Authorities in Abkhazia are with Moscow over the military registration of Abkhazian students living in Russia, amid reports that Russia could be preparing for a new mobilisation campaign.

Abkhazia’s de facto Foreign Minister Oleg Bartsits stressed that the issue had been raised in talks with Russian officials. According to De facto President Badra Gunba, his foreign ministry was working to ensure that Abkhazian students residing in Russia would be registered for military service in Abkhazia rather than in Russia, with talks still underway.

The issue stems from an agreement that entered into force in 2025 under which people holding Russian and Abkhaz citizenship are required to complete compulsory military service in the territory where they permanently reside. Those already serving in Abkhazia are exempt. The arrangement means students living in Russia could otherwise fall under Russian military registration and potentially become eligible for conscription.

The concern follows reports in Russian and international media of preparations for a new mobilisation campaign. For Abkhazian families, the issue is particularly sensitive because many students depend on Russian citizenship and residency to study and work in Russia. “Abkhazian passports” are recognised by only a small number of states, leaving Russian documents important for international travel and access to employment and education.

The military-registration question also touches on a broader issue in Abkhazia: the extent of its dependence on Russia. Previous disputes have emerged over Russian passport and documentation policies in the region. Earlier in 2026, Russia began issuing internal passports to Abkhazian residents for use in Russia before moving the process to Sochi following criticism from figures in Abkhazia.

The latest talks therefore concern not only military registration but also how Russian citizenship and residency arrangements apply to residents of the region. For now, the de facto authorities have not announced a final arrangement with Moscow on the status of students living in Russia.