Kazakhstan said it is redirecting oil exports due to CPC restrictions, with options including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Supsa—routes that keep Georgia in the Caspian-to-Black Sea transit conversation.