Georgian PM defends sanctions compliance, accuses foreign powers of speculation

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has defended Georgia’s adherence to international sanctions regimes, insisting that the country had fully complied and accusing Western powers of repeatedly making “shameful” speculative claims against Tbilisi.

Kobakhidze on Wednesday said Georgia had shared complete information with the European Union to demonstrate that the sanctions framework was being strictly observed. He also said that a planned project related to sanctions enforcement was abandoned because it was “doomed to fail,” and no revision was carried out.

“We are responsible for ensuring compliance with the sanctions regime. We are responsible for protecting our national interests. No matter how much some might hope for harm to come to our country, we will do everything to prevent it,” Kobakhidze said.

He criticised repeated foreign assertions that Georgia had violated sanctions since the start of the war in Ukraine four years ago, calling such claims “shameful” and highlighting that every mission from the EU, UK, and US confirmed that Georgia had fully respected the regime.

“This is a tragic situation. For years, some have tried to damage our national interests, speculating about violations that never occurred. What they are doing now mirrors the damaging actions carried out against Georgia prior to 2012,” he added, referencing the legacy of past political actors he said had harmed the country’s interests.