Georgia declines to impose sanctions against Russia

Georgian authorities have announced that they will not impose sanctions against Russia, as mandated by a recent European Parliament resolution titled “Rollback of Democracy and Threat to Political Pluralism in Georgia.” They argue that such actions would severely damage the country's economy.

Kakha Kaladze, the general secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, expressed this position, emphasizing that joining the sanctions would lead to impoverishment for Georgia, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

He noted that there appears to be an intent to inflict economic harm on the country, which could incite public demands for accountability from the current government.

Kaladze reinforced that the authorities have a mandate from the Georgian people to steer the nation in a positive direction. He stated, “The people elected us, and we have a significant responsibility to guide the country with our policies — making choices that are constructive for our future, rather than destructive.”

The European Parliament passed its fifth resolution concerning Georgia since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, with 495 out of 720 members in favour and 73 against. This resolution calls for sanctions against Russia, the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, the repeal of laws targeting “foreign agents” and LGBT propaganda, as well as a freeze on EU funding for the Georgian government. It also seeks sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party, and others deemed responsible for "undermining democracy".

Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, the Georgian government has consistently maintained that it will not impose sanctions on Russia, emphasizing that such actions would primarily harm Georgia itself. While the Georgian leadership claims compliance with international anti-Russian sanctions related to the finance and goods movement, they continue to offer political and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

Despite ongoing accusations from the opposition that the authorities are aiding Russia in circumventing sanctions, EU, U.S., and U.K. sanctions coordinators commended the Georgian government's efforts during their visit in June 2023.

By Tamilla Hasanova