Georgian PM: recall of Ukrainian Chargé d’affaires linked to purchase of household item, not a political act

Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, on Monday clarified that the recent recall of Ukraine’s Chargé d’affaires from Georgia was not politically motivated but was tied to the purchase of a household item.

The official told the press the Ukrainian authorities deemed the purchase inappropriate during wartime conditions, specifically mentioning a washing machine.

Kobakhidze emphasized this incident differed from Ukraine’s recall of its ambassador in 2021, which he claimed was a political decision. “In 2021, Ukraine recalled its ambassador due to Georgia’s refusal to join sanctions [on Russia] and the lack of official government approval to send volunteers to fight in Ukraine. That was clearly a political act,” he said.