Ukrainian ambassador’s presence in Georgia vital, opposition leader

Khatia Dekanoidze from the United National Movement on Tuesday said it was crucial for Ukraine to have a diplomatic representative in Georgia, despite what she described as the ruling Georgian Dream party’s “anti-Ukrainian and propagandist stance.”

Speaking to journalists, Dekanoidze said Ukrainian citizens in Georgia needed protection and that the presence of an ambassador with consular experience was therefore important.

She also pointed to the wider geopolitical context, saying the issue was significant in terms of Black Sea security and US interests, which she said required a clear Ukrainian position to be defended by its ambassador.

Dekanoidze added that it was important not only for Ukrainians in Georgia to have diplomatic representation, but also for Ukraine’s ambassador to engage with representatives of what she described as Georgia’s partner countries.

Her comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on 26 January appointing a new Ukrainian ambassador to Georgia. According to the decree published on the president’s official website, the post will be taken up by Mykhailo Brodovych.