Annexing Ukrainian regions by Russia nothing more than a PR stunt – GSAC head Rukhadze

The recent annexation of Ukrainian regions by Russian President Vladimir Putin was more of a PR stunt rather than a serious political act, Giorgi Rukhadze, the founder of Georgian Strategic Analysis Center (GSAC) told Front News on Monday. 

He suggested that annexing the territories “does not fundamentally change anything, because no one but Russia recognises this”. 

“By declaring these territories as part of Russia, Putin will have a reason to tell his allies, although no one knows who they are, that ‘Russian territories’ are attacked and allies’ support is necessary. However, those countries should first recognise the regions as part of Russia that will not happen so easily. Armenia will not admit to it, nor will Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan”, said Rukhadze, noting that the Russian appeal to the “allies” for help would not have “any weight”. 

Rukhadze stated that the locals of Georgia’s Russian-controlled Abkhazia region would go against their participation in the Russia-Ukraine war as part of Russia’s recently announced partial military mobilisation. 

“Those who have double citizenship and live in the territory of Abkhazia are usually subject to conscription. As far as I know, the de facto government of Abkhazia does not oppose this much. I am sure that when this affects a lot of people, the public will go against it,” said Rukhadze.

As for the nuclear threat, according to Rukhadze, if Russia dares to do so, it does not need reasons.

Russia first occupied and then annexed the regions of Ukraine – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia.