PM Kobakhidze says occupation remains main ‘red line’ in Georgia–Russia relations

Georgia’s policy toward Russia is clear and based on firm red lines related to the issue of occupation, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in an interview with Night Courier.

Kobakhidze said as long as 20 percent of Georgia’s territory remains occupied, any fundamental change to the status quo, including the restoration of diplomatic relations with Russia, is impossible.

“Our policy toward Russia is very clear. On the one hand, we have red lines connected to the issue of occupation. While 20 percent of our territory and two historic regions remain occupied, it is naturally impossible to substantially change the status quo, including restoring diplomatic relations. This has both legal and political grounds,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that while Georgia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, it continues trade and economic relations, pursuing what he described as a pragmatic policy.

“We do not have diplomatic relations, but at the same time we have trade and economic ties and continue to pursue a pragmatic policy. Our goal is the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Kobakhidze stated.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the path toward conflict resolution remains challenging, citing both regional and global political complexities. However, he highlighted that Georgia’s position remains consistent.

“We can clearly tell the public that we have red lines, and the main red line is related to the occupation issue,” Kobakhidze said.