Charge d’affaires of Ukraine thanks Georgian diplomats in Ukraine for their decision to stay

At this critical time, in the face of Russia’s barbaric actions in Ukraine, despite all challenges and threats, Georgian diplomats are fulfilling their duties in Ukraine and thus expressing their full solidarity and support for Georgia and the Ukrainian people, Charge d’affaires of Ukraine Andrey Kasyanov said at an event on Friday where President Salome Zourabichvili  awarded the staff of the Georgian diplomatic missions in Ukraine with a medal of honor.

“I am pleased to have an opportunity to take part in the award ceremony for Georgian diplomats who, despite all the challenges and threats posed by Russia’s barbaric actions, have continued to perform their duties in Ukraine,” Kasyanov suggested.

He stated that back in 2008, during the Russia-Georgia war, five leaders of European countries arrived in Tbilisi  to show “strong support and solidarity” with Georgia and the Georgian people in the face of Russian aggression. 

“Among those leaders was the President of Ukraine, who made it clear that Ukraine would always support Georgia’s struggle for freedom and independence, and today, at this most critical time, in the face of Russian barbaric actions in Ukraine, Georgian diplomats are fulfilling their duties in Ukraine,” he said. 

Kasyanov expressed hope that the “friendship and relations between our countries will be further strengthened.”

“Once again, I thank all the diplomats, led by Ambassador Zakarashvili, for their strong support and solidarity with Ukraine at this very difficult and critical time,” Kasyanov stated. 

Earlier he stated that up to 20,000 Ukrainians have crossed into Georgia since the beginning of the Russian invasion, expressing gratitude for the Georgian authorities for their support.