Georgian Veteran Recounts Abkhazian War, Reflects on Lost Friendships

The Abkhazian Conflict: A Georgian Veteran's Story Gagra, Abkhazia – A Georgian man, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shared his experiences as a volunteer soldier in the Bagration Battalion during the 1992-1993 Abkhazian War. His account offers a poignant perspective on the conflict, highlighting both the brutality of war and the lasting impact on personal relationships. "They lived right there, in your houses, in Abkhazia," he recalls, referring to Armenians who were his neighbors before the war. He describes the conflict as having been instigated by Armenians, leading to a breakdown of long-standing friendships and the loss of life. He also describes serving as a volunteer in the Bagration Battalion, emphasizing the significant number of Armenian soldiers involved. The veteran also discusses the intense fighting, describing a 3.5-hour period of intense defense near the Shroma airfield. He expresses a deep longing for the peaceful coexistence that once existed between Georgians, Abkhazians, and Armenians, stating that if the conflict hadn't occurred, "we would have become friends again." The interview concludes with a hopeful message, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past but striving for reconciliation and peaceful relations in the future.