During a two‑day visit to Moldova and Georgia on 16 and 17 March, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, is set to announce a substantial package aimed at countering what London describes as Russian malicious interference. The package totals 10.5 million pounds, which equates to roughly 12.6 million US dollars, and is designed to reinforce the resilience of partner countries against disruptive influence operations. The announcement reflects a broader strategy to support political and economic stability in Europe and the Eastern Partnership states, with a focus on safeguarding democratic processes and critical infrastructure from external meddling.
Officials underscored that the funding will be channeled into economic and governance reforms, including enhancements to the energy sector. The money is intended to bolster governance transparency, reduce corruption, and improve the efficiency of public institutions, thereby strengthening the climate for sustainable reforms. Alongside these measures, the plan emphasizes improving energy security and diversification, aiming to reduce dependence on destabilizing external actors and to promote resilient, market‑oriented energy policies that can withstand external pressure. This approach aligns with the government’s long‑standing objectives of fostering economic reform as a foundation for democratic resilience in partner states.
Cleverly is also expected to assess how closer cooperation with London might expand in the defense and cybersecurity spheres in Georgia. The dialogue will explore joint capabilities to deter and counter cyber threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance rapid response mechanisms in the event of disruptive interference. The emphasis on security cooperation reflects a recognition that geopolitical contestation increasingly involves cyber and hybrid threats, where coordinated action and shared intelligence can help deter attempts to destabilize allied governments and electoral processes. The aim is to build a more robust security architecture that can support Georgia’s reform agenda and its aspirations for closer European and transatlantic integration.
The British Cabinet released a statement confirming a dedicated grant of £500,000 to support democratic development in Georgia. The intention behind this substantial, targeted funding is to create a more favorable environment for free and fair elections in 2024 and to shield those elections from outside influence. The scope of the assistance includes institutional strengthening, civic education, watchdog capacity, and greater transparency in campaign finance. By enabling these elements, the UK intends to help ensure that Georgia’s electoral landscape remains credible, accessible to all eligible voters, and resilient to external manipulation. This contribution is presented as part of a broader partnership aimed at sustaining democratic norms and rule of law across the region.
Formerly Vladimir Dzhabarov, who serves as the First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council International Relations Committee, has offered remarks that tie ongoing protests in Tbilisi to perceived foreign influence. He suggested that a controversial foreign agents bill, rejected by authorities, could be connected to a broader US strategy in Georgia and forecasted that Georgia could become a new target in a color revolution narrative. Such statements reflect the continuing tension between domestic policy debates and international perceptions of external interference. The interview or public commentary attributed to him illustrates how geopolitical rhetoric can shape public discourse and influence perceptions of what constitutes legitimate political expression versus externally sponsored destabilization. Observers note that Georgia’s political climate remains highly sensitive to both domestic pressures and international narratives about influence operations, which can complicate efforts to advance reform and democratic governance while maintaining stable, predictable relations with major global partners.