Saakashvili urges Trump to be ‘cautious’ in dealings with Georgia’s current leadership

Georgia’s third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, has warned that recent steps by Washington toward normalising relations with the ruling Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili could be “bad news” for both Georgians and the United States.

In an article published by The Hill, Saakashvili said US President Donald Trump should act carefully in relations with Georgia’s current leadership. He argued that while diplomatic developments in the South Caucasus are significant, there are “serious nuances” that must be considered.

Saakashvili claimed Georgia has become increasingly isolated despite strong pro-American sentiment among the public and warned that restoring ties without political change could be seen as a sign of weakness by Washington.

The former president also criticised what he described as growing repression in the country and called on the US administration to ensure any engagement strengthens democratic forces in Georgia and the wider region.