PM Kobakhidze: there was direct attempt to involve Georgia in Russia-Ukraine war

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed on Tuesday there was a “direct attempt” to escalate tensions in Georgia and involve the country in the military conflict that began in Ukraine three years ago.

Speaking to journalists, the official said Georgia’s decisions, including its stance on sanctions, had played a “crucial role in maintaining stability and preventing the country from becoming a second front”.

Kobakhidze claimed the government’s “firm position was instrumental in safeguarding peace and economic stability”.

He specifically highlighted former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s statement from three years ago, in which Garibashvili rejected the idea of imposing sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine. According to Kobakhidze, this decision was “historic” and helped prevent Georgia from being drawn into a broader conflict.

“We all remember Irakli Garibashvili’s statement three years ago. It was, I would say, a historic decision that ensured Georgia did not become a second front. There was a direct attempt to escalate tensions and involve Georgia in the military conflict in Ukraine, but our government’s principled stance, including the refusal to impose sanctions, played a decisive role in maintaining peace,” Kobakhidze said.

The PM reiterated that the government’s approach had prevented “both military escalation and economic collapse”, adding that “external actors” had sought to push Georgia into confrontation.