EU Condemns Launch of Scheduled Flights Between Moscow and Sukhumi: Another Blow to Georgia’s Sovereignty
- Nina Tifliska
- May 4
- 2 min read
On May 1, 2025, for the first time in 32 years, a regular commercial flight was conducted from Moscow to Sukhumi, in the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia. The Russian airline UVT Aero took off from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport and landed at Sukhumi Airport, symbolically named after the first de facto president of the occupied territory, Vladislav Ardzinba. While Moscow likely wants to present this as a purely commercial move, the European Union responded immediately with a clear statement.
EU: Clear Condemnation and Statement of Solidarity
In an official declaration, the European Union condemned the unilateral decision by the Russian Federation to launch regular commercial passenger flights to the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. The EU particularly emphasized that this action was taken without the consent of the Georgian government and thus represents yet another violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The statement reads:“The European Union condemns the unilateral decision of the Russian Federation to launch regular, commercial passenger flights to the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, which is occupied by Russia. This action, conducted without the consent of the Georgian government and without the necessary international aviation safety certifications for Sukhumi Airport, is another step by the Russian Federation in violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.”
Moscow Demonstrates Power – and Snubs International Norms
Russia no longer even bothers to disguise its violations of international principles. The new scheduled flight serves not only practical purposes but also carries strong symbolic weight: it is meant to emphasize the supposed independence of Abkhazia and underscore Moscow’s control over the region. That this crosses internationally recognized borders and disregards Georgia’s rights seems to concern no one in the Kremlin — or perhaps that is precisely the intention.
Georgia’s Position: Between Frustration and Commitment to Principles
For Georgia, this step represents a significant provocation. The government in Tbilisi, which relies on peaceful means and international support, is once again confronted with the reality of how little respect Russia has for its territorial integrity. It has long been clear: Russia pursues a policy of de facto annexation in the occupied territories — in violation of all international agreements and without regard for diplomatic protests.
EU Reaffirms Its Support for Georgia
The European Union left no doubt that it continues to stand firmly by Georgia’s side. The statement emphasizes:“The EU reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.”
This clear message is an important diplomatic step, but as so often, the question remains whether words alone will be enough to curb Moscow’s provocations.
A Pattern of Disregard
The start of regular flights between Moscow and Sukhumi is more than just a transport connection: it is a demonstrative political gesture, showing Georgia and the international community that Russia intends to further intensify its interference in the region. The EU has once again reaffirmed its solidarity with Georgia, but it remains to be seen whether the West will also be prepared to take tangible measures — or whether Moscow will continue to create facts on the ground without resistance.
Comments