Signs of warming in Russia–Georgia relations, Karasin

Russian - Georgian relations are showing signs of gradual revitalization, Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs said. 

In an interview with the state-run TASS news agency this week, Karasin expressed cautious optimism about the future of bilateral ties, despite longstanding tensions.

Karasin remarked that Georgia’s political leadership had “noticeably matured” in recent years and was increasingly adopting what he described as a more “responsible” approach. 

“Georgia no longer seeks to fight for others’ interests. This is welcomed by Russian society,” he said, noting a modest rebound in tourism, including visits by Georgian nationals to Russia.

He also suggested the possibility of expanding direct air connections between Moscow and Tbilisi, though he said there was no need to rush the process. “The process is ongoing, but accelerating it is not necessary,” he added.

While diplomatic relations remain suspended following the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, Karasin said that restoring them now would be “ideal.” However, he also acknowledged that gradually improving practical ties could serve both sides in the interim. “Tbilisi and Moscow understand each other well,” he claimed.

Karasin also warned against what he described as Western interference, accusing European supporters of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “attempting to disrupt Russian–Georgian relations.” “It’s important they don’t succeed in spoiling these relations,” he said, alleging that such actors were “trying to take over Georgia.”

Karasin played a key role in past trade-economic dialogue with Georgia through a backchannel format involving Zurab Abashidze, the Georgian Prime Minister’s special representative in relations with Russia. That role was transferred to Giorgi Kajaia last year, but no official updates on contacts with Moscow have since been disclosed by Tbilisi.

The Georgian government has repeatedly denied speculation about restoring diplomatic ties with Russia, maintaining that normalization was not possible while Russian forces occupy the regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), territories internationally recognized as part of Georgia.