Georgian prime minister reveals when the country will restore diplomatic relations with Russia

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze stated that his country will restore diplomatic relations with Russia only when Georgia’s territorial integrity is restored. He also emphasized that the country’s government must pursue a pragmatic foreign policy.

«There are no diplomatic relations with Russia and they won’t be established unless Georgia’s territorial integrity is restored. However, we believe in a pragmatic approach because our country cannot survive without pragmatism,» Kobakhidze said.

He also noted that Georgia has no political relations with Russia and that communication between the two countries remains significantly hindered.

Despite political tensions, Russia and Georgia continue to maintain close economic ties. The prime minister said that the new Georgian cabinet intends to preserve the existing balance in these relations.

Kobakhidze also stated that the Georgian opposition has failed in its fourth attempt at a revolution, emphasizing that the current pro-European and anti-Russian protests have drawn fewer than 800 people.

At the end of December, Georgians took to the streets to protest the government’s decision to postpone the country’s accession to the European Union (EU) until 2028. The peaceful protests quickly escalated into street clashes as local police used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Many protesters were beaten and detained.

Kobakhidze further stated that authorities will not allow a Ukrainian Maidan-style scenario to unfold in Tbilisi. He blamed the United National Movement political party and EU officials for inciting the protests.