Georgian PM slams ‘double standards’ over sanctions on Russia

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused some Western countries of applying double standards in their approach to sanctions against Russia, saying that calls for Tbilisi to impose measures had long been made behind closed doors but were only now being stated openly.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Kobakhidze recalled that for four years, requests for Georgia to adopt sanctions had circulated quietly, but public statements on the matter were rare. He welcomed the shift towards open discussion, which he said began with a European Parliament resolution urging Georgia to impose sanctions and was now reflected in statements by foreign ambassadors.

“What we were telling the public, and what some dismissed as untrue, is now being discussed openly. First came the European Parliament resolution explicitly calling for sanctions, and now there are ambassadorial statements,” he said.

Kobakhidze highlighted what he described as inconsistencies in international expectations. He pointed out that some countries labelled as “pro-Western” or “anti-Russian” have not been asked to impose sanctions, suggesting a targeted interest against Georgia.

He also criticised the European Union, “one of the main importers of Russian products,” saying the bloc had indirectly funded Russia’s war in Ukraine through its imports. He cited remarks by Norway’s Foreign Minister that the EU had provided billions in revenue to Russia through trade.

“In such circumstances, making statements against Georgia is entirely inappropriate. We pursue policies aligned with our national interests, which is why sanctions were not imposed. This has always been clear. Previously, no one dared make such calls openly, but now they have. What was hidden before is now openly stated,” he said.

The Prime Minister also referenced the recent United Nations resolutions on Ukraine. Georgia had supported these resolutions, while some countries, officially “regarded as pro-Western and anti-Russian, abstained", he said.

“Our policy is clear: over the past four years, we have joined around a thousand acts, including resolutions and statements, supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemning Russia’s military aggression. Against this backdrop, these double standards speak for themselves,” Kobakhidze added.