PM Kobakhidze accuses ‘certain forces’ of using Ukraine as ‘cannon fodder’, attempting similar scenario in Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, speaking to journalists in the Vatican, on Monday claimed that “certain forces” had used Ukraine as “cannon fodder” and attempted to push Georgia into a similar scenario - an attempt he claimed the government had prevented through a “firm stance.”

“It is absolutely alarming to see the attitude shown toward Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We saw how certain forces used Ukraine as cannon fodder,” Kobakhidze claimed. “There was a similar attempt directed at Georgia, but thanks to our uncompromising position and struggle, we managed to avoid this negative scenario. It required tremendous effort, as you saw the pressure and injustice directed against our country simply because we were fighting to maintain peace.”

Kobakhidze further claimed Georgia had avoided the tragedy that befell Ukraine, where the consequences of war had been “devastating in human, economic, and infrastructural terms.”

“They led the country to destruction and no one took responsibility for what followed. This is a tragic development,” he said. “We must not relax even today. We must continue fighting to preserve peace and ensure Georgia’s development.”

Responding to a journalist’s question regarding an investigative report on foreign funding of online media, Kobakhidze said that several organizations funded from abroad acted in a coordinated manner to hinder Georgia’s development and obstruct strategic economic projects.

“This coordinated scheme is visible to everyone, but it is good that the journalistic investigation uncovered concrete facts and details,” he said. “Everyone now sees how foreign‑funded organizations act in a coordinated way to obstruct our country’s development and block strategic economic projects.”

He argued that the sole purpose behind the efforts was to disrupt Georgia’s economic progress - an effort he claimed had not succeeded.

“We saw many attempts over the years to create artificial barriers to economic projects. We will not allow this anymore,” he said. “Whether in the energy sector or other investment areas vital to the country’s economic development, everything necessary will be done. The state will be uncompromising.”

Kobakhidze noted that despite “sabotage attempts,” Georgia recorded an average economic growth of 9.7% over the past four years, suggesting it could have been even higher without these disruptions.