Lavrov: Georgian Government’s ‘sovereign policy’ opposed by West

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed the view that Georgia’s current government aims to follow a “sovereign policy” that aligns with national interests, a stance he claims is unpopular in the West.

In an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS discussing the 2024 results, Lavrov accused the United States and the European Union of pressuring Tbilisi into a “false dilemma” of choosing sides, asserting that the Georgian government resists being “a pawn in the hands of Westerners.”

Lavrov further alleged that Western nations are driving Georgia toward “destabilization, economic difficulties, and strained relations with Russia.” He claimed confidence in the Georgian people’s understanding of the situation, stating, “The Georgian people understand everything and will move forward.”

The Foreign Minister also criticized the application of “double standards” by international observers, arguing that while the OSCE/ODIHR recognized Georgia’s elections as free, there are attempts to “replay” the results due to dissatisfaction in Washington and Brussels with the electoral outcome.