Opposition leader alleges Georgia moving toward Russia via 3+3 format talks

Georgian opposition leader Khatia Dekanoidze on Friday alleged that the government was holding discussions to more actively engage with the Russia-backed 3+3 regional cooperation format - a move she warned signaled a deepening pivot away from the country’s Western trajectory.

Speaking as Deputy Chairperson of the Unity – National Movement, Dekanoidze accused the ruling Georgian Dream party, “led behind the scenes by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili,” of working to entrench Georgia in what she described as “the Russian trap.”

“I have information that there are discussions on the 3+3 format, so that Georgia can join more actively,” Dekanoidze said. “Bidzina Ivanishvili never wanted to sort out relations with the West. His goal is to leave Georgia in the Russian swamp until the end.”

The 3+3 platform - comprising Russia, Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and potentially Georgia - has been promoted by Moscow as a regional dialogue mechanism following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Georgia has so far declined to participate, citing the presence of Russian troops on its territory.