Georgian PM warns of second front if opposition wins elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has issued a stark warning that the country could become a second front of military confrontation with Russia if the opposition wins the parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

This prediction is based on the opposition's stance and actions following the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

Kobakhidze expressed his concerns in an interview with Georgian media, explaining that the opposition had previously called for Georgian military involvement in the war zone in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports.

"If we theoretically imagine a collective ‘national movement’ coming to power (God forbid, practically it will not happen, because the Georgian people stand first and foremost for the interests of the country), after the elections I guarantee you that in 2-3 months Georgia will become the second front. I guarantee this based on the information I have and past experience," Kobakhidze stated.

The prime minister's warning is grounded in the events that transpired shortly after the war in Ukraine began. On February 25, 2022, just a day after the conflict erupted, Georgian authorities announced their decision not to impose sanctions against Russia. This move was met with strong reactions from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by recalling the Ukrainian Ambassador to Georgia, Igor Dolgov. Kobakhidze explained that this decision was influenced not only by Georgia's refusal to join in the sanctions but also by its unwillingness to send military personnel to support Ukraine.