**Putin Congratulates New President of Occupied Abkhazia**
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the newly elected president of occupied Abkhazia, Badra Gunba. He congratulated Gunba on his “victory” in the polls that are not recognized by Georgia and most of the world.
Gunba was Russia’s chosen candidate in the election. During their meeting at the Kremlin, Putin praised Gunba’s electoral success, saying he secured 54.7% of votes with a 70% voter turnout. Putin also highlighted the special relationship between Moscow and Sokhumi, promising to help solve Abkhazia’s electricity shortages.
Gunba thanked Russia for its support, emphasizing that “our guys are fighting for our truth in the fields of the special military operation” in Ukraine. He also spoke about the historical ties between Abkhazia and Russia. Gunba claimed victory over Adgur Ardzinba in the run-off election, based on preliminary results from the Abkhazian central election commission.
The meeting took place just days after occupied Tskhinvali Region and Nicaragua agreed to exempt diplomats from visa requirements.
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