Georgia draws red lines on Russia despite ongoing economic links

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze said the country is pursuing a clear and pragmatic policy toward Russia, despite the absence of diplomatic relations and the persistence of unresolved territorial disputes.

In an interview with Rustavi 2, Kobakhidze underlined that “there are red lines related to the issue of occupation.” He stressed that as long as the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains unchanged, the restoration of diplomatic relations with Moscow is impossible.

“We do not have diplomatic relations, but at the same time we maintain trade and economic ties,” the prime minister said, adding that Tbilisi’s policy is focused on achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Georgia and Russia severed diplomatic relations in August 2008 following the five-day Russo-Georgian war, which was triggered by Tbilisi’s attempt to reassert control over South Ossetia. Shortly after the conflict, Moscow recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, a move that was widely condemned by the international community. The war displaced tens of thousands of people and entrenched Russia’s military presence in the two regions, which together account for roughly 20 percent of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory.

Since 2012, limited pragmatic engagement has taken place within the framework of the Swiss-mediated Geneva International Discussions, which involve Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the European Union, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United States. Within this format, some practical improvements were achieved, including the lifting by Russia of certain trade restrictions imposed in 2013, the resumption of direct flights, and a significant increase in bilateral trade.

After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Georgia condemned the action but chose not to join Western-led economic and financial sanctions against Moscow, describing its approach as pragmatic neutrality aimed at protecting national interests. At the same time, Tbilisi provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, hosted tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, and supported multiple international resolutions condemning Russia’s actions.

This balancing act between solidarity with Ukraine and caution toward Russia has increasingly strained Georgia’s relations with the West. On November 28, 2024, Kobakhidze announced that Georgia’s negotiations on accession to the European Union had been suspended until the end of 2028. He nevertheless said that his government would continue implementing the reforms required for membership and reaffirmed the goal of Georgia joining the EU by 2030.

By Tamilla Hasanova