Tina Khidasheli, Georgia’s former defense minister and chair of the Civic Idea NGO, on Monday warned over potential consequences of US sanctions. She cautioned that the impact would go beyond visa restrictions and military cooperation, affecting vital sectors such as education.
Khidasheli expressed grave concerns about Georgia’s increasing vulnerability to Russian and Chinese influence if American support diminishes.
Khidasheli’s remarks come in response to the US decision to indefinitely postpone the Noble Partner military exercises with Georgia.
“My prediction is that in the same field of education and in any other direction, where the scale of our partnership is especially growing and large, this revision and revision of relations will definitely be reflected,” Khidasheli said.
She emphasized the significance of American military relations for Georgia, highlighting the substantial financial component involved.
“Disruption or temporary suspension of this component, of course, means that a similar rule will apply to all directions of military cooperation, and it will be a disaster for the Georgian army. The effect of the snowball, as the Americans say, will extend to other European NATO countries,” she added.
Khidasheli also warned about the geopolitical implications of reduced US support, suggesting that Georgia would become more susceptible to the influence of Russia and China. “We will remain in the hands of Russia and China, and after Irakli Kobakhidze [Georgia’s Prime Minister] conducts exercises and greets the Georgian army together with the Chinese Liberation Army, the situation will deteriorate further,” she said.
