In last evening’s video message to Ukrainians, entitled “The Current Government in Georgia Is Pushing the Country into Clear Dependence on Russia,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy featured the work of the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Kyrylo Budanov: “Budanov reported on the situation in Syria—how a shift in the balance of power in Syria could change global developments. And a report was made on the situation in Georgia. And this situation in Georgia, of course, is not just the problem of one nation and not just the problem of our region—how the current government in Georgia is pushing the country into clear dependence on Russia. It is truly shameful—what actions they are taking against their own people.” The Tbilisi government is “clearly” working for Russia. “Definitely not for Georgia. We are developing our legal response and working with European and other partners on concrete actions.”
Then today, Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on 19 Georgian leaders, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, and the Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze. Ukrainska Pravda quoted Zelenskyy’s announcement: “I have just signed a decree that gives effect to the National Security and Defense Council’s decision on sanctions. These sanctions target the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin.” The 19 “are the ones who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people. And we call on Europe, America and everyone in the world to do the same….”
