The ambassador of Russia to Abkhazia is the official representative of the president and the government of the Russian Federation to the president and the government of Abkhazia.
The ambassador and his staff work at large in the Russian embassy in Sukhumi. The current Russian ambassador to Abkhazia is , incumbent since 31 May 2022.
History of diplomatic relations
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia and Georgia developed diplomatic relations. Tensions arose over Russia's support for the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, culminating in the Russo-Georgian War in August 2008, resulting in de facto control over the two regions. While most of the international community considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia to be de jure Georgian territories under Russian occupation, Russia and four other UN member states consider them to be independent. Russia officially recognized Abkhazia as independent on 6 August 2008, and established official diplomatic relations on 9 September 2008. Semyon Grigoryev was appointed the first ambassador to Abkhazia on 25 October 2008. Grigoriyev presented his Letters of Credence to President of Abkhazia, Sergey Bagapsh on 16 December 2008. The Russian embassy in Sukhumi opened on 1 May 2009.Посольство России в Абхазии начало работу на постоянной основе. «Интерфакс» 01 мая 2009 года 23:26
List of representatives of Russia to Abkhazia (2008–present) NameTitleAppointmentTerminationNotesSemyon GrigoryevAmbassador25 October 200830 March 2018Credentials presented on 16 December 2008Ambassador30 March 201817 March 2022Credentials presented on 15 May 2018 Maksim Litvinov Chargé d'affaires17 March 202231 May 2022Ambassador31 May 202226 June 2026Credentials presented on 21 July 2022 Vyacheslav GladkovAmbassador26 June 2026
References