Nauru cuts diplomatic ties with occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has cut diplomatic ties with the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

According to the ministry, Nauru’s cabinet decided on 21 July 2026 to terminate diplomatic relations “between the Republic of Nauru and the Republic of South Ossetia, also known as the State of Alania,” and “between the Republic of Nauru and the Republic of Abkhazia.”

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Georgia’s foreign ministry described the decision as a sign of respect for the principles of international law and said Tbilisi was ready to establish diplomatic relations with Nauru and strengthen bilateral cooperation based on shared interests.

“The decision once again confirms that respect for and adherence to international law are the foundation of healthy international relations,” the ministry said in a statement.

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Nauru recognised the independence of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) in 2009, after Russia declared the two Georgian regions to be independent states. Nauru was one of only a handful of countries to back the Moscow-backed move.

Nauru is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, in the Micronesia region. It is one of the world’s smallest countries, both by land area and population. Covering about 21 square kilometres, the country is smaller than several districts of Tbilisi, while its population is estimated at around 12,000 to 13,000 people.

Nauru ends ties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia