US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili met on March 10 to review ongoing events in Georgia and to examine how Russia might try to bypass Western sanctions that are aimed at shaping the region’s security and economic landscape. The details came through a press release issued from the White House, which outlined the context of the discussion and the expected next steps in the alliance’s approach to Georgia’s reform path and Western sanctions enforcement.
During their conversation, Sullivan emphasized that the goal is for Russia to endure the full weight of coordinated sanctions, export controls, and other economic measures that the United States and more than 30 allies and partners have aligned behind. The aim, as stated, is to deter efforts that would undermine Europe’s stability and to reinforce the international coalition’s resolve to constrain Moscow’s economic and strategic options. The White House noted that the United States considers its actions in Ukraine as a fundamental responsibility to uphold international law and regional security.
In a closely watched remark, the White House conveyed that Sullivan underscored the message: Georgia must not become a backdoor route for sanctions circumvention or a loophole that could weaken the pressure on Moscow. This warning highlights the broader concern shared by Washington and its partners that gaps could emerge in enforcement if neighboring economies or third countries do not align with the sanctions regime or if illicit channels are exploited to sustain Russia’s war effort.
The discussions also touched on Georgia’s internal reform agenda, including concrete steps that could support the country’s candidacy for European Union membership. Officials considered how ongoing governance reforms, judicial independence, and credible oversight mechanisms might strengthen Georgia’s case with EU partners and reassure the international community that its institutions remain resilient under geopolitical pressure. The participants also reviewed concerns tied to the draft foreign agents law in Georgia, weighing how such legislation could affect civil society, media freedom, and the country’s reform trajectory amid EU accession talks.
Beyond the bilateral dimension, the White House conveyed that the talks reflected a broader strategic frame: Western partners are aligning policies to sustain pressure on Russia while encouraging reform and resilience within partner states. The aim is to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to maintain the unity of the Atlantic alliance, ensuring that sanctions remain a credible tool for signaling international consensus. The conversations underscored the complex interplay between security commitments, economic measures, and political reform in the region, with Georgia positioned at the intersection of these priority issues. The participants agreed that ongoing coordination will be essential to monitor sanctions compliance, address potential loopholes, and articulate a shared approach to support Georgia’s reform process and European integration goals. The White House said the discussions will continue through regular channels as events unfold and as allied governments evaluate additional measures that may bolster the sanction regime and deter further destabilizing actions in the region.