Georgian Vice Speaker ‘hopes’ new Ukrainian ambassador will help restore diplomatic relations

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Gia Volski on Tuesday said it was difficult to predict what tasks had been assigned to Ukraine’s new ambassador to Georgia, but expressed hope that his mandate would eventually help restore relations between the two countries.

Volski referred to a tense period in bilateral ties, noting that Ukraine recalled its previous ambassador after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (online) appeared at rallies “organised by radicals” and “called on citizens to confront” the Georgian government. He described this as a hostile step that left a “very difficult legacy” in relations with the Ukrainian administration.

“The ambassador’s recall was a serious, hostile move, and sooner or later this must end so that relations between our governments are fully restored. Our political support for Ukraine in various formats has been significant and should be appreciated, but the attitude toward Georgian [government] remains radically negative. There is still a heavy propaganda field against Georgia,” Volski said.

He added that despite the challenges, Georgia had maintained support for Ukrainian citizens, including children studying in the country and humanitarian initiatives.

Ukraine appointed Mykhailo Brodovych as its ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Georgia on 26 January.