If anything prevents Georgia's European integration, it is Russia and the Georgian Dream government under its influence, Davit Arakhamia, the Ukrainian MP of Georgian origin said in his social media post on Wednesday, in response to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s latest claims that Ukraine was “one of the countries” interested in Georgia’s “not obtaining” the EU membership candidate status last year. 

"The Prime Minister of Georgia lies again and spreads false information, which is aimed at creating a conflict between the Ukrainian and Georgian people, and this is only in the interests of Russia”, Arakhamia said, adding “it is extremely important for us that our friendly Georgians have a place with us in a united European family, where peace, security, democracy and prosperity are ensured”. 

The Georgian Dream authorities have many times claimed the country was “punished” last year by the bloc for its refusal to get involved in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

The European Council last year granted Ukraine and Moldova its candidate status with conditions, while Georgia obtained a European perspective and conditions to obtain the status later. 

The bloc has been scheduled to decide on Georgia’s candidacy in December.