Labelling Georgian Gov’t ‘pro-Russian’ ignores reality of occupation as Moscow pursues annexation, FM

Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, on Friday stressed that describing the Georgian authorities as “pro-Russian” ignored the reality of Moscow’s continued occupation of Georgian territories and ongoing annexation efforts.

Speaking at the 135th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, Botchorishvili said criticism of Georgia over the degree of its opposition to Russia amounted to an oversimplification of reality.

“Twenty per cent of Georgia’s territory remains occupied by Russia, and hundreds of thousands of our citizens are still deprived of the right to return to their homes,” she said.

The foreign minister stated that Russia’s occupation, effective control over Georgian territories and responsibility for serious human rights violations had been confirmed by international courts, including the European Court of Human Rights.

Botchorishvili also accused Moscow of continuing to ignore international obligations and taking further steps towards the annexation of Georgian regions.

As an example, she referred to an agreement signed on 9 May 2026 between Moscow and the Russian-installed authorities in Tskhinvali concerning what she described as the “deepening of alliance and interaction”.

“Today, while the war in Ukraine continues, we see even more clearly that no country can truly be secure if international law is applied selectively, if occupation gradually becomes a ‘new normal’, and if force is placed above the rule of law,” Botchorishvili said.

She added that Georgia remained committed to the peaceful and comprehensive resolution of conflicts and continued efforts to preserve peace, stability and security in the region.