Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili of Georgia stated there will be lasting peace in the country.
He told reporters on 13 May that the population can expect enduring peace, no second front, and no return to war. Instead, he emphasized progress, creation, and stability for the nation. Garibashvili recalled that Georgians have faced Russia’s pressure through several decades, including the 1990s, civil conflicts, and the war in 2008, which resulted in harsh consequences and territorial losses.
The Prime Minister urged attention to Georgia’s humanitarian efforts for Ukraine, noting that the country is doing everything possible to assist, especially in health and education, within the limits of its budget. He highlighted that 550 tons of humanitarian aid had been dispatched to Ukraine, an effort that is widely recognized and appreciated.
National interests are paramount. Georgia’s view of Ukraine
Following Russia’s military operation against Ukraine, Georgian officials expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people. President Salome Zurabishvili stated that Georgians were shocked by Russia’s aggression and called for an end to hostilities, stressing that a military attack on a sovereign nation is unacceptable and urging the international community to take all feasible actions to halt Russia.
The next day, 25 February, Prime Minister Garibashvili announced that Georgia would not join sanctions, arguing that national interests would guide the stance and that participation could bring harm to the country and its people. He noted awareness of international partner actions, including economic and financial sanctions, but reaffirmed that Georgia would act within its own interests and continue to offer political and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recalled Georgia’s ambassador, criticizing Tbilisi’s sanctions stance as immoral. Zelensky also mentioned that Georgian authorities had restricted volunteers seeking to reach Ukraine. Ira Kobakhidze, head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, explained that assisting volunteers could be interpreted as a form of involvement in conflict. He asserted that Georgia would maintain political and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, emphasizing that minimal participation in the war could lead to severe consequences for the country, given its own history of conflict.
On 31 March, the Georgian president announced that Georgia was aligning with all international financial sanctions against Russia, while acknowledging that the impact on Georgia’s financial sector would depend on specific measures. He also supported decisions aimed at backing Ukraine. In early March, Georgia joined 140 other nations in a UN vote condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with five countries opposing the resolution at that time.
A few days later, on 3 April, the Georgian prime minister reiterated that sanctions would not be imposed on Russia. The goal remains peace, stability, and development. War benefits no one, and a patriotic government should work to avert it, Garibashvili stated.
In early April, a public disagreement arose between Georgia and Ukraine. Ukrainian officials alleged that Georgian territory could be used for smuggling military equipment and spare parts, prompting sharp denials from Georgian leadership. The State Security Service described the smuggling claims as disinformation and provocative. Vice President Teya Tsulukiani defended Georgia’s border controls and urged cooperation with Ukraine, noting past migrations and the need to avoid aiding criminals who fled Georgia.
On 18 April, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili attributed the spread of lies about Georgian authorities and Russian operations to supporters of Georgia’s former president. He stressed the importance of renewed brotherhood between Ukraine and Georgia and highlighted a shared desire to resolve misunderstandings and move forward, recalling Georgia’s own experiences during conflict and rebuilding.