Georgia 'never allowed’ Russia sanctions circumvention, FM Botchorishvili to EU sanctions envoy

Georgia has never permitted the circumvention of European Union sanctions against Russia, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said in a letter to the EU’s sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan, highlighting the country’s enforcement record and calling for reconsideration of potential restrictions targeting a Georgian Black Sea port.

In the letter dated 18 February, Botchorishvili stressed that Georgian authorities have implemented a comprehensive sanctions-compliance regime across all ports since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

She said the measures were designed specifically to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions imposed in response to the war.

The letter said between 2022 and 2026 Georgia denied entry to 55 vessels due to sanctions-related concerns, returned more than 2,500 sanctioned shipments, and rejected over 1,750 export or re-export operations.

Botchorishvili further wrote that there have been no confirmed cases of sanctions circumvention or violations of EU restrictive measures at Kulevi Port, which has been mentioned in discussions surrounding the European Commission’s proposed 20th sanctions package.

She added that Georgian authorities had never received formal communication indicating concerns or evidence of non-compliance related to the port.

The FM warned that sanctions targeting the terminal could have wider regional consequences. 

The Kulevi oil terminal, operated by Black Sea Terminal Ltd., a subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR, plays a role in the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe energy corridor, which contributes to the diversification of energy supply routes.

Botchorishvili also reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to enforcing EU restrictive measures, saying the country has not allowed and will not allow EU-sanctioned vessels to enter its ports or receive services. 

The official noted that Georgian authorities actively work to identify and prevent activities linked to so-called “shadow fleet” shipping operations.

The letter also highlighted enhanced cooperation with the European Union following O’Sullivan’s visit to Georgia, including information-sharing mechanisms between Georgian authorities and EU institutions involved in sanctions monitoring and enforcement.

Botchorishvili also said the Georgian government has proposed creating a structured operational channel with the EU to strengthen coordination, facilitate case-by-case consultations and improve feedback on sanctions enforcement decisions.

The FM hoped that its enforcement record and cooperation with European institutions would lead the European Commission to reconsider the possible inclusion of Kulevi Port in the sanctions framework.