Georgian parliament speaker in Kyiv: Tbilisi “automatically joined” int’l sanctions on Russia

Georgia is automatically joined with the sanctions imposed on Russia by the international financial sector for its invasion of Ukraine asTbilisi is the part of the sector, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili told his Ukrainian counterpart Ruslan Stefanchuk during the visit of the Georgian parliamentary delegation to the war-torn country on the weekend. 

 

Papuashvili has told Stefanchuk that Tbilisi will not allow its territory to be used by Russian smugglers to circumvent sanctions, responding to the allegations coming from Kyiv. 

 

He also stated that Tbilisi had no genuine levers to impose sanctions on Russia, “just on the contrary, we have been under Russian sanctions for several years on.” 

 

Papuashvili said that Georgia is “particularly sensitive” when it comes to its relationship with Russia, given its history and situation.

 

“We are particularly sensitive to the allegations (for instance, aiding Russian smuggling) or suspicions that point at some side negotiations with Russia. I think it is clear to our Ukrainian colleagues that we are a different country, we are in a different situation, including due to the continued  occupation by Russia,” Papuashvili said after the visit.

 

He stated that he and Stefanchuk agreed to further intensify coordination to prevent misunderstandings and combat disinformation which may harm the relations of the two “friendly nations”.” 

 

While in Ukraine along with eight Georgian MPs from the ruling party and the opposition, Papuashvili reiterated his support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the fight against Russia. 

 

“I visited my dear colleague Ruslan Stefanchuk in heroic Kyiv to demonstrate our solidarity and share the pain. The bravery and determination of Ukrainians will forever be told to our future generations as a prime example of virtue and boldness,” Papuashvili stated. 

 

Visiting war-torn cities, Papuashvili said that “no words can describe the suffering and misery in Bucha and Irpin – an unspeakable and shocking tragedy in the heart of Europe in the 21st century. There are many more Ukrainian cities, more similar stories yet untold. Russia must end these atrocities. There is no alternative to peace,” Papuashvili said. 

 

Stefanchuk has thanked the parliamentary delegation and the Georgian people for their support. 

 

“Georgia will not help Russia in any way. So said Papuashvili when he saw Bucha and Irpin with his own eyes. The horrific story of the affected cities of Kyiv region has not left anyone indifferent. For here, as in a mirror, you see the real face of the Russian army,” Stefanchuk said. 

 

Georgia has joined all international resolutions in support of Ukraine. 

 

The country ranked first among 191 foreign states for ensuring 400 tones of humanitarian aid for Ukraine so far.