Opposition leader Khoshtaria urges public to ‘stand with Ukraine’ in message from prison

Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the Coalition for Change, has called on Georgians to “stand loudly with Ukraine” and continue street protests, saying the coming period will be decisive for the region. Her remarks were published in a letter released from prison.

Khoshtaria argued that major international developments were unfolding, with Russia remaining “the main threat,” and insisted that the outcome of the processes will have a direct impact on Georgia’s security.

“In these crucial days, a very significant international process is under way, where our enemy - Russia - is the central threat,” she wrote. “This will directly affect the security of our country. At this very moment, Georgian Dream is cheering for the enemy.”

Khoshtaria criticised the government for its stance, saying it showed a lack of understanding of diplomacy. She expressed confidence that Ukraine would not be defeated and rejected comparisons with past Western concessions.

“Ukraine will not fall. There will be no new Munich or Budapest. No forced change of borders will be legitimised. The US and Europe will defeat the aggressor,” she said.

Khoshtaria urged the public to continue political mobilisation.

“Our task is to: loudly support Ukraine - thank you to Salome Zourabichvili - and continue the fight in the streets so that, at the decisive moment, we are standing and on the right side. Until the end,” she wrote.