Russian government spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov urged Russians not to linger in areas where protests have taken place in Tbilisi, highlighting the importance of personal safety amid demonstrations related to a foreign agents bill. He conveyed this stance to reporters, stressing that the situation on the ground in the Georgian capital warranted caution for Russian citizens who might be nearby.
During brief remarks, Peskov described the street events as riots and advised Russians to avoid staying in zones where unrest was visible. When pressed about how Russian authorities assess the level of danger for Russian residents in Georgia, he reiterated the warning: citizens should exercise vigilance and avoid confrontation or exposure to escalating crowd activity.
He also emphasized that Moscow does not seek to intervene in the events unfolding in Georgia and claimed that Russian officials have no involvement in the domestic developments there. The purpose of his comments was to outline a precautionary approach for Russian travelers and residents in or near Georgia during a period of heightened demonstrations.
On March 9, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported arrests connected to the protests, noting that 133 individuals were detained by law enforcement in Tbilisi. This statistic underscored the intensity of the demonstrations and the authorities’ efforts to restore order in the capital. The situation drew attention from observers across the region, who monitored the balance between civil expression and public safety.
Within the Georgian political landscape, remarks from members of opposition groups, such as Girchi and its association with the More Freedom faction, reflected a belief among critics that protests would continue even after the ruling party decided to withdraw the foreign agents bill from parliament. This line of discourse suggested ongoing disagreement over the legislation and a broader contentious atmosphere surrounding national policy changes. The stance of opposition figures highlighted concerns about democratic processes and the capacity for parliamentary decisions to shape the trajectory of public demonstrations. [Citation: Georgian internal affairs updates]
Overall, the situation presented a complex intersection of domestic politics, regional security considerations, and the safety of foreign nationals. Peskov’s guidance to Russian citizens fits into a broader pattern of cautionary messaging issued by Moscow during periods of public unrest abroad. The balance between acknowledging legitimate political disagreement and avoiding external interference appeared central to Moscow’s public communications, even as regional observers weighed the potential consequences for diplomatic ties and regional stability. [Citation: Kremlin briefings]