UNM: ‘we continue fight against global evil of Russian imperialism, its puppet regime’

The United National Movement on Sunday declared it would continue its struggle against what it called “the global evil of Russian imperialism and its puppet regime,” reaffirming its commitment to defend Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic future.

“For decades, we have stood on the front line of this struggle - against direct Russian aggression in 2008, during hybrid warfare and de facto occupation - and we will once again resolutely defend Georgia’s national interests, reclaim our freedom, and restore a democratic state,” the statement reads.

The party emphasised that on Saturday Georgian citizens demonstrated “the nation’s unshakable will” through one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s modern history, sending a clear message to both the Georgian Government and the international community.

“The Georgian people reject Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Russian puppet regime and its attempt to legitimise itself through an operation disguised as elections”, the UNM said that the “so-called elections” revealed the regime’s “deep crisis,” with “the lowest voter turnout in Georgia’s history” and support “reduced to around 20 percent.”

The party also criticised opposition groups that, in its view, “turned their backs on their own supporters” by taking part in what it described as a “farce.”

UNM condemned the recent detention of party member Irakli Nadiradze, following that of Levan Khabeishvili, saying both demonstrated personal courage in resisting an illegitimate regime.

“The bravery of Nadiradze and all political prisoners strengthens us and reminds everyone that fighting dictatorship requires inner strength and total dedication,” the statement said.

The party concluded by reaffirming its mission to “stand firm against Russian imperialism and defend Georgia’s freedom and democracy.”