What did MP and head of the Temporary Investigative Commission, Tea Tsulukiani, say about Georgian national hero Giorgi Antsukhelidze that caused outrage among both military personnel and civilians? What was she trying to say, and why was her statement interpreted differently?
“Every child needs their parent at home and not someone senselessly sacrificed for PR,” Tsulukiani said after referencing Giorgi Antsukhelidze, the national hero killed in the 2008 war. Her statement sparked severe criticism, and later, protesters gathered in front of her residence.
Why are such statements especially sensitive for the public, particularly the military? Why has the 2008 war once again become a hot topic? Military expert Giorgi Tavdgiridze discusses this and more in an interview with Front News.
– Tea Tsulukiani’s statement became a new source of political tension, but for military personnel, it was particularly hurtful. PM Kobakhidze clarified that Tsulukiani meant the war could have been avoided, that heroes like Antsukhelidze might have been alive and taking care of their families. According to him, she was simply stating a fact. How did you interpret her words?
– Ms. Tsulukiani deliberately made a statement not aimed at any political group, but rather to trivialize Antsukhelidze’s actions. Her comment was offensive to every soldier. In any war, there is a commander—some good, some bad—but never, anywhere in the world, is military heroism linked with political mistakes. Military heroes always stand apart, and no one should ever try to exploit their bravery for political gain.Germany and its fascist regime were condemned by the world, yet German pilots and soldiers, regardless of ideology, were still recognized for their heroism.
Antsukhelidze’s actions represent personal bravery, which is always a sensitive subject for the people. Tsulukiani tried to link military and political narratives. There’s also a clear attempt to rewrite the events of the 2008 war. Reducing Antsukhelidze’s sacrifice to someone’s PR move is doing Russia’s bidding. Russia wants exactly that—undermining the war and shifting responsibility for fallen heroes onto Georgia. What happened in 2008 was a political mistake, and that’s what Tsulukiani was implying, causing public outrage. Antsukhelidze’s actions can never be diminished in the eyes of Georgians or humanity. This was a continuation of the Russian narrative, specifically targeting Antsukhelidze.
– How do you think Russia could use the renewed political debate around the 2008 war? Could this threaten the policy of non-recognition? What kind of speculation might follow from Russia?
– There have been two international court rulings regarding this war, both in favor of Georgia. So, rewriting history is impossible. But the current domestic tensions in Georgia are diplomatically useful for Russia. Russia is trying to downplay its role as occupier and aggressor, both in the 2008 war and the current war in Ukraine. This narrative is useful in negotiations.
Russia needs people to believe these are misunderstandings between countries, not acts of aggression. Georgia serves this narrative well. They want people to think Russia didn’t want war in 2008 but was “forced” into it by the actions of Georgia’s leadership. This helps portray Russia as non-aggressive, just misunderstood. It’s a subtle way of sanitizing Russia’s foreign policy, helping it gain moral leverage in talks with the US.
– What political gain does the ruling party, Georgian Dream, expect from this debate and from revisiting the 2008 war? What is the real goal, considering the topic is so sensitive even for their supporters?
– Let’s start from when Bidzina Ivanishvili suggested apologizing to the Ossetians. Now we have a direct attack on Antsukhelidze, devaluation of his heroism, and a renewed “who started the war” debate—these are all highly suspicious moves. Anyone with even a basic understanding of the issue knows this is politically damaging for Georgian Dream. They’re losing support but still pushing forward. So why? There’s no doubt anymore—they are serving Russia’s interests. Their power is sustained by help from the Kremlin. They are executing instructions. This is a mutual exchange, a back-scratching operation. They are now in too deep to turn back. They are fully aligned with Russia’s political path regarding Georgia.
– Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met with US Special Representative Steve Witkoff for over four hours behind closed doors. According to the Kremlin, the topic was the Ukraine conflict. How do you view these talks, considering Russia hasn’t honored any ceasefire agreements lately?
– The US has the tools and leverage to pressure Russia strongly. But the new US administration’s policies are inconsistent. Right now, pressure is focused on Russia, and we don’t know what the bargaining chips are—what Russia may promise Trump or what guarantees Trump may offer in return. Either way, Putin’s grip on power is in question.
Putin is no longer the same supreme commander who inspired hope among nostalgic Soviet citizens. Both sides know they can’t dominate Europe, and Ukraine is no longer a state on the brink. Yes, there are fierce battles, but with shifting advantages. Ukraine has effectively brought the war to Russian soil. So, “saving Ukraine” is no longer the only topic—it’s more about packaging a deal that allows Putin to stay in power.
We’ve seen [Kirill] Dmitriev involved in negotiations and traveling to the US. That caused alarm in Putin’s inner circle, suggesting he may be a successor. This created friction among Kremlin power centers, limiting how openly Putin can negotiate. These internal dynamics are key.
– So, can we say Putin is facing internal resistance and doesn’t have a clear path to end the war? That he wants a ceasefire but can’t justify it internally yet? Is he afraid of internal clashes?
– Absolutely. Putin is cautious because internal conflicts among elites could erupt. Misunderstandings could become serious problems. He needs a solid foundation at home first. Within the leadership, there are differing views on stopping the war. What Putin says might be accepted by the people, but elite factions hold real power. Their clashes are dangerous. So right now, Putin is likely preparing the ground and buying time. He hasn’t resolved things internally, and much will depend on that. I don’t think he’ll go all-in just yet.
By Elza Paposhvili
