The first 2026 session of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) concerning the Tskhinvali region took place on January 29 in Ergneti, adjacent to the administrative boundary line (ABL) with the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region. Although originally planned for early February, the meeting was convened earlier than scheduled. Proceedings were co-moderated by Christoph Späti, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, and Bettina Patricia Boughani, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM).

Tbilisi’s security service reported that participants reviewed all significant security incidents recorded along the occupation line since the previous round. Georgian representatives again pressed for accountability in the killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi, reiterating their demand for the prosecution of those responsible. The SSSG also prioritized humanitarian concerns, focusing on individuals allegedly held in unlawful detention and urging their immediate release. Movement restrictions across the ABL — including the operational regime at the so-called crossing points — were highlighted as a continuing source of hardship for affected communities.

According to the EU and OSCE co-chairs, the discussion covered recent security trends along the ABL, with particular attention to detentions, mobility constraints, and the broader safety environment. They emphasized that the ongoing practice of detaining residents near the boundary line negatively impacts the sense of security among local populations. Concern was raised over the number of detainees reportedly held in Tskhinvali, with a call for humanitarian, case-by-case solutions. Facilitators underlined that freer movement across the ABL would reduce tensions and help restore confidence.

Participants also endorsed the EUMM-operated hotline mechanism as a practical channel for rapid information exchange on security and humanitarian incidents. Igor Kochiev, representing the de facto administration of the Tskhinvali region, told journalists that five alleged “border violations” by Georgian citizens had been documented since the last meeting. He noted that one case led to criminal proceedings, while four individuals were fined and expelled. Kochiev stated that no recent violations by Georgian law enforcement had been recorded, describing this as a “positive trend”.

He also claimed that a separate matter involving European representatives was discussed, asserting that an EUMM patrol had crossed the line. He further voiced expectations that the Georgian police checkpoint near Tsnelisi — commonly referred to as the Chorchana post — would eventually be dismantled, expressing hope that 2026 would bring a more “constructive” dynamic. Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, currently in opposition abroad and facing legal proceedings in Georgia related to the establishment of the Chorchana checkpoint, rejected Kochiev’s characterization. He argued that the post served to prevent incremental territorial encroachment and protect nearby communities from what Georgian officials often describe as “creeping occupation”. Gakharia labeled the charges against him politically motivated and detrimental to Georgia’s sovereignty.

The IPRM format was created in 2009 under the Geneva International Discussions that followed the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. It functions as a technical dialogue platform addressing day-to-day security incidents and humanitarian concerns along conflict lines. Meetings related to the Tskhinvali direction have continued regularly in Ergneti, involving representatives from Tbilisi and the local de facto authorities. By contrast, the parallel mechanism for Abkhazia (Gali format) has experienced repeated suspensions. The OSCE and EUMM jointly facilitate the Ergneti process.

The January session reflected continuity rather than a breakthrough. Core disputes — detentions, movement restrictions, and accountability for past incidents — remain unresolved, while both sides used the platform to restate established narratives. The sustained operation of the hotline and regular convening of IPRM meetings nonetheless remain among the few structured confidence-management tools still functioning along the ABL.