AGP Executive Report

Energy & Trade: Armenia says the Iran–Armenia and Armenia–Georgia 400-kV power links are on track to run as one unified network by 2031–2033, boosting cross-border electricity flows. Human Rights & Deportation: Amnesty International urges Georgia not to deport Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, warning of torture and imprisonment risk. Justice Watch: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office opened a case over alleged police violence against lawyer Ia Siranashvili during a search tied to animal rights activist Tamaz Elizbarashvili, who has started a hunger strike. Public Safety & Economy: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery fully stopped processing Russian crude and switched to Libyan oil after the EU sanctions deadline. Migration Pressure: A Politico report says more than 113,000 Russians entered Georgia amid renewed mobilization fears. Sports & Talent: Arsenal is set to sign Georgian 17-year-old Andria Bartishvili, joining in 2027. Regional Spotlight: EU approved temporary zero-tariff trade liberalisation for Armenia, deepening ties as Russia tightens pressure.

Protest & Rights in Tbilisi: Supporters of Eurointegration kept up a continuous rally in front of parliament for a 643rd day, demanding Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin be allowed to leave Georgia for a safe third country after his pardon and amid deportation fears. Detention Case Watch: Amnesty International urged Georgia to respect non-refoulement and protect Kulanin from forced return to Russia, warning of risks of arbitrary prosecution and ill-treatment. Abkhaz Blogger Death: Georgia continues investigations into the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, with multiple arrests tied to the case and renewed attention on how authorities reconstructed the timeline from CCTV. Education Links: Tbilisi proposed deeper cooperation with Turkmenistan, including a possible Georgian university branch in Turkmenistan and an education fair. Business & Security: Police searched and placed businessman Tamaz Elizbarashvili under administrative arrest during a firearms-related probe, according to his lawyers. Sports Transfers: Liverpool completed a £30m deal for Genk goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, while Georgia’s Denis Kulanin-related court process remains a top domestic rights story.

Turkey-Georgia Security: Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi is in Tbilisi for talks with Sulkhan Tamazashvili on joint action against cross-border organized crime, including cyber fraud, drugs and extortion, with officials citing hundreds of extraditions/deportations. Armenia’s Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says Armenia is pursuing a “multipolar” foreign policy, deepening ties with Georgia and Iran while pushing interstate links with Azerbaijan and Türkiye via the TRIPP transport project. Middle Corridor Push: A Washington roundtable will focus on expanding the Middle Corridor/TITR, with the World Bank highlighting needs like rail upgrades, port capacity and faster border procedures. Prison Overcrowding Clarification: Georgia’s Special Penitentiary Service says a miscalculation led to an incorrect prisoner limit at Penitentiary Institution No. 15, correcting the number upward. Daur Buava Case: Tbilisi City Court ordered pre-trial detention for Saba Bochorishvili and Givi Gudadze in the drug-related case tied to the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava. Migration Tensions: Protesters in Tbilisi backed Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, demanding he be allowed to leave Georgia for a safe third country. Education Policy: School uniform sales begin Sept. 1; first-graders will be required to wear uniforms, with purchases cashless and shifting online-only after Sept. 15. Infrastructure: Dredging has started for Georgia’s Anaklia deep-sea port, aimed at boosting Middle Corridor shipping capacity.

UN Diplomacy Watch: UNGA 2026’s agenda is taking shape as world leaders head to New York, with the Strait of Hormuz still disrupted and Trump’s Iran approach expected to dominate talks. SCO & Regional Trade: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Azerbaijan is pushing its role in Asia-Europe connectivity, while global media spotlights Aliyev and Pashinyan’s meeting on normalization, peace steps, and trade/energy links including TRIPP. Armenia-Georgia Tech Ties: Armenia’s ambassador visited Georgia’s innovation technopark (GITA) to discuss deeper tech cooperation and DigiTech 2026 in Yerevan. Tbilisi Protests: Pro-European supporters marked another day of rallies in Tbilisi, with Saba Jikia joining after his pardon. Kulanin Deportation Fight: A lawyer says pardoned Russian Denis Kulanin can’t leave Georgia despite a ticket, as activists plan a rally at a detention center. Rustaveli Avenue Sculptures: Opposition claims sculptures were damaged or lost during rehabilitation; the sculptor denies construction blame, saying some were stolen earlier. Earthquake Felt: A quake near Georgia’s Dmanisi was also felt in Armenia.

Russian Deportation Standoff: Pardoned Russian activist Denis Kulanin remains in Georgia’s Migration Department and won’t be allowed to leave on Sept. 1, even with a ticket to a third country, as authorities seek a court order for expulsion. Abkhaz Blogger Case: Tbilisi City Court ordered pre-trial detention for Ukrainian citizen Valeriya Kirilyuk in the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, with prosecutors alleging she left him in life-threatening condition after drug use; three people were arrested in the wider investigation. Protests & Sovereignty: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said Georgia is fulfilling the “will of the Georgian people” and rejected claims of outside interference, while deputies warned political reshuffles could follow the fate of former officials. Regional Shock: A 2.5 quake near Dmanisi was felt in Armenia. Energy & Trade: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery stopped processing Russian oil and received its first Libyan crude batch; Georgia also reported GDP growth of 8% in July 2026. Sports: Azerbaijan won seven medals at the Beach Wrestling World Series in Baku, with Georgia second in the men’s team standings.

Georgia-Russia Energy: Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery has stopped processing Russian crude and switched to supplies from Kazakhstan and Libya, with EU sanctions looming if the facility keeps taking Russian oil. Protests in Tbilisi: Participants marked the 641st straight day of demonstrations outside parliament and Tbilisi City Hall, again calling for political prisoners’ release and Eurointegration, with protesters citing ongoing dissatisfaction with authorities. Abkhazia Death Case: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava’s ex-wife rejects claims he died from an overdose, saying he had health problems and urging forensic results before conclusions; meanwhile, authorities say two people were detained in connection with drug-related allegations. Legal Status of Denis Kulanin: A Russian citizen pardoned by President Kavelashvili remains in Georgia’s Migration Department while deportation to a third country is processed, according to his lawyer and Rights Georgia. Sports—Georgia on the board: Ilia Sulamanidze won his sixth grand slam judo title in Lausanne, while Georgia’s basketball qualifiers picture has Portugal and Georgia tied in Group I ahead of key matches.

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Marchers marked the 640th day of daily demonstrations, with heavy rain not stopping people from calling for political prisoners’ release and also raising emigration concerns. Kulanin Update: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, remains in Georgia’s Migration Department while expulsion to a third country is processed; he ended a dry hunger strike after his lawyer showed him his passport. Detention in Tbilisi Murder Case: An Armenian citizen was detained over the killing of a Russian man after a supermarket conflict; police say the suspect faces 10–15 years. EU Accession Referendum (Iceland): Iceland rejected restarting EU accession talks, with fish protection cited as the key driver. Sports—Georgian Football: Arsenal reportedly agreed a €4.5m deal for Georgian winger Andria Bartishvili, with a medical in London and a planned 2027 move. Regional Security: Reports say 113,000+ Russians crossed into Georgia in a week amid draft rumors.

Russian Draft Fears Fuel Exodus: Over 113,000 Russians reportedly entered Georgia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint in a week amid fresh mobilization rumors, with more than 20,000 crossing on Aug. 20, as Moscow also pushes contract recruitment and reservist data checks. Deportation Case in Focus: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, is on a dry hunger strike in Georgia’s Migration Department and faces deportation to Russia, while lawyers seek permission to send him to a third country. Protests Continue in Tbilisi: A march marking the 640th day of daily protests focused on political prisoners and emigration, coming after nine pardoned prisoners were released. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International welcomed the pardons but said they are not justice, urging accountability for police abuses and an end to prosecutions of peaceful demonstrators. Tbilisi Crime Investigation: An Armenian citizen was detained over the murder of a Russian in central Tbilisi after a supermarket conflict; police say the suspect used a cold weapon and faces 10–15 years. Abkhaz Blogger Death: Authorities detained a foreign national in connection with the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, charging abandonment in danger after alleged drug use in his apartment. Tourism Push to China: Georgia is expanding tourism marketing in China with Trip.com Group and Ctrip, launching a dedicated Georgia page and aiming to boost direct flight demand through end-2026.

Russian Draft Fears at Verkhny Lars: More than 113,000 Russians reportedly entered Georgia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint over the past week amid rumors of a new mobilization, with over 20,000 crossing on Aug. 20 alone, as Moscow also steps up contract recruitment and reservist data collection. Deportation Row for Anti-War Activist: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, is held at Georgia’s Migration Department and has begun a dry hunger strike while facing deportation to Russia; his lawyers are seeking a third-country option. Human Rights Watchdog Response: Amnesty International welcomed pardons of nine protesters but said it still isn’t justice, urging accountability for police abuses and an end to prosecutions for peaceful assembly. Abkhaz Blogger Death Investigation: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava was found dead in Tbilisi; a foreign national has been detained on charges including abandonment in danger, while an independent forensic examination is planned. Tourism Push to China: Georgia is expanding tourism marketing in China with Trip.com Group and Ctrip, including a dedicated Georgia page and plans for more direct flights through end-2026.

Russian arrivals and mobilization fears: More than 113,000 Russians reportedly crossed into Georgia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint in a week as rumors of a new mobilization wave spread, with some social media users blurring the line between tourists and people relocating to avoid conscription. Human rights row over deportation: Georgia’s planned deportation of Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin after a presidential pardon has sparked criticism, with rights groups warning he could face persecution if sent back to Russia. Protests and pardons: Euro-integration supporters kept up street action in Tbilisi for the 639th straight day, while the president’s pardons continue to free people convicted in earlier protest cases. Modernist landmark demolition: Outcry is growing over the demolition of Tbilisi’s Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall, a modernist complex tied to the city’s 2000s-era skyline. Asbestos concern on Rustaveli Avenue: Georgia’s Public Defender urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, warning of health risks for students starting classes soon. Abkhazia reconciliation figure dies: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, known for reconciliation messages, was found dead in Tbilisi; investigators say there were no initial signs of violence and the case is under review. Sports: Georgia routed Montenegro 101-74 in FIBA World Cup qualifying, with Sandro Mamukelashvili leading the charge.

Mobilization Fears at the Border: More than 113,000 Russians reportedly crossed into Georgia via Verkhny Lars last week as rumors of a new draft swirl, with demand for long-term rentals in Tbilisi and Yerevan rising sharply. Asbestos Risk in the City: Georgia’s Public Defender urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during rehabilitation, warning schools could start amid potential exposure. Human Rights & Deportation: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, has been placed in Georgia’s Migration Department and may face deportation; rights groups warn he could be persecuted if sent to Russia. Deaths Under Investigation: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava was found dead in Tbilisi; authorities opened an investigation under incitement-to-suicide. Separately, divers recovered the body of a missing 15-year-old Azerbaijani teen from the Tbilisi Reservoir. Politics: Kavelashvili pardoned 226 people, including pro-European and anti-government protesters. Sports & Europe: Europa League and Conference League group-stage draws set opponents for Ukrainian clubs, while Rangers’ Georgian winger Vakhtang Tchanturishvili scored in a European exit. Business: Ardshinbank/Arins Group-linked moves are reported around acquiring Georgia’s Terabank and the Biltmore Tbilisi hotel.

Border Modernization: The Asian Development Bank approved a $400 million CAREC regional financing facility to modernize border crossing points, cut transport bottlenecks, and improve movement of people and goods. Protests in Tbilisi: Euro-integration supporters kept up demonstrations for the 638th straight day, with pardons including Fridon Bubuteishvili and reports of arrests tied to protest activity. Government Shake-up: Georgia’s deputy PM and regional development minister Mamuka Mdinaradze announced his resignation and said he is leaving politics. Tbilisi Arts Clash: Protests erupted as Tbilisi’s modernist Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall (“Rike Tubes”) is being demolished despite criticism from architects and locals. Armenia–EU and Regional Ties: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said preparations for an EU membership application are underway, while Ukraine’s Zelenskyy welcomed the move; Armenia also signaled possible electricity imports from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Iran, and Georgia. Sports & Culture: BRAVE CF 108 is set for Croatia with Georgian fighter Lasha Abramishvili on the card, and a deep partial lunar eclipse (“blood moon”) is expected to be visible tonight across Georgia.

Anti-Annexation Push: A new “Anti-Annexation Platform” was launched in Georgia, vowing legal and peaceful opposition to Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and support for displaced people, with founders including former senior officials. Armenia-Georgia Talks: Prime Ministers Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Kobakhidze spoke by phone and agreed Kobakhidze will attend Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October, alongside discussion of broader strategic cooperation. Electricity Cooperation: Pashinyan said Armenia is weighing electricity imports if needed, including from Azerbaijan, and is also discussing options with Georgia, Iran and Türkiye; an EU-funded converter station on the Georgia border is part of the plan. Russia Mobilization Pressure: Ukraine’s President’s Office says Russia may mobilize 600,000 recruits in 2026-27, targeting 300,000 this year and 300,000 next, as contract recruitment slows. Money Flows to Georgia: Ruble deposits in Georgian banks jumped in July amid rumors of renewed Russian mobilization, alongside reports of heavier travel through Upper Lars. Court Closed: The hearing of former SSS deputy chief Levan Akhobadze was moved behind closed doors, with the court citing protection of witnesses’ personal data. Energy Security at Kulevi: Black Sea Petroleum says its Kulevi refinery has switched fully to non-Russian crude as of Aug. 24, with Kazakh and other supplies replacing Russian feedstock. Public Health Warning: Georgia’s Public Defender warned about possible asbestos exposure during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, urging extra care as the school year starts mid-September.

EU Enlargement: Commissioner Marta Kos says the EU will discuss enlargement in October but Georgia is not among countries currently advancing, while opposition figures blame Georgian Dream policy. Protests in Tbilisi: Euro-integration supporters keep demonstrating outside Parliament and City Hall for a 637th straight day, demanding political prisoners’ release and fair elections; one participant was arrested. Offshore-linked assets: Reports say Ivanishvili-linked companies shifted ownership from Luxembourg to his wife, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, raising “offshore flight” concerns. Banking deal: Armenia’s Arins Group is set to acquire Georgia’s Terabank and the Biltmore hotel, pending National Bank approval. Church-state tension in Armenia: Armenia’s PM announced an investigation into a “systemic crisis” in the Armenian Apostolic Church and signals possible leadership changes. Sports & culture: Bibisara Assaubayeva won a rapid title in Saint-Tropez; Georgian and Russian Orthodox churches exchanged hundreds of icons.

EU Enlargement & Georgia’s Place: Opposition MP Grigol Gegelia says Georgia has been pushed out of the EU enlargement agenda, while Georgian Dream MP Archil Gorduladze argues the EU “needs Georgia” as much as Georgia needs it, after Marta Kos again avoided naming Tbilisi. Education Reform Impact: Georgia’s 2026 Unified National Exams show a shift from state to private universities, with overall bachelor enrolment down slightly as state universities lose students. Border & Migration Politics: UNM claims the “Upper Lars” checkpoint is being used to boost Russian tourist and relocant flows; authorities dispute mass entry figures. Regional Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s boxing team trains in Tskaltubo, and its youth badminton squad wins medals at a Batumi tournament; Georgian and Russian Orthodox churches plan an icon exchange. Tbilisi Real Estate: A Soviet-era Mtkvarze nightclub building in Tbilisi is listed for sale. Energy & Trade Corridor: PMCG says the Middle Corridor needs private capital and financial infrastructure to unlock faster, larger trade flows. US-Georgia Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze meets Acting US Ambassador Amy Diaz to reset ties on a roadmap.

Former PM Bribery Case: Prosecutors in Tbilisi say they’ve built a case to charge Irakli Garibashvili with accepting a large bribe tied to Defense Ministry medical tenders for Gori Military Hospital, alleging 750,000 GEL in cash linked to contracts worth about 19 million GEL. Eurointegration Protests: Supporters of Georgia’s EU path kept up demonstrations outside Parliament and the Tbilisi City Council for the 636th straight day, calling for political prisoner releases and free elections, while university teachers warn reforms are damaging education. Armenia-EU Pivot: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan unveiled a 2026–2031 program and “Fourth Republic” vision, saying Yerevan will apply for EU membership before a referendum and reduce dependence on Russia. Regional Security Watch: A weekly military situation brief highlights ongoing tensions across the South Caucasus, as Georgia and neighbors navigate shifting alliances. Sports—Tbilisi Match: Saburtalo Tbilisi host Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying second leg after a 4-0 first-leg lead for the visitors. Energy Prices (US data): GasBuddy reports show Georgia averages easing for premium and midgrade, while diesel remains volatile nationwide.