US ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan on Friday called on both Georgian and Ukrainian officials to discuss “sensitive topics” like arms issues, confidentially, in response to recent claims by Ukrainian change d'affaires, Andriy Kasyanov, that the Georgian authorities had rejected his government’s request over the handover of Buk surface-to-air missile system and anti-tank Javelins. 

“We continue to urge both Georgia and Ukraine to discuss this very important issue confidentially and not publicly”, Degnan told the media, and noted her authorities were calling on all partners and allies to review what they could do to ensure aid for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.  

“Georgia has done a lot in the humanitarian field, by participating in international forums. It is important that all countries determine what they can do. I think everyone is well aware of the sensitive situation Georgia is in, since 20 percent of its territory is occupied by Russia. This is the context, and we once again call on Georgia and Ukraine to discuss these issues confidentially," Degnan stressed. 

Responding to reports that Russia may restore direct flights to Georgia, the diplomat said “I think most Georgians would prefer Russia to withdraw its troops from [occupied] Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and fulfill the 2008 ceasefire agreement, rather than restore direct flights to Moscow”.