Vladimer Putin’s approval of the so-called agreement with the Tskhinvali on “dual citizenship and simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship” is a continuation of Russia’s policy of illegal occupation and de facto annexation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region. Such a statement released the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia while commenting the decision of the Russian president.

“Russia began illegal, forced passportization of the population of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions in the early 2000s, and in 2008 tried to justify military aggression against Georgia through this illegitimate process.

The international community is united in condemning the process of illegal passportization of the occupied territories of Georgia by Russia and considers it a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as the principles of international law”, - reads the statement of Ministry.