Peskov says Russia and Abkhazia discuss social benefits and investment agreement

Russia and Abkhazia are discussing the topics of an investment agreement and social payments to residents of the republic. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday, December 10.

Answering a question about Sukhum's request to resume Russian social payments, as well as problems with electricity in the republic and the impact of Abkhazia's refusal to ratify the investment agreement, Peskov said that all these issues are constantly being discussed with the Russian side.

"We will continue this discussion," the Russian presidential spokesman said at a briefing.

Apsny for real: Abkhazia plunges into economic crisis

In the republic, electricity is cut off and salaries are stopped being paid

The day before, acting Abkhazian Prime Minister Valery Bganba urged Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to return social payments in the republic.

At the same time Bganba announced the closure of schools and kindergartens in Abkhazia because of the emergency in the energy sector. It was noted that the measures taken will be in effect for a week.

Before that, on December 3, members of the Abkhazian parliament voted against ratification of the agreement on investments of Russian legal entities in the republic. In November, the Abkhazian Foreign Ministry told Izvestia about plans to strengthen relations with Russia. The ministry called Russia a strategic ally of the republic.

In September, Russia suspended social payments to teachers, doctors and employees of law enforcement agencies in Abkhazia. Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba added that at bilateral meetings Abkhazia was repeatedly warned about the possible consequences of non-fulfillment of obligations.