Russian official praises Georgia’s stance on Ukraine, Tbilisi says the ‘praise means nothing’

Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, ex-deputy FM of the country, has stated that Russia ‘has noticed Tbilisi’s refusal to impose sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

 

At the recent Georgian-Russian expert meeting in Moscow, Karasin, who used to meet with the Georgian PM’s Special Representative in Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze on economic issues, said that the future of Georgian-Russian relations ‘is bright.’ 

 

“We look at the post-Soviet space as traditional friends, the existing relationship is characterized by mutual assistance. Russia supports a calm approach to all issues. Anyone who treats us fairly and openly will remain friends,” said Karasin, who represents the country which has 20 percent of the Georgian territory occupied.

 

The ruling Georgian Dream party MP Archil Talakvadze has responded that ‘praise, reverence coming from Russia means nothing to the Georgian authorities.’

 

“Georgia stands by Ukraine and our support for the country is clear,” Talakvadze said.

 

He claimed that the statements made in Russia ‘are for the destructive opposition in Georgia who use the statements for political speculations.’

 

Talakvadze said that the war in Ukraine will come to its end soon, and that the Georgian government ‘firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and its fight for freedom.’

 

He also stated that Georgia is waiting for positive moves  from the EU on granting a candidate country status to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

 

Georgia and Russia suspended diplomatic ties after the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, while economic cooperation was restored back in 2013, shortly after the Georgian Dream government took office.