Georgia’s Ambassador to Ukraine Faces Expulsion and Diplomatic Fallout
Georgia’s ambassador to Kyiv, Giorgi Zakarashvili, was ordered by Ukrainian authorities to leave the country within 48 hours. He conveyed on Thursday that he would depart Ukraine as soon as possible, aiming to exit before the deadline of 12:00 local time. The move comes amid mounting tension between Kyiv and Tbilisi over the case of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and other diplomatic considerations. Zakarashvili noted that he would comply with the exit order and return to Georgia for consultations, depending on the evolving situation and the guidance received from Kyiv. The Georgian government has stressed that the decision is tied to the broader context surrounding Saakashvili and its implications for bilateral relations with Ukraine.
Earlier, the Georgian Foreign Ministry’s leadership indicated that Zakarashvili’s return to Tbilisi would occur soon after receiving Kyiv’s advice to leave for consultations. A spokesperson from Georgia emphasized the importance of the reasons behind the ambassador’s decision and the need to engage in direct dialogue with Ukrainian authorities to resolve the matter. The ministry did not announce a fixed timeline for his full repatriation but suggested it would happen in the near term as bilateral discussions continue.
In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had directed Kyiv’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expel the Georgian ambassador, setting a 48-hour departure window. The president also urged the Georgian authorities to facilitate the transfer of Mikheil Saakashvili, a Georgian citizen, to Ukraine for further assessment and potential legal procedures. These directives illustrate the heightened political strain surrounding Georgia and Ukraine and reflect Kyiv’s stance on Saakashvili’s status and requests from Kyiv for cooperation.
The situation follows a broader pattern of diplomatic maneuvering in the region, with Georgia balancing regional alliances and sovereignty concerns while Ukraine seeks to safeguard its own strategic and legal interests amid ongoing tensions. Experts note that the episode underscores the fragility of diplomatic ties during sensitive policy debates and internal political pressures in both countries.
Meanwhile, reports from Moscow indicated the Red Wings aviation group announced plans to launch a new airline service connecting Moscow with Georgia. Authorities in Georgia have not confirmed any direct link between this commercial development and the current diplomatic events, but regional transport initiatives are often watched for their potential to influence trade and movement between the two nations.