Occupied Abkhazia
Kabardian Mercenaries Visit Abkhazia
On August 15, de facto Defence Minister of Abkhazia Beslan Tsvizhba hosted a group of ethnic Kabardians from Russia’s Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, including veterans of the Confederation of the Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus who fought against Georgia during the 1990s war in Abkhazia. It is noteworthy that the commander of the armed wing of the “confederation” was an ethnic Kabardian Soviet-Russian officer, Sultan Sosnaliev, who led the mercenary forces in that war. Later, he was given the title of “Hero of Abkhazia,” and was appointed as the first de facto Chief of Staff of the “Armed Forces” of Abkhazia. It has since been proven and documented that the Russian Federation organised, trained, armed, and transported these armed groups into Georgia to fight alongside separatist forces.
Yakhogoev, dressed in a black suit. Source: md.apsny.land
During the meeting, Tsvizhba expressed his sincere gratitude to the Balkarian mercenaries for participating in the war against Georgia. In turn, one of the mercenaries and the head of the “Kabardino-Balkarian Union of the Volunteers of Abkhazia,” Sergey Yakhogoev, another recipient of the “Hero of Abkhazia” title, handed a ceremonial dagger to Tsvizhba as a symbol of “dignity, courage, and loyalty to a fighter’s duty.”
The parties discussed cooperation in various initiatives, including raising “a generation with patriotic values” in Abkhazia. Tsvizhba himself is a veteran of the Abkhazia War. Yakhogoev’s son, Kazbek, was killed in Ukraine in 2026 fighting for Russia.
Exercises
Abkhazia, unlike Georgia’s other Russian-occupied region, Tskhinvali, the so-called “South Ossetia,” did not carry out any significant military activities in August. The only practical drill was held on August 25, where, according to the de facto ministry, the snipers of various military units participated in a precision-shooting competition. According to the report, the servicemen showed “exceptional mastery,” and the winners were awarded certificates.
Occupied Tskhinvali Region
Ossetian “Special Forces Battalion”
The de facto Defence Ministry of the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region known as “South Ossetia” posted numerous articles on their “special forces battalion’s” activities. This is one of the last remaining units still subordinated to the Ossetian “Defence Ministry,” along with the Honorary Guards unit. The absolute majority of the Ossetian forces have been absorbed by Russia’s 4th Military Base deployed in Georgia’s Tskhinvali region.
Ossetian “Special Forces Battalion.” Source: alaniamil.org
On August 4, the “special forces battalion” held exercises in mountainous terrain. According to the “ministry,” during the “planned” activity, the unit practiced engaging the enemy from the rear. Commanders underlined their professionalism and high level of preparedness.
On August 11, the “ministry” reported details of further unit activity, noting the Ossetian special forces unit had continued field exercises in mountainous terrain, where they mastered battle tactics and special tasks in survival and physical fitness. This activity was attended by the de facto Defence Minister, a Russian officer, Yuri Yarovitsky, and the de facto Chief of General Staff Alan Bolataev. The “ministry” noted that this exercise went “to plan.”
Planned Inspections
De facto Defence Minister Yarovitsky inspected Ossetian military sites multiple times throughout the month. On August 4, he visited a vehicle pool storing Russian-donated equipment, primarily Russian-made trucks and engineering equipment. Later that day, he inspected the military medical facility.
Yarovitsky during an inspection. Source: alaniamil.org
On August 5, Yarovitsky continued unannounced inspections and visited the barracks of the “special forces battalion” and the Russian-funded Center of UAV Systems. According to the “ministry,” Yarovistky ordered the unit commanders to strictly control the situation and ensure their facilities were “battle-ready.”
On August 21, Yarovitsky attended the scheduled maintenance of military equipment and ensured the servicemen followed the given instructions. According to the report, he identified several shortcomings and gave orders for immediate improvements.
Russian military trucks and two units of BM-21 Grad MRLS. Source: alaniamil.org
Military-Patriotic Game Zarnitsa 2.0
The “South Ossetian” de facto defence ministry, in collaboration with the de facto ministry of education, organised a local version of the nationwide Russian military-patriotic game Zarnitsa. It was called “Zarnitsa 2.0 – Alania.” The event was supported by the Russian federal organisations Movement of the First!, Youth Army (Юнармия), Warrior, and the All-Russian Student Corps of Rescuers. Each of these organisations actively promotes military and patriotic values among Russian schoolchildren and students. From a very young age, participants are encouraged to learn firearms handling and tactical skills under the premise of “protecting the motherland.”
Ossetian schoolchildren behind what appears to be a decommissioned T-64 tank. Source: Alaniamil.org