Kremlin reaffirms non-interference stance in Georgia’s internal affairs

The Kremlin is not actively building relations with Georgia and refrains from involvement in the country's internal affairs, according to Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

“Relations [with Georgia] are not being developed in any way. We have not interfered, are not interfering, and do not intend to interfere in Georgia’s internal events,” he stated in an interview with Russian TV channel, per Caliber.Az.

He criticized what he described as blatant European interference in Georgian affairs, remarking, “We are surprised by the openly intrusive interference of Europeans in Georgian matters and their unapologetic pressure on Georgian authorities — it’s over the top.” However, Peskov emphasized that Russia will not advise Tbilisi on its internal policies.

Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin reiterated Russia's readiness to normalize relations with Georgia, stating that the extent of progress depends on Tbilisi's willingness. He highlighted that it was the former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili who severed diplomatic ties with Moscow.

“We are prepared to normalize relations with Georgia as far as Tbilisi is ready to go,” Galuzin said during the "Union State: Integration, Development, Trust" conference. He stressed that Russia has always prioritized pragmatic, mutually beneficial relations with Georgia.

When asked about Moscow's perspective on the recent presidential election in Georgia, Galuzin reaffirmed Russia's policy of non-interference, stating, “Moscow avoids assessing events in independent states.”

On December 14, Mikhail Kavelashvili, a candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party, was elected as Georgia's sixth president. The election, for the first time, was conducted by a panel of 300 electors rather than through direct public voting.

Kavelashvili secured 224 votes out of the 300-member collegium, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for a first-round victory. The results were announced live on the Georgian Parliament’s website, with Central Election Commission Chairman Giorgi Kalandarishvili confirming Kavelashvili’s win.

The electoral panel comprised 150 Georgian parliament members, 21 representatives from the Supreme Council of Adjara, 20 members of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia, and 109 municipal representatives from across the country. Kavelashvili, a former MP and professional footballer, was the sole presidential candidate in the election.

By Tamilla Hasanova